Fire and Ice

Silent Forest

                            ~Storm's POV~

The forest was dark and silent.
The only sound that could be heard was of the natural scenery.

I was now at a distance where I couldn't hear the crowds behind me anymore.
But I wasn't worried about them at the moment. My goal was to hunt down and find the blonde male with the gun and Nashi.

I weaved through trees — avoiding uprooted tree roots and bushes.

"Being in that small wooden house for a couple of days, sleeping on the floor, training every day, those were the best days of my life.
I was free with that group. They were kind and so welcoming. All of us were together, just enjoying each others company." I heard someone say from a few feet away.

I ventured closer to the voice, sword still in hand.
Creeping slowly around a few more shrubs and trunks, eventually a cherry blossom haired girl came into view.

It was Nashi that was speaking.
Did she really mean that?
Being stuck in a old wood shack with all of those crazies.
He words lightened my heart. But it was not the time to get all sentimental.

It seemed that Nashi was addressing the blonde male I saw earlier.
The male was not carrying a weapon anymore. The gun that was in his hand when he entered the forest with was no longer on him.

"I know you are angry....I know you don't like the idea that I am arranged to marry Storm."
Nashi told the male she was facing.
But these words were what really caught my attention.

Why would she be talking to him about our families dealings?
Does she know.....or trust him?

"But you shouldn't be." Nashi continued.

"And why not?" My blonde asked, seeming to get angry at the princess' words.

"It's because.....because....I love Storm!"

All went silent — no more words were exchanged.

I thought.....I thought that when she left the Fairy Tail after I told her about everything that happened.....that she didn't want anything to do with me anymore.
I thought she felt tied down — forced to marry me by our kingdoms.
But now that she said that..... I don't.....I didn't know she felt that way.

"You what?" The male barked at the princess.

"You heard me Jude. I love him and that's one thing you can't take me away from." She said strongly.

The male addressed as Jude, began to advance forward toward Nashi. The princess held her ground but I could see the curious fear in her eyes.
This was my cue.

I leaped out of the bushes and over to Jude.
When I was just a foot away from him, and before he could turn to see me, I swung back my leg — propelling it into the blonde's side.

Jude fell to the ground, gliding across the dirt  from impact.
Before he could assess what was happening I whipped my sword, pointing it straight at the blonde's neck.

"Don't move." I growled to Jude on the ground.

He was still in anger but confusion and shock quickly was flooding into him.

"Storm? Storm! No please Storm don't!" Nashi cried out.

I glanced over to her. She looked concerned.
Why was she defending him?
Who is he?

"Storm please don't hurt him. He means no harm!"

"Then why did he chase after you with a gun?"

"No.....he.....Jude..." The princess stuttered out.

"He is probably involve with Wendy. Do you know what she did?!"

"I know what happened! I saw it with my own two eyes! But you can't hurt Jude." Nashi replied weakly.

"Yeah well why not?! You saw what happened to my Mother! If he was involved then why don't I have the right to injure him!?" I asked, excelling in anger.

"Because he is my brother! I just got him back and I don't want to lose him again!"