Author's note: Ok here is chapter 13! and for the guest who requested a masquerade side story, I would be happy to do one! I think it would be quite interesting! I hope you all enjoy chapter 13! please leave review. GOODBYE AND GOODNIGHT!
Chapter 13 - Ryoma's Son
The full moon illuminated the cloudless night, calm and quiet, as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. All was quick, not a creature was stirring, not even the crickets. A dark figure rushed through the woods, being followed closely by another. They ran through the fields, one on the heels of the other, silent as the breeze. One was tall the other one small, the small one stumbled, falling on the ground. The taller one hoisted the smaller one up to its feet again. They both skid down a hill, pausing at the bottom to catch their breath. They were not use to this sort of thing. Sneaking around all quietly and quickly. A little further down the hill, there was a Nohrian castle which was infiltrated by the Hoshidan army. They saw a girl with long brown hair, and beautiful, bright blue eyes that glowed in the dark, who was being held captive in the castle. She was being held captive in a prison cell. The two smiled, because they had finally found their long lost friend.
.x.X.x.
The prisoner cell was cold, damp, and dark. A chilling breeze blew through the window and cold air filled the cell. It wasn't winter, but it sure felt like it. I curled up in a ball and covered myself with a blanket they allowed me to have. I looked over to my left to a good stay they left me. My captors gave me bread, cheese to eat, and water to drink. I drank the water, and the bugs in this hellish cell were helping themselves to the bread and cheese.
Whenever they gave me food, I refused to eat it. Most of the Hoshidans whispered among themselves saying that I was going to die of starvation. The rest said that it would be a good thing if I died, I have caused great pain for Hoshido and the Royal family. Almost all of them smiled and cheered at the thought of my death, and my dead corpse rot in this cell.
I looked at my body. I was so skinny, that I could see my bones. I ran my fingers gently down my bony ribs. It was creepy, and it made me feel woozy. I felt like if I wasn't careful, I would pierce my skin. I curled up my body tighter and held the blanket closer. I never knew, but since I was so skinny, I got colder easier. Whenever I sneezed, my body would feel like it would snap.
"Sapphire."
A small, familiar voice called from a corner of my cell, awakening me from my teary reverie. Partially hidden in the shadows of the dark, cold dungeon was a small, boy floating in the air with striking, golden eyes that gleamed through the darkness.
"Orion!" I gasped, "What are you doing here?"
"Well I sensed you were in trouble so I came," urgency resonated in Orion's voice as he handed me a garment, "Sapphire, keep this cloak hidden from your Hoshidan captors. It's a cloak of invisible, this should help when you are given a chance to escape."
"IF I'm given a chance. Orion, I'm dealing with sneaky ninjas and strong, skilled samurais." I said with a sassy tone.
"You really mean, Ryoma and his retainers," Orion replied.
"Well, those guys are the ones I'm most worried about." I sighed.
"Huh?"
"I'm afraid, that very soon. Ryoma will end my life..." I curled up into a ball, covering myself with the blanket.
"Don't worry Sapphire." Orion dismissed this with a wave of his hand. "Help is on the way!"
"What-?" Our conversation was interrupted by the sounds of footsteps.
The footsteps approached. "Open the door," a masculine voice demanded. It was Ryoma. Looks like "big brother" has come to end to end my life.
Ryoma was wearing that red demon like armor again. With his, Raijinto tied to his hip. Ryoma walked into the cell and dismissed the jail guards. He paced right and left in front of me, with his arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Tell me Ryoma, have you come to end me?" I asked.
Ryoma didn't answer. He just continued to pace left and right. I got a little irritated.
"Ryoma if you're not going to say anything, then leave! I'm in no mood for this." I barked.
Ryoma immediately stopped in front of me. Then he narrowed his deep brown eyes. "Why?"
"Why? Why what?" I asked.
"Tell me why didn't you choose us? Your true family?" Ryoma snarled.
I was silent.
"Answer me damn it!"
"You all had something that I wanted for a long time. Love of a family. Love of a mother. Love of brothers and sisters. I really didn't feel like ruining it..."
"...That's your excuse."
"It maybe an excuse. But it's all I have..." I said softly.
"Haven't you ever wonder what it would be like to have a mother's love?! Or brothers and sisters?! Or a husband who will love and take care of you?!"
"...Yes...I always wanted that. But who would want me? For a daughter, sister or wife? No one..."
"WE would love you like a sister, and mother would have loved you like her daughter she lost long ago." Ryoma snarled once more. "And I would love you as my wi-!"
"Lord Ryoma. He has finally arrived." A guard said.
Ryoma turned around to face the guard. "He's here?"
"Yes, Milord. He had just arrived. Along with his two retainers." The guard replied.
"Ah, I see. Tell him I will be with him shortly." Ryoma said.
"Yes Lord Ryoma." Then the guard left, and Ryoma followed after.
"What do you think that was all about?" Orion asked.
"I don't know? But I wonder who it was that just arrived?" I said.
"Do you have any other Hoshidan siblings?" Orion asked.
"None that I know of." I shrugged.
