A Cry of Distress

A Chapter by T.K.F

Hello, a warm greeting if you are reading this story. I have included some Japanese words in this chapter.

Here are their meaning :

Kami Hogosha: God guardian
Akuma Forowā : Demon Follower
Kisaki : Queen
Kimono : A long traditional Japanese’s Robe
Oto-San : Father
Hime-San : Princess
Futon : A thin mattress
Konbanwa : Good Evening

©2018 T.K.F. All rights reserved. This written work or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise.

CHAPTER 1

A Cry Of Distress

I had a strong connection with nights. When the sun sets down and the final orange rays disappear from the surface, I could let out a sign of relief.
I felt relaxed, and I was able to strip off all my masks.
And be myself again.
However, my perspective changed when I became the victim of a vicious game.
And it's a night which I desperately wish to forget.
4010 years after the Princess's demise.
Location : Nakushita Shima, The Akuma Forowā's Territory
I still believe I behaved like a fool when the incident happened. I should have grasped the first hint.
That evening, the sky was not black nor blue. It was red.
Dark red.
I knew something was not right and yet like a meek sheep I followed the danger inside the forbidden forest.
Somehow, in the middle of the short trip, I kept observing the trees. They were ancient and stood like tall towers.
I stopped when I reached my destination. I went there, lured by the prospect of seeing an enchanting meadow.
Its beauty bewitched my senses, and I failed to notice the dangers lurking behind.
And my distraction gave the wolf the chance to capture me.
I did not remember the man's face. Like a pack he did not come alone and his friends help to pin me down.
I only remembered his mouth. During the whole time, he had an arrogant smirk on.
And he enjoyed this, he enjoyed destroying me, destroying my innocence.
He bent down and whispered inside my ear. "Just remember one thing! You deserve this!"
He began the torture by using his puffy hand to slap me across my face.
Feeling proud for doing this atrocious deed, he let out a cruel laugh.
A desperate scream resonated in the forest as more pain penetrated my body.
After a long moment, I heard another guy's voice. “We have to leave now!”
The main aggressor raised up and looked at me with cruel eyes. The hem of my Kimono got stuck with the zipper of his jacket. He sneered and licked his lips.
“But I am not done with her yet! Besides it’s our land, no one would dare to defy us!”
“But, we are outnumbered, and we took this decision without the Kisaki’s consent.”
He kicked me near my rear. I tried to crawl away from them but my body could not move.
"So, what? This b***h here is paying for her sins!" He laughed and asked me a question with a mocking tone. "Why don't you use your powers against me now?"
I lifted my head and looked straight in his eyes.

"You had no right!"

