The week passed pretty quickly and before I knew it, it was the night before my coronation. I was leaning on Adir's chest reading a book while trying to fall into dreamland. Adir was busy filling out a document while fiddling with my hair, as his fetish forced him to do so. I didn't get much rest as the entire castle was busy preparing for my coronation while recovering from the previous attack. During the first few days I locked myself in my office to finish off the important documents while reading mission reports and filing them all away. I barely got any sleep those day and the other days were no better. After finishing off most, if not all, office work I finally released myself from my office only to be caught by Clarice. For two days, day and night, Clarice Stella Adir and Caden took me shopping without any rest. First they took me to an electronic store to gather all electronics needed to survive this world. After gathering the electronics they sent the stuff back to the castle before pulling me into a mall, which I found amazing, to shop for cloths and other necessities. Because of the snow we barely left the mall only to go to another shop. Clarice even gave up her love for snow to help me in the world. After getting bag fulls of clothing and such we sent them back to the castle before we exited the mall and into another store. This store was filled with dresses and other things used as formal wear. Clarice was convinced that I didn't have a dress, which was partly true, so she spent six hours pushing dresses into my hands and forcing me to try them on. After hours of torture we finally had a dress, shoes, and jewelry for my coronation and some for other formal parties. I was trying to get out of it at first but when I saw Caden and Adir give up and become our bag carriers I decided to give in. All the while I learned of the new world and the many things that have changed during the course of time.
After the shopping spree I finally went to sleep only to woken up six hours later to discuss the procedures of the coronation by the Elders. I gave up going to sleep after that as I listened to them speaking away about things that were absolutely useless to me. After the discussion I decided to check on Annibeth only to find out, from the doctors, that she would be giving birth within the next two weeks. From her begging I agreed to wait until she gave birth and had her wedding before I left to the human countries.
I had Tao take the flash drive and look through it and give me everything that was upon it. He came by a day ago and put the flash drive into my laptop and showed me how to use it as well as every other electronics I was given. I learned quickly and once I did he showed me what was on the flash drive. It was information on Raven Gate, the guardians and other related material. I had Tao keep everything a secret which he agreed to without any argument.
Louis had forgiven Andrew and Clarice and spent most of his time by Annibeth's side never leaving her. Jack had disappeared promising to return before the coronation while Shadow travelled to Huntsmen River to spend his time. Huntsmen River was a river surrounded by a forest isolated from any civilization not that he minded. Loren came by at times to work the coronation with me while questioning me about the bits and pieces I had left behind during my chat with all the Elders. Master, I soon found out, went for a short journey to the human country to hunt rogues. Andrew and Alexander busied themselves by getting as much information for our captives while making sure they didn't escape. The underground passageways were blocked so that only I could open them. Andrew assured me that the prisoners will not escape during the coronation as Jack had so kindly stuck them into the wall before he left. He could take people through walls with him and leave them in their. They wouldn't get hut but they would feel very uncomfortable. Mathew was done the same thing but Jack made sure that he was put in the most painful way. Caden and Derek spent most of their time in the Shrine doing god knows what.
I stifled a yawn as I leaned in closer to Adir as we sat against the cushions in the some room we were in the night before my trial. I still couldn't believe that it was less than a month ago that I was almost charged for treason. Adir had once again taken my favourite spot which I fought by sleeping upon his chest though it was not really a bad thing.
Suddenly a loud ring rang through the room. Groaning I shuffled through my jean pockets until I gathered my iPhone. I saw Caden's name and picture on the screen before tapping call.
"Yes?"I asked allowing the annoyance for not sleeping in five days show.
"Anistaga, pink or red?" Caden asked clearly exited.
"Red. Why?"I asked confused.
"Never mind. I have to go. See you in the morning. Bye." And with those quick words a loud beep rand trough my ears telling me that he hung up on me. Pulling the phone from my ear I stared at it before shoving it into my Jean pocket.
"What happened?"Adir asked putting his documents down to look down on me.
"I don't really know,"I admitted feeling a bit like an idiot for not knowing what was going on. With that Adir turned back to documents in hand ignoring me once more. I put my book down and decided to get some sleep, at least for s few hours. Pulling the blanket over myself I snuggled into him using him as my private pillow.
