Author's note: this is for my fans who love Sapphire's adventures as Serenity! There is more to come I promise you that! Plus I am working on my grammar and I changed my story, I got ride of Opal and Diamanda, plus I add Orion in more of my other chapters. Oh and I changed chapter 8 too! tell me what you all think! Please leave reviews! And I hope you all enjoy Side story 4! GOODBYE AND GOODNIGHT!
Fire Emblem Fates
Side Story 4
Angels in the Army
The Hoshidan army now was cold and cruel, I didn't see much difference between them and the Nohrian army anymore. I suppose, I'm partly to blame for this. With the loss of their Emperor, and now their Empress, added with my "betrayal" the wrath of Hoshido has been unleashed. With Ryoma leading the charge, and his most trusted allies-his blood siblings and their retainers behind him, Hoshido has defeated Nohrians left and right. But Nohr is not a foe that should be taken lightly. Nohr has a strong army, and Hoshido's army now has rivaled Nohrs. Not only in strength and power, but also in attitude and cruelty. But it wasn't always like this. Well, the two armies were equal in strength and power, but the Hoshidans weren't always so cold and cruel. How I know you ask? Simple. I was once a soldier in the Hoshidan army. Impossible you say? Well then. Just sit back and listen to what I have to say.
.x.X.x.
It all started when Charlie called us for assignment. Bosley told me to go get Sabrina and bring her here.
Sabrina was outside training with her Naginata when I called her.
"Sabrina! Come on! We got an assignment from Charlie!" I called out.
"Ok, I'm coming!" Sabrina replied. She put down her Naginata and got a towel to wipe the sweat off her body.
Sabrina followed me inside our office building, where Jill and Bosley were waiting for us.
"Alright, girls. Now that we're all FINALLY here." Bosley glared at Sabrina. "We can get down to business."
"Alright then. What's our assignment Bosley?" I asked.
"Charlie got a message from on old friend of his. The man who sent the letter was a Hoshidan commander of an army fort called Shicho. Apparently, one of his snipers was murdered. Her name was Muzuki." Bosley explained. "Charlie wants us to investigate."
"Why doesn't the commander of the fort use a group of ninjas to look into this?" I asked.
"Because all of his ninjas are too well know to go undercover," Bosley answered.
"Say, Bosley, what's the name of the commander?" Sabrina asked.
"His name is commander Kotaro."
"Hey, I've heard of him," Sabrina said. "He's an old friend of my father, they trained together when they were kids."
"Well then, commander Kotaro has asked us to intervene," Bosley said.
"Yeah Bosley. We get the picture." I said.
"Alright girls, these are Charlie's orders. Jill."
"Yeah."
"Charlie says, Since you and I are dead giveaways for Nohrians, we will work on the sidelines. Scouring around the area for any clues. Maybe even the murder weapon."
"Ok then."
"Oh boy..." I sighed. "I'm not even gonna ask where we're going..."
"Here are your Hoshidan uniforms." Bosley handed Sabrina and I two boxes. "Have fun!" Bosley smirked.
.x.X.x.
Sabrina and I arrived at the Hoshidan fort with a bunch of new recruits. Sabrina was dressed in her usually Falcon Knight uniform and I was dress as a regular Hoshidan soldier. I was planning on being a priestess, but Sabrina said I need to learn how to fight. So I was forced to be a warrior, instead of a priestess. Charlie said that since both Sabrina and I had brown hair, we should be sisters for this assignment. So that it wouldn't be strange to be talking together too much. So, Sabrina was my older sister and I was her younger. I just hoped people would buy it.
We are marching in two straight lines, I was lucky that Sabrina was marching next to me.
"Charlie's gonna get it," I whispered to Sabrina.
"What are you gonna do?" Sabrina whispered back.
"I don't know..." I quickly replied.
"You want to walk and talk and smile! Let's see how you move it! Double time!" The Lieutenant ordered.
And with that, we all ran double time. My poor legs were just killing me after that march.
The Lieutenant of the fort was named Lieutenant Jirochi, from what the other soldiers warned us new recruits. Lieutenant Jirochi was bad news, and to not get on his bad side. I was checking the armory with one of the priestesses, while Sabrina was sparring with a couple of soldiers.
"So, what do you think happened to Muzuki the sniper?" I asked the priestess with me. Her name was Anki. Apparently, she was Muzuki's only friend here.
"...I really don't know. Muzuki told me she was going to the target range to practice, before turning in." Anki started. "After it was a while past curfew, I went out to look for her...I found her body covered in blood. And there was a small hole in her chest. But I didn't find a weapon..."
"...I'm really sorry," I replied.
"It was those accursed Nohrians who killed Muzuki!" Anki snarled. "I bet my life on it!"
So apparently, everyone on the base believes that Nohrians killed Muzuki. Not surprising, Hoshidans blames Nohrians for all their problems. I turned around and saw Lieutenant Jirochi staring at Anki and I. I had a strange, creepy, crawly feeling about him.
