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Beautiful Scar

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Blurb

Scarlet is known for many things. The adoptive daughter of General Homes. A brutal and yet intelligent Captain of the army. The close friend to the Silverstorm's kingdom's only Princess. And the Lady with the scar on her face.

While Scarlet was content with how things were, despites her many achievements, small whispers still lingered till this day and that was of her appearance, the scars on her face and body.

At the time, for a young lady to have such scars, people were concerned and alarmed. Some wondered if it was a curse or a punishment for escaping the fire, escaping death. And some merely pitied for they worried if she did pursue the idea of romance, she would be broken-hearted by vicious people who would never look past her face.

After all, who could ever learn to love a maiden with scars?

One night, on the Princess's coming of age celebration, the King declared and invited men all over the Kingdom's horizon to vie for his daughter's hand in marriage. The winner would become the next Queen's consort and if fortunate enough, he would be crowned King as well.

However, these suitors would have to undergo three months of intensive training under the leadership of Captain Scarlet, to groom them to be proper men befitting to the Princess and to the Kingdom's people.

And while these young men learn the ropes of the Kingdom, they would also learn more about Captain Scarlet herself and maybe, just maybe, unravelling the lady underneath that scars.

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One
When she was four years old, her hometown was attacked and destroyed by the flames of war. She was very young, poor and orphaned. In her early years of life, the memory of her town being wiped out and consumed by the raging fire was the most vivid of them all. Even more so, when flames ruptured a wooden pillar above her and it came down upon her, leaving her the last thing to see was the vicious fires crackling and spreading across and unto her face. After that, she vaguely recalled as though her being been lifted off the ground and hoisted into a mount. And she could weakly make out the barren horizon that was used to be her hometown fading away from her tired sights, before she collapsed into darkness. 13 years later, she is known as Captain Scarlet, the adoptive and only child of one of the famous warriors of the Silverstorm Kingdom, General Homes. Sir Homes, as some might address him as, had taken Scarlet under his wings from the moment he stumbled upon her unconscious body lying in the middle of the chaos of the previous war. He raised her and took care of her just as much as he used to do for his late child. And to Scarlet, she found a father figure in him. He treated her with kindness and taught her how to read, write and learn. Always encouraging her to have a questioning mind. To have a passion to reap knowledge and put them into practice. However, these days, well ever since Scarlet reached pubescent, Sir Homes was rather conflicted on some of the ways he may have influenced or exposed her of. And that was mainly on the way of the war – warfare. That child has such a brilliant mind, it was almost dangerous and cruel to sometimes even ask of her on opinions and ideas on how to strategize for war or battles. Because while a part of him was proud of his surrogate daughter for her achievements in intellect, and especially in the military subjects, he was concerned that she may be missing out on other matters, other young ladies her age would have gone through. And 17 is such an age for young men and women to flirt, to mingle without attachment, to cause a bit of a ruckus and just be themselves before returning to responsibilities – the age of romanticism.   But the only ruckus he faced with Scarlet was of clashes of battle strategies and always trying to discourage her instead to involve any further in the army affair, which was soundly opposed by his daughter. Then, at the same time, he wondered, maybe it was for the best she had something to put her mind on. If she did pursue the spirits of a common 17 year old girl who only wished to dance with a handsome gentleman in balls, he wondered whether it would favourably go well for his beloved daughter. After all, there was the matter of her striking scar on her right side of her face which traveled down to the side of the neck, torso and across her right arm to the fingertips. The remnants and proof of the impact of the war. Sure, Sir Homes had scars visible on his face as well but those were obtained from battles and fights. As a growing old man, these were celebrated as experiences and admired, and even in his younger days, they were somehow considered attractive as well. But for a young lady to have such scars, the reaction was the opposite. Some would raise gossips of being cursed and some would straight away pity the lady for who could ever learn to love a maiden with scars? For Sir Homes, his daughter was the apple of his eyes. She was humble and polite