Chapter 7: Things Changing
They arrived in the Kingdom of Kinomoto three weeks after the incident with Rulf and the revelation of the missing princess. They had traveled dusty roads and wandered through many villages and towns, Julian and Tori keeping a close eye on Sakura. She wasn't about to gallop off but no matter how hard she tried to get them to realize the fact, they still refused to let their guard down.
Sakura, sullen after a heated verbal battle with her brother, looked up and recognized the familiar bend in the road that sloped gently upwards. Once standing up on top of that hill she would be able to see all the way down to the castle. A huge smile, full of joy, appeared as she tapped the sides of her horse and cantered passed her brother and his guards rising towards the top of the hill. Tori called out to her but she was already too busy reining in and brushing the stray strands of hair out of her face at the top of the hill looking into the distance.
The road lay before her like a ribbon. She let her gaze wander passed the curves and bends until she sat gazing at her home. It was a rather large estate and it had been in her family for generations. There were tall towers with billowing flags on their spires, dancing and fluttering. Sakura let her gaze wander across the outer bailey wall and the barracks of the soldiers. Nothing had seemed changed, but she knew every crevice, every hole in the rock work, every passage and every room.
She didn't need to close her eyes to see the large court yard at the back of the kitchens that lead to her mother's beautiful garden. Or the large stone archway that would lead her to the stables full of prized mares and stallions. Nor h she hadn't forgotten the secret passage in her old nurse's room that lead down to the orchards that would be in full bloom this time of year. She could already see line after line of cherry and apple trees bursting to the seams with blossoms the air full of the buzzing of bees.
The maids would be rushing about preparing for dinner and the men would be sitting in front of the hearth in the hall feeding their hunting dogs the scraps from lunch and sharing stories and ale.
The village in front of the castle was just as she remembered it as well. Small huts scattered around the perimeter, smoke drifting out of chimneys, with the market running along a crooked line in between. She could see as well as hear the shouts from the children that played tagged and dodge ball with cloth balls that their mother's had made for them.
Most of the men would be down at the river fishing or hunting for game – the women gathering herbs and bits and pieces from the market before their sons and husbands came home with food for dinner. She saw the odd horse walking the streets below and realized that they were probably traveling knights on crusades or looking for new masters to serve. She saw one man turn his horse towards the smithy. Maybe they were bargaining for new shoes for their horse she smiled to herself.
She waited as the others joined her and ignored her brother's reproachful look. Her horse pranced in excitement and Sakura laughed. They were home! Suddenly a trumpet call rose high and clear and they all watched as everyone in the village below stopped what they were doing and looked to the hill top where they all stood.
" The king knows that were have arrived! " Tori called back to the soldiers behind him.
" Together we head towards home! " cheers of joy and happiness rose. " Let's welcome the princess home! " Tori waved everyone forward and nudged his horse forward.
" To the princess! " soldiers cheered basking in her smile that she threw their way upon hearing them.
Good spirits high, Sakura's horse rose up on its hind legs neighing in excitement. The sun haloed both animal and princess throwing them into silhouettes amongst the cheering of the soldiers. Sakura nudged it forward and they took off at a gallop, Sakura laying flat against the horse's neck.
" Oi! " Tori called after them. " Damn it Sakura come back here! " Turning his horse around her took off after her. Julian shook his head as he too got his mount under way and galloped off after them. Eriol smiled at his companions and followed suit leaving Madison to giggle with happiness and Li to curse under his breath as he swiftly went from canter to gallop.
Sakura slowed up once she entered the village. Sakura smiled and waved to all the villagers who stared and gasped when they recognized kind, caring emerald eyes and the dark head of the prince racing up behind her.
Li, Eriol and Madison watched as their mounts slowed down as villager after villager raced through the streets and lined up along the road to watch as prince and princess alike rode passed. Then all as one, the men bowed low and the women curtseyed, leaving Eriol very curious as he took the scene before them in and Li dumbfounded. He had never seen such deep respect given towards any form of monarch.
