Chapter I: Lazulis Castle

Written: July 12, 2014

Edited: January 4, 2016 (Second Edit: October 19, 2017; third edit: November 21, 2018)

Her stance was perfect and precise. She held her blade regally with her head held high, and her back arched to the proper degree. She sported her uniform correctly with not a single piece missing or on crookedly. To the naked eye, she was the correct physical aesthetic of a knight, but there was one problem: she was female. Her sexuality was a feature she couldn't alter regardless of how she presented herself. Her sexuality is the main issue that set her apart from the political and social court of Lazulis Island.

Look, there goes Lady Kagome.

My, she certainly is quite the character.

To think, they made her a knight. What is this world coming to?

If she can be a knight, then why couldn't my son become one?

The shame… how horrid… a female knight…

Day-to-day in her walks throughout the castle, noblemen, and women of high standing alike whispered the same mindless gossip. Rarely did they tire of criticizing her, Lady Kagome Higurashi, the sole female knight of Lazulis castle. Many questioned the absurdity of it and spared no expense in voicing their 'thoughts' on the matter; in lament terms, they mocked her endlessly.

Kagome suppressed a snarl. Honestly, did these people not have anything better to do with their lives?

I suppose not. She thought grimly as she looked away in disdain.

Off in the corner, three maids stood side-by-side watching her. She saw the typical glimmers of amusement which danced in their eyes upon seeing her. She swallowed a large amount of bile and looked away.

"Good day." She nodded when passing them.

One had the audacity to laugh. "Good morning, knight Kagome."

Her two cohorts rolled their eyes at the word 'knight' and laughed, which irked Kagome to no end.

For a minute, she saw red. Instead of acting out, however – which is what the maids hoped she would do – she instead chose to place her hand on the hilt of her sword. Shifting the blade slightly and adjusting the sheath's strap, she eyed the maids noticing their weary expressions. One's face was especially pale. Mentally, she smirked before waking on. Exiting the interior's castle courts, she entered the courtyard where she saw numerous knights stationed. For the most part, an overwhelming majority were slacking off, talking loudly and behaving like regular hotshots.

Her eyes narrowed.

Idiots. They're all idiots.

The Knights of Lazulis castle were nothing more than lazy, incompetent and selfish screwballs.

If only General Asthar saw them behaving like this then he would be the one to set them straight.

General Asthar, leader of the Imperial Army and hundreds of knights throughout the Empire. His name sent shivers down the spines of noblemen, knights and royalty alike. They looked up to him for his compassion, intellect and numerous battlefield wins, yet feared him for his unmatchable skill with a blade.

Kagome grinned. General Asthar also happened to be the one who trained her and encouraged her to pursue her ambitions of becoming a knight, despite the many sexist challenges she would endure. She could still recall the words he spoke to her four years ago when she was still on the path to knighthood.

"Kagome, you have the skill and ability to make an excellent knight. I know you will make me proud. Do not waver from your ambitions, however; you already know that the path to becoming a knight will be treacherous. You will face hardships and daily struggles merely on account of your gender. Numerous politicians and nobility will think less of you even though your skills could one day rival that of their land's top protectors. Do not let that stop you. If you desire to become a knight, then work hard to prove those men and future people wrong. Prove to them and to yourself that gender alone does not define a knight; instead, show to all that what makes a true knight is a combination of skill, compassion, and devotion to helping those in need."

Those words had become her living mantra. She repeated them numerous times throughout the day when she struggled to get past the multiple crude remarks and shrouded looks the workers bestowed upon her.

She rounded the bend nearing the eastern corner of the courtyard. There wasn't a person in sight. Looking both ways, she tilted her head up and down before exhaling a soft sigh. If she breathed in deeply, she could faintly detect the scents of lilacs and lilies, two of her preferred flowers.

I suppose Jinenji planted them, she thought with a smile. Jinenji was the castle's primary gardener and top planter for the courtyard. He had numerous men and women working beneath him, who reported to him for maintaining the numerous other portions of the castle's gardens.

Jinenji does a wonderful job and many love his work.

He possessed what many called a green thumb; many speculated and believed that he could get anything to grow and they do mean anything. Jinenji was an older gentleman roughly in his late forties to early fifties. He was quite tall, standing at a whopping six foot seven. Such a height generally intimidated others; many of the castle's knights cast him looks of jealousy for possessing such a magnificent physical attribute when they saw him out working.

