Chapter One: -Guardians.-

--------------

It was all like a dream, a strange almost symbolic yet realistic dream.

The first thing I sensed as I awoke, were cool sheets under my fingertips.

The first thing I smelt, as I breathed in a lung full of air was the fragrance of sweet flowers with a faint touch of incense.

The first thing I heard when I perked my ears, alarming my other senses, were the faded but noticeable and very unfamiliar voices.

The first thing I realized when my mind snapped awake, I was no longer in the abandoned, old, ruined mansion.

My body remained still as my senses sharpened with the various sounds and smells, they were all so foreign yet so familiar, I couldn’t describe it. My chest rose and fell as I composed my breathing, trying my best to remain seemingly asleep, not wanting to alert those who share the room with me. But soon, I could not last in my stillness, I felt very stiff in spite of the comfortable and puny mattress beneath me, I had to stir my heavy body.

I blankly stared at the beautifully decorated the bed's roof that was topping the bed, delicate peach colored, semi-transparent satin curtains elegantly covered and surrounded the bed, concealing me from those who were in the room with me, but I could still see their shadows as they shifted about, yet I could not discriminate their words, their language was foreign to me.

Slowly I turned my head from one side to the side, feeling the soft brush of silk against the tip of my nose and lips when I craned my neck a bit. It smelled so nice, so calming and with such a sweet, nostalgic feeling, I liked it.

After a moment, my body settled with the calming atmosphere, though still with a pang of discomfort due to the stiffness on my spine, nevertheless, I relaxed with the scent as it tickled my senses, my heart stopped beating wildly in my chest, but then my brows twitched as the sound of a door slightly creaking reached my ears, catching and alerting my senses once more!

The sound of the door was not too far away, but nor was it close to where I was either. I couldn’t quite pinpoint where it had come from. I tried to see through the curtains with my eyes, but I still felt weary and my sight was a bit blurry. A sense of exhaustion overwhelmed me, I didn’t want to move, it was so quiet and comfortable in this bed.

The sound of heavy shoes reached my ears, heavily stepping and walking across what I assumed to be a marble floor, it loud and clear to my senses and I was able to distinguish the type of sound the leather boots would make on a marble floor. For a moment, I frowned, how was I capable of knowing such a thing? Why leather boots? Why marble floors? Had I heard something like this before?

But then, these were voices again, but this time, I was able to understand their words.

“How is she?” a gentle male voice spoke, almost blank and with a touch of concern.

There was the scrapping sound, like that of a chair being moved over a rug, and then another voice replied, “I'm not sure, the maidens said she is physically well, she did not sustain any damage, but she still hadn’t woken up yet.” the different, more mature, calm male voice explained the situation to the first voice, or person. “I don’t like it, she should have been up by now." His silhouette moved about, as I could see him taking a step closer to the bed, "Should we call in the healers?” the more mature voice grumbled, requesting, and I could see him turning to face another figure.

“No.” a gruff new voice interrupted, almost making me flinch in start, and the soft rattling sound of metal was heard, jingling softly in the silence that lingered. The rattling sounded like that of a small chain of sorts, I'm not sure. Although the voice was indeed male, deep and raspy in a way, there was just something about it that purred like a cat, it was- strange, in a unique sort of way. “You should to remember that she is a human and wizardry might harm her.” The gruff voice reasoned, though sounding a bit upset now.

“Ah, you’re right, my bad.” The fist, gentlest voice apologized, "But it was merely a suggestion, sir. You needn't to be so upset." he argued coolly, the sound of the chains rattling returned.

"Well next time, think through your suggestions before you offer them, at least it'll save you some face." The gruff voice hissed.

I flinched inwardly at the gruff hiss, it sounded so threatening!

Slowly pushing off the bed, pulling my legs closer, curling over my self a little, wanting to feel safe, my trembling hands forked back the stray bangs of curly dark hair, grooming them back and tucking them behind my ears. The two voices beyond the curtains argued a little more, sounding like sneers and angry growls, either that or a very unfriendly verbal exchange.

"Guys, relax! You don’t need to be so on edge!" a much younger voice argued, paused and then the sound of the scrapping chair returned, before the smaller silhouette crept closer to the bed, before yanking the curtains away, bright lights hit my face! “Ah, She's awake!” the teen voice cheered, too gentle to be a man’s and yet too strong to be a woman’s.

I gasped at the bright light, blinking tiredly at it while it kept assaulted my senses.

It was sunlight, not artificial light, how- peculiar.

Blinking tiredly and allowing my eyes to adjust to the brightened room, though trying to ignore the spots that danced around my view; finally defeating the lulling laze that was infesting my still stiff and somewhat achy body, I moved my hands off the silken sheets and balled them into fists, and with the base of my fists, I rubbed my eyes, trying not to groan too often at the light that had suddenly become even brighter. I allowed my eyes a moment longer to adjust to the light, taking note the voices were almost nonexistent now, they had become so quite, it was almost as if they were no longer there.

