> The Seven Kingdoms. > by RandomFics271197 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Introduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Dear Diary, I'm writing every day on this little book to record my adventures. To begin with, I'm Steel Shield, son of King Fire Glove and Queen Water Drop and I've got a little sister, which makes me the oldest son. Even being the oldest, son, the King decided to pick my sister, Kindly Heart, to be his heir and I became her personal bodyguard.' A sudden knock of his barrack door, snap him off from the concentration on his writing. "Yes?" he asked. "Sir, I brought your armor and your weapons. Polished by the Princess herself," a maid answered from the other side. "You may enter," he ordered. Opening the door, a small maid entered his barrack. He pointed towards a small place near the wall and ordered her to place it there. Bending down to place his armor and weapons on his desired place, she heard him ask. "Why did the Princess polished my arsenal? Didn't I made myself clear that I didn't want to disturb her with this kind of task?" Bowing herself, she immediately answered. "Don't get mad sir. We followed Princess orders, she wanted to polish your arsenal saying that it was a reward for you since you fought bravely against the dragon that was attacking the Uni-village." Placing a hand behind his neck, he started rubbing it and said. "It's useless trying to give orders to you when The Princess is in a higher rank than me. Send my regards to the Princess," Bowing herself, she nodded and excused herself, and made her way out of his barrack. Returning to his chair, he sat down and looked back at the book. 'I forgot what I was writing...' he said. Closing the book, he made his way towards the window. "That's a great evening," Storming into his barrack, a guard was panting. "Sir, the King wants to see you," he said."It's urgent." Nodding, he grabbed his arsenal, equipped his armor, and headed towards the main hall followed by the guard that was tasked to call him out. Arriving at the main hall, he was presented by the King walking side to side while shaking his hands. Noticing him standing in front of him, he ran towards him. "The Draking Kingdom is going to attack us, our scouts noticed some strange movements of our enemy and they are heading here I need you to get the troops ready for..." Storming inside the room, a guard kneeled and said. "Your Highness there's a general outside asking for your presence. It's a general from the Draking Kingdom." The King looked at his general and nodded. "They want to see me let's go." the King said. Heading towards the castle walls, the King climbed the stairs he stood on top of the castle walls and present himself to the invaders. "King Fire Glove is here as promised," he announced. Looking down, the King noticed a large crew standing outside waiting to face them. "Surrender to us and we will spare everyone inside of the castle walls," the Draking General said. One of the generals standing near the King raised his weapon and said. "I, Grass Cutter. Will be your opponent." Descending the stairs, he headed outside of the castle walls. In front of him was a warrior carrying a large halberd that was charging towards him. Raising his weapon the general swung his halberd and pierce through his armor, killing the other general in one bout. Raising his voices, the enemy soldiers stomp the ground using the handle bottom tip of their spears. Looking down the King, shook his hands together and waited for another general to go and meet the warrior outside. "Curse you, I will avenge General Grass Cutter." other General raised his voice and descended the stairs. "Prepare yourself." Preparing himself the General charged towards his target, he swung his weapon but was blocked by his enemy and was impaled by the tip of his halberd, raising the dead general he presented it to the enemy King. "Weak King, sent me a decent warrior to face me, or I will challenge you instead." Steel Shield looked at the warrior and back to his King. "Your Highness, will you permit me to face this warrior? I will present his head to you for such rudeness that he showed to you." The King nodded. He turned back to the warrior and pronounced himself. "I'll face you, but before that, I will give you a chance to leave and retreat peacefully." The general couldn't contain his laughs and let it all out. "Such weak King you had there and such a big mouth too, come down here I will make you taste the blade of my weapon. You little kid." His eyebrows lowered in rage and he replied. "I'll teach you to keep control of your big mouth," he said. Jumping off the castle walls, Steel Shield hit the ground hardly that made dust to raise. The Enemy Commander looked back at the King and noticed something strange. 'He stopped shaking his hands. Why?' Looking back at Steel Shield, his eyes widened when he noticed the weapon. 'Yellow Jade Dragon, a legendary Guan Dao. No, it can't be him, he won't serve such weak king.' A sudden battle cry made him look to his general. "Now little kid I will beat you so hard that you will beg for mercy." Charging forward, he noticed his enemy took his chest plate off. Raising his Guan Dao, Steel Shield swung his weapon blocking the attack. Due to the impact, he and his enemy parted ways and readied themselves to fight again. "Why did you take your chest plate off?" the enemy general asked, "Is it to give more space for my weapon to get through?" He readied himself and charged forward. "No matter, I will kill you and make your king beg fo..." Steel Shield swung his weapon and cut his head off, a large gasp was heard by the crew in front of him. Looking back at the dead body of the general, he jammed the bottom tip of his weapon on the ground and kneeled. "You should've waited for my answer, don't you think," he said while grabbing the head of the fallen general, "I took off my chest plate to swing my weapon more easily and to reduce weight." He looked back at his King and raised the head of the fallen general. A large battle cry was heard on top of the castle walls. "King Fire