The light was beginning to win and Makoto knew that. He rubbed his
eyes and slowly started to wake up from the deep slumber he was in. He
looked at the half covered window in which the sunlight was creeping in
from.
"Wow it is a beautiful day as usual." He looked around the room. It wasn't large or spectacular like the palace by any means. He had a bed and to the left of it was the one and only window. About 5 feet to the right of was a small square table that was covered with different books, papers and charts that Makoto had carried over from the palace library. The walls were bare except for a few pictures of the gang. Sensei, Miz Mishtal, Afura Mann, Shayla-Shayla, Qawool, Nanami, Aielle, princess Rune, Londs, Fatora, Ura, and Dr. Strellbaugh were all scattered randomly on the walls and ceiling.
"I wonder if they found out by now?" Today was the first day in which he slept in his new secret hiding spot. Not that the palace was a problem. He was constantly being fought over by Nanami and Shayla-Shayla. Time to himself was a rare treat. At first he hid out in the library buried in his research but the girls found him. Nanami begging that he needed his help with her business. He didn't mind except when he felt like he was a full- time employee sometimes and without pay too. Plus it didn't help that more often than not; the two of them would go on long nature hikes with a basket of food in tow. Again he didn't mind spending time with Nanami and of course the food was always superb as usual. He thoroughly enjoyed this except when they would return. A grin of satisfaction would always be on Nanami whenever Shayla was there, glaring and interrogating her to no end. Nanami would defend her case by simply saying that it was a business trip to discuss concerns and ideas about her restaurant business and that she need not get so jealous. Qawool the opposite of Shayla in many ways would always have a hint of sadness on her face. When she noticed Makoto was looking at her, the sad face would vanish and would then turn a slight red. He would then feel bad for staring at her like that causing her to blush then he too would blush. Makoto furrowed an eyebrow. It seemed strange to him but as far as he can recall the so called 'business meetings' had very little to nothing to do about Nanami's restaurant.
After being found at the library easily by the girls, Makoto tried a different place in Dr. Strellbaugh's research laboratory near the palace library. With the doctor's knowledge and his various devices they both benefited off one another. However that sanctuary too went away when Nanami and Shayla one fateful day both came to talk to him. They got in a heated argument about who was going to be Makoto's 'date' for the bi-annual Roshtaria Fair. The one-day gathering of all the nearby kingdoms in the Alliance.
"There's food and wine and music and ceremonies and rituals and sooo many neat things to see and do master Makoto!!" Aielle explained excitedly that day. Makoto feared deep inside that Nanami and Shayla would fight each other for the chance to be with himself and only himself during the fair.
"Why couldn't we all just be together in one big happy group?" he thought to himself. It wasn't that he was afraid of going on a date. He feared making a complete fool of himself. Considering the fact that he has never truly gone on an official date. One guy, one girl. Back in Japan he did the group thing with a bunch of girl and guy friends. That was easy enough. There was no awkward silences or looks from other people. Makoto just didn't want to hurt anyone. Ifurita's pain was enough for him he didn't want to cause anyone else pain. If he accepted to be a date with one of the girls the other two would be heart-broken. As much as they would try to shrug it off he just knew they would be hurt. Makoto took a deep breath and sighed.
Only hours had passed when Makoto first heard about the fair from young Aielle when Nanami and Shayla both burst into Dr. Strellbaugh's laboratory. By the shortness of their breaths it appeared that they had both been running. Nanami was the first to catch her breath and so spoke first.
"Makoto-chan! Did you hear about the Roshtaria Fair?! Doesn't it sound like it would be fun like the ones we had back home in Japan with our school?" her eyes were shinning with genuine happiness and anticipation. Makoto only had time to form a smile and was about to reply when Shayla interrupted.
"Makoto." The tone in which she spoke was soft but serious as well. Others rarely heard Shayla speak this way and when she did, whatever she said was honest and sincere. The fire priestess walked up to Makoto, took a hold of his left hand and gently placed it on the upper part of her chest area and held it there. Nanami became furious.
"MAKOTO MIZUHARA! WHAT IN WORLD ARE YOU DOING?!" Nanami was pissed as a girl could be. She would've walked up to Makoto, wrapped her hands around his throat and strangle him had it not been for Qawool who happened to have walked in a few moments before, holding Nanami back.
