Authors note: sorry this took so long. I just had all my wisdom teeth pulled out and it didn't end well. All the words that are italics are going to be Sapphire's thoughts or someone speaking in her head. Because that makes it so much easier. This a bloody chapter and there is a character death. Just to prepare you for that. Any case I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
(Spoiler alert! Cliff hanger!)
Chapter 9 - Sweet Death Embrace Me.
I stood watch I saw the climax of the war unfold. This battle would change the fate of both kingdoms, now and forever. I was on the Hoshido side with the Hoshido Royal Family with their High Prince Ryoma leading the charge again the Nohrian assault which was lead by their Crown Prince Xander and the Nohrian Royal Family. It was an all-out battle, and the ending of this battle would turn the tide in war and would decide who the victor would be. And I, once a simple ordinary girl, who had her whole life planned out, was caught right in the middle of it all. I always hated being in the middle, but it does have its good points doesn't it...I was watching on the sidelines when I saw the massive Hoshidian army charging towards them led by Ryoma who wore the true face of a warrior as he charged towards the Nohrian soldiers, katana in hand easily defeating those but avoiding a few with great ease as he jumped over them landing on his feet and a group then tried to surround the Samurai but with a flick of his lighting infused katana easily defeated the lower level soldiers. Ryoma then got up from his kneeling position and glared at Xander with anger and disgust.
"I am Ryoma, First Prince of Hoshido" Ryoma declared as he pointed his blade at Xander, "Leader of the Nohrian Army, I challenge you to a duel!"
"I am Xander, First Prince of Nohr. If it's a duel you want, it's a duel you'll get" Xander stated as he drew Sigebert out of its sheath with his face cold and emotionless, "because this blade will be the last thing you ever see!"
Xander then charged forward, swinging Siegfried as it managed to kill many soldiers that tried to get close to the Paladin and instead met the cold steel of the black blade. Ryoma did not falter however at Xander's sudden bold action and instead charged towards Xander with incredible speed bringing his Rajinnto Katana forwards as he readied himself for the incoming assault. Both warriors glared at each other and jumped forward roaring with their blades meeting to signal, the start of a deadly dance.
The entire battlefield was a war zone. Everywhere one looked, you would see corpses and engagements. Arrows and swords and spears and axes were impaled into the ground as if acting as grave markers for the dead soldiers. The sky was filled with Pegasus Warriors, fighting for dominance in the domain above the Earth. The horses fell to the ground after them and their riders were slain. Warriors bearing the armor and armaments of Nohr lay dead, either burned by flames or pierced by ice or fallen victim to the forces of steel of Hoshido. Noble samurai was among the land of the dead as well, their armor shattered by axes, or run through with spears and swords. Some bodies were cut apart by the wind, burned and scorched by fire, or reduced to a lump of charcoal by fierce lightning.
Skirmishes were being waged everywhere, lives were being lost left and right. A Hoshidon Pegasus Rider engaged in combat against a Dark Knight, stationed atop his black stallion. Balls of flame were launched, with the white winged creature bouncing around and twirling in a flourish, the rider holding steadfast to their steed, lance in hand. The Dark Knight created yet another inferno, curled into a tight ball, yet he had no chance to launch it as the lance pierced through his skull. The force was so strong that his helmet was shattered, his body flung off his horse, and stuck into the ground. A Nohrian Archer fought against a Weapons Master, attacking from a distance and maintaining a safe distance, however, every arrow he launched was swat away by the sword-wielding warrior. He quickly closed the distance, his blade poised to kill. However, he found an arrow lodged in his knee, causing him to halt and cry out in pain. In the next second, he fell on his back, his mouth open, and an arrow lodged in his skull.
However, the true battle was between two proud warriors, the true definition of their respective countries. A man adorned in with a white
, wild brown hair, and a stern face with a blazing heart. In his hand was a katana, the blade azure in color with the lighting of the gods wreathing the blade, promising victory and power to its lord and master. His stance was iron-clad and flawless, legs spread apart and ready to strike at any second. A blonde-haired warrior stood against him, clad in ebony armor with gold markings, a shield in one hand, and a broadsword enclosed by darkness in the other. He sat atop a black horse, equally as armored. The two glared at each other, waiting for the other to make a move.
A white bird flew into the air, feathers falling from its ascent. As soon as one of the feathers touched the ground, the two sprung into action. Lighting bared its wrath against the darkness, and the black void rose against the sharp crackling maws. The blonde warrior controlled his steed with ease, striding across the battlefield and cutting down all foes before him. The crimson-clad samurai charged into battle, attacking all that stood in his way without breaking stride and without stopping, cutting down any foolish enough to fight against the warrior. The two's eyes were locked on one another. It was as if one was solely focused on the other, wishing to defeat him in glorious combat, and earn absolute, unquestioned victory. The crimson-cad samurai vaulted over a Nohrian soldier, striking him from the air before touching back down to the ground, rolling into a somersault before continuing his advance. The blonde warrior simply strode across the battlefield, slashing down a Hoshidon foot-soldiers who was foolish enough to think he could touch him and leaned forward, increasing his speed.
