A/N
Hi, yes I've been lazy about posting, but you were all warned in ch. 1 Speaking of which I went back and fixed the part where I do tell about Guilmon. You see, I originally wrote the story with them all in, then I was going to take the digimon out, then I realized that would work because of a plot twist included in this chapter and I just forgot to put the Guilmon part back in. Sorry.
I also apologize for my use of Japanese terms without explanations, I shouldn't assume people know what they mean just because I'm such a freak and watch so much anime that I do. However, I barely get time to post chapters, so I'm only going to define terms people ask about, k?
Odangos, have you ever seen Sailor Moon? The literal Japanese term is something like dumplings and they're basically like a combination of a bun and a pigtails. That's the best explanation I have for it.
Disclaimer: I do own some original characters, in my other stories and AiMei in this one. But no one likes AiMei. I don't like AiMei. So what's the point of claiming to own her? I do not own Jenrya, Ruki, Takato, Juri or any of the other characters, or any ideas or concepts from Digimon.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
I yawned as I walked through the corridor to breakfast which was once again being
served in the hall. My original intent was to go down with Ruki and plan the days
activities for AiMei but when I went to get her there was a note taped to her door:
Jenrya-
Sorry to leave you alone; went for an early morning ride.
See you at breakfast.
-Ruki
PS best do all notes and private conversations in Japanese
She was right about that. AiMei didn't know Japanese and since she seems to like
sticking her nose where it doesn't belong we won't have to worry about what she
overhears.
"Oh Jenrya!" I sighed as I heard AiMei's voice echo through the corridor. She walked
up to me and once again latched onto my arm.
"I need to talk to you." She said, "Could we go walk in the gardens?" I silently groaned
but nodded.
If I was rude to AiMei she would tell her father who would tell my father could insist I go
back to court for the remainder of the summer small as it may be.
"Oh good!" AiMei squealed and pulled me along faster to the south garden.
The south garden had the most flowers and could look rather gaudy. I had no say in
this garden, if you're wondering. Ruki didn't like the south garden at all. She preferred
the east garden which was far simpler. It held a pond with some lilies as well as a few
sakura trees I had imported from Japan.
Actually, I've come to suspect that Ruki's from Japan but haven't said anything to her
about it.
We finally reached the garden and strolled along the path. I was surprised AiMei hadn't
already clouded the air with her chatter, normally you couldn't shut her up.
"So Jenrya, how long have you had Ruki working for you?"
The question immediately put me on guard. Why the heck would AiMei be asking me
about Ruki?
"She just started working for me this summer." I answered honestly.
"Oh really? Because you two seem really close."
Just what was she getting at? Could she tell I loved Ruki? Or had she seen her go into
my room last night and gotten the wrong impression?
'Calm down.' I told myself. There was nothing to get excited about yet.
When I hadn't said anything for a few moments AiMei continued.
"She is only a servant, right?"
"Yes." I replied. Even if Ruki meant so much more to me I couldn't admit it to AiMei.
"Well maybe you should make it more apparent or people might get the wrong idea. Do
you know what I mean?"
Oh yeah. I know exactly what she meant. And I didn't like it one bit.
* * *
Ruki's POV
I ran as fast as I could down the corridor. My ride had taken me farther than I thought
and then Pyrocean hadn't wanted me to leave. So I was late for breakfast, really late. I
was still wearing my riding outfit but I could have cared less. Even though I knew AiMei
would approve.
I smiled to myself, yet another reason not to change.
I entered the great hall and somewhat skidded to a stop. All of the other servants
smiled at me knowingly. They all knew I did things my own way and being late for
breakfast was the least of it.
AiMei glared at me. I was expecting that. It would have been bad enough for me to
show up for a meal late or in my riding outfit, but to do both? I was surprised she hadn't
started telling me off. She certainly thought it was her place to do so.
I walked over to my seat. As I did I saw AiMei turn her glare on Jenrya. If I had thought
her looked worried when I came in I was positive now.
He cleared his throat. "Ruki?" he said. I knew what he was getting at. His eyes
pleaded with me to cooperate as AiMei glared at me. I stopped short, closed my eyes
and sighed, Jenrya owed me big.
