A/N
Oh yeah, I forgot, OOC, spelling mistakes, etc.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
The next day, as I promised I took Ruki to town for clothing. We rode horses because it
would most likely take a few days for the outfits to be made and we could make better
time if we rode.
Ruki insisted on riding Pyrocean. I pleaded with her not to; the horse had not been
trained to be ridden yet. But she was stubborn; she refused to ride any other horse. So
finally I gave in.
"Don't worry Jenrya." she said repeatedly. "I'll be alright." I wished I could just believe it
and stop worrying about her, but I knew I would never stop worrying about her.
Ruki had borrowed a shirt and riding pants from me. But I loaned her a light cloak as
well so it wasn't as apparent the clothes were too big for her although she didn't seem
to care.
I was surprised that after she led Pyrocean out of his stall and into the paddock, she
only had to lay one hand on his back and he kneeled down for her to mount. Ruki also
insisted on riding bareback. And refused to put a bit in his mouth yet, but she did use
her own contraption that was like a halter with reins on him. I think she was doing it to
keep me from having a total breakdown and I was thankful for that.
The stallion rose and I couldn't help but think the sight almost funny. Here was a pretty
seventeen year old girl riding on the back of a tall not to mention wild stallion. Yet she
had complete control.
I mounted my own horse; a grey gelding called Storm and we took off.
Pyrocean was taller and had a longer stride so Storm had a bit of trouble keeping up.
"I'm not buying a lot of fancy dresses." Ruki said suddenly. I was a little surprised with
her abrupt comment. I could have told her that she didn't have to and left it at that but
since we had a ways to go I decided to play with her instead.
"Oh, but as the lady in waiting for visiting nobility you have to be outfitted properly.
What would visiting nobility say if you were dressed like a stable hand?" I said, my tone
mocking.
She pretended to take me seriously and look angry and then said, "Jenrya, I will now
remind you that I was given that title without my consent, and that I also hold the
position of the sole trainer of Pyrocean, who will now beat your horse in a race." and
with that Pyrocean took off like a shot; I knew she must have signaled him but I hadn't
seen it. I urged Storm faster and we caught up to Pyrocean, for about a split second,
then we fell really far behind. So I yelled to her "Alright! Ruki I give up! You don't have
to get a lot of fancy dresses!" I'm sure that if anyone else had heard me they would
have thought us nuts or just odd. But Ruki turned Pyrocean around and came back
laughing.
"Why thank you Prince Jenrya; you are ever so hospitable to cater to my wishes." I
couldn't help but laugh. She was mocking me. First off, she wouldn't call me "Prince"
unless her life was threatened or thank me for catering to her wishes, she would expect
me to.
Anyway from there we took a slower pace since we were much closer to the town, and
the horses, at least Storm was tired.
We didn't talk much because there wasn't much to say. We just rode along in easy
silence enjoying each other's company.
When we finally got into town everyone in the crowds bowed to me, and whispered
about Ruki who was riding behind me on a grander horse. The fact that everyone was
staring at her didn't seem to bother her, in truth I don't think she noticed. If you want
my opinion I think people would guess Ruki was a princess before they would guess me
a prince. Ruki just held that authority.
We found a dress shop that looked like it could make something for Ruki so we
dismounted and tied the horses together, because Ruki swore that Pyrocean wouldn't
leave if she told him to stay and they probably wouldn't go very far if they were tied
together.
We went in and the girl who was working there looked very startled. But she seemed to
collect herself and bowed. "Your majesty, how may I serve you?"
Ruki rolled her eyes. She told me she didn't believe in bowing to royalty or giving them
special treatment because it just made them seem godly and they weren't. She said all
of the court protocol just distracted leaders from doing their jobs. I had to agree with
her but I wasn't going to be the one to uproot tradition.
"Can you make some clothes for my friend?" I said pulling Ruki forward regardless of
the scowl she wore.
"Of course your majesty." The girl said bowing again.
"What kind of clothes?"
"Some riding outfits, a warm cloak, a light cloak, some simple dresses and one or two
fancy ones for nicer occasions." I rattled off. I had discussed with Ruki what she would
need and she agreed with me except for the dresses.
"Yes your majesty, and what material should be used sire?" I shrugged. "Let her pick
them out." I really didn't care if Ruki picked out the finest silk in the shop, although I
knew she wouldn't.
"Yes your highness." The shop girl said. "I'll need to get your measurements Lady."
