A/N: Thanks for the reviews peoples! Makes Luna feel very happy. ::NodNod:: And also for the constructive critism. It helps a lot ya know. ::NodNod::
Chapter Two: Hotohori
POV: Ryuuen
Somehow my feet carried me to the library, just as most of the people were leaving... The library would be closing soon, and I had already been told to stay out of the back room... However, I couldn't help it.
When I entered the back room, I found the book still lying on the ground opened, as we had left it. Surprising, I'd thought for sure that the librarian would have placed the book back on the shelf. I picked up the book, before closing the door, leaving it cracked, because I wasn't very sure about getting locked in here.
//Despite the slight shaking in "her" knees, the young "lady" lunged at the slavers, and at that very moment a gallant young man who bore the character for demon on his forehead, saved the young "lady" and her companion...//
Everything that had happened to me and Yui was right here... Could the book... There was the blinding red light again, and my head began to swirl as my body was pulled back... Inside the book?
//And thus the young "lady" of Legends opened the door to another world and likewise began our tale...//
"Eh?" I had fallen onto the back of a wagon of sorts... Somehow, despite all odds, I knew I was inside that book. And yet didn't it call for a heroine? HeroINE... Of course that thought really wasn't going to help my mood, so I jumped off the back of the cart, intent on finding that boy who had rescued Yui and me earlier tonight. He was the only person besides those slavers whom I had actually met so he seemed like a good bet. Maybe he could at least tell me where I was.
I could feel the crowds eyes on me as I walked through what seemed to be a festival. Well of course, they would be starring at me. They were all dressed in clothes from centuries ago... Chinese, I guessed trying to recall my history class, in which we had studied Ancient China. I was dressed as a complete outsider.
A young man approached me, a grin on his face, "Hey you, wanna go to the carnival with me?" He asked. Was some guy from what I had decided was Ancient China just asking me on a date? Well that's something you don't see every day. Even so, I had a hard time keeping the blush from scurrying to my cheeks. "Thanks, but I'm looking for someone..."
"Oh.. Well I know lots of people, what's he look like?" I described the boy to him, and he nodded, "Oh, him, huh? He's a friend of mine. I could lead you straight to him, come on," He said motioning through the crowd. I was somewhat reluctant to agree, but seeing as my only other option would be wandering around a foreign country looking for some guy who's name I didn't even know... I agreed.
After maybe ten minutes of walking through a path in the forest, I began to get a bit antsy. What if he was lying? "So.. Where is he?" I asked, nervously.
"Right here," A male voice, said as three other men emerged from the trees, wicked grins on their ugly faces.
"We'll get a good price for her clothes alone..." One said eyeing me appraisingly. They had me cornered against a tree. Note to Ryuuen: Don't ask men for help.
I felt my body start to shake slightly as one of the men grabbed at the hem of my skirt tugging it up a couple inches.
"Leave her allllllllllllone!" A squeaky girl's voice called, as a small girl with two almond colored buns on either side of her head popped out from within the trees. "Miiiaka! You can't just go rushin' in tryin' to play hero whenever you feel like it!" It was the same boy whom I'd been looking for, with the demon character.
The one he had called Miaka looked up the buns bouncing as she shook her head, "Aww, Tamahome, these guys are bad news. We wouldn't just /leave/ her with them would we?!" Miaka demanded. The four men just stared at the two. "Oh. It's you again." Tamahome said noting my presence, before he began to walk towards the men. They threw me to the ground and ran Tamahome chasing after them yelling something about taking money.
A pair of olive colored eyes blinked at me. "Do you need some help up? I'm Miaka by the way. Who are you? A friend of Tamahome's? And what's with your clothes?" She asked to many questions to enthusiastically. I shook my head, "I'll be fine... It's nice to meet you, I'm Chou Ryuuen. And I met Tamahome once a little while ago. He saved me and a friend... And my clothes..." However, Tamahome's abrupt and perfectly timed entrance spared me from having to explain my clothes and my world and all the complicated mess to the bright-eyed girl.
"So if that's all you needed we'll be going now..." Tamahome said turning away, which only caused Miaka to throw her arms around him. "Tamahome! She's not from around here. Right Ryuuen? You're soo meaaannn Tamahome!" She said sticking out her tongue at him. I would have laughed but it seemed that Miaka was trying to completely serious with the boy. "Well maybe if someone where to get me a jewel from His Majesty's crown..." Miaka nodded, "Berightback!" And the girl launched off towards the biggest procession. I looked from her to Tamahome and then back in the direction she had gone and then ran after the girl. "I wasn't bein' serious..." I heard Tamahome grumble.
