It's been a year since Kyukara was killed. In that time i stayed in the clouds. I was the ruler of Celesti now. Hero is long gone too, he left me the responsibility of the kingdom. My friends became the knights, they worked for me. They've been on many trips now, and most of them were killed by Noritsune. Yes, he's back. How he survived the mato i don't know but he devoted his life to killing my beloveds. Silas has been the most recent. He was the first i met and now he is the last to be slaughtered. I didn't allow Tsuka to leave, nor did i let the pack out of the kingdom. They were my family, raised me since i was young. I am Queen Hakurei, ruler of the heavens, and i will not let my people die.
"Tsuka, come hither." I called. He came promptly, "Yes M'lady" he replied.
"I need you to look after this," I removed the necklace given to me by my mother and placed it softly in his hands, "Although i do not want to part with it, i don't want her to see this." The jewel was placed on the softest of silk and locked away on a safe. I then removed my crown and placed a red cloak on my shoulders. Placing the hood over my head i left the kingdom unnoticed. Ballad was the only one who knew about my secret. I rode him to the forest on the east side of Ethica, "Quickly my friend, there is no time to waste." I spoke into Ballad's ear. He growled and sped up, his paws pounding the dust.
Suddenly he stopped, sniffing the air he whimpered. I got off of him and stroked his muzzle. "What is it?" I asked kindly. Ballad changed forms and stood up.
"Forgive me, i led you astray. They are in control now." He pointed up into the canopy of the trees where large bats hung. Gasping quietly, i held his hand. One bat swooped down, nearly scraping my head. Its wings grew into a robe of pure darkness.
"What lowlives dare to enter my wood?" The man questioned us.
In fear i hid behind Ballad unaware that my hood had fallen to my shoulders. With a loud gasp the man instantly fell to his knees, "My lady Hakurei, what brings you to the darkness?" He was clearly shaking.
"A friend of mine is in danger and she lies beyond these woods, forgive me, i did not mean to disturb you." I curtsied balancing on my toes. "What is your name, pray tell." I could tell he could see the fear in my eyes.
"I am Kurow, Leader of the Nightgale tribe." He stated. The sound in his voice was one of nobility. I nodded my head.
"We can lead you through the forest if you so desire. My children can carry torches to light your path." He angled his arm toward the path now covered in darkness.
"Yes, that would be of much help, thank you." I spoke softly and saddled Ballad.
With a screech, what seemed like a thousand bats grabbed torches and lit a path for us to follow. We were off again, the sound of Ballad's paws echoed through the forest. Sudden panic and realization washed over me. I spoke into Ballad's left ear once more, "We've no time now, you must fly." He growled back at me, "I can't my wing isn't healed from the last battle." Whimpering at the pain i nodded. He picked up as much speed as possible.
"There! By the oak!" I pointed to an old withered tree. Ballad slowed to a stop and sniffed the air. There was a girl with pink hair lying on the ground.
The way she looked reminded me of her, Kyu, but close examination proved that it was Lullaby. I ran over to her and lifted her head off the ground, she was bleeding heavily and wasn't breathing. Normally i don't like to use healing magic but i had no choice. First i tried to heal her, but i wasn't working, so i ran to Ballad and healed his wing.
"Forgive me, but i need you to fly." Carrying Lullaby i saddled Ballad for the last time and we flew back to the kingdom. Running through the halls, i screamed for anyone.
"M'Lady, what is the matter?" They would ask. Many of my kin have fallen but to murder a child is not something i will forget.
"Gather the strongest of troops. We are going to war." I let tears shed from my eyes and carried Lullaby to the infirmary. I left after that. I couldn't bare it, the pain in my heart. Though, my body didn't respond. My mind was screaming but my body remained still. Nothing made any sense at all. I searched high and low for something, anything to breathe life into me. It was no use. i could feel my heart race and pulse, the tension in my stomach, the throb of agony waiting to be released. Then finally i broke. I screamed as loud as my lungs would let me and fell to my knees.
It was that moment i felt a warmth like no other. A warm breeze that smelled of sweet cherry blossoms and peaches. It was then i saw her, my mother, Oukasa.
"My dearest Hakurei, why do you shed such tears." Placing a soft hand on my shoulder she whispered into my ear.
"Oukasa? I have failed you. I promised never to let her get hurt but she is gone." I lowered my head. My hands and arms were shaking from crying so hard. It was hard to stand. I was sobbing heavily. Oukasa held me shushing me.
"My child, such horrors you have endured. I know what it's like to lose one so close. Your aunt died before me and so did your father." She sat next to me sighing. Leaning on her, i felt as though i was being cleansed. My heart started to ease itself and the pain subsided, but i couldn't help but feel like i was missing something. I frowned, trying to think of what i could've possibly forgotten.
She patted my shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry it'll come back to you." Her words made me jump.
"Oukasa, i-i've missed you. So much." I tightened my grip on her.
"I know. Haku, I know." The sound of her voice filled me with determination.
Before I knew it the sun was setting on the fields. And the tree was covered in darkness. i sat there with Oukasa in the shadow of her tree.
"My dearest child, I'm afraid I must leave you now I do not belong in this world like I used to I have to go back. But before i go, i have information for you that could be of use." She spoke softly while handing me a bottle of glowing light.
"Whether or not you believe me is up to you, but that is a soul, the soul of your sister. You can still save her if you find a body for her to occupy." Looking up at her with round eyes full of hope, i took the bottle into my hands and held it close to my chest. A single tear fell from my cheek. Slowly i stood up wiping my eyes, letting a whistle blow through my lips. Ballad growled and nudged me with his muzzle. Stroking him i explained that she was my mother, he nodded and bowed. He then lowered himself so i could saddle him. Holding Kyukara's soul tight in my hand, we flew home.
