Rush
KikoAyumi
Pairing: LarsxRhen DameonxRhen
Rating: T
Warnings: Offensive language, angst, and some mature situations. I will definitely warn beforehand.
Planned Length: Long. I'm going for a novel with this one.
Updates: Absolutely random. I don't have much time to sit and write any longer, so I can't promise anything.
NOTES: This takes place nearly two years after the end of Aveyond, when Rhen decided to become Queen and wed Dameon.
Chapter 6
---
"There is a sword here."
Rhen's heart fluttered in relief.
"But I'm afraid it's locked up tight. Kaizen," the King of Sedona spoke. A nearby guard saluted and stepped to attention, "Please fetch the key to the Red Room."
"Yes sir!" Kaizen responded, nodding to Rhen's group before making his leave.
"Red Room?" Hector inquired.
"It's where the sword is hidden. For safety purposes, we keep the key on the other side of the city. I'm sorry if this inconveniences you, but if I can ask you to wait a moment-"
"No problem, sir. There is another issue I wish to address, anyway," Rhen assured.
"And she wonders where my manners came from. Where the heck did all this formal talk come from?!" Hector muttered under his breath.
"Please go ahead."
"The people of Clearwater are unprotected as they are now. May they take refuge here, at least until the threat is over?" Rhen pleaded. Even though the thought of small, poor Clearwater being directly attacked was almost laughable, it was not entirely improbable.
"We've given them the key-"
"That is hardly enough," Rhen interjected, knowing it sounded a bit rude, but she couldn't help herself. Sedona was one of the richest cities in the world; they could afford to house a village, especially one as small as Clearwater, for a while.
"… Because it is a request from the Queen of Thais, we will do as you ask. I will send my guard to fetch the Clearwater residents and escort them back here," the King caved.
Rhen smiled in triumph.
---
"That was really nice of you, Rhen," Swilly commended as they walked out of the castle.
"Well, I had to. I have to make sure Ma and Pa are as safe as they can be," Rhen responded.
A growling stomach sounded through the air.
"Man, I am so hungry. I'll go get us something to eat! You said smoked salmon, right, Rhen?" Hector asked. Rhen blinked in surprise.
"You actually listened to me!"
Hector rolled his eyes.
"I'll come with you!" Swilly exclaimed, looking quite pleased at the thought of food herself. She perched herself on Hector's shoulder as they walked out into the town square.
Rhen sighed, taking a seat in the freshly cut grass.
"We haven't run into much trouble yet, have we?" Rhen asked, looking up at the sky. Lars plopped down next to her.
"Don't jinx it," he replied. Rhen's eyebrows furrowed before she turned to him.
"You probably just jinxed it," Rhen accused. Lars shrugged, shifting until his back was to her. Without warning, he leaned back, settling his head on one of Rhen's crossed legs.
"Wha… hey, I'm not a pillow!" Rhen exclaimed, making Lars wince.
"Don't yell so loudly," he complained, his mouth opening in a large yawn. Rhen blinked, openly studying him now that his eyes were closed. Was his skin paler than normal?
And the way his body was slumped…
'He looks exhausted.'
And why wouldn't he be? He woke up early, was injured, used more mana than normal, chopped wood, fought monsters…
"You're spent, aren't you? Why didn't you say anything, stupid?" Rhen berated, halfheartedly swatting at his arm, "I appreciate the fact you wanted to help my Pa, but you can't push yourself like that!"
"So I'll go to bed early tonight," Lars curtly replied, clearly trying to end the discussion. Rhen sighed irritably. The boy could be so aggravating.
She stared at his face.
'He… really didn't change that much. He may look a little older.'
But that wouldn't always be the case. Five years from now… he'd definitely change then.
"… Will you visit me?" Rhen asked lowly.
"Hm?" Lars muttered sleepily. Rhen smiled.
"After Ahriman's defeat… the last time I saw you was at the wedding ceremony."
Lars squirmed underneath her leg.
"I'm with you now, aren't I?"
