Zurinth Part Two: The Shop and the Hot Springs
Hatsuharu and Momiji met Yuki and Kyo by the doorway at about ten the next morning. After explaining to Shigure about the situation, he had hesitantly handed over the key and directed them to the exact location of the doorway. The four boys entered the door and stared in awe at their new surroundings.
"So this is the place where the unwanted Sohmas go?" Momiji replied.
"Don't call them that Momiji" Haru said angrily.
"Oh Haru I'm sorry" Momiji blushed, "I forgot."
"Forgot what?" Kyo asked.
"Never mind" Hatsuharu replied, "We need to concentrate on finding Tohru right now."
"That's right" Yuki spoke up, "It would probably be best if we split up."
"Again?" Kyo complained crossing his arms.
"Good idea Yuki" Momiji said, "I will go with Haru that way" he pointed to the left, "And you and Kyo can head in that direction" he pointed to the right.
"Okay" Yuki and Haru agreed. Kyo was silent.
"See you soon!" Momiji exclaimed as he and Hatsuharu were leaving.
"How come I always get stuck going with you, you damn rat?" Kyo said angrily.
"Stop complaining stupid cat" Yuki replied cynically, "We need to find the princess right now remember?"
"Fine" Kyo huffed, "Whatever."
****************
Hatori sat in silence for a few minutes. He pondered over the story he had just heard from the young girl. How could he in his right mind keep her here? Especially if she was a princess?
"So" he finally spoke up, "You are the Heir to the throne of ShiraNobi?"
"Yes" she sighed, "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble, it's just I have been sort of trying to figure something out the past few months, and I think your king isn't too happy about it."
"Well Akito doesn't like anything if it is behind his back. I imagine he is quite upset right now, if he sent you here" Hatori paused, "But it is still no excuse. You are a princess after all."
"Does that mean that you will let me leave?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course, but I don't think it would do you any good. This place is very large."
Tohru thought for a few minutes.
"Hatori, are they're other members of the Zodiac here in Zurinth?" she asked.
"Why yes, now that you mention it, there are several others here. I remain here so I can be close to them as well as the castle."
"Then if I can't leave, perhaps I could go and meet them. I am interested in that prospect."
"Really?" he said surprised.
"Mhm. My mother was very fascinated with the Chinese Zodiac and she taught me everything she knew. By the way Hatori, which one are you anyways?"
He looked at her.
"Oh I'm sorry" she began to panic, "I don't mean to be so nosy, I mean I was just curious. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I mean I'll understand."
Hatori chuckled a bit.
"No it's all right. I don't mind telling you. I am the seahorse or water dragon."
"Oh wow" she exclaimed, "That's amazing."
Hatori stood up.
"Now perhaps I should direct you to the others. I have a map that should help you find at least two of them."
Hatori took the map down from a shelf.
"My cousin Ayame is not far from here. He owns a little clothing shop in the middle of the next town. It's about ten miles from here."
He handed her the map.
"He should be able to direct you to the rest of them."
"Thank you very much" Tohru replied as he led her to the door, "Oh where's Kana, I wanted to say goodbye and thank her for all her help?"
"She probably went out to run errands" Hatori explained, "I will tell her you said so."
"Thank you again Hatori" Tohru bowed, "For everything."
"My pleasure princess" he bowed his head.
He watched her walk down the long path till her form disappeared from sight.
**************
"Haru?" Momiji asked as they walked through more familiar looking trees, "Haven't we already been through this part of the forest?"
"Um" he said quietly.
"We're lost aren't we?"
"No we're not lost" Haru retorted, "I know where I am going. Now be quiet and follow me."
Momiji sighed but continued to follow his no-sense of direction cousin.
*****************
Tohru walked into the bustling town. There were many shops along the way and she wondered which one belonged to Ayame Sohma. Finally she arrived at a very fancy shop on the edge of the town.
"This is it," she said happily to herself.
She knocked on the door and a young brown haired woman with glasses immediately answered it.
"Oh good you are finally here" she replied smiling and pulling Tohru in, "We have been waiting for you for awhile."
"I think there has been some kind of mix-up" Tohru started to say, but the woman ignored her.
"Hey Ayame, the model is here!"
"Oh good" a deep droll voice called from the back.
He entered the room and Tohru's jaw hit the floor. His hair was long and silvery white and he wore very fancy Japanese clothing. His eyes were bright green in color. But the thing that astonished Tohru the most was his face.
"He's like a grown-up Yuki," she thought.
