Part VII

The arrow strikes?

Strolling down the corridor, her cloak billowing around her, she intended to go to the stalls, and hopefully meet up with Kotori. She didn't like being alone, without her mate, or one of his friends, as she felt unprotected, like Sir Timmi was going to jump out the shadows any moment, silly really she thought, but couldn't help the sense of foreboding creeping up on her, and she hurried her footsteps, feeling almost sure that someone was following her. She hated being weak, and vulnerable, as if meant Sir Timmi could easy overpower and carry her off, otherwise had she not been pregnant and still training she could easily floor him without so much as breaking a sweat.

Taking long strides, she soon found herself running along the corridor, a sudden fear gripping at her heart, and she felt the presence of someone near, but didn't wait too see who it was, instead did the only her conscious told her to do 'run'.

Panting now, she didn't see the gloved hand come out of the shadow behind her, when a cheerful voice sounded at the end of the corridor, causing Hitomi to sigh in relief "Hey, Hitomi, what's up" asked Kotori, not noticing the hand which previous moments before had reached out to grab Hitomi had pulled back into the shadow again, and someone cussing under their breath.

"It's okay, just thought someone was following me" said Hitomi a bit uneasy.

Instantly on her guard, Kotori turned to look down the corridor Hitomi had just come from, eyeing it warily. If Hitomi suspected something, it was wise to check it out, as it was very rare that Hitomi was wrong.

"Nope, I can't see anyone" said Kotori confirmed once she checked the corridor.

'The pregnancy must be making her paranoid' thought Kotori, and the two carried onto the stalls.

'He almost had her' thought Sir Timmi frustrated, walking off in the other direction, his mission foiled once again. Since Kotori release from sickbay, she had been there to accompany Hitomi whenever her 'mate' he thought disgusted and angry, was out training or tutoring other squires. It irked him somewhat with Kotori sense of bad timing, just when he was about to grab Hitomi. The wheels turning in his head, he stopped in his tracks 'of course, if Kotori wasn't here' he thought, then what was to stop him getting Hitomi afterwards.

He knew that Hitomi was usually in the training grounds with her mate first thing in the morning but then in the afternoon when they were on duty, she would retire to her chambers, tired and would be resting, waiting for Kotori, only Kotori wouldn't be there to meet her, and he could sneak her away while she slept, without the others knowing, until it was too late. Chuckling immensely and congratulating himself of the idea, he strode off.

Now if only he could find a way of getting rid of Kotori without actually without bringing her any harm, after all she was still his friend, one of the best he ever had, even if she didn't consider him friend anymore.

Unnoticed in the shadows, he passed the library when he stopped again, a sudden thought inspiring him. Of course he had seen her in the library often in the restricted section reading one of the forbidden books, since it was so dangerous and often had disastrous result in the end concerning the caster, but then it all depend on which spell, Kotori would choose. Not that she knew what he was up to, for all he knew she might blow herself up, but at the present moment he didn't care, he just wanted Hitomi, and wanted her now.

But then there was one minute problem. Why, yes he had seen her in the library, she had just of recent stopped going, and he wondered whether something in the book might've scared her.

Spinning around, he entered the library, careful to avoid the few gummies that were in the library, and he came upon the restricted section, and quickly made a beeline for the book. Reaching the book off the shelf, he flipped it open, scanning the contents, not totally sure what could've scared Kotori so much not to read it again. Intrigued by some of the spells, he slammed the book shut, scowling at himself. This was no time to be studying, he needed to get rid of Kotori. 'If only he could get her interested in this again' he mused and slipped out the library with the book in hand.

