Chapter 6
Reunion
Deep in Oakheart Forest in a secluded hideout only a select few in Doveport knew, Yuu is humming to himself lovingly while he slowly stirs the lunch soup and Kimizuki works on the laundry. Shinoa had gone into town to check on things.
Hearing Yuu just humming to himself while stirring slowly, Kimizuki says as hangs up a white sheet, "Hey, lover idiot. How's that soup coming? I'm starving here."
Not receiving a reply from the raven, Kimizuki sighs in annoyance. "Hungry as a bear here." he spoke louder but still no reply. "Hey!"
Yuu finally snaps out of his thoughts and turned to the pinkette. "Sorry about that. Did you say something?"
Then he immediately realized who was on his mind. "Never mind. I know you're not thinking about food. In fact I know you're mind is on a certain blond with blue cerulean eyes that you could stare into all day."
Just then, the two picked up the smell of smoke, causing Yuu to jump back like it was going to explode soon. "You're burning our lunch!" Taking a black shirt from the clean pile, Kimizuki fans the smoke away and took over making the soup with Yuu brushing off any soot that got on his clothes.
"Sorry Kimizuki. I was thinking about Mika again. I just can't help it. I love him after all." Yuu admits to his friend as he went to take care of the laundry since Kimizuki is taking over the cooking.
He and many of the others already know of how deep his love is for the prince. "Look, why don't you stop moping around and marry the guy already?" Kimizuki tosses the shirt back to him as he fixes up the soup with new ingredients.
The shirt landing right in his face, Yuu yanks it down and gawks at him for his suggestion. "Marry him? The way things are now, it's not that easy. Not when Ferid wants nothing more than for us to be apart."
"And let him keep your prince to himself?" Kimizuki adds with disgust. "Just climb the fortress walls," then he picks up a soggy carrot, flicks it off his spoon and continues the idea, "sweep him off his feet. And just carry him off in style."
Placing the now dirty shirt in the dirty pile to take care of later, Yuu just has his hopes low at that thought. "It's no use, Kimizuki, I've already thought it all through but it won't work. Besides what do I have to offer him?"
Remembering the smoke and bad smell from earlier, Kimizuki deadpans, "Well for one you can't cook to save a life."
"I'm serious, Kimizuki. Mika is of royalty." Unknown to the two, Guren and Shinoa are heading into their hideout, with news for an upcoming event that King Ferid is going to throw soon.
"So what if he has class." Kimizuki adds with a shrug as he shakes in some pepper to the soup.
"I'm an outlaw that's what. Besides that kind of life is not worthy for a guy like him, always being on the run from the law. How could I offer that kind of future to him?"
"Oh, Yuu-san, you're such an idiot." Shinoa suddenly speaks up, causing Yuu to jump at their sudden appearance.
"You're not an outlaw. I can promise you that someday you'll be called 'The Great Hero of Doveport'." Guren adds.
Yuu nearly laughs at the word hero. "You hear that, Telephone Pole? We have been pardoned."
Kimizuki snickers at the thought. "Now there's a laugh. None of us haven't even been arrested yet."
"Oh laugh it out, you two. And you are right about that because all of you are as swift as the cheetah. But I came by to let you all know that there is going to be a huge event in Doveport." Guren says as he tries the soup that Kimizuki finished making as the pinkette undoes the the apron and take it off.
"That's right. That ol' King Ferid is going to throw an archery tournament one week from tomorrow." Shinoa adds as she set the flowers she had gathered on a handmade table to work on a flower crown later.
"Is that so?" Kimizuki adds in a small laugh as he hung the apron on a hook. "We all know that Yuu could win that with only one eye open."
Flattered, Yuu does a bow. "Thank you, Kimizuki. But I'm sure we're not invited."
"Of course. But someone will be greatly disappointed if you don't show up." Guren says between spoonfuls of soup.
Then he had thought about Crowley and the face he'll make if the very talented archer doesn't join the tournament. "That'll be Crowley the Honorable Sheriff of Doveport."
"Actually, it'll be Mikaela Shindo." Shinoa corrects him as she turns to Yuu.
