Sorry about the wait... hope it was worth it. ^^;;

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Chapter 4

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It seems life's a lesson I'll just have to take
and learn it's design
Straighten the edges and fall face forward
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We'd been stumbling backwards over rocks and mud for quite a while, I'd lost track of the minutes. The only sounds by now were the crunching of leaves beneath our feet and the labored breaths of my captors. The blade was still cold on my bloodied skin, but the hand of its wielder was now trembling.

I let out a strangled sob when the faces of my father, Nodoka, and Seij were no longer visible. I heard the blonde one whisper something incomprehensible to the brunette, but as far as I could tell it was ignored. I stared at the knights and archers as they watched us leave. They were like gargoyles, standing motionless, a threatening, piercing glint in their stony gazes.

Soon the castle was so far away I could crush it between my fingers, that is, if I could remove them from their tight binds.

"Ack!" The brunette bandit cried as she tripped, stumbling a few steps before regaining her balance. I squealed in pain. Every time we staggered, the thief's hand would slip slightly, sometimes nicking the skin on my neck. This time, she got me good.

I couldn't stop the tears that were already threatening to spill. Blood trickled down my collarbone, pooling at the uppermost hem of my dress. I whimpered pathetically. There was another whisper behind me, this time accompanied by a growling refutation from the one with the knife.

Finally, we'd arrived at the edge of the forest, the tall dark trees looming ominously over our heads. The atmosphere suddenly became heavier as we crept into the cover of the shadows. It was as if the temperature dropped, but not quite. Something about it made my skin crawl.

Only when we were well into the forest did the thief finally release me from her hold.

I collapsed onto my knees from the sudden lack of support, and groaned in agony. My whole body ached.

"Ok, you can do what you like now, Mugi," The brunette said, cleaning off the dagger with the worn fabric of her shirt and sheathing it back on her right thigh. The blonde hustled to my side and knelt down.

She sighed and tore a piece of cloth from the hem of her shirt, then carefully dabbed away at the blood on my neck. As soon as I came to my senses I tried to slap her hand away, but my hands were still tied, so I jerked away and shot her an incredulous look.

"D-Don't touch me!" I yelped, my voice quivering. She flinched, an expression of hurt etched onto her features before she nodded and stood up.

"See? I don't know why you even bother," the brunette snarled, gesturing to me. "Damn Royals are all the same…"

That sparked the anger inside of me.

"Excuse me? But you take me hostage, steal me away from my family and friends, and expect me to welcome any kind of treatment from either of you?" I looked both of them in the eye.

"A-Ano… our choices were limited…" Mugi offered, voice as gentle as the breeze, but I heard it for what it truly was: slimy. I threw her another disbelieving stare.

"Well, you're both safe now! So untie me and let me return!" I half-pleaded half-demanded, enraged at the gall of these crooked peasants. The short brunette suddenly whirled on me.

"Hell no! Your dear ol' pops is gonna set the dogs on us here pretty soon. He's gonna send a whole search party out for you in a matter of hours," she was breathing heavily now, her fury outrivaled my own and my face dropped. "So… in order for us to get back to where we need to be, you're gonna come with us. That way, if on the off chance they do find us, they won't touch a hair on our heads…" she dragged her finger across her throat maliciously, "…'cause we'll still have a dagger at your neck."

I cringed at her words, fear creeping its way back into my blood and making it run cold. All desire to argue instantly vanished.

"Ritsu…" the taller thief whispered, stepping closer, trying to abate her. So that was her name… Ritsu.

I despised it.

Ritsu's face contorted in anger before she turned away. However, her attention was no longer on me and I felt a small wave of relief wash over me.

"Grab her, let's get outta here."

Mugi nodded and helped me to my feet. I had no energy to left fight it.

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We walked for ages. I imagined it was about one or two in the morning. Mugi had me by the crook of my arm, leading me over fallen trees and rocks and the like. I glanced over my shoulder. Surely my father would've sent a search party by now, just as that girl said. But, there were no sounds of barking dogs, or shouting knights, or the thunder of horses' hooves. The only sounds that greeted my ears were our own footsteps, the droning hum of crickets, and the soft hiss of a stream somewhere nearby.

I stumbled for about the fifteenth time in the past hour, but I couldn't help it. I could not walk in this dress.

"Damn it, can't you get her to move faster?" Ritsu growled from a few yards ahead. Her body barely visible in the dense darkness of the forest, but her amber eyes flashed angrily though the shadows.

