CHAPTER SEVEN
"How splendid to meet Kallies' Royal representatives, never the less, Prince Kyou's own family."
King Issaru boomed over the overly large, breakfast table clattered with loaded dishes of rich goodness. He smiled graciously at where the newcomers; Yuki, Kagura and Hanajima sat.
Yuki cleared his throat mildly; Kay and Callie automatically turned their interested eyes on him, while Emiko's still stayed glued to Kyou.
"You Majesty of Holaine, I am sorry to say that my Father, The King of Kallies and his Queen will not be able to visit for a short while. There have been some unexpected complications at our sea ports---it seems that the Red Crimsons are still attacking."
"So they have struck there also?!" The King's face shifted into a frown. "What a shame that they are not caught yet, we ourselves have lost a couple of ships to them as well.'tis very bad for the economy."
"But! They certainly will not raid our cruise when we set for sail in a couple of days."
"Father! What do you mean?" Emiko frowned in bewilderment and then grinned. "I do not believe this! You have not even told me!"
"Oh please, why would our dear father let you to be the first to know?" Kay muttered under her breath.
"Does she really think she's the favorite?" Callie whispered to her other sister; and then the both of them broke out in rude chuckles.
"I'm quite sorry my dear girl, I was saving it to be a surprise. We will be sailing out in my Agora to visit Tieba for no less than a week, think of it as a small welcome gift to our guests(turning to the others) it's quite a beautiful island not very far from here, our journey will also include the protection of my fifty best trained soilders---let's see the Red Cimsons beat that!"
"But Your Highness," Kagura interrupted sweetly, "I have heard much of their ruthlessness, many have said that they cut off the sailors' heads and take it along with them as a trophy, they say that they live on an island that is covered in the remains of human skulls."
"Those are just rumors my dear, no matter how gruesome rumors become, they are still idle talk. It is true that the Red Crimsons are somewhat violent but no one is a match for my army and men! Now let's all finish up and enjoy our day shall we?"
For the rest of breakfast, no one ate more than necessary and excused them selves quickly. * * *
"All right everyone, gather around; gather around! Stop your chattering! Silence! We have important business to discuss to-day!"
Tohru tried to stand still as she could in the crowd of maids, cooks and palace guards to see the Head Servant; who was still bellowing out orders in the front, with his pudgy face red as an overgrown tomato.
"Shut up all of you! Stuff it!"
Whispers swept like ocean waves over the over-excited servants.
"I say, I s-say I heard it was about the king's vacation or something out to Tieba."
"They're looking for servants? Good Heavens! Who would volunteer when the Red Crimsons are out at sea?"
"Nasty things they are.they'd drink you blood if they could get hands on you."
"What are they? Monsters?"
".Close to it."
"This is nasty business," Meshyou spoke in an undertone to Tohru, "I for one am not going to be a part of it."
"You are all here this morning for only one thing! We are looking for servants to serve on the Agora! The king is going to set sail two days from today---! All those interested raise your right hand!"
Not a single hand could be seen in the air.
The Head Servant sighed, "I figured you all heard about the band of pirates, so this time we will give you special allowances. Such as free meals, clothing, you safety of course is guaranteed."
There was still no show of interest.
"We are willing to offer an considerable amount of payment!"
Tohru glanced around curiously, no one would foolishly offer their lives.but with money as an object murmurs of debate had arisen.
"I don't know.what do you think?"
"It is only for a week."
"But still."
A few hands found themselves reluctantly elevated, and Tohru's was one of them.
"My dear girl.would you really go? Just for some money?" Meshyou looked at her in concern, "Please be aware of the danger that lies ahead.this isn't like any normal trip aborad, there'll be pirates! And goodness knows what that'll do to a prue girl such as yourself."
"Please don't worry!" Tohru smiled contently, "I'll be careful.and plus I could even use the money I earn to buy some nice present your birthday!"