"Oh she's so perfect" Ayame replied coming over and examining her, "She's just the right height, the right age, even her coloring is perfect. Tell me my lovely one, may I please ask your name?"
"Oh it's Tohru. Tohru Honda."
"Ah Tohru is it? Beautiful name. I myself think Ayame is the most perfect name in the world, but yours isn't far off. Now what should we dress you in today?"
"Oh but wait" Tohru held up her hand, "I think there has been some kind of mistake."
"Oh nonsense. You are the perfect model in every way. Isn't she Mine?"
"Mhm" Mine shook her head.
"No that's what I mean. I mean I'm not the model you sent for."
"Pardon?" Ayame's eyes went wide.
"I came here to see you. Your cousin Hatori directed me. He told me I could find you here."
"Oh Hari told you where I was hmm? And what does a beautiful girl like you want with me, as if I couldn't guess?"
"Oh Ayame you're so bad" Mine giggled.
Tohru's face turned red.
"Maybe I'd better start at the beginning" Tohru replied.
**********************
"Give me that map you damn rat!!" Kyo yelled up the pathway.
They had grabbed a map at a nearby village and were headed in the direction of Hatori's home.
"You'll only get us lost stupid cat" Yuki replied.
"I will not. We have been going around in circles since you had it, now hand it over!"
"Ah ah" Yuki said, "I can handle it."
"Damn you! Are you trying to pick a fight with me or what?"
"Why bother. When I will beat you anyway."
"What did you just say!"
"Never mind. Obviously your hearing is going as well as your common sense."
Yuki looked up and spotted Hatori's home.
"Let's ask there if they have seen the princess?"
"I'll do it!" Kyo pushed aside Yuki and ran up to the door.
He knocked on it once and was astonished at who opened it.
"What the hell?"
Yuki walked over and he too was surprised.
"Hatori?" Yuki replied.
"Yuki, Kyo. I must say you're both looking well. However, what are you doing here?"
****************
"Oh you poor poor dear" Ayame said as tea was given out, "And you came all this way just to see me?"
He stood up.
"Well if there is anything I can do to help a fair maiden in distress, I will do it!" he replied heroically, "So tell me princess what is it you desire from me."
"Uh" Tohru stammered, "Actually I kind of just wanted to know what Zodiac animal you were."
"Oh is that so. Well any princess who is a friend to my darling little brother has every right to know."
"Wait your brother?"
"Yes, didn't you know that I am prince Yuki's one and only older brother?"
"Yuki's brother?"
"That's right. The one and only."
"But Yuki has never mentioned that he had a brother before."
Ayame got silent then spoke again.
"I guess that shouldn't surprise me. I mean we are ten years apart. And we have never been very close. I have lived here doing whatever I like for most of my life, but Yuki has lived the life of a prince since he was born."
"Oh I see."
"Anyway, that's why there is such a gap between us. I really do wish that we could be closer as brothers, but so far it seems only I want such a thing. So back to what we were talking about" Ayame took a sip of tea, "You wanted to know what animal I was right? Very well I shall tell you. I am one of the most noblest of creatures, a handsome creature am I, one whose beauty cannot be surpassed, I my dear am the snake."
Tohru looked at him for a few moments in shock as he posed.
"I see" she managed to get out, "Oh I almost forgot. Ayame, Hatori also mentioned that you could direct me to the other members of the Zodiac who reside here in Zurinth."
"Good old Hari" Ayame smiled, "He knows me so well. Yes I can as a matter of fact. I can tell you exactly where you can find the Hot Springs."
"The Hot Springs? Is it far?"
"Oh no. It's about fifteen minutes away from here. From there you can easily find the others in a village close to the mountains of Zurinth. I gather from your excitement, that you are quite interested in the Zodiac curse?"
"Well, yes. I am interested."
"Oh good. I love it when I meet people who are actually interested" he smiled.
"I guess I had better get going. Thank you very much for your hospitality Ayame" she bowed.
"My pleasure princess" Ayame bowed dramatically, "I will show you out."
He walked her to the door, gave her some last minute directions, and then she was on her way.
"What a sweet girl" Mine said coming behind him.
"Indeed. But Mine whatever happened to that model who was supposed to be here?"
*******************
After a few minutes of discussion, Hatori informed Yuki and Kyo that Tohru had left about an hour ago to go to Ayame's shop. Back on the road, Yuki and Kyo were jogging to catch up.
"Well at least we know we are headed in the right direction" Kyo replied.
"Yes" Yuki agreed, but in his head he thought, "But did she have to go to his place?"