Glove. May I ask you who is this general?" the enemy commander asked while looking attentively to Steel Shield. "He won't answer any kind of answer given by an invader now prepare yourself to face m..." he started but was interrupted when the King spoke. "Please general, let me answer his question." He nodded. Looking back at the enemy Commander, he raised his hand and started explaining. "This is Steel Shield, he is my... since you're here and you're not part of my army or my alliance I will informally tell you. This is Steel Shield, he is my son and the best warrior within my rank. It's suicide to face him in battle and your general here learn it in a wrong way." The commander looked intrigued at him and asked. "But you only had two sons, why sacrificing a possible heir on a battle to the death?" "He's not the heir to the throne, it's his little sister and that's why I made him her personal bodyguard. Now I kindly ask you to retreat peacefully or I will use my army to fight yours." The commander looked back at his troops and back at Steel Shield. Raising his hand he ordered his troops to retreat and made their way out of the realm peacefully. Steel Shield walked back inside the castle. Heading towards the main hall he waited for the King to arrive. When the King arrived, he kneeled and was rewarded with some gold coins and some leathers. "Thank you, Your Highness." The King nodded and signaled him to leave him. He saluted the King and made his way out of the hall. On his way out, he bumped with a small body that made him and the small body fall. Grunting in pain, he scratched the back of his head. Opening up his eyes, he saw a small body lying beneath him. "PRINCESS," he yelled while he quickly got back up. Giving her his hand, he grabbed her hand and pushed her back up. Standing back up once again, she looked back at him and said. "Good evening to you too." Bowing himself down, he said and apologized. "Sorry, Princess I was on my way out of the main hall and didn't notice you there." Giggling, she raised him back up and said. "There's no need to apologize, General. I was distracted too. I was about to ask father if I can go fishing." Noticing some blood on his face she immediately asked. "Fighting bad guys again?" she asked while wiping the bloodstain from his cheek. He nodded. Getting past him, she looked back at him over her shoulder. "Could you accompany me?" she asked. "Of course," he answered. He walked towards her and stood beside her. Walking beside each other, they entered the main hall and meet the King and the Queen inside. Slowly walking towards the throne, she kneeled and said. "Dad, I kindly ask your permission for a small trip to the fishing spot. I would like to see the fishes and the amazing views," she said while bowing towards him. "General Steel Shield will not be able to accompany you since he fought against one of the generals from the Draking Kingdom and he needs to rest." Steel Shield immediately kneeled and said. "Your Highness, since I'm her personal bodyguard it's only fair that I accompany her on this trip." The King looked back at him and asked. "But you need to rest. After a stressful fight..." His speech was interrupted when a hand touched his shoulder that made him look towards his Queen. "Dear. Sir Steel Shield will keep an eye on her. You know him like the palm of your hand. They will be fine." Looking back at them, he nodded and said. "Try to be back before the sky reaches his fully dark." "We'll be Your Highness," he said. Grabbing his weapon, he left the main hall and waited for the Princess near the castle doors. After a few moments of waiting, the Princess finally showed up. Opening the doors, they headed towards the fishing spot while walking beside each other. > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After reaching a small lake, she stopped her tracks and placed her bags on the grass, and headed towards the small lake. "It's so hot. I can't stand this heat on my body. Do you mind that I take a little bath on this lake?" she asked while looking at him. "Go ahead," he answered. Grabbing a small swimsuit from her bag, she headed towards the bushes and dressed her swimsuit. A few moments later she got out of the bushes and threw her clothes to him. "Place it near my bag, pretty please," she said. Placing her clothes in the desired place, he looked back and saw her already on the lake. Noticing that he was looking at her, she blushed and raised her hand. "Come on, the water is good enough to cool you down," she said. Heading towards a small tree, he jammed his weapon on the grass and replied. "Take your time, princess. I will be on guard until you decide to leave." Sitting down beside the tree, he looked and heard around his surroundings. "Don't you need to cool off for a bit? You might be tired from the long walk and your recent fight," she asked while looking back at him. "I have already taken one. Thanks for the offering." Grunting in frustration, she turned herself around and kept swimming. A sudden noise coming from the woods made him grab his weapon and quickly walked towards her. Noticing his sudden behavior, she squeaked and yelled in surprise. "Don't scare me like that." "There's something in the woods," he said while gripping his weapon near his chest. "Stay on the water, for now, I will go and check it out." Heading towards the woods, he kept his defensive stance until he reaches one bush and a small wolf came out of it. Growling at him, the wolf jumped towards him, tackled him down, and then ran back to the woods. "It's just a wolf there's nothing to worry about," she said while trying to keep her giggles away. "What I heard wasn't a wolf, princess. Was something bigger," he said while getting back up. Then he heard the same sound again and then water started to pour down on him. "A storm." he said, "Princess, you need to get out of the water, now." Looking confused at him, she asked. "Why?" "You don't want to catch a cold, do you?" Grabbing back her clothes, he headed towards her. "Here dress them back," he said, "We need to go back," Grabbing her clothes, she put them on and