He was about to strike my face again but his companion stopped him. “No! Let it go! I think, we did enough damage! When the sun will rise, she will not be alive anymore. Our friends have deserted us. They already had their dose of fun. I don’t know if you value your life but I value mine! If you intend to continue initiating a fight with the other clan, I won’t hesitate to abandon you.”
“Fine!” He untangled our clothes and sprang on his feet. He threw a cold look towards me. “If by a miracle, you managed to survive, you know where to find us.” He dropped his voice low and leaned to whisper in my ear. I let out a loud whimper when I felt his breath on my skin.
“I will wait for you! I’ll wait for the rest of my life.”
This was the last words he said before moving away. The other man got impatient and shouted. “Hurry!”
For a tiny moment, I wondered why they did not complete their task. They were already killers! Why did they spare my life?
My confusion got clear when I heard a large number of horse steps approaching.
They got scared because my rescuers, The Kami's Hogosha Clan were coming.
But was it too late to save my fate?”
“Over here! Over here! We found her!”
I turned my head towards the entrance of the woods with a slow movement. I saw several knights, they were all wearing strong armors uniforms, and they had a red dragon symbol on their breastplate.
They stopped at the same moment and stepped aside to make way for two people.
A large man with broad shoulders arrived. He wore a crown, and he was followed closely by a young girl.
She out ran him when she saw my state. Stepping down from the horse she started to move towards my direction.
The man shouted. "Rainie, stop! Don't touch her!"
"But Oto-San!"
"I said, don't touch her!" He repeated with a stern voice!"
Rainie continued her steps and kneeled beside my arm.
She whispered a prayer and cramped her fingers on the ground.
"So much blood? Why is there so much blood? What happened to her?"
"It's not a good idea to stay here!" One of their men said." His eyes darted around their surroundings with fear.
"I know!" Rainie's father replied with a voice full of authority. "But, if we move her now-"
He stopped, and he took a deep breath before he spoke again. "She might die!"
Rainie's reaction was immediate.
"No, we can't let this happen. I know! Oto-San! Her wounds! We just have to seal them and she might survive."
He nodded and turned towards his men. "Go back in the village and bring the healer with you. And fetch some materials for us to build a tent!"
"The healer? Are you sure? Shouldn't
we bring the doctor instead?"
"Just follow my orders!"
"All right! Chief!" The horses moved again and soon they disappeared in the black woods."
Only Rainie and the master stayed. They remained quiet. The air was filled with their silence, regret and guilt.
Rainie was staring at me with a worried gaze while her father stood a few distance away, with his back facing us.
I wanted to speak, but I did not have any force.
The rain came without any warning and the water drops hit my damaged skin like hot iron coals.
"Oh no!" Rainie stood up at once and removed her raincoat. She tried to shield me from the water.
Her father came nearer and grabbed the other end.
Together they held it over my body. They were getting wet themselves but they did not budge.
I closed my eyes feeling too weak and the last thing which I saw was my best friend's teary face.
When I opened them again, I was laying on a furton. I was inside a protected and in dry area.
Only an oil-lamp was illuminated the dull place.
"Did they built the tent?"
A person entered inside, my vision was blurred but I could see she was an old woman.
Her skin was white, too white, it almost seemed like creased paper.
Her voice was full of pity. "Such a young child! And you had to pay such a terrible price."
The pain which I felt earlier now seemed to have disappeared.
"Am I dying?"
"Don't waste your energy by speaking!"
I sensed a small malice in her voice.
She was scary. I don't want you to treat me!
She turned around. "Well, you don't have a choice, do you ?"
She grinned at me, showing her perfect white teeth.
"Somebody!" I tried to scream but I could only manage a small whisper. "Somebody help me!"
"Now, now." She said glancing towards the entrance. I saw what she was holding in her hand.
A giant needle.
"The thread is purple! It won't fit the color of my skin! It will make me look hideous!"
"Right now your appearance is the last thing which you should worry about?"
I became afraid. "Why are you saying this?"
"I already told you! You should keep quiet. Your state is critical. She started to advance towards the bed with determined steps.
"No, don't come near me!" I said in a pleading voice.
She stopped and sat on her round chair. The lady gave me an irritated look then without any warning she plunged the needle inside my neck.
My suffering returned like a firebolt.
I clutched the two sides of the furton and this time I was able to scream. "Stop this! It hurts!"
"I am afraid, I had to start here! The cut is severe. And it's not the only place where you have suffered damages!"
She lifted the covers and I looked down in horror.
I saw my crushed flesh and the sheets were filled with blood.
"You won't be the same! You understand don't you?" You understand what am I saying?"
"No, not this!" I murmured with the remaining strength I had inside. "My family." I stopped and tried to catch my breath. They will reject me!"
Why did I say those words? And why am I feeling so strange?
She continued to sew my wound and my tears began to flow.
"That's because you know what big expectations they have for you!"
I then understood her power. She could read inside my mind.
I saw a bright light near the entrance and suddenly another person came inside.
The mysterious figure wore feminine clothes and was covered from head to toe.
However, as I studied the person's stature, I suspected he was a man. My weak vision did not make it easy and I was not really sure about it.
He turned his head towards my direction. Behind the veil, I could sense his strong gaze.
I became uncomfortable and I wanted him to leave. With the rain pouring outside, my mood took a more depressing turn.
The old lady continued to pierce the needle in my skin.
I screeched and gritted my teeth. Sounds of pain keep coming out from my mouth.
"Don't worry, it's just my assistant!"
She gave the newcomer an order. "What are you waiting for? Put her into sleep!"
I panicked, they could do anything if I became unconscious.
"Let me stay awake!"
"That's not a good idea. I have just started your treatment and you are unable to bear the agony."
"But-"
I stopped talking when a spellbinding lubally suddenly filled the room. The assistant's voice was captivating however it was still hard to guess his true gender.
It was soft but at the same time it was overlapped with a resonant tone.
The sounds which were coming out of his mouth were thick with emotions. They made me want to escape with them.
I tried to fight against their powers but my eyes closed again.
I drifted into a sleep full of restless dreams.

