Title: Unexpected supplies-
The Quest part IV
Author: Ree
Theme: AU - Chlamydia
Genre:
general with a touch of humor
Version: AU - (manga/Anime)
Rating:
G
Takeuchi Naoko created them. I'm just following a different branch on their universal tree.
Unexpected supplies- The Quest part IV
Mamoru settled back into the saddle, his reins looped casually through his fingers. Even as his eyes darted about watching everything about him, his mind was worrying about his companion. 'I didn't believe the rumors. I was sure that they were mistaken. How could the crown princess of the land be one of those.' His roaming eyes caught sight of her childish face and her sparkling blue eyes. It was her eyes that worried him. They darted about, soaking in everything, as if the owner knew nothing. 'Nothing... She acts like all of this is completely new to her. Sure, I know she has been in the palace, tightly guarded. The Queen wouldn't let anyone near her, not until these past few months. And that itself has lent credence to the rumors.'
A carefree giggle bounced its way across the fields that surrounded them. Frowning slightly, Mamoru looked to see what she was laughing about in this desolate place. Seeing nothing that could bring joy, he looked back at his princess. She was weaving her reins through her fingers and giggling as the leather straps dropped on the the saddle. 'That confirms it... she is one of the Clueless.'
Focusing back on the road, he fought the sense of dismay that was trying to cover his soul. He knew the Clueless could be born into any family, but to know that the royal family was struck with the curse was almost to much for him. 'The curse of the Mountain of Knowledge. Since it resides just inside of the borders of Hereandnow, we have to bear the brunt of the curse. More of the Clueless are born inside this country than anywhere else in the world.' The old tales said that the Mountain of Knowledge sucked the ability to learn from the babies as soon as they were born.
Tightening his grip on the reins, Mamoru finally understood the task before him, and it was daunting. He had to protect the Princess, and make sure that no one discovered the truth about her condition.
The horses hooves sounded on the beaten path, clomping in time with the continuous chatter of the two ladies that he was guarding. Up ahead, a small village came into view. Thinking of the secret he was trusted to guard, Mamoru turned them away from it.
Suddenly a voice cried out, calling to them to stop. "Your Highness! Princess! Wait! Please wait a moment."
Mamoru scanned the area, spotting a middle age woman running towards them. The princess pulled up, and waited.
Usagi waited until the lady caught up to them, and smiled down at her. "What can I do for you?"
The woman looked up into the bright blue eyes, and smiled back. "My daughter. She made you some bread to help you on your journey. She is coming, can you wait a moment until she arrives?"
Mamoru made to move, but Usagi ignored him. "Of course. Will she be long? Should we ride back towards the village to met her?"
The woman shook her head no. "She will be along shortly." She turned and scanned the horizon, and continued in a musing voice. "You would never believe that sweet child was such a pain to bring into this world. Sore hips, sore back, I hurt all the time while carrying her. But she is such a sweet tractable child. And bright."
A little girl came into sight, her bright red hair resembling flames streaming out behind her as she ran towards them, carrying a basket. She stopped next to her mother, panting lightly. Looking up at Usagi, the girl's bright green eyes shown.
Her mother rested a gentle hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Princess Usagi, this is my daughter, Chlamydia." She beamed with pride.
Mamoru's face stiffened to hide his disbelief. Surely the lady was joking. Why would she name her daughter that. His eyes darted to the Princess, hoping she wouldn't react to the name. Lady Luna's face had tighten, but otherwise remain blank. Usagi smiled at the little girl. "What a beautiful and unusual name."
"I heard it in the doctor's office and fell in love with it." The woman glowed happily. "Chlamydia, give the Princess you gift."
The little girl held up a small basket, pride and uncertainty lacing her childish voice. "They are cream puffs. I hope you like them."
Usagi accepted the basket. "I'm sure they will be wonderful. Thank you." A quick glance at the champion let Usagi know that they need to keep moving. "These will be greatly appreciated, and I'll return the basket on our way back."
Chlamydia shook her head no. "You can keep it."
"Thank you. I shall treasure it." Usagi nodded slightly before she turned her horses head, directing it to follow Mamoru's.
Lifting the napkin off the top of the bread, Usagi wrinkled her nose slightly as the pungent smell wafted up.
Luna frowned slightly as flitted over to see. "Yeast... she used too much yeast, or she let it rise too long."
Usagi picked up one of the puffs and broke it in half. The cream oozed out of it slowly, more the consistence of old runny cottage cheese than cream. The odor and the lumpy cream turned both the fairy and the princess' stomach. They knew they couldn't eat it.
Mamoru watched their faces fall as the smell from the basket reached him. 'Yeasty bread from a girl named Chlamydia, I should have expected this.'
