Disclaimer: Even though you probably already know it, I don't own Yugioh… yet...
Author Request: When you're done reading my story, whether you finish or just get bored, please take a moment to leave me a review. Good or bad, just let me know you're reading, it would mean a lot to me. Please and thank you.
Ryu: /sigh/ Life… so yummy… I think I'm gonna escape from it for a while and come back here to my own little world where I'm the puppet master and I keep all the characters on strings that I can pull as I like, hehehehehehe. So far the responses I've gotten have been pretty good; although it turns out I made 2 mistakes in the duel between Kaiba and Zaborg. Surprisingly though, I was able to perfectly make them cancel one another out, as if it was meant to happen from the start. It's kinda creepy. Fortunately no one noticed so lets take a look and see how I respond to all of you:
Familiar-Possessed – Eria: Um… thanks… I think… I know it was long; I may as well warn you now that if you see a duel start you may want to get comfortable and sit back cause it'll be a long one. Hope you didn't get in trouble reading it and thanks for the well wishes on my job hunt.
16forever: LOL, you're review was fun; everyone should do that. Yup, he knows about Anzu now, bwahahahaha. Hm… wonder where I can go with that. I dare you try that surrender thing at school; go on, it'll be funny. And of course Kaiba won; he's Kaiba. I'm just as excited about the something special as you, can't wait to write it. I'm glad I could keep you entertained that long.
ANZU&ATEM FAN: Well, I seem to have gotten Kaiba right this time. It's nice to know you don't mind waiting, but I'll still try to not make you wait.
AkillianBreath: Yay, a new reviewer. I'm happy you like my story; and don't worry and I understand your curiosity. You a right; Bakura was beaten along with Zorc in the Dark RPG. However, without my Kura-cha running around causing mayhem Yugioh just isn't Yugioh for me. And since the Duel Chronicles is my own continuation of the series I just had to bring him back. So if you want to see Kura-cha's revival read the prelude to this story, Duel Chronicles IV: Shadows of a Fallen Past, and hopefully it'll make more sense to you. As for whether or not he landed in he same world Anzu's in… well I thought I made it pretty clear but since you asked yes, he is there. As for whether or not they'll confront one another… well if I till you that you might just wait till I put that chapter up and read it. This way you'll have come back every chapter to wait for Kura-cha.
ForensicDuelist4137: OMG, another new reader. Thank you for the compliment and good job yourself on your fic. I'll keep this one going no matter what.
Mirokulover: The Great Ryu? I don't know about that… okay it's true. I hoped that the hinting about something special would make some people eager; and don't worry, this one will give plenty for time for the chaos boys to go at it. Thank you for the good luck wishes too.
Bad Player: Well that was… short. Oh well, I'll take it. Sorry to disappoint you but the Fire Emperor isn't going to appear just yet.
Novalee Phoenix: You PMed but didn't review? Anyway, I'm sorry that's it's taking so long. I know at first they came quick but I've become very busy. I plan to continue this story to the end but updates may take a while. So please do be patient and I'll try to keep up.
Ryu: Things keep looking up and up for this story. Still no luck with finding a job but I am working well on my novel. Still, I won't abandon my loyal fans here in the Duel Chronicles. Let's see if I can deliver a surprise as good as the one I hyped. 'Hope I don't blow it…'
Chapter 11: Gather Your Mind
"This feels so good," Anzu said dreamily, relaxing into the tub of hot water. It was the first bath she'd had in weeks but felt like months and she was going to enjoy it.
Like in Palis, Zab Castle had a room dedicated to only bathing. The room was made of yellow-brown stones, much like the rest of the castle, and was big enough for four separate bathing tubs, each big enough to seat at least two people and all mounted to the floor. The wall directly across from the entrance to the room had three large windows along it, all slightly opened and letting the sweet spring air in. The wall in front of the tubs was covered completely by a large mirror, although a thin fog usually covered it whenever someone bathed. Behind the tubs, lining the back wall, was a long shelf; part of which held fluffy towels and the other part holding different kinds of soaps, creams, oils, and perfume.
