Navy and Azure
by Apple-chan

Disclaimer: I can't even write witty disclaimer remarks...;_;

Warnings: PG-13 for adult situations and mild swearing.

This chapter is dedicated to EneriRenie, whose request lemon fic up to now is *still* only halfway done.*sob* I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!*bows head in sincere apology* My brain is malfunctioning quite horribly.;_;

This is the longest chapter in this particular fic to date. I'm not kidding. (It's still a lot shorter than Celebrations, though...)

And uh...there's a *slightly* intense scene somewhere near the end of this chapter, so...*waves a red warning flag* Yeah.

Chapter 9 - A Flash of Navy


Tao Ran stood, still as a statue, and stared out at the living room window of the ranch cottage, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides as she contemplated her thoughts. A dark frown reminiscent of her son's hovered on her face. She took several deep, long breaths, evidently debating on how she was going to explain the whole situation to Pilica. Pilica, the young woman whose safety and welfare her son had entrusted her with for the length of time that he would be away. She had given Ren plenty of assurance--and a promise--just before he left. Assurance that had been for naught...and promises that had all been in vain.

The navy blue-haired woman clenched her fists tightly and fought the urge to hiss out her frustration. How in the world was she supposed to explain something which she inevitably had no answer to?

Long minutes passed.

Pilica, who was sitting on the sofa right across the windows where Ren's mother was standing, stole a glance at the older woman. As soon as Ran's eyes darted in her direction, though, she immediately averted her gaze. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, resisting the urge to break down and pour out all her anguish, pain and desperation in front of the older woman. She wanted to do that more than anything. She had been wanting to do that for a long time now. Ever since that day when En literally ordered her out of his sight and out of his son's life, she had long been searching for someone...anyone, who would listen to her laments of pain and hopelessness. Someone who could give her that little amount of comfort, relief...and that sliver of hope that she so craved. Someone who was undeniably close to Ren, and knew him better than anyone else.

Someone like his sister, or...his mother.

Ran. Ran-Hahaue, Pilica corrected herself silently.

But she couldn't cry right now, Pilica knew. As much as she wanted to break down, she just couldn't. It had been more than a decade ever since she had last cried in great anguish in front of anyone...and she wasn't about to go back to an old childish habit just because of extreme hopelessness--not right now, and surely not like this. She had grown out of that habit for a reason. She had to continue being strong...for her own sake.

Pull yourself together, she told herself silently. Things -will- get better. Ran-Hahaue is here. You may not be able to cry in front of her, but...if anyone can help you, -she- can.

No matter how little.
"...Ran?" Tao Jing inquired tentatively from his cousin as he stood at the doorway of the living room. Ken and Chii were in the kitchen finalizing all the preparations for dinner, whereas Pan was still out in the woods running errands for his father. Hesitantly, he glanced back and forth from his cousin to Pilica, a slight note of worry in his aqua eyes. "What are you doing here?"

Ran gave another long sigh. And then finally, she turned around. "I wanted to pay your guest a little VISIT," utter fury was written in her eyes as she regarded her cousin icily. "It was the only thing my HUSBAND has allowed me to do." From the slight tremor in her voice, it was obvious that she was trying to keep her temper in check, restraining herself from lashing out all the anger she had for her husband to her cousin. "I'm currently under surveillance," she managed in a composed tone. "My husband's guards are out there--" she gestured towards the windows, "watching my every move, and I will be severely punished if I violate anything under those which we have discussed right before I came here." She stated tonelessly.

Jing flinched at the icy-cold glare that was directed at him. "I'm very sorry to hear that," he managed. "But Ran--" he paused, then sighed. "I didn't want this." He said quietly. "I'm only abiding by what En says."

Ran's eyes softened slightly. "I know. I'm sorry." She shook her head helplessly. "It's just that I--" She paused abruptly as she walked towards the sofa and dropped down beside Pilica as if all her strength had suddenly left her. "He just...makes me so..." her voice trailed off, and then she turned to Pilica, her blue eyes slightly damp with tears. "Pilica-chan...I'm sorry." Her voice was slightly above a whisper.

Pilica glanced up with surprise. "S...sorry?" She echoed, visibly perplexed. "...For what? Ran-Hahaue, you didn't do anything--"

"Exactly," Ran interrupted. "I didn't do ANYTHING." She sighed with frustration. "But I should have." A sigh. "He was scheming right in front of my face, and I didn't even realize it! I had my suspicions, but I didn't pay it any heed until--" her voice broke off. She gave the azure-haired young woman a pleading look. "Pilica-chan, I DIDN'T KNOW," she confessed. "If I had surmised from the onset that he had something planned, that he had specifically made sure that Ren would be away at the same time that I was, then...I never would have left." A pause. "I should have known better. It was stupid to assume that you would be safe with him around, when I knew for a fact that he had never approved of anything...and anyone that Ren chooses to have in his life."

"B...but...Ran-Hahaue...where were you?" Pilica wondered out loud.

