Joy's Unhappiness
Chapter 11
xxxxx Darwin's POV xxxxx
Cat-skin's wish to come with me, wasn't strange to me. After all, she probably missed her home kingdom. But her forwardness when asking me was the most surprising. I hadn't seen her so desperate before...
Maybe she didn't enjoy herself here and now she wants to go back... Well I don't blame her. All she has been doing here is work, work and work. There was that one time at the festival but what else? Oh yeah, she's been spending her breaks with me.
…How is that fun?
"Hey Darwin."
I turned around. "Hey Synal."
His face softened and then creased into a frown. "...You don't look so good. Are you okay?"
I tried to laugh but it came out forced. "Me? I'm perfectly fine."
Unfortunately, Synal can be one of the sharpest tools in the shed... Not that I sounded very convincing in the first place.
He sighed. "Look. I don't know what happened at that ball but if you are suffering don't try to hide it. I may not be going with you this time and I may be your senior but we are friends aren't we? Trust me more." His eyes focused on me earnestly. The devotion shone clearly.
However, whilst he was saying that, my stepmother's words came back to haunt my mind. "Protection is what knights are there for! Rely on them more, will you?!"
"I... I can take care of myself." I muttered stubbornly. My pathetic words crumpled in the air.
Synal's face fell some. "Is that... so?" He averted his eyes. "I had wanted for you to at least know that I'll be there for you..." He walked away.
I turned the other way, towards the carriages laughing bitterly to myself. Mentally of course(It would be bad if someone caught the prince laughing to himself). That was really mature of me... Well, I suppose this isn't any time to wallowing in self disappointment.
The horsemen and guards were already waiting for my arrival by the dazzlingly gold carriage. Those carriages are quite pointless in my opinion. Or at least for this occasion. They were designed to show off how wealthy you were but not so much for travelling long distances. I would suppose my step-mother would hate to look shabby, but isn't this going slightly overboard?
It's not like I'm there to impress Joy... If she was there to see it...
I stepped in the carriage and guess who was in there already?
Cat-skin. That's a surprise. I was wondering when she would show up. But to be in here before me? It's pretty sneaky... and out of character for the innocent Cat-skin I know...
Well, she's here at least. I wouldn't have to fetch her and somehow get her inside without anybody seeing.
I sat down on the seat across from her and shut the door almost immediately.
"Good morning Cat-skin!" I tried to bring a little cheer to the gloomy tension.
But I don't think it really made much affect... She stayed still and didn't make a sound ever since I had even opened the door...
This is highly unusual behaviour even for Cat-skin. It was like she was dead to the world...
Ouch, that thought was a sharp prick to my heart. I mustn't think like that ever again! If Cat-skin was gone... it would be very sad? No... For some reason I cannot imagine it...
The carriage started moving and Cat-skin seemed to wake up from her coma-like state. She blinked (which I guessed from seeing small movement from beneath her hood) and looked around, catching sight of me in her scan.
"Ah!" she gasped. "Y-you're here?"
"I'm no figment of your imagination. I'm here alive and real." I chuckled, spreading out my arms as emphasis.
She lowered her head, showing me the full view of only her hood. "Sorry."
I clicked my tongue loudly and drew her attention once again. "So my presence is so easily ignored huh?" I added a mock tone of offence in my voice.
"N-no... That's not it..."
"I know. But I'd like to know what is troubling you so much that you look... distant like you did just now..."
What a hypocrite I am. Asking Cat-skin what her problems are when I rejected Synal's offer to help just a moment before...
After my question was asked, her shoulders shook subtly. I noticed it but as soon as she realised that she was making that movement, she halted. She sat completely still for several seconds before taking in a huge breath.
She held it in for a while before slowly and dejectedly letting it out again.
… She's afraid to say it, that much is obvious. It seems to be a big deal. Could it have something to do with the people who were chasing her when we met? Or maybe something to do with her being a noble?
Cat-skin is a mystery and I would very much like to solve it, but if she feels that it's too personal...
I reached out and touched her shoulder lightly. "It's okay if you don't tell me. It's difficult for you isn't it? I'll listen whenever you're ready."
Her body seemed to relax more. "... Thank you."
xxxxxxxxxx
"Funny how those bandits aren't coming back today." I commented whilst looking out the window. We were crossing the same path in which were ambushed in last time. The forest I was looking at had been familiar to me as it was the third time seeing it.
Cat-skin also looked out. Her stare lasted a few seconds before going back to looking at her hands.
Now this feels like the first journey we had. Only without the attack.
In normal cases, we would have naturally avoided this path because we were already attacked twice in a row. But they would be fools if they try again after being beaten each time and Fairadore is a very prideful kingdom. So we relied on the bandits being smart enough to avoid us and the strength of our knights alone.
And plus, this is the shortest path to Deofia, otherwise we would have to travel around the mountains situated on both sides of the forest – which would extend our journey by at least four hours.
How long can I last against this awkward silence?
When we spent time together it was mostly me practising sword skills and Cat-skin watching me. It wasn't often that we made conversation and when we did, it was brief. Well, Cat-skin isn't one for conversations anyway.