After Anki and I finished checking the armory, I meet up with Sabrina.
"So, any news about our dead sniper?" Sabrina asked.
"Well, kind of. Apparently, everyone on this base, including Anki, believes that Nohrians killed Muzuki." I answered.
"Why does that not surprise me." Sabrina sighed.
"You know, Lieutenant Jirochi was staring at Anki and I. That guy gave me a strange, creepy, crawly feeling," I said. "I think we should keep an eye on him."
"Yeah I think you're right. I saw him staring at me to while I was training." Sabrina added. "Somehow, I think he's responsible for Muzuki's death."
"Well, besides that, anything happens on your end?" I asked.
"Well I fought with a couple of soldiers and since I was so good, some other men challenged me. But, I beat them all hands down." Sabrina boasted.
I laughed. "Don't get cocky Sabrina. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."
"Why not?" Sabrina laughed. "It wouldn't bother me one bit."
Sabrina and I laughed as Sabrina told me how she wiped the floor with those poor soldiers who challenged her. They were no match for a Hoshidan Noble. Especially Sabrina.
When the day was over, every soldier on the base respected Sabrina from that point on. She was a beautiful woman, who was a skilled fighter. Not only was she skilled with a Naginata, but also, a Pegasus rider. Because Sabrina was such a skilled Falcon Knight, she taught a group of soldiers who were training to become Sky Knights and Falcon Knights. Not to mention, she became a Lieutenant to. So now she has the second highest rank on this fort, so that means, we have access to more information now. But, I still feel like we should be wary about Lieutenant Jirochi. I have a really bad feeling about him.
So far it's been two weeks since we've been at this fort. Sabrina was promoted to a Lieutenant, and I was a part-time priestess. Jill and Bosley have only contacted Sabrina and I through letters. It would be too dangerous if Jill and Bosley came to us. You never know when ninjas are watching. They're sneaky like that.
I just received a letter from Jill about some information on Lieutenant Jirochi. When no one was around, I opened it up and read it.
Dear Serenity,
We found some very interesting information on Lieutenant Jirochi. Something Charlie thinks will interest you both. Apparently, Muzuki wasn't the first one killed in that base. There was two more before here. One was a priestess, the other was a diviner. And they BOTH were women. Also, all three women seemed to have a "thing" going with Lieutenant Jirochi. But some time afterward, those women mysteriously vanished, and their dead bodies would turn up a couple days later. Many people blamed the Nohrians for this, but Charlie believes differently. You and Sabrina be careful. This man could be very dangerous, so be wary of him. Good luck to both of you, we'll keep you posted.
Your friend,
Jill
When I finished reading the letter I threw it in a fire. If someone found this letter, it could mean very bad trouble for Sabrina and I. But, with this thing about Lieutenant Jirochi, it is something we should investigate. When the letter was completely burnt and only ashes remained, I went to go find Sabrina.
I found Sabrina training with a group of spear fighters. Sabrina was excellent with a Naginata, so she was the perfect teacher for these soldiers.
"Sabrina!" I called out to her.
Sabrina turned around and then told the soldiers to rest now. After that, she walked up to me.
"Hey, Serenity. Any news from Charlie?" She asked.
"Yes. I just received a letter from Jill." I answered. "Apparently, there were two other women, besides Muzuki that were killed. And they all had a relationship with our Lieutenant Jirochi. And they all ended up dead."
"Hmmm, sounds fishy to me," Sabrina said.
"Hey what do you think was go on with those three women and Lieutenant Jirochi?" I asked and Sabrina and I walked off to training.
"Well, sounds like a lovers quarrel," Sabrina answered.
"Yeah. If it was he's got a nasty way of breaking it off." I sighed.
"I think we should check his chambers and see what this guy is hiding." Sabrina said. "I'll go late at night if you can distract whoever is on guard."
"Heh, oh course I can. But listen you be careful if Lieutenant Jirochi catches with your hand in the cookie jar he may break more than just the cookies." I replied.
Late that night, Sabrina went to the building where Lieutenant Jirochi chambers were. There was a guard outside Lieutenant Jirochi chambers, a mean looking ninja who looked like he was going to attack at any moment.
"Can I help you, Lieutenant Sabrina?" The ninja asked. Still standing in place, refusing to move an inch.
"Oh, I was just looking for my sister. Have you seen her?" Sabrina asked.
"No. Sorry Lieutenant." The ninja answered.
Suddenly there was a lot of commotion outside. The ninja and Sabrina look outside the window, but they couldn't see anything because it was so dark.
"Alright. Soldier go check it out. The last thing we need is Nohrian spies running about." Sabrina ordered. "I'll take care of things here."
The ninja immediately ran out to see what was making all that noise. When the coast was clear, Sabrina went into Lieutenant Jirochi's chambers. She search the place for any information about any connections about the three women in their murders.