Next to each tub, hanging from the ceiling, was a golden rope that could be used to call for a servant if assistance was needed. The servants of Zab Castle had quickly taken to their new masters, happy to be free of the former Emperor. They had prepared a large feast of for the arriving travelers that didn't go unappreciated, especially by Hunter and Yugi. There had been roast goat, lamp, pork, and a few choice fish; potatoes had been boiled and spiced with cinnamon and pepper; fresh apples from the orchard, carrots, squash, and cucumbers from the gardens steamed and buttered. Hot rolls and breads had been hastily baked, served with strawberry jam and honey butter while aged cheeses and wines had been brought up from the cellar. And after the meal a large chocolate cake was presented, decorated with candied rose petals and dabs of sugary frosting.
Still, as good as the food had been, for Anzu it couldn't compare in the least to the bath. "I may never get out of this tub again," she sighed, letting the hot water soothe her tired limbs and full stomach. "Who knows when I'll get to enjoy this again. Knowing Madoc it won't for another month or so," she added, laughing. She didn't laugh long though, not now that her thoughts were on her superior. "Madoc…"
The man still hung in her mind whenever she let it wander. She had feelings for him, as much as she tried to deny it. Why did she deny it though? The thought vexed her continually. Was it because she still had feelings for the Pharaoh? But she would never see him again, why bother get hung up on it? Maybe it was because she didn't feel like her feelings were reciprocated. Just what was it with the Colonel? At times she thought she could see the same feelings in his eyes; like when they'd rode in that carriage or talked by the fire. But at others he seemed so much like he was just following his orders; like she was just some mission that he needed to carry out. The strangest thing was that she, who had always been so straightforward with people, couldn't bring herself to just come out and ask him about it.
'We'll be here for a few days while he plans our next move,' she thought. 'Even though he's only the second in command of this mission he's the one doing all the work. But he seems to take it on by himself, like he wants to do it all. But this is my operation, I should be the one staying up late and working out strategies. Maybe I'll offer to help him. Who knows, maybe we'll get some time alone. It's a big castle; we could easily lose everyone if we really tried. Maybe I could corner him long enough to finally get my nerve up to talk to him. But then why bother… in the end he'll just send me home…'
Home… that was another thing Anzu was concerned with. She still wondered what everyone was doing without her for the pasted month. Were they still looking even? And what would it be like when she had to go home? What if Madoc did feel for her? Would he be able to keep his promise to send her home then; would she even want him too?
"Come on Mahaado, it'll be fun"
Anzu shook her head at hearing the voice and turned in time to see the door to the room open and Mana walk in, dragging her future husband by the wrist. She slunk down in the tub, letting her developed chest and her pendant slip under the water's surface, and listened.
"How many times do I have to tell you Mana?" the male magician asked. "I won't feel right about such things until after we're wed."
"We would be if you would stop putting our King before me," she huffed at him.
"And to think, it's usually the guy that can't wait for it," Anzu laughed at them.
Mana stopped abruptly and turned to see the bathing girl, blushing slightly. "Oh… uh… hi Anzu. I didn't see you there."
"Well then there you go Mana," Mahaado said triumphantly. "Sergeant Mazaki is in here and it wouldn't be right of me expose in front of her." He bent down and touched a kiss to her lips. "Enjoy your bath my dear and I'll meet you in bed later."
"Why do I always have to give you up," she whined. "First back at the inn and now here."
"That's the life of a soldier my love," Mahaado said in a silky tone. "But doesn't our hardship make it all the more romantic?"
'Was he such a smooth talker back in Egypt?' Anzu wondered as she watched them.
Mana's blush deepened and her eyes sparkled at his words. "Okay Mahaado…" she barely breathed.
With a parting kiss to Mana and a wave to Anzu, Mahaado turned on his heels and left the bathing room.
"Quite a smooth talker he is," Anzu commented when he was gone. "I guess that's handy when dealing with a horny girl such as yourself."
Mana's blushed became impossibly redder as she untied her golden-blonde hair. "I can't help it," she defended indignantly. "I'm only human."
She walked to the tub next to Anzu and turned a small dial that opened a hole in the bottom. Out of that hole came a thin line of steam and finally water began to rise out of it. It was an ingenious idea; each tub had two holes in the bottom that could be opened or closed. One would let water in while the other drained it. Both were controlled by dials next to the tub that could also be used to control the water's temperature, much like the ones in Anzu's world.
