Pure Imagination

A/N: Hullo again. Forgive my slight absence from my stories. This one I did decide to make longer to make up for it. I have like...5 stories going at once...one of which is with a friend. So to my avid readers forgive me. I'll try to be more on it. Enjoy this chapter though. R&R is appreciated, though flames are not. Lol, btw, as a side note incase anyone look at my chapters and is like "heeeeeey..." I do use my music for inspiration for both my writing and my chapter titles.

Mid way through the night, Saturn felt an intense shift in her dreams. Where they were momentarily filled with happiness and memory, they quickly shifted to shouting, screams, and noise. Her eyes fluttered and she shifted against Braxton. Slowly, she raised her head, and glanced around in the darkness. Seconds later, the door to Braxtons room slammed open, and the centaur sat up. Akil stood in the door way, bloodied and breathing heavily. "We are under attack".

The next few moments were a whirl of movement and action. Saturn scrambled to dress, while Braxton fastened his sword belt, kissed her cheek, and told her to be safe, before following the wounded Akil out. She could hear the pounding and clatter of hooves and feet in the hallways as others were shaken awake. The enemy had used to cover of night and the surrounding forest to attack the sleeping village and castle. She peered out the window, watching the forces as they moved towards the village, meanwhile a stream of villagers came in through hidden entrances, herded by armed warriors. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Braxton amongst those that would defend the gate and walls. The village itself was a glowing, fiery mess. She suddenly remembered Esephle and felt a surge of panic. The nymph would have no clue what was going on.

She slipped out of the room, pressing herself against the wall as others hurried by. In her days of begin there, she had discovered more then one way out into the courtyard, and made her way across it quickly, headed towards the stables. Most of the horses were gone, though she had no interest in these. She walked past them, headed for the Kings personal Stable, where the Unicorn Ramzy was being kept. Just as she was about to enter the barn, someone grabbed her arm. "What are you doing in here?" She turned, alarmed, and was slightly shocked to find herself face to face with the Queen. The woman's eyes were wide with fear, and in one hand she was holding what appeared to be a sword, though wether she knew how to use it was beyond Saturn. "I could ask the same of you", She replied. The queen glanced around quickly. "I heard the commotion and came here...it is our safe place". Her grip on Saturns arm never laxed. "You honestly think this is safe?" Saturn knew enough about battles to know that during one, no where was safe. "It wont be long before they breach the walls", the woman murmured. "Their numbers outlast our own...my Lord is in battle...helping to defend our walls..." Her eyes bore into Saturn. "He left me..." She pried herself free of the Queen's grasp and returned the stare evenly. "That I do not-" Her words were cut off when a sudden clatter nearby made her turn. She pulled the other female into an empty stall and peered over the edge. Men were coming over the wall to their right. She swore softly. The queen gripped her arm once more. " What is it?" she asked quietly, her voice thick with panic. "Men...they found a way over the wall...their using the forest as cover". Saturn watched as several figures slid to the ground with a thump. She glanced at the oman beside her. "Do you know how to use that sword?" Queen Marisol shook her head slowly. "I...no...I wasn't...ever allowed..." Saturn swore softly and carefully took the blade from her. She wasn't a sword fighter, but she had taken fencing in high-school and only prayed some of it would come back to her. The men were talking quietly amongst themselves. "Oi, now that we're here...where abouts do we start?"one asked gruffly. There was a nasty chuckle. "Why wiv some O dem horses o'course...dems will be our highest bidders dems will". Saturn ducked down as they passed the stall both she and Marisol were hiding in. The queen had started to cry softly, clinging to the pink haired woman tightly. "Oi...whas' this then!?" She clapped a hand over the woman's mouth, afraid they had heard her. WHen she peered over the stall she could see them gathered around the last stall. Suddenly she remembered. "Oh no...Ramzy".

