To Be Somebody...pt4
#4 of To Be Somebody...
Only one more part! woo!
--
Cyrno burst into the hospital wing. As soon as he did that, a nurse that happened to be nearby dropped a cluster of E.R.'s in surprise. Facing her, he saw that she was about to yell at him until a flicker of recognition crossed her muzzle. Cyrno realized that the nurse he had just scared was the one who treated his eye.
"Oheri, go get a doctor," he said softly but forcefully, "This dragoness will die if she doesn't get help..."
Instantly, Oheri was gone, shouting for a doctor. Cyrno kept up with her, seeing that there were a lot more causalities than he had expected. Closer examination revealed that they were soldiers from the war. However, when he was coming back, only about thirty soldiers were in critical condition. Twenty more had joined their ranks overnight. Glancing up at the bleeding guard, Cyrno wondered if she was in the war as well.
Suddenly, someone who never expected to be a doctor (or at least disguised as one) came up; "Cyrno, we do meet again....and so soon!" Xiao exclaimed before taking a look at his back, "And again, we meet under unfavorable circumstances."
Xiao waved one of his whiskers, urging Cyrno to follow him. Confused, Cyrno did so. He would ask more, but there would be a time for that later. When a bed was cleared for him, he wasted no time in placing her on it. She looked extremely pale and her breathing came off haggard.
"She's lost a lot of blood," Xiao announced after covering the wound, "I have some good news and some bad news, though."
"...Give me the bad news first," Cyrno sighed, still staring at the injured guard.
"Actually, I'll give you both!" Xiao said with unusual optimism. Cyrno simply stared at the prince, "I have a trick that can heal her within an hour...but I used it too many times. I'll need a few hours before I can do it again."
"Trick?"
"Shh, it's a secret...like me being here..." Xiao put a whisker up to Cyrno's mouth before motioning to the entrance, "I'll explain why I am here out there. My royal guards are combing the area and they know I like medical areas."
Wordlessly, Cyrno followed Xiao out. The more he talked with him, the stranger the snake-like dragon got. Still, if he could save lives, Cyrno had no reason to fear from him...but there was something about him that seemed off. He would have to wait and see before he went detective mode.
When they got outside, he saw Xiao suddenly dash into an ice bush. Blinking, he turned to see his guards coming again and before he could hide as well, they spotted him. Looking at the smaller one in the middle, he identified the guard as a female.
"Can I...help...you?" Cyrno looked at the other two guards and saw that they were quite muscular compared to him and Xiao. He suddenly felt very small.
"You again!" the female nearly shouted in his face. Something about her seemed different from when they barged into his room. Was this a different group? "I don't suppose you have seen Xiao, have you?"
"Xiao?" Cyrno knew that he was technically committing a felony. However, if it was to protect someone, he had no regrets.
"Prince who has a half moon on his forehead." She traced a fairly accurate half-moon on her forehead, "I need to get him back! Wherever he goes, he gets himself mixed into something he shouldn't!"
Cyrno knew that what he was about to say could possibly make him loose his other eye, but it was guard to guard, "Perhaps you should keep a better eye on him? I only have one and I don't let things out of my sight." Liar...
At first, she seemed taken aback and the other guards looked ready to strangle him. Then, she suddenly softened, "Y-you're right. It's just that this time of the year sends me into my-" she cut herself off and looked to the ground. Her eyes told him that she was embarrassed about something. Somehow, Cyrno knew what she meant.
"It's alright. I've seen firstclaw how others act," Cyrno figured that he may as well throw her a bone. It was his turn to freeze his thoughts in his track. "I-I saw him exit the medical area on the other side. Where he is now, I can't tell."
Nodding her thanks, she took off with the rest of the guards. Sighing once more, he turned around and whistled. The guards turned to him, "If you ever need my help again, don't be afraid to ask. My name is Cyrno." he said with a smile.
Cyrno was slightly surprised to see her smile back, "My name is Mikai. I'll keep your offer in mind!"
Watching them go, he waited until they were out of sight before motioning Xiao to come out. He looked exhausted somehow, "Thank Orphilious for your quick thinking, Cyrno. Once again I owe you."
