Author's note: Ok I am sooooooo sorry this chapter took so long to write. I know I'm a little behind on my stories but I'm almost done with them. I just have a lot going on for me. Thank you all for your patience. Enjoy! GOODBYE AND GOODNIGHT!
Chapter 14 – GERONIMO!
The cooling night air blew gently through my long brown hair. By chance, I had come across a small flowery meadow while taking a short walk and, with nothing else to do, I decided to sit down for a bit. I blinked and sighed happily as I looked around; the moon and the stars were so beautiful. It reminded me of home.
"Serenity."
I turned around. There was no one there.
"Heh." I smirked. "It's been so long since I was called that..." I looked up at the starry sky. "You know, I could have sworn that was Ryoma's voice."
At the thought of Ryoma, my face went slightly red. I missed the time I spent with him when I was Serenity. Sometimes I wish I could go back to being Serenity once more. But now that is impossible. I wish he was here to comfort me, he always had a gift for that.
These thoughts of the past were the reason I went for a walk to begin with.
"Sapphire?"
Turning around, I saw Priscilla walking towards me.
"Ah...um… hi Priss." I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself, using every ounce of my willpower I had.
"Sapphire...why are you flush?"
"Flushed? I'm not flushed. I don't know what you're talking about Priss." I could feel my face become even warmer now.
"You're lying right through your teeth Sapphire. Right through." Priscilla raised an eyebrow.
"Aaaaaaah...what were we talking about?" I put on a fake smile. "Heh heh heh..."
"Sapphire, is everything alright? I mean if something's wrong, I'm always here to talk with you about it-"
I shook my head and I walked past her, keeping my eyes forward. "It's nothing, Priss. I'm fine."
"But Sapphire-"
"I'm fine Priscilla. Don't worry. "
Priscilla paused in surprise, but slowly nodded, even though she knew I couldn't see due to my back being turned. "Alright. If you say so, just please… if anything's bothering you tell me ok?"
I didn't respond for a moment. After a short while, I turned around and nodded. "I will. Thank you, Priss. Now come on, the others are probably worried sick."
Priscilla and I walked back to our camp. All was silent, the crickets, the wind, everything.
"Which way?" Priscilla asked.
"North. I'm mean NORTH…dang it…" I muttered. Priscilla laughed.
It has been at least two months since our run in with the two Hoshidans high princes. After Saphira rescued us, she brought us to where Sabrina, Jill, and Kris were. It was so great to see us all together again. It been so long since our little group was whole again. The six of us-well seven including Saphira, have been moving to and fro, from both kingdoms. There was nothing but war and bloodshed from both sides. Ever since Empress Mikoto was assassinated, Nohr has been attacking Hoshido left and right. But Hoshido has been retaliating full force against the Nohrians attacks. And all me and my friends could do was just sit back and watch this pointless war between the two countries. I honestly didn't know which royal family was more stupid. The Nohrian Royal family or the Hoshidan Royal family. Xander and Ryoma are the two most stubborn, stoic, dumbest, prideful, idiotic, infuriating, men I had ever meet. Those two wouldn't know what truth is, even if they saw it with their own eyes. And they say I'M native and dense...the same goes for Camilla, Hinoka, Leo, and Takumi (ESPECIALLY those two.)
"Looks like we're here." Priscilla pointed out. And she was right.
Jill had made some fire from her magic, while Sabrina got some wood. Kris was taking care of our mounts, and Aika was checking out our mounts for injuries. I never wanted this. Me being called a traitor by BOTH families, and living a life on the run from Nohrians and Hoshidans. I was never supposed to have been kidnapped by Ryoma and…Shinonome…it's been so long since I've seen him. He's grown so much since last time…Ryoma taught him well…I glad.
I still don't know how I'll break it to my friends about Shinonome. They'll probably flip out, especially Priscilla and Aika. Though I was born again in this world, I always felt like a stranger…maybe because this world is new to me. Dragons, Pegasus, magic, magic weapons, and some lunatic who wants me to be his bride. Heh, over my dead body buster. *sigh* I really wish I could go home.
"So, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, where are we to go for the time being? Hoshido and Nohr hate us right now… and I'm worried that it will only be a matter of time before their armies find us." Sabrina said. "Hoshido will not take your 'betrayal' lightly Sapphire. They'll probably catch us sooner or later."
I clenched my fists, Sabrina was right, both Nohr and Hoshido hated me right now…and anyone who stood with me. Ryoma and Xander would cut me down, without hesitation, Camilla and Hinoka would still try and kill me-though they would hold back. Leo and Takumi would kill me without hesitation too, and Elise and Sakura would still fight me, whether they hated it or not.
"We can't go to Nohr, and we definitely can't go to Hoshido…if there was only a place we could lie low without the two kingdoms breathing down our necks…" Priscilla thought aloud.
Then it hit me. "I may know a place." All my friends looked at me. "I know a place where we can hide from the armies." I now it's a long shot but, it's all we have.
"Really? Where Sapphire?" Priscilla asked.
