Navy and Azure
by Apple-chan

Disclaimer: Of course you know it's not mine.

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

Chapter 10 - White Promises


"How is she?" Ren asked the doctor anxiously.

"She's fine," Tao Diao, his cousin from his mother's side, and their family doctor, reassured as she gave Pilica a final once-over. "She had a couple of cuts and bruises all over her arms and legs, and quite a number on her stomach, near her ribs...but I've mended them all up. None of her bones are broken, thankfully." A pause. "Although, she does have a couple of swollen ribs. She must have fallen on a rocky surface somewhere in the woods. But it's nothing serious," she quickly added upon seeing the alarm grow in multitudes on her cousin's face.

"But Diao-neesan," Chii's quiet voice spoke up tentatively, "Why are her clothes...torn up?"

A sigh. "I have no idea," Diao confessed. "My guess is that she might have scratched herself on some sharp rocks, or tree branches, or--" her voice broke off abruptly. "I think it will be better if we just ask her when she wakes up--"

"When?" Ren persisted, his eyes never leaving Pilica's unconscious form. "When will she wake up?"

"Tomorrow morning's the soonest," Diao promised. "I gave her the sedative to numb off the pain and get rid of the swelling on her ribs. She's bound to sleep the whole night."

"What the--? She's got a cut on her lip," Ren muttered with alarm as he examined the azure-haired young woman's face closely. "...It's bleeding a little. Where did she get that CUT?" He demanded.

"Ren-sama, I know as little as you do," Diao told him. "But from the looks of it, it's pretty fresh, so I'll assume that she must have gotten it somewhere when she was in the woods." With a comforting pat on her cousin's shoulder, she gathered her things and straightened up. "I'll be tending to my other patient now. Call me if you need anything, Ren-sama."

"Hai."

"I'll see you later, Ren-sama," Chii said with a soft smile as she stood up to accompany Diao towards Pan's room. Jing and Ken were already there looking after him. With a small concerned glance at Pilica, she gently closed the door.

Ren continued to examine Pilica's sleeping form long after the two women had left. The frown that had been plastered on his face from the moment he had seen her wounded and incredibly weakened state gradually transformed into a look of remorse...and regret. Remorse for leaving her when he knew he shouldn't have, and regret for all of his actions during the past three weeks. Actions which have, somehow or other, ultimately led to the hurting of one of the most important women in his life.

He gave a long, long sigh. I never should have left.

Well, the important thing is...you're here now. With her, a voice inside his head pointed out.

Is it? He asked. Is it worth anything that I'm here, now that she's already been hurt?

I never wanted to see her hurt. Not by me, not by anyone. And yet...she was, and I couldn't even do a damn thing to stop it. Worse than that, I didn't even have any idea that it was all happening. I DIDN'T even KNOW.

...I never should have left.

There's no use regretting the past, the voice said firmly. What's all been said and done cannot be undone. Think of the present...and concentrate on the future. The future that you intend to have with her.

...Future? Ren gave a hollow laugh. With my father in the picture, there would be no future for me...or for anyone else. He would continue to try making people live the life he wants them to live, regardless of the way they want to...me included.

I need to concentrate on getting him out of my future, that's what I need to do.

What about that conversation you had with him earlier today?

That wasn't a conversation, that was a useless one-sided argument, he thought bitterly.

Well...it's a start, the voice pointed out.

~*Flashback: Tao Estate, Several Hours Ago*~

Ren stood in front of the door to his father's study and braced himself to whatever may happen as he swung the door open, not bothering to knock. "Father." He was startled as, aside from En's tall, commanding presence, three other people greeted him inside the room.

"Ren." En was obviously surprised, too, from the way he was gazing at his son. "You're back early."

"Yes. I am." Ren's frown deepened as he studied his father through narrowed eyes, all the while surveying the three visitors out of the corner of his eye...until it finally occurred to him who they were--and how they fit into his father's plans.

There was a young lady, around his age, or probably younger. Right beside her was a middle-aged woman--her mother, no doubt. The tallest of the three was a man, around six or so years his senior--too young to be the lady's father, so he was probably her brother.

So...am I suppose to marry this girl now? He thought with slight sarcasm. Shaking his head with impatience, he ignored the visitors and stormed directly towards his father.

