~~~
Sarah almost reached her room when Hotohori stopped her. "Sarah, I was wondering if you would like to go to court."
Sarah blinked, "Me?"
Hotohori nodded. "If you did I figure that you would help me with my situation."
"Situation?" Sarah thought a moment and then a light bulb went off. "Soka! A wife! You still need to find one don't you?"
Hotohori smiled, "Precisely. Maybe if you went to court, you will be able to see if there are any ladies that I may be able to marry."
"I'll help you," Sarah said.
"That is wonderful. Your ladies will help you and then escort you to the room." Hotohori started to leave. "I will see you soon."
Sarah nodded and entered her room. She flopped onto her bed and looked at her pictures. They were nice pictures and each one was unique. That's the way she wanted them. Unique just like each of them. 'I vowed myself never to do this again, but yet I'm making relationships that will be torn down sooner or later.' "How ironic," she said out loud.
A knock came at her door. "Come in," she called out. Jennilee entered and bowed. "Sarah-sama? I'm here to escort you to the baths. The other ladies are waiting.
Sarah blinked, "I'm not having one here?"
Jennilee shook her head, "Iie. You are going to court and it is your first time. You must be properly bathed and prepared for it."
"Well, okay." Sarah followed her out, "If you say so."
~~~
Sarah was sitting in front of the vanity, finishing getting ready. The four ladies were flitting about her finishing the last touches and making sure everything was perfect. Several minutes later, they were done and Sarah stood. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her gowns were full and long made of a lavender light material. Her hair was up extravagantly with several pins in them. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips were colored red. Her sparkling blue eyes were accentuated more with a little bit of dark eye makeup. She took up a folding fan and started for the door, slowly.
Kasumi and Kei opened the door for her while Kozue and Jennilee escorted Sarah to court.
~~~
Hotohori inwardly sighed. What he wouldn't give to go and be on the journey with the others. Surely that was more exciting than watching tiresome men be disgustingly polite and "just happen" to mention how available their daughters were. He wondered when Sarah would arrive. And just when he thought of that, the door opened and another lady entered the room. Her fan was held to her face, so he couldn't tell who she was. She slowly made her way to him and gracefully bowed, "Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to meet with you." The lady removed her fan to reveal a smiling Sarah.
Keeping himself from smiling back, he nodded back. "And what is your name?"
"Lady Suki, Your Majesty." "Lady Suki" unfolded her fan and covered her mouth, "I hear that Your Majesty is looking for a bride."
"Yes, I am."
"Well, that is wonderful because I just happen to have someone in mind!"
Hotohori raised an eyebrow, "Really? And who may that be? Your Ladyship?"
Suki laughed, "Oh no, Your Majesty! Not I, for I am already engaged to one called Genrou."
Hotohori barely stopped himself from bursting of laughter at the comment. "Well then, who is it you have in mind?"
"Unfortunately, she isn't present today, but I assure you that the next time I come to court, she will be with me by my side." With a bow Lady Suki turned and left to mingle with the others. Hotohori watched her go, making sure no feeling was shown on his face. He turned his attention to the lords who wanted to discuss matters with him.
Sarah's eyes darted around, looking for her. 'I guess she really didn't come to court.' She sighed, 'I guess that means that I have to go look for you tomorrow.'
Several women went up to Sarah and surrounded her. "Excuse me?" One of them asked, "Are you Lady Suki?"
Sarah snapped her fan shut and smiled, "Hai. May I help you?"
"I am Lady Lie. I was just wondering how you managed to be so close to the Emperor."
Sarah smiled, "I'm not close to him at all."
Another lady spoke up, "It certainly seemed like you were."
"That's just my nature. I'm just a friendly person, getting along with everyone." She said, laughing.
Lie glared at Sarah, "If you aren't looking to be the His Majesty's bride then why are you here?"
"Well, well." Sarah snapped her fan open and started fanning herself. "Isn't someone a little jealous? I'm doing this for a friend, that's why."
"Jealous? Who's jealous? Atashi?" Lie rolled her eyes. "Don't make me laugh. I'm just warning all the others that I will be Emperor's bride."
"Well, pin a rose on your nose." Sarah retorted.
"Nani?!"
Sarah turned to leave, "Just what I said."
Lie clenched her fists, "A little cocky aren't we? Chotto!" Lie grabbed Sarah by the shoulder. Sarah turned around and slapped her with her fan.
Sarah pretended to be shocked and gasped. "Sumimasen!! Sumimasen! My goodness! I'm so clumsy, my fan slipped from my hands and I had to make sure it didn't fly out. That would have been so embarrassing. Are you hurt? Daijoubu?"
Lie glared back at her but didn't say anything. With a huff, she turned and left. Sarah looked on. "Honto ni sumimasen!" She called out.
~~~
Several hours later, after the court session was over, Hotohori and Sarah were sitting and talking.
"So were there any prospects?" Hotohori asked Sarah.
Sarah yawned. "None that I saw so far. Especially that Lie-bitch. You definitely don't want her to be your empress." She looked at Hotohori to see him looking sternly at her. "Nani?"
"A lady shouldn't use foul language as that," he scolded.
Sarah sweatdropped. "Gomen, but it's true."
Hotohori slightly laughed, "It does not matter. A lady must be pleasing to listen to."
Sarah nodded, "Hai hai. At any rate, I'll check somewhere else in the palace tomorrow." She yawned again.
"You should get some rest now Sarah."
Sarah blinked at Hotohori, "Daijoubu. I'm fine. But who knew that going to court could be so stressful and boring. Thank goodness I'm not the emperor or empress. I would have gone crazy." She slowly talked herself to sleep while Hotohori looked on with sympathy. The first day was usually tiring. But with practice, one got used to it. Suzaku knows that he is.
Hotohori carefully picked the sleeping girl up and took her to her room. In her room, he set her down on the bed and then looked down at her. She would be uncomfortable sleeping in her gown. However, he was not going to undress her. He went out and beckoned at a nearby servant. "Summon Sarah's ladies-in-waiting."
"Hai." The servant bowed and quickly left. Hotohori closed the door and looked at her.
"You know what though Hotohori?" He heard Sarah say quietly. "Even when you're here at the palace, wishing to go on the journey, they're always thinking about you."
Hotohori carefully sat next to her, "That's nice to hear."
"You have so much to offer and give as a friend. It must be nice to be thought of like that, even if it isn't true love. Close friends are hard to come by. Treasure the moment, Hotohori."
