hehe,here's the story I made.I'm still working on the chapter 2 of it..though it only needs a little editing..I'm not good with stories but I was really inspired...^^
Chapter 1
Konoka hated every bloody second of this. She absolutely did. No doubts about it. If stares could kill, she would be condemned as a murderer at this moment. Eventhough she was doing it discreetly, she knew the intensity was there. Jealousy and a tinge of betrayal hammered her heart and mind as she looked at the two figures across the table where she was seated through half-lidded eyelashes, while sipping from her glass of pine apple juice. She had just given up on trying to eat the food she had ordered and it seemed Setsuna noticed her and had stopped eating as well. When Tsukoyomi tried to feed her, Setsuna blushed and waved her hand in a no manner. This was hell for her, eating with them, that she had lost her appetite. She only managed to touch a small portion of her food all the while. Damn, how could she eat leisurely when the one she loves was seated with another person and not with her? And what's worse, acting all honey sweety in front of her. In this situation though, it was Tsukoyomi who was doing all the honey sweety act. But since her stoic guardian was blushing, she's guilty as well.
Yes, she really loved Setsuna. She had just realized it a few days ago. And this? It's more than she could take. More likely, she could not take it anymore. She should not have conceded to her grandfather's absurd decision. That way, she would not feel this sickening pain gnawing violently at her, tearing her into pieces.
She just wanted to enjoy her weekend, forget everything that made her cry, away from pain and agony that made themselves visible 3 days ago. But what she was trying to run away from caught up with her, slapping directly into her face the dreadful truth. Reminding her again and again…that Setsuna wasn't hers anymore. And it was that fact that she could not accept. She would not accept. Never.
Flashback
"Mou, I bet it has something to do with the omiami thing again."Konoka pouted before lazily lifting herself out of the soft cushion of the sofa and trudged with heavy footsteps towards her room. Asuna , her friend as well as dorm mate, had informed her that the headmaster wanted her dearest granddaughter to be in his office, and since she's that granddaughter, she needed to change her clothes into a much more appropriate one to use outside. Going out while still clad in her pajama would just attract attention from other people, not to mention she would be definitely mistaken as a weirdo. Not that she mind.
The orange head girl, who was still leaning against the door just like when she had first arrived, groaned. "Augh, I don't have any idea. The headmaster just called me up and asked me to tell you this since he could not contact you. Next time, you should check your cellphone. I had to stop my training with Eva-chan since it was the headmaster's personal request. And speaking of Eva-chan, who knows what punishment that short vampire would give me this time."Asuna involuntarily shuddered upon remembering the look on Evangeline's eyes as she took her leave. It was menacing and predatory.
Konoka who was already in her bedroom room, peeked from behind the door and flashed an apologetic smile to Asuna. "Gomen Asuna, I hadn't charged my battery since yesterday. I'll make it up to you at dinner. Anything you want, I'll cook for you."
Asuna's hair perked up and she seemed to have gained a little life as a wide grin made its way across her face before crossing her arms."You said that. No taking back. I don't know how much food I'll be going to eat after that shorty's hell bent training." A drool trickled down from Asuna's mouth as she was imagining all the foods that would be hers for the taking.
Konoka feigned a thoughtful look, as if she's reconsidering what she had just said that made the orange hair girl wipe out her mouth and frown. Seeing her friend's reaction, the young mage laughed." I know I know. A promise is a promise. But more importantly "Konoka casted her a sly grin as she wiggled a finger." Didn't you say that that shorty is 'waiting' for you?"
Asuna rolled her eyes in response and slapped her forehead, "Man thanks for reminding me." She grumbled and waved her hand to signal her leave when Konoka suddenly stopped her.
"Asuna, uhm--is Secchan training with you? "
"Nope. Only me and Negi. If she's with us, she would be the one who would voluntarily deliver the message to you. Hmm... " Asuna smiled wickedly, raising an eyebrow in a teasing manner."What? You already missed her? "
Konoka's cheeks flared hot, "Mou, it's not like that…'Ugh, I'd better get change now."
Asuna laughed at her friends obvious avoidance of topic as the said girl trotted hurriedly towards her closet. "Geez, Still in denial stage. I wonder when they would admit it to themselves. "She muttered amusingly before shouting to Konoka." I'll gotta go now!"
"Say hi to Negi for me and don't overdo yourselves!"
"Will do if can help it!" Asuna yelled back as she made a dash towards the vampire's little cottage where their training ground was lay hidden.
Left alone, Konoka wearily dug through her closet, her mind drifting away. Her Grandpa must be getting desperate to find her a fiancé. She could not think of any reasons why he wanted her to be there. It was something she had grown tired of but being an obedient grandchild and not wanting to disappoint and trample the old man's enthusiasm she had to bear with it. After all, she's hitting two birds with one stone that way. Appeasing her grandfather's obsessed hobby and decreasing the numbers of her potential fiancé by turning them down in a modest way. Ah. She almost forgot! Make it "Hitting three birds with one stone." Setsuna was always accompanying her every omiami she attended and it was always the two of them who spent the rest of the day together, especially if the appointment ended rather earlier than what had been expected.
A smile formed on the healers lips and her feelings felt lighter and warmer as the image of her Secchan took over her mind. 'But I wonder where Secchan is. She has not shown herself to me today. '
Quite frankly, she's a little depressed that Setsuna spent little time with her for the last two days and when she questioned Setsuna about it, her protector said that she have important things to do. And today, she had not seen even Setsuna's shadow. Asuna was right, she terribly missed her guardian. Was Setsuna starting to distance herself away from her again?'NO Secchan would never do it again, she promised me.'
Frustrated, she took out whatever garment her hands had grabbed upon, since she could not concentrate on what to wear much less to decide. Whatever was fine anyways, except for pajamas, since it was rather dark outside as the night was already falling. She laid on her stomach on her bed and frowned." She's not with Asuna, maybe..." Her face brightened up again as a thought entered her mind. "Oh yeah, she might be at Oji-chan's office. "She smiled to herself before standing up and stripping herself with the clothes she was still wearing.
Konoka's eyebrow twitched in curiosity. The door to her grandpa's office was left slightly open and she could hear faint sounds coming from the inside though she could not discern anything they were talking about. Straining her ears towards the source of faint noises, Konoka became giddy and nervous, butterflies fluttering at her stomach and her heart was thumping so loud against her chest that she doubt anyone who might happened to be across the hall would not hear it as her ears picked up Setsuna's formal yet heart melting voice, her grandfather was also obviously inside…and wait….was that a girl's voice?
She hastily pushed the door open and all heads inside the room turned towards her. Setsuna blushed and smiled at her but she was too stunned to even move her mouth much less to return the smile her bodyguard had given her. The scene that greeted her could have made her blood boil but right now she feel nothing but numbness as she stared at the flustered Setsuna...with a girl clinging possessively unto her arm...It was the only thing that registered on her mind. Setsuna…with someone else. It wasn't her omiami at all. Even if they were not saying anything yet, she knew where this conversation would lead. She knew too well, the look on their faces said it all. She stood still on her spot, like a frozen mummified corpse, drained of everything.
"Ahh, Konoka. I'm glad you're here." The old man's usual cheerful and energetic voice brought her back to her senses. She blinked her eyes and forced a small smile to grace her lips as she finally took a step forward.
" Hi Oji-chan." She even tried harder to maintain her smile as she turned to Setsuna, but avoided direct contact with the swordswoman's eyes."Hi Secchan."
The old man just grinned at her while Setsuna, whose expression tell that she clearly knew something was wrong with her charge but could not quite grasp what it was, bowed her head as her position required and out of habit as well, whenever the headmaster was with them. "Ojou-sama."
The girl clinging to Setsuna, much to Konoka's displeasure, took the initiative to greet the young heiress as it was all too obvious that the headmasters granddaughter hadn't had the least intention of greeting her. Without letting go of her other hand from Setsuna's arm, she bowed her head before speaking.
"Nice to meet you Konoka Ojousama. I'm Tsukoyomi from the Shinmeiryuu ."
'A Shinmeiryuu disciple eh?'For the first time, Konoka let her eyes unabashedly rake over the girl's figure. Tsukoyomi, as she said her name, was an inch taller than Setsuna, fair skinned, black long hair flowing straight from her back, sexy too as the dress she was wearing clung to her body like second skin, and hard to admit, with an angelic face to boot. Who would have thought that she was a swordswoman with a body like that and the way she dressed. 'Where's her weapon anyway?'
But looking at Tsukoyomi again, everything about the girl would be perfect, if not for the indecent actions she was acting towards Setsuna. Konoka didn't know if it's something that can be called indecent, but heck, that's what she wanted to think.
'Aside from that though, who would not fall for someone like Tsukoyomi?' Konoka thought despairingly. If what she was thinking was true, which she doubt to be not true, then it's no wonder if Setsuna easily got smitten by her. She had not even heard a single protest from her guardian about how the shinmeiryuu disciple clung to her since she had arrived. 'Augh, Why am I feeling like this? Am I jealous? No! It can't be!'
She immediately pushed the thoughts away as soon as it entered her mind before giving Tsukoyomi a forced timid smile."Nice meeting you too."
"Ahm" the headmaster cleared his throat to get their attention."Ah well, Konoka. You must be confused why I called you here. Seeing your reaction from earlier."
Konoka who had her attention to the dean or more likely trying to focus her attention to the headmaster and not on the two persons at her left a table away, blushed furiously. 'Eh, so I was that transparent? '
She's just glad that they took it the wrong way. She smiled bitterly as she answered, pretending to be pretty clueless about the situation. "Y-you're right Oji-chan. What might be the reason that you have called for me?"
"Well you see…"the old Konoemon started, combing his dangling long beard with his hands" Setsuna kun here" his eyes twinkled at the mention of the hanyou's name as he cast a glance at the swordswoman who's shade on the face darkened much to Konoka's dismay, " and Tsukoyomi here are getting engaged."
A minute passed before she finally managed to utter a small "oh" and another forced smile to appear on her lips. This time, it took all her will to just twitch her lips into that smile and for her face to look happy although she was feeling otherwise.
She knew it. This whole engagement thing must be what her protector had been busy with for the last two days. Setsuna even said it was something important. Hearing the confirmation of her fear coming straight from her grandpa's mouth, her whole being crumpled into pieces. There's no other way to describe it. She was totally, utterly shattered.
