Nimble Wish
Chapter 2: The Jewel
"The Jewel of Four Souls."
She followed along in text as Shinosuke relay the myth explained in the book.
"The Shikon no Tama otherwise known as the Jewel of Four Souls. The myth behind it is that it can grant anyone their innermost desired wish and the jewel itself can give its possessor immense power. That little bit around your neck"-Shinosuke nodded in her general direction indicating the broken jewel piece that hung around her neck-"is a Shikon fragment. Five centuries ago, a young priestess was the jewel's protector, keeping it from getting tinted with evil by purifying it. However, she fell in love with a demon. To atone for her mistakes, she shattered the jewel into thousands of pieces, scattering it so that I wouldn't be whole. There's a lot more to it but the only place you would find the complete story of the myth is in the Sacred Temples deep in the Matsu Mountains."
She didn't know any of it. Her mother left to her the jewel when she died telling her that it's something she should keep close and that was it. She had found it odd that her mother would give her something as useless as a piece of a jewel but she kept it anyways in memory of her mother. Given, she had known about the Shikon no Tama, her mother had told her when she was little, but how can her mother's memento be part of an ancient myth. Something about the myth was completely wrong...she's not sure how it is wrong though but indeed, the myth sounded incomplete and false. "Are you sure it's a piece of the Shikon Jewel and not some fancy glass piece?"
"It could only be a sacred jewel shard. Its description to the Shikon is precise. It's no ordinary piece of jewel that's for sure. I can't even destroy it." He replied in a serious tone.
To her it's just a piece of a broken jewel that her mother treasured and her father seemed to think it's valuable. So maybe it could be a piece of the Shikon no Tama but.wait-
"You try to destroy it!" She bellowed out upon realizing what he had tried to do, annoyance and anger obvious in her tone. She let him borrowed it when he said he was curious about it since it's nothing that he had never seen before, a stone unknown to anything in the books. He had given it back in one piece the next day so she though nothing of it. How dare he try to destroy it!! It didn't work but what if it did!!! Her mother's precious keepsake would be destroyed!
He gave a nervous laugh, his hand going up to scratch his head in a nervous action. "Well, Akane...uh...I only throw it in....um...the fire...and try to smash...it" He also want to mention the aura of the jewel he felt whenever the jewel was separated from her but he found that too odd of a suspicion to mention at the moment. Besides his hypothesis on the jewel shard and its relationship with Akane are still untested.
She's glowing red by now and he knew for sure that it has nothing to do with the jewel.
"Shinosuke!!"
"Com'on Akane, it was only an experiment to make sure of what it is. Besides, it's fine isn't it?" He cried, defending himself.
"Still! If your 'experiments' had worked, my mother's jewel, this 'Shikon fragment' would have been damaged!!" She shot him more death glares while he stood nervously hoping she wouldn't mallet him or something. It was worth it anyhow. He was sure it is a piece of the Shikon jewel. 'Besides, I could always have a glass maker replace it for her.'
"If this is a Shikon fragment, where is the rest of it?" she asked when she cooled down.
He didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stood up and returned to the crowed table. After ruffling through a few more documents, he picked up a parchment. He briefly looked at it before handing it to her to read.
"There were rumors that a majority of the scattered Shikon shards was collected up to about only a century ago and a small number is left unfound. The collected pieces were then transported to the Saotome Realm to be under the protection of the Saotome Royal family. But 12 years ago, the Shikon shards kept there were rumored to disappear without a trace. During the past decade, there were numerous rumors of the Shikon Jewel but they weren't very legitimate. The only connection to the Shikon no Tama we have right now is that little fragment around your neck."
"If it was 12 years ago then the Saotome Royal family-"
"The young10 year-old Prince Ranma and the King mysteriously disappeared." said Shinosuke, answered the question he knew she would ask. "Naraku Tagata addressed to the people of the country a few days later that the King and the heir to the throne had both died, assassinated, bodies lost. The Queen took over the throne but in it was mostly Naraku that gave the shots. Many believed he was the one that sent the assassins but no one spoke of it out of fear nor do they have any proof. Everything occurs in the same year and time of the rumored disappearance of the Shikon shards."