"That doesn't count under these circumstances! Did you ever plan on visiting me?!" Rhen asked a little more harshly.
Lars frowned, but still kept his eyes shut.
"Is this really a big de-"
"Yes! I miss you!"
Lars grew still, contemplating his next words.
"… You were busy. And Dameon was there."
Rhen's jaw nearly dropped in disbelief.
"Now you're just making excuses," Rhen accused through narrowed eyes, not like Lars could see it.
He remained silent, and Rhen sighed.
"Look, I know you never really liked Dameon, but… that's just childish! Don't let Dameon come between you and me!"
Rhen was startled when Lars's eyes suddenly snapped open, catching her gaze. The sheer intenseness of it made Rhen nervous, but she did not dare look away. Even as…
Even as she watched him sit up; felt him take hold of her hands and link their fingers together…
She was glued to those brown pools with a horrid fascination.
"You're so dense."
The movement of his lips caused her gaze to flicker, and her throat grew tight as she noticed how very close they were.
What was this…?!
"Did you really have to say that?"
She was breathing in his breath. A mix of auburns and oranges were flooding her vision.
And then… a soft warmth brushing against her lips…
Made reality come crashing down like a tsunami wave.
With an audible gasp, Rhen threw herself backwards, clambering clumsily backward with her hands and feet digging into the earth until she was a good four feet away from him.
Lars's eyes focused, the haze fading around him, leaving him just as shocked as she.
… Well, maybe not quite as shocked as she.
They stared, both torn, but for very different reasons.
'She looks horrified,' Lars concluded with a sinking heart. He tore his gaze away from her, not being able to stand it. He rose, brushing off his pants with shaking hands that he hoped she wouldn't notice.
"Ju… I'm… Forget about that."
And he walked away, leaving a highly confused Rhen staring after him on the grassy courtyard.
'Fo… forget… how the HELL do you forget something like that?!' Rhen's mind screamed, the words echoing throughout her head. A hand came up to her mouth, carefully covering her lips.
Forget forgetting, why did he do it in the first place?!
This was Lars! Lars, of all people!
He…!
She started again, feeling cool metal against her lips. She retracted her hand, eyes widening when they came in contact with her ring.
Her wedding ring.
Did this mean she just cheated on Da-
Her vision grew blurry; the solid gold band turning into wavering gold strands. Even though she could no longer distinguish its shape, she could still feel it there; still know what it was. She continued staring hard at the shaking gold blob, as if it would give her the answers she most desperately sought.
It didn't.
'Stop crying! Hector will be back soon! Do you want him to find you like this?!'
She hastily wiped her cheeks at the revelation.
It was of no use.
The tears, tears that she had been keeping inside this whole time, kept falling in hot streams. Why couldn't she stop?!
'It's ok! Right... Lars kissed me, not the other way around. So it's alright...'
A sob escaped her throat, and she very near punched the ground, frustrated that she couldn't hold her tears back. She felt utterly weak like this... if she couldn't stop her own tears, what could she accomplish?!
"Rhen?"
She stiffened, quickly burring her face in her knees.
Hector, sure he'd heard a sob as he walked up, approached with caution. He glanced at Swilly, who was looking at the girl worriedly, wanting to say something but not sure what to say.
He wasn't sure, either.
Jeez, this was the second time she cried in front of him!
Nervously tapping at the three boxes he held in his arms, he finally decided to go with a, "Where's Lars?"
He thought this would be the best way to approach. If he just steered clear of acknowledging the girl was crying...
But he merely got a sniff in response, not to mention bright red ears.
... What the heck could have happened in that little period of time?
He was never going to be the one who fetched lunch again!
"Ah... well... ok. Here," Hector said, setting a boxed lunch next to her. He had the courtesy to take a few giant steps back before settling on the grass himself, worriedly glancing at her.
At least, after a few seconds, she picked the box up and began eating, though purposefully turning the other way to hide her face.
"You don't think Lars was a jerk to her, do you?" Swilly whispered.