"I never wanted you to lead the Shields before I lead the Vampires but since that conversation with the Elders I don't have to worry too much about it,"Adir confessed as pushed his papers aside. I told him everything that had happened between the Elders leaving out the parts I left out from everybody.
"Why?"I questioned not looking up at him.
"Because I care about you and would lay my life in your hands but I would have to revoke all that if you were being manipulated by the Elders,"Adir explained as relaxed into the pillows. A pang of guilt attacked my chest as I attempted to hide my face deeper in him. I knew what he was doing but I couldn't stop myself from responding.
"Don't worry after my coronation everything is going to be back to normal,"I responded hoping he would end it at that.
"It is never normal with you,"Adir responded. I punched his somewhere causing him to chuckle a bit. Fatigue washed over me and I finally decided to sleep, it was better if I did.
***
"Anistaga wake up, wake up!"a voice called shaving my body vigorously. I groaned as I turned over mentally killing the person who awoke me. Another attack of what happened just seconds ago came causing my eyes to snap open and a glare to form on my face.
"What?"I growled angrily looking for the person who awoke me. A boy with short jet black hair that hug loosely at the nape of his neck stared back at me with dull green eyes. He had no expression crossing his inwardly smirking face as he stared down upon me. He wore a black shirt with jeans and shoes to match. Along his wrist he wore a rolled gauze and a ring upon the same hand.
"It's morning,"he responded standing up.
"What do you want Shadow?"I groaned attempting to fall asleep but Shadow grabbed my arm and pulled me with with ease.
"I was here to give you a five minute warning from Clarice as Sir Adir had left hours ago,"Shadow explained and let go once he made sure I wouldn't escape.
"What dose Clarice want? What do you mean 'was'?"I questioned as pushed my open hair from my eyes.
"It took me five minutes just to wake you and Clarice will be here to get you dressed for your coronation,"Shadow explained. I could swear that he was amused bur I ignored it as I had much more pressing matters at hand.
"Shit,"I muttered as I ripped my blanket off to stand up. Shadow stepped back to give me some room as I began to make a plan to escape.
"Too late,"Shadow muttered. As if on cue the door to my lounge slammed open revealing a grinning Clarice with a flush Stella and a pregnant Annibeth at her trail with a few maids holing clothing material. Annibeth stuck with her word as she was in a wheelchair. How they got her up her I will never know?
"Shadow leave!"Clarice ordered making both of us flinch. Shadow gave me a sympathetic look before exited the room as if his back was on fire. Once the door closed Clarice turned to face me with a grin on her face.
"Adrian please stay still,"Clarice said before pouncing on me. Before my vision wad blinded with bodies all over me I saw Annibeth and Stella throw me a very sympathetic look before doing as ordered. I knew that I would be in for hell.
***
I felt like I was raped by measuring tapes, cloths, shoes, makeup and hands all over me. Three bloody hours. Who takes three bloody hours to get ready? I don't even take ten minutes. After they had forced my into a quick shower I was forced to stand still while they began their torture. My cloths were ripped off my body as I was forced into a dress while makeup and such was plastered all over my face. My hair was done in so many styles that I could it will fall off soon. Clarice was like a drill Sargent when it came to this.
While I stood shivering as my body was put through more hell that it could even make Master scream like a little girl. Clarice finished off the final touches. Stella Annibeth and the maids were on the ground tired from working three hours straight.
"Adrian we should really change your earrings for there,"Clarice said reaching for my ear. I broke my shock as I swatted her hand away.
"You don't touch it,"I growled angrily a glare on my face. Clarice scanned my expression before sighing.
"Fine. I am done. Have a look,"she huffed turning me around to face the mirror. I gasped a bit as I saw myself. I wore a long velvet silk dress that reached to my ankles with a long cut at one side from my mid thigh all the way down. The dress itself was strapless while a gold necklace sat all around my neck covering most of it. My bandages were all removed from a medic who came her earlier stating that I should be healed my now. My arm remained as it was before as if it wad never burned. On my hand sat black silk half-finger gloves that reached to elbows so that my rings could show. There was no type of jewelry on my wrist because Clarice thought it may be too much. My black hair was pulled in a loose ponytail that curved upward a bit, though I don't know how. Somehow Clarice roped me into getting my hair cut so that a few bangs cold roll over my green eyes to show them off more. On my feet I wore a pair to two inch black heels that were quite painful to walk in. If that wasn't bad enough I was forbidden to vary any sort of weapons throughout the party.