"We have to talk." He stated evenly.

"Later, son. We have visitors," En said, dismissing him outright and smiling cordially at the visitors.

"We HAVE to TALK," Ren insisted.

En glared at his son and shook his head apologetically at the visitors. "You're being rude," he hissed. "For ONCE in your life, be decent enough and--"

"WHERE is SHE?" Ren demanded, not caring one whit about who the visitors were. "WHAT have you DONE TO HER?" His words ended in a shout.

Ignoring him pointedly, his father acknowledged his three guests with another smile. "Son, I'd like you to meet--"

Ren slapped his hands on the table forcefully, practically breaking it. "WHERE is SHE?"

With a loud, resigned sigh, En stood up from his chair and walked towards the three guests. "Please excuse us," he told them with a faint smile. "My son and I have something important to discuss. If you could, please come back at another time. My son would have been calmer by then." He opened the door and the three guests rushed out with a couple of wary looks at Ren, all of which were ignored by the latter.

En closed the door and headed back towards his chair. As he settled down, he gazed at his son expectantly. "What do you want?"

"Pilica." He stated in between clenched teeth. "Where is she, and what have you done to her?"

En shrugged, clearly unwilling to talk about the whole thing as he gazed at his son appraisingly. "How did business go?" He asked mildly.

"DAMMIT!" Finally losing it, Ren raised his Hou Rai Ken, summoned Bason, and aimed the sharp tip of the glaive against his father's neck. "WHERE IS SHE?"

En stared calmly at the sharp end that was aimed towards him, his face quite impassive. And then, he gave his son a stern look. "Put that away."

Ren didn't move. "WHERE have you TAKEN her?"

"TAKEN her?" En folded his hands gracefully and gazed at his son through narrowed eyes. "I have not taken her anywhere," he answered smoothly. "She came there of her own free will. I did not force her."

Ren has had it with his enigmatic answers. "What the HELL did you tell HER?"

"Only the truth, nothing more."

"The dark, twisted truth as you see it?" Ren laughed ironically. "You have NO idea what you're doing."

"No, YOU don't." En told him pointedly. "You DON'T belong with her, I've told you that a thousand times. You need to get that through your head." He paused, raising his eyebrow as the tip of his son's glaive continued to aim at his neck. "I did what I could to ensure you a future that is fitting for the head of this Clan. Since you refused to, I personally made it my task to dispose of her, eliminate her from your life completely." He sighed with exasperation at his son. "Unlike you, I'm perfectly aware of the ramifications of my--"

"You DISPOSED of her?" Ren said with disbelief. "You SENT away the woman I LOVE like some cheap toy and you're TELLING me you're doing this to ENSURE my FUTURE?!?" His hands shook as he resisted the urge to stab his father with the glaive, paternal bloodshed and consequences be damned. "STOP trying to RUN my WHOLE LIFE for ME, DAMMIT!"

En gave him a warning look, cautiously glancing at the glaive at the corner of his eye. "...Don't be disrespectful. It's unbecoming of the Clan Head."

"DISRESPECTFUL?" A scornful laugh. "You are BEYOND disrespect, FATHER." He said in between clenched teeth. With a visible amount of effort, he folded his weapon, turned around and started to walk away.

"All I'm concerned about is YOUR future, Son," En called out to him as he rubbed his neck. "Remember that."

"MY future?" A sarcastic laugh. "Or MY future, as it will BENEFIT YOU?"

"...Even if you go there, you can never get her back. I made sure of that."

Ren whirled around. "Father, if you did anything to HURT her in ANY way, anything at all...I'll never forgive you. Ever." He vowed. Then, he turned around, walked out, and slammed the door without another word.

When I come back, things are going to change around here, Father. He promised silently.

You can count on that.

~*End Flashback*~

If I hadn't wasted my time talking to the old man, then I would have been able to get here sooner, Ren thought mournfully as he rested his head on his hands. He continued to gaze at Pilica all the while, wondering if he could ever make it up to her. This is all my fault.

I never should have brought you here in the first place. Then none of this would have happened.

But everything has.

He reached for her hand, held it tightly against his...like he never wanted to let go.

Please wake up.

