quest for a dearly beloved

oo6


After enduring three long and horribly malignant days, Prince Byakuya, if he allows himself one moment free from self-deceit, is at the end of his tether.

His restraint frays more and more each second he spends with the company of two disreputable nobles. While Byakuya had always prized himself on his mental fortitude, even he is quietly surprised at his resolve for lasting as long as this.

In times of such disgust, he wonders if it was right of him to place faith in his parents, who have placed trust in Lord Kisuke and Lady Yoruichi, to find a bride for him — the next queen of Geronimo, whenever that time may be.

While Byakuya internally despairs, he attempts to calm down by appreciating the forest.

The forest was a pleasant unknown, light filtering through verdant leaves, and a soft ambience that would have entranced both heart and mind had Prince Byakuya been spared from four cacophonous beings that continue to be the bane of his life.

Two of these beings travel with him, inside the carriage, gifted with such smiles that only fabled crocodiles could imitate so precisely.

The other two, Byakuya was dismayed to note, had long since abstained from their usual leering at each other, and engaged fully in a verbal battle of snapping teeth and curse words.

It must be love, the young Prince had hoped, earlier, before the entire debacle began. He had hoped with an empty heart, and a sour expression, ruminating that Hiyori had been reduced to silence, if only for a short while.

Alas, rain had fallen two nights ago, and apparently it wasn't common knowledge that his High Servant was not a light sleeper (unlike His Royal Highness, who had acquired bruises since learning this particular detail that it was best not to wake a sleeping dragon) and woke on her own terms.

To the detriment of all, Hiyori had woken up drenched to the bone, and grew even more furious that Shinji, currently employed as the carriage driver, was dry. In fact, Hirako Shinji had decided to find shelter inside the carriage, and allow for a break, and while he had tried to shield Hiyori from the rain, and led the carriage beneath the trees, it was not enough to prevent the rain from marking her.

Or the horses, although Hiyori grumbled with a suspicious look in her eyes that they didn't seem to suffer as much as she had.

To that, Hirako Shinji had dismissively replied that it was because their silky fur had made them near impermeable, so how was she supposed to compete with a horse?

There had been a shouting match ever since.

It must be love, Byakuya darkly reaffirmed, only slightly bitter, if Hiyori hadn't stopped incessantly yelling yet.

He had a feeling that Shinji must snipe back, since Hiyori all but roared responses, but he only was audible sometimes.

Prince Byakuya sighs to himself, and tries once more to be appreciative of the forest scenery. He likes the wildness of it, the sifts of sunbeams and shades of green, the babbling stream looking iridescent as it drinks in the light. Every now and then, there was a glimpse of wildlife, untamed creatures that disappeared after a blink of an eye. He'd lost count at how fleetingly he'd seen deer, rabbits or squirrels regarding them with mild curiosity, before vanishing without a trace.

Perhaps the arguments of Hiyori and Shinji had driven them away. Yes. That must be it.

As lovely as the forest seemed to be, Byakuya is not quite as fond of the rough road, the bumpiness caused by odd placements of rocks scattered unpredictably. There are thickets of grass that are sprinkled sporadically, not nearly as cultivated as the rich gardens so ornately dressed with rosebushes and hyacinths, which makes Byakuya reminisce and suddenly find himself missing their scent.

And then there's the increase of his heartrate when the carriage suddenly shifts one way and then another, and Byakuya is seconds away from throttling Shinji alongside Hiyori, while the heathen nobles merely smile delightedly at each other and at his slowly unbecoming discomposure.

The forest isn't polished with its prettiness, but even so, there's beauty to be admired, albeit in an unrefined and rural manner.

"Have you been practising how to smile, my princess?" Lady Yoruichi enquires with a wicked gleam in her golden eyes. Her noble husband raps lightly on the wall, taking his chance during an interlude of silence. "The princess who lives here, I have heard, is enchanted by those who are intricately acquainted with such things."

"I have," Byakuya states, refusing to show his attempt that has not yet been perfected, too focused on ignoring the dread that grows in his stomach. If his future bride to be is anything like Yoruichi and Kisuke — that truly would be awful for his health. "Is there anything else I need to practise?"

"A charming disposition and eyes brightened by walks." Lord Kisuke cheerfully informs him, as the carriage slows. "Some exercise will do you good."

There is a moment when Byakuya believes that he is drowning in stunned silence.

Then the door opens, and there is nothing but noise.

"Excuse me?" Stiffly, Byakuya enunciates, twitching. "What is the meaning of this?"

"An ingenious plot." His oldest childhood nemesis smirks, teeth flashing like a twisted knife, as she extrapolates. "We are going on ahead, and will charm your bride-to-be about how captivated by the forest you are, and wanted to explore the land on your own terms, without our help."

"Never fear," Urahara says, his comfort like ice; instinctively Byakuya distrusts his smile, the gentle hand that guides — never pushes — the young prince out of the carriage. "I, at least, shall speak of nothing but your virtuousness. I promise."

"And how am I to reach her," Byakuya snaps, teeth grinding at the outrage, steadily seething, "without anyone to take me there?"

"Oh, that's easy." Hirako Shinji answers, pointing to the trees. Byakuya follows his gaze, but not before noticing tell-tale marks of Hiyori's temper. His High Servant has struck again, and Byakuya minutely feels vindictively pleased for all the unnecessary bruises he has suffered along the way as an innocent passenger forced to endure such maltreatment. "You can see the castle from over here, see? It's not that far."

"A five minute walk, I bet," Hiyori drawls, smirking.

"How fortunate it is that you will be accompanying me," Byakuya sharply replies, determined not to be abandoned without company. What if he dies? Him! Of all people!

He does not want to be left in the company of wolves.

His remark quickly wipes the smirk off her face.

"What." In the blink of an eye, Hiyori resorts to a glower, her rage boiling across her face in shades of crimson red. But she stills, and composes herself, remembering the company of miscreants that surround them. "Prince Byakuya?"

"You are my High Servant," Byakuya stares at her, stating primly. "I am not to be left alone in a place like this."

Her glare is filled with contempt. "Fine."

"Good." Byakuya says, determined to have the last word. "Then it is settled."

"Ta-ta!" Lady Yoruichi calls, sounding far away, and Prince Byakuya turns his head, looking for the direction of her voice. When he finds her, the carriage is continuing on the gravelly path, and the only visible part of Yoruichi is her waving, twirling hand, coloured by her jubilant laughter, as the horses gallop away.

"We'll be sure to send a search party if you don't arrive before midnight! After all, what would your mother and father think, Little Byakuya, if we were that careless?"

"I hate you," Hiyori seethes, as the dust settles, "but I had them so much more."

"Yes," Byakuya agrees simply, his feelings mutual. "Well said."