Yuna is finally back from the horrors of exams! I would like to thank hanjuuluver for her support as always, spanning from take: 1 to take: 2. I really appreciate that encouragement:)
I seemed to have grown more and more long winded too, seeing the length of each chapter growing and growing… But well, enjoy this chappy!
Disclaimer: I do not own twelve kingdoms, Fuyumi Ono does
Chap 2: Smile at the Eyes that Spoke a Thousand Words
Six months had past in a whirl since the birth of the legend, and the exhilaration atop Mt Hou had quietened down significantly as the celebrated newborn settled down nicely. The nyosens like with all other kirin, maybe a little more towards Hourin, loved to keep her in sight as much as possible whenever she was outside her chamber. Even when she was not, one or two nyosens would always have an excuse to be inside of Seiryo Palace even for the slightest moment. Suddenly, cleaning up a certain palace had become a hot job in demand.
It was the utmost honour and bliss to be able to witness the first and only red kirin, they said, which many never had the chance no matter how long they lived, just in another era.
Although the lady priests were equally, if not more, eager towards Hourin just like all those whom resided in Hourou Palace before her, Hourin's attitude was none like the rest. At least much lesser enthusiastic around the nyosens. She did not shun away from them, but neither was she delighted with their presence.
Hourin seemed satisfied alone with only the company of her nyokai. As if detesting attention, the duo would always choose the most secluded spot to play in Hourou Palace. Whenever a few lucky nyosens do manage to catch her, Hourin would merely return a straight, indifferent gaze that was always on her face. "The pride of the legend" they would say, and the nyosens still enjoyed sticking around, watching her every move all the same.
This applied to all, except for one.
Rika gingerly replaced the casing of the plush cushions on each straight-backed chair with new ones. The detailed carvings of remarkable craftsmanship on the rosewood furniture in Seiryo Palace could match to those in Han-koku, she thought, which was better known as the Kingdom of Crafts. Her birth kingdom.
Before leaving, Rika stole a glance at the nyokai and her little kirin on the bed in the chamber which was slightly visible from the side hall which she was at. Hourin seemed to be asleep, her breathing soft and steady while a smiling Kyuiko lovingly stroked the crimson mane sprawled out on her lap. Suddenly, the nyokai lifted her gaze, and their eyes met. It would be unpleasant if she just ignored Kyuiko and walk away, Rika thought, so she trudged awkwardly into the bedchamber.
She watched the sleeping kirin fixedly, without any intent of patting her which the others probably would be dying to do. Rika had to admit, Hourin was a very beautiful kirin. Her bright scarlet mane which flowed down around her head gleamed with lustre while her features looked soft and elegant in her sleep. As though sensing someone staring at her, Hourin's eyes fluttered open, looking straight into Rika's dark inky eyes.
"I better excuse myself," Rika hastily threw the statement and quickly retreated from the chamber.
-x-
Hourin nuzzled to her nyokai whose eyes were fixed on the door which was almost slammed close in a rush. She did not understand what that nyosen had said; neither did she comprehend her weird action different to the rest of the ladies in the similar blue robes. To her, there was no difference between those people, only they were always squealing in her presence and looking to pat her forehead. It wasn't her favourite to be touched in this seemingly affectionate way, but she never bothered to express her dislike. It was not as if that would have stopped them. However she had never seen Kyuiko's perplexed expression which was slightly stiffened like now, and that worried her.
"It's nothing, Hourin," The nyokai return a soft and loving gaze, "Shall we go out and seek the sun?"
Hourin did not answer, but the latter smiled and carried the little kirin outside the chamber. Beckoning at Hourin, she ran a small distance and beamed as her master cantered after her. Kyuiko gently flapped her eagle wings and flew towards the open field beside Seiryo Palace. The nyokai watched proudly at the crimson kirin which followed behind her, starting with a slow saunter before breaking into a dash, and finally lifting her hooves from the ground as well.