Miaka halted in front of the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. Rich chestnut hair covered by a crown of sorts, and seemingly glowing haunted eyes that seemed to hold a look of command and respect. I'd somehow lost control of my body, feeling as if I couldn't move at all. He was so... Beautiful...
"Majesty? Majjjestty? I was wonderin' if I could have a jewel off your crown?" Miaka asked beaming up at him. It appeared that he knew the girl for the chariot stopped. But that's when I felt it. My fingers began to tingle and the red light was emerging from my body... No.. I couldn't leave now... It was a mere second I was gone, only seeing a brief flash of the library before I was hauled back into the book. People gasped and Miaka seemed to forget her request from the Emperor. Who was staring at me with those beautiful amber eyes... And what was I doing? Staring right back. He said something to the guard, yet I couldn't make out what it was he had requested.
When I regained consciousness, I was within the palace dungeon or something of sorts. "Hey Ryuuuuen, you were talking in your sleep you know. And tossin' too." Miaka informed me brightly.
Tamahome looked up, "Sleeping while we're locked up.. How typical." He said.
"Tamahome! You're such a meanie," Miaka informed him before turning her focus back to me. "So what's up with your family? You kept talking about them." Oh, crap. What had I said in my sleep? Well it didn't look like to much... At least not that because Miaka wasn't looking at me as if I was some disgusting monster or something. That was a good sign.
"Well... I kinda blew up at my Dad a while ago..." I said shrugging.
Tamahome looked up, "All kids care about their parents. And all parents care about their kids. It's that simple, you see?"
His kind words caused Miaka to immediately throw her arms around his neck, "Aww, Tama! How sweet!" He rolled his eyes, "It would be much sweeter if I were getting paid..." Miaka shot him a glare, and retorted with something, but I wasn't paying attention to their bickering.
My mind instead was on my family, which they had just so kindly reminded me of. I'd never be able to please them fully. At least not at this rate. Dressing like a girl... It disgusted them. Rokou had always supported me though... It was something I loved about my older brother. But they all knew. Knew what no one else did.
I was brought out of these thoughts by Miaka's bright face, "Ryuuuen! We've been askin you if you've got any ideas on how to get outta here?"
Tamahome glanced over at the girl, "I'm surprised you're even in here, Miaka. Isn't His Majesty supposed to be in love with you? Or did he change his mind so soon?" Tamahome's voice was cold and I could easily see the look of jealousy on his face.
"Tamahoooome! He doesn't! We're just friends. You know emperors need friends too..." I dug in my pockets, not really wanting to get involved in their conversation, yet still trying to keep that phrase out of my mind. /Isn't he supposed to be in love with you?/ Why did I feel so crushed? No one was supposed to have this effect on me...
Miaka peered over my solider, "Hey got any food?" She asked, grabbing the stick of gum from my hands. I grabbed myself a piece before tossing one to Tamahome, who pocketed it saying he could "make good money off of this".
After five minutes of trying to show Miaka how to blow a bubble with her gum, it resulted in the girl having a pink sticky layer over her face. "Geffittoftome!" She yelled from underneath her pink mask, which only made me giggle harder. However, I seemed to be the only one who found it the least bit amusing. Tamahome was staring at Miaka as if she was a contagious disease and the guard who had been watching us had fainted. I grabbed the key and let us out as Tamahome finally resolved to help Miaka get the gum off her face. When we finally succeeded we left the cell only to have Miaka run off drool spilling from her lips, "Foodfooodfooooood!!" She yelled, "Can't you guys smell it?!" She vanished around a corner.
"Stay here. We'll be right back," Tamahome instructed, sighing exasperated before running after the girl. I stood leaning against the wall trying to blend in until I saw a trio of soldiers approaching. Then I bolted for the nearest door, which led me to the gardens I guessed.
I stood there for a few moments before I noticed a pretty young woman with long chestnut hair... She looked extremely familiar but as usual, it didn't click. She held a shawl wrapped around herself loosely as she approached. "Hello... Are you the young girl they captured earlier?" She asked in a pleasant voice.
"No! I'm just a random person who had better get going..." I said quickly.
She smiled cheerfully, "Don't worry! The guards won't hear about you from me! I've got nothing to do, so how about I give you the special no guard tour of the palace?"
I stood there for a moment unsure of how to respond; when I saw, Miaka and Tamahome come running followed by at least six guards. "You dummy! You got us trapped, with your food!" Tamahome was yelling.