Ran gave a loud exhale, then stood up. "The day that he made you leave, I was a couple of hours away from home, from the main estate...Ching-tousama and I," she explained quietly. "My mother and father live at our family temple, at the Clan's praying shrine...and Ching-tousama offered to accompany me for the length of time that I will be there, since my husband had declined." She frowned. "I should have known that he was planning something, but I dismissed it all. It's a well-known fact that he doesn't enjoy the traditional family praying rituals much. Neither does Ren, for that matter. My son would much rather train, or visit his friends. And as for my husband...he'd much rather work on clan business deals." Her eyes darkened. "...Or on schemes to get rid of things and people he didn't want."

"Ran-Hahaue...what was the praying ritual for?"

"It's a family tradition," Jing answered in behalf of Ran. "It is one of Ran's duties as Clan Mistress...to lead the praying ritual for the entire family. It is done around the middle of every year, and it lasts for a whole month. It serves as tribute for the spirits of all our ancestors, and as a blessing for all of us." He explained.

Ran nodded. "It lasts for a whole month...supposedly," she emphasized. "...However, something in me told me to leave early. You might say it was a gut feeling...an intuition of sorts." She paced around the room. "And I did come home...but I was too late. He has already sent you here." A dark frown. "I should have come sooner. Rather, I never should have left. Then none of this would have happened."

"R...Ran-Hahaue..." Pilica began softly, "this isn't any of your fault--"

Ran shook her head. "You're wrong about that," she muttered quietly. "It IS my fault." She paused in deep contemplation, "...I distinctly remember promising my son that I would take care of you when he leaves. That I would make sure you are safe, well, and unharmed. Most of all, I gave him the assurance that I will never allow anyone to hurt you...but what happened?" Her hands clenched back at her sides as she continued to pace around the room, unable to keep still, fearing that she might not be able to restrain her anger any longer. "You've been hurt more than you could possibly be, and WORSE, at the hands of my OWN HUSBAND. At his own DOING!" She burst out with absolute ire. "He intends to hurt Ren AGAIN by hurting you, and I can't have that. He's caused enough people pain." She paused, leaning against the sofa weakly. "He insists on forcing his wishes on REN even though he knows QUITE well--and even though Ren made it crystal clear that he loves you...and he can't love anyone else."

Her final statement went straight into Pilica's heart, filling her with so much hope that it was almost practically impossible to waver. "Ran-Hahaue, I love him too," she proclaimed in a whisper. "I love him so much."

Ran gave her a small, sad smile. "I know that, Pilica-chan," she said softly. "I've known that ever since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I've seen it from the way Ren looks at you..." she smiled wistfully. "I've never seen him look at any other woman that way before...and you obviously feel the same way." She reached out to touch Pilica's shoulder gently. "You and Ren have something special between you, and no one is allowed to destroy that." She then sighed weakly. "...But En insists that he still knows what is best for Ren, and for his future. And he's not going to let anyone thwart his plans--not you, not Ching-tousama, not Ren...not me. Furthermore...he will do anything to eliminate any possible threat."

"Like me." Pilica stated quietly.

"Like you," Ran agreed flatly.

Silence. The only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the old-fashioned clock at the top of the doorway of the living room.

The clock struck eight.

"...Ran," Jing inquired with hesitation, breaking the silence, "...are you going to bring Pilica-san back with you to the main estate?"

Pilica's heart surged with hope as she gazed at Ren's mother expectantly...but Ran held an expression of incredible sadness on her face.

"I wish I could," she whispered. "I really wish to GOD I could. But I can't." She looked out the window, where a group of kyonshi were standing as sentries around the vicinity of the ranch. "A brief visit was the only thing he allowed me to do, nothing else." She turned to Pilica, her eyes misty with tears. "...I can't bring you back with me. Pilica-chan, I'm sorry."

Pilica could feel the tears forming on her eyes as well. How long has it been since she had last cried? It offered her a small semblance of relief, at least. "R...Ran-Hahaue, it doesn't matter," her voice was slightly shaky as she reached for the older woman's hand. "I understand completely." You're also a prisoner, same as I am. We're practically in the same situation, except that..."Your coming here means a lot to me." Almost as good as if it were Ren-kun who came for me.

...Almost, but not quite.

"Ran-Hahaue..." she added softly, "Thank you."

Ran forced a smile and squeezed Pilica's hand lightly. "I may not have the power to get you out of here," she began, "But I know someone who does. You know him too." She added meaningfully. "...And you love him, just like I do. Ne?"

"H...hai." Pilica whispered. "I do." I know him...and I love him.

Ran nodded. "My son will be back soon," she said confidently. "...And when he does, he will come for you, that I am sure of." She gave Pilica a reassuring look. "I'll be staying here with you tonight, but I'll be heading back to the estate quite early tomorrow morning. And when I go back there...just in case my husband has anything more planned against you, I'll make sure to stop them before they can even begin." She vowed. "I promise you that."

Pilica managed a grateful smile. "Thank you again, Ran-Hahaue."

