Honey Glayzed 10
Trust:Celebrate
Buffy leaned back against the wall watching as Dawn made a complete fool of herself at the breakfast table. Bill sat with his knee bent a foot resting on a chair. "If she leans over anymore, she'll fall in his lap," Buffy bristled at the smirk she could hear in Faith's voice. "Have you talked to him yet?" Faith asked oblivious to Buffy's aggravation. "His accent is funny. They're so cute."
"I thought you were seeing someone," Buffy said walking over to join Xander and Anya.
"I said they were cute, not that I wanted to get with them." Faith laughed again. Her day had dawned bright. She was going to be knighted today. Tonight, Faith corrected. She heard the trumpet sound then went to the door. "I guess now that Jhaymes is back here, you can head back to the hellmouth, George doesn't need the extra bodyguard. I would hate to see someone try to get to him with Jhaymes near, it would be suicide."
"There see," Giles pointed out. "We can go home and resume your training. Buffy," Giles began at the horrified expression on Buffy's face. None of them knew, none of them understood, except for one, one knew. Buffy got to her feet and headed off. Angel would just have to forgive her, Buffy thought as she knocked on Spike's door. Buffy stood for a while, wondering why she got no answer. Spike leaned against the wall ignoring her. He was tired of being used as an escape from her brush with death. Buffy knocked a few more times then sighed and headed back to her room. Giles was right. Perhaps it was time to go home. But this place, Buffy ran her hand along the panel in the wall passing over jewels and scrolled words in the ancient script of Arcadia. Buffy felt the tears at the thought of leaving and quickly wiped them away.
Break
Count D sat on the rim of the indoor fountain speaking softly to young Sofu W. "-My father was fond of the tales of your family and how well you were doing. He said that when I chose a mate, I was to look among the humans.-"
"-I am glad that he has thus instructed you,-"Count D got to his feet and straitened his cheongsam. "-Come, I must get Aoi ready, today is the beginning of the festival. Just like humans on earth revere their idols of music, stage and screen, Arcadians revere their knights.-"
"-I will celebrate the knights in honor of the one who worked so hard to save me.-" Sofu W wiped away tears as he thought of his father handing him to Alera through a thick haze of choking black smoke. 'my son,' his father had begged. 'I'm already gone, but please, save my son.' weeping, Alera had fought the demons while carrying him to safety. The journey had been long and difficult. They traveled mostly by night using the local vampires, friends of high prince Nestoir as guards while they forged ahead. Towards the last leg of the journey, there had been an ambush. The vampires held them off while Alera had flown strait to Arcadia carrying him in her arms.
"-You will do great honor to the title of Sofu, and I have great pleasure of addressing you so,-" Count D bowed to the younger Kami.
"-Is it true?-" Sofu W said his voice piping up as they entered the nursery where Aoi played tag with the Honlon and her two uncles. "You have birthed, not only two children, but of the fourth generation?-" Count D nodded his eyes going soft as he gazed at his children. "-To have four generations alive at once, the amount of power...You have birthed a sovereign. None have ever existed, not even in Soofu A's family. He has a second, Soofu has a son, but he has as yet to choose a mate.-"
"-You know your family history well,-"Count D offered a smile.
"Papa!" Aoi abandoned her game hurrying to her papa's side. "-Today is a great day! For earth, for Arcadia!-" Aoi clapped her hands.
"-Yes, my little seedling," Count D affirmed. "-Now let's go get you ready.-"
"I'll be pretty," Count D laughed as the little girl swirled around. "Papa," Aoi looked up at Count D. "Will I like highness Niklaus?"
"I don't know," Count D grew sad that his daughter was so knowledgeable at such a young age. Seeing the expression on her papa's face, Aoi grinned and ran around him in a circle.
"Whee, Aoi fall down," Aoi giggled when Count D caught her before her little bottom could connect with the floor. "Papa always catch me," Aoi held on to Count D as they walked down the hall. "I know," Aoi looked into her papa's mis-matched eyes. "You always will." Count D wished he understood what his daughter was saying. He sighed going off to dress his children for the day.
Break
Faith walked behind Andy as the lady roamed the halls of the palace. "Where are we going?" Faith asked wondering why the princess was in a simple lilac colored dress. She had expected that Andy would already be getting into her royal garb.
"To collect the young ladies." Andy giggled as she tapped on Carol's door. "They must be made aware of what is expected of them." Carol executed a perfect curtsy then joined the group on the way to Julie's room. Julie opened her door. Niri dipped down in front of the group so Julie followed suit. She still wore her dressing gown, unsure if she should don the pretty dress her mother had gotten for her. It was like a prom dress, but after last night's dinner ensemble she feared it would not be enough. "Good morning girls," Andy laughed throwing the curtains wide. "Let's get you all ready to become Ladies of the Arcadian court. You have to know what is expected of you." Andy grinned at the girls. "Faith, I believe you have already received your instructions." Faith nodded then stood guard at the door. It was time to become Arcadian. Her life would never be the same. Faith beamed a smile as she looked out at the horizon.
Break
Bill ignored the cold as he stood on the balcony. He heard Tom inside adjusting his hat and ignored him too. Large white beasts, horses with wings, Pegasi, many of them shone in the early morning sunshine. Their wings gleaming was almost painful, but he could not look away. As he stared out watching them circle the sky, he was nearly knocked back by a bright red wing. "Bright sun of the day to you," Laton greeted. "You are being summoned to a private audience with the king... there are guests here that you would like to see."
"Tom," Bill looked back to see his brother already stepping onto the balcony. "They're here."
"They?" Tom watched as the flying white equines landed on their balcony.
"Georg and Gustav," Bill placed his glasses on his face while he looked for his heavy cloak and gloves. "They are with the king now." Bill looked to the mount that stared at him with large sky blue eyes. "You are here for us?"
"Yes," Niri stood tall with the other page and the older squire. "You are to arrive in the honor of the royal guests." Tom nodded. "See, we even have saddles and reins today."
"Meaning?" Tom tried his best not to look at the hovering red dragon that seemed to keep himself aloft through willpower alone.
"The knights and squires respect us too much to put such human trappings on us. But we want to honor you, so we will wear them." Niri bowed low to Bill and Tom dropping her shining white head. "You have been personally selected by His Majesty Zarro on the recommendation of the great Soofu A."
"Who? No. What?" Tom placed his hands on his hips. "We got here, because we wanted to meet Rain and Bikky. Then when we met them, he," Tom pointed at Bill all the way fed up with surprises about this world. One thing was never what it should be, or even what it logically could resemble. Nothing here made sense. The king was a genius, yet he seemed as mad as a drunken hatter. There were things here that enjoyed the taste of human, not to mention the very fact that something here even knew what human tasted like and they all wanted a taste of his baby brother. Wasn't happening! "We are here now, because he ate a snicker doodle cookie!"