"Surely, you have close friends that care about you," he said softly.
He heard her laugh ironically, "I have no close friends. Friends come and go for me. Either they forget about me or they betray me. It's been like that since the day I was born."
He was glad she couldn't see the shock worn on his face. This girl. This sweet, charming girl did not... No, it couldn't be. "I'm sure there are those who care deeply about you."
"You know what's ironic, I make friends then all of a sudden I lose them. Each one hurts more than the last. The pain of knowing that you lost a friend, physically or emotionally hurts a lot. Hurts to the point where you want to stop it. It makes you think that there's something wrong with you. No, you know that there's something wrong with you. Or why would friends leave just as soon as you made them? I told myself constantly not to get too close, but I end up not listening. So, I get hurt again."
Hotohori's golden eyes sparkled with sympathy. He never knew that she felt that way about people. "I'm sure that you are just thinking that. You are probably exaggerating the situation."
"That's what I thought for a while. But it happens again and again. I tried changing, but that didn't work. So I just be myself and let myself be hurt in the end." Before Hotohori could say something, Sarah interrupted him, "Before I came here, you know what I was doing?" She paused. "I was going to kill myself."
Hotohori started. 'To be hurt that much, she had to resort to that. But on the outside, she seemed so calm and collected. Inside she's so frail and unsure of herself.' "Well, I am glad you ended up here instead. That way I had the chance of knowing you."
"You're just saying that Hotohori. But eventually, you will all leave me. And I get to have more pain to bear." Her voice started drifting off.
"Sarah, listen to me. Everything that you have been saying about yourself is not true. You are a smart, charming woman. You have a lot to offer, just as you are helping me. You will never lose us no matter what."
"I wish I could believe you..." With that, Sarah fell completely asleep.
She was so peaceful sleeping. Yet, she has so many internal struggles. He looked around and spotted something on the table. They were the pictures that Miaka had taken for Sarah. Each picture with each of the Seishi said something about her. With her and Mitsukake, it showed that she was understanding. With Nuriko, she was good company. With Tamahome, she was a good friend. With Chiriko, she was loving. With Tasuki, she had a fun, maybe wild, mischievous look. With Chichiri, someone who takes advice as well as give them. With him, an empress? Hotohori shook his head. That will never happen. He looked down at the sleeping girl. No. This was no time to dream. But in order to repay her kindness he would do something. Then he decided, 'I will make it so that she will not think that way ever again. I will make her realize that she is more than who she thinks she is.'
A soft knock came from the door. Hotohori got up quietly and opened the door to see the four ladies. "Sarah is sleeping. Please attend to her and make sure that she sleeps comfortably." He stepped out of the room and gave them one last look. "And make sure you do not wake her."
The four ladies bowed and quietly entered the room and quietly shut the door.
~~~
The next morning Sarah awoke to shining day and she glared at it. She turned over to the darker side and tried to go back to bed, but found that she was awake now. 'Sometimes that stupid sun is damn annoying.' She tossed back the covers to see a bath ready and clothes laid out for her. She smiled at the thought of a bath after the boring ordeal the night before and gladly jumped in.
As she stepped out of the bath and put on her robe, her four ladies- in-waiting entered quietly. "Ohayo!" She said.
The ladies jumped and turned. "O- Ohayo, Sarah-sama!" Kei stammered.
"Gomen. I didn't mean to startle you."
Kasumi smiled, "Iie, that's alright."
"So are you girls here to make me pretty again?" Sarah asked jokingly.
The girls laughed. "Not as extravagant." Jennilee said, smiling.
Sarah started putting on her dress and the ladies helped her. Then when she was done getting dressed, she sat down at the vanity, waiting while the ladies put her make up on. "By the way, do any of you girls know Houki?" All four of them nodded. "Where can I find her?"
"I believe it is the east wing of the harem that she is staying at." Kozue replied.
"Great!" Sarah paused, "Uh, which way is the eat wing of the harem?"
The four giggled again. "We will help you get there, Sarah-sama. At any rate, we must be going that way after we finish getting you ready."
"Okay then, let's hurry up the process."
~~~
Hotohori watched in the distance as her ladies were leading Sarah. 'It seems that she does not remember about last night. I suppose it is for the best or our situation may have been a bit awkward.' He looked at her for several more moments and turned to face his advisors.
"Your Majesty, there are some issues to be addressed. Kutou is still invading," one said.
Hotohori nodded, "Then, let us go."
~~~
Soon, Sarah was ready and the four ladies escorted her to the place she wanted to go to. When they arrived, Jennilee turned to Sarah. "Shall we announce your presence to Houki-sama?"
Sarah shook her head, "Iie. You can go now. Thank you for showing me the way." The four ladies bowed and left. When Sarah knew that the girls were gone she did a quick peek into the room she was standing in front of. She saw a mass of purple hair and knew that it was she. 'Now, to find a way to introduce myself... But how?' Sarah leaned against the wall and thought for a moment. Several seconds later, the door slid open and Sarah jumped as someone started to exit the room. The woman turned towards her and Sarah sweatdropped.
"Gomen nasai! I wasn't looking where I was going. Sumimasen!" Sarah said bowing several times.
"That's alright," the woman said. "Excuse me, but I don't think I have ever seen you around the palace before."
Sarah sweatdropped again, "Ha- hai! I have just arrived at the palace." She bowed, "I'm Suki. Nice to meet you."
The woman bowed in return, "I am Houki."
Sarah looked at Houki, "I don't think I saw you at dinner yesterday."
"Hai, I wasn't invited for that particular dinner."
"Well, how about tonight?" Sarah asked. Houki shook her head. "Well, I'm inviting you then."
Houki looked up with shock, "Eh?"
Sarah smiled, "You're probably dying to meet the emperor. So why not by meeting him over dinner? Since I'm invited, I'm inviting you. What do you say?"
Houki looked down, "I couldn't possibly."
Sarah waved her hand, "You don't have to repay me or anything. Besides, all the eligible ladies should have an opportunity to meet with His Highness, ne?"
Houki smiled, "Arigato, Suki-san."
Sarah winked, "I will see you for dinner then." With a wave, Sarah left.
~~~
Houki watched as the strange girl rounded the corner. She was a strange girl. Yet charming as well. She was also glad that Suki had invited her to the dinner where she would be able to meet the Emperor, instead of just watching him from a distance and just dream. She turned to her ladies-in-waiting. "Come, we should get to our daily walk." They bowed and started walking.
