The Battle of Lady Ai

Just something I wrote for Christmas for one of my friends.

Long ago in a place where magic was as part of the world as air was, and kings and queens ruled it, there was once a quarrel between lords over a beautiful maiden, known as Lady Ai.

She had beautiful black hair that was as dark as a raven's wing and dark mysterious eyes that lit up when she smiled. Her voice was wonderful, especially when she sang. People came from miles around to hear her.

And of course, she had her admirers. There were two men that fought for her attention. There was Lord Seraphim, a dark and brooding young man, with dark brown hair and dark red eyes that were often cold and could see right through you. However, there were times, if anything only when he was around Lady Ai, where he could be kind and sweet. The other admirer was Lord Kazou. He was younger than Lord Seraphim. His eyes were a light brown and always filled with warmth. His dark hair was always short and all over the place. People said he was too kind, but they also said that he deserved Lady Ai more than Lord Seraphim. But the fate of the two would be decided soon.

It was a wondrous day at Ryukami Palace where Prince Seto lived and ruled. He walked through the gardens that day, Lady Ai along side him. It was almost as if they were older brother and younger sister. In fact, Lady Ai often called Prince Seto "Onii-san" and Prince Seto would call her "Imouto".

"Onii-san," said Ai softly. "What should I do? Lord Seraphim and Lord Kazou are after me. My heart wishes for both, but that cannot be so. Who should I choose?"

Seto continued walking until he was face to face with his prized cherry tree that was in bloom. "You wish for both? What do you mean by that?"

Ai walked up to him; her beautiful gothic styled black dress shifting as she moved quickly. "Lord Seraphim is so kind to me. His heart is still cold however, and I know that maybe I could be the one to warm that heart. But then Lord Kazou is a wonderful man who I could easily see myself with. What should I do Onii-san?" she asked, looking into his eyes.

Seto looked up in thought, the gentle breeze playing with his long dark hair that was out of the braid that trailed down his back. "I do not know what to say to you Imouto. I have never had such a situation for me to decide upon."

"Please Onii-san, you must have some advice!"

Seto looked into the blue sky again. "A flower blooms only for one season. Not two. But those that last through two seasons are often the most beautiful."

"Onii-san…"

"Lord Seraphim will be meeting with me today. I suggest you talk with him. Lord Kazou will be in council with me tomorrow. You may stay the night so you might talk with both."

Ai's face lit up with joy. "Thank you Onii-san!" She gave him a hug before running off.

Seto sighed and watched her run off. "If only to be 14 again instead of 140… Immortality… Feh… It's not so great. I still feel old…"

As Ai ran, she saw a black carriage pulled by two matching black horses. The carriage was made of wood, but had many twisted black iron patterns and ornaments to decorate it. Ai often wished for a carriage just like it. She stopped to admire the carriage, knowing who was in it already. It stopped outside the palace gates to let out Seraphim, his blood red cape fluttering in the breeze as he walked up the steps to the throne room where Prince Seto was supposed to be. Ai turned around quickly to see Seto still looking at the flowers.

"ONII-SAN!! LORD SERAPHIM IS HERE!" she shouted.

Seto got up slowly. He smiled before wind and leaves passed in front of him. When it all cleared, Seto was gone.

"Sugoi des…" whispered Ai to the wind. "That is true magic…"

Seto reappeared on his throne, making sure to look royal and imperial just before Seraphim stormed in. Seto regarded him calmly.

"What is it you wish to speak to me for?" he asked.

Seraphim bowed. "I wish to speak to your majesty for something of importance."

"Then speak."

"I would like to ask your majesty for the marriage of Lady Ai."

Seto looked taken aback. "Marriage? She is only fourteen, too young to be married yet. Besides, I cannot give her away in marriage. I am not truly her older brother. You know this."

"Yes, but you are the one who can tell her to marry me," said Seraphim, making eye contact with Prince Seto, something not many dared do.

"I can do no such thing. She has free will. She will do as she wishes." Seto got up. "Now if there is nothing left for us to discuss, I shall take my leave. You have permission to stay the night if you so wish it. And I shall tell you this; Lady Ai is visiting as well. You might do well to talk to her." With that he walked behind the throne and exited via a hidden door.

Seraphim sighed. "Of course your majesty," he said with a childish tone.

Ai sat in the royal library. It was said that Seto had read every book in the library in his 140 years of existence. With how old he was, many people didn't doubt it. But there, Ai sat; looking at the faerie tales she loved so much. Suddenly Seraphim came in. She looked up suddenly, heart racing.

"Lord Seraphim! What a nice surprise…" she said, trailing off.

