Which, obviously, I wasn’t.

I placed my hands in front of me, as a peace gesture, this was insane. My own kind not recognizing and acknowledging me. If I weren’t so upset about my mistake in this realm, I would’ve been offended.

"Who goes? Are you from Dark Valley?" instantly knives and swords were pulled out of sheaths and pointed at my throat.

Confused, remembering that Dark Valley was our alloy, I asked, "Why would it matter?" Perhaps that wasn’t the smartest thing to do.

As soon as those words came out of my mouth, the Warlords and Kayura embedded themselves amongst the crowd surrounding me. Things were not looking good.

The knives and swords moved centimeters closer to my exposed throat. One slice and I would bleed my insides and die.

"Dark Valley was claimed our enemy not more then three days ago, that would be why it mattered." Kayura raised a delicate eyebrow watching in my direction from a few feet away.

I did what any Princess of the Sunstone Kingdom would do in this situation, upset and appalled by actions she did not approve of. I spit.

I spat on the ground, near a Sunstone guard, claiming, "I was taught that the Dark Valley was our friend, and that we treat such with respect and not the aforementioned with hostility."

EEEEEEEEE! A buzzer in my mind went of. That was not the correct answer they were looking for.

The pointy metal came even closer to me, and I could feel the guard’s hot breath on my face. Disgusting, I must act quickly.

With dignity and grace I reached down, without really reaching down, and snatched a gun I had hid there for reasons unknown, until now.

I pointed the gun directly at the guard in front of me.

I looked around noticing the Queen had been moved to safety behind a crowd of guards and knights, typical behavior. I have always opted to protecting myself.

The Warlords had advanced towards me as Kayura stayed back to observe my actions.

What was wrong with these people?

I sensed that Cale and Sekhmet were in front of me, and Dais was behind me…

If only I could see him…

I clicked the gun safety off; my shitty day just went from bad to worse. And my mood, well, I won’t even bother to explain.

"I will shoot." I explained in a deadpan voice, eyeing a guard.

People didn’t back away from me, as I held the pistol securely in front of me. Aimed and ready. They acted like their swords were a match for my gun.

Oh. These people didn’t know what a gun was. How frivolous of me.

"Hai, my fellow members, she will shoot." Someone clarified, "And her weapon of choice, a gun, is more powerful then a sword or a knife."

"Hai." I answered searching for the voice.

Let alone there was no need, he showed himself, "Despite that your gun, Miss, is more powerful then a metal weapon…" he perceived, "Three warlords are more powerful than your gun."

Ah, Cale. So sarcastic, so…so right.

I let my arm holding my weapon drop to my side, "And exactly how do you know about guns, if I could inquire?"

Cale’s blue hair popped into my sight. His tall, framed body rippled when he walked towards me. It was the same as I remembered. "I have had my experience with the mortal realm and their ways hundreds of years ago, though not quite as I remember the gun is the same. Not needed in the Nether Realm, we have honor and powers you can not fathom."

I felt struck down. A gun was no honor? No one had ever taught me that.

Ha! Then I remembered an old joke, never listen to a Warlord when he’s smirking. It was thought to be a bunch of nonsense. And Cale was smirking.

"Powers I can not fathom?" I interrogated, still clutching my gun for protection. I was not about to go up against a Warlord on my powers alone. I would not outlast him for five minutes.

"I don’t know how you ended up here in the Nether Realm, Miss, but we do not like outsiders." Cale lectured his scar still as intimidating as it was when I was the portrait of an eight-year-old.

The crowd of Sunstone royal and the High Court still surrounded me as if I was on display. This was getting ridiculous.

Insulted, seriously insulted. I was not about to let a Warlord bring me down. I was a Princess, and I had to remember that otherwise my future in royalty would dwindle to nothing.

I held my head high as I looked Cale right in the eyes, "You, bearer of Corruption, should learn to hold your tongue for you shall not speak to me in such language."

That took everyone aback, and for a moment I felt satisfied. Cale watched me with intriguing interest as did Sekhmet, and the royals just watched with fear.

I was no longer amused.

"I will admit it, coming to the Nether Realm was my mistake, but I will not be treated like a commoner in front of those have killed thousands for no apparent reason." I hissed, knowing I would sting the Warlords.