"Since you and Setsuna are friends…..the Kansai….Kantou..Shinmeiryuu..marriage…liance…"
"as the heiress…Tsuko--…sentative…"
Then everything happened in a blur. She knew the headmaster was still talking, every now and then Tsukoyomi would say a thing or two, and Setsuna, she could tell, out of the corners of her eyes, kept quiet all the time but was taking glances at her. She dared not to look at her though. She kept her cheerful façade, a smile unnaturally plastered on her lips as she pretended to be listening to her grandfather's bubbly talk. As Setsuna's friend, she should be genuinely happy right? But she'd lie if she said that she's really happy for them. What she wanted to do was to get out here. Away from them. Away from the pain that's new to her. She didn't know when the conversation had ended, how she managed to get to her dorm in one piece or how she got there, she didn't even noticed that she was already there. She just knew since Asuna accompanied her to her bed and put a blanket around her before turning off the lights. Leaving her curled up in her bed and crying her heart out, wishing that it was just a nightmare that would disappear when she wakes up tomorrow.
End of flashback
'Could life be any much sweeter than this?' Konoka thought sarcastically. Her hold on the glass suddenly tightened as Tsukoyomi dipped her straw on Setsuna's glass and started to sip the pine apple juice it contained. Yeah, Setsuna chose the same flavor as her. She's a little relieved that Setsuna inclination to her liking hadn't changed at all. But witnessing the scene in front of her, she was beginning to get irritated. It was also obvious that Setsuna was taken aback by Tsukoyomi's action but instead of saying anything, she put her own straw down and pushed the glass towards Tsukoyomi, smiling a little.
"Uh, you could have it if you want."
Tsukoyomi pouted, "But I want to drink this with you."
Looks could be deceiving. Konoka would stake everything she have to prove that it was really true. One good example was Tsukoyomi. An angelic face with an aggressive personality. Though she already knew it back at their first meeting, she never thought she could be any much worse. Tsukoyomi was acting like a total bitch towards Setsuna, pressing her body closer to the swordswoman, making a puppy eyed expression, and other things she didn't want to remember anymore. Augh, it gross her out. Just like what she was acting right now. 'Duh, hello I'm still here you know? Have some little etiquette. Wasn't shinmeiryuu famous for its' noble manners?' She could not really complain though as Tsukoyomi was giving her the proper respect she deserved as the heiress to the Kansai and Kantou Magic Association. Asuna told her that what Tsukoyomi had been doing was perfectly normal since the two were already engaged however indecent as Konoka had put it and the young mage knew it very well. It's just that…
Konoka could not stop a curt line from forming on her lips as Setsuna blushed, whether from mere embarrassment or she liked what she had heard, the pissed off healer didn't know and she had not any intention of knowing. Truth to be told, this was the reaction from Setsuna that really irked her the most. Going all blushy at Tsukoyomi's out of the border affections. She put her half empty glass of pine apple on the table, with a little force than what she had intended. Thus, causing the two to jerk their heads towards her as a loud thump echoed on the table. Ignoring the look they give her especially Setsuna's startled and worried look, Konoka looked defiantly at the hanyou in front of her, " Honestly Secchan, I would look like a chaperon with you two. I'll just go so that that I would not be a disturbance to your DATE. "
"W-what? No Ojou-sama! You're nothing of the sort!.."Setsuna hastily stood up and pummeled her hands on the table, unintentionally shaking it a little, making the table wares laying dormant above it make a clanking noise, attracting a few unwanted stares from the other customers but Setsuna ignored them. "It was me who insisted to go with you. I'm terribly sorry Ojou-sama for being a nuisance! But it is my job to protect you all the time…"
" I think she is right Secchan. " Tsukoyomi cut in before the young heiress could say anything, making the latter's ears pricked. How dare her use the same nickname she was calling Setsuna. Only she was allowed to call her guardian that name.
"Tsukoyomi" Setsuna stared at her exasperated, " In case you have not heard, I need to be at Ojou-sama's side always. I'm her bodyguard and I cannot abandon my duty just for some silly date."
'Yeah, there she goes again with the Ojou sama thing again'. Konoka thought bitterly, missing Setsuna's referring to a date with Tsukouyomi as being silly. Why could not she call her Kono-chan like she used to be? She was even saying Tsukoyomi's name without honorifics. And it really hurt a lot.
"Mou Secchan , how many times should I tell you not to call me Ojousama? "Konoka said, hurt evidence in her voice. She immediately stood up and ran out of the restaurant where they had stopped by.
"Konoka Ojou- Kono chan wait! " Setsuna scrambled after her, but was stopped by the waiter as they had not yet paid their bills. She mumbled a few curses as she dug out all money from her pocket and rammed it into the waiter's hands before going after Konoka with all her haste.
"Secchan, wait for me!"Tsukoyomi, who was left behind whined as she ran after the disgruntled Setsuna.
The waiter looked incredulously at the huge amount of money in his hands. The money was more than twice the value of what they had ordered, 'Filthy rich costumers. '
He shook his head at what seemed to be his luck today. 'Three beautiful girls with a fucking money to boot. I wonder if those three were in that kind of relationship. He smirked at his own thoughts. 'Who cares anyways, as long as I have tips...Come back another time, babes.'
I'll be waiting for the continuation of the fanfi..^^..Ganbatte Set-chan and thanks a lot!!!
Chapter One:
Kai’rei was running through the dusty streets of an alley, a bag of rice tucked snuggly under one arm as a horde of guards chased her. Her bare feet bled from running on the stone path, and her clothes were bloody, torn, and covered in dust. As she looked around, she noticed that the sun had began to sink low on the horizon, casting shadows across the street—and creating better places to hide. Glancing back, she noticed that one man was getting a bit too close for comfort, and prepared to stop so he would shoot past her—when she collided with a horse. Surprised, she yelped, scrambling back—trying to avoid the startled animal’s hooves—only to be caught in the guard’s grasp. Her free hand clenched, and she rammed her elbow into the man’s gut, forcing him to release her, and pulled a hidden blade from her sleeve as he prepared to come at her again. More and more of the guards leapt at her, with weapons drawn, trying to beat her down. Instead she parried every blow with fluid twists. She arced her blade in one direction, only to reverse it into a new one. The unpredictable series of movements slowly knocked the guards back the way they had come. Finally, she spotted an opening and took it—sweeping past the remaining men to the depths of a darker alley. None of the men dared to follow her in.
The girl who’d been mounted on the horse looked after the thief with a small frown, and began to dismount, only to be pushed back towards her horse by the guards.
“Milady, it’s too dangerous to follow such a person in the dark. We’ll escort you home.”
She stared at them, her usually kind green eyes looking a bit irritated.
“Go back to the castle without me, and tell my father what has happened?” She gave a soft smile, motioning for them to leave. “Do not worry about me. You forget that the greatest line of magicians comes from my family.” Grabbing an oaken staff that was nearly her own height, she ran past her guards in a fury of long chocolate hair and blue robes.
The alley led to a maze of countless roads, so dark she could barely see. Slowly, she raised her wand, calling on the magic power she’d inherited. “Secret light that burns within my soul, awaken inside me, and lead me to that which I seek… Fill my sight with the power of warmth, and set aglow what is hidden, what darkness hides around me.” Slowly, at first to dark to notice, the tip of her staff began to glow—and from it shot a small beam of light, heading down one of the tunnels to her left. “She went in that direction?”
Without a second thought, she dashed down the path, made lighter by her spell, until she herself felt lost inside the maze. But she kept running—following that small beam of light, that sent her in every which direction. It was her navigator, her compass—and it would lead her to the girl she’d seen earlier. The one who’d looked so desperate and sad… She thought, feeling a bit depressed. It was sad that many people had to steal just to survive—and then get beaten up over it. She stopped hurriedly as she almost collided with a door, and paused. The beam of light went straight through here…
Carefully, she raised her wand to block any potential attack that may come flying at her, as she pushed open the scratched up wooden door. What she found inside made her feel even more depressed than before. In the far end of the room, a small fire had been kindled in the fireplace, with a pot of boiled rice still on it—no doubt from the bag the thief had run off with. A half-empty bowl lay on the floor beside the fireplace, along with several other dirty ones. And on the wooden floor, curled up next to the fireplace was the thief. She noticed that the poor raven-girl had lost a lot of blood, and that her feet were scabbed and sliced—along with her arms, and much of her legs. Stepping further into the room, she closed the door, and made her way towards the sleeper. “I wonder if the guards even know that they had been about to kill the one my father told me to bring back to the castle…” She whispered lightly, as she knelt by the girl. She placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder—noting with amusement how relaxed and defenseless she looked in sleep—and was about to shake her awake—but never got that far. In an instant, she was pinned to the floor by surprisingly strong hands, and found herself looking up into the slanted dark eyes of the girl thief. Her hands were pinned over her head to the floor, and she was embarrassed to find that her legs were parted with the other girl between them. Her staff had slipped from her hand in her shock, and had clattered almost into the fire pit—which would have been very bad since she herself didn’t know how to get out of this maze without it.
“What kinda scum are you, sneaking in here?” Kai’rei was shocked that somebody had found her—nobody could ever track her through the cryptic lanes and alleyways. She was also more surprised that the one who’d discovered her hiding spot happened to be a girl around her own age—and a beautiful and rich girl at that. At the same time, however, she was a bit angry. Why had a girl like this followed her home? If the girl thought she’d find help from her, she was badly mistaken. “Have you come here for a reason?”
The young mage cringed under Kai’rei’s glare. “I-I… I am Saria, I, uhm—“ She paused, turning her face from Kai’rei’s, blushing. The fact that she was pinned under someone with so much power was starting to unnerve and embarrass her. The thief-girl was emitting a powerful don’t-mess-with-me aura. “I am supposed to…”
“You are… Saria? The heir to the family of mages?” Kai’rei was confused. Of all people to come looking for her, it was a rich, pretty, AND magically powerful girl? Oh god, WHY? Had she done something that had bugged that prestigious family of mages now? She leaned in towards Saria’s face, trying to find some answer hidden in her eyes. “Why did you say you came?”
“I was told that my father needed a person of your description. ‘A girl of raven-hair, and coal eyes, she is the one who uses the long-forgotten Arcana sword style.’” She locked in on Kai’rei’s intense gaze from the corner of her eyes. “May I get up now…?”
Still wary, Kai’rei shook her head. “No, I still do not understand what he meant. I have no idea what this Arcana thing even is.”
