*all-is-fair-in-love-&-war* (1x1)

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Shrina woke up to people yelling as he went outside and saw yuri and Romeo screaming at each other. He hasn't looked up into the sky yet and went to wake up Noah. As soon as he walked in, he noticed him missing." Sensei?" Shrina then freaked as he started going towards yuri, but that was until he saw what they were all looking at." Is that what I think it is?!" Shrina asked in shock as he saw yuri about to attack" wait! Don't attack it. I don't think the witch knows where we are and if someone were to see us, they would have come to us." Shrina explained as he had his sword and they then heard a loud scream as rosella came running of the forest as she said Noah was dead. Shrina was shocked as the creature flew over them. That's when they saw someone across from them. He wore a brown hood. He had short blonde hair, butterfly tattoos on his hands, and two swords on his waist." Hello, I am jack Damon. I have come for the prince."

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Romeo gripped his staff as Yuri stood infront of Shinra and Rosella prospectively. "Nice to meet you,now get the firetruck away."Yuri threatened as she stood with her hands curled into fists. Daemon seemed to laugh and chuckle a bit at Yuri's attitude,taking a step forward before giving her a warning of sorts. But Yuri wasn't taking any of it. Her hand rested upon her sword's handle. "I don't think you're taking me seriously. If you even want to get near our king,"Yuri hissed before she pulled on her sword,the heavy looking sword swinging over her shoulder and falling to the side as it gleamed in the sunlight. Carved out of the strongest metal in the galaxy, extracted from a fallen star the same night as her birth. Blessed sapphire decorated the hilt as star designs stunningly surrounded the blade. Yuri trusted this sword with her life. Why wouldn't she,she had made it herself after all. "Romeo."Yuri hissed,to which Romeo quickly tapped his staff on the ground,a forcefield surrounding the three. Yuri started to walk around as she stared at Daemon,dragging her sword behind her. "So you're the one who killed sir Noah?"

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Jack laughed" why yes I did." He then drew his swords. One of them still having blood on them. He soon licked it off." Yummy~" he said as shrina was within the barrier." Romeo, let me out! I need to avenge my master!" Shrina yelled but Romeo wouldn't budge. Shrina closed his fists as he soon remembered something about jack." Yuri! Be careful! He's the most known bounty hunter! He kills for a living! He was the one who almost killed me at 13! He's the one who killed your brother!!" Shrina yelled as yuri looked back for a split second, but that was enough for jack to emerge in front of yuri and quickly slashed her across the chest. He then quickly threw knives into her chest as well and roadhouse kicke her across the ground." Too late on that information my litle prince." Jack said as shrina pounded against the barrier with his fists, he then saw jack walk towards yuri to kill. Shrina threw his sword and closed his eyes. He couldn't let yuri die. He needed her and she needed him. Soon, lightning surrounded his sword and he slashed the barrier and rushed towards jack as jack simply took a step back as shrina slashed the ground. He stood up as lightning formed around his sword and he helped yuri up. Her armor protecting her." I'm not the little prince anymore. I am the protector of Verona, king shirna and if you mess with one of my fiends, you mess with me!"

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Romeo looked up. "Your majesty get back here!!!"Romeo yelled. As the young prince tried to show off,his magoi proved to be limited and completely wasted for his short moment of glory. Within moments Jack was kicking the prince's ass to the pulp,to which Yuri just watched with crossed arms. "Yuri what are you doing?!"Rosella screeched,demanding an answer to the soldier that was letting the young royal boy get his ass beat up by the enemy. "Waiting."Yuri simply said. As Shinra was pretty much kicked back into the forcefield,to which Romeo sighed and looked up. "He's back in. You're free to go wild."Romeo said. Yuri smirked. "With pleasure."Yuri said. "What do you mean by that?"Rosella asked. Romeo glanced at her and then at the king. "This forcefield isn't to keep us getting hurt from Jack,its to keep us getting hurt from Yuri."Romeo explained. In a matter of seconds Romeo's claim proved to be true. Neither Shinra or Rosella had ever seen Yuri fight. They would see the reason why. Yuri rose her sword,slamming it hard against the ground. The gravity shifted to Yuri's favor,messing up as Jack was sent flying off his feet. Yuri jumped back and her feet landed against a tree,to which shattered under her streanght as she pushed herself toward Jack,slamming her blade against Jack's back,snaps and crunches heard. Yuri jumped back and spun her sword pointing it at Jack. "Verto."Yuri hissed as the sapphire glew and stars flew from the sword and straight to Jack.