"Craap! I can't go back to my world unless I know that they're safe!" I mumbled aloud. My words caused the extremely pretty girl to turn and stare at me, "You come from another world?"
I looked down, somehow unable to lie to the girl, "You won't believe me.. But it's true. You'll probably think I'm crazy or something..."
"Oh no! Not at all! I just love things like that!" She said smiling, as she moved a little closer to me. "I'm Hotohori... Although I'm usually called something else..."
"Uhmm... I'm Chou Ryuuen. A pleasure to meet you..." I said a blush creeping up my cheeks. A girl was not supposed to have this affect on me!
"Stop talking about leaving, and stay here a while... I just know the emperor would never have you killed..." Her fingers drifted to my chin, tilting it up just a little... Just her touch made my heart pound inside my head.
"What's the matter Ryuuen?" She asked pulling her hands away from my face.
"Ohh... I was just thinking how beautiful you are..." I said not even aware I'd spoken aloud until she chuckled. "Oh everyone says that." The look on her face was pleased. But suddenly it changed into a look of determination as she shoved me into the bushes before stepping in herself. The guards approached, all the while interrogating Miaka and Tamahome. "Where's that other girl?"
"I dunno. Must have gotten away. Too bad huh?" Tamahome said a smug look on his face. The man held his hand out about to slap Tamahome and I couldn't help it. He'd saved me twice, and I wasn't going to let either him or Miaka get hurt for my sake. I stepped out of the bushes, "Here I am. Come and get me."
"Ryuuen! Why didn't you go home?!" Miaka asked.
"I couldn't just leave you two here after you guys saved my life!"
Tamahome took advantage of the caoes and punches the man holding him captive in the jaw. Yet that action only caused the guard holding Miaka to raise a knife to the wide eyed girl's throat.
"Lay one finger on either of them and you're dead," Tamahome hissed, the red character on his forehead emerging.
Hotohori dropped her shawl to the ground, "You are not permitted to touch any of them without our direct order!" She said a fierce glint in her eyes.
"Hotohori?" I questioned glancing apprehensively between her and the guards.
"Your Majesty!" The guards exclaimed, releasing Miaka, their eyes wide in horror.
I stared at Hotohori, my eyes wider than theirs, "How could a girl this beautiful be the Emperor?" I asked to no one imparticular.
"His Majesty is all man," Miaka informed me, as a slight smile toyed on Hotohori's lips.
Chapter Two: Hotohori
POV: Ryuuen
Somehow my feet carried me to the library, just as most of the people were leaving... The library would be closing soon, and I had already been told to stay out of the back room... However, I couldn't help it.
When I entered the back room, I found the book still lying on the ground opened, as we had left it. Surprising, I'd thought for sure that the librarian would have placed the book back on the shelf. I picked up the book, before closing the door, leaving it cracked, because I wasn't very sure about getting locked in here.
//Despite the slight shaking in "her" knees, the young "lady" lunged at the slavers, and at that very moment a gallant young man who bore the character for demon on his forehead, saved the young "lady" and her companion...//
Everything that had happened to me and Yui was right here... Could the book... There was the blinding red light again, and my head began to swirl as my body was pulled back... Inside the book?
//And thus the young "lady" of Legends opened the door to another world and likewise began our tale...//
"Eh?" I had fallen onto the back of a wagon of sorts... Somehow, despite all odds, I knew I was inside that book. And yet didn't it call for a heroine? HeroINE... Of course that thought really wasn't going to help my mood, so I jumped off the back of the cart, intent on finding that boy who had rescued Yui and me earlier tonight. He was the only person besides those slavers whom I had actually met so he seemed like a good bet. Maybe he could at least tell me where I was.
I could feel the crowds eyes on me as I walked through what seemed to be a festival. Well of course, they would be starring at me. They were all dressed in clothes from centuries ago... Chinese, I guessed trying to recall my history class, in which we had studied Ancient China. I was dressed as a complete outsider.
A young man approached me, a grin on his face, "Hey you, wanna go to the carnival with me?" He asked. Was some guy from what I had decided was Ancient China just asking me on a date? Well that's something you don't see every day. Even so, I had a hard time keeping the blush from scurrying to my cheeks. "Thanks, but I'm looking for someone..."
"Oh.. Well I know lots of people, what's he look like?" I described the boy to him, and he nodded, "Oh, him, huh? He's a friend of mine. I could lead you straight to him, come on," He said motioning through the crowd. I was somewhat reluctant to agree, but seeing as my only other option would be wandering around a foreign country looking for some guy who's name I didn't even know... I agreed.