*~*~*~*~*~*

For some reason that not even his doctor-cousin Diao could explain, Pilica still hasn't woken up even well over twenty-four hours after she had been given a sedative. Once in a while, she would open her eyes or stir in the bed, but she was never completely conscious...and that worried Ren. He didn't think it was normal for someone to be in that state so long, and he was afraid that...something might have happened to her during her escapade to the woods.

For his part, Ren hadn't left her side all this time. He didn't want to leave her alone for even just a second, fearful that if he did, she might just disappear from his sight entirely. His cousin Chii brought up meals for him in the room because he refused to come down. He doesn't even so much as take his eyes off Pilica for even just half a second, nor has he let go of his tight hold on her hand. It was as if he didn't want to stray even just a heartbeat of a moment from being with her.

Surprisingly enough, Pan was awake before Pilica was, even though he had suffered a lot more broken bones and bruises--and a mild concussion on his head, to boot. It was quite a startle to Ren when, two days later, he found his older cousin standing at the doorway of the navy blue guest room, looking over at him tentatively, and waiting hesitantly...like he was meaning to visit Pilica. His two younger siblings were with him, their faces quite impassive as they assisted their older brother inside the room. Pan was wearing quite a sullen expression on his face.

"Pan-niisan has something he wants to tell you, Ren-sama," Ken said in behalf of his brother. Then, he lowered his voice and gave Pan a nudge. "Niisan, go on. Talk."

Pan hesitated, flashing his brother a mild frown. He glanced fleetingly at Ren.

The latter had reluctantly shifted his gaze from Pilica and was now looking at Pan, an expectant eyebrow raised. "Sit down." He inclined his head at the chair across from his.

Pan winced slightly at the ice in his cousin's voice, but he obeyed. He swung his eyes briefly around the room...and his eyes paused for a moment at Pilica's unconscious form. A feeling of shame came over him, and an expression of deep remorse showed on his face. "Ren-sama," he began softly, "maybe it would be better if we talked about this outside..."

"No." Ren shook his head firmly. "We can talk here. What did you want to tell me?" He frowned with suspicion as his older cousin started fidgeting with obvious discomfort.

"I wanted to tell you..."

"He wanted to tell you what really happened in the woods," Chii supplied helpfully. "Isn't that RIGHT, Pan-NIISAN?" She gave her brother a pointed glare. Tell him what you've told us, her eyes said.

Pan took the hint, and he sighed with resignation. "...Hai," he replied grudgingly. "Ren-sama, it was...I want to explain everything..."

The words poured out of the young man's mouth as he proceeded to retelling the whole story, from the moment he had started following Pilica, until before he had lost consciousness, taking care not to leave out any detail, anything at all--even of what he had attempted to do. Still, though, he made sure to phrase the whole and the half of his attempt to disgrace the azure-haired young woman in a manner that will not give him more shame that what he already felt. His younger brother and sister provided a couple of additions here and there--details he had chosen to leave out for fear of what it might do to their Clan Head and cousin. Chii and Ken had earlier wormed the whole story out of him, and he could never lie to his siblings.

By the time he had finished the whole story, Pan was feeling really positively ashamed of himself--and rightfully so.

"...and I don't remember anything after that. I must have blacked out. Ren-sama, that's all I know," he added, trying to make his voice as sincere and as honest as possible.

Ren nodded, but he refused to look at Pan. He refused to look at anyone, for that matter. His lips were set in a thin grim line. One of his hands were so tightly clenched that his knuckles had turned white, while the other remained holding on to Pilica's.

"I deeply apologize," Pan said again, to compensate for himself. "I never...I never meant for it to go that far. It's just that I--"

"What do you think happened to her?"

"--I must have--" Pan stopped. "What?"

Ren gave him a penetrating glare. "You were in the woods with HER. She's got cuts all over her body. Her ribs are swollen, and she hasn't waken up for TWO DAYS." He kept his voice even. "WHAT the HELL HAPPENED?"

"I don't know!" Pan said honestly. "The clothes, and...her...lip...and some of the bruises were...my doing, but I don't know what else happened after I lost consciousness. I haven't been able to do anything to her, I swear."