"Maybe it's Hinoka or Takumi. Or Azura or Sakura." Orion said.
"Maybe. Probably." I sighed. "That's all I need...my whole Hoshidan family here to see me in this state and criticize me or something."
Orion floated next to me and gently stroked my back.
"I bet you they probably came here to see their 'sister' execution. Or maybe one of them would probably be my executioner. I'm betting Ryoma." I said. "Oh Orion, I really don't know what to do."
"Sapphire..."
"Huh? Orion, did you call me?"
"No."
"Sapphire."
"There! I heard someone call my name again."
Orion looked around. Then shook his head. "There's no one here."
"Rebecca!"
I turned around and looked out the window. "Juliana! Stephaine! What are you doing here?!"
"We came to rescue you. And use my name, Priscilla!" Priscilla scolded.
"Sorry. But it isn't safe. They're ninjas all over the place. Not to mention Ryoma is here as well. And some else just showed up. But I don't know who." I whispered.
"Don't worry, we'll think of something," Aika said.
"How? We're not trained to fight ninjas let alone we weren't trained at all." I said.
"Point taken...well then why do you think we should do?" Priscilla asked.
"Go hid in the hills, and when I get a chance I'll meet you there. Now hurry! Before you're spotted!" And Priscilla and Aika ran off into the hills. I just hope that they would be safe, and I would be able to meet with them. And soon.
The night died quickly, and a new day began. From the window of my cell, I heard the Hoshidans cheers and praise. Apparently, someone had done something very good. I didn't know who and what. There was a big celebration all day, many people were drinking and having a party, and also getting drunk. Maybe tonight would be a good chance to escape since everyone's distracted. Then I let out a sigh. No, they would probably have more guards around, and I knew Ryoma would keep an extra tight grip on me, just in case I DID try to escape.
The party lasted all day and carried on into the night. I didn't get any food today because all the guards were at the party. I wasn't hungry, but I was quite thirsty. But I didn't care, they were going to kill me anyway. I didn't care how I just knew they would. Once again, I heard heavy footsteps coming to the cell door. Maybe now they would put food, but, they might as well not bother, I won't eat it. The door opened and Ryoma came in. He brought a tray of food, from the party I'm guessing.
"Here. I brought you some food." He put the tray down in front of me. "Eat." It was not a suggestion, it was an order. Ryoma was naturally demanding.
I looked at the food. He brought some sushi, with noodles and rice, also a cup of water. I picked up one of the chopsticks and played with the rice.
"Sapphire eat!" He ordered once more.
"Why? I mean, I might as well die of starvation instead of being executed. Dying of starvation is less painful." I said.
"So THAT'S what you've trying to do?! Starve yourself?!" Ryoma snarled. "WHY?! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT-!"
"Father, why are you yelling? Did one of the guards sleep while one duty again."
Suddenly another figure came into my cell. Ryoma stood up straight and regain his normal composure. The other person came forward and stood next to Ryoma.
He was a man, who had the same height and muscular build as Ryoma. His hair was brown and had the same length as Ryoma, also, it was just as wild and untamed. His eyes were also a deep brown, they were very fierce. His face was stoic. It was unnerving. He wore a headgear like Sumergai, and the color was white. His armor was white, with a trace of gold around it, and a white jinbaori with golden embroidery with the emblem of the Hoshidan royal family. He also had two swords at his sides, instead of one.
"So, you are long lost princess of Hoshido who as turned her back on her people." The man's voice was deep and commanding. "You don't look much, I was excepting someone who could handle herself. It appears I was wrong."
I looked up at the man. "Tell me, who are you to criticize me and boldly say I am a traitor?"
Ryoma spoke. "This is my son. Shinonome. We are celebrating his arrival and his victory against the Nohrians."
"Your son?!" My mouth dropped. "Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Tell me, why have I not heard of the high prince's marriage, and about his wife."
"We kept the marriage a secret. Only my family and our retainers knew of my marriage." Ryoma said. "After my marriage, Shinonome was born. There were happiness and joy in the castle. But, it was short-lived."
"What happened?" I asked.
"My mother was killed," Shinonome answered. "She was murdered by Nohrians." Shinonome snarled.
"So that's what they came up with," I muttered.
"What did you say?" Ryoma
"Nothing. I was just saying, from my perspective, you Hoshidans are no different Nohrians..."
"Do not compare us to those damn Nohrian scums!" Ryoma snarled.
"I'm sorry but it's hard to believe that when you're a prisoner locked in a cell," I said.
"Well, you would be a DEAD prisoner if you were in a Nohrian prison," Shinonome added. "We Hoshidans are more MERCIFUL towards our prisoners."
"I see. Lucky me."
"You should be considered lucky. Because I will not rest until every single Nohrian is dead. That is how I will avenge my mother's death." Shinonome snarled. "Even if I had to kill every single Nohrian by my own hands."
"And tell me, do you two see me as a Nohrian?" I asked. "Even though I didn't side with them."
Ryoma and Shinonome looked at each other.
"Well? I'm waiting for an answer." I said.
"It all depends on what you do after this." Shinonome glared at me.