to the elderly folks and people of the grassroot and those scars only served to emphasize the beauty of what she had endured and has become. And 17 is such a trying time for not only Scarlet but also her close friend, Princess Fina, the one and only princess in line to the throne of Silverstorm’s. This was because Fina’s father, the current King of Silverstorm, King Elias, had made an official proclaim whereby he had opened his door for any young men between 17 to 23 years of age to dare to dream of becoming his daughter’s suitor, and eventually the consort to the next Queen in line. A ball will be held soon to invite men and people from across horizons to commemorate the young Princess’s birthday as well as welcoming the potential suitors that will have to vie for the Princess’s affection. **** “Oh my, aren’t you excited for tonight, Scar?” Fina raised from the bedside and walked across the room’s window, admiring the sunlight showering into her chamber. In her light blue nightdress and her long wavy brown hair untied and uncombed, basking under the sun, she truly looked like a pure maiden sent from above. “Hmm…if you meant by the food, then yes, I am looking forward”. Scarlet sipped her tea as she still sat on the other bedside. Her shoulder-length tousled gray and dark hair covered her scarred side from time to time, but she hadn’t combed them and they’re a nuisance for her to dine or read. She even blew her hair away before sipping her tea. With how the sun was shining brightly outside, the two ladies were considered rather late in waking up on this so-called important day. Despites the upcoming ball that would be held tonight, the two friends were studying into the late night – drafting and discussing ways to improve the Kingdom’s overall health and wealth, things they would like to bring forward in the round meetings. After all, they were both important people who have duties to their people. Princess Fina who has a peace to maintain and who loves her Kingdom and the people dearly. And Captain Scarlet who feels indebted and grateful for the new home she found here in this Kingdom and who has grown to love this place almost just as much as her companion. Fina chuckled at Scarlet’s flat response. “Well, I’m looking forward to meet new people, who knows there might be a prince in disguise”, she said dreamily. Scarlet did not hesitate to roll her eyes at such statement, “There’s bound to be a lot of princes in disguise, that’s for sure. And wolves and snakes and the rest of the creatures in the foodchain…” Scarlet ticks off one by one through her fingers before Fina threw a cushion at her. “Don’t jinx it!” “My apology, dear. Whatever it is, Happy Birthday, Fina”, Scarlet stood up and went up to Fina and clipped an ornament on Fina’s hair. They turned to the dressing mirror and on Fina’s hair, adorned a jade-studded hairclip, purely made out of jade stones. Fina gasped, “I am going to wear this clip tonight”. She then turned and embraced Scarlet. “Thank you, thank you Scar. You don’t’ have to but it’s lovely”. “It was either this or a bejeweled blade but you already had one I think”, Scarlet explained with a smile, delighted that her friend seemed to like the gift. “And I sincerely hope you may find an amazing suitor I can claim as a friend and brother, just as I have the honour to claim you as a dear friend and sister”. “I too hope we get to meet good men who can be your brother, outside your warrior circle, and maybe your lover…” at the last part Fina winked, in which Scarlet played it off with a snort of laughter and disbelief. But despites that, Fina noticed the tint blush in her friend’s tanned face. After all, between the two of them Fina knew Scarlet was a pure maiden at heart despites being a ruthless Captain, or at least that was what the rumor about her friend was said, her heavy association with men in the army somehow did not warrant any romantic relationship let alone a mere gossip. Seemed like Sir Homes sheltered and protected Scarlet well. Or at least he tried to protect her in some aspects. When it came to two young ladies in the central of the Kingdom’s defense and administration, they were not excluded from the wrath and cruel game of politics, hence these two girls somehow stuck together through thick and thin. But it also meant that both lost something – innocence, purity and naivety. Before they could continue any further of their idle talks, a knock sounded at the door, and both of the girls were called for duty. “Well, I’ll try to see you if I can at the ball later”, Scarlet made way to the door and excuse herself. “I think I’m assigned to guard outside the castle grounds”. Fina playfully sulked when she heard Scarlet’s task, “Sometimes I agree with Sir Homes. Why do you have to burden yourself with such task? You should have find a more peaceful job”. “And leave you on your own running a country with those greedy rats eyeing you and the throne? You would have been married off sooner instead. Not on my conscience”. And Scarlet let herself out, leaving Fina smiling sadly and gratefully. Sadness knowing the weight of the