by Paris Hansch
“It means spirit reaper…” She seemed to be in a horrified trance. The men fell in waves, their bodies like empty husks. None of them tried to attack the dragon now.
Hanabi suddenly snapped into action, flipping open her tome to a page with one line written on it. She let go of the tome as it glowed, floating in mid-air. Cupping her hands, a tiny sphere of ethereal light appeared. Her entire body was shaking. She took one glance at Mina, and the light disappeared. Hanabi cursed, trying again, but to no avail. With every attempt, the light flickered out.
Alexander put his hand on hers. “Stop. Whatever you’re doing, you have to calm down.”
She jerked her hands away, her breathing rapid and shallow.
“I don’t have time! Can’t you see?” Hanabi nodded at their fleeing enemies. “She’s done what she needed to do to save you all, but I’m the only one that can stop her before she goes too far. Only a spirit can harm another spirit.” The light flickered again, then disappeared entirely. Hanabi stamped her foot. “She’s pulling the dragon into the human realm, and if that happens, it’s over—for everyone. She has to be stopped.”
Alexander stiffened. “You’re going to kill her?”
“If that’s what it takes.” Hanabi’s face was two shades whiter than usual, her skin clammy. “It’s my duty.”
A massive crack caught their attention, and the dragon roared again, Mina’s agonizing scream echoing with it. She slumped over, her body seeming a little less tangible, and her blood flowed through the dragon’s veins in crimson rivers, circulating throughout the spirit. White bone materialized, cracking as the pieces snapped into place, forming the beginnings of the spinal cord.
Hanabi’s hands fell to her sides. “It’s too late, it’s too late…” she whispered.
“What can I do?” cried Alexander.
“I’m here,” said Kakeru.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” said Sara. They gathered around her, waiting for her instruction.
Hanabi shook her head violently. “There’s nothing you can do!” She clutched her head in her hands. “I’m not strong enough.”
The dragon’s spine stretched down to its tail, the ribcage beginning to emerge.
Sara grasped Hanabi’s other arm, looking directly at her. “What do you need?”
Hanabi’s eyes were wet. “Spirit energy.”
Sara placed her hands on the priestess, and Kakeru followed. “Take it.”
Alexander did the same. The next moment, his knees collapsed to the ground. Darkness throbbed in his vision, and he cried out, catching his fall and cradling his arm in agony. He tried to stand, but he couldn’t. The pain gave him a lifeline to barely stay conscious. The others were all but passed out on the ground beside him.
The sphere of spirit light in Hanabi’s hands was blinding now; she was practically glowing herself. She moved her hands, crafting the ethereal light and stretching it into the shape of a bow as tall as herself, notched with a single arrow.
Bones grew along the dragon’s wings, and she gave them an experimental beat, the motion ripping distant trees from their roots and blowing their enemies away. It flattened a whole section of the Celestine Forest. Then, the dragon froze, her wings perfectly still.
Another spirit light echoed Hanabi’s, piercing the horizon along the cliffs.
Alexander shuddered as the light’s sheer power surged through his body, the its quiet presence mirroring Mina’s and spilling over the battlefield. It engulfed his spirit and filled him with a different kind of energy, though one that was equally as terrifying. That kind of power could only be another dragon god.
Alexander squinted, shielding his eyes. He could no longer see the cliffs. The blinding light was incredibly powerful, far more so than Hanabi’s meagre attempts.
The dragon’s lips curled into a snarl, malice dripping from her sharp teeth. She beat her wings once more, launching herself into the sky, disappearing into the clouds as she gained height.
Hanabi drew her spirit bow. Its form wavered in her unsteady hands, bending out of shape.
“Come on,” she muttered. The bow glowed brightly for a moment, then sputtered, dropping on either end, the arrow fading into nothingness and the spirit energy lost. She opened her mouth as the weapon slipped through her fingers.