"Don't sweat it...but why do you look like you flew in a marathon?" Cyrno once again had a feeling, but he had to act innocent.
"It's her scent! It's her heat cycle and that's why I am trying to escape! She's scary as hell when she is not like that, but when in her cycle...gah! I spend my time escaping her!" Xiao shuddered.
Watching him trot away, Cyrno blinked before following him. Did he act like Mikai when Shiva vanished? Sure, he knew that she liked her space, but every time she vanished, he would freak out. He would have to come clean with her one day, but even though he gave her the letter, he was STILL terrified to say it to her face.
The fear of rejection and his shyness prevented him from doing anything of the sort. What he did a few moments ago was traumatic for him. Yet, he couldn't see anything wrong with what he did. Maybe if he built up his confidence, it would help him in the long run.
"Pole," Xiao's voice cut through his thoughts. Focusing once again, he was about a millimeter away from hitting his head on a pole. Taking a few steps back, he shook his head.
"Thanks," Cyrno replied.
"Like I said, I owe you. I swear you and I have more in common than we realize. I was drifting as well before I took a look back."
Cyrno laughed. There were some similarities between them... "Yeah, I guess so. But, I gotta ask...why are you always running from Mikai? She just seemed to be a bit pushy."
"Honestly...it just became routine. I think she just enjoys bossing me around." Xiao looked up at the sky. The sun was already starting to set. Had it already been so long since he awoke?
Cyrno thought about what Xiao had said to him. From the frantic way she was looking for him, Mikai had no intention to bully around Xiao. Under her tough exterior, Cyrno could sense that she was worried. An epiphany struck Cyrno like a frozen hammer.
From the way she acted, it was as if Mikai had a crush on Xiao, but had no way of telling. It was as if Xiao was oblivious to her feelings. Cyrno was about to tell Xiao, but stopped. He would ruin the moment for them if he told him. However, he couldn't let this opportunity slip past them forever.
"Xiao, you should talk to her the next time you meet." Cyrno started to walk again. Xiao's claws clicked behind him.
"Why? I'm afraid of going near her lest she jumps me. This is half the reason why I dread being here; I don't WANT to settle down yet. I mean, my father still has years to go before he dies. I want to at least get to know someone, peasant or not, before I make my choice. Mikai...she's just my abusive guard, set up by my father to keep me alive."
Cyrno frowned. Xiao had accidently confirmed his suspicions. Still, he wanted his friend to be with someone he loved and he would feel guilty to force him into a situation he didn't feel comfortable in.
"Speaking of which, you have a sit-in with Shiva yet? She looks attractive, but I am standing by what I said." Xiao gave him a nudge. Cyrno blushed under his armor, "Please, I watched you freak out when I mentioned I was gonna be her suitor. For all I care, she's all yours. I'm happy just being a friend."
Cyrno let out an internal sigh of relief. Still, if Shiva wasn't impressed by his poem, he knew of one way to get her to notice him. As much as he wanted to simply leave and go show her what he wanted to, he was curious to why Xiao was in the medical department.
When he brought it up, Xiao shushed him again before darting his eyes back in forth, "Between you and I...I hate fighting. I'd much rather save than kill. Plus, like I said, I have a few tricks to save or simply entertain."
Xiao held out his claw and placed small crystals onto it. Cyrno watched as Xiao simply blew air onto it and could not keep his jaw from dropping when he saw that it had turned into a butterfly. A few seconds later, it flew onto Cyrno's shoulder before dispersing into the air.
"Keep your mouth open like that any longer and I'll force one down your throat." Cyrno snapped to attention and started to apologize. Xiao simply waved him off. "I'm used to it. I can do this because I can temporarily control ice to whatever shape I need it to be. It wouldn't have been that impressive if I wasn't gifted."
"Gifted?"
"Yeah, from what I was told, I could do magic. Like, I can literally survive being cut in half when inside of a certain box. It's weird as hell to go through that experience, but I won't expose all of my secrets. I can't reveal how I can save lives because I don't know how I do it and it would ruin the surprise."