"You're welcome, Pilica-chan." Ran answered serenely. "I only wish I could do more."

Pilica shook her head. "Iie. You've done more than I could have hoped for."

Ran smiled and gave her a small, comforting hug. Pilica hugged the older woman back, feeling better than she had ever felt in days.

As far as she was concerned, Ran's assurances were more than enough to keep her going.

Ren was definitely going to come for her.

Definitely.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Chii-chan," Ran called out to her golden-haired niece as she entered the guest bedroom after dinner that evening. "...will you come with me for a little while? I need to talk to you about something."

"S...sure, Obasama," Chii said curiously as she followed her aunt towards the guest room right across Pilica's.

The second she entered, Pilica's impassive yet slightly tear-streaked face greeted her. The azure-haired young woman was standing near the windows and looking out thoughtfully at the brightly-lit night sky. "Chii-san."

"P...Pilica-san," Chii greeted uncertainly. Then, she turned hesitantly towards Ran. "Obasama..."

"Chii-chan, come here." Ran smiled at her kindly and patted the spot on the bed beside her. After her niece had settled down, she continued. "I've already given your father my thanks, but...I wanted to show you my gratitude personally." She glanced at Pilica, who gave both her and Chii a small smile. "Pilica-chan has told me how wonderfully understanding and incredibly supportive and warm you've been to her this past week." She took her niece's hand and squeezed it fondly. "And for that, I thank you."

"You've been extremely kind to me, Chii-san," Pilica added, gratitude reflected in her dark blue eyes.

Chii glanced at Pilica, and then, at her hand, which was enfolded in Ran's, with surprise. "It's...really nothing," she managed. "I just did what I thought I should. Pilica-san looked like she was hurting so much...and I only did what little I could to offer her some comfort these past few days. Me, and Ken-niisan." A wistful smile. "...Had she been here, Kaasan would have done the same thing."

"Ah..." Ran smiled sadly. "Your mother." She sighed. "I still remember her quite well, even though it's been fourteen years." She raised her hand up to stroke Chii's hair. "She was such a wonderful, beautiful lady. Had she lived longer, Sanae and I would have become the best of friends."

Chii smiled, but she remained silent as Ran regarded her quietly.

"Pilica-chan," Ran motioned for the azure-haired young woman to sit on her other side, "if you would please come here a moment...I'd like you to hear a little story."

As soon as Pilica had complied to her request, Ran took a deep breath. "Seeing you and my son together, and thinking of what had happened for the past couple of weeks...of what my...husband," she spat out, "has been trying to do to separate you and Ren from each other permanently, makes me feel like history is trying to repeat itself. It's like I'm stepping back through time, and relieving something that has already happened once before, almost three decades ago, to a couple of people I know." A pause. "Two people who were extremely in love with each other."

"...And still are." Chii added quietly.

"And still are," Ran agreed, smiling at Chii. "Pilica-chan, I'm talking about...the head caretaker of this ranch, and his late wife."

Pilica glanced furtively at Chii, then turned back to Ran. "Ran-Hahaue, you're referring to...?"

"Chii-chan's parents." Ran nodded with confirmation. "Tao Jing, and Yamamoto Sanae." She patted Pilica's hand fondly. "My cousin Jing met Sanae in London. He was doing business for Jian-jiisama--En's grandfather--that time, and she was a University student." A pause. "They didn't fall in love immediately...although there certainly was an attraction when they first met. Sanae looked just like Chii-chan, and Jing...soften Pan-kun's eyes a little and you have his younger version." She smiled. "Anyway, nobody could have presumed that a relationship would develop...certainly not the two of them. Sanae was wary of Chinese men who came from rigid Chinese clans, and Jing exuded that kind of impression. Similarly, Jing was reluctant to get involved with women who weren't of full-blooded Chinese descent...and Sanae wasn't just Japanese--she was half-English, as well." A sigh. "Traditional clan customs dictate that the men are only allowed to...seriously get into a relationship with women inside of the clan, or at the very least, women who came from respectable Chinese families of similar status.

"Anyway," Ran continued, "...it wasn't until a little later on, after a couple of more haphazard meetings and small, serious talks that Jing finally fell in love with Sanae...and vice versa. However, it wasn't very easy to win Sanae's heart over." A wistful smile. "...He had to chase her around England, and then, Japan, before she finally gave in. Everything would have gone off smoothly from then on, but..." her eyes darkened. "Unavoidable things happened."

"Ran-Hahaue...what things?" Pilica wondered.

"...Our great-grandfather, Jian-jiisama," Chii answered quietly. "Ken-niisan told me about it," she added. "Kaasan had the chance to tell him the whole story, right before she died...when I was five."

"That's right," Ran gave Chii's hand a comforting squeeze. "Although Ching-tousama was the Clan Head at that time and he was just getting ready to hand over the position to En, ultimately, it was still Jian-jiisama who controlled everything that has to do with the family, since he was the oldest and therefore, the main patriarch." She paused thoughtfully. "Up until he died, twenty-five years ago, Jian-jiisama ruled with an iron hand. No one is allowed to do anything without consulting him. Anything at all."