"-So it's my fault!?-" Bill exploded at his brother. "You ate it too!" Bill pointed at his brother.
"After you gave it to me,"Tom threw his hands up. "Sorry, it's not your fault," Tom deflated tossing his arm around his brother. "This is just too much."
"It's not,"Niri was quick to say. She shifted down to a human form. "Zarro only touches those that can take it. You are either those that are protected, or those that are chosen to protect."
"But how?" Tom asked looking at the other two page Pegasi still in their natural shape.
"Have you ever been to Israel?" Niri asked. Both Bill and Tom nodded. "That was when Soofu A saw you, that was when he spoke to our king. They arranged to have your schedules coincide."
"The cookie was a trap?" Bill thought back to the delicious morsel he had brought to his mouth.
"No, that was all Ryo," Niri laughed. "Zarro puts the players on the field," Niri went back to her true form seeming to gleam brighter than the snow outside. "It is rare that he is disappointed. Just trust in the faith that he has in you."
"But how does he have faith in us?"Bill asked with a frown. He was not getting on that thing without some reassurance. "He does not know us."
"He knows you," A calm voice spoke. Bill turned to the third creature that had yet to speak. "I am Altan, I will serve as your guard. I am Squire to the Sir Hiten. He is cousin to his highness Ryo. I believe he will wed the lady Alicia after her child is old enough to shift forms. Until then she is off limits and Ryo will defend her to the death. Quite by natural instincts. I love this land." Altan's heavy turquoise eyes fell on Bill. "Now shall we depart? It is quite rude to keep a king waiting." Altan waited to see what the pretty young man would decide. Bill sighed, they were already waist deep in this mess, may as well go all the way in.
"Need a hand," Laton extended a large golden claw. Tom was quick to help his brother up continuing his evasion of the massive crimson dragon.
"Do you know you are scary looking?" Tom asked Laton.
"Who? Me?" Laton offered a wide grin his shining teeth like swords in his mouth. His two golden horns were pointing upward in salute to the sky. "Get on the horse."
"We are not horses," Alton grumbled while Tom offered his brother a hand up on the large equines. "Your Majesty." The last was added with an indignant sniff. "You know that."
"You're not a knight yet,"Laton blew a puff of smoke in the creature's direction. Altan smiled at the dragon their banter, a long standing tradition, relaxing him as he prepared to stand before his king and swear the fealty that his father had spoken before him. "Just be warned young ones," Laton raised his wings in preparation for flight. "Do not try to guide them. They know the way to the palace. The reins are just for you to feel secure and hold on." Bill sat atop the grand creature. He bit back a scream as the pure white beast leaped into the air.
Break
Rain looked in the mirror one last time. His coronet shone bright in the light from the open window. The sun poured down on the snow brightening the world outside as surely as Julie brightened his heart. He had been told that the ceremony would begin right after breakfast. Rain hoped that everything would work out alright for Bill and Tom. He would feel horrible if they were harmed, it was his fault that they were here in the first place.
Break
Julie looked again at the instructions that she had been given last night to go over. Ryan had stayed up with her practicing the lines that she was to say. Of course he was concerned, hoping she understood that these seemed like a pledge. Of course she knew. It was why her parents had to sign so many documents before she could leave. But this was it, this is what she wanted. This world was calling to something deep inside of her and she could not ignore it. Was it the world? She wondered as she secured the sash of her outfit that Niri had dressed her in before hurrying off to another mission that she had been given. Was this world calling so strongly to her, or was it her heart?
There on her nightstand was a framed picture of herself in Rain's arms. He stood behind her and the smile on his face was priceless. Whatever the reason the world was working into her, she did not care. She would be happy from now on. Her past was just that. Her past, a memory that was not worth the time it took to think about. When Rain knocked on her door, Julie was ready.
Break
Niri came to a halt at the pavilion of the king's private quarters. Zarro, in his minuscule human form, reclined on a lounge eating from a small bowl of deep purple berries that could almost be mistaken for grapes. "Allow me to welcome you again to my kingdom," Zarro's smooth voice traveled the room reaching the two young men. "I would like to introduce you to a very old friend of mine." Zarro got to his feet. Bill sighed to collect his thoughts. He was here in a magical world and the king was not wearing shoes. The king never wore shoes, even with the snow piled up to their calves, he refused to be shod. His natural form found shoes to be alien and in this one they felt odd. "It is not natural to not hear the heartbeat of the land. It pulses the life of my subjects. Why put something between that?" Tom raised his brows at the odd words wondering if the king truly was mad.
"Mad?" A new voice was heard. "Oh no. Rude?... Yes. I have told you time and again old man," The newcomer frowned at Zarro. " Not to read others minds without their permission."Bill was moved aside by a gentle hand on his arm. He saw a taller man with dark brown eyes and sable hair. His elaborate robe fell about him with jewels gleaming along the sash.
"But if I asked he would say no,"Zarro chuckled. "Bring in their friends and Ad...A," Zarro caught himself before he could call his friend by name. "Soofu A," Zarro treated his friend to a cheeky grin. "You must relax, this world is headed to a great change. A great one, I can feel it. It is not to us old ones that the future will fall. You told me that yourself."
"So I did," Soofu A huffed. He sat down at a table across from Zarro. He was just lifting his cup to his lips when Georg, with his hair pulled back into a ponytail and Gustav wearing a baseball cap were escorted into the room by a palace aid. Both young men walked as if in shock. Soofu A placed a large, sugared fruit tart in his mouth closing his eyes with glee. "Great, just great." He sipped his tea.
"-Hey guys,-" Bill waved his friends over. "-How are you holding up?-"
"-How?-" Georg asked his eyes wide. "-I was sniffed this morning when I left the hotel. How come we left the hotel this morning and are here now less than fifteen minutes later? Why does he not wear shoes? And why is that woman licking her hand?-" Bill and Tom turned to see where Georg was pointing and saw a young woman licking her hand and passing it over her face.
"-Please,-" Zarro addressed the boys in their native tongue. "-Excuse my daughter, she is not yet used to her human form. Lyshia,-" Zarro spoke to the young princess. Looking at her father she beamed a bright smile then dropped down to the form a white feline. She rubbed her body along Zarro's legs before scampering off into the halls. "- This is the first week that she has tried it.-"
"-Really?-" Soofu A said with a nod. "-She's already got the hang of it.-"
"-Did that cute girl just turn into a little white cat?-" Gustav asked his voice calm despite the turmoil he could feel building inside of him.
"-You should see the father,-" Bill nodded with his arms folded. "-He turns into a big white cat.-"
"-No, no, no," Zarro shook his head with a good natured laugh. "-You have it wrong.-"
"-Wrong?" Tom raised a brow sure now that the king was indeed mad. He had clearly seen him turn into a big white lion with wings several times.
"-Yes wrong," Zarro nodded. "-I am a cat that turns into a human.-"
"Semantics," Soofu A frowned at the king as he went back to speaking English.
