Chapter 13: Bloodless war

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"Shimushay!" Yuri called out, holding her arm up for the eagle to land in. Yuri had been caring for the bird since it was young, and it seems that Shimushay had finally learned to fly. I galloped Huwant to stand right next to Aslan and Yuri, waiting for Shimushay to come back.

"Princess Yuki, Princess Yuri, you two shouldn't wander off!" Hadi's voice drifted toward us.

"Awww we just needed some time to ourselves!" I grin impishly, petting Nenatti who had taken a liking to climbing into my shirt during rides on Huwant.

"Then YOU explain that to Ilbani!" Hadi grumbled. I laughed as I turned Huwant around, heading toward camp with Yuri right behind me.

"Princess Yuri, Yuki! You two should know better! We are in Arzawian land and it is dangerous to wander!" He lectured. After a long lecture and a lot of scolding, we were finally dismissed.

"How can you stand to be scolded all the time!" Yuri complained to me as we walked back to the tent.

"I kind of like it. Shows he cares. And honestly, most of the time I deserve a scolding." I say, stretching my hands over my head.

"…Hey, Yuri. How do you plan to fight this war?" I ask her seriously.

"How?" She asked dubiously.

"Well, do you have a plan of action? I would prefer to stop their attack, not wipe them out. They would not have attacked us so randomly. Queen Nakia must have urged it." I say. Yuri…was still so pure-hearted. I don't really like the thought of her going off into war. I didn't want her to have blood stain her hands, or for her to get hurt. I know I'm supposed to be just the tactician…but for me to just stand in the back and not do anything…it just drives me insane!

"Aww Yuki, that's why I have you! I'm not really good at thinking ahead, I'm just lucky all my impromptu plans have worked so far!" Yuri laughed. We really were two opposites that made a whole.

"Ohhh Princess Yuri, we saw some strawberry bushes over the hill! Let's go pick some!" Ryui bubbled. We all turn and look at Ilbani in question.

"If it's just over the hill then it is fine." He said.

"Yay! Thank you, sweetie!" I bounce over planting a kiss on his cheek. "Told ya I'd do it." I whisper, referring to our previous argument on certain endearments.

" Just be careful…darling." He stressed the last word. I turned and stuck my tongue out at him. I turned, leaving him with three flabbergasted generals.

Ilbani's POV

I sighed at her retreating form to turn and face the generals. The stunned looks on their faces would have sent Yuki into a fit of giggles.

"…Darling? Ilbani, I wouldn't have pegged you as one who would use such nicknames…" Rusafa chuckled a bit. Kash and Mittanammwa we struggling to contain their laughter.

"Forget the nicknames, I never thought Ilbani would be capable of having such a blissful look on his face! I thought he only had his 'annoyed lecture face' and his completely emotionless face." Kash doubled over in laughter.

I glared at all of them, gathering my clay tablet in my arms as I turned away. The scout had come back, I waited for him to come and give his report.

"Sir, there is nothing in the vicinity except five Arzawian soldiers to the south." He reported.

"To the south…that's over the hills." Rusafa muttered.

"Yuki!" I head there immediately, seeing Rusafa, Kash and Mittanammwa already on their way. They were in a rage, if Princess Yuri were to get hurt, His Majesty would be quite displeased. And if Yuki were to get hurt…I pushed the thought away and pushed on. It was not long before we saw some figures in the distance. some were on the ground.

I dash toward them, praying that Yuki would be ok, that I had made it in time before they…

I tripped over something and landed flat on my face. I turn to see I had not tripped over something, but someone. Yuki sat on the floor, a curious look on her face, before she turned and continued picking some strawberries off the ground and depositing them into the basket in her arms.

"Our hand-picked strawberries! How annoying!" Yuri wailed, I noticed the strawberries were scattered about the area…as if someone was throwing them. I also noted some soldiers unconscious on the ground.

"We should take them back for questioning,. No doubt they have information that could be useful." Yuki hummed, not bothering to look up from her task. The three generals and I stared at the group of women in disbelief.

"What…you don't think we should?" Yuki turned and scowled at our silence.