~~~
Sarah paced back and forth, or rather tried to in her gown, as she waited for Houki's arrival. 'Where the hell is she?'
Her ladies watched as she paced back and forth. "Sarah-sama?" Jennilee asked.
"What is the matter?" Kozue asked.
Sarah looked at the girls, "Ah. Betsuni. I'm just waiting for someone that's all."
Just then Houki arrived and Sarah watched her approach with relief. "Gomen nasai!"
Sarah smiled, "Iie. That's ok. I'm glad that you made it. You look beautiful."
Houki blushed, "Arigato. You look beautiful as well."
Sarah smiled, "Shall we go in?" She nodded at Kei and Kozue, who opened the door for them.
The two ladies entered the room and started mingling. Sarah was making her way toward Hotohori when someone stepped in front of her. "Well, Suki-SAN. I see you have arrived again. I didn't expect you to come back."
Sarah looked back a Lie. "Well, well, Lie-SAN. I see you're here again. After last night's incident, I didn't think that you would show your face here again."
Lie's face turned red as Sarah and Houki went on their way. Houki looked back at the furious lady. "Ne, Sarah-san? Who was that lady?"
Sarah almost snorted, "What lady? She's Lie. And she's definitely NOT a lady. She's really nasty." She snapped her fan open when they arrived in front of Hotohori. She bowed, "Excuse me, Your Highness?"
Hotohori turned to see who was calling him and saw a familiar pair of eyes next to a pair of unfamiliar yet familiar eyes. "Do you happen to remember me, You Highness?" The familiar eyes spoke. Hotohori nodded. "Of course. You are Lady Suki, ne?"
The eyes lit up with pleasure, "I'm so glad you remembered me, Your Majesty! Well, remember what I said the other day?"
Hotohori had to keep himself from laughing. "Why yes, I do believe I remember. However, I did not think that you were true to your word."
Sarah folded her fan shut. "I'm always true to my word, You Majesty. Anyway, here she is." Sarah pointed to Houki who was blushing under her fan. She was actually meeting the emperor.
His Majesty looked at her and smiled, "And what is your name?"
Houki folded her fan and bowed, "I am Houki, You Majesty."
Hotohori started a bit. It couldn't be but it was. She looked almost like Nuriko! "It is nice to meet you, Lady Houki."
For several hours, the two ladies mingled and several times ran into the Emperor. Lady Lie watched with spiteful eyes at the trio. 'What makes them so attractive to the Emperor? I'm the one here with higher rank than those two. I haven't even heard of them before until now.' Then she had a plan. She quickly made her way to them and "accidentally" ran into Suki.
Sarah stumbled slightly when someone ran into her. She was about to tell the person to be a little more careful next time, until she saw who ran into her. Lie was standing in front of her.
"Ara! Gomen nasai! I didn't see you there. Daijoubu? I hope you're not hurt." She said.
Sarah saw the intent in the girl's eyes and she glared. She was about to let her have it when Hotohori grabbed her arm. Sarah turned to him, "Let me go Hotohori. She pissed me off one too many times and she's gonna get it." Hotohori sighed and let her arm go. Sarah stomped up to Lie and gave a chilling smile. "Listen and listen good. You try to do anything like that on purpose again and I'll make sure you pay for it. Got it?"
Lie smirked at her, "Ara. Is that any way for a lady to talk to another lady?"
Sarah smirked at her, "Who ever said that I'm a lady? But I am polite. Unlike someone that's standing in front of me. But if we were in my world, I'd kick you ass right now!"
A startled look came to Lie's eyes while the others who heard her, whispered amongst themselves. "She's from another world." "Did you hear what she called the Emperor?" "Hai, and he didn't become angry."
Ignoring the whispers of the others, Sarah glared at Lie. "Don't mess with me. Ask Hotohori. I'm generally a nice person. I want to be friends with people. But when I get mad, I get mad. So don't start! I don't even want to waste my time to an ass-kissing bitch, who just wants to marry the Emperor and get some power for her daddy. 'Oh no! What will I do?' You know what I say. Shove it."
Through Sarah's whole rant Lie slowly turned red and when Sarah stopped speaking, Lie shook with rage. "You... you..." Without a warning, Lie slapped Houki. Houki stumbled but Hotohori caught her in time.
Hotohori glared at Lie, "What is the meaning of this? She did not do anything to harm you but you had to involve her?"
Sarah glared at Lie, "You low down bitch. You think I'm not going to retaliate because you hit her. She's my new friend. And whoever messes with my friends, mess with me!" Sarah drew her hand back and slapped Lie as hard as she could. Lie fell to the floor and held her face. An elder man rushed forward and held her. "Lie..." Then he glared at Sarah. "This is an outrage! Your Majesty, I request you remove this uncouth witch from the room!"
Hotohori gave a steely look at the man. "Was it not your daughter who instigated this whole situation by purposely running into Sarah?"
The man paused, "Then, because she was lying about who she was! She should not be here!"
Hotohori's steely look was turning into a gaze, "I have invited her to be here. And it is I who will decide things. Please take your daughter and depart."
The man stopped in shock and then glared at Sarah. He then helped Lie up and they both left. Sarah's eyes wavered with rage and she looked down. Still looking down she turned to Houki and Hotohori. "I'll excuse myself now. Gomen, Houki." Not hearing a single word from the others, she dashed out of the room. 'Great now I blew it! I was a total moron in front of those two! Now they're going to be mad at me and tell me to leave or something.' She ran into her room, ignoring the looks of the servants.
~~~
The next day, Houki stood in front of the door and her hand was poised in front of the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" A muffled voice said. "If you're Hotohori. Go away."
"Iie," Houki said. "Houki desu." There was a pause.
"Come on in."
Houki opened the door and stepped in. The room was very sunny and bright, but she saw Sarah sitting in front of the vanity, frowning at her image. Sarah looked at Houki through the mirror. "I didn't think you would want to see me again after last night." She said. She got up and gestured to the table. "Please sit while I get someone to bring some tea.
Several minutes later, Houki and Sarah were sitting at the table and were poured some tea.
Sarah held her cup, "Ano, Houki, I'm really sorry about what happened last night. I was a total idiot."
Houki shook her head. "Iie. Far from that Sarah-san. You did such a wonderful thing for me yesterday. You help me meet the Emperor, defended me from Lady Lie and you barely know me."