"I see. Your distrust in me is well noted." I said. "Now, please. Can you both leave, I'm not feeling very well. You all have a party to attend and I hate to keep you two from it."
The two men nodded, but before they left I spoke. "See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you."
They turned around and gave me confused looks.
"Just some words of advice," I said.
"When this is over Nohrian, I'm going to dance on your grave." Shinonome snarled.
"I hope you do because I plan to be buried at sea." I sneered.
Shinonome stormed out and Ryoma followed. When they left I thought hard about Shinonome and Ryoma. Shinonome looks like Ryoma and acts like him too. They're both stubborn, simple-minded, and straightforward. Also, their both natural leaders and the Hoshidans love and adore them. I sure Shinonome would be a great Emperor one day, and the people of Hoshido will admire and respect him greatly.
"Sapphire."
I turned around and looked at the window. "Priscilla what are you doing here?!"
"Listen, all the guards and everyone is at the party. If you want to escape now's the time." Priscilla said.
"Ok how?"
"Hi!"
"AH!" I turned around and saw Aika with my cell key in her hand. "Aika, you nearly gave me a heart attack."
"Sorry." Aika opened the door. I put the invisible cloak on. Aika had an invisible cloak too. As did Priscilla. And I got my sword from the armory.
Aika and I slowly sneaked out of the prison and met Priscilla outside. There were guards half drunk and half asleep on the grounds.
"You know, I'm surprised Nohr hasn't conquered Hoshido yet," Priscilla whispered.
"Sssssh!" I shushed Priscilla. "I'm not worried about the guards."
"Then who are you worried about then?" Priscilla asked quietly.
"I'm guessing two men, one with red and white armor and one with white and gold armor? And both have reeeeeeally spiky brown hair." Aika added.
"Yeah? How did you know Aika?" I asked.
"Them." Aika pointed ahead. Priscilla and I traced to where her finger was pointing to.
"Oh boy..." Priscilla and I said in unison.
Standing in front of us was Ryoma and Shinonome. They were glaring at us and also, their swords were unsheathed.
"What took you so long?" Shinonome asked.
"I take it you knew I was going to escape tonight," I said.
"Yes. It was the most obvious opportunity. All your guards were at the party, and your like traitor friend brought the key to your cell. And your other traitor friend was waiting for you out here." Ryoma said, pointing his blade at me.
"So what will you do with us now?" I asked.
"You have two options," Shinonome said. "One, return to your cell. Or two, draw your blade and fight."
"I see. Those aren't very nice options." Priscilla said as she pulled out her Axe and pointed it at Shinonome.
"Is that a challenge? I should warn you Nohrian, I am not just an ordinary samurai." Shinonome sneered. Then got into an attack position.
"I'm just saying I don't like those options." Lightning bolts started to form around Priscilla's axe.
Priscilla lunged towards Shinonome and swung her bolt Axe.
"Priscilla No!" I screamed. "Shinonome is way out of your league!"
Shinonome easily dodged her attack, and he swung one of his swords and cut Priscilla across her chest.
"AAAAAAAH!" Priscilla screamed.
"Ah! Priscilla!" Aika and I rushed to her immediately.
Shinonome looked like he was about to attack again. But before he could I drew my sword and got into a defensive stance. I ready myself for an attack, I knew that one attack from Shinonome, I would be totally screwed and I would have another scar across my chest. My hands started to tremble while I was holding the hilt of my sword. My legs also started to shake as well, then my throat then dry.
Then Shinonome sheathed both of his swords and walked next to Ryoma. Ryoma nodded slowly.
"Sister. We'll give you one more chance. Surrender now and you will be spared and we will help your friend." Ryoma said. "This is your final chance."
Before Aika and I could answer, we all heard a fierce roar.
"Looks like the cavalry has arrived." Aika smiled.
Saphira flew through the sky, all the guards woke up and armed themselves. Ryoma and Shinonome ready themselves for Saphira to attack. Saphira swooped down and surrounded us with her tail. She roared loudly at Ryoma and Shinonome. Aika and I helped Priscilla up into Saphira and then we got on. After we were on, Saphira flew away back into the sky.
"Ryoma! Shinonome! I know we'll meet again! But hear my words! Nohr is not the true enemy! You may not believe me but it's true!" I hollered. "I hope and pray that one day you'll believe me!"
Saphira flew farther and farther away.
"Until we meet again Hoshidan Princes! Until we meet again!"
Saphira flew far away from that fort, I healed Priscilla's wound and she was right as rain.
"Sapphire...I have a question to ask you." Priscilla said.
"What is it?"
"Why did you hesitate to fight Shinonome? And why did you try to stop me from fighting him?" Priscilla asked.
"...That's two questions Priss. Let's just say, it's a long story." I answered.
"Shinonome isn't one of your siblings Akka," Aika added.
"...I know. But. He is a part of my family." I said.
"How?" They both asked.
"...I'll tell you...someday..." I sighed.
No one else spoke that night, as Saphira flew off into the night. Farther and farther away from my family. I would have to tell my friends the truth. Someday...and I wasn't looking forward to it...