"N-no…I mean, we will bring them immediately." Kash said quickly. Yuki stood up, her basket once again full of the sweet red berries and walked back toward camp. Not before grabbing her dagger sticking out of the ground, wiping it on her dress and continuing on her path.

"…Our ladies are somewhat frightening." Mittanammwa whispered. I nodded in agreement. Frightening indeed.

Yuki's POV

2,000 men, and a mayor who was "bored of his women." This was going to be a simple victory. We may even be able to get our hands on Urhi if we hurry! This victory doesn't even need a very complicated plan! I reveled at our good luck.

" I will be marching into the city." Yuri said, everyone turned to her in shock.

"Yuri, that isn't necessary. We could win easily by just…" I began.

"I don't want any unnecessary bloodshed. I want to win this war…without much blood. You can call me naïve, but I don't like war. I have half of the power in this army. Yuki. What will you do?" She turned to look at me. That's right. I have half of the decision.

I want to just go in, leave Yuri here where it is safe. I…I had not thought of the bloodshed. Yuri said she was naïve, but she was only kindhearted. Last year…would I have thought the same thing? Didn't I dislike war as well? The smell, the sights, they made my stomach churn. When had I forgotten? When had I forgotten my horror when my dagger had first stolen the life of another? I felt cold all of the sudden. Had…had I lost myself, somewhere along the way? I looked at Yuri for a moment. Yuri had changed in ways…but she was still Yuri. This proved it.

"I understand. Yuri. You will not march in alone. I will accompany you of course. But leave me some time to think of a plan." I sigh, giving in.

"Oh no, Yuki. You always think of the plan. This time, I want to! You need a break for your brain every once and a while." I gave her a questioning look then shrugged.

"Fine. Then will I get to lead offensive?" I grin at her.

"If it is necessary. And I would like to bring Hadi, Ryui, and Shala. Ilbani, if you are so worried, then come with us." Yuri continued.

"Wait, us too!" The three generals chimed.

"No. You stay here and watch your women at work." Yuri said grinning slyly.

I laughed out aloud at the stunned look on their faces. They probably thought Yuri and I were just coming as symbols. They probably weren't used to being bullied around by women.

"Yuri. You sound like you already have a plan. Care to outline it to your strategist?" I ask playfully. She leaned over and outlined her idea. I turned bright red as I listened I open my mouth to loudly oppose this but she spoke before I could let a single word out.

"Please, Yuki, I think it will work! Really! And it would minimize the bloodshed." She pleaded.

"Why don't we just steal into the palace at night? Their security seems lacking. We could be in and out in hours." I offer, almost plead with her.

"Not all of us are as guileful as you Yuki, you might get in without trouble, but I am loud. I would be caught immediately. And I will not allow you in alone." She said mulishly. "Please, Yuki!" she begged.

"Fine." I growl, turning my heel and heading to my tent. The plan was good. It would work. I wasn't going to like the process…but it would work.

Ilbani's POV

Yuki had been grouchy about the plan, and now I can see why. I watched in dismay as Yuri danced in the skimpy outfit as a street performer. The King will have my head for this. I couldn't even look at Yuki. She was wearing a similarly sparse outfit, only in a darker color as she danced along with the music that the three sisters and I provided.

I watched as Yuki gracefully swayed. Her thin limbs were like water, flowing elegantly as she spun. Her beauty was different from Yuri's. They both had a draw to them, something that makes people look twice, and enchants them. Yuri had the beauty of a gazelle. Light, harmless and innocent. She moved with a delicate grace of something that may bold at any moment, she had careful, nimble steps. Yuki had a dark beauty about her. She was more like a panther, the way she moved, the way her eyes seemed to bore directly into your soul. Yuki was sure of her every move, she held no fear, she would stand her ground.

I frown to see a man reach out to try and touch her. I felt my anger spike, how dare he touch her?

"Before you touch her, let me inform you, that these dancers have graced many kings with their performance. If you plan to touch, you must be able match up to them?" I ask slyly. The man immediately pulled back. Good.