Sarah kept looking down. "Yeah, well, you wouldn't have gotten slapped like that if it wasn't for me."
Houki put her cup down and looked sternly at Sarah. "Sarah-san, please, don't think that. It was only one incident that could not be helped. You did what you thought was right. And personally, it was the right thing, no matter what happened to me."
Sarah looked up at Houki, "Honto? You're not mad that you got slapped? You really shouldn't have been caught in the crossfire like that."
Houki smiled, "If anything I was shocked. I did not expect to be hit in front of the Emperor. So please don't worry."
Sarah smiled, "Arigato. You have no idea what that means to me." Houki smiled back. "So?" Sarah continued, "How did you like Hotohori?"
Houki's face turned slightly pink. "I think he is a wonderful man. I'm surprised that he had not chosen a bride yet."
Sarah sweatdropped, "Well, he had some issues to deal with."
"After you left last night, he did not leave my side at all. We talked the whole time and I was there when he talked with some other people. He also told me that I looked like one of the Seishi."
Sarah nodded. "Yup, you look like Nuriko and Nuriko's beautiful. BUT, you're beautiful in your own way, too, Houki-san. Make sure that Hotohori sees that beauty that someone couldn't give him."
"You really think he'll fall in love with me?"
Sarah nodded, "Positive. The first time I saw you I knew that you had to be the one."
"But there are so many other ladies in the court that have a better chance of marrying him. I'm only the daughter of a minor lord of a land at the edge of the border."
Sarah laughed, "Daijoubu. All you have to do is win him with your charm and intelligence. Show him that there's more to you than clothes, looks and manners. I'm positive that you'll win him."
"Are you sure?" Houki asked.
Sarah winked, "Very sure." And the two ladies laughed. A knock came at the door and they stopped laughing. "Come in," Sarah called out.
The door opened and Hotohori stepped in. Houki and Sarah got up. "Please, sit."
Houki bowed at the Emperor while Sarah sat down. She looked at her and then Hotohori. She bowed again. "That is alright. There are things that I must do."
Hotohori smiled and nodded. "Okay, maybe next time." Houki bowed once more and quietly left the room. After Houki left, Hotohori turned to Sarah, who was intently staring at the ground. "Sarah."
"Listen Hotohori, before you say anything else. I just want to say I'm sorry for everything that happened last night. I didn't mean to put you in the position that you were forced into last night. Gomen nasai."
Hotohori went over and sat next to the girl. "There's nothing to be sorry for. After all, it couldn't be helped. It just happened."
"It was all my fault."
Hotohori put his hands on her shoulder. "Sarah, stop doing that to yourself. What happened last night was just one bad incident."
"Yeah, but it was a biggy." Sarah sighed, "And I tried to be so helpful. And you're going to tell me to leave and never come back."
Hotohori gave a small laugh, "I am doing no such thing." Sarah looked up with slight shock. "I came here to thank you for helping me."
Sarah gave a small smile, "Glad I could."
"You're worth a lot. A very special woman, who has a very kind heart. Never forget that. And don't forget. We will never leave you." He reached for the pictures. "We're with you in your heart always. Others may come and go, but we won't, I promise you that. You're never alone. Be happy and be who you are. Be your charming self."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears, "That's the most encouragement I've heard in the longest time." She gave him and hug, "Arigato, Hotohori. I thought what I believed in about people were about to go down the drain."
"When you know you always have people to go back to, you won't hurt as much anymore."
Sarah drew back and blinked, "How do you know what I was going through?"
Hotohori gave her a small, sad smile, "You were talking in your sleep last night and told me."
Sarah looked down, "So I made a fool of myself again?"
"No," Hotohori lifted her face so her blue eyes met his golden eyes, "I think it was the best thing that can happen. You helped me so much, it's my turn to help you. And this seemed the best way to help. Let you know that you will never be alone and you have much to offer. Never forget that."
Sarah started crying, "Arigato, Hotohori!" She hugged him. "Arigato. I think you just helped me want to live again. You, Miaka, and the rest of the Seishi."
Hotohori hugged back and smiled, "I'm glad I could have helped."
For several moments, they hugged and then Sarah started sparking a red glow. They drew apart and blinked, "I guess it's time for me to go." Sarah said, ruefully. Hotohori nodded. "Well, Hotohori, arigato. And sayonara. Thank you." She started to disappear, "Tell Houki-san never to give up. And you Hotohori, don't give her up." Sarah winked. "I won't dread going back. But missing you all won't hurt. It'll give me a warm glow."
She was now half visible when Hotohori looked down. "Your pictures!" He quickly gathered them and thrust them into her hands. Hotohori smiled and his eyes sparkled, "We will miss you. Arigato. Sayonara."
Sarah waved and disappeared.
~~~
Sarah opened her eyes and saw that she was staring at her ceiling and a face was being focused in and out. When her vision cleared, she found it was one of her closer friends, who knew more about her than others did.
The girl sighed, "Thank goodness, you're conscious. I thought you were going to be in a coma forever."
"Hannah? What are you doing here?" Sarah asked weakly.
"I came to see if you wanted to go to the movies, and I saw you crumpled on the floor. What happened? Everyone was worried about you?"
Sarah got up slightly, "Really? I'm sorry." She held her head. "Can you get me some aspirin? It's over in my little basket."
"Sure," Hannah went over and rummaged through it. "So what happened?"
"I just- fell."
"Doing what?"
"I was dusting and I lost my footing."
Hannah went back over to Sarah with some water and two pills. "That's not the truth is it?"
Sarah took the pills, "No it's not, but that's what I'm telling everyone. And maybe later on I'll tell you the real reason why."
Hannah smiled, "You know I'm always here to listen. Anyway since you're all better, I'll go tell everyone that you're fine. Get some rest." Hannah started to leave.
"Hannah?" Sarah started.
"Hm?" Hannah turned to Sarah.
"Thanks," Sarah smiled.
Hannah smiled back, "No problem! Get better! See ya tomorrow!" Then Hannah left.
Sarah sat up and felt something in the blankets. Fishing around in her blanket she found what it was. She pulled it out and saw several pictures. Her eyes filled with tears and she smiled, 'I'm never alone again. Arigato my dear friends.'
She wiped away her tears and spread out the pictures that were taken of her and the Seishi. 'I will never be alone again.'