Long moments later, a terrible ache made its way inside my head and it woke me up.
I moved my hands on the mattress. The bed was too stiff.
"Oh my God!" A girl exclaimed. She said my name and reached for my hand. "You are finally awake! I am so glad! So happy!"
"Rainie, is that you?"
"Yes!" She wrapped her arms tightly against my back. I could feel her warmth and I rested my forhead on her shoulder.
"I thought I would never meet you again!"
"Shush!" She said while smoothing my short hair. " You are still alive and we will go through this phrase together."
"Why is everything so dark? I can't see you!"
"Calm down ! Calm down! We had to bandage your eyes. It will take some time before you will heal completely."
I sat up straighter and said with a dry voice. "Unbind them!"
She uttered my name again. "I can't do this without the doctor's permission!"
"Get rid of this damn cloth!” I shouted. "Right now!"
I heard her gasp. I never spoken with her like this before.
The bed moved and I heard her shifting behind. She was letting out loud sobs.
The bandage came out after she removed them. But it took me a while before I got adjusted to the light inside the room. I lifted my hands and noticed that my palms were severely affected. The wounds did not closed properly. And I could see my bones poking through my flesh. I could hardly move my fingers.

The tears came down before I could stop them. Then a horrifying thought struck me.
"My face! What did they do with my face?"
I moved around like a wild dog, desperate to find a mirror.
She restrained my arms. "No, don't do that. You will not be able to see your state!"
I paid no heed to her words. I located a big one across the room but at that moment the lights went off.
"Bloody hell! What's going on here?"
Rainie tried to pacify me. "Don't worry there are various power-cuts in this area of the palace."
"The palace? That's mean we are inside your house?"
"Yes! We are at the hospital wing. I think even the Gods want to spare you from this distress."
"If the supreme Goddess really love me, she will not have let me suffered like this in the first place!"
"Don't say this!" Her voice was a harsh whisper. No matter what will happen, you will not stray from your faith!"
I let out a bitter laugh. "You know me so well! You know I will never become an atheist."
I stopped talking because the strong order of medicine began to irk my nose. Outside we could hear the sound of the bats.
The clock ticked, and we remained in a silent confrontation.
"I still want to see my face."
"No!"
I ignored her protest. " You always carry a small torch with you." I placed my hand forward. "Give it to me!"
"It's not a good idea. Beside your palms are still injured."
"Then guide me towards the mirror and switch on the torch yourself!"
"Me?" She asked in a horrified tone. "You will not give up, isn't it?"
"No! I already made my choice."
"Fine!" She was angry, but I did not care. " Can you get up?"
A sick sensation penetrated my mind. "They did not amputate my legs, did they?"
Rainie signed before she spoke. "No, we arrived at the scene before they could reach that part. But I can not say the same thing for the rest of your body."
I became more depressed when I remembered the old healer words.
My best friend placed my arm around her neck and we started to move.
"Your legs are fine and my father is trying hard to find stronger remedies. He is trying to dissolve the damages which they caused you."
I barely registered her words. I was only interested in one thing. "Am I in front of the mirror yet?"
"We are here! Listen, I will turn on the torch but promise me, you will stay calm!"
"I can't give you fake promises."
She hesitated.
"Just do it!" I ordered with a loud voice.
The torch was activated in a single click. It only took three seconds however the light in the room returned first. I already saw the massacre. A deep feeling of anger rose inside my chest and it gave me an unexpected strength.
There was a big floral vase near us. I lifted it up and smashed the decorative object hard against the mirror. They both shattered and several parts fell on the floor.
I collapsed down, trembling. My body shook with a strong intensity.
"My face! What have they done? I became a monster!" I wailed loudly.
I remained in this position for a long time.