Such a foolish bunch those meddlesome knights.

Jinenji, a soft-spoken man, preferred to avoid confrontation and speaking with others. As a result, he allowed the knights to walk all over him and treat like a common throw rug.

Those bastardly men find it fun to torment him… but I guess that's how we managed to become such good friends.

Kagome recalled their meeting day. It had been a hot and humid summer afternoon. She was sweating profoundly while wearing her usual garments. Yet, she knew better than to iterate her thoughts.

If I complain about one thing, then no one forgets about it.

She was stationed outside in the courtyard along with several others. None many paid her any attention after having received their orders. Instead, they went off to speak with other knights or maids, leaving Kagome to her own devices.

As expected, she maintained her duty with poise and dignity. She stood tall and watched those who entered and exited the courtyard. Time passed by relatively slow until shouting had caught her attention. Curious, she advanced several steps from her post to witness an unfortunate sight. Several knights had surrounded Jinenji and were verbally abusing him. One knight even had the audacity to step on a pile of freshly planted flowers. Kagome couldn't believe what she had seen. Better yet, she couldn't believe that Jinenji stood there silently while the men talked rudely and arrogantly about his arrangements. When they began to poke fun at him, it was then that Kagome decided to step in. Pushing her duty of being gatekeeper off for a moment, she rushed forward in an attempt to finalize the 'argument'.

"Just what do you three think you are doing? You have no right to show this man such blatant disrespect. You three should apologize immediately and leave. Return to your posts! Shall I have to report this incident to our superior?"

As expected, however, the knights ignored her words but they had stopped bothering Jinenji. That Kagome was most thankful for. She remembered seeing them walk off, grumbling to themselves about her standoffish behaviour and the need to protect such "mindless and feeble people." Their words disgusted her and merely reinforced her need to help the gardener.

"Are you all right, Sir? I trust those knights shall not bother you again."

Jinenji looked her way and nodded. "Lady Kagome, you have my most gracious of thanks."

"Honestly, it was no trouble. I was merely doing what any person should; helping another when they are in need of assistance."

Afterward, the two engaged in light conversation. Kagome remembered being surprised by the man's intelligence. Although timid, when speaking to individuals he felt calm around, his witty remarks and intelligent phrases shone. Though she would not admit it, the female knight assumed the gardener felt more relaxed since there were fewer people situated within the courtyard at that time. The Knights who had originally bothered him were no longer present making both Kagome and Jinenji feel better.

But that was quite some time ago – nearly a year ago to be precise. I would love for nothing more than to speak with Jinenji. Heaven forbid though, he's far too busy preparing for the wedding of the century. The Engagement of Lady Calista, the last living bloodline to the House of Arganan, to Lord Jirall, heir of the Rambaldt family, which happens to be on the decline.

She scrunched her nose in disgust. Oh, Lord Jirall. She detested that man and loathed appointing the title of 'Lord' to the worthless scum bucket whenever she happened to cross paths with him.

That man is worse than the knights! He's a downright coward and appoints others to do his bidding for him!

Kagome had heard tales of men working for the Lord. They claimed that in times of battle, Lord Jirall fled for his life, calling for his deceased mother while leaving the men alone to defend themselves. Afterward, Jirall would claim to have done all the fighting singlehandedly. If one man so much as opposed, he would be sent to the dungeons without delay.

I suppose that's the way nobility works.

She crossed her arms, shaking her head in displeasure. Far be it from her to scold those who are appointed higher than her.

I don't need to end up in the dungeons. I'm already on Lord Jirall's bad side. I'm always on his list of unliked people.

It was no secret that Jirall disliked Kagome. Each time he saw the woman, he went out of his way to scold her or point out some useless imperfection she had recently messed up on.

Kagome rolled her eyes. Luckily, the Count happened to favour her. Count Arganan, uncle of Lady Calista, and former brother of the previous Count of Lazulis Island, he currently ruled the land with an iron fist. Intellectual, cunning and ambitious, he's led Lazulis Island to numerous political and economic victories throughout the empire, despite the land's size and stature. Kagome may not prefer the Count's cutthroat methods of business dealing, but when it came to security and protection, he saw it through the lens of an unbiased perspective.