Fini
- Ruri-chan 6/01
updated 4/02
Sarah almost reached her room when Hotohori stopped her. "Sarah, I was wondering if you would like to go to court."
Sarah blinked, "Me?"
Hotohori nodded. "If you did I figure that you would help me with my situation."
"Situation?" Sarah thought a moment and then a light bulb went off. "Soka! A wife! You still need to find one don't you?"
Hotohori smiled, "Precisely. Maybe if you went to court, you will be able to see if there are any ladies that I may be able to marry."
"I'll help you," Sarah said.
"That is wonderful. Your ladies will help you and then escort you to the room." Hotohori started to leave. "I will see you soon."
Sarah nodded and entered her room. She flopped onto her bed and looked at her pictures. They were nice pictures and each one was unique. That's the way she wanted them. Unique just like each of them. 'I vowed myself never to do this again, but yet I'm making relationships that will be torn down sooner or later.' "How ironic," she said out loud.
A knock came at her door. "Come in," she called out. Jennilee entered and bowed. "Sarah-sama? I'm here to escort you to the baths. The other ladies are waiting.
Sarah blinked, "I'm not having one here?"
Jennilee shook her head, "Iie. You are going to court and it is your first time. You must be properly bathed and prepared for it."
"Well, okay." Sarah followed her out, "If you say so."
~~~
Sarah was sitting in front of the vanity, finishing getting ready. The four ladies were flitting about her finishing the last touches and making sure everything was perfect. Several minutes later, they were done and Sarah stood. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her gowns were full and long made of a lavender light material. Her hair was up extravagantly with several pins in them. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips were colored red. Her sparkling blue eyes were accentuated more with a little bit of dark eye makeup. She took up a folding fan and started for the door, slowly.
Kasumi and Kei opened the door for her while Kozue and Jennilee escorted Sarah to court.
~~~
Hotohori inwardly sighed. What he wouldn't give to go and be on the journey with the others. Surely that was more exciting than watching tiresome men be disgustingly polite and "just happen" to mention how available their daughters were. He wondered when Sarah would arrive. And just when he thought of that, the door opened and another lady entered the room. Her fan was held to her face, so he couldn't tell who she was. She slowly made her way to him and gracefully bowed, "Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to meet with you." The lady removed her fan to reveal a smiling Sarah.
Keeping himself from smiling back, he nodded back. "And what is your name?"
"Lady Suki, Your Majesty." "Lady Suki" unfolded her fan and covered her mouth, "I hear that Your Majesty is looking for a bride."
"Yes, I am."
"Well, that is wonderful because I just happen to have someone in mind!"
Hotohori raised an eyebrow, "Really? And who may that be? Your Ladyship?"
Suki laughed, "Oh no, Your Majesty! Not I, for I am already engaged to one called Genrou."
Hotohori barely stopped himself from bursting of laughter at the comment. "Well then, who is it you have in mind?"
"Unfortunately, she isn't present today, but I assure you that the next time I come to court, she will be with me by my side." With a bow Lady Suki turned and left to mingle with the others. Hotohori watched her go, making sure no feeling was shown on his face. He turned his attention to the lords who wanted to discuss matters with him.
Sarah's eyes darted around, looking for her. 'I guess she really didn't come to court.' She sighed, 'I guess that means that I have to go look for you tomorrow.'
Several women went up to Sarah and surrounded her. "Excuse me?" One of them asked, "Are you Lady Suki?"
Sarah snapped her fan shut and smiled, "Hai. May I help you?"
"I am Lady Lie. I was just wondering how you managed to be so close to the Emperor."
Sarah smiled, "I'm not close to him at all."
Another lady spoke up, "It certainly seemed like you were."
"That's just my nature. I'm just a friendly person, getting along with everyone." She said, laughing.
Lie glared at Sarah, "If you aren't looking to be the His Majesty's bride then why are you here?"
"Well, well." Sarah snapped her fan open and started fanning herself. "Isn't someone a little jealous? I'm doing this for a friend, that's why."
"Jealous? Who's jealous? Atashi?" Lie rolled her eyes. "Don't make me laugh. I'm just warning all the others that I will be Emperor's bride."
"Well, pin a rose on your nose." Sarah retorted.
"Nani?!"
Sarah turned to leave, "Just what I said."
Lie clenched her fists, "A little cocky aren't we? Chotto!" Lie grabbed Sarah by the shoulder. Sarah turned around and slapped her with her fan.
Sarah pretended to be shocked and gasped. "Sumimasen!! Sumimasen! My goodness! I'm so clumsy, my fan slipped from my hands and I had to make sure it didn't fly out. That would have been so embarrassing. Are you hurt? Daijoubu?"
Lie glared back at her but didn't say anything. With a huff, she turned and left. Sarah looked on. "Honto ni sumimasen!" She called out.
~~~
Several hours later, after the court session was over, Hotohori and Sarah were sitting and talking.
"So were there any prospects?" Hotohori asked Sarah.
Sarah yawned. "None that I saw so far. Especially that Lie-bitch. You definitely don't want her to be your empress." She looked at Hotohori to see him looking sternly at her. "Nani?"
"A lady shouldn't use foul language as that," he scolded.
Sarah sweatdropped. "Gomen, but it's true."
Hotohori slightly laughed, "It does not matter. A lady must be pleasing to listen to."
Sarah nodded, "Hai hai. At any rate, I'll check somewhere else in the palace tomorrow." She yawned again.
"You should get some rest now Sarah."
Sarah blinked at Hotohori, "Daijoubu. I'm fine. But who knew that going to court could be so stressful and boring. Thank goodness I'm not the emperor or empress. I would have gone crazy." She slowly talked herself to sleep while Hotohori looked on with sympathy. The first day was usually tiring. But with practice, one got used to it. Suzaku knows that he is.
Hotohori carefully picked the sleeping girl up and took her to her room. In her room, he set her down on the bed and then looked down at her. She would be uncomfortable sleeping in her gown. However, he was not going to undress her. He went out and beckoned at a nearby servant. "Summon Sarah's ladies-in-waiting."
"Hai." The servant bowed and quickly left. Hotohori closed the door and looked at her.
"You know what though Hotohori?" He heard Sarah say quietly. "Even when you're here at the palace, wishing to go on the journey, they're always thinking about you."
Hotohori carefully sat next to her, "That's nice to hear."
"You have so much to offer and give as a friend. It must be nice to be thought of like that, even if it isn't true love. Close friends are hard to come by. Treasure the moment, Hotohori."