Yuki's POV

I finished elegantly, Nenatti perched perfectly on my shoulder. I fought my urge to glower. This was humiliating, I hated being on display.
"You, the dancers that have captivated the city. Come with us." Some soldiers addressed us. We followed behind with no quarrel. I was eager go be done with this plan. I self-consciously pull the fabric trailing from my skirt in front of me. I felt naked…Hell, I was basically naked. The only comfort I had was that I got to hear Ilbani sing again. He used to sing to me when we were at the palace, but recently, things have been so busy that there wasn't time. I missed his voice, it always felt like a warmhearted caress.

We found ourselves in audience with the general of Arzawa.

"I hear you have enchanted my city. I would be much pleased if you would dance for me now." He commanded. I struggled to keep my emotionless mask in place. The way this man looked at us…it was spine chilling to say the least. I ignored the feeling; this was our cue.

"The audience is too small. We don't want to dance." Yuri said, turning her nose up haughtily. I mimicked her look. The sisters and Ilbani gave us odd looks.

"Isn't a smaller audience better for us?" Shala whispered to her sister who shrugged.

Yuri and I suddenly got up, swooping in close to the general. "You know, Egypt, Mittani, and Hittite nations called all of their generals and officers to watch me dance." I say in a low, sultry voice.

"They were all virtuous generals. Very strong. Does Arzawa have that kind of general?" Yuri added, leaning in next to me. A challenge to his manhood. Nice touch, Yuri.

"R-ridiculous! I will call all of the officers and generals immediately!" He decided. Success. When he left, Ilbani grabbed my arm, his grip was a tad too tight.

"What are you planning? It is dangerous to have so many generals in a room." He seethed.

"Oh calm down Ilbani, here everyone come close…" Yuri gathered them around and told them the entire plan.

"Here are all my officers and generals. Handsome, aren't they?" He boasted. "Now will you entertain us?"

I put a sultry look on my face and danced with Yuri. We had to buy as much time as possible. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the twins begin to take the men's weapons away. From the rowdiness, it seems that all of them were drunk. Time for the final blow.

"General…" Began slowly, kneeling in front of him.

"…won't you let us borrow…" I continue, kneeling next to her.

"…Your swords? We wish to use them for our performance." We finish together.

"Oh yesh! Your shongs a sho refrrrreesshhing. You wish fer shords?" He slurred, handing his sword to Yuri. I smile softly, discreetly reaching for the dagger hidden in my top. This outfit was so skimpy that the dagger would show if I attached it to my thigh like I usually did.

"Ah, beautiful ladies, wish me a victory." The general said dreamily.

"I wish victory to King Mursili." Yuri intoned darkly. I laughed and pulled my dagger out, standing beside Yuri with my dagger firmly against the general's throat.

"We are here to liberate this city!" Yuri shouted. I held the general prisoner as Yuri left to send Shimushay into the air to alert the troops that we would be opening the gates soon.

It was a quick victory, and as Yuri said, with no bloodshed. We had secured Beykal and were on our way to the next city. Things were going quite well. I paced around in the dark; everyone had gone to sleep long ago. I still had to plan for the next city. This trick wouldn't work twice. And I wasn't dancing again.

I felt an arm snake around my waist.

"Did I wake you?" I ask Ilbani quietly. I thought I was being pretty quiet. I had even taken off my shoes so that my feet wouldn't make any noise on the dirt ground as I paced.

"No. It gets chilly without my portable heater." He teased. I looked up at him and smile.

"Go to bed, Yuki." He whispered into my hair, his breath warm against my skin. Without realizing it, I pressed myself closer to him and sighed. He was so comfortable…His grip tightened on me, I glance up only to have his lips crash into mine.

This kiss was different from the gentle pecks he would give me throughout the day. It…this one was forceful. It was full of need. I pressed myself closer to him, wanting more. I let out a surprised gasp as I felt his tongue enter my mouth. He had definitely never kissed me like this before. I shivered, I felt warm, my hands fisted into his robes, pulling him in even closer. His hands slid down the side of my body, resting on the small of my back. I leaned into it, wanting to feel more. I squeaked a little his tongue rubbed against mine, coaxing me to move it. Unsure, I rubbed my own tongue onto his. I could feel him grin against my mouth as he took the lead again, exploring every part of my mouth. I finally pulled away, gasping and shaking a bit. I rested my head against his chest, out of breath.

