Standard Disclaimer: KA and the legends are soooo not mine. The craziness of the characters is the only thing I own. Bad Language, Violence and Possible Sexual Scenes Warning. Don't like it, don't read.

Whoa! Chapter 17, this is definitely the last chapter before the return to Britain. I wrote it anticipating a long chapter, I guess you'll see how long it is. Thanks sooooo much to my reviewers. I really try to write as much as possible, but in at least two of my classes I've got a 20 pager and a 10 pager to write, as well as several short assignments (there's at least 20 2-3 page assignments!). Ew! At least this keeps me sane. Also for the fans of my other stories, I'm going through a most evil block. But something will turn up soon. Your reviewers have always encouraged me.

The Year Apart – part 4

My Dearest Knights in Shining Armor,

So, how are my favorite boys handling not having us around? I jest. If you're each missing a tunic, I have them. I have to look somewhat like I fit in, right? This trip, though, has been going very well, yet happens to lack that "Sarmatian" Charm. No, I do not mean wooing a woman to your bed Lancelot and Lamorak.

All of us are doing remotely well, and I hope you are too; just so you know about seven months ago Brat's name officially changed to Jerica Esperanza Reynaldi y Cortés, we are legally sisters according to Roman law. Don't frown boys, it doesn't suit you.

There is so much I'm learning, but I do miss all of you and I can't wait to see you all again. In two days we leave for the Far East Islands and then we will be headed back to Britannia. I'm so excited; it will be the last part of our journey. I wonder how much you miss us; I suppose I will just have to see.

Oh, before I forget, I was engaged for a week, married and widowed in a day, engaged again and freed from my husband to be. Alright, can't wait till the end of the year. Miss you!

All My Love,

Ria

(A/N: This part is technically in English)

Dearest Arthur,

I hope you are well and practicing English with Vanora's children. I'll know if you have not my dear knight commander. Little ears and eyes are attached to innocent mouths, the children will tattle just to see me scold you.

What I have to say in this letter is only for you and Vanora only, for I did not wish to worry my knights because I fear what they could do. I feel you should know because it is only right that for all you have done for me I be as honest as I can. Vanora must know because she is the sister I never had and she will most likely understand what I feel or not, I am not there to see if she would still support me. This is why my letter to the others was so vague; forgive me for adding to the worries already on you shoulders.

Our trip started out well enough, yet not but two days from the coast a storm hit our ship and threw me and Loca overboard onto a wealthy and corrupt prince's land. Because I had a striking resemblance to a princess who had recently died, he deemed that I would take her place in their engagement in order to take over her lands. His plan was to marry me and then have me killed. I do not believe I would be writing to you if his plan had completely succeeded. To put it shortly, I killed him in a most brutal and horrific way for self preservation only it does not feel like I did right; I cannot even divest the details for I am shamed so. I fear that in those moments I enjoyed taking his life, in a way that no one should. Writing this makes me realize how real it was that I have taken a man's life.

After leaving that country to a monarch I have hopes for, we made our way to Constantinople. I wish I had believed you when you told us how wonderful Rome is, it is truly a beautiful city; but as we know nothing is ever truly beautiful (Charity is living proof, is she not?). Your rules there do not suit me and soon I was engaged to our dear Phillipus under Lord Benedictus' ruling. I fear I left our friend with wounded body and pride in a very public way.

During the months afterward, trade has done us very well and I'm sure even Argon would be please with the profits I pulled in as well as the new skills in metalworking. I have picked up more ways to better protect myself, sadly I had to use these new skills sooner than I would have liked. About three months ago I saved a young woman and her brother from attackers, one man I killed with that trick you taught me. And naught but three days ago, Charity's actions had forced my hand to protect her. I am not suited for such an existence, death is not meant to be dealt by me. I wonder how you and the knights manage to get over it. I am changed, and yet I am not.

Also I should mention that we have passed through Sarmatia, I can see why the knights would want to return so badly. It is an amazing place, untouched and untainted by anything from my world. I would have grown fond of it if I didn't already find a home amongst you and the others. If you are wondering, yes, we did meet up with some of the tribes. Gareth's, Lionell's and Darren's tribe traded with us. It broke my heart to tell the mothers of Gareth and Lionell the fate of their sons; they held a ceremony for the fallen, which I participated in Gareth's honor. They marked my skin in their memory, but it is not in any place visible. Don't tell Lancelot or he will definitely wish to see it.