duty they both bore and gratefulness for having met each other through this politic web of deceits and greed. For deep down Fina knew, she could not be a proper Queen to the people she held dearly if she was clouded with murky judgment and advices made by shady people in her court. **** Tonight, the castle hall was occupied with more people than usual, from nobles and dignitaries to merchants and common folks. Everyone anticipating this kingdom’s next Queen making her appearance, making her mark and the suitors that would get a glimpse and maybe, if the young man was lucky, steal a dance from their competitor with the Princess. Outside the entrance, near the castle’s expansive garden and under a clear night sky, Scarlet glanced the inside of the hall filled with many people. She was leaning against the wall, guarding the corner of this castle’s exterior. She was somewhat glad she was not assigned inside because the flocks of many people suffocated her at times. She glanced once more and was assured that Sir Homes was in charged of staying close guard around the royal family. But staying on guard on such so-called celebrations made her rather bored. And some times, she worried it would dull her sense, though sometimes her adoptive father would say she should treat these as a breather in disguise. She noticed the other guard standing not far from her, stiff in his posture and was that a tremble? “Officer Lucas” “Yes, Captain!” he quickly responded but nervously. “You must learn to relax your posture despites the need to be on alert. Balance”. The young officer looked stricken by a mere comment, as though the single sentence defined his competency level as a warrior. “Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders”, Scarlet advised. “Y-yes, Captain”, he heeded her words and took steady breaths to calm his nerves. And his stiff posture slackened, and he managed to look slightly at ease. “Better?” “Yes Captain!” She also released a breath but only because she felt bored. This was one of the idle tasks as a warrior and for some it was a reprieve but for her, it was torture. She could not stand being idle like this. Sometimes when she got stuck on guard duty, she would do mental exercise by observing her surroundings. If she was an outsider, an enemy infiltrating the area, where would she go, how would she enter this defense? And how she, herself who was assigned to guard this castle, protect the people inside and counter the advancing enemy? If it was not visioning exercise, she would focus on the present surroundings and noted little movements and changes in them. Since she was outside and in the dark, this was rather challenging. When everything was dead quiet, she trained herself to pick up minor movements and details in this environment. After all, war is cruel and merciless. Enemy could render a surprise attack. It was one of  her favourite methods as well. But despites the mental exercises she does during guard duty, the minutes seemed to pass by very slowly. And since she had an assistant tonight, she glanced over at the young man on guard duty with her. She wondered where this boy came from. Usually the young men she led were like hers in some ways. They were common people, mere children abandoned or orphaned during those previous wartimes and somehow drafted into the army. And some came from the villages into the city, into this castle out of loyalty and obligation to serve the kingdom. Rumors about her harshness might have reached his barracks and that poor boy must had been scared to have known he was on guard duty with her. This boy did not had the eyes that looked down on her, there was fear and sometimes admiration but never a superiority complex unlike some young nobles she trained previously. They were annoying. She had to resort to some harsh methods to shut their annoying remarks. What a brat. And tonight the castle was swarming with spoiled brats. And she had to protect them as well. What a pain indeed. But Officer Lucas, Scarlet concluded him as a good boy. She was definitely bored if she had the audacity to assess her subordinate’s character. For a while they stood watch until two other guards approached them. Officer Lucas saluted first, “Captain Lance, sir! Officer Miles, sir! Scarlet raised her hand as well but she did not utter such formality. “Enjoying the night view, Captain?” Captain Lance asked Scarlet as they shook hands after the salutations. He pulled off his beret, adjusted his messy curly hair and put it back on. “Ah, the sky is so clear tonight, I’m worried we might intrude on lovebirds frolicking around here instead of catching enemies, God forbid”, Scarlet replied with a grin. “How is the food there, had a filled stomach before commencing duty?” In turn, Lance laughed as well. “It’s the only thing I’m looking forward in the ball”. “Ha!” Scarlet felt that was humorous knowing her comrade Lance and the nature of such men, “I refuse to believe that. I’m sure the many ladies here are interested in sighting you. Any caught your interest?” “Ah you know me so well. But alas, all the foreign men were stealing the