Blossom in Full Bloom (Book 4: The Pink Blossom Series)

Spoils of War

The next day, I was too tired to stand straight for more than five minutes. I knew I should have been alone to think. Why do I conform so easily? A big yawn tried to escape my lips, but I couldn't allow it. Like my Father said, he would worry. I felt my eyes growing heavy. This was bad!

"-iko! Are you listening?" Zen shouted.

"What? Sorry... Not my intention... to ignore you." I smiled the best I could. Who was I kidding... I was going to die!

"Right! That's it! Barricade yourself in my quarters! You're sitting this one out!" Zen ordered sternly.

"Why?" I knew why... was I being serious?

"Because you can barely keep your eyes open, long enough to talk to me. Kiki!" Zen continued.

"I will guard her." Kiki grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the captain's quarters.

She barricaded the door and sat down in the chair, in front of it. She gave me a serious look. "Did you stay up all night?"

"It wasn't like that... I couldn't sleep... yawn..."

"I see. You can't help anyone in this condition. Try to get some rest! I know it is difficult, but you need it."

I lay down and climbed under the covers. I tried my best to rest, but the uneasiness inside, still haunted me. It wasn't long, before I could hear the clanging of swords and the people raging outside the room. It was futile. I wasn't going to sleep. I turned my attention to the desk. I got up and walked over to it.

Kiki gave me a curious look.

I wasn't sleeping, so what would be the point? "It won't help." I plainly stated.

She must have understood, because she dropped it.

I looked around at the contents of the desk, for a pen or something to keep myself busy. Instead, I found some letters from my Mother. I was rather interested to see what was written in them, but I knew Kiki would lecture me, so I didn't. I put them back, where I found them.

Suddenly, we were alerted to the sound of someone trying to break in. My Father would have done everything in his power, to prevent anyone from getting near this door! If someone is breaking it down, then that means.... Father! He has to be alright, he just has to...."

Kiki stood in front of me. She took out her sword and prepared herself, incase the barricade didn't hold. I also drew my sword.

I heard a loud thud and there was a silence from the other side of the door.

We finally took a breath and allowed ourselves to relax. The silence only grew. Could it be over? No, that wouldn't be possible.

The whole ship, shook on impact. Kiki rushed to my side.

"I'm fine."

Did another ship try to ram us... or did we ram their ship? It would have been better to have this war on land. Ships are like cheating.

"-ake cover!" I heard Father yell. It was reassuring to know he was okay.

Kiki braced me. She was expecting another impact, but nothing happened.

I smelt smoke. My first guess, the enemy was shooting a barrage of flaming arrows our way. What a great tactic, we are surrounded by sea. If the fire got away from us... it would have devastating results.

No one came to get us, so I assume everything was alright. I hated just sitting here and waiting.

I felt the adrenaline pulsing through my body. I was able to shake the fatigue, as a result.