Strawberry

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The Crusader

Turontu was once a very horrible drake, only caring for himself and procuring physical things. He would stoop to manipulating others, even lying to his so-called friends, and he was perfectly fine with stealing or gambling. After he learned that Princess Strawberry liked him, he immediately jumped on the opportunity to get things from her. However, every visit just aroused Strawberry's suspicions, and she saw through his act a few days later--after she had already showered him with gifts. Upset, Strawberry demanded that he leave, and she refused to speak with him despite his pleas. Turontu was furious, and his greed continued to grow as he stared at the castle. In only a few moments, he made up his mind to rob the royal family. He had particularly coveted an elaborate diamond artifact in Strawberry's chambers, a gift from her mother. The night came, and Turontu was prepared for the raid. His dark colors helped him sneak into the fortress, and he reached the room where the jewel was held. But suddenly, his plan shattered. Strawberry had woken up, sensing something strange afoot, and she was waiting for him. The angry princess threw a large vase at him, promptly crashing across his skull and knocking him out completely. When he came to only a few minutes later, with Strawberry standing trembling above him with the fear that she might have killed him, all of his memories had vanished. He smiled stupidly at her and asked why the room was dark. Then more questions came flooding out: Who was he? Where was he? Who was Strawberry? What in the world was he doing here? Strawberry opened her mouth to scold him when she noticed that he was telling the truth--he really could not remember a thing! She thought this over for a moment, an idea popping into her mind. "You're Turontu, a noble drake with a golden heart. You're a hero! Why, just now you tried to stop a thief from taking that gem, but after you caught him, he knocked you out with the broken vase right there," she exclaimed. He was shocked at first, but the thought of him being such a good person warmed up to him, and he grinned happily. Things changed after that night. Turontu started to become what Strawberry told him; he adopted a humble attitude, and he became an innocent and good soul who just wanted to do the best he could. He started to become a real hero. He wanted to live up to his supposed reputation so much, that he even went undercover as the Knight, serving his people and defending them from dangers. Of course, the truth would not stay hidden forever, and the day came when Turontu would face his past. He was fighting a thug when the criminal slammed a box across his head, knocking him out once again. This time though, he did not lose memories, but gained them. All in that single moment, his real past crashed into his head. Turontu hid away that day, appalled and confused by the memories. All of his former dark deeds made him start to question who he really was. Was he good? Or was he bad? Trembling, he went to Strawberry. Seeing her again made an unfamiliar feeling of anger creep into his mind, and he pushed it back out again, though he feared where it came from. The princess told him the truth, apologizing for lying to him; and he left her presence another time. He had much to think about.

Turontu could have slapped himself. He should have known that Strawberry would figure out his act. Now he lost her favor, and he wouldn't be able to ask for any more treasure. He began to panic, the opportunity of extra riches drifting further and further away with every minute. A sweat began to build, forming droplets across his face, when an idea suddenly crept into his mind and returned his calmness. He turned his eyes and gazed with icy silence toward the castle, and he narrowed his eyes. If the crazy princess wouldn't give him anything else... then he would take it from her.