Chapter Text
Midnight wrapped Bannerfall in silver hush.
Apokuna exhaled slowly, fingers loosening around the straps of their headgear before setting it carefully in the grass beside them. The metal caught the moonlight for a moment - a reminder of who she was supposed to be.
Knight of the Red Kingdom. Protector. Blade. (and a moon knight of Soluna)
Not this.
Not someone sitting barefoot in a field, knees damp with dew, watching the sky pale at the edges like it was waking up slowly and reluctantly.
The flower field stretched wide beyond the outer hills of Bannerfall, technically neutral land - though neutrality in Bannerfall was more suggestion than law. The Blue Kingdom’s banners had been spotted too close to the border lately. Too deliberate.
Apo didn’t want to think about it.
Didn’t want to think about Soluna either - the way the spires had glowed gold at sunset, the way smoke had risen the last time they’d seen it. They would have to go back. They had to know who survived. Who didn’t,
Her jaw tightened.
Not yet.
The wind shifted, brushing against her hair, tugging at the loose strands she never bothered to tame. The flowers bent with it, an ocean of soft color bowing and rising, bowing and rising.
Peaceful.
For now.
Soon, they would have to abandon the fragile quiet and return to the kingdom - to banners snapping in tense wind, to sharpened steel and sharper words, to the weight of expectation settling back onto their shoulders like armour.
But not yet.
For one more breath, Apo stayed seated in the silvered field, letting the night hold her gently before morning demanded her back.
She took a breath.
Slow. Steady.
They reached for the headgear, fingers brushing cool metal before lifting it from the grass. Dew clung to the edges, silver beads catching the dying starlight. Apo wiped it clean against their sleeve, movements deliberate.
No hesitation now.
The quiet did not follow her when she stood.
It stayed in the flowers.
She slipped the headgear back on. The familiar weight settled into place, fitting as naturally as breath. Protector. Blade. Moon knight.
Apokuna cast one last look across the field - at the bowing sea of petals, at the horizon beginning to blush with dawn.
“Gotta go back before Cherri notices… or anyone, really,” she muttered under her breath, the words almost stolen by the wind.
A faint huff of amusement escaped her. If Princess Cherri found out Apo had slipped beyond the border alone, there would be a lot of questions. From her. From Ser Bek. From Katie. Maybe even Kitty, if word traveled fast enough.
They adjusted the straps once more, squaring their shoulders.
The first light of morning crept over the hills, catching on the distant walls of the Red Kingdom. From here, it looked almost peaceful — banners still, towers quiet, as if it too hadn’t fully woken.
It was almost convincing.
Apo knew better.
Peace between the two kingdoms was rarely more than a pause between storms.
She started down the hill, boots brushing through dew-soaked grass, each step pulling her further from silver quiet and closer to stone corridors and council chambers. The outline of the gates sharpened as the sun climbed higher, painting the walls in soft gold.
A pair of sentries stood at the outer path, their silhouettes stiff against the dawn. One straightened when they recognized her shape.
“Knight Apokuna,” the guard called, dipping his head.
Apo gave a short nod in return, her expression already settled into something composed, unreadable.
“Anything to report?” she asked, voice steady.
“Quiet night,” he replied. “Too quiet.”
Their gaze flicked briefly toward the distant border- where blue sometimes appeared without warning.
“Keep it that way,” she said.
The guard nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am.”
Apo stepped past them, boots striking stone now instead of earth. The gates groaned as they shifted for the morning change, chains rattling softly overhead. Inside, the courtyard was beginning to stir - stable hands crossing with buckets, a pair of squires arguing in hushed tones, the faint clang of metal from the forge waking with the sun.
Normal.
Almost,
They didn’t slow.
Her path cut straight through the lower yard and toward the inner corridors, where banners of red and gold hung heavy between the pillars. A few early risers glanced up as she passed - offering nods, close friends saying a small hello before tending to their usual jobs
She had to get to her lady’s house. Just in case.
If Princess Cherri was already awake and discovered Apo had slipped beyond the walls alone, there would be questions. Sharp ones. Concerned ones, disguised poorly as 'irritation'
They turned down the stone path that led toward their first house she made in this kingdom
They turned down the stone path that led toward the first house she had made in this kingdom - a small, sturdy building tucked near the eastern wing, its windows catching the morning light. Familiar. Safe. Quiet enough that she could check for signs of movement without drawing attention.