headed towards him. Using his cloak, he covered her from getting wetter than she already was and ran back to the castle. A sudden lightning strike hit a tree near them that made it fall and block their way back to the castle. "Damn it," he said. Swinging his weapon, he cut the tree in a half and proceeded forward. Due to the strong rain, he couldn't see where they were going. "Hang in there, we are almost there," he said while keeping her covered by his cloak. In despair to get away from the water, she tripped and fell into a mud pool. Getting back up, she looked back at him and said. "Let's wait for this to get past. I'm all wet and dirty. There's a small cave nearby." "But the King will..." he tried to say something but was stopped by her hand. "... he will understand," she said, "I can't walk, I'm all wet, dirty, scared. Please. I know where that cave is." Looking back at the sky, he noticed that the storm won't get past so easily. "Point the way then. I will follow," he said while grabbing her. Blushing at his sudden reaction, she pointed it out to a small rock formation. "That way," she said. Holding her close to his chest, he ran towards the direction that she pointed. Arriving at their destination, he settled her back on the stone floor and said. "I will get something to keep us warm." She nodded and headed further on the cave. Laying down on the cold floor, she waited for him to return. After a few moments, he came back with a small pile of sticks and a large tree trunk on his back. Settling them down, he made a small campfire and light it up. After a few tries, a small spark hit the pile of sticks, he gave it a few blows, and finally, the fire was alive. Heading back towards her, he laid beside her and she placed her head on his arm. After a few minutes, she started to shacking and embraced herself with her arms. "I'm... c...c...cold," she said. Noticing her struggle, he raised his cloak and placed it over her body, covering both of them. "Better?" he asked. She nodded and placed her head back on his arm. Noticing that maybe his chest plate was disturbing her, he raised and took it off placing it beside him. "There, much better, maybe my armor was too cold and too uncomfortable for you." Noticing that he didn't wear anything under his chest plate, she immediately replied. "You didn't have to do that. I was comfortable." "No worries, princess. I'm ok like this." Smiling, she placed her hand on his belly and noticed a small shape. Raising her head, she saw a small scar crossing his belly and another one on his arm. She remembered how these scars appeared, it was because of her. Twice. Noticing that she was brushing his belly, he replied. "Those things are nothing, my princess. Scars are symbols of strength." "But... it was because of me that you earned these," she said while brushing his scar, "And..." "That's natural. I'm your personal bodyguard. My job is to keep you safe and sound at the end of each day." "No, the problem is not that. The problem is the King always blames you from messing up when all of these were because of me. And he probably gonna be mad at you again because of what happened today." "Don't need to worry, princess. The King won't do anything. I promise." She sobbed and laid her head back on his chest. "I can't stand to see the King treating you so badly after everything you've done for the kingdom and all of us," she said. Noticing how her horn reacted, he placed his hand over her mane and started brushing it. "The King cares for you, you know. I'm just a little piece that can be replaced, you, on the other hand, cannot be replaced, that's why he always blames me for everything that happens to you." "But you're his son too why..." "I might be but you're the heir to his throne," he said. "It should've been you not me I can't even defend myself," she replied. "But he saw more potential on you so he chose you as his heir," he said. She sniffed and looked back at the cave entrance. "Brother?" she called. "Yes, princess," he answered. "Was that noise you heard back then?" she asked. "Yes it was," he answered. "That's very strange, today was a clean day how in the world it started raining from out of nowhere?" she asked. "I don't know." he answered, "But that's not the only time that the sky acted strangely, last week the sun came back up too late for its hour. I don't know what possibly happened to it." "Black magic?" she asked. "Probably," he answered. She yawned and made herself comfortable beside his body. Putting his hand over her body he smiled and said. "Sweet dreams, princess." Outside of the cave, it continued to rain. 'That wasn't the storm. That was something bigger coming towards us. A giant, an ogre, whatever it was, it was after us.' Noticing that the fire was dying, he pushed his hand forward, grabbed a few sticks, and put them on the fire making it grow in seconds. Feeling the embrace of her and the fire, he couldn't keep his eyes open for too long. 'Don't close them, I need to stay awake.' Getting his back on the stone wall, he sighed and waited until the rain stopped. Back at the castle... The King was running to the sides in despair. Because of the news of an unpredictable storm, he desperately asked for his troops to look for the princess and his guard but because the rain was so intense, his advisor ordered them to stop and wait for it to stop or for the next morning to resume their searches. The King was trotting while his hand shook in despair, his wife and his advisor told him. "She's with Steel Shield, she will be fine. Don't you trust him enough to make him her personal bodyguard?" The queen entered their room and noticed the King was in despair again. Walking towards him, she placed her hand on his shoulder and said. "She will be fine. Sir Steel Shield is with her. Nothing bad will happen to her." Looking back at the queen, he said. "I know. I'm not afraid of that. I'm afraid of..." he sat on his chair, "Do you notice how she looks at him? Those eyes... those eyes that she always made when they are together. The way she looks at him it makes me think that..." "They're siblings dear, that's