 

~Meanwhile~

 

The witch looked down at a portrait of the young prince,rubbing her thumb against it as she sighed and closed her eyes. A knight walked up. "Milady,we can't find them,they're not within the capital."The knight said. The witch growled and stood,walking over the dark,crystal globe that stood within the throne room. She glanced down as the cities and capitals were labeled. "No matter. He will have to return home at some point,if he values his kingdom more than he does his own life."The witch hissed,waving her staff as a dark smoke covered the globe...beginning the era of the black plague.

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Shrina watched carefully as Rosella was healing his wounds. He was amazed that Yuri could stand her ground against Jack. The infamous bounty hunter who took down her brother, his old bodyguard. That was also the day he was kidnapped and saved by Yuri and his father. So Jack must hate them. The stars were soon scattered away as Jack held a sword. It was silver with a black handle and a dragon symbol on it.'' Like it? This belonged to your brother. I keep all the weapons from the enemies I kill. Your sword will make a nice collection.'' Jack smirked as he swung it around and soon a star laser shower was then sent towards Yuri, who managed to dodged them, but barely.'' Ha. I hated that move when he used it on me.'' Jack said as he felt his back.'' Oh yeah, forgot about that,'' Jack then punched his back several times until his bones were healed.'' Much better.'' Jack then looked at Shrina.'' Don't worry little king, I'll come for you in a little bit.'' He laughed. Shrina closed his fists around the dirt. He was helpless. How can become king, find the holy sword, and kill the witch when he can't even save his friends or stop Yuri from getting killed. He felt something stir inside him. He felt it once before. The time he was kidnapped. He couldn't clearly remember, but all he knew, he had killed someone that day. Soon, dirt started to rise from the ground within the shield, which ended up getting cracks on it. Rosella was getting scared. Romeo was yelled at Shrina, but he wasn't listening. Soon, the shield completely blew away. Jack turned around and saw Shrina standing up, with red aura forming around him.'' What the?!'' he yelled as shrina soon flew into the sky fast and launch himself towards Jack with his sword and clashed blades with him. Jack impacted into the ground as he knocked the sword out of his hand and soon held it in his hand.'' You take my old bodyguard's sword? How bout I take this.'' Shrina said as he then, with lightning speed and slashed off his right arm. Jack yelled as he couldn't believe was happening.'' This is also for Noah!!'' Shrina yelled as he then stabbed Jack with both swords and slashed him with them. Jack coughed up blood and fell back as he was dying. The aura slowly disappeared as Jack died and Shrina threw the sword at Yuri.'' That belongs to you..'' Shrina then collapsed and passed out as his skin was turning pale.

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Romeo dashed forward without a second thought,sliding on his knees as he cached the falling royal within his arms. He was very pale and cold sweat started to cover his forehead. "Shinra!"Rosella screeched as Romeo got a hand to Shinra's forehead. "He's freezing!"Romeo said as he took off his cape and wrapped it around Shinra. "We have to get to Victoria,and fast."Romeo said as he looked up at the Phanax,who was starting to hiss and make its sounds,searching for its prey. For them. Black clouds started being poured from one of its entrances. Romeo's eyes narrowed. "What the hell is that?!"Romeo hissed. No,he couldn't multitask this time. He had the last blood of Verona in his hands and he needed to get him and his fiancee out of here before Jack's friends came by. "Yuri,call Cielo,we need to get going!"Romeo yelled as he picked up Shinra. Yuri's glance never wavered from the bloody sword on the floor. Her brother's sword. Big brother. Of course,he was assigned to Shinra's bodyguard as the first generation,and just like everyone in the family,gave his life in order to protect royalty. No matter what. It was a painful reality,but one that the Stargazer's could never escape. As long as the royal blood lived...they would be there,to protect and serve. 