They rode into the inner bailey and dismounted. Excited and stressed maids ran out to greet them and stable boys ran up to take the reins of the royal siblings. Almost instantly, Li and Eriol were taken away, lead by two maids, to the guest rooms as requested by her highness, princess Sakura.
They were lead up a million flight of stairs which Eriol commented must be one of the towers, and shown to a richly furnished room with a connecting door to another equally furnished room. Platters of food where placed on the table followed by several kitchen boys with buckets for baths.
Both young men were each giving new clothes (presents sent by Miss Madison) and a warm fire was lit in the hearth. After the maids and the kitchen boys had long parted; found Li and Kero in a heated battle after said magical beast had gulped down a large proportion of the food left to them which had lead to some nasty squabbling which then resulted in Li grabbing hold of Kero's tail and then dunking the tiny beast into the luke warm bath water in sheer frustration.
Eriol, seated in a soft comfy chair near the fire, watched as said magical beast (after transforming into his alter ego Kero Beros) proceeded to squash his adversary by means of sitting on him in front of the fire while his fur continued to dry – small wisps of steam rising from his back and tail.
" Damn your feral hide. Get off me! "
A long, pink tongue continued to clean the raised paw.
" You have to dry you back legs sometime and when you do, I'll be ready! "
Kero Beros simply placed one large paw on the back of said hunter's back and turned forcing all his weight onto that one paw as he continued to lick the fur along his back. He smirked a feral cat grin when he heard the muttered "oomph!" from beneath him.
" Dam you you overstuffed animal! "
The big cat paused in his grooming before simply turning and lying half on the young man beneath him and half on the ground stretching his long hind legs out in front on the fire to dry.
" Damn you Kero!! "
Eriol chuckled and ran his hand down Suppi's back watching his midnight coat gleam in the fire light.
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Sakura stared at her image in the mirror. Her hair was gleaming and was tied at the back of her head, ringlets falling freely, the two stands framing her face. Her necklace had been replaced, so now she wore it proudly as a red ribbon in the form of a choker. She wore a white dress.
It was cut low at the front in the form of a bodice with beautiful swirls and flowers stitched carefully into it. It dipped low at the back but was tied with laces that criss-crossed across her back. It folds of the skirt flowed down and trailed out behind her by a few center meters. It had been shortened at the front a little so you could see the silk white shoes that she wore as she walked.
" You look beautiful. " Madison breathed a she stood back to reveal in her creation.
" Thank you Madison. It's lovely and I love it. " Madison giggled in delight. " You have grown and matured so much since the last time I saw you Sakura. The dress fits you like no other that I have created for you. I believe that this dress was made for a returning queen. " her smile was contagious and Sakura shared it with her best friend.
" As much as I wish I didn't have to face my father, I know that I must if I am ever to move forward. Madison, it is now your turn to prepare yourself. Tonight's meeting includes you as well. " Madison's eyes widened, but she did as she was told. She curtseyed and left her to her thoughts.
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The room was open and very large. The room was splattered with rich colours of red and gold, a few trimmings of black here and there with huge open floor to ceiling windows that were currently open to let in the fresh cool air. A whole conflation of people were gathered around awaiting the arrival of the king's youngest [and only daughter. Li tugged (for the hundredth) time at his collar and caught Eriol's amused grin and scowled, forcing his hand back to his side as he let his eyes wander around the room. How long did it take for one young woman to get ready?!
The doors opened to the throne room and everyone turned to look as Madison walked into the room with her head held high. Many nodded in greeting and murmured comments on how lovely she looked. She took her place near the throne beside Julian and looked up, with a smile, as Sakura walked in.
Every head turned.
Li's couldn't breathe as she watched her come towards them. All stared at her as she walked forward into the room. Aiden had tensed at her appearance and now stared along with the majority of his guests as she walked towards him. No longer was his daughter tripping and struggling to understand the world she lived in, she had trialed and triumphed and now she had grown into a woman.