natural." "No.. Not those eyes. Those eyes" he said while mimicking her eyes, "These eyes... she is after he can't you see. All of these begging of heading towards the fishing spot. I saw it, I saw through her plot. That's why I asked her to pick another guard. But you had to change my mind... Oh god, this can't be happening, this can't be happening..." "Dear, you are overreacting. They're siblings and besides he's a guard he won't be charmed so easily by her. He always follows the rules." "But she is his superior, she can ask everything she wants and he always has to obey," he said. A sudden slap came across his face. "Control yourself, your daughter. Our sons won't be fucking each other in the woods. Your son won't do anything like that to her, even if she orders him to. Now calm down and go take a rest." Looking back at her, he nodded and headed towards the bed. "I hope you're right," he said while laying on his bed. The queen headed towards the bed and laid beside him. Back at the cave... Noticing that the rain has stopped, he woke up the princess. "Hey, the rain has stopped wake up," he said while giving her a little shake. Yawning and opening her eyes slowly, she looked back at the cave entrance and noticed that it was almost a new day, the sun was rising slowly. Looking back at him, she said. "Then let's not waste more time and head back to the castle," she said while getting back up. He nodded and equipped his armor again. Once equipped, they headed towards the cave entrance. But... A sudden strong noise was heard by them, and a large foot was seen outside of the cave. She squeaked in panic and then she felt impossible to scream because she had a hand blocking her mouth. Signaling her to keep it down, he slowly removed his hand from her mouth. "An ogre? Here?" she asked. The large figure outside was nonetheless than an ogre, he was green at least twelve feet tall and was carrying a large club with some sharp things on its tip, he also was carrying a large cow on his back probably something that he had killed. Dropping the cow, he started to sniff and growl at the moment when something caught his nose. "PONY" he growled. Kneeling, he perked towards the cave and noticed a pair of ponies standing in front of him. "PONY.... FOOD... BETTER" he said. Entering the cave, he stood on their only way to escape. "Stay behind me, on my signal you ran for it. Deal?" he said while he unsheathed his weapon from his back. "Are you crazy? It's an ogre you can't face it." "PRINCESS. PRINCESS... I... GOT... PRINCESS." he said. The ogre charged towards them. Readying his weapon he swung it and blocked his club. "PONY... STRONG... PONY... CAN'T... DEFEAT... OGRE" he said. "How did he knows I'm a princess?" she asked. "The crown, you have the crown on your head," he answered while pointing towards her head. "Now ran for it, I will keep him busy," She nodded. They charged towards the ogre, swinging his weapon he hit the club and made a gap for the princess to get through. The ogre swung his club and hit him on the side that sent him flying towards a stone wall. Seeing that his opponent was down, he made his way after the princess. Hearing the strong steps coming from behind her, she hid inside of a fallen tree. 'Please. Please, don't let him find me.' After a few seconds of hiding, she saw a large shadow in front of her. She squeaked in panic and blocked her mouth with her hands. Sniffing again, he discovered where she was hiding. Slowly walking towards the fallen tree, he grabbed it and started shaking it until the princess fell on the ground. Grabbing back his club he swung it towards her. Closing her eyes, she prayed for someone to come to her aid. She heard a clinking noise and a small cry, opening her eyes she saw some blood near her chest and a familiar figure standing in front of her. He had blocked his club but with a little price, the club tip had hit his helmet and pierced through cutting his left eye. Screaming in rage, he pushed his club back and jumped towards him. "DIE!!!!" he screamed. Swinging his weapon, he made his way towards his throat. Landing back on the safe ground, the head of the ogre rolled over and fell in front of him, his monstrous body stumbled on itself and fell beside him. Breathing heavily, he looked back at her and asked. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you or something?" She raised her hands and gasped, she quickly ran towards him. "Your eye. Your eye is bleeding," she said while igniting her horn to take his helmet off. Raising his hand he placed it on his eye and said. "This. This is nothing," he said while looking back at her, "Oh shi..." He felt his body giving up and fell over her. Extending her arms, she held him in place. "Brother?" she called while giving him a little shake, "Don't play around. There's no time play around now. Brother?", she kept shaking him. Noticing that he was still breathing, she raised him back up and used her back to hold him in place. Placing his arm around her neck, she made her way to the castle. "Don't give up now. Please," she said while she kept walking towards the castle. The castle was now taking shape on the horizon. "We are almost there hold on," she said. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The guards on the top of the castle walls noticed some movement on the horizon and ordered them to stop. "Halt! Who goes..." his tracks of words were lost when he noticed her, "PRINCESS. The princess has arrived open the gates." he ordered. The doors in front of her started to open and she saw a small crowd moving towards her, giving her shoulders a little shrug she kept him stable on her shoulder. "We are at home... safe and sound," she whispered to him. One of the generals that came to her aid noticed how badly they were. "Princess." he greeted while bowing himself, "We were searching for you since yesterday. Are you hurt or something?" "We're attacked by an ogre, General Steel Shield blocked his attack and got hit, he passed out when I got near him." she said while holding him steady on her shoulder, "I don't know if he's still alive or not but he got hurt