A/N: I know I just updated recently, but I just couldn't help but post this next chapter up! I'd have to say, it's another one of my favourites! Tell me what you think! -wink- Well, back to watching King Arthur for the gazillionth time! lmao, I so rock. Enjoy!

Saxongirl345: Thank you for your review! This chapter will answer your comments! -wink- But yeah, Arthur walking in while Lourdes and Lancelot are together was something I loved writing because it's just so awkwardly funny! lmao But here's a quick update for you! Hope you like this next one. -hugs-

delusional anvil.: Oh yeah, too much of a good thing is just...unrealistic. And you know how I like realism in my fics! -grins impishly- Oh yes, this chapter will tell you more about the new mission and what happens to the rest of the knights. But yeah, Lothair is jerky, but I mean, he's just being an overprotective father. I mean, he's pretty new at being protective over a daughter, so I can understand where he's coming from. He just...tends to overreact a little. Okay, a lot.

Oh man, if I was with Arthur when he did that, he and I would've had major laughs right after! But yeah, a little comic relief was definitely needed!

Aww, don't worry about Galahad! I promise that he'll appear soon! The storyline just has to be perfect, then poof! He's back in the action (literally).

Wow, those are some awesome games that Gally's being exposed to! And whoa, he beat you in Bond? Good gosh, he's a monster. Don't worry, it's only beginner's luck! But ahh, you got some action, eh? -rawr- Isn't it fun? -wink wink nudge nudge-

But congratulations on your hundred! You guys are both awesome. To Galahad: Get ready, dude, I might need you soon!

haha You're so cute! And THANK YOU! Enjoy this next one, I worked really hard on it! (I have a feeling that you will!) -wink-

t t t

CHAPTER 44

"If they bloody think that I would let them go to the bloody border without me, they are bloody mistaken!" Lourdes huffed indignantly, stuffing the last of her belongings recklessly into a large sac.

When Lancelot and the rest of the knights had left, she had to feign sadness and endlessly brood for hours so that nobody -- especially her father and brother -- would suspect her mischievous plan. They both tried to speak with her, but she masterfully played her part, wiping tears of sadness as she pretended to lock herself in her room and mope. Lourdes patted herself on the back for her brilliant performance, since, for a good five hours, nobody had come to her room to bother her. The most attention that she received for the rest of the day was a servant quietly placing food for her in front of her chamber doors. And so, for the many hours of her wait, she had packed all of her provisions and weapons, twiddling her thumbs as everyone prepared to retire.

Lourdes had waited impatiently until the cover of darkness to make her move. Quietly opening the door, she exited her room, cursing inwardly for nearly tripping over the food that was left for her. Stepping above it carefully, she moved stealthily through the dark corridors, thankful that she memorized her way to the exit of the castle. Hauling her large sac behind her, she was careful not to make any abrupt moments, in fear of her weapons making any noises. Tiptoeing lightly, she scurried throughout the castle -- through corridors, down stairs, across large rooms -- making a beeline for the stables.

Spotting her beloved mare, she grinned widely, giving the horse hurried pats as she threw her sac on its back. Her heart was racing then, adrenaline pumping through her veins, for her journey was almost underway -- and not a single soul had spotted her.

Or so she thought.

Just as she was about to mount her horse gleefully, she heard light footsteps behind her, followed by the clearing of a throat. You must be bloody joking me!, she groaned inwardly, looking upwards at the beautiful -- almost mimicking -- velvet sky. Breathing out, she closed her eyes, hoping with all her might that it was only a stable boy and not her father or brother. Dreading the intruder's identity, Lourdes twisted her head slowly towards the direction of the voice. In the dim light, she recognized Akira's form, her expression lined with much amusement as she placed a hand on her hip. Letting go of the reigns of the horse, Lourdes strolled to her side nonchalantly, even giving her wide grin in greeting.

"Wonderful evening for a ride, is it not?" Lourdes began amicably, though the volume of her voice still lowered. Whistling slightly, she gave a cursory glance around her surroundings, pretending to be enthralled by the scene.

Unimpressed, Akira crossed her arms, raising a laconic eyebrow as she replied with, "Yes, it is." She paused, walking to Lourdes' side. "And where were you planning to go?"