"Alright time to go,"Clarice said clapping her hands. I turned and finally saw that the three of them were wearing. Clarice wore a bright red dress with a bow in front. Annibeth was somehow put into a baby blue gown that somehow hit her belly. Stella seemed the most prettiest of the two of them. She wore a light purple dress with golden engravings all around that made her seem more like Loren's daughter than anything else.
I followed as the three of them lead me to where ever they choose. Clarice had given me back my iPhone for the time being saying that she will take it back during the ceremony. I ignored her on that as I flipped through my messages. My entire inner circle including a few others were given my number and I theirs. The only message I had was from Caden telling me that he would be at the location of the ceremony.
"Anistaga time to get in,"Annibeth said causing me to look up. While I was lost in my own world we had made it down and outside the castle. I shivered a bit at the cold since it was still snowing. Clarice quickly passed me a long black trench coat which I quickly wore. I looked up to see a carriage before us ready to take us to the ceremony. All of us, except for Annibeth who will come with Louis later, piled into the carriage before we left. I leaned aganistt the window allowing my mind to wander.
***
"Anistaga we are arriving?"Stella said ripping me from my world of thought. I watched as the trees fly past us before turning back two the two women with me. Clarice was shifting around, clearly inpatient while Stella was watching me with an unknown look.
"What is wrong?"I asked Stella once I got enough of her look.
"Are you really leaving after this?"Stella asked. I sighed cursing Alexander knowing it was him that told her.
"Yes,"I replied.
"What about the Shields. If you are going to leave wouldn't that leave them leaderless?"Stella asked concurred.
"They have Caden to lead them. He is my second in command after all. I trust that he will do what is necessary until I come back. Don't worry I will be gone for a month at most,"I replied have confident in my words.
"You never wanted to do this?"Stella asked, more like stated as she read my expression. I remained silent not wanting to answer her. No I didn't want this. Alfred was supposed to do this, not me. Because of me he will never be able to do this. This was all my fault. I can't lead a large group of people much less a large society.
"We have arrived,"I heard the man in front say as the carriage came to a stop. I took a deep breath as I prepared myself for the inevitable. The door opened and Clarice and Stella stepped out before staging on either side for me to step out. I looked up at the building once I was out. A large circular building sat before me with a infinite number of windows. A few people were making their way in, obviously late as three men stood outside waiting. We walked towards them causing them to turn and look at us.
"Princess you look amazing, like a real princess,"Alexander said as he grasped my arm and spun me in a circle once before releasing me. I glared at his as I turned to the other two men.
"He is right. I have never seen you so dressed up since the time we plotted to sabotage your Brother's marriage proposal,"Andrew stated making me pout.
"You did what?"Clarice shrieked looking from me to Andrew. I shrugged my shoulder knowing that we never told her.
"It failed anyway?"I respond as I turn to Adir who's eyes remained one me.
"I can't believe you did that. You are going to tell me what happened later,"Clarice said pointing fingers at me. I didn't respond as Andrew started laughing.
"We better go in or we will be late,"Stella reminded as she hooked her arm around Alexander's asking him to be her escort which he agreed. Clarice did the same with Andrew leaving Adir and I.
"You look nice,"he said hesitantly as he hooked his arm around mine.
"You flatter me,"I muttered sarcastically handing him my phone. He slipped it into his pocket as he lead us into the shrine.
Going down the hallway that lead to multiple directions we headed towards our desired location. All throughout the trip from when we entered until know and I guess from now on I felt eyes. Eyes that followed my every movement. Not human eyes, no. Eyes of the dead I have felt for six long continues years. None of those eyes I recognized but knew where they came from. I felt like a being on display and it didn't feel good.
We finally reached our desired location, well not desired for most. I released my arm from Adir as I stepped in front of our little group. Men and women, nobles and children stood before me leaving an entry way to a large door for me to enter. Shrine maidens, the only people allowed to enter and exit on their free will beside the the rulers of the two societies, stood before the somewhat large group of people holding them back. One of the Shrine maidens stepped forwards before me.
"Lady Anistaga welcome. Lady Ulria is waiting,"the maiden announced motioning for me to open the door and enter. Throwing one final glance at Adir and the others I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Thank you,"I murmured as I passed her. Pushing open the large door which held no knob I stepped in the room mentally preparing myself.
