The Grey Warden: Forbidden Warrior
Chapter 17
Dearly Beloved
(:.:)
Saber's eyes fluttered open. She heard a growl. She jumped up and looked around. Next to her was a enormous bird. It screamed at her, and she flinched visibly.
"What the..?" she mumbled.
"That is the Phoenix. Or Urthemiel, as the spirits know it…"
She looked around and saw Mouse. Or rather the spirit of Courage, was in his original form. He looked weakened and something was off.
Saber walked towards him. "Is this the Fade then?" she asked. She was so confused. All she could remember was Lyna and-
"You lost the control over the Phoenix…" Mouse said softly. "You killed in you rage Madara… and almost Naruto and Sasuke as well…"
Saber let the words sink in and then stuttered. "W-what?" she stumbled back and held her hand before her mouth. "Maker's Breath…"
She then noticed her arms, and saw something. She ripped off the remaining clothing on her arm, and saw new markings.
"The markings remain, but the beast has been sealed once again…" said Mouse.
"Are they alright?" she asked a bit panicked. Mouse nodded and Saber let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the Maker for that…"
He coughed a bit and Saber held him.
"Maker Mouse! What has happened to you?" Saber said concerned. "Please don't say I attacked you too!"
Saber took Mouse's face in her hands and looked at him searchingly. "What do you mean by "sealed once again?"
Mouse took her hand and chuckled. "I happened…" He said softly.
Saber looked at him confused. "Urthemiel was free, and took complete control over you… I had to save you, before you were lost forever…"
He pointed out at the markings. "They covered you completely, and I was so afraid to lose you…"
Saber looked confused and afraid. "Mouse… what have you done?"
The spirit smiled at her. "I used my very existence to seal away the Phoenix…" he explained. He took her hand and kissed it softly. "But… when I did… I destroyed it… in order to seal the Phoenix…"
Saber stiffed for a moment. Her lips trembled and she was at loss of words. She let out a sob. "Mouse…"
The spirit and the girl were just looking at each other. Silence surrounded them completely. And Mouse continued kissing her hand.
"W-what does that mean..? W-what is going to happen now..?" Saber asked shaky.
Mouse released her and took her face between his hands. "I believe mortals are calling it dying…"
Saber let out a desperate scream, and the tears streamed freely over her cheeks. "N-no! I won't let you!" she sobbed. "You can't!"
Mouse soothed her and putted his forehead against hers. "I must and I did it gladly…"
Saber shook her head wildly. "I can't do it without you, Mouse!"
Mouse let out a chuckle. "You came already so far. And you did it without my help…"
Saber shook her head again, but Mouse continued with speaking. "Do you know why I lingered so long at your side?"
Saber looked in the spirit's eyes.
"Courage… it burn so intense inside you…" Mouse smiled. "As a spirit… I never cared about mortals, but… you changed me through your life…"
Mouse brought her face closer. "I die… and I die gladly…" he smiled. "I am returning to the Maker's side. Is that really such a bad thing?"
Saber putted her hands silently on his. They felt warm and comfortable. "Mouse…" she whispered. Her eyes filled with tears. "I am not… worth it… how am I brave?"
Mouse smiled. "Putting your own desires away for others sake is bravery too…"
Saber chuckled humorless. "I wished to die with my sister, so that I could avoid my life… I putted my own desire in front…"
"I know…" he said tiredly. "I know you wanted to die… but I won't let you… and deep inside you… I see the true you… and you… were there to protect others, not for your own desires. "
She closed her eyes in acknowledgement.
He pushed his lips on hers and kissed her softly. they looked at each other. It wasn't something passionate, nor filled with lust. It was a touch and it was sweet and lovely. He pulled away and looked at her while stroking her hair.
"I love you…" mumbled Mouse.
"And I you…" returned Saber.
They didn't loved each other as lovers, but they loved each other in a way only them could understand. Mouse started to disappear slowly. His touch slowly fading away. He smiled at her. Saber stood up, while she held his hand.
"Mouse, I swear on this moment, I won't let your sacrifice in vein. From this day, I shall be courageous enough to move forward in life!"