“No…” She collapsed to her knees, the spirit light completely gone. “This was her plan all along, wasn’t it?” she murmured to herself. “The Mistress has bested us again.”
Alexander narrowed his eyes, but his attention was drawn back to the sky as the dragon dived toward the cliffs. The light in the distance suddenly changed, concentrating into a shape—a glowing figure, holding a massive bow. The arrow arced across the battlefield, the brilliant light cutting through the sky. Alexander held his breath.
The bolt impaled the dragon, piercing straight through the spirit and Mina’s tiny form with one blow. The dragon howled, but it was much weaker than before. Its body immediately began to fade, and its blood and bones blackened, disintegrating to ashes that scattered into the wind.
Then, Mina fell.
Alexander clutched his chest, his heart pounding. He could do nothing as he stood there, helplessly watching her fall through the sky. Then, a figure leaped from the cliffs, and ethereal, feathery wings carried him across the battlefield. It had to be Prince Yukiya. He caught her mid-air, circling toward the north, back toward the capital.
As soon as they were out of sight, the white cloaks along the cliffs began to retreat, and the imperial army left the battlefield.
Alexander’s mouth twisted into a scowl. Evidently, they never intended to get their hands dirty in the first place, not when they had others to do it for them. The rest of their enemies had all but fled, and the remainder were in no state to pursue another battle. He let out a shuddering breath. The tension left his body, and the dragon’s presence was gone. She had come back for them, but now… He had no idea what would happen to her now.
“At least we’re safe,” murmured Hanabi.
Alexander couldn’t believe his ears. “Excuse me?”
She turned to look back at him. “It’s the truth, even though it’s not the best outcome.”
Alexander blinked. “You are the last person who should be saying that…” She couldn’t be this dense. He clenched his fist, grinding it into the dirt. “First, my sister, and now, this? Is Mina even alive?” She didn’t stop Mina; the prince did. She hadn’t done a single useful thing during the battle that claimed thousands of lives. And now, she had the gall to claim that they were safe.
Hanabi tucked her book to her chest. “I…” Her voice was barely audible.
Alexander shook his head. “This is your fault. She trusted you, the only one who could do this, and you failed. Just like my sister trusted you with her life, and now, she’ll never walk again.” His voice trembled. “You have information about the Mistress that could have stopped all of this. I know you do. So, don’t you dare say we’re safe, as if you had any part in keeping us so.”
Kakeru shuffled between them with a grunt. “Stop fighting. This isn’t the time.”
Alexander spluttered. “Are you serious?” This man caused nothing but fights. He wasn’t in any state to try to reign in Alexander’s anger. “Every time you open your mouth, you rub someone the wrong way. I can’t believe Mina had someone like you by her side.”
Kakeru lunged over Hanabi to tackle him, his fist landing on Alexander’s face. “How dare you…”
Alexander tasted blood. He yanked on Kakeru’s shirt, ramming his head into the bridge of his nose. His own vision blurred, and his ears rang, but it was worth it. Kakeru fell back, clutching his head for a moment. They were both exhausted, their movements haphazard and slow.
As they moved for each other again, Sara held her chakram between them, the blade facing both of their throats.
“Boys!” Her eyes signaled behind them. A crowd of onlookers surrounded them, his men watching silently. She withdrew her b
lade, then pointed at the battlefield. “We have a visitor.”
Alexander gave Kakeru a hard look, then pushed himself to his knees. She was right. They couldn’t do this here, couldn’t fall apart in front of his already broken men. But the damage had already been done. He cursed under his breath, then inhaled deeply, turning toward Sara’s outstretched arm.
A single rider made their way across the plains through the corpses, a white cloak trailing behind them. Alexander steeled himself. This couldn’t be good. He struggled to get to his feet. As much as he wanted to just lie down, he couldn’t appear weak in front of an imperial messenger. Did they just want to taunt him? He didn’t know anymore. As the rider moved closer, he realized that it was a woman.
