And we're back! KT-chan, to answer your question about why Tai-itsukun insulted Ari in the last chapter, no it's not because she lacks a desirable figure, she's normal in that department. But as a humble authoress, I can't claim I truly understand the ways of the Wise Woman of Whatchyamacallit (sound it out) Mountain. She said it because it looked funny for her to say it at the time I wrote it…is that good enough for you? (probably not…but that's okay) Thanks for your killer reviews. And to Pseudomask, you who have been faithful since I started this series. Don't worry about KT getting jealous over there, I STILL NEED YOUR REVIEWS! I wuv you all, and now I'll let you read the story.
Chapter Ten
The sun was high in the sky, the packing was done, and everyone was eager for this journey to get under way. The emperor had grudgingly provided them with horses, supplies, and money for their trip. There was only one, little problem.
Ari still couldn't ride a horse.
And there is no way in HELL that I'm riding with Rui again. Oh, no. Don't think so. Defiantly not after what happened this morning.
Ari wasn't sure whether to be angry with him…or relieved. The whole situation was his fault…so she had every right to be angry, didn't she? But she just plain couldn't explain the feeling of relief. Was it the fact that he hadn't kissed her that made her feel this way? Or maybe it was something else? Maybe the fact that he'd actually brought the subject up…in a rather unexpected kind of way…
It was all very confusing. The fact that she hadn't exactly put up much of a struggle conveniently slipped her mind. Not to mention, the feeling of his hands entwined with hers in the silk still slipped past her guard every once in a while…
Focus Ari. Who can you ride with?
She looked around her.
Not a good idea to ride with Kei, he's funny, but that doesn't cover for the fact that he's a letch. And Kura…well, Kura looks occupied enough trying to discourage Kei…That leaves the prince…
She wandered over to him, trying very hard to ignore the way Rui watched her. Taiyo was securing the packs onto the regal-looking, black stallion he was riding. His hair was tied back severely, revealing sharp features. (Taiyo's features… not the horse's.)
Ari folded her hands behind her back. "Taiyo?"
He turned around, raising winged brows in question. She felt very small under his gaze; the Suzaku no Hikari weighed heavily on her collarbone.
"Could I ride with you? I ummm… happen to…well, basically, I can't ride. And this would give me a chance to get to know you." She smiled brightly, covering for her nerves. She felt stupid asking the tall man to let her ride double with him.
"Of course, your Eminence." He smiled gently down at her, acknowledging her awkwardness and at the same time putting her nerves to rest. She thought that it was too bad that he wasn't likely to inherit the throne. That kind of empathy would serve a country well… "Please call me Ari. The title makes me feel like I'm someone else."
"Of course, Ari." He folded his hands together, making a step to help her mount the tall horse. She scrambled on, as gracefully as she could manage.
Taiyo swung up behind her, and the others followed suit. They walked out the heavy wooden doors of the courtyard, one horse following the other.
She asked Taiyo what their horse was named.
"Kage." Shadow.
He looked back at Rui, who was sulking at the end of the procession. "I hope you don't mind my asking, but why didn't you ride with Rui? He looks slightly upset."
She looked down at Kage's mane and remained silent.
"Did you argue?" Taiyo's voice was kind, not probing, as she'd feared.
"No."
He also retained a thoughtful silence.
"He tried to kiss me." She thought for a moment then added. "No, that's unfair. I would have let him kiss me, but he didn't. And I'm not sure why…"
"I didn't know you two were like that."
Ari laughed a humorless laugh. "Neither did I."
"Ah." That's all he said on the subject, and she was grateful for his lack of judgment. She got enough of that from herself.
They rode in silence, the sounds of Kei's shameless efforts to charm Kura heard in the background.
After a moment, he spoke again. "I hate to say it, but I don't have much advice to give you on the subject. I can't say I've ever been in love."
Ari glared at him, not believing she had mentioned anything about love. "Who said I was in—What?" The meaning of the sentence hit her square in the face. "You've never been in love? You?"
He shook his head, a smile playing across his face.
"But…you're… you…"
" And that is exactly the reason why. I'm myself. It's the fate of royalty to suffer a loveless life. It probably doesn't help that I don't exactly believe in love in the first place..."
"That's terrible! How can you not believe in love? Don't you get lonely?"
He laughed outright. "Please don't misunderstand me, there are women…but there has been, and always will be, a certain lack of emotional…connectedness… this is not really an appropriate topic of discussion." He smiled at the sound of Kei's pursuits behind them. "I have Kei's friendship. That's enough for me. There will be some arranged marriage in my future, to be sure. But for political alliance, not love. Thus is the world I live in."
"That's sad. I'm sorry it has to be that way."
"To tell you the truth, I'm not all that sorry myself. It leaves me free of the hindering emotions and awkwardness you seem to be experiencing."
Awkwardness, that's a good word for it. "But love's supposed to be wonderful." Ari stared ahead, lost in thought. "It's about random feelings of pure joy. It's remembering the exact way someone smells or sounds. It's about finding someone who makes you feel solid, real, alive." She blushed, realizing what she was saying. "Or, that's what I hear…"
He smiled down at the back of her head, marveling at the emotions the girl, no, young woman, kept hidden deep within herself.
