Chapter 2
Kyoko screamed once she was in the middle of the empty street heading back into town. The audacity of that man, treating her, her horses and the honor bound settlement of their fathers like dirt. She must admit that her choice of words was not lady like at all. She would be eating soap for a week had her father heard that word spill from her lips. She would have to ask for forgiveness for such a transgression. She stormed her way down the main street of the town straight into the sheriff's office.
"Miss Kyoko," Deputy Sebastian Devereux greeted Kyoko quietly. He never spoke much, and he never really needed to. He was extremely dark, as if he had been working in the fields all his life, but it was natural. She had no idea where he was from or how he came to be here, but knew that he was from a very far away land and was a dear friend to Sheriff Lory Takarada.
"I need to report a criminal offense committed by one Shotaro Fuwa. He is holding one of my horses hostage!" Kyoko cried alerting the entire station of her presence. A crick in the floor boards behind her called her attention to the town's telegrapher.
"Good afternoon, Miss Kyoko. How are you today?" Yukihito Yashiro asked with a kind smile. Kyoko always liked him, a sweet and intelligent man with a wife and two kids. She gave him a weak smile, letting out an exasperated sigh.
"It's June, and Shotaro refuses use of my stallion," she explained and turned back to Deputy Sebastian. "He told me he was never going to give me my sire for my mares. I need that horse to continue my business. We have an agreement!" Her yelling finally brought out the man that was like her second father.
"From what I remember, he bought that horse a few years back," Sheriff Lory stated as he entered the open office. "He has the right to do what he pleases with his horse."
Kyoko looked up at Lory with tears in her eyes. "The only reason Daddy sold him the horse was as a favor to his father. Atsushi agreed to give him back during the mating season. It's June! I've been trying to get the horse for weeks now and nothing. Make Shotaro honor the agreement!"
Lory sighed and stepped away from his door. "Come inside, Kyoko. Let's talk about it in here." He gestured into this office, and Kyoko accepted, quickly stepping inside the office. Lory closed the door behind her and calmly walked over to the seat next to her instead of the one behind his desk.
"Lory, please. I need that horse, or I'll have nothing for to show for next year," Kyoko pleaded making Lory's heart weep.
"Kyoko, I can't do anything. Hiro and Atsushi never made a contract with those details. It was a verbal understanding made between friends over a drink. There is nothing the law can do for you if Shotaro doesn't want to give you his horse," Lory pointed out the faults of her argument. Kyoko looked down sadly at her hands, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. Kyoko never cried. The last time he saw her cry was after her father's funeral. She was so strong during it, not shedding a tear until every soul was gone from her home, all except him. She had no one after that, but he made sure that she was taken care of when he could, often using Maria as an excuse to check up on her.
After a few moments of silence, Lory thought of something. "Don't you have a young colt in your stables? How old is he? Is he suitable?"
Kyoko shook her head. "Too young, and he's a little rebellious. I was fixing to break him next year or get one of the Ishibashi brothers to help if needed. If Apollo continues to be so wild, I can't use him as a sire. No one would by my horses if they all turned out like that."
"Well, if he calms down then you'll be able to use him next year. Why don't we just forget this year and see if Apollo will settle down and use him as your next stallion. Your father has had years with no pregnancies. You can handle it too," he said encouragingly. Kyoko frowned. Those years were very scary to her and her father, though he always tried to keep it under wraps. It was always a question of, well, what about next year? Or what if it happens again the next. To at least try and find that none of the mares got pregnant was understandable but to simply not try was inconceivable. She excused herself from it last year because of her father's death and now having to forgo it again this year was terrifying, but...
"What choice do I have," she whispered defeated by the circumstances. Lory gave her a sad little smile and took her hand in his for comfort.
"It will be alright," he said softly. "You know my son, Kouki, needs a..."
"Please stop," Kyoko said tiredly. She looked up at Lory with a pleading look. "He is a wonderful man and handsome just like you, but you know he is still mourning his wife. Plus Maria would never accept me as her mother."
"There you are wrong," Lory quickly countered. "You are the only woman that Maria likes. She would love to have you as her mother."
"Hmm, that doesn't dismiss the other fact. Let Kouki find his own wife, like Rina," Kyoko said and then quietly whispered, "I could never replace a beautiful woman like Rina."
Lory scoffed, "My darling girl, when will you stop the self pity that man has inflicted upon you. You are utterly enchanting, cease these horrible comments." Lory stood up pulling Kyoko with him. "Now, how about tonight Maria and I have a little visit? She hasn't seen you in a while and has been asking about you for days," Lory said as he escorted her out of the station. "Then perhaps I could even convince you to let her stay for a day or two while I take care of some business the next town over?" He asked with a slightly pleading voice. Kyoko laughed, knowing that was his motive the whole time.
"Of course, I would love to take care of Maria, but..." she looked down sadly and asked softly, "When is Kouki coming back from that banking trip? A girl needs her father."
"Just as much as she needs a mother," Lory stated with a knowing tone. Kyoko rolled her eyes and dropped her question. "I'll be expecting the both of you at six sharp. I'll have dinner, and if you like an extra bed for you as well?"