"Miss Nanami! Please calm down!" Qawool insisted. The hold wasn't going to last given the fact that Nanami was older, bigger and stronger than Qawool. Makoto was well aware of Nanami's outburst and was going to protest to Shayla doing what she was.well..err. doing. But when he opened his mouth Shayla put a finger to his lips.
"Shhhh." the sound was so soft and low that Makoto ears strained to hear it. Nevertheless upon it being uttered, Makoto's desire to ask why she placed his hand on her chest was long forgotten. The laboratory fell deadly silent. Even Nanami though she was still huffing and puffing, was quiet. Makoto could feel Shayla's heart beat against his hand. It got louder and faster each second that went by. She leaned closer to Makoto as if to kiss him.
Nanami's resolve to squirm free of Qawool's hold suddenly died. She felt a cold lump settle in the pit of her stomach. Nanami blinked rapidly in vain hopes that the tears wouldn't show. She wanted to break free, run and push Shayla aside. Embrace Makoto tightly and never let go. She wanted to tell him what she had wanted to all these years. She wanted to cry for forgiveness for having held these feelings inside her for so long. Nanami wanted to so badly. But all she could do was watch. It was a good thing to that Nanami stopped trying to break free. For at that same moment in time Qawool had dropped her hands on Nanami and was also fighting back tears like Nanami.
Makoto stared into those jade-colored eyes. He didn't dare move. He couldn't have even if he wanted to. It was as if he was hypnotized. She stopped inches from his face. Makoto didn't even dare blink. His mind didn't understand it nor did it even try.
"She is beautiful." Makoto thought to himself. Shayla closed her eyes tilted her head slightly down. She gave Makoto's hand a gentle squeeze before she started to speak.
"Makoto. The Roshtaria fair is a few weeks away and I am to participate in a ceremony that celebrates the long history of fire. I need a partner for the dance. Makoto it would mean a great deal to me if you would be my partner." With that said she raised her head and opened her eyes. Her eyes looked right at Makoto's. They were filled with hope and determination. But they also screamed out fear, uncertainty, and sadness. The fire priestess's words said one story but the pair of misty emerald eyes exposed the truth. Makoto organized his thoughts, and chose his words carefully. He knew that what Shayla-Shayla had just asked him took a lot of courage on her part. And he admired her for that. But he also knew with his answer, there might be fiery consequences! He took a deep breath and was ready to give her his reply. Nanami however, had a reply as well.
"What?! Wait a minute! I KNOW for a fact that Makoto cannot dance!" With that outburst Shayla released the hand of Makoto, took a few steps back and turn her full attention to the ranting brunette.
"Well...it is true.." Makoto agreed half-smiling. Shayla gritted her teeth but was prepared for this response.
"So what? I can personally train him to be able to dance his part in the ritual flawlessly." Shayla coolly replied back. Nanami was getting slightly perturbed but recovered her composure.
"I have tried to teach him to dance before at our school plays and dances and things like that back home in Japan but Makoto can't do it. He's too clumsy!" Nanami exclaimed as she pointed to Makoto's feet.
"Ouch..." Makoto thought to himself as he noticeably winced. Nanami noticed out of the corner of her eye that the comment might have hurt him a little.
'I'm sorry Makoto. I'll make it up to you. But I WON'T let this temperamental, redhead, bitch get in between our special time.' Nanami thought inside her mind.
"Well that was YOU teaching him not the great fire priestess of Muldoon." Shayla puffed proudly as she put her hands on her hips and pride clearly shown on her face. Nanami threw her head back and laughed heartily.
"Ha ha ha ha! You would fail. Your lack of patience and hot head would only lead to failure."
Qawool watched as Shayla-Shayla began to lose this verbal battle. Nanami had hit certain points right on. She had never seen Master Makoto dance before but it's true that Nanami has known him the longest. But it was even truer about priestess Shayla-Shayla's short fuse and how she coped with stress and anger. And after seeing these two fight time and time again, Qawool could anticipate when miss Shayla was going to explode. She raised her ring to her lips and was ready.