"He must be the one that took the shards then killed the King and prince." Shinosuke nodded. It took a while for everything to sink in. So Naraku Tagata is here in the Ezru Realm looking for the Sacred Shikon Jewel shards. She supposed that he wants her piece as well. Shinosuke was talking again.
"I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"Akane," He strolled to her side and gave her a stern look. "I want you to be as careful as you can be." He shook her shoulder lightly to emphasize the importance of his words. "You hear me? I don't want anything happening to you."
"Hai hai, I would Shinosuke. I'm not as careless as you think I am."
"Good. Now..." He somehow produced a bottle of sake, all the while grinning broadly. His seriousness completely replaced by his joking demeanor. "How about something stronger for the young lady?"
"Trying to get me drunk again Shinosuke?"
***
The guards should be in rotation right about...now.
Quietly, she scaled the 20 feet tall outer walls in two leaps. With quickness and grace, she ran across the moonlit garden to a large blossoming tree outside a large open balcony up on the second story. In a matter of minutes, she was on the balcony leading to her bedroom chambers.
She smirked at herself. Just four years ago, she had to sneak out the old fashion way, having to climb down the tree and agonizingly climb over the outer wall that surrounds the estate. Getting back in was even harder since she it was near impossible to scale the walls from outside so she disguised herself as one of the house guards and sneaked back into her room. She wasn't caught on her first trip to the city alone but on the third such trip, she came home facing her two worried elder sisters. Luckily, her father didn't hear it from them so she was safe. She knew little martial arts then mostly because her father didn't want a lady from the Tendo line wielding a sword or knocking people out. As far as she knew, he still though his youngest a damsel. The little she knew back then came from watching either her father or Rouen, the guard captain, practice. It was enough for her to properly defend herself but it wasn't enough to quench her enjoyment of swing a sword the proper way or punching the lights out of an offender. (violent, isn't she. 0_o)It was Shinosuke that taught her martial arts and how to properly wield a sword. And with her determination and stubbornness, she was able to master in skill in no time though she still have a far way compared to Shinosuke or her father but it was nevertheless better than most men.
She froze in place and eased her breathing, listening carefully to pinpoint who were in the room with her. A moment later, candles lit up revealing her two older sisters, Nabiki and Kasumi, frowning at her. She let out a sigh of relief.
"You scared me. I thought it was father."
In the light, both sisters seemed like they're ready to go somewhere, dressing up a little fancier then usual. Kasumi, the elder of the three, wore a pale sleeveless blue dress with a v neckline and delicate patterns. Her hair is in its usual style, tied neatly together and swept over one shoulder. Nabiki's apparel is a simple mahogany red bodice dress with a small train.
Nabiki crossed her arms underneath her chest and scowl at her sister. "It might as well be father. He came home a little while ago and told us all to get ready. We're heading to a social at the palace."
"Imagine how scared we were when we found your room empty. You really shouldn't sneak out so much now that you're getting married to his highness." Kasumi added as she rummaged through Akane's closet.
"A social? Since when do I have to go to a palace social?" asked Akane. She had been introduced to Court a short while ago but, unlike her sisters, never bothered to actually show up at the Palace's court socials and festivities. Shinosuke even joked that she won't ever find a proper husband being out of Court so much. No matter, it's better for her to avoid those annoying stuck up nobles, especially the men.
"Well, father said that all three of his daughters were to be present. Something about a special guest in Court. Father weren't exactly sure of it. His intention, though, is for you to spend some time with his Highness there," answered Kasumi as she hand Akane the selected dress.
Akane frowned at the thing as if it greatly offended her.
Out of all her court dresses, Kasumi had to pick the cream off-the-shoulder dress with a lace-up bodice and low neckline. She must admit, the dress is beautiful and the designs on the bodice are magnificent but she can't breathe in the damn thing! With a sigh, Akane took hold of the dress and duck behind the changing screen. It was a present from the prince and if she were to go to the palace, it's best to wear the infernal thing. After applying light makeup, they were hurrying downstairs and into the awaiting carriage.