The men were obviously pleased with their discovery. "It be a bleedin' Unicorn it is", one stated cheerfully. "Now why d'ya fink that wretched king would 'ave one O' these in 'ere eh?" "'Oo cares...brign the bloody beast out...he'll fetch us a right nice lot he will". There was a scuffle and a snort. When she looked over to where they were, they had dragged Ramzy out of his stall and were holding him down. The unicorn was struggling against the bonds they were attempting to put him in, and even managed to kick one of the blokes hard in his shins. "'Old him down! He's just a bleedin horse for cripes sake..." "Aye, a bleedin 'orse ye say...you 'old 'im down then...sees if you gettin kicked aint not but pleasant". "Hush you..." There was a harsh sound of flesh on flesh and a yelp. Saturn slid down next to the queen once more. "We have to save him..." The woman looked at her like she was crazy. "Save him? There are more of them then us..I am not risking my life.." Saturn eyed her. "He saved mine...I can't sit by and watch them either end his for his blood or horn or sell him to someone who will". She hefted the sword in her hand and took a deep breathe, before stepping out of the stall. 'God I have to be crazy' she thought. "Release him...at once!" The men stopped in their struggles to bind the horse and glanced around to see who had spoken to them. Saturn shifted her grip on the sword, trying to find that comfort that often came when she had been fencing. She stepped forward into the light washing across the ground forma lantern hanging on the stable wall. The men exchanged looks, then one grinned, straightening up from his position. "Well well...looky wha' we got 'ere then boys...a right nice lookin tripe". The others chuckled, and she heard the sound of metal sliding out of a sheath. "Take her too boys".

She closed her eyes, sliding into a stance. The first man came out her, and automatically she brought her sword up, blocking his blow. He stumbled past her, obviously startled. The second followed close behind, shouting his confidence. She parried this one as well, and shifted so that her back slid into the crook of his arm. His surprised expression was obvious, even more so when she reversed the sword and slammed the hilt into his chin. She heard a crack as his jaw shattered and moved out of the way as he collapsed to the ground. His companions were staring, open mouthed, obviously confused. She turned to face her remaining attackers,barely catching the third attack, but stumbling under the weight of the man as he bore down on her. he grinned, exposing yellowed teeth. "Pretty lass...shouldn't be wielding such a dangerous weapon". She wrinkled her nose, and forced a fair amount of energy into pushing back. "I got two words for you buddy". His grin dissipated as she let his weight carry her back and over her as he over balanced. She quickly slammed the flat end of the blade across his shoulder blade, then brought her booted foot up, connecting solidly with his groin. "Brush you teeth!" She turned to face the remaining ones but instead found herself facing a white coat instead. Ramzy stood between her and the others. A bright, white light was flooding the area, blinding the men, and preventing them from seeing where she was. "Quickly Saturn..." She wasted no time in swinging onto his back. "Ramzy the queen..." He moved backwards, keeping the light between them and their attackers. "Marisol....come on". The queen refused to budge from her hiding spot, but only until the first man saturn had hit groaned. She hastily dragged herself onto the Unicorns back behind Saturn and gripped the young woman around her waist. The extra weight didn't seem to phase Ramzy and he turned. "The light will fade momentarily...." Saturn could see that the men didn't seem sure if they could pass or not..she didn't wish to remain when they got brave and attempted or before the light faded and they realized it was nothing more then a trick of the Unicorns magic. "Hurry Ramzy..before they figure it wont last". The horned horse turned and Saturn felt his muscles bunch under her as he took off, leaping over the stable gate and onto the path leading up to it.

She could feel the Queen nails as they dug into her sides, but ignored it. "We have to tell them that they can breach the walls form the back", she informed the unicorn. He nodded. "Surely they would have thought of this ahead of time?" She shook her head. "I don't think so...after the ambush on us, I think they figured they would merely attack the front and to the sides of that...not the back. If they had sentries I don't think they would have seen the enemy if they came under the cover of the forest." He snorted, obviously thinking the same thing she was. The castle was to comfortable for its own good. Their first win had made them lax. Ramzy hadn't questioned the Queens presence, and had merely accepted the fact that she was there. But now, as they approached the gate, and the signs of fighting became evident, he slowed a safe distance away. "Surely her Highness would be safer elsewhere?" Saturn nodded, but Marisol shook her head vigorously, clinging to the pink haired female harder. "No! You can not abandon me as my husband has!" Ramzy looked back at Saturn questioningly. "She thinks the King will die in battle....as we all will..." The unicorn snorted. "Your Highness does not know your warriors as well as you think....some may die, yes...but none are better trained." Saturn pursed her lips, then wrapped her hands in Ramzy's mane. "We can't waste any more time...we have to let them know". Ramzy nodded and stared off once more, quickly shifting into a gallop. The fighting had progressed to the village, as the castle forces pushed them away. But even now she was sure more were climbing the back walls, coming to attack from behind while the defenders thought everything was in front.