 

"They are so selfish!"

 

The cries of a young woman were heard as she threw herself over the covered body of her deceased son. The white sheet showed the grim silhouette of the young man who had died to protect one of his greatest treasures: his friend and prince,Shinra. The white sheets were tainted in both dried up blood and tears as the raven haired woman cried. "One of our sons have died protecting them,now they expect us to hand over our only daughter?! They can go screw themselves!!!"She screamed,as any pained mother would after the loss of her first-born child. "Calm down,it is what needs to be done. We have no way out of this.You knew this from the very day we met,you need to realize that this is the life that we all must live. One way or another."The silver haired man said rather simply as he turned away from her. Yuri stood from the door,her expression ever so monotone as she watched her mother cry over her older brother's body. Her father walked over to her,resting his hand on her shoulder,to which she glanced up at him. "The king and queen have called you for an audience tomorrow,isn't that exiting,Yuri?"Her father smiled as he kissed her head and gave her a big,tight hug. "After tomorrow we won't be seeing of each other for a long time...but remember this,Yuri."Her father said as he smiled,a few tears falling down his cheeks. 

 

"The price of freedom is steep. If you ever need to be home...just look at the stars in the sky!"

 

"YURI!" Yuri snapped out of it as she glanced over at Romeo who was already climbing on his raven horse,Noche as Rosella climbed on her own chocolate brown horse "We need to get out here,Yuri!"Romeo said. Yuri looked down at sword and carefully picked it up. She seathed it as she whistled,Cielo quickly flew over and Yuri climbed on. "You guys head straight to Victoria,I'm distracting the Phanax away."Yuri said. Romeo's eyes widened. "But Yuri-!" "That's an order!"Yuri yelled as Cielo flew into the sky. Romeo gritted his teeth and looked over at Rosella. "Let's go."Was all he said as the two rode their horses away to Victoria as Romeo held Shinra. Yuri flew in the sky riding Cielo as she moved her hand,flying stars smacking against the Phanax,having it screech. "Over here!"Yuri called,flying away as the Phanax followed.

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'' Shrina! Get down!'' a voice yelled as Shrina quickly ducked as a arrow flew passed him in the middle of the street. There stood Shrina's bodyguard and Yuri's brother. Reik Stargazer. He has been Shrina's bodyguard since Shrina was 10. There stood across from them was Jack. Shrina soon saw Reik rush towards Jack. Shrina tried to yell, but he couldn't say a thing as he saw Reik get killed.

Shrina gasped and opened his eyes as he sat up. He looked around. He saw a hotel room. He was in a bed and no one was in the room. He saw his sword next to him. He soon got out of bed and looked around. There was a lamp, a bookshelf, a closet, and a bathroom.'' Rosella? Romeo? Yuri?'' Shrina asked no one was around. He saw he was in new clothes. A white shirt and brown pants. He soon recalled what happened. He was in the forest with everyone as he killed Jack with a power he never knew he had. Shrina soon saw the doorknob turn and he quickly hid and grabbed his sword. Soon, someone came in and Shrina quickly drew his sword and pointed it at the person. He saw Rosella freak out.'' Oh, Rosella, don't scare me.'' Shrina said as soon Romeo came in.'' My lord! Your awake!'' Romeo said as Shrina looked around.'' Where's Yuri and where are we?'' Shrina asked as Romeo cleared his voice.'' Your majesty, we are in the city of Victoria and Yuri has yet to arrive. You were passed for at least 3 days.'' Romeo asked as Shrina grew shocked.

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The two stared at Shinra as he wobbled back down to the bed. "Oh darling,you had us worried."Rosella said as she smiled. It was just when they heard Shinra's stomach grumble. Romeo reacted almost immediately. "Your excellency you must be starving!R-Ravio,RAVIO!"Romeo called. Just then a young man walked in. He had short red hair and red eyes,a scar over his left eye. "What is it?!"Ravio hissed. "The king has awoken,please cook him your best meal."Romeo insisted. "Right away!"The young Ravio squealed as he ran back out. Romeo looked over at Shinra,who just seemed confused. "You have just woken up,your highness,do take it calmly. We are under the roof of allies,I assure you we are safe here."Romeo said as he frowned slightly. "Though Yuri has not returned,the fact that you are awake is rather exiting. It means that we can continue our journey,yes?"Romeo asked. Just then Ravio hurried in,pulling a small table and setting it infront of Shinra,only to leave and come back with a hot meal. "Here ya go your majesty. It's not like the meals from the castle,but its the best we have."Ravio said smiling before bowing down. Romeo then thought of something and turned to Shinra. "I never knew you were able to fight that way,your highness. It would of been nice if you were to let us know earlier."