***
The palace isn't as grand as one may think. The large structure was built on a hill, bordered by the Northern gates and its fortified walls. The Ezru forest and canvas mountains lay beyond those gates. Sunsets and sunrises were best viewed at the palace and that was about the only thing Akane liked about the place. That and the many royal gardens. Though she only visited the palace a few times before, she had always felt that the stonewalls of the palace are too cold. If she had to live here for the rest of her life, she would surely go crazy.
"Lady Akane?" called the handsome man beside her for the second time. She pulled out of her thoughts and smiled at him. He was dress richly in deep blue pants and white shirt that night, the patterns on his navy overcoat are of a complicated designed, obviously hand-stitched. The materials of the fabrics are the finest money can buy. She had to admit the colors went very well with his coal black hair and bring out his dull blue eyes magnificently.
"I'm very sorry your highness. I was just thinking about something." She bowed formally at her soon to be husband, Prince Shinji of the Ezru Realm.
"It's alright. Please, just call me Shinji. All this formally isn't necessary." Oh, he's so nice and so very polite not to mention amazingly handsome.
"As you wish...your highness." Thinking back to the conversation with Shinosuke that evening, she carefully eyed the Prince when his face was turned. She personally don't think he have any ulterior propose in marrying her; he's too genuine of a person. Yet she must be careful in case her life is at stake or that of her family. Naraku Tagata wasn't one to be fooled with.
He came to her upon her arrival that evening, greeted her, complimented on her beauty, and then politely ask for a dance. They made little talk with each other afterwards; about their day, the politics and laws, and events around the country. Several other nobles engaged in the conversation as well. Oh how she hated these kinds of conversations. They were always so boring. This is one of the reason she avoided most of the grand balls and social gatherings. She only knew at least a quarter of the people here. They all know her of course, if not by face then by name, as the youngest daughter of Lord Soun Tendo (and soon to be princess).
Halfway through the party, the King stood on a small pedestal and call to the attention of everyone. He announced that there is a special guest in Court this evening. Whispers broke out immediately as the guest walked through the double doors but hushed the moment the King announced his name.
Naraku Tagata.
Akane had remembered father had said once that he was a very formidable man, strict and brutal. Her father was right in saying so. The Duke looked at be only in his early thirties with black hair, blacker then even the prince or that of the King, and a pair of cold deep blue eyes that seemed vaguely familiar. His face, heavily tanned, sport a simple slash scaring his handsome features. She figured that he was once a very handsome man in his youth, that is, if he didn't wear that acrimonious look on his face all the time. Three grim looking and very large men trailed him, each towering the other. The last one could possible be bigger then Coren. They each carry a large broad sword hung loosely on their belt. All three wore orange and grey, the Duke's colors.
The crowd parted to let them pass. Few bow as he acknowledged them. His long strides came to a stop as he reached Akane and the Prince.
'So this is the girl. Their likeness is uncanny.'
The Prince politely dipped his head in a silent greeting as Naraku returned the gesture. Startled when he turned to her, she immediately bow low, slightly stumbling a bit. She could hear someone, a female, snicker at her stumble. His stare unnerved her so much. Even as he continued his trek down the carpet to the King, she still felt his malicious aura. She shivered slightly. She never met this man before but she already knew that she hated him. She doesn't know why but she just did.
The prince lean over to whisper in her ear thinking she had never heard of Naraku, being a gentle damsel and all. "My uncle, Naraku Tagata, Duke of the Saotome Royal family."
'Uncle?' She whirl her head to face Prince Shinji, startled at the little known fact he just whispered in her ear. The similarities aren't very obvious except for the black hair and blue eyes. However, if you look closely enough, the Prince and King both held the same sharp cut nose as Naraku. Now that explained why they didn't take precautions to Naraku. They're family! That isn't very well known, even in the inner circles of Court. She was certain her father didn't otherwise he would have mentioned it to her. She must tell Shinosuke later-that is-if he hasn't already heard of it.