I looked at Priscilla with a straight face. She read my thoughts as if I had said them out loud. "Are you sure it's safe? I mean, we're not exactly sure what we'll find."
"I know…but it's the only choice we got." I stared at Priscilla once more. "Are you with me or not?"
"Where are we going?" Kris asked.
"The place responsible for this conflict between Nohr and Hoshido. The truth about this war…"
Everyone was silent. I guess they all were thinking on what to do next.
"Well I'm going!" Sabrina said proudly. "I want to see this 'truth' with my own eyes!"
"Same here!" Jill and Kris added.
"I'm going too!" Aika said. "I'm not letting you grownups have all the fun!"
"All right then it's settle! Let's go!" Priscilla cheered. With a chorus of "yays" to back it up. " All right Sapphire, lead the way!" And on we went, to the Bottomless Canyon.
.x.X.x.
A few hours of walking led the group to the most unexpected of locations.
"So…" Priscilla said in a sassy tone. "This is the Bottomless Canyon I have heard so much about."
"This is my first time seeing it…" Kris said. "It's a lot more intimidating in person."
It was true; the Bottomless Canyon was a freighting place. Nothing grew here for miles, and this place is filled with unpleasant memoires. For one, in my visions, Gunther and I were been attacked by Hans. Boy, how I really dislike that bald monkey…
"So…why did you guys bring us here?" Sabrina asked.
"The Canyon is the only thing that will prevent the armies from locating us…" Priscilla answered. "All we have to do now… is jump in."
"What!" My six friends said in unison.
"Jump into the canyon…Are you crazy?!" Jill practically screamed.
Sabrina was even more baffled. "Jump into the canyon? What are you nuts?! Do you WANT to die?!"
"It is called the BOTTOMLESS Canyon for a reason you know!" Kris said. "If we jump we will surely die! It's a known fact!"
I closed her eyes and sighed. "I understand your guy's skepticism… but this is the only way."
"…Oh boy…well if you're sure this won't kill us…"
"I'm sure."
"Alrighty then, let's go." And Sabrina was the first one to jump in.
"Sapphire…you're going to be the death of me…" And Kris was the second one to jump.
"Sometimes I worry about you." Jill smirked and followed her sister and Sabrina.
Priscilla, Aika and I looked down as the seemingly Bottomless Canyon. My mother always told me, "Appearances can be deceiving." I had no idea those four words could describe something so big. But, there was no time for fear…we had to end this bloody war in order to go home. So the sooner we defeat Anankos, the sooner we could go home. The three of us held hands. We were scared, no matter how hard we tried to hide it.
"Are you guys ready?" I asked.
Aika nodded.
"Sure. This isn't a problem, it's just like skydiving." Priscilla said.
"Yeah…skydiving without a parachute." I countered. Priscilla laughed. "Alright then, ONE for the money, TWO for the show, THREE to get ready and HAVE MERCY HERE WE GO! GERONIMO!" I yelled as we jumped into the canyon. You know, I always wanted to say that.
The entire world spun around the us as we jumped off the cliff. Wind smacking us in our face, and literally swallowing bugs. Yuck…
We just kept falling and falling for who knows how long.
"Hey!" Priscilla cried out. "How long have we been falling?"
"I don't know!" I answered. "They don't have watches here!"
"Well that sucks!" Priscilla pouted.
"Hey!" I scowled at her. "Language!"
"Ok Captain America, I will!"
"Hey! You know I've been saying that WAAAAAY before that movie EVER came out!"
"I know, but it's still fun calling you that when you say 'language'." Priscilla smirked.
"Oh be quiet!"
Despite all our efforts to keep our minds busy, the fall to the world below was still taking forever. So, we kept falling and falling. Further and further. All the way down, but soon we will all see, that the Bottomless Canyon, wasn't so "Bottomless."
Then…we finally hit rock bottom…hard…
I slowly opened her eyes, as I rubbed my head. "Yeah, that hurt a lot more than I expected."
"Gee you think." I turned around and saw Priscilla getting up. "Well that was a load of fun." She rubbed her head as well.
"Well, I think we should go find the other, don't you think?" I got up and rubbed my rear which hurt…badly. "Ouch…'
"Yeah, if they wake up here, they could start to get worried on how their not dead."
So, that's what we did. We went to go find the other members of our group, before something else found us…
"What… where in the world…? Floating islands? Blue sky and clouds?! Green plant life and forestry?!" Jill practically screamed. "How in this world is this possible?!"
"If you calm down Jill, I'll explain everything to you all."
"Sapphire! Priscilla!" The four girls said in unison.
"Are you two alright?" Kris's voice rung with concern for us. Priscilla and I both nodded.
"We're fine Kris."
"Yeah, besides a few bumps and busies we're just fine." Priscilla waved her hand to dismiss the subject.
"So, do you guys know what this place is?" Sabrina asked, while wiping some dirt off her Sky Knight armor.
