Work Text:
It had been weeks since her last human contact, and Franziska Von Karma was perfectly content with that. She was investigating a possible plot against the kingdom, but had so far found nothing. She decided that the Gatewater Forest held no importance with any criminal activity. She would return to the capital, give her report, and receive new orders. However, her plans would have to be changed.
On her third day of travel, she felt a drop of rain hit her scalp. Upon glancing towards the sky, she saw gathering storm clouds. If she was caught in the rain this far from civilization, she couldn't get treatment for any sickness. She began searching for shelter, and came across a cave. After a moment's hesitation, she entered.
Walking straight ahead for a few minutes, Franziska's eyes began to dilate, growing used to the dark. Further into the cavern, she caught a glimpse of a faint, flickering light. Hoping for fellow travelers, she glanced around the corner.
"Does everyone know the plan?"
"Of course we do. You've only had us go over it thirty times, now."
"By this time next month, the kingdom will fall to us."
Without thinking, Franziska revealed herself, brandishing the whip she had made a name for herself with.
"In the name of the Von Karma Kingdom, you all are under arrest!"
The three men seated around the rickety wooden table all turned to face Franziska, and one by one they stood up.
"Well, if it isn't the soldier princess. Aren't you a little far from your safe, comfortable castle?"
Sweat ran down her brow, and she took a step back. Two of the men reached under the table, grabbing bows.
At the sight of their weapons, Franziska began to panic. "Do you fools not understand English? I said you are under arrest!"
As the criminals approached her, she weighed her options. She could stay, fight, and almost certainly be killed or captured, or she could run. Running improved her chances of survival by a large margin, but she would be forever marked as a coward.
The sound of an arrow being drawn made up her mind. She turned and sprinted through the cave, her pursuers hot on her tail. Upon exiting, she ran into the pouring rain, not knowing exactly where she was going. At a fork in the path, a searing pain pulsed through her shoulder. Not thinking about it she ran left, and spotted a side path obscured by massive leaves and other foliage. Trying to be as quiet as possible, she ran down the trail, which led to a small wooden cottage, turning the doorknob, she entered and shut the door behind her, crumpling to the ground. The world grew dim and out of focus, as unconsciousness finally took her.