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As Shrina looked at the food. He heard what Romeo said.'' I exactly didn't know either. It just reacted with my emotions I guess. I don't really remember what happened, but the real question is, how did Jack know where we were?'' Shrina asked Rosella and Romeo looked puzzled. Shrina started eating.'' I believe were dealing with more then the witch.'' Shrina said as he finished eating. Now that they were in Victoria, he can start finding the sword. He was just so worried about Yuri.'' Now that were in Victoria, we can start finding the first piece of the holy sword.'' Shrina asked as he rumbled through his old clothes in his bag and found his piece of paper.'' We must started looking for the Gem Crystal. It is very rare and only Victoria armories have it, but question is, which one?'' Shrina said as Romeo looked puzzled.'' Maybe Ravio can help us.'' Shrina said as he grabbed his sword and hood.'' Once we get the information, we must start searching.'' Shrina said. He soon felt something stir inside. He knew it wasn't his stomach, but something else. He just couldn't put his finger on it.

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Romeo stared at Shinra before carefully nodding. He turned and walked out of the room and into the kitchen where Ravio was peeling some potatoes. "Hey,Ravio."Romeo said. "Hm?"Ravio asked,not looking away from the potatoes. "We are in need of looking for something called Gem Crystal. Ever heard of it?"Romeo asked. Ravio thought for a while. "No,I haven't."Ravio said. "Well the king says it's kind of rare and that it can be found within the armories of the city."Romeo said. Ravio washed the potatoes and carefully dried his bruised hands. "Hm...well we are known for our numerous armories...if you're looking for something rare though,the only thing that comes to mind is Paragon Palace."Ravio finally said. "It sounds familiar."Romeo muttered. "Paragon Palace is the best Armory of Victoria. It is famous because they are exclusive to nobels,knights,and even royal guards if not royalty itself."Ravio explained. Then it clicked for Romeo. "Of course."Romeo blurted out. "Now I remember. That's where both Reik and Yuri got their swords from. They were handcrafted there and custom made by their choice so they could take their roles as royal bodyguards. Reik would always show off his sword and brag how amazing it was from time to time just to mess with us."Reik recalled. "Do you have the sword on you?"Ravio asked. Romeo paused. "...no. Yuri does."Romeo said. "If the sword was made by them,they're sure to recognize it. They are very exclusive and don't really talk to anyone just because."Ravio said. "You think so?" The two men turned over to see Yuri standing by the doorway. Ravio's eyes scanned her curves before crossing his arms. "Yuri,you're ok!"Romeo said. "Of course I am,idiot. I just had to take care of some stuff."Yuri said. "How much you heard?"Ravio asked. "Enough. If I bring the swords to the shop,think they'll be willing to tell us about this Gem we need to find?"Yuri asked. "That would be my best guess in a good scenario,you would have to talk to the headmaster of the armory,Arthur. He makes the weapons. If there's any gem existing,he knows how to get it."Ravio assured. "However,"He continued. "He's as sly as a fox and works for his own benefit. Be careful and don't be surprised if he asks something in exchange for information."Ravio warned. "We're gonna have go try."

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Shrina listened as he was getting dressed. He got a coat on him so he wouldn't be noticed.'' We have to be careful guys. Rosella, I need you to stay here. Romeo, protect her. Me and Yuri will go to this Arthur. Wouldn't want to attract unnecessary attention if were traveling in a group.'' Shrina said as he flipped his hood on.'' Let's go Yuri.'' Shrina said as he saw Yuri nod as they both left the hotel and traveled down the road. Shrina was studying the signs, but after at least an hour of walking, no luck. They soon stopped at the café for a break.'' Man, finding this place is harder then I thought.'' Shrina said as he stirred his tea a bit. He saw Yuri looking everywhere. He couldn't blame her. She was born to protect him. Now, he protected her against Jack. Shrina still couldn't remember what caused himself to go into that power mode, but he feared he will be seeing it soon. Shrina sighed as he started focusing.'' Lets see if this works.' Shrina said as he started focusing onto a single energy, Turns out he was actually listening to Noah after all. He then opened his eyes.'' Found it. All I had to do is sense for a blacksmith shop and I found one that was not with the rest. Lets go'' Shrina said as he and Yuri got up and left and walked down a ally. Soon they were met with a small house with a chimney. It had red bricks, a window, covered in black smoke, a brown door with a little window. The house was dirty, but he knew this was a blacksmith shop. He glace at Yuri'' Well, lets see if someone's home.'' He then knocked on the door. 

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There was no instant response. Yuri did not like to be kept waiting,and she did certainly not liked for the king to be kept waiting. She rose her leg,about to pretty much kick the door down when it carefully open with a loud click and a squeaky sound. On the other side stood and older looking man in his mid 60s. Gray hair,one eye was a dark green color as the other was gray,to which he was blind of that side. He wore a normal day attire but with a working apron on the front,he held a walking stick with him,either to smack people with it or help him walk. "What do you want?"He hissed. His tone was so arrogant,if the situation wasn't so dire Yuri would've made the man get on his knees and kiss the floor where the king stepped. But she could do that later. She looked up,her expression non-changing. "Are you Arthur?"Yuri asked. The man rubbed the back of his neck. "Yes,that is my name. What do you want?"He repeated slightly as Yuri took a step forward. "We are looking for something and we were told you could help us find it."Yuri said. "Look kids,it's my day off. Come back tomorrow and we can talk about it..."Victor muttered as he was about to close the door,when suddenly Yuri took out her sword and blocked the door from closing fully,the sword cutting through some of its wood easily. "How about you make us a special deal for today? We aren't ordinary customers."

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'' Indeed we aren't Mr. Arthur.'' Shrina said as he had the door open and they walked inside.'' I am the king of Verona, Shrina. Please tell me you will help me.'' he said as he saw Arthur surprised face.'' I see. I guess I can make a exception for you my king.'' he said as he showed them around. They saw many weapons and crystals.'' What is it that ya are looking for?'' he asked as Shrina cleared his throat.'' We are looking for the Gem Crystal. I was hoping you know about it.'' Shrina said.'' Indeed I do. It's what I used to make two swords for the royal guard, but they are long gone.'' Then Arthur saw Yuri show him her and Reik's swords.'' My god..Here they are.'' Arthur said as he admired his master pieces.'' Since I now know the swords are safe, I will tell you where I found the Gem Crystal, but...it comes with a price. Shrina, my king, you must go and bring me the skin of a Phanax. You must do it alone. You get me that, I will tell you where the Gem Crystal is at.'' Arthur said. Shrina looked at him. Ravio was right. He would ask for something in return.'' I'll do it.''

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"No."Yuri quickly intercepted,the two of them turning to her. "Are you f*cking nuts? A Phanax isn't simply something you can skin or kill so easily. I won’t my king do anything as dangerous as that. No way. Nu-uh. Over my dead body. I've risked my life protecting is @$$ and I'm not going to let you send him off to a Phanax in a silver platter.”Yuri objected. “He needs to proof that he is worthy to be able to hold the power of the Gem stone.”Arthur explained it. “What you’re asking of the Phanax would be considered suicide for someone such as the king,he can barely keep himself from crying like a baby each time his toe gets stubbed against the table.”Yuri said,to which Shinra stared in shock that Yuri would even said that. Arthur shook his head. “If he’s a king,than he should prove himself that he is worthy.”Arthur said. Suddenly Yuri rose up her brother’s sword. “Here.”Yuri said. Arthur stared. Yuri glared. “Let’s make a bargain,my brother’s sword for the Gem Stone. You can keep it and do whatever you want with it.”Yuri said as she offered her brother’s blade. Anything to protect the king.