His steed jumped into the air, his blade at the ready. The crimson-clad samurai brought his blade forward, ready to meet his advance. Time had slowed to a halt as the sun shined on them, both ready to take victory into their hands.
Their swords clashed with lighting and darkness escaping from their swords. Seeing my older brothers fighting together so fiercely….the High prince of Hoshido versus the Crown prince of Nohr….It was heartbreaking. I put my hand to my heart. "Perhaps I can bring about peace now. And I can do it without my weapons."
I ran towards the two princes who were locked in combat. "Please...Please! Stop fighting!" My pleas were lost to my older brothers – they were far too furious with one another. I once again put my hand to my heart and looked up at the blood color sunset sky, and I knew what I had to do.
Their swords were about to clash, but suddenly before they could clash a figure came in the middle of their fierce battle.
Xander's sword was pulled back once more to be swung at Ryoma's neck. Ryoma's weapon was ready to cut through Xander's stomach.
Neither weapon hit their intended targets, and the princes only realized as they heard a deafening scream from the one they both called their youngest sister.
My body fell to the ground covered in blood. "Please...I'm begging you...stop fighting..." I spluttered, blood quickly coating my body. My once blue eyes were covered with blood. "Please...Xander...Ryoma...stop fighting..." I reached out to my older brothers before shedding a tear, aware that I was now only moments away from death.
Ryoma and Xander rushed over to me. Ryoma held my bloody body in his strong arms.
"SAKURA QUICK YOUR ROD!" Ryoma yelled.
"ELISE QUICK YOUR STAFF!" Xander yelled.
Sakura and Elise rushed over to me. "Big sister!" The yelled in unison. They got their Rod and Staff and quickly healed me. My body was still sore, and I still felt immense pain from the injuries that I had attained. Honestly, I was surprised that I didn't die in an instant. Ryoma was still holding me in his arms, and Xander was not pleased that Ryoma was holding me so long.
Xander pointed Siegfried as Ryoma's head. "You can let my little sister go now Hoshidan worm."
Ryoma glared daggers at Xander. "Sapphire is my little sister, and you can not tell me what to do Nohrian scrum."
Oh boy, things are getting ugly again.
"Ryoma, please, can put me down now," I asked quietly. Ryoma scowled at me, but then he set my feet down gently and walked back towards his family.
"You belong to your true family, here in Hoshido."
"We've loved you and raised you ever since you were a child. Come home, little princess. We can live as a family once more."
Two large hands extended to me, I could only stare forward while my eyes frantically darted between the two leaders who loved me dearly, and who I loved in return.
"B-big sister?" I heard Sakura stammer as she and the Hoshidan siblings skidded to a stop at my right.
"She's my sister!" Elise cried possessively, the Nohrian family stopping at my left.
"This way," Ryoma urging me, extending his hand further.
"We're your family," Xander chimed, reaching from his grand steed.
There was not a sound on the field as my gaze fell onto nothing and my heart pounding in my throat, tears streaming down my face, and the unbearable pressure of guilt in my chest.
I tried to say that I couldn't choose between my two families, but only a choked gasp escaped my lips as I felt my throat dry up.
I pulled out a silver dagger. I held it up and watched how both Ryoma and Xander stiffened yet kept their eyes glued on me, waiting to see who I would swing at, who I had chosen, who my real family would be. Who I would fight for, protect, ally with, and pledge loyalty to.
However, they had no idea what to expect when I held the gemstone dagger by the handle, in the air above my chest, and tilted my head back. I closed my eyes slowly, think on what I was about to do. A small tear slowly fell alongside my face.
"What are you- Sapphire, no! Stop!" Hinoka was screaming, and I gave her a sorrowful, empty smile.
"Sapphire!" Takumi and Leo cried out, Elise and Sakura frozen with wide eyes, Hinoka pulling her sister into her chest to avert her eyes while Leo did the same with his.
"Stop it, Sapphire, put the dagger down!" Camilla begged me, taking quick steps towards me, but when I shifted the blade even more into position, she was forced to stop.
To think, all my planning, strategizing, and problems were all a waste of time. To think the all that had lead to this. Hmph, pathetic.
"Put it down, please," she tried again, but my hands gripped the handle even harder.
Nobody dared move a muscle, afraid that any sudden movements would spook me. Ryoma shared a hateful glare with Xander, passing silent blame for their brother's suicidal decision.
"Please Sapphire, what I am to tell mother?" Ryoma pleaded.
Mother? Oh yes, now I remember. There was an attack on Shirasagi, Empress Mikoto, and several townspeople were suppose to be killed. But because of me and my friend's intervention, no one was killed. I looked at Ryoma with tearful eyes. "Ryoma, take care of Mikoto for me please."
Ryoma looked at me wide eyed. "NO SAPPHIRE! PLEASE NO!"