Shayla was slipping. Makoto could clearly see it now. Her hands were now fists, her proud grin now only showed frustration. Shayla lowered her head down. The fists became opened. Makoto closed his eyes and took a deep, quiet breath. For once Shayla wasn't going to explode. Or so he hoped. A loud cry from Shayla made him open his eyes. He anticipated seeing flames but all he saw was water. Qawool had saved him and Nanami from any danger from Shayla's fiery out burst. Soon the water died down and he could see Shayla on her knees. Her head was buried in her hands. Makoto looked at the other two girls in the room. Qawool had complete genuine sympathy for Shayla. Instead of seeing a grin on Nanami, Makoto saw sadness and regret fill his childhood friend's eyes. For once he knew that Nanami knew that she had gone too far. Neither of the two girls said a word. An eerie silence filled the laboratory. Makoto finally mustered the resolve to break the silence, by talking to Shayla, but it was too late. When he opened his mouth to speak the fire priestess had beaten him to it.
"Sorry. Forget the whole thing." And after that she turned and ran away like she usually did before anyone could voice a protest.
"Ha serves her right! See Makoto-chan? She could never teach you her temper would get in the way!" Nanami said to him, a tinge of happiness in her voice. Makoto didn't respond.
"Makoto-chan? Don't you agree? I mean who would want to do her stupid dance anyways?" she insisted. He remained speechless. It was like he was lost in another world. Nanami started to get concerned. She moved closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder and gently shook him.
"Makoto-chan?" her tone was worried now. Makoto blinked his eyes. Shayla was gone. He wanted to help her with her dance. The sound of her heartbeats still rung in his ears, his hand was still tingling from when it had touched Shayla's chest, those jade-colored eyes haunted his mind. Makoto blinked a few more times. He saw Nanami's hand on his shoulder and a jolt of anger suddenly surged through him. Slapping the hand away violently he turned to face Nanami.
"Nanami! Why did you say those things?!" his eyes were seething with anger. The brunette took a few steps away. She had never seen Makoto this angry before. And it scared her. She tired to smile as she spoke.
"But Makoto-chan we both know you can't.."
"So what? That does not give you the right to treat Shayla like that!" he interrupted her. He was raising his voice and Nanami didn't like it one bit. Nanami was lost for words. Normally she wouldn't be taking this from any man. She would get peeved and fight right back, like when she would have fights with her older brother. But the man she cared for with all her heart was yelling at her now. There was no way she could fight back.
"Nanami that was so selfish and mean to say things like that! You maybe right about me not being able to dance but that doesn't mean I can't try!" As he continued the verbal assault he kept walking towards her as she would walk back. Soon her back was to a wall, no longer able to step back. Makoto placed his hands on her shoulders and shook her violently.
"Answer me! Why are you such..such a bitch to Shayla-Shayla?!"
There was silence at first. Makoto still had his hands on Nanami's shoulders. He looked at her, rage still flowing through his body. Her head was down to him and she didn't speak or move for few moments. Suddenly Makoto's hands could feel Nanami's shoulders tremble. At first it was subtle but soon it became apparent that they were shaking.
'Oh no.is she." Makoto couldn't finish the thought. Nanami threw his hands off her shoulders but kept her head down. He thought her heard a sniffle. Makoto suddenly felt guilty. For yelling and touching Nanami like he did. The fire inside him died. He spoke her name. Or at least he thought he did. She raised her eyes to him. Makoto could see the bitterness in them. Tears were streaking down her cheeks. It tore at him to see her like this.
"BAKA!" she loudly cried to his face. Immediately afterwards she lashed out her right hand across his left cheek. She then pushed Makoto aside and ran outside of the laboratory. Makoto froze like a statue. The slap on the face hurt, but not as badly as seeing Nanami's eyes. He raised his left hand to touch where Nanami had struck him.
"Master Makoto. Are you alright?" a small voice piped up. Makoto turned his head towards the voice to see a frighten, young water priestess. She wanted to walk towards him but she held back. No doubt afraid of him. Makoto has never really gotten so angry like that.
"I am ok Qawool. Could you please go make sure Nanami is ok?" Makoto asked.
Qawool nodded, turned and left the laboratory leaving Makoto all by himself.
'What have I done?' Makoto thought to himself.
"Oh great heavens! What happened here?" an old voice yelled. Makoto turned to see Dr. Strellbaugh in shock.
"Young Makoto what has happened to my laboratory?" he asked. Makoto looked and for the first time could see what he was talking about. Where Shayla had been standing the surrounding area had been burnt to a crisp. Where books once lay were now piles of ash, small mounds of melting metal replaced what once were the Dr.'s various instruments and devices he had collected over the years. Makoto looked back at Dr. Strellbaugh. He was lost for words. All he could do was softly chuckle. It didn't matter what he said, had he been able to talk, he immediately knew he had to go somewhere else for his research and study.