Not for the lack of trying, Ren thought with sarcasm, feeling his anger rising. If the man wasn't sporting bandages around his head and all over his body, he would have punched him to death, but as it is...he kept his temper leashed, for everyone's sake.

"I have no idea why she hasn't woken up yet," Pan continued, warily glancing at his cousin. "Hakuoh...your horse, that is, Ren-sama...he might have tossed her off or hit her on the head. I mean, he did it with me..."

And you deserved it, Ren thought darkly. Good boy, Hakuoh. "I don't think so. She hasn't sustained any head injuries, so that's not possible." He was still doubtful if Pan was really telling the truth. He might purposely be leaving out some details to save his neck. The only way to get the whole, unadulterated truth was to ask an eyewitness--someone else who was there. Someone other than Pan. A person, or...an animal. "Where's my horse?" He glanced around at his three cousins.

"We don't know," Chii answered softly. "Pilica-san was supposed to be riding him that day, but as we've all seen, she came back on Pan-niisan's horse."

"So he might still be in the woods." Ren gazed at Pilica's sleeping form thoughtfully, wondering if he could actually leave her just for a little while. He really needed to find Hakuoh. He needed the truth, and as of now, the horse was the only one who can give that to him.

But he wanted to wait for her to wake up, too. He wanted to be there when she wakes up. He wanted to be the first one she sees when she finally completely opens her eyes again.

Maybe he can just search for Hakuoh after she wakes up...but when is that going to happen? When?

"He's a pretty smart horse, Ren-sama. I'm sure it won't take long for you to find him. And in the meantime, we'll take care of Pilica-san," Chii assured him suddenly, as if reading his mind. "And besides, other than Pilica-san, you're the only one he answers to, anyway. You're the only one who can find him."

"She'll be safe with us," Ken said with a genuine smile. "And we'll call you immediately if there's any change in her, or...you know. Anything."

Ren studied his two cousins for a moment, before he reluctantly nodded. Then, he glared off pointedly at Pan. "I don't care how injured you are, or how much pain you're in. You're coming with me. I need your horse." He added firmly.

Pan nodded vigorously. "Hai. Whatever you say, Ren-sama."

"Good." Looking over one last time at Pilica, he kissed her hand softly before he got up. "I'll be right back," he whispered fleetingly. Please wake up already. Please.

Then, he straightened out, crossed the room towards the door, and got out, dragging Pan behind him.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"There." Pan pointed across the clearing. "That's the last place I saw him."

"You're sure?"

"I think so." Pan nodded, shifting uncomfortably behind his cousin.

"Alright, then." Ren tapped the dark brown horse with his foot gently, and it trotted off northwards. "He doesn't usually run off like this...unless he did something really, really wrong..."

"Well, he did beat me up," Pan pointed out.

"He gave you what you deserved!" Ren snapped.

Pan cringed. "I know." He sighed. "I really am truly sorry, Ren-sama." He said quietly.

"...Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Pilica. SHE'S the one you've wronged."

"Yes...of course. That's the first thing I will do once she's awake," he vowed.

"Hn." Ren narrowed his eyes at the distance. "I think that's him. Hold on." He increased the horse's pace and let out a low whistle. Just as soon as he stopped, a blur of white and gold whizzed by and paused in front of them, neighing softly as his master grabbed hold of his reins.

Ren stepped down and pulled on Hakuoh's reins gently, as if in greeting. "Haven't seen you in a while," he told the horse. "...Time for that little talk. Bason!"

"Bocchama?" The warrior spirit materialized beside him.

"You know what I want." Ren gave the spirit a meaningful look. "Kokutoh. He can do the asking. Find out every little detail, alright? I'm counting on you."

"Hai." Bason nodded briefly and proceeded to do what his master had asked.

Pan watched in bewilderment as his cousin seemed to...converse with a particular something that he couldn't quite see. The white horse, too, seemed to be talking to something, as it neighed in different timbres at particular intervals, like it was telling a story...and Pan realized that this must be what his father used to talk about. According to Jing, certain people in their clan could see spirits, and talk to spirits. Anyone in the clan who wasn't gifted with this ability will automatically be confused with the way the whole thing works...but even they would know when it is already happening. And, as of now, Pan could feel that. His cousin--and his horse--they were talking to spirits.

After some time, the conversation stopped.