Although she felt that Hourin was still too young, Kyuiko had to agree with the nyosens that Hourin was ready to go to Kokai once in a while. To the playground of kirins. Hourin proved to be a fast learner, and her speed and agility had amazed the lady priests endlessly. Perhaps then, Hourin wouldn't be interested to run after Kyuiko anymore, where there would targets by far more interesting than her nyokai.
She turned around and caught the red kirin in mid air, hugging her tightly with her long white arms. Hourin squealed as the duo landed softly on the flowering field. Kyuiko watched lazily as Hourin stuck her nose in the cluster of pink flowers, inhaling deeply. She is growing up well, and that is all that matters.
On the wall of the rocky maze, a figure stood on a small platform watching the nyokai playing with her kirin 10 meters below. The balmy breeze ruffled the cloth he had around his head as a hood. Throughout his long live which will stretch yet further into the eternity, he had never seen a red kirin.
"Indeed, a legend," he mumbled to himself, "I wonder what will be in store for her."
-x-
Breathing heavily, Rika detoured to the well before taking the small pile she was carrying to the river. After gulping down a few mouthfuls of the chilling well water, Rika unconsciously began to splash her face again and again, feeling the coldness spread out in her body as the water touched her cheeks again and again. Panting slightly, she let the water roll down to her chin, wetting the front of her dress. Rika half-heartedly dried her face with her sleeves when she finally felt her racing heartbeat slowing back to normal again.
Rika's almond-shaped eyes narrowed. Every time their eyes met, it was a constant reminder to the fate of Hou that was prophesized in the book. Every time their eyes met, unwanted memories of her adolescence would surface from her mind no matter how much effort she had spent blocking them away.
The pair of dark, blazing brown eyes. The gaze was soft, but she just had to break away from every direct contact with those eyes. Because to her, no matter how soft the gaze was, it always seemed like it was able to penetrate her soul.
It was as if the harmless little creature could see her past, it was as if she could sense her insecurities. It was already hard to look into those eyes that were so similar to that from her past, not to mention when you could picture flashes of the devastating future set in those piercing eyes.
"Rika!"
The nyosen jolted from her deep thoughts. Looking around, Rika found the owner of the voice which called her.
"What were you thinking about?" the fellow nyosen asked, eyeing her wet front curiously, "Do you need help?"
"I'm fine," Rika simply replied, "Yes?"
"I'll take these to the river for you since I am going there myself," The nyosen said as took the pile of laundry in Rika's hands, "I see you are always in deep thoughts."
Rika smiled weakly, "Sorry."
"Do some lighter work; it'll help take things off your mind," the nyosen advised, "It helps when you are feeling troubled. You are always so quiet and serious, I almost thought the chirpy Rika during the short period when the Houka was still growing on the tree was somebody else."
Rika nodded and thanked the nyosen. She watched her humming cheerily as she headed towards the river before chuckling darkly. She had taken a long time to recover what little liveliness she had since she became immortal. Although she took longer to be called 'chirpy', Rika still found it unbelievable that her effort was actually so easily rendered to nothing.
"Lighter work will help take things off your mind?" Rika repeated quietly, "Perhaps."
…creating an era of unrest similar to their colour…
-x-
The field was filled with joyful chatters as a group of nyosens picked the flowers. Rika wiped the sweat off her forehead as she gathered a bunch of daffodils.
"Are they for Seiryo Palace?" Suyo asked as she hopped next to Rika with a bouquet of daisies in her hand. She placed the flowers in a white vase and admired her work from an arms length. "They are so pretty, aren't they?"
Rika nodded as she too put her flowers into a vase.
"That answer is so shallow!" Suyo complained as she waved in Rika's face, "I am bringing these to Shunsui Palace, wanna walk together?"
Rika nodded again, and the two of them made their way through the rocky maze which made up Hourou Palace. It was always pleasant to work with Suyo. Her jolly nature had never failed to lighten the mood, and it saves Rika the trouble to start a conversation topic or trying to maintain one.