Saria stared up into Kai’rei’s face, her eyes confused. “But—out there, you seemed to be an expert with a blade. And you are no older than I, are you?”
“Out there… Ah!” The raven-haired girl gave a crooked smile, perplexed as to why the girl had followed her in if she knew she was dangerous. “You saw me fight those guards, didn’t you?” A sudden noise outside the door made her smile fade, and she hurriedly fell into silence.
Saria looked towards the door, more confused. “What—?“ She paused at Kai’rei’s warning glare. “Sorry, but I don’t understand why you suddenly—!”
Irritated, the raven-girl pressed her mouth against Saria’s, silencing her that way. Beneath her, she felt Saria stiffen, and was amused. If this was the noble’s first kiss, she really needed to get out more. It was one thing for a thief such as herself to be rejected from romance—but it was unheard of for a noble like this girl to be. She didn’t pull back until she was sure that the sound of heavy footsteps had faded away—which was several seconds. Her lips parted from Saria’s with a soft sensation—even if the constant talk was telltale for anyone on search of her, she didn’t want to hurt the noble.
Saria’s face was hot, and her eyes were wide from shock. Of all things she had expected the thief to do to her once she found her, this was not one of them. Especially since she had never been kissed by anyone, ever—let alone another girl. “U-Uhm!”
The expression that Kai’rei gave her next made her tremble a bit from rage. “Hnn? Yes, sorry, but my hands were full, and that was the only way I could quiet you on such a short notice.” She noticed the redness of Saria’s face, but ignored it and shifted her position so that she was leaning more on her right arm. With her left hand, she caught the other girl’s chin in her fingers, staring intently down at her. “Regardless of that, you came to say you wished to bring me to the caste, am I right?”
Saria nodded shakily—still painfully aware that she was still stuck under the person who had just stolen her first kiss. “Ye-yes…” She was relieved when Kai’rei finally climbed off her, and almost jumped to her feet. She retrieved her wand without a word, and headed for the door, only to remember Kai’rei’s sliced up feet. She turned back on the swords-girl, and pointed the wand at her chest. “Calling upon the spirits of the earth, I beseech you to mend the wounds that you have inflicted, and so long as my own power remains intact to me, so shall her resistance to the ground upon which she walks.”
Kai’rei flinched—almost walking into the end of the staff. A feeling of warmth ran through her body, as her wounds began to heal themselves, leaving not even a scar. When the feeling faded, she found that she was partway light-headed. The absence of pain was a feeling she could barely deal with, and it made her dizzy. She steadied herself against a wall, looking at Saria through cloudy eyes. “Th-thank you…”
After a moment, she was able to shake away her dizziness, and followed the young mage out the door. However, a crash nearby startled her, and she was alert in an instant. Saria looked around, trying to identify the source of an aura that had appeared out of nowhere—a deep, strong aura, that seemed to be as strong as Kai’rei’s…
Without hesitating an instant, the girl in question whirled, picking Saria up in her arms, and dashed down the nearest alleyway. The aura only followed them, as if they were already scented into it. And the smell of darkness was thick in the air. “Everything has come looking for me at the same time. Holy Christ on a stick! I do NOT get this at all! And why the heck’m I saving a girl I just met five minutes ago?”
Saria looked fearful for an instant—maybe she should have brought her guards with her after all? But thinking about how Kai’rei dealt with authority—particularly guards—she decided that would probably have made things worse. “Where are we going…?”
Kai’rei glanced down at her, then looked back up so she wouldn’t get too distracted and miss her turn. “To your home.” She squinted into the dark, as if she could see something, growling, “I do not like the looks of this though. It is so damn dark…”
Saria frowned, and tightened her grip on her staff as she muttered, “Light up our path.” Once again, the beam shot from her wand. Kai’rei’s only reaction was to dart down the lit up trail—not bothering to even thank Saria. She broke through the walls using her own magical energy—and before Saria understood what was happening, Kai’rei had them back on the main street. Kai’rei let Saria slide from her arms into a standing position, and helped steady her.
“No matter how powerful they are, they would not come out into the open, even at dark,” She muttered. Noticing Saria’s confused gaze, she sighed. “Do you have to underestimate my speed? I can run twice that fast, but somehow I did not feel like giving you whiplash…” Particularly because you are my only escape from that weakling life I led… She thought savagely.
The wind picked up, tearing angrily at their clothes, and pushing them back towards the dark alley. Some of the lamps lighting the side of houses flickered, sending shadows sprawling across them, and creating an eerie feeling—as if nobody was there but them. The sun had disappeared long ago, and the sky was dark with a moonless night. Saria shivered in the wind, unnerved by the chilly darkness. Noting this with distaste, Kai’rei placed an arm over the noble’s shoulders, trying to help keep the girl—and herself—warm. She looked back towards the path they’d come from, half expecting the aura to come rushing out at them. She knew the holder of the aura was watching them—but wouldn’t come out. Still, she didn’t want to take chances. She unsheathed her hidden blade with her free hand, walking Saria back to the castle. She still thought it was odd that everything had come for her on the night she’d turned sixteen…
Saria leaned into her arm, her eyes only half open. Despite the fact that this thief was so rude, she believed that the girl actually had a good heart. In an instant, she was asleep on her feet, with only Kai’rei to guide her back. The raven girl herself was amazed that the young mage trusted her so. She thought everything she’d possibly done since meeting the girl had been mean, almost rude. She’d never been trusted in her life—so why had everything suddenly changed? She tightened her grip on Saria, so that the girl wouldn’t fall out of her grasp, and continued down the road to Sol’drom castle—knowing that she may be risking her freedom, but at the same time unable to turn back. Out of the two groups that had come for her during the night, she felt that the one she’d deal better with was the light. Darkness wasn’t her style, no matter how rude she could be. And she wanted to prove to everyone that she wasn’t all that bad; that she could be just as strong as she needed to be…
Chapter Two:
Jiahar was the master of Sol’drom castle. Tall and dark, with toned muscle, and a scar across his chest from a particularly nasty opponent he’d once fought, he was a sight to behold—even in his forties. A pair of rectangular glasses was placed delicately on his nose, hiding a thing scar that ran over it—but even that didn’t seem to lower his appearance of command.
He watched as his daughter was led through the main gate by Kai’rei—who’d nearly beaten up all the guards—towards the front steps of the caste. “Every hundred years, a battle between the light and the dark erupts, with a single half-human, half-demon as the key to victory. This is the person of raven-hair, wielding the ancient style of Arcana. Being a member of both the world of dark, and the world of light, she will be the one to finally end the cycle of war after three hundred years… And in the final year in which war rages, the one who will decide the victor will come, dressed in the shadows that press in on the world.” He recited the old prophecy that was taught to every child in the castle. Everyone knew of it by now—but there was nobody to conform that it was true. Two major wars had erupted in the kingdom over a period of two hundred years so far. And he suspected that the wars were indeed between darkness and light as the prophecies told. If that was the case, he’d been right to send his daughter to find the girl—the one who supposedly died at the end of every war, only to be reincarnated again… But if he were wrong, it would’ve been just a stupid mistake, brought on by his senile fantasies.
“But since the one leading my daughter home is obviously of raven-hair, and wields a blade like a monster, she must be the key the legends spoke of…” He murmured, feeling a pang of satisfaction fill him. He unlatched the window to his room, and leapt from it to the roof of the guardhouse—which was directly below his own. From there, he jumped to the ground, landing right in front of the couple.
Kai’rei didn’t know what to make of this man who had just leapt from an insane height to greet them. She stiffened, holding her blade level, in case he decided to attack. Saria grabbed the hand holding the knife, and pulled it down, shaking her head. “Do not attack this man, he is my father…”
Flinching, Kai’rei tried to pull her hand from Saria’s grasp without success. When she knew it was hopeless, she lowered the blade feeling pathetic.
“You must be the half-demon, who is reincarnated every century to fight in the war between light and dark.” He extended a hand to her in greeting. “It is a great thing to meet one of such power. My name is Jiahar Kal’en, and I am the master of this castle. It would be an honor to me if I knew your name.”
Kai’rei stared at him as if he were insane. “I have no idea what you mean by half-demon, or reincarnated.” She glared at him as if he’d somehow insulted her. “Now would you quit the formalities and tell me what is happening? I happen to be hunted by not only you, but another as well—though they were a more dangerous type, understand.”
He smiled, not even vexed by her rudeness, which only seemed to flare her up more. “I understand. You probably have no memory. Forgive me. Now, I would still like to know your name, if you would be so kind.”
“I only tell my name to those I trust.” She muttered, looking away from him.
Saria tugged at her sleeve, frowning into a mild pout. “Do you not trust me then?”
Completely frustrated now, Kai’rei recoiled back from them both, moving a few steps away. “My name is Dukat, Kai’rei. I still have no idea what you mean by my being half demon, or being reincarnated. You had better explain.”
Jiahar gestured towards the castle, looking more serious then before. “I will explain everything once we are all safely inside. At this point, I really don’t know what to expect.”
The swords girl looked towards the castle with obvious distrust and doubt. She didn’t even budge from her spot until Saria took her wrist and began leading her inside. “This had better not be some trick.” She muttered.
After explaining to Kai’rei about the prophecy, Jiahar showed her the written form of the legend. He told her of the past wars, what he suspected had occurred in those two catastrophes, and what he expected to happen now. Until the beginning of the year, he hadn’t paid much attention to the superstition, he said. It was only after an obvious darkness began to fall over the kingdom, that he finally did notice that maybe, maybe—the prophecy was true after all. And so he had sent his only daughter, against his sense of better judgment, to find the one in the prophecy.
Kai’rei was curled up in a chair, face-palming herself repeatedly, and attempting to understand what he had just told her. “I think you have the wrong girl.” She said at long last, wiping sweat from her eyes. “I am no half-demon, and I sure as hell have not been reincarnated. I think both these “Light and dark” groups of which you spoke are confused, and went after the wrong person.”
Jiahar stared at her. “If you don’t remember the names of the groups by now, then—“
“—You never told her the names, daddy.” Saria hurriedly waved a hand in front of her father’s face, trying to catch his attention.