and he needs help, furthermore he lost his eye." Looking around he saw blood spilling out from his injury. "Bring Clean Rag and his crew, take General Steel Shield to the infirmary. QUICKLY," he ordered. After he said his orders, three ponies stood beside him and raised him, rushing towards the infirmary she was left alone in the main gate. "I will lead you to the main hall to meet the King." he said while bowing himself, "Allow me?". Looking back at him, she said. "I will go by myself, I don't want any of you to suffer consequences of what he's going to do." Nodding the guard stood aside and let her go. When she was far away he walked towards the infirmary. At the main hall... "My King, the Princess has returned and is heading this way, she will meet you soon." After he finished his sentence, the doors opened and she stepped inside. Standing up from his throne, he slowly walked towards her. Ordering his informant to leave, he continued to close the distance between them. Noticing an angry expression on her dad's face, she kneeled and closed her eyes. "Dad, please hear me out before letting everything out." she said while looking back at him with tears starting to form on her eyes, "Brother, got hurt I don't know... I don't know... we were attacked by an ogre and he.... he.... used his body to protect me". Kneeling he extended his arms and raised her back up. Raising his hand he started to wipe her eyes and then he embraced her. "It wasn't your fault... Where's him? Where's General Steel Shield?" he asked. "General EyeSight ordered his subordinates to lead him to the infirmary. They said that Clean Rag would take care of him from now on," she said "Clean Rag? The surgeon but you said that..." he paused when she raised her hand. "We don't know what he suffered, so I suppose that Clean Rag will figure out what he should do," she said, "Dad, I'm sorry, it was because of me. If I watched where I was going probably this didn't happen. I tripped and fell on a mud pool, wetting and soiling my clothes, he said that due to the wet and dirty clothes we needed to find shelter for me to not catch a cold. Then we found a small cave, he brought some wood and sticks and lighted up a small campfire. Outside the raining stood falling, so I fell asleep and only woke up when I felt his hand shaking me awake. Then that large thing appeared and entered our cave holding a large spike club. He dropped the dead cow and started growling and roaring at us. Then I just ran and... and...then that happened, he killed the ogre but he got hurt in the process." Tightening his hug, he patted the back of her neck and said. "General Steel Shield dared to stand against that thing, he went through worse he will survive. I promise," Smiling, she looked back at him and felt his hands leaving her body. "Now, go to your room and get good sleep, your eyes tell me that you need a good sleep," he said, "I will go see Clean Rag and hear what he have to say about this. I will inform you once I got the news about his health condition." Nodding, she left the room and headed towards her bedroom. Looking back at the Queen, he noticed her serious look. "What?" he asked confused by her sudden expression. "Nothing," she answered, "I'm just thinking. She's afraid to lose her brother, isn't she?" "No, she is afraid to lose her bodyguard and..." he answered "And? What?" she asked. "Did you notice her eyes, when she repicture the whole scene?" he asked. "No." she replied. "Those eyes don't lie to me, she is..." "... attracted to him?" she asked. "Exactly," he said, "I will see how he's. Are you coming?" he asked. "I will stay here and wait for your return, someone needs to attend these informants," she answered while pointing back at the main door. "Alright, I will inform you when I got back," he said. She nodded. Heading towards the back door, he made his way towards the infirmary. Near the infirmary, a large group of guards was blocking the entrance, when the King arrived all of them stood in his way and raised their weapons. "Orders of Clean Rag. Noone, without exception, will get past through here until further orders. Please, Your Highness, step back." EyeSight said. "I'm the superior here, let me get through or I will have your heads hanging on a pole," he ordered. "We apologize a thousand times but these are the orders of Clean Rag. Noone, without exception, will get past through here until further orders," he repeated while bowing himself. "Can I speak with Clean Rag instead? I need to know what happen to the General," he asked. "Clean Rag is occupied at the moment, sir. Should I let him know that you want to..." "There's no need for that, General EyeSight." a familiar voice made EyeSight stop his track of words. Standing behind him was Clean Rag, holding something that appears to be a notebook. "Your Highness wishes to see you, master Clean Rag," EyeSight said. "Of course, this way please," he said while pointing towards a room beside him. Taking the opportunity and the invitation he got inside his office. Closing the door of his office, Clean Rag lead the King towards the office desk and offered him a seat. Grabbing the chair, he sat beside him and waited for him to open the notebook. "So, I believe that you're because of what happen to General Steel Shield?" he asked. He nodded. "Firstly, I can't believe how the Princess got him back here. Even being an experienced unicorn I couldn't get him up, I had to ask for help to put him on a bed. Secondly, he lost his left eye, there are three large cuts on it. And finally, he got unconscious due to the impact of the club on his head," he said while pointing towards his armor, "As you can see his helmet has three cuts on his left side where it should be supposed to cover the eye, and a large bruise on the top of it, I believe it was that got him unconscious. He had some bruises and cuts on the right side of his body but nothing severe compared to what happened to his eye. Before I continue to explain to you I need you to look at his weapon now." he said while holding Steel Shield's weapon on his hands, "Can you see these marks here?" He