I saw a hurt expression surface on Cale’s face for a split second, and then instantaneously turn to hatred.

I almost felt sorry for him, but I knew better, he was asking for it…

Even though most royals were aware of the Warlord’s past, they wouldn’t dare mention it. And I would never have thought to utter a word about it. But this prompted me too to keep my posture.

A quaint silence fell upon everyone as they just starred at me. I realized that for the first time that night that I looked elder compare to the majority of the Sunstone royalty. None looked a mortal age over 16, rare ones looked 19 or so, but I must be a complete stranger to them with my mature looks.

Cale advanced on me, as if to strike, and I held my position. One should not hesitate when being attacked.

In a flash of dark blue, mid-sentence, Cale had transformed! It was amazing! I had never seen a Warlord in battle armor, and from rumors, this was only sub-armor and not the full armor of Corruption. I was tempted to back up and feel pressured, but I had to stand my ground.

But Cale’s sub-armor was wondrous! I just wanted to reach out and touch the cool armor…and to think! I had provoked this! With words!

I suppose I should’ve worried about my life rather then a Warlord’s armor. When they transformed, you knew they meant blood.

And it was my blood he was after.

I kept my head up and didn’t fault, fore if I did I would bring down my roots and the kingdom of Sunstone.

"Who are you to know about my past?" Cale growled, his hands coming towards me.

I stood still, not even breathing…

"CALE, STOP!" a familiar voice shouted.

Cale continued to give me death threatening looks, but halted in his steps, "Why, Prince Drey?" he seemed rather annoyed. As if the Prince’s excuse not to kill me wasn’t good enough, he was ready to rip my throat out.

Prince Drey! I still had hope of surviving this encounter!

The Prince thwarted Cale’s effort by calling him back, and consequently saved my life, I’m sure of it. Drey appeared out of the crowd, my savior, and walked steadily in my direction, "Your highness…" he bowed in front of me.

The Sunstone royalty gasped in disbelief.

Ah, I had confused everyone. Always confusing someone, if it wasn’t myself.

Cale turned to me, perplexity written all over his face and I almost felt compelled to snicker, but I held it in.

I acknowledged Drey’s presence by nodding my head, melancholy.

"Highness?" Cale sneered, still not being reasonable.

Drey gave me a sincere smile and leaned over and hugged me, but all I could do was hug back. I missed him, he was a brother to me by royalty, and one to me by his actions and loyalty.

"You should be grateful, Cale, that the Princess did not scorn you more then she did. Her generosity is applauded for your rudeness." Drey lectured the Warlord, eyeing his mother, the Queen.

Cale just stood dumbfounded.

"Yes, it would have been rude." Sekhmet interrupted, "If she was alive. She died twenty two years ago. I’m sure you remember, I don’t even have to ask that."

Drey ignored Sekhmet’s sarcasm, "It has been twenty two years." He closed his eyes and openly showed his happiness, "But she has returned to us, and thank the Sun, she is healthy and righteous."

Realization jostled the Sunstone royalty, as they started to utter, "The Princess! The Princess!" and showing loyalty bowed in respect towards me.

I was overcome with a sense of relief as my people remembered me…

"For twenty two years…" I started, racking my brain for the right words, "I have been in the mortal realm as you have commanded, your highness, and upon request of an invitation I came here to help my kingdom and my realm." I curtseyed in respect as I observed the Queen viewing me with a watchful eye, "Unfortunately, too caught up in my people’s safety I was unaware that my presence here would cause such a great disturbance."

And then I prayed, prayed that she would pardon me for my crimes.

The Sunstone royalty was mute as the Queen stepped forward. Her highness was of a mortal looking eighteen, not much more than I.

"Princess Destiny, you have grown up and I am not quite sure on the path I would have expected, but grown up in that. Your studies in the mortal realm have been acknowledged and accredited from reports of Prince Erick. Yet you coming here, I assume you already know, was a misjudgment."

The royalty looked from the Queen to me, as I responded, "I agree, pardon me for my ill decision. I did not mean to cause confusion in this realm, upon your request, I wish to return to the mortal realm as soon as possible to continue my work, if you deem me worthy." I bowed.