Jiahar squinted at her thoughtfully, muttering, “I thought I had?” He cleared his throat with a harsh sound, then continued. “Excuse me, then. The “Light” I spoke of, is known as the Jan—a group of demon hunters, and the “Dark” I spoke of is called the Hyundai-no—they are the flesh eating daemons in this world. In both wars, the Jan have fought a stalemate against the Hyundai-no. This is the third century after the prophecy was created, however. This is supposedly the year in which either the Jan, or the Hyundai-no, have complete success—meaning, they wipe out the other group entirely, I believe.”
Even his daughter was staring at him by the end of his explanation. “Why have you not told ME about this?”
Glancing at her, he sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I did not believe it was something you would want to know about, Saria. I thought it would be best to avoid telling you the details of everything. Even now, after you have brought me the girl, I still will not reveal everything that happened, or has yet to occur.” Like the fact that there is supposedly another who will appear in the end… He thought, carefully avoiding her gaze.
“Mm… And you wish for me to help you with this?” Kai’rei shot him a sidelong glare, peeved by the fact that he wasn’t telling her everything—particularly because this whole situation supposedly relied on her anyway. Jiahar was amazed by how her expression effectively portrayed her “Go-to hell” thoughts without her even needing to say it.
“Now, now, Miss Kai’rei. Please do not become too critical of the situation yet. If you stay long enough, you are bound to pick up on information once in a while—regardless of whether or not I personally tell it to you.” He gave a small wave of his hand, dismissing the matter, and pulled a bell from a pocket in his robes. The sound echoed cheerfully through the dining room, where he had led them to discuss, and through the halls stretching out like a cross from it. Immediately after this was done, the lights—which had been bright moments before—dimmed a bit, shadowing the table in a yellowish light. The red oak table shown as a dark brown, and the white tiled floors were gray instead of white. Confused, Kai’rei glanced around, trying to identify who had darkened the room. Her answer was found as she noticed a mage who was standing guard by the wide arced doorway.
Jiahar stood, arching his back, then turned to face them again. “If you are tired, I shall have Kota show you to your room. I thought it would be fine for you to stay with my daughter, until you become adjusted to living here. Is that fine with you?”
Saria blinked, about to protest, but her father turned away before she could answer his statement. Kai’rei just raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the remark. She didn’t care where she slept—as long as she wasn’t outside, or stuck back in her shabby little home.
“Good night then, Saria… Kai’rei. In the morning, feel free to go to look around, or come back here for breakfast.” In a swirl of black robes, he marched up the northern hallway, towards a flight of spiral steps that undoubtedly led to his own room.
“Sometimes, I feel as if he lives to invade my privacy.” Saria murmured, staring at the ground. After what this girl had done to her earlier, she felt a bit uneasy having to sleep near her—let along, with her. As if reading her thoughts, Kai’rei chuckled.
“Why must you look so on-guard, Saria? I shan’t bite. Well…” She paused, looking towards the wall, thoughtfully. “I correct myself—I do not bite unless I have a major reason to do so—which, in your case, I doubt would happen.” She grinned, at the other girl, in good humor. But Saria stared at her, red-faced.
“You doubt what would happen?” The mage murmured, an angry glint appearing in her eye. She shouldered her wand, trying to look assertive, but knew she had failed when Kai’rei laughed again.
“What exactly are you trying to do?” Kai’rei grinned crookedly at the mage, amused that the other girl would try such a thing.
In response, Saria just turned her back, hiding her embarrassment as best she could. Why WAS she acting so childish? “I don’t know! Leave me alone!”
Still smiling, Kai’rei began to pace around the dark room, scouting the small space out as best she could—she had nothing better to do. After long last, the mage by the door finally stopped staring at them, and came to greet them—appearing to be nearly as amused as Kai’rei was.
“Ladies, I’m sure the Master would command me to escort you to your room at this time, were he here. So please follow me, if you would just come this way?” He gestured with a gloved hand towards the hallway that stretched east from the dining room. Kairei looked the man up and down, wondering why everyone in the darned castle was wearing a wizard’s robe of a sort. His was a deep red, lined in silver—complete with black sandals and white gloves.
“Will I have to wear one of these?” She asked in distaste, looking back at Saria. The mage girl shook her head, tugging her sleeve carefully.
“These robes are for the people who know how to use magic. Since you’re a swordsman, I think they will be giving you nobleman’s clothes—I mean, you can not exactly fight if you were in a robe, or a dress.” Saria looked back up, having failed at finding anything wrong with her own robe.
Kota tapped his foot, bringing their attention back to him. He was pissed that Kai’rei didn’t like the robes, since he’d been a major designer for the style. As soon as he could, he planned to make something more to her taste, so she wouldn’t be so skeptical of him. “Please follow me.” He said again, now walking towards the corridor without them. Kai’rei blinked, and hurried to follow, not wanting to get lost in a place she’d only just arrived at. If that were to occur, there’s no telling what would happen, or who would find her—not that she couldn’t fight off anything that tried to take her anyway.
Saria sighed, as Kota led them to her room. She knew her father wasn’t putting Kai’rei in with her so that the girl would be less likely to get lost—he was putting Kai’rei in her room so that she could stop the raven-girl from escaping if she tried to. He always tried to look or act kind for any guest, no matter how rude they were—but if he needed them, he wouldn’t let them go unless he absolutely had to.
Her thoughts were interrupted as they came to an abrupt halt, standing before the door to her room. Kota bowed, looked at them, and finally trudged off down the hall without another word—an obvious dismissal for them to go in. Kai’rei knocked on the door; automatically sizing what she was up against if she ever wanted to escape—by hell, she knew why Shinosuke had put her in here. Earlier, she’d been too amused by Saria’s reaction to complain. Well, if he thought a piece of thick oak was enough to keep her locked in, he was badly mistaken. She’d show that to him eventually—but at the moment, she was too tired to feel like doing anything but sleep. She followed Saria in as the girl unlocked the door, made her way to the first patch of fluffy carpet she came across—and curled up there. She was asleep in an instant, in the corner of the room. Saria stared at her with both humor, and guilt. Why was Kai’rei sleeping on the floor? The answer hit her—the girl had been sleeping on the dry, hardwood of a shack for her entire life. Compared to that, the carpet was probably very comfortable. Still, she felt bad about making her guest sleep on the floor… So despite her worries over what had occurred earlier in the day, she pulled her wand up with a sigh of defeat.
Pointing it at Kai’rei, she whispered, “Element of air, which I command, carry the girl over the land, bring her to me, across this way, bring her now, without delay.” Kai’rei was lifted by an invisible wall of air, and carried over the carpet to the bed. It was almost as if she’d been pulled out of ‘Laputa,’ with the light glow of magic surrounding the ex-thief. Saria tucked the girl in on one side, and crawled into the other herself. She waved once at the candles, which were lighting up her room, and they flared out, engulfing it in an incomplete darkness. After once more glancing at Kai’rei, she shook her head, and fell asleep. It was amazing that a girl as unusual and assertive as the one with her existed, she thought.
Chapter Three:
Kai’rei’s first reaction upon waking up was to note her surroundings. Without opening her eyes, she new that she was no longer in the place she’d fallen asleep in—and at the same time, there was a person beside her…
In an instant, she was on guard, pinning the person down—and suddenly realizing that they’d already been down—and that she was still in the castle…
The girl beneath her glared up, obviously unhappy with being woken up by somebody suddenly pinning her down to her own bed, in her own room. “Okay, Kai’rei—why must you always manage to find some way to be panicked enough to pin me?” She was still half-asleep, so she could barely focus on Kai’rei’s face—but still knew it was the young ex-thief. Who else would impulsively wake her up in this fashion?
Kai’rei winced as the unfamiliar feeling of guilt washed over her. “Sorry?” She shrank back, almost to the very edge of the bed, and stared at Saria, contemplating.
“Was that a question?” Sitting up, she rubbed her hand through her sleep-ridden hair, returning the other girl’s stare. It probably was. Knowing where this girl had come from, it wouldn’t be surprising if she were not sure how to give an apology.
“Er… no.” Kai’rei winced again, knowing that she was probably sounding overly pathetic to the noble. “I, uhm…” She stood, carefully making her way to the door. “We should go.”
Saria raised an eyebrow at the change of topic, but climbed from the bed nonetheless. “Like where? To the dining room? The ball room? The—“
An expression that easily portrayed the epitome of confusion passed over Kai’rei’s face. “Ballroom?” Laughter from the other side of the room startled her, and she pressed her back against the wall by the door, shaken.
“The ballroom is for dancing. It is a huge, open spaced room, with smooth marble floors.” Saria shook her head, about to ask how it was possible somebody didn’t know what a ballroom was—but didn’t. Instead, she grinned, and made her way to where the ex-thief was standing. “Where would you like to go?
Kai’rei stared at the floor, utterly perplexed by the ballroom idea. “Could I see it?”
Saria laughed again, opening the door. Of COURSE someone who’d never been in a castle before would want to see the ballroom. She just hadn’t thought that Kai’rei would be interested in such a simple thing. “All right, follow me then. And don’t fall behind.”
In one swift motion, she unlocked the door and swept through. Kai’rei had to jolt herself out of her confusion, and just follow the girl to the destination of her thoughts.
The hallway was well lit, with candles hanging in chandeliers from the ceiling, and red-carpeted floors covered it from one end to the other. Kai’rei hadn’t noticed it yesterday—the richness of it all, complete with colorful pastel paintings of scenery and portraits alike.
Saria giggled quietly to herself as she watched Kai’rei marvel at just the hall alone. If the girl thought that the hallway was beautiful, then the ballroom would probably knock her off her feet…
After a series of turns through the walkways until they finally came across a place where three halls connected—leading to a huge arch of oaken double doors. Kai’rei actually stopped walking to stare at it. There was no word she could come up with to describe the door. It was much deeper in color than the red oak table in the dining room—and was intricately carved with detailed pictures and designs of mythical dragons, phoenix, and other creatures, though she could not identify them. A lamp hung on either side of the door, effectively lighting it up dramatically.
“What are you waiting for? The door will not open by itself!” Saria gave Kai’rei a small push to start her forward, but the ex-thief only stumbled to it, rubbing a hand over the firm surface in interest.
“I have seen a door like this one before…” She murmured quietly to herself. Saria, hearing her, frowned a bit. There was only one door like this that she knew of that mimicked the exact design of this one, from what her father told her—and it was in the castle far south of the one they were currently in; in the Hyundai-no’s castle. She decided that she should bring that fact up to her father later—but right now she was focused on getting her odd friend to go INTO the room instead of just staring at the door to it.