"Surely, you have close friends that care about you," he said softly.
He heard her laugh ironically, "I have no close friends. Friends come and go for me. Either they forget about me or they betray me. It's been like that since the day I was born."
He was glad she couldn't see the shock worn on his face. This girl. This sweet, charming girl did not... No, it couldn't be. "I'm sure there are those who care deeply about you."
"You know what's ironic, I make friends then all of a sudden I lose them. Each one hurts more than the last. The pain of knowing that you lost a friend, physically or emotionally hurts a lot. Hurts to the point where you want to stop it. It makes you think that there's something wrong with you. No, you know that there's something wrong with you. Or why would friends leave just as soon as you made them? I told myself constantly not to get too close, but I end up not listening. So, I get hurt again."
Hotohori's golden eyes sparkled with sympathy. He never knew that she felt that way about people. "I'm sure that you are just thinking that. You are probably exaggerating the situation."
"That's what I thought for a while. But it happens again and again. I tried changing, but that didn't work. So I just be myself and let myself be hurt in the end." Before Hotohori could say something, Sarah interrupted him, "Before I came here, you know what I was doing?" She paused. "I was going to kill myself."
Hotohori started. 'To be hurt that much, she had to resort to that. But on the outside, she seemed so calm and collected. Inside she's so frail and unsure of herself.' "Well, I am glad you ended up here instead. That way I had the chance of knowing you."
"You're just saying that Hotohori. But eventually, you will all leave me. And I get to have more pain to bear." Her voice started drifting off.
"Sarah, listen to me. Everything that you have been saying about yourself is not true. You are a smart, charming woman. You have a lot to offer, just as you are helping me. You will never lose us no matter what."
"I wish I could believe you..." With that, Sarah fell completely asleep.
She was so peaceful sleeping. Yet, she has so many internal struggles. He looked around and spotted something on the table. They were the pictures that Miaka had taken for Sarah. Each picture with each of the Seishi said something about her. With her and Mitsukake, it showed that she was understanding. With Nuriko, she was good company. With Tamahome, she was a good friend. With Chiriko, she was loving. With Tasuki, she had a fun, maybe wild, mischievous look. With Chichiri, someone who takes advice as well as give them. With him, an empress? Hotohori shook his head. That will never happen. He looked down at the sleeping girl. No. This was no time to dream. But in order to repay her kindness he would do something. Then he decided, 'I will make it so that she will not think that way ever again. I will make her realize that she is more than who she thinks she is.'
A soft knock came from the door. Hotohori got up quietly and opened the door to see the four ladies. "Sarah is sleeping. Please attend to her and make sure that she sleeps comfortably." He stepped out of the room and gave them one last look. "And make sure you do not wake her."
The four ladies bowed and quietly entered the room and quietly shut the door.
~~~
The next morning Sarah awoke to shining day and she glared at it. She turned over to the darker side and tried to go back to bed, but found that she was awake now. 'Sometimes that stupid sun is damn annoying.' She tossed back the covers to see a bath ready and clothes laid out for her. She smiled at the thought of a bath after the boring ordeal the night before and gladly jumped in.
As she stepped out of the bath and put on her robe, her four ladies- in-waiting entered quietly. "Ohayo!" She said.
The ladies jumped and turned. "O- Ohayo, Sarah-sama!" Kei stammered.
"Gomen. I didn't mean to startle you."
Kasumi smiled, "Iie, that's alright."
"So are you girls here to make me pretty again?" Sarah asked jokingly.
The girls laughed. "Not as extravagant." Jennilee said, smiling.
Sarah started putting on her dress and the ladies helped her. Then when she was done getting dressed, she sat down at the vanity, waiting while the ladies put her make up on. "By the way, do any of you girls know Houki?" All four of them nodded. "Where can I find her?"
"I believe it is the east wing of the harem that she is staying at." Kozue replied.
"Great!" Sarah paused, "Uh, which way is the eat wing of the harem?"
The four giggled again. "We will help you get there, Sarah-sama. At any rate, we must be going that way after we finish getting you ready."
"Okay then, let's hurry up the process."
~~~
Hotohori watched in the distance as her ladies were leading Sarah. 'It seems that she does not remember about last night. I suppose it is for the best or our situation may have been a bit awkward.' He looked at her for several more moments and turned to face his advisors.
"Your Majesty, there are some issues to be addressed. Kutou is still invading," one said.
Hotohori nodded, "Then, let us go."
~~~
Soon, Sarah was ready and the four ladies escorted her to the place she wanted to go to. When they arrived, Jennilee turned to Sarah. "Shall we announce your presence to Houki-sama?"
Sarah shook her head, "Iie. You can go now. Thank you for showing me the way." The four ladies bowed and left. When Sarah knew that the girls were gone she did a quick peek into the room she was standing in front of. She saw a mass of purple hair and knew that it was she. 'Now, to find a way to introduce myself... But how?' Sarah leaned against the wall and thought for a moment. Several seconds later, the door slid open and Sarah jumped as someone started to exit the room. The woman turned towards her and Sarah sweatdropped.
"Gomen nasai! I wasn't looking where I was going. Sumimasen!" Sarah said bowing several times.
"That's alright," the woman said. "Excuse me, but I don't think I have ever seen you around the palace before."
Sarah sweatdropped again, "Ha- hai! I have just arrived at the palace." She bowed, "I'm Suki. Nice to meet you."
The woman bowed in return, "I am Houki."
Sarah looked at Houki, "I don't think I saw you at dinner yesterday."
"Hai, I wasn't invited for that particular dinner."
"Well, how about tonight?" Sarah asked. Houki shook her head. "Well, I'm inviting you then."
Houki looked up with shock, "Eh?"
Sarah smiled, "You're probably dying to meet the emperor. So why not by meeting him over dinner? Since I'm invited, I'm inviting you. What do you say?"
Houki looked down, "I couldn't possibly."
Sarah waved her hand, "You don't have to repay me or anything. Besides, all the eligible ladies should have an opportunity to meet with His Highness, ne?"
Houki smiled, "Arigato, Suki-san."
Sarah winked, "I will see you for dinner then." With a wave, Sarah left.
~~~
Houki watched as the strange girl rounded the corner. She was a strange girl. Yet charming as well. She was also glad that Suki had invited her to the dinner where she would be able to meet the Emperor, instead of just watching him from a distance and just dream. She turned to her ladies-in-waiting. "Come, we should get to our daily walk." They bowed and started walking.