"Oh my child, don't be foolish to think that way.I would much rather have you safe here in this castle than anywhere else.you know how I promised your mother I'd look after you when she passed away..I plan to keep that promise to the last word."
"Nothing will happen.and besides I've hardly been outside the castle since I was three years old!" The young girl laughed, "I'll think of it as an adventure!"
Behind her carefree smiles Tohru wasn't half as happy, If I tell Meshyou the real reason why I need the money so bad, it will make her worry even more.mother had owned some people money when she went to Heaven, of course I do not blame her, and it is my duty as a daughter to pay off our debts.I will be afraid of pirates! Okasan will protect me from above!
"All those who have raised your hand, come to the front! We'll be giving you instructions and assign you to your jobs!"
The head servant barked out orders as soon as a crowd was formed around him.
"We'll need to be in the ship at sunrise tomorrow morning! Whoever is late will be left behind! DO you understand me?" He waited to be acknowledged and then continued.
"Now line up over there; GET! So we can sort you out! And no funny business ye hear?!"
A greasy looking man about forty with a dirty shirt and an evil dirtier jacket frowned upon them.
"Name?" He asked without looking up.
"Tohru Honda."
"What can you do?"
"I-I help out in the kitchen."
"Fair enough, you can help serve and do a bit of cleaning here and there.maybe wash a few clothes too?"
"Yes sir."
He glanced up and looked her over for a few seconds; Tohru's smooth hair was tied up in a neat bun, and her soft cheeks went pink under the intensity of his stare. After what seemed like hours he smiled, it wasn't a friendly smile, instead it was shrew and calculating---it set a chill in the air and Tohru shivered.
"What is it sir?"
"You are a pretty girl." He stated plainly, but his eyes said more.
"I'll be going now sir." She whispered quietly and turned to leave.
"Girl?"
She stopped and turned.
"I'll be looking for you." And he smiled wider as she walked on with out looking back, with his eyes following hers the whole way.. (A.N: Did that make sense? I just had to add something more interesting in there. Yes, that was a pervert hitting on Tohru.hmmm.what should I do next?) * * *
It was a busy morning on the Agora, Tohru spent her hours scrubbing pots and rinsing plates. She helped with cooks and listened to their endless complaints without once thinking of quitting or drowning herself in frustration( A.N: I would^-^), she did everything in harmony and peace.
Nothing bothered her, except the thought of that manservant who had smiled at her in a way that she didn't like, and actually had told her that he'd 'look for her'. But that ugly memory was soon forgotten because everything was forgotten when you were busy, and TOhru's schedule was diligent.
The sun was high up in the sky as she carefully scrubbed the oak floors until spotless.
"Oof."
She curled into a ball and bathed in an pool of sunlight, ahhh! It feels so good! Suddenly, a shadow fell upon her.
"." Tohru blinked and stared at the tall, gangly figure before her. A girl with long blond hair and a don't-mess-with-me frown stared back at her.
"Excuse me!" Tohru cried abruptly, thinking it was all her fault to have been in the girl's way. ( A.N: She's too sweet! KAWAII! *thinks to self* oh yeah.that's why she's my main character! Next to Kyou of course *squeezes chibi Kyou* I luv you KYOU!)
"Don't just drop dead in the middle of the deck, somebody could've stepped on ya." She spoke roughly as Tohru climbed up on her knees.
"I'm sorry, " Tohru bowed her head dimly, "I guess I was a little tired."
"You mopped the entire deck?"
"Hai!"
"Well, I'll be damned." There was a hint of surprise in her voice. "How come they don't have anyone to help you?"
"I guess.I suppose they're busy with something else?"
"Yeah right, there's a bunch of slackers hanging out back there." She kept her poker face and said bluntly. "That's where I just came from."
"I see."
"So how come a kid like you's on the ship while the Red Crimsons are loose?"
"I-I needed the money."
"Oh. I'm not here for that-there's plenty of that I can get at home.I'm here because I want to meet them."
"The Red Crimsons?" Tohru could not help but feel shocked, whatever reason did this girl have to meet a bunch of murders?