"Your Majesty." I bowed to Jenrya, fighting my pride down.
"Milady." I gave a small bow to AiMei and almost puked at the smug look on her face.
"I apologize for my lateness, I got a little lost on my ride." Jenrya knew I was lying. I
now knew the area surrounding the villa better than he did. But it was a good lie and I
had the poker face to pull it off.
Jenrya looked relieved and nodded. I went to my chair and sat down.
Something was up. I glanced at AiMei. He would have to tell me about it later.
* * *
"Spill it Jen." I hissed at him in Japanese as we walked Pyrocean and Storm over to the
other side of the stable where Takato and AiMei were getting their horses ready.
"AiMei is threatening to get you removed. She doesn't think that I'm treating you like a
servant." My jaw dropped. I don't know if I was more surprised with AiMei or Jenrya for
going along with her.
I guess Jenrya could tell I was upset because he started pleading with me.
"Please Ruki, if she goes to her father he'll go to my father and then I'll never see you
again. You're my friend, I don't want to lose you. So just play along for now. Please?"
What was I suppose to say, no? Jenrya was my friend and I had to do this for him.
I had an odd feeling I couldn't quite place. It had shown up before but I chose to ignore
it just as I had then.
"Okay." I said softly and Jenrya smiled at me in gratitude.
We approached AiMei and Takato. Takato was putting the side saddle on AiMei's
horse while she stood there tapping her toe. I had to restrain myself from rolling my
eyes. This girl was rude!
I had purposely chosen a docile mare for AiMei to ride. The mare was beautiful as well
because I knew if she wasn't AiMei wouldn't have approved. The mare's name was
Belle; she had a glossy coat as black as the night sky. But that didn't stop AiMei from
complaining.
"Why does she get to ride that horse when I have to ride this one?" She proclaimed
haughtily pointing at Pyrocean.
I sighed, I should have expected this. Pyrocean was the most elegant horse in the
stable. His chestnut coat gleamed with the appearance of his namesake. His hooves
were black as obsidian and polished to perfection. His main and tail were combed, but
still held a disheveled look that kept an air of the wild about him. I could have cut his
mane and tail so they would lie straight and neat but it would have looked silly on him.
Pyrocean's eyes were large and amber in color, they seemed to see everything and
held their own calm fire that could be easily evoked. Then there was his sheer size.
Pyrocean was easily a hand or two higher then every other horse in the stable.
"She's not worthy of such a fine animal. That horse should be reserved for nobility, not
servants."
I got an idea, it was wicked and horrible and AiMei would hat me for it. So naturally, I
went through with the plan I had so recently come up with.
"Would you care to ride him milady? Be my guest..."
* * *
Jenrya's POV
What in the world was she doing?! She knew Pyrocean wouldn't let anyone ride him
but her! Just last week he had kicked one of the stable hands that had tried to groom
him. The stable hadn't been seriously injured, well not physically. He had gotten yelled
at by Ruki repeatedly for doing such a stupid and dangerous thing. So why the heck
was she letting AiMei try and ride Pyrocean?
Then I caught a glimpse of a smirk on her face.
This was exactly what she was planning. She knew Pyrocean wouldn't let AiMei ride
him. She was likely to get thrown off, and Ruki was counting on it.
Now I couldn't say I would be incredibly upset if she got thrown off the horse but if she
did and got hurt she could get Pyrocean put down. And I couldn't let that happen.
"Good." AiMei said brightening at Ruki's last comment. "Get me a bit for him."
I could see Ruki about ready to tell her she was not using a bit on Pyrocean. Ruki had
gotten to putting a light saddle on him because it wasn't that uncomfortable for him and
if she didn't put it on long rides were hard for her. But she would not put a bit in his
mouth. She told me what was the point of putting a piece of cold metal in his mouth to
make him obey her if he listened to her anyway? I had agreed with her. But now I had
to interrupt before Ruki exploded.
"AiMei, maybe you should just ride Belle. Pyrocean doesn't really listen to anyone but
Ruki and he's got a temper."
"So?" AiMei said, "I'm just as good with horses as she is."