They galloped full tilt towards the gate. Guards were struggling to close it, preventing any further entrance."WAIT!" Saturn waved with one arm frantically. "WAIT! DONT CLOSE IT!" She swore softly. "Hurry Ramzy, they can't hear me...if we don't get to Braxton or Harmon they'll attack the castle and the villages inside!" The Unicorn sped up, his hooves causing sparks to fly up as they struck the cobblestones beneath them. The gate opening was becoming smaller and smaller. A voice shouted form above as they got closer. "SATURN! WHAT THE HELL DO YOUT THINK YOU ARE DOING!? GO BACK TO THE CASTLE!" Akil's blonde form was standing on the battlements, facing them. "Akil! They are coming over the wall!" "WHAT!?WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? AND WITH THE QUEEN!!!!! TURN AROUND RIGHT NOW!!" "The wall Akil! The back wall!" The blonde turned and shouted something at his companions. The gate begin to shut more rapidly. "Hurry Ramzy! Hurry! Their going to shut us inside!" The sparks from his hooves became evident now as they thundered ever closer to the entrance. "THE BACK WALL AKIL", she shouted, just as the gate slammed shut behind them, having barely made it through. "THEY ARE COMING OVER THE BACK WALL NEAR THE STABLES!"

The centaur swore, turning and looking to where she had indicated. Sure enough he could see the sillouhettes of men as they came over the top of the wall."Dammit!" He turned back to yell at the woman once more, but she was already disappearing down the road, straight towards the battle. "Fuck! Fuckfuckfuck!" He begin barking orders at those around him, directing half of the men towards the back walls, and into the castle to defend the villagers huddled inside. "Damn that girl!"

Saturn braced herself as the sounds of fighting became louder. There were shouts and screams from horses, the sound of metal on metal, and the smell of burning wood and flesh was overwhelming. Behind her, Marisol made a sound, like gagging. She was obviously trying to keep form getting sick. Ramzy rounded a corner, and had to leap over a pile of fallen bodies, a mixture of their own warriors and the enemy. Saturn slipped sideways on the horses back, hooking her leg over his neck, and bent down to scoop a fallen bow and arrow set form one of the bodies. The move didn't hinder Ramzy, and he barely slowed. She straightened and handed the sword back to Marisol. The woman stared at it with wide eyes. "Im better at archery...I took it in college and aced it", she informed the queen. "You need something to protect yourself with". She stared ahead of them, spotting the first of the fighters in front of them. As the drew closer, the sound of Ramzys hooves slamming into the ground drew attention from two of the fighters. Within a matter of seconds, Saturn had fitted the bow with her first arrow, brought it up, aimed, and let it loose. It struck one man whom she was sure was the enemy in the neck, allowing for the centaur fighting him to bring him down. She had fitted and shot another before they galloped passed. "Your skills are impeccable", Ramzy commented, having to shout over a lot of the noise. " I told you...I aced it in college". They neared a larger band of fighters, and beyond that even more. She could make out Braxtons form in this brawl. He was wielding two blades and cutting through their enemy like it was nothing. Harmon was not to far away, keeping what looked like a band of trolls at bay. "Braxton! Braxton!" The dark centaur beheaded one man and turned to look at her. His expression went from fierce to panic." Saturn! No! What in the bloody hell are you doing here!?" In his distraction, he didn't see the man coming up behind him. Saturn brought the bow up, but before she could let the arrow fly,Ramzy had lunged forward. His horn pierced through the males stomach, before sending him flying backwards. The unicorn backed up until he was level with Braxton, head lowered, daring any to come closer. The look Braxton cast them was full of venom, and even more so when he spotted the Queen sitting behind saturn. "What, in all high heaven, do you two think you are doing!?"he shouted at them, turning to catch another man on the shoulder with one of his blades. "We came...to warn you...that their faking this attack". Harmon, who had managed to cut his way through to them frowned heavily. "What do you mean faking it?" Saturn twisted on Ramzy's back, shooting the man who had attempted to unseat her in the head. "They are breaching the back walls...but nobody knew because everyone was here and defending the front...they wanted everyone out of the castle before they came at you from behind...their gonna skewer you guys in the ass". Braxton would have laughed at her use of words had the situation not been so critical. "I told Akil", she continued. "But there weren't nearly enough men to protect everything..and who knows how many are coming over". Harmon swung at a spindly Urk, sending the creature flying. "Then we must return...this battle here is almost won..if most of their men are scaling the wall..." "There is no use for us to be here", Braxton finished. Harmon raised a horn to his lips, and blew into it hard. The sound rang across the battlefield. Immediately, a small portion, mostly consisting of centaurs, broke off from the battle, and begin making their ways towards him. "QUICKLY! WE MUST DEFEND THE CASTLE! IT IS BEING BREACHED FROM BEHIND AND THOSE LEFT WILL NOT BE ENOUGH! WE MUST PROTECT THE VILLAGERS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR BROTHERS IN ARMS!" The collected shouted and begin a hasty back track towards the castle, cutting down those enemies who stood in their way. Braxton turned to look at Saturn. "You will stay close to me and Harmon". He started off, and Ramzy followed, while Harmon brought up their rear, keeping himself between them and any who might have followed. The remaining fighters of their company cut off any access to those enemies who remained, barring them from following.