~~~
Sarah paced back and forth, or rather tried to in her gown, as she waited for Houki's arrival. 'Where the hell is she?'
Her ladies watched as she paced back and forth. "Sarah-sama?" Jennilee asked.
"What is the matter?" Kozue asked.
Sarah looked at the girls, "Ah. Betsuni. I'm just waiting for someone that's all."
Just then Houki arrived and Sarah watched her approach with relief. "Gomen nasai!"
Sarah smiled, "Iie. That's ok. I'm glad that you made it. You look beautiful."
Houki blushed, "Arigato. You look beautiful as well."
Sarah smiled, "Shall we go in?" She nodded at Kei and Kozue, who opened the door for them.
The two ladies entered the room and started mingling. Sarah was making her way toward Hotohori when someone stepped in front of her. "Well, Suki-SAN. I see you have arrived again. I didn't expect you to come back."
Sarah looked back a Lie. "Well, well, Lie-SAN. I see you're here again. After last night's incident, I didn't think that you would show your face here again."
Lie's face turned red as Sarah and Houki went on their way. Houki looked back at the furious lady. "Ne, Sarah-san? Who was that lady?"
Sarah almost snorted, "What lady? She's Lie. And she's definitely NOT a lady. She's really nasty." She snapped her fan open when they arrived in front of Hotohori. She bowed, "Excuse me, Your Highness?"
Hotohori turned to see who was calling him and saw a familiar pair of eyes next to a pair of unfamiliar yet familiar eyes. "Do you happen to remember me, You Highness?" The familiar eyes spoke. Hotohori nodded. "Of course. You are Lady Suki, ne?"
The eyes lit up with pleasure, "I'm so glad you remembered me, Your Majesty! Well, remember what I said the other day?"
Hotohori had to keep himself from laughing. "Why yes, I do believe I remember. However, I did not think that you were true to your word."
Sarah folded her fan shut. "I'm always true to my word, You Majesty. Anyway, here she is." Sarah pointed to Houki who was blushing under her fan. She was actually meeting the emperor.
His Majesty looked at her and smiled, "And what is your name?"
Houki folded her fan and bowed, "I am Houki, You Majesty."
Hotohori started a bit. It couldn't be but it was. She looked almost like Nuriko! "It is nice to meet you, Lady Houki."
For several hours, the two ladies mingled and several times ran into the Emperor. Lady Lie watched with spiteful eyes at the trio. 'What makes them so attractive to the Emperor? I'm the one here with higher rank than those two. I haven't even heard of them before until now.' Then she had a plan. She quickly made her way to them and "accidentally" ran into Suki.
Sarah stumbled slightly when someone ran into her. She was about to tell the person to be a little more careful next time, until she saw who ran into her. Lie was standing in front of her.
"Ara! Gomen nasai! I didn't see you there. Daijoubu? I hope you're not hurt." She said.
Sarah saw the intent in the girl's eyes and she glared. She was about to let her have it when Hotohori grabbed her arm. Sarah turned to him, "Let me go Hotohori. She pissed me off one too many times and she's gonna get it." Hotohori sighed and let her arm go. Sarah stomped up to Lie and gave a chilling smile. "Listen and listen good. You try to do anything like that on purpose again and I'll make sure you pay for it. Got it?"
Lie smirked at her, "Ara. Is that any way for a lady to talk to another lady?"
Sarah smirked at her, "Who ever said that I'm a lady? But I am polite. Unlike someone that's standing in front of me. But if we were in my world, I'd kick you ass right now!"
A startled look came to Lie's eyes while the others who heard her, whispered amongst themselves. "She's from another world." "Did you hear what she called the Emperor?" "Hai, and he didn't become angry."
Ignoring the whispers of the others, Sarah glared at Lie. "Don't mess with me. Ask Hotohori. I'm generally a nice person. I want to be friends with people. But when I get mad, I get mad. So don't start! I don't even want to waste my time to an ass-kissing bitch, who just wants to marry the Emperor and get some power for her daddy. 'Oh no! What will I do?' You know what I say. Shove it."
Through Sarah's whole rant Lie slowly turned red and when Sarah stopped speaking, Lie shook with rage. "You... you..." Without a warning, Lie slapped Houki. Houki stumbled but Hotohori caught her in time.
Hotohori glared at Lie, "What is the meaning of this? She did not do anything to harm you but you had to involve her?"
Sarah glared at Lie, "You low down bitch. You think I'm not going to retaliate because you hit her. She's my new friend. And whoever messes with my friends, mess with me!" Sarah drew her hand back and slapped Lie as hard as she could. Lie fell to the floor and held her face. An elder man rushed forward and held her. "Lie..." Then he glared at Sarah. "This is an outrage! Your Majesty, I request you remove this uncouth witch from the room!"
Hotohori gave a steely look at the man. "Was it not your daughter who instigated this whole situation by purposely running into Sarah?"
The man paused, "Then, because she was lying about who she was! She should not be here!"
Hotohori's steely look was turning into a gaze, "I have invited her to be here. And it is I who will decide things. Please take your daughter and depart."
The man stopped in shock and then glared at Sarah. He then helped Lie up and they both left. Sarah's eyes wavered with rage and she looked down. Still looking down she turned to Houki and Hotohori. "I'll excuse myself now. Gomen, Houki." Not hearing a single word from the others, she dashed out of the room. 'Great now I blew it! I was a total moron in front of those two! Now they're going to be mad at me and tell me to leave or something.' She ran into her room, ignoring the looks of the servants.
~~~
The next day, Houki stood in front of the door and her hand was poised in front of the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" A muffled voice said. "If you're Hotohori. Go away."
"Iie," Houki said. "Houki desu." There was a pause.
"Come on in."
Houki opened the door and stepped in. The room was very sunny and bright, but she saw Sarah sitting in front of the vanity, frowning at her image. Sarah looked at Houki through the mirror. "I didn't think you would want to see me again after last night." She said. She got up and gestured to the table. "Please sit while I get someone to bring some tea.
Several minutes later, Houki and Sarah were sitting at the table and were poured some tea.
Sarah held her cup, "Ano, Houki, I'm really sorry about what happened last night. I was a total idiot."
Houki shook her head. "Iie. Far from that Sarah-san. You did such a wonderful thing for me yesterday. You help me meet the Emperor, defended me from Lady Lie and you barely know me."