Beside him Tori choked when he saw what his sibling was wearing, but one fiery look from Madison and he clamped up, grumbling to himself.
Sakura stopped in front of the dais and her emerald eyes met her fathers. Amongst the murmurs and the talk she curtsied to her him. Her skirt settling around her like petals of a delicate flower.
" Your majesty. "
" Sakura. " she could see the tears in his kind and tired eyes. He stood and came down towards her with his arms open. She straightened, tears glistening in her own eyes and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
" I missed you papa. " she whispered.
" I missed you as well hato (dove). Never make me worry so again. "
" Papa, so much has to change. " Sakura stated as she pulled away from him and met his solemn brown eyes. " Please listen to what I have to say. " she begged. Aiden nodded and reluctantly left her and went back and sat on his throne.
Taking her cue from her father, she turned to the hall and Tori noticed how low the dress was cut. He shot Madison a furious glance, but she just stared back at him haughtily daring him to protest vocally.
" Whilst I was away I learnt a great deal. " she made sure her voice was loud and clear and that it carried across the room. She met the gazes of those around her making sure that they were listening. " While we are happy and prosperous, many beyond our borders suffer. " There were murmurs amongst the crowd. She waited until it was reasonably quiet before she continued.
" Outside our borders on unclaimed land, people do in fact suffer. I have seen it with my very own eyes. Men work harder leaving their wives and children almost abandoned and alone to fend for themselves. Inflation is paramount and women and children run into hiding as soon as they see our soldiers. Such matters sicken me. " Sakura turned and addressed her father.
" Papa, I know you care and I know that this offends you as much as it does myself. You do not turn away any that beseech you of your help. I have an idea that can mend these serious matters. I pray that you will not refuse me on this. " Aiden stared down at her waiting patiently.
" Tori is your successor. I have no real purpose anymore here at Kinomoto Valley except that as a breeding mare. You know that that is not what I wish for myself. I know I can be so much ore. Let me go out passed our border and create my own kingdom, so I can take care of these people. "
The hall erupted into murmurs and gasps. Li, Eriol and Madison's jaws dropped along with Tori's and the entire throne room.
" Sakura do you know what you ask? " Aiden asked his voice strangled with shock.
" Hai. I can take care of these people; I know I can if you will give me a chance. "
" No way! " Tori cut in. " I will not leave my little sister to murderers and the unknown! Sakura do you have any idea to the kind of people that lurk passed our borders? How can you propose such a dangerous idea?"
" Butt out Tori. I cannot be kept under your wing all my life. You are the main reason I have come to this decision. You strangle and confine me. You refuse to hear my words of pain and suffering, turning instead, to throwing orders about on my behalf without even consulting me or caring how I feel. " Sakura snapped her eyes flashing. Tori stepped back like he had been slapped.
" Sakura, you realize the impossibility of the task that you have set yourself? " Aiden asked worriedly. " Even if you should settle one of our borders, what of the others? There is still a great amount of unclaimed land out there. Why do you think we have men fighting on our behalf every day? You will need men of your own to guard you, not to mention faithful servants and villagers to settle and maintain your land. Accountants, advisers – is any of this sinking in?" Sakura smiled and he sighed. "I can see that nothing I say will change you mind will it?. "
" Iie papa. As to all those problems I have already thought of that. I will take my loyal guards and servants with me. There are enough villagers around us to compensate for who should come with me. As to our maintaining our borders further I have a solution for that. I beg you to crown Madison and let her go out and start a life of her own. " Sakura smiled kindly towards her friend.
A startled gasp came from Madison. " Are you out of your mind?!! " she cried stunned. Eriol and the others looked back and forth between the two young women. " I wouldn't know the first thing about ruling a country! "
" Cuds-wallop. " Sakura waved away her protests. " Who has given me excellent advice throughout my younger years? Who can remember every lord and lady that resides within our borders? Who is kind and firm when she needs to be – I would almost think that you were meant to be princess and that you and I were swapped at birth. "
" Sakura! " Aiden chided firmly.