The girl said pointing to a stool and gathering a tape measure. Ruki turned to me.
"Leave." she said. I decided to play around some more, it was fun irritating Ruki.
"Why?" I whined. She looked at me with great annoyance.
"Because I told you to. Now, leave."
"Do I have to?" I whined again. I think I might have pushed Ruki over the edge.
"Onore! Leave!"
"Hey you can't talk to me like that!"
"Wanna bet? Jenrya I mean it, leave!"
"Okay, okay." I said and left to wait outside leaving one very confused looking shop girl
and one steaming Ruki.
* * *
Ruki's POV
I could not believe Jenrya! But I took several deep breaths after he disappeared out the
door. I took off the cloak and got up on the stool to have my measurements taken. The
girl seemed somewhat confused and rather frightened.
She finally said, "Beg your pardon Lady, but what is your relation to his majesty Prince
Jenrya?"
I considered it a moment, technically he was my master, sort of. But I would never call
him that, to his face or anyone else's. "He's my friend." I finally said as she continued
taking measurements.
"You're sure you're not romantically involved Lady?" She asked. I was kind of
surprised at the question, and rather embarrassed for a reason I can't begin to fathom.
"Yes, I'm sure. Why do you ask?" I questioned her. She looked rather embarrassed for
asking the question in the first place.
"He seems to like you Lady." She said and went back to work leaving me with only
whatever comprehensible thoughts I could muster.
What she said had blown my mind. Jenrya like me? I knew he liked me as a friend but
that wasn't what the shop girl had been implying. Jenrya like me? But he was royalty
and thought me a servant. I mean, it wouldn't be so bad if he did because I suppose I
kind of like him as well...
'Baka!' I scolded myself mentally. 'You cannot fall in love, love is not real.' The shop
girl had to have been wrong in her assumptions.
"Lady?" The girl questioned rather hesitantly.
"Yes?" I said. "What styles would you like your clothes in?" Styles for my clothes?
Like I cared!
"It doesn't matter." I answered her. "Make them in whatever style you want."
The girl smiled and went off to go get some fabrics. I suppose I could let Jenrya in, but
I was still confused and annoyed and he was the cause of it. So he wasn't coming in
until it was time to pay.
"Lady? I have several fabrics for you to choose from, would you like to have a look." I
sighed and hopped off the stool. There was no way I was going to end up with anything
pink or flowery.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
I smiled a little as I leaned against the outer wall of the dress shop.
She had called me a jerk.
No one else on earth who knew who I was would have done that. I was lost in my own
world grinning like an idiot.
Two seconds later something jumped on top of my head and then rebounded onto the
dirt path. It was a golden fox. Renamon.
"Why do you use my head for a springboard?" I asked the fox, knowing full well I
wouldn't get a reply.
That fox showed up at the oddest times. Renamon looked at the door to the dress shop
and them back at me impatiently.
"Okay fine." I opened the door just far enough for the fox to get through and then shut
it.
When I turned around Juri was standing there. I jumped back a little.
"Your majesty." she said.
"Hello Juri." I replied.
"Ruki is inside?" She asked.
"Yes." I replied.
"She won't ever wear any fancy, frilly, pink, or flowery dresses. So if you're getting her
one save your money and buy her a riding outfit."
I smiled at that. "Don't worry Juri, I wouldn't even try. She's picking everything out right
now so I really have no say in the matter anyway."
She smiled and bowed again. "Thank you for your time majesty, please give Ruki my
regards." And she turned to walk away.
"Wait." I said, and she stopped to turn back and face me.
"How do you and Ruki know each other?" I questioned her.
She looked hesitant. "Has she told you your majesty?"
"No, that's why I'm asking you."
She shook her head, "I'm sorry your majesty but I cannot betray the confidence of my
friend."
Dang it. Another question unanswered. She turned to walk away again.
"One more question." I said. "Why does she keep her past a secret?"
Juri turned back. "I truly do not know majesty, but I would think that it was because she
is afraid that people will judge her because of it."
Then she turned and left for good. And I decided to lighten up on Ruki about her past.
* * *
When we got back to the villa Takato pulled me aside. "Jenrya I need to talk to you."
He said.
I looked over at Ruki. "Ummm..." I said. She rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry, I'm sure that I have some servant duties to fulfill." and then Pyrocean took
off at a gallop to a nearby field.
I smiled after her. Even thought I hadn't known her long, I was already use to having
her around.
