Chapter 7

"Welcome back, Miss Kyoko," Dr. Ogata greeted her in a soft shy tone. Kyoko smiled brightly at the pretty man. She knew it was wrong to think of him as more pretty than handsome, but she felt as long as she kept that fact to herself, there would be no harm.

"Hello again, Dr. Ogata. How is Apollo?" she asked as she set down her items on a nearby chair.

"Oh, he is fine. A healthy young colt. That little nick isn't going slow him down at all," he assured her. "He's almost five now. Are you going to break him soon?" Ogata asked curiously.

Kyoko nodded. "I am hoping to be able to replace Perses with him. If his temperament calms down then he will work very well."

"Perses? What's wrong with Perses?" Ogata asked frightened for the poor horse.

Kyoko smiled. "Nothing is wrong with him. Everything is fine, Dr. Ogata. His new owner refuses to let me use him unless I sell him the ranch and..." Kyoko sighed tiredly. "This is an old story, you really should join the social circle, Dr. Ogata," she teased making him blush.

"I don't do well with humans, I much prefer the honesty of animals," he confessed making her smile. She agreed with him to an extent. Some humans were nice. She suddenly smiled a Cheshire cat grin.

"What about Ms. Asami?" Kyoko teased and was rewarded with a extremely embarrassed prince.

"Oh, I... um... we are... she is very... well..." Ogata stuttered with his face inflamed making Kyoko giggle. Ogata while very kind, sweet, intelligent and well off, his pretty features and timid personality didn't make all the women swoon like Tsuruga could. Kyoko frowned at herself. Why did I think of him? She shook her head and returned to the fair doctor.

"You look every good together, I do hope that you both are very happy," Kyoko told him making him blush harder but nod in agreeance. There was a loud sound of his front door opening and slamming closed.

"Doc! Are you here?" A man shouted in a panicked voice. Ogata rushed to the front with Kyoko following to find Hikaru Ishibashi holding one of his hound dogs in his arms.

"A damn rattler bit him, Doc. He's hurt really bad. I did what I could and sucked the poison out, but I'm worried. Can you help him? Please tell me you can help him," Hikaru pleaded as he set his dog down on the counter. He looked miserable as his dog whimpered on the wooden counter while the Ogata looked at the wound and nodded. He ran straight towards her. Kyoko quickly moved when she realized he needed to get to the other room, and she was standing in the door way. Ogata grabbed a bottle of ammonia and rushed back. The dog squirmed and whimpered a little when Ogata poured the liquid on the bite. Hikaru whispered softly to his dog to help him calm down.

"You did good, Hikaru," Ogata said softly. "I'm sure with your efforts and the ammonia he will be fine but will you let me keep him over night? I can continue to treat him and we hope for the best. There is no way of telling if all the poison came out."

"Yeah, sure, Doc. I know you will do him right," Hikaru sniffed as he pet the black and brown fur of his hound. The Ishibashi brothers were hunters and relied heavily on their hounds. They brought in most of the town's meat and furs. They also had hidden talents of playing the music at the saloons some nights. Hikaru played the piano and harmonica, Shin'ishi had the banjo and trumpet and Yuusei the fiddle and flute. They were so energetic on stage. The whole town loved them.

"Come to the back and lets put him somewhere more comfortable," Ogata told Hikaru who nodded. He picked up his dog who whimpered softly, and Hikaru finally looked up at her. Surprise and a small blush decorated his cheeks, and he looked down bashfully.

"Miss Kyoko, I'm sorry I didn't see you here," Hikaru mumbled softly, his voice thick with his distress.

Kyoko shook her head. "It's fine. You have more important things to worry about, Hikaru," she told him comfortingly. He nodded and nervously side stepped through the door where she was standing. She kept forgetting she was in the way and stepped through to the front of the office where her items where. Kyoko felt so bad for Hikaru, she was torn wanting to see to him and at the same time knowing she needed to get back home. She heard murmurs in the back room as Ogata and Hikaru spoke and then finally Hikaru came back out with his face dry and eyes red. Kyoko gave him a soft smile and she knew she had to make sure he was okay.