For now I am well, dear Arthur, do not fear or worry too much. I can almost see you frown, sweet man a smile suits you much better. When next you see me, I hope you'll not think less of me for what I have told you; that I will still be the same in your eyes. Take care my knight commander, I expect to see you well next we meet. Miss you.

All my Love,

Victoria Azhar Ysolde Reynaldi y Cortés

Three days from the Japanese Coast finds me standing as the bow of the ship, wind in my hair, ocean spray splattering my face. I wrap my arms around myself in Arthur's stolen blue tunic under the cloak I wear. I reread the copies of my letters to the knights, my words to Arthur practically dripped with sadness; but he had to know the truth. I'm not proud of myself for what I did; I'd think there was something wrong with me if I were. As much as possible I try not to be remorseful or depressing around everyone; yet it is in these quiet moments that again I find myself pitying the person I've become… am I a killer? That really freaks me out that I just might be if I find myself taking some pleasure in the power of ending another's life.

"Vicky, wake up, we'll be docking in the next hour." Charity's shrill voice abruptly woke me from my slumber, I nudged Loca (who's been changing her size quite constantly and often reminding me of Alice in Wonderland) as I shifted the tunic I wore to bed (Tristan's) around my thighs and changed into my breeches and a cleaner shirt under another tunic (Lancelot).

We docked at the port and I place the happy façade back on for the sake of my friends as I make my way to the gangplank. Jerica beats me to it running with a barely contained joy to see and feel solid ground.

"LAND!" Jerica stumbled down the gangplank onto the dock and earth to her knees.

"Wait, Jeri—don't kiss the … ew." I picked the pale and seasick fifteen year old off the ground while behind us we could hear the tinkling laughter of Yseulet and Inara as well as the braying of Charity (no, she doesn't really have a braying laugh, but I can dream right).

That night after getting settled at the inn before meeting with the local noble (Hassan's friend) Fujiwara noh Sei, I was standing on the beach. My mind was consumed by my thoughts, how simple it would be to just wake up. But I can't wake up, it's not a dream because if it was then the tattoo I have on my left hip wouldn't have hurt as it did.

The moonlight on the waves looks wonderful and inviting, I wonder if the knights are looking at the same sight I am, a beautiful moon with its calm and cool demeanor… how so much like Tristan. Gaad, I can't seem to get him out of my head!

Much like how I can't get the fact I've killed people out of my head… shite the remorse is back. I took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly with the crash of the waves trying incredibly hard to move on from the deaths I had caused and not think about how I just might have possibly killed off a whole bunch of people in my time…. DAMNIT I just keep doing it to myself! OH that is just BLOODY FUCKING PERFECT!

"One so young should not be carrying the burdens of the old on her shoulders, for she will end up crooked and bitter before her time." A wizened voice said behind me in accented English. I had been so caught in my own thoughts I hadn't realized I had company as I spun around to see an old fisherman pulling (by the looks of it) an even older fishing boat onto the sand. He had a wide brimmed hat, and clothes that hung loosely on his wiry frame. It amazed me that he could even pull that boat onto the sand that far.

"Oh, let me help you," I rushed over to help the old man with the boat, together we had it banked onto the sand without the threat of it being carried away by the tide. "Did you say something?" I finally asked leaning against the aged hull of the small craft.

"That I did young one. You stare at the ocean and sea as though you seek redemption to relieve the hardships on your shoulders. Others have forgiven you, you only need to forgive yourself." The old fisherman said. He spoke so bluntly and plainly, if only I could believe him.

"Sir, you do not know what I have done. It's not like stealing or doing drugs or fornication… it's so much worse than that." I said, not wanting to really tell a complete stranger (who spoke English, but that fact completely escaped me) yet at the same time I wanted to get it off my chest. I poured out the whole story in three breaths and for the first time I didn't cry or sob or weep… for anyone.

"Hmm, that is serious."

"I know."

"Do you think that maybe it was meant to happen, that perhaps by those deaths more people would live and survive?"