“Please follow, Kai’rei…” Saria whispered, leaning on the other girl’s arm. She was growing impatient with the ex-thief, at the same time being completely interested as to what the other girl was thinking. She believed that figuring out how the girl’s thoughts worked could wait, however, but the ballroom was standing tantalizingly in front of them. Without really thinking, she sighed impatiently into the girl’s ear, trying to catch her attention.
Kai’rei, pulled out of her reverie by the puff of wind that blew at her, jolted to the side, casting a wary glance towards Saria. “What was…” She paused to note Saria’s closeness, and raised an eyebrow questioningly. She’d figured that the noble didn’t like to be near her, and yet the girl was leaning so close to her. She decided to pass the noble off as another enigma to figure out some other time. Without questioning if it was okay first, she grasped the brass knob of the fancy door, and yanked it open. She wasn’t prepared for what she found inside…
Far south of the Sol’drom castle, laid the barren wasteland of the icy Cryptno planes. Glaciers dug deep into the tundra, surrounding it in a shielding wall of ice. Small caves patterned the inside of hills that sprung up near them, and a few jagged rocks crept up from the earth around those. Gray trees appeared here and there, obviously long dead, preserved only by the sheer coldness of ice that had frozen over their trunks. A deep basin seemed to form in the middle of all this, almost invisible in the blinding glare of ice and snow. And from the middle of this basin, a white tower raised towards the skies. It had no windows you could spot from the outside, nothing showed even a hint of a door. Only plain white stone, almost metallic to the touch, stood, barely visible in the plain it blended so well in.
This was the castle of the Hyundai-no daemons, a castle built in a place where death would fall to anyone but the hardiest of adventurers, and where the frozen wind bit so deeply into your bones that it felt as if your body would ever be completely unfrozen again…
Deobaldt, Seyb was one of the daemons of the Hyundai-no clan. With his silver hair that spiked up like icicles, and his piercing ice-blue gaze, he seemed almost as cold as the land in which he lived. The castle, known to him as Je’igna Kalt, was his home since birth. And he wore the standardized uniform of white chain mail, and the silver cloak of a warrior to prove it. On his left hip, a two-handed sword hung, its gray sheath decorated in words of power and pentacles. The handle stuck up like an ominous crystalline dagger—not because the edges were sharp, for they were dull enough to the calloused hands of a seasoned warrior like himself, but because of the head of the hilt that not only appeared to be a sharp, arrow-like figure, but retained the sharpness of one as well. This sword had been passed off from leader to leader for centuries, and it was one of the most valuable treasures Je’igna Kalt had to offer to any rogue who tried to raid it. Seyb had just had the luck he needed one day to kill the last leader, Jeis, and steal it.
He grabbed the hilt of the sword, petting it absently as he thought of how badly he had failed in retrieving the half-daemon girl from the kingdom of Sol’drom which she had so inconveniently appeared in. This badly threw down his plans of dominating the powerful Jan-warrior clan. Despite that, he refused to give up. Doing so would bring disaster upon his people, and inevitably, death. His pride would not let him stand by and watch such a thing occur. No, he would still fight. The sword contained a large amount of magical energy that he could tap into and easily control. Using this, he was sure that he and his army could easily defeat the Jan. His people weren’t so sure, however. It would take much to prod them into thinking that war was the answer to escape the oncoming fate they would otherwise have…
Chuckling to himself, he strode back towards Je’igna Kalt, still trying to come up with a plan that would bring the rest of the Hyundai-no around to his type of thinking. If worst came to worst, he could always use the sword…
Kai’rei couldn’t even move her surprise was so complete. Cream walls reached from one end of the room to the other, almost as long as one of the hallways that Saria had earlier led her through. The floor appeared to have been recently polished, for it shone like onyx, with the occasional gold specs dotting it. To her, it was as if the very floor had become forever the impression of the night sky. Black-framed portraits lined from wall to wall, no doubt portraying the only kings and queens who had ruled in this castle as well. Glass and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling that seemed to be brighter than it really was, if only because the floor was so dark. The lights easily bounced and reflected off the entire expanse of the room, which was so elegant and darkly handsome…
However, what really surprised her was not the splendor in which the room had been set up—she would have fallen captive to that without any help from the lighting anyway. She was surprised—in more ways than one—when she opened the door to find a group of nobles ready to meet her. Usually, while alert, she could sense even the smallest presence, even on the other side of a door. But something had kept her from being able to notice this huge gathering…
Dismissing the matter a mere hindrance of thought, she closely looked over the people within the room, hoping to discern their purpose there. Instead, she found herself becoming uncomfortable with the fact almost all were dressed up in beautiful robes, dresses, and elaborate suits—clothes that easily displayed their wealth. She herself couldn’t even hope to find an outfit so rich, and she wasn’t about to become the center of attention while these nobles were here. She backed out of the room, hoping she had not been noticed by any in the midst of the gathering, and brushed past Saria as she hurriedly closed the door.
The noble had been startled to find other like families all gathered together in one room, and wasn’t about to go in either. She gave Kai’rei an apologetic look, heading down a different hall than the one they had originally come from.
“I cannot be sure why that gathering was there, but… If you are to go further into that room, I will not let you wear those miserable clothes in there—not in front of the nobles, or my house will be dishonored.” Saria glanced over Kai’rei’s torn up clothes, which were no cleaner then the night before. “I… Let me go get you something that could—“
“Let me.” A voice spoke up from the shadows a few steps away. Kai’rei tripped, once again concerned by the fact that she couldn’t sense anyone there. Maybe it’s the door… She thought, casting a wary glance its way. But she knew it was more likely the people themselves, those who had been born into a powerful line of mages. She composed herself before the newcomer noticed her reaction, and glared at them. The long black cloak they wore easily covered the slight figure, but she could see that they were graceful and full of power. The hood hid their face from Kai’rei’s scrutiny, which disconcerted her, but was bearable. After all the unexpected things that had occurred to her so far, she wasn’t about to be intimidated by this mysterious person.
“And who are you?” She growled, irritated upon being snuck up on. She could have sworn that the figure chuckled lightly, but either it was her imagination, or it was too quiet for anyone else to hear, because Saria didn’t seem to notice. She narrowed her dark eyes, looking for any hint of danger.
“My name is unimportant, but if you wish to know, you must follow me.” Their voice didn’t give much away. It was melodic and smooth, but could have been either a man’s or a woman’s. It was barely audible, so Kai’rei couldn’t tell.
The ex-thief shrugged, patting the hidden blade in her sleeve for comfort as she began to head towards the figure, which was apparently pleased with her reaction. Saria, on the other hand, wasn’t quite sure what was going on. She couldn’t see what Kai’rei could, she couldn’t understand why Kai’rei was walking towards an air of nothingness. She frowned in her bafflement, and silently followed Kai’rei along the series of walkways. She wasn’t sure how the raven-girl was able to easily navigate her way through the maze of walkways so surely. But eventually, Kai’rei stopped, facing a wall. Saria watched in silent awe as a doorway stretched across the once solid structure, and almost forgot to follow Kai’rei through. She found herself in a room she had never been in, even though she’d lived in the castle for her entire life…
It was a small space, but nonetheless comfortable. A twin bed sat on the far side of the room, and in a corner near there, was a plain oak desk. Old pictures of lands she’d never seen hung on the walls, along with sketches of creatures she couldn’t even identify. A throw rug made of intricately woven patterns lay in the middle of the room, accenting the otherwise bare wooden floor with color; and a few old lantern lights were nailed into the walls above the desk and in the other corners of the room. Despite the exotic style compared to that of the rest of the castle, Saria found that it held an interesting beauty.
“Come, Kai’rei.” The figure moved in its graceful way, opening a few drawers on the desk, and pulling out items that couldn’t possibly fit inside the small space. A silken black cape lined in silver, an entire set of silver and gold chain mail, and finally, a pair of duel blades. The armor itself was of the richest quality, made by the dwarves. Kai’rei had no way of knowing that, however, as she studied it. She didn’t think it was even possible to create such a beautiful work that was as much art as it was armor. The swords, a pair of short curved blades, were more like claws. Made from a metal she’d never seen before, they shone a lustrous blue, and with the hilts that curved over your hands like a protective arch, they would keep any enemy’s blade from slicing into the fingers of the wielder.
Saria had seen Kai’rei’s reaction to something. She finally figured out that something was happening, something was leading the ex-thief on. Without thinking, she whispered a word of power, one that would show her what was hidden from the eyes of a mortal being.
The figure paused, looking towards the noble in thought. It didn’t want to be confronted by the girl, but nor did it want to hurt her. In a swift motion, it pulled out the rest of the equipment from the drawer, locked the opening to its storage, and fled from the room—just before Saria’s spell went into affect.
Ignoring the fact that her host had left, Kai’rei looked over the last items they had thrown into her arms. The clothes had the emblem for the noble house of Ko’iHime sewn into one of the sleeves of a fine maroon shirt, and the black pants, while plain enough, were made of rich silk. Last was a dark belt, made from the scaly hide of an animal unknown to Kai’rei, and a pair of dark boots made from this same material. The ex-thief frowned at this splendor, wondering why exactly it had been given to her. It was at that moment that Saria almost—but didn’t quite—confront her.
The noble was becoming increasingly impatient with the raven-girl. She’d been left behind to follow, while not even understanding what was happening. And her spell had only shown her the cloaked form of a fleeing figure that she didn’t know…
While Saria was distracted by her thoughts, Kai’rei hurriedly changed into the outfit that she had been given. She wasn’t sure, but it felt as if the material worked to fit itself to her slight form perfectly. The boots, which she’d thought were too large for herself, shrank to fit her feet snuggly, and the belt snapped into perfect position, with the duel blade hanging one on each of her hips. She didn’t think she’d need it, but she buckled the surprisingly lightweight armor on, finding that she still marveled at its design. She turned, spotting Saria, and yelled to catch her attention.
“Saria! Does this look alright?” She patted the hilt of one of her newly gained blades with amusement, as the noble gasped.
“H-How did you get that?” Saria whispered. She was glaring, and Kai’rei found that to be a new addition to her glee, since it probably meant the girl was amazed.
“I wouldn’t know who gave it to me. They only told me to follow, and so I did. I couldn’t have known that they would give me something so… nice.” Kai’rei bowed to her friend, itching to tease the noble. “Right, Miss Saria. Now that I am properly dressed, lead on to the ballroom!”