Forking away a few more stray bangs of my messed up, black straight hair, and allowing the slight dizziness to leave my heavy and now slightly throbbing brain, I turned to face them, blinking blearily at the bangs of black hair that slipped from my crown and draped over my shoulders and face. It took me a moment to pay attention to the silken, soft-peach colored sheets, only now noticing the poppy flowers decorating them, but when I sensed movements going on before me, I rose my chin to look up at those who shared the room with me.

The first man, who stood closest to the foot of the bed, was clearly human, with rich, straight, light brown hair and dazzling, deep brown eyes, he wore a strange armored suit with a sword strapped on a belt, and it hung on his side as his gloved hands forked back his hair from his face. He had a sweet, charming smile, and I could tell right there and then, he was a flirt, a playboy, but didn’t think more of it.

I simply decided that I did not like him.

Behind him was a younger looking youth with bright red eyes and silver-white hair, dressed in the same silver-white suited armor, while the edges of the chest and shoulder plates were rimmed in glorious ruby-red.

What startled me the most was the creature who stood a little behind the youth; he was not human! The head and face looked more like that of a black panther with two bright, golden-yellow orbs for eyes.

"Where am I?" I asked him, my heart throbbing loudly in my chest.

"You are safe, milady, there is nothing to be afraid of." the young man told, bowing his head.

I looked at them, confused and a pang of panic started welling in the pit of my stomach.

With the need to protect myself from these strangers, I tugged at the bed sheets and pressed them to my chest, eyeing them in distrust, wondering who or what they are and why I'm here. That was, until my hands brushed against my gown, I realized I was dressed in fresh, clean and soft clothing. I silently gave a prayer in gratitude for God, I did not want to wake up naked and surrounded by men! The nightgown was in pure peach-colored silk, just like the sheets and pillows, as well as it was woven from the finest silk! It's smooth and delicate feel was clear when my fingers caressed it.

I felt my cheeks warm up as I realized I only had this one piece of dressing, sharing a room with these strange men. Glaring up at them, I frowned but kept my mouth shut, unsure how to address them, because I did not feel any different about being here with them! Well yes, actually I did feel different about them. I was cleaner now, my hair was no longer braided and was left draped over my shoulders, and my body felt lighter, it smelled nice as well, but also I felt exposed, as if I was naked, and was starting to feel cold!

I could sense the scent the fruity soap of sorts from my clothes, but I weren’t sure if the smell was from the clothes itself or from my own body, either way, it did not stop my mind from racing, nor did it lessen the heat that burned my cheeks.

Glancing back up at them again, I braced myself for courage, I spoke with as much confidence possible, "Where am I?"

"You are in the City of Yumaika, the capital city of Eternia, your highness. The political capital city of our world, Aollum." The man with the head of a black panther spoke, his golden yellow eyes shone bright with predatory gleam and sharpness.

"What- are you?" I asked, barely paying attention to his previous answer.

He grunted, taken back by my question as his eyes sharpened, glaring at me with what my senses identified as hatred.

Flinching, I suppressed the yelp that almost escaped my throat. Swallowing hard, I tugged the sheets closer, feeling a tremble in my legs, though they were bend and pressed to my chest as I scooted back against the headrest of the bed, "I- S- I'm sorry! I- I- didn’t mean to offend you!" I hastened to apologize, my heart racing wildly, "I just- don’t recall ever meeting anyth- anyone like you before." I explained.

He seemed to just stand there and stare down at me, as if I were an insolent nobody who had insulted his high and mighty grace, and it worried me if it were truer than I thought! Honestly, it made me feel so very, very small and uncomfortable as his gaze grew deeper, an unpleasant prickle started in the back of my scalp, nagging at me and taunting me, demanding that I sooth the need to scratch it, but I just ran a finger through my hair, once, twice, and then tried to ignore the now less urgent scratching urge.

"Sir Rao, stop scaring her!" the young man from before, the flirt, chided the panther man gently, placing a hand on the panther's suited chest, before turning to address me once more, bowing his head and retrieved his hand to place on his own chest, as a sign of his sincere apology, "Please, do forgive him, milady, Sir Rao has a rather short temper, he did not mean to frighten you." He informed, sparing a glance at the yellow eyed panther-man.

I looked at him for a moment longer, before glancing at the young youth with the silvery white hair and red eyes, who silently stood nearby, his hands clasped behind his back; when our eyes met, he flashed me a friendly smile, but didn’t say anything, yet it was enough to make me feel a little better. Looking back at the huge panther-man, his gaze still displease and hard, I swallowed uneasily as his scorning, upset-looking face kept staring at me intimidating.

He made me feel so small and so insignificant all over again, it scared me.