We passed the forest path and I could already see small Deofia towns through the window, due to my position in the carriage.
Cat-skin didn't take a single glance out of the window since I tried to urge her. She still looked depressed.
I suppressed the urge to sigh. Even her sadness is beginning to affect me...
Ah, but that's no good! I told myself that I would make her feel better, and clearly I'm not doing a good job of it!
Splat!
Both Cat-skin and me widened our eyes from the sudden noise. What was that? I looked out of the window to see red.
It was covered with red juice, a large red lump and it was dotted with seeds.
A tomato?
I had no time to dwell on that because a barrage of splats and thumps followed soon after the first. The carriage slowed down considerably.
Louder than these noises were the angry grunts of the people outside.
I sat frozen in my seat as their shouts continued.
"You Fairadore people just show off!"
"What have you done to our Queen!"
"Give her back!"
Those were what I barely gathered amongst the mixed rabble trying to outdo one another. Every other yell seemed to something along same lines.
I clenched my fists, not angry at them, but more angry at myself for letting this happen. Although I wasn't at fault here, I... could have something to save Joy. I was still around at the moment she went missing...
I took a glance at Cat-skin to see her looking even more crestfallen than before. Queen Joy must have been really precious to her people... Did they perhaps know her personally? Did Cat-skin know her? She was at the castle...
It was brave of her for not showing any fear at this situation as many people would feel. But I couldn't help but wonder if it would be better if she was scared rather than sad...
The villagers' angry shouts lessened as we started to leave the centre of the village. Eventually things became quiet again when we finally left it.
"Are you okay?" I asked Cat-skin.
Slowly, she nodded meekly. I was certain that this wasn't the truth.
"Your Queen Joy is really loved by her people isn't she?" Cat-skin seemed to flinch. "She's really fortunate to have this much support... She'll be found safe and sound in no time."
"Y-Yeah... I know..." The cloak was clutched even tighter around her body.
… I really don't like to see her so sad.
"Originally, I was supposed to come here personally and clear up the misunderstandings sparked between Joy and me then come straight back to Fairadore. But I do not plan on doing just that..."
Cat-skin stared at me from under her hood, listening attentively.
"I'll try to make connections with Deofia. That way, you can come visit your home whenever I come to Deofia!"
"Ah..."
"Also, I'll assist with the search for Queen Joy. That girl has been through a lot in her life... and to add a kidnapping on top of her troubles... I would like to do something to help see her smile again..."
I smiled wistfully at the thought of her beautiful smile... The thought never occurred to me that the smile back at the ball was fake. I think it was real... I want thank the person who managed to cheer her up even if was for a little moment.
"So don't worry! I'll rescue your queen!"
Cat-skin sighed. It sounded quite stressed. "... Do you still love her?"
I stared at her wide eyed. I felt my face beginning to heat up. "E-eh? Um..." I thought deeply about her question.
Did I still love Joy? I knew I fell in love with her the moment our eyes met. I was really glad she didn't mind that I used to be a commoner. Her bright energy and cheerful personality kept my eyes drawn to her. She had an inner sorrow that I desperately wanted to protect her from.
She is also the light who encouraged me when I was feeling down. Unknowingly, she has saved me from myself...
There was no doubt about it.
I nodded, all embarrassment gone from my face, replaced by confidence. "Yes, I do."
"...I see. So that is your answer..."
Cat-skin peered through the fruit and vegetables covering the window as best as she could. She seemed to see what she was looking for and stood up
"Stop the carriage, please."
"Huh? S-sure." Oddly, her voice seemed to have a tone of authority in it that made me do what she asked immediately. Maybe nature calls for her?
I leaned over and knocked firmly on the wall behind Cat-skin three times. The carriage slowed down to a halt.
She opened the door and looked around cautiously for anyone else looking. She hopped off and turned to me.
"I'm getting off here. We probably won't see each other again but it was nice meeting you. Good luck with... Joy... Thank you and goodbye."
She gave me a fleeting smile and closed the door.
"Ah, wait!" I opened the door to see nothing but trees. Cat-skin was nowhere in sight.
Where did she go?
xxxxx Cat-skin's POV xxxxx
I dashed though the familiar forest, not caring much for my bare feet getting muddy. I needed to find Arryn!
The forest was nice and pleasant just like last time. I didn't stop to admire the lush greens though.
As soon as I came across a glade with toadstools in it, I called out: "Arryn!"
"Who are you?" A high-pitched yet distinctively male voice asked. Soft buzzing accompanied the voice.
"Huh?"
I looked up to see a bee. No... a bee wasn't talking to me... I'm not going crazy... It must be a pillywiggin...
The bee flew down and I got to see the nonchalant fairy who was sitting on top of it. "Aeon! Retty!"
"What? You know our names?" He squinted at my face trying to recognise it.
"Ah!" I hadn't noticed my hood fell down as I was running. I hastily pulled it back up.
"Oh! It's you! ...Um..." he struggled for a name.