A knock on his new front door brought Makoto back to the present. He walked over to open it. He wasn't worried for Makoto knew it could only be one person.
"Ohiyo sensei!" Makoto greeted the tall, lanky, stubble-faced man that had entered. He was carrying a large pack on his back that he promptly placed on the ground beside him.
"Good morning Makoto." Fujisawa replied back.
"Does the palace still.I mean it's been days since." he trailed off not finishing. Fujisawa took a deep breath and sighed.
"Makoto it wasn't entirely your fault. Those girls would drive me insane if they were like that to me everyday! I admire you for being able to deal with it so long. Before you finally well..blew up. I understand the need to get away and think things through. That's why I helped you build this little place."
"Yes I know sensei. Just like you also want to get away to the mountains because of miss Mishtal."
"Right. Just like I need to..Now wait a minute! I am not getting away from Miz!"
"Oh? Then why did you swear me to secrecy and not tell anyone about you going to the mountains?" Makoto asked.
"Well that is because." Fujisawa started to turn red.
"Makoto it doesn't matter now! What matters is that we are in the same situation and we are helping each other! You have to learn that women are fickle dangerous creatures. You have to be careful! One minute they are nice and sweet then BAM! They are evil, conniving and they want you to do things that..that." Makoto's teacher didn't say more.
"Like what sensei? What does Miz want you to do?" Fujisawa looked at his young student.
"I can't tell you that! You are too young to hear and know such things!" he exclaimed. A small grin appeared on Makoto. He knew what sensei was talking about. He found it funny how he would get nervous when they would tread on that subject. Fujisawa bent over and picked up his pack. He turned to leave but before exiting he said one more thing.
"Remember Makoto it wasn't your fault. As hurt as Nanami was she cares for you a lot and deep down inside she knows it too. Just go talk to her. You'll see." With those last words Fujisawa headed off towards the mountains in the distance.
'Right sensei, I just need to talk to her to clear things up and apologize.' Makoto then closed the door to his new hiding spot and began walking through the forest towards the palace.
"Wow it is a beautiful day as usual." He looked around the room. It wasn't large or spectacular like the palace by any means. He had a bed and to the left of it was the one and only window. About 5 feet to the right of was a small square table that was covered with different books, papers and charts that Makoto had carried over from the palace library. The walls were bare except for a few pictures of the gang. Sensei, Miz Mishtal, Afura Mann, Shayla-Shayla, Qawool, Nanami, Aielle, princess Rune, Londs, Fatora, Ura, and Dr. Strellbaugh were all scattered randomly on the walls and ceiling.
"I wonder if they found out by now?" Today was the first day in which he slept in his new secret hiding spot. Not that the palace was a problem. He was constantly being fought over by Nanami and Shayla-Shayla. Time to himself was a rare treat. At first he hid out in the library buried in his research but the girls found him. Nanami begging that he needed his help with her business. He didn't mind except when he felt like he was a full- time employee sometimes and without pay too. Plus it didn't help that more often than not; the two of them would go on long nature hikes with a basket of food in tow. Again he didn't mind spending time with Nanami and of course the food was always superb as usual. He thoroughly enjoyed this except when they would return. A grin of satisfaction would always be on Nanami whenever Shayla was there, glaring and interrogating her to no end. Nanami would defend her case by simply saying that it was a business trip to discuss concerns and ideas about her restaurant business and that she need not get so jealous. Qawool the opposite of Shayla in many ways would always have a hint of sadness on her face. When she noticed Makoto was looking at her, the sad face would vanish and would then turn a slight red. He would then feel bad for staring at her like that causing her to blush then he too would blush. Makoto furrowed an eyebrow. It seemed strange to him but as far as he can recall the so called 'business meetings' had very little to nothing to do about Nanami's restaurant.
After being found at the library easily by the girls, Makoto tried a different place in Dr. Strellbaugh's research laboratory near the palace library. With the doctor's knowledge and his various devices they both benefited off one another. However that sanctuary too went away when Nanami and Shayla one fateful day both came to talk to him. They got in a heated argument about who was going to be Makoto's 'date' for the bi-annual Roshtaria Fair. The one-day gathering of all the nearby kingdoms in the Alliance.