"Semitic," Zarro pointed to Soofu A.
Soofu A blinked several times as he stared at Zarro. The king smiled then popped a few more berries into his mouth. "When I first saw you boys, something inside of me was moved. Not to mention the reaction you received from the many fans that came to see you. So I said to myself, how can I arrange this? I called Zarro, he worked with Daphnus who called his agent, then you guys were in the same arena at the same time. That is all we did. Then we wanted more. While one spot is good, two is better. With Bill and Tom we get two for one," Soofu A paused to laugh. "But when more gather, like adding the rest of your band, it makes it even more good. Will you be a light for your country?"
"A light?" Georg asked. After seeing the calm that Bill and Tom displayed.
"Just exist, as you are," Zarro said when Soofu A began to eat from his bowl. Georg backed away when Zarro moved closer to him than he was comfortable with. But if he was a cat, it was no wonder that he did not understand the boundaries of personal space. "Change nothing, just be aware of the world of Arcadia, welcome us and protect our secret. If an Arcadian is in your land you make them welcome. That is all you need to do."
"I noticed," Tom said when Bill accepted a berry from Soofu A. "That most of your contacts are musicians. Why?"
"Music is universal," Zarro said with a smile. "Soothe the savage beast and all that. No matter the language, no matter the country, music is a phenomenon that can unite the people. I believe that one day, music will unite the world."
"I hope so," Bill smiled. He popped the berry into his mouth and spit it back out when his teeth stung at the sweetness. He spent most of his days eating candy, but this was sweeter than anything that he had ever tasted. "What is that?" Bill asked drinking the water that Soofu A offered him.
"Maisia," Zarro said with a grin. "Come now, there is more human food available, let's leave that to Kami, he practically bleeds the stuff." Zarro left the room laughing with the four boys even though a berry bounced off of his head. "Soofu A, such childish behavior is not becoming of the first born." Another berry and the door shut behind them with a click.
Break
Bill sat at the table with a smile on his face. It turned into a grimace as he saw that Count D was dribbling syrup that looked as if it were made of the same berry that he had tasted in the king's private room. He looked away nearly leaping to his feet at the white clad figure that stood directly behind Tom's chair. She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth as if deciding to make her presence known. She nodded for a moment, then shook her head. "Heaven," Bill spoke up when she turned to leave. "Tom saved you a seat."
Tom turned around his smile wide as he reached out a hand to Heaven. Heaven's eyes widened as she saw the single white Tahitian orchid in his hand. Small veins of deep maroon ran along the bloom offering a sweet smell. Tom stood up to hold out the empty chair. Heaven accepted his hand wondering at the accelerated beating of her heart. Tom leaned in and placed the flower behind her ear leaning in close he allowed his lip to hover near her cheek before backing away with just the barest contact. Heaven sat still staring up at Tom. This was not right. It couldn't be. Tom leaned in again and Heaven stared into his soft brown eyes. "Oh... no," Heaven got to her feet. "I can't," Heaven backed away from his hand tears filling her eyes. "I can't do this." Heaven dashed from the dining hall before Tom could notice that the tears she shed was a viscous trail of crimson.
Tom sighed before he went back to his seat. "The lady Heaven has never had to deal with the issues that you bring to her." Lady Aurora took the seat he left out. Tom gazed at the pale beauty in the dark red dress with black satin trim. Her eye were looking into him. "Do you really find her so fascinating? Or are you merely after a fun diversion? It would not bode well to hurt her in such a way."
"I don't want to hurt her," Tom was quick to say. "I want to get to know her."
"Who upset Heaven?" Vlad stepped up to the table licking a red drop from his hand. "She hurried by so fast that she splashed me." Vlad's eyes went to Tom their green depths seeming to see through him. "Oh dear, I guess she really is just a girl." Tom frowned at Vlad then grew quiet as horns blared and all gathered at the table rose to their feet. Looking around Gustav saw a young man with fluffy black and deep purple eyes. He blinked several times.
"Hi," The young man turned around. "I am Chihaya."
"Chi-ha-ya," Gustav said the name slowly to get the feel of the foreign name.
"Yes, I am a positive of Eden." Chihaya nodded with much enthusiasm. "This is my partner Kagetsuya. We got here this morning for the squiring. We will stay all week to wait for them. Each group of Squires is given a different mission. Each mission is meant to access their strengths and train through weakness. They will be ready to serve their knights and thus the king. I heard that Nari, Jhaymes squire was with Lady Tawna." Bill looked over when he heard the familiar name. "All from that bunch went on to great things. Much is expected from them." Chihaya looked over at the group of young men and women marching in. They shone in the sunlight with their youth and excitement. Walking behind the younger group were the older squires ready to become knights their armor shining. Behind them, the knights they served.
"Wow," Georg's eyes grew round when Zarro stood waiting for the procession to reach him. He inhaled deeply just as he exhaled, he expanded into a large white lion. The group halted their progress. Holding on to Rain's arm, Julie executed the curtsy that she had mastered along with Carol. They had been told by the princesses that they would remain at the palace learning the ways of the ladies.
"Prospective knights, step forward." Buffy looked up to see Faith walking beside Altan and several other young men and women. Zarro bared his teeth in a ferocious smile. "You have proved yourself. Either in training," He looked to Altan. "Or in service." Zarro passed a light paw over Faith's hair. "Display arms." Faith trembled a bit in awe as she unsheathed the sword that Andy had given her. Buffy looked on her smile soft as her heart settled. This place was where Faith belonged, just as she belonged in her home. Yes, she knew, it was time to go back. Time to face her humanity. She was not immortal, or nearly so as these people were. Before he began the recitation, Zarro handed Faith a small silver vial. George cringed thinking back to his own taste of the seraphim tears.
"Faith," She accepted the vial. "Welcome to these lands. I thank you for your service." Faith removed the cap of the small bottle. Amidst applause, she drank the liquid inside shivering only a little at the rush of power through her veins. "The rest of you, natural born with the blood of legends in your veins." Zarro stepped aside for several people that were standing behind his wings. Faith gasped to see Jack among them holding a garland of roses. Mihnea smiled thinking of his own knighting. His father had been so proud. Jack dropped the rose garland onto Faith's head just as the others were given their crowns. Faith sat her sword at the feet of the king next to the other weapons pledged to service in his honor. "It is not my honor you will serve," Zarro intoned pulling his own shining blade. "Nor my pleasure."
Victoria offered a serene smile as her husband continued. "You will serve as a barrier between the humans that are so loved by our true king and the demons that wish to steal them. There is no mercy intended for those who serve the darkness. There is no shadow that will be allowed to stand. You are the candle in the dark the vanquisher of evil." Zarro tapped each shoulder with his blade. "Stand now as knights of Arcadia." Faith stood next to the king her heart beating wild as the crowd applauded. "Now, you may take your seats and break your fast. I will now address the Pages."