"Come on." Takato pulled Storm to the stables with me still on him. I felt a pang of
sympathy for the horse; it was hard keeping up with a stallion like Pyrocean or a
hothead like Ruki.
We took him into the stable. I dismounted and got the grooming tools. Takato started
talking as I brushed Storm.
"Jenrya I need your help." he said.
"Sure Takato, what do you need my help with?" At this point Takato looked rather
embarrassed and hesitated a moment before speaking.
"Well, you see, I met this girl in town and I really like her, but I don't know what to say or
do.. and can you just help me?" He said in a rush. I was rather amused.
It was typical of Takato to be flustered. But how was I suppose to help Takato with the
girl he liked when I didn't know what to do about Ruki? I was still completely confused
when it came to her.
"What's her name." I asked Takato, hoping that I would just be able to tell him to calm
down and be himself and that would be the end of it.
"Her name's Juri." He replied. Alright, this I can help him with.
"Really?" I questioned Takato.
"Yeah, her family has an inn, why?" I would say that with anyone else they would be
suspicious but Takato was just confused.
"Ruki knows Juri. They're friends or something. Want me to ask her to help?"
"Okay..." Takato seemed hesitant. "What's your relationship with Ruki anyway
Jenrya?"
Oh shoot. How was I suppose to answer that question? If Takato knew I liked her (Yes
I'm admitting it)... well no one of rank would approve because she's just a servant and I
was very afraid Takato would open his mouth and blab on accident.
"Well...she's my friend, and my servant, sort of." Takato didn't seem to believe me.
"Why do you ask?" I said.
"Because I think you like her." He responded bluntly.
I didn't answer him.
* * *
I waited a day before talking to Ruki about getting Juri together with Takato.
But during that time I had answered one question and come up with a million more.
I loved Ruki.
But I guess I was confused about things- like why I loved her even thought I knew it was
forbidden, like why I loved her period. How I fell in love with her so quickly and whether
or not I should tell her. And of course, whether there was the smallest chance she
loved me too. Was I doomed to be forever loving her although unable to do anything
about it?
I eventually decided to lay off the heavy questions and decide to just concentrate on
helping Takato, which meant talking to Ruki, which is what I went to go do.
I found her up a tree with Renamon at the edge of the forest.
"Is this normal behavior for you?" I shouted up to her as I started to climb the tree.
She smiled, "Jenrya you should have learned by now that nothing about me is normal."
I laughed a little, it was too true.
I finally settled on a branch one down and across from Ruki and Renamon.
"Alright Ruki I need a favor."
"Jenrya, I could have sworn we went over this the first time we met, so define 'favor.'"
Great, now when I actually have a semi-serious topic she decides to play around. And
being as mixed up about my feelings for her as it is, the thought provoking comment
was definitely unwanted.
"Come on Ruki, it's about Juri."
"Alright, so let's hear it." She slipped into a mode of complete and utter seriousness.
"You see, um, Takato says he's in love with her and he wanted my help to get together
with her and I need your help because she's your friend right? So, will you help?"
Ruki looked incredibly amused. "It's so odd, I mean, normally you only hear about
things like this happening in fairy tales. I never thought something like this would
actually happen..." Okay, maybe she wanted to torture me, maybe she was just in a
mood to play around. I decided to end it as quickly as possible and humor her.
"What is it Ruki?" She smiled.
"You see, when Juri found out I was staying at the villa, she asked me to do something
for her." She stopped a minute.
"Come on tell me already!" I yelled, she was taking suspense to unnecessary
extremes. She laughed at my impatience.
"She asked me if I would help her get together with a certain high ranking servant.
*cough* Takato *cough*"
I was smiling now. This was too perfect.
"So what's you plan?" I asked her. When Ruki had a plan, it was usually obvious from
the mysterious and smug look on her face.
"Plan?" She asked sounding perfectly innocent.
"What ever do you meant Jenrya? We would never dream of setting up our dear
friends, even if it was for their own good." Her voice was sugar coated and it was
completely obvious that she was fully intending to set up out friends up, for their own
good or not.
"I just wanted to propose that you and I ask Takato to come on a picnic in about three
days to discuss our plans about what he could do about Juri. We will also invite Juri to
come on a picnic to discuss what she should do about Takato." She stopped.
"Then? All you're proposing so far it that all four of us have a picnic." She sighed as if I
should have gotten it by now.
"Don't you think my clothes will be ready in three days Jenrya?" I finally got what she
was getting at.
"So if you and I are gone, Juri and Takato will be left alone to share a picnic lunch.