The Queen thought for a moment, "No, since this is out to Isisis, you shall not be required to return."

"But-" I interjected.

"No, Princess, you will stay here in your home realm and assist the Warlords and Kayura with the demon problem, I trust your decree on this situation. With your knowledge of the mortals, you might come in handy in helping out. I am going to call Erick to send him back as well, with the both of you, perhaps this issue shall be ended."

I bowed again, "Your kindness will be remembered, your highness."

The Queen smiled, and I knew all was good. Well, for me. The Isisis Court would hold this against my kingdom, but as the Queen once told me, it was bound to happen with our different views on certain issues.

Kayura was frowning…she did not approve.

The Sunstone Queen turned to Lady Kayura and nodded in reverence, "I am sorry to bestow this upon you Kayura, but we felt this necessary for the future of our kingdom. We shall speak about this when the demon problem is put to an end."

Kayura nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, we shall."

--

"Drey you saved me." I stated bluntly, but it had been an understatement. I was so grateful.

The Prince merely beamed at me, "It is good to see you."

"As you." I answered, grinning openly, "If it weren’t for you, I would have had to battle a Warlord. Something you don’t see a Princess doing everyday."

Drey laughed, "Hai, I would pay to see that, if you don’t mind me saying so."

I playfully slapped his arm, "I’m sure I would’ve been good entertainment, no?"

Drey, my beloved royalty, was no more mortal than 16, a real oddity to me since now I was mortally older then him, who was elder to me by 34 years. I was as tall as he, and I found it weird…and I know he found it weird as well.

"Good entertainment." He agreed, "Destiny…"

"I know…" I sighed, "I am sorry I disappointed you- I shouldn’t have returned, gave away the-"

"That is not what I was going to say. I do not punish or lecture the future Queen. My mother would not have that." Drey counteracted.

"Then what is it?" I asked, curious what be on his mind.

He hesitated for a moment, and then blurted, "What is the mortal realm like?"

The poor boy. He had never experienced Halloween, ska music, sky-scrappers, chiliburgers, clearance sales at Dillards, or the smell of flowers…how was I to explain this to him?

"Heaven." I answered in short, deciding it was the best word to describe my experience, "Erick and I could not get enough of life, we enjoyed every minute. And perhaps in the future I shall return to enjoy the luxuries once again."

Drey’s eyes lit up like a child’s, oh how I felt old…

"Really?" he honestly sounded like a sixteen-year-old.

I smiled in response, "Like nothing I could tell you in words, but imagine the best and it is ten times better than that."

Drey left me for a moment and entered his daydreams and thought about my statement, "Oh how wondrous, if only I should be permitted to visit." His shoulders slumped, something I had never seen the 142-year-old Sunstone do, "But Mother would never permit me."

"Hai, I would have to agree." The Queen felt her eldest son best to stay at her side, at all times, "I promise you this Drey…"

Drey looked up at me.

"When I am Queen, if I am Queen, you shall visit the mortal realm. By my word."

"You think too unobtrusive of yourself, you shall be Queen, Destiny. I shall see to that, as my Mother." Drey debated against me, "For my mother supports you, even your decision to come here to solve the problem at hand."

"I can not thank you enough." I sincerely responded.

Drey hugged me once more and then seriously looked at me, "You must stay here Destiny, we feel you can be of some good. We must return to the kingdom, on the verge of war with Dark Valley, we can not stay at Isisis for long. We risk attack without our knights which would be disastrous."

I humbly bowed, "I understand. It is just that, it’s odd to think of someone as my enemy."

"Things have changed, more then you know. But then again, you have changed, more then we know." Drey wisely established, "I mean look at you! Your shoes! And what is this!" he touched my large hoop earrings. He shook his head, "You will have to explain your fashion to me, perhaps tomorrow."

With that, Prince Drey exited with the Sunstone royalty, and her highness.

Oh how I missed the boy, I couldn’t help but sport a silly grin on my face remembering all the good times we have had together.

I was on my own again, and I worked better that way. Independent, my mother had told me before she had died, just like my grandfather.

Me, I was to figure out the problem at hand, as Drey put it, with the Warlords and Lady Kayura. A true privilege, if I remember any. Sunstone really put their trust into me, and I thank them, but sometimes I wonder why.