"That's a bit morbid. And yes, I have considered it, but it doesn't make me feel better."

"It shouldn't, it should put things into perspective. There would be something wrong with you if you did feel better. All you must do is continue to survive, it is the way of life; as is finding forgiveness in your actions so you can carry on and let go." The old fisherman smiled at me with gaps in his teeth, comical if the situation weren't so serious.

(A/N: The italics will be in Arabic)

"Azhar! There you are! I have been looking for you," Inara and Yseulet raced across the sand to meet me, Loca reached me first and tackled me.

"I'm fine, I was just sorting my thoughts and talking to this good sir…" I answered as I pulled the kitten-sized Loca into my lap.

"Good sir? What are you talking about?"

"This one—oh." I turned to see no one and I was against a crumbling shrine of the fishermen's deity.

"Come, Azhar, let's return to the inn for rest. We meet with the Family Fujiwara in the morning, it is best we are not late." The two women pulled me up as we made our way back to the inn.
Momentarily I stopped and looked to the ocean and made a silent thanks to whomever it was I spoke to.

As I lay abed that night between Loca and Jerica, I pondered the conversation I had with the old man (real or not) and realized how much he helped me. As much as I thought I was protecting my friends by not letting them into what was hurting me, I was truly distancing them by keeping them in the dark. I needed to talk to them; I needed my friends as much as they needed me.

"Jerica, I know you're asleep, but maybe it'll be easier if I can just tell you now better than later… when I killed those men, I was scared. Scared I was capable of doing that in so brutal a way and that I would lose you all and therefore lose myself. I was scared that I would enjoy it and keep killing without a second thought. I should have known that no matter what all of you would be there for me. Anyway, I just thought you should know. I'll always be here for you until you find someone stronger to take my place, I love you little sis." I kissed her gently on the cheek before settling back down on the blankets, unknown to me that the necessary listeners had all heard me.

The next day we met with the Fujiwara nobles, Sei and his wife Kura, and their kids: Seiichi (24, very charming but a bit plain and has his jet black hair long and horse-tailed) Kaida (22, mischief in a pretty package, her eyes hide all when accompanied by the white painted face she has), Suoh (12, fun and full of childish life, reminds me of Galahad) and finally little Kane (3, cute, cute, cute and rather precocious). When we met them, we learned that we couldn't have visited at a more dangerous time, the noble clans were involved in blood-feuds coupled with peasant revolts. Some had even gone as far as to seek the dark help of youkai, oni, witches and the like to defeat whole clans! (A/N: youkai and oni are creatures of Japanese folklore,I had a link for it, butI guessI can't do that, you can look up all of the creatures on any online encyclopedia,as I am not an expert)

I wouldn't have believed it when they told us if it hadn't been for the attack two days later after Inara and Hassan took their merchants to the countryside to trade. They said that Charity, Jerica, Ysuelet and I would draw too much attention for bandits especially since we (with the exception of Ysuelet) didn't have very adequate weapons training. Seiichi suggested that we learn the naginata and the tessen in case there wouldn't be anybody to protect us.

The Fujiwaras, although nobles, were not as wealthy as other nobles and had to rely on the trade to make money, which therefore meant they needed all to learn how to fight in case of bandits and recently the blood-feuds with the Taira clan. I insisted my willingness to learn the katana and even showed my skills as a weapons-smith, but was horribly dismissed until three days a week after Inara and Hassan left, another attack by blue skinned oni had killed the blacksmith and his son was in the neighboring village under apprenticeship until the next three months.

So, now it has been three weeks since Inara and Hassan have left us in the Fujiwara estate, I'm learning the finer techniques of the katana as well as unarmed combat from the local boys in exchange for dagger and throwing stars. Jerica and Yseulet are learning the naginata with Kaida and Kura, and unarmed combat with Kane and me from the boys and other masters (given there is time to teach a clumsy 21 year old like me).

"Ria, pay attention, I could have stabbed you!" Seiichi scolded me in fast Japanese. Did I mention I'm learning Japanese too? Charity doesn't need to learn, her father has her in languages since she was four and I was determined to not have a repeat of Wren's Bend where I didn't know anything of Latin three years ago.

I glared at Seiichi and attacked with an intense fervor trying to find an opening in his moves, but like the skilled swordsman he was, there weren't any.