The festivity resumes shortly but there were a lot of whispers about the famed warlord. Naraku, who was engaged in a conversation with the Prince at the moment, didn't seem to notice.
Akane, now among her sisters and some other ladies, spared her father a glace from across the immense room. He didn't seem all too happy with sudden Narkau's appearance. 'I wonder if he knew that Tagata had already been here for more then two weeks already.' She was certain her father would be even more upset if he knew. He's the most influential Lord in Court and the arrival of such a man as the Naraku Tagata should have reached his ears much before others.
"Akane, are you listening to me?" asked Nabiki.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Nabiki. What did you ask me?" She's been doing that a lot lately, drifting out like that.
"I would like to ask you something in private little sister." Said Nabiki in her inpatient tone. Her business mask is on so that means it's important. She nodded. They quickly excused themselves and left the ballroom having to stop several times to excuse themselves after a polite greeting. She followed her sister quietly to the gardens right outside the ballroom.
A/N: There, wad'ya think? No bad? Good? Semi good? I kno my grammar is atrocious (but I fixed some). But I guess writing more can only improve it. Feel free to point the mistakes to me. I don't have an editor so it would be useful.
That's all and thanks for the reviews!!
The Verve: The parings? I'm thinking about a not just any ordinary love triangle..
Roja_Cyd: Yea he is the "stubborn man" that our heroine is stuck with. I love AU stories too that's why I'm writing one. ^_^
Tyverius: thanks for pointing out my lil mistakes.I think I fixed most of them already. As for the author notes, I only put it around there in the beginning so you wont be seeing them too often.
TerraEpon: My aren't you picky.u("you") probably didn't bother to read my fic before saying I can't spell. Besides, there's a limit on the summery, so I have to short-hand a few words. *Mia sticks her tongue out*
Maria: thanks.I like how the story's going to.it's better then what I have in mind.
Ciao for now! - Mia ish me
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters of the Ranma ½ universe
Chapter 2: The Jewel
"The Jewel of Four Souls."
She followed along in text as Shinosuke relay the myth explained in the book.
"The Shikon no Tama otherwise known as the Jewel of Four Souls. The myth behind it is that it can grant anyone their innermost desired wish and the jewel itself can give its possessor immense power. That little bit around your neck"-Shinosuke nodded in her general direction indicating the broken jewel piece that hung around her neck-"is a Shikon fragment. Five centuries ago, a young priestess was the jewel's protector, keeping it from getting tinted with evil by purifying it. However, she fell in love with a demon. To atone for her mistakes, she shattered the jewel into thousands of pieces, scattering it so that I wouldn't be whole. There's a lot more to it but the only place you would find the complete story of the myth is in the Sacred Temples deep in the Matsu Mountains."
She didn't know any of it. Her mother left to her the jewel when she died telling her that it's something she should keep close and that was it. She had found it odd that her mother would give her something as useless as a piece of a jewel but she kept it anyways in memory of her mother. Given, she had known about the Shikon no Tama, her mother had told her when she was little, but how can her mother's memento be part of an ancient myth. Something about the myth was completely wrong...she's not sure how it is wrong though but indeed, the myth sounded incomplete and false. "Are you sure it's a piece of the Shikon Jewel and not some fancy glass piece?"
"It could only be a sacred jewel shard. Its description to the Shikon is precise. It's no ordinary piece of jewel that's for sure. I can't even destroy it." He replied in a serious tone.
To her it's just a piece of a broken jewel that her mother treasured and her father seemed to think it's valuable. So maybe it could be a piece of the Shikon no Tama but.wait-
"You try to destroy it!" She bellowed out upon realizing what he had tried to do, annoyance and anger obvious in her tone. She let him borrowed it when he said he was curious about it since it's nothing that he had never seen before, a stone unknown to anything in the books. He had given it back in one piece the next day so she though nothing of it. How dare he try to destroy it!! It didn't work but what if it did!!! Her mother's precious keepsake would be destroyed!