With the tub filling Mana walked to the shelved wall and began looking through the many scents. "We've been engaged for five years already," she explained. "The moment I hit womanhood when I was twelve and he was fifteen he asked for my hand when we were older. At first I was uneasy since I'd known him most of my life; he and Madoc were always together so he was like a brother to me." She finally selected a lavender-scented bottle and a light pink towel before going back to the tub, which was now full. "But after a while I came to love him like he did me," she said, pulling off her magenta and pink tunic dress and under tunic.
"But now the waiting has become too much?" Anzu guessed while the other girl slipped her now nude form into the tub next to her, Anzu having watched the whole time and not been embarrassed.
"Too much was about a year ago," Mana grumbled. "I'm seventeen and haven't become a woman yet or been married. It's a good thing I spend all my time serving the King; if I were to be around the other girls in court I'd be a laughing stock."
"You know Mana, I'm no more a woman than you," Anzu admitted only now blushing. "Where I come from it's considered a good thing for girls, and boys too really, to be pure at our age."
Mana looked over at Anzu and smiled. "Thanks Anzu," she said happily. "But I'll wear Mahaado Aplyn down eventually, I won't let up." She let out a warm laugh then. "Too bad for you though; at the rate you and my brother are going you'll be pure forever."
Anzu jumped at the comment, squeezing the soap bar she was holding so tight that it flew from her and into the air. "What's that supposed to mean?" she exclaimed.
"We all see it Anzu," Mana said simply, sinking down into her tub. "So far the only ones that seem clueless are you and Madoc."
"And just what is it that everyone sees?" Anzu asked.
Mana looked over at her and smiled. "I shouldn't say it, it'll be better if the two of you figure it out for yourselves."
Anzu wanted to ask again what Mana meant but didn't bother to, didn't need to. She already knew what it was Mana was getting at and she blushed a little. If everyone else saw it did that mean it was really there? Anzu knew how she felt, or thought she did, but whether or not Madoc felt the same was what got her. But if everyone else saw it then did that mean she was more to him than just a mission.
"Mana?"
Mana, who had started washing her arms with her bar of soap and a washcloth, looked up at her. "What is it?"
"How serious does Madoc take his work for the King?" Anzu asked.
"Well he's very loyal, that's for sure," the girl replied. "And he's always been serious when it comes to doing his duty. But honestly I think it's because he doesn't know what else to do with himself. He was the one that had to take care of us without our parents so I guess you could say he matured and hardened quickly. I don't think he's very good at showing his feelings. I've always had to force him to tell me things because the hints he would drop would only confuse me. Oops, listen to me ramble." She gave an embarrassed laugh.
"I see…" Anzu said. That hadn't been much help, but now she knew what she had to do.
The two didn't talk much more than that. Mana had gotten tired of washing already and was now just lying back in her tub. Anzu on the other hand felt the urge to rush. She took her soap that smelled like vanilla and lathered it up in a washcloth, then applied it to her body. She washed her arms, then her chest and the pendant, her stomach, and finally her legs. There came the usual complication of her back and bottom but she made quick work. Next she took a bottle holding a liquid similar to shampoo and used it to wash her hair. It felt so nice to be clean again after weeks but she was in too much of a hurry to stop and savor it.
"Why the rush Anzu?" Mana asked, noticing the girl lathering her hair. "You've been wanting a bath as much as I have."
Anzu bent her head back into the water to rinse it and pushed the wet strands out of her face. "As nice as it is Mana I need some time to think."
"Aw… you're gonna leave me all alone?" the other girl whined.
"Sorry," Anzu said as she got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself, stepping into a pair of kid slippers. "But if I see Mahaado I'll let him know you're all alone and vulnerable," she added with a sly grin, letting the water out of the tub.
"Yay!" Mana cheered, despite the fact that she was now blushing deeply at the thought of what her friend had just said.
Anzu just smiled as she walked passed Mana and out the oak door into the hall. She shivered as the cool air touched her skin and pulled her towel more closely around her as little goose bumps popped up all over. She walked quickly through the hall, wanting to get to her room and dress before she froze.