"It will be alright, Hikaru," she came forward and took his arm. He stiffened slightly at the touch of her hand, but she didn't notice and continued her comforting words. "Doctor Ogata is the best and always works his hardest for all his patients." The two of them started walking out the front door. Kyoko looked back to see Ogata watching them and she motioned to her items and held out her hand displaying five fingers. Ogata understood that she wanted some time and would be back, and he nodded making her smile. She turned back to the blushing man and continued her reassurances.

Ogata laughed. All she had to do was smile at the man, and he would fell better about anything. He suddenly frowned and went back to his patient. "There has to be something better to assure...," he took off mumbling to himself.

"How about we go get some cake from Miss Momose's place? You always loved her cakes," Kyoko offered with a sweet smile. Hikaru was torn. He was upset about his dog, but at the same time was really happy that he would get to spend time with Kyoko.

"Oh, I really don't want to bother you, Miss Kyoko. I mean I would love you.. love to if you have the time but..." he stuttered and flushed at the stupid word coming from his mouth. If she caught his slip, she didn't mention it.

"I'm offering, Hikaru, so of course it's okay. Come on," she boosted trying to lift his spirits. She hugged his arm trying to pull him to the little shop. Little did she know that his hesitation had nothing to do with his wounded hound and more to do with his arm pressed firmly against her chest.

Ren sighed as he reviewed more records of the town. In all honestly, he really didn't need to do this, the town was in his top ten list. Even if it didn't end up as his head quarters, it would become one of the stops for the road. So why was he here instead of starting up his vacation? Ren sighed again. He didn't want to seem too eager. He was forcing himself to stay and work, because he didn't want to admit to himself that he wanted to go over there since last night.

"It's just because I'm tired," he grumbled to himself. It had nothing to do with her, her smile or funny personality. He sat up straight and forced himself to look at the paper in front of him when something bright caught the corner of his eye. He turned to look out the window and found Kyoko pulling the arm of some dopey looking man. She was smiling cheerfully as she animatedly spoke about something to him. They were there and then gone in a flash and so was he.

"Are you all done, Mr. Tsuruga?" Kimiko Kamio asked him as he whooshed by her desk.

"Ah, yes," he replied and then looked back to the desk and then out the window trying to keep Kyoko in view. "Um, I'm very sorry, but I left a little..."

"Oh don't worry," she assured him, "It looks like you remembered something rather important to take care of."

"Yes, thank you, Mrs. Kamio," Ren said and left. He looked down the boardwalk and found that Kyoko and her mystery man was gone. He frowned and started walking down the boardwalk, peering into store fronts for her dark hair. What was she wearing? It was a white right? A white blouse? Maybe cream? He kept trying to remember the color of her clothes while trying not to look insane.

"Excuse me," someone called out to him, and Ren cursed to himself. He turned to find a tall older man with dark black hair and thin mustache. He was a lawman... no, he was the Sheriff.

"What can I do for you, Sheriff Takarada?" Ren greeted him politely. He had read many articles of his efforts to keep the three towns clean of riffraff that Ren knew he was a great man. Sheriff Lory Takarada would be able to handle the increase in population when the rail road came in.

Lory smiled at him and extended his hand. Ren smiled back and shook his hand. "So you know me already? Though that doesn't surprise me with all the questions and research you've done in my town. I just came back today from Northwood and saw a chance to meet you," he explained.

Ren gave him his professional business smile. "Then allow me to introduce myself, though it may not be necessary. Ren Tsuruga."

"And you work for?" Lory asked, the first person in the town to do so.

"The rail road," Ren answered honestly making Lory's interest peek.

"I see. Well that makes sense, now," Lory replied, nodding in understanding, "I read that they were building west but didn't know they were this far out now. Why didn't they send word that they were sending someone down to scout the cities?"

Ren smiled and explained, "We've had some back experiences in the past where some towns were not selected to be a station and felt wronged by the decision. Building a station would increase a town's revenue and popularity a hundred fold, and we want to make sure the towns we pick are capable of such growth."