"Well then, I hope you find that someone that can make you feel alive," he said helpfully.
She thought before responding, "It's not the finding that I'm worried about. I'm afraid that I'll mess it up some other way…" Ari trailed off, speaking more to herself than to Taiyo, then she responded in a more polite fashion. "I hope you find that someone, too."
She felt him shake his head. "I'm happy enough without complications."
"Well," Ari said as she shrugged her shoulders. "I guess each person has to pick their own way of living, don't they?" She chuckled. "You know what? I'd have never, not even in my wildest dreams, thought that one day, I'd be riding a horse with a real, live prince, marching off to Suzaku knows what fate, and talking about the nature of love, of all things…" She laughed at the bizarre situation, and he laughed as well.
"I hope you know," His voice abruptly became serious. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I have a good ear." He offered his words quietly, in an unsubstantial tone. But Ari recognized the support for what it was, and smiled up at him.
"Thank you."
For the remainder of their ride they spoke of menial things, such as the life of a prince, their destination, the price of kumquats in Konnan, etc. It was a rather pleasant ride, all in all. It was, that is, until they reached the first town they were to stop in. That was when things started to go wrong.
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The small city they had reached was, in short, a harbor-town. Life as the people knew it revolved around the boats and the reservoir. Ari asked Taiyo about the stretch of water. In response he told her that it was simply the basin that resided at the end of the great river. The waterway ran to the east and soon joined with what was know as the Seiryu River, from there emptying out into the ocean.
This river was seemingly the fastest trade route to the eastern country and thus home to a great many people. Kuto, the gathered country of the east, had remained uncharacteristically quiet for the past twenty years or so. The citizens of the Dragon nation had their hands full picking up the pieces of the last reign. They relied on Konan for trade, among other things.
All in all, the port was a good place to start the search for the remaining warriors.
Ari's group walked the horses slowly through the crowded streets. The sides of the road were lined with stalls, and manned by sellers shouting their wares. Due to the lack of space almost as much as for protection, the others surrounded Ari and Taiyo.
In front of Kage rode Kura, her hood up in disguise. To Ari's right rode Kei, who spoke to the Taiyo in hushed tones. And to her right, Rui rode quietly.
He hadn't so much as mentioned the kiss-that-wasn't, acting as though nothing had happened. Ari decided that if that was the way it was going to be, she'd just forget the awkward moment had even come to pass.
Easier said than done. The red sash she kept tied around her waist was a constant companion and souvenir. But as always, Ari just continued to remind herself that she had rather more important things to worry about.
Their group had trodden through the masses until they reached a low building. Beyond the heavy gate, she could see the mudstone packed tight against wooden support beams, and the whitewashed walls created a clean appearance. Kura had dismounted once they were past the main gate and momentarily stopped in the courtyard of the inn. She had her hood down and seemed to be in a heated discussion with one of the servants of the house. Ari could only catch snippets of the conversation.
Kura was saying, "… idiot! …fetch Ojisan … instant!… get her … the streets … before she's seen. … now!"
The poor servant seemed to be apologizing loosely, trying to keep Kura calm without actually following her orders. He stared at her clothing and was not about to let this bizarre woman and her travelers into the inn. Before long, an old man hobbled out of the wooden paned door, at which Kura shoved the servant aside and shouted, "Ojisan!"
She ran to him and, forgetting all decorum, enveloped the delicate looking man in a hug. He squeezed her back and soon, 'Ojisan' ushered the group inside the inn, instructing them to leave the horses to the stable hands. When the befuddled servant started to object, the man shooed him away with both hands and just smiled up at Kura in obvious delight.
He was almost a foot shorter than Kura, bent over a stilted support cane. Silver hair was tied loosely at the nape of his neck, and beady eyes twinkled as the man led his guests into the house. The warriors were ushered into the main room and motioned to sit on the cushions littering the floor.
Ojisan soon joined them, seating himself very slowly. Ari thought she could almost hear the creaks of his old bones. He caught her eye and smiled.
"I see you are the Suzaku no Miko herself." He bowed from his waist.
Ari blinked. "Yes." How'd he know?
"Ari, everyone, this is Ojisan. He harbored me after I was separated from Rui. I grew up under his care." Kura smiled brilliantly. She'd obviously missed the father figure.
Ojisan smiled back. "Kura! It's been a long time since I sent you out to find your destiny, and what do you bring back to me? A tumble of misfits!" He laughed heartily. "Ah, but where are my manners? As my Kura's newfound family, and not to mention the fabled Suzaku Seishi, you are welcome in my humble lodgings for as long as you please."
Taiyo took over. "Our thanks, Ojisan. We'll be certain not to overstay our welcome. We'll just search the city for any other warriors, replenish our supplies, and be on our way." He bowed to the old man, who nodded in return.
