Ragged Royal

Chapter 28

  Happy fourth of july to my American readers. 

As soon as the light faded I was back in the shrine and I couldn't help but notice that the cloak and quiver were now on my person instead of in my arms. But I didn't have time to ponder about how they could have ended up there without my putting them on. I was tackled to the ground by Miko and Shirayuki, tears streaming down their faces. Everyone else exclaiming how happy they were that I was back.

"What happened?" Izana was the first to ask over the turmoil of voices. 

"Nothing" I simply answer not wanting them to know I was a gifted and mentioning what just took place would be a sure give away.

"You were gone for half an hour" Obi says worry laced in his voice.

I simply shake off their worry and walk out of the shrine and back to the castle the others not far behind. My movements seemed lighter and i thought back to the gifts each god gave me and smiled to myself. I will make sure I make them proud as I live out the rest of my days.

I walked right to the kitchen as the others dispersed as soon as we reached the entryway to the castle. I snatched a few leftover pieces of bacon and sausage before grabbing an apple. Making my way back outside, finding a nice large concealed tree to rest under. Shep joins me not long after I take a seat, returning from the restrains my siblings but on him as we entered the shrine.

'What happened?' a concerned whine escapes his muzzle as he nuzzles my hand.

"I'll tell you when we have less ears" I whisper. Letting him know about the many people who were concealed around us, thinking they were not yet spotted.

I gave him the meat I swiped from the kitchen and he accepted gratefully. I absentmindedly munch on my apple before burying the core in the soft dirt before looking up through the green foliage to the sky above. Without realising it I drifted off into a deep sleep.

Izana's POV

I was just heading towards the medical buildings to talk to Zen's little friend just for the fun of it. The fact that both Alex and her dog were likely to also be there was another reason to head there.

As soon as I entered the building I was greeted by Shirayuki and Ryu, who were in the middle of making mediations. I couldn't help but notice that the other two weren't here. I didn't even ask and Shirayuki was answering my unspoken question.

"She's making last minute repairs on the orphanage." She says with a slight smirk on her face as she continues mashing up various herbs.

I had almost forgotten about the orphanage that was to open tomorrow. I've had other things to deal with other than the dealings and proceedings of the common folk. Now that i think about it Alex seems to think of the countrymen before anything else. I'm guessing it is because she was raised as one instead of her royal family.

Before I could reply Shep barreled through the window, scattering shards of glass around the room. Losing his footing and falling to the floor, gaining many small cuts from the glass as he went. Without a second to lose he is up on his paws once more barking furiously. That's when i realised something was wrong. Alex rarely left her dogs side and here he was in a frantic bundle of barks and whines.

"Where is Alex!?" I ask the dog even though I know he cant understand me.

To my surprise he snatches up Shirayuki's bag in his jaws and lets out 3 growls and a whine. Shirayuki's face drops as she watches him intently. Fear sweeps over her face and she quickly takes the bag from Shep before running out of the room Shep not far behind. I take off after her seeking answers.