When she searched his desk, she found some very interesting letters. Sabrina read quickly through the letters and immediately put them back, and ran out before she was caught.
Then, the next morning Sabrina was sparring with me and since we were alone, she decided now would be a good time to tell me what she found.
"I found some interesting information about our 'Lieutenant Jirochi' last night. Something I think Charlie will be very interested to hear." Sabrina said as she swung her wooden sword.
She managed to hit me in the head. I rubbed the part where she hit me. "What did you find out? Ow..."
Sabrina laughed. "Sorry about that. Well now...what was I about to say?"
Then I laughed. "You were about to tell me what you found in Lieutenant Jirochi's desk."
"Oh yeah. Well, you're not going to believe this but-"
Before Sabrina could finish, we hear loud trumpets blowing off. We both wondered what was going on. Sabrina and I quietly sneaked over to the gate of the fort to see what was going on. Every single person in the fort, soldiers, priestess, Lieutenants, and even the commander of the fort, stood firm and at full attention. Of who and what? Sabrina and I didn't know, but we soon were going to find out.
"All hail the Hoshidan Royal Family! Empress Mikoto! Lord Ryoma! Lady Hinoka! Lord Takumi! Lady Sakura! And their retainers!" A soldier declared.
Sabrina and mine mouths dropped.
"The entire Royal family-!" I started.
-is here!" Sabrina finished.
" are so screwed..." Sabrina and I said in unison.
"So? What do we do now?" I asked. "If they find out we're here. Especially Ryoma! If he finds out I'M here! Oh boy..."
"Well, we get rid of them," Sabrina said.
"How?!"
"...don't know, any ideas?" Sabrina asked.
"None..." Soon I started to tremble.
"Serenity? What's wrong with you?" Sabrina asked.
"Well...let's just say, I'm very afraid of what Ryoma's going to do to me when he finds out I'm here. Let alone, when he finds out about my job..." My knees started to shake.
"You mean you never told him!" Sabrina's mouth dropped.
"Well, I never got the chance! Last time I tried to, but I got distracted! I had to deal with some crazy masked priest-who was actually a woman, who attacked me and nearly killed me! Not to mention Sakura showed up and I had to protect her because she nearly got attacked! Also, Ryoma showed up and we...well he just...wanted to show his affections toward me..."
"Wow! So have you two had sex yet?" Sabrina asked.
"WHAT?!" I covered my mouth immediately. I hope no one heard that. "What."Are you crazy?! I would never do such a thing!" I whispered.
"Ooooooh. So you would never do such a thing with Ryoma? Is that what you're saying?" Sabrina smirked.
"Oh be quiet..." I muttered.
Sabrina laughed. "Come one. Let's get it off here before we're spotted."
"...Yeah..." I quickly ran to my chambers with Sabrina right behind me.
Before the Royal Family spoke with the commander of the fort. Sabrina and I asked, well, begged him not to tell the Royal Family who we were and why we're here. It could ruin our assignment and scare away the killer. The commander agrees and thought it was for the best. So he kept our secret, for how long we didn't know. All we knew was that Sabrina and I would have to find the killer, before he or the Royal Family find us.
I walked around the training grounds of the fort. I noticed soldiers were training harder and longer than before. They probably wanted to show the Royal Family how strong they were. And to make sure that the Hoshidan army wasn't weak. As I looked around, a certain High Prince wearing red demon like armor caught my attention. He was training a group of samurais. Ryoma was the strongest fighter in all of Hoshido, so all those samurais were going to get some great tips from him. I quickly left before I was noticed. The last thing I wanted was Ryoma noticing me. As I continued my walk through the training grounds I noticed that Ryoma wasn't the only Royal training a group of soldiers. Hinoka was training some spear fighters. Takumi was training some snipers. And Sakura was helping out in the clinic, healing some soldiers. Somehow for the past few days, Sabrina and I manage to avoid contact with the Royal Family. It hasn't been easy, but with help from the commander, we were able to avoid them.
Sabrina and I still have no clues to our killer. Though our prime suspect is Lieutenant Jirochi. And guess what! Sabrina told me that she found letters sent from a certain Nohrian sorcerer. Zola! Apparently, Lieutenant Jirochi was a spy from Zola's army. And he was here to spy on the Hoshidan army, and if he gets a chance...to assassinate the Hoshidan Royal Family!
Our assignment for solving a murder mystery has turned into a "save the Royal Family" mission. Being a bodyguard was not an unfamiliar task to Sabrina and I, but it was a difficult one. Sabrina and I had to protect the Royal Family while avoiding them. It's not easily said, and it's not easily done. Some part of me wanted to go show myself to Ryoma, but the other part was afraid of what he would say and do. Ryoma was not an idiot. He knew ever time he and I met, I was attack and nearly killed. I am sure he would think no different for this time. I mean, I am chasing after a killer who kills women. I'm sure one more death wouldn't matter to Lieutenant Jirochi. And the last thing I wanted was for Ryoma to get involved.