"You've probably heard a lot of lies about them, how they only steal and kill and corrupt, and how blood trails them where ever they go?"
The girl's hard face seemed to soften.
"Once, they saved my father's life."
"I told you I'd come and look for her." Whatever the girl was going to say was cut off by a hand suddenly grabbed Tohru's arm, and to her horror she realized it was the manservant that sorted her out as a cook's helper!
"Excuse me," She cried in panic, "let me go!"
He proceeded to drag her away, " My rank is above yours, now be a good girl and come with me!"
"No! Stop! Iie!" He's hurting me! Tohru shut her eyes from the pain.
"OY! Leave her alone."
"Huh?" He glanced at the taller girl in annoyance, " I suppose you want to pick a fight?"
PUNCH!
"Huh?" TOhru stared with wonder as he sprawled on the floor in an uncomfortable position, the girl stepped over him and gave his head a sharp kick. "That for interrupting my sentence."
"ARGHGHGHGH!" He bellowed in pain and the embarrassment of being beat up by a girl.
"Thank you! My name's Tohru Honda!" She said overwhelmingly.
"NO prob, I hate jerks like that." She looked back at her and smiled for the first time. "The name's Uotani Arisa, and if that guy ever bothers you again.well, just tell me and I'll take care of it for you."
That night, as Tohru snuggled warmly in her bulk she grinned and muttered sleepily. "Okasan, I've made a new friend."
A.N: HI everybody! I told you all that I'd be updating soon! And I'm sorry about the mailing list thing but my computer can't check my e-mal right now for some strange reason(shakes it and curses at it!). Anyways, I hope everybody liked this chapter.hopefully, I didn't put a lot of Kyou+Tohru action this time, because again..I wanted to get the setting for this 'new thing' ready. So.does the Red Crimsons idea surprise you? I hope so! You will never guess who's the leader of this certain pirate group( oh darn, I hope I didn't give it away). Again, please review.the more the reviews the faster I write! Thanks!^-^
"How splendid to meet Kallies' Royal representatives, never the less, Prince Kyou's own family."
King Issaru boomed over the overly large, breakfast table clattered with loaded dishes of rich goodness. He smiled graciously at where the newcomers; Yuki, Kagura and Hanajima sat.
Yuki cleared his throat mildly; Kay and Callie automatically turned their interested eyes on him, while Emiko's still stayed glued to Kyou.
"You Majesty of Holaine, I am sorry to say that my Father, The King of Kallies and his Queen will not be able to visit for a short while. There have been some unexpected complications at our sea ports---it seems that the Red Crimsons are still attacking."
"So they have struck there also?!" The King's face shifted into a frown. "What a shame that they are not caught yet, we ourselves have lost a couple of ships to them as well.'tis very bad for the economy."
"But! They certainly will not raid our cruise when we set for sail in a couple of days."
"Father! What do you mean?" Emiko frowned in bewilderment and then grinned. "I do not believe this! You have not even told me!"
"Oh please, why would our dear father let you to be the first to know?" Kay muttered under her breath.
"Does she really think she's the favorite?" Callie whispered to her other sister; and then the both of them broke out in rude chuckles.
"I'm quite sorry my dear girl, I was saving it to be a surprise. We will be sailing out in my Agora to visit Tieba for no less than a week, think of it as a small welcome gift to our guests(turning to the others) it's quite a beautiful island not very far from here, our journey will also include the protection of my fifty best trained soilders---let's see the Red Cimsons beat that!"
"But Your Highness," Kagura interrupted sweetly, "I have heard much of their ruthlessness, many have said that they cut off the sailors' heads and take it along with them as a trophy, they say that they live on an island that is covered in the remains of human skulls."
"Those are just rumors my dear, no matter how gruesome rumors become, they are still idle talk. It is true that the Red Crimsons are somewhat violent but no one is a match for my army and men! Now let's all finish up and enjoy our day shall we?"