Lourdes heart skipped a beat at her inquiry. Her mind raced with a thousand excuses, and fumbling for one, she quickly blurted out, "Oh, you know...those lands...near...those fields."

Akira pursed her lips into an "o" shape, ticking her tongue as she nodded once. "Quite a specific place."

"Indeed."

At the abrupt conclusion of this exchange, the two women remained quiet. Their moment of silenced lingered about in the air for so long that they could actually hear crickets chirping in the distance and the wind lightly blowing around them. Breaking the silence between them, Akira motioned her head to the sac upon Lourdes' mare. "That's quite a load you have there. Seems as though you've packed for quite a journey."

Lourdes shrugged as nonchalantly as possible. "Just in case I get hungry."

"You must have enough food in there to feed an entire village."

"I...have...a big appetite?"

After Lourdes' slow and, really, unsatisfactory response, Akira doubled over laughing, pressing her hand to her stomach as she did so. Lourdes only eyed her as though she were daft, heart still racing at the thought of being found out, body itching to jump atop her mare and ride out as quickly as possible. Moving back slowly from the still laughing Akira, she gingerly took the reign of her mare, hoping to use this moment of distraction to her advantage. Though, once more, just as she was about to mount her horse, Akira called out to her. Walking to her side, the Shinodian commander dumped a large bag beside her. Lourdes only eyed her with confusion, incredulity lining her features.

"Looks like I am not the only one that had come up with this idea." Akira remarked with a smirk pulling upon her lips.

Finally understanding her meaning, Lourdes placed a hand upon her heart and hissed, "Bloody hell, Akira! You scared me!"

Shaking her head, Akira grabbed the reigns of the steed beside Lourdes' mare. Tying her bag to the saddle of the horse, she quickly mounted it before turning her glance back towards Lourdes. "You know, Lourdes, you are highly predictable." Akira winced mockingly, shrugging as she continued. "Also, you need to work on your excuses, for they are dreadful."

Lourdes could only shake her head at Akira's poke of her 'talents' -- or lack thereof -- and give out a small laugh. Relief finally washed over her, her heart now beating in a regular manner. She was so thankful, so fortunate, that it was Akira who had found her, and nobody else. Smiling at her friend, Lourdes retaliated with, "Can't keep away from Tristan, huh?"

It was Akira's turn to become speechless, her cheeks burning fervently as she cleared her throat. Lourdes only grinned impishly at her, proud of herself that she was now turning the tables on Akira. For effect, Lourdes leaned her elbow on the neck of her horse, chin in hand, batting her eyelashes. She waited patiently for Akira's response. Akira only rolled her eyes as dismissively as possible before replying with, "If you really think I'd let Tristan have all the fun -"

"That, you see," Lourdes wagged a finger in front of her nose, "will not work with me. Admit to me that you fancy the scout and get it over with." Lourdes leaned in closer, eyes shifting to the darkness around them as she whispered, "Do not worry, I will not tell anyone!" Akira sat with mouth agape, taken aback by Lourdes' bluntness. As she stuttered for an answer, Lourdes continued her teasing, "Oh, and by the way, I was meaning to ask..."

"Yes?" Akira managed to squeak out.

"Is he a good kisser?"

Akira's mouth remained agape at this. As she tried to quickly grab Lourdes' arm, Lourdes immediately jerked away. Lourdes laughed freely now, flicking the reigns and kicking the side of her horse to send her jolting forward. Regaining her composure, Akira did the same, chasing after the hysterically laughing princess. In only a few moments, the two women were out of the castle, their horses flying through the dark fields as they rode towards their knights.

t t t

"Alright, alright!" Bedivere held out his hands in the air, squinting as he continuously giggled at the last jest. The knights around him -- save for Lord Theodore, who rode at the very front, and Lancelot and Tristan, who remained silent at the very rear -- continued to laugh and guffaw, holding their stomachs, slapping their laps, and covering their faces. Breathing in loudly to regain his composure, Bedivere began once more. "Next one." His eyes darted around him, a mischievous grin appearing on his lips. "I am thinking of something that looks like an old goat with a sorry excuse for a manhood."

Bors kept his hand on his face to contain his laughter, mumbling through his palm. "Ye sure 'tis not a 'someone'?"