Lory nodded starting to like this man. "Very well. How long are you here for?"

"I will be leaving for Northwood tonight," Ren lied smoothly. "I understand that town is connected to this one?"

"Yes, it's much smaller than the town to the east, which you've already been to?" Lory asked as if he was testing him. Ren nodded knowing that whatever this man wanted to know, couldn't really harm him. He seemed to accept that he was Ren Tsuruga and not Kuon Hizuri. If he knew, there was a chance that he would have been kicked out of town.

"Clear Creek, yes," Ren verified Lory's concern and the man smiled. "Even if it is smaller, if it is connected to your town, I need to document it. I hope you don't mind," Ren asked trying to appease the overly protective Sheriff.

"Not at all," Lory said, smiling at him again. It seemed that Ren passed his inquisition. The Sheriff's eyes moved past him and chuckled. "I see now that the rumors about your... charm are true though. The ladies of my town are already missing you." He gestured behind Ren with his head causing Ren to turn towards a group of dressed up ladies all whispering and pointing at him. Ren let out an involuntary sigh causing Lory to laugh boisterously. Lory patted his shoulder and turned him around, walking with him down the boardwalk.

"I'd like to apologize for them, but all is fair in love and war. I'm sure you are use to it by now," Lory said with a little humor in his voice.

"Yes and no, can someone really get use to that?" Ren asked rhetorically, "Besides, it's more frustrating since I'm not looking for anyone. With the way things are at the moment," Ren stopped causing Lory to look up at him curiously and caught a quick glimpse of a tortured look on his face, which was quickly replaced with his normal one.

"The traveling isn't done yet, and a wife would make things difficult. Perhaps later," Ren finished with a very logical answer. Lory really couldn't argue with it, but deep down he knew that wasn't the real reason why. Instead of prying, Lory started sprouting his lessons of love.

"You may say that, but love is funny. It doesn't care if you are ready or not, it just happens. You meet a girl and find that you really can't live without her. She creeps into your system and soon, she is apart of you, something you can't let go of nor would you want..." Lory found that he had lost his younger companion. He looked up at him and then looked to where he was looking. He smiled finding Miss Kyoko talking to Hikaru Ishibashi. He smiled and turned back to Ren to find the young man glaring angrily at the sight in front of him. Lory turned back and saw the end of a brief hug that Kyoko gave Hikaru. Oh poor Hikaru was gone, floating up in cloud 9 with delight.

"I guess you already know all this then," Lory mumbled to Ren who finally blinked out of his daze and back to the person talking to.

"I'm sorry, what do I know?" Ren asked, his mask back up and looking confused.

Lory smiled brightly and replied, "Nothing. I must go back to the station now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Tsuruga. I would say farewell, but I suspect that I will be seeing you again."

Ren frowned not understanding his cryptic statement and then remembered what he was trying to do before. He looked up and found the man she was with walking towards him with a large goofy smile on his lips while Kyoko disappeared again. That girl was like a shooting star, granting a person the barest sight of something magical and then gone a second later. The man walked past him, and Ren fought not to question his relationship with Kyoko. Instead he tried to swallow his aggression and went to the saloon.

"Whiskey," Ren ordered as he sat down on one of the stools. Ryutaro raised an eyebrow at him inquisitively but gave him his drink.

"Bad day?" He asked after Ren drank the entire glass. He grunted and motioned for more. The barkeep knew when to stay quiet and did so as he poured another glass for Ren. Ren picked it up and was about to toss it back when he heard giggling coming from upstairs. He rolled his eyes thinking it was that Shotaro boy again, probably nursing his wounds from earlier. Ren felt like he should leave. With the way he was feeling right now, seeing that prick would only get him into jail.