Unlike others, for instance, who deemed Kagome unworthy of training for knighthood the moment of seeing her, the Count looked enthralled by the prospect of a female knight. As a result, he ensured her safe passage within the island's court system during her training and climbing up the knightly ranks. Furthermore, ignoring the protest of his council, he had her appointed to the stature of knighthood several years ago. Her appointing had sparked unnecessary scandal within the empire, yet the Count had not wavered from his decision. For that, Kagome respected the man immensely as he wasn't gendered, and provided her with equal opportunity to display her skill - both on the field and off - to the rest of the island's inhabitants and the larger empire.

"Come you, incompetent cretins, we must hurry. General Asthar, Lord Therius and many other knights have recently docked and are returning to the Castle!" The unofficial voice of the Captain of the Knights shouted.

Kagome cringed. He was another man she despised. His voice reminded her of a cat's claws attacking a chalkboard. She shuddered, recalling his foul-mouthed laugh.

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him address several others who were panting or running towards him, exhausted. As expected, they saluted their superior officer and listened to his requests. Kagome, who stood on the other side of the courtyard, managed to hear his instructions; after all, his overly loud voice could probably be heard halfway across the ocean.

"The Count's informers have stated that the General and company ought to be approaching the Castle Plaza within one hour. We are to greet and escort them all to the Castle once they have arrived there successfully."

She arched a brow. She had obtained no orders regarding such information.

I suppose I should be happy though, it means I don't have to be taking orders from that slimeball right now.

Her lips twisted upward into a smirk. Right away, she noticed several other knights were watching their Captain with dubious looks.

No doubt they hate his nasal ingested voice, too.

Coughing in an attempt to mask her chuckles, she watched the expanding group of knights exit the Courtyard in a haughty manner, their swords swinging from side to side whilst they marched in a confident manner. She waited until all were gone before emerging from her stationed post, lost in thought.

"General Asthar and Therius are returning, hmm." She mumbled to herself. "It's been over a year since I have seen both of them." Her cobalt coloured eyes softened. "I look forward to seeing them again."

"Oii, female knight, get back to yer post!" A voice shouted from above.

Kagome looked up to see an unknown knight watching her from the tower above. He was leering forward, smirking, as though he had won a major prize.

"I might have to report ya for moving away from yer post, lass." With little respect, he laughed loudly. Kagome growled but made no remarks. She merely walked back to her post, fuming.

Insolent man.

Kagome recalled her last sighting with Therius. It was one year ago, back when he and General Asthar were visiting the island. It was evening when he approached her and suggested the two of them take an evening stroll. Unlike Kagome who wasn't able to leave the castle unless she was under strict orders from the Count, Therius had free reign on account of General Asthar's good word of mouth.

Soon after, the two left the castle unquestioned, partially because many feared Sir Therius. His stoic yet menacing appearance along with his harsh and idealistic speech didn't make him a grand favourite among the ranks. More or less, they respected the man for his supreme skills and title alone.

Kagome and Therius walked silently beside each other through the town, passing few people. With it being a cold night, not many were outside except for the vendors and some last minute shoppers. Kagome remembered eyeing the marketplace with glee, attempting to identify any differences from the last time she had visited the place several weeks ago. Everything had virtually remained the same besides one new stand, which catered an interesting assortment of fruits, spices, and herbs.

Without warning Therius, she stopped to inspect the new shop. The shopkeeper seemed stunned and frightened by her arrival, and attempted to answer her questions calmly and briefly.

"That is a Sylph's Bowstring, but it's not the regular kind found around Lazulis."

The vendor had captured her attention. "How so?" She inquired, curious.

"Well, the—"

"What is going on here?" Therius demanded. He had noticed mere moments ago that Kagome was no longer beside him. Partially surprised, he had to backtrack several minutes to locate her.

"Therius," she smiled. "I decided to stop by this new shop. It caught my eye."

The white-haired knight arched a brow. His gaze wandered towards the Sylph Bowstring which she held. Wordlessly, he glanced towards the vendor. "How much," was all he said.

The vendor, taken back by having another knight stop before his shop, stuttered. "W-What?"

Therius' eyes narrowed.

Kagome knew the man liked to have his questions answered immediately. He loathed having to repeat himself, which he ended up doing. "The cost of the Sylph's Bowstring, how much are you charging for it, good sir?"