Ahead of her a door opened and Sebastian emerged from the room, looking flushed but happy. He turned when he noticed her and smiled. "Hello Sergeant Mazaki, you're looking lovely."
"You seem to be in a good mood," Anzu said somewhat shyly as she approached. Although being around girls naked had become easy for her, she was still having trouble adjusting to men.
"What can I say?" he chuckled. "This castle has exquisite servants. They certainly know how to satisfy."
Just then a young servant girl came out of the room Sebastian had been in. Her hair was somewhat messy and her tunic dress was slipping off one shoulder, as if it had been put on in a hurry. She blushed deeply at seeing Anzu but still turned to Sebastian and bowed. "If I can service you in any other way, Major General, please don't hesitate to ask."
The last part sounded to Anzu as if the girl was hoping Sebastian would call for her and her mind quickly pieced it all together, her cheeks going slightly pinker.
"I'll be sure to do that," Sebastian said with a smile to the girl.
Her flush went impossibly deeper and she bowed once again before hurrying off down the hall.
"Is such a thing common in this world?" Anzu asked when the servant was gone.
"Indeed Sergeant," Sebastian replied. "The servants are meant to serve, no matter what it is their masters request and woman are to be submissive."
Anzu's brow furrowed at the last statement. "Is that so?" she asked hotly. "Well just you wait Sebastian Valmont, one day I, a woman, will surpass you."
Sebastian chuckled at the insinuation. "My dear Miss Mazaki, that fire may be common in your world but here it'll only get you into trouble. However, the King seems to like you so chances are that fire could take you somewhere. So I look forward to the day you surpass me, Sergeant." He smiled somewhat darkly.
The two stared one another down a moment, letting their eyes issue and accept the challenge the girl had posed.
"So tell me," Sebastian said after a while. "Seeing as you're properly dressed, would you like to partake of the same sweetness as that servant? Who knows, maybe I won't have to call her back to me later."
Anzu blushed deeply and reached her hand back, slapping Sebastian hard across the face. "How dare you?" she shouted. "I see what you are now. At first I thought you held a genuine interest in me but now I see that you're just a womanizer craving female flesh. That's the only reason you look at me isn't it?"
"That's not entirely true," he said seriously, holding his cheek. "Yes, the fact that you're a girl attracts me; but you're a girl who's more beautiful than any. They say a rose by any other name would be just as beautiful but, to me, you will always stick out as the most radiant in the garden."
Anzu blushed a little but didn't want to let on that the statement was one of the most romantic things she'd ever heard. "None the less," she said as firm as she could. "I'm sorry but I don't share your interest. Now please excuse me." She quickly pushed passed him and continued down the hall.
"Madoc's in the study on the next floor," Sebastian called to her.
Anzu blushed deeper and turned to scold him only to see no one there. Her shoulders slumped and she sighed, continuing down the hall. Apparently Mana was right, it was obvious to everyone but her and Madoc. She needed to get all this straightened out soon. The longer she was in this world the more this will keep eating at her. She needed clarity.
She turned down a corridor at the end of the hall and then into the room she was staying in. She was happy to see Yugi curled up asleep on the bed. Normally getting dressed in front of an animal wouldn't bother her but ever since she'd learned that the Gremlin was this world's version of her best friend that she suspects has a crush on her she had gotten a little shy around it. Quickly she took her towel off and patted herself dry, then went to the chest that held her clothing. Now that she was dry the air didn't seem so cold so she decided on a soft chemise of creamy velvet and sheer rose-colored robe that only tinted what was under it pink but didn't hide it. She tied the small ribbons at her bosom together so that it was held around her body, the Black Pendant hanging over it, while going to sit at a large vanity mirror.
'I wonder how I should bring it up,' she thought as she took up her brush and began to comb out her hair. 'Do I just come right out and ask him his feelings for me? I wonder if he'd even be honest?' She didn't spend long on her hair, not being able to contain her curiosity. Standing from the mirror she waked over to her bed and pulled back the covers. She sat down on its side and then pulled on a cord that hung next to it. Within moments a servant girl appeared in the room and bowed to her.
