The oceans of Blue Bay Harbor were high with waves of excitement. Upon the beaches lay there the house of Watanabe, to which the duke of California - Kanoi - now resides. And as of, the house is filled to its raptures in good contentment. For from a journey, Kanoi was pronounced to become a married man. To the newly captured - happily at that - Samurai Miko. And ho, how Kanoi did love to boast about Miko's beauty. Yet today, on this fine morn, Kanoi found happiness with simply watching the preparations of his festivities with his bride.
"Now, fair Miko," Kanoi wrapped his arms around Miko as they stared out over the bay. "Only four more days till we are married and one." The elder man sighed. "But I just don't think I can wait for so long."
Miko patted the cheek of her fiance, giggling when her own cheek was freckled with kisses. "Don't worry, love. The days'll pass quickly, I promise."
Kanoi leant close to the balcony's edge. "Omnoi!" His headman appeared very quickly. "Go bring in the wedding party and show them to their rooms for the night." The man nodded and marched proudly to the gates of Kanoi's house.
A rash knock came at the door and Kanoi spun around. A page appeared. "Sir, your brother has come to ask you of something." Kanoi nodded and in place of the young teenaged boy, four beings had waltzed in.
The first to speak, his brother Ki, "Congragulations to our Duke and my proud younger brother in finding a gorgeous wife."
Kanoi raised an eyebrow. Ki wasn't so kind to anyone, let alone his baby brother. It was a surprise that he had found a wife himself. "Umm...thank you, Ki. What's new with you?"
Without further encouragement, Ki's anger was let go. "My daughter is going to send me into a mad house early. Step forward, Hunter." Ki gestured to a light blond man, who politely obeyed. "Brother, this is the man I want my Victoria - "
"Tori." Interrupted Victoria, "My name is Tori, Father. You will do well to remember it."
"Tori. Now, step forward, Blake." Now, a jet-black haired man at least a head shorter stood forward. "And, Kanoi, this man has taken her away from me. And so, since she won't marry Hunter, Kanoi, would you please sentence her to her death, as in stated in our law." Ki gave no second glance to his daughter's wide eyes.
Kanoi held up a hand, turning to his niece. "What do you have to say to this, Tori?"
Tori leaned against the wall of the large study, arms crossed in a hostile position. "What's the worse that could happen if I refuse to marry Hunter?"
Kanoi made a face of ponderment. "Either to die or to live the single of a nun. So, dear niece, take time to pause. Take time to quetion your desires and set your priorities. And by the next full moon," Kanoi stepped away from the seriousness to kiss Miko's cheek, "the wedding day of My Miko and myself," And he stepped forward, "that is the day when we shall hear your decision."
"Please, Tori," Hunter made his voice heard. He spun on his heels to glare at his brother. "And Blake, back off."
"You've got her dad's favor, so let me have Tori's." The smaller man snapped back. As a thought crossed his mind, he snapped his fingers. "I know! How about you marry him!"
Hunter saw red and immediately reached for his brother's throat, held back by the pages of Kanoi as Ki came between them, glaring at Blake.
"You stupid boy. Yes, I do believe Hunter is much better than you." Ki began, "And because I believe this is why you are so unfit to marry my daughter. Look what you have caused; how can you manage a family?"
"Why? Why is he better than me? We're the same in strength, brains, and looks. The only difference is that I am loyal. Just a week ago, I come home to find Hunter sleeping with Iarumas's son, Cameron. And now, like a little schoolgirl, Cameron has fallen madly in love with this stupid, pig-headed...rat!" Hunter bucked against the arms that held him.
"I must admit that I have heard such a rumor. But, let us not think of that now. Come with me, Brother and Hunter. I have some business I need your help with. And remember, Tori, that you should think deeply over your choice." Kanoi held his hand up to Miko and left the study, Ki and Hunter following him.
Blake stepped to the wall, trying to wrap his arms around Tori. The blond brushed off the tender gesture, quickening out of her uncle's house to the Californian beach.
In a moment, as Blake's arms tied about her waist, the tears fell from her sky blue eyes. "Are you alright, Tor? Your face is so pale." He asked.
Tori gave a stale laugh. "They're getting ready for my complete and utter breakdown." She turned in the embrace, burying her head in Blake's chest. "My Dad is an idiot."
Blake gave a laugh. "I can't say much to that. But listen, Me and Hunter know a lady in Chicago who raised us as children. She sees us as her own, since she doesn't have any heirs of her own. So...will you go with me to Chicago and get married there?" Tori's tear-filled eyes sparked and she hugged Blake tight.
"Look, Cam's here!" The embrace slacked as they watched the green-clad black-haired almond-eyed 20-year-old trudge closer and closer to them. Tori made a face and hurried to her friend. "Alright there, Cam?" The older one gave her a half-hearted glare. "Right, sorry."
Cam sighed. "My life practically sucks."
"Don't say that, Cam?"
"It's true, isn't it? The guy I'm head over heels in love with is in love with my best friend and wants no part of me. How is that not in the caterfry of 'sucks'."
"Relax, Cam. He won't be in love with me for long." Tori giggled and Cam raised an eyebrow. "Ooh! Blake's taking me to Chicago!" She squeezed Blake's arms and giggled more. "Come on, Blake. We don't have much time to pack."
Blake smiled and looked at Cam. "See ya. And good luck with my pig-head of a brother." With that last piece of advice, the lovers walked along the beach.
Cam watched them as jealousy tightened his chest. An idea crossed his mind and he walkedalong the shore, away from his friend.