Rain stood next to Bikky his entire body shaking as a sapling moved by the coming of a storm. Bikky smoothed a hand over his arm. "You are to have your breakfast now," Zarro intoned shifting down to his human form. "For sure you are famished. Seat your ladies and yourselves," Zarro addressed the young women among the pages. "The Dragon court has prepared some entertainment." Zarro went to his seat followed by the pages. Julie sat in the chair that Rain held for her while Bikky seated Carol near Bill, Tom, Gustav and Georg.
"You guys looked great walking in with the knights and squires," Bill said. Tom looked around when he saw a glimpse of white. Heaven stood in the massive doorway of the hall. Tom made as if to stand but Lady Aurora, sitting next to her husband and Lord D, reached across Bill and placed a hand on his arm. For all her seeming frailty, Tom could not move.
"You are famished," Lady Aurora smiled showing fangs that chilled Tom to the marrow of his bones. "You will need your strength. Eat. Enjoy the show. It is very rare that we get to see the fire dancer."
"Fire dancer?" Bikky gasped in shock and joy. "Rain, Ryo's dancing," Rain dropped his fork so fast did he turn to see blinds dropping over the large windows shrouding the room in darkness.
"Ryo? Your dad?" Bill smiled looking over to see the Crowd turning in their chairs. Heaven took a few steps into the room. Vlad beckoned her over. Heaven shook her head. As she saw the flower near Tom where he had left it. She could not get near him. He caused chaos inside of her. Vlad summoned her again with a stern look and she knew she must not dare defy the prince. Heaven walked over her head high. Tom smiled at her hoping not to upset her again. Bill looked on smiling as she sat beside his brother.
Gustav had wondered at the empty chair next to Tom. He was not surprised that Tom had already begun to flirt with a lady here. It was just his way. He hoped that things would go well. This kingdom was beyond anything they had ever encountered. First things first, Gustav focused as the crowd began to exclaim in awe as they stared up at the ceiling. Ryo was being lowered on what appeared to be a length of deep red satin. His ensemble flowed about him in waves of black, gold and silver with a red sheath visible underneath. His hair was loose about him with a simple coronet to denote his royalty. While in the air music began to thrum through the hall with a soft beat and heavy base that seemed to move the audience even as it moved Ryo. As soon as his feet touched the marble floor flames encircled him. Ryo began to dance among the flames.
"Will he burn?" Tom asked watching the graceful movements across the floor. At one point it seemed as if the flames were alive. Then he saw that it was a group of younger people in red standing inside the dancing flames moving their arms wearing flowing red garb. "He is beautiful."
"Like a flame himself," Heaven nodded when Ryo spun with his arms high. Dee smiled at the inherent sensuality of the man, no, the dragon, in the heat of the fire. Ryo danced from the inside out feeling Torcha's flames become a part of him. He was the physical embodiment of the will of the fire. "He has no training as a dancer, that is all what is inside of his blood."
"Why is it always the blood?" Buffy muttered patting Dawn's hand. It was something that she had asked before. And it was Spike who had given her the answer. The life was in the blood. It was always the blood. The flames died and Ryo lowered into a bow shocked at just how much he had come to be used to his body moving on its own in response to fire and music. Was his mother truly so great as to leave such a legacy in the veins of a halfling? Laton's smile was answer enough as he went to his seat with his family and friends. The applause caused his face to heat and Ryo hid behind Dee throughout breakfast coming out only to greet and congratulate his sons.
Breakfast was a boisterous affair with talking, laughing and jokes. It was more like a family gathering than an affair of state. A hush fell over the crowd as a large cake was rolled out on a crystal and gold cart with candles. Zarro laughed aloud at the shocked expression that came over Rain's face. Zarro stood and waved his hands. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rain, happy birthday to you." Rain stood to blow the candles out. Julie leaned over to kiss his cheek. He tune his face to capture her lips. Ryan applauded along with the rest of the group gathered at the breakfast table.
"How old are you?" Bill asked when he was served a slice of the cake.
"Sixteen," Rain licked his fingers. Bill looked at his plate then at Tom's he saw that his brother had a candy rose and reached for it. At first Tom moved his plate away, but after a moment he took his butter knife and scraped it off. Bill beamed a wide smile as Tom placed the rose on his slice of cake. Gustav shook his head looking away from the twins. "My presents," Rain held his hands out for the boxes that were wrapped in bright colors with ribbons. "Oh," Rain laughed when he opened the package from George. Inside was a long black coat with bright silver buckles and two belts one of them a length of chain. Julie laughed seeing th card. On it was a picture of him holding her and a chain. The words, "Now you will always have what you need."
"Open mine," Bikky pushed Dee aside with a grin. Rain opened the package to see pearl handed daggers inside. Dee then gave Rain a pile of gifts that he opened up. When he was done he had a new jewel encrusted journal, a framed photo of him as he was now with his mother smiling down on him. Rain wiped a tear from his eye as he looked at her beloved face. She seemed to have a halo of light around her. Bikky gave him a handkerchief. Next were several pieces of jewelry, all in silver and onyx. Julie gave Rain a silver round locket that she had saved three months worth of her allowance to buy for him. In the locket was a picture of herself on one side and him on the other. Rain was laughing as he moved his hair aside so that she could close the clasp. More presents followed with much laughter and joy. Georg looked around the grand hall. Half of it was done in white marble with gold and tan panels along the wall showing tapestries and painting. The other half seemed to be made of black stone as if carved from a mountain.
"You are a very observant young man," Zarro said once the plates were mostly cleaned. "This hall is a merging of my Arcadian palace and the Obsidian palace." Zarro got to his feet. As the youngest pages cleared away the dishes. Chris took Bill's plate leaving him a warm, wet cloth to clean his hands. Niri removed Julie and Carol's plate leaving a scented, warm cloth. "Now that you have all had your breakfast, it is time to sever the ties to the two palaces."
"Pages up," Laton said standing next to his king. Rain, Bikky, a unicorn, three Pegasus and two humans of Arcadian towns stood. George sat near Jhaymes sulking. He had always been told about his big mouth, now he lamented it. Last night Zarro had summoned Jhaymes and George had pitched a fit about it. Jhaymes was supposed to be off duty. Where he went, so would George. Now it was that he was expected to go on this little expedition with his knight. He had not expected Zarro to agree. "Dumpling don't pout so," Zarro addressed him. "You may have fun yet."
"Do not tease your majesty," Said George before he looked away. "The pages are unaware of their trial."
"First off," Zarro said with a grin. "Prince Ryo and Consort Dee, please stand." Ryo and Dee stood wondering what they would have to endure so that their sons could be inducted as Arcadian squires. "You are henceforth banished to Mysticale for the duration of your son's trial."
"Banished?" Ryo and Dee said the same time that Bikky and Rain did.
"You can't do that!" Rain protested.