The white horse continued to neigh softly. It was also nudging its master's hand, like it was begging for forgiveness.

Ren sighed as he patted Hakuoh's back. "It's not your fault. It's alright, Hakuoh." Then, he turned to Pan. "I'll be riding him back to the ranch. You should be fine on your own."

"H...hai," Pan said slowly. "Ren-sama, you and Hakuoh...were you...?"

"Yes. We were." Ren answered steely as Hakuoh broke off into a canter. Pan followed close behind on the dark brown horse. "It's not something you'll understand, so it's best if you don't ask anymore. I don't have time for questions." He paused. "...But I know everything that happened now."

"That's...good, then." Pan said hesitantly.

"To give you credit, your part of the story was true." Ren added dryly. "Most of it, at least."

"Ren-sama, I wouldn't lie about that. I swear." Pan said defensively.

"You know what?" Ren turned around. "You can say whatever you wish to say. But don't expect me to believe you." And with that, he and Hakuoh went off in a fast gallop, leaving Pan in the dust.

*~*~*~*~*~*

As he had ridden Hakuoh in his fastest pace, Ren arrived at the ranch less than ten minutes later. Not wanting to waste any more time idling away anywhere else, he left his horse by the front of the cottage and set out immediately back to his post for the last forty-eight hours: on the second floor, in the navy blue guestroom. At Pilica's bedside.

Ken and Chii looked up in surprise as he burst inside the room. "Has she woken?"

Chii shook her head. "Not yet." She looked at him thoughtfully. "Did you find Hakuoh?"

"Yes. He was near the clearing." Ren nodded his thanks as Ken stood up to make room for him. "Your brother should be back soon," he added blandly. "Sorry I had to take him with me."

"It's fine," Ken assured. "After what he did, he doesn't deserve any special treatment. Anyway, we'll be leaving you now," he exchanged a meaningful look with his sister. "..Won't we?"

"Hai," Chii nodded vigorously as she stood up. Together, she and Ken crossed over the room towards the door. "Call us if you need anything, Ren-sama." She called out softly as the two of them got out.

As soon as he was alone with Pilica again, he held her hand tightly against his once again. Then, leaning over, he planted a soft kiss to her cheek. "Please wake up," he murmured pleadingly, his other hand caressing her face gently. "Please, Pilica...I need...I have to tell you something..."

"...Ren-kun..."

He glanced up, startled as he heard her voice. "Pilica?"

"Ren-kun...is that you?"

He looked over at her face, and profound relief washed over his entire being as her eyes opened...finally.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Pilica gazed with awe at the face of the person who was now looking down at her, with deep, unhidden concern written in his golden eyes. "Ren-kun...?" She raised her hands up to touch his face. She had to make sure that he was real, that this wasn't just a dream...

"Yes," he murmured, turning his face to her hands and kissing her fingertips softly. "It's me."

"Y...you're here," she breathed. A weak smile slowly spread to her face. "You're...really...here...."

"I am," he confirmed softly, leaning over and brushing a soft kiss to her lips.

"But..." her eyes widened, and she looked around in confusion. "How did I...when did you..."

"--get here?" A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I carried you here. As for the other question..." he paused, looking up thoughtfully, "two days."

"R...really? But...oh." Awareness washed over her features as she finally remembered. Ran-Hahaue's goodbye...Jing-san sending me out on an errand...the woods, and the clearing, and...she swallowed...Pan-san...and Hakuoh...and...

...Ren-kun. "How did you get here so fast?" She gazed at him questioningly. "I mean, your mother...Ran-Hahaue...she left two days ago, so how...?"

He smiled slightly and gave a small shrug. "I have my ways." He brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes. "I would have gotten here sooner if I hadn't bothered to talk trash with the old man," he added darkly.

"So then..." She paused, her hands sliding upwards on his face to caress his hair. It feels like such a long time since I've done this last... "When I got here, on the horse, right before I..." she furrowed her brows, fervently trying to remember. "I thought I was dreaming, but...that was really you, wasn't it?"

"Yes." He answered with a brief nod.

"I knew it." A beautiful, genuine smile slowly broke out of her face as everything finally came over her. "I knew you'd come for me," she whispered. "But still, I thought--" her voice trembled. "I thought I'd never see you again," she closed her eyes, and a lone tear fell down her cheek. I had hope, but still...I doubted you.