For the rest of breakfast, no one ate more than necessary and excused them selves quickly. * * *
"All right everyone, gather around; gather around! Stop your chattering! Silence! We have important business to discuss to-day!"
Tohru tried to stand still as she could in the crowd of maids, cooks and palace guards to see the Head Servant; who was still bellowing out orders in the front, with his pudgy face red as an overgrown tomato.
"Shut up all of you! Stuff it!"
Whispers swept like ocean waves over the over-excited servants.
"I say, I s-say I heard it was about the king's vacation or something out to Tieba."
"They're looking for servants? Good Heavens! Who would volunteer when the Red Crimsons are out at sea?"
"Nasty things they are.they'd drink you blood if they could get hands on you."
"What are they? Monsters?"
".Close to it."
"This is nasty business," Meshyou spoke in an undertone to Tohru, "I for one am not going to be a part of it."
"You are all here this morning for only one thing! We are looking for servants to serve on the Agora! The king is going to set sail two days from today---! All those interested raise your right hand!"
Not a single hand could be seen in the air.
The Head Servant sighed, "I figured you all heard about the band of pirates, so this time we will give you special allowances. Such as free meals, clothing, you safety of course is guaranteed."
There was still no show of interest.
"We are willing to offer an considerable amount of payment!"
Tohru glanced around curiously, no one would foolishly offer their lives.but with money as an object murmurs of debate had arisen.
"I don't know.what do you think?"
"It is only for a week."
"But still."
A few hands found themselves reluctantly elevated, and Tohru's was one of them.
"My dear girl.would you really go? Just for some money?" Meshyou looked at her in concern, "Please be aware of the danger that lies ahead.this isn't like any normal trip aborad, there'll be pirates! And goodness knows what that'll do to a prue girl such as yourself."
"Please don't worry!" Tohru smiled contently, "I'll be careful.and plus I could even use the money I earn to buy some nice present your birthday!"
"Oh my child, don't be foolish to think that way.I would much rather have you safe here in this castle than anywhere else.you know how I promised your mother I'd look after you when she passed away..I plan to keep that promise to the last word."
"Nothing will happen.and besides I've hardly been outside the castle since I was three years old!" The young girl laughed, "I'll think of it as an adventure!"
Behind her carefree smiles Tohru wasn't half as happy, If I tell Meshyou the real reason why I need the money so bad, it will make her worry even more.mother had owned some people money when she went to Heaven, of course I do not blame her, and it is my duty as a daughter to pay off our debts.I will be afraid of pirates! Okasan will protect me from above!
"All those who have raised your hand, come to the front! We'll be giving you instructions and assign you to your jobs!"
The head servant barked out orders as soon as a crowd was formed around him.
"We'll need to be in the ship at sunrise tomorrow morning! Whoever is late will be left behind! DO you understand me?" He waited to be acknowledged and then continued.
"Now line up over there; GET! So we can sort you out! And no funny business ye hear?!"
A greasy looking man about forty with a dirty shirt and an evil dirtier jacket frowned upon them.
"Name?" He asked without looking up.
"Tohru Honda."
"What can you do?"
"I-I help out in the kitchen."
"Fair enough, you can help serve and do a bit of cleaning here and there.maybe wash a few clothes too?"
"Yes sir."
He glanced up and looked her over for a few seconds; Tohru's smooth hair was tied up in a neat bun, and her soft cheeks went pink under the intensity of his stare. After what seemed like hours he smiled, it wasn't a friendly smile, instead it was shrew and calculating---it set a chill in the air and Tohru shivered.
"What is it sir?"
"You are a pretty girl." He stated plainly, but his eyes said more.
"I'll be going now sir." She whispered quietly and turned to leave.
"Girl?"
She stopped and turned.