nodded. "Those I believe were formed due to the impact made between the ogre club and his weapon, there're traces of blood on the blade and due to its amount, we supposed that he killed the ogre. And according to the bruise on his helmet, I believe that he used his body to cover something, maybe the Princess, we don't know." "She told me that he killed the ogre and used his body to block the spiked club. Is he going to be ok?" he asked. "Well, I believe so. I sedated him, gave him pain medication, and tended his wounds, so maybe in three to four days he will be as good as new," he answered. "Can I see him?" he asked. "Sorry, sir, but that's out of the question he needs to rest and shouldn't be disturbed. I know your position over him but right now it's not possible to visit him," he answered. "But you said that you sedated him. Why can't I see him if he is asleep?" he asked. "His body, Sir. We want to preserve his dignity until his wounds heal, you will be unable to see him." "His body? What do you mean?" he asked. He sighed and raised from his chair, walking towards a small clipboard he uncovered it. The King's gasped and immediately asked. "What is this?" "This is what I didn't want to show you, but... as you can see General Steel Shield is lucky enough to be alive. A hit taken like that could easily kill him, we don't know what happened there. I found traces of magic on his body and I compared it with our samples and found nothing similar to our kingdom. The magic that saved him is foreign to our kingdom, or maybe the princess used her magic to protect him but you said that she was scared enough to defend herself." "But her magic was gathered by the sorcerers right?" he asked. "Yes, but recently she is learning how to use spectral magic. This type of magic allows her to create spectral shields and weapons but I took that hypothesis away because she is new on this kind of magic and to be able to create a spectral shield strong enough to block an ogre attack is not that easy." "Who is teaching her to use that kind of magic?" he asked. "Sir Copper Hammer. General Steel Shield personal blacksmith," he answered. "He uses spectral magic to enchant his..." Something clicked on Clean Rag's mind when he started to join every part of his speech. Noticing that he appeared confused, the King asked worriedly. "Clean Rag. Are you there?" "Your Highness, General Steel Shield arsenal is enchanted that's why I found some traces of that kind of magic on him. But he's not a unicorn to be able to trigger the enchantment." Raising from his seat he headed towards the door. "I need to talk with him. Thanks once again, Clean Rag. If there's some news about his health condition don't hesitate in calling me." "I'll keep you informed, Your Highness, don't worry," he said while bowing. Opening the door he made his out of Clean Rag's office and made his way towards the smithery. On his way, he stopped by Kindly Heart's room to inform her about the General's health condition. After a few words shared, some hugs were given and everything is going to be ok. He left her room and headed towards the smithery. Arriving at his destination he was greeted by Copper Hammer. Noticing that the king was on his store he immediately kneeled and asked. "Oh, Your Highness. It's an honor to see you here. Seeing something you might like to acquire?" he asked. "No. I'm here because of a certain enchantment that was found on General Steel Shield arsenal. And you being his personal blacksmith lead me to here." the king answered. He raised his eyebrows and asked. "Why? Did something happened?" He shook his head up and down. "During his free time, he accompanied the Princess to the nearest lake. And after that you might know what happened it started to rain and everything but... they were attacked by an ogre." His eyes widen and he immediately came to his side to embrace him. "Sir, did he... or did the princess... died?" He looked back to the floor and answered. "Copper Hammer, your enchantment saved the General's life. I'm here on his behalf to clarify how this enchantment works and to thank you for what you did." He cleared his throat and composed himself. "That is some kind of legendary spell. I cast only on his arsenal. It's a higher-level spell capable of piercing through the hardest metals." he explained. "And it's only activated when something that the owner cares about is in danger, so the fact that they were attacked by an ogre might have activated the spell." He placed his hands on his shoulders and gave him a little shake. "And what about his armor? Did you enchant it?" he asked. "No. I can't enchant armors. That isn't my specialty. Why? Did you found some traces of magic there?" He shook his head up and down. "Sir, I know somebody who knows spectral magic too." "Tell me... Tell me who." "The Princess, she has been practicing. I've been teaching her. That's why she can polish the General's armor. She might've cast something on it or maybe she cast the spell herself. But to be able to cast a spectral shield strong enough to block an ogre attack you'll need vast years of practice. She has been practicing for a month." "Are you sure? There's nobody you knew that knows how to cast the same spell." "Aside from me and the Princess. There's Clean Rag, but he wasn't there, was he?" He shook his head to the sides. "No, he stood here during his trip. So, the Princess is my last person on the list, thanks for the information. You can collect some leathers and gold, tomorrow." He nodded. "Thank you, sir." He waved goodbye to Copper Hammer and made his way towards the main hall. 