I was preoccupied with my thoughts, that I didn't realize I walked into the most secluded part of the fort.
"Oh great..." I sighed.
Suddenly something small and sharp struck my leg. I screamed out in agony. Blood was pouring out of my leg. I fell on my knees and clutched the wound on my leg. I saw that what hit me was a shuriken, and a sharp on at that. The shuriken cut deep in my thigh, it tore up my thigh muscle and a few veins in my leg. I tried to move my leg, but to no avail. If I tried to move it, pain coursed through my body. Tears poured out of my eyes, I tried to yell Sabrina's name, hoping she would hear me, but I couldn't make a single noise. I heard heavy footsteps coming from behind me. My heart started racing, and fear started to enter my mind. Suddenly, someone grabbed my hair and pulled me up. I cried more and more, but I still couldn't make a sound.
"Heh heh heh. This is going to be fun." The voice was cold and empty.
"Please..." was all I could say. It was so quiet, I barely heard it myself.
All the man did was laugh. Then he jabbed another shuriken into my leg, and dragged it down along my leg, making a massive wound on my leg. I continue to cry and try to scream, but no voice came out of my throat, only tears, pouring out of my eyes. Another shuriken was jabbed into my side, blood poured out of that wound faster than the other ones. The man immediately pulled out all three shurikens from my body, once more I tried to scream, but nothing. He threw me to the ground by my hair, then he pulled out a dagger. I could see that he was aiming for my throat. He held the dagger up high, ready to pierce my throat at any moment. I closed my eyes, forcing my body not to shake and tremble. I whimpered and whined, completely defense. I knew I was going to die.
"HEY! GET AWAY FROM HER!"
The man who pinned me down shot up and ran away. I opened my eyes slowly, that voice was too deep to be a women's voice, so I knew it wasn't Sabrina. I tilted my head upwards and saw a man running towards me. The man was wearing red demon like armor.
"Oh no...not him. Not Ryoma..." I quietly muttered.
"Hey, are you alright?" He asked.
"I just hope he doesn't recognize me..." I thought. Then the world around me started to fade into darkness. And my world went black.
I awoke to the sounds of people arguing. One of the voices sounded like Sabrina, the other was Commander Kotaro, and the final one was Ryoma.
"Why didn't you tell us you had two more recruits?!" Ryoma yelled.
"I'm sorry milord! But with all the crazy things that happened, it completely slipped my mind!" Kotaro said.
"Listen! We tried to come and show ourselves, but my little sister and I were very preoccupied with other things!" Sabrina said.
"Well, what was your little sister doing rounds all by herself?!" Ryoma asked Sabrina.
"She wasn't doing rounds!" Sabrina answered. "She was on her way to see me!"
Suddenly everything was silent. No one was arguing anymore.
"You can see us afterward Prince Ryoma. But right now I need to tend to my little sister's wounds. She suffered massively from her attacker, and lost a lot of blood." Sabrina spoke. "Now please excuse me."
"...You're excused." Ryoma grunted.
"Thank you my Prince." And Sabrina came in.
"Oh! I see you're awake now." Sabrina said. "I'm relieved, those wounds you received, it made me think you weren't going to wake up."
"Oy...my whole body hurts...what happened?" I asked.
"Well, last night you were attacked and almost killed. If Ryoma hadn't shown up when he did, you really would have been killed." Sabrina answered.
"So then our covers are blown..."
"Yep...though, it is lucky that Ryoma didn't recognize you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but because we were late for our introductions, we have to be there for the gathering." Sabrina sighed.
"So what you're saying is, since Ryoma hasn't recognized me yet, he will soon..." I said.
"Yep...it's only a matter of time."
Sabrina re-bandage my wounds and got me a new pair of clothing. Sabrina told me that it's best not to say anything. As in don't speak a word. That wasn't going to easy, but I knew Ryoma would easily recognize my voice, and me being here would be a hard thing to explain to him.
The gathering was going to be in a few moments. Sabrina reminded me that when we were called, I must remain silent. We sparred together before Commander Kotaro came and told us it was time.
"I hope you girls are up for this." He said.
"So are we." Sabrina and I said in unison.
The three of us walked into the grand hall. More guards than usual lined the halls, not surprising since the Royal Family was here, but our own guard would need to be high to avoid suspicion. Especially from Ryoma. As we entered the main room, Ryoma was in the back of the room, Raijinto on his hip, talking to his family. The Royal Family retainers were nearby. Sabrina and I joined the already kneeling soldiers and we made sure to keep a low profile. Commander Kotaro walked over to the Royal Family and was about to get ready. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lieutenant Jirochi having a conversation with one of the recruits. Sabrina and I had a strong feeling that he was the one who attacked me.
The gathering was when the soldiers who have been on the battlefield, lecture and trains the new recruits. Why Sabrina and I were here was beyond me. The Royal Family signaled the new recruits to rise and then the new recruits went off to find soldiers like them. Sabrina and I kept a low profile and kept to ourselves. When no one was interested in us, we slowly walked away. But, we were exactly quick enough.