I shivered with a deep sense of foreboding.

"No, her dress keeps causing her to fall," The blonde said, still holding my arm. Her grip was firm, but not suffocating like the other thief's.

Ritsu sneered. "Fine then, just take it off."

I gasped in horror.

Surely she wouldn't! I looked at Mugi, silently begging her not to do so, as I figured she had somewhat of a heart compared to that brown-haired demon. However, she simply nodded to Ritsu and began to untie my hands.

For a while, I believed I could try and make friends with the blonde one, and maybe convince her to set me free. However, she seemed completely loyal to her leader. I let my head fall forward; there was no chance.

Ritsu came over closer to make sure I didn't fight or try to make a break for it, but the surveillance was superfluous. I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes tightly as my dress coiled around my ankles, leaving me in my pastel undergarments. They covered from my shoulders to my knees, but it wasn't enough to keep the chill away. I blushed angrily as Ritsu cruelly snickered at my discomfort. Mugi then retied my hands behind my back, which I also found highly unnecessary at this point, but decided against voicing my opinion. It seemed the lowly brown-haired thief would do anything in her power to make this journey harder for me. She seems to get great enjoyment out of taking advantage of any desire of mine and giving me the direct opposite.

Ritsu picked up my newly ripped and dirtied dress, and flung it off into some bushes.

"Her scent is all over that thing, it'll confuse the dogs. We're going to wade through this stream up ahead. It'll neutralize our scent and the dogs won't be about to pick it back up on the other side," she seemed to have a lot of experience with this kind of thing. "If I remember correctly, there's a small town a few miles from here. We'll need some provisions if we're gonna make it back by noon."

Mugi nodded and we plowed onward. Where were we going "back" to? I had no idea where we were at this point, having lost any sense of which direction the castle was in hours ago.

However, I didn't give up hope. Surely, my father's army was on their way to rescue me at this very moment. I was certain of it.

The sound of rushing water broke me from my thoughts. The "stream" seemed more like a river. It was about fifteen yards across, and who knows how deep. The current looked extremely strong as it whipped around rocks and spewed white water into the air.

My heart dropped to the base of my gut.

"I-I can't swim," I blurted before I could even process the thought.

Both Mugi and Ritsu looked at each other, and then faced me.

"Well, looks like you better learn quickly," Ritsu stated, crossing her arms over her chest, completely serious. My jaw dropped in disbelief. I scoured my mind for an argument, retort, plea, anything. None came. She simply stood there, a triumphant, slightly sadistic grin on her face.

The fear that I tried so hard to contain within me spilled over. Hot tears welled up in my eyes as I shrunk back. I stared at the rushing water, images of me struggling, suffocating, drowning, filled my head. I glanced at Mugi, who was staring at her feet. Ritsu still had the same severe expression on her face.

However, after a few silent moments… she burst out into laughter.

If my jaw could've dropped any farther, it would have. I watched her bent over in mirth, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, with my contempt for her rising by the second. This monster found joy in my pain. My eyes narrowed in indignity and derision.

For the first time in my life, I had to resist the urge to become violent.

I refused to speak, wanting to hold onto any last shreds of dignity I had left. She smirked as she straightened back up. She locked her eyes onto my own, as if daring me to say anything. But she didn't have to worry about that… I stood silent.

"Now, you listen to me," she stepped closer and pointed a finger at my chest. "You're crossing this river whether you like it or not. I know you can swim; you're a goddamn royal. They teach you plenty at your comfortable little castle back yonder. Don't try and manipulate our decisions by pretending like you can't swim. It won't work."

I bit my lip as searing tears of frustration and fear I could no longer contain ran rampant down my face. I hated this. I hated being treated this way. I just wanted to go home.

"B-But really… I-"

"Shut it, Princess. If you think I'm going to believe your lies, then you must take me for a bloody fool." She snapped, eyes ablaze with anger. Why was she so adamant that I was lying? I honestly didn't know how to swim!

However, Mugi stepped in between us just in time. "If this is causing so much trouble, I'll help her across."

Ritsu paused tensely before nodding to her accomplice. She stalked off without another word, annoyance emanating from her form.

I let the breath I was holding go. But, I didn't see how someone could possibly help me to swim across a raging river. So, I contemplated making a break for it the second they untied me. The thought was very tempting. But honestly, who was I kidding? There was no why I could out run them.