Ren drank the glass in one gulp and reached into his pocket to pay when he noticed it wasn't him but two girls. He eased up thinking he could stay but was wrong. It was her, Kyoko, and she was talking spiritedly to a beautiful painted girl. He blinked as he watched them. He didn't think she would ever associate with a saloon dancer. Kyoko was a self proclaimed lady and most proper ladies thought all female entertainers were filth. He watched Kyoko hug the other girl who looked terribly uncomfortable with it, yet she had a little smile on her lips. Soon another pretty girl came out, one with short black hair, and Kyoko hugged her too. This one was more responsive. Finally, Kyoko started down the stairs, waving good bye to the two dancers with a large smile.

Ren didn't want to see her, afraid of the things he would say or do. He grabbed the glass, which was filled without him asking and ran to a hidden corner of the bar. He was sitting down in that dark corner with his hat pulled down long before her foot hit the ground floor. She walked over to the bar and started talking happily to Ryutaro. He asked her something, and she nodded while talking a little more. He smiled happily and then reached under his bar to give her a jar of something amber. Ren could hear her gratitude all the way over here and caught a glimmer of her sweet smile making his sour mood lift slightly. They finally said goodbye and Kyoko left with her jar, turning east.

"It was honey," Ryutaro yelled out with a little smile on his lips. Ren turned back at him frowning. Was I really that obvious? he thought to himself and sipped his drink.

"My wife take cares of honey bees and gives Miss Kyoko honey in trade for teaching our son about horses," the barkeeper continued to explain. Ren gave him a look as if he didn't care what the situation was and finished his drink. Ryutaro came up to him with the bottle of whiskey.

"More?" He asked, and Ren nodded. Instead of just pouring a drink for him, Ryutaro plopped down with another glass and poured them both one. "She's such a sweet girl. If my son were a little order..." he mentioned offhandedly making Ren frown deeper and him smile wider. "Tragic life though," Ryutaro said sincerely, "No child should grow up without a mother." He took a drink as did Ren listening to him.

"The whole town thought the Fuwa boy was a fool for not marrying her. Well everyone but some of the younger ladies. Those two girls up there are her only friends," Ryutaro explained her visit to them. "Good girls those two, odd but good girls unlike Ruriko. They would do anything for Miss Kyoko, and she for them," he said getting distracted.

"The other girls tend to look down on her because she works hard and acts rough, doesn't dress up like the others. Everything she earns goes back to the ranch and those horses," Ryutaro smiled, thinking. "She never does anything for herself. Then when Hiro died..." he stopped and drank the rest of his drink. "She felt like she had to do everything herself without asking for help from anyone. Nothing new anyway," he poured himself another glass. "I used the excuse of teaching my son horses as a way to sort of help her out. I could have taught Hiou to ride; though he did learn a few extra tricks I didn't know."

Ren smiled, his temper leaving as his mind was filling up with thoughts of her. "Yup, she's a catch. She may not be as pretty as the other girls," Ren frowned at that, but Ryutaro didn't notice and continued, "but anyone with half a mind could see she would make a great wife and a wonderful mother. That's probably why that idiot didn't, brains in his pants instead of his head," he said making Ren snort. No one needed to tell him how much of an idiot that boy was. Still, the town didn't think she was pretty? That puzzled him. Perhaps that was only this man's opinion, because Ren saw a man swooning over her just a little bit ago.

"There is Hikaru, though," Ryutaro continued, his tongue was rather loose today. Maybe he was bored. Ren looked at him, who had heavy lidded eyes. Or drunk. "If I remember correctly, he was talking to her father for her hand a little after Shotaro broke off their engagement. That man was very protective of his daughter and asked him to wait a little bit. Now that he's gone, I wonder how long he will wait. He's probably waiting another year to let her mourn."

Ren wanted to ask questions, lots of different questions. When did he die? How did he die? Why didn't she marry right away? Couldn't she hire some help for the Ranch? Was she really okay being all alone out there? Instead of asking him, he wanted to hear it from her. He wanted to get to know her from her own mouth not anyone else. He stood up and paid him. The older barkeep watched him go, a small smile on his lips as he finished his drink.

"Lory is rubbing off on me," he mumbled to himself.