After maybe ten minutes of walking through a path in the forest, I began to get a bit antsy. What if he was lying? "So.. Where is he?" I asked, nervously.
"Right here," A male voice, said as three other men emerged from the trees, wicked grins on their ugly faces.
"We'll get a good price for her clothes alone..." One said eyeing me appraisingly. They had me cornered against a tree. Note to Ryuuen: Don't ask men for help.
I felt my body start to shake slightly as one of the men grabbed at the hem of my skirt tugging it up a couple inches.
"Leave her allllllllllllone!" A squeaky girl's voice called, as a small girl with two almond colored buns on either side of her head popped out from within the trees. "Miiiaka! You can't just go rushin' in tryin' to play hero whenever you feel like it!" It was the same boy whom I'd been looking for, with the demon character.
The one he had called Miaka looked up the buns bouncing as she shook her head, "Aww, Tamahome, these guys are bad news. We wouldn't just /leave/ her with them would we?!" Miaka demanded. The four men just stared at the two. "Oh. It's you again." Tamahome said noting my presence, before he began to walk towards the men. They threw me to the ground and ran Tamahome chasing after them yelling something about taking money.
A pair of olive colored eyes blinked at me. "Do you need some help up? I'm Miaka by the way. Who are you? A friend of Tamahome's? And what's with your clothes?" She asked to many questions to enthusiastically. I shook my head, "I'll be fine... It's nice to meet you, I'm Chou Ryuuen. And I met Tamahome once a little while ago. He saved me and a friend... And my clothes..." However, Tamahome's abrupt and perfectly timed entrance spared me from having to explain my clothes and my world and all the complicated mess to the bright-eyed girl.
"So if that's all you needed we'll be going now..." Tamahome said turning away, which only caused Miaka to throw her arms around him. "Tamahome! She's not from around here. Right Ryuuen? You're soo meaaannn Tamahome!" She said sticking out her tongue at him. I would have laughed but it seemed that Miaka was trying to completely serious with the boy. "Well maybe if someone where to get me a jewel from His Majesty's crown..." Miaka nodded, "Berightback!" And the girl launched off towards the biggest procession. I looked from her to Tamahome and then back in the direction she had gone and then ran after the girl. "I wasn't bein' serious..." I heard Tamahome grumble.
Miaka halted in front of the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. Rich chestnut hair covered by a crown of sorts, and seemingly glowing haunted eyes that seemed to hold a look of command and respect. I'd somehow lost control of my body, feeling as if I couldn't move at all. He was so... Beautiful...
"Majesty? Majjjestty? I was wonderin' if I could have a jewel off your crown?" Miaka asked beaming up at him. It appeared that he knew the girl for the chariot stopped. But that's when I felt it. My fingers began to tingle and the red light was emerging from my body... No.. I couldn't leave now... It was a mere second I was gone, only seeing a brief flash of the library before I was hauled back into the book. People gasped and Miaka seemed to forget her request from the Emperor. Who was staring at me with those beautiful amber eyes... And what was I doing? Staring right back. He said something to the guard, yet I couldn't make out what it was he had requested.
When I regained consciousness, I was within the palace dungeon or something of sorts. "Hey Ryuuuuen, you were talking in your sleep you know. And tossin' too." Miaka informed me brightly.
Tamahome looked up, "Sleeping while we're locked up.. How typical." He said.
"Tamahome! You're such a meanie," Miaka informed him before turning her focus back to me. "So what's up with your family? You kept talking about them." Oh, crap. What had I said in my sleep? Well it didn't look like to much... At least not that because Miaka wasn't looking at me as if I was some disgusting monster or something. That was a good sign.
"Well... I kinda blew up at my Dad a while ago..." I said shrugging.
Tamahome looked up, "All kids care about their parents. And all parents care about their kids. It's that simple, you see?"
His kind words caused Miaka to immediately throw her arms around his neck, "Aww, Tama! How sweet!" He rolled his eyes, "It would be much sweeter if I were getting paid..." Miaka shot him a glare, and retorted with something, but I wasn't paying attention to their bickering.
My mind instead was on my family, which they had just so kindly reminded me of. I'd never be able to please them fully. At least not at this rate. Dressing like a girl... It disgusted them. Rokou had always supported me though... It was something I loved about my older brother. But they all knew. Knew what no one else did.
I was brought out of these thoughts by Miaka's bright face, "Ryuuuen! We've been askin you if you've got any ideas on how to get outta here?"