The messenger dismounted her horse, making her way straight for him. She was pretty, with chestnut brown hair neatly tied back and a soft gaze, like a foxen’s. Her clothes were plain, but she was clearly from the imperial palace—not the kind of girl you’d normally send into enemy territory.
Alexander hailed her cautiously with his free arm. “Greetings.”
She bowed, bringing her hand across her chest. It was a well-practiced movement.
“Be at ease. This battle is over, and I congratulate those of you who’ve kept your lives.” Her voice was silky, warm and inviting, but it carried a threatening undertone.
Alexander gritted his teeth. The empire had this whole thing planned from the beginning. Her tone left no room for error.
“I am Supreme Commander Yuno’s personal servant, Lyra.” She held out a letter. “I come bearing an invitation.”
When she failed to move forward to hand him the letter, Alexander was forced to close the distance. He didn’t miss this subtle show of power. He broke the imperial seal, holding his breath. It was handwritten in beautiful cursive.
To Lord Alexander and all associated parties,
You are hereby invited to celebrate the imperial wedding of Prince Yukiya and Princess Mina.
We look forward to seeing you participate in the traditional imperial tournament.
Lyra was no messenger; she was their escort. They already knew they’d get Mina back by the end of this. Was the whole war simply a front? Or were there more players than he’d originally thought? Mina was right. This was far from over, and he needed to be more cunning if he planned to come out on the other side alive. Whoever held the most information held the most power in this dangerous dance.
Lyra tilted her head expectantly. Alexander steeled himself. Invitation was simply a polite word for summons, and he had no choice but to play the game in which he was likely a mere pawn.
He neatly folded up the letter with one hand, meeting Lyra’s gaze with his own expression of confidence. If he had anything to do with it, he wasn’t going to stay a pawn for long.
“I accept.”
30
Chapter Thirty
Yukiya
Far beyond the battlefield, Prince Yukiya’s spirit wings carried them across the lands. He cradled his princess, nestling her close to his chest. Her blood attempted to seep into his clothes and skin, but it had no effect on him; the droplets simply turned into steam upon contact.
Yukiya smiled. It had been a good idea after all to use that petty war to get his princess back. She wouldn’t have done that for people she didn’t care about. He may even have that Lord Alexander to thank for that, though his brief respite would be followed by a painful death. But for now, none of it mattered. She was back in his arms.
He passed over his army, flying across the empire until he landed on their balcony. The imperial chambers would at long last be occupied once more. He touched down softly, careful not to make a sound. Holding her for what felt like an eternity, he gazed at her unconscious form. It was the closest he’d been to her without an attempt on his life since they were children. It seemed almost comical that his beloved had to be unconscious for the curse to be at ease.
Yukiya leaned his forehead against hers briefly, his heart fluttering like a child’s, feeling almost giddy. Gently placing her on the bed, he encouraged her wounds to knit themselves together, and the blood on her skin absorbed back into her body. It would be painful, but it had to be done. A dragon’s blood couldn’t be wasted.
He didn’t leave her side for even a moment, and he ordered the guards at the door not to let anyone disturb them. The wedding preparations would be well taken care of in his absence. For now, he would stay. Yukiya’s fingers touched the golden bracelets in his robes, and he glanced back at his princess. His faithful patience had been rewarded with this fleeting moment of peace, but he would remain vigil until she awoke.
Welcome home, my beloved.
A Letter From Alexander
Winter, Year 2161 of the Fey Dynasty
Dear reader,
Words cannot express what I'm feeling...
We haven't yet tallied the dead and Lyra is already urging us to leave. We have three days until we must travel to the capital for the imperial wedding, and of course, the coronation. I don't understand why Mina did what she did, all I know is that I have a bad feeling about the coronation.
We're down many good men and those who are alive did not come out unscathed. I was told a few of us collapsed for a time, but the only person who hasn't woken up yet is my brother.
Tensions are high amongst us and I can only hope we can hold everything together long enough.