"I'll be looking for you." And he smiled wider as she walked on with out looking back, with his eyes following hers the whole way.. (A.N: Did that make sense? I just had to add something more interesting in there. Yes, that was a pervert hitting on Tohru.hmmm.what should I do next?) * * *
It was a busy morning on the Agora, Tohru spent her hours scrubbing pots and rinsing plates. She helped with cooks and listened to their endless complaints without once thinking of quitting or drowning herself in frustration( A.N: I would^-^), she did everything in harmony and peace.
Nothing bothered her, except the thought of that manservant who had smiled at her in a way that she didn't like, and actually had told her that he'd 'look for her'. But that ugly memory was soon forgotten because everything was forgotten when you were busy, and TOhru's schedule was diligent.
The sun was high up in the sky as she carefully scrubbed the oak floors until spotless.
"Oof."
She curled into a ball and bathed in an pool of sunlight, ahhh! It feels so good! Suddenly, a shadow fell upon her.
"." Tohru blinked and stared at the tall, gangly figure before her. A girl with long blond hair and a don't-mess-with-me frown stared back at her.
"Excuse me!" Tohru cried abruptly, thinking it was all her fault to have been in the girl's way. ( A.N: She's too sweet! KAWAII! *thinks to self* oh yeah.that's why she's my main character! Next to Kyou of course *squeezes chibi Kyou* I luv you KYOU!)
"Don't just drop dead in the middle of the deck, somebody could've stepped on ya." She spoke roughly as Tohru climbed up on her knees.
"I'm sorry, " Tohru bowed her head dimly, "I guess I was a little tired."
"You mopped the entire deck?"
"Hai!"
"Well, I'll be damned." There was a hint of surprise in her voice. "How come they don't have anyone to help you?"
"I guess.I suppose they're busy with something else?"
"Yeah right, there's a bunch of slackers hanging out back there." She kept her poker face and said bluntly. "That's where I just came from."
"I see."
"So how come a kid like you's on the ship while the Red Crimsons are loose?"
"I-I needed the money."
"Oh. I'm not here for that-there's plenty of that I can get at home.I'm here because I want to meet them."
"The Red Crimsons?" Tohru could not help but feel shocked, whatever reason did this girl have to meet a bunch of murders?
"You've probably heard a lot of lies about them, how they only steal and kill and corrupt, and how blood trails them where ever they go?"
The girl's hard face seemed to soften.
"Once, they saved my father's life."
"I told you I'd come and look for her." Whatever the girl was going to say was cut off by a hand suddenly grabbed Tohru's arm, and to her horror she realized it was the manservant that sorted her out as a cook's helper!
"Excuse me," She cried in panic, "let me go!"
He proceeded to drag her away, " My rank is above yours, now be a good girl and come with me!"
"No! Stop! Iie!" He's hurting me! Tohru shut her eyes from the pain.
"OY! Leave her alone."
"Huh?" He glanced at the taller girl in annoyance, " I suppose you want to pick a fight?"
PUNCH!
"Huh?" TOhru stared with wonder as he sprawled on the floor in an uncomfortable position, the girl stepped over him and gave his head a sharp kick. "That for interrupting my sentence."
"ARGHGHGHGH!" He bellowed in pain and the embarrassment of being beat up by a girl.
"Thank you! My name's Tohru Honda!" She said overwhelmingly.
"NO prob, I hate jerks like that." She looked back at her and smiled for the first time. "The name's Uotani Arisa, and if that guy ever bothers you again.well, just tell me and I'll take care of it for you."
That night, as Tohru snuggled warmly in her bulk she grinned and muttered sleepily. "Okasan, I've made a new friend."
A.N: HI everybody! I told you all that I'd be updating soon! And I'm sorry about the mailing list thing but my computer can't check my e-mal right now for some strange reason(shakes it and curses at it!). Anyways, I hope everybody liked this chapter.hopefully, I didn't put a lot of Kyou+Tohru action this time, because again..I wanted to get the setting for this 'new thing' ready. So.does the Red Crimsons idea surprise you? I hope so! You will never guess who's the leader of this certain pirate group( oh darn, I hope I didn't give it away). Again, please review.the more the reviews the faster I write! Thanks!^-^