The sound of hooves thundering made the gates open, and the collected swarmed through. In their absence, a battle had begun in the castle grounds. Akil had taken the men climbing over the wall by surprise, and now the centaur pursued most across the courtyard. He merely nodded at Braxton and company when they came in, to intent on the scruffy looking man he was chasing. Braxton swung around to look at Saturn. "You are to take the queen to a safe place and stay there, you understand me?" She opened her mouth to object, but he cut her off by suddenly pressing his lips to hers. She was to surprised to say much else when he pulled away. "I mean it this time Saturn..." With that he turned and was off, to aid Akil and the others. Saturn looked back at Marisol, who had been quiet this whole time. "Ramzy is going to take care of you". The woman looked at her, confused. "Aren't you coming?" She shook her head. "No...my friend is in the castle..I have to make sure she's ok". Ramzy pressed his blood stained horn against her cheek. "I will take good care of her Highness while you are gone...my word...do be careful". Saturn smiled and hugged the horse around his neck. "I will...I'll try to return". He nodded and turned, trotting off around the other side of the stable.

Saturn made her way into the castle quickly, keeping to the shadows. So far she hadn't run into anyone, which made it obvious that the guards outside were doing their job. It wasn't until she rounded a corner that she was forced to stop. Three trolls now stood in front of her. Luckily, they hadn't seen her yet. She pressed herself against the wall. They had found something by the sounds of it. When she peered back around she could see it was, of all people, Esephle. The Nymph was glaring and tried to kick the nearest troll. He grunted and caught her foot, hanging her upside down. "Nasty bitch..'ere now 'oggard..aint this the one..." Another troll examined Esephle closely, and bared his teeth in a grin. "Yup..sure is...thought you got away di'n ya...where's yer lil' friend wif the fancy lock pick now eh?" Saturn strung her bow, stepped out of the shadow and let the arrow fly. It skimmed the top of the head of the troll holding Esephle's feet and he yelped, almost dropping the nymph. "Im right here you idiotic creatures". Hoggard snarled at her. "Bitch! Thanks ta you my whole stock got away! I hadda face them damn lords cross the border wif nothin' ta show! Lost a whole weeks pay I did! An' tha' dragon woulda' been my biggest haul....him and the' griffin! But no! YOU hadda go an' let them all free!" Saturn saw the flash of a blade in the torch light and winced as it grazed her cheek, though she managed to avoid most of the attack by quickly stepping back. The troll growled, turning around to face her again. His companions were dragging Esephle away, despite her intense kicking and screaming behind her gag. He came at her again, the blade a shimmering missile as it sliced towards her heart. She was slower and the tip bit into her shoulder. She was momentarily blinded by pain as it hit her barely healed wound from the arrow, and staggered, catching herself on the wall. When her vision cleared, all she saw was the hilt of the blade and felt a burst of white hot fire as it struck her in the temple, knocking her unconscious. The troll kicked her for good measure then turned and followed his companions. They loaded Esephle up into a wagon with a few other villagers they had managed to corner, and were quickly on their way, managing to take a cleared hole through the back wall and disappearing into the forest surrounding the castle.