He gulped. "I-It's for—on sale today, a solid fifty gold."

Kagome intervened. "Therius, please stop. I was merely curious about the shop. I—" She held her tongue, watching as he removed his wallet from his hidden satchel and withdrew fifty gold exact. He placed the money on the counter and then turned around walking off.

"Kagome, come, we must continue."

She blinked, stumped, as did the vendor.

Therius paused several steps ahead. With no more than a glance behind making his long braid sway, he sighed languidly. "Come."

Kagome nodded, thanking the vendor for his services before walking up to Therius.

Like they had before her stop in the marketplace, they continued to traverse through town in silence until they reached Lazulis Road. Still clutching the Bowstring in her palms, Kagome enclosed the distance between them causing Therius to stop.

"Is there something you need?" He asked his back facing her.

She shook her head. "I only wanted to say thank you, Therius." With a bit of mirth, she had leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "Thank you for the Sylph's Bowstring. I do appreciate it."

Therius looked straight ahead, staring out towards the cloudless sky. "You wanted the item and were inquiring about it. As a man, it was only fitting that I purchase it in your place." Knowing that was the best response she would get, Kagome merely laughed and slipped the Bowstring in her back pocket.

Oh, Therius… I bet you're still the same, hopeless with words.

A good two hours had passed since Kagome heard the Captain of the Knights usher them out of the Courtyard. Afterward, not much action had occurred in the area. Besides witnessing many maids scurrying about to prepare for the wedding not much happened. In such events, Kagome found herself growing weary; she felt rather tired and longed for sleep.

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she exhaled a loud yawn and stretched her limp arms.

That felt good.

"Hmm, bored already?" Her head snapped upward. She recognized that voice.

"Therius," she whispered, watching the knight approach her. Looking no different from a year ago, Therius walked towards her calmly yet confidently.

Therius stopped just inches before her. Kagome noted that he seemed to be surveying her. Arms crossed, with the usual blatant expression he nodded. "It is good to see you again."

Quite unladylike, Kagome chortled. "Is that all you have to say?" Her voice, laced with mirth, caught Therius off guard. Preparing for the worst, he raised his arms in defense as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

"This is not suitable behaviour for such a location." He advised yet found himself unable to resist in pushing her away. "If someone were to see it would generate—"

"Shut up, Therius." She hissed, slapping his shoulder with her right hand. "It's been a year since I've seen you, and regardless of what you might think or say, I have missed you."

She looked up to meet his gaze.

Therius returned the stare, saying nothing.

With a widening grin, Kagome took his silence as acceptance in continuing the hug. Tightening her hold on him, she leaned her head against his shoulder resisting the urge to breathe in the scent of his lush white locks.

She then felt his grip tighten around her trim waist while he pulled her closer. Her eyes softened.

Therius.

By his actions alone, Kagome understood his sentiments; he missed her too.

Shutting her eyes, she exhaled a contented sigh. Although her day had started off routinely boring, it ended wonderfully with her being reunited with Therius. Just standing beside him, hearing his voice and seeing him in the flesh set her heart a soar.

"Oh, my, am I interrupting something?"

Caught off guard, both Therius and Kagome froze upon hearing the voice of General Asthar. Removing herself from Therius' arms, Kagome turned around to meet the smug stare of the man she had grown to respect and view as a second father.

"G-General," she stuttered, her face turning a lovely shade of blood red. "W-we weren't—"

"General, is there something you need?" Unabashed, Therius addressed his mentor.

Asthar noticed the small redness of his star pupil's ears but chose to keep his comments to himself. "I had decided to come and visit the castle courtyard to see one of my former students when learning she was assigned to this position." He explained. "However, I hadn't expected that you would get to her first, Therius." His smug smile widened revealing a surprising set of white teeth. "My earlier comments may thus prove inaccurate, Therius. Perhaps you aren't a hit and miss with the ladies like I originally viewed. Lady Kagome seems to be proving the falseness in my previous observances."

Steam escaped Kagome's ears. "General!" She screamed, seeming to have forgotten all forms of decorum.

Asthar merely laughed, finding her antics amusing.

"General, how can you laugh?!" She shouted.

Her response merely added fuel to the fire, which caused his laughs to rise.

Her face turned cherry red. "General! GENERAL!"