" I'm joking papa, " she replied smiling. " But I am serious about this proposal. "
" You are asking a lot Sakura. " he warned gently.
" I haven't even begun. " Sakura stated, her smile growing wider.
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At the end of a very long night of delegation and deliberation it was agreed. Madison, it had been decided, was to be crowned. She was to be given a small regiment to take with her to start her own estate. Sakura would use her chests of precious stones to personally fund her idea and make sure the people were happy and settled. Li and Eriol shared many looks as advisers and nobility alike chided her and shook their heads at her ridiculous ideas. But Sakura raged through the barriers with wit and intelligence and by the end of the long night, had won over everyone's affection.
It was settled. King Aiden would begin the negotiations immediately and hoped that alliances alike would agree to this new proposal. After all it was beneficiary for everyone. It did have its advantages and disadvantages as every plan does but for now he would play it by ear and if there was one small show of trouble he would bring his daughter back under his care.
A new destiny was being shaped, a new legend forming and it would all begin as soon as they set out for the adventure….
One Year Later in the New Kingdom of Berth Seren Banon
Princess Sakura Kinomoto sighed as she placed Madison's letter on the wooden oak table in front of her. Since her arrival back home a year ago before setting out here to her new home, Sakura had grown once again and had matured even more into a beautiful woman. Her hair had grown longer again and was at her middle back, but she kept it so she had a plait across her forehead and the rest plaited so it hung down her back.
Sakura gazed out the stone window in front of her. The hills were a vivid green as the wet season had just past and they were coming back into summer. She sighed and got up and went to stand at the window and breathe in the fresh, clean air. Her pendant sparkled as it caught the light. Sakura was wearing a light blue Celtic gown. The sleeves fanned out at the ends and the dress tied up at the front by dark purple laces. It was of simple design and suited her. Worried eyes watched her as she stood thinking at the window.
" Sakura? Is something wrong? " Julian asked.
When Sakura had left Kinomoto, both Aiden and Tori had agreed that Julian would accompany Sakura to her new home; at least they knew under Star's protection, she would be safe as could be. The fact that he had been one of her favored friends was an added bonus.
" Of course something is wrong Julian. Madison suffers the same as we do here. " She turned around and Julian reveled in her beauty. She was no longer a child, but a full grown woman full of power and wisdom.
" Close the door Julian. I wish to talk to you in private please. "
" Hai. "
The solid oak door closed shut and Julian came to stand in front of her as she sat down again. She poured out some tea and handed it to him as she bade him to sit.
" Julian you and I both know the money is running out. The coffers are dwindling to sparsely anything and that raid last week has left us worse off. The countryside is turning back to poverty and I can't prevent it any longer. " Julian studied her with sad, knowing eyes.
" Madison reports the same happening where she is as well. The problem is that we have too many treasures and not enough money in the system to support it. We hand out precious jewels and stones as it all we have, and the people try to exchange them at the coin exchanges as I once did, but they don't have the money to bank it anymore. Oh Julian, this wasn't what I expected at all. I wanted to save them not condemn them! "
" Your highness please calm down. This is a serious issue indeed, but you mustn't stress yourself out like this. There is a solution for every problem. I was the first one who taught that to you. You just have to delve deep inside the problem and use you knowledge to solve it. " Julian replied.
Sakura sighed brokenly. " Maybe the counselors and advisors were right. Maybe I wasn't cut out for this after all. " she murmured miserably.
Julian slammed his fist down on the desk startling Sakura. " Don't say that Sakura. " he stated firmly. " Look at how much you have achieved in the short time that you have been here. This is a big job for someone who is on her own. Don't let me hear you give in like that do you hear me? I didn't come with you on this mission of yours just to face one minor obstacle and turn around and quit! You've come too far and do you really want to give Tori the satisfaction of knowing you couldn't do this? "
Sakura frowned. " No I do not. " she stated firmly.