On a normal circumstance I would feel giddy. It was the Warlords and her highest Lady of Isis. But I felt sick. I had seriously insulted the Warlords, to their faces, and Lady Kayura did not approve of me being taught in the mortal ways, appearing back from the dead, as they thought.

Oh the Warlords…oh geeze…

To offend a Warlord was asking for your death. Cale would never forgive me, and well…I had always secretly admired, from a far, Dais.

I don’t know why, but I have. His calmness and flawlessness have always been admired traits, but there was something else about him, I could remember. He sometimes took time out for me to explain what I didn’t understand about Isisis and the Nether Realm’s past.

Warlords just didn’t do that. Neither did Lady Kayura.

The Sunstone Kingdom was counting on me, and I wanted them to be able to do that. I would have to face them eventually so I might as well…

I was going to die.

Taking small steps back toward the throne room, where I knew the High Court of Isisis would still be conjugated, I almost wish that the Queen had been furious with me and revoked my rights as future Queen. I would then run back to the mortal realm where I would live happily ever after, chatting on my Pentium III.

I almost wish.

I reached the throne room much faster than I had anticipated. Disregarding thoughts of turning back around and leaving, I forced myself to enter.

Gratefully the Isisis officials were in midst a discussion.

"If Sunstone has gone against Lady Kayura in her judgement of training their royalty in the ways of the mortals, surely they will turn on us with Dark Valley and we will be powerless against two kingdoms attacking Isisis." Sir Kenji worried, not noticing me behind him.

I decided it would be at Sunstone’s best interest to answer before Kayura, "Sunstone does hold Lady Kayura’s decisions in the highest regard. We just have our opinions on how technology and such of Sunstone should be in the future and therefore went against the council’s judgement for Sunstone’s behalf, on a whole. Holding nothing against Isisis and keeping true to our word of the treaty of ’23. We are nothing but a conciliator society, and it surprises me so that we are on the verge of war with our neighboring kingdom. But for reasons you do understand."

I eyed the council. The Warlords, Kayura, and two officials. Nothing I couldn’t handle…I hoped.

"You have much to say Princess, for being absent for twenty two years." One of the officials chided, named Komider, a long time resident of Isisis.

"Do not be rude to our guest." Kayura punished, "She is here to help and give us an insight on the mortal realm, a realm the demon wants to control."

Komider immediately shut-up.

There was much to be explained to me about this whole demon situation. "Kayura," I regarded her as high as power as I, "Explain to me why this demon wants the Nether Realm, if controlling the mortal realm is his top priority."

Kayura nodded, "His power comes from this dimension, yet he wants to control the mortals over us immortals because they do not have such powers as we possess. But he can not do this unless the sun of the mortal realm and our sun are in exact alignment, which happens every 1,000 years."

"We are awaiting his presence then?" I asked, crossing my arms and not daring to look at a Warlord.

"We are awaiting his power to attack this kingdom. Once he has Isisis, he will take Sunstone and Dark Valley easier since we help control trade and the way of life. He would then spend the next 400 years preparing his descent into the mortal realm." Kayura finished.

"Every 1,000 years?" I inquired, intending to ask as many questions as needed to get the information I needed.

Kayura nodded once more.

"Well, perhaps then we should put an end to him for good, this time around so our future kinsmen will not have to deal with such a nuisance."

"Ha!" Sekhmet spoke up, "This has happened for 3,000 years and has not been stopped, you’re not thinking logically. This is something you can not conceive in your Sunstone pacifist ways. You can not kill a demon." He scoffed.

I expected attitude from Sekhmet. I observed him years ago and know exactly how he acted, and I know I have the upper hand because, he does not know how I act.

"I will not have my kingdom suffer because of a demon, Warlord. Perhaps you should think the same of your people." I lectured, feeling a bit more secure of myself.

"It isn’t that simple."

I turned at the voice, and inevitably starred. It was Dais! He was speaking to me, and calmly, as I remembered him. His eye patch exactly the same, his youth of a mere 19 years of mortal when I know he was at least 1,065 years old, feasibly more. His hand was scratching his chin thoughtfully as he concentrated looking at the floor.