"Wait. Are you two staying for the gathering?" It was Ryoma. Dang it! Why does it have to be him who caught us?
"My Lord! I'm sorry, it's just that my little sister...ah...Seren isn't exactly feeling well." Sabrina laughed off.
"Oh, well she must meet my youngest sister Sakura. I'm sure she'll help Seren." Ryoma said. "Is that your little sister's name?"
Sabrina and I went pale. "Yes. Yes, it is." Sabrina answered.
Ryoma's fierce deep brown eyes scanned Sabrina first, making her sweat nervously. His gaze then shifted to me, staring at me harshly. I shifted under his harsh glare. I could feel his eyes practically pierce my soul. Ryoma stared at me longer than he did for Sabrina. I turned away before he could figure out who I was.
"She's quite a shy one I see." Ryoma chuckled, approaching me, I immediately fell to my knee before him.
"Seren, tell me, how is your training?" His voice sending a chill down my spine. I glanced up at Sabrina pleadingly.
"My Lord Ryoma. But Seren was born without a voice." Sabrina quickly interjected, getting a scoff sound from Lieutenant Jirochi. Sabrina as well as Ryoma glared at him, causing Lieutenant Jirochi to look away.
"How does she communicate with you then?" Ryoma asked curiously, still keeping a sharp eye on me. I remained on my knee before him.
"Aaaaaaaaah, my little sister is a very, ah, energetic person, she has ways of expressing herself" Sabrina answered, tapping my shoulder. My eyes darted up to Sabrina, I nodded my head quickly and turned to Sabrina, but I kept my eyes averted from Ryoma. He in turn chuckled.
"Tell me, how is her training." He asked.
Sabrina and I went pale again. "Ah, her training is somewhat doing good. She's more of a priestess than a fighter."
I nodded my head quickly again.
"How about a demonstration?" Ryoma turned to Sabrina, grinning.
"Ah, of her healing?" Sabrina asked.
"No, of her fighting skill. I heard you're the strongest fighting in this fort, and that you have been training your younger sister." Roma said. "I would love to see how she has progressed."
This time, I went pale. I quickly shook my head and hid behind Sabrina. Ryoma let out a chuckle.
"Seren, you must be more confident in your skills as a fighter." He said.
"Ah, my little sister is still an amateur. She's not quite ready for combat yet." Sabrina said.
"Oh, nonsense."
Sabrina, Ryoma and I, turned around and saw Lieutenant Jirochi walk towards us.
"My Lord, Lieutenant Sabrina is being very modest. Seren is an excellent fighter, I should know, I've seen her skill with a sword many times." Lieutenant Jirochi said.
Sabrina and I glared at Lieutenant Jirochi.
"Really? Well then, how about a training match between Seren and you, Lieutenant Jirochi, I would love to see you demonstrate your skills." Ryoma seemed to sense the sudden high tension through the exchange of glances, but laughed it off, signaling us to follow him to the practice yard.
I pleaded with Sabrina to try and stop this, but there was no way out. There wasn't any choice about it. The Ryoma wanted us to fight, so I had no choice. Lieutenant Jirochi lied to Ryoma about my skills so that he could finish what he started last night. Sabrina told me that when Lieutenant Jirochi was going to play fishy, she would step in and finish him off.
A sword was too heavy for me, so Sabrina gave me a dagger, while Lieutenant Jirochi had himself a sword and a dagger. When Lieutenant Jirochi readies himself, I saw my life flash before my eyes. I was so very scared, I was so very screwed, I was so very, very, dead.
"Begin!" Ryoma called out, Lieutenant Jirochi charged quickly towards me. He swung his sword with one hand, and the dagger in his other hand. I blocked his sword with my dagger, but I completely forgot about HIS dagger. With my side wide open, Lieutenant Jirochi stabbed me right there. I stepped back in pain, I pulled out the dagger and threw it aside. Lieutenant Jirochi was about to charge at me again.
"Leave her alone!" Sabrina charged towards Lieutenant Jirochi and swung her Naginata. Lieutenant Jirochi blocked her blow with his sword.
"What's wrong Lieutenant Sabrina?" Lieutenant Jirochi snarled. "There's not harm in a friendly practice match."
"It was you wasn't it Jirochi! You were the one you attack Seren last night weren't you!" Sabrina snarled back.
All Jirochi did be smirk wickedly. Sabrina snarled again, then she pulled out her own dagger and stabbed him in his stomach.
"ENOUGH!" Ryoma's voice boomed, quickly putting an end to the fight, and with his Raijinto, forcing the weapons to part and then stepping between them. "Jirochi, you will depart first thing in the morning to be taken in for questioning!" He commanded, Jirochi quickly bowing, sheathing his blade. Sabrina straightened, not before sending a nasty glare to Lieutenant Jirochi.