He gave a nervous laugh, his hand going up to scratch his head in a nervous action. "Well, Akane...uh...I only throw it in....um...the fire...and try to smash...it" He also want to mention the aura of the jewel he felt whenever the jewel was separated from her but he found that too odd of a suspicion to mention at the moment. Besides his hypothesis on the jewel shard and its relationship with Akane are still untested.
She's glowing red by now and he knew for sure that it has nothing to do with the jewel.
"Shinosuke!!"
"Com'on Akane, it was only an experiment to make sure of what it is. Besides, it's fine isn't it?" He cried, defending himself.
"Still! If your 'experiments' had worked, my mother's jewel, this 'Shikon fragment' would have been damaged!!" She shot him more death glares while he stood nervously hoping she wouldn't mallet him or something. It was worth it anyhow. He was sure it is a piece of the Shikon jewel. 'Besides, I could always have a glass maker replace it for her.'
"If this is a Shikon fragment, where is the rest of it?" she asked when she cooled down.
He didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stood up and returned to the crowed table. After ruffling through a few more documents, he picked up a parchment. He briefly looked at it before handing it to her to read.
"There were rumors that a majority of the scattered Shikon shards was collected up to about only a century ago and a small number is left unfound. The collected pieces were then transported to the Saotome Realm to be under the protection of the Saotome Royal family. But 12 years ago, the Shikon shards kept there were rumored to disappear without a trace. During the past decade, there were numerous rumors of the Shikon Jewel but they weren't very legitimate. The only connection to the Shikon no Tama we have right now is that little fragment around your neck."
"If it was 12 years ago then the Saotome Royal family-"
"The young10 year-old Prince Ranma and the King mysteriously disappeared." said Shinosuke, answered the question he knew she would ask. "Naraku Tagata addressed to the people of the country a few days later that the King and the heir to the throne had both died, assassinated, bodies lost. The Queen took over the throne but in it was mostly Naraku that gave the shots. Many believed he was the one that sent the assassins but no one spoke of it out of fear nor do they have any proof. Everything occurs in the same year and time of the rumored disappearance of the Shikon shards."
"He must be the one that took the shards then killed the King and prince." Shinosuke nodded. It took a while for everything to sink in. So Naraku Tagata is here in the Ezru Realm looking for the Sacred Shikon Jewel shards. She supposed that he wants her piece as well. Shinosuke was talking again.
"I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"Akane," He strolled to her side and gave her a stern look. "I want you to be as careful as you can be." He shook her shoulder lightly to emphasize the importance of his words. "You hear me? I don't want anything happening to you."
"Hai hai, I would Shinosuke. I'm not as careless as you think I am."
"Good. Now..." He somehow produced a bottle of sake, all the while grinning broadly. His seriousness completely replaced by his joking demeanor. "How about something stronger for the young lady?"
"Trying to get me drunk again Shinosuke?"
***
The guards should be in rotation right about...now.
Quietly, she scaled the 20 feet tall outer walls in two leaps. With quickness and grace, she ran across the moonlit garden to a large blossoming tree outside a large open balcony up on the second story. In a matter of minutes, she was on the balcony leading to her bedroom chambers.
She smirked at herself. Just four years ago, she had to sneak out the old fashion way, having to climb down the tree and agonizingly climb over the outer wall that surrounds the estate. Getting back in was even harder since she it was near impossible to scale the walls from outside so she disguised herself as one of the house guards and sneaked back into her room. She wasn't caught on her first trip to the city alone but on the third such trip, she came home facing her two worried elder sisters. Luckily, her father didn't hear it from them so she was safe. She knew little martial arts then mostly because her father didn't want a lady from the Tendo line wielding a sword or knocking people out. As far as she knew, he still though his youngest a damsel. The little she knew back then came from watching either her father or Rouen, the guard captain, practice. It was enough for her to properly defend herself but it wasn't enough to quench her enjoyment of swing a sword the proper way or punching the lights out of an offender. (violent, isn't she. 0_o)It was Shinosuke that taught her martial arts and how to properly wield a sword. And with her determination and stubbornness, she was able to master in skill in no time though she still have a far way compared to Shinosuke or her father but it was nevertheless better than most men.