Ruki you're brilliant!"
"Really Jenrya, I thought you would have figured that out already." She teased back.
I just smiled and shook my head.
* * *
Ruki's POV
Three days hence we went through with the plan. I invited Juri to come have a picnic
with Jenrya and I and told her to meet us in the field. Jenrya asked Takato and told him
to go to the field early and set up.
It was kind of an odd thing for me; love isn't something I truly believe in. Not when it
comes to myself anyway. But I was trying my hardest so one of my best friends could
find it. And with the help of Jenrya...
Sometimes when I'm near him I have to imagine what would happen if they come for
me. And remind myself that love doesn't exist. But none of it's working.
"Ruki are you ready to go?" Jenrya asked shaking me out of my reverie.
"Yeah." I said, to my reluctance I found my voice was slightly shaky but he didn't seem
to notice.
He did a mock bow and opened the carriage door and held out a hand to help me into
the carriage. I played along, trying to look as stuck up as possible. I find it fun to play
games with him.
We were going to town to pick up my new clothes which is why we're taking the
carriage instead of just the horses.
It wasn't that I minded borrowing clothes from Jenrya...
I shook my head. When we got back I would have to take Pyrocean and run, fast and
far. I needed to clear my head. Running was one of the few things that helped get rid
of everything. But sometimes I wonder what I'm running away from.
* * *
Omniscient POV
Takato had gotten there early and set up like Jenrya had told him to. It was slightly
disappointing losing would probably be the closest word to it, best friend to a girl. But
he had a girl to keep him occupied too, more so if Jenrya and Ruki ever showed up so
they could think up a plan to get Juri and him together.
Meanwhile, Juri was walking up to the field where Ruki had told her to meet her and
Jenrya. The field was about halfway between the town and the villa. Since it was n't
that far of a walk and because she didn't like riding very much Juri had decided to walk.
Neither of the two expected to meet each other there.
"Oh my gosh! Takato, what are you doing here?" Juri half-yelled as she came upon the
picnic blanket and realized who was waiting there.
"Juri! I wasn't expecting to see you here." Takato cried, "I'm waiting for Jenrya and Ruki,
we were suppose to have a picnic."
She put her hands over her mouth looking astonished. "Ruki told me to meet her and
Jenrya here so we could have a picnic." Awkward silence followed her words.
"Do you think we've been set up?" Juri whispered after a few moments.
"Could've been." Takato responded, "But we should at least eat the food regardless of
why we're here." His tone was hopeful.
"You're right." Juri responded.
After that they opened the picnic basket. Conversation began to flow easily over the
course of their meal. Both silently thanked their friends for setting them up more then
once. Soon the topic turned to Jenrya and Ruki.
"It's so weird! I know he likes her but he's afraid because of their difference in station
and won't do anything about it." Takato said.
"I think they'll fall in love." Juri responded.
"Really?" Takato said.
"Yes." She replied. "Jenrya needs Ruki to remind him that just because he's a prince
doesn't mean he has to be royal and adhere to etiquette. And Ruki needs Jenrya to
show her that love is real. They're perfect for each other." Juri finished and took a small
bite of her dessert.
"If you say so." Takato said.
They enjoyed the rest of their meal and their time together and planned to meet each
other again soon.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
Ruki and I had done a good job. Takato and Juri were now seeing each other
frequently.
A few weeks had passed since we had set the two up. I was getting more and more
confused about Ruki. Which was because we saw each other practically every day.
Sometimes she went and stayed with Juri in town.
To be honest, even if she was my servant and bound to me, she still did whatever she
wanted. I was surprised none of the other servants minded.
She usually spent her days riding and training Pyrocean, taking walks in the woods and
climbing tries, helping some of the other servants, or spending time with me.
Actually sometimes the other servants refused her help.
Grandma took to calling Ruki "Lady" and it caught on, much to Ruki's frustration.
But I was rather happy that Ruki fit into this world so well. My world. Well, the world I
liked best. I just wished I could make her part of my world in a different, more
permanent way.
Errgh! Those were the type of thoughts that were confusing me. I had finally been able
to admit to Takato that I liked Ruki. Then I threatened him within an inch of his life so
that he wouldn't tell anyone.
I am now finding myself admitting that I want to tell Ruki how I feel. I want her to be
accepted within th royal court. I wanted to be able to marry her. I wanted to-
"Jenrya, are you coming or not?"
