******
if some of you might still be wondering what that spherical object (chapter 1) King Akagi has given to Hikoichi, it is a basketball ball prototype. I just do not know how to describe the ball in detail, gomen… ^_~
******
Chapter 2: Restless Heart
A group of 5 young men set up camp near the riverbank. It has been six nights after their hair breath escape from the guards of Ryonan. But then that was already customary for them! For as long as they can remember, they have been crashing in and out of every trouble imaginable. With the usual bet amongst them on how fast their leader Lord Sakuragi Hanamichi can break free from skirmish. Only one of them knows the reason behind the redhead's flare of temper.
Hanamichi is always frustrated of everything. He had placed himself into all trainings the kingdom could offer and he has surpassed them all with ease, which left the redhead crave for more challenge. Traveling with him has never been boring. It was only in the dead of the night that Hanamichi begins to relax. Sir Yohei still remembered the night he discovered the real Hanamichi…
** FLASHBACK **
It was one of their adventures.
Sir Yohei suddenly woke up from his deep sleep and, as his habit turns to where his young master is bunked. He was alarmed to find the sleeping bag empty. With the sleek move of a seasoned warrior, he took his sword and slowly prowl the area. At the riverbank, against a boulder of stone, is Hanamichi staring at the night sky with his face illuminated by moonlight. His expression is marked with sadness that Sir Yohei was embarrassed to have seen it. But before he could turn around and leave, his young master had spoken…
"Why am I so incontent, Yohei? Tell me, what more could I have done?"
Yohei was rooted to his place. It was the first time that he saw his master like this. And then it dawned on him. Behind the boisterous funny face that Hanamichi wears is a person looking for happiness. Slowly and wearily, he sat beside his young master and sigh…
"What is it you're looking for, young master?"
"That is the problem, Yohei! I do not know what I am looking for! Happiness? maybe, but how? This, this feeling of inadequacy is eating me inside, and that makes me upset almost all the time… And I am sorry if sometimes I have vent my disappointment on you and the guntam" frustration is evident in every syllable uttered.
"We know that you didn't really mean harm on us… My Lord, I swear by the blood of my warrior ancestors that runs though my veins, I will protect you and help you find what you were looking for!" his passionate response made the young lord chuckle.
"Thank you, Yohei… and you should start by calling me Hanamichi"
"Yes, Hanamichi. And if you are still up to losing those guards following us, we should try to regain our strength and sleep for a couple of hours, ne?
"Spoken like a true warrior indeed!"
** END OF FLASHBACK **
Now he looks at the loudmouth side of Hanamichi, recalling the comic scenes at the jousting match. As usual he lost his bet to the others since the young lord wasn't pronounced victor. Though they already know their master to be far the best warrior, his constant luck of always being found out is also a well-known fact.
Moments after they finished supper, they have retired to their sleeping bags. Snores were heard immediately, but Yohei was still awake. Then, he saw his young master get up. He discretely followed, and there, under the Banyan tree, Hanamichi is again contemplating at the night sky.
"Seen anything interesting at the sky?" asked Yohei, and without ceremony sat down beside the youth.
"Yeah, see those group of stars? They looked like Lady Yuki's pooch… Nyahaha, the flat nose and short legs, see?"
"Hmm… Hanamichi, it's been a week since the tournament. I came to believe that the palace has already learned of the incident..." voiced Yohei with a trace of worry.
"Yes, Yohei. I believe King Ouzumi has already dispatched a messenger to my uncle Akagi now. I do not know what punishment awaits us."
"Well, whatever it is, I will always be with you…"
"I know, Yohei, you're the best friend I always hoped for. Thank you."
Silence.
"Are you sure you are not attracted to Princess Fiji? She is quite a catch, you know?"
A little irritated, "C'mon, are we into that subject again? Cut the crap, ok? I can't tolerate that silly girl's constant fawning at her suitors. As if!" (this is Hana's impression on Fujima, not mine! *peace sign*)
"So, none of the ladies there caught your fancy?"
"I was busy looking for an equal! I was hoping Prince Sendoh will show at the match. I've heard he was quite a fighter himself… but Lady Yayo told me that Sendoh turned down the invitation for a visit to Princess Aki of Kingdom Koshino (sori, can't think of any name!)… But that Lord Maki is also a tough one. I really enjoyed our match. If it were not for Sir Yasu --- hey, I thought you have given him your famous punch? I can't believe he revived that easily!"
"Erm, if I recall correctly Hanamichi, you only shoved him inside his tent and he just fainted out of fright. You, by the way, immediately felt guilty and started to pretend Sir Yasuda wasn't there. Tsk-tsk, such soft hearted fighter ---" Seeing the horror in the lord's expressions, "--- and fortunately, the guntam are busy checking the area. No, they didn't see your soft side there!"
"(sigh) I thought I just gave myself away there," replies Hanamichi with relief.
"Hahaha, and now Lord Hanamichi Sakuragi, we must sleep. It shall be less than a day's travel to the palace now. And I am very much looking forward to a warm bath, a hearty dinner and the sweet smile of Princess Haruko!" says Yohei with a dreamy look.
"Hah! One of these days Yohei I shall tell my cousin of this hidden feelings of yours.."
"Just dare..!!!!"
And with a smile on their lips, they return to their camp and sleep, and dream of happy adventures they will share in the future….
tbc
~@~@~@~@~@
thank u… thank u…. ok, if some of you thinks that my characterization of hana-kun is sooooo OOC, please tell me so… but, THAT DOESN'T MEAN I'M GONNA CHANGE IT! NYAHAHAHA… I just love my Hana-kun…. And of couse Kaede-kun, .… I love them both *dances around crazily*…. That's why I'm making all this HanaRu/RuHana ficcies… hehehe… R&R please, but no howlers… *grin* *grin*