Just the mention of his name at first surprised Yuu as he felt his heart beat in excitement at the thought of seeing him again after so long. "Mika?" Yuu repeats softly.
"Yep. Turns out that he is the second reward for the winner; for they will receive a kiss from the prince." Guren says with a chuckle that this would motivate the rogue leader to enter the tournament in a chance to win Mika back.
Just as he had thought, Yuu felt overly motivated. "A kiss from Mika to the winner!" He could feel his heart leap and do somersaults in his chest. "We have all got to be there!"
"Woah slow down, champ. There's no doubt that the tournament will be infested with soldiers." Kimizuki warns him.
"Not to mention this strongly stinks of trap." Shinoa adds. She does want to help him reunite with the one he loves but she also didn't want him to get badly hurt since they had humiliated the king with their stunt the other day.
His bow in hand with his quiver on his back, Yuu shakes a finger at his friends. "Aha! But keep in mind; faint of heart never win the hand of royalty. So fear not, my good friends."
With his bow and one arrow set, Yuu quickly targets a frying pan with one eye closed to send the arrow flying before tossing his hat up into the air. "This will be my greatest performance yet." The arrow zips right past the hat before it landed perfectly back on his head.
And so, one week later, in an open field, the tournament is all set with one large area where targets and the audience will be, there were concession stands set for food and beverages and booths to play games before the tournament.
At the royal box, Ferid chuckles to himself, proud of how everything is set and prepared for his plan. Sitting upon his throne with Lacus and Rene standing on the left of the throne, Ferid says with a snicker, "Boys, today is the day for a coup d'etat."
The two nod in agreement. "Oh yes, sire." Lacus agrees.
"Today is a perfect day to extract your secret revenge against Yuichiro Amane and his band."
Rubbing his jeweled hands together, Ferid had an evil gleam in his cold eyes. "My trap is baited and set, and then I'll have my revenge!"
"Not so loud, sir. Someone could catch wind of your plan and warn Yuu off. His capture must be kept a secret." Rene reminds him.
Just the mere thought of the thief really made his blood boil in anger. "That insolent childish rogue. Ooh! I'll show him who wears the crown!" And of course he'll never forget how humiliated he felt that day he was robbed by three kids!
Entering the field, Mika just can't hold his excitement as he wraps his arms around his friends. "Guys, I'm just so excited! How am I going to recognize him?" Mika asks as he glances around for any signs of the raven.
"Oh, I know that he'll let you know in his own way." Yoichi says as he also looks around for him and his band.
"That lover of yours is always full of surprises after all!" Mitsuba adds as the trio laugh a bit and continue on their way to the royal box.
Unknown to them, Yuu is watching Mika as he remains hidden within the trees and bushes, his smile growing. "That's him, guys. Isn't he just heavenly beautiful like an angel?"
Yuu just about walked out into the open when Kimizuki dragged him back into the bushes. "Slow down, idiot Yuu. Your head is running away with your heart." Kimizuki tosses his cloak at him, him and Shinoa already dressed as Nobles with Kimizuki in black pants under a red tunic, brown boots and a black cape while Shinoa wore a white and gold hooded gown with brown sandals with her hair down.
Clasping his black cloak over his black tunic, dark grey pants and black hunting boots with the hood up, a blue rose hidden on his black belt and a black silk blindfold over his right eye since he has been practicing the entire week shooting with only one eye, Yuu shakes off Kimizuki's worry with a shrug. "Would you stop worrying. This disguise would easily fool my parents."
Kimizuki and Shinoa laugh in agreement. "But your folks aren't here. Your job is to fool that hot airhead." Shinoa replies before pointing to Crowley as he walks right into the field.
Knowing exactly how he'll start his act and with Asuramaru well hidden in his disguise, Yuu winks to his friends and walks up to Crowley. "Excuse me but are you the Honorable Sheriff of Doveport Crowley?"
"Yeah." Crowley answers deadpanned as the cloaked stranger bows to him in respect.
"I must say that meeting you in person is a real honor, sir." Yuu pretends to be a fan of the man while he secretly made faces hidden from his view and Asuramaru sticks his tongue out at him.