" Then we just have to look into this and come up with a solution. " Julian placed his hand on hers in comfort. " You're not alone Sakura, remember that. You've got me and my men, not to mention Madison and all the friends that you made on your little escapade last year. "
A boy with chestnut hair and amber eyes flashed through her mind so suddenly that he was gone before she could enjoy the image.
" Yeah. All but one. " Sakura whispered sadly.
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New Kingdom of Rhawn Rhiain
Princess Madison closed her nearly empty chest that the King had given her. She sighed deeply and prayed that Sakura had gotten her letter. Any later and it would probably be already too late. What were they going to do? Sakura dragged her into this and now Sakura was going to drag her back out of these troubled times. She was dressed in a white gown that was cut low at the front and back. It has no sleeves, just bits of silk flowing down from her shoulders. Her hair was arranged so that she had ringlets falling down her back.
" What's up with the frown on such a beautiful day? " Madison's head whipped up and she turned around, a huge smile forming on her face. " Eli! " she cried in delight and ran up and hugged Eriol.
" And hello to you too my dear. " Eriol replied smiling, hugging her.
Madison's eyes beamed like stars as she pulled back and stared up at her friend. " Where have you been? I've missed you. "
Eriol laughed. " I was only gone for a few weeks and you make it sound I was gone for years. "
Madison hugged him again and buried her head in his chest. He knew from past experience that she did this to hide her expression form him so he couldn't see exactly how trouble she was.
" What's it matter? You were gone for too long! " something in her voice made him frown.
" What's wrong? " he asked, pulling away form her. Sad violet eyes met his.
" Sakura and I are in trouble. " Madison replied, making Eriol start.
" What?!! How? Why? "
Madison sighed. " Where to begin? "
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The night was warm with a slight chill when the wind picked up the white curtains and made then dance gracefully. The rhythmic chirps of the crickets underneath her window helped calm her anxiety some what as she stood from her dressing table.
Sakura paced around her bedroom. She needed to speak to Madison, but letters took too long to be delivered. Her silk night gown flowed behind her as she paced. She went to the balcony and stood silently looking at the stars. Two torches burned brightly just outside her doors throwing their light onto the balcony as she stared at the moon. She closed her eyes and thought of Kero. It had been such a long time since she had seen the magical creature.
" Oh Kero. I need you. " she whispered in her mind.
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Kero was in the middle of creaming Suppi when he stopped. The midnight equal of his power had slowly been getting under his skin all night and chipping away at his nerves until he was ready to fry the annoying feral's butt. Kero had just bared his fangs when he felt the connection he shared with Sakura go through his system.
Oh Kero. I need you
Suppi got up from the floor and straightened out his tail and ears. Kero's wings fluttered and he levitated off the ground, hovering while he tuned into the connection that they had.
" I wonder why Sakura is calling you?" Suppi wondered.
" I don't know. " Kero replied seriously. " I better go. You got lucky this time moon gaki. We'll finish this when I get back. " he threatened menacingly.
" I'd like to see you try. " Suppi replied, cleaning his paw.
Suppi waited until Kero glowed, his small wings extending until his small golden body was covered completely before unfurling and revealing long, white wings and a strong lion body. Kero Beros shot Suppi a warning look before he leapt to the balcony railing and leapt into the sky. Suppi watched as he disappeared before he too got up and flew into to hall to find his master and Madison.
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" Kero! " Sakura cried in delight as she hugged the little winged creature. She had just drawn back the covers of her bed when she had heard the rustling of feathers and the padded footsteps of the guardian beast.
" I get the idea. You missed me! " rumbled Kero Beros as he chuckled with laughter and affection.
" Oh Kero I'm so glad that you are here. I've needed you ever so badly these last few weeks and here you are! " Kero shook himself, trying to straighten out his ruffled fur as he listened to her cry out her anguish.
" You are in trouble. " he stated with all seriousness.