********************
Sure enough exactly as Ayame had said, Tohru arrived at the entrance of a Hot Springs fifteen minutes later. She walked through the enormous entrance and entered a sunlit room.
"Hello!" she called, "Is anyone home?"
A figure quickly ran into the room and flung themselves at her feet.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude to such an important guest. I apologize; I am so sorry, so sorry. I should have been here sooner. Forgive me!"
"No it's okay" Tohru tried to calm the person down, "I just walked in and I was wondering if you could help me find someone."
"Oh" the person who appeared to be a female calmed down. She was dressed in a formal purple kimono and her long tan hair was pulled back, "I'm sorry, how can I help you."
"She's such a pretty girl," Tohru thought.
Seeing Tohru so silent the young girl began to be panicked again.
"I'm sorry, have I done something to offend you. You got so quiet. I have done something haven't I? I'm so sorry. I apologize."
"No" Tohru shook her head, "You haven't done anything. I was just thinking what a pretty girl you are is all."
The girl looked at Tohru astonished, once again calmed down.
"There now" Tohru smiled, "Now that that's settled, I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find Ritsu Sohma."
"Why are you looking for Ritsu Sohma?" she asked, "Has he done something wrong? Oh he has hasn't he? He has done something wrong, he has offended you somehow. I'm sorry. I apologize. I'm sorry."
"Wait" Tohru tried to stop her, but she bumped right into Tohru.
A pop was sounded and in the middle of the cloud of dust sat a monkey.
Tohru stared at the monkey astonished.
"I don't suppose that you are Ritsu Sohma?" she replied.
The monkey nodded his head and Tohru collapsed in a faint.
********************
"Haru" Momiji complained, "We are going in circles aren't we?"
Hatsuharu growled under his breath.
"I'll take that as a yes. Oh we're never going to find Tohru at this rate. I should have gone with Yuki or Kyo."
"Wait" Haru interrupted him; "I think I know the way now. Follow me!"
He ran off to the left.
"Here we go again" Momiji sighed.
************************************************************** ***
Authors Note:
Next Chapter: Zurinth Part Three: A Tiger and a Sheep
Tohru meets Kisa and Hiro Sohma. Will Yuki and Kyo ever find her? Will Hatsuharu and Momiji find their way?
Hatsuharu and Momiji met Yuki and Kyo by the doorway at about ten the next morning. After explaining to Shigure about the situation, he had hesitantly handed over the key and directed them to the exact location of the doorway. The four boys entered the door and stared in awe at their new surroundings.
"So this is the place where the unwanted Sohmas go?" Momiji replied.
"Don't call them that Momiji" Haru said angrily.
"Oh Haru I'm sorry" Momiji blushed, "I forgot."
"Forgot what?" Kyo asked.
"Never mind" Hatsuharu replied, "We need to concentrate on finding Tohru right now."
"That's right" Yuki spoke up, "It would probably be best if we split up."
"Again?" Kyo complained crossing his arms.
"Good idea Yuki" Momiji said, "I will go with Haru that way" he pointed to the left, "And you and Kyo can head in that direction" he pointed to the right.
"Okay" Yuki and Haru agreed. Kyo was silent.
"See you soon!" Momiji exclaimed as he and Hatsuharu were leaving.
"How come I always get stuck going with you, you damn rat?" Kyo said angrily.
"Stop complaining stupid cat" Yuki replied cynically, "We need to find the princess right now remember?"
"Fine" Kyo huffed, "Whatever."
****************
Hatori sat in silence for a few minutes. He pondered over the story he had just heard from the young girl. How could he in his right mind keep her here? Especially if she was a princess?
"So" he finally spoke up, "You are the Heir to the throne of ShiraNobi?"
"Yes" she sighed, "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble, it's just I have been sort of trying to figure something out the past few months, and I think your king isn't too happy about it."
"Well Akito doesn't like anything if it is behind his back. I imagine he is quite upset right now, if he sent you here" Hatori paused, "But it is still no excuse. You are a princess after all."
"Does that mean that you will let me leave?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course, but I don't think it would do you any good. This place is very large."
Tohru thought for a few minutes.
"Hatori, are they're other members of the Zodiac here in Zurinth?" she asked.
"Why yes, now that you mention it, there are several others here. I remain here so I can be close to them as well as the castle."
"Then if I can't leave, perhaps I could go and meet them. I am interested in that prospect."
"Really?" he said surprised.