Pursing his lips in mock thoughtfulness, Bedivere tilted his head once. "Quite possibly, yes."

Gawain nudged Dagonet excitedly, motioning his head towards the front. "He looks like a goat, doesn't he?" At Dagonet's amused expression, Gawain continued in a low voice, "And I am quite positive, without even seeing it, that he has got a sorry excuse for a manhood."

When he could not control the urge any longer, Dagonet simply boomed with laughter, raising his arm in the air excitedly as he proclaimed in victory, "I've got it!" Bedivere nodded for him to continue. Dagonet pointed straight in front of him, his finger landing square on Lord Theodore. "'Tis him!"

Bedivere began to clap, inclining his head. "Marvelous, Dag, simply marvelous! You deserve a prize!"

Another round of laughter erupted from the eight, much to Theodore's chagrin. He simply snarled and rode even more ahead, cursing inwardly that, in the first place, he was forced into going on this bloody mission and that now, he was the butt of the knight's "less-than-flattering" jokes -- coming from his own knight, no less!

"Bah, he's no fun." Bedivere waved a dismissive hand in his direction, scoffing. Nudging his comrade, he stated, "Gareth, 'tis your turn!"

Lancelot turned his attention away from the jesting knights in front of him and looked to the left in Tristan's direction. The knight had been quiet for the entire seven days that they had travelled -- even more so than usual. This somewhat worried Lancelot, and he had a solid inkling that Tristan's heightened brooding had little to do with this mission. Patting the scout on the back, Lancelot began lightly, "How are you feeling this morrow, Tristan?"

The scout merely shrugged, mumbling under his breath. "Fine."

Lancelot immediately recognized his tone. "You are as miserable as I am, huh?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in understanding. Tristan's gaze abruptly landed on Lancelot, questioning the knight's words. Lancelot smirked as he explained, "'Tis alright, Tristan. I know exactly what you are going through."

Immediately, Tristan cleared his throat. "I know not of what you speak."

Groaning, Lancelot ran a hand down his face exasperatedly, peering at Tristan in between his fingers. "Why can you not admit that there is something going on between you and Akira, Tristan? 'Tis not a crime, you know. Hell, 'tis positively one of the best feelings in the world!"

"Because I just do not know if there is." Tristan replied succinctly, shrugging. "Why worry about it?"

Lancelot almost laughed. In all the years that he had spent with Tristan, he was the knight to have the least contact with women, the most unlikely to outwardly express his emotions towards them. This must be new to him, Lancelot mused, still eyeing the quiet knight. He shook his head in wonder, thinking that this man could have 10 men dead upon his feet in a matter of seconds, but he cannot even express his feelings for a woman! Though, Lancelot responded sincerely, "Because, Tristan, if you truly care for a woman, then you should do everything in your power, sacrifice everything in your being, to be with her." Tristan only breathed out through his bottom lip at this advice, looking forward in front of him. Lancelot continued reassuringly, "Look, Tristan, it is evident that Akira does fancy you." The day when Lourdes and he eavesdropped on the two of them flashed through Lancelot's mind, making him laugh inwardly as he continued, "So having that in mind, if you really do fancy her, then there should be no problem at all! By this time next year, you should have a handsome devil named Tristan the Second cooing contentedly in your arms!"

"Lancelot," Tristan breathed out exasperatedly, looking up to the cloudless sky, "I am not a man of beguiling words -- nay, just words. How could I possibly tell her how I feel?"

"You do not have to tell her. Show her."

Tristan groaned outwardly, hanging his head. "I am even worse with that."

Lancelot chuckled, patting Tristan on the back repeatedly. "Tristan, believe me. If it is the right woman, then it should come naturally." Lancelot winced, circling his hand. "Of course, you will be nervous at first -- quite fidgety, actually -- but when you have finally placed all of your cards on the table, and have received the same gesture in return, then you will see that it will be all worth it." Placing a hand on the knight's shoulder, Lancelot squeezed as he said sincerely, "Tristan, you have risked your life every day for fifteen years for a cause not of your own. You can certainly risk your heart for your own cause." Lancelot nudged him with a sigh. "You've seen too much death, my friend. You need a taste of life."