The other girl twitched in annoyance, but turned back towards the door anyway. “Fine, please follow me.”
Grinning crookedly, Kai’rei leaned forward to blow into Saria’s ear, startling the girl into facing her. With Kai’rei being nearly two inches taller than the mage, Saria had to look up to see the amused glimmer in the ex-thief’s eyes. Saria twitched again, blushing as she turned back towards the door. She couldn’t come up with any command that she knew the raven-girl would honor, so she ignored Kai’rei and left with the ex-thief hot on her heels.
From around the bend of a nearby corner, the figure watched soundlessly. It was pleased that Kai’rei wore the armor it had given her, and knew that the dual blades would work well with the flowing dance-like motions of the Arcana sword style. It wouldn’t be long before Jiahar introduced her to the silent guardian. When that time came, the figure would have all the time in the world to help teach and guide Kai’rei through her training. It knew that Jiahar relied entirely on this girl, and everything she could learn between now and the war that would no doubt come. With a sigh, it stepped back from watching the girls move away, knowing that for now its work was done. Now it had to prepare for the oncoming trials that would soon be ahead...
The gathering of noble families was pleasantly surprised when Kai’rei barged into the room, commanding their full attention. Saria followed her in, obviously annoyed by the girl’s forward tactics, looking like she was about to slap the girl—an action that was very unlike her normal personality. Jiahar, who’d previously been talking with the spokesman of one of the families, politely excused himself to greet Kai’rei and his daughter.
“I am glad to see that you have arrived with such short notice—if you had any.” His eyes traveled over Kai’rei’s fine armor that displayed her figure almost too well—taking in her slim, flat abdomen, and well-proportioned chest—then once again met her gaze. “And I am glad too, to see that you are also well outfitted for the occasion as well.”
He turned to meet his daughter, ignoring the grimace that Kai’rei had given him, and smiled. “You have done well, Saria. Where, may I ask, did you found this?”
Saria thought for a moment, unsure of how to answer her father’s compliment. “It… It’s a secret. I’d not tell you it.”
Jiahar, a secretive guy himself, wasn’t all that surprised that his daughter wouldn’t tell him. He didn’t go around telling people of his own hideaways either. Instead of scolding her, as she expected, he only smiled, and looked on towards the rest of the noble families—thinking that he was finally rubbing off on his daughter.
Kai’rei was too busy looking about the room to notice the conversation that was taking place beside her. The insignia for the nobles of house Ko’iHime was rare, she soon learned. She wasn’t sure why she’d been gifted with it, unless she was being invited to join it, but somehow she couldn’t bring herself to understand why someone would do such a thing. She was an ex-thief, her only honorable skill being fencing. Based on the looks that were cast her way, however, she knew that those within the noble families thought otherwise of her. Just how much had Jiahar stretched the supposed spans of her abilities when mentioning them to his lower allies? She was immediately pulled from her thoughts as someone tapped her shoulder expectantly.
“Miss Kai’rei, we’ve all heard many rumors of your great prowess. A mighty swordsman such as yourself would hardly be a burden if you were to be adopted into our ranks.” A man of Jiahar’s height and strength, tanned from many hours and days outdoors addressed her. He bowed low so that the dark bangs of his long hair shadowed his face from view. She looked at him in suspicion. Of course the nobles would say such a thing now—but what would they do in the years to come when she was no longer a use, but a hindrance to them? No doubt they would disown her, and she would end up right back where she came from—the streets.
With a polite bow of her own, she turned down is offer, much to the surprise of a few onlookers. That’s when the seal of the Ko’iHime family was noticed…
Those who had previously looked at her angrily immediately turned their stares to one of awe, and whispering broke out among them. Ko’iHime was Kal’en’s greatest rival. Both families were strong and formidable, and both were fighting for dominance over the position of leadership. They were the two major regent families in Sol’drom, the two most likely to go head to head when the next leader was to be chosen.
Jiahar motioned to a member in the crowd, one who didn’t stand out so much. He heard the mutterings of the families, and he understood why they would think he’d lost an advantage. He didn’t mind the rumors, however. He was doing what he thought was best at the moment, and no mutterings could turn him against what he’d already decided.
The form of a slight, graceful figure moved to greet Jiahar, pulling back the hood of a cloak that Kai’rei thought she recognized…
Before she could react, the beauty of the unveiled girl stunned Kai’rei. The angular features of the girl’s face suggested that she wasn’t a human, further invoked by the hot, burning eyes that reminded Kai’rei of a darkened forest, and by the stunning shine of her darker hair. Kai’rei couldn’t move as that stare met her own, and watched with growing apprehension as the girl, who appeared to be her own age, approached.
“Kai’rei, who wears the insignia of the Elves’ family, and is a holder of daemon blood… who is the girl of raven hair, and the last part-human wielder of the Arcana sword style… You have come for a noble cause, to aid us in our wars as the time of darkness approaches.” The girl paused for a moment, wondering if Kai’rei would deny it. With no protest from the warrior, she continued, her melodic voice captivating those in the audience who had no control over magic. “As you are a holder of great hope and potential, I would be honored if you would become a part of the Ko’iHime family—not as a short term daughter, but as a noble, and a possible successor.”
Kai’rei couldn’t doubt that the mysterious girl’s words were true. The raven-girl could clearly see that the noble would honestly honor her promise, and that in itself was what made Kai’rei smile and bow low before her. “You seem a worthy master, one who I’d easily follow with all credit to you. But with my being a daemon, I must wonder what kind of burdens this would place upon your people, for surely you know that ones such as myself only age until they have the proportions of an adult. Once I reach the age of twenty-one, I will get no older, and will only die if combat disfavors me.” Kai’rei looked up, finding herself stunned again by the girl’s eyes, which now held a glimmer of amusement.
“And surely, Miss Kai’rei, you know that the very same thing is true to the elves. I, like you, shall only age until adulthood, in which case I shall not die until my heart is pierced by the blades of my enemies. We would accept you into our ranks, and would not cast you out as many others not doubt would—for even if I were to die, there would still be others alive who would remember and honor the promise I have made to you this day.”
Kai’rei blinked in surprise. The elves aged like her? She hadn’t known of that fact, but she felt suddenly lighter knowing she might make some lasting friends among them. Looking around at the faces of the audience, tense in expectation, she couldn’t help but smile as she looked back to the girl. “Then I would be honored to join you and the rest of Ko’iHime…” She bowed low again to emphasis this point, and cast a glance towards Saria, who seemed amused by Kai’rei’s show of manners.
The girl stooped to place a kiss on Kai’rei’s forehead, as the audience cheered. “Then from now on you shall carry the name of Ko’iHime, Kai’rei. May good fortune follow you wherever you may wish to go.”
Kai’rei couldn’t help but blurt out her next question, bringing the amused glimmer back to the noble’s eyes. “But what is your name?”
“I believe you have asked me such a question before. However, since this time appears to be under different circumstances then the last, I am obligated to follow through with my promise. My name is Ko’iHime, Evenlynn, and the daughter of Shan—who is the true leader of Ko’iHime. He wished for me to be the one to greet you.” She backed away from Kai’rei, gesturing towards the back of the room. “Now follow me, Kai’rei. Let me show you that which is to be your new home!” She offered up a smile, running from the back door at a pace that would have been impossible for a human to follow. But Kai’rei, not being fully human, easily kept up with her, following her from the room while Saria looked on in happiness for her friend. The noble did feel a bit jealous, though she ignored that fact obstinately, dismissing it as nothing, and waved her on.
Chapter: 4
Seyb felt the slight tug of magic pulling at the air around him. It was a pulse that went on for miles on end, throwing open the floodgates of magical energy and allowing it to flow heavily among an earth that rarely met such an otherworldly power. Based on the direction from which it was coming, and the power with which it was being created, something major was happening in the areas towards Sol’drom castle.
Seyb swore, already knowing that the half-daemon brat had been pledged into one of the castle’s noble families, even before his runner came up bearing the news. Without even bothering to ask what the message was about, he dismissed the messenger with a wave of his hand. Now that the girl was sworn in, there would be no stealing her away from the Jan. Despite the fact that he hadn’t even been planning such a bold move anyway, he felt a bit irritated that issues on the far end of the country were occurring at a pace that was hard for him to keep up with. He’d have to hurry to identify a reason that justified an attack on Sol’drom soon.
Without pausing to think, he gave a slight tug on the empty air from the runner’s direction, making the poor soldier tumble back towards him. Magic wasn’t Seyb’s strong point, but he could use simple magic, such as pulling or lighting fire. “Get me some spies, boy. Now!”
The kid stared at him for a second, frozen by terror. Then, he took off, hoping that he could fall back into Seyb’s favor by bringing haste to the situation. For all knew of Seyb’s awesome strength and power—and nobody dared to defy him.
Kai’rei paused in awe as she overlooked a different wing of the Sol’drom castle. Unlike the immensely elaborate and colorful decorations used in the Kal’en’s wing, Ko’iHime’s wing was decorated as if it were a darkened forest. Small indoor trees lined the polished wood walls, where pictures of forest or grassy landscapes hung. Framed sketches of exotic creatures also popped up occasionally, and the soft fluffy carpet—the color of green pine needles—layered the entire expanse of the floor. Kai’rei felt a bit out of place at first, as if she had stepped through a book into a fantasy world—or at least traveled to the other side of her own world. It took her a few moments to catch her breath, as she gazed around. Finally, the silence was broken by an amused giggle from Evenlynn.
“You seem to be lost, Miss Kai’rei. Do you not like it?”
Kai’rei, still currently trying to catch her bearings, barely heard the noble princess. After realizing that the other girl had said something, however, she shook herself from her reverie, embarrassed at having ignored her host.
“N-no, this is… I know not how to even describe it. Uhm… It looks as if it mimics a forest, that much I can tell…but…”
“You are not used to it.” Evenlynn finished for her, a small smile playing on her lips.
Looking flustered, Kai’rei nodded. “Yes, that. I have never even seen a real forest in all my life, but this…” Kai’rei paused, not wanting to hurt the princess’ pride. After seeing how easily Saria was insulted, she didn’t know how this new girl would react to her opinions.
“No matter how nice, it is obviously not an actual forest, but a mere imitation.” Evenlynn finished for her again, her smile growing. Kai’rei blushed, looking at her in surprise.