"Mhm. My mother was very fascinated with the Chinese Zodiac and she taught me everything she knew. By the way Hatori, which one are you anyways?"
He looked at her.
"Oh I'm sorry" she began to panic, "I don't mean to be so nosy, I mean I was just curious. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I mean I'll understand."
Hatori chuckled a bit.
"No it's all right. I don't mind telling you. I am the seahorse or water dragon."
"Oh wow" she exclaimed, "That's amazing."
Hatori stood up.
"Now perhaps I should direct you to the others. I have a map that should help you find at least two of them."
Hatori took the map down from a shelf.
"My cousin Ayame is not far from here. He owns a little clothing shop in the middle of the next town. It's about ten miles from here."
He handed her the map.
"He should be able to direct you to the rest of them."
"Thank you very much" Tohru replied as he led her to the door, "Oh where's Kana, I wanted to say goodbye and thank her for all her help?"
"She probably went out to run errands" Hatori explained, "I will tell her you said so."
"Thank you again Hatori" Tohru bowed, "For everything."
"My pleasure princess" he bowed his head.
He watched her walk down the long path till her form disappeared from sight.
**************
"Haru?" Momiji asked as they walked through more familiar looking trees, "Haven't we already been through this part of the forest?"
"Um" he said quietly.
"We're lost aren't we?"
"No we're not lost" Haru retorted, "I know where I am going. Now be quiet and follow me."
Momiji sighed but continued to follow his no-sense of direction cousin.
*****************
Tohru walked into the bustling town. There were many shops along the way and she wondered which one belonged to Ayame Sohma. Finally she arrived at a very fancy shop on the edge of the town.
"This is it," she said happily to herself.
She knocked on the door and a young brown haired woman with glasses immediately answered it.
"Oh good you are finally here" she replied smiling and pulling Tohru in, "We have been waiting for you for awhile."
"I think there has been some kind of mix-up" Tohru started to say, but the woman ignored her.
"Hey Ayame, the model is here!"
"Oh good" a deep droll voice called from the back.
He entered the room and Tohru's jaw hit the floor. His hair was long and silvery white and he wore very fancy Japanese clothing. His eyes were bright green in color. But the thing that astonished Tohru the most was his face.
"He's like a grown-up Yuki," she thought.
"Oh she's so perfect" Ayame replied coming over and examining her, "She's just the right height, the right age, even her coloring is perfect. Tell me my lovely one, may I please ask your name?"
"Oh it's Tohru. Tohru Honda."
"Ah Tohru is it? Beautiful name. I myself think Ayame is the most perfect name in the world, but yours isn't far off. Now what should we dress you in today?"
"Oh but wait" Tohru held up her hand, "I think there has been some kind of mistake."
"Oh nonsense. You are the perfect model in every way. Isn't she Mine?"
"Mhm" Mine shook her head.
"No that's what I mean. I mean I'm not the model you sent for."
"Pardon?" Ayame's eyes went wide.
"I came here to see you. Your cousin Hatori directed me. He told me I could find you here."
"Oh Hari told you where I was hmm? And what does a beautiful girl like you want with me, as if I couldn't guess?"
"Oh Ayame you're so bad" Mine giggled.
Tohru's face turned red.
"Maybe I'd better start at the beginning" Tohru replied.
**********************
"Give me that map you damn rat!!" Kyo yelled up the pathway.
They had grabbed a map at a nearby village and were headed in the direction of Hatori's home.
"You'll only get us lost stupid cat" Yuki replied.
"I will not. We have been going around in circles since you had it, now hand it over!"
"Ah ah" Yuki said, "I can handle it."
"Damn you! Are you trying to pick a fight with me or what?"
"Why bother. When I will beat you anyway."
"What did you just say!"
"Never mind. Obviously your hearing is going as well as your common sense."
Yuki looked up and spotted Hatori's home.
"Let's ask there if they have seen the princess?"
"I'll do it!" Kyo pushed aside Yuki and ran up to the door.
He knocked on it once and was astonished at who opened it.
"What the hell?"
Yuki walked over and he too was surprised.
"Hatori?" Yuki replied.
"Yuki, Kyo. I must say you're both looking well. However, what are you doing here?"
****************
"Oh you poor poor dear" Ayame said as tea was given out, "And you came all this way just to see me?"
He stood up.
"Well if there is anything I can do to help a fair maiden in distress, I will do it!" he replied heroically, "So tell me princess what is it you desire from me."
"Uh" Tohru stammered, "Actually I kind of just wanted to know what Zodiac animal you were."