"Indeed. I did not expect you here Lady Ai," said Seraphim with a bow.

Lady Ai blushed. "There is no need for such a formality. You and I are equals."

"Please, it is only proper that I should bow to someone of such beauty and grace," he said with a hidden smirk.

Ai blushed further. "Please, your praise does me no justice."

"If only that were so, but alas, it is not. You are the fairest one in all the kingdom."

"But what of Lady Kuuiji, Lady Sakiko, or Lady Riku? Are they not beautiful as well?"

"They all pale in comparison."

Ai pulled out her fan to cover her face and blush. "Surely you do not mean it."

"I'm sure he does."

Both of them turned around to see another figure standing in the doorway.

"Lady Ayuri! So nice to see you! How long has it been? Surely far too long!" said Ai with excitement.

Ayuri was not your usual lady. Her hair was short, it didn't even reach her cheekbones, and she mostly dressed in men's clothing. Today, she wore a loose pair of black trousers with an elegant white shirt and a long coat like the Chinese style ones that Seto was so fond of. The outfit showed no indication that she was a woman.

"It has been too long Lady Ai. Would you like to walk with me so that we may talk and catch up?" She gestured to the hallway.

"But of course! Excuse me Lord Seraphim." She curtsied and left with Ayuri.

Seraphim slammed his fist onto a table. "Damn it… I had to take so long and compliment her. I didn't even have time to ask for her hand in marriage!"

The two walked through the halls, chatting happily, and catching up on what had happened in the past few months that they had been unable to talk. But now, they spoke of Ai's dilemma.

"A difficult situation is what you have," said Ayuri.

"I know… Demo…what should I do?" asked Ai.

"Have you tried following your heart?"

Ai sighed. "My heart pulls me in two directions. It is of no help." She looked out a window. "At times, I wish I did not have this heart, so that I may not feel this agony of trying to choose…"

Ayuri put a comforting hand on Ai's shoulder. "Do not worry. In time, you will find the one you should be with and will want to be with. Even if your heart is adulterous, it will lead you in the right direction."

Ai smiled. "Arigato."

Ayuri only smiled before walking off down the hall, leaving Ai to her thoughts.

Dinnertime rolled around, and all the Lords and Ladies in the palace were seated at the table, waiting for Seto to appear. With a sudden poof, the prince had arrived and was in his seat.

"Let us begin." He said with a smile.

Suddenly there was much chatter as food was cut and eaten and drinks refilled by the kitchen staff. Seraphim sat across from Ai, his food neglected for him to be able to look upon her beauty. She noticed his stare.

"Please Lord Seraphim, you must eat your food. The steak is quite nice this evening, and the soup is exquisite," she said with a smile.

Seraphim smiled back in response before eating some of the food that lay in front of him. Soon, as everyone finished their meals, music began to play for those who wanted to dance. Seraphim got up and walked to Ai's side.

"May I have a dance with the fair lady?" he asked politely.

"But of course," she replied with a smile.

He pulled her up and before she knew it, they were on the dance floor with many others. Lord Seraphim led her around the room in a wondrous waltz, spinning her around and such in a graceful manner. All too soon, the song stopped. Ai moved to go back to her seat at the table, but Seraphim held her hand before kneeling.

"My lord, what are you doing?"

"Lady Ai, for you, I have feelings I cannot express in words. It would make me most happy if you would give me your hand in marriage," he said before kissing the top of her hand.

Ai blushed. "I am too young Lord Seraphim."

"I shall wait. You notice I have no ring for you yet. Say the word when you are ready, and I shall give you a grand engagement and you will never want for anything afterwards."

"I-I-I must consider this." With that, she ran off to the room prepared for her.

Seraphim stayed in his kneeling position, a smirk on his face. "You'll not do any considering in your room m'lady," he said before following silently.

Seto watched the two leave. He mentally noted what might occur so that he might charge him with an offense later. That night, Ai sat in her room, looking out the window at the pale full moon, admiring its beauty.

"How does the moon do it? The moon is always calm and peaceful. Does it not love some one? Does it not know what it is like to be torn between two loves?" she asked no one. "Of course not… The moon loves all the stars equally…"

"Are you sure it is not having an affair with the sun?"

Ai turned around quickly only to have some powder blown into her face. She instantly fell asleep, falling into someone's arms.

"Oyasumi Lady Ai."

The next morning, Seto sat on his throne, bored to the point of near insanity. He sat with his legs in the air, kicking them like a little child.

"One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four," he chanted as he kicked.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Seto straightened himself up and gestured for the guard to let the person in. As the door opened, in walked Kazou, dressed quite formally for a simple talk, but nonetheless, Seto took it as a sign of respect. Kazou bowed before him.

