Chapter 14: Discovery

Ren paced back and forth in front of the building. He had sent Yukihito on ahead with Sho and Mimori for their unexpected town tour.

The plan had been for the deputy to distract them long enough for Kyoko to search Sho's room for any proof that he had stolen the Princess Rosa diamond. Ren was to stand guard out front of the restaurant while Kanae kept things running smoothly inside to provide the excuse that Kyoko had been in the kitchen the whole time.

So far everything seemed to be going smoothly. At least, that's what the sheriff thought until he saw Yukihito hurrying towards him. Alone.

The older man doubled over trying to catch his breath.

"Where's Sho?" Ren demanded.

Yukihito shook his head. "I… don't…know…" He gasped out. "Lost… them…"

Ren turned and entered the restaurant. He made eye contact with Kanae and the three of them met in the kitchen.

"Don't tell me you lost them?" Kanae groaned as she observed the deputy who was still recovering from his run.

"I was out front keeping watch but I never saw them." Ren offered. "Has Kyoko come down yet?"

Kanae shook her head. "She hasn't. And if we don't know where they are, they could show up at any moment."

"I know you're in here."

At the sound of this familiar voice, a cold chill ran down Kyoko's spine. She could only hope that her hiding spot was a good enough one to keep her presence a secret. She shifted her feet, trying to prepare herself for a speedy escape should it be needed. But as her foot shifted against the base of the wardrobe, there was a creaking sound that made her wish she could disappear.

Please don't find me. Please just go, she chanted internally.

The room outside was quiet and for one short moment, Kyoko thought she might be safe. But in the next moment the wardrobe doors were flung open and an angry Shotaro Fuwa was staring down at her.

"I knew someone was in here!" he exclaimed. He grabbed her arm and yanked her out of the wardrobe roughly, flinging her to the floor. "What? So you thought you'd sneak into our room and steal from me after begging for money this morning? Was that not enough?"

Kyoko's mind was jumbled. She didn't know what to say to defend herself. How to keep him from discovering her true intentions and identity. She shook her head, trying to avoid meeting his eyes. "No, no really. I wasn't stealing anything." She lowered her voice in an attempt to conceal her identity.

"Then what were you doing in here?" he spat.

"I lost something earlier, when I was cleaning this room." She hurriedly answered.

Sho was silent for a moment. "So you simply lost something?" He asked suspiciously.

Kyoko nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My pocket watch." She lied.

The young man crouched in front of her, an unsettling glint in his eye. "Then why don't I help you find it?"

Kyoko met his eyes and immediately regretted it. In that moment she felt fear run through her. She jumped up from the floor nearly knocking Sho over in the process. "I just remembered I left it in the kitchen. If you'll excuse me!" she cried, fleeing from the room.

As she flew down the back staircase, she bit back the tears that were threatening to fall. Not only had she not found any evidence to help clear her name; she had also been caught and harassed by the one person she'd hoped to avoid any close contact with.

Back in the kitchen, the trio argued over what needed to be done. Ren shook his head, his frustration overwhelming him. "I'm going up to get her. If they've come back she may need help." But just as he took his first step towards the stairs, the backdoor to the kitchen flew open and a pale Kyoko emerged.

She was breathing hard, similar to Yukihito's erratic breathing. Kanae hurried to her side and had her sit down. "Are you okay?" she asked. "Did they find you?"

Kyoko took a deep shaky breath, then she nodded. "Yes, I'm okay." She replied. "And yes, they found me."

"What happened?" Ren demanded with unnecessary force.

Kyoko looked startled but knew she needed to explain. She took a deep breath before continuing. "I was searching the room and Sho returned with his friend. So I hid inside the wardrobe in their room. I thought that everything would be fine until he sent her away. Then my foot slipped and he found me hiding. He pulled me out and threw me on the floor."

Ren clenched his fists. He hated the idea that that boy had touched Kyoko.

"Does he know?" Kanae's voice broke in.

Kyoko shook her head. "I don't think so. He accused me of stealing from him. So I don't think he realized who I am."

They all let out a relieved breath. That was the most important thing.

"Although, it turns out it was all pointless. He doesn't have the diamond with him anymore. I checked the whole room. So we're back to the beginning." Kyoko said, sighing. Everyone watched her for a moment. Realizing this, Kyoko forced a smile. "But never mind that. I'm sure we'll figure something out. In the mean time," she rolled up her sleeves, "I should help clean up this kitchen."

Kanae shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it. You've been through a lot tonight."

Kyoko opened her mouth to argue but was quieted by Ren grabbing her hand. "Let's go for a walk." He told her seriously.

Kyoko swallowed, feeling nervous again, though this time for a completely different reason. She nodded and followed him out of the restaurant.

Once they reached the sheriff's station, Ren undid his horse's restraints.

"Where are we going?" Kyoko asked.

Ren smiled gently at her. "That's a surprise." He whispered. He helped her onto his horse after him and began a calm pace away from town.