As soon as the door slammed closed I looked around the room with held only a few occupants. The room itself was large and very spacious and well blue. A stone pathway stood before me a few feet narrow that lead towards the middle where two other stone pathways lead. the middle was a large circle with a pair of steps all around. Where there were no stone steps sat deep water that if you fall in there was a slim chance you will be able to return. The top was a glass roof that held a skylight but it was all covered with snow.
At the top of the steps stood a tall silver haired women who wore a long pure white robe. She had a red gem stone etched into her forehead that had golden chains that wrapped around her long hair. Her face itself was a pure pale colour that showed years of knowledge beyond my comprehension. Though her complexion was pure the truth of her true age couldn't be hidden as a few wrinkles had shown. She watched as I slowly stepped towards her all hesitation gone from my steps, for now.
A few maidens stood around holding items concepts in cloths. Loren stood to one side all dressed up in a elegant dress robe. A couple other men and women stood on the other side of him who I could not recognize. I turned my attention back to the lady before me. Bending down on one knee with my hand over my heart I bowed before her.
"Welcome Anistaga Kathrine Shield. It is good to see you once again,"this lady greeted giving me a warm smile.
"Thank you. It is a pleasure to see you again Lady Ulria. I apologize I could not greet you sooner,"I greeted her as well.
"Better late than never as the humans say but I am grateful that you came now rather than years from now,"Ulria stated.
"Oh I would never to such a terrible thing,"I replied still not lifting me head knowing it would be disrespectful.
"Well let's start now,"Ulria said. I didn't respond as I waited for the inevitable. Alfred told me that if this were to ever happen to me than this day would have been a day to cherish and look back upon, was he ever wrong. I dreaded this day ever since I heard about the procedures, I didn't need to know them. Yeah two hours arguing whether I needed to know them ruined me. I broke from my thoughts as Ulria began the ceremony.
"By the ancient power given on to me I call for the noble spirits that have watched over this land from the beginning of time to came forth a begin the ceremony of the Shield rulers,"Ulria chanted her voice fading away with each word until it was gone.
My eyes snapped open, when had they closed I will never know, as my breath hitched. I sat in the same position I was in just seconds ago as my head shot up to figure out where I was. Green and black, that was all I could see, just green and black.
"Anistage Kathrine Shield,"a loud voice boomed causing my head to fly back as my body switched into a defensive position. There stood nine figures completely cloaked. Four stood on either side of me while one stood right before me.
"Who are you?"I questioned as I rose to my feet, slowly.
"Are you that clueless? Look with your eyes,"one of the figures said scoffing.
"Wha..."I started but my voice stopped as my eyes widened. Weapons, all of them were carrying weapons. Not just any weapons, soul weapons with the Shield crest engraved into each of them.
"The previous rulers of the Shields,"I muttered my guard dropping as I realized I was with contact with those ruled over us millenniums ago.
"Ah so she is smart. Not like you third,"one of the men commented. The third, whoever that was, scoffed angrily.
"She is much smarter than you sixth. How long did it take you? Ah yes two hours. Two hours of just standing here doing nothing throwing obvious hints at you until she finally told you,"the third said. I could practically feel the glare sent form the sixth.
"Alright calm down. You two can fight later on. We have more pressing matters at hand,"the figure before me, who must have been a women by her voice, said.
"Fine,"the two grumbled simultaneously
"Alright shall we start yet again. Welcome Anistaga Kathrine Shield. This is your coronation ceremony which will lead you to be the true leader of all Shields, if you survive that is,"the women in the middle said.
As if on cue everything disappeared as blue surrounded my vision. I sealed my lips holding in the bit of oxygen remaining as the water around me destroyed my air supply. In a second I swam up to the surface hoping to survive with the low amount of air that was quickly becoming toxic. Suddenly something grabbed my ankle pulling me deeper into the sea. I looked down to see tentacles attempting to wrap themselves around me. Not wanting to die this early I summoned the wind and attacked the tentacles with the blades if it. I heard a screech which gave me enough time to swim upwards towards the surface.
Once my hand broke through the water it was immediately wrapped in the cold crisp air. As I attempted to release myself form the water it all disappeared. I was met with the air flying past me as I fell down. Spinning around I was met with boiling hot lave not even a meter away from me. I planned on using my power to push me up but it was to no avail. I gritted my teeth I pushed myself towards the wall on what I thought was a volcano. Grasping the edge the rock fell dragging me with it until I grabbed another part of the wall. Hooking my foot into another small dent I hung along the wall knowing that I could fall at any moment.