'My vision was right... she... they were supposed to be... together yesterday. But why did I suspect that they would... NO, no, no... stop it he wouldn't do it... would he?' He closed his eyes and his visions got back to him. '"Brother? Why would you betray us? Why would you betray ME?" Steel Shield raised his weapon and pointed it towards her. "The guilties must be ELIMINATED... must be VANQUISHED." He ran and made his way towards her, she raised her arms and covered her body. "NNNOOOOO." He slashed through her fragile body, splitting her in... ' He gave his head a hard shake to clear those visions from his head. "He will protect her no matter what. That was just a vision, visions wouldn't come true, right?" Arriving at the main hall he meets the queen and other ambassadors. Sitting on his throne he started to hear the negotiations. In the Princess room. She was sitting on a chair while holding a small sprout of flowers on her hand. A gift that was given to her by... A sudden knock on her door made her lose the track of who offered the flowers. Putting the flowers back on the jar, she made her way towards the door. "Yes? Who is it?" she asked. From the other side of the door, a voice was heard. "Princess, it's me. General Broad Sword. I'm here to replace General Steel Shield while he recovers. Just to let you know that I'm here if you need any help." "At ease, general. No need to be formal here. Thank you for letting me know." He nodded and stood by her door. After hearing that Broad Sword finally left her door, she made her way back to the desk. Sitting back on the chair she grabbed the flowers and embraced them while trying her hardest to not cry. 'I can't lose him not now.' After a few hours, she heard Broad Sword calling for her. "Princess, the King is here to see you," he said. "Let him in," she said. Slowly rising from her seat, she turned around and saw her father standing in front of her. "Kindly Heart, I want to know what exactly happened back there. We found traces of magic on your brothers' armor. And Copper Hammer said that he can't enchant armors and he lead me to you. What happened?" "I... I... don't remember... I was scared..." she said. Trembling in despair she tried her best to remember what happened. "I was being chased by the ogre and... I found a-a-a spot where I could hide my-my-myself and... then he found me. He began to shake the fallen tree where I was hidden and then I fell and he... he... raised his giant club and... and... all I remember was a voice on my head I focus myself on that voice and I felt my horn igniting and then I... I... saw... brother standing at top of me covering me from the attack... I... I... can't" she said. Tears began pouring down her face and grabbed her father by the shoulders. "I... can't lose him, not now, not like this. Please tell me the truth. Is he going to be ok?" He looked down and then back to her. "I don't know sweetie. Clean Rag and his crew are trying their best to save him. Now what we need to do is to keep calm and trust them." he answered. "Your brother is tough he will surpass this. Do you remember what that voice was saying?" She shook her head to the sides. "I didn't catch what it was saying I just followed its instructions and it worked." "I think that you protected your brother with a spectral shield. If you haven't cast that he might've not being able to survive the impact." The sobs and the cries slowly made a stop, she raised her head and smiled. After letting her father go she headed towards a small bed at the corner of the room. "If you don't have anything left to tell me please leave my room, I need to rest." "Of course. Sleep well." Making his head towards the door he met Broad Sword. "Done, your highness," he said. Slowly closing the door, he turned towards Broad Sword. "Yes. Thanks for offering yourself to replace Steel Shield, Broad Sword." "Please, Your Highness. It's the least I can do after you saved my village from those bandits." "Alright, I will take my leave then. Good night." "Good night, Your Highness." A few days later. Steel Shield slowly opened his eye. Looking around him and slowly rubbing his head with his hand, he immediately panicked. "PRINCESS." he screamed. Clean Rag and the others stormed into the room. "Calm yourself. Don't make any harsh movement." "Where am I?" he asked. "The infirmary, sir." Clean Rag answered. "Where's she?" he asked. "She's within the castle. She brought you here." He slowly brought his hand to his left eye and brushed it, noticing a strange shape he asked. "What happened to my eye?" "You lost it against the ogre. Don't you remember?" he asked "Yeah. That thing I almost forgot. I beheaded that thing." All of them widen their eyes. "You beheaded an ogre. How?" "I jumped towards his throat and I slashed through it. That monster fell beside me without his head, marvelous don't you think?" They nodded. "How do you feel?" Clean Rag asked. "I need to make one last check on you to see if you are as good as new and ready to get back to work." "I feel great, Clean. I need to see, how she is? She must've..." "She was devastated when I told her that might've not being able to survive, I had to sedate you and inject some special brew on you to see if you make it... and well as you can see, it worked. Now, can you walk? Can you see clearly? Can you accompany me?" "Triple yes. And thank you for, you know, keep an eye on me. No doubt that you're a great doctor." "Now accompany me I want to make one last check on you and then you might go." Humping off the bed, he followed Clean Rag to his office. Once inside Clean diagnose him, made some questions and the results were surprisingly great for his condition. Without further doubts, Clean ordered him to go and not to push himself too hard during these days. "In a few days, you will be fully recovered. Your arsenal was delivered to Copper Hammer so it could be polished and repaired. Remember, try not to push yourself too hard." "Should I contact the King to inform him about your recovery?" "That will not be necessary, I will inform him myself." He nodded. "Alright then. Bye." Waving him a goodbye he made his way out of his office. After leaving his office he made his way towards the princess room. 