Pilica contemplated that final statement. Ruled with an iron hand...almost like...

"Almost like my husband," Ran said dryly, as if reading her mind. "In fact, Ching-tousama said that En takes exactly after Jian-jiisama." She smiled ironically. "Although if you can believe it...En is actually less patronizing than our grandfather had been during his rule. Jian-jiisama's iron leadership extends several thousand leagues more than En's...and that was especially proven when Jing finally formally presented Sanae to the family." A long, deep sigh. "...As you can probably guess, their relationship was immediately looked down upon. Jian-jiisama had quickly insisted that Jing dispose off of Sanae as soon as possible. She was foreign, and not only that," she rolled her eyes at this, "according to Jian-jiisama, it was...bad enough that she was Japanese...but to be the worst of all the foreigners...a half-and-half, a hybrid," she shook her head. "He just couldn't accept it."

Pilica's face was the picture of disbelief as she gazed at the older woman questioningly. "But why?"

Ran shrugged. "Old family customs have their prejudices," she said flatly. "As I recall, Jian-jiisama's term for Sanae had been something much more offensive than hybrid. He had called her--" she paused abruptly, then shook her head. "I refuse to say it. Let's just say that he had insulted Sanae to the worst possible degree...and that infuriated Jing so extensively that he almost smashed the main office to pieces." A chuckle. "The Tao men are quite infamous for their fiery tempers, I'm sure you know." She breathed a sigh. "Anyway, Jing left in anger, but just before doing that, he had announced that he and Sanae will be getting married, and nobody can stop them. And as you know...they did get married."

"And had three children," Pilica added, with a smile at Chii.

"...But not before overcoming a lot of trials," Ran informed her. "And even after that, it still hadn't been easy for them. Jian-jiisama made sure of that just before he died." She gestured at the cottage, at the whole place. "This ranch...and this valley will always serve as a reminder of Jing's disobedience to Jian-jiisama's wishes." She inclined her head at the oil lamp at the bedside table. "The seclusion from the rest of the clan, the lack of modern conveniences and transportation, and the fact that none of the members of the family are allowed outside of the valley--all of this serves as a warning and as an example to the rest of the family that it is futile to go against the main patriarch's wishes."

"...But Father said that was only when Jian-jiisama was alive," Chii piped up. "Right after his death, some of our relatives decided to settle down around the valley with us. Ching-jiisama allowed them."

"Ching-tousama was often accused by Jian-jiisama of being too soft." Ran added. "He tried to reconstruct the whole family right after Jian-jiisama died, to make everything better for everyone. He succeeded to an extent, but..." she paused. "When my husband took over the head's duties afterwards, things went back almost similar to the way they were when Jian-jiisama was alive." A helpless sigh. "Although he was a lot less like Jian-jiisama, most of En's values border on obsessive, and up until now, he uses that to get what he wants.

"Anyway, Pilica-chan, what I'm trying to say is, you and Ren, and your situation...it's almost similar to Jing and Sanae's. But as you can see, even through all the trials and obstacles, even though they were secluded here, even amidst all the punishments and in spite of all the opposition...their love still prevailed in the end. They prevailed in the end, Jing and Sanae. And you and Ren should, too," she added firmly. "En may be the father of my son...but he's not Ren, and my son is not about to let anyone dictate what he should and should not do. As for you...no matter what my husband does, or continues to try, just stay strong. You love my son, and he loves you...and you should never give up on that."

"I won't." Pilica promised. I will fight for this love to the very ends of my life. I will. "Ran-Hahaue, thank you." She paused. "Thank you as well, Chii-san."

"You're very welcome." Ran said with a smile.

"Yes, you're welcome." Chii replied brightly.

"...So," Ran clasped her hands together and gazed at the two young women eagerly, "Pilica-chan, what have you been up to these past couple of days?" A knowing look. "Chii-chan told me earlier that you've learned to ride Ren's horse," she grinned. "How did you do it? More importantly, how did you manage to convince Ken-kun to let you ride Hakuoh?"

Pilica exchanged a smile with Chii. "Well, it was actually pretty easy..."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Outside, Jing caught certain parts of the three women's conversation as he approached his room at the second floor, with his two sons right behind him. Memories of his late wife came over him. He thought of everything they had come through just to be together. Now that he knew who she was, exactly, and what she was in his nephew and the head of their clan's life, he resolved to himself that Pilica was not going to suffer through as much as his beloved Sanae went through. History was not going to repeat itself, not this time. He was not going to abide by En's orders, not anymore. If Ren and his azure-haired guest truly loved each other, then there was no reason why he, or any member of his family, should interfere.

As for his son, Pan...he could find a real, honest-to-goodness potential bride of his own somewhere else. Pilica was clearly Ren's...and he wasn't about to help break up an obviously cherished relationship.