Heading off again, in the darkness of nights many shadows Sir Timmi thought about his brothers and the slowly growing relationship with Kotori. At first, he'd approved and why should he not after all he had been her friend and despite his own infatuation with Hitomi she was still funny and her and Ginni made a cute couple blindly finding love even though one was constantly running from it and yet still seemed to turn the situation right in the end, it provided him with some entertainment. However, Kotori proved to be a problem and stood between him and Hitomi so ultimately she had to go. Hitomi would not leave the castle now she was pregnant; this thought alone made his teeth grind and his fists clench with seething anger. But, if one dear to her heart was missing such as Kotori perhaps it would draw her out long enough for him to act out his plan, yes, he was certain it would. His problem at the present moment was what to do with Kotori after all he still regarded her very much a friend and he didn't wish her dead, just out of the way. Then of cause their was the problem that Hitomi was now six months pregnant so she would have to deliver the cub but, he thought devilishly it didn't have to be alive or if it was it wouldn't be long after.

The rustling of robes and dim light of a flickering candle brought him out of his thoughts as he slunk further into the shadows and behind a tapestry only slightly poking his head out to see who was coming.

From a distance Councillors Berrybaum and Wooddale rounded the corner both in discussion about some magical item he guessed, but what held his attention and kept him from fleeing was the light shining on their medallions. His memory flashed before his eyes an image of Kotori sat hunched up on the floor in the library with an old spell book, perfect. If he could get hold of one of the councillors' medallions when they went to sleep he would surely be able to get rid of Kotori.

His mind made up he sneaked off to Councillor Spinwillow's chambers who he knew would be asleep now after all he couldn't afford to stay much longer without the risk of being caught and he wanted to do this as soon as possible so slinking along the corridors he made his way to the councillors chamber.

She had spent the day with Hitomi, protecting her, and going about the stalls with her, making sure to stay on her guard. Since Hitomi suspicion of being followed, she kept the look out, in hope to relieve Hitomi of the stress and relax.

She was still angry, and she boiled when her thoughts turned to Sir Timmi.

How could he? She thought. He was supposed to be their friend not their enemy.

Tossing and turning in bed eyes screwed shut Kotori tried to sleep, but unbidden images of her and Ginni, Hitomi and Sir Plucki and friends from her past flooded her mind.

A strange feeling almost like nervousness, but not quite made her feel like something was going to happen and she was going to lose everybody. The air was humid, which only made things worse for her condition so finally huffing she threw back the covers and climbed out of bed content on going for a walk. It was strangely warm for spring; particularly tonight so Kotori decided her dressing gown was unneeded and crept quietly out of her room. Stealthily and from past years experience she made her way expertly about the castle and climbed its winding staircases up to the top of one of its many towers. Taking the doors heavy, brass ring-pull in her hand she pushed against the door, which glided open quietly for her. Shutting the door again she breathed deeply and then slowly exhaled. Her nightgown that reached her knees gently swayed with the breeze that came with being stood at the top of a tower. The breeze carried the scent of young saplings and that of oak and the salt from the sea, which lie not so far away. That blowing in her face and the rustle from the trees in the forest and the gentle snoring from within the castle was like music to any warrior's ears, it was the sound of peace and contentment. Only the sound of a sharp intake of breath not to far away from her caused her to panic and crouch behind a large stack of crates that was near her. Peering round the corner at the bottom of the crates she tried to spy out who was up here with her.

Ginni's elbows rested on the wall of the tower that he was gazing from. He was staring down at the forest lost in thought the only sound and clue he was there was his occasional sharp intakes of breath that were then let out in almost a sigh.

Kotori stared at him from her hiding place on the floor he seemed ethereal with the full moon large and shining bright behind him in the background and the lost and sad look upon his face. Kotori thought she never seen such a beauty and sadness mingled together and the fact that she knew Ginni was upset somehow made her heart ache in response. She longed to reach out to him, but dare not. These feelings inside where so alien to her and left her confused and unsure and a prize idiot whenever she was in front of him. So, she remained watching from her hiding place as he finally shifted his gaze to the moon, he whispered something but so quiet was it that not even she could hear anything of his soft whisper save her own name. Just that fact alone was enough to make her heart beat faster and yearn for him, to the point that it caused her herself to take in a sharp breath. This turned out to be devastating for her as Ginni's own very sensitive hearing picking up the sound causing him to turn abruptly and walk in her direction. Kotori knowing she was about to be discovered panicked and thought desperately for an excuse as to why she was spying on him as she thought, 'Gee Ginni I'm spying on you cause I no longer think your handsome, your gorgeous' would work. Her hands clamped down upon her head as he came nearer and it was then she remembered she still had her hair clip in. Smiling she knew with a bit of acting this might get her out of a tight spot. Taking out the pin she rolled it along the floor and kept the other part in her hand then turned around so she had her back to Ginni and the pin and began to PRETEND to search for her hairpin.