To hear this had really flattered the man. "Thank you, lad. Now if you would excuse me, I have a tournament to win." As Crowley walks off to join the other archers, Yuu and Asuramaru share quiet snickers behind the sheriff's retreating back before the teen also went to join the others as the tournament is finishing up with preparations.
Watching the raven walk off to join the other competitors, Kimizuki and Shinoa are impressed with how well his acting is. And so with their own demon cats beside them with Shinoa carrying Shi gently in her arms while Kimizuki has Kiseki-o perched on his shoulder, the pair approach the royal box and Kimizuki says in greeting, "Ah, your majesty. At last we meet the head man himself." Kimizuki bows while Shinoa curtsy.
"You are truly stunning, my king." Shinoa adds as Ferid strokes a few hair strands, enjoying the compliments and respect from these two Nobles.
Laughing a bit, feeling very giddy, Ferid is feeling just like a high school girl. "These two have such stylish respect, Lacus, Rene."
However the two councilors were not too pleased with their sudden arrivals. Standing out of their seats, the two continue to glare at the Nobles. "And just who are you two?" Lacus asks rather rudely.
"I am the Duke Rhithik, I am accompanied by the Duchess Serane. And I would appreciate it if you two watch your attitudes." Down to one knee, Kimizuki takes Ferid's hand. "Sire, allow me to lay some protocol on you."
But before Kimizuki places a kiss to his fingers, Ferid snatches his hand back rather quickly. "Oh no. Forgive me but I lose more jewels that way."
"This means he learned from last time." Kimizuki and Shinoa share the exact same thought as they glance at each other.
"Now then, please have a seat." Ferid offers the seats on his left that remain unoccupied since Lacus and Rene are standing.
"Thank you, your majesty." Kimizuki says as he and Shinoa take the offered chairs.
Now that Shi is in her lap, Shinoa adds as she strokes the demon cat's back as she purrs softly, "There's just no better seats than these."
Just then the two notice how Lacus and Rene glare at them. "Can we help you?"
"Don't act all innocent. You two have taken our seats." Lacus replies, very annoyed that the king let them take the chairs.
Then Ferid bursts into laughter. "Oh please, with you two around there's no need to hire a court jester." Just to have their king laughing at them made Lacus and Rene feel insulted.
His laughing fits died down, Ferid gives them a new order. "Now get out there and keep your cold eyes open for you-know-who."
Keeping a close eye and an open ear on the king, Kimizuki and Shinoa start to get the feeling that maybe they had been right about this being a trap set for Yuu.
To hear that order did not please the two. "You mean we're being dismissed?"
Then the three nod their heads. "You heard the king so get going. Shoo!" Shinoa shakes her hand right at them, annoying Lacus and Rene more as they stepped away from the royal box.
With Lacus mumbling under his breath, Guren and Shinya watch them very closely. "No doubt they are up to something, Guren."
Guren easily agrees with him. "Come on. We need to make sure they don't ruin Yuu's chance." With that they follow the councilors to keep an extra close watch on them.
Then the trumpets went off again, announcing the tournament will begin soon. As the archers March, Mika, Yoichi and Mitsuba arrive at the royal box, bowing to Ferid as he gestured to the three seats on his right with Mika sitting between Yoichi and Mitsuba as they watch the archers getting ready to compete.
The last archer, Yuichiro spots Mikaela. With his disguise secured and getting the blue rose from his belt, Yuu approaches the royal box and says with a bow to the prince, "Ah, your highness. I beg your pardon, but I must say it's an honor to compete for the favor of a lovely boy such as yourself."
Blushing a bit, Mika takes the beautiful, rare blue rose. "I hope to win that kiss."
After the cloaked man had winked at him, that was when Mika had locked his eyes into his gaze, finding the one visible green eye beautiful and knowing exactly who has that beautiful shade of green.
His heart fluttering now that he has finally seen his Yuu-chan after so long, Mika says, trying to hide his giddiness, "Thank you, my mysterious archer. I wish you luck," then Mika leans closer to Yuu as they share loving expressions with the blond gently caressing his cheek, also feeling the softness of the blindfold and whispers, "with all my heart."