Sabrina walked over to Seren moment to ask if she was alright. A quick nod and Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief, one that did not escape Ryoma's notice. Lieutenant Jirochi was locked away, and later that day, somehow, certain letters were found about the three women who were killed AND about how he was supposed to kill the Royal Family. Apparently, for treason and other stuff, Lieutenant Jirochi was going to be executed. I wonder if I can stop calling Lieutenant Jirochi, Lieutenant?
A couple of days had passed since then, Sabrina and I were packing up getting ready to leave in three days. Sabrina was talking to Commander Kotaro, probably about giving us an excuse about leaving. But I do wish the Royal Family would leave already, I don't know who long I can keep this up. I was about to put one more pair of clothes in my bag when I heard a knock on the door.
"Com-" I immediately covered my mouth. I almost blew it with that old habit.
I ran to the door and opened it, and I nearly had a heart-attack when I saw who it was.
"Hell there Seren, can I see you for a moment?"
It was Ryoma. What in the world of la di da was he doing here?!
I nodded my head and he motioned me to come with him.
"Commander Kotaro told me the truth," Ryoma said.
My body went stiff, and my face went pale. I'm so screwed...
"He told me you're not so good of a fighter like Jirochi said you were. And I came to apologize because it was me who allowed the fight and nearly got you killed." Ryoma then bowed to me. "I'm sorry."
I blushed, then furiously shook my head. Ryoma then stood up and gave my a silver katana. "Here, let me show you a few pointers about using a sword."
He pulled me to a small, secluded team ground and got into a fighting stance. "Come one! Let's have a small match!" He smiled.
I point to me, then him, and then the swords. Raising both my eyes brows and shook my head again. Ryoma chuckled and then swung his katana, I blocked it with mine, then I tried to move it and hit him. He blocked it easily, and pushed it, which made it fall out of my hand.
"Rule one. Always have a strong grip on your weapon." Ryoma smirked. "If you remember that, you might just survive out there." Then he walked away.
I fell to my knees and nearly passed out. Sabrina was done talking to Commander Kotaro when she found me.
"Serenity what happened?" Sabrina asked
"Ryoma wanted to spar with me. I lost." I answered.
"Wow."
"Yeah. I hit him, buuuuuuut, that really didn't do anything." I sighed.
"Give me a shot at him, and let's see how he comes out," Sabrina said.
Sabrina and I laughed. Then we went to go finish packing. It was later that day when we finished packing and also we received a letter from Charlie.
Dear Serenity and Sabrina,
Word of your success in Fort Shicho proceeds you. You have my thanks. I would still like to hear your report. I know dealing with the Royal Family must have been exhausting. Especially for you Serenity. And you will receive a long vacation for wonderful completing this assignment. We all can't wait for you two to come home. Be safe.
Love,
Charlie
"Awe isn't that sweet. Though I still want to kill him after what he put us through." Sabrina sneered.
"Now Bree, like just forget about this and go home," I said. "The faster we leave, the faster we can go on our vacation."
As we were about to leave the fort, a guard said that the Royal Family requests our presence in the gathering hall at once. He took our bags from us and escorted us to the grand hall. Inside, a large number of guards lined the walls, Ryoma at the end with Hinoka, Takumi, and Sakura by his side. On his other side, Empress Mikoto.
Sabrina and I felt nervous, Sabrina whispered to me to be ready to run. Still, we approached, bowing in unison before the Royal Family. Ryoma stepped forward to address us.
"Tell me, why are you leaving so early?" Ryoma asked. "Training here has only begun."
"Well, my father has called us back after what had happened to Seren. He thinks she should just stay home and learn how to heal by our mother." Sabrina said. Hoping that Ryoma couldn't tell she was lying.
Ryoma chuckled a little, in a strange, almost dark way. Chills shot down my spine, eye glancing to Kotaro who looked very nervous.
"Well then, before you there is one more thing I would like to discuss with you, Sabrina." I quickly glanced at Sabrina, whose attention was solidly placed on Ryoma who continued.
"I have received some troubling news, and as the high prince of Hoshido, I order you to answer truthfully!" Ryoma demanded.
Sabrina and I gulped, as Ryoma was about to ask his question.
"Is your younger sister Seren, Serenity?"
A deathly still air enveloped the room, everyone hinged on the words that would next be spoken. Sabrina and I gulped, and Sabrina and took a deep breath. Ryoma's whole body tensed up.
"...No..."
Ryoma scowled at Sabrina. "Arrest Commander Sabrina! We will figure out what to do with her in the morning!" Ryoma commanded.
Sabrina and my eyes widened. Sabrina accepted her arrest, but I wouldn't have it. In one flowing motion, I sliced through the ropes, and spun again, facing Ryoma with her dagger up in defense. Ryoma sighed heavily.
"Seren, I can appreciate your loyalty to your sister, but I am your high Prince! You will stand aside, Now!" Commanding me, I was intimidated but I just had to save Sabrina.
