Konoka gasped as a scary looking stray dog burst from the bush. The dog wasted no time in charging at the duo.

"Don't worry Konochan, harm wont befall you in my company!" Setsuna said trying to calm the other girl down.

As the dog lunged at Setsuna, she pushed Konoka back more, to keep her from harm's way. Unsheathing her sword, Setsuna used the sheath to knock the dog upside the head and it landed on their picnic blanket. The dog then growled as it stood up.

Setsuna heard a shriek and a splash come from behind her, turning she seen Konoka flailing in the river trying to stay above the water's surface. Setsuna's blood ran cold, it was her push that must have sent the girl in the river.

"KONOCHAN! KONOCHAN!" Setsuna yelled as she ran and jumped into the river, despite not knowing how to swim.

"SECCHAN! YOU'LL DROWN, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM!" Konoka yelled between coughing water out of her mouth.

"Konochan, keep still, I'll keep you above the surface"

Setsuna could feel the presence of the adult guards nearing them. If she could just keep Konoka above the water for a minute or two, Konoka can be saved.

Holding her breath, Setsuna went underwater. Knowing Konoka couldn't see her under the dark water, she summoned her wings. Beating them as hard as she ever had, she used them to keep Konoka afloat by holding Konoka's body over her head.

Setsuna felt the adults' presence above them. Feeling Konoka get lifted out of the water, Setsuna floated to the surface. Gasping for breath she seen Konoka, she was passed out it seemed, and also being dried off with some of the guards' coats.

Next thing Setsuna knew, she was floating out of the water and dropped roughly on the ground in front of the head guard.

"WHATS THE MEANING OF THIS!" He shouted clutching the front of Setsuna's shirt, lifting her off the ground and bringing her eye level to him.

"I-I was protecting the Ojousama from a rabid dog, I had to push her out of harms way. B-but I d-did the exact o-opposite! I-I'm so sorry" Setsuna sobbed clutching at her collar which was becoming painfully tight around her neck.

"I knew a child couldn't protect another child. I don't care if you are eleven; you still clearly are a child if you fail in protecting someone from a mutt!" Dropping Setsuna roughly on the ground.

Setsuna stood up shakily and looked him straight in the eyes as she blinked away some tears.

"I take full responsibility for Ojousama's current state. You are correct; I lack the skills to protect her efficiently"

"Your right you will take responsibility, I won't have you near her until I deem you fit! You shall train under me until that day comes" The head guard then began to drag her away by the elbow

"Secchan?" Konoka croaked, her voice cracking slightly.

Setsuna ripped her arm free and ran to the now conscious girl's side. Crouching down next to the prone Konoka, Setsuna wiped the last of her tears away.

"I'll thank God every night because you are okay Ojousama. I cannot convey to you how truly sorry I am that this happened. Im going to go away. Ill become worthy of your company, ill train so hard, that it will seem like I never even left" Setsuna said looking into Konokas droopy eyes.

Konoka could feel herself slipping back into unconsciousness. She was panicking inside, she knew Setsuna was dead serious about leaving and it horrified her. She couldn't imagine a day without the other girl.

"N-no…I…don't want…Secchan…leaving me" Konoka said as her eyelids betrayed her by closing

Setsuna kissed Konokas forehead before standing up. "I'll become a proper bodyguard for you Ojousama. Don't forget-" Setsuna was cut off as the man grabbed her again, more roughly this time.

"Don't touch the princess in such a way you filthy Hanyou!" he barked dragging her towards a car.

An unconscious Konoka was picked up and taken back home. Setsuna watched her retreating figure as she herself was hauled away from her only friend.

Shoving her inside, he told her how she was to train under him until he deemed her strong enough to return to her role of protecting the princess. Setsuna listened, trying to stifle her sobs by biting her bottom lip.

As the car drove away from the estate, two girls felt their other half pulled from their grasps.

Cliff-hangers, you got to love them. Review and let me know if this story is starting to capture anyone's interest. Until next time~