" Yes, and I think perhaps Madison as well. I need to see Madison Kero. Can you take me to her? " Sakura asked hopefully.
" I will be forever at your service Sakura. All you have to do is ask. " he rubbed his huge cheek against her own and purred when she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.
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" What? Sakura wants to see me? " Madison asked as Suppi had finished telling them of Kero's message. Suppi nodded. Madison shared looks with Eriol. Violet eyes were anxious and fearful as they met worried sapphire. A huge gust of wind blew against the window pane suddenly getting their attention as it flew open, two figures landing in front of them.
" Oh Kero. I think you need to practice you're landings. " Sakura groaned and slid off Kero's back and sat suddenly on the floor.
" Sakura? " Madison asked in shock staring at the figure on the floor.
" Madison! " Sakura cried, jumping to her feet – both girls hugging in greeting. Sakura stepped back and looked up and noticed Eriol.
" Eriol? " she smile happily at the surprise and watched him smile in return.
" Evening princess Sakura. May I compliment on how lovely you are. Would you mind, though, if I asked - do you always visit Madison in your nightgown? " Sakura frowned and then looked down and blushed bright red.
" Umm well you see I - " she stuttered.
Madison shook her head. " Don't worry Sakura he's just being Eriol. You may borrow one of my wrappers. Follow me. You, " she frowned at Eriol. " Stay here. " Eriol laughed as Sakura got up and followed Madison out of the room.
The small group sat up talking late into the night. Sakura told them all of the troubles she was facing and the fears that she had and Madison told them what was going on in her land. Kero and Suppi listened intently. After they had finished talking the room fell into silence. The fire crackled and a log fell from the fire, so Madison got up and used the metals tongs to place it back into the fire. Suppi looked at Kero and they nodded in union.
" We might be able to help. " Suppi said. Madison, Eriol and Sakura looked at them surprised.
" We know of a place that might be a convenience to you. Few know of its existence, but it's a long journey and it's dangerous and you may not return. It's across a large body of water and is located in another land. It may not be there anymore, but we have many memories from it's early days. " stated Kero.
" What are you talking about Kero? " Sakura asked.
" There is a cave. It's hidden and to get into it is to have a special password. We have forgotten it, but we can figure that out when and if we get to it and if you want to go. Inside is said to be a mine and it's full of gold, and other materials. Those only of pure heart can enter and reveal in such riches. "
Eriol's eyes widened. " Do you realize what you are telling us? "
Sakura looked at Madison hope shining in her eyes. " If we had all that gold, our blacksmiths would be able to melt down the gold and we could make money and if we had money - "
" Then our people wouldn't be poor and we could prosper once more. "
" But it's dangerous. " Eriol put in reciting the two guardian creatures.
" With Julian and my men combined with Madison's we'd be protected. " Sakura put in confidently.
" And what about the people? Who's going to take care of both your kingdoms? "
" Good point. " put in Suppi.
Both girls thought for a moment before Madison piped up." I know. I have the perfect person in mind who can look after this place, but what about Tori for you Sakura? He needs some practice anyway. After all he is to be king one day." Sakura nodded.
" Then all we need are some hunters and a few guys that know the forests and the area, so we don't get lost. Kero and Suppi are going to lead us naturally, since they know where it is. "
Madison clapped her hands together happily . " Then it's settled. "
" Now wait a minute, there still heaps we have to work out. " Eriol stated meeting both girls' eyes. He was all up for this new adventure but he didn't want them rushing into anything too hastily. " You need to really think about this girls. "
Both girls rolled their eyes and started talking away excitedly pointedly ignoring him. He sat back and sighed ruffling his long bangs. His glasses caught the firelight and he shrugged meeting Suppi's gaze. What could he do in the face of royalty?
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My goodness I'm glad that that is finally done. I did major edits to this chapter and tried to straighten it out so it all made sense. I'm sorry for the late update. I got new glasses the other day so thank kami-sama that I can finally read and type without squinting and ending up with painful headaches.
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