"You don't have to do this, little princess," Xander said strongly yet with a terrified pair of eyes, hopping down from his horse and holstering his Siegfried, "you don't have to hurt yourself, it's okay, we're here, let us help, yes?"
Ryoma wanted to have an outburst about how it was Xander's fault this was happening, but Yukimura's sharp glance told him to keep quiet.
"It's alright Sapphire, please just put the dagger down," Ryoma said gently, sheathing his blade as well for the time being. Apparently saving my life was more important than the feud with Nohr in this moment. This critical moment.
Both of the princes tried to step towards me, but then suddenly I raised the dagger higher. "I will bring both sadness and pain to the side I choose. I can not live with the guilt of hurting my other family. I am not a warrior and I have never been. I will be of no use to either of you. This is my decision. And I'm sorry it turned out this way. Please forgive me, and now that I loved you." God, please forgive me.
"O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die." I quietly muttered. And with that, I stabbed myself in the stomach. I heard Camilla, Hinoka, Sakura, Elise, and Azura scream. Ryoma, Xander, Takumi, and Leo tell "no".
Ryoma and Xander immediately rushed when my body fell to the ground. I could see my crimson blood leaking rapidly out of my body. I pushed myself up and gave my smile a warm smile. Xander and Ryoma stopped in their tracks when I smile at them.
"Why? WHY?!" The both yelled in unison.
Why? That was a good question. Was it because I couldn't choose between both my family? Or was it because I knew the truth of what would happen when I chose that side. Or maybe because I thought I would bring sadness and pain to my families, rather than, happiness and love. I don't deserve them, I don't deserve them at all. And I'm sure that they'll be fine without me, they've done well so far. A single tear fell down my face.
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRRR"
Before death could finally take me, everyone heard a blood-curdling roar. Everyone was wondering what made that horrifying roar. All the horses, pegasus, and wyverns were going crazy. The soldiers were trying to calm them down, even Xander's horse was acting a little crazy, but Xander straightens him right away. Everyone one was looking around to see what made that sound. Ryoma and Xander ordered their siblings and their troops to stay close and be on high alert. Then we heard that roar again.
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRRR"
But this time it sounded closer. I could see that the troops we becoming very frantic. And the royals we on high alert for what was ever coming this way.
But then a Nohrian soldier yelled, "LOOK IN THE SKY!"
I was so tempted to say "it's a bird it's a plane it's Superman."
We all looked up at the sky and we saw something flying around. The beast was so high up we couldn't tell what it was. The Nohrians thought is was a wyvern, the Hoshidans thought it was a pegasus or a phoenix. But they were both wrong.
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRRRR"
Then the beast swooped down from the sky with great speed. Roaring with a vicious sound, the beast knocked some soldiers down and scared a few. But Xander and Ryoma stood their ground as the beast came at them. They tried attacking it but the beast just knocked them down with a fling of its tail. It roared one more time before landing right behind me, covering me with its wing and it's tail blocked the path in front of me making sure that no one would dare come near me. As the dust clears we all stared in awe at the creature that stood between the two great armies. I knew exactly who and what "she" was. It was Saphira, my dragon. Then all went quiet. Saphira looked at me with wide eyes with anger in them, then she grabbed me all of a sudden and she flew up into the sky. I heard the screams of terror from the royal families, I saw Camilla and Hinoka on their mounts chasing after Saphira but they were not fast enough. We left them in our wind shaft, I heard and saw the faces and cries of the ones that called me sister. Then I look at Ryoma, his eyes, I saw rage, hatred, concerned, and sadness in those brown eyes. I heard the voices of my family calling my name, but Ryoma's voice was the loudest.
"SAPPHIRRRRRRRRRRE!"
As my vision slowly faded, I saw a black rose falling from the sky. Powerful energy was emitting from that black rose. Then I heard a deep, powerful, ominous voice in my head.
"I am very upset with you, my darling. You should've never stabbed yourself. You will not die here, I will not let die. For you are to become mine and mine alone. I will see you very soon, my bride."
"Your...bride?" With that, I could feel my life force fading. Blood was pouring out of my body. I could feel my body grow cold and numb. And with that...I died.
GuardianSapphire: Ok folks just to let you know I can still going to continue my story, this is not the end.
Sapphire: Hey! What about me?
GuardianSapphire: oh? Ah yes! Sapphire, you will also be back in the next chapter. You will be alive and well, so don't worry.
Sapphire: hey? How will I be "alive and well" when I just died? Did I not really die?
GuardianSapphire: oh yes you did really died. But the rest you'll find out in chapter 8. Sorry.
Sapphire: aw come on! Tell me! And what's with the black flowers anyway?
GuardianSapphire: Listen you're suppose to be dead now, so shut up! Now if you'll excuse me I have to go to the dentist again. The stitches in my mouth broke. So folks, I hope you stick around to see what I have for chapter 8, oh and I'm posting another side story after this. GOOD BYE AND GOODNIGHT!
Sapphire: stupid author...
GuardianSapphire: I heard that!