Every step felt heavier now, the soft echo of her boots against stone reminding her that the silver hush of the field had been left behind. The walls, the banners, the distant hum of the kingdom waking
Apo slowed only slightly as they approached the door, hand brushing along the smooth wood. They could hear faint rustling inside. Not yet,
Steady, Professional, Ready.
She knocked lightly, the sound absorbed almost immediately into the quiet of the house.
“My lady?” Apo called, voice level. “It’s Apokuna.”
The rustling stopped. A soft sigh, then the creak of floorboards approaching. The door opened just enough to reveal a familiar figure framed in the morning light.
“Apokuna!!” Cherri exclaimed, eyes wide, a mix of joy shining through.
Apo allowed themselves the briefest smile, tilting their head slightly in acknowledgment. “Good morning, Your Highness,” they said evenly, voice calm, steady. “I… wanted to make sure all was well.”
Cherri’s eyes sparkled as she reached out, grabbing Apo’s arm and pulling them inside. “Oh, everything’s fine~! Don’t be such a worrywart! Come inside!”
Apo let themselves be guided through the doorway, the warmth of the house and the familiarity of Cherri’s presence settling around them. The morning air, the quiet field,
“Did you eat something this morning?” Apo asked, voice calm but carrying a note of concern. She had to take care of Cherri. It was why she was here instead of staying in Soluna, fighting for her kingdom. King Ren had assigned her personally to watch over the princess, and Apo took the duty seriously.
Cherri blinked, slightly startled, then chuckled softly. “Uh… no. I didn’t think about it.”
Apo’s eyes softened, though their expression stayed composed. “You need to. Even a short night without proper food can leave you weak.”
Cherri pouted playfully, stepping aside so Apo could move further into the house. “I suppose you’re right, Knight Apokuna… though I was hoping to be forgiven for worrying you instead~”
Apokuna let a small smile escape, a rare crack in their knightly composure. “You’re not forgiven yet,” they teased lightly, “but I’ll allow breakfast first. Here, let me make something for you.”
Cherri tilted her head, watching Apo move with practiced efficiency through the small kitchen. The smell of morning dew still clung faintly to their armor, but their movements were steady and purposeful
“You know you can take your armor off, right?” Cherri said, her tone teasing, though her brow furrowed slightly with concern. She herself always commented on how heavy Apokuna’s armor seemed.
Apo paused for a heartbeat, glancing over their shoulder with a small, almost imperceptible shrug. “I could,” they admitted, voice calm. “But I like staying ready. Even here.”
Cherri huffed softly, walking closer. “You’re impossible… but fine. Just… don’t overdo it, alright? You don’t need to fight breakfast, you know.”
Apo’s lips curved into a faint smile as they returned to arranging the ingredients. “Noted. Breakfast isn’t an enemy,” they said lightly, though the glint in their eye suggested they were already imagining any challenge that might come next.
Cherri shook her head, laughter bubbling up despite herself. “Honestly… you make it impossible not to worry about you.”
“Hey,” Apokuna said, spinning slightly to meet her gaze, a teasing lift to their voice, “that’s my job.”
Cherri blinked, mock indignation flashing across her features before she laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, of course! The great and responsible Lady Apokuna, protector of kingdoms… and of me,”
Apo smirked faintly, returning to their preparations. “Someone has to make sure you survive the morning,” they replied smoothly, the knightly composure slipping just enough to let warmth shine through,
Cherri leaned against the counter, watching them with an affectionate shake of her head. “I swear… one of these days, your sense of duty is going to give me a heart attack before anyone else even tries.”
Apo only chuckled softly, focused yet unhurried, "you sure you won't give me one first?"
Cherri’s laugh was soft, teasing, carrying through the small kitchen. “Maybe… but you’d probably survive. I, on the other hand, might not forgive you if you did.”
Apo’s grin widened just slightly. “Noted. I’ll keep that in mind while making your breakfast safe… and edible.”
Cherri rolled her eyes, though the warmth in her expression didn’t fade. the room fell in comfortable silence,
Breakfast was finished.