"Lucky you, to be in charged of Seiryo Palace and caring for Hourin," Suyo complained as she nudged Rika on the way, "Me? I have to keep Shunsui Palace in living conditions, although who the hell is living there currently?"
Although Hourou Palace was made up by many smaller palaces, most of them were often vacant. The nyosens had their own quarters, and when there was a kirin living on Mt Hou, he occupies one of those palaces. However, nyosens were still required to maintain the remaining palaces, changing the sheets, cleaning up the place and bringing fresh flowers.
Rika grinned at Suyo's comment while the latter burst into laughter. "You seldom smile don't you?"
Rika merely shrugged. Suyo continued with her one-sided chatter until they reached the doors to Seiryo Palace. As Rika was about to push the door open, she hesitated. She recalled her rude manners in the morning. It would be hard to face Hourin and Kyuiko now.
"Hello? Rika?" Suyo thumped her back as Rika jolted back from memory lane painfully.
"Is there something bothering you? If you're not going to bring that vase in I will," Suyo giggled as Rika rubbed her shoulders, "I haven't seen a legendary kirin up close, though I heard Taiki was amazing. I hope Hourin is inside"
"Go ahead," Rika muttered as she took the vase of pansies from Suyo. "I'll bring these to Shunsui Palace for you."
"Thanks girl!"
-x-
Rika carefully placed the daisies on the coffee table in the hall of Shunsui Palace. The surrounding was so quiet, and Rika seized the chance to enjoy a moment of peace. She closed her eyes and listened to the flow of the water in the exclusive small spring next to the main hall in Shunsui Palace.
Rika considered whether she should just ask for a switch in duty instead. She didn't mind Suyo's job, seriously. It was not half as boring as Suyo had made it sounded; in fact she enjoyed the serene environment of this vacant palace.
"Rika."
Her eyes flew opened and saw elegantly dressed Lady Gyokuyou standing at the door. Rika immediately bowed down on the floor, silently cursing at herself. How could she not realize that she wasn't alone?
"Dispense with the formalities," Lady Gyokuyou said. Her voice was so tender, completely different from her usual dignified tone. She strutted to one of the elm wood stool and sat down. Gesturing to the stool opposite to hers, she spoke again "Have a seat."
"Thank you," Rika quickly composed herself and took the seat. What could Kekika Genkun want from her?
-x-
High atop the rocky maze, the figure stayed transfixed to the legend below. The wind continued to blow. He spun around, eyes widened as he saw the creature drawing towards him. The crimson beast settled next to him on the small flat surface, nudging the man softly with its folded wings.
Lord Kenrou's brows furrowed as he glared at his friend, "I thought I told you to stay outside of Hourou Palace, Rokuta?"
He continued to glower at the hissing beast beside him. Rokuta never disobeyed his orders. His glance got sharper when he could not find a satiable answer to Rokuta's queer behaviour.
Kyuiko's ears twitched as the low growling of a beast and scrutinize at the two dark figures high above standing against the sunlight. Even without seeing clearly, she knew by instinct what one of the figures was. She darted in front of her master, stretching out her hands protectively.
"Tenken!"
Kyuiko watched as one of the figures jumped down from the cliff, landing with a soft tut on one knee. She did not let down her guard even as she watched the remarkable stunt. Even as a youma she couldn't have done it without injuring herself.
"I apologize if Rokuta had alarmed you, he normally would stay out of the bounds of Hourou Palace," Lord Kenrou explained as he stepped forward. Kyuiko finally relaxed and stepped beside Hourin, revealing the scarlet kirin behind her.
Shinkun knelt down in front of Hourin and softly ruffled her mane between her ears. "The Master of Mt Hou is a fine kirin indeed."
"I assure you that it would never happen again," he continued as he turned towards the beast waiting for him behind. He nodded politely at Kyuiko as he climbed onto the back of the Heaven's Dog. Even as they soared into the clear blue sky, flying further and further away and out of sight from Hourou Palace, the frown had never left his face.