Fan Fiction ❯ A War of Three Nations ❯ Chapter Three: The Plans We Make ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: Wow, I'm on a roll! O.o Three chapters written in the space of one day… wow, that's a record for me! XD Same disclaimer as the first chapter; go back and read it if you must!

 

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A War of Three Nations

 

Chapter Three: The Plans We Make

 

Reaching his manor within ten minutes, Ronin dismounted and led his guests inside, striding into the front foyer. Zephyr was followed by an uncomfortable Aceline as they entered Ronin's manor.

"Jamina! We have guests!" he called, smiling when his wife bustled into the room.

"Welcome home darling," she said, greeting him with a chaste kiss, and then she turned, her face brightening at the sight of their guests.

"Why Zephyr! It's been ages! Welcome old friend!" she greeted, giving the general a brief hug before withdrawing, the bright smile still plastered on her face. Zephyr relaxed slightly as she gave him a quick hug before Ronin introduced Jamina to Aceline.

 

"Jamina, this is General Aceline of Gaia." Ronin introduced them, Jamina dropping into the quick curtsy and giving the neko-jin general a polite smile. "Oh, where is Preia."

Jamina's smile faltered slightly, and she sighed in obvious frustration. "I imagine that she is in her room, as she has been out in town all day; one moment." Moving out of the room, Ronin paid no mind when his wife began shouting up the stairs for his daughter.

"Uncle Zephyr!" Rushing by in a blur, Preia flung herself at the elven general, hugging him tightly with a bright smile on her face. Jamina was surprised to see her daughter so happy.

In truth, Preia was ecstatic about a number of things. Her upcoming escape to Gaia, getting to see Zephyr again after a long while, and the list just went on. Pulling back, she grinned up at the older elf, the small yellow crystal on her necklace shimmering in the light of the lamps.

 

Zephyr felt Preia's arms around him, and as she pulled back, he said merrily, "Preia, my dear! It's been quite a while since I've seen you!" He gave Preia a quick and affectionate peck on the cheek, laughing gently at his 'niece.' He nodded at her necklace, the yellow jewel shining brightly, "I see you've been keeping that with you all the time." He gave the jewel a glance, thinking, I had Ronin give you that Light Heart Stone those many years ago, Preia. I see I have made the right decision. Alexavier is proud. Alexavier's Wind Heart Stone shone dimly in its sheath before dying down.

"Preia, I'd like you to meet General Aceline of Gaia." Turning and seeing the neko-jin for the first time, Preia swept into a quick bow before straightening herself, her eyes alight with excitement.

"It is an honor to meet you General Aceline, especially since you are only the second neko-jin I have ever met."

 

Aceline's lips twitched into another graceful smile as she returned Preia's bow, "And the same to you, young one. You seem rather feisty, don't you?" And Aaralyn gave a merry laugh, her eyes alight.

"I thank you, Ronin, for inviting me to stay over the night. Your hospitality is most welcome. I'm sure my Lord, King Rai, will find some way to repay you-- I hope I do, as well."

 

"No need, General Aceline, my home is your home; it is the least I can do," Ronin replied, giving both generals a wide grin.

"Dinner is being served in the dining room, please, come with me." And with that, Jamina and Ronin led the two generals to the dining room, Preia still attached to her 'uncle's' arm.

 

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Rye walked aimlessly through the streets of one of the many towns in Gaia. He needed to find his sister, but he had no idea where she was living. Sure he knew the address, but he didn't know where to find the street. He continued to walk, raising his heavy hood every now and then to read a street sign or two.

He considered asking someone for directions, but he was already getting suspicious stares from the people around him. Again, he became flustered and ducked into a dank alley. When he reached the other side, he decided it was best to stop wasting anymore time and just ask someone for directions. He approached a young woman, who was walking in his direction.

"Er, excuse me miss," he said awkwardly.

"Yes?" she asked, with a look of puzzlement on her face.

"I was wondering if you could give me some directions?" he asked, looking at her in the eye.

Her response was a loud gasp and a few steps backwards. Rye sighed and looked down; pulling his hood lower over his face so he couldn't see her anymore. He was just about to walk away when she stepped towards him again.

"Your eyes... they are an exquisite colour," she said as she stepped forward and lifted his hood to get another look. She wasn't sure what kind of breed he was, but she was sure he was a neko-jin, judging by his slitted pupils. "How strange to have such dark hair, yet such bright eyes. Your parents must have contrasted drastically in colour against each other."