It felt like hours before Saturn came around. She felt her head timidly, and grimaced. Blood had seeped down her face from the wound, but nothing compared to the arrow wound that had been freshly opened. She slowly, stiffly got to her feet, and struggled to focus her vision. She could still hear the sound of battle outside, but it seemed less, meaning that most of the enemy had either been taken out...or most of their men had. She highly doubted that, considering they had fair warning, and gripped the wall for support. ONce her head had stopped spinning, she blinked a few times to clear the spots form her eyes and looked around. She was in front of her own room. The effort of turning the door knob seemed to take more energy then she thought possible, but once inside, she staggered over to the dresser. Braxtons doll was eyeing her from his position. She had almost forgotten about the thing, but for now her interests lay else where. She fumbled around, until she found what she was looking for. A box that contained most of what she had acquired while here. Slowly, she opened it and peered down its contents. The dragon scale Ziggory had given her...and the griffins whistle. This she pulled out and slipped around her neck. The scale she set on top of the dresser and rested her forehead against it. It felt cold, but the moment her thoughts drifted to the Dragon, it flared to life, and she pulled back. "Ziggory...." The Dragons voice filled her room, as if he was standing right next to her. She wasn't sure whom he was talking to, but his voice took on a rather dry tone. "Ziggory...please.." The room begin to melt...much like her own had when she had first come here. The colors faded and blurred, running together. Stone walls decorated with colorful crystals and shelves piled high with books took its place. She turned to look behind her, and was startled to find the dragons back to her. He was still speaking to someone animatedly. "Ziggory!" His voice broke off and his head swiveled around to look at her. "Oh! Saturn! My goodness! What...happened to you?" His body followed his head and he picked her up gingerly. THe Braxton doll had evidently followed her in her reality change, and now frowned heavily up at the dragon. He peered down at it. "She brought you along...dont complain..." Saturn felt drained, and closed her eyes fro a moment. "There was an attack on the castle Ziggory...those trolls took Esephle again..." The dragon stroked her hair fondly, soothing her. She took a deep breath. "Where would...where would they take her?" He considered this. "Id suppose to the border this time...they wouldn't want to waste any time hauling them to one place then to another, especially if they encounter any of our own warriors." She shifted in his clawed hand, trying to ease some of the ache in her head. "Is there a road they would take?" He thought about this, plucking the doll off the floor and placing it on his table. "They would take the west road", a soft voice commented. Ziggory turned, and Saturn was able to see who he had been speaking to. A dragon the color of sand, and eyes as blue as day, sat on the other side of the table. Except...he wasn't really a dragon. Ziggory pursed his lips, small plumes of smoke drifting out of his nostrils as he thought. "True...true..though she would never get there on foot...not in time..." Saturn stared at the dragon like creature,unable to place it. Ziggory noted her intense gaze and chuckled. "Forgive me Saturn, this is Feverbank..he's a wevyrn..." She blinked. "I thought Wevryns....were bad..." Feverbank examined her with interest. "Normally..yes..." His voice was still soft spoken, and as he shifted position, fin like ears fanned out on either side of his head. He didn't have legs, but extended a hand and Ziggory passed Saturn over to him as he went about collecting a few things. "Perhaps Ramzy..." Saturn shook her head, the effort making her dizzy. "No...he's watching the Queen". The Weveryn had begin to stroke her hair much like Ziggory had, though it seemed to be more in thought then any attempt to make her feel more comfortable in his hold. "Besides...Ramzy is fast but the trolls most likely have a few hours head start and like any horse he would tire quickly..particularly if he is already in service..and wounded as I heard last." Saturn closed her eyes, Feverbanks touch gentle. "I was going to ask..." "The Griffin", both dragons stated at the same time. Saturn smiled faintly. "Yes...him..." Ziggory hummed to himself. "Yes...yes....Soundwing would be better suited...he flies rather then walks...and he does owe Saturn..." Feverbank purred softly. "Perhaps this battle is bigger then we thought it to be Ziggory...maybe the Dragons should intervene". Ziggory puffed out a column of smoke. "Perhaps...." Saturn blinked up at the Wyvern. "Forgive me Feverbank..but how does all this involve you anyway?" He grinned down at her, showing teeth almost as sharp as Ziggorys...though she knew these teeth were tipped in poison...and the sandy creature could emit a fog that would kill all it touched. "Lets just say the bordering neighbors have killed off more of my kind then I care to count in their attempt to gain power. Those few they do manage to employ die quickly....and those that refuse are killed anyway...we lose either way you see it...my family was amongst those that refused....and all but myself suffered for our...insubordination..." His blue eyes took on a hard cast, and he carefully set Saturn down. Ziggory looked down at her. "We will be there to aid you soon Saturn...first Is suppose we should warn your knights of the impending battle...Feverbank says the armies awaiting them are far beyond anything we could comprehend." Feverbank shifted his position, picking up a teacup. "They are weak though...those that defend us must hit hard and fast...the enemy marches soon...they must be ready" Ziggory handed Saturn a sweet cake. "We will warn your Sir Braxton so that he may prepare...him and the others will need to recuperate from this attack and hopefully...meet you at the border soon. Call upon Soundwing Saturn...he will not let harm come to you while you rescue those in need once more". The dragon was beginning to fade once more, as was Feverbank, who sipped his tea, his gaze never leaving Saturns face, even as he begin to dissolve.