Hector frowned. He hated to admit it, but it was always a possibility. The fact that Lars was nowhere to be seen was also suspicious. But he wasn't willing to jump to conclusions this soon. She could simply be crying over Thais's takeover.
"We'll find out eventually," Hector whispered back, hoping that was the case. He hated being left in the dark.
Hector reached down to pick up a piece of fish, his hand brushing a small pile of napkins he'd grabbed.
'Ah...'
He'd forgotten to give Rhen any.
He glanced over.
... He'd chance it.
Grabbing a few white sheets, he stood up, turning to Swilly with a finger over his lips. She watched with wide eyes as he approached the young woman.
To his luck, she was too dazed off to notice his approach until he was a step away. Startled, she whipped up to stare at him.
Hector scowled at her red, puffy eyes, and quickly leaned down.
"I don't know what the hell happened," Hector began, using the napkin to dab at the corners of her eyes and her cheeks, "But you look like shit."
Rhen stared... until a laugh ripped from her throat.
"Jerk..." She managed, ashamedly looking away.
"Yep. Sorry, but you'll have to deal with me for a little while longer," Hector said, noticing the guard from earlier walking up to the castle doors, "Looks like our key is here. Here, take these and finish the job."
Rhen accepted the napkins, soiling them with her tears.
"My eyes are red and puffy, huh? I can't go in like this," Rhen concluded.
"Fine. I'll go in and retrieve the key, but they are going to ask questions. Plus, you're the only one who can actually get the sword."
"Ugh... now I agree with Lars. That sucks," Rhen replied.
"Suck it up," Hector responded, sticking out his tongue and grabbing two boxed lunches before making his way to the castle. Rhen shook her head, blocking her vision with the napkins.
"I can help your situation!" Swilly exclaimed, making Rhen jump. She'd nearly forgotten the fairy was there.
"Huh?"
"Your eyes. Here," Swilly spoke, placing her hands on the bridge of Rhen's nose.
---
By the time Hector reached the throne room, the guard was already handing the key to Lars.
"Here's your lunch!" Hector greeted, holding out the boxes.
"Thanks," Lars responded, less enthusiastically as he took the top box from the pile, "Where are Rhen and Swilly?"
"Ah, they're enjoying their lunch outs-"
"We're right here!" Swilly suddenly exclaimed. Hector blinked, confused, when he noticed Rhen's eyes were cleared. They, however, were looking at random spots all over the castle walls.
"Here's the key," Lars said, holding out the silver object. Rhen looked up at him, startled.
After a moment's hesitation, she snatched the key from his hand.
'He's really going on like nothing happened...!'
Angry, she stomped passed him and into the hallway.
"Uh... wait! You don't know the way!" The guard yelled, running after her.
There was a momentary silence, the majority of the people in the throne room bewildered by the queen's sudden attitude. Hector observed Lars closely, waiting for something that would give him away.
"Where do you plan on journeying after this?" The King finally asked, cutting the silence.
"I'm not sure, sire. We'll discuss a plan tonight," Lars answered.
"So you plan to stay in Sedona for the night? Alright... I would suggest Dirkon, though I would be careful."
"Dirkon? Why do you think such a place would hold a sword?"
"Dirkon has become quite a prosperous city. These past few Springs have brought freak weather for us; our corn wouldn't grow. We, as well as other surrounding nations, had to buy all of it all from Dirkon," the King explained before frowning, "Though, I do believe this economic increase has gone to their heads a bit."
"Then we'll check it out," Lars concluded, curious. Dirkon was such a misfortunate city... it was hard picturing anything otherwise.
"Looks like we have the sword of Light now."
Rhen emerged, holding the newfound sword horizontally across her hands.
Hector blanched.
"What the heck is with these swords?! Pink, now yellow? How freaking girly can you get?!" He exclaimed.
"Oh, who cares about the color? Be happy you have another sword!" Swilly reminded.
"If we're done here, I'd like to go to the mansion now," Rhen said, looking at the King in question. He nodded his head.