"How may I serve you?" the servant asked.
"I want you to go to the study on the next floor and ask Colonel Powlyn how long before he takes to bed please," Anzu commanded. She tried to stay polite and casual when dealing with servants but, being around the others so often, a superior tone had rubbed off. "Come back to me with his answer if you would."
"Yes ma'am," the girl said before turning and leaving the room.
Anzu lied down in the soft bed when she was alone. As much as she wished to speak with Madoc, she was still unsure of what to say and also tired from the day's journey. If Madoc would be awake a while longer then maybe she would take a nap to try and clear her head a bit.
The servant girl returned shortly, bowing upon entering. "The Colonel is currently meeting with Major Kaiba and Brigadier General Cromwell, planning for your departure, and says he will be wake for several hours more, probably until the moon begins to set."
"I see," Anzu said. "I am going to rest then. Tell him that I will join him in two hours, and come wake me then."
"Yes ma'am," the girl said. She bowed once more and then left the room.
With that out of the way, Anzu pulled the covers over herself and curled into the bed. Even with her mind a jumble sleep quickly took her, dropping her into the world of dreams. Just what she had dreamed she couldn't remember upon waking. The last thing she remembered was seeing a woman in pale green robes and long white hair being attacked by a boy with blonde bangs in long purple robes, who strangely had a small pink horn on his forehead and pointed green ears. After that all she remembered was blank and she awoke to the black light radiating from the pendant she wore.
"What's this?" she wondered, staring into the light. Within the shining black surface she could make out something and she tried to focus on what it was. "Yugi," she gasped. She could see Yugi in her pendant. "Jounouchi, Honda, Ryou-kun…"
They were all there. Their mouths were moving but she couldn't hear any words. The looks on their faces were concerned and it seemed like there were more people there, dressed in dark uniforms. Before Anzu could make out whom the other men were though the light began to fade, taking the vision with it.
"Yugi! Jounouchi! Guys!" she called but their images were gone. "Yugi…"
There was knock at the door suddenly that made her jump.
"Come in," she said.
The door opened and in stepped the servant girl from before. "I see you're already awake miss," she said. "Colonel Powlyn will be expecting you in the next few minutes."
"I see, thank you," Anzu said, rubbing her eyes. "Give me a moment and then take me there."
"Yes ma'am, I'll be just outside," the girl said before exiting.
Anzu stood from the bed and stretched before going to her mirror. She sat down, took up her brush, and began to tame her bed head. After a few minutes she stood, smoothed her clothes, and then made for the door. She glanced once down at the pendant as she grasped the door's handle. Her friends had looked worried. Did that mean they had figured she was gone? It had been it least a month, surely they had noticed.
"Guys… I'll find a way to come home," she said into the pendant, wondering if it would let them hear her. Pushing it from her mind for the time being she opened the door. Right now she had something else that needed to be done.
"Right this way ma'am," the servant girl said, beginning to lead Anzu down the hall.
As Anzu walked her mind began to fumble with even more ideas. Seeing her friends like that made her all the more determined to find a way home but what about Madoc? She planned to find out tonight his feelings for her but what if they were strong? What if they were like her feelings for him? And what of her there friends here? She just now realized that she had been getting used to the idea of being here, worrying less and less about ever leaving; thinking of it like one might thing of a dream, rather than a goal. Now suddenly her thoughts of home had been reinforced and she was once again caught between two worlds, quite literally. It was all becoming too much and she felt dizzy.
"Are you all right miss?" the servant girl asked, having looked back at her.
Anzu shook her head, trying to focus. "Yes, I'm all right," she said.
The servant girl nodded and turned back, continuing on their way. She led Anzu up a flight of stairs and then down a hallway that ended in a pair of bronze doors. "This is the study," she said.
"Thank you," Anzu said. "That will be all I need for the night."
"Yes ma'am," the girl said, giving a bow before turning and hurrying away.
Anzu waited until the girl was gone before taking a deep breath and letting it out. 'One thing at a time,' she told herself. 'It could be a while before I can go home. I'll figure out this thing with Madoc now and worry about going home when the time comes around.' Taking one more deep breath she pushed the doors open and walked into the room.