"Father, what's wrong?" Ken inquired behind him upon noticing that his father had stopped abruptly in front of his aunt's bedroom. "Do you need to talk to Obasama...?"

"Iie," Jing shook his head. "It's nothing." He walked a couple of more steps, and then, turned around to face his two sons. "Pan."

"Yes, Father?" Pan asked in a monotone.

Jing gazed at him seriously. "...I suggest you ignore that missive En sent to you. Completely," he said firmly. "From what Ran has told me, Ren intends to marry Pilica-san." He gave his son a stern look. "You cannot compete against that. It would be absolutely pointless."

"...And incredibly stupid," Ken added.

Pan glared at him. "Who asked YOU?" He retorted. "Father, I have ALREADY figured out long ago that she and Ren-sama are lovers." He stated matter-of-factly. "They obviously know each other intimately from the way she addresses him...and from the way Ran-obasama treats her, but I don't care one bit." He said stubbornly. "En-jisama has given her to me, and I have PROOF of that," he added arrogantly. "I WANT her, and I intend to have her--"

"Pan." Jing's voice held a warning note. "I understand that you are anxious to get a wife," he began, "but...it is pretty obvious that she isn't for you. I'm sure you can see that." He added pointedly. "There are lots of other women out there. We can find someone else more suitable for you."

"I don't WANT anyone else. I. Want. Her."

"You CAN'T have her," Jing retorted firmly. "Get that through your head. Is that understood?"

Pan stood silently and glared darkly at his father.

Jing sighed. "Pan, I need your assurance that you won't go after her anymore." A penetrating look. "SON, I'm waiting."

"...Hai, hai." Pan answered grudgingly. "I'll leave her alone."

Jing smiled with satisfaction. "Good." He turned around. "Now, go to sleep. We have an early day tomorrow." He walked towards his bedroom. "Good night, you two."

"Good night, Father!" Ken called out. Then, he turned to his brother with a satisfied smirk. "Good night, Niisan."

Pan gave him a glare. "Good night, brother," he said with sarcasm as he followed Ken...but he paused abruptly as he heard Pilica's voice.

I'm not giving up, he vowed silently. I want you, and I will do everything I can to get you. -Everything-.
...And I always get what I want.
Always.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"It's just right at the edge of the clearing, near a row of apple trees," Jing was explaining to Pilica late afternoon the next day. "All you need to do is go straight along the path that's been mapped out. Those healing herbs refuse to grow anywhere else but there, so you can't miss it." He paused, then smiled. "...In any case, if you get lost, Hakuoh can sense out the trail for you. He's the smartest among all the horses here."

"Okay." Pilica nodded with understanding. "Should I go now?"

"Yes, please. I would really appreciate it."

"Then I will." With a faint smile, she took the small string bag containing a canteen of water, a pack of rice cakes, and a couple of cutting tools from the table and prepared to leave.

"I'm sorry for asking you to do this for me, Pilica-san," Jing told her apologetically as he watched her. "I'd get it myself, but I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't stay under the sun for too long. I'd ask Pan, but he doesn't seem to be back yet," he told her dryly. "He must have gotten sidetracked again. And I can't really send either Ken or Chii, either. One of the horses is about to go into labor any minute now, and although Ken is the experienced one when it comes to animal birthing, Liu-chan is a sensitive one--she allows only Chii to touch her."

"Jing-san, it's fine," Pilica reassured him. "...I can manage on my own. Ken-san and I traverse the mountain woods every single day, if you remember."

"So you do," he agreed with a chuckle. "Anyhow, try to be back before it gets too dark, ne? The little colt would have been born by then...and it would need a dose of the herbs right away."

"Hai." Pilica said brightly as she got out. "I'll be back soon!"

As she got ready to saddle Hakuoh at the stables, she caught sight of Ken and Chii, who were standing guard at the far end of the structure, both of them looking very anxious and extremely jittery. Behind them was a beautiful golden-brown horse who gave a soft, occasional neigh as Chii stroked her mane soothingly. When the siblings spotted her, they gave a slight wave. She smiled at them faintly as she mounted Hakuoh. As soon as she was settled on his back, she tapped him softly with her foot, and he broke off into a trot at once. She steered him in the direction of the mountains.

She had been riding for almost an hour, and nearing the edge of the valley, the far end of the mountains, when she became aware that someone had been observing her, probably from the moment she got out of the ranch. This someone was following her as well--and on a horse, if the echoing sound of another two sets of hooves behind her were any indication.

She grabbed hold of Hakuoh's reins and halted him for a moment, listening keenly to the faint noises behind her. There was the slight rustle of leaves as a soft breeze blew, and among the trees, the birds were chirping joyfully around her...drowning out the sounds of another horse's movements until, moments later, they completely stopped, which made her wonder if she had just imagined it all. Had someone been really following her...or was she just being paranoid?

She turned her head slightly...and her suspicions were confirmed as she found Pan gazing at her curiously from the back of his dark brown horse, an eyebrow raised, his mouth upturned in a smirk.