Ginni strolled over to the source of the noise, which led him to a stack of crates. Although, at first glance he was unsure if he was right as their seemed nothing out of the ordinary that is except a pin by his foot. Bending down he picked it up, it was small at about five to six inches long and made from cherry wood, he could smell it on the pin, but something else too, roses. He knew that smell better now than any other in the world for Kotori smelt of them, which meant this pin must belong to her, thinking of which wasn't that her scrounging around on the floor.

"Kotori?" he asked a little unsure.

"Huh, Ginni?" she said sounding surprised.

"Err..erm…is this yours Kotori?" asked Ginni holding out the pin.

"Oh, gee thanks Ginni, I was looking for that?" she said stretching out hand to take the pin.

Her hand rested upon the pin and brushed up against his hand, she jumped slightly when a jolt went through her. Like electricity she thought but not, after all electricity doesn't make you warm and giddy. She stared down at their hands resting side by side joined by her hairpin, and then ever so slowly raised her head to look at Ginni himself. He looked like the Ginni she used to know from her days of clowning around, oh wait I still do clown around she thought with a smile. She studied his face a moment taking in that mischievous twinkle dancing in his eyes, his secret smirk that for some strange reason made her legs turn to jelly, but let her know he was up to something.

"Ginni, it's…" she started.

Ginni advanced and enveloped her in a hug cutting her sentence off, she felt something slip into her hair and when raising her hand to inspect found her hairclip back in. She smiled as she was unable to speak, due to not being able to think clearly after the 0.2 seconds it took her to realise she was in his arms, she hadn't even realised that she wrapped her own arms around him and was in turn embracing him. His hand left her side only to reach up and cup her cheek instead as he gazed into the deep pools of her eyes.

"Kotori" he started, all hesitation and stuttering disappearing. "I should've told you this from the first moment I saw you, and everyday after that, I love you and I always will" he stated. Then he leaned forward and claimed her lips. Kotori didn't have chance to reply not that she could of anyway after that before her brain registered he was kissing her. She found herself enjoying it immensely rather than repulsive like she assumed kissing would be. His lips were firm and demanding and she certainly wasn't one to disappoint so she eagerly return and matched his passion.

Little did the two new lovers realise they had been spotted, like a cat watching its prey Sir Timmi watched them. He had successfully acquired the medallion and almost wished he hadn't. His brother looked so happy, something he had not really been for many years, and his friend. Well, when they first met he hadn't seen this one coming and she too looked so happy, they were perfect for one another. It made him feel guilty about what he was about to do and almost made him change his mind about his plan…almost. He stole away his destination clear in his mind's eye, soon Kotori would be gone and Hitomi would be his. Creeping along the familiar stonewalls and well-trodden paths he made it back to the library doors. Pulling the door ajar he slipped in and slinked towards the back where the restricted section was. These shelves were also familiar to him, but not in magic but weaponry. He reached the shelf Kotori's had lately taken an interest in, through careful observation he knew she never left this section when she read the book and that she sat down on the floor not too far from here. If Kotori had any magical ability what so ever and it was possible she could, she would activate the medallion if she were within a certain range of it, as it did not have a wearer. Now the bookcases didn't have books all the way down to the floor they stood on huge draws of a sort that were attached on the bottom and occasionally used to store things, but most were hollow. However, some if you looked close and hard enough had secret compartments and it just so happened that one Sir Timmi knew of was located just across from where Kotori would sit with her book. Crouching down before it he knocked quietly along the wood for the sound he wanted, something not quite so hollow.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Thump!