Tamahome glanced over at the girl, "I'm surprised you're even in here, Miaka. Isn't His Majesty supposed to be in love with you? Or did he change his mind so soon?" Tamahome's voice was cold and I could easily see the look of jealousy on his face.
"Tamahoooome! He doesn't! We're just friends. You know emperors need friends too..." I dug in my pockets, not really wanting to get involved in their conversation, yet still trying to keep that phrase out of my mind. /Isn't he supposed to be in love with you?/ Why did I feel so crushed? No one was supposed to have this effect on me...
Miaka peered over my solider, "Hey got any food?" She asked, grabbing the stick of gum from my hands. I grabbed myself a piece before tossing one to Tamahome, who pocketed it saying he could "make good money off of this".
After five minutes of trying to show Miaka how to blow a bubble with her gum, it resulted in the girl having a pink sticky layer over her face. "Geffittoftome!" She yelled from underneath her pink mask, which only made me giggle harder. However, I seemed to be the only one who found it the least bit amusing. Tamahome was staring at Miaka as if she was a contagious disease and the guard who had been watching us had fainted. I grabbed the key and let us out as Tamahome finally resolved to help Miaka get the gum off her face. When we finally succeeded we left the cell only to have Miaka run off drool spilling from her lips, "Foodfooodfooooood!!" She yelled, "Can't you guys smell it?!" She vanished around a corner.
"Stay here. We'll be right back," Tamahome instructed, sighing exasperated before running after the girl. I stood leaning against the wall trying to blend in until I saw a trio of soldiers approaching. Then I bolted for the nearest door, which led me to the gardens I guessed.
I stood there for a few moments before I noticed a pretty young woman with long chestnut hair... She looked extremely familiar but as usual, it didn't click. She held a shawl wrapped around herself loosely as she approached. "Hello... Are you the young girl they captured earlier?" She asked in a pleasant voice.
"No! I'm just a random person who had better get going..." I said quickly.
She smiled cheerfully, "Don't worry! The guards won't hear about you from me! I've got nothing to do, so how about I give you the special no guard tour of the palace?"
I stood there for a moment unsure of how to respond; when I saw, Miaka and Tamahome come running followed by at least six guards. "You dummy! You got us trapped, with your food!" Tamahome was yelling.
"Craap! I can't go back to my world unless I know that they're safe!" I mumbled aloud. My words caused the extremely pretty girl to turn and stare at me, "You come from another world?"
I looked down, somehow unable to lie to the girl, "You won't believe me.. But it's true. You'll probably think I'm crazy or something..."
"Oh no! Not at all! I just love things like that!" She said smiling, as she moved a little closer to me. "I'm Hotohori... Although I'm usually called something else..."
"Uhmm... I'm Chou Ryuuen. A pleasure to meet you..." I said a blush creeping up my cheeks. A girl was not supposed to have this affect on me!
"Stop talking about leaving, and stay here a while... I just know the emperor would never have you killed..." Her fingers drifted to my chin, tilting it up just a little... Just her touch made my heart pound inside my head.
"What's the matter Ryuuen?" She asked pulling her hands away from my face.
"Ohh... I was just thinking how beautiful you are..." I said not even aware I'd spoken aloud until she chuckled. "Oh everyone says that." The look on her face was pleased. But suddenly it changed into a look of determination as she shoved me into the bushes before stepping in herself. The guards approached, all the while interrogating Miaka and Tamahome. "Where's that other girl?"
"I dunno. Must have gotten away. Too bad huh?" Tamahome said a smug look on his face. The man held his hand out about to slap Tamahome and I couldn't help it. He'd saved me twice, and I wasn't going to let either him or Miaka get hurt for my sake. I stepped out of the bushes, "Here I am. Come and get me."
"Ryuuen! Why didn't you go home?!" Miaka asked.
"I couldn't just leave you two here after you guys saved my life!"
Tamahome took advantage of the caoes and punches the man holding him captive in the jaw. Yet that action only caused the guard holding Miaka to raise a knife to the wide eyed girl's throat.
"Lay one finger on either of them and you're dead," Tamahome hissed, the red character on his forehead emerging.
Hotohori dropped her shawl to the ground, "You are not permitted to touch any of them without our direct order!" She said a fierce glint in her eyes.
"Hotohori?" I questioned glancing apprehensively between her and the guards.
"Your Majesty!" The guards exclaimed, releasing Miaka, their eyes wide in horror.
I stared at Hotohori, my eyes wider than theirs, "How could a girl this beautiful be the Emperor?" I asked to no one imparticular.
"His Majesty is all man," Miaka informed me, as a slight smile toyed on Hotohori's lips.