"Don't cry," he murmured soothingly, wiping the tear that escaped from her eye with extreme gentleness. "I'm here now."

"Somewhere in my mind," she continued in the same trembling voice, "something was telling me that you might not come, and--" She stopped abruptly and shook her head. "I shouldn't even be thinking about that now. The important thing is that you're here now," she said decisively, her fingers softly threading through his hair, touching him with a fondness that only she could have. "I have you with me again...at long last."

"Yes. But I..." He turned away and bowed his head low. "I came too late." He said quietly.

"Too late?" Pilica shook her head fervently. "Ren-kun, you didn't--"

"I came too late," he insisted in that same quiet tone. "I came back only after you've already been hurt severely." he paused, and sighed. "The whole time I was gone, HE was causing you pain. He was hurting you...and I should have known. I LEFT you with HIM knowing fully that he was quite capable of hurting you with just a single wave of his hand," he spat out. "...And the worse thing is, I couldn't even do a DAMN thing, because I didn't know," his last words came out in a choked whisper. He closed his eyes and bowed his head against her shoulder. "Pilica...I'm sorry. I DIDN'T KNOW."

"It's..it's alright," Pilica raised herself up into a sitting position, and she could feel her heart smashing into pieces as he continued to sob. Never in the eleven years that they've known each other had she ever seen him lose his composure over anything, and to see it happen for the first time was the most heartbreaking thing in the whole world. "Ren-kun, it's not your fault. None of this is your fault. Please don't blame yourself," she murmured, coaxing him with gentle touches to raise his head up and look at her, and when he did, she added, "besides, I'm fine now." She gave him a faint, reassuring smile.

He looked back at her, not fully convinced. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Uh-huh." She paused thoughtfully. "I didn't get hurt that badly. I was trying to stop Hakuoh, and he accidentally kicked me aside. I know he didn't mean it," she added quickly. "He was just trying to protect me."

"I know." Ren replied with a sigh. "He told me everything that happened."

"He...he did?" Pilica's eyes widened in surprise. "E..everything?"

"Everything." He said with a nod. "Everything that Pan tried to do." A dark, dark frown spread across his face. "That bastard..." Then, he turned to her. "Do you want me to kill him? Because I would, you know," he offered in a low tone.

She smiled faintly at that. "No, I don't think so."

"After what he did to you, he deserves nothing less." He added, as if he was trying to convince her.

"Iie." She shook her head. "There's no need for any bloodshed, Ren-kun. Not on my account, at least," she added. "Besides, it's not worth it. Alright?"

He studied her face for a moment, and then finally, he nodded. "Alright," he muttered grudgingly. As much as I want to tear him apart from limb to limb...it's her choice.

She smiled brightly. "Thank you."

"I'm only doing this for you, though."

"I know," she murmured. "...And I love you for it." She said with a sweet smile.

He smiled slightly, a small blush creeping to his cheeks. "...I love you too."

"Ren-kun?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm glad you're here." She declared softly, sliding her arms around his neck and kissing him.

He was startled, but he returned her kiss briefly, his arms twining around her waist. "I'm glad I am too," he breathed against her lips. "...And this time, I'm never leaving you again. I'm never going to let you out of my sight again. Ever," he vowed.

A chuckle. "I hope not..." She whispered as he claimed her mouth for another kiss.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The sun was just starting to rise the next day as Ren and Pilica prepared to leave the ranch.

"Was that everything?" Ken asked as he finished loading out all of Pilica's things inside the horse-drawn carriage that was situated in front of the cottage steps.

"Yes. Thanks a lot, Ken-san," Pilica replied gratefully. She stared at the carriage with a mournful expression, then turned to Ren with a pleading look. "I still don't understand why we can't ride back the way you came here." She muttered with a pout. "Didn't you say that Bason-san was leagues faster than this old-fashioned carriage?"

"I did," Ren admitted. "But Diao told me it might not be safe for you. You're still healing. I don't want to risk it," he said firmly. Then, he called out to the coachman, "are we all set?"

"Hai, Ren-sama!" The coachman called back. "Anytime you're ready."

