CHAPTER FOUR! ^_^ Due to a little more encouragement I finally finished it… I know the progression of the story moves slowly, but I feel it a shame to not do justice to any of the scenes merely to get going where I'm going a lil' faster. Please keep reviewing, I'm easily discouraged *blush blush* And I'm not saying if this is a romance or not yet! ^_~ ! Next chapter; an update on Toan and friends!!! So keep on R&R!!! Thanks !
Ruby's question lingered on the air, both parties unable to speak. They hadn't left on poor terms, quite the contrary. When Seda was returned to body, he had congratulated the whole team before returning to the sanctuary of his castle. He had even gone so far as to send them all little gifts to show his goodwill in parting. The elaborate anklet jingling on Ruby's slim ankle reminded her of that suddenly.
What the hell are you doing here?! How rude is that?!
She felt her expression soften much to Seda's obvious relief. "I'm sorry," Ruby drifted, not wanting to admit she'd been caught off guard. "I was just…"
"Surprised." Seda finished, sensing her unease and recovering his cool in one swift breath. He contemplated getting straight to the point, but he was afraid she would point-blank refuse and he did not desire to use force… unless necessary. He didn't have time to continue, however.
"Yes… very surprising. Not that you can blame me." She demurred, eyeing him appraisingly. She cocked her head to one side and looked him straight in the eye, something few people were brave enough to do. "So how can I help you?"
Seda, who had been expecting something like. "So how's life treatin' ya?" was taken aback at her forthrightness. Taken aback, he smirked, but not unimpressed. "You suspect me." He stated plainly, seeing no more need for games.
Eyeing him cockily seeing that she had burst the bubble of a man of such stature she replied, "You haven't given me any reason to believe you'd visit me." She said with emphasis but not really any severity. She was only teasing. "You only seem to show up when you need something…" Ruby finished with some surprise, sensing that although it had not been intended, that she had offended Seda with this.
Seda indeed had felt the mark of her statement, for it had indeed been true. He was growing positively thunderous inside his head, at her portrayal of him needing anybody other than himself. Then he suddenly remembered. That's why you're here Seda. You DO need someone else. You're here because you need Sophia back, that is someone else you need besides yourself. So why are you so embarrassed to need Ruby too? He caught her eye swiftly seeing her look of concern and then drew his eyes back to level with a strained expression. "I know. I'm sorry. I wish it could be different."
Ruby had never felt so strongly for this strong yet broken man in their entire acquaintance. He had helped the crew on the way, no doubt about that. His power was admirable, his story was pitiful. She forced herself to admit the slight intrigue for this mortal who could appear at whim and had the power of Gods at his fingertips, and yet was hindered by such so mere a human emotion. It fascinated her and she reached out and touched his shoulder, not prepared for the reaction.
Seda bristled as if the touch somehow hurt a part of him. Ruby started retracting her hand in alarm, she had only mean to comfort… but Seda grabbed her outreached hand in his own and held it in front of him. Ruby felt the color rise to her cheeks in incredulity, Is he…?
But he answered her question for her by his instant salute. "Ruby." He started looking coldly but meaningfully into her eyes. "I do need your help. Desperately."
Ruby instantly drew herself up, ashamed at having been caught up in such a moment and eager to redeem herself. "Hey! When I said you only came to us for help, I was only teasing and I never meant," she paused for deliberation, "that the request would be unwelcome." She looked Seda straight in the eye and flashed him her patented melt-your-heart grins that had made her so famous around Queens. "Lead the way, King dude! Just tell me what you need me to do!"
"Excellent!" he exclaimed with sham vivacity as he tried to share some of his enthusiasm. "Meet me at Dark Hea- my castle," Seda caught himself not wanting to bring back memories of something he was certain she was fighting to forget and earned himself a grateful smile. "You probably don't remember the way…"
"I do," Ruby replied so quickly as to gain a questioning look from her companion, "I mean, I borrowed a map from Toan during our whole adventure quest thing and the castle was DEFINETELY on it!" She stammered on with a derisive laugh hoping he mistook her deceit for being ditzy.
"Great. Bring what you need and be there tomorrow."
Ruby looked shocked, "Will I be staying with you?"
Seda floundered. He hadn't really thought as far as comfortable accomodations. He hadn't expected her to be so willing, and had prepared confinement for her just to prevent escape. Now she is coming of her own accord, she's doing this out of the goodness of her heart… Seda continued to be conflicted by the voices in his head when Ruby sensed his silence and intervened.
"I guess that would be fine, until we sort out your whole dilemma," and here she paused and considered. "Hey wait a second," as it dawned on her, "What is the problem?"
Seda's heart stopped but he maintained composure. He was afraid of this. Now that he is collaborating with the Genie girl he needs to keep up the pretense of confidence in one another. "I'm sorry, its kind of personal… I hope that doesn't affect your decision."
Ruby was about to protest when she remembered the despair in the man's voice as he spoke earlier. "Its alright, you don't need to tell me." When she noticed the further pain in her companions eyes at her kind words she continued, "Don't lose hope, we'll get things sorted out no matter what they are!" Ruby finished her sentiments with a 'go-girl' pose and a large grin attempting to levitate Seda's mood which seemed to be growing more pained by the moment.
"That's why I'm here." He choked out his words before clearing his throat, "I lost faith in good things a long time ago."
Ruby looked surprised at his sudden revelation of character and Seda sensing his tactlessness drew up into his regal manner and said coldly, "I'll expect you tomorrow, don't be late." He bit off his words with such incivility he winced inwardly as he felt Ruby's confusion. He ventured a glance back, which she did not notice, and then took off into the sky eager to get away from those helpful eyes and innocent heart.
Ruby glared after him. I don't understand?! She wrenched her eyes away from the sky and head back inside her cabana. Absent-mindedly she began picking up things and throwing them into a jeweled green pouch. Why am I doing this anyway? She thought suddenly. He wasn't rude, but he certainly wasn't very polite. And I AM doing him a favour. She stopped gathering her things for a second as she seemed to reconsider the whole deal from another tack.
"What else are you going to do?" she muttered aloud, "You're not meant for anything greater." With these bitter sentiments playing in her head, she continued to pack her things with much more aggression and fervency. She resigned herself to helping Seda, Why should everyone suffer just because you do? She mimicked a nagging voice inside her head, "If its in your power to help someone blah blah blah…"
She suddenly looked up as a thought just hit her. Has he been in contact with Toan? Or any of the others? She levitated in the air in a loose cross-legged position, No, he said he needed my help. Ruby could not help but grin as the proud and laughable aspect of her personality kicked in. She would not disappoint him. He needs my help, and that's what he's going to get.
Ruby quickly finished her packing and snapping her fingers with a quick spell, shrunk her emerald-green bag to one-fifteenth of its size and attached it to the ring on her finger. Flicking her hand over her shoulder in a confident pose, she sauntered sexily out of the cabana and floated into the night air. Her confidence oozed out of her like waves and several men of the town could not help but turn and gawk at this amazing beauty carried off like it was merely a trend. Ruby was unfazed, she had gotten used to her form (ironically fitting the standard of human beauty) long ago and no longer took much amusement in it.
She could not help but grimace however, cursing herself for not being to pull off such a sultry and confident demeanor when a certain ice-haired King was present. But no matter, she pursed her name-sake Ruby lips, Its not like it matters anyways. And with a 'tut' she tossed her hair and took off into the night air.
What do you guys think? ^_^ Look forward in next chapter to a little update from the rest of our favorite dream team! Please keep Reviewing… Power to the Dark Cloud writers… HUZZAH! ***Cerise