Chapter Three: Safe Return?
Ami's mom silently shuddered. Night came too soon. She had started out as early as possible. The driver refused to make the return trip with her. She was riding a plow horse, holding out a lantern to light the path.
She was alone.
Treating the patient took less time than she had expected. Ami's mom thought it would take a few days at least. She started going back around mid-afternoon. Why didn't she wait until the next morning? Because Ami's birthday was today. She desperately wanted to be home to celebrate with her beloved daughter.
I know I haven't been the mother I should be, since I'm not always there for you. But you understood. Please let me make it home in time for your birthday today at least...
Darkness reigned supreme in the forest. The foggy mist threatened to swallow up the dirt path if it wasn't for that golden yellow light.
The trees seemed to be alive, ready for any misstep by the sole traveler. An occasional hoot from an owl pierced the air.
Ami's mom observed her surroundings anxiously, ready in case anything would happen. The plow horse traveled on steadily. It was too silent.
Intuition told her that some evil presence was lurking nearby. Ami's mom gripped a wooden club tightly. She found the old piece of wood before going far into the forest interior. It gave small comfort at the least.
If I ran into trouble, then I'm not going be attacked without fighting back!
With renewed determination, she held on to her courage. Mrs. Mizuno did not become a doctor and single-handedly raised a daughter for nothing.
She will need all her courage and strength she could muster tonight.
For the hunt will begin; and no prey has ever escaped alive...
HOWWWWLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dark shapes flew quickly between the trees. Wolves!
Howls followed each other in succession. A very large pack was hunting tonight. Bright red eyes glowed dangerously under the cover of trees. The wolf pack efficiently surrounded the horse and its rider before they could react. Loud growling echoed throughout the forest.
The plow horse reared on its hind legs and screamed wildly with fear. The rider held on for her dear life. With what strength she had left, she quickly pulled on the reins to regain control of the horse.
Once the horse was somewhat calm, she quickly lit her club with the lantern and flung the lantern straight where the most pairs of glowing eyes were. The lantern exploded upon hitting the ground, causing smoking fires and flying glass fragments.
The wolves yelped with pain and surprise. Taking advantage of that momentary distraction, Ami's mom urged the horse to run as fast as it can. Go! she cried. The horse needed no motivation; it galloped for its life upon the beaten path.
Howls of rage filled the air. No prey had eluded them before. The wolf pack renewed their attack, racing toward their runaway target.
Ami's mom leaned forward, crouching close against the horse. A flaming torch was in one hand. She could hear the heavy breathing of the wolves following close behind. She kept her eyes forward, determined to outrun the wolves. Something was looming up ahead in the distance. As the horse got closer, Ami's mom saw what it was: a castle!
Relief flooded her face. Just a few more yards... Tall black gates appeared within her eyesight. She was about to slow down the horse, but the gates amazingly swung open by themselves! The horse rushed through the gates; the wolves close at its heels. The second the horse went in completely, the gates slammed shut. The snarling wolves struggled to get inside by the open gaps, but to no avail. All they got for their trouble were tired feet and sore noses.
Dr. Mizuno stopped the horse and looked out at the gates. After making sure the horse was safely secured, she glanced forward. A grand sight greeted her eyes. The castle was HUGE. But it was completely black, blending into the mist. Grotesque sculptures of gargoyles protruded from the edges of the castle. Its towers reached high into the air.
"No wonder I didn't see it before," whispered Ami's mom in awe.
Holding her makeshift torch, she looked around the castle. Curiosity overcame her initial fear. Dr. Mizuno strolled along the outside of the castle, observing its front entrance gardens. Eventually she made her way to the back.
She cried out with joy. White lilies floated softly on the smooth water of the pond. Each lily glowed with inner light, emitting peacefulness and calm. "Like Ami", smiled the mother doctor. White lilies were her daughter's favorite flower.
She glanced at the castle's stonewall. Vines so dark green it looked black at first glance clung tightly to it. Ivory pink-tinted flowers bloomed fully, soaking in the night air. Moonflowers! Dr. Mizuno knew these flowers were rare, only blooming at nighttime.
She walked toward the lake, spotting a white lily close by. Dr. Mizuno bent over, and broke its stalk.
A low growl filled the air. Dr. Mizuno froze, the lily held in her hand. She straightened up, refusing to show any fear.
"What have you done?" a soft voice asked dangerously. "You have repaid my kindness of opening the gates by taking what is not yours."
"Sir, I did not know the castle was occupied. I thought it was abandoned," Ami's mom replied politely. She turned around slowly... and nearly fainted from fright.
A fearsome man-beast stood tall on its hind legs. Part of its mane covered one of its green eyes. The one eye showing glowed menacingly. The face cannot be described, except one cannot tear one's eyes away from it if caught in its glance. He was simply dressed in a white shirt and black pants that managed to fit his huge frame.
"You must be punished for your mistake."
Before she could stop herself, Dr. Mizuno's eyes widen with fright. Her breath was caught in her throat. He can't be thinking of eating her!
As if he was reading her mind, the beast bluntly stated, "I have no taste for human flesh. You will be imprisoned inside this castle until you perish."
"You can't do that!" Ami's mom snapped back, her eyes flaring. "I picked this white lily because it was my daughter's favorite flower and tonight is her birthday. I will not abandon my only daughter to be alone in this world." The thought of her sweet Ami gave her courage to stand up to this creature.
The beast startled, ever so slightly. He grew impressed with this mother. Here's a mother who clearly loves her only child. Her statement about being alone in this world stabbed deeply into his heart, better than any steel sword or arrow. He shook his head: Keep your mind focused Trowa. His face became unemotional once more.
"Then you may pick as many of my lilies as you want and leave this place freely," answered the beast. Just when Dr. Mizuno was about to thank him gratefully, he quickly added, "Under one condition though."
"And what is that one condition?" Ami's mom asked suspiciously.
I knew there was a catch somewhere.
"If you do not comply with this condition, you forfeit your life now. Understood?" continued the beast.
Dr. Mizuno quietly nodded her assent.
"Good. Whatever or whoever greets you first on your return home must come and stay here with me," the beast demanded.
Ami's mom instantly paled. Oh no...Ami! She groaned mentally, knowing she was in no position to argue with this monster.
"I agree with your condition," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I swear upon the honor code of a practicing physician." To her extreme surprise, the beast gave an elegant bow to her.
"Thank you for agreeing, even though I did not give you much of a choice. The lilies will be my gift to your daughter. Please give my congratulations to her."
"I will sir," she whispered softly. With a heavy heart, she turned her attention to picking the lilies for Ami. When she turned around again, there was no sign of the beