Disclaimers: not mine, no money, don't sue.
Notes/ warnings: none that I can think of. Oh yeah, to Rei-chan, as usual, thanks for everything love ya! (translates to: thanks for doing my bio homework! ^_^) hehehe, but seriously, there aren't any real notes nor any warnings.
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Like an Endless Dream
By Kuroi Tenshi
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Chapter 4- Strange Land, Peculiar Store, and an Old Fortuneteller
Noisy and busy chatter filled her ears as buyers, bystanders and shoppers generally passed and walked past her. Reiana stared at the long table filled with all sort of things. There was this stall they visited few moments ago selling all kinds of jewelry, every imaginable design, size and stones beautifully carved on it.
And now they were standing in one of those stalls once again, all in search for the perfect gift to be given to the young noble's son. Beautiful painting adorned the long table this time.
Celena made a face. "I'm not really good at making decisions like this. What do you think, Reiana? What could we possibly give Daniel?"
Reiana pursed her lips and looked at her. "He's turning ten, right? So why not give him something like a toy? I bet he'd love to get a mangga if you have those things here. But knowing you don't... what are his interests?"
Celena's forehead creased. "I'm not sure. Wait... I think I heard from Allen once that he loves to ride. I think he adores horses," she said, frowning. "Is that okay?"
Reiana turned to Ken and smiled. "More than okay. Let's go find anything that has something to do with horses then!" And they started their long search for horses, horses and more horses.
After the whole afternoon spent on looking for anything good enough for the boy with regards to horses and still nothing, Celena sighed, sitting on the bench near the plaza, reaching the end of the long and spacious streets lined with stalls after stalls of different sorts. "This is really starting to get to me. We've been here all afternoon and combed the place for anything good and still nothing!" she complained. "I'm really tired."
Reiana shook her head. "We're not done yet. But... isn't there any marketplace left we can visit? This one's really useless."
Ken cleared his throat. "Maybe I can help. I know of this little village where there's this store that sells all sort of things. Maybe we can find something there."
Celena stood up and glared at the horizon above her. "Alright then, let's go! I'm not letting the sun and heat get the best out of me! We'll get Daniel a present even if it kills us trying to look for one!"
Reiana grinned. "That's the spirit!"
~*~*~*~
"Maybe asking for directions would help," Reiana said slowly, eyeing Ken closely. "Are you sure you know where we're going? Or where we even are?"
He nodded but she saw the uncertainty in his deep green eyes. She sighed. "We're lost, aren't we?"
"I wouldn't call it lost," he insisted. "We just lost our sense of direction," he said. "But we'll be fine. As soon as I figure out where we are."
Celena sighed next to her. "I knew it, this was such a bad idea! Maybe we should've waited for Allen to come instead. Maybe he could've even helped us pick out a present."
Ken opened his mouth to protest but closed it without saying a word. Reiana knew it must've hurt his pride the way Celena said it, even if she didn't mean it. "Look, we can just ask for directions and go home," she said softly as the small carriage passed by a small village.
"Why don't we stop for a while?" Celena suggested. "I need to stretch my legs anyway, we've been sitting in this carriage far too long. And snacks would be nice too," she said. "I swear, my stomach's really screaming out for food."
They all agreed and went to stop in front of something that looked like a small store. Reiana peeked in quietly and saw it was indeed a store. But there was something else about it that was different. It wasn't a just thrift shop, she was sure.
It's the aura, an aura of mysteriousness and difference enveloped the whole store, making goosebumps rise on her arms. This is really weird. Where the hell are we anyway?
"You're in my store," the voice coming from behind the long and wooden counter said. "Welcome to my store, as you can see, it's not very big. And the merchandise are dusty but they're still good." Her voice, to them, sounded hollow and old, as if forced out.
Ken forced a smile and turned to the counter. "Actually, we're lost. Can you help us find our way back? Or if there's any place here where we can stop to eat?"
"You can eat here, I'll prepare something for you youngsters if you like," an old woman offered, stepping out to greet them. "You seem tired and I think it'll be best for you to rest for a while before you continue your journey back wherever you came from." She directed the last part at Reiana and she felt shivers ran up her spine.
It felt like this woman knew things about her. And it didn't help that both Ken and Celena agreed to rest and eat for a while. Reiana eyed the old woman then looked away when the woman looked back, daring her to look into her eyes.
Reiana busied herself with looking around the store as her companions talked to Tatiana, as the old woman wanted to be called. She saw volume after volume of books written in different languages, ones she can't understand. Then she saw something that caught her eye.
It was a dark blue curtain at the far corner of the room, hidden by the tall shelves. She tentatively poked her head in and found nothing out of the ordinary.
Until she faced left and saw something interesting. At the middle of a small round table was a crystal ball. And behind it, candles and incense burned, enveloping the small dark room in thin smoke and dim light. Her eyes caught something shine in the darkness.
The outline was vague and she had to squint to see it better. It was a small dagger.
Tatiana tapped her on the shoulder and she cried in surprise, moving back, stumbling into the room. "OH! Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I mean, I just saw it and I couldn't help and sorry! I'm really sorry." She apologized, bowing over and over.
She shook her head and smiled. "Don't worry about it. As you have seen, I'm also a fortuneteller."
Her friends came and Celena asked if Tatiana could read her fortune. Tatiana smiled but said her fortune-telling abilities had passed on with her old age. Celena smiled wistfully but said it was okay.
Reiana didn't say anything. Fortune telling reminded her of home, of friends, of Hitomi. The others gone in, moving inside the house to eat, leaving Reiana to herself.
Tatiana paused at the door. "Reiana, dear, before you go, please see me privately here in this room," she said before moving inside, leaving a stunned Reiana behind.
Why would she want to see me?
~*~*~*~
After their meal, they thanked Tatiana and went to explore the store. Reiana, about to give up hope in ever finding a nice gift, sighed. She was at the last shelf and still nothing.
Then something caught reflection in the setting sun's rays. It was sculpture of a horse, running free. It was made of silver and decorated with streaks of gold for its hair.
Reiana grinned happily and called on to her friends. "Celena! Ken! Look! I found something!"
"Thank you for everything," Celena said, paying for the silver mare. You really helped us a lot and we would like to visit some time soon."
Tatiana nodded. "Ah, yes. Visit me soon? I'm sure you'll visit me soon." She said, looking at Reiana in the eye.
What's her problem? Reiana wondered as she walked along the tall shelves and peeked in the room where Tatiana was supposed to meet her.