Once more she found herself in her room. Braxtons doll was on her bed now. "I have to go...", she told it softly. The look it gave her was clearly reflecting the real ones current mood. "Keep yourself out of trouble..." She gathered her bow and arrows ones more and walked out. The halls were clear and she made her way into the courtyard, weaving through the wreckage of it carefully. Once she was in an open enough space, she lifted the whistle to her lips and blew into it hard. At first she heard nothing, then slowly, and answering whistle that carried across the deserted grounds. Even those who remained after the battle paused int heir round up of the remaining enemy to look around for the source. Braxton shifted, looking around like the others for the sound as it grew louder. Akil gripped his shoulder, clutching his wounded side and pointed towards the south end of the trees. A bright light was streaking towards them. "What in all heavens name is that?" Harmon joined them, watching as the light came closer. "My lord...is that...?" The light flew by, forcing them, and everyone around to dive to the ground for cover. Akil swore heavily, his side burning with pain. The light skidded to a halt, not but a few feet from Saturn. WHen it begin to fade, Soundwing turned to face her and bowed low. "My lady....you called?" She made her way towards him, and he examined her carefully. "Soundwing...I need you to help me". The Griffin chirped softly. "THat is why I gave you my call Lady Saturn...though not even a million favors could add up to you saving me...what is it you need?" She gripped him behind one wing and pulled herself onto his back. "I need you to take me to the western border Soundwing...the enemy has taken things that don't belong to them...one is my friend...and I need her back". Soundwing made sure she was settled comfortably on his back before he spread his wings and rose up. "As my Lady wishes....will your mate object?" Saturn frowned. "My mate?" Soundwing nodded. "Yes...the angry looking Centaur coming towards us". She glanced around and sighed. "Yes..but he will learn soon enough". She glanced at Braxton, who had stopped a few feet away from her. " Saturn...get off him now.." She wrapped her arms around the Griffins neck. "I can't Braxton..." She could see him struggle to hold his temper back. "Saturn...I have already almost lost you twice now...I will not do so again...get....off....of....that...bird". Soundwing bristled slightly. "I beg to differ sir...I am not a bird". Braxton growled softly. "I do not CARE what you are...I want her off of you". Saturn shook her head. "Go higher Soundwing". He nodded and rose a few feet. "Saturn...I will not tell you again..." She made a face. "No Braxton..not this time." He exploded then. "What do you mean THIS time!? You didn't listen the last time I told you! I tell you one thing and its like you enjoy making me fret! If you were my mate I swear I would...I...I would..." Saturn smiled, and nudged Soundwing higher. Braxton didn't get much of a chance to say any more for at that time Ziggory and Feverbank could be seen coming from the same direction Soundwing had come from. Braxton turned accusing eyes on Saturn. "They can tell you everything Braxton...I'll see you soon...promise". With that she urged the Griffin into flight. They passed the Dragon and Wyvern, exchanging quick words, and Soundwing quickly gained air, so as not to be seen by any enemies that may have been lurking below, though he was sure the arrival of the two dragons would have scared any potential attackers away. Saturn closed her eyes, allowing herself to slip into semi-sleep. She would need her strength more then ever before.