Cyrno had no idea whether or not to believe him. The butterfly that landed on his shoulder was almost enough of a reason to believe him. Yet, this all seemed farfetched. Once he saw his 'trick' in action, he may be able to decide there.
Xiao shook his head before speaking once more. "I guess I should talk to Mikai...on one condition." Cyrno did not like the slyness in his voice.
"What's that?" Cyrno swallowed. He expected Xiao to ask him to be his wingman or something.
"You take Shiva out to a place that you consider to be magical. Now's the best time; most of the suitors are awaiting her answer and she has been left alone. However, you are the king's son, blood related or not. How do I know they are waiting? Magic."
Cyrno simply blinked a few times before smiling. "Yeah, I can do that. Tell me how it goes with you."
"I'll be asking the questions here, partner..."
Cyrno walked the icy castle and found himself at Shiva's door once more. It was shut and he could hear faint movement inside. The hall was dark and lit by the iceflames. The moon shone through a few windows. The lunar cycle was Cyrno's favorite time of the year; it made the ice shimmer, the lunar lights light up in the sky, and every crystal gave off a slight glow. The only bad thing was that now it was harder to see.
Raising his claw to knock on the door, he froze briefly. He knew where he was going to take her, but he didn't know if she would like it. Shaking his head, the determination rose within him; he only lived once and if he missed this chance, she would be lost forever.
Shutting his eye for a second, he lightly knocked on her door. He could hear the movement stop. "I said I wanted no visitors." Shiva's voice growled from the other side.
Cyrno had half a mind to simply turn and run, but he had come this far... "S-sorry Shiva...I just..."
Within seconds, the door suddenly flew open and there she stood in all of her beauty. Unconsciously, Cyrno took a step back. The look on her face was chilled his heart. Before he could do anything else, she grabbed his claw and pulled him inside, shutting the door.
"Sorry for the hostile response...I've gotten five knocks within the past two hours," Shiva apologized, locking the door, "Dad was one, so I can forgive him for being who he is. The other four suitors, not so much. I don't know who they were, but if they approached me when I needed my space...they are not worthy."
Cyrno felt a pang of guilt but otherwise didn't show it. "I didn't know...I just wanted to see you again before you chose. I mean, this is the last time I will see you without a mate." Cyrno internally slapped himself.
Shiva smiled and approached him, staring into his eye. Cyrno fought the urge to look away. "For you, I'd always make time. Even if not by blood, you are a part of my family, even if I don't choose you to be more. I want you to remember that for the rest of your life."
Cyrno smiled confidently for the first time in a long time. Yet, even if she would always be there for him, it would make it hurt more. The last thing he wanted to do was worry her, so he'd have to get back on his claws somehow. Nothing would be the same though...
"Take off your armor."
Shiva's sudden request melted his brain. All he could do was simply gawk at her like a fish out of water. The look she gave him was akin to one rolling their eyes. "W-what?"
"I said take it off. I want to see you with nothing to hide," Shiva repeated, her voice coming off little more than a whisper.
Cyrno remained still before obliging her. After all the times he had taken off his armor around others, this felt the most awkward. Perhaps it was because he was requested this time. Once he was done, he looked expectantly at her. She reached out and touched his chest; her claws felt colder than normal.
"I really liked your poem, Cyrno," Shiva took a step back and looked into a reflective crystal, "I never knew you felt the way you did. I wish that I had known sooner, but I can't make my choice until tomorrow. I will say that you are within the top five, though."
Cyrno could have leapt into the air with joy. However, he had to remain calm, but could not resist fidgeting a bit. The top five...to be so close and yet so far made him make up his mind to show Shiva his secret. Seeing that she was waiting for his reaction, he walked up to her and folded his wings around her.
"There is one last thing I can show you, Shiva."
"And that is...?"
"Follow me."
--
The night sky never felt so alive and beautiful. To be in flight with the love of his life gave Cyrno strength to even rival a god. Taking a glance back, he saw that Shiva was a yard or two behind him. Her scales basked themselves in the moonlight, making her glow as if she were a part of it. He couldn't help but blush at that.