Tatiana stood up from her chair and smiled at her. "I know you're thinking that I'm weird but please, I just want to be your friend. Trust me."
Reiana nodded and smiled back. "I know. I shouldn't have been acting that way. But you seemed to know something and I couldn't feel exactly comfortable with it."
"That's because I do know something. But it's not in my power and right to tell you what it is. All I can say it be careful," she said, standing up and taking the dagger from where it hang on the wall. "Look at this," she said. "This had been passed down from generation to another by my family. I have no children of my mine and now I'm giving this to you. You'll need it in the future."
Reiana shook her head. "No, no way. I can't take something like that. That's so valuable! I can't take it and I won't."
"But I insist. As a token of our friendship," Tatiana said.
"Your friendship I accept but not the dagger. I won't take it. But I appreciate it though. I know you're just concerned or something but there's no need to be. I can take care of myself. And I'm going now before it gets too dark and we'll get lost again. But I'll visit you again, when I can."
Tatiana smiled as Reiana paused at the door. "You've seen the future, haven't you?" she asked. "Was it bad?"
"It will all have to depend on what will happen next, Reiana. So try to be honest to the ones' you love."
Reiana smiled. "Thank you. And I'll try to be honest ... will I ever return home?"
"That too, will depend on what will happen next."
Reiana nodded. "Okay. Goodbye, Tatiana. Take care of yourself."
"Goodbye, Reiana Tankaa. May the gods be with you and watch over you," she replied quietly though Reiana wouldn't hear it.
===***===****===****
Chapter 5- Interlude
Reiana hummed to herself as the soft breeze caressed her face and her hair whipping around her gently. Beside her, Celena lay asleep as the carriage moved east, heading back to the fortress.
Ken cleared his throat and turned to her, taking his eyes off the road for a second. "So Reiana, tell me more about yourself. We never got to know each other that well."
Reiana paused. "Hmm.... I know I already told you I love anime," she said slowly, thinking. "And that.... My best friend's interested in arts and literature. So what else is there to say?"
"Anything else about you? What do you do with your free time? Do you play games, practice swords... what do you do?"
Reiana was contemplating whether or not she'd tell Ken that she's the dojo's champion duelist. She remembered Tatiana's words and opened her mouth to say it when Celena stirred.
They both paused and then smiled at each other, as she remained asleep. "I heard from Gaddeth that an earthquake can come and still she'd be asleep," Ken said.
They both laughed. Reiana smiled at him. "It's really nice to have known you, Ken," she said. Ken smiled back and said nothing in return.
Companionable silence filled the air as they kept quiet, both busy with their own thoughts. The trees swayed gently to the direction of the breeze while whistling softly were the wind on their ears.
"I've never really been this close to nature before," Reiana suddenly said, breaking the silence that stilled the night. "I grew up in this big and busy city all my life and I've just... never been this close to nature. Not even during nature trips, not as close as this."
Ken smiled. "Maybe it's because there aren't tall buildings like there are in... was it Kyoto? Maybe you didn't have the night sky as blue as this on the Mystic Moon."
"Maybe. Or maybe I just took things for granted," Reiana said quietly.
Ken frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I've always been with my best friend, Lynn since I was small. We've always been together even if we had different likes and interests. And I've always been complaining about petty things like why is there snow when it'll only get cold and things such as the heater isn't working... you know?
"You don't," she said, sticking out her tongue. "It was pretty stupid to ask you about things in the Mystic Moon, isn't it? How would you know?" she shook her head. "As I was saying... I just... took things for granted back then."
"Aww, Reiana, it's just the nature, new land and strange customs getting to you," Ken said, trying to comfort her. "You're overreacting to things."
Reiana shook her head. "No. I just realized that I never had any boyfriend before. And it wasn't because nobody asked me out either. I just took things for granted, thinking that the right one will just pop out of nowhere if I wish him to be.
"I was like a snob in so many ways, subtle and disguised by my aggressiveness and intimidating personality. Maybe I should've been more open. Then maybe David would've been with me instead of Keiko. Then maybe..."
"You wouldn't have been here," Ken offered. "I know that it's hard for you right now that you're in strange land, in a different world. But keep in mind that we're always here for you. We'll always be here. I'll be here."
Reiana's eyes softened and she smiled. "Thank you, Ken. Thanks a lot `cause this really means a lot to me."
"You mean a lot to me too. That's why I'm doing all this for you." Ken said, staring in her eyes, seeming to drown in their deep brown abyss.
And they stared into each other's eyes until Celena suddenly bolted up and cried, "That is so sweet!" she grinned at them. "I wish someone will tell me that too," she cooed.
Reiana and Ken turned red and Celena grinned. "Ah, lovers."
====**===****====
Chapter 6- Accidents?
"Where the hell have you been?" Allen exclaimed, glaring at Ken. "Celena, you said you'd be back before dark!"
"I know, I know. Sorry. But we had to look for the perfect gift," she reasoned, giving him her best sad-regretful-sorry-doe-eyes. "But I'm sure you'll forgive us once I show you--this!" she said, showing him the silver horse. "Isn't it perfect? And it was Reiana who saw it!"
Allen looked at her, eyeing her closely.
She huffed and glared at him. "What? You don't believe it?"
He shook his head. "No," he said slowly. "You have excellent taste. And thank you for helping Celena buy a gift for the boy. And you, Ken... you promised to get them home before dark!"
Reiana stepped between the two men. "It was my fault," she said, placing a hand on Ken's right shoulder. "I--I said we should check out more places and stores. Sorry. It was all my fault and Ken had no choice but to compel with what I said. So please don't be angry at him, be angry at me."
Allen shook his head and sighed. "How can I be angry at you? I'm a knight and I should be chivalrous. I should've been there with you."
Reiana wondered what chivalrous had to do with anything. To her it was completely unrelated. So she just shrugged. "Sure. Well, it's getting pretty late now, why don't we all rest?"
"That sounds great. So... call me when dinner's ready?" Celena said then quickly dashed off, to the safety of her room before her brother could give her an earful from breaking her promise to be back early.
Allen looked at his sister's retreating figure and sighed. She knew I'd be talking to her so she ran off. What a clever little sister I have. Too bad she's using her cleverness to escape me.
He glanced at Reiana who was biting her lower lip nervously. "Ano--again, sorry. I mean... I'm really sorry if we had to make you worry. But I assure you, there was nothing to be worried about. Celena, Ken and I are very much capable of taking care of ourselves, you know."
He nodded and looked at Ken at the corner of his eyes. He was looking at Reiana and Allen didn't like it. "Ken, you can go back to your room to rest now."
He sighed and nodded. "Alright, sir. I'll be going now," he said, turning to leave. "Bye, Reiana."
She beamed and nodded. "Sure. Thanks for coming with us, Ken. I really appreciate it."
Allen nodded. "I'll be going now. I still have to check on the defense in front. Rest now, Reiana. I'm sure you're tired."
Reiana nodded. "Yes, sir!" she mimicked a salute then grinned. "I'll take my rest now, Boss." She smiled at Ken. "Thanks again, Ken."
Ken nodded and smiled at her, his eyes twinkling and Allen turned away from them, waiting to be alone in the empty silent corridor before allowing the frown he was holding back.
"Thanks again, Ken," he mimicked, his voice high-pitched and shrilly, just like a girl with something stuck on her throat. "Those guys are soooo sweet they make my teeth hurt," he rolled his eyes as he walked, mimicking Reiana and Ken every second.
~*~*~*~
Reiana only came out of her room when she was called for dinner with everyone else. Allen and Celena hadn't arrived yet and she was left with Cherie as a companion--if you can call her that.
"So what have you been up the whole day?" Cherie asked in her sickeningly sugary-sweet voice. "Why you guys didn't even tell me you're going out!"
"Because we didn't want you with us," Reiana said seriously but a smile was on her lips making it seem like she was joking. "And we didn't think you'll miss us either anyway. You were so wrapped up with your needlework we didn't want to disturb you."
"But I would've loved to go with you guys! My needles could've waited." Cherie said. "Maybe someone didn't want me to come along." She glared at Reiana.
Reiana looked away, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, maybe Celena wanted to escape you--I mean, I escape the fortress for a while and just thought you wouldn't like to join her."
"Celena's my friend, she'd never think like that, unlike some commoner I know." She smiled sweetly and Reiana wanted nothing else but to puke her lunch.
"Right, whatever," she rolled her eyes, smiling as Celena came and took the seat across her. "Hiya, Celena. So are you okay now? Still tired?"
Celena shook her head. "Not really. That nap really helped. So where's Allen?"
"Allen said he won't be able to join us for dinner tonight since he'll be checking on fortress and the progress reports about the attacks," Cherie said, rolling her eyes. "Celena, really, tell Allen to stop being so uptight."
"I think Allen's just doing his work. I mean, if he'd take his time the way you do then Astoria might as well end up in ashes."
"No one asked what you think so keep your stupid opinions to yourself," Cherie glared at her from across the table and Reiana pretended not to see it. Cherie glared at her, giving her the look of a thousand death while Reiana continued to ignore it.
"You know, I'm done now," Reiana said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with the napkin and placed it at the table. She pushed her chair backwards and stood up.
"You're finished already?" Celena asked, her eyes wide. "But we just started eating!"
"You'll lose your appetite if you eat while someone looks at you like someone just about ready to strangle and rob you off your breath," Reiana joked good-naturedly. "Well, I'll be careful of hallways if I were you, someone might just jump on you and start choking you," she directed this at Cherie with a wide smile. "Bye, Cherie. Try that Cherry pie over there, the Cherie on top looks like one hell of a mutated fruit. It might be poisonous."
Cherie glared at her while Reiana returned the gesture by smiling broad. "We are so like best friends, don't you agree?"
"I'm of nob----''
"---ble blood, I know. And you'll never be friends with a commoner. Too bad you'll never be good friends with me, I just felt such chemistry between us. The one that explodes."
Celena hid her smile as Cherie turned red with rage while Reiana was smiling from ear to ear. "Cherie, Reiana, why don't we go out in the garden later? We can watch the stars."
"Sure! I enjoy watching the stars I used to gaze at them with Lynn..." her eyes softened at the mention of her best friend's name. She blinked and shook her head. "Umm... I'll go now, see you later."
Celena looked at her. "I hope she doesn't miss the Mystic Moon so much."
"I don't really care about her at all," Cherie said haughtily. "Tell me more about Allen," she said, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Is it true she and that Hitomi-girl was, like, an item?"
Celena shrugged. "I'm not sure... maybe... maybe not. Why don't you ask Allen?"
Cherie rolled her eyes. "Like he'll tell me. Honestly, Celena, I feel like your brother doesn't like me much. I wonder why."
Celena shrugged. "Maybe he's... interested in other types of women.... Like maybe... foreigners?" she said slowly, suggesting.
"Are you telling me there's a princess from another land here who likes to compete with my beauty and brains?" Cherie asked, her tone a pitch higher and louder.
"Cherie! You know I was just thinking aloud. Anyway, what if so? Allen's entitled to his own choice of lover. As long as he's happy, I'm happy."
"And what about me?" Cherie whined.
"Cherie, you've got your own life, why not look for a suitable one and settle down?"
"That's it," Cherie said. "I already found someone. But apparently, he hasn't realized yet we were meant for each other. But I'm working on that right now. I'm sure he'll realize soon enough little ingrates are no competitions for me."
And Celena suddenly had a bad feeling about things. Obviously, Cherie had this delusion that Allen liked Reiana which was really absurd.
"If you're talking about Allen and Reiana, if it'll make you feel better, there's nothing going on between them. They pretty much hate each other so don't worry about it."
Cherie smiled at her. "You're right. I'm sure Allen won't sink that low at her level. He's perfect for me and I'm perfect for him. Life is so good."
"Well, I'll rest now before I meet Reiana at the garden. You sure you don't wanna come with us? You can still change your mind."
"I'm positive. I don't want blood staining the freshly cut grass at the garden. But I'll see you in the morning, okay?"
Celena nodded and left the dinning room, leaving Cherie alone sitting on the long and empty table.
~*~*~*~
Reiana looked around her, she was walking along a dark deserted hallway, looking for the way back to her room. It seemed as if she lost her way and is now trying in vain to get back to her room without help.
"Maybe I should've taken that left turn instead of the right," she said to herself. "I hate my sense of direction! No wonder I get lost in Kyoto so much back then--what the--!"
Something caught reflection in the moonlight and Reiana left her heart stop beating for a second or two.
What was that?
~*~*~*~
Allen paused from walking and examined a new addition of vases from Fanelia. It was from Van, wishing him well for the upcoming duel held at the Palace in two weeks.
Suddenly, he heard Reiana running from a distance behind him and he turned, only to see her running towards him. "What the--Reiana?''
Reiana suddenly grabbed him and pushed him aside. "Watch out, Allen!" she cried out, tackling him under her and then getting up quickly to secure the metal that crashed the vase Allen was looking at only seconds ago. "Wow! I thought for a second you were a goner. You okay?"
He nodded and she smiled. "Good. It wouldn't look good having your blood stain the freshly cut grass. And I know how much Celena loves the garden. And to see your blood and all the gross stuff squashed by the pole while watching the stars would definitely be disgusting."
Allen looked at her. "How did you know that metal pole was hurling towards me?" he asked her, suspicion seeping in his voice.
Reiana inhaled sharply. "What? Excuse me but as I recall, I just saved you and that's not exactly a `thank you' I hear." She glared at him. "Is that how you say `thanks for saving my neck'? Then I don't want it!" she pushed him and turned away from him. She crossed her arms across her chest and pointedly ignored him.
Seconds later, people were rushing toward them. Celena frowned. "What happened? I heard something loud crash from here. I was afraid someone got hurt."
"It's nothing." Allen reassured his sister, stealing glances at Reiana who was bending to look at the pole. "The metal pole's rope snapped and I almost got hit but Reiana saved me."
Reiana frowned at the piece of rope she had in her hands. "The rope didn't snap just like that. It was cut. I wonder why..." she said, thinking aloud. "Allen, any enemies?"
Allen frowned. "You must be mistaken," he said. "No way can the enemy get past us and attempt on our lives. This is just an acci---''
"Allen!" Cherie called out, in her nightgown and robe. "What happened? I heard from one of your men while I was out that you were almost hit by a pole!" she said, worry and concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"
Reiana stood up, sighing. "I'll turn in now. Goodnight everybody," she said to no one in particular. Everyone's attention was on Allen who almost got struck by the big bad metal pole. She rolled her eyes.
She slipped away almost unnoticed since everyone's attention was on the `victim' and she might as well vanish and everyone would still be fussing all over Allen. And how dare that blond bimbo say it must've been a mistake the rope snapped. She knew what she saw and that rope was definitely cut, it didn't snap.
And I'll prove it to everyone that I'm right, she thought, her hands balling into a fist. And then they'll believe me that it wasn't just an accident.
~*~*~*~
Reiana sighed and smoothened her skirt. She was wearing her uniform and all her two days of investigating didn't have much result at all. Nothing ever came out pointing, leading or even giving you the impression the metal pole was deliberately released to squash Allen like some unwanted pest or mosquito.
Even the rope is missing. So trying to prove anything was useless. No one believed her and she was just making a fool out of herself. She knew most of the men already thought she's weird.
She stretched her arms and yawned. She's been missing her daily practice on kendo by investigating and nothing turned out. "Lynn must be worried by now. And sensei might even lecture me if he finds out I've been slacking off with practice." She sighed. She was so confused from living her life the way she was used to and adjusting to the life she's supposed to temporary have while she was in Gaea.
She looked up the sky and saw the mystic moon, her eyes softened. "Well, I'm not about to let all this problems get the best outta me! I'll continue practicing and still investigate! I'm no champion duelist if I can't do that!" she smiled. I can do anything, as long as I have the desire and determination! That's the secret of Reiana's success!
She didn't notice someone watching her from a distance, hidden by the weeping willow's draping branches and leaves.
Ken sighed and leaned against the tree trunk. Reiana's so cool. She's pretty, smart and she doesn't have an attitude. And it seemed like he had a chance with her. But... what if she had to go back to her world?
Then he'd be left all alone while she moved on with her life as if nothing happened. Was it how this will end? That was the only obstacle in his way from confessing what he really felt about the dark haired youth.
Suddenly she turned around and smiled at his direction. "You can come out, Ken," she called out, waving cheerfully. "I know it's you."
Ken was about to step out of his hiding place when Allen suddenly stepped out from behind the tree few feet away from him where he was hiding. "Sorry but I'm not Ken," he said.
Reiana arched an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "What do you want?" she asked, her tone flat and cold. "If you're here to tell me to stop saying those `accidents' are impossible, then I don't wanna hear it."
Allen held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not here to say anything like that. I just... wanted to say thank you for saving me few nights ago. I know I must've been a jerk to you that night, I'm sorry. And thanks for saving me."
She sighed. "It's nothing, just forget about it... how long were you standing there?" she asked, feeling herself blush. She knew she must've looked pretty silly talking to herself.
"Not long," he answered. "Um... Reiana? I was just wondering... if you'd like to join me eat some cake this afternoon? As a sigh of my apology and thanks?"
She smiled. "Sure. Oh, hey, where's Celena? We never got to watch the stars last night."
"I'm sure she's talking to Cherie about the accident. Those two ladies worry too much. They'll be stuck in Cherie's room until dinnertime, I suppose. Moving from the topic of security to politics to guys in general." He winked. "You know what I mean."
Reiana laughed. "So what about that cake, huh?" she said, smiling brightly. "I'm sure I'll love it if it's as delicious as the food they serve at dinner."
Allen offered his arm and she took it, laughing lightly. And they left, arm in arm, their difference finally resolved and they were friends at last.
Ken sighed, closing his eyes. Now that Allen's in the picture, no way could he ask Reiana to be something more than a friend. The older man's intentions weren't really that clear but if he went after Reiana... he might as well forget about her.
He shook his head. But he hasn't made a move yet. And it's not yet clear what he feels. If I act now, I know I'll beat him and have Reiana's heart to keep!
Allen smiled at Reiana before taking a bite on the chocolate cake the chef prepared for their snacks. She smiled back and dug in.
He watched her at the corner of his eye and waited for her reaction. Celena told him Reiana loved chocolate above anything else and the blond was willing to eat chocolate day in and day out if it would make the brunette happy.
Celena had demanded he apologize to her and try his very best to be her friend. And he wasn't about to say no to his sister. And it seemed as if they were becoming friends, just as Celena wanted it.
Suddenly, instead of the happy, amazed, or anything good that would express her delight in the chocolate, Reiana turned red and started choking.
"I think you had a little too much," he tried to joke. She shook her head, turning pale now. Then Celena burst in the veranda where they were eating. "Have you seen Cherie? She's missing--Reiana?"
All of a sudden, Reiana slumped forward, right into Allen's waiting arms. He checked her pulse and turned white. "Her pulse is weak, she's barely breathing!"
Notes/ warnings: none that I can think of. Oh yeah, to Rei-chan, as usual, thanks for everything love ya! (translates to: thanks for doing my bio homework! ^_^) hehehe, but seriously, there aren't any real notes nor any warnings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Like an Endless Dream
By Kuroi Tenshi
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4- Strange Land, Peculiar Store, and an Old Fortuneteller
Noisy and busy chatter filled her ears as buyers, bystanders and shoppers generally passed and walked past her. Reiana stared at the long table filled with all sort of things. There was this stall they visited few moments ago selling all kinds of jewelry, every imaginable design, size and stones beautifully carved on it.
And now they were standing in one of those stalls once again, all in search for the perfect gift to be given to the young noble's son. Beautiful painting adorned the long table this time.
Celena made a face. "I'm not really good at making decisions like this. What do you think, Reiana? What could we possibly give Daniel?"
Reiana pursed her lips and looked at her. "He's turning ten, right? So why not give him something like a toy? I bet he'd love to get a mangga if you have those things here. But knowing you don't... what are his interests?"
Celena's forehead creased. "I'm not sure. Wait... I think I heard from Allen once that he loves to ride. I think he adores horses," she said, frowning. "Is that okay?"
Reiana turned to Ken and smiled. "More than okay. Let's go find anything that has something to do with horses then!" And they started their long search for horses, horses and more horses.
After the whole afternoon spent on looking for anything good enough for the boy with regards to horses and still nothing, Celena sighed, sitting on the bench near the plaza, reaching the end of the long and spacious streets lined with stalls after stalls of different sorts. "This is really starting to get to me. We've been here all afternoon and combed the place for anything good and still nothing!" she complained. "I'm really tired."
Reiana shook her head. "We're not done yet. But... isn't there any marketplace left we can visit? This one's really useless."
Ken cleared his throat. "Maybe I can help. I know of this little village where there's this store that sells all sort of things. Maybe we can find something there."
Celena stood up and glared at the horizon above her. "Alright then, let's go! I'm not letting the sun and heat get the best out of me! We'll get Daniel a present even if it kills us trying to look for one!"
Reiana grinned. "That's the spirit!"
~*~*~*~
"Maybe asking for directions would help," Reiana said slowly, eyeing Ken closely. "Are you sure you know where we're going? Or where we even are?"
He nodded but she saw the uncertainty in his deep green eyes. She sighed. "We're lost, aren't we?"
"I wouldn't call it lost," he insisted. "We just lost our sense of direction," he said. "But we'll be fine. As soon as I figure out where we are."
Celena sighed next to her. "I knew it, this was such a bad idea! Maybe we should've waited for Allen to come instead. Maybe he could've even helped us pick out a present."
Ken opened his mouth to protest but closed it without saying a word. Reiana knew it must've hurt his pride the way Celena said it, even if she didn't mean it. "Look, we can just ask for directions and go home," she said softly as the small carriage passed by a small village.
"Why don't we stop for a while?" Celena suggested. "I need to stretch my legs anyway, we've been sitting in this carriage far too long. And snacks would be nice too," she said. "I swear, my stomach's really screaming out for food."
They all agreed and went to stop in front of something that looked like a small store. Reiana peeked in quietly and saw it was indeed a store. But there was something else about it that was different. It wasn't a just thrift shop, she was sure.
It's the aura, an aura of mysteriousness and difference enveloped the whole store, making goosebumps rise on her arms. This is really weird. Where the hell are we anyway?
"You're in my store," the voice coming from behind the long and wooden counter said. "Welcome to my store, as you can see, it's not very big. And the merchandise are dusty but they're still good." Her voice, to them, sounded hollow and old, as if forced out.
Ken forced a smile and turned to the counter. "Actually, we're lost. Can you help us find our way back? Or if there's any place here where we can stop to eat?"
"You can eat here, I'll prepare something for you youngsters if you like," an old woman offered, stepping out to greet them. "You seem tired and I think it'll be best for you to rest for a while before you continue your journey back wherever you came from." She directed the last part at Reiana and she felt shivers ran up her spine.
It felt like this woman knew things about her. And it didn't help that both Ken and Celena agreed to rest and eat for a while. Reiana eyed the old woman then looked away when the woman looked back, daring her to look into her eyes.
Reiana busied herself with looking around the store as her companions talked to Tatiana, as the old woman wanted to be called. She saw volume after volume of books written in different languages, ones she can't understand. Then she saw something that caught her eye.
It was a dark blue curtain at the far corner of the room, hidden by the tall shelves. She tentatively poked her head in and found nothing out of the ordinary.
Until she faced left and saw something interesting. At the middle of a small round table was a crystal ball. And behind it, candles and incense burned, enveloping the small dark room in thin smoke and dim light. Her eyes caught something shine in the darkness.
The outline was vague and she had to squint to see it better. It was a small dagger.
Tatiana tapped her on the shoulder and she cried in surprise, moving back, stumbling into the room. "OH! Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I mean, I just saw it and I couldn't help and sorry! I'm really sorry." She apologized, bowing over and over.
She shook her head and smiled. "Don't worry about it. As you have seen, I'm also a fortuneteller."
Her friends came and Celena asked if Tatiana could read her fortune. Tatiana smiled but said her fortune-telling abilities had passed on with her old age. Celena smiled wistfully but said it was okay.
Reiana didn't say anything. Fortune telling reminded her of home, of friends, of Hitomi. The others gone in, moving inside the house to eat, leaving Reiana to herself.
Tatiana paused at the door. "Reiana, dear, before you go, please see me privately here in this room," she said before moving inside, leaving a stunned Reiana behind.
Why would she want to see me?
~*~*~*~
After their meal, they thanked Tatiana and went to explore the store. Reiana, about to give up hope in ever finding a nice gift, sighed. She was at the last shelf and still nothing.
Then something caught reflection in the setting sun's rays. It was sculpture of a horse, running free. It was made of silver and decorated with streaks of gold for its hair.
Reiana grinned happily and called on to her friends. "Celena! Ken! Look! I found something!"
"Thank you for everything," Celena said, paying for the silver mare. You really helped us a lot and we would like to visit some time soon."
Tatiana nodded. "Ah, yes. Visit me soon? I'm sure you'll visit me soon." She said, looking at Reiana in the eye.
What's her problem? Reiana wondered as she walked along the tall shelves and peeked in the room where Tatiana was supposed to meet her.
Tatiana stood up from her chair and smiled at her. "I know you're thinking that I'm weird but please, I just want to be your friend. Trust me."
Reiana nodded and smiled back. "I know. I shouldn't have been acting that way. But you seemed to know something and I couldn't feel exactly comfortable with it."
"That's because I do know something. But it's not in my power and right to tell you what it is. All I can say it be careful," she said, standing up and taking the dagger from where it hang on the wall. "Look at this," she said. "This had been passed down from generation to another by my family. I have no children of my mine and now I'm giving this to you. You'll need it in the future."
Reiana shook her head. "No, no way. I can't take something like that. That's so valuable! I can't take it and I won't."
"But I insist. As a token of our friendship," Tatiana said.
"Your friendship I accept but not the dagger. I won't take it. But I appreciate it though. I know you're just concerned or something but there's no need to be. I can take care of myself. And I'm going now before it gets too dark and we'll get lost again. But I'll visit you again, when I can."
Tatiana smiled as Reiana paused at the door. "You've seen the future, haven't you?" she asked. "Was it bad?"
"It will all have to depend on what will happen next, Reiana. So try to be honest to the ones' you love."
Reiana smiled. "Thank you. And I'll try to be honest ... will I ever return home?"
"That too, will depend on what will happen next."
Reiana nodded. "Okay. Goodbye, Tatiana. Take care of yourself."
"Goodbye, Reiana Tankaa. May the gods be with you and watch over you," she replied quietly though Reiana wouldn't hear it.
===***===****===****
Chapter 5- Interlude
Reiana hummed to herself as the soft breeze caressed her face and her hair whipping around her gently. Beside her, Celena lay asleep as the carriage moved east, heading back to the fortress.
Ken cleared his throat and turned to her, taking his eyes off the road for a second. "So Reiana, tell me more about yourself. We never got to know each other that well."
Reiana paused. "Hmm.... I know I already told you I love anime," she said slowly, thinking. "And that.... My best friend's interested in arts and literature. So what else is there to say?"
"Anything else about you? What do you do with your free time? Do you play games, practice swords... what do you do?"
Reiana was contemplating whether or not she'd tell Ken that she's the dojo's champion duelist. She remembered Tatiana's words and opened her mouth to say it when Celena stirred.
They both paused and then smiled at each other, as she remained asleep. "I heard from Gaddeth that an earthquake can come and still she'd be asleep," Ken said.
They both laughed. Reiana smiled at him. "It's really nice to have known you, Ken," she said. Ken smiled back and said nothing in return.
Companionable silence filled the air as they kept quiet, both busy with their own thoughts. The trees swayed gently to the direction of the breeze while whistling softly were the wind on their ears.
"I've never really been this close to nature before," Reiana suddenly said, breaking the silence that stilled the night. "I grew up in this big and busy city all my life and I've just... never been this close to nature. Not even during nature trips, not as close as this."
Ken smiled. "Maybe it's because there aren't tall buildings like there are in... was it Kyoto? Maybe you didn't have the night sky as blue as this on the Mystic Moon."
"Maybe. Or maybe I just took things for granted," Reiana said quietly.
Ken frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I've always been with my best friend, Lynn since I was small. We've always been together even if we had different likes and interests. And I've always been complaining about petty things like why is there snow when it'll only get cold and things such as the heater isn't working... you know?
"You don't," she said, sticking out her tongue. "It was pretty stupid to ask you about things in the Mystic Moon, isn't it? How would you know?" she shook her head. "As I was saying... I just... took things for granted back then."
"Aww, Reiana, it's just the nature, new land and strange customs getting to you," Ken said, trying to comfort her. "You're overreacting to things."
Reiana shook her head. "No. I just realized that I never had any boyfriend before. And it wasn't because nobody asked me out either. I just took things for granted, thinking that the right one will just pop out of nowhere if I wish him to be.
"I was like a snob in so many ways, subtle and disguised by my aggressiveness and intimidating personality. Maybe I should've been more open. Then maybe David would've been with me instead of Keiko. Then maybe..."
"You wouldn't have been here," Ken offered. "I know that it's hard for you right now that you're in strange land, in a different world. But keep in mind that we're always here for you. We'll always be here. I'll be here."
Reiana's eyes softened and she smiled. "Thank you, Ken. Thanks a lot `cause this really means a lot to me."
"You mean a lot to me too. That's why I'm doing all this for you." Ken said, staring in her eyes, seeming to drown in their deep brown abyss.
And they stared into each other's eyes until Celena suddenly bolted up and cried, "That is so sweet!" she grinned at them. "I wish someone will tell me that too," she cooed.
Reiana and Ken turned red and Celena grinned. "Ah, lovers."
====**===****====
Chapter 6- Accidents?
"Where the hell have you been?" Allen exclaimed, glaring at Ken. "Celena, you said you'd be back before dark!"
"I know, I know. Sorry. But we had to look for the perfect gift," she reasoned, giving him her best sad-regretful-sorry-doe-eyes. "But I'm sure you'll forgive us once I show you--this!" she said, showing him the silver horse. "Isn't it perfect? And it was Reiana who saw it!"
Allen looked at her, eyeing her closely.
She huffed and glared at him. "What? You don't believe it?"
He shook his head. "No," he said slowly. "You have excellent taste. And thank you for helping Celena buy a gift for the boy. And you, Ken... you promised to get them home before dark!"
Reiana stepped between the two men. "It was my fault," she said, placing a hand on Ken's right shoulder. "I--I said we should check out more places and stores. Sorry. It was all my fault and Ken had no choice but to compel with what I said. So please don't be angry at him, be angry at me."
Allen shook his head and sighed. "How can I be angry at you? I'm a knight and I should be chivalrous. I should've been there with you."
Reiana wondered what chivalrous had to do with anything. To her it was completely unrelated. So she just shrugged. "Sure. Well, it's getting pretty late now, why don't we all rest?"
"That sounds great. So... call me when dinner's ready?" Celena said then quickly dashed off, to the safety of her room before her brother could give her an earful from breaking her promise to be back early.
Allen looked at his sister's retreating figure and sighed. She knew I'd be talking to her so she ran off. What a clever little sister I have. Too bad she's using her cleverness to escape me.
He glanced at Reiana who was biting her lower lip nervously. "Ano--again, sorry. I mean... I'm really sorry if we had to make you worry. But I assure you, there was nothing to be worried about. Celena, Ken and I are very much capable of taking care of ourselves, you know."