"Prince Seto, thank you for talking with me. I consider it an honor." He bowed again.

Seto waved his hand, as if dismissing the notion. "Oh please, tis' nothing really. I would gladly talk to any of my lords or ladies. Now what is it you wish to speak of?"

"Anou… I have a… request…" he replied shyly.

"Come on. Spit it out. Or would you rather we walk and you can talk with me then?"

"A walk would be nice your majesty."

Seto smiled and snapped his fingers, in a flash; they were in the middle of the royal garden. "Come now and walk," he said with a mirthful smile as he walked.

Kazou walked quickly to keep up with Seto's long graceful strides. "Your majesty, I would like to know if you may pass a message on to Lady Ai for me," he said with a light blush across his face.

"A message? Surely there must be something more than a message if you want it to go through royalty."

"Anou…" Kazou continued blushing.
Seto smiled. "I understand. Demo, why don't you tell her yourself? She is here I do believe since she stayed the night."

Kazou's face lit up. "Ah! Arigato Prince Seto! May I take leave of you to look for her?"

"Oh go on already you love sick fool."

Kazou paid him no heed as he had already run off. Seto sighed and shook his head. "Kids these days… Always running off. Have they already forgotten about magic?" He rolled his eyes before disappearing.

Through all the hallways, passages, rooms, and closets, Kazou could not find Ai. Could the prince have lied to him? No, Kazou shook his head. Seto would not do that. If she was not here, she must have left without his knowing. However, the prince always saw people off. He always knew who was and was not in the palace. So someone had to have taken her, but who?

"Ah, and so it is Lord Kazou who pays a visit to the prince today."

Kazou turned around to face the one talking. Long dark hair and tan complexion, dressed in a loose fitting dress was Riku, fan in hand with her dog Kai and cat Mista Irk at her sides.

"Lady Riku," Kazou bowed, "a pleasure to see you. What brings you here today?"

"I should ask the same thing of you," replied Riku. "But each to their own business I do suppose. Are you looking for someone?"

"Hai. I'm looking for Lady Ai."

"Oh? Was she here? A pity. I would have liked to talk to her. It has been a while since we've had a nice chat. And I hear the prince has just imported some lovely tea!" Riku pouted. "Oh well. I do suppose if she was here, someone must have whisked her away in the night."

The gears were turning in Kazou's head. "Seraphim…" he growled out.

"Oh, was he here too last night?"

"That's what I'd like to know. Excuse me." Kazou bowed before storming off.

"Oh dear, he has it bad, doesn't he?" asked Riku to Mista Irk who was now in her arms. The reply she received was a lazy meow.

Meanwhile, a good distance away, there lay a castle, built of dark stone, with gargoyles carved where it was appropriate and a twisted iron gateway with stone lions guarding it. The doorway of the castle was carved with patterns of dragons looking down upon the people entering with a dark scowl upon their faces. Towers reached high into the sky. And in the tallest tower lay Ai, sleeping away in the castle of the Lord Seraphim.

"Bored bored bored bored!" chanted Seto as he kicked his feet in the air as he had been doing for an hour or so. "God there's nothing to do here. Maybe I should just go have fun and conjure something. Maybe a phoenix… No a dragon! Yeah a cool dragon with angel wings and… black scales! Yeah black scales… Rather contradictory…"

As he was pondering this, Kazou burst into the room. He paused for a moment as he saw the prince acting like a little kid before coughing. Seto looked at him before blinking and sitting up straight.

"What is it that you wish to talk about now?" he asked boredly.

"Was Seraphim here last night?"

Seto yawned. "Yes he was. What are you getting at?"

"I have reason to believe that he has taken the fair Lady Ai!" said Kazou firmly.

"What proof do you have?" said Seto while rolling his eyes. Kazou was really quite head over heels for Imouto.

"I… Well actually…"

"I suggest you go to Lord Seraphim's castle and make sure and bring proof so that I may press charges rather than you rushing in here blindly to accuse him of something."

"Gladly," said Kazou as he disappeared from the room.

"Finally! Some one uses magic."

Seraphim stood on his balcony that over looked the entire entranceway to his castle. Suddenly there was a surge running through the air.

"Someone's coming."

He glared at a particular spot as Kazou appeared in midair, spinning around. He landed, crouched down, before standing straight, his face contorted in anger.

"SERAPHIM!!!!" he shouted. "GET OUT HERE AND RELEASE LADY AI!!!!"

Seraphim jumped from his balcony and landed perfectly in front of Kazou. "And what makes you think I have her?" he said calmly.