Pilica sighed with exasperation and she rolled her eyes heavenwards. "I should have known," she muttered under her breath.

Shaking her head, she pulled on Hakuoh's reins and he broke off into a gallop once again. She led him into the straightforward path Jing had mentioned in a slightly faster pace, fervently hoping at the back of her mind that she would lose Pan somewhere along the way, or that he'd take the hint and stop following her entirely--both of which were extremely futile, considering how...persistent the man had been the past week. At the very least, though, she hoped to be as far away from him as possible as she refused to ride alongside him under any circumstances. He came on to her too strongly and quite aggressively; frankly, it scared her a little because she didn't know what he was capable of doing to her, if he had the chance.

As it turned out, much to her chagrin, the end result was the opposite. He continued to follow her, and even worse, he had increased his horse's pace considerably so that they were now riding side-by-side...as she had feared would indeed happen.

She wasn't about to give up, though. Hakuoh wasn't only the smartest horse in the whole ranch; he was the fastest, as well. And so, with a little prodding from her, he increased his pace a little bit more. She turned her head...and, much to her relief, she saw Pan's horse-mounted form gradually growing smaller and smaller until he disappeared from her view.

She was about to heave a sigh of triumph when she heard the clicking of his horse's hooves once again...and she frowned with dismay as he caught up with her easily in a matter of minutes. He was now riding alongside her again, and as much at it unnerved her--it annoyed her, as well. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a smirk of satisfaction on his face.

"Dear God...don't you EVER give UP?" She muttered with irritation.

"Nope," he had the gall to answer her with a saucy grin.

She fought the urge to groan out her frustration. "Pan-san, could you please STOP following me?" She yelled out at him.

"I WASN'T following!" He called back to her innocently, his grin never faltering. "I just wanted to ask you something. I can do that, can't I?"

She gave an exasperated sigh. She wasn't in any mood to argue. "...Alright. What is it?" Her impatience was evident in her tone as she glared at him. "Please make it quick. I haven't got ALL day to listen to you."

"Hm...touchy, aren't we?" Pan remarked. "Arrogance doesn't suit you well, Pilica-chan. Feistiness does, however." He paused to give her a sidelong glance. "Just because Ran-obasama paid you a little visit." He snorted. "I suppose YOU were hoping that she'd take you back to that godforsaken place they call home?"

"I wasn't hoping for ANYTHING!" She snapped, impatiently steering Hakuoh to the right, making sure that they didn't lose the trail. "I know she couldn't possibly take me back. Only one person has the authority to get me out of here. Only ONE," she said pointedly. "Ran-Hahaue came here to assure me that...he was going to come for me as soon as he gets back."

"IF he ever gets back," Pan corrected as he steered his horse to the right as well. "Ren-sama had been known to disappear for an extended length of time...I'm sure you know that."

"He will be back!" She retorted defensively. "He's only away on business. He should be here any day now. I know he will come for me, and Ran-Hahaue assured me as well that--"

"And you BELIEVED her?" Pan laughed scornfully. "...no, I don't suppose you did," he decided, eyeing her meaningfully from head to toe, before shifting his gaze to the clearing beyond the mountains. "You're probably smarter than that...which is why you're here," he smirked. "...you intend to follow her, don't you?"

"I'm NOT following anyone!" She retorted hotly. "If you must know, I'm doing an errand for your father because YOU weren't there," she added pointedly.

He snorted. "YEAH. Right." Thick sarcasm laced his voice. "So tell me...how many times did Ran-obasama REASSURE you last night and early this morning right before she left that REN-SAMA was ACTUALLY gonna come for you?"

"As many as it takes to convince me. But if you MUST know, I don't really need a lot of convincing," she replied coolly. "I know he's going to come for me. I believe it." She glared at him. "What does it MATTER to you, anyway? You don't like Ren-kun, you TREAT me like a conquest...you don't even respect Ran-Hahaue." She paused, increasing Hakuoh's pace even further, steering away from Pan as he tried to get close to her. She caught sight of the clearing a short distance away. "This ISN'T any of your BUSINESS."

"On the contrary," Pan interjected smoothly as he increased his efforts to be as close to her as possible, his determination positively dauntless. "I understand that you and Ren-sama are lovers. BUT," he continued pointedly, "...En-jisama DISTINCTLY informed me that from the moment you stepped out of the carriage and walked into OUR ranch, you are no longer Ren-sama's. You are MINE."

Pilica pulled on the reins as they reached the clearing. As soon as Hakuoh stopped, she whipped her head about. "What did you say?"

"You heard me." There was an air of satisfaction in his tone. "You're MINE. So you had better give it all up. There's no sense in waiting for him anymore. Get used to this place, since you'd be living here for quite some time...with me." He shrugged casually. "Besides, you and Ren-sama don't suit each other, anyway."

Pilica didn't answer as she stepped down from Hakuoh's back. Spotting the row of herbs just beneath an apple tree, she took the string bag from the saddle, and, flashing a penetrating glare at Pan, she stalked off towards the plants, unable to think of a satisfying comeback for what he had just told her.