"There's food and wine and music and ceremonies and rituals and sooo many neat things to see and do master Makoto!!" Aielle explained excitedly that day. Makoto feared deep inside that Nanami and Shayla would fight each other for the chance to be with himself and only himself during the fair.
"Why couldn't we all just be together in one big happy group?" he thought to himself. It wasn't that he was afraid of going on a date. He feared making a complete fool of himself. Considering the fact that he has never truly gone on an official date. One guy, one girl. Back in Japan he did the group thing with a bunch of girl and guy friends. That was easy enough. There was no awkward silences or looks from other people. Makoto just didn't want to hurt anyone. Ifurita's pain was enough for him he didn't want to cause anyone else pain. If he accepted to be a date with one of the girls the other two would be heart-broken. As much as they would try to shrug it off he just knew they would be hurt. Makoto took a deep breath and sighed.
Only hours had passed when Makoto first heard about the fair from young Aielle when Nanami and Shayla both burst into Dr. Strellbaugh's laboratory. By the shortness of their breaths it appeared that they had both been running. Nanami was the first to catch her breath and so spoke first.
"Makoto-chan! Did you hear about the Roshtaria Fair?! Doesn't it sound like it would be fun like the ones we had back home in Japan with our school?" her eyes were shinning with genuine happiness and anticipation. Makoto only had time to form a smile and was about to reply when Shayla interrupted.
"Makoto." The tone in which she spoke was soft but serious as well. Others rarely heard Shayla speak this way and when she did, whatever she said was honest and sincere. The fire priestess walked up to Makoto, took a hold of his left hand and gently placed it on the upper part of her chest area and held it there. Nanami became furious.
"MAKOTO MIZUHARA! WHAT IN WORLD ARE YOU DOING?!" Nanami was pissed as a girl could be. She would've walked up to Makoto, wrapped her hands around his throat and strangle him had it not been for Qawool who happened to have walked in a few moments before, holding Nanami back.
"Miss Nanami! Please calm down!" Qawool insisted. The hold wasn't going to last given the fact that Nanami was older, bigger and stronger than Qawool. Makoto was well aware of Nanami's outburst and was going to protest to Shayla doing what she was.well..err. doing. But when he opened his mouth Shayla put a finger to his lips.
"Shhhh." the sound was so soft and low that Makoto ears strained to hear it. Nevertheless upon it being uttered, Makoto's desire to ask why she placed his hand on her chest was long forgotten. The laboratory fell deadly silent. Even Nanami though she was still huffing and puffing, was quiet. Makoto could feel Shayla's heart beat against his hand. It got louder and faster each second that went by. She leaned closer to Makoto as if to kiss him.
Nanami's resolve to squirm free of Qawool's hold suddenly died. She felt a cold lump settle in the pit of her stomach. Nanami blinked rapidly in vain hopes that the tears wouldn't show. She wanted to break free, run and push Shayla aside. Embrace Makoto tightly and never let go. She wanted to tell him what she had wanted to all these years. She wanted to cry for forgiveness for having held these feelings inside her for so long. Nanami wanted to so badly. But all she could do was watch. It was a good thing to that Nanami stopped trying to break free. For at that same moment in time Qawool had dropped her hands on Nanami and was also fighting back tears like Nanami.
Makoto stared into those jade-colored eyes. He didn't dare move. He couldn't have even if he wanted to. It was as if he was hypnotized. She stopped inches from his face. Makoto didn't even dare blink. His mind didn't understand it nor did it even try.
"She is beautiful." Makoto thought to himself. Shayla closed her eyes tilted her head slightly down. She gave Makoto's hand a gentle squeeze before she started to speak.
"Makoto. The Roshtaria fair is a few weeks away and I am to participate in a ceremony that celebrates the long history of fire. I need a partner for the dance. Makoto it would mean a great deal to me if you would be my partner." With that said she raised her head and opened her eyes. Her eyes looked right at Makoto's. They were filled with hope and determination. But they also screamed out fear, uncertainty, and sadness. The fire priestess's words said one story but the pair of misty emerald eyes exposed the truth. Makoto organized his thoughts, and chose his words carefully. He knew that what Shayla-Shayla had just asked him took a lot of courage on her part. And he admired her for that. But he also knew with his answer, there might be fiery consequences! He took a deep breath and was ready to give her his reply. Nanami however, had a reply as well.
