The Realm of Roses

5

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"I felt that I breathed an atmosphere of sorrow." ― Edgar Allan Poe

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Estimating this situation as harmless was not the thought that crossed Sakura's mind as her eyes focussed on the closed gates. No one could follow or attack her; but the risk of being confronted with magic was high and Sakura was uncertain if she would successfully escape the woods. However the black-haired could not remain near the mansion; she reasoned that her foot and Eliza needed her attention. The hunting of the beast could wait.

The small creature in her hands suddenly started to glow. Although it was most uncommonly for her to be surprised, the small animal was fascinating her. Sakura had witnessed several occurrences that frightened her less than it did years ago. She had grown accustomed to danger and violence due to her occupation as a huntress. Coldness on the other hand, was not a feature she wanted to possess, because it veiled one's heart from seeing the beautiful things life and nature had to offer. Still, the actions she had taken and survived moulded her very character – sadly it seemed to strangers that her heard harboured no joy or happiness.

The soothing vibrant the firefly was radiating warmed her – it was a new-made memory she would not forget. Her positive energy was suddenly drained, as a threating voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You will not escape."

The dark tone startled Sakura; she turned around, her eyes searching for any evidence of a person. A shudder went up her spine as she realise that no one was behind her. It was a message, sent telepathically by the owner of the intimidating voice – something she had never been confronted with before. "Magic," she ascertained, drawing her katana. "Show yourself."

Her other hand still held onto the glowing creature, as she was positioning herself again.

"It was a grave mistake to arrive at the mansion . . . Your greedy need for money will be your end."

Sudden vibrations threw her to the ground; she let out a small whimper as thorns of the rosebushes cut her deeply. It left a trace of blood on her skin and Sakura was certain that it was either poisoned or weakening her. The roses surrounded her in a menancing manner and she was left with no other choice but to stand up. Even if she was struggling – and ignoring her ankle – on her legs, the huntress kept her balance; focussing on the dangerous growing hedges as she wielded her sword with ease. The first strokes cut through the roots of the plants and Sakura managed to avoid other attacks before the bushes encased her, leaving the female in complete darkness. Her body started tremble, not because of her nervous demeanour that she was trying to hide, but the deep cuts on her body were slowing her movements – She could not rest composed if the fight would continue like this.

The moment new voices echoed through the area, she moved her sword, making a horizontal cut. The wall of roses shattered immediately, leaving her stunned to find out that she was inside the mansion. Why the magical landlord would invite her into his home was a question she did not dare to ask. Her dark eyes wandered across the great hall, only to sight a hooded man whose form was embraced by a beautiful green glow. The woman was certain that he was the beast – the source of magic that had injured her.

As she met his gaze, he began to laugh wickedly.

"There he is," the beast roared, moving his hands to the side.

Sakura did not care if the creature was unaware of her gender – all that mattered was to fight and to survive, even though it seemed to be an impossible task to achieve. Some of the servants stayed in the room; including the tall blonde whom she had beaten an hour ago. He was eying her with a scowl, indicating that he was not pleased with her being transported into the mansion.

"So the legend is true," the black-haired woman suddenly affirmed, after the beast's laughing had died down. Her wounded ankle slid in front of her strong leg to balance most of her weight on her good foot – she was ready to fight, the chance of winning was small but she had no choice but to battle against powers she had never witnessed before. If she would die through his hand, then she would not give up without fighting first.

"So I have become a legend!" A violent snarl escaped the wizard's lips, "And what am I to you? A beast? A monster? Your death?"

The usage of such a compassionless tone prevented Sakura from attacking immediately; her hands' grip on the katana was steady but her arms adorned with goose bumps. No one needed to demonstrate that this creature was full of hate, prepared to kill anyone that would challenge it.

"I see you as an opponent."

The answer must have surprised him; he needed a moment to speak again. "You think yourself worthy of opposing me."

Sakura bit her lip, glad that her visage was shielded by a scarf and hood. "If you did not think me worthy, why have you transported me into your hall?"

Arthur stilled in his movements, "I don't need to justify myself . . . You endangered two of my people. And your actions would raise questions among people I do not wish to know about me or this manor."

Sakura mumbled, "So you are going to kill me . . ."

"How many of you are trying to hunt me down? And you are asking why I will do the same to you?"

"My occupation as a hunter is just as dangerous; I am hunted as well. In our world in means to survive."

Arthur stepped towards her, "You will answer my question! How many?" He was certain that the intruder wished to live, as most people preferred to. The volume of his speaking increased. "How many!?"

"I have nothing left to give you, neither wisdom nor knowledge."

"So a bounty hunter who claims to have nothing . . . Those are the most dangerous persons . . . those who have nothing else to risk," he commented, somehow a little intrigued by the hunter's reply.

After having sacrificed everything himself, Arthur had been left with nothing, except the mansion that now needed to be protected from the sword-wielding intruder that stood in front of him. If the hooded person did not want to answer his questions, then he would force him.

Arthur's gloved hand shot upwards, darting Sakura to the wall at the end of the hall. As she propelled through the air, the petite woman turned, landing with her feet on the stony mural to push herself off – ignoring her body's injuries; her limbs were burning.

Her attempt of slicing or kicking him seemed impossible: the man had a magical shield; even her knives were useless.

"Worthy opponent," the beast mocked, chuckling as his glowing power embraced Sakura's arms; she now knew that he was only playing with her.

"Your Highness," Ludwig suddenly intervened, marching towards his master. "We must wait for Gilbert to return with the barmaid. We can detain both before rushing into a situation we may regret."

The consequence of his own current action was something Arthur would certainly regret, and he heaved a sigh, knowing that Ludwig prevented him from doing an irreparable move.

"Fine," he mumbled, snipping with his finger. The green air around the hunter ceased within a second. Murdering someone would be the ultimate step that would lead the Prince into a depth of despair. He was hopeless and miserable; meeting a bounty hunter had somehow ignited emotions of excitement inside of him.

"Bring him to the cell at the end of the tower." With that, the Prince rushed upstairs, not noticing Ludwig's expression after hearing Arthur's addressing of the hunter.

On the other hand, Sakura's thoughts were racing: the magic and this situation caused her to feel uneasy . . . and the mere fact that a magical beast had refused to kill her on the spot, was stunning her. He seemed like a creature that was only cruel when the situation required him to react without considering feelings. Questions of why he could not break the curse with his own magic lingered longer on her mind then she wished to. In addition to that, Ludwig had addressed him as his highness, a title she had not expected to hear, given the circumstances.

"Come!" Ludwig hoisted her up, seeing that she was too weak to stand on her own. Cuts and the impact of his master's magic must have taken a great toll on her.