"Please, Ryoma I'm begging you! Let Sabrina go!" I covered my mouth but it was too late. I got a look of shock from everyone, except Commander Kotaro and Sabrina.
"Serenity? Is it really you?" Ryoma asked, inspecting my face. I looked up at him. Ryoma's expression changed from shock to anger.
"Guards! Take Serenity to my chambers! Keep her under constant watch until I decide what to do with her!" Ryoma growled through his teeth, clearly angry. The guards quickly closed in, grabbing my arms. I glared at Ryoma before the guards pulled her away, leaving Sabrina feeling helpless as Serenity was dragged to Ryoma's chambers.
"Sabrina!" I cried out. "SABRINA!" We were so close...so close.
Before I was completely out of hearing range I heard one final command from Ryoma.
"Guards, take Lieutenant Sabrina to a separate room, keep her under constant watch while I contemplate what to do with her!" Turning his back to Sabrina, Hinoka, Takumi and Sakura huddling around Ryoma.
There was no choice in the matter, but for Sabrina to be escorted to another room, while I was escorted to Ryoma's private chambers, nervously awaiting our fate at the hands of the High Prince.
.x.X.x.
When was he going to make up the mind? Was he waiting so long just to torture them? What was he going to do with us? The waiting was driving me mad. Surely at this late hour, Ryoma would have come to his chambers and gone to bed by now. Irritated, sighing, I threw my blue ball into the air and caught it again and again, trying to pass the time. Wait for Ryoma to storm into his chambers and give me the lecture of my life.
I heard footsteps outside the door. "Here comes the demon prince. Looks like he's coming to drag me to hell..."
The door opened to reveal-
"Sabrina!" I said.
"Sssssssh!" Sabrina shushed me.
"What are you doing here? And how did you get away?" I whispered.
"Simple. When the guards weren't looking, I sneaked out. Now come on! While no one is looking!" Sabrina grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of Ryoma's chambers.
"Running away won't help us…" I tried to reason with her, but she just quickly shook her head.
Sabrina scowled. "We still have to try. Our assignment is done, so we can go home."
I was silent, Sabrina was right. Our assignment was done,so there was no reason to stay here anymore. But, why do I feel like I should stay?
Suddenly a shuriken broke through a window and flew past us. Sabrina and I turned around and saw a hooded figure jump through the glass and land in the room. The hooded figure pulled down his hood. And revealed it to be-
"Lieutenant Jirochi!" Sabrina practically screamed.
"Permission to run captain." I saluted Sabrina.
"Permission granted," Sabrina answered
"Bye." I ran right out of there and hoped that Jirochi would not follow. But someone did.
"Sabrina?! What are you doing?! I thought you were going to take care of Jirochi?!" I said almost out of breath.
"I thought so too, but I remembered something very important," Sabrina answered.
"What?"
"...I don't have a weapon..."
"...We're screwed aren't we?"
"Totally."
"Wait!" I stopped immediately in my stacks. "Sabrina we have to save the Royal Family!"
Then Sabrina stopped. "Your right!"
"Ok, what do you think we should do?" I asked.
"Well, since Ryoma like you, you can go get him, I'll get the others," Sabrina answered.
"Ok...but I think I would rather face Jirochi then Ryoma..." I whined.
"Well, good luck then." And Sabrina ran off.
I let out a sigh and went to go find Ryoma, praying that he won't kill me. I ran around the fort and found Ryoma in one of the indoor training grounds. I slowly walked up to him.
"I thought I ordered you to stay in my chambers until I returned," Ryoma spoke calmly. But there was a hit on anger in his tone. He turned around and saw me panting and wheezing. I looked like I was going to pass out. "Serenity?! What's wrong?!" Ryoma rushed over to me and held me tight.
"Ry-Ryoma *cough cough* please you much *cough cough* hide. Jirochi is here, and he plans to *cough cough cough cough* to assassinate you and your family." I wheezed. "Please, I beg you *cough cough* got hide with your family. They're in the underground bunker." I sounded like a dying person.
"So Jirochi did this to you then." Ryoma snarled. "Damn him! I should have ended him immediately!"
"Please Ryoma *cough cough* you much go hide with *cough cough* with your family." Ryoma held me in his arms tight. "Jirochi *cough cough cough cough* he...he'll kill you."
"Hush now Serenity!" Ryoma ordered. "Save your strength! I will handle Jirochi..." Ryoma snarled.
"Please *cough cough* please Ryoma..."
Ryoma picked me up in his strong arms bridal style. "No...I will not let Jirochi harm you again."
At that moment, a storm of shuriken came raining down on us. Ryoma dodged them with ease, even with me in his arms.
"Show yourself Jirochi!" Ryoma demanded.
Someone came out of the shadows, and indeed it was Jirochi. Jirochi smirked when he saw us.
"Heh, looks like fate is in my favor. Now I get to kill two birds with one stone." Jirochi smirked wickedly.