Ruki was ahead of me on Pyrocean. She was wearing her light cloak which had ended
up being a pale green with her least favorite riding outfit. It was a pair of cream
breeches paired with a golden corset with white sleeves. She said she didn't like it
because it showed too much of her. Actually, she didn't tell me that. I accidently
overheard it when she sent me out of the shop to discuss some things with the people
who made her outfits. After I started hearing her screaming at the top of her lungs I
went in, took the clothes, apologized and dragged a very upset Ruki to the carriage.
And, note I would never tell her this unless I wanted to die a painful death, that outfit
was my favorite that I had seen her wear.
"I'm leaving." Ruki called out over her shoulder and I shook myself out of my reverie. I
urged Storm forward to follow Pyrocean.
"Hey!" I shouted at her back. She turned around and gave me one of her typical smug
smiles. She looked beautiful in the soft light of the early morning.
The event hadn't been planned. Actually Ruki had been planning on going out alone.
But I had heard her going out and had gone after her. She told me she was going on a
ride a to go back to sleep. I had convinced her to let me come too with surprisingly little
trouble. She still hadn't told me where we were going or why we were going at this
hour, the sun hadn't even risen yet.
We continued on, Pyrocean and Storm cantered through a green meadow fresh with
morning dew. I continued to follow Ruki with blind trust. But then again, I'd follow her
anywhere.
* * *
Ruki's POV
When I had gotten dressed that morning way before dawn, I thought the one who was
going to see me was Pyrocean. But I can't lie and say that I didn't want Jenrya along
with me.
I hated the fact that I was having trouble refusing him. I had spent a long time
becoming detached from most of the rest of the human race. But he comes along and
Boom! Suddenly my walls are little more then rubble.
Well, almost. I have managed to keep him far enough away from me for now.
"So where are we going?" Jenrya had pulled Storm up along Pyrocean and whispered
the question into my ear. I will now emphasis the words "for now."
"What's the fun in telling?" I whispered back to him. I had the worst feeling that this
would be classified as flirting, but it was so much fun to see him squirm!
I laughed softly as I made Pyrocean gather himself to jump the hedge lining the end of
the field. He cleared it and more. He could have almost stepped over it if he wanted.
Storm followed and cleared the hedge with a little more difficulty.
We had entered deeper into the forest now, something necessary if we were to make it
to our final destination.
I did a quick check to make sure that the bow and quiver of arrows I had taken were still
hidden safely under my cloak. I knew if Jenrya saw them he would be too happy with
me.
I had to have something to protect myself from the wild animals in the woods. I
wouldn't try to hit them at first, just scare them. And if the bow didn't do it's job I always
carried my dagger. Currently it was hidden in my right boot.
I stroked Renamon who had settled on Pyrocean's withers. The two got along well. It
seemed fitting as they were two of my best friends. The other two being Jenrya and
Juri. And although I'm sure Jenrya would be quite happy to hear me call him one of my
best friends, I didn't feel like inflating his ego.
We finally reached the first landmark on the way to our destination. It was here that we
had to abandon the horses.
I dismounted and tied Pyrocean's reins to a low branch. Jenrya followed the suit.
I walked over to the nearby rock face looking in the low light for the notch I'd put in the
rock yesterday.
"What are you doing?" Jenrya asked.
"Shh." I replied. Found it.
I bent down and cleared away the branches that had been placed before the tunnel in
the rock. It was perhaps three feet tall and three feet wide. I didn't know why it was
there or how it came to be but I didn't care.
Renamon went through tunnel first. Of course, she was small enough so that she didn't
have to duck. I got down on my hands and knees and began to crawl into the tunnel.
But Jenrya put a hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure it's safe?"
"Don't be a baby Jenrya." I started crawling through the tunnel and Jenrya followed me.
Truth be told, I kind of like it when he worries about me.
We crawled on for a few minutes, I was getting rather stiff and uncomfortable but I
would rather die then admit to it.
We finally made it out of the tunnel into a small stone room behind a waterfall. We
were in luck, we had made it in time.
You see, the waterfall we were behind went down again into another waterfall, and
there was a rock in the cliff face where the waterfall was that parted the water of the
waterfall we were behind. The result was we had a gorgeous view of the sun as it
seemed to come through the water and make the water sparkle and become liquid fire.
It was incredibly beautiful. And I'm sure Juri would say incredibly romantic. But I don't
believe in romance. And I don't believe in love.
I glanced at Jenrya.
I just need to keep telling myself that.
* * *