She froze in place and eased her breathing, listening carefully to pinpoint who were in the room with her. A moment later, candles lit up revealing her two older sisters, Nabiki and Kasumi, frowning at her. She let out a sigh of relief.
"You scared me. I thought it was father."
In the light, both sisters seemed like they're ready to go somewhere, dressing up a little fancier then usual. Kasumi, the elder of the three, wore a pale sleeveless blue dress with a v neckline and delicate patterns. Her hair is in its usual style, tied neatly together and swept over one shoulder. Nabiki's apparel is a simple mahogany red bodice dress with a small train.
Nabiki crossed her arms underneath her chest and scowl at her sister. "It might as well be father. He came home a little while ago and told us all to get ready. We're heading to a social at the palace."
"Imagine how scared we were when we found your room empty. You really shouldn't sneak out so much now that you're getting married to his highness." Kasumi added as she rummaged through Akane's closet.
"A social? Since when do I have to go to a palace social?" asked Akane. She had been introduced to Court a short while ago but, unlike her sisters, never bothered to actually show up at the Palace's court socials and festivities. Shinosuke even joked that she won't ever find a proper husband being out of Court so much. No matter, it's better for her to avoid those annoying stuck up nobles, especially the men.
"Well, father said that all three of his daughters were to be present. Something about a special guest in Court. Father weren't exactly sure of it. His intention, though, is for you to spend some time with his Highness there," answered Kasumi as she hand Akane the selected dress.
Akane frowned at the thing as if it greatly offended her.
Out of all her court dresses, Kasumi had to pick the cream off-the-shoulder dress with a lace-up bodice and low neckline. She must admit, the dress is beautiful and the designs on the bodice are magnificent but she can't breathe in the damn thing! With a sigh, Akane took hold of the dress and duck behind the changing screen. It was a present from the prince and if she were to go to the palace, it's best to wear the infernal thing. After applying light makeup, they were hurrying downstairs and into the awaiting carriage.
***
The palace isn't as grand as one may think. The large structure was built on a hill, bordered by the Northern gates and its fortified walls. The Ezru forest and canvas mountains lay beyond those gates. Sunsets and sunrises were best viewed at the palace and that was about the only thing Akane liked about the place. That and the many royal gardens. Though she only visited the palace a few times before, she had always felt that the stonewalls of the palace are too cold. If she had to live here for the rest of her life, she would surely go crazy.
"Lady Akane?" called the handsome man beside her for the second time. She pulled out of her thoughts and smiled at him. He was dress richly in deep blue pants and white shirt that night, the patterns on his navy overcoat are of a complicated designed, obviously hand-stitched. The materials of the fabrics are the finest money can buy. She had to admit the colors went very well with his coal black hair and bring out his dull blue eyes magnificently.
"I'm very sorry your highness. I was just thinking about something." She bowed formally at her soon to be husband, Prince Shinji of the Ezru Realm.
"It's alright. Please, just call me Shinji. All this formally isn't necessary." Oh, he's so nice and so very polite not to mention amazingly handsome.
"As you wish...your highness." Thinking back to the conversation with Shinosuke that evening, she carefully eyed the Prince when his face was turned. She personally don't think he have any ulterior propose in marrying her; he's too genuine of a person. Yet she must be careful in case her life is at stake or that of her family. Naraku Tagata wasn't one to be fooled with.
He came to her upon her arrival that evening, greeted her, complimented on her beauty, and then politely ask for a dance. They made little talk with each other afterwards; about their day, the politics and laws, and events around the country. Several other nobles engaged in the conversation as well. Oh how she hated these kinds of conversations. They were always so boring. This is one of the reason she avoided most of the grand balls and social gatherings. She only knew at least a quarter of the people here. They all know her of course, if not by face then by name, as the youngest daughter of Lord Soun Tendo (and soon to be princess).