Despite my doubts, I suddenly found myself, hands unbound, knee-deep in freezing cold water. Teeth chattering, I glanced at the blonde-haired thief standing next to me. She remained motionless and expressionless, as if she was trying to not meet my gaze.

Ritsu was already halfway across the river. She was letting the current take her a little was downstream before clutching onto a rock. Then, she would push off of that one and swim to another that was closer to the opposite shore. This continued until she finally made it to the other side. However, she was a long way downstream by the time she made it across.

I wondered momentarily why she decided to go first. But as soon as the suspicion crossed my mind, it was answered.

"The current picks up a lot in the middle, and watch for that sharp rock right there," she pointed to a rather intimidating pointed stone that seemed to split the waters.

My heart leapt to my throat as Mugi clutched my elbow. "Just hold onto me and keep your head above water," she said, "and please don't panic…"

I nodded shakily and gasped as she waded deeper. I grasped her arm in an iron grip as the strong current swept us away.

I tried to keep my head above the deadly flood, but I didn't know how to float! So, I found myself underwater more often than I was above it. Panic quickly set in despite Mugi's advice, and I began to choke.

Suddenly… and thankfully, we stop moving. The blonde was sputtering and clutching the same rock Ritsu had been earlier.

"Hey! Don't drown my comrade, you!" Ritsu shouted from the opposite bank, anger evident in her slightly muffled voice. The ringing in my ears as well as the loud hiss of the current almost drowned out the shouts.

I was just trying to keep from myself from drowning.

"Yes… you must relax… or else… we'll both sink," Mugi panted, somewhat distressed. I coughed out an 'ok' and she thrust off into the river once more. This time, I focused on relaxing, despite my utter terror, and I managed to stay afloat for a longer period of time.

"Good," Mugi said as we clung to another stone. This one was the sharp, jutting one in the middle on the river. She made sure to catch it gingerly. "Now I think we'll be fine once we get to that one right there." She pointed to a smaller rock that was located a few yards away from where Ritsu was standing.

I shut my eyes and took breath before we shoved off to the final rock.

When I opened them, we were on solid ground.

I struggled to my feet, coughing and sputtering until I thought my lungs were going to bleed. I was dripping wet, and the crisp breeze sent shivers down my spine. Before I could process the fact that I hadn't died in that raging river, my captors had me by my elbows, one on either side, and were hastily leading me deeper into the sea of trees. Ritsu let out a quiet stream of curses as we hurried away.

"W-What's g-going on?' I shivered, my voice brimming with panic. "Let m-me go." But the resistance was no longer heart felt. My fire was doused in the river, I think, because now all I wanted to do was roll over and sleep.

"Dogs," was all she said. The word was spat out as if it burned her tongue. I on the other hand, was overjoyed. I was not abandoned after all! A small spark returned in my chest, filling me with warmth. I knew they wouldn't have given up so easily, and I mentally slapped myself for letting that thought ever cross my mind. However, I chose not to voice my happiness. Instead, I smiled silently to myself, hoping the darkness of the night would overshadow my face.

Maybe I could break away now, while they were in this nervous state. I quickly weighed my options. One, I could tear away from their hold and run like hell back to the river. But, I knew I wouldn't have been able to cross it by myself… and I didn't know if my saviors were even close enough to see me. If the weren't, the bandits would easily catch me once more before I could have a chance to signal their attention.

Two, I could bide my time in captivity and rely heavily on the hope that they will hunt us down. That one made me feel uneasy. It was too uncertain. It wasn't that I didn't trust Seij and his men… it was just that these thieves were crafty. Plus, they were willing to shed blood to get their way.

But, I knew they would keep me alive, at least until they knew they were out of harm's way.

Then again, when the time came that my "services" were no longer needed… I shuddered to think. I seriously doubted they would set me free. What would stop them from simply killing me? I would just be extra baggage.

"Heh," The leader gripped my elbow tighter in triumph. "They're stuck at the river, my plan worked."

To my surprise, the howls of the tracking dogs were gradually getting farther away. My heart dropped to my stomach. They were doubling back. The dogs couldn't pick up my scent again after we crossed.

Was this the moment of truth? Were they going to let me go now… or kill me?

I pursed my lips together to keep myself silent. Foolishly, I though that if I kept quiet, they would forget about me and carry on their merry way. I tried to make myself as small as possible, urging my heart to stop thumping so loudly because they might hear it.