A small glow radiated in a cavern near the castle. When they got close enough, Cyrno stopped. "Shiva, do me a favor and close your eyes for me. I want this to be a surprise," he said.
Shiva nodded and shut her eyes, folding her claw around his. Slowly, the two flew into the cavern and the blue lights gave the illusion that they were frozen in ice. Plants gave off the vibrant color, looking like they were made entirely of ice. It was partially true.
Leading her down a winding corridor, he stopped in a large opening. There, growing on the ground, were thousands of crystalline roses that gave off the most light. In the middle, a giant one grew. Picking up a smaller one with his claw, he held it close to his chest, walking in front of her. Then, he told her to open her eyes.
When she did, Cyrno held out the rose. He could feel her eyes drift from him to the rose. Shiva's eyes widened slightly, "Where did you get that? Those are supposed to be extremely rare..."
"I grew it," Cyrno replied, for the first time unashamed. He kept this area a secret from everyone except for Glace in case they made fun of him for it. It all started three years ago and when he had to go fight, he asked the king to look after them. This was the first time he had been here since.
"You...grew it?" Shiva motioned to take it from his claw. He allowed her, watching her cradle it, "I always wanted to see one of these. But...didn't you just kill the last one?" she asked with sadness, stroking it as if it were alive.
"Not even close."
Cyrno stepped to the side and allowed her to the entire garden. He watched her jaw drop and for a second he thought it would simply fall off. Then, tears started to come down her face and he was instantly by her side. Was it wrong to reveal it to her?
"Why are you crying?" he asked, wiping a tear away.
"This...this is the best thing I have ever been given in a long time. This makes everything else pale in comparison. To think that the one who I was closest to and thought I knew everything about grew this right under my nose." Shiva leaned up against him.
"I have one last thing to say, Shiva." Cyrno walked in front of her made eye contact. "I promise to remain by your side no matter what you say or do. All of my life, I wanted to prove that I was more than a brother or a friend to you. I wanted to be somebody that you could see when you are in trouble. This entire area...it is yours, as am I."
Cyrno knelt down in front of her, taking her claw in his, "I promise to lay down my life for you, to protect you from harm, and never hurt you if I can prevent it. As your guard, it is my duty to follow your orders without question. If you want me to die, then I will die. If you never want to see me again, I will leave immediately. I love you, Shiva, now and forever."
Shutting his eye, he held his breath. He knew that he was basically reciting his poem to her, but to say it out loud was a feat he could never hope to do again. Now, all he could do was wait and see if he gets rejected or not. This was his best effort and if someone else beats him, then they played a fair battle.
What he didn't expect was to find her muzzle pressed against his. His eye opened in shock, feeling her tongue wrap around his as if they were fighting. After a moment, his half shut his eye and returned it fully. His heart was beating in his chest so fast that it threatened to burst out. Her taste overloaded his senses and wanted the kiss to last forever.
That was until he realized that her fang had cut his tongue.
That was until he realized that her fang had cut his tongue.
Cyrno broke the kiss, wiping the blood away from his mouth. "Sorry, that was my first time kissing someone. I didn't exactly...ah...know how to do it..." Shiva apologized with a small giggle.
Cyrno merely waved her off and smiled, "It wouldn't have been a first time without it. Now I'm sure I'll never forget it."
"I wanted to do that for quite some time, Cyrno." Shiva gave him a small lick on the side of the cheek, "Ever since I realized that I would have a mate one day, I wanted it to be you. I was afraid, as you were my brother. I didn't want to be branded as incestuous, but I realize now that I don't care anymore. I'm not supposed to say this, but congratulations: you've won. I'll make the announcement tomorrow."
Cyrno could have died he was so happy. Standing up, he pressed his muzzle to hers once more. Taking a glance back at the roses and thinking about what Shiva had said, he wondered why he was ever ashamed of growing them. If he had come clean with her, he wouldn't have to worry about losing her. Still, it paid off.
To be somebody...that was his one wish...and to have it in his claws made life worth living...