"I know. I can feel her presence in your castle. Now release her!"

"My my, so hasty and angry. You have much to learn."

Kazou drew his sword and pointed it at Seraphim. "Release her, or fight me."

"As you wish."

Seraphim simply moved his arm upwards and Kazou was sent flying backwards. Kazou caught himself before charging with his sword. Seraphim simply swung his arm and he was sent backwards again.

"The youth have no appreciation for the finer arts of magic," he said with boredom in his voice.

"If it's magic you want its' magic you'll get!"

Kazou charged his hands with magic and charged forward, attempting to strike Seraphim who easily dodged or blocked without any effort. However, when Seraphim made another block, Kazou blasted the energy stored in his hand. Seraphim was sent back a few feet and shook out his arm.

"Not bad at all. Maa maa, it's time I got serious, ne?"

Before Kazou could even blink, Seraphim ended up very close; multiple blows were landed on his abdomen before Seraphim's charged hands made impact.

"Dark Fire!"

A ring of black fire blasted Kazou into the ground. Kazou growled as he got up.

"Is that all you've got?"

"I assure you, there's much more."

Both started trading charged blows. With the current amount of energy stored in their hands, one blow to a vital point would have meant the end of the battle, however; both were excellent at guarding as well as attacking. But at the end of the most recent exchange, Seraphim still held the upper hand, still breathing easily. Where as Kazou looked as if he had just run for miles on end.

Even though he was tired, Kazou's will stood strong. He would not let Seraphim win. He would get Ai and accuse Seraphim of kidnapping. He drew his sword again and stood his ground. Seraphim lazily drew his out.

"Just fight already."

Kazou charged and slashed at him from the side. Before his blade made contact, Seraphim was gone and his blade was pressed against Kazou's throat.

"Not fast enough?"

Kazou ducked under the still sword and stabbed at Seraphim's side. Seraphim spun to the side to dodge and pressed the tip of his sword lightly against where Kazou's kidney would be.

"Still not good enough."

While the fight continued, Ai awoke slowly. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Where am I?" She looked around the room and out the window. There she saw something that troubled her, the fight between Seraphim and Kazou. She banged on the window. "NO! STOP IT!" she shouted, but they did not hear her.

Swords clashed as Seraphim lethargically blocked Kazou's predictable strikes. He was close to materializing some tea and drinking it while fighting him or perhaps a nice book. He did need to catch up on his reading, and the Necromagicon was quite interesting.

Ai stood a few feet away from the window, her hands together in prayer. "Goddess of the wind, guide me! Lend me your strength!" Some how, winds started to blow within the room and swirl around Ai. "Ryu no kaze!" she shouted before pointing at the window. The wind swirling around her launched itself at the window, for a brief second, it took the shape of a dragon and blasted the window open, shards of glass flying everywhere. Yet, Ai paid that no heed and jumped out the window to stop the fight.

Kazou screamed in anger and frustration as he attacked Seraphim again. He was simply toying with him. Seraphim could have easily killed him by now. That was what was scary. He had so many chances, yet he still stopped before making any vital strikes. The grounds were ruined with the skills and techniques they had used, scars that it would keep for many years to come. What was with this man known as Seraphim that would spare, that who was his rival?

Just as Kazou was about to strike again, his sword was knocked away and Seraphim, held back by the wind acting as chains. There, between them stood Ai, her palms facing both of them, her face portrayed her sadness.

"Yamete… Onegai… Yamete… Why do you two fight? Onegai… Yamete…" she begged.

Kazou stood up straight. "Gomen nasai Lady Ai. Demo, I had to. He has kidnapped you! I wanted to fight him to free you."

Seraphim snorted. "All you wanted was to look like the knight in shining armor. Lady Ai knows very well that she can get out of my castle if she wants, even if I decided to put up guards all over, she could still get out with her skills."

Kazou blushed. "Anou… demo…"

Ai put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Saa saa, it's okay. I'm glad to see that you care so much that you would come after me. Demo, if you thought this would make me like you any more than I already do, you were mistaken. So were you Lord Seraphim. Keeping me here won't make me like you any more or less. It is for me to choose who I will love."

"So be it. Now get rid of these stupid wind chains!" shouted Seraphim. Ai flicked her wrist and Seraphim stood unbound. "Much better."

"If battles will not please you, then please allow me to court you." Kazou bowed. "It would be an honor."

Seraphim bowed as well. "Please do grant me the honor of courting you as well."

Ai smiled. "Granted."

As to how the two decided to court the fair Lady Ai that is for another story.

Owari