He nodded and looked at Ken at the corner of his eyes. He was looking at Reiana and Allen didn't like it. "Ken, you can go back to your room to rest now."
He sighed and nodded. "Alright, sir. I'll be going now," he said, turning to leave. "Bye, Reiana."
She beamed and nodded. "Sure. Thanks for coming with us, Ken. I really appreciate it."
Allen nodded. "I'll be going now. I still have to check on the defense in front. Rest now, Reiana. I'm sure you're tired."
Reiana nodded. "Yes, sir!" she mimicked a salute then grinned. "I'll take my rest now, Boss." She smiled at Ken. "Thanks again, Ken."
Ken nodded and smiled at her, his eyes twinkling and Allen turned away from them, waiting to be alone in the empty silent corridor before allowing the frown he was holding back.
"Thanks again, Ken," he mimicked, his voice high-pitched and shrilly, just like a girl with something stuck on her throat. "Those guys are soooo sweet they make my teeth hurt," he rolled his eyes as he walked, mimicking Reiana and Ken every second.
~*~*~*~
Reiana only came out of her room when she was called for dinner with everyone else. Allen and Celena hadn't arrived yet and she was left with Cherie as a companion--if you can call her that.
"So what have you been up the whole day?" Cherie asked in her sickeningly sugary-sweet voice. "Why you guys didn't even tell me you're going out!"
"Because we didn't want you with us," Reiana said seriously but a smile was on her lips making it seem like she was joking. "And we didn't think you'll miss us either anyway. You were so wrapped up with your needlework we didn't want to disturb you."
"But I would've loved to go with you guys! My needles could've waited." Cherie said. "Maybe someone didn't want me to come along." She glared at Reiana.
Reiana looked away, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, maybe Celena wanted to escape you--I mean, I escape the fortress for a while and just thought you wouldn't like to join her."
"Celena's my friend, she'd never think like that, unlike some commoner I know." She smiled sweetly and Reiana wanted nothing else but to puke her lunch.
"Right, whatever," she rolled her eyes, smiling as Celena came and took the seat across her. "Hiya, Celena. So are you okay now? Still tired?"
Celena shook her head. "Not really. That nap really helped. So where's Allen?"
"Allen said he won't be able to join us for dinner tonight since he'll be checking on fortress and the progress reports about the attacks," Cherie said, rolling her eyes. "Celena, really, tell Allen to stop being so uptight."
"I think Allen's just doing his work. I mean, if he'd take his time the way you do then Astoria might as well end up in ashes."
"No one asked what you think so keep your stupid opinions to yourself," Cherie glared at her from across the table and Reiana pretended not to see it. Cherie glared at her, giving her the look of a thousand death while Reiana continued to ignore it.
"You know, I'm done now," Reiana said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with the napkin and placed it at the table. She pushed her chair backwards and stood up.
"You're finished already?" Celena asked, her eyes wide. "But we just started eating!"
"You'll lose your appetite if you eat while someone looks at you like someone just about ready to strangle and rob you off your breath," Reiana joked good-naturedly. "Well, I'll be careful of hallways if I were you, someone might just jump on you and start choking you," she directed this at Cherie with a wide smile. "Bye, Cherie. Try that Cherry pie over there, the Cherie on top looks like one hell of a mutated fruit. It might be poisonous."
Cherie glared at her while Reiana returned the gesture by smiling broad. "We are so like best friends, don't you agree?"
"I'm of nob----''
"---ble blood, I know. And you'll never be friends with a commoner. Too bad you'll never be good friends with me, I just felt such chemistry between us. The one that explodes."
Celena hid her smile as Cherie turned red with rage while Reiana was smiling from ear to ear. "Cherie, Reiana, why don't we go out in the garden later? We can watch the stars."
"Sure! I enjoy watching the stars I used to gaze at them with Lynn..." her eyes softened at the mention of her best friend's name. She blinked and shook her head. "Umm... I'll go now, see you later."
Celena looked at her. "I hope she doesn't miss the Mystic Moon so much."
"I don't really care about her at all," Cherie said haughtily. "Tell me more about Allen," she said, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Is it true she and that Hitomi-girl was, like, an item?"
Celena shrugged. "I'm not sure... maybe... maybe not. Why don't you ask Allen?"
Cherie rolled her eyes. "Like he'll tell me. Honestly, Celena, I feel like your brother doesn't like me much. I wonder why."
Celena shrugged. "Maybe he's... interested in other types of women.... Like maybe... foreigners?" she said slowly, suggesting.
"Are you telling me there's a princess from another land here who likes to compete with my beauty and brains?" Cherie asked, her tone a pitch higher and louder.
"Cherie! You know I was just thinking aloud. Anyway, what if so? Allen's entitled to his own choice of lover. As long as he's happy, I'm happy."
"And what about me?" Cherie whined.
"Cherie, you've got your own life, why not look for a suitable one and settle down?"
"That's it," Cherie said. "I already found someone. But apparently, he hasn't realized yet we were meant for each other. But I'm working on that right now. I'm sure he'll realize soon enough little ingrates are no competitions for me."
And Celena suddenly had a bad feeling about things. Obviously, Cherie had this delusion that Allen liked Reiana which was really absurd.
"If you're talking about Allen and Reiana, if it'll make you feel better, there's nothing going on between them. They pretty much hate each other so don't worry about it."
Cherie smiled at her. "You're right. I'm sure Allen won't sink that low at her level. He's perfect for me and I'm perfect for him. Life is so good."
"Well, I'll rest now before I meet Reiana at the garden. You sure you don't wanna come with us? You can still change your mind."
"I'm positive. I don't want blood staining the freshly cut grass at the garden. But I'll see you in the morning, okay?"
Celena nodded and left the dinning room, leaving Cherie alone sitting on the long and empty table.
~*~*~*~
Reiana looked around her, she was walking along a dark deserted hallway, looking for the way back to her room. It seemed as if she lost her way and is now trying in vain to get back to her room without help.
"Maybe I should've taken that left turn instead of the right," she said to herself. "I hate my sense of direction! No wonder I get lost in Kyoto so much back then--what the--!"
Something caught reflection in the moonlight and Reiana left her heart stop beating for a second or two.
What was that?
~*~*~*~
Allen paused from walking and examined a new addition of vases from Fanelia. It was from Van, wishing him well for the upcoming duel held at the Palace in two weeks.