I need someone I can rely on wholeheartedly.
And that's why I must ask a favor of you, dear reader. Please leave a review so that others may know of our story and are prepared for what is to come.
I will do my best to make sure everyone stays alive.
Lord Alexander Winter
Known Individuals & Information Concerning The Empire
ELEMENTAL SPIRITS
Dragon God of Destruction: Unknown
Dragon God of Rebirth: Unknown
Dragon God of Chaos: Unknown
Elemental Spirit Guardian of Earth (The Golem): Unknown
Elemental Spirit Guardian of Air (The Pegasus): Unknown
Elemental Spirit Guardian of Fire (The Phoenix): Scarlet (Aged 11), raised in The Last Chance Orphanage — 'Her aura was like an inferno, simmering under the surface,' according to Adelia
Elemental Spirit Guardian of Water (The Sea Serpent): Unknown
THE CAPITAL
Princess Mina Fey [me-nah]: (Aged 18), known to be one of the legendary dragon gods — 'The servant who had never stopped being a leader', according to Alexander
Prince Yukiya Fey [yu-kee-ah]: (Aged 20), known to be one of the legendary dragon gods — 'He is the curse upon this world, one I will end', according to Mina
Supreme Commander Lord Yuno Fey [yu-no]:(Aged 22), leader of the imperial army — 'He was always the confident one, sometimes overconfident', according to Yukiya
Lyra: (Aged 22), personal servant to Lord Yuno — 'Lyra was no messenger, she was their escort', according to Alexander
Lucan: (Aged 33), Prince Yukiya's servant — 'Lucan always seemed to know exactly where he was, then again, that was his job', according to Yukiya
Ryuko [ree-yu-koh]: (Aged 32), Celestial Assassin, metal spirit arts user — 'This is the man you wanted, the traitor?', according to Kakeru
Kakeru [ka-care-roo]: (Aged 37), Celestial Assassin, earth spirit arts user, the emperor's former servant — 'This man caused nothing but fights', according to Alexander
Hanabi [ha-nah-bee]: (Aged 24), Celestial Assassin, Head Priestess of the Imperial Dragon Temple — 'A spoilt brat who got everything she ever wanted', according to Anton
Demetri: (Aged 9), lives beneath the imperial palace — 'It wouldn't be fair to give him a glimpse of the outside world, only to confine him once more', according to Yukiya
Late Empress Minako Fey [me-nah-ko]: (Deceased, aged 18) — 'My Minako wasn't strong enough', according to the former emperor
Late Emperor Masaru Fey [ma-sah-rue]: (Deceased, aged 25) — 'How could I possibly forge
t someone as stubborn and ridiculous as you?', according to Kakeru
Commander Ido [eye-doe]: (Deceased, aged 54), commander of the imperial army — 'He wasn't foolish enough to offend a powerful man', according to Alexander
Mistress Marionette: 'Mistress Marionette the called her, the one who pulled the strings', according to Mina
Lucille: 'Lucille would have wanted you to finish this', Mina to Ryuko
ANADRIETH
[ah-nah-drey-ith]
Lord Alexander Winter: (Aged 27), ice spirit arts user — 'Confident, overprotective and dismissive of others, but he means well', according to Kakeru
Lord Anton Winter: (Aged 21), unknown type of spirit arts user — 'You're the one who broke us apart, we gave you as much time as you needed, but you still left us', according to Alexander
Lady Adelia Winter: (Aged 19), priestess of Anadrieth — 'Because right now you're doing what I can't, and every time you pretend it's okay you fall apart inside', according to Anton
General Ban: (Aged 24), General Barrett's son — 'He looked every bit his father's son, but acted nothing like the general', according to Anton
Councillor Raoul: (Aged 45), in charge of all the merchants and trading routes — 'Rumor had it his unfortunate seamstresses struggled to keep up with his ever expanding girth', according to Alexander