I turned and looked at our surrounding. My many memoires of this place all came back to me. "This is the kingdom of Valla my friends…A hidden Kingdom that exists between of Hoshido and Nohr." Then, I looked at me friends. "And it is also the case behind the conflict of the two nations. And the mastermind behind it all is…Anankos." Saying his name left a bitter taste in my mouth. And not because he was a monster either.
Jill tilted her head, confused. "Anankos?" Priscilla nodded, but Kris intervened. "Sapphire…how is it you know so much about this place?"
This time Priscilla spoke. "Because…she is a princess of Valla. And Aika and I are…her retainers." Priscilla lied about Aika and her being my retainers and being from Valla. I have to admit, that was a really good lie too.
The words came as a complete shock to the rest of our small group of renegades. For all they knew was that I was royalty of Valla-which was true. And that Aika and her were my retainers-THAT was a lie. But…we couldn't tell them the truth…not yet.
"We should find someplace to hide. We'll be spotted out here." I added.
Everyone nodded, and lucky enough, we found a cave. We entered the cave, only to find ourselves lost in a maze of tunnels.
"Great!" Priscilla's voiced echoed throughout the tunnels. "What do we do now? We're hopeless lost."
I panted heavily, all this walking was killing me. My asthma was starting to kick in, and the coughing and wheezing soon followed. A sudden movement within the shadows caught Sabrina's eye.
"Sapphire, get down!" She ordered.
"Wha-?" Suddenly I was attack by what was revealed to be a Hoshidan soldier…luckily Sabrina blocked it in time, but…there was something off. He was generating some kind of purple flame from his body, and he made no sound whatsoever. His gaze was unfaltering, completely focused upon his intended target. There were even moments where the young noble could actually watch them go nearly invisible.
"Oh great…" I muttered. "Looks like we're not alone anymore."
With little to no effort, Sabrina pushed the assailant back and slashed him across the chest. The soldier just stumbled back and fell over before vanishing completely. Sapphire took a moment to catch her breath as she made an attempt to process what just transpired, but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps emanating through the caves. With a sigh, she readied herself for battle.
"Looks like we got company." Sabrina ready her Naginata and Pegasus.
"Yeah, and not the good kind." Kris and Jill readied their tomes and horses. Priscilla ready her axe and Wyvern. While Aika and I stayed back. We all then heard a fierce, blood curdling roar. I smiled, as did Priscilla.
"Looks like your dragon has arrived." Priscilla smirked.
"Yeah, now I get to join the fight!" I jumped onto Saphira's back.
"Are you ready for this?" Saphira asked.
"Yes! Now it's my turn to fight!" I answered back.
With a loud roar from Saphira, we lead the charge.
More of the strange soldiers emerged from the old decrepit forts and, just like the one not moments prior, bore the same oddities as well.
These fights were not so much of a challenge, Jill and Kris were very gifted warriors, Sabrina was also an excellent warrior, I even think she could beat Ryoma. But I was concerned about Aika, for she was very frail. But I knew Aika could handle herself…by running away. My eyes darted to Sabrina, who was currently in a rather hectic fight against what looked to be a ninja going simply by appearance. Sneaking from behind him, however, was another enemy dressed in mercenary garb. Jill took care of a warrior would looked like a cavalier, but was too focused on dodging and parrying to notice her flank had been compromised.
Saphira and I charged at the hidden warrior, and with a fierce roar, Saphira burned that warrior to ashes.
"Thanks you two!" Jill smiled and waved.
"You're welcome" I said, and Saphira roared.
The fight came to a very quick conclusion following that.
After the last Vallite had been dispatched, we all gathered around.
"What were those…people?" Jill asked.
"I don't think they were people." Sabrina answered.
"They were and yet they weren't" I said.
"How do you mean?" Kris asked.
"Those warriors we just fought were people who were already dead." I answered. Everyone stared wide eyes at me. I continued. "The true enemy, who is the cause of this war, can revive those fallen warriors to do his bidding."
"…Wow…that's a lot to take in." Sabrina said softly.
"There is one thing we forgotten to mention…" Priscilla spoke this time. "Whatever happens… do not speak anything of Valla when we return. If you do… a curse will trigger, and you shall disappear. Like water evaporating."
Before anyone could say anything, something manifested behind us and started clapping. It revealing itself to be a weird scary demon like that from sort of horror movie. Most of his armor has been worn down but his hair grew much past his shoulders. He had blue spots and markings on the right side of his face and a long horn growing from his forehead, and his hair was red and shaggy. His eyes had yellow sclera and pupils were red. He wore a dark jacket, white hakama and crimson armor with spikes jutting out and a large blue jewel in the middle of his chestplate.
The strange demon like man continued clapping; he spoke in a deep, menacing tone. "Well done ladies on defeating my underlings. You did a fantastic job."
Saphira snarled and we already are selves for an attack.
"Who are you?" Sabrina demanded. "What do you want with us?"
"Who I am does not matter to any of you." The strange demon man answered. "Well…excepted…you…" The man pointed to me.
Everyone turned and look at me with confusion written all over their faces.
"Me?" I titled my head. "What in the world did this guy want with me?"