Halfway through the party, the King stood on a small pedestal and call to the attention of everyone. He announced that there is a special guest in Court this evening. Whispers broke out immediately as the guest walked through the double doors but hushed the moment the King announced his name.
Naraku Tagata.
Akane had remembered father had said once that he was a very formidable man, strict and brutal. Her father was right in saying so. The Duke looked at be only in his early thirties with black hair, blacker then even the prince or that of the King, and a pair of cold deep blue eyes that seemed vaguely familiar. His face, heavily tanned, sport a simple slash scaring his handsome features. She figured that he was once a very handsome man in his youth, that is, if he didn't wear that acrimonious look on his face all the time. Three grim looking and very large men trailed him, each towering the other. The last one could possible be bigger then Coren. They each carry a large broad sword hung loosely on their belt. All three wore orange and grey, the Duke's colors.
The crowd parted to let them pass. Few bow as he acknowledged them. His long strides came to a stop as he reached Akane and the Prince.
'So this is the girl. Their likeness is uncanny.'
The Prince politely dipped his head in a silent greeting as Naraku returned the gesture. Startled when he turned to her, she immediately bow low, slightly stumbling a bit. She could hear someone, a female, snicker at her stumble. His stare unnerved her so much. Even as he continued his trek down the carpet to the King, she still felt his malicious aura. She shivered slightly. She never met this man before but she already knew that she hated him. She doesn't know why but she just did.
The prince lean over to whisper in her ear thinking she had never heard of Naraku, being a gentle damsel and all. "My uncle, Naraku Tagata, Duke of the Saotome Royal family."
'Uncle?' She whirl her head to face Prince Shinji, startled at the little known fact he just whispered in her ear. The similarities aren't very obvious except for the black hair and blue eyes. However, if you look closely enough, the Prince and King both held the same sharp cut nose as Naraku. Now that explained why they didn't take precautions to Naraku. They're family! That isn't very well known, even in the inner circles of Court. She was certain her father didn't otherwise he would have mentioned it to her. She must tell Shinosuke later-that is-if he hasn't already heard of it.
The festivity resumes shortly but there were a lot of whispers about the famed warlord. Naraku, who was engaged in a conversation with the Prince at the moment, didn't seem to notice.
Akane, now among her sisters and some other ladies, spared her father a glace from across the immense room. He didn't seem all too happy with sudden Narkau's appearance. 'I wonder if he knew that Tagata had already been here for more then two weeks already.' She was certain her father would be even more upset if he knew. He's the most influential Lord in Court and the arrival of such a man as the Naraku Tagata should have reached his ears much before others.
"Akane, are you listening to me?" asked Nabiki.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Nabiki. What did you ask me?" She's been doing that a lot lately, drifting out like that.
"I would like to ask you something in private little sister." Said Nabiki in her inpatient tone. Her business mask is on so that means it's important. She nodded. They quickly excused themselves and left the ballroom having to stop several times to excuse themselves after a polite greeting. She followed her sister quietly to the gardens right outside the ballroom.
A/N: There, wad'ya think? No bad? Good? Semi good? I kno my grammar is atrocious (but I fixed some). But I guess writing more can only improve it. Feel free to point the mistakes to me. I don't have an editor so it would be useful.
That's all and thanks for the reviews!!
The Verve: The parings? I'm thinking about a not just any ordinary love triangle..
Roja_Cyd: Yea he is the "stubborn man" that our heroine is stuck with. I love AU stories too that's why I'm writing one. ^_^
Tyverius: thanks for pointing out my lil mistakes.I think I fixed most of them already. As for the author notes, I only put it around there in the beginning so you wont be seeing them too often.
TerraEpon: My aren't you picky.u("you") probably didn't bother to read my fic before saying I can't spell. Besides, there's a limit on the summery, so I have to short-hand a few words. *Mia sticks her tongue out*
Maria: thanks.I like how the story's going to.it's better then what I have in mind.
Ciao for now! - Mia ish me
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters of the Ranma ½ universe