"I am king of these lands," Zarro smiled. "If I want to send my subjects on vacation I can." Zarro picked up a sausage that had been left on the table and passed it under to his daughter who had sat the entire meal purring at his feet. "You two make yourselves at home and enjoy your stay. You have more than earned it." Zarro smiled thinking of the pleasure island floating home of the unicorns and Pegasus. It floated around Arcadia staying always tropical. "Humans have a similar environment on earth. I think it is called..." Zarro paused his finger on his chin as he thought of the place he had seen on maps and in books. "Hawai'i."
"Vacation," Ryo smiled a little less concerned.
"The pages will escort you to your waiting carriage. Count D and Leon, your children will be in the care of Laton and Torcha for the duration. Count D stood near tears as Kurayami whimpered. He had volunteered for this because his father was heavy with child and Sofu seemed ill. He had thought that he could bring his children with him but as quickly informed otherwise. It was too much for the boys to handle. "You Squires," Zarro said to the group calling them by their new title. "Are responsible for escorting your charges, keeping them safe and comfortable all the way from the Obsidian Palace to the Arcadian Palace. There will be challenges along the way."
"Yes sir," Bikky nodded standing at attention as he addressed the king making Ryo more proud than he thought he could stand.
"Now for the rules," Zarro smiled. "Bill, Tom, Georg and Gustav please stand as well." Zarro waited for the young men. "You will act as their precious cargo. You may partake in the challenges if you so choose. Mostly, I want you to tour this land and see the world you have accepted. You will have everything you need, camping gear and supplies. Rain, you have three days only to share a tent with Bikky. But each night you must all double. Bill, Tom the same goes to you. Soofu A has brought a concern to my attention and I must address it."
"What concern?" Dee demanded seeing the horrified look on Rain's face at the thought of being in a tent with someone other than Bikky.
"Your son has a weakness that can and will be exploited by an enemy," Soofu A walked to the table with a smile on his face. "And you," He pointed to Bill. "Have the same problem that my Nephew suffers from." Sofu D glowered at his brother who noticed him insisting that Lord D drink Mirandia milk sweetened with Maisia juice. "You are spoiled. And he did it," Soofu A looked to Tom. "Can I ask? Do you tuck him in at night?" Tom made a rude noise with his mouth and rolled his eyes at Soofu A while Bill was wide eyed and pale. Gustav chuckled to have a king of a foreign land point out what he had known for years. Anything from a piece of candy to a microphone; if Tom had it and Bill wanted it, Bill got it. Tom gasped realizing that the king was serious. He would really have to leave his brother to the care of someone else. Weakness? Tom took a moment to wonder what had been meant about Rain. The other boy seemed to pale looking at the band then at the other squires.
Only three nights, Rain thought his mind going over all entailed on this journey. Cooking cleaning, he could handle that. But the dressing and the bathing would be mostly in the tent, they could heat the tents, but not outside. He knew they would not leave him with a girl, so... a boy. He had to share a tent with a boy. Some boy he was not comfortable with or even, he looked at Georg and Gustav. They were older than Tom and Bill, so they wanted him to room with a man. "Don't panic," Rain turned to see Bikky with his hand on his arm. "I am sure you won't lose points for kicking their butts if they come on to you, but the last I heard they were all into girls... even Bill."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bill frowned looking at Bikky. Rain smirked looking at the other young man.
"Nothing," Bikky was quick to say. He shook his head laughing a bit at the 'spoiled' young man. He had wondered about some of his antics, but now he knew what to look for and it was true. Where he took care of Rain and assured he was healthy and happy, Bill catered to his brother.
"Tom's baby," Gustav laughed shaking his head. "Mom should have had more siblings I think."
"No," Jhaymes said with a sigh. "Because there is a deeper connection with twins. Even Alera and I feel it. It is deeper, I think, for you two. Like Amalthea and Althea. You are not completely separate. Part of you in you and vice versa. And the younger is like... you get ill more so than he, yes?" Bill nodded when Jhaymes addressed him. "Do you fight?"
"What, no," Bill denied. "Tom and I fight, and sometimes the band argues but we make up."
"I mean do you fight others, like in school, skirmishes?" Jhaymes asked ignoring Soofu A's smirk. At the door the Kami's were bidding a tearful farewell. Kurayami's screams punctuated the silence when Bill shook his head. "Your big brother defends and protects you." Bill nodded noting that he had moved until he was closer to Tom.
"There you have it," Zarro moved away from the table. "Go to your rooms and change, when you emerge this palace door will be closed and you will embark on your journey. Ladies," Zarro held out a hand. "They will be waiting for your return. Ryan, brother of Julie, you will go with the Squires, that is all." Ryan sat in shock as his sister was taken from the room. He was left with the rock band, and the squires, all sitting in some degree of disbelief.
"I guess we'd better go change." Rain spoke when the hall was emptied of all guest except for Ryo and Dee Rain held Ryo in a tight hug. "You guys have fun okay," Rain nodded his head trying so hard to be brave. Lyo had been delighted to be left with Laton and Torcha for the week. His mother was also there to pamper him, so though he would miss Ryo and Dee, he would be alright.
"I'll look out for him," Bikky promised despite Zarro's caution. "We'll see you." Bikky hugged Ryo and Dee. "You looked awesome out there." Bikky said laughing when Ryo blushed. George sat with his arms folded as Nari stood waiting to carry his bags. As Jhaymes squire he was coming along. They had to have actual knights there just in case, so Jhaymes, Leon and Mihnea had been selected. For medical assistance they had Count D. "We have a strong group and these guys don't seem totally helpless." Bikky almost rescinded the words when he saw Bill moving his hair back over his shoulder. "We'll make it." Bikky tried to convince himself. "And we'll get out shields." Dee looked at his son his heart full. Bikky waved a few more times as the rest of their group said their farewells. Georg and Gustav went with the small band not sure what they had agreed to. One step into this world was like a fall into complete and utter madness.
To-Be-Continued
Author's notes: So thats it, they are squires... You don't think it's that easy do you? So they have the title, but not the badge and privilege. That will come when they make it to the other side of Arcadia, then the real party will begin. I do not have any claim to Tokio Hotel or any of their members. I do not make any profit from this work of fiction. I hope you are enjoying this journey into the annals of my insanity. Oh yeah, it is winter in Arcadia. Happy Birthday Rain! They have to keep them safe, warm and fed the entire way. If you would like to see the path or the places they will visit you are welcome to visit my website for an uploaded map of Arcadia. The next chapter will be all about the journey and the party. Thank you all for staying with us during this series. I am glad to know that it is liked.
Ja ne
Chi
Below you will find the first chapter to a novel that I have been unable to find a publisher for. I will upload a chapter at the end of each chapter just as an extra and a thank you to you wonderful fans who have been reading my work from the beginning and those new ones. I am grateful.