"The people of Clearwater should be arriving sometime in the evening. I will send word when they get here."
"Thank you!" Rhen replied, and the four made their leave.
Hector did not miss the glances Lars was getting from Rhen the whole way to the mansion.
---
"You know, we only have two now," Lars began, settling the sword of Dreams and the sword of Light on the dining room table, "But they'll be really troublesome to carry when we get more."
"We'll by sheaths. It shouldn't be that difficult," Hector replied.
"Wow! I'm gonna explore this place!" Swilly spoke excitedly, zipping around the house.
"Sounds like a good idea," Hector said, walking out of the dining room. There was a short, awkward silence between the two left.
"I'll get a bath in," Lars said, also departing. Rhen let out the breath she hadn't even known she was holding when he disappeared.
How was she going to continue this journey now that things were so awkward between them? Was something like that really so simple to forget?
... Why did he kiss her?!
But why did she even keep asking herself? No matter what the reason... in the end, it wouldn't matter.
She rubbed the band on her finger before shaking her head, determined to stop thinking about it. If he could put it behind him, then she could too!
Too bad she walked right into a familiar place in the hallway just as she decided this. She had been in this very spot when Lars had first apologized; the minute they began building their friendship.
Ugh, why did everything lead back to him lately?!
But, she smiled anyway, remembering the incredibly embarrassed young man fumbling for words that day.
"Why are you just standing there?"
Rhen jumped, turning to face Hector with a frown.
"Don't just sneak up on me like that," Rhen accused, though she knew it was entirely her fault for not paying attention, "I just remembered this is where Lars first apologized for being so mean to me."
"Wow, you have a good memory."
Rhen chuckled.
"The big bad Lars said he was sorry to his former slave! How could I forget something like that?!"
She was breathing in his breath. A mix of auburns and oranges were flooding her vision.
And then… a soft warmth brushing against her lips…
Unbidden, a red hue crossed Rhen's cheeks and nose.
"Ju… I'm… Forget about that."
Hector rose an eyebrow at her predicament. She didn't give him a chance to ask, brushing passed him with quick steps. Swilly flew to the side when Rhen nearly bumped right into her, before flying over to Hector.
The two shared curious glances.
To their surprise, Rhen came back out, though her pace did not slow. Keeping her head down, she brushed passed them again, heading for the dining area.
"I'm going for a walk."
Hector opened his mouth to talk, but was greeted by the closing of the front door. He sighed irritably, running a hand through his hair.
"Fine then!" He huffed, stomping over to the dining room table.
Now alone, Swilly sighed in boredom.
---
He was going to kill that clock.
He'd been sitting an the dining room table, busily polishing the swords with nothing else better to do, and that stupid clock had been tick-tocking its way to an early grave.
With Rhen gone who-knows-where, Lars not yet emerged from the bathroom, and Swilly more-than-likely sleeping in the back room, the silence was deafening. He supposed he could be using the time to get some sleep, but he was determined to confront Lars about what was going on.
Being kept in the dark was just no fun.
Now if only the guy would come out already!
He lifted the sword of Dreams up, catching his reflection in the blade. He frowned, taking in the unkept hair and wrinkled clothing. His mother would surely scold him if she saw him like this.
A door opened, and Hector turned to see Lars finally come out.
"The pink sword suits you," Lars drawled, making Hector flush.
"Shut up!" Hector exclaimed, dropping the sword with a clang. Lars shook his head as he made his way to the kitchen.
"Be careful with those things," Lars warned, opening the cooler's door. He sighed, telling himself he should have known nothing would be in it; they may keep up with the house, but there was certainly no reason to stock it.
Resigning to a glass of water, he opened a nearby cupboard, searching for the glasses. By the time he found the correct cabinet, a chill was running down his spine. He turned with a glare, confirming his thought.
Hector was staring at him.
"What?!"
"You're acting weird."
Lars moved to the sink, placing the glass underneath the faucet before turning it on, "And how is getting a glass of water weird?"
"Rhen's acting even weirder."