Tristan could not deny that he was moved by Lancelot's little speech. He almost chuckled inwardly, because this was coming from a man who used to be such a womanizer, a man that held no remorse for his random liaisons, a man who kept no attachment to any women. He was proud, then, of what Lancelot had become -- for he knew that Lancelot was speaking from his own experiences, from his own lessons in life and love. Tristan thanked Lourdes then, wherever she was -- for not only did she elicit such a remarkable change in his comrade, but continues to encourage it -- even in her absence.

Though, only when hell freezes over that Tristan would openly admit this to Lancelot. Instead, the scout cleared his throat and grumbled, "You talk too much."

Lancelot immediately gave out a hearty laugh, fully knowing that Tristan completely comprehended what he was saying and that he accepted it to heart. Curiosity taking over him, Lancelot questioned, "So, if you don't mind me asking, how did this...thing...with Akira begin?"

"I beat her in a sword match."

Lancelot squinted his eyes. "What?"

Tristan nodded with a shug. "After that match, she wouldn't leave me alone until I gave her another match. I kept denying her, but she was persistent, and had such a way with words."

"Ah." Lancelot gave him a curt nod, wagging an index finger. "Woo you, she did?"

"No." Tristan snorted. "Insulted me."

Lancelot burst out laughing, unable to believe what he was hearing. So that is how you pry your way into Tristan's heart? You insult him?, Lancelot mused to himself, shaking his head. "Oh. I see you fancy those types of women, huh?"

"Bah." Tristan waved a dismissive hand at the giggling knight, continuing, "We practiced the art of war daily. She showed me around Kenji, taught me about their way of life." Tristan paused, as if replaying the moment in his head. "Then, one night, she just kissed me."

"Was that your first kiss?"

"Sod off, Lancelot."

"Well...was it?"

Initiating the squabble, Tristan angrily slapped Lancelot on the arm. The two then began to bicker, pushing each other forcefully as they continued to sit upon their steeds. The other knights looked back at them in bewilderment, glancing at each other in question as to whether or not they should break up the two men. Though, they ultimately decided against it, watching the two knights go at it -- their new form of amusement. Even heightening their amusement, the eight encouraged the two with gleeful shouts and claps.

"Slap him on the back of the head, Tristan!"

"Go for his armpits, Lancelot!"

When Tristan finally held Lancelot in a headlock, the cheeky knight put up his arms, uncomfortably sitting on his horse on an awkward angle. "Alright, alright! I concede!"

Finally, Tristan loosened his grip upon Lancelot's neck, the two audibly breathing at their little altercation. Straightening his armour and clearing his throat, Lancelot regained his composure, now sitting erect and proud upon his steed. Though, after a few moments, he couldn't help but poke, "I'll just say that it was your second kiss."

Tristan eyed Lancelot vehemently, his lips curling into a snarl. Recognizing that expression, Lancelot immediately kicked the side of his horse and bolted from the procession of knights. In a flash, Tristan was on his tail, chasing the laughing knight into the distant fields.

t t t

Akira's delicate fingers gingerly traced the tracks on the muddied ground. With alert eyes, she surveyed her surroundings, gaze following the direction of what she concluded as fresh tracks. Her eyes darted back to Lourdes, who continued to sit erect upon her mare behind her. Motioning her head to the far right of the woods, Akira informed her with a wide grin, "They are only a couple of hours that way." Slapping her hands together in order to brush the dirt away, Akira stood and proceeded to expertly mount her steed. "They seem to be going quite slow indeed."

"Probably because they periodically stop to beat the bloody hell out of Theodore." Lourdes grinned evilly, finding so much pleasure in visualizing her statement. She even burst out laughing at seeing Lancelot hitting Lord Theodore repeatedly with a fallen tree branch. Placing her hand on her mouth to stop her giggling, Akira could only eye her as though she was daft, the Shinodian commander shrugging her shoulders as Lourdes continued to giggle to herself.

"If we travel at full speed, we will probably reach them by sundown." Akira happily informed Lourdes, excited herself to finally see Tristan once more.

With a wink, Lourdes replied, "Then what are we waiting for?"