Apo stepped back, hands folded neatly, giving Cherri a small, measured smile. “All ready,” they said. “Eat while it’s warm. You need the energy for… whatever the morning brings.”
Cherri’s eyes softened as she settled into her seat. “Thank you, Apokuna,” she said quietly, her voice almost vulnerable for a moment. “I… appreciate you being here.”
Apo inclined their head, ever composed, but a faint warmth flickered in their gaze. “Always, Its my job” they replied.
“Hm… do you want to learn how to cook?”
Cherri blinked, a mixture of surprise and amusement lighting her face. “Me? Cook? I… I don’t know if I’d be any good at it.”
Apo tilted their head, a small, patient smile tugging at their lips. “I can get Sausage to teach you,” they suggested casually, “if you’d rather have someone… more experienced show you the ropes.”
Cherri’s eyes widened a little. “Sausage? The mage?"
Apo nodded slightly. “Yes. he’s… enthusiastic, and precise with her spells in battle. You’d learn quickly, though it might get a little chaotic.”
Cherri thought for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Alright… I’ll do it. I’ll learn from Sausage—chaos and all.”
Apokuna allowed themselves a faint, approving smile. “Good. I’ll make sure to tell him when I visit for enchantments,” they said, the hint of amusement in their voice. “That way he’ll know you’re coming… and can prepare for the chaos you bring.”
Cherri laughed softly, shaking her head. “I suppose I should warn him then… though I can’t promise I’ll behave.”
Apo’s smirk deepened just slightly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. Enjoy your breakfast,” they said, stepping back slightly to let her eat in peace.
Cherri’s grin widened as she picked up her fork. “I will… but only because you made it, Lady Apokuna.”
Apo inclined their head, a rare flicking or pink tint coming onto their face. “G-good. Eat well- you’ll need the energy for whatever the morning brings.” they said, voice just slightly uneven, betraying the warmth they usually kept so carefully hidden.
Cherri’s eyes softened, a teasing spark dancing in them. “You’re adorable when you try not to be, you know that?”
Apo let out a quiet, almost imperceptible chuckle, turning back to tidy the kitchen. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” they replied, the faint blush lingering just enough to make the morning feel softer, calmer, and unexpectedly bright. "Well i should take my leave then" Apo added, straightening slightly and adjusting their armor with practiced precision. “The kingdom won’t guard itself, and duty calls.”
Cherri tilted her head, a small, a,ffectionate smile playing on her lips. “Of course… but hurry back, alright? I’d hate for you to get into trouble while I’m still at breakfast.”
Apo’s lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile. “I’ll be back before you know it. Eat well, Your Highness.”
With that, they stepped toward the door, the quiet warmth of the kitchen and Cherri’s teasing presence lingering behind them like a soft echo as they returned to the world outside.
THE BLUE KINGDOM
Scott wandered the quiet corridors, boredom heavy in his steps. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting sharp lines across the polished floors, but it did little to lift his mood.
He was about to sigh in frustration when Shandrea appeared, her robes flowing lightly as she approached him.
“Scott,” she said, voice calm but firm, “the Queen requests a meeting. She wants to see everyone in the council chambers immediately.”
Scott raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across his face. “Now? First thing in the morning? What’s it about?”
Shandrea shook her head slightly, lips pressed together. “She didn’t say. Just that it’s important. We’d better not keep her waiting.”
Scott let out a long, reluctant breath. “Well… can’t ignore that, can I?”
And with that, he strode toward the council chambers, unaware of the ripples this morning would send across the kingdoms.
He fell into step beside her, the corridors quiet except for the echo of their footsteps. The air felt taut, as though the castle itself sensed the urgency, and Scott couldn’t shake the creeping thought that whatever the Queen wanted, it would stir more than just the council.
By the time they reached the chambers, the other members were already gathering, banners of blue and silver lining the walls, eyes flicking between each other in uneasy anticipation. Scott paused just outside the door, exhaling slowly.
“Alright,” he muttered under his breath. “Let’s see what all the fuss is about.”
Inside, the morning meeting promised to shift the day, and maybe the balance of the kingdoms- in ways no one could yet imagine.