show tonight”, he dramatized his sadness. “Who knows maybe there is a man awaiting you, Scar”, he teased. She snorted before replying, “God, you sound just like the Princess”, and knowing Lance was one of Fina’s cousins and one of the people her age, she could interact with at ease, apart from Fina, they always had a healthy banter and looked out for one another. “Only food awaits me”, Lance laughed again. Scarlet started to take her leave. “Come, Officer Lucas, let’s have our fill for the night. Our job is done here”. In the hall, people had begun to partake in dances and waltzes. Young ladies stood and huddled at a corner, waiting to be approached by young men here, their smiles and giggles could not conceal their blatant excitement for such things. But from another corner of Scarlet’s vision, she saw a few young men glancing at the dais, where the royal family was still dining – more specifically, where the Princess was still there enjoying her meal, playing with her time, purposefully making the anxious men who wanted to dance with her wait for her painfully and patiently. She was informed of the list of men who would attend the ball and participate in the battle for the Princess’s hand in marriage. She sorted them out among the crowds while she could, just to get an idea on how these men’s characters were. All the while, she was stacking a lot of food on her plate. Her subordinate was doing the same but almost hesitantly. “Eat up lots. It’s not often we get to eat abundantly and it’s not often this ball is open for everyone”, Scarlet told him, as she noticed his plate was not as full as hers. She even scooped up a piece of steamed fish onto his plate. “T-thank you, Captain”, he said nervously, “I can manage”. When they found an unoccupied table, they took their seats and took their berets off and set them on the table. For the warriors involved in tonight’s guard duty, they were allowed to change their attire once their duty was done or if their dressings would not constrict their ability to carry out their duties, they were allowed to wear them instead of their usual guard’s uniform. Their guard uniform consisted of a moss green beret, with a maroon-coloured service uniform – often thick and blazer-like material, coupled with a pair of darker green pants and a sword by their side. And black gloves and ankle-length boots to complete the look. However, some warriors preferred to remain in their service uniforms such as Lance and his assistant, and Scarlet and Lucas. For Scarlet, tonight was one of those days she opted out from changing. Previously, she would have changed into her dress and straight away find Fina but tonight was different. As they dined their meals while they observed the crowd around them, suddenly a young blonde lady passed by their table. “Luke? Is that you?” the girl approached Lucas. When Lucas looked up to the voice who called him, his eyes widened, “Mary? Wh-what are you doing here?” “Since the castle invited everyone from around the kingdom, I thought I could come here and catch up to you. I heard you’re now Officer. Congratulations, Luke”, she was smiling but a tint of blush could be seen. Scarlet merely observed these exchanges. Childhood friends who probably harbor feelings for one another. She deduced. Excellent. “Officer Lucas, you are excused from accompanying me. Be a good gentleman and entertain the young lady here”, Scarlet instructed. Lucas’s face was filled with happiness at such order. Scarlet smirked at this young boy’s one-track mind. Lucas stood and saluted, “Thank you Captain! Thank you very much!” And he then faced towards Mary, offering his hand, “Mary, would you like to dance with me?” in which Mary shyly nodded and took his hand in hers. As they went away from Scarlet’s hearing, Mary whispered, “Isn’t that Captain Scarlet?” “Yes, how do you know her?” “Oh my God, Luke, you must be lucky to work with her!” Mary gasped in excitement. But Lucas thought otherwise. Or at least everyone in the army warned him about how unfortunate any underlings in the army working under her would be. “Just for tonight. I’m not that strong to be working under her”, he humbly replied. “But that’s amazing in itself, Luke. I’m happy for you”, Mary beamed at him. It made Lucas embarrassed. He truly wanted to cherish her. “If I were you, I would work my way to be able to work side by side with Captain Scarlet, to thank her”, she softly said. And then he realized why Mary admired Scarlet so. While Captain Scarlet terrified young men in the army, she was celebrated among young women for her wit, bravery and being the only female captain in the army to date. But more than that, it was Captain Scarlet’s group who led the mission, a couple of years ago, to save and free young women and children from being kidnapped and shipped across the sea near their village – who saved Mary, his love, from being the victim. “You know what, we both should thank her personally”, Lucas held Mary’s shoulders. But when they glanced back at the table where Scarlet was sitting, she was not there.

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