Leaf Clan

As I was about to say something to reassure Icecream, she had lowered her head and left the room to meet up with the Firebrand Prince and young Eternalus King. I sighed out and thought over Icecream's words. 

Do whatever you need to... but -- but don't die. I-I need you, and so does the rest of the kingdom.

I smiled to myself, knowing that Icecream's words were very much the truth. So much people relied on me, yet I couldn't even rely on myself. But it filled me with hope, knowing the many Ice Crystals supported me, were loyal to me, and willing to follow me. Dying was another different story however, knowing the past with Ice Crystals and Felshifters. Especially how Lord Temnota knew I was terrified of him, so terrified it's even hard to look at him without showing fear, and knowing exactly why I was afraid. He could easily taunt me, mock me, and slander me with even the most simple thing he accomplished that day. 

Snapping out of my thoughts, I realized I should be with Icecream, Nick, and Ignitus by now, the three were probably waiting on me as I was lost in thought. Leaving the room and quietly closing the door behind me, I walked to the war room, approaching the three that had probably been waiting for me. "I'm sorry for the hold up," Moving a few strands of my light blue hair out of my face, I looked over at the three. "I got busy from being lost in my thoughts. Let us enter and discuss."

Ignitus had been watching Icecream and Nick once the young Ice Crystal had made her appearance, sad-looking and teary-eyed. The two were caught in a surprisingly tender moment, one that made the Firebrand Prince snort in disapproval. Rulers shouldn't act this way, he thought bitterly, his red gaze taking in Nick as he asked Icecream if she was alright, and wiped her tears away for her. He could practically smell the concern and adoration coming off the Ice Vampire. It was somewhat sickening. When Heart approached, however, his negative thoughts quickly drifted from him, and he found himself nodding as she spoke. "No need to apologize," he said gently, and pushed open the doors to the war room. Dammit, I suppose I have no room to think badly of them, he added in his mind after a moment. The Princess has the same affect on me that Icecream does to Nick. Damn. 

The war room was gigantic compared to some of the other rooms in the castle, and was partially empty aside from the large, round table in the center, which was used for planning attacks during wars and battles in general. 

Nick and Icecream took their place at one end of the table, while Ignitus waited on Heart. "What are your thoughts, Your Highness?" he asked. "It would be best if we heard yours first, before we gave our own."

Entering the room, it brought back a rush of old memories. Remembering father and I would come here with various other Ice Crystral guards and generals, we would discuss matters relating to, of course, the Felshifters who threatened us along with Lord Temnota. The room was fairly clean from not being used in ages, not even a speck of dust, as it was still treated as a regular room to clean, even though it had no purpose due to the peacefulness. Until now, with the return of the Felshifter lord's unsuspecting plans.

Sitting on the opposite side of Nick and Icecream with Ignitus, I sighed out, tapping my finger against the large round table. It was difficult to think of the best way to plan this out. If Lord Temnota had parked himself in Kasai, there was no doubt that'd he just be by himself. A lord with great battle tactics would know not to go alone, knowing that our kingdom was allies with both the Firebrand and Night kingdoms. Felshifters would be there by his side, awaiting commands from either himself or leading Felshifters. I would of had recommended bringing guards from all three of ours kingdoms, but that could not happen, as many of the Ice Crystal guards had fallen ill or lost their minds from the Heat, the Kasai guards taken hostage in Kasai, only a couple remained here to guard Ignitus, and the few Night guards that were guarding Nick as well, were injured from yesterday's attacks from the Ice Crystals in the village that lost their minds to insanity. 

"I would suggest bringing our guards to aid us, but due to the many complications of them either injured, ill, or killed, I don't think it's worth bringing them, just to see them slaughtered before our own eyes. Lord Temnota would not dare to be alone, knowing of three royalties seeking him now. However, I think we'd have an advantage with Lord Temnota residing in Kasai. I'm sure, Ignitus, you know every room and hallway in your castle. This could help us take out on guard Felshifters before we go up to Lord Temnota, making him easily vulnerable to launch an attack on afterwards." 

((since the site wont let me edit this properly and after rereading my post like 4 times im gonna post a little extra here, consider this post an edit/addition whee))

I was hoping my ideas were seemingly helpful, but it was the best I could offer for now. "I'd like to hear your thoughts now, I will gladly accept anything that exceeds my ideas or is reasonable enough to follow." I said to the three at the table, and awaited for their responses.