"You could say that," he replied, almost bitterly. He noticed that people were beginning to stare so he continued. "Can you please tell me how to get to Raven Lane?"

"...Yes, walk two blocks that way and it should be on your right."

"Thank you," he replied as he walked away from her.

"Uh, wait; please tell me your name!"

Rye turned and smiled slightly at her before continuing to walk. She must have been a couple of years younger than he; naturally she wouldn't have heard the story of the neko-demon monster.

 

After much searching, Rye had found his way to his sister's house. She was shocked to see him at her door and pulled him in as quickly as she could. Once they were seated, Rye told her about the ominous feeling he felt. Lila and Raelin just looked at each other, both knowing that Rye's perception was probably right. Raelin decided for the both of them that there was no need for them to panic and move away, for he was once a very skilled warrior in the army before he lost his eye, and would be a very worthy opponent.

"What will you do?" Raelin asked his brother in-law.

"What do you mean?" Rye asked, knowing exactly what Raelin meant.

"You know the ways of the warrior. You have special abilities. You have demon blood that gives you strength and magic that neko-jins can only dream of having. Do you know what that means Rye? It means you are a valuable asset to all neko-jins, whether they accept you or not. They may not know it, but you are an ultimate weapon that the neko-jin army should be using."

Rye looked down and thought for a minute.

"Rye. Look at me. You cannot continue to live the way you have been living. You are now 20 years old. Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone?" Raelin asked. "Go out into the world and make your existence known. You exist for a reason, and it is not to wallow in your misery."

"But they are afraid of me. They don't want to trust me."

"Prove to them that you can be trusted. If you don't speak to anyone, how are they to know that you are not the demon they believe you to be? Remind them that you are also neko-jin."

Rye remembered the small act of kindness the girl on the street showed him when she smiled and complimented him. That was when he decided to take Raelin's advice and go out into the world and find meaning to his existence. He spent that night in the spare room.

 

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"Good night Zephyr, Aceline. Sweet dreams Preia." Kissing his daughter once on the forehead before heading to bed, Ronin smiled at the generals before disappearing into he and Jamina's room.

Preia smiled at the two generals, leading them a bit further down the hallway. "This is your room General Aceline.”

 

The general nodded at Preia, "Thank you, Preia. I appreciate it." Entering the room and taking off all the metallic armor, Aceline was sleep within minutes of her head falling on the pillow. The ride from Gaia to Fayrie, though it was not that far, had tired her out.

 

“And Uncle Zephyr; you get your normal room. I hope you'll both be comfortable." Turning to go into her own room; Preia paused and hugged Zephyr tightly once more, keeping back the few tears she felt threatening to fall.

 

This might be the last time she would see her 'uncle', or any of her family for that matter. Even if she did return, they might never forgive her.

 

"I get my 'normal' room?" Zephyr teased his 'niece,' giving a gentle laugh-- he'd never been so carefree around anyone else but Preia. "Alright." His eyes widened slightly when Preia gave him one tight hug, and he returned it, sighing, "Preia, Preia. It's not like I'm going to disappear."

 

Alexavier hummed just as Preia leaned up to peck Zephyr on the cheek: And he quickly noticed the tears that threatened to fall out of Preia's eyes. He glanced at her worriedly, but Alexavier hummed again, and Zephyr pretended not to notice. `The Heart Stone will protect you, whatever you wish to do.'

"Night Uncle Zephyr." Leaning up to peck him quickly on the cheek, Preia retreated to her room.

 

"Good night... Preia, my dear." She heard Zephyr say before she closed her door, and hoped he hadn't caught on.

 

Her decision made, Preia went to her closet and changed into the Gaian riding clothes that Maria had given her; a blue tunic with matching pants, before climbing into bed to sleep. Tomorrow was the day.

 

Zephyr gave her a solemn nod before entering his room and unsheathing Alexavier, setting it down on the bed. "Alexavier, something is bothering her. I know it."

Alexavier's Wind Heart Stone gave off a low, dim shine before the light dissipated. Zephyr understood its message, and yet he was still worried for Preia. The girl would not usually be in tears, unless something drastic had happened to her or--

"Oh, Preia!"

 

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And another chapter finished! This one's a bit shorter because, well… this is pretty much where I wanted it to end so yah… XD Hope you enjoyed it! More chapters on the way soon!

 

Amariahellcat

 

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Eek! I'm sorry I didn't get to beta-read it on the same day. *sweatdrop* Anywhoo, this has been another chapter beta-read by Snowy.

 

With my sincerest respect,

 

I remain,

 

Snowy