“How can you—“
“Your expression says more than you do. Come, let us not wait in these warm halls for longer than we must.” Evenlynn grinned, leading the other girl through the walkways—each one connected by a frame of branches—towards a door that was conspicuous even from far away. To Kai’rei, these halls were much less complicated to find ones way through than the mazes in Kal’en’s wing. As they approached the light oaken door, Evenlynn paused, turning her deep gaze to meet Kai’rei’s coal-colored eyes. “This will be your room. Would you like me to leave you now, or do you wish for me to accompany you inside?”
The noble’s eyes glittered in humor as Kai’rei’s stare dropped from her own.
“Come in with me. I do not know these areas well, and I think it would be embarrassing for me to get lost if I ever wished to leave.”
Evenlynn didn’t question Kai’rei’s reasoning, but instead followed the warrior inside. “Fine, then I’ll come. But if you do wish for me to leave, please tell me.”
From the stare the raven-girl gave her, she guessed she wouldn’t be asked to leave any time soon. The warrior looked a bit disheveled and nervous about being in a new place, with new people—with whom she had just pledged her loyalty—yet again. Based on that, Evenlynn didn’t think that the girl would want her to leave in the near future, and the way things were going, she may even end up staying with the girl until the next morning. She didn’t really mind, though, for in her own chambers, only hasty pampering maids awaited for her—she never looked forward to dealing with them, and she would easily welcome any delay.
The room had a fairly simple set-up. The walls, like the ones in the surrounding halls, were polished wood, surrounded with enough plants to give it a lush feeling without being too cramped. The bed—a low-to-the-ground queen sized structure—sat in the middle of the room. On each side of the bed, sat a light oak bedside able, complete with small, not-too-bright lamps—and the same carpet as the one in the halls covered the floor. Kai’rei found that she actually really liked the style; no matter how different it was from anything she was used to.
Evenlynn looked at the girl through the corner of her eye, satisfied that the warrior seemed to like the room. She crossed the expanse, towards one of the two windows, and pointed to something that Kai’rei couldn’t see from where she stood. Curious, the raven-girl hurried to the noble’s side, to find that the princess was pointing at a colorful garden that was not too far away.
“That over there is my sanctuary, Miss Kai’rei. If you ever need time to yourself, or a break from your duties—or just the world in general—feel free to go there. Nobody will stop someone of your new status from going.”
Kai’rei grinned, looking at Evenlynn thankfully. “I appreciate your offer… uhm…” She trailed off uncertainly, unsure of what to call the girl.
“You may call me Evenlynn, Miss Kai’rei. Don’t worry about titles when addressing me.”
Kai’rei flinched, still unnerved at how the noble princess always knew what was on her mind. “I-if I were to call you Evenlynn, then you must call me Kai’rei. I hate formalities no matter who they are with… especially if I am called by one.”
Evenlynn nodded again, already having known of Kai’rei’s hatred of authority and titles from Jiahar. The man had gone into full description of how Kai’rei had reacted to him. Apparently he had been overly amused by her actions and words that day—after all, it wasn’t every day that he came across someone as easily irritated or flustered as the raven-girl. “All right then, Kai’rei.”
The noble crossed the room, and sat on the floor—somewhere near the door—and proceeded to stare out the window in thought. Kai’rei didn’t exactly know how to react to the awkward cut from conversation, though she welcomed the silence with gratitude. It had been an interesting and eventful day to her, more so than most of the nobles since she wasn’t used to gatherings or parties.
With a heavy sigh, Kai’rei lay on her bed, and gazed at the roof as she remembered everything that had occurred that day—from the mysterious figure, who’d happened to be Evenlynn; to her adoption into the most prominent regent family in Sol’drom castle. It was a lot to digest for an ex-thief, especially for one so used to being alone as Kai’rei—one so used to being alone that she did anything that she needed to do in order to survive. Suddenly becoming the one everyone and everything depended on gave her an anxious sensation in the pit of her stomach. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do, or what would be expected of her. She knew one thing for sure though, and that was the fact that she couldn’t prevail in the situation alone. She needed something—or more likely somebody—to help her through the complicated problems that would no doubt come in the near future.
With another sigh, Kai’rei turned onto her side, hugging a pillow in an attempt to calm her nerves. When that didn’t seem to help, she buried her face in the soft fabric, hoping to smother the feeling away. The stress of her latest circumstance was finally catching up with her.
Across the room, Evenlynn watched with empathy, knowing the strain of leading a group of people. It could be a fierce job, requiring compassion, wisdom, integrity, and justice. One needed to be able to apply these qualities at exactly the right moments to avoid chaos. But since Kai’rei was pretty much from the realm of chaos—the streets—Evenlynn wasn’t certain that the thief would understand completely what she was required to do.
“I’m not sure, but I may have to leave soon, Kai’rei.”
The other girl, curled up around her pillow, groaned in response. Evenlynn’s leaving had become the least of her worries.
The princess paused, having been about to disappear from Kai’rei’s reach of depression. With quiet footsteps, she approached the spaced out girl, and rubbed her back comfortingly. “Don’t loose heart. While many obstacles lay ahead, I’m sure that you will be able to overcome them.”
With that, she departed, leaving the raven-girl to her thoughts. If the noble had known the trials that lay ahead, she might have hesitated to speak such bold words…
The courtyards of Sol’drom castle are a curious place. At some points, it is overflowing with people to the point in which some have to stand on the rim of the grand fountain in the middle of the vast expanse of land. At other times, the place is so deserted and silent, it’s as if someone had cast a quieting spell over it. At this point in the day—around
Noon—the place was only partway crowded. Still, a figure sat among the swirling hordes, thinking of how nice it would be if nobody were there at that moment. It would make it much easier to consider what would need to be done about the half-daemon girl. With a growl of frustration, the figure rose, pushing back the hood of their dark cloak in the process. His maroon hair was the first oddity one would notice in him upon first glance—after all, the color was from an ethnic group that resided more north even than the nobles in Sol’drom, called the Aseg. His people were like Kai’rei in many ways—one being the fact that they were descended from the ancient, formidable daemons. Still, they were a widely accepted race among the more common races of the land, despite their heritage.
Another few other things about this man that was odd were the violet color of his eyes, and the tan shade of his skin. His race’s features tended to contain more pale and black tones than violets, or tans. So in all retrospect, his entire configuration was different and even weird compared to that of his brothers and sisters. Because of this, he almost always wore his dark cloak in order to hide from the stares of passerby humans. At the moment, however, he was too concerned about the current situation to worry about such a trivial matter. He’d been charged with the training of Kai’rei Ko’iHime, whose fame and identity was spreading like wild fire among the noble families, and renegade peoples even. He’d given her the equipment she would need earlier in the day—but the Kal’en heir had arrived before he’d had a chance to reveal himself to the raven-girl.
“Blaire. I somehow knew that I would find you here.” He turned, hearing the sound of his name, and froze upon seeing Evenlynn.
“M-milady?” Blaire turned his back partway, in an attempt to keep his expression of surprise from her. “Am I needed already?”
“No, you’re not needed as of yet—but I will be surprising the girl tomorrow with your presence. Just a warning.” Her eyes sparkled a bit in amused expectation. “I’m sure that her reaction will be quite epic. No, I was just wondering how you’re going to teach her of her innate abilities, or train her in the art of the Arcana sword style. It can be difficult to master, but is much harder to teach from what I’ve been told.”
“Do not worry, Milady, that shall all be sorted out by tomorrow. I’d rather surprise you.” He smiled grimly, trying to hide that he actually hadn’t yet come up with a plan.
The noble princess gave a soft knowing smile, and took a few steps away from him, towards the fountain. She knew him well enough to know that he didn’t have an idea; based on his actions—but she wouldn’t pressure him over it.
“I see. I wish you luck then, and shall see you tomorrow.”
She was gone then, her cloak—the same as his—billowing merrily in her wake.
Blaire gave another frustrated groan, fighting the urge to stab his Mithril short swords into the earth at his feet. “Damnation.”
“This paperwork shall be the death of me.”
Jiahar began to grumble on about how he needed to find a clerk, when the door to his room opened. Saria, used to her father’s laid-back attitude—he always acted this way when there were no guests—ignored what she had heard a moment ago. She instead looked right into his eyes, a glare of determination on her face as she unexpectedly said, “I am going to the Ko’iHime wing.”
Spluttering, her father gave her a dubious expression. Why would she want to go there? He’d never heard of her ever wanting to leave the Kal’en’s wing even, accept to go to the market, or unless he sent her on a mission. He realized a second after, though, her reason for telling him this. “You’re going to see the daemon girl, aren’t you?”
She turned her face from his, looking defiantly back towards the door. But she didn’t deny his claim, nor did she flinch.
“Saria, what reason do you have for this idea?”
Again, the girl didn’t answer. She slowly closed her eyes, trying to ignore his words. She herself had no idea why she felt the need to see the raven-girl. It just seemed as if a suffocating depression had descended over her after her friend of two-days had left—and somehow she knew she’d feel better if she saw Kai’rei.
Jiahar sighed, interlacing his fingers, and set his elbows on his desk, in thought. “I will think about it.”
Usually, this was an excuse that she accepted. But today, she whirled on him, her glare penetrating into his eyes like dangerous daggers. “I shall not wait. If you wish me to do so, you will be sorely disappointed.”
Her words took Jiahar aback. Saria never disobeyed him, and she had never looked so determined or angry in all his years of watching over her. “…I see. You may go, then. But know that if you are not back by the end of seven days, you are no longer my heir, nor a member of Kal’en.”
Now it was Saria’s turn to look bewildered. Jiahar had not once threatened anyone, as long as she’d known him. Still, her resolution held firm. She would go, whether he willed it or not. She’d never really been close to her father anyway—and sometimes doubted her relation to him at all. After all, she looked nothing like the man, and had no memory of him past seven years ago. “Fine.”
With that, the noble girl disappeared from his room, a blur of violet robes and chocolate hair. Jiahar found that he was unable to fathom entirely what had just occurred.
Out in the large expanse of wilderness surrounding back outdoors of the Ko’iHime wing, Evenlynn was busy setting up the training yard that would be used for Kai’rei’s lessons—when a runner met her. Leaving the job—currently, she was drawing out the enclosure, planning its size—with relief; she turned to the tired boy’s call. He had to be no older than twelve, with a mop of black hair, a lanky silhouette, and a pair of lime green eyes. He stared at her, as if she were some sort of goddess, before she managed to catch her attention and wave for him to give his message. She was used to the admiring stares she had thrown her way by now—from both genders. It didn’t really bother her, nor did it surprise her. The elves had always been known for their beauty and grace, and she was definitely no exception to the stereotype.