Okay, time to try something different.
"Alright AiMei, I don't doubt your skills, but Pyrocean's never had a side saddle on him
before so I'm sure Ruki can loan you a riding outfit so you can ride normally."
Ruki gaped at me and AiMei paled.
"Maybe it will just be easier for me to use Belle this time." AiMei said.
I guess the thought of wearing pants was just too much for her.
We went out into the paddock and we all mounted.
Ruki glared at me for interrupting her plans for AiMei.
I sighed; I would have to explain it to her later.
* * *
Ruki's POV
I was rather miffed that Jenrya hadn't let me go through with my plan and let AiMei get
what she deserved. He had better have a durn good reason.
I think Pyrocean could tell how annoyed I was because he seemed to pick up his feet
more than usual which meant that everyone else fell behind.
AiMei didn't seem to like that, so she made Belle canter ahead while Pyrocean was only
at a trot. We were going through a meadow on our way to one of the forest trails.
I eyed a hedge that had been planted in the middle of the field as well as a few hay
bales set up for jumping. I could sense that Pyrocean saw them too. And he wanted to
jump. Well, just because AiMei was here didn't mean that I was going to deny myself
or Pyrocean the joy of jumping.
I didn't bother to say anything to anyone, what was the point? I simply urged Pyrocean
into a canter and let him over tot he jumps and he did the rest.
I loved jumping; it was the closest thing I could get to flying, unless I jumped off a cliff
again. But I'm sure you don't want to hear about that. (A/N but if you do it will be in
book 2!)
And jumping on Pyrocean, even just riding on Pyrocean was the best. If I had had any
doubts about breaking away from the others and jumping all of them evaporated when I
saw the wonderfully jealous green color AiMei's face had turned.
I pretended that nothing had happened and I had never left the group.
Takato grinned at me; I knew he hated AiMei too. We had become better friends since
Jenrya had found out AiMei was coming and started stressing out. And since he had
gotten together with Juri who had come to the villa a lot in the past week to help me
plan for AiMei. Honestly, you didn't think I would know (or care for that matter) which
flowers to put on which tablecloth?
I could tell Jenrya was trying hard not to smile.
Then AiMei went for the jumps, which was for the record possibly one of the stupidest
things in the world to do. The jumps would be difficult enough for a petite mare like
Belle normally but with AiMei riding sidesaddle they were damn near impossible. I
knew very well that Belle could get stuck in the bush and be all scratched up, or land
funny on one of the jumps and injure her leg. I could have cared less about AiMei's
safety but just because she was an idiot didn't mean Belle had to suffer.
I turned Pyrocean and started for Belle at a gallop. We caught up to their trot in no
time.
"Lady AiMei please stop. Belle isn't a trained jumper and with you riding sidesaddle you
could both be seriously injured. Please don't take the risk milady." I couldn't believe
that I had been able to make those words come out of my mouth. I knew very well that
they would convince her but it had taken a lot for me to swallow my attitude and force
them out.
However, they were effective and I suppose that was the only thing that mattered. AiMei
turned Belle back to Takato and Jenrya at a gallop. I could tell that if she wasn't going
to be able to beat me at jumping, she'd try racing.
The whole idea of her competing with me was idiotic. And I think she knew it too. I
could best her in everything. Except being a conceited spoiled brat.. I really didn't even
know why she suddenly wanted to compete with me, she was perfectly happy treating
like a piece of dirt before.
Oh well, I'd just make her look stupid. I had Pyrocean take up a brisk prancing trot as
we made our way back to the others.
* * *
"So why is she competing with me?" I asked Juri. I had told Jenrya after dinner that I
was going to spend the night at Juri's. And I managed to get away with it too. If AiMei
hadn't been there Jenrya would have said no, it was too dangerous for me to be going
out all by myself at night there are bandits in the woods and you never know what could
happen... etc, etc. But I told him I was taking the night off in front of AiMei so he
couldn't make a scene. I know he'll be made when I get back, but he can't get too mad
if AiMei's around. Maybe she is good for something...
"I mean, she thinks I'm a servant, so why would she bother?" Juri grinned, like she
knew something big that I couldn't ever find out. I absolutely hated that look.