"Thank you, Kyoko, but no need. We'll be there promptly at 6, and I'll have to leave after dinner. I can't thank you enough for always being there for Maria and me," he said sincerely at the front door to the station.
Kyoko shook her head. "You do so much for me, there is no need for any thanks. I'll see you tonight," she said and turned towards Sebastian, "Goodbye Deputy." He gave her a small smile and nodded once and then Kyoko yelled out, "Goodbye Yukihito!" Yukihito popped his hand out and waved before retreating back into his room.
Kyoko walked back home, picking up a few supplies for dinner and eyeballed the little clothing store where all those frilly dresses from Europe were being displayed at the window. She ran a hand down her simple outfit and sighed looking up at the colorful lace and ribbons that decorated the mannequins. Two women exited the store in front of her giggling and chattering about something they just bought. Kyoko recognized them as Mimori Nanokura and Erika Koenji. The moment they came into view, Kyoko quickly started to walk away trying not to draw their attentions.
"Why hello Miss Kyoko," Mimori called out to her as soon as Kyoko turned tail to run. "Aren't the new summer dresses a sight to behold," Mimori continued as Kyoko was forced to interact with the two girls. She looked up at the dresses mentioned adorned in all of the latest accessories that Kyoko dreamed of owning.
"Yes, they are quite fetching," she admitted trying to hide the lust for such garments and the distaste she had for talking to these women.
"Indeed, though not really suited for your lifestyle," Mimori said with hint of malice humor. Kyoko gave her a fake smile hiding her true desires to smear some dirt on her pretty clothes.
"That's true," Kyoko agreed, puzzling the two girls with her agreeance. "Trying to do a honest day's work in such silly clothing is unreasonable. Those are better suited for ladies with a lack of profitable skills to try and obtain a wealthy spouse in which they can continue their distasteful criticism of their fellow townsfolk. Now if you will excuse me ladies, I need to return home." Kyoko finished, her spirit brightened by the looks of horror on the two girl's faces.
"Yes, return to your empty loveless home, where I'm sure the only living creature willing to share your life and bed are of those on four legs," Mimori jeered making Erika laugh.
"You're very funny, Mimori. It's true. I can't imagine what she was thinking that Shotaro would ever marry someone as brutish as her," Erika chimed in making Kyoko sped up her walk away from those vile women.
"That coming from the two most clandestine loose women in town," a strong voice came piping in from across the street, causing all three women to look at her. "Which poses an explanation as to why the both of you are still unmarried at such a late age," Kanae sashayed over to the three of them making the two stiffen up in distain.
"How dare you!" Erika exclaimed, "We are ladies of good stature and wealth, to associate us with a harlot like yourself. I am appalled. Let's take our leave before we are further tainted by this scarlet and her uncouth friend." Both women turned their skirts and walked off arrogantly.
Kyoko smiled at her best friend and skipped over to her as Kanae watched them walk away with scorn. "Kanae! Aren't you working right now?" Kyoko asked happily. Kanae was dressed up for work in a hot pink dress that hugged every curve she had. The bodice lifted her amble chest while her ruffled skirt revealed her shapely legs. There was so much lace and sequins decorating her outfit that Kyoko had trouble taking it all in. She was so dazzling, and Kyoko admired her.
Kanae once told her she could join, but Kyoko quickly declined. Kanae had the looks and the talent to be a dancehall girl but not her. Kyoko wasn't afraid of ruining her reputation. While the "respectable women" saw Kanae and the other dances as a disgrace and whores, Kyoko knew better. Kanae was still very much a virgin as were many of the others. They enjoyed dancing and singing, not to mention the money they earned was more than a lot of the men in the town. That was Kanae's sole purpose for taking this job, the money, though Kyoko suspected that she enjoyed the attention and gifts her male suitors gave her. So long as they didn't breath or think of the word marriage around her.
No, the reason Kyoko didn't join her on the stage was because her shapeless body would look horrible in those dresses. She had no breast to perk up, no hips to lure the men in and was simply too plain. She could dance, and she sang better than most of those girls but no. Plus Kyoko couldn't imagine wearing such revealing clothing so comfortably in public.
"Not yet. I came in early to get a bite to eat and saw you getting cornered by the two wretches," Kanae replied. Kyoko was so happy that Kanae went out of her way just because she thought she needed saving. When Kanae turned to her only friend finding her with big gold puppy dog eyes, she thought Kyoko was begging for attention. Kanae sighed. "Would you like to join me?" She asked without much enthusiasm.
"Yes, but I can't," Kyoko confessed sadly. "Sheriff Lory and Maria are coming over tonight, and I need to start making dinner. Maybe we have lunch together tomorrow?" She asked eagerly. If she had a tail, it would be wagging.