Hector inwardly grinned when Lars fumbled to turn the water off.
"She ran out, you know. Hasn't come back; didn't say where she was going..."
"What the hell? How could you let her go without getting any information!?"
"She wouldn't even look at me. Now what the hell happened?"
Lars's jaw grew taught as they stared each other down. Hector noticed with mild vexation that the ticking of the clock was once again prominent in the silence.
"I...!" Lars shouted, before lowering his head and growing considerably quieter, "I fucked up."
"Thought so."
"I kissed her."
"... You kissed her."
"Yeah."
"Just like that?"
"Yeah."
"No explanation?"
"No."
"... You kissed her."
"Stop repeating it!"
"How could you do that?!"
"Do what?" Swilly asked, flying into the dining room rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Noth-"
"Lars kissed Rhen!"
"What?!"
"Hector!"
"What?"
"You like Rhen!?"
"Wha... no! Er..."
"Oh, he does."
"Oh my gosh!"
"Hector, you're a dead man!"
Hector quickly ducked as a glass came flying toward his face. It broke with a loud shatter against the wall behind him.
"Wait, wait," Hector rushed, putting his hands up in surrender, "What happened afterwards?"
Lars now had the cabinet wide open, grabbing another glass. He chucked it, scowling when Hector dodged.
"Nothing! It's all forgotten, ok?!"
Another glass shattered next to Hector. Lars reached for yet another, but stopped with his hand in midair. With a shallow breath, he leaned against the counter.
"... Hey, man. You alright?"
Lars's head swung down.
"I'm exhausted."
Hector cautiously stepped forward. His friend could have very well been tricking him, ready to smash a glass in his face.
But as he grew closer, he could see the fatigue lined on his face.
"You don't look good. Here," Hector offered, taking hold of Lars's arm and wrapping it around his shoulders. Within minutes, he had Lars tucked into bed. He sighed, feeling a little guilty to have riled him up while he wasn't in the best condition.
Once back in the dining room, he crouched down, fingers slipping over a large shard of glass.
"Clearly not forgotten," Hector muttered to himself.
"... Isn't Rhen married?" Swilly asked, sitting on the edge of the table. Her feet dangled off the side, swinging back and forth.
"... Yeah. She is," Hector replied. Hearing no further questions out of the fairy's mouth, be busied himself with picking up the broken glass.
It wasn't long before the front door opened. Rhen paused after shutting the door, staring at the broken glass.
"... Where'd all the glass come from?"
"Nevermind that; I'm picking it up. Don't go running off without telling someone where you're going next time, ok?"
"Aw, worried about me?" Rhen joked.
"When you make an exit like that, yes."
Rhen was momentarily taken aback.
"... Lars is sick."
Rhen's eyes widened in alarm, "What do you mean sick?"
"He's been through a lot day; his body is really worn out. All that stress could cause a fever."
"Where is he now?"
"In the back room, resting."
Though she was apprehensive about meeting Lars face to face, her worry overpowered the awkwardness. Plus, it wasn't like she would be able to avoid Lars anyway.
Just forget, like he said.
Even though she tried to convince herself to do just that, she was immensely relieved to see Lars asleep when she walked in the room. Quietly, she strolled over to the bed, gently placing the back of her hand to his forehead.
She cringed at the heat, swiftly turning to head back to the kitchen. A cold cloth would help.
"I'll take my bath now," Hector announced when she walked in the room, "Lars was worried about you running off, too."
Rhen inwardly sighed, wondering what that little comment was for. Probably to make her feel guilty.
And it was kind of working.
But it was of no use now. All was said and done.
After dampening the cloth with cold water, she made her way back to the bedroom, carefully placing the cloth on his forehead. He stirred, but didn't wake.
"Don't slow us down by catching a fever, you idiot," Rhen whispered halfheartedly, offering a small smile before leaving him in peace, "What in the world am I going to do with you?"
It was a casual statement.
She refused to acknowledge how serious it really was.
--- And chapter 6 is
finally up on !