"Cat-skin." I offered. "No, scratch that. My name is actually Joy." I shook off the hood.
"Joy..." Aeon scratched his chin in thought. "Where have I heard that before... Feels recent..."
"How about the kingdom's missing queen?"
"Oh yeah!"
Aeon blinked twice. His eyes widened in realisation. "You're that queen that everyone's been making a big commotion about!" he exclaimed pointing a rude finger at me.
"Yes." I sighed. "Where is Arryn?"
"You're completely different from before!"
"Yes, yes I am." I answered impatiently. "Where is Arryn?"
"Oh, she's busy. It might not seem like it but she works all over the world. She's probably very far away."
"Is that...so..." I collapsed on to my knees. What am I to do now?
"I know right? We came all the way here for the first time in years to say hello, but she suddenly went away telling us to wait here for someone!" He paused. "That's probably you huh? You look glum. Why?"
"Why would I be happy? Can't you see that I'm currently in a troublesome dilemma?"
"And I'm supposed to know? I'm not one of those telepathic fairies." Aeon crossed his arms. "Just tell me." Retty buzzed in agreement.
'And it's not obvious enough?' I thought bitterly, not having the heart to say it out loud.
"Let's see: I'm married to my father, when I don't like him in that way; I almost got... attacked by some intruders coming into my room; ended up running away with Darwin to Fairadore, disguised as Cat-skin even though he doesn't know it's me; and now I came back here spontaneously to Deofia to hear that the kingdom has become a mess because of me!" I summarized in a flurry, excluding my personal feelings about the prince of Fairadore. "Tell me how this isn't troubling?"
"Hmm... That does sound troublesome..." Aeon commented, trying to think.
"Uh-huh." It's not like he's helping any. I wonder why Arryn left him here to talk to me. Still, I'm surprised he managed to listen to all of my rant. Although, I do admit, that was quite a bit off my chest.
"How do you think you can solve this problem?" Aeon asked after a moment.
"I...I don't know... I was hoping Arryn could help me..." I admitted sheepishly.
"Huh? She's a fairy but she isn't a miracle worker you know..."
I said nothing to reply.
He has a point. I got into this mess on my own and I have to solve it on my own. I can't go relying on others for everything...
"Why don't you just go back to the castle? I mean... The kingdom is like this because you disappeared right? So if you go to the castle and tell them that you're back then things will go back to how it was before."
"That may be so but then there's the issue with the attackers. They were the reason why I was gone in the first place."
"But you're prepared for them this time aren't you?!" Aeon pulled his fists up. "I'll fight too!" he declared, punching at the air. Retty flew up and down vigorously resembling a human nod.
I laughed at the thought of a tiny fairy like him trying to land a fist on a grown up man. I hope it doesn't actually happen though...
When those intruders came in, I wasn't expecting them at all. And everyone was preoccupied with the ball at the time so there may not be a good opportunity to attack me again. Especially if I explain the situation to the elders at the castle. No doubt they would increase their defences.
"Yeah, we'll be prepared..." It may not be so bad... going to the castle.
The castle... "Father will be there... I don't know how I should face him... after he..." I trailed off unable to complete the sentence. I shivered in disgust.
"He what?" Aeon asked in genuine curiosity.
I shook my head. It was certainly not appropriate for the innocent ears of Aeon - even if he is older than he looks...
"He would never see the light. Not anymore. Nothing that I say will ever truly reach him. He's... beyond help now..." I looked away sadly. Oh, what I would give to get him back to his jolly self again...
"You give up already? How stupid." Erk. That hurt. "How many times did you try to make him?"
"...Once..." I just realised how pathetic that number really was... And I didn't even see his reaction afterwards because I ran away...
"Once!?" He flew closer and hit me on the head. It felt like as if someone had tossed an apple at my head. In short, it didn't hurt at all. "That's not enough!"
It is true. All this time, I have been a coward and trying to tolerate Father's ridiculous behaviour. I was too scared to talk back to him so when my 'impossible' requests were fulfilled, I ended up trying to run away. I have never conveyed my feelings to him properly...
"You're right Aeon! I am going to the castle!"
"Yeah!"
I stood up and prepared to get out of the forest. Aeon and Retty made to follow me. I looked at them. "Perhaps it's best for you guys to stay here."
"Whaaat?!" he exclaimed in displeasure.
"Don't worry!" I gave him a reassuring smile. "You've done enough to help already!"
I ran out but before that I yelled to him: "And by the way, Aeon you're a genius!"
"Of course I am!" he shouted back with a wide grin.
Haha, I knew that would make him happy.
Now... It is time to head home at last. I shall make Father see sense this time!
A/N: Happy New Year Year everyone! I was planning on finishing this story before 2013 so I can move on to other stories, but it looks like I will have to continue this for at a least a few more months. Yes, this means that Joy's Unhappiness will be ending pretty soon. The next chapter will be the last one (excluding the epilogue) depending on how long it will end up being.
By the way, do any of you want me to write stories about the things going on in the background? Like Lilah and Caelan's relationship, Julie and Synal's relationship or maybe even Joy's parents?