Did I hear it right? Did HE actually -promise- me to another man? To his NEPHEW? Ran had told her a number of times that her husband was capable of anything, most especially if he really wanted it...and clearly, he was trying every possible way to eliminate -her- from his son's life...including promising her to another man.

She gave a sigh of anger. This has gone quite far enough. Ran's visit, albeit incredibly brief, had done wonders to lift Pilica's spirits up. Now, she was quite sure that, any time now, Ren was going to get her out of this place. There wasn't a single shred of doubt about it. She believed it, and it would happen. Soon.

It better, she thought to herself. Ren-kun, you -had- better come for me soon, else I might lose what little patience I have and you'll end up seeing the blood of your cousin Pan spill into my hands...ALL of it. En-sama has told him something he shouldn't have...and I canNOT tolerate that any longer. She stooped down and furiously started cutting off a couple of the herbs and placing them inside the bag. He can treat me like dirt...or like a prostitute, or a scum of the earth as much as he wants. He can banish me to a far away land if he wishes, but BY GOD, he can't just promise me to another man WITHOUT my permission. Ren-kun, if your father really wants me out of your life, he can force me to choose a man for myself...but he CAN'T just promise me to anyone. He doesn't have the freaking RIGHT. He DOESN'T own me.

As she finished collecting enough herbs for the horses, Pilica hastily re-tied the bag and brushed off a couple of stray leaves and stems from her skirt. She got ready to walk back to the horse, unmindful of Pan and of whatever he was doing right at the moment...but as soon as she got up, she felt the hairs prickle at the back of her neck when she realized that someone--Pan, no doubt--was standing a mere inch or so behind her. Very, very close to her.

She took an indrawn breath and moved a couple of steps forward, inching away from him, before she finally decided to turn around.

Big mistake. As soon as she had stepped away, Pan took a small stride forward and grabbed her by the waist.

Pilica let out a small gasp, blanketing her sudden fear with surprise as she struggled against his hold. "What do you THINK you're--" Her words were silenced as a hand clamped over her mouth.

"You know," Pan said in a low, husky tone as he moved his face closer to hers, "...there's a saying that goes, 'if you can't get something by merely pleading, then try using FORCE to get it," he raised one of his hands to stroke the side of her cheek. "For the record, YOU'RE no different." A grin. "Just another thing I want, which I INTEND to get."

She flinched against his touch, utter defiance and a slight note of horror reflected in her eyes. His hand was still on her mouth as she continued to struggle forcefully against his hold...but he was much, much too strong, and he was holding her so tightly. She was imprisoned in his arms, and she couldn't do a damn thing to stop him from... "Let me GO," she turned her head to the side as he tried to kiss her, her voice slightly muffled behind his hand.

"No." His hand moved from her mouth to the back of her head. He pulled at her hair with so much force that she almost cried out in pain. "I told you. I intend to make you mine, and if this is the place where I can do it, then so be it." He smirked with satisfaction. "I wonder...if Ren-sama finds out that I've already HAD you, that you've already been with another MAN...will he still take you back with him? Will he STILL want you?"

Pilica's fists clenched at her sides, the impact of his words causing utter fury to rush up all over her entire body. "Take your filthy hands OFF ME!" She spat out furiously. Shaking one hand out of his grasp, she raised it up and launched a well-aimed fist at his jaw.

Pan staggered backwards and fell into the ground with a small sound, abruptly letting go of her, and Pilica chose that time to run. He had obviously gone crazy from the way he was acting. She wasn't about to stay with a madman any longer...not after what he had tried to do. He had almost forced himself upon her, for crying out loud...if she hadn't punched him, he might have been able to...

"OUCH!" She winced slightly as she fell to the ground. She had managed to trip over something. She berated herself inwardly for her carelessness. Looking behind her, she realized she was only a couple of more steps away from where she had left Hakuoh. She made a move to get up...

A figure fell over on top of her, and she realized with horror that it was Pan. "Pilica-chan, you'd do well to remember that I ALWAYS get what I want." He stated in a low, threatening tone. "ALWAYS." Then, he leaned forwards to place a bruising kiss to her lips.

Pilica turned her head away, wondering how in the world this could have happened...and she realized with a sinking heart that, while she was walking to the horses, Pan had somehow managed to reach her without her knowledge, and he had anchored his legs around hers, causing her to trip and fall. She tried to push him away forcefully, the stinging pain on her lips due to his kiss intensifying as he tried to do it once again. "Don't...don't touch me...get off of me..."

"I won't. You'll be mine...right here, and right now..." He wedged his legs in between her thighs, clasped her hands tightly over her head and used his other hand to tear off her clothes. "This won't take long, Pilica-chan...I know you'll like it--eventually. Now STOP struggling."

"Pan-san...no...PLEASE...don't do this..." Pilica managed a muffled scream as his mouth touched her neck. She closed her eyes and felt the tears streaming down her cheeks as she felt him tear off her shirt...her skirt...