"I guess it can't be helped," Hunter was saying. He was standing by the fireplace, a glass of wine in his hand. He wore a loose, dark blue shirt and black breeches. "I'll have to leave tomorrow."
"But the reason you came on this journey was in case the foe sent a swarm of dragons after us," Madoc said. He was seated behind a desk that was covered in maps and scrolls, wearing a black roe trimmed in silver, a silver circlet around his head.
"What choice do we have?" Hunter countered. "The King will need help and we haven't been able to establish an emergency link through a Speaker so someone has to warn the King and I'm the best candidate. Besides, aside from Kaiba here, how many times have we been attacked by dragons? None. Palis is a much more vulnerable target."
"And if any dragons were to do attack us my Blue-Eyes could handle them with ease," Kaiba added haughtily. "Plus, with one less man, especially one his size, it'll be much easier for us to move."
"Watch it," Hunter growled.
"What's going on?" Anzu asked.
The three men looked up, not having noticed the girl standing there until now. All of them had to double take though at seeing her dressed in the way she was, their jaws all dropping to some degree.
"Miss Mazaki, we were expecting you," Hunter greeted her merrily.
"Thank you Hunter. So what are you talking about?" she asked again.
"We found some documents in Zaborg's files," Madoc said, shaking his head away from her looks, difficult as it was, and turning back to the things on the desk. "A lot of them would be useful to the King strategically. Someone needs to leave out back for Palis tomorrow and Hunter's volunteered."
"So let him go," Anzu said, crossing more into the room now. It was a fairly large chamber. Book, scrolls, and maps lined the walls and, aside from the desk in the center that Madoc was at, the only furniture were a few red armchairs. "He has a point," she went on. "The only dragons that have attacked us have been Kaiba's, and he's on our side now."
"We have power but that reduces our numbers," Madoc said simply, looking over his maps.
Anzu thought for a moment. He had a point but not a good one and she guessed that he was really just being stubborn. She would find a way to take care of things though. "Seto, Hunter, please leave us," she said. "You need rest and I need to discuss things with Madoc. I am still in charge of this mission," she reminded them all. "You'll learn what we wish of you tomorrow morning."
"Anzu you shouldn't trouble yourself," Madoc told her, still not looking up.
"Seto, Hunter, good night," she said firmly.
"Whatever you say," Hunter said, clapping her on the back. "Guess I'll see you in the morning." He leaned down then and whispered in her ear, "Go easy on him lass."
Anzu giggled as the big man walked out of the room, Kaiba following in his usually silent, sour manner. Anzu looked back and made sure the doors closed before walking over to the fireplace and leaning on the mantle.
"It doesn't matter what you say, I don't think it's a good idea to let him leave the group," Madoc asked flatly.
"And I think we can get along just fine without him," Anzu replied, staring into the flames. "Besides, what if dragons attack Palis, what if they already have? The King might need Hunter's power."
Madoc was silent for a while and Anzu smirked. She could tell he was cracking on the subject but it didn't matter so much to her. She was just trying to wear him down before she made her real move.
"You're the one in charge of this operation," he finally sighed. "Do what you want and we'll have to go along with it."
Now was the time, Anzu thought. "Madoc," she said. "Is your military duty all you ever think about?"
"It's a big job, there's not time to think about much else," he replied, still toneless.
"That's odd," Anzu went on. "Mana and Mahaado seem to have time. Hunter seems to have time. Just a few hours ago Sebastian and a servant girl had time, probably are again. Even I find myself with extra time."
"And why do you think you all have that time?" he asked, sounding somewhat irritable. "Because I'm the one doing everything to complete this mission."
"Don't try to play the martyr Madoc Powlyn," Anzu snapped, turning to look at him. "If you want help you could ask."
"And the rest of you could offer," he shot back.
"You think we haven't? It just so happens that every time someone gives you an idea you instantly have a better one."
He slammed his fist on the desk and looked up at her. "Well what am I supposed to do? Take suggestions from a bunch of morons?"
They were both quiet again, staring one another down fiercely.
"Is that all we are to you?" she asked after a while. "Just a bunch of morons?"