"ONI!" The cry came suddenly; Seiichi and I stopped our practice, our breaths in pants we shared a horrified look before running to the inner walls of the estate in order to suit up against the oncoming ogres.

Kaida stood on the steps fully dressed and holding out our armor; (a mix of western and eastern design, thank you, thank you) thick layers combined with leather and silk with small metal plates grafted together. Jerica had rushed up behind Kura and Ysuelet, all were prepped and ready as well. Sei was already on his brown stallion, 17 hands tall with a black mane and tail and white socks made of all muscle, leading the peasants and soldiers against the first wave of attackers.

Kura was giving her servants and guards specific instructions to protect Suoh and Kane before we were needed to protect against the second wave. With a final glance to the children being rushed inside, I pulled Charity along with me (I know she has no aptitude against assailants but she's safer with me than without, I had no choice) whilst trying to quell the foreboding feeling in my stomach… I could very well die today and never see him again.

"RIA BEHIND YOU!" Kura's voice screeched as I turned around to be faced with a rather large guard wearing Taira armor and colors. This is the biggest attack, only now Taira has come and with supernatural help. So much for leaving here in two months; the waters have become infested with all kinds of demons, it's damn impossible to get out of the harbor!

I block the swipe to my neck, but just barely manage to do so. Nimbly I try to weave away from him, if I'm lucky I will kill him, up to this point I've lost track of how many I've killed, but right now I'm beyond caring. Again the soldier lunges at me with hacking slashes and I do my best to defend myself and Charity, who is currently shrieking like a fucking banshee.

I gasp as the Taira soldier swings and sliced me across the chest. Despite the layers of leather to serve as armor I can feel blood leak from the gash seep through the shirt I wear under the 'armor'. Angrily I make a wide arc with the sword and kick his shins in forcefully while he was watching my sword arm. He grimaced painfully just before the swing of my sword ended his life by beheading.

Scanning the battlefield (the road and fields before the village entrance) I pulled Charity after me to help Kaida, who was battling against an over-large blue skinned oni with a tiger skinned loincloth and iron club. Kaida may be adequate as a fighter, but very few are any match for a blue skinned oni.

"SEI!" Kura's scream was heard across the battlefield and drew the attention of everyone. Fujiwara noh Sei lay in his wife's arms with his opponent's katana through his heart. Kura was sobbing uncontrollably, while cradling her dying husband to her armored breast. Enemies from all sides seemed drawn to the newly-made widow and her dead love. Seeing this, Seiichi fought desperately to his mother and father's side, as did Kaida and I. Pulling the folded tessen from my belt I whacked an oncoming attacker in the face before pulling Charity (screaming hysterically) after me towards Kura and Sei.
Ysuelet was on another part of the field blasting away or something that could be mistaken for light blasts and could get no closer to the mourning widow any faster than I could.
I couldn't, but Loca could! "¡Loca¡Proteja a la Madre!" I yelled desperately as I hacked and slashed my way through the masses of enemies. I know I was getting hurt, but injuries weren't registering themselves in my brain, all I could think of was helping the woman who looked after me like a mother in the short time I had known her.

I ducked under the arms of a large red-skinned ogre only to see a Taira soldier battle Loca while a blue-skinned oni clubbed Kura over the head.

"NO!"

I don't remember too clearly what happened, again that feeling that I had retreated to a more primal state washed over me. The animal that claimed Heriberto had resurfaced and with it the lives of all who opposed me were forfeit. My sword was the extension of my claws and fangs as creatures and men were felled in single strokes.

Another in Taira colors rushed at me, his clothes and armor were well made… a noble or noble's son. I blocked his attack with surprising ease before repositioning my hands on the hilt and simply ending his life… I didn't quite chop his head off, I made a PEZ dispenser outta him.

It was then that I realized the battle was over and who I was returned to find that I was surrounded by a wide circle piled with dead bodies: oni, youkai and Taira soldiers alike… including the noble I had killed.