'I need to see her first then I will inform the King. But first I will go to my dorm and change these clothes.' Arriving at his destination he was confronted by Broad Sword who immediately came to his side and said. "Sir, Sir. Oh, how I'm so happy to see you here." He greeted him and asked. "At ease general. Broad Sword, how's going?" "Oh Steel Shield, I can't believe. Man. How? How is this possible? Clean Rag said that you might've not being able to survive." "Well, I'm here so. I survived," he said while looking at the door. "How is she?" he asked while pointing towards the door. He immediately changed his expression and answered. "Sad. She is crying and sobbing every single night since Clean Rag told her about your condition. I tried my best to see what's going on. But she didn't answer me." He slowly made his way towards the door. Gently he knocked on the door. "Yes?" a voice from the other side asked. Noticing this Broad Sword composed himself and made his way to the door. "Princess, there's someone here that wants to see you." Broad Sword answered "Now it's not the best time. Tell him to come later." "But... Princess." He gently placed his hand on his shoulder. "You may go now. Rest for a while I'll keep an eye on her." "But you're no even equipped properly. How will you keep an eye on her like this?" He shared a small laugh. "Worry not about me, now go. You need to rest." Broad Sword kneeled and made his way towards his dorm. "And thanks for the help, General." Turning back to the door he said. "I know why now it's a bad time..." he started. Her eyes widen when his voice pierced her ears. "You're grabbing and embracing those flowers I gave you on your eighteen birthday. Because they're the greatest present you receive." A strong noise was heard from the other side of the door. "And now you're sprinting towards the door hoping to find the person you are expecting to find." Suddenly the door opened and she was panting. Slowly she looked up, noticing this wasn't a dream, she grabbed him and pushed him inside her room. Closing the door behind her, she rushed towards him and embraced him, while resting her head on his chest. Tears started to pour down from her eyes. "I can't believe that you're alive. Clean Rag told me that you might've not being able to survive. I thought that I would lose you back there. Why?" she asked. "Why did you had to do that you always pushed me aside?" He smiled and used his hand to wipe her eyes. "That was an ogre, Princess..." She raised her hand and blocked his mouth. "Don't call me by Princess, right now. Please." He sighed. "That was an ogre, Kindly Heart. I couldn't push you aside and recover immediately he might've hit you or me in the process or worse I could've not being able to arrive in time. That was my last resource." "But jumping in front of me. You might..." she lost her tracks of words when she met his eyes. Slowly raising her hand, she brushed his left eye. "You lost your eye. Your poor eye. You lost your eye because of..." Slowly she leaned forward and pushed her hand behind his head. "Huh. Kindly... Heart... what are you..." His eye widen when he felt something soft on his lips, looking back at her he noticed. 'Oh god. Oh god.' He tried to move but... 'Why not? It's just a kiss after all.' He closed his eye and slowly raised his hand and placed it behind her head. The door from the other side of the room opened and a maid showed up. Closing the door behind her she said. "Princess, breakfast is..." She lost the track of words when she noticed that she wasn't alone. She squeaked softly but clear enough to wake her up. Kindly Heart's eyes widen when she heard the soft squeak, noticing that he had his eye closed, she turned around and saw Wipe Clean standing behind her, while she kept a small grin on her face and pointing towards her. She could formulate the words she was saying. "Gah, Wipe Clean what are you doing here?" "Breakfast, Princess." His eye opened when he heard her yelling. He immediately pushed her aside and walked towards the door. "I think I heard the King calling for me. I will go see what does he want." After closing the door behind him, Kindly Heart looked back at Wipe Clean with an angered look. "Sorry, Princess, but..." "Not a single word." She sat near the table, Wipe Clean sat beside her. "So did you tell him?" "What?" She sighed harshly. "About your feelings for him." "No. He's my brother I can't... he would never... understand how I feel." "But I saw, he was enjoying that kiss." "A kiss, Wipe Clean. That was just a kiss. A kiss won't hurt anyone." "But he could've just pushed you off but... he decided to continue right?" "He knows what I went through. He just wanted to... make me feel better nothing more nothing less." "I like that body shape of his. Muscular chest and lap. Those strong arms. I hope how those lips taste. I think it's better for you to not let this chance to get away or maybe someone would catch his heart quicker than you." Her cheeks became red and Wipe Clean shared a loud laugh. "See, I told you." "Shut up. Let me enjoy my meal now," she said. "Here. Have some of these too." She grabbed a plate and placed a portion of her breakfast into it and delivered it to Wipe Clean. "Thank you, Princess." Grabbing the plate she made her way towards the door. "Wipe Clean?" She turned around to face the Princess. "Not a single word, please." "Your secret is safe with me." After Wipe Clean closed the door, she attacked her meal. After eating her meal she made her way towards the desk, grabbing the flowers she embraced them once again and made her way out of her room. 'It worked I can't believe it worked'. Closing the door behind her she made her way towards the main hall. Outside of the castle walls. A small group of soldiers wearing a black chitin armor slowly approached the main gate. "Captain, are you sure about this? Can't we ask for help on another settlement? Can't we got back and bring an army?" One of them asked. "No, if the queen knows that we lost track of the Princess we will be punished, she will kill us. We need help to find her. Those Kirin guys will not know what hit them." "But this is King Fire Gloves kingdom why asking help here?" "We have to try it's our last chance." On the horizon, the guards at the top of the walls spotted a stranger coming towards the door. "Halt," he said. "Who goes there?" The captain of the army raised his sword and answered. "I'm Shape Shifter, Captain of the Royal Guard from the Changeling realm. I'm here to ask for assistance."