Madoc sighed and rubbed his brow, turning his back on her and pacing a bit. "I didn't mean it like that Anzu," he said. "I just feel better taking care of things myself. Then I know everyone is safe."
"Safe from what?" she asked. "Themselves?"
Madoc didn't answer, only continued pacing in a small circle.
"What about me Madoc?" Anzu asked.
Madoc stopped and looked at her. "What do you mean?"
Anzu blushed a little, suddenly feeling a little dizzy under his gaze. She could feel herself swooning and her legs gave way.
"Anzu!" Madoc gasped, leaping across the room to catch her before she hit the floor. He took her over to one of the chairs in the room and sat her down. "Are you all right?"
'Where did that come from?' she thought numbly. She looked up into those red eyes that burned in the firelight and felt even more faint but nodded. "I think so."
Madoc crossed over to a shelf where a few bottles of wine and liquor and some glasses sat. He picked out a bottle of rich red Cyprus wine and poured two glasses. He walked back to her and gave her one glass, then pulled a chair close and sat down across from her. Neither said anything while Anzu sipped her wine, the dizziness clearing gradually.
"Feeling better?" he asked gently when her glass was half empty.
"Yeah," she whispered.
"What happened?" he asked. "Are you feeling ill?"
"No, it's not that," Anzu replied, acting meekly.
"Well then what is it?"
It was Anzu that didn't answer this time, only stared intently at her wine. It looked so much like his eyes that she thought she'd go weak again. She had to do it now though.
"Anzu?"
Anzu rose from her chair and turned from him. "Madoc…" she began, walking toward the desk. She set her glass down on it and turned to face him. "Madoc, there's something I need to ask you. It's something I've waned to ask ever since I met you back in Felse."
"What is it?" Madoc asked, rising from his seat.
Anzu blushed deeply, leaning on the desk for support in case she swooned at him again. "I want to know Madoc… What do you think of me? What do you feel for me?"
Madoc went rigid at the question. He certainly hadn't been expecting it. Sure, every now and then they would put aside their differences and talk seriously. And at points he felt this subject had been alluded to. But he never thought of what it would be like if it actually came up directly and Madoc was at a loss for words.
"Actually Anzu…" he managed to get out, his normally deep voice almost cracking. "I've been wondering the same thing about you. Do you remember what I said to you the night we met?"
"You said a lot of things Madoc," she told him.
"True," he sighed. He set his wine glass down on the arm of his chair and walked to her.
She looked up at him when he took her hands. Her soft brown eyes meeting his sharp red ones, reflecting the golden light the fire was casting.
"That night I said that you wouldn't be a bad wife," he reminded her. "But what I really meant by it was, you would make an excellent wife. And after spending this month with you I'm even more sure of it, Anzu Mazaki."
A few happy tears welled in her eyes. 'He said I would be a good wife,' her mind thought happily. 'He may as well have said…'
"Anzu?" he began again, interrupting her thought. "Are you all right?"
She had to say it, she had to hear it; she just had to be sure of this once and for all. "Madoc…" she said, those tearful eyes locked on his. "Madoc… I lo…"
He placed a finger to her lips, silencing her. "I know, my fiery little dove," he said with a warm smile. "And I love you too."
He leaned down into her while she leaned up to meet him until their lips met. All this time she'd been wondering; she wouldn't have to wonder anymore. She knew, she finally knew. The mystery was finally solved and she had been right all along. That's all she could think of while Madoc delivered to her the savory sweetness of her first kiss.
Ryu: I am so sorry for taking so long with this; I've had a lot going on. But when I realized it had been over two weeks since I updated I forced myself to stay up all night to get this done. Anyway, I hope this chapter lived up to the hype I put on it. Now that it's out in the open where do I take it? I'll think of something.
Well, I'm very tired so I'm gonna keep this short. Sadly I'm still looking for a job so that takes up time. Relationship is currently shaky so that's a distraction, but getting bored. Now that I've posted another chapter I'm gonna do some wok on my novel but don't worry, it's looking lie the next two chapters are going to be duels and those practically write themselves (I may throw a on-duel in between but we'll see). Okay, I'm beat. R&R plz. Nighty night.