He smiled reaching out and sliding the compartment open, it was small and would probably only store two maybe three books with a squeeze. He laid the medallion down carefully then slid the door closed and made sure it was hidden again before standing up and walking away. He made it to the door and slipped back out again and shut the door covering the only trace that someone had been here away before heading towards the kitchens and his way out.

Ginni and Kotori pulled apart breathless and staring at each other in wonderment, neither had ever felt this way before and in truth it scared them both, but knowing they were both feeling the same, both just as lost and scared and utterly, hopelessly in love with the other helped them come and stay with each other. They stood in a warm and loving embrace completely alone at last with not even Sir Timmi watching them. The two newly found lovers stood silently content at last in the arms of their love smiling with the knowledge of what so many before them had felt. They were whole and one at last and now that at last they had found each other they could never be parted. Together they would stay now feeling complete and pure bliss in each other's presence and utter despair and sadness at their separation, they needed each other more than each other had realised.

The gentle morning twitter of the bird's song and the first rays of morning light seeped across the land bathing everything in its radiating glory. The sun crept slowly up in the sky fresh for a new day and a new beginning, it the first witness to nature's many creations and the new couple. Hand in hand they stood now as they opened the door to descend the stairs, Kotori made to go when she gasped as her legs were knocked from under her. Clinging onto Ginni tightly she slowly opened her eyes that had automatically closed and found herself in a bemused Ginni's arms. He smiled mischievously as she glared playfully and Ginni walked down the stairs, once at the bottom he placed her on her feet again and offered his arm to her. She shook her head, but played along with his little fantasy of him treating her like a lady, I mean everyone knew she wasn't and she wasn't about to change it. They walked about castle corridors as the first few rays of morning light glimpsed through. They arrived all too soon for the both of them at Kotori's door where glancing about the corridor they saw to their relief they were still alone. Coming together for one last passionate kiss they broke apart and Ginni with a smile on his face in a dream like trance it would seem to most took his leave. Kotori watched him go and waved when he turned to look at her before rounding the corner and disappearing from her sight. She sighed with a grin on her face. Once Ginni was out of sight she went inside her room with a spring in her step, things were looking up.

Kotori leaned against the door and goofy smile fixed upon her face. Everything was great right now she couldn't even complain about the bright sun and the early morning after what just transpired on top of the tower. Walking into the centre of her room intending on getting changed for training, she noticed a large, old book resting on top of her desk and froze. Transfixed to the spot, mouth a gape she looked at the book. 'HOW DID THAT GET HERE?' her mind all but screamed.

A knock on the door shook her from her thoughts and she dived onto the book shouting, "Just a second"

Hitomi stood outside the door; her foot tapping on the stone slabs, 'It figures she wouldn't be out of bed' thought Hitomi. Her arms crossed in front of her impatiently she said, "Come on Kotori!"

"I'm com'in, I'm com'in" replied Kotori wrapping the book securely in a piece of old clothing and shoving it in the bottom of the wardrobe.

"If you don't drag your lazy body outta there in FIVE seconds I'm com'in in" threatened Hitomi just as the door opened and all too innocent looking Kotori poked her head out.

"Morn'in Hitomi" she said rather nervously.

"What happened ta you?" asked Hitomi.

"Whatta ya mean?" asked Kotori.

"Your usually like the walking dead first thing in a morn'in, you just seem too….perky" said Hitomi.

"Gee thanks" said Kotori sarcastically.

"Well I suppose it is a good thing" said Hitomi dragging hold of Kotori and heading down the corridor.

"I guess" said Kotori yawning slightly, the wisps of a smile apparent on her face as she recalled the events of earlier the book now forgotten.

TBC…

Author's Note: Hi, sorry I updated these two chap a day later than expected, but I kinda forgot we had bank holiday Monday, so therefore the library was closed. Hope you guy we'll forgive me.

Please tell me what you think of this new update?