Suddenly, he heard Reiana running from a distance behind him and he turned, only to see her running towards him. "What the--Reiana?''
Reiana suddenly grabbed him and pushed him aside. "Watch out, Allen!" she cried out, tackling him under her and then getting up quickly to secure the metal that crashed the vase Allen was looking at only seconds ago. "Wow! I thought for a second you were a goner. You okay?"
He nodded and she smiled. "Good. It wouldn't look good having your blood stain the freshly cut grass. And I know how much Celena loves the garden. And to see your blood and all the gross stuff squashed by the pole while watching the stars would definitely be disgusting."
Allen looked at her. "How did you know that metal pole was hurling towards me?" he asked her, suspicion seeping in his voice.
Reiana inhaled sharply. "What? Excuse me but as I recall, I just saved you and that's not exactly a `thank you' I hear." She glared at him. "Is that how you say `thanks for saving my neck'? Then I don't want it!" she pushed him and turned away from him. She crossed her arms across her chest and pointedly ignored him.
Seconds later, people were rushing toward them. Celena frowned. "What happened? I heard something loud crash from here. I was afraid someone got hurt."
"It's nothing." Allen reassured his sister, stealing glances at Reiana who was bending to look at the pole. "The metal pole's rope snapped and I almost got hit but Reiana saved me."
Reiana frowned at the piece of rope she had in her hands. "The rope didn't snap just like that. It was cut. I wonder why..." she said, thinking aloud. "Allen, any enemies?"
Allen frowned. "You must be mistaken," he said. "No way can the enemy get past us and attempt on our lives. This is just an acci---''
"Allen!" Cherie called out, in her nightgown and robe. "What happened? I heard from one of your men while I was out that you were almost hit by a pole!" she said, worry and concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"
Reiana stood up, sighing. "I'll turn in now. Goodnight everybody," she said to no one in particular. Everyone's attention was on Allen who almost got struck by the big bad metal pole. She rolled her eyes.
She slipped away almost unnoticed since everyone's attention was on the `victim' and she might as well vanish and everyone would still be fussing all over Allen. And how dare that blond bimbo say it must've been a mistake the rope snapped. She knew what she saw and that rope was definitely cut, it didn't snap.
And I'll prove it to everyone that I'm right, she thought, her hands balling into a fist. And then they'll believe me that it wasn't just an accident.
~*~*~*~
Reiana sighed and smoothened her skirt. She was wearing her uniform and all her two days of investigating didn't have much result at all. Nothing ever came out pointing, leading or even giving you the impression the metal pole was deliberately released to squash Allen like some unwanted pest or mosquito.
Even the rope is missing. So trying to prove anything was useless. No one believed her and she was just making a fool out of herself. She knew most of the men already thought she's weird.
She stretched her arms and yawned. She's been missing her daily practice on kendo by investigating and nothing turned out. "Lynn must be worried by now. And sensei might even lecture me if he finds out I've been slacking off with practice." She sighed. She was so confused from living her life the way she was used to and adjusting to the life she's supposed to temporary have while she was in Gaea.
She looked up the sky and saw the mystic moon, her eyes softened. "Well, I'm not about to let all this problems get the best outta me! I'll continue practicing and still investigate! I'm no champion duelist if I can't do that!" she smiled. I can do anything, as long as I have the desire and determination! That's the secret of Reiana's success!
She didn't notice someone watching her from a distance, hidden by the weeping willow's draping branches and leaves.
Ken sighed and leaned against the tree trunk. Reiana's so cool. She's pretty, smart and she doesn't have an attitude. And it seemed like he had a chance with her. But... what if she had to go back to her world?
Then he'd be left all alone while she moved on with her life as if nothing happened. Was it how this will end? That was the only obstacle in his way from confessing what he really felt about the dark haired youth.
Suddenly she turned around and smiled at his direction. "You can come out, Ken," she called out, waving cheerfully. "I know it's you."
Ken was about to step out of his hiding place when Allen suddenly stepped out from behind the tree few feet away from him where he was hiding. "Sorry but I'm not Ken," he said.
Reiana arched an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "What do you want?" she asked, her tone flat and cold. "If you're here to tell me to stop saying those `accidents' are impossible, then I don't wanna hear it."
Allen held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not here to say anything like that. I just... wanted to say thank you for saving me few nights ago. I know I must've been a jerk to you that night, I'm sorry. And thanks for saving me."
She sighed. "It's nothing, just forget about it... how long were you standing there?" she asked, feeling herself blush. She knew she must've looked pretty silly talking to herself.
"Not long," he answered. "Um... Reiana? I was just wondering... if you'd like to join me eat some cake this afternoon? As a sigh of my apology and thanks?"
She smiled. "Sure. Oh, hey, where's Celena? We never got to watch the stars last night."
"I'm sure she's talking to Cherie about the accident. Those two ladies worry too much. They'll be stuck in Cherie's room until dinnertime, I suppose. Moving from the topic of security to politics to guys in general." He winked. "You know what I mean."
Reiana laughed. "So what about that cake, huh?" she said, smiling brightly. "I'm sure I'll love it if it's as delicious as the food they serve at dinner."
Allen offered his arm and she took it, laughing lightly. And they left, arm in arm, their difference finally resolved and they were friends at last.
Ken sighed, closing his eyes. Now that Allen's in the picture, no way could he ask Reiana to be something more than a friend. The older man's intentions weren't really that clear but if he went after Reiana... he might as well forget about her.
He shook his head. But he hasn't made a move yet. And it's not yet clear what he feels. If I act now, I know I'll beat him and have Reiana's heart to keep!
Allen smiled at Reiana before taking a bite on the chocolate cake the chef prepared for their snacks. She smiled back and dug in.
He watched her at the corner of his eye and waited for her reaction. Celena told him Reiana loved chocolate above anything else and the blond was willing to eat chocolate day in and day out if it would make the brunette happy.
Celena had demanded he apologize to her and try his very best to be her friend. And he wasn't about to say no to his sister. And it seemed as if they were becoming friends, just as Celena wanted it.
Suddenly, instead of the happy, amazed, or anything good that would express her delight in the chocolate, Reiana turned red and started choking.
"I think you had a little too much," he tried to joke. She shook her head, turning pale now. Then Celena burst in the veranda where they were eating. "Have you seen Cherie? She's missing--Reiana?"
All of a sudden, Reiana slumped forward, right into Allen's waiting arms. He checked her pulse and turned white. "Her pulse is weak, she's barely breathing!"