Still, Juri could usually figure out people better that I could, and that's why I come to her
for advice.
"Okay Juri, you can tell me know." She laughed a little.
"She's jealous." Juri finally said. I just scowled, that told me exactly zip, nada, nothing.
"Alright," Juri said. "She's jealous because of the attention you get from Jenrya, the
attention she wants."
"But Jen's just my friend." I told her. Juri raised her eyebrows in a look that clearly said
she didn't believe me.
I groaned, "Juri, you know how I feel about love. I've explained this to you a hundred
times!"
"I know, I know." She replied. "But he thinks you're poor; the only money you have is
what he gave you and the only power persuasion."
I groaned again, she was bringing up all the facts I had shoved aside.
"Think Ruki, if he really wanted those things, why wouldn't he just marry AiMei?"
"Because he values his hearing and sanity?" I offered. Juri looked exasperated.
"Look, maybe he's waiting to get married to the princess of Japan." I finally said.
We looked at each other for a moment then burst into giggles.
* * *
The next morning I rode back to the villa at first light. I had come to the conclusion that
I probably annoyed AiMei as much as she annoyed me. And I hadn't really been fair to
Jenrya by dumping him with AiMei for the whole day. So I was going to do the nice
thing and take AiMei for the day. I brought Pyrocean to the stables and took off his
tack. I groomed him to perfection and changed his water. Renamon got bored with
the whole routine and wandered off.
I grabbed the parcel I had gotten from Juri and headed back to my room. I figured
since I was going to be spending the whole day with AiMei I wouldn't get on her bad
side right away (although I probably get on her bad side just by breathing) and wear my
riding outfit to breakfast again.
I went to my room and hid the parcel from Juri, then washed up, brushed my hair and
changed into one of my plain dresses.
I hate wearing dresses, but being a girl I've had to wear them almost all my life, so I
guess I've adapted.
I exited my room and took the corridor that would lead me to the hall for breakfast. And
of course I just had to run into Jenrya. He didn't look happy at all. I take it he was still
a little upset about my sudden departure last night. So I tried the only thing I could think
of.
"Ohayo?"
* * *
Jenrya's POV
I really didn't want to get into an argument with Ruki about why she shouldn't go out
alone at night, things were already rough between us because of AiMei. But I had been
a complete wreck last night (but she doesn't need to know that part) because I was so
worried about her. You wouldn't believe how relieved I was when I knew that she had
come back safely. I usually don't worry so much, except when it comes to my baby
sister Shaochung. And now I'm almost always on edge worrying about what stupid
stunt Ruki's going to pull next.
I sighed and tried my best to let down my now patented 'you're in trouble' expression.
Ruki looked rather surprised I hadn't started reprimanding her already, but then her
expression visibly softened.
"I'm sorry I went out alone at night and made you worry Jen." I couldn't help but smile
at the sight of her giving in too.
"Thank you." I said.
"Although I could have beat up anyone who would have dared try cross me. " I knew
she had to add that last part to make her feel like she wasn't completely wrong and help
her retain her ego. And since I hadn't gotten much sleep last night, I let it slide. I
needed her to get through this week.
We started walking, or rather strolling towards the hall. I suppose neither of us was
eager to begin another day with AiMei.
"To make it up to you," Ruki began, "I'm going to deal with AiMei today." Her jaw was
fixed, as if clamping down to prevent something else (like 'I didn't mean it!') from
slipping out.
"You don't have to do that Ruki." While I would love to get away from AiMei for the day,
the month, the next fifty years.... I knew Ruki could stand her less than I could.
Ruki stopped short. "Do you want to spend the day with her Jenrya? Are you falling in
love?"
"NO!!!!!!!!!" I screamed. I mean I literally screamed. I'm sure that AiMei was wondering
what was going on, along with the people in the village. The servants seemed to have
gotten used to odd outbursts and strange behavior since Ruki came at the beginning of
the summer.
Ruki had fallen into a fit of giggles. Good, at least she hadn't been serious.
"Then it's settled." She said and continued walking. I followed her.