Rainie sat near me and she tried to lift my head up. "Don't cry! You know I am here for you."
"Who said I was crying?"
Her breath got hitched and she uttered my name in pure disbelief. "What are you saying?"
I started to chuckle. Exactly like a mad girl. "I wasted enough tears on those b******s! I am not going to do it anymore. "
I stopped shaking and moved my hair away from my cheeks. Then, I gave her a long dead stare.
She backed away, scared. "Your eyes! They became red! You look like-"
"Like a demon?" I threw my head back and l laughed with a manic glint. "Maybe, they managed to transform me after all."
"No! No! You can remain assured. We saved you! We saved your soul!"
"Enough!" I placed my hands over my ears. "Gosh, your voice is so irritating! I know we spent several years together as close confidants. But now, I wondered how the hell I managed to bear your presence in my life?"
She turned away to wipe her tears. "How can you say this? After all the trials we faced together?"
"All of this does not matter any more? Don't you think?"
"Listen! I know things are hard for you right now. But this does not mean you should cut off your old relations."
"Cut?" I registered the word quickly inside my mind.
While keeping my gaze on her, I moved my fingers on the floor and I reached for the largest glass piece.
She realized my intention and tried to get out of the room. But I was quicker than the Princess. I grabbed her by the collar and placed the strand against her nape.
"Stand up and open the door!"
She refused to be intimidated and replied in a hostile tone. "Have you forgotten you are standing in my ground? If we go outside, my guards won't spare you!"
I patted her head and I whispered in her ear. "But, you are my best friend right? You will protect me!"
I saw drops of sweats appearing on her neck and I pushed her forward. "Now move it!"
When we stepped outside, I noticed two teenage guards near the entrance; playing cards. They stood up at once when we appeared in front of them.
"Gentlemen, Good evening! Or should I say Konbanwa?"
The two boys did not have their armors on them. They were just holding two sticks and were wearing sleeping clothes.
I raised my right eyebrow up. "Really Rainie? That's how you are organizing my security? I am impressed!"
"Shut up!" She replied and pointed towards her servitors. "What's going on here?"
"Hime-San?" One of them questioned. He had shoulder-length hair and seemed much younger than his teammate.
She stomped her right foot and demanded. "Where are your superiors?"
"They were tired," the second boy replied.
" They asked us to relieve them for a while."
"Tired?" Rainie exclaimed in an indignant voice. "I am sure it's an excuse! They just went to drink Sake!"
I tighten my hold around her. "Stop your drama! I know you are saying all these things because you want to delay me. These small tricks will not work. I can beat you on this game whenever I want."
I turned towards the guards. "Walk in front! We are going at the horse barn. And don't you dare make any smart move! Or else,I will rip her throat out!"
They remained frozen and gaped at me with confused eyes.
"Fine! You don't believe me?" I grazed Rainie's skin and her blood appeared on the glass. A few droplets even fell on her blouse .
Rainie changed her posture. I could feel her tension rising. "Have you lost your senses? Now, you even want to hurt me?"
I cupped her cheek. "Darling, right now I am only interested in saving myself. Trust me, even if you die, I won't even care!"
"Okay, if you want to leave, I won't stop you! You have clearly lost your mind. Some time alone with yourself might bring you back in your senses."
"Wait! Hime-San? Are you sure?"
I stopped Rainie from answering."Right now, she is not in charge. You will have to listen to me! March forward!"
There were more guards, inside the palace when we walked through the main exit. Fortunately for me, they were all asleep and snoring with loud sounds. Some of them were still holding their bottles of liquor.
Through, the reflective glass which adorned the palace, I did not miss the fury in Raine's eyes.
This situation almost amused me but I still needed to be careful.
It was still raining and the path was filled with mud. However we reached the barn without any major incident.