"RIA!" Jerica's voice rang out and once again I felt remotely like myself. My lil' sister barreled me in a fierce hug, her sobs muffled against my shoulder, I saw Seiichi and Kaida kneeling by their parents while Yseulet stumbled over to me following Loca in tiger-sized form.
Yseulet and I shared a look as I assured Jerica that I was fine, "Wait. Where's Charity?" I asked suddenly. We all looked at each other, Jerica had a surprised grin while Yseulet and I had expressions of horror. Life without Charity would be nice, but that'd mean I couldn't go—
"WHERE IS EVERYBODY? VICKY! YOU BITCH, GET ME OUT OF HERE!"
Well that was short-lived.
Apparently I had pushed her into a natural ditch when I was in my "state". Oh well, no use crying over it now. Seiichi and Kaida needed us to help them through their grief.

Inventory of wounds, two cracked ribs, a deep gash running from the back of my calf to the middle of my thigh, several lacerations on my arms and neck, a cheek slice, slight concussion, a gash across my chest and my left arm had a immobilizing wound… I was just this giant mess of 'OW' and I wasn't the only one, everybody suffered injuries of some kind. Although, Charity lamented over a broken nail while there were others screaming over lost limbs… yeah.

The weeks following the battle were sorrow and confusion filled, the Arabian merchants returned looking battered, beaten and less in number (they were fighting at the rear of the Taira clan). We all were healing and mourning for Sei, I may not have known him very long, but he actually respected me and my opinions (to a point, I'm still a woman and this is still the 5th century). I wasn't so withdrawn into myself this time after the battle, and I have Jerica and Ysuelet to thank for it; they convinced me to talk about my fear of doling out death and though it was a normal fear, I would not be some horrible bloodlusting monster… at least for now.

Soon, too soon, it was time to return to Britannia, there were two ships to take us, one for the Arabian merchants (going back to their homestead, in Arabia) and the other for Charity, Jerica, Ysuelet, Loca and me to return to Britain. Cradling my arm under Tristan's tunic, I watched as sailors loaded our supplies onto the ship. Crates of weapons I made and traded; bolts of cloth, rice, and other goods were going down into the hold with the fresh water and food. Charity's items (gaudy furniture, bulky dresses, scented oils, jewelry and so on) would be in the next storage area. We'd argued over what was more necessary countless times and every argument I seem to have lost. The sailors were getting "something extra" just to get her junk on the ship. I swear if we sink, I will kill her and no one will stop me.

Finally, after the three extra months we were in Japan, we were finally returning to Britain. I never thought I would be so pleased to go back; then again the knights do make that spot of island more home than my real home had been. As we said our good-byes, I noticed that Kaida wasn't around to see us off; I was hurt by her lack of show, but her mother said that Kaida was feeling ill this morning, still it would have been nice to see my friend.

Three hours, the novelty of going to sea again wore off rather quickly when Jerica started barfing off the port bow. I don't think she'll ever enjoy the sea as much as the rest of us got used to. Yseulet was looking after Jerica for this hour, we had taken to shifts looking after my sister so neither one of us would be feeling ill from watching Jeri barf.

I was in a dice game with some of the off-duty sailors when a shout came from the cabins below. Grabbing our weapons, a good portion of us rushed to the cargo area to see the captain holding the slim pale arm of a hooded figure.

"Boys, we gots us a stowaway," one of the sailors, Tsubota noh Ichigo, translated to me. The captain pulled the hood down and we saw Lady Fujiwara noh Kaida struggling to regain her arm with her dignity in tact.

"I'm not a stowaway, I can pay for my passage," she argued pulling a small purse of gold from the folds of her cream and bamboo designed kimono. Handing it to the captain, she pulled her arm free.

"You're still an undocumented passenger, and therefore a stowaway. Who will vouch for you?"

"I will. Honestly captain, she's paid you and we're too far to return, she'll be under my guard and I will take full responsibility for her." I stepped forward and had Ichigo translate for me. The captain grunted and pushed her toward me.

"You keep a good eye on her, I'll have no troublemakers on my ship or they overboard."

"Agreed." I pulled Kaida after me until we reached the cabin Jerica, Charity, Yseulet, Loca, I and now Kaida will share.

"What are you doing here? Your mother said you were ill."