I was glad Ruki had taken my first answer to both her questions, because I was falling
in love.
But most definitely NOT with AiMei.
* * *
Ruki's POV
Somehow we convinced AiMei that Jenrya had royal business to attend to. She wasn't
exactly happy about that but accepted it.
Then she decided that we were going to spend all day pretend that she was already
Jenrya's wife.
.....
.....
.........
Is there really anything to say? The ridiculous nature of the whole thing just speaks for
itself. But needless to say, I was not looking forward to the day ahead.
First she had all of us dress her up and she had us place a crown on her head. Yeah,
you heard me right, a crown. It wasn't, of course, one of the real crowns that
represented to Chinese royal family. It was something that she had her jeweler at
home make for her on a whim. I'm sure she had no clue that the money that went into
fulfilling her whim could have fed a village for months....
Anyway, we then had to proceed in bowing to her and calling her "princess" and
congratulating her on her marriage to our prince, which she couldn't seem to get
enough of.
We were then required to sit down while she told us of the glorious wedding they had,
and how wonderful the king and queen were and blah blah blah...
The only comfort I had through this was the knowledge that it was never ever
happening. That was probably the longest day of my life.
When it was finally over, meaning I was released to go get ready for dinner, I was not
only extremely irritable but rather prone to acts of random violence. So I took a bath
and attempted to calm myself. AiMei would be gone soon and then things would go
back to the way they were, for three weeks anyway.
I sighed and dunked my head under the water. I didn't want to think about that just yet.
It was odd how I already thought of this place as a home. It hadn't been until recently
that I thought of Japan as my home. Then of course after I realized that I ran away.
A part of me was scared by that. Was I so use to be homeless that I couldn't stand
having one anymore? I didn't want it to be the truth. I did leave my home in Japan to
find myself, but what will happen to me if I don't like what I find?
I shivered slightly. The water was starting to get cold. I really hadn't realized how long
I'd been brooding.
Over all, I was much calmer. My frustration and anger had turned cold, but they were
still there, lying just beneath the surface of my consciousness, dormant for now.
I dried my hair and ran the bronze comb Jenrya had given me through it. It was still
rather wet after that so I decided to leave it down for the night. I slipped on one of my
recently-washed dresses and headed towards the hall.
For some reason the thought hit me that I hadn't seen Renamon all day. But I
shrugged it off. I could take care of myself, and Renamon could most certainly take
care of herself.
* * *
Jenrya's POV
I had a wonderful time fishing with Takato. But then we had to go back to the villa for
supper with the girls. Well, back for supper with AiMei. If it was just Ruki at the villa she
wouldn't have cared if we came home for dinner. Actually, if it was just Ruki she
probably would have dragged Juri along and come fishing with us.
Somehow, and I don't know exactly how, I managed to get through dinner with AiMei
throwing hints about marriage every two seconds. Then, before desert, one innocent
event exploded.
Renamon came sauntering in through one of the doors that hadn't been properly shut.
She just walked over and sat next to Ruki, nothing unusual by now. Well, not unusual
for everyone but AiMei.
"Eeeeeeeek!" AiMei squeaked when she saw the fox. "What in the world is that wild
animal doing in here?!"
"That's Renamon, she's Ruki's pet." I know Ruki would resent the term "pet" in
reference to Renamon, but she also knew that AiMei was a brat with a brain the size of
a grain of rice and "pet" was the word she was most likely to understand.
"Have her keep it outside then!" AiMei screamed.
"She's been here all week, milady, since this is the first you've seen of her, I'm certain
she will not bother you." Ruki gritted her teeth as she said this.
"Do as you're told servant, or her golden coat," she pointed to Renamon, "Will be part of
my newest outfit." AiMei said, cool as ice, no longer showing any hint of being
frightened of Renamon.
Ruki's eyes widened slightly. She looked to me. I wanted to help her, defend her and
Renamon, but I just, couldn't.
"Take her outside Ruki." I whispered.
She slowly rose from her place, simultaneously scooping up Renamon and then began
walking towards the door. She took one last look at me; I expected to see anger and
resentment in her eyes.
I saw only betrayal.
* * *