Ryoma growled and held me tighter. "Damn you Jirochi! You will rue the day you crossed me!"
"Oh, I doubt that your highness. For once you put Serenity down, she will an easy target for me. But, if you keep holding her, YOU will be my easy target, and once I'm done with you, Serenity is next."
"I warn you Jirochi! I am not an easy target!" Ryoma growled.
Jirochi smirked and unsheathed a sword and swung his sword. Ryoma dodged it easily, but, Jirochi continued swinging his sword over and over again.
"You can't dodge forever High Prince!" Jirochi sneered.
"I don't have to!" Ryoma snarled. "I'll finish you right now!"
Ryoma threw me high in the air. Then he unsheathed his Raijinto and when Jirochi was about to attack again, Ryoma saw an opening and cut Jirochi down easily.
"No...*gurgle* I was supposed to kill you...*gurgle*" Jirochi finally took his last breath.
Ryoma held out his arms and caught me when I came back down.
"...what just happened?" I was absolutely shocked.
"I just killed Jirochi, so we don't have to worry about him anymore," Ryoma smirked.
"Have mercy!"
"What?" Ryoma asked.
"I completely forgot about Sabrina! She's with the rest of your family!" I answered.
"Well then, let's go tell them Jirochi's finished."
Ryoma put me down, and we went to go find the others. When we found the others, everyone was safe. All was peaceful the rest of the night, extra guards were summoned to each of the Royals to be sure they were safe. It wasn't until morning that Sabrina was summoned before the Royal Family, mainly Ryoma, Sabrina was escorted to the grand hall where he awaited them. Sabrina bowed to the Royal Family, Ryoma addressed her quite formally.
"I have given this matter a great deal of thought. While hiding Serenity from me, and not tell me she was in danger. That is something I can not dismiss. But,
you two have also done a great service to Hoshido by saving me and my family, which in itself, deserves great reward and praise. As such, I am going to forget about Serenity being here, and grant you whatever it is you desire as your reward, whenever you decide on what that may be." Sabrina let out a sigh of relief, she was quite relieved that they weren't in trouble.
"My Lord, what about Serenity?" Sabrina cautiously inquired, Ryoma's eyes narrowed.
"She is not of your concern, Sabrina." He spoke harshly, making Sabrina bow her head to the Prince.
"You're dismissed" Ryoma waved his hand at her, Sabrina bowed before turning away. As she left, Ryoma asked his guards to summon me in.
"So, am I screw?" I whispered as Sabrina past me by.
"Totally..." Sabrina answered.
Sabrina paused at the doorway, watching me approach Ryoma, and bow before him. Ryoma's gaze on me seemed much harsher than it was on her. I swallowed hard as I stood there, perfectly still, listening to Ryoma addressed me in an angry tone.
"You have been here this whole time?!" Ryoma questioned, glaring down at me. "Why?!"
"Well-uh-you see-aaaaaah..."I stuttered. "It's a matter oooooof...principle. Yeah! Principle!"
Ryoma gave me a look that was a mixture of "How stupid do you think I am" and "I know you're lying."
"Serenity...that has got to be the worst excuse I had ever heard..." Ryoma sighed.
I looked down at my feet. "Well...at least I...-"
"NO MORE EXCUSES! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT YOU WERE SEREN?!" he angrily shouted at me, making me shudder and fall silent.
Ryoma then lets out another sigh. "You are dismissed Serenity, but we're not finished yet. You are forbidden to leave this fort until I say so!" Anger still laced his words, I gulped before speaking.
"O-Ok..." I peeped.
I ran out immediately, with Sabrina right on my heels.
"Serenity. I have news." Sabrina gravely said.
"What is it, Bree?" I asked.
"We can't stay here any longer," Sabrina told me.
"Why?! Sabrina if Ryoma finds me gone, the next time I see him, he'll probably want my head!" I explained.
"I know...but I just got a letter from Charlie. He said nows the only opportunity he has to get us out." Sabrina said.
"Now or never huh?"
"Yep."
I turned around and thought hard on what I had to do. "Alright, let me get a quill and paper."
I wrote a note to Ryoma.
Dear Ryoma,
I'm sorry but I have to disobey your order for me to stay put. But I have to go. I'll explain things to you soon, so please bare with me.
Ps. Please don't be mad...
Yours truly,
Serenity
I put the note on his desk in his chambers. I knew he would be here soon and if he did I would never be able to leave. That night, Sabrina got out bags and I followed her out. There was a carriage waiting for us far outside the fort.
As I got in, my body suddenly froze. I turned around and at the entrance of the fort I saw Ryoma stand there, with my note in hand. His eyes glowed dangerously and I could sense anger in him.
"I'm sorry..." I whispered.
Ryoma seemed to have heard me. I don't know how because we were far apart. Ryoma turned around and headed back to the fort, while I went inside the carriage, absolutely dreading the next time we'll meet.