“Mi-Milady, the heir of Kal’en has come, demanding the presence of the daemon swords girl.” He sounded out of breath, as if he had run all the way around the castle trying to find her. She smiled at that; glad to know that at least the younger youths were full of responsibility, as well as the will to fulfill their duty to their job.
“Lady Saria has come? Before she may see our warrior, tell her to come to me, so that I might speak to her.” She turned her gaze from his eyes, to look around. She could have sworn that someone was watching her… Her thoughts strayed back to the countless years in which some men had attempted to force themselves onto her, and she found that she actually regretted not taking anyone with her on this self-proclaimed mission.
“Yes, Milady…” He took off again, with added vigor to his pace—he wanted to please the noble princess, as most did these days. She was beautiful beyond that of most in the kingdom, and many wanted to marry her, even the children. Everyday, she found letters of confession sent to her, by both men and women. Of course, she never answered their wiles. She had duties to attend to after all. She kept her gaze wary, as she pretended to go back to work. The rustling of fabric nearby caught her attention, and her suspicions were conformed. She continued to fake oblivious behavior, slowly working out a rough sketch of the training field, while also tensing in anticipation of a fight. Despite her efforts to assess her current situation, even if it wasn’t particularly horrible, she found herself taken slightly off guard when the stalkers finally showed themselves.
One leapt behind her, restraining her and covering her mouth before even her conditioned reflexes could react. A different man walked causally out of the brush of a nearby fern, giving a smirk in her direction. “I see you have no bodyguards around, my dear Evenlynn. How careless of you. Didn’t you make this exact mistake last year? It almost cost you your virginity too, and your hand in marriage. Have you not learned from the past?” His handsome features, more angular than most elves’, seemed somehow dark—further invoked by the long black hair that hung around his shoulders. An air of arrogance seemed to surround his muscular form. She flinched, remembering what he’d done to her the year before. He’d definitely assaulted her—having almost literally ripped most of her clothes off. The only thing that had saved her was one guard walking into her room unexpectedly. Before the guard caught him—and before his face could be completely seen—he’d run off. Evenlynn had had no proof to use against him to get him into jail.
“Y-you are…” Her voice held an uncharacteristic quiver as she spoke. She cursed herself for not being more careful. As he slowly approached her, she turned her face side, not wanting to even see him. Maybe Saria would be able to arrive in time to stop him… But if the Kal’en’s heir even did manage to make it in time, only the girl’s magic, and the messenger’s strength would be there to fight this man. And she knew him to be a physically strong man—even if he couldn’t use magic, he’d be able to withstand the impact of the attacks. No doubt, Saria would suffer the same fate, and the messenger would be knocked unconscious.
“You do remember then? What about my name? Do you remember that as well?” His increasing assertiveness set a warning bell off in the back of her mind.
“Yes… You’re the Lord Ilark. Why would a man of the noble court assault an heir twice? Do you not fear the authorities?”
“Why should I fear them? I’m a man working with the law, and of great influence. They’d be quicker to believe me, even over the words of their young princess.”
The man restraining her laughed quietly, rubbing a hand over her curves. “A beauty like you… Any man would just want to have you. You should be glad it’s someone as handsome as Lord Ilark.”
Her soft whimper was lost as both men laughed, and the grip on her arms tightened. Fighting them wouldn’t work, not if she couldn’t even free herself from their grasp… All she could do was struggle, and hope to slow them down.
Kai’rei had been exploring the courtyards of the Ko’iHime wing, when a couple of men sitting in the corner of a pub caught her attention. Their conversation had been nothing interesting to the young warrior. That was until she’d heard the mentioning of Evenlynn’s name, and something about a Lord following the princess into the wilderness. She would have normally dismissed something like that, thinking that the pursuing man would’ve been going along acting as an overprotective guard sort. But something in the way they’d mentioned him held her, and she soon found herself sliding into the bench beside them—holding a knife inconspicuously to the ribs of one. “Tell me of this man. I couldn’t help but overhear you careless words about your mistress. What is about to happen?”
It had taken but a few prods and cuts before she got all the information she wanted from them. After only five minutes, she was leaving one seriously bruised man at a bar, and running like a feral tiger down the path that Evenlynn was said to have taken. Within moments, she came to a clearing in the woods where a commotion was taking place. She listened for a second; trying to figure out if it was actually the group she’d come for. Her silence was met by the sound of men’s’ laughter, and the uncharacteristic whines of a voice she knew. She crept closer, wanting to understand what was happening before she jumped in. The sight she came across—of Evenlynn pinned to the ground by one man, as another tried to force himself on her—was all she needed to know she’d been right in coming after the noble princess. Her curved blade whistled in the air, slicing a silver pattern into the wind as she burst from the trees. Her fury was met by the surprised explosion of magic shot from the hand of the guy holding Evenlynn down. With her limbs now free, the shocked girl rolled away, and curled into a tight ball—hiding her bleeding bruises, and near-naked form.
Ilark wasn’t at all surprised to find that he’d been found out. With composed movements, he retied his clothes to cover himself, and grabbed up his own blade—just before the whirlwind that Kai’rei collided into him. The force of her first blow made him reel cautiously back. The last thing he’d expected was to meet a girl in combat—particularly one who could fight. But before he could counter the daemon’s attack, the girl twirled into a graceful spin, one blade lower than the other as she continued this forward spinning motion. She appeared to be imitating the shape of a corkscrew, and the unorthodox technique put him on the defensive. He shuffled back, deflecting her blows with uncertainty—unsure of where she would strike. She ceased her motion without a hint of overexertion, twitching one of her curved blades up to match his, hilt to hilt. In a situation like this, Ilark knew that he’d prevail. He leaned onto his blade, attempting to crush her down under his weight. Kai’rei’s legs buckled as she tried to regain favorable footing. Realizing that fighting in close would not work to her advantage, the raven-girl unexpectedly dodged away—nearly making the Lord fall off-balanced. He desperately recovered himself, just before Kai’rei rushed in again. She danced from foot to foot in a spinning skip, her movements so harmonious that he almost forgot to deflect the beautiful and deadly swords. Their lethal sparring continued on for some time—until Ilark reached his limit of patience. With an unearthly howl of irritation, he lunged his sword at her throat.
Kai’rei smirked at his novice-like swing. Knocking it aside with apparent ease, she lifted her second claw-blade to his throat in a lightning-quick movement that was hard for even Evenlynn to follow. She held it there for a moment, as if contemplating on whether she should let him live. Then, with an expression of obvious disgust and distaste, she sliced his throat, and barely ducked under the spray of blood that would’ve stained her clothes.
The second man had fled the scene the moment Lord Ilark had lost the advantage. Kai’rei doubted he would be returning anytime too soon, not after witnessing her fighting ability. Few matched her in combat. Yet, sadly, many now relied more on pistols and petty tricks in order to best the hardworking swordsmen… Sometimes Kai’rei wondered if she would actually stand a chance against a trickster one on one.
Evenlynn shifted a bit, trying to hide more of herself under the rags of her forest green cloak. Despite the fact that Kai’rei had obviously saved her, the noble princess wasn’t sure if she should completely trust the daemon girl who’d only become a member of the Ko’iHime clan hours ago. Kai’rei gave her a dubious expression, as if asking why she was being glared at. After all, hadn’t she just proven she could be trusted? Of course she understood that it took a lot to make anyone—even the ancient elves—trust a person of her decent. Saving someone from danger once after meeting them only half a day earlier probably wouldn’t cut it. The young warrior rubbed a tired hand through the long bangs of her raven hair, while shrugging off her own cloak that she’d grabbed up on her way out of the castle. Casting a measured glance in Evenlynn’s direction, she carefully approached the disheveled girl, and handed the clothing article off to her. Before she spoke again, she directed her gaze to the side, trying to give the noble enough privacy to slip and tie the cloak into place. Evenlynn thankfully complied, sliding into the oversized thing with ease. It still held Kai’rei’s warmth, and Evenlynn’s cold shivering soon ceased.
“Who were those bastards...?” The warrior’s husky voice was filled with contempt—and who could blame her? Evenlynn thought, brushing her tousled hair into a slightly more neat position.
“Th-they were just a few nobles from my clan…” She pointed at the man Kai’rei had so easily slain. “He is—was—Lord Ilark, deputy of the fourteenth brigade of Ko’iHime. The other, I didn’t see too well. But by the sound of his voice, it must have been Izak, Ilark’s apprentice…” She trailed off, looking past Kai’rei. For a moment the warrior thought that someone was approaching from behind, and whirled to face the unseen danger—only to find nothing there. The brush of wind against her cheek, caused by motion nearby, put her back into a reasonable mindset. The raven-girl immediately turned back towards the noble princess—just in time to catch the exhausted girl in her arms.
“Those dumb bastards… They must have really worn her out, trying to force themselves on her. They must’ve been raised by pigs… Or maybe this guy’s mother was one…” She glowered furiously at the dead body of Lord Ilark, giving it a fierce kick. Carrying Evenlynn bridal style, Kai’rei made for the bushes nearby, wanting to get far away from the location of her skirmish. She jogged down a path that had to’ve been made by constant use from wilderness creatures, stopping only when she came across an old oak--wide and ancient from age. It's knotted branches rose as far up as Kai'rei's eyes could see, and stretched across a small clearing. It seemed somehow sacred, as if this location was one of great importance. The very air seemed tinged with the sweet scent of warmth, honey, pine... She couldn't identify it all, but it was relaxing in a way she'd never known before. Carefully, she laid Evenlynn beside the roots, and sat beside the sleeping princess--alert in case any unseen dangers approached but otherwise more relaxed than she usually felt. She kept her hands on the hilts of her blades, but leaned her shoulder comfortably against Evenlynn's, hoping that the girl wouldn't need a healer.
--
It must have been hours later that Kai'rei awoke from her light slumber, and she stiffly felt with her hand in the darkness hoping she had not released her blades' hilts while asleep. She hadn't. Still, however, it was later than she'd hoped she would rest for, and she felt out of sorts. "For someone everyone thinks is gonna save this damned place, I'm not much am I..?" She muttered ruefully to herself, climbing into a kneeling possision. Evenlynn was still resting by her side, so she would have to carry her back.