Ignitus watched Heart closely as she spoke her ideas, and waited until she was finished to speak his. "I agree," he said, glancing at Icecream and Nick, who both nodded. "I know every inch of my castle, and I think we can manage an assassination on any Felshifters who might be inside. I will not stand idly by as my kingdom is taken over, and no matter what Lord Temnota has planned, I will stand by your side, Princess."

"As much as your loyalty to Miss Royalty sickens me, I have to agree with the Fireass Prince," Nick said, fixing his crimson gaze on Ignitus, who raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Normally I would not tell you this, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Some of the Nightguards, those who are my personal guards, have special abilities. I will gather them to accompany us, and they can remain invisible until we need their assistance, should we find ourselves in a sticky situation with Temnota."

I nodded and smiled slightly from Igntius' words. The way he was determined to save his own kingdom and be at my side filled me with hope. Along with the new information from Nick about his own guards able to be invisible was a great advantage to us. However, I worried for their safety and if they'd survive if they were to attack.

"Good. They will be of good use to us when the time comes." I said. I thought of all the ways we could attempt this, and maybe even in ways to make sure none of us get killed or seriously injured. One could dream with a seemingly impossible outcome like that. I was certain one of us are either going to get killed or seriously injured. If it was anyone, I wanted it to be myself, to at least keep as many lives going as possible, even if I risked my own. Others were far more important then I am, especially the three in the room with me right now. They deserved to continue on with their precious lives.

"Maybe we could make it so we first take out the Felshifter guards, then go right for Lord Temnota once their down. If the four of us are still there with any of our own guards at that point, it won't be as difficult to take down the corrupted lord."

Nick trained his crimson gaze on the princess before him as she announced her second idea. His expression would grow slightly troubled from time to time, but otherwise remained neutral. So much so that there barely seemed to be any emotion flickering across his facial features. Once Heart had finished speaking, the vampiric king raised his crowned head and spoke up, his voice serious and authoritative. "If we are able to carry this plan out, you and Icecream will stay behind me and Ignitus. My guards will be at your side should we get flanked by the enemy. We do not need Glaciem's future queen and her lady getting killed. Is that understood?"

I wanted to protest against the young vampire king's plan to lead in the front along with the Firebrand prince, but my mind hesitated. It made sense, Nick and Ignitus were the only two that were currently the strongest, even if the vampire king was ill. The Heat had a great toll on Icecream and I, making us easily vulnerable. I had slight control of my ice powers, but it was barely enough to defend myself or form a thin layer of ice now. I could only bring my sword with me, even filled with exhaustion, I could still fight back with what strength I have remaining.

Another reason was the fact I am currently the only heir to the throne of Glaciem, as Nick had said for me being future queen. If I were to die, the kingdom would plunge into more madness then it currently was. With no other heir, the chaos could entirely destroy the Ice Crystal people. I was still willing to die however for those I care for most, even at a great cost in my position. It is an instinct I have by blood, just like father did.

"Of course," I replied. "With what remaining strength I have I can attempt to fight back. It might be little, but I am not going against the Felshifters by doing nothing." 

((bumpity bump bumperoo))

"It is settled, then," Nick said, raising his crowned head toward the massive doors. As if on queue, they opened, and a single Nightguard stepped into the room. He was shorter than most of the guards who represented the Night Kingdom, and unlike the rest, wasn't fully suited in armor. He wore no helmet, and lacked most of the gear that the other guards were usually dressed in. He sported mostly black clothing, with only silver arm guards to protect him. In his hands was Jack's sword, which he gave to Nick as he came over to him.

"Thank you, Asher," Nick told his guard as he took the weapon. The young man said nothing, but bowed his head, and left the room. The ice vampire king then turned his head to Icecream. But before he could open his mouth, she was already speaking. 

"I won't use that sword," she said. "I promised myself I wouldn't ever use it after... after that night."

I watched as the Night guard brought in Jack's former sword. The sword brought back many unwanted memories from the night of his death. It saddened me, but I knew it saddened Nick and Icecream even more. The pain of losing a brother and a lover was more painful then simply having Jack as a friend of mine. I could understand how they felt though relating to father's disappearance. Except, they knew where Jack was. On the other hand, I did not know where father could of been.

I understood why Icecream did not want to wield the sword, holding all its unwanted emotions. However, Jack's sword was a strong one. Compared to most other swords, the strongest ones were made for royalty or specialized guards. "Icecream," I began, shifting the right words around in my head, "I understand the feelings that sword must bring back up, but it is that or nothing to defend yourself." As I finished, a new idea came up to mind.