"What?! Wait a minute! I KNOW for a fact that Makoto cannot dance!" With that outburst Shayla released the hand of Makoto, took a few steps back and turn her full attention to the ranting brunette.
"Well...it is true.." Makoto agreed half-smiling. Shayla gritted her teeth but was prepared for this response.
"So what? I can personally train him to be able to dance his part in the ritual flawlessly." Shayla coolly replied back. Nanami was getting slightly perturbed but recovered her composure.
"I have tried to teach him to dance before at our school plays and dances and things like that back home in Japan but Makoto can't do it. He's too clumsy!" Nanami exclaimed as she pointed to Makoto's feet.
"Ouch..." Makoto thought to himself as he noticeably winced. Nanami noticed out of the corner of her eye that the comment might have hurt him a little.
'I'm sorry Makoto. I'll make it up to you. But I WON'T let this temperamental, redhead, bitch get in between our special time.' Nanami thought inside her mind.
"Well that was YOU teaching him not the great fire priestess of Muldoon." Shayla puffed proudly as she put her hands on her hips and pride clearly shown on her face. Nanami threw her head back and laughed heartily.
"Ha ha ha ha! You would fail. Your lack of patience and hot head would only lead to failure."
Qawool watched as Shayla-Shayla began to lose this verbal battle. Nanami had hit certain points right on. She had never seen Master Makoto dance before but it's true that Nanami has known him the longest. But it was even truer about priestess Shayla-Shayla's short fuse and how she coped with stress and anger. And after seeing these two fight time and time again, Qawool could anticipate when miss Shayla was going to explode. She raised her ring to her lips and was ready.
Shayla was slipping. Makoto could clearly see it now. Her hands were now fists, her proud grin now only showed frustration. Shayla lowered her head down. The fists became opened. Makoto closed his eyes and took a deep, quiet breath. For once Shayla wasn't going to explode. Or so he hoped. A loud cry from Shayla made him open his eyes. He anticipated seeing flames but all he saw was water. Qawool had saved him and Nanami from any danger from Shayla's fiery out burst. Soon the water died down and he could see Shayla on her knees. Her head was buried in her hands. Makoto looked at the other two girls in the room. Qawool had complete genuine sympathy for Shayla. Instead of seeing a grin on Nanami, Makoto saw sadness and regret fill his childhood friend's eyes. For once he knew that Nanami knew that she had gone too far. Neither of the two girls said a word. An eerie silence filled the laboratory. Makoto finally mustered the resolve to break the silence, by talking to Shayla, but it was too late. When he opened his mouth to speak the fire priestess had beaten him to it.
"Sorry. Forget the whole thing." And after that she turned and ran away like she usually did before anyone could voice a protest.
"Ha serves her right! See Makoto-chan? She could never teach you her temper would get in the way!" Nanami said to him, a tinge of happiness in her voice. Makoto didn't respond.
"Makoto-chan? Don't you agree? I mean who would want to do her stupid dance anyways?" she insisted. He remained speechless. It was like he was lost in another world. Nanami started to get concerned. She moved closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder and gently shook him.
"Makoto-chan?" her tone was worried now. Makoto blinked his eyes. Shayla was gone. He wanted to help her with her dance. The sound of her heartbeats still rung in his ears, his hand was still tingling from when it had touched Shayla's chest, those jade-colored eyes haunted his mind. Makoto blinked a few more times. He saw Nanami's hand on his shoulder and a jolt of anger suddenly surged through him. Slapping the hand away violently he turned to face Nanami.
"Nanami! Why did you say those things?!" his eyes were seething with anger. The brunette took a few steps away. She had never seen Makoto this angry before. And it scared her. She tired to smile as she spoke.
"But Makoto-chan we both know you can't.."
"So what? That does not give you the right to treat Shayla like that!" he interrupted her. He was raising his voice and Nanami didn't like it one bit. Nanami was lost for words. Normally she wouldn't be taking this from any man. She would get peeved and fight right back, like when she would have fights with her older brother. But the man she cared for with all her heart was yelling at her now. There was no way she could fight back.