Again, the brown haired, flirty looking, brown eyed man stepped closer to the bed, smiling gently as he addressed me once more, "Milady, allow me to introduce myself. I am Clive Winsellet, leader of the kingdom's second battalion and guardian of the west gates." Smiling, he turned to the youthful teen who stepped closer, his ruby red eyes shone with childlike excitement.

"This is young man here is Sir Fang Chie, milady; he is more like the backup team for the kingdom, and don’t let his baby face fool you, he is a worthy warrior and guardian of the city squares." He informed, playfully ruffling the boy's hair. "This little runt is actually the chief of guards; he protects the city from the inside, which is honestly no easy feat."

"Ack! Sir Clive! Quit it! It's not funny!" The boy grouched, his pale ashen skin quickly changing color to a soft shade of pink, bickering and bantering almost playfully with the older man. After composing himself, clearing his throat, he glanced at me shyly and bowed his head in great respect, "Um, an honor to meet your acquaintance, milady." He stood up straight with a broad grin stretched on his lips.

The brown haired man, Sir Clive, as he had previously addressed himself, turned to the panther man, "And of course, this is Sir Rao Nevogato, leader of the fifth battalion and guardian of the northern gates."

The panther man closed his eyes briefly, arms pinned to his sides he bowed his head deeply, showing high respect, "I am at your service, milady." He said, in an almost humble and gentle tone of voice, "And I ask forgiveness for my earlier rudeness, your highness, I had forgotten you are not originally from these parts." He explained.

I stared at him for a moment, confused at his statement, "What do you mean?"

His small triangular, cat-like ears perked and he raised his chin to look at me, yet avoiding eye contact, "I mean, that since you are not from around these lands, milady, I apologize for frightening you. I have forgotten that there are not many of my people around, therefore, you have probably not met any who had looked like me." He bowed his head again, "I am graciously sorry."

Staring a moment longer, I nodded slowly, "Ah, it is okay, I forgive you." I replied, feeling still a bit uneasy, I bowed my head slightly in reply to his apology, "And I'm sorry for offending you." I added sincerely.

The brown haired man's eyes widened a bit at my bow, and he moved his hands, as if trying to stop me from doing so. When the panther man raised his chin and saw me bow as well, his bright yellow eyes had widened considerably, and the white haired, ruby-eyed youth sent me a confused stare as well. I would have asked what they found to strange, but since it was a quick bow, they all shared a glance.

Sir Clive cleared his throat and spoke, "Milady, if I may, we still have not had to honor of your name." he requested, smiling kindly.

"Ah, how rude of me," I smiled sheepishly, opening my mouth once again, wanting to tell them of who I am…

… but nothing came to mind.

I sat there, my jaw working on its own.

The words were on the tip of my tongue, but for the life of it, I could not remember what my name was, or who I am for that matter! It was almost as if it had been erased from my mind, I had no idea who I was. Blankly, I lowered my arms, still gripping the now wrinkled rim of the bed sheet, staring at my hands, a furrow tightening between my brows.

I couldn’t remember. I couldn’t remember what my name was.

Looking up at them, they all shared a concerned glance, before turning to face me again.

"Milady, are you alright?" the youth, Sir Fang inquired worriedly.

"I don’t remember." I admitted voice low and soft, "My name- it was on the tip of my tongue, but I just- I can't remember…" I murmured.

I looked back up at them, exchanging glances among each other, when Sir Clive flashed me an assuring smile, "Well, I'm sure it must be because of the fact that you're tired, perhaps once you've rested enough, you'll remember." He suggested.

"Perhaps," Sir Rao somewhat grumped under his breath, crossing his hefty, muscular arms over his broad, armored chest.

Unexpectedly, there was a hurried knocking on the door and just as soon as Sir Clive allowed entrance, a swarm of women, dressed similarly with the same black dresses and white aprons, with frilly white head-bands entered the room. Seemingly, an orange haired, emerald-green eyed youth with freckled cheeks was their leader; her grin was of a Cheshire cat!

"Okay! The Calvary is here! Where's the new lady?" she said aloud, her chin high and her bright green eyes shone with something I could not identify. Stiffening when her green orbs turned to face me, I blinked. "There you are, eh? Not bad lookin' if I do say so myself." She giggled, fists on her hip as she leaned in a bit to have a better look at me, "I'm gonna enjoy fixing you up, darlin'! Just you wait!" she giggled again.

A chill ran down my spine when her cheeks plumped as her grin grew wider, flashing those bright white teeth as her fangs were quite visible. Her grin widened and it seemed almost as if stars were dancing in her emerald green eyes! That big grin was threatening to split her face in two equal halves!

"Taja! What is the meaning of this?" Sir Rao, the panther-man snarled, already marching towards her and towering over her head, "This is our new Queen! Not your new dress-up toy! You had better show some proper respect, do you understand young lady?"