Mouse smiled. "Than… maybe… I'll be seeing you around then…"
He disappeared completely and Saber felt for a moment his lingering touch. "Courage…" she mumbled. "Your name was Courage…"
(:.:)
She felt her spirit returning to her body and with a gasp she awakened. She jumped up and was caught by Sakura.
She panted lightly and looked around. She was in a white chamber. Naruto and Sasuke snapped up. They smiled warmly at her.
For a moment she wondered if everything was a dream. She looked around, but she didn't saw the spirit anywhere. Jimmy came to her side and whined softly.
"Mouse?" she asked, but Naruto and Sasuke both shacked their heads. Saber gasped and let her head hang for a moment. All was real. All had happened. She was alive, but many others had died.
"Courage…" she mumbled.
Her markings were visible, and it will always remind her of this day. She looked up and thought about her long-time friend. Silently thanking him for everything, she felt herself lighted up.
She smiled at Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. "I apologize for attacking you both…" she said as her smile disappeared. "I was not myself."
Naruto laughed. "I'm used to be attacked by my friends. Don't worry about it." He looked concerned at Saber. "Mouse is he-..?"
Saber smiled at him, but it was a sad one. "He is… alright." She said. Her face softened at her statement.
"I suppose you're returning home soon." Said Naruto.
Saber nodded. "I am afraid I need to return soon enough." She looked at Sasuke. "What about you? Did they already gave you a conviction."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Yes…" he said. "I am allowed to remain in the village, but-" Naruto and Sakura shifted uncomfortable. "But I must give up the sharingan…"
Saber looked unsurprised and only nodded.
"It's alright, you know." Sasuke said. "I suppose there is more than just my clan."
With that he turned and waved goodbye. Saber sighed as he left the room.
"What a strange boy…"
(:.:)
After a couple days she was released from the hospital. Sure, she had to avoid the masses people who wanted to thank her and all, but she was released. It seemed Naruto and Sasuke had the same problem.
The Kages decided that the remaining tailed beast should be guarded now in the stone they were stuck and the two others should just be as they are now. Killer Bee, the eternal singer, was optimistic in it, as long he would be allowed to have more freedom. And Naruto… well he was just the same.
The bonds between the nations were stronger now, and together they shall protect their lands now. And they shall never forget the sacrifice for this bond.
Morrigan was right. Change is sometimes what sets them free…
It was quiet now without Mouse around. Saber admitted that much to herself, but she never revealed it to the others. As she prepared herself to leave the Land of the Shinobi, the village was preparing an enormous party.
Naruto and Sakura… and many others, had finally convinced Saber to stay for the party. She admitted she enjoyed it, but she longed to go home now.
She watched at Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. She smiled at them as they were bickering again and Sakura scowled at the both them.
Saber knew they'll be alright.
She patted the mambari. "It's time, boy."
She walked from the party to the office of the Kages. She was welcomed by them warmly.
"I came here to say goodbye." Stated Saber.
"Not staying?" asked Tsunade. "Naruto and the rest seems very attached to you. We always have for a capable warrior as yourself."
Saber laughed. "No, my place is in Thedas. I still have some business there, and I plan to finish them."
Tsunade nodded, and the Raikage came alongside Tsunade. "Well, Warden. Time to go home I see."
Saber nodded. "You spoke of some jutsu that would sent me home."
The Raikage nodded. "But before I sent you back… I want to thank you. All of us." He said humbly.
"Bah," scowled Saber. "It was my job anyway. Just take care of each other."
The Raikage nodded with a smirk. "I am certain that Naruto Uzumaki will be a great Hokage." He narrowed his eyes. "And as for the Uchiha brat… we'll see what becomes of him…"
Saber sighed. She stepped back and held her mambari close. "If you please…"
The Raikage started making some seals and Saber was surrounded by the jutsu. She saw the faces of the Kages flashing, and then she was gone.
A bright light shoot out in the sky and draws everyone's attention. Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto looked at it and somehow knew it was their friend.
Sakura smiled. "She's leaving the same way as she came." She said. Her eyes soften. "Just suddenly."
Fin
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Finally finished! I thank everyone who supported this story! It was fun writing it. I am going to continue Saber's story, but without the Naruto concept.
I want to start a new story, about Bethany Hawke joining the Wardens, and a story that continues Saber in the story line of Dragon age 2
Thank you everyone! And I hoped you enjoyed the story!