Orchid
Chapter 1
Wane light filtered through the trashed alley touching slick pavement. Though the light was there it provided little comfort to the form huddled among the filth of human debris. Rin shivered in the corner of shadow he had managed to conceal himself in. How could they? He wondered as he thought of his family. How could they sell him? He knew it was a common occurrence. Families in debt to the troublesome yakuza did it all the time. Yet, as he spent his third week on his own, he still did not feel remorse at abandoning his family to their pernicious folly.
It had been quite by accident that he had heard of his father's plan to offer him to the crime boss. What had broken his heart, and by degrees enraged him, was the fact that his mother had agreed. His stomach threatened to collapse in on itself causing him to shiver at the pain. The harrowing ride on a small craft had forced him to heave up what little bits of food he had managed to find. The scraps of overcooked beef he had found earlier in the day had done little to stave off his crippling hunger.
Maybe, he thought, maybe he could find someone to offer him food. They had been generous when he first arrived. Rin struggled to his feet and made his way to the end of the alley where the odd night strollers were wandering about. Where was he anyway? He had stowed away on a boat unaware of its destination, not caring for anything but getting away. For three weeks he had lived in the alleys. Other urchins, like himself, stayed away from the sobbing he constantly did; not wanting to be involved with what they figured was a dangerous situation. When his tears had dried, he had tried begging. He could not comprehend the deliberate gazes that looked on as if they did not see him. Rin had chanced to glance in a mirror in a shop window.
No wonder he was avoided. His long black hair hung in limp strands around his shoulders obscuring his face. Deep black eyes were rimmed with red and edged with dark circles. He was pale and thin, nothing that would inspire faith, or food. Sinking slowly to the ground he almost did not see the man that had approached him. "Hey, hey kid." Rin looked up in surprise. Was the man indeed talking to him? "You look starved," Rin took in the dark suit. It looked expensive, jewelry showed at the man's wrist, on his fingers and the lapel pen in his tie would feed a family for at least a month. "Are you willing to work…?"
"Rin," He supplied his name to the helpful looking gentleman. "My name is Rin." He nodded, eager to do anything for food. "Please sir, I am no stranger to work."
"How old are you?" The man asked with a calculating glance at the slim figure before him.
"I am seventeen years old sir. I will be eighteen in a couple of weeks." Rin answered beginning to shake in the chilled night wind. He was embarrassed to admit his age. He had always been the smallest one in the family. His younger brother surpassed him in height and weight.
"Call me Ichi Genzo. How would you like to earn seven thousand yen?" Rin's eyes widened at the amount. He could find a rented room and eat for that much money. "Tell me something," Ichi said, placing a hand under the grubby chin. He grimaced when it came away blackened by the brief contact. "Are you a virgin?" Ichi heard Rin's stomach growl, knew that Rin was nearing desperation.
"Sir?" Rin backed away; a warning in his subconscious frightening him.
"Have you known the pleasures of females, or males?" Ichi asked approaching Rin as he backed away.
"Gomen nasai, I do not think I can do the type of work that you would have me do." Rin looked sad at the prospect of a meal vanishing. Ichi smiled at Rin as he turned leaving him to wallow in his hunger for another day. He would come around and when he did, Ichi would be waiting.
"Please," Rin sobbed to another passer-by. The woman snatched her clean kimono away from his outreached hand. "I will not touch you. Please, I just want food." The woman offered him a pitying look before she turned and walked away. Rin sank to his knees in the muck of the street. His stomach felt as if it would cave in upon itself.
"They won't help you." Rin looked up to see a young man looking down at him from the alley he had been sleeping in. Rin recognized the young man as another urchin like himself though far cleaner. How he had managed it, Rin wished he knew. He could also not recall ever seeing him begging for food. Rin aimed a confused frown at the young man. "You won't find work, even I can't help you. I am Sinichi, by the way."
"Why won't they help me?" Rin sobbed. "Do they want to watch me die in the streets? I am not asking for charity, I am more than willing to work, eager even. I will work hard I swear. I am not lazy and I am educated… I…" Rin sighed when his outburst left him lightheaded. He fell back against the wall on the brink of giving up. Was there truly no hope for him? Had he escaped his family only to end up a casualty of starvation?
"Once the Genzo group makes their interest known, no one is allowed to interfere." Sinichi informed Rin. "You should be happy. Once, a while ago, I would have given anything to go to the Garden, but I am not virgin."
"What do they do in the Garden?" Rin asked wrapping his arms around his tightly clenched stomach. His head was getting heavy with dizziness. He had to eat something soon, or he knew he would expire.
Sinichi sighed, as he got comfortable. "I am not sure of all of the details because no one is allowed to say much. But I hear that the boys and girls in the Garden are treated like delicate flowers and their only job is to make sure that the Genzo group is happy. There are five of them, the group I mean. Ichi and his Brother, Katsu, their friends Mochizuki and Yoshinori, there is one more, he is very young, still a college student, but his family, who were imperialist together with Genzo's family during the wars with the shogunate and an original member when old man Genzo started the group, is why he got in."
"How do you know so much?" Rin asked beginning to tremble in the brisk night wind.
"I told you, I tried to get in." Sinichi told him with a wistful sigh. He moved his deep brown hair away from his murky gray eyes. Rin gasped, he had never seen eyes like that. "I had heard about them from my uncle. He wanted to be one of the patrons. Offered them money, a lot of it, but he could not get in. So he came over one day while my father was away on business and he… Forced me. When my father came home I told him and he said that I must have enticed him. My father gave me to my uncle. After three weeks of being his whore I knocked him out and ran. I have been here ever since. Genzo's group only ever accepts virgins." Sinichi looked away so that Rin could not see his tears. "I work, and I have a home. I have been staying here to keep an eye on you. I saw you get on my boat. So I left food out. I did not want to bring any notice to you, my crew can be a rough lot. I was going to approach you once I unloaded but you had already slipped off. I wanted to get to you before Genzo did. Now it's too late."
"You can't help me?" Rin pleaded feeling his body shiver violently.
Sinichi shook his head. "If you do not go to them, you will die here. I do not want that. Please, just go." Rin sank down on the ground huddled with his frail arms wrapped around his knees. "If I did not know they would crush me I would let you on my boat again and take you somewhere else, but…"
"I would never ask so much of you." Rin sniffled. "I will go. Will I get to see you again?"
"Of course, the flowers are not prisoners, they may visit friends and they have a special section of the house where they may receive visitors." Sinichi said thinking of his friend that lived inside. "They are also allowed out for shopping, shows and concerts. Come on," Sinichi got to his feet. He helped Rin to stand knowing the young man was too far weakened to manage on his own. "Genzo will appreciate you going on your own than having to spend another day waiting for you to give in due to desperation." Rin nodded he felt tears threaten. Had he escaped the yakuza only to be turned into a courtesan?
"Sinichi," Rin whispered feeling consciousness leaving him. "Where am I?"