Blinking up at him with pure innocence shining in her eyes, she saluted him meekly; "Aye eye cap'n!" she grinned at his baffled reaction, and then snapped her fingers, that devilish grin spreading across her face again, "Girls! Show the gentlemen outside!" she glanced at me and her smile seemingly turned sinister! "We need to get our lady ready!"

Somehow, watching the rapid swarm of girls heard the three men out of the room, had me teetering between confusion and humor. I didn’t know what to think of it all, mainly the fact that Sir Rao had, just now, claimed that I was the 'Queen'? I don’t understand, there must be some mistake, cause though I don’t remember my name, I'm sure as hell I'm no queen!

Before I could dwell deeper into my puzzled thoughts, the orange haired youth grinned at me again, cracking her fists, her grin somewhat turned creepy as the swarm of girl herded around the bed. Glancing at each and every one of them, another cold chill assaulted my spine, prickling my skin! I knew I was probably in deep trouble.

Well, either that, or one hell of predicament!

The more they drew closer, the more unnerved I felt.

When they all started grinning, I knew there was no escape.

….

I found it very awkward, letting the girls pull me out of bed, undress me and shove me into a hot bathtub.

It was so embarrassing; though I tried to resist, I didn’t know what to do but to comply.

Right now, sitting in the tub of hot water with bubbles floating on the surface, it reached up to my collarbone as I quietly played with the suds of soap, sniffing at the sweet scent of fruits.

The leader of the mob of girls was named Taja, and from what I could tell, she's pretty much a loud, obnoxious but hyper, happy tomboy and she works as a maid here; wherever 'here' was. Right now, leaning with my back against the strange metallic-like backrest of the tub, she combs my damp hair with a strangely oriented hairbrush, as her friends go about in the next room, chattering happily and getting some clothes ready for me.

Feeling the bush's teeth as they slipped through my strands of rich hair, I stared blankly at the bubbles and suds that floated before me. It was hard for me to figure out just what it was exactly, but something about this scene; me sitting in a tub of hot water like so, that just felt- nostalgic, in a rather ironic sense, it puzzles me, because I just can't remember where or when I've seen or felt like this sight before.

"Hey," Taja called, snapping me from my daze, "is it me, or are you awful quite?"

"Sorry." I apologized, letting my hands surface above the bubbles, suds and water, "I just- don’t have anything to say, I guess."

Done with my hair, she braided it into one long tail, before twirling it into a bun, fixing it with a few hairpins on the back of my head, "Well I hope we didn’t scare too much you back there." She apologized with a giggle, her fingers delicately slipping down the sides of my head and cupped my shoulders, she started massaging them, "I guess we were just too excited to keep it bottles in." She said with an evident smile in her voice.

"Excited about what exactly?" I furrowed in confusion, still having no idea what she was talking about.

"Well, you know?" she replied, as if stating the obvious, but seeing no reaction from me, she continued, "You being Queen and all." She told, her fingers working wonders on my once stiff shoulders, "You're a lot different than I pictured you, though."

Relaxing with the massage, I tried not to moan with the wonderful sensation, so I decided to ask; hopefully she might give me an answer that would elucidate my suspicions, "You know, I'm still confused about that." I blurt out honestly, not yet turning to face her, sitting on my rear end and hugging my knees closer, before letting my wet hand reach back, to delicately touch and finger the bun she had twirled at the back of my head, "I mean I don’t even know you people, and suddenly you claim me as queen?" I argued, pushing a little off the edge of the tub to turn around and look at her, "Where on earth am I, anyway?"

"Earth?" she arched a thin orange brow, tilting her head in clear confusion, "You mean as in element?"

"No, I mean a place, its called earth." I argued, suddenly feeling a cold splash in my stomach, and grew rather uncomfortable, in spite of the hot water that surrounded my bare-skinned body.

She blinked once, twice, and then retrieved her hands to press a finger to her pouty bottom lip, cocking her head to the side, eyes looking up in consideration, deep in thought as a quizzical look caressed her features, "Well, I've heard of a planet known as earth in school, but I've never actually been there, nor have I seen it." She shrugged a shoulder, as if expressing that it didn’t matter and she didn’t really care, before her hands cupped my shoulders, she started massaging them again, "This world is called Aollum, not earth."

"Aollum?" I echoed, now even more confused; that's about the third time they told me that.

"Yeah, you know? The name of the planet we're living on?" she smiled in a friendly manner.

Settling back in the tub, I raised my hands, watching the suds of soap slide down again, "I never heard of such a place." I said after a pause.

"Yeah, well you're the Queen now, so you'll get used to it." Taja cheered happily.

Staring ahead at the far away and nicely decorated wall, I pursed my lips.

I don’t know what's going on here, but I intend to find out.

Sooner or later, no matter what it takes! I have to find out just what is going on here.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

End of chapter two.