This isn't happening...someone help me...anyone...PLEASE...

...Ren-kun...
Pilica was about to resign herself to her inevitable fate when, just like an answered prayer, the clicking of two pairs of hooves echoed near her. And then, a loud, neighing sound.

A small thud reached her ears, then a shout...and suddenly, Pan stopped moving on top of her. With a sigh of relief, she opened her eyes...and found him quite unconscious, his eyes tightly closed. A small trickle of blood oozed at the side of his forehead. Pushing him off of her, she glanced up in alarm and realized that the thudding sound she had heard earlier had been followed by another...and another...and another. From the moment it started, it had never stopped. Pilica turned her head to the source of the noise...

"Hakuoh!" The unceasing thudding sounds were courtesy of Ren's horse, who had obviously been startled by her scream earlier, and had gone over to them and proceeded to beating Pan up with a series of strong, hard kicks. Even now, Hakuoh was still kicking Pan, as hard as he could. The white horse aimed at every single part of the young man's body furiously, almost as if it intends to...kill him.

"Hakuoh, NO!" Ignoring the state of her clothes, Pilica rushed towards Pan and tried to pull him out of the horse's reach. "Hakuoh...stop, please...don't kill him, he didn't mean it..." she pleaded desperately to the horse--to no avail, as he just continued beating down Pan like a possessed animal. "He was only trying to..." her voice trailed off. She didn't know how she was going to explain Pan's behavior. She didn't even know why she was trying to defend him. He had tried to rape her, for crying out loud...she shouldn't be so merciful. But she just couldn't let him die. Pan probably deserved to die...but she couldn't just let that happen.

Not on my account. It's...not right. Taking a deep breath, she crawled towards Hakuoh and clutched one of his legs in a futile attempt to stop him. "Don't be angry anymore, Hakuoh," she whispered. "Please..."

The horse neighed angrily and forcefully struggled out of her grasp, sending her flying across the clearing. She landed in a pile of rocks and cried out in extreme pain as the jagged edges of the hard, earthy mass instantly broke through her skin and stabbed her flesh. "Hakuoh...stop," she managed one more time, barely above a whisper.

And abruptly, Hakuoh stopped, as if he had suddenly realized what he had done. He walked away from Pan and turned to her. His head bent towards her and he neighed softly, as if in apology...before he whipped about and broke off into a fast, frantic run.

Pilica gazed with slight puzzlement at the direction Hakuoh disappeared to, wondering why he suddenly ran off like that. Shaking her head, she raised herself up from the rocks, wincing as she felt the pain of her wounds. She ignored the gushes of blood and the tears on her clothes and walked towards Pan's horse, who was tied behind one of the larger trees and had been oblivious to everything that happened. She loosened the knot of the reins of the dark brown animal and walked him towards the clearing, near Pan's unconscious form. She tried to hasten her movements; she knew that if she paused for even just a moment, there was a slight chance that Pan might die from blood loss because of the wound on his head.

Taking a deep, long breath, she ignored the slight dizziness that washed over her as she leaned down, raised Pan up, and mightily slung his unconscious form at the horse's back. And then, with the remaining ounce of strength she had, she mounted herself on top of the horse as well.

Making sure that Pan was slung securely behind her, she tapped the horse with her feet and rode him all the way back to the ranch.

She counted the minutes as they rode, fighting back the urge to fall asleep even though her eyes were closing out of their own accord. Everything around her was moving in dizzying circles, but she resisted the temptation to pass out. She knew she just couldn't give up yet--not until they get safely back to the ranch.

Minutes passed...and then, an hour...thirty minutes more. With Herculean effort, she tapped the horse again, and it broke off into a fast run. Hang in there, Pilica...just a little more. Try to keep awake, alright? She ordered herself silently.

She couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief as the familiar structure finally materialized amidst her slightly blurry vision. She raised her head up dizzily, and at the back of her mind, she realized that several people were standing at the front of the ranch. They were obviously waiting for her to come back. All of them had very worried expressions on their faces. When she was sure that they had caught sight of her, she raised her hand in a weak attempt at greeting.

"Pilica-san!" A deep, male voice. Jing-san.

"Pilica-san!" A slightly higher sounding male voice. Ken-san.

"Pilica-san!" A female voice. Chii-san.

"PILICA!" Another male voice. More familiar.

...A voice she hadn't heard for the last three weeks.

A voice that she would know instantly and forever, no matter how long time passes by.

His voice.

Pilica looked up in slight bewilderment at the final voice that called her as the horse broke into a stop.

Had she really heard him...or was she just dreaming?

"Pilica?" The voice spoke again.

...Ren-kun?

A familiar flash of navy blue hair and golden eyes greeted her foggy vision before she fell off the horse and lost consciousness.

TSUZUKU.

End notes:

Pan is sick in the head, I know.*winces*

Um...Happy New Year, everyone!^^ And Belated Happy 18th Birthday to Ren-kun!^*^