"Oh?" I sounded surprised. What was it? Surprised that it wasn’t as simple as I imagined solving our problem…or surprising that Dais had spoke to me?

Dais nodded slowly, his thick white hair flowing down his shoulders, "It isn’t."

And he left it at that.

Kayura discreetly headed for that one door I knew I wasn’t allowed, "I shall meet with you all tomorrow. For right now, I need to think."

"Hai." I agreed as I watched her walk away.

"Hai." I heard Cale and Sekhmet answer Kayura as Sir Kenji and Komider got up to leave.

The moment the two Isisis officials left the throne room, I was alone with three Warlords.

Gulp.

"Princess…" it seemed Sekhmet was using his serpent like voice, "You have changed. I would have never imagined a mere mortal eight-year-old would grow into a woman and become so…" he looked at Cale with amusement. It seemed Cale was sulking. And Sekhmet was almost flirting with me.

Charming.

"So…what’s the word?" he joked, gesturing for Dais to help him out, but I suppose Dais chose to not take sides, "Vigorous? I dunno, does that sound right to you Cale?"

Cale mumbled something in response I could not hear.

"Gentlemen, I did not come to this realm to be put down, if we are talking about the incident earlier." I teased in my own way, determined to become comfortable around these men, "I merely stated my opinion about people putting down my heritage, and I am sure Cale understands that."

Sekhmet grinned, "Oh I am sure he understands that now."

Cale mumbled incoherently some more.

"And do you hear that?" Sekhmet seemed to be bursting with energy, "She almost seems like she has a New York accent, does that remind you of anyone?"

I was confused. Me? Remind them of someone?

"I have spent my time studying Americans, in New York, if you were asking Sekhmet." I explained.

"New York!" Sekhmet exclaimed, "Indeed, indeed." He chuckled, sitting back in a vacant chair crossing his arms in recreation.

Cale stopped from where he was slowly pacing back and forth, "Perhaps…" I caught the joke against my culture, "I shall head to my room where I can have peace from this inconsiderate fool." He spoke of Sekhmet.

"Ha!" Sekhmet chuckled, "You do that Cale. Just remember that she could’ve killed you with her gun before we could’ve stopped her."

More incoherent mumbling.

I smiled, I didn’t remember Sekhmet’s jokes being funny, and today they were. Perhaps in twenty-two years he had improved on them.

Sekhmet stretched as I still stood, observing the wonders of the throne room, "Your highness, I shall be off to bed. Till tomorrow." He continued to chuckle as I watched him leave my presence.

That left…

Dais and I.

"You off to bed too?" I asked Dais, pretending to be intrigued by one of the sculpted statues.

Dais didn’t answer me, instead he stood from his chair, and slowly walked behind me, "You know, this statue is my favorite, if I’ve ever said so."

"No, I don’t recall you telling me that." I answered truthfully wanting to turn around to him and feel that connection I’ve remembered with him for all these years.

But I didn’t dare.

To him I was a baby, someone to teach and to point in the right direction, not to look upon with lust or love. Impossible.

I should embrace the truth, but I always pushed it to the edge of mind.

I suppose you could say I was in denial.

But Dais was my first crush, and forever will be lusted upon from my side, just silently. I could never bring myself to tell him the truth. I couldn’t handle the shocked faces of my people or the shocked faces of his people.

And most of all, I couldn’t handle his shocked face.

It’s just not meant to be.

Yet, I always could dream.

"Goodnight, Princess. Sweet dreams." He told me, and left me alone with the statues. Like a gentle breeze he was here…

And then he was gone.

If he weren’t so damned perfect then things would never be hard on me when we had conversations like this. I could just regard him as a Warlord, like I did with Sekhmet and Cale. Just warriors with an extensive amount of experience. And extra, at that.

Just warriors essential to the Isisis Kingdom and the Nether Realm.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Why couldn’t he just be that? And nothing more?

Perhaps I should just be grateful and count my blessings. I somehow survived the whole ordeal without too much flaw and embarrassment.

Nonetheless, why did I still feel like hitting my head against the statue in front of me?

I sighed and looked up at that statue.

The Statue of Cruelty. Figures. Should’ve known that would’ve been Dais’ favorite.

But why?