"W-we cant…not now…" I gasp out.

What was I thinking? We were in a war! I was a Gal Meshedi in charge of half an army! How could I forget? Shame ate at my heart.

"Yuki." His voice was velvety smooth. I couldn't look him in the eye. If I look at him, I'll fall into his spell again…

He tipped my chin up, looking at me dead in the eye. I was still shaky from our kiss. I wonder what emotion he saw reflected in my eyes.

"I love you." He said, those words. I looked at him again. Why couldn't I say it? What was keeping me? I can try right?

"I-I…I….l….uhg." I grit my teeth, and exhale heavily. What was wrong with me? Was it so hard to say? I know I love him. I do. I really do. So why…why won't the words come out?

He held my close, his hand resting on the back of my head, pushing me into his chest.

"It's ok. I know. " He said softly. He didn't. I have to say it…why…can't I just say it? He suddenly gripped me so hard that the breath was actually knocked out of my lungs.

"I-Ilbani?" I gasp in question. This wasn't like him.

"…Do you know how much I hated watching those men today? I hated their eyes on you." He muttered darkly. My heart melted.

"I…am only yours." I sigh. Cuddling closer.

"…Let's go to bed now." He said, leading me back into the tent. I followed without quarrel.

Yuri yawned again. She has been incredibly sleepy lately.

"Yuri. You should rest. We have negotiations with the queen coming up." I advise.

"ARZAWA HAS ATTACKED!" The shout rang through the air. The three generals immediately took action. They must be restless, all this time with no battles what so ever. I myself reached for my bow, joining Rusafa's line of archers. I aimed for arms, getting soldiers to drop their weapons and move back. I was glad to see that my aim was still pretty good. I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Princess Yuki, Princess Yuri has secured an Arzawan general and wishes you to be there for negotiations." Hadi said, leading me away. She tossed a long cloak on me. I was covered in dirt and I had minor cuts on my arms.

In Yuri's tent, I saw the Arzawan general kneeling to Yuri. She looked worn-out.

"General. I am Yuki, the second general of the Red Lion Army. I would like to offer a peace treaty. I would advise you to take it. I would prefer less blood on both sides of this war." I say evenly. I could tell that he was looking at us with amusement in his eyes. He thought we were merely children. That we were not meant to be here.

"I will only offer this now…general. The odds…are not in your favor." I say ominously. At that moment, Yuri decided to yawn loudly.

"Oh, are you tired? You must be after taking all those cities." Hadi said, patting Yuri's back. The look of fear that crossed the general's face was priceless. I nearly fell to the ground laughing. Fate often had a sense of humor I suppose.

"I will tell the queen of your offer." He said quickly, bowing his head. I smile slyly and stretch. Now that the fighting was over, I wanted to comb through the battleground for injured soldiers.

Walking through the battlefield…I was flashed back to Kizzuwadna. The bodies, the blood. It was too much. I had pulled a few men who had been wounded but were still breathing back to camp to be tended to and was currently making my final sweep. Looking at all the carnage…I realize the price of war. I knew people died in war…but…seeing it was different. These soldiers…I had marched with them, shared their meals. They had put their lives in my hands. I sadly walk back to camp, a heavy load on my heart. As much as Yuri wishes to believe it...there is no such thing as a bloodless war.

"Princess Yuki! We were just about to go into the hot springs! You should join us!" Ryui called. I rolled my shoulders. Perhaps a soak would do me some good.

I sighed as the water hit my skin. It was heavenly! I sank into the natural tub with a content hiss.

The curtain suddenly opened and a young girl dressed in royal finery came through the curtain followed my some maids.

"Oh, did you need to ask us anything?" Yuri inquired, addressing the petrified girl. What was a child doing in the midst of a battlefront?