"Unless Nick is willing to use it himself, you could use his sword instead." 

((bump bumppppa-dub-dub))

I stared at the Princess as she spoke, grief swelling in my chest. Before I could speak, Nick reached out, taking my hand. "Miss Royalty is right," he was saying, and for a brief moment, I could see pain in his red gaze. "You can wield my sword, if you wish." I took Jack's sword from him before he could protest. "It's all right," I replied, wincing as my voice trembled. "Jack... Jack would have wanted me to use it." I had been neglecting it for months, I'd kept it locked away. I hadn't looked at it at all since that night, and I thought I'd never have to, again. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I looked down at it, and forced myself not to cry as memories danced before my eyes. Our first kiss, Jack's smile, his laughter as I poked him in the ribs at one of his stupid jokes. I choked on a sob, and tore my gaze away from the sheathed blade in my hands. "W-we should get going." 

I watched as Icecream accepted Jack's sword. I couldn't help but frown at her returning emotions from that fateful night. The unwanted memories were too much to bare for her as she couldn't even keep her eyes on the sword. I shifted a bit in my seat, and nodded as she wished to leave soon. I gave Icerceam a look of sympathy, wishing I could return the one she loved and cared for greatly. "Of course." I quietly said. "With everything planned on, we should not waste anymore time. I'm not sure how much longer Lord Temnota will play his waiting game." I said.

Taking in everything, I let out a quiet sigh. If everything worked out, the kingdom would return back to its former state of sanity. None of us knew though who would live and die, something I am sure we're all dreadful for. Looking over the four currently with me, it gave me hope for the final event. If we were lucky, possibly all of us could survive and live another day.

I sat behind Nick, bouncing up and down in the saddle. He had insisted we take the horses, as they could cover more ground, and so here we were, trekking through the scorched land of Kasai on horseback. I peered around, feeling a knot in my stomach with each passing of the scenery. The last time I had been in the Fire Kingdom, was over a year ago, when Ignitus had thrown a ball, and invited Princess Heart. Nick and I had been sneaking around behind the Princess' back during that time, as well. Things hadn't gone so smoothly, as I recalled Nick having stabbed a few of Ignitus' guards, and almost killing the Firebrand prince, in the process. The Ice Vampire king in front of me must have noticed my train of thought, for he cast a glance over his shoulder at me and gave a light chuckle. He looked worse for wear, so much so, that my heart skipped a beat. "That was a fun day," he commented, his lips pulling back from his teeth in a weak grin. "Yeah, yeah, just... try not to fall off the horse, would you?" Nick rolled his eyes at me, and I saw his cheeks redden as I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head gently against his back, attempting to keep from passing out, myself. The heat in Kasai was worse than the heat now destroying Glaciem and the rest of the kingdom. I glanced at Ignitus and Heart to see how they were holding out.

Ignitus, of course, didn't appear bothered by the heat. This was his kingdom, after all. Instead, he was holding the reins and sitting tall in the saddle, a proud prince, even under the circumstances. Sometimes I wanted to hit him. Nick must have noticed this too, because I heard him give an annoyed grumble. Ignitus suddenly shot a narrowed glare in my direction, and I quickly averted my gaze to the ground where our horses walked. "Glare at her again, and I'll remove your eyes from their sockets," Nick snarled, and for once, Ignitus didn't say anything in return. 

After several minutes of silence, Ignitus looked over his shoulder at Princess Heart, where she was sitting in the saddle behind him, and asked, "Are you alright? We still have a while yet before we reach my castle."

I could not help but roll my eyes at Nick's usual defensive comments toward Icecream, threatening Ignitus as if he was well again. I was aware his state of health was still poor, the growing heat of Kasai was probably doing a large toll on him, including everyone except for the Firebrand in front of me. After he had asked me if I was alright, I couldn't help but think it through. With the heat growing, it was becoming unbearable for me. I was not even sure if my powers would work here due to the excruciating heat. Fear clung onto me as I would have to face the one who turned my world upside down at a young age. The Felshifter lord was still the embodiment of my fears. It was a large dread on my part, as the others with me were unaware of how truly terrifying he could be. 

"I'm fine." I managed to say after a bit, my lips dry from the intense heat. I could also feel a pool of sweat forming under my fur in the armor I had put on. I rarely put on armor, but at times like this, it was absolutely necessary for my own survival. Enduring the heat would probably be the easiest part through this whole ordeal.

Ignitus gave a small nod, not sure if he believed her words. "Very well," he replied after a moment. "If you start feeling unwell, let me know." With that, he focused his gaze on the land ahead of them once more.