"Oh is that so. Well any princess who is a friend to my darling little brother has every right to know."
"Wait your brother?"
"Yes, didn't you know that I am prince Yuki's one and only older brother?"
"Yuki's brother?"
"That's right. The one and only."
"But Yuki has never mentioned that he had a brother before."
Ayame got silent then spoke again.
"I guess that shouldn't surprise me. I mean we are ten years apart. And we have never been very close. I have lived here doing whatever I like for most of my life, but Yuki has lived the life of a prince since he was born."
"Oh I see."
"Anyway, that's why there is such a gap between us. I really do wish that we could be closer as brothers, but so far it seems only I want such a thing. So back to what we were talking about" Ayame took a sip of tea, "You wanted to know what animal I was right? Very well I shall tell you. I am one of the most noblest of creatures, a handsome creature am I, one whose beauty cannot be surpassed, I my dear am the snake."
Tohru looked at him for a few moments in shock as he posed.
"I see" she managed to get out, "Oh I almost forgot. Ayame, Hatori also mentioned that you could direct me to the other members of the Zodiac who reside here in Zurinth."
"Good old Hari" Ayame smiled, "He knows me so well. Yes I can as a matter of fact. I can tell you exactly where you can find the Hot Springs."
"The Hot Springs? Is it far?"
"Oh no. It's about fifteen minutes away from here. From there you can easily find the others in a village close to the mountains of Zurinth. I gather from your excitement, that you are quite interested in the Zodiac curse?"
"Well, yes. I am interested."
"Oh good. I love it when I meet people who are actually interested" he smiled.
"I guess I had better get going. Thank you very much for your hospitality Ayame" she bowed.
"My pleasure princess" Ayame bowed dramatically, "I will show you out."
He walked her to the door, gave her some last minute directions, and then she was on her way.
"What a sweet girl" Mine said coming behind him.
"Indeed. But Mine whatever happened to that model who was supposed to be here?"
*******************
After a few minutes of discussion, Hatori informed Yuki and Kyo that Tohru had left about an hour ago to go to Ayame's shop. Back on the road, Yuki and Kyo were jogging to catch up.
"Well at least we know we are headed in the right direction" Kyo replied.
"Yes" Yuki agreed, but in his head he thought, "But did she have to go to his place?"
********************
Sure enough exactly as Ayame had said, Tohru arrived at the entrance of a Hot Springs fifteen minutes later. She walked through the enormous entrance and entered a sunlit room.
"Hello!" she called, "Is anyone home?"
A figure quickly ran into the room and flung themselves at her feet.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude to such an important guest. I apologize; I am so sorry, so sorry. I should have been here sooner. Forgive me!"
"No it's okay" Tohru tried to calm the person down, "I just walked in and I was wondering if you could help me find someone."
"Oh" the person who appeared to be a female calmed down. She was dressed in a formal purple kimono and her long tan hair was pulled back, "I'm sorry, how can I help you."
"She's such a pretty girl," Tohru thought.
Seeing Tohru so silent the young girl began to be panicked again.
"I'm sorry, have I done something to offend you. You got so quiet. I have done something haven't I? I'm so sorry. I apologize."
"No" Tohru shook her head, "You haven't done anything. I was just thinking what a pretty girl you are is all."
The girl looked at Tohru astonished, once again calmed down.
"There now" Tohru smiled, "Now that that's settled, I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find Ritsu Sohma."
"Why are you looking for Ritsu Sohma?" she asked, "Has he done something wrong? Oh he has hasn't he? He has done something wrong, he has offended you somehow. I'm sorry. I apologize. I'm sorry."
"Wait" Tohru tried to stop her, but she bumped right into Tohru.
A pop was sounded and in the middle of the cloud of dust sat a monkey.
Tohru stared at the monkey astonished.
"I don't suppose that you are Ritsu Sohma?" she replied.
The monkey nodded his head and Tohru collapsed in a faint.
********************
"Haru" Momiji complained, "We are going in circles aren't we?"
Hatsuharu growled under his breath.
"I'll take that as a yes. Oh we're never going to find Tohru at this rate. I should have gone with Yuki or Kyo."
"Wait" Haru interrupted him; "I think I know the way now. Follow me!"
He ran off to the left.
"Here we go again" Momiji sighed.
************************************************************** ***
Authors Note:
Next Chapter: Zurinth Part Three: A Tiger and a Sheep
Tohru meets Kisa and Hiro Sohma. Will Yuki and Kyo ever find her? Will Hatsuharu and Momiji find their way?