I spoke with the first guard. "Unlock the roof entrance."
For the older one, I gestured towards the right. " You! Open Tsubasa's compartment and saddle her."
Rainie turned behind to face me the tip of the glass almost cut her nape. She challenged me ,her captor ,with defiant eyes."
"You are mad if you think, I will let you leave with my wind-horse!"
"Rainie please! She is the only one who will allow me to ride her." I dropped my voice a little, and I made some tears appeared inside my eyes.
I wanted to convince her I was vulnerable.
She seemed to believe my words and her hesitation gave the guards enough time to accomplish my task.
I was still holding her in my clutches. "Now walk forward!"
"Are you going to take me with you ?" I could hear some hope inside her voice.
I shook my head."That's impossible!"
"But where are you going?"
I moved closer towards Tsubasa and patted her head.
She recognized my touch and leaned against my hand.
Without wasting time I placed my legs on her back and quickly pushed Rainie away.
The force was enough to make her fall.
I took the reigns and pulled them with a swift move.
The horse purred and opened her big white wings. Soon we were flying towards the sky.
However Rainie recovered, and she shouted. "What are you waiting for? Close the door and go inform the others!"
She glared at me. "At this moment, I declared that this girl is a fugitive!"
I panicked and pulled the reins."Come on Tsubasa! Be a good girl! Do this for me!"
We are near the exit when the access was starting to disappear. The cover reminded me the lid of a coffin. And with the rest of my bandages I felt like a mummy.
And for a moment I thought we will not make it.
I closed my eyes defeated. I heard the door closed and Tsubasa let out a loud cry.
A cold breeze hit my face, and I opened them again.
Looking up, I breathe a sigh of relief when I saw the stars. We were standing on the roof.
I noticed that some of Tsubasa's feathers were stuck on the wooden structure.
"I am sorry, my beauty. It seemed, I am hurting everyone who is close to me today."
I opened my hideous palm and murmured an incarnation to keep the doors locked for a while.
She purred again and sprang her wings to fly away.
I cast a last look down the island. Several soldiers were coming outside the palace.
Some rushed towards the barn and while others were preparing their arrows.
They tried to shoot us but it was no use.
We were already out of their reach.
In the center of all this chaos, one person stood there without moving. She only stared up at us with betrayed eyes.
My brutal actions towards her were really unjustified.
I hoped my friend would find a way to forgive me.
As Tsubasa continued to distance herself from the army. I said another spell which made us invisible.
I placed my head against her back, hugging her and after a long time I finally shed some real tears.
"Goodbye Rainie."
When the sun rose, I lifted the invisible shield. I was weak and I needed to save my divine powers for a greater task.
Tsubasa lifted her head and rubbed her neck against my chin in pure delight.
Despite my injuries, her act of kindness touched me.
I pulled the reigns and we gently landed on the ground. We stopped at her resting spot.
"Rainie and her army will not have any trouble to find her."
I plucked some apples and filled her bucket of water.
She munched her food while keeping her eyes on me. I knew that look; she thought we were going to play afterwards.
I sat on the grassy ground and placed my back against the large pole. I wanted to rest before continuing my escape.
When it was time to part ways, I stood up and Tsubasa got on her feet at the same time.
She continued to stare at me with expectant eyes. I gave her a last caress and placed my forehead above her nose. I felt sad to leave her.
The separation hit me even harder when I left Rainie's home.
I let a single tear fall on her hair and turned my back away from the innocent creature.
Without looking behind I started to walk again.
It took me another hour to locate the tree which I was searching for.
On my way, I spotted some of Rainie's soldiers.
"Damn. They are fast!"
I had to be careful and I choose good hiding spots to prevent them from finding me.
Normally, l would use the creeper plants to travel faster.
"Now my condition is not the same, and if I try these types of stunts now, I might lose my life."
The big plant was big and looked similar like an oak tree, with thick and strong branches. Each of them were adorned with hundred of tiny leaves.
I took a moment to admire its beauty. It emanated a majestic view.
And the best part was it seemed impossible to tell if it was fake.
I went closer and touched the center of the truck.
A squirrel's cry resonated inside. I removed my hand. It soon changed into a tick tock sound. A few seconds later, a drawer came outside the artificial tree. It contained some of my clothes. I remove my hospital gown and wore a sky-blue dress. "My height increased, the robe just stopped near my knees now."
To protect myself from the cold, I decided to wear a long black coat. I pushed the drawer back inside and another one appeared.
This one enclosure chocolate biscuit, and two bottles of water.
I gathered the food in my hand and opened the first bottle to quench my thirst.
Moving behind, I opened a last drawer to remove a travelling backpack and a pair of walking shoes.
I kept my fragile slippers in their place and I tied my hair with a hand band.
Placing the bag on my shoulders, I took a deep breath before I began my real journey.
After walking for almost an entire day, I reached my final destination. My supplies was gone, and it was difficult for me to maintain my whole balance.
This forest was not different from the one found in the island of Nakushita Shima.
However, the path was much easier to use because it was traced by several people.
I stopped when I saw a giant pit and I let the bag dropped on the ground. Around, the hole there was eleven statues. They were in identical sitting position.
All the figures were females, and they had their hand under their chins.
"It seemed they are contemplating about the same thing." I let a smile on my lips. "It's all right, that's mean I am at the right place."
I continued to examine the area. "There should be a Turtle's shell nearby."
In the center of two statues, a black object caught my attention.
"Bingo!"
I went there and freed the big carapace from it's rusty chains. I climbed inside and carefully directed it towards the entrance of the pit.
The slide lasted for a few seconds and I feel a rush of adrenaline on my face.

I stood up and looked towards the sky. "I have to act quickly. The sun is about to disappear."
I closed my eyes and began to conjure the image of the supreme Goddess.
Her face came as a solace and I could feel her entire energy penetrating my body.
I opened my eyes again after invoking her strength. Using both hands, I pointed all my fingers towards the soil.
A small rock popped out, followed by a small jet of muddy water. I stepped aside and concerted my energy to make it grow. Lifting my arms, I watched as it grew bigger and thicker.
It became like a wave and the brown water even went outside the trench.
"Good, now I just need to work on it a little more."
A sudden pain attacked me my waist and it made me scream.
"No, please my Goddess not now! Just grant me some more time. I am near my goal!"
The torment became too intense, and it was impossible for me to bear it.
In a moment of weakness, I let my guard dropped. I managed to take a deep breath, but I quickly realized my mistake.
When, I saw the shadow of my dangerous creation near my feet, I jerked my head up.
And I watched as the liquid began to fall, engulfing me alive inside the ditch.
Author's note: A few hours later, the water vanished and after a few minutes a new statue emerged from the surface.
And she completed the perfect circle.

ROYAL TWINS