Ojisan rose from his seat, brushing away the servant who tried to help him up. "As I'm sure you are all tired from your travels, I'll allow you to be shown to your rooms to rest up." He bowed once more to Ari, and hobbled out of the room, only to be replaced be servants who led them each to their respective rooms.
Ari's room was crisp and clean. Fresh, white screens lined the walls; a futon crouched on a corner of the floor. The wax paper window looked out into the beautiful gardens of the inn. She leaned her back against the open casement and looked longingly at the bed. She was willing to bet that she'd be asleep before she got across the room.
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(Rui's POV)
Okay. I should definitely go apologize to her. No getting around it.
Rui sat Indian style in the middle of his room, arguing with himself.
But she hasn't mentioned anything about it. If I bring it up she might remember that she's mad at me and that wouldn't be good. We're supposed to be a team. That means keeping the petty arguments to a minimum.
He held his jaw in one hand, resting on a folded knee. Unconsciously, he bit his lower lip in concentration.
But if I don't apologize to her and she's already upset at me, then that's not going to make matters any better, if anything she'll get even madder because I never apologized.
He sat up and viciously ran both hands through his unruly hair.
This is no good. No matter what I do, she's gonna be mad at me. Shoulda known better than to get involved with a girl. And besides, if she's upset someone will figure it out and go calm her down…Like Kura. Yeah, Kura will make her feel better. She's good at that.
Rui heard feet thumping down the hall outside his room.
"I'VE MISSED YOU USHI-CHAN!!" (***japanese-english dictionary says! Ushi-chan means Little Cow!***)
Rui slid open the door, and looked out to see who was making all the noise. He smiled when he saw Kura hugging the life out of a black and white dog. He shook his head and closed the screen again. Kura was busy reuniting herself with her home of the past five years that she so obviously missed. Rui couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. While he'd been a slave to forest bandits, she had found herself another home. But then he pushed the thought away in disgust. He couldn't begrudge his sister her own happiness.
So, maybe Kura's too busy to keep Ari company, but I'm sure one of the others will.
The thought of Ari riding with Taiyo came to mind and Rui frowned. Then he thought of how Kei would comfort her, and sprang to his feet and practically flew out of his room.
Fine! I'll apologize!
He walked down the hall until he found a servant to tell him where the Suzaku no Miko was being kept, and was directed to the end of the corridor. The man gave Rui a sly look, but he ignored it and walked away. He ran through what he was going to say in his head.
Hi Ari, I'm sorry I tried to kiss you. Will you ever forgive me?
…Ari, I didn't mean to almost kiss you this morning, it just kinda happened.
…I know what you're going to say, but I'm really not such a jerk as to try to kiss you, so I'm sorry that this morning got out of hand.
…Ari please, please, please, don't be mad at me for this morning.
…It was all a misunderstanding, really!
…Ari! Why do you make me want to kiss you so damn much!?!
He froze mid-step, cringing.
Not that one. Definitely not that one.
Before he knew it, the door loomed up in front of him. He knocked lightly at the closed screen.
Nothing.
He knocked again. "Ari? Ari, are you in there? It's me, Rui. Can we talk?"
She didn't answer but he could hear someone moving around inside.
…She must be really mad at me to not even open the door…
"Ari, look I know you must be angry at me, but I came here to apologize…" He felt like an idiot, talking to the screen.
Still nothing, but someone was definitely moving around in there, rather clumsily too… It sounded like she just kicked something over!
"Come on Ari! Just hear me out okay?"
He listened again, and could barely make out a muffled whimper.
Oh Great Suzaku, she's crying!
"Ari, I wanted to say that I was sorry for what happened this morning…because, well, because I am sorry…"
The room was silent now…he leaned his ear against the screen, but he couldn't even hear her breathing…
"Ari? Are you listening to me?"
Nothing.
"Ari? Are you even in there?"
Still nothing. By the sounds of it, the room was empty.
"Ari! I'm opening the door!"
He slid open the panel to find an empty room.
Scratch that. He slid open the door to find a ransacked, empty room.
"Oh shit! ARI!!!"
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Authoress's Note: Oh yes! Another cliffhanger! Ari's been kidnapped! And NO SHE HASN'T BEEN KIDNAPPED BY CHICHIRI, OR KUTO SPYS. Sheesh. I'm not that unoriginal.
I'm curious. Since I don't know enough about the end of Fushigi Yugi, I'm gonna have to ask you reviewers. If Chichiri were alive forty years after the series, according to the story, would he still have his mask to cover his scar? Or did he use Mitsukake's magic water to heal himself? So I guess the question would be, did Chichiri eventually forgive himself for the deaths of his friend and fiancé? I can't say that I know, so I'd love it if you's peoples let me know. OK? And in return, I'll hurry up and figure out how to write the next chapter. I had real trouble getting this one out. I've been so busy with my grandmother in town, so it's taken awhile. But I'll post it on my self appointed deadline! YAY! I have to go work at the library now. (Everybody hope I get swallowed by a book for me! XD )
R. O. D. (review or die) ***wanderlily***