"Good." Ren smiled with satisfaction. He turned to his uncle with a nod of thanks. "We'll be going now," he said politely.

Jing nodded, patting him on the back. "...Have a safe trip. Please give your mother my thanks."

"I will." Ren assured.

"Jing-san," Pilica hugged the old man. "Thank you for taking care of me."

"It was my pleasure," the old man hugged her back. "I apologize for everything that happened," he added quietly.

Pilica shook her head. "It wasn't your fault." She walked a step beside Ren.

He had stopped in front of Ken, who was checking out if the horses were in good condition, but who had paused and looked up as his cousin approached.

Ren nodded briefly at him. "Thanks for everything, Ken."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ren-sama," Ken said with a bright smile. Then, he turned to Pilica. "The horses will miss you...Hakuoh, especially."

"I'll miss them too." Pilica hugged him. "Thanks for teaching me how to ride, Ken-san." She then turned to Ren. She was startled when his hand suddenly tightened its hold on hers, but when she realized who had currently captured his attention, she understood.

Ren had paused momentarily in front of Pan, who was standing warily near the door of the carriage, looking very uncomfortable as his cousin surveyed him with penetrating golden eyes and a raised eyebrow.

The eyebrow lifted a notch higher. Pan cringed.

"Ren-kun..." Pilica squeezed her boyfriend's hand gently, and when he turned to look at her, she gave him an encouraging smile.

With a loud sigh of resignation, he grudgingly gave his cousin a nod of acknowledgement.

"Thank you," She whispered gently as she rose up on tiptoes and brushed a soft, fleeting kiss to his cheek.

And Ren realized how lucky he was to have her.

"I know you hate me right now," Pan began, "but Ren-sama, I just want to explain something to you."

He removed his hand from the knob and leaned against the door of Pilica's room. He nodded expectantly at his cousin, his face unreadable. "I'm listening."

"You're probably not going to believe it, " Pan continued nervously, "but the reason why I did what I did to...Pilica-chan was...you."

Ren stared silently at him, the expression on his face hard. "You're right. I don't believe you."

"I can explain," Pan added quickly, raising his hand pleadingly as his cousin started to turn his back. When Ren paused, he continued, "I know we've never been on good terms with each other, you and I...but--"

"You hate me." Ren stated simply. "I know it well when I see it. You've hated me since we were young, and I don't even have any idea WHY. But what does this have to do with PILICA?"

"Everything." Pan answered quietly. Then, he took a deep breath. "En-jisama DID send me a missive telling me that I had...certain RIGHTS to her--"

"I already know THAT, dammit." Ren retorted. "And HE'S not going to get away with it, BELIEVE ME. When we get back to the main estate tomorrow, I'm going to settle EVERYTHING with him once and for all."

"I know you might be planning something like that," Pan nodded. "I can't really blame you...but as I was telling you, what I did--THAT wasn't included in your father's letter." He paused, hesitating. "It was me. My own doing."

"...And YOU'RE saying you did THAT because of ME?!?" Ren's face had a look of pure incredulity. "I've had enough of this. I don't want to listen anymore."

"You have everything I've ever WANTED!" Pan burst out, unable to control his feelings anymore. "YOU'RE the head of our Clan, the eldest son of the Main couple. I'M the oldest son of the banished couple. YOU live at the main estate, while I live in a secluded, old-fashioned, abandoned ranch. Servants wait on you, while out here, I am forced to wait on myself." His voice was laced with contempt. "For once in my life, I wanted something of YOURS, no matter how little. I wanted something you HAVE, and..."

"Pilica was your closest option, is that it?" Ren looked up to the ceiling and exhaled. "It's not my FAULT that I was born who I am," he muttered.

"I know. But still...I can't help the way I feel." Pan's tone was quiet this time.

"And you're entitled to that." A pause. "But that still doesn't justify your actions."

"I know." Pan admitted. "And even if you don't believe me, I still sincerely apologize. I really am sorry for what I did."

"...Good. But as I've said, don't tell me. Tell HER."

"I will." Pan nodded. "That's the reason why I'm here. I need your permission to enter her room...if I may."

"...I'm going in with you."