After a short time, Kyoko realized they were heading towards Ren house. But they passed by the cabin without stopping, leaving her more curious then before.

She was about to ask him about their destination again when they passed through some trees into a clearing. She gasped as she took in the scene before her.

A wall of trees surrounded a clearing of beautiful grass and wildflowers. A small river flowed through the center allowing the surrounding greenery to flourish, and the setting sun accented the whole area by bathing it in a warm pink glow.

Ren climbed off his horse and helped Kyoko down next to him. She looked around in awe and he couldn't keep a smile from appearing on his face.

"What is this place?" Kyoko breathed out.

"I'm not really sure." He answered with a shrug. "It doesn't have a name. Heck, I don't even think anyone else really knows about it. But it's a nice place to come and think." He strolled across the clearing to a large rock that was near the river's edge.

Kyoko followed close behind, now admiring the man who had brought her to this magical place. She paused as Ren took a seat on the rock.

"What is it?" he asked, watching her with interest.

"This place… it just seems like the type of place he would've loved." She spoke softly and for a moment, Ren wondered if she meant Sho.

She looked at him excitedly, "Don't you think this seems like the kind of place an angel could be happy?"

Relief washed over Ren as he understood her comment now. He gave a small smile. "Yes, it really does."

Kyoko dropped down next to him. "This place really is beautiful." She said softly. "But I still don't know what I'm going to do."

Ren resisted the urge to hug her. He wanted to hold her and tell her everything would be fine. That he would find a way to take care of it, but right now that would be an empty promise.

"What options do we have?" he asked.

Kyoko pushed at the dirt with her shoes. "I don't know anymore. He didn't have the diamond and that was what I was counting on to prove my innocence."

"What if we could get him to confess?" he offered the new idea that had suddenly popped into his mind.

Kyoko stared at him and he half expected her to say it would never work. But then she smiled.

"It could work." She said quietly. Then she nodded. "This could work. He's so prideful he might actually gloat about his theft if we can trick him." She threw her arms around Ren in a sudden burst of gratefulness at his idea.

Startled, Ren did his best to hide his surprise at her sudden affection. But the moment he relaxed and allowed himself to respond by holding her, she stiffened.

Kyoko leaned back slightly, her face bright red. She tried to move away without looking at him but Ren didn't let go.

"Kyoko," he murmured.

Her eyes shot up to meet his at the sound of her name.

"I'll do everything I can to help clear your name."

Kyoko felt her heart skip but she just nodded as he finally released her.

The ride back to the inn was quiet. Both of them feeling shy after their encounter in the forest. They dismounted outside of the building and Ren wished her a good night. He turned to leave when she called out to him.

"Sheriff?"

He stepped back towards her, "Yes?"

"Thank you." She smiled up at him sweetly. "I could never thank you enough for all of your help."

His heart melted as he looked into her eyes and before he could stop himself, Ren found himself reaching out to touch her.

Back inside the inn, Shotaro leaned onto the window sill in his room as he smoked a cigarette. He wasn't ready to go to sleep, especially considering how strange the evening had been. Mimori had tried to tempt him to bed but for once he hadn't been interested.

It didn't take long for her to give up and fall asleep though, he mused silently.

The evening had been strange for many reasons and has left Sho feeling uneasy.

First that damn sheriff acting suspicious of me. Then that stupid boy trying to steal from me. He chuckled, "As if I'd leave my valuables in my room."

Behind him he heard Mimori stir in her sleep. He stubbed out his cigarette and was about to give in to attempting sleep when he spotted something of interest out his window.

The sheriff was riding his horse back to the inn. But he wasn't alone.

Wouldn't two men typically ride on separate horses? He thought, a bit disturbed by the unusual sight of the sheriff helping the younger man down from the horse.

"They seem strangely close. And, if I didn't know any better, I'd say there was something familiar about that boy." He muttered as he watched them talk.

The sheriff began to walk away but then stopped and returned to the thief's side. He reached out a hand and gently stroked the younger's hair before tracing a finger down the side of his face.

Sho watched in disgust at the display of affection but then he noticed something. The way Kyo's face turned red as he said something, clearly flustered.

He remembered the way Kyo had reacted earlier, when he'd caught him snooping in his room. But there was something strangely familiar…

Sho's eyes widened as his mind made the connection. He'd seen that reaction before. The flustered voice from earlier rang through his mind. Followed by a memory of a time when a certain young girl had broken a plate out of nervousness and stumbled through an apology.

He glared down at the figures below in the darkness.

"Kyoko."

So you've been hiding out here, huh? Well, I'm sorry to say your little charade won't last much longer. A wicked grin spread across his face as he watched the sheriff ride away. And I think I've found your weakness.

A/N: First, let me say a huge Thank You! To all of my patient and faithful readers! I've been going through a lot lately but I'm back at it and hoping I can write this story out and share it with you until it is completed. Please check out my profile if you have any interest in hearing some new developments in my life. Otherwise, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, I'll be back soon with the next one. -marauderluverz