"They lavea is coming up. If you hang there you will die,"someone commented as a figure appeared beside me standing on thin air.
"Isn't this just an illusion?"I questioned gasping as the dent my foot was supported upon broke.
"If that is what you truly believe than you can fall,"the person stated chuckling. I glared at him as I tried to gain back the grip I lost. If this was just an illusion that I could fall in and not die but if it is real than I really will die. Either way I won't be able to survive with the speed the lava is coming form. Clenching my free hand I glanced up at him.
"No choice,"I muttered hoping was right. I released my grip on the wall as I fell into the lava. The man stood in the air watching as I fell. Before I came into contact with the lava the area around me changed.
A black sky dimly lit by the moon hung all around me. I stood in mid air as the cold breeze wrapped around me. Not a sound was heard as the dim darkness dampened my vision. I turned around in the darkness wondering where I was.
"Where am I?"I questioned hoping that the previous leaders would respond
"You soul world. Quite a dark place isn't it?"a woman’s voice stated casing me to turn around. I soon realized that she was the once in the middle of the group.
"Why am I here?"I questioned as I floated towards her.
"This is the area you reach at the end of your first trial,"the women replied.
"What? The lava?"I questioned confused.
"The first trial was if you were willing to give up your life for what you believe in. With the water you gave up you life for the sole hope that there was an end to the water above. If not that then it would have caused a more deadly death than if you were to be eaten by the being below. With the lava you believed that what you saw was an illusion so you took the chance to dive in without an ounce of hesitation,"the women replied.
"What now?"I questioned understanding what she meant.
"Now you fulfil your role as a Shield,"the women replied pointing behind me. I turned to see what it was causing my body to freeze. Adir was being attacked. Not by any enemy that I knew but me, but a darker more deadlier version of me. He had various wounds along his body that caused me to believe he could die at any moment.
"Save him from you,"the women said clearing the confusion As the evil me was about to manage the killing blow my feet moved on their own accord In a second I was before Adir as the bullet was fired. The bullet flew to my chest as I locked eyes with the evil me. Her eyes were not green like mine, no they were as black at death itself. At that very moment I realized something, at that very moment when our eyes connected I knew what was true. I turned into the me before myself before, centuries ago. I turned into that version on me that day Alfred and Elizabeth died.
Before the bullet could come in contact with me everything disappeared Tears threatened to fall but I held them back as I arrived in the room I first met the previous leaders. There was nothing in the room beside a giant crystal ball with a women dressed in a pure white robe which reminded me of Ulria a bit.
"Final trail: You prophecy,"a loud voice boomed but I could not see who it was.
"Come here and place you hand on the crystal ball,"the women ordered. I felt as if I had no choice but to agree. Placing my hand on the glass ball I closed my eyes and allowed her to do what she was to do.
"Yes I see it all,"the women said as she began "Your path leads to a fork but no just any fork. A fork that changes the paths of all those around you. A job far greater than leading the Shields. You know of it. You decided to tie all loose ends here before you leave to do that job. Your path has already been chosen by you and you will not change it. Death surrounds you future as well as life. You will loose important things but will also gain many new ones too. You lead will show the Shield a greater view as well as renew all foundations, for better and for worse. Believe that things will work out in the end and stop feeling guilty about you mistakes in the past."
With those words the glass ball disappeared as I was once again in the room I first arrived in with all the previous leaders. They all watched as I stepped before the woman in the middle who had motioned for me to come forth.
"Anistaga Kathrine Shield. You have passed all four trials. You are worthy to take the positions you parents had betrayed. We do not blame you as we have watched you since birth. We do not judge you as the daughter of the previous leaders but as the individual you are yourself. You last trial will be to find your soul weapon. You ma take as long as you wish. So long and farewell,"the women stated. I bowed in thanks though I was still confused. Four trials? But there were only three. I shook the confusion away as I lifted my head. Light sped past me as the room from before disappeared
"Don't keep everything to yourself any longer. You will feel better once you tell someone. Do this for the person you look up to,"the women said after appearing before me. Lifting her hood I was meet with the face of Queen Kathrine. I tried to reach for her, to talk to her but I was too late. I will take your word for it.