"You are in Osaka," Sinichi answered braced for the weight as Rin collapsed against him.
*-*
"Harumi," Sinichi called quietly hoping not to wake anyone else in the grand white edifice. He waited for the lantern light to turn on signaling that the tall beauty had awakened. A window slid open and he was assailed by the sweet perfume of roses. "Harumi, I have the new flower." Sinichi felt a pang of regret that he could not keep the young man in his arms for himself. It would be far more dangerous to even contemplate such thoughts, but Sinichi could not help the way he felt.
Long auburn tresses obscured the lovely face as Harumi looked out of her window. "I will alert the guards." Harumi smiled at her friend. "It has been a while since you have come to see me. Have you fallen in love?"
"I have," Sinichi admitted feeling his heart pain him, as he knew he would have to abandon the boy to the Garden's care. Harumi waited for Sinichi to elaborate. She sighed when all he did was carry Rin to the front door of the large mansion. "He made the choice on his own, before he passed out." Sinichi was explaining to the guard. If Rin had not made the choice to be there he knew they would not let him in. That way, if the police ever raided this place, no one here was kidnapped and they all stayed willingly. They could not even be accused of prostitution for the flowers were not paid. All of their needs and wants were seen to… As long as Genzo and his group were satisfied.
"He needs a bath," The guard murmured summoning a servant to see to the preparation of warmed, scented water. Another guard stepped forward when called. "Take him." Sinichi stepped back as he released the sleeping boy into the strong arms of the guard. "He will be in the Orchid room." Sinichi stood while Rin was carried down the sweetly scented hall. A few moments, he thought, his heart longing to take Rin and run. Just a few moments more to gaze after him. To assure himself that he had done all he could. The head guard looked at Sinichi expectantly. "Do you require anything?" Sinichi shook his head. He stood for a moment more watching as Rin was taken out of his sight. With a sigh, he turned and left the house.
*-*
Rin could not recall the last time he had felt this wonderful. Delightful scents found his nose pulling him back to consciousness. Rin frowned, why was he wet? Rin opened his eyes and gasped. He was sitting in a bathtub supported by soft towels and gentle hands. "Relax," A soft voiced man spoke. Rin looked over the elaborate Kimono worn by the stranger. "We are merely cleaning you. You reek of the streets." Rin wanted to be offended, but the man's words were kind. Rin thought him beautiful with his long dark hair and deep brown eyes. "I am Seitaro. You will be expected to live in this suite with me."
"With you?" Rin's eyes scanned the room and lit on a platter piled with fruit, vegetables and rice. Rin's cheeks flushed so deep was his desire to taste the food laid out before him. His stomach made a noise that alerted him and Seitaro both that it had been some time since he had last eaten and he flushed deeper in embarrassment though he could not bear to take his gaze from the food.
Following his line of vision Seitaro motioned for a guard to bring a plate over. "Like I said, relax." Seitaro watched as Rin tried to compose himself but feelings soon overwhelmed him and he dove into the offered food. " Take your time, you do not want to become ill." Rin tried to slow down and breathe between bites. Seitaro offered an indulging smile as he watched the boy eat. He sighed then began to explain life in this place he called home. "There are three rooms in each suite, each person is given their own room. This is the Orchid Suite; the common room is for use by all. All of the rooms are ground level and open out into the Garden. This house is so named because of the fabulous greenery."
"I can live here?" Rin asked forgetting for a moment the disturbing requirements of this domicile.
Seitaro nodded and Rin took a moment to appreciate the young man's gracefulness. "Come," Seitaro helped Rin from the tub wrapping him in a fluffy towel. Rin was amazed when he was then placed in a heavy, white satin robe. Seitaro sat him at a vanity. Rin looked around in awe. This bathroom was larger than his family's entire house. Seitaro began to gently brush the tangles from Rin's freshly washed hair. "You have lovely hair, and once the gauntness of starvation leaves you I am sure you will be quite beautiful. You are so slender and..." Seitaro held his tongue before he insulted his new room mate by remarking on his lack of stature.
"Short." Rin said quickly averting his gaze from the young men in the mirror, one alarming in his beauty the other pale and gaunt. Rin tried not to be embarrassed at being called beautiful. Seitaro brushed until the locks gleamed falling around Rin's shoulders. Seitaro then pulled Rin to his feet and stripped him of the robe. Rin gasped blushing. "Relax, I am not allowed to be with you yet outside of training. I would never be allowed to be your first. I just thought we should start work on your skin as soon as possible."
"My skin," Rin wondered trying not to think of the rest of Seitaro's words.
"Yes," Seitaro said kindly showing Rin a small jar of oil. "Follow me please." Seitaro lead Rin into a bedroom. "This will be your room." Seitaro explained as he waited for Rin to follow him. Rin stared in awe at the plush pillows that were scattered around the room. Veils lined the walls and in the center was a large round bed with steps leading up to it so high did it rise above the thickly carpeted floor. If the bathroom, with it's deep maroon and white décor, was opulent; this room's violet and lavender scheme with white and silver trim was dazzling. "You may request just about anything and it will be brought to you."
"Just about?" Rin asked forgetting for the moment that he was naked.
"We are forbidden the use of drugs and only allowed alcohol in the presence of the patrons." Seitaro explained. He gave Rin another few moments to look around his room before leading him to the bed. "Relax please." Seitaro urged Rin to lie on his stomach then began to massage the sweet smelling oil into Rin's skin. Rin melted into the overstuffed mattress never having experienced such luxury. Rin gasped when Seitaro began to rub the oil into his backside. He lay perfectly still at the almost professional hands kneading his skin. "Roll over please." Seitaro said then began to repeat the process with the front of Rin's body. Rin sighed when Seitaro even worked on his hands and feet. Rin was slipping deep into sleep as Seitaro pulled the feather filled comforter over him and turned out the light.
*-*
"Is that the new, virgin flower?"
"He looks pale."
"O-Sei-Chan is pale. Nearly white."
"O-Sei-Chan is beautiful...But he looks sickly."
"Kou-Kun, be nice..."
Rin blinked open his eyes to see three faces peering down at him. Feeling alarm at his continued nakedness Rin made sure that his thick comforter covered him completely. "Excuse me, may I have a robe?"
"Here you go," A young woman offered him the heavy satin robe he had been wrapped in the previous night. Rin waited hoping that they would turn their backs and give him some privacy.
"I'm Kira, I live in Rose suite with Harumi." The young woman moved her dark brown hair aside as she greeted Rin. He noted that her clothing hung loose about her slim figure. "That is Kenji and Kouji, they live in Iris suite." Rin looked to see two identical faces peering at him. "Aren't you going to put your robe on?"
Rin clutched the robe his fingers losing what little color they had with the grip. He waited, then, when he saw no movement, he sighed. "Will you please turn around?" Rin asked feeling his face heat.
"How cute! He's shy," One of the twins said laughing.