"After the battle, you know a shaky peace was created. Since you killed the eldest Taira son, my brother was pressured into offering me in marriage to the next heir… a 13 year old boy!" I worked hard to school my features from laughing, "Oh sure laugh it up Ria, you wouldn't have stood for unwanted marriage." My mind drifted back to Heriberto, but now wasn't the time to recount that story. "So mother had me hide away and go with you. I have a better chance with you than at home, from what I've seen you have freedoms normal women wouldn't dream of, freedoms I want too."

"You're joking right? I'm still treated like a piece of meat by most men; I have to fight every time just to get them to see beyond my teats and ass, that doesn't mean that I have freedoms, Kai-chan."

She implored to let her stay… did she really think I was gonna say no? Of course not! "Just so you know, Kai-chan, it gets a little cramped in here and Charity kicks like a mule as well as snores like one." I said heading out the door, a squeal emitted from her and I soon found myself face down and the life being squeezed outta me.

"You won't forget it Ria-chan, I promise you won't."

"Great, now get off me!" She laughed at my scowl and bruised forehead. "Not funny… and just for that I won't tell you any stories about the knights. So there." I stuck my tongue at her and left.

The trip went by smoothly, Jerica was less seasick, Charity suffered daily pranks (I really couldn't help myself), Yseulet was more talkative than she's ever been, Kaida was interacting and getting along with the crew and I was getting closer everyday to seeing the knights again. I've been healing steadily thanks to Ysuelet's help. Yeah, everything was a lot better, so why do I still feel this sense of foreboding? It's something I really can't shake, but I have noticed how quite a few of the sailors look at my little sister. Well she is blossoming into a pretty 15 year old, her red hair growing in wild waves down her back, green eyes and light skin; so that's probably it, I'll just have to keep a wary eye out. However, now that she's growing, I'm curious to see the reactions from the younger knights when they see her.

The return trip has actually gone by faster than I could have ever anticipated. I think it has something to do with the fact that we are heading straight for Britannia instead of stopping at near every port and market. In a way it didn't matter to me as long as we left those sailors behind, I didn't really trust them near Jerica.

Before our official stop in Britannia, we had to stop by Constantinople first. I had promised Claudia to visit before we went back, I only hope Phil's pride is no longer damaged, he is a good friend and I'd hate to jeopardize that because of marriage talk. I'm really not good with stuff like that, I mean look what happened to my last wedding! The groom ended up rejected and dead in his bedchamber.

We rode a carriage to the Benedictus estate; Ysuelet and Jerica were mischievously whispering and looking at the sleeping Charity while Kaida was taking in the sights of the city. Kaida's face was an expressionless mask, but her eyes… a storm of confusion rolled there. "Kai-chan, are you alright?"

"Oh, yes, do not worry for me, Ria-chan. I am fine…" My eyes narrowed in that 'sure, tell me another one' kind of way. "It is just that, the way Jerica, Inara and Charity spoke of Rome, I was hoping…"

"You're disappointed, neh? S'okay, you just never heard my version of Constantinople." I grinned at her and we compared Japan to Rome until we came to the gates of the estate.

"VICTORIA! YOU HAVE RETURNED!" Claudia exclaimed as I stiffly got out of the carriage.

"Owowowowowowowowowowowowowow!" I whimpered for my dear Claudia had slammed me into the side of the carriage with the force of her hug. I think I may have popped a few stitches.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I did not realize you were… Oh NO you are bleeding, someone take her to the healers right away!" I barely had a chance to get a word in aside from 'ow' before being shooed off into an infirmary of sorts for medical attention.

When I was finally deemed well enough to leave the infirmary, it was dark outside. The time I wanted to spend with my friend was wasted at the healers. Poop. I adjusted the stolen tunic I wore as I walked through the halls of the Benedictus estate.

"Ria…" The deep rumble of a familiar voice started behind me. I turned to see the handsome face of Phillipus and embraced him carefully minding my wounds. "How was your trip?"

"Eventful, how were things here?" I replied taking his offered arm as he led me somewhere… oh the kitchen. He told me all that happened since I'd left, including how his father reprimanded him for losing a bride (me) and that now I was back how Claudius said we should be wed as soon as possible.

"Are you shittin' me?" I asked the cutie.

"No, and I told my father as much. Victoria, I respect you and I care deeply for you. There is no way I would taint our friendship because of my father's wishes." He told me seriously. I knew there was a reason my I liked him!