"If only Fireass over there treated everyone as nicely as he treats Miss Royalty," Nick muttered beneath his breath, and grunted as I prodded him sharply in the ribs. "Hey, be nice. He's done a lot for us, even though he didn't have to." The Ice Vampire seated in front of me didn't reply, and my stomach knotted with concern. Before I could speak, his hand latched around my wrist, and pulled gently. I gave a surprised yelp as he placed me between his knees, one arm sliding around my waist. "I am fine," he purred in my ear, making my cheeks burn. "If I fall off this horse, only then should you worry." 

I shot him a look over my shoulder, and before I could protest that he shouldn't joke about such things, he had kissed my cheek, his lips parted by that infamous grin of his. He kicked the horse suddenly before I could react, and we took off toward our destination, with me leaning against Nick for support, so I didn't slip out of the saddle. 

When we arrived at the castle of Kasai, we hopped off our horses. We had gone the back way through the kingdom, as Ignitus had suggested, and now stood behind the castle. Although there weren't any Felshifters to be seen, Nick immediately drew his swords, and looked at Heart and Ignitus. Even though he was sick and looked terrible, he stood tall, his gray hair ruffled and coated with sweat. "Are you ready for this?" he asked, pressing close to me, as if he expected an ambush of some kind, and cast me a quick glance, before bringing his red gaze back to our companions. His question seemed to be directed more at the Princess, than Ignitus, though the Firebrand prince nodded silently.

I sighed out as we reached our true destination. The burning kingdom of Kasai was as warm as ever, even warmer due to the Heat that plagued the lands around. I drew my sword from my sheath, holding it to my side. It shook slightly along with my shaking hands. I could sense the upcoming danger, even we weren't even inside yet. The fear slowly built up, my body showing signs of that fear. I forced myself to stop the shaking, yet it was harder then I thought it was. 

I looked toward Nick, who had asked the quesiton. "Yes. I'm ready." I said quietly. Mentally I did not feel ready, but something had to be done. Lord Temnota was tearing apart Glaciem, his intentions purely for his own power over his own people. He knew doing this at this time was the best, knowing the current situation. Defeating the Felshifter lord would put everything back into place. The Heat would fade, my people would gain their sanity back, and those injured and ill could finally be healed. I'm willing to risk anything at this point, even my own life. 

"Ignitus, lead the way. If there are any Felshifters, we will aid in defeating them for you." I said, gulping down a small lump in my throat as it was nearly time for our plan to take action.

Drawing his twin daggers, Ignitus gave a nod, and slowly opened one of the doors to the castle. I followed closely behind, grasping Jack's sword in my fingers, with Nick in tow. I tried to keep my mind off Jack as we followed Ignitus through the halls, keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of the Felshifters. Thankfully the rush of adrenaline kept my emotions in check, and I found myself unable to think of anything other than the hope that we'd make it out okay. 

Several minutes went by, with no sign of the Felshifters. I had been about to open my mouth to say something to Ignitus, who was walking ahead of us, when a flash of silver exploded to my right, and I jerked back in surprise, just as Nick's blade whipped out in front of me, clashing with another blade. I took a step back, and brought my eyes to my attacker. A Felshifter, no more than twenty years old, or so I guessed. I didn't get a long look at him, because Nick had ripped him down before he could so much as blink at me. In one fluid motion, he ripped his sword free, and drove it through the Felshifter's armor, almost too fast for me to see. The guard fell immediately, coughing and wheezing for several moments, before the light died from his eyes, and his body stiffened. I stood as rigid as a statue, both horrified and sickened by what had just happened. Ignitus turned to us, seemingly unfazed by the brutal death of the Felshifter. "We need to keep moving," he said. "If we stop here, we're as good as dead." With a lash of his tail, he was off once more, his daggers glinting dangerously in the light of the castle. Nick looked at me, and gently urged me forward, away from the bloody mess. 

My eyes widened briefly as Nick had quickly taken out a Felshifter guard. It surprised me, especially how sick he was, that he was able to take out a guard that fast. If there was one, there would be more nearby. It would not take long before they all would be on high alert from the death of one. 

I nodded as Ignitus told us to keep moving, doing soon and following the Firebrand. My fears rose more as we passed the bloody body of the now deceased Felshifter guard. The more we inched closer the room Lord Temnota was in, the more I feared for the worst. Keeping my sword to my side, I kept my guard up high as we arrived closer to the room the Felshifter lord resided in.