"Kou!" The other boy admonished as he turned his brother and Kira around. Rin took a moment to appreciate the way the sun made the light brown hair of the twins seem golden. He was grateful to the one he now knew to be Kenji as he slipped into his robe. "Let's all have breakfast together." Kenji suggested his deep green eyes sensitive when he turned back to Rin. "You can always tell us apart, my eyes are darker than his." Kenji offered when Rin stared at them trying to ascertain which brother was which.
Kouji reached to pull Rin from the bed. "Come on, I'm hungry." Rin gasped, for underneath the fall of fluffy bangs, Kouji's eyes were indeed a paler version of his twin's.
"Where is Seitaro-San?" Rin asked looking around the room. Finding the slim beauty nowhere in sight he sighed following his guests to the common room.
"O-Sei," Kira said pulling Rin past the lush sitting room done in various shades of blue and white with golden tassels on all of the sheer silk drapes. "He is entertaining a patron this morning. So is Harumi." Kira lead him to large open doors.
"Shh," Kouji said inclining his head to a closed door. Rin was silent wondering what Kouji had in mind for him to hear. "Listen," Kouji took Rin to the closed door. Rin gasped and stumbled away at the obvious sounds of coitus that could be heard. "So shy," Kouji teased with a laugh.
"Kou, be nice." Kenji swatted his brother. "Come on, we'll eat out side. It is a lovely day." Rin nodded leaving the door blushing furiously as the sounds got louder. Rin blinked against the bright light of the sun as he stepped out onto the patio. "Beautiful isn't it?" Kenji asked as Rin looked around at the many vibrant colors that seemed to swamp his senses. Large flowers filled the air with their sweet perfume.
"So many flowers," Rin commented looking at the giant rose bushes and patches of iris, orchids, hyacinths and every other flower he could think of.
"Well, this is The Garden," Kira giggled taking Rin's hand. "We are not the only flowers here." Kira lead Rin to a table. "Sit down, you look like you have missed more than a few meals."
"Is that why you are so pale? You look ill." Kouji smiled to take the sting from his words as he sat next to his brother.
"I have been on the streets for several weeks, with very little to eat." Rin explained hoping that Kenji's wrathful look at his brother would relax.
"Then you should eat as much as you can, but," Kouji warned with a grin. "Try not to get too fat, then the patrons will have a nutritionist come in and regulate what you eat."
"He's just grumpy because last year he had to lose ten pounds, now when he orders sweets to his room, if he orders too much, the Patrons have the animals confiscate them." Kira said laughing at the blushing twin.
"The animals?" Rin asked wondering if she were referring to the little creatures that ran around the large garden.
"Our guards. We are the flowers and they are the animals. The fruits keep the place clean and prepare our meals. They also bring us anything we need. The fruits are young, and in training. As they age they will either be trained as flowers or animals." Kira explained with an indulgent smile as Kouji began to spread an abundant amount of jam on his bread.
Kouji handed the slathered piece to Rin. "I was just thinking that he needed to put on some weight."
"You were going to eat it yourself," Kenji sassed his twin.
"I know," Rin began as he swallowed his bite of bread. "That I look terrible. Last night in the mirror as Seitaro-San brushed my hair, I saw that my face is sunken in, I have dark circles under my eyes…"
"Life treats you hard sometimes." Kira's eyes softened as she looked at Rin. "When Yoshinori found me, I was working in my aunt's house. She made me do all the cleaning and all the housework. If I had a hair out of place I was beaten severely. I was half-starved and bloody my first day here. I will be forever grateful that, though abusive, my aunt was a prude. No men were allowed to gaze upon me. Yoshinori bought me for cheap because she thought I was so worthless."
"She sold you?" Rin felt his stomach lurch as he remembered how he had felt as his parents had made the decision to sell him. Yosuke, his older brother, was too old and he was making money at his job. Money the family needed. And little Aoki was too young, only fourteen. Rin had been perfect at nearly eighteen.
"You should eat," Rin looked up to see Kira gazing at him with a worried frown. He saw her beautiful features; pale skin highlighted by her deep colored hair and eyes and felt like weeping. What could cause someone to be so cruel to his or her own kin? "Do not be sad, I am here now, and glad I am of it." Rin tried to smile and swallow the food that he feared would choke him. "Ah, O-Sei-Chan should be in the bath now," Kira said as she heard the sounds of the patron leaving the room.
"Sounds like it was Rei." Kouji said with an exaggerated sigh.
"Rei?" Rin looked up from his plate to study the panting twin.
"He's a dream. If you are lucky, he will be your first. He loves to hear us scream." Kouji explained he listened with a knowing ear as Seitaro did indeed enter the bathing room.
Rin's face became an alarming shade of crimson. "That's a good thing?" Rin asked feeling even more confused when his new house-mates began to laugh.
"Yes little one," Kenji explained when his brother seemed to be having too much fun laughing. "He does whatever he can to ensure that we enjoy ourselves. Some… only care for their own pleasure and have even left us wanting. If… Mochizuki comes for you be warned. He comes and then he goes, not caring if we are in need. Sometimes he is even...not gentle. Then its awful." Rin looked away from the closed off expression on Kenji's face.
"He was Dani's first." Kira said sadness entering her voice. "Your predecessor in the Orchid suite. He was only sixteen when he arrived, and never comfortable with the idea of a man taking him. Though he was a fruit until he was older, and he saw the ways of this place he was afraid but he had learned, during training, to enjoy certain types of stimulation and…"
"What happened to him?" Rin felt compelled to ask.
"Dani is from a family in this area and he grew up here he had friends." Kenji said, "He… went to visit one, with a guard."
"They gave the guard sleeping pills and then proceeded to have sex. The guard woke up before they were done." Kouji trembled as he remembered the extensive trials. "Every one knew Dani had been ordering sleeping pills, he claimed insomnia."
"What happened to him?" Rin asked again feeling fear creep up his spine. Had the patrons killed him?
"We do not know, we only ever received one letter from him after he was taken from here." Kenji said then encouraged Rin to continue eating. "It had only six words. 'I wish they had killed me'."
"You all are not frightening him are you?" Rin gasped and looked up to see Seitaro standing holding a robe loosely about him. His wet hair fell in graceful folds around his body. "Dani was taken to reside at the Inu-Koro." Seitaro sighed his own heart saddened at the fact. The other flowers lowered their heads saying no more on the subject.
Kouji brightened hoping to lighten the dour mood that seemed to settle over them all. "Rei must have a test today to come see you so early in the morning." Kouji pouted at Seitaro. "I wish he would come see me more often."
"You're such a shameless slut," Kenji mocked his twin as he moved over so that Seitaro could sit with them.
"Rin, you will rest after breakfast, try not to do too much. You need to build your strength." Seitaro said after he had filled his own plate. "Sinichi told Harumi that you were on your own for some time." Rin nodded he finished the rest of the meal in silence thinking over all that he had learned.