Short Stories

Phantom Of Love - Kamau

Who would have thought me, a dungeon crawler; a bottom dweller; a low life pickpocket; a mere miscreant would have ended up here. Surrounded by money, living in a paradise, and most of all in love. Mara is her name. She is the woman that saved my life. Her beauty and grace far exceeds that of any other. She is a princess from a distant land known as Amana. So happy and cheerful even though her life is in constant danger. A member of the royal guard, her own personal guard Kirie sticks close to her at all times. He's never grown to trust me. Always calls me "The Phantom" due to my ability to blink. He called himself the white phantom with intent of showing that he would be the one to the protect the princess and slay the legendary Phantom itself. Unfortunately legendary isn't a positive term here. To my understanding the phantom was a creature of Amana legend. Destined to consume Mara's mother and assume it's true form. In her disappearance this focus has shifted to Mara herself. From there it would slay the royal family, dominate her people, and take its place as king of Amana. If there was any common ground between me and Kirie it was our goal to protect Mara. Deep down I think even he could see that. In any case it's now the three of us and as long as it keeps Mara safe and happy that's the way it'll stay. - Kamau

[Early morning, Serenity beach]

Kamau, Mara, and Mara's guardian Kirie sit on the beach watching as the sun rises. Kamau and Mara cuddle close as Kamau would soon be leaving for some time on business. Kirie sits at a distance spinning his sword within the sand. He was clearly irritated.

Mara: This reminds me of my childhood. So often I would be moved early morning... We were always running. The sunrise is a beauty, The very beauty that kept me sane.

Kamau: In my return you won't have to run anymore. I'll be with you for as long as I am breathing.

This brought a big smile to Mara's face. She'd never told him but she long ago fell in love with Kamau.

Mara: You already share in my life's beauty. Much more than the light of our sun.

Kirie: She already has protection. With the force that's coming its just best to move. One day he'll catch up and I'll be there, I'll be there to cut him down.

Mara: Don't worry Kirie I know all that you'll do and have done for me. I am happy to have both of you in my life. My guardian, and my first love.

Kirie: !? Love...

Kirie shocked by this digs his blade into ground. Kamau could not wipe the smile from his face. He could see Kirie's jealousy and did not wish to provoke him but could not help but show his teeth.

Kamau: I wasn't sure if I should say anything since you would also be my first love as well.

Kirie: If that's true then why are you leaving?! I would never leave her side. I will never leave her side!

Kirie stands and turns his back to them walking off. Not too far however, he is her guardian after all. Mara stands gently breaking away from Kamau's embrace and slowly makes her way to him placing her hands on his face as she looks dearly into his eyes.

Mara: I know how you feel about me, But you do not love me. Not in such a way to craft a life of love together. You cherish and treasure me. You would do anything to protect me but that is only as you were meant to. As a guardian. Please, I don't want you to feel left behind or out casted. You are my guardian and your love for me lies within that just as my love for you does.

Kirie: How can you say that? I have never really had a chance to express myself. Your father would have had me tortured and killed. You don't know how I truly feel.

Mara: If that is true then kiss me. Right here and now. You are free to do so now.

This caught both Kamau and Kirie by surprise. Kamau did not question her motives. He knew that Mara was trustworthy and would never do anything of such scale without a purpose. Kirie runs his fingers through her hair and stares into her eyes for a moment. Flashbacks of their history flow through his head. The moment he was assigned to her, the first time he'd escorted her to her quarters, his first time defending her, the first time they had to travel across the land, and the instant he had to stand up to her father and the royal guard to defend her from execution. To his surprise he could not bring himself to kiss her. He found himself frozen, incapable of pushing forward but unwilling to pull back. She takes his hand from her face and holds it between her palms.