"Nanami that was so selfish and mean to say things like that! You maybe right about me not being able to dance but that doesn't mean I can't try!" As he continued the verbal assault he kept walking towards her as she would walk back. Soon her back was to a wall, no longer able to step back. Makoto placed his hands on her shoulders and shook her violently.
"Answer me! Why are you such..such a bitch to Shayla-Shayla?!"
There was silence at first. Makoto still had his hands on Nanami's shoulders. He looked at her, rage still flowing through his body. Her head was down to him and she didn't speak or move for few moments. Suddenly Makoto's hands could feel Nanami's shoulders tremble. At first it was subtle but soon it became apparent that they were shaking.
'Oh no.is she." Makoto couldn't finish the thought. Nanami threw his hands off her shoulders but kept her head down. He thought her heard a sniffle. Makoto suddenly felt guilty. For yelling and touching Nanami like he did. The fire inside him died. He spoke her name. Or at least he thought he did. She raised her eyes to him. Makoto could see the bitterness in them. Tears were streaking down her cheeks. It tore at him to see her like this.
"BAKA!" she loudly cried to his face. Immediately afterwards she lashed out her right hand across his left cheek. She then pushed Makoto aside and ran outside of the laboratory. Makoto froze like a statue. The slap on the face hurt, but not as badly as seeing Nanami's eyes. He raised his left hand to touch where Nanami had struck him.
"Master Makoto. Are you alright?" a small voice piped up. Makoto turned his head towards the voice to see a frighten, young water priestess. She wanted to walk towards him but she held back. No doubt afraid of him. Makoto has never really gotten so angry like that.
"I am ok Qawool. Could you please go make sure Nanami is ok?" Makoto asked.
Qawool nodded, turned and left the laboratory leaving Makoto all by himself.
'What have I done?' Makoto thought to himself.
"Oh great heavens! What happened here?" an old voice yelled. Makoto turned to see Dr. Strellbaugh in shock.
"Young Makoto what has happened to my laboratory?" he asked. Makoto looked and for the first time could see what he was talking about. Where Shayla had been standing the surrounding area had been burnt to a crisp. Where books once lay were now piles of ash, small mounds of melting metal replaced what once were the Dr.'s various instruments and devices he had collected over the years. Makoto looked back at Dr. Strellbaugh. He was lost for words. All he could do was softly chuckle. It didn't matter what he said, had he been able to talk, he immediately knew he had to go somewhere else for his research and study.
A knock on his new front door brought Makoto back to the present. He walked over to open it. He wasn't worried for Makoto knew it could only be one person.
"Ohiyo sensei!" Makoto greeted the tall, lanky, stubble-faced man that had entered. He was carrying a large pack on his back that he promptly placed on the ground beside him.
"Good morning Makoto." Fujisawa replied back.
"Does the palace still.I mean it's been days since." he trailed off not finishing. Fujisawa took a deep breath and sighed.
"Makoto it wasn't entirely your fault. Those girls would drive me insane if they were like that to me everyday! I admire you for being able to deal with it so long. Before you finally well..blew up. I understand the need to get away and think things through. That's why I helped you build this little place."
"Yes I know sensei. Just like you also want to get away to the mountains because of miss Mishtal."
"Right. Just like I need to..Now wait a minute! I am not getting away from Miz!"
"Oh? Then why did you swear me to secrecy and not tell anyone about you going to the mountains?" Makoto asked.
"Well that is because." Fujisawa started to turn red.
"Makoto it doesn't matter now! What matters is that we are in the same situation and we are helping each other! You have to learn that women are fickle dangerous creatures. You have to be careful! One minute they are nice and sweet then BAM! They are evil, conniving and they want you to do things that..that." Makoto's teacher didn't say more.
"Like what sensei? What does Miz want you to do?" Fujisawa looked at his young student.
"I can't tell you that! You are too young to hear and know such things!" he exclaimed. A small grin appeared on Makoto. He knew what sensei was talking about. He found it funny how he would get nervous when they would tread on that subject. Fujisawa bent over and picked up his pack. He turned to leave but before exiting he said one more thing.
"Remember Makoto it wasn't your fault. As hurt as Nanami was she cares for you a lot and deep down inside she knows it too. Just go talk to her. You'll see." With those last words Fujisawa headed off towards the mountains in the distance.
'Right sensei, I just need to talk to her to clear things up and apologize.' Makoto then closed the door to his new hiding spot and began walking through the forest towards the palace.