"Thank you. That means a lot to me." I told him going on my toes and kissing his cheek. We continued on to the kitchen and enjoyed a small meal (small for him, four courses for me) in the same camaraderie we had before the whole marriage thing.

A few days later, I was well enough to remove more of my stitches and take my arm out of the sling. So Phil took me outside on a nice day to help me get my fluidity back, because of my injuries, I didn't train my body and became oh-so-stiff and sedentary. Pbbft! Needless to say I got bored very easily.

"I see you've much improved since I last saw you Ria," Phil was easily able to block and parry my attacks, but I could still see that he struggled a bit and I swelled inwardly with pride.

"Well, when you've fought demons and ogres and stuff like I have, you'd improve too." I retorted.

"I doubt that very much. Those are pagan beliefs Ria, and you've given me no reason to believe you are a pagan." He blocked me again, stupid blighter.

I made a face at him and replied,"I'm not, I'm Catholic. Just the events of this journey have changed some of my—"

"FATHER! What are you doing?" Claudia's shriek wafted over the entire household. Phil and I shared a confused look and hasten across the training grounds toward the mansion. Panting, we came to Claudia's bedchambers where two guards lay at the door unconscious, and inside Claudia and three more guards lay haphazardly on the floor also unconscious. The Lord Benedictus was running after Jerica trying to corner her, from his lips words of ancient Japanese had poured like a river. Ysuelet was trying to revive a knocked out Kaida while Loca was trying to protect my sister without harming Claudia and Phil's father.

"Father, stop this madness!" Phillipus bellowed as I hurried to Jerica's aid. Claudius Benedictus turned to face us; when I saw his face, I couldn't help but scream.

Claudius' face was stretched beyond normal limits; his eyes were pools of burning fire, fangs sprouted from his mouth in unnatural directions whilst smoke flowed from his nostrils. There were spikes pointing out of his head… and his skin was a sickly gangrene color, if I wasn't afraid I would have been ill.

The mutated Claudius spoke, but I could not understand his words. I just stared.

"Demon, be gone from my father!" Phil jumped and pressed a wooden cross to his transformed father's head only to be knocked aside.

"Give me the girl," the creature hissed awkwardly from the distorted mouth. I had just realized that now Phillipus was rendered unconscious for he had hit the wall and was slumped in the corner. I looked down at Jerica cowering behind me with Loca in front of me growling menacingly, she was now the size of a horse… Freaky!

I held the katana in my right hand and shielded Jerica with my left, sure she can fight, sure she is capable of taking care of herself, but I promised her the day I took her into my care that I would always protect her. "You want her, you'll have to go through me!" I yelled angrily at the creature. I'm not up to full strength, but I wasn't worried for me. I probably should have been scared, and I think I was. Loca attacked the creature first and I was a little dumbstruck while they fought. I feared for my pet, but there was that hope that Claudius was still somewhere in there.

"Claudius, you have to fight it, fight whatever is controlling you! You've hurt your children, and I know you don't want to do this!" I tried to reason, hoping that I would reach the human inside. Loca swiped her claws at its head, but recoiled as she was injured instead.

The creature threw its head back and laughed loud and long as I tightened the grip on my sword. The long mouth twisted in a cruel and frightening smile. "He doesss not exssssissst any longer. Move asssside, the fire-child is my meal!"

The creature lunged at incredible speed; its fingers became long claws to skewer me and Jerica. Before I could meet it with my sword I was pushed aside by Ysuelet… the creature's claws buried deep in her. She looked at me with a quiet smile before facing the being, gripping its face with her bloody hands and blasting it to oblivion with her power.

"YSUELET! NO!"

And she was gone.

A/N: Egad that was long, much much too long for my taste, but finally we will be going back to Britannia. Also, Fujiwara is a really family from the 7th century. However, the characters in here are neither historically accurate nor real. The same goes with the Taira clan, I was just looking for names and used those, but that's it. I never claimed to be an expert, I just write for the sake of writing.

There really was a Feudal Era of Japan, but it was in the 17th century, so there's a little time hopping going on in the story not just the bit that Charity and Ria are doing.

Reviews would be lovely and welcomed! See you next Chapter.