"I am here to see the commanders of the Hittite army…" She whimpered.

"That would be us." I say leaning over the natural tub.

"I have prepared my heart, you may do as you wish to me, I only wish to secure the safety of Arzawa!" The girl burst into tears.

"What?" Yuri asked in confusion.

"Pfft. That general thought we were boys! They sent her cause they thought we were boys!" I finally realize, clenching my stomach laughing. Still giggling slightly I addressed the maid behind her.

"Miss? If you could, please find that man with long hair outside, ask him to draft a letter your Queen. Tell her that her princess is safe, and that her message has been received." I say. The maid scurried away quickly.

"Princess…you can't do this sort of thing. One day, you must marry a man you love. No matter who you are…you cannot become a mans' plaything." Yuri said calmly. The young princess sobbed and leapt at Yuri, hugging her tightly.

I sighed. Yuri had that kind of effect on people. I sent another maid to fetch some dry clothes for the princess when she gets out of the bath.

After all of the girls left, I stayed behind in the bath. I was merely reluctant to get out. I sighed, soaking further into the pool. Nenatti was sitting on the edge of the tub and suddenly bristled, growling. I was instantly alert. Slowly I moved toward my dagger on the side of the tub, I heard something in the bushes rustle. I threw my dagger at it only to hear a shout. I jumped out and pulled the man out of the bushes. Lucky for him, the dagger merely scratched his arm; I forced him to the ground and pushed my knee into his back.

"Yuki! I heard a shout!" Ilbani came in suddenly, the three generals, Yuri, the new princess and the three maids followed suit.

"I found this in the bushes." I say, my knee still on his back. I planted my foot there instead and stood up, looking him over for weapons. " I thought he was a spy, but he has no weapons, and he made so much noise he couldn't have been a spy. And there's no weaponry on him…what do you guys think he was here for?" I questioned, truly confused. I turned to look at the group to see Ilbani was bright red…was he angry? Perhaps. But why won't Rusafa, Kash, or Mittanammwa look my way, instead looking at the ground.

"I…I believe he was just peeking into the bath…M'lady." Kash said, still not looking up, his face deep red.

I noticed then…that I was standing stark naked with my foot on a peeping tom. Now it was my turn to turn bright red. I walked as calmly as I could to my robe and draped it over me, tying it securely.

I walked past all of them silently. None of the men would look me in the eye anyway, Yuri was trying to contain her laughter, and Hadi was muttering something about indecency.

"…No one is to ever speak of this again." I say darkly, not even turning around as I headed directly to my tent. Yuri's hysterical laughter followed me the entire way.

The queen had announced…that Arzawa was going to merge into the Hittite empire. We were finally headed back to Hattusa. I looked up at the morning star of Ishtar. Had I made my decision? Have…have I found "home" yet?

"S-someone is hiding in the luggage!" I hear Yuri shout. I was at her side in a flash, my dagger ready. Mittanammwa and Rusafa were already there and ready as well. Before any could react, Princess Alexandria burst out from inside the box, attaching herself to Yuri.

"Send a note to the queen." I sigh at Ilbani who was already on it. I had to frown a bit, how had a young girl snuck into our luggage so easily. I have to check the guard rotation.

The young Princess brought a new kind of light to our camp. Her constant bouncing and her endless energy made me smile every time she ran past.

"ALEXANDRIA!" A voice rang out. The queen stood there, and suddenly embraced her daughter.

"Don't you know how worried I was? When you weren't there, I couldn't eat or sleep. What kind of mother does not worry for their child?" She sighed at her daughter.

Her words drew a spike through me. What kind of mother doesn't worry for her child? I think back to Japan. All mothers worry for their children…. right? Even Queen Nakia loved her child, Juda fiercely. So…what of my mother? Was she worried about me too?

"Princess Yuri, Princess Yuki, you must get back to Hattusa now quickly! The Queen is destroying the springs!" Kash shouted, jumping off his horse.

I stared in shock. Without the springs…we will never return. I was confused. I wasn't sure…whether I was happy or sad of this.

Yay! and that's chapter 13!

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~Eternally Snowy