A cry to the heavens, a cry to you

Chapter 1

Yuri watched in silent awe, as the Tao troopers came into the palace room where Queen Himiko, ruler of Nippon stood in front of them, a gentle smile on her face. Yuri was on a kneeling position on the floor not too far away from Queen Himiko. Yuri was a servant to Queen Himiko, one of the most trusted servants too. She had never disobeyed Queen Himiko, she had never questioned her either. Yuri was treated kindly and well, like a very close friend of Himiko.

"Yuri-chan" Himiko called her. Yuri quickly nodded and came to her side.

"What is it my lady?" Yuri asked kindly bowing with sincere respect. Queen Himiko smiled.

"Would you stand with me as I greet the captain of the tao squad" Himiko smiled at Yuri as her face brightened up.

"Yes of course" Yuri agreed politely, another small, gentle smile on her face. Queen Himiko wrapped her arm around Yuri's shoulder gently and pulled her into her side. Her arm glided off her shoulders and back down to her side. Yuri smiled again at the kindness shown by Queen Himiko. Yuri waited patiently as Queen Himiko quietly talked to the Tao troopers, when something struck Yuri.

"Queen Himiko?" Yuri asked gently, after Himiko had finished talking to the troopers.

"Yes? What is it Yuri-chan?" she asked.

"Well, I want to know, what the tao chief is like?" Yuri asked, picking at the hem of her kimono. Queen Himiko blinked before answering.

"Well, he is a very kind man, very smart, very brave, loyal" Queen Himiko explained, a look of curiosity flashed in her eyes, "Why?"

"I just wanted to know, I mean I have never met him before" Yuri explained carefully, and quietly, feeling embarrassed for some reason.

"I see, are you nervous about meeting him?" Himiko asked. Yuri shook her head.

"No, I was just very curious, I mean, well, I'm like that a lot aren't I?" Yuri asked an amused smile on her face. Himiko chuckled quietly.

"Yes you are Yuri, but that is what makes you, you" Himiko answered, her smile mimicking the amused one Yuri had. Yuri nodded and chuckled quietly as well.

"Excuse me, my lady, Captain Waka has arrived" a Tao trooper cut in, interrupting their quiet conversation.

'Waka?' Yuri perceived the name quietly.

'Captain Waka, now I know his name' she thought again. Yuri's thoughts were interrupted by a screen door opening in their wake.

Yuri gasped, and then blushed a red color. The man before her was Captain Waka! Her face became redder as he started forward towards, a tired smile arising to his face. Her heart pounded faster. She looked over him, the blond locks of his bangs stuck out from his hawk like helmet, his eyes were a nice shade of blue, and his Tao outfit just made him seem more perfect.

Only three feet away from Queen Himiko and Yuri now. Yuri's blush darkened even more, and she didn't know that was possible. He bowed respectfully, and stood up, his eyes sparkling in the light the room had given off.

"Ah, Waka-san, I welcome you" Himiko greeted warmly. Waka gave her a smile.

"Bonjour Himiko-sama" Waka said kindly. Yuri's blush did not go away.

'His voice is like silk, it's so soft' she thought in complete awe. Her thoughts snapped when Himiko pushed her forward.

"And this is my faithful servant, Yuri-chan" Himiko said pushing Yuri a little bit more towards Waka. Her face became more red, which wasn't even possible anymore.

"Yuri-chan this is Captain Waka, the chief of the Tao squad" Himiko told Yuri pushing her forward more. Yuri being as clumbsy as she was, tripped over her own feet. She fell forward, and then shut her eyes for impact of the ground…but it never came.

Yuri opened her eyes slowly, as the side of her face was pushed against something soft. She something tighten gently on her forearms. When she looked up, she was only inches from Waka's face, and she realized that the side of her face was pushed against his shoulder.

"Oh….uhh…I-I….umm" her face was now a tomato.

Waka stared down at her, which made her breath get caught in her throat. As if on instinct, she slowly pulled free of his grasp. She bowed nervously, and words spilled out of her mouth.

"Waka-sama! Gomenasai! I am so sorry! Please forgive me!" Her ramblings would have went on, but Waka silenced her.

"Please do not be sorry, it was an accident Ma Cherie" he reassured her gently. A smile arose to his face, as she tried to hide her face with the hem of her Kimono.

"Yes, thank you Waka-sama for being so understanding" Yuri bowed again, looking up, she noticed, that now she had an audience. The Tao troopers stared, and so did Queen Himiko. Her blush that had began to fade, turned back into a vibrant red as she stepped back into position beside Himiko.

"It is very nice to meet you Waka-sama" Yuri said calmly, the blush now just a light pink.

"And same to you, Yuri-san" He smiled, which made Yuri's heart skip a beat.

"Okay, now, Yuri, can you please show the Troopers the palace, as in a tour?" Himiko asked, giving Yuri a very small smile. Yuri nodded.

"Please follow me" Yuri said politely, gesturing towards the men. All of them followed Yuri, While Waka stayed behind to discuss some things with Queen Himiko. Yuri couldn't help but be curious, but, a strong feeling of something washed over Yuri, but she could not comprehend it, so she ignored the feeling, though she was going to find out.