However, no words came from either of the bandits. We continued on, trudging through the darkness of the forest. I didn't dare press my luck; I refused to utter a sound.

There was an emptiness in my heart I'd never felt before.

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The morning sun tentatively peeked over the distant mountains, as if it were afraid to light up the world today.

The rest of the night's journey was a blur. I think I was only semi-conscious through most of it, because I kept seeing the faces of my father, Nodoka, Seij, and my other friends back at the palace. I'm sure those had been dreams.

The dew was frigid on my bare feet, which ached with exhaustion. My captives were no longer holding my elbows, I'd suddenly realized. I was walking on my own, following them like a slave would its masters. Cruel irony.

My mind was so clouded that I was shocked when I realized we were walking the dirt road of a small village. I'd never been outside of the castle, so I'd never seen the places the people of my country lived. I was aware of the different social classes: nobility and peasantry. But I'd never witnessed any of this first hand.

The houses were small, smaller than the horses' stables in the castle. They were made of sticks, woven together like a basket, and I think the roofs were composed of straw. I thought all homes were made of stone. Like the castle, just on a smaller scale. These measly huts couldn't possibly stand up against a storm or flood.

Chickens, pigs, and flea-infested dogs ran rampant through the streets. I tried to mask my disgust as I walked around a muddy pig, squealing in delight as it rolled in its filth.

Clink, clink, clink. A blacksmith hammered away at a glaringly red hot piece of metal in a small building to the left of me. Each time the hammer collided with the anvil, a shot of pain lanced through my aching head. I covered my ears with a grimace.

A group of children scrambled past, yelping and whooping like a pack of wild animals. However, I noticed their clothes only consisted of rags, sloppily sewn together in patches. The seemed unnaturally thin, and theory skin was a sickly pale. Confusion washed over me. Why did they seem…?

I looked around. It wasn't just the children that were emaciated. A woman, struggling carrying a water bucket, almost dropped it because it was too heavy for her small frame to handle. Her husband, I assumed, scrambled over to help her. But he didn't seem much better off in terms of health.

I didn't realize I was straying slightly behind the bandits until the brunette one barked at me. "Keep up, Princess, before we tie you up again!"

A few people's eyes shot up at the mention of "princess." They weren't the eyes of admiration or respect.

They were filled with anger… hatred.

I took a sharp intake of breath as I scurried closer to my captors, somehow feeling a bit safer the closer I was to them. But I knew the feeling was irrational. They wouldn't protect me; they were just using me as a shield until they reached their destination. Wherever that was.

I watched the thieves have a quiet conversation, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I felt so vulnerable out in the open. Like at any moment an angry villager would charge, beat me senseless, and leave me for dead. And all the while my captors would stand above me, laughing with cruel, sadistic mirth. Shuddering, I urged my tired feet forward. I didn't have a choice.

The people in the village were all staring at me now. It felt so much different than it did back at the palace. Those people cheered for me, adored me. These people looked at me like I was food, hunger and a feral aura emanating from their gazes. I did stand out, my light pink under dress shone bright against the overall neutrality of my surroundings. I heard whispers.

"Is that really her?"

"It can't be… no its just..."

"Hah! Yeah right."

"Like someone from the Royal family would dare show their face here…"

Confusion and fear overtook me like a wave. Was I hearing them correctly?

But before I knew it, we were at the village boundaries. I silently thanked any god that was listening and let loose a breath I didn't know I was holding.

As soon as we passed the final house, the bandits halted and turned around towards me. I stopped immediately and even backed up a step. I opened my mouth to protest whatever they were planning, but no words came out.

"We're almost home," the brunette sung with a sarcastic lilt. "So we gotta blindfold you. Can't have someone of your stature know where our hideout is, now can we?"

The blonde approached me with a piece of cloth in her grasp. My first instinct was to struggle, but there was no point in that.

Everything went black.

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Seems like the angels are flying away
and all is lost
Seems like they're currently taking away all I've worked for here

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The story is moving right along. :)

I need you guys to keep me in line when in comes to keeping everyone in character. Obviously its a little harder in an AU, but I think I got the main elements down. Like the personality clash between Mio and Ritsu so far. Ritsu is already showing signs of obnoxious teasing, albeit on a much harsher scale. Mio wanted to hit her, so that's pretty accurate I guess. Mugi is a marshmallow through and through, but I thought it would be fun to make her a law-breaker. Haha!

Yes, the other characters are going to show up. :)

I love me some reviews!