Sarah kept looking down. "Yeah, well, you wouldn't have gotten slapped like that if it wasn't for me."
Houki put her cup down and looked sternly at Sarah. "Sarah-san, please, don't think that. It was only one incident that could not be helped. You did what you thought was right. And personally, it was the right thing, no matter what happened to me."
Sarah looked up at Houki, "Honto? You're not mad that you got slapped? You really shouldn't have been caught in the crossfire like that."
Houki smiled, "If anything I was shocked. I did not expect to be hit in front of the Emperor. So please don't worry."
Sarah smiled, "Arigato. You have no idea what that means to me." Houki smiled back. "So?" Sarah continued, "How did you like Hotohori?"
Houki's face turned slightly pink. "I think he is a wonderful man. I'm surprised that he had not chosen a bride yet."
Sarah sweatdropped, "Well, he had some issues to deal with."
"After you left last night, he did not leave my side at all. We talked the whole time and I was there when he talked with some other people. He also told me that I looked like one of the Seishi."
Sarah nodded. "Yup, you look like Nuriko and Nuriko's beautiful. BUT, you're beautiful in your own way, too, Houki-san. Make sure that Hotohori sees that beauty that someone couldn't give him."
"You really think he'll fall in love with me?"
Sarah nodded, "Positive. The first time I saw you I knew that you had to be the one."
"But there are so many other ladies in the court that have a better chance of marrying him. I'm only the daughter of a minor lord of a land at the edge of the border."
Sarah laughed, "Daijoubu. All you have to do is win him with your charm and intelligence. Show him that there's more to you than clothes, looks and manners. I'm positive that you'll win him."
"Are you sure?" Houki asked.
Sarah winked, "Very sure." And the two ladies laughed. A knock came at the door and they stopped laughing. "Come in," Sarah called out.
The door opened and Hotohori stepped in. Houki and Sarah got up. "Please, sit."
Houki bowed at the Emperor while Sarah sat down. She looked at her and then Hotohori. She bowed again. "That is alright. There are things that I must do."
Hotohori smiled and nodded. "Okay, maybe next time." Houki bowed once more and quietly left the room. After Houki left, Hotohori turned to Sarah, who was intently staring at the ground. "Sarah."
"Listen Hotohori, before you say anything else. I just want to say I'm sorry for everything that happened last night. I didn't mean to put you in the position that you were forced into last night. Gomen nasai."
Hotohori went over and sat next to the girl. "There's nothing to be sorry for. After all, it couldn't be helped. It just happened."
"It was all my fault."
Hotohori put his hands on her shoulder. "Sarah, stop doing that to yourself. What happened last night was just one bad incident."
"Yeah, but it was a biggy." Sarah sighed, "And I tried to be so helpful. And you're going to tell me to leave and never come back."
Hotohori gave a small laugh, "I am doing no such thing." Sarah looked up with slight shock. "I came here to thank you for helping me."
Sarah gave a small smile, "Glad I could."
"You're worth a lot. A very special woman, who has a very kind heart. Never forget that. And don't forget. We will never leave you." He reached for the pictures. "We're with you in your heart always. Others may come and go, but we won't, I promise you that. You're never alone. Be happy and be who you are. Be your charming self."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears, "That's the most encouragement I've heard in the longest time." She gave him and hug, "Arigato, Hotohori. I thought what I believed in about people were about to go down the drain."
"When you know you always have people to go back to, you won't hurt as much anymore."
Sarah drew back and blinked, "How do you know what I was going through?"
Hotohori gave her a small, sad smile, "You were talking in your sleep last night and told me."
Sarah looked down, "So I made a fool of myself again?"
"No," Hotohori lifted her face so her blue eyes met his golden eyes, "I think it was the best thing that can happen. You helped me so much, it's my turn to help you. And this seemed the best way to help. Let you know that you will never be alone and you have much to offer. Never forget that."
Sarah started crying, "Arigato, Hotohori!" She hugged him. "Arigato. I think you just helped me want to live again. You, Miaka, and the rest of the Seishi."
Hotohori hugged back and smiled, "I'm glad I could have helped."
For several moments, they hugged and then Sarah started sparking a red glow. They drew apart and blinked, "I guess it's time for me to go." Sarah said, ruefully. Hotohori nodded. "Well, Hotohori, arigato. And sayonara. Thank you." She started to disappear, "Tell Houki-san never to give up. And you Hotohori, don't give her up." Sarah winked. "I won't dread going back. But missing you all won't hurt. It'll give me a warm glow."
She was now half visible when Hotohori looked down. "Your pictures!" He quickly gathered them and thrust them into her hands. Hotohori smiled and his eyes sparkled, "We will miss you. Arigato. Sayonara."
Sarah waved and disappeared.
~~~
Sarah opened her eyes and saw that she was staring at her ceiling and a face was being focused in and out. When her vision cleared, she found it was one of her closer friends, who knew more about her than others did.
The girl sighed, "Thank goodness, you're conscious. I thought you were going to be in a coma forever."
"Hannah? What are you doing here?" Sarah asked weakly.
"I came to see if you wanted to go to the movies, and I saw you crumpled on the floor. What happened? Everyone was worried about you?"
Sarah got up slightly, "Really? I'm sorry." She held her head. "Can you get me some aspirin? It's over in my little basket."
"Sure," Hannah went over and rummaged through it. "So what happened?"
"I just- fell."
"Doing what?"
"I was dusting and I lost my footing."
Hannah went back over to Sarah with some water and two pills. "That's not the truth is it?"
Sarah took the pills, "No it's not, but that's what I'm telling everyone. And maybe later on I'll tell you the real reason why."
Hannah smiled, "You know I'm always here to listen. Anyway since you're all better, I'll go tell everyone that you're fine. Get some rest." Hannah started to leave.
"Hannah?" Sarah started.
"Hm?" Hannah turned to Sarah.
"Thanks," Sarah smiled.
Hannah smiled back, "No problem! Get better! See ya tomorrow!" Then Hannah left.
Sarah sat up and felt something in the blankets. Fishing around in her blanket she found what it was. She pulled it out and saw several pictures. Her eyes filled with tears and she smiled, 'I'm never alone again. Arigato my dear friends.'
She wiped away her tears and spread out the pictures that were taken of her and the Seishi. 'I will never be alone again.'
Fini
- Ruri-chan 6/01
updated 4/02