Kanae wanted to smile. This girl with her silly ways and happy go lucky attitude even with all of her hardships made Kanae love her more everyday. She remembered those days when that good-for-nothing Shotaro broke her heart. Kanae wanted to break his legs, and then there was her father. Kanae loved that man almost as much as she loved Kyoko. The Mogami Ranch was an escape from the hassles of her overwhelming family even if Kyoko was just as animated as her siblings. At least Kyoko never asked for anything. Instead, she always gave too much, and Kanae often fought to spoil her a little.
"Yeah, come by tomorrow at 1, and we'll eat at my place," Kanae offered and braced herself for impact.
"Really!" Kyoko screeched and then as expected hugged Kanae exuberantly. "It's a date. I'll be sure to bring your favorite pie, too." Kyoko pulled away and laughed at the mixed emotions on Kanae's face. Kanae loved anything sweet but hated what it did to her body, though if Kyoko made her a mix berry pie, Kanae was doomed. They said their goodbyes, and Kyoko made her way back home before it was too late.
She set to work as soon as she checked on the horses. She had done all the required duties before her meeting with Shotaro, and just wanted to make sure no one needed attention. She had everything for a basic chili and set that to cook in her cast-iron pot while she prepared the dough for the pies. Kyoko planned to make two: the mix berry for Kanae and an apple for Maria. She had the fruit jarred and ready to go. She would have to replenish her supply for the winter months soon. It wasn't long before both pies were in her oven, and she set off to make the cornbread for the meal.
She stepped outside to her storage shed to fetch her milled corn when the sun blinded her for a moment. It was getting late; the sun was already starting to set. As she walked over with her keys in hand, she saw a horse with a figure standing next to a watering troff. She smiled thinking it was Lory coming in early but then frowned when she didn't see Maria, nor did her guest even attempt to move towards her. As luck would have it, the sun prevented her from seeing nothing but a tall man with a horse drinking water. Panic surged through her at the sight of this stranger.
Kyoko turned on her heel and ran for her shotgun. There were far too many unknowns for a single woman to approach a stranger found on her land. Was he thief? A criminal?. Why was he on her land in the first place? To try and buy it or steal a horse from her? She saw that the horse was already saddled, and her herd were trained to accept their new owners. Could he have really saddled one of her horses in the time she was in the house cooking. Kyoko's concern was more towards her horses than herself. Not once did she think that he would have any ill intentions to a woman like her.
She grabbed her Winchester lever action shotgun and fed it five rounds. She walked out there, squinting at the sun and trying to find the man in question. He moved, away from the horse and was looking out towards the town. She took a glance at the horse as she moved in closer and found it wasn't one of hers. This one was brown and had markings different from her own, though she couldn't see much with the sun in her eyes. She found the man silhouette and headed for it.
She was about 15 feet away when she spoke, "I'll have you know that you are trespassing on private property, Stranger." He was tall, extremely tall, making Kyoko take a step back as he turned around. He was wearing a dusty leather trench coat along with a dusty old cowboy hat. He had long hair that blew in the wind and that was all she could make out. His face and body fell into shadows the moment he faced her as well as any chance of her making out any type of weapons he may have on his person.
The man turned towards her surprised to see a tiny petite woman aiming a very dangerous shotgun straight at him. He very slowly raised his arms up in the air and smiled at her, though she showed no reaction to his smile.
"I meant no harm, Miss," he said carefully. "I came from the neighboring city, and my horse practically pulled me over to your watering troff." He didn't dare take a step but examined the girl as she muddled over his words. She was pretty minus the gun and the frown on her face. Dark black hair was pinned behind her head and plain worked in clothes covered her body from chin to toe. A simple brown blouse along with a dark red skirt was covered in what looked like flour from the dusting of white on her clothes, and he could make out the tattered edges and thinned areas in the fabric due to hard work. She was a simple rancher's daughter just protecting her land. He had nothing to fear from her. Though a thought of where her father or husband was came to mind.
Kyoko tightened her grip on the gun and licked her lips. She knew quite a few people from the next town over. They often sold their horses to those town folk as well, though this man, with his voice and size, she didn't recognize. She didn't dare assume she knew everyone, but something in this man told her to be cautious.
"What's your name?" She asked. Perhaps if she recognized his last name, she would feel at ease. The name noticeably hesitated, making Kyoko extremely suspicious.
"Ren Tsuruga," he finally answered, the name drawing a blank in Kyoko's mind. What he said was a lie, everything in her told her that, and she wanted this man gone.
"Well, Mr. Tsuruga. I really don't like you sneaking up here when there is a perfectly good town just down the street. There is a stable in town that will care for your horse and an inn to care for you if needed. I request that you be on your way and off my land," Kyoko finished blinking away the bright light, hoping this man wouldn't notice her handicapped vision.
"Yes, Miss. You have my sincerest apologies for my unwelcome visit. I never meant any harm," Ren stated again, and she felt horrible. He was being kind and in all honesty didn't threaten her in any way. His horse was thirsty, and she could understand that. She lowered the gun slightly still wary of him and took another step back. Kyoko watched him retreat back to his horse, mount up and jogged away. She let out a heavy sigh as soon as he was gone the adrenaline in her system leaving her worn out.