As the pair passed him by, Pan flashed a brief, awkward smile at Pilica. "Thanks." He muttered. "I don't deserve it, I know...but thanks."

"Y...you're welcome," Pilica said with a faint smile, still wary of the man. It was obvious that, with everything that has happened, the uneasiness that she felt around him before has now grown into great multitudes, and it was highly unlikely that she would ever be comfortable being so much as a couple of feet near him in the same room.

At the other side of the door, Chii was leaning against the carriage, obviously waiting for the two of them so that she could assist Pilica in getting inside. She smiled brightly as the pair approached.

Ren nodded at her in acknowledgement. "Arigatou," he said sincerely. And then, he did something most surprising--he gave her a brief, genuine smile.

"D...dou itashimashite, Ren-sama," Chii whispered, feeling suddenly out of breath as she nodded and looked down at her feet, her face slightly flushed pink. If she makes you happy...if she makes you smile like that...it's enough thanks for me, Ren-sama.
"I'll visit again sometime," Ren added softly as he stepped inside the carriage. Then, he gave Pilica a smile, hand outstretched. "Let's go."

"Just a second, Ren-kun," She told him. Then, she turned to the young woman. "Chii-san." The two of them hugged each other.

"I hope we see each other again soon, Pilica-san," Chii said softly.

"Me too." Pilica murmured. "Thanks for everything, Chii-san. I mean it." She added. "Everything." There was a whole world of meaning in her tone.

"You're welcome," Chii replied serenely, understanding fully what she meant. "You're very welcome."

"Chii-san, why didn't you tell me?" Pilica asked quietly as she again caught the younger woman looking over at Ren by the window early that morning, exceptional fondness and yearning reflected in her beautiful amber eyes.

Chii lowered her gaze and shook her head. "Would it have mattered?" She leaned against the sink counter and gave a sigh. "He's never seen me as anything more but a little sister. I used to resent that fact. But then I realized...it was better than nothing." A sad smile. "At least I know that, somehow, he cared for me even just a little bit...and that's good enough for me."

"But still...you've known him longer than I have," Pilica pointed out softly. "You could have taken your chances..."

"Iie." Chii shook her head. "A chance with him never existed with me, I know that now. No matter how hard I would have tried to win his affections, he never could have loved me anyway." A resigned sigh. "That's why I made up my mind: if someday, he finds someone who will love him, someone he loves as well...just as long as he's happy with her, then nothing else matters. I would be happy for him...that's the least I could do."

"Chii-san..."

"Pilica-san, I know he loves you, and he's happy with you. I can see it in his eyes, and in the way he looks at you," Chii declared. "...And that makes me happy, in a way."

"But it makes you sad, too." Pilica said quietly.

Chii shook her head and smiled. "I used to think it would, but surprisingly enough...I'm not feeling the least bit sad. I guess maybe I've conditioned myself for this." She sighed. "He's not meant for me, just as I'm not meant for him. He's meant for you...and someday, I'll also find that certain someone who's meant for me."

"I hope you do find him soon," Pilica said with a sincere smile.

"I hope I do, too..." Chii smiled back. "In the meantime...I need to ask you a small favor, Pilica-san."

"You can ask me for anything, Chii-san." Pilica nodded. "Anything at all."

"Just...take care of yourself. And take care of him," She whispered. "Love him as much as you can. Please? I'm not saying this for me, but for you...and for him. For the two of you. I want you to be happy."

"I will," Pilica vowed. "I'll love him to the very ends of the earth...and with my whole life."

"Thanks again, Chii-san," Pilica said with a grateful smile as she took Ren's outstretched hand and got inside the carriage. "Goodbye, everyone!" She called out to Jing, Ken, and Pan.

As soon as she had settled down, Ren smiled at her. "Are you ready?"

Pilica nodded. "Uh-huh," she answered, smiling back.

Ren peered his head out of the window and gave the signal to the coachman. "Let's go!"

TSUZUKU.

End notes:

I certainly hope that wasn't too weird, but...well, I'm not getting my hopes up. Although I did enjoy writing this, so I hope you enjoyed it as well.^^ That's all. Thank you.

If there's anything you guys don't understand in this chapter, please do let me know. I'll be happy to explain.^_^

Next Chapter: There's one last thing Ren needs to do...