The two women simultaneously ticked their tongues, and with a whip of the reigns, they continued at full gallop within the woods.

t t t

Dusk had enveloped the knights in its embrace as they began to make their encampments in the woods. Incredibly weary from their travels, the knights spoke in hushed tones, their energy almost fully drained after they had set up their makeshift shelters.

The distant galloping of steeds caught Tristan's attention, ears perked up as the sounds became closer. Lancelot was the second to hear them, eyes squinted as he tried to observe the origin of the sound in the dark. After a few moments, all of the other knights heart the thundering hooves as well, a bit apprehensive about incoming intruders. Though, seeing that they were near their destination, they had some hope that it was the Sarmatian soldiers that they were to meet, patrolling the nearby surroundings.

Attention all turned towards the pair of horses, the knights instinctively held the hilts of their weapons. As the two riders came closer, Tristan and Lancelot could feel dread and disbelief washing over them, their keen vision recognizing who rode before them.

Just as the riders stopped near the outskirts of their encampment, Lancelot lunged forward, spearing Tristan away from an incoming arrow. A piercing cry came from one of the riders, his foreign call not so foreign to the knights any longer.

In the Shinodian language, he had called for a full attack.

In a flash of memory, the knights recognized the armour that these Shinodians wore, which were exactly the same as those the Shinodians that had attacked Arthur's castle had worn. Hearing dozens of thundering hooves all around them, the knights cried out as they prepared for battle, all eleven of them standing in a circle, backs to one another. They held their weapons and shields at hand, defensive and alert for anymore incoming arrows. As another shower of arrows came, they connected their shields as they bent low, making a successful wall of defense. When it stopped, they clustered, all heading out in different directions to counterattack.

The Shinodians had dismounted now, all wielding their katanas, creeping menacingly towards the eleven. There had to be at least two dozen of them, encircling the knights, picking them off one by one. Only mere moments after the battle had begun, the knights heard even more thundering hooves coming in their direction. In desperation and fear, the knights fought with all of their might, fatigue growing heavily upon their shoulders as the Shinodians came with a full attack. Each knight was at a clear disadvantage, the disciplined practice of these Shinodians being exhibited as they fought. In a matter of minutes, all the knights received a barrage of punches, kicks and cuts all over their bodies.

Lancelot could hear the pounding hooves coming closer and closer. Fear now coursed through his body, quickly realizing that they would not be able to defend themselves against an entire army of rebel Shinodians. Looking around in desperation for the other knights, he was taken by surprise as a Shinodian warrior ran towards him, yelling at the top of his lungs with his katana raised in the air. Crossing his twin blades above him, Lancelot blocked the downward blow, gritting his teeth as he shakily pushed the man from his form. Though, in a swift move, the Shinodian rebel regained his composure and slashed at the knight, connecting with his arm. Crying out in pain, Lancelot dropped his left sword, holding his right one weakly in front of him. For a few moments, he managed to block every blow that he was dealt, pacing backwards quickly.

What he did not see, though, was another warrior coming behind him.

Completely concentrated on the warrior before him, he moved as dexterously as his body would let him, now feeling faint not only from fatigue, but from blood loss. In a desperate move, he knocked the katana from the warrior's hand, quickly burying his sword upon his chest. As the warrior choked out blood and fell lifeless onto the ground, Lancelot was suddenly pushed, landing on his side with a hard thud onto the ground. Groaning, he clutched his weapon tightly in his hand, rolling around weakly to defend once more. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of an eerily familiar silhouette fighting a Shinodian rebel only a few metres from him. The warrior's eyes landed upon Lancelot a few times as the battle continued. Then, with only a few strokes, the battle ended abruptly, the Shinodian warrior falling lifelessly onto the ground beside Lancelot.

The victorious warrior sheathed his sword, stalking to Lancelot's side, who weakly stood up. His green eyes were a mixture of relief and bewilderment, as if he, too, could not believe who he was seeing in front of him. Staring at the dark figure, Lancelot squinted his eyes in shock and disbelief, feeling as though he was unable to speak. Blinking once more, Lancelot whispered hoarsely...

"Galahad?"

t t t

A/N: Dun dun dunnn! Could it be the handsome Galahad? Or has Lancelot gone crazy and is just seeing things?

Please review! I want to know what you guys think! -smiles-