Everyone was crowding the streets by Dawn, awaiting the visit of the Royals accompanied by their Generals... While my family did the same, I snuck away to my bedroom, and dressed in the kimono I obtained last night.
It was almost too easy to get it. When my parents slept, I snuck out, waited, and got the Kimono from the seamstress. Then I snuck back in and hid it under my bedroll.
I smiled as I heard horns blown, and gongs banged. They're here. I ran out of the house, passing servants and gardeners. The gongs were getting louder, along with crowd whispers or occasional cheers. Soon I reached my family, hearing the sound of hooves on stone. I looked to my left, and there they were...473Please respect copyright.PENANAYNbOvOtVoB
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The imperial family sat in a large golden platform, raised and carried by four men. The family wore robes of gold, white, and red. Flanking the carrier were the four Generals, each wearing light Armor, weapons on their backs or hips, and a cloak- the color of their dragon. 473Please respect copyright.PENANAXzr9f9lmOF
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General Jai walked in front, his long brown-green hair reaching his lower back. His eyes darted around, watching like a hawk. General Katsu walked on the left side of the carrier, out of most of my view, while General Raiden was on the right. Raiden was tall and average in size, wielding two daggers at his hips473Please respect copyright.PENANAPH0BA8SuB2
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Soon I saw General Masaru, and something told me that I should never cross him. The hilts of what I guessed to be two Wakizashi's sat at his lower back, hidden by the red cloak. His hair was dark, short, and neatly trimmed. 473Please respect copyright.PENANAMWXeUDRur5
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He looked around with brown eyes, looking over I and my family. Masaru walked faster and said something to the Heir. The Heir then looked to the Emperor and whispered into his ear.
The Emperor then loudly told the four men to stop, and lower them. Of course, the men followed the order with care, precision, and speed. All, including me, got onto our hands and knees, bowing our heads... Then a large shadow incased me.
"Get up." I looked to the unknown mans feet, and noticed that they were armored. A General. By the tone of his voice, he must be an aggressive man. "Sir, I cannot," I said. Another voice spoke... Calmer, and gentle. "Why's that?" I took a deep breath, not daring to look towards my parents...
"I am in the presence of the Imperial Family. I will not rise, till they give me permission to do so." There was silence for some time, then the sound of foot steps. Suddenly a hand laid on my shoulder. I glanced up, and saw the Heir Prince, smiling down on me.
"You may rise." He removed his hand, and walked back to the platform. What just happened? I carefully rose, now facing- not two- but all four Generals.473Please respect copyright.PENANAVgXk0CvI0W
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Masaru was the one standing directly in front of me. He seemed to study me for a few moments. "You have it rough." I tensed up, glancing at my family. I could only give a small nod.473Please respect copyright.PENANA6s2pxGmXaS
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"Come. Walk with me."
The Generals walked to their original position. I didn't even look back, as I followed Masaru. The platform was lifted, then we began to walk. How did he know I 'have it rough'? Did someone...473Please respect copyright.PENANAvRYv9ndRmK
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"What is your name?" I blinked and looked at him for a moment... He looks so young!473Please respect copyright.PENANAQmEiaZwIS1
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"I am Ena Kosdor, Sir." He nodded, "Ah... The Kosdor family. Both respected and hated. I wonder though... Why have I not heard of you?" I took in a shuddering breath. He was asking many questions; he almost seemed to be caring. "Not many-" I choked up, thinking about all the damned pain. "-Pay attention to my existence."
"I see... Well-" Suddenly he grabbed and pushed me to the ground, holding me close to him. BOOM! The sound of screams, and shouts echoed in my ears. What was going on?!473Please respect copyright.PENANAGGEqdEHL32
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"Stay down." I obeyed, and Masaru let go, rising, and turning to General Raiden and Jai, which were looking around vigorously. "What's going on?!"473Please respect copyright.PENANAprNbjsAyV9
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Jai stared at him. "It seems it's time for each of us to find a Blade." A Blade... Both second in command and Apprentice to a General. Unique, and powerful... Young or old. "Go home, Ms. Kosdor. Look up and there will be death. Look down and there will be one's demise."
"Y-Yes, Sir." I then rose, and ran home without another moment to lose.
***
Almost right after I returned, I recieved a beating... My father had once more, thrown me around like nothing, punched me, kicked me when I fell, and yelled... Telling me to get up and look up at him.473Please respect copyright.PENANAsdvnd4ZmNX
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But I disobeyed and recieved more abuse until the rage was gone. Maybe I should have listened, however I didn't want to take chances. What the General said was either literal or metaphorical. Either way, I always looked straight forward, even as I cried on my bedroll.
Then there was a quiet knock. I dried my tears, and my door creaked open to reveal my little sister, Yui. She looked like a miniature kinder version of mom. Yui walked over and laid down on the floor, pulling out something from under the sash of her kimono.473Please respect copyright.PENANA1vac3y0NbO
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"Something gave this to me," she whispered. "It told me to give it to you and say not to touch it. You," she took a deep breath and the color of gold shimmered in her eyes, "must not sleep or do anything else." Then she placed the item on the floor, got up, and walked out. What in the world?!473Please respect copyright.PENANADkOlmhzGEY
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If I looked at it, I would be looking down, hence disobeying the Generals orders. I could pick up the item, but then I wouldn't be following along with whatever my sister is doing. Knowing that the Generals orders took precedence, curiosity took over.
I picked up the object, raising it to my eye level, and immediately regreted my desicion. The object I held was the Eye of Rubeus. It is said to bring a curse or a blessing upon anyone who carries it and looks at it.473Please respect copyright.PENANA5qHKeEzfwJ
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The object is made of pure gold, a ruby sitting in the center, resembling the eyes of the Rubeus Dragon.
You're afraid, yet you still look upon it. Either you are brave or a fool.
Slowly, I sat up, still staring at the damned thing, listening for that deep voice.
Look up, girl.
"No," I said.
You speak to your clans dragon, and you dare to say no?!
The Rubeus Dragon... Yes, a fool is what I am. Surely he will kill me now if I don't look... But- "Yes, I dare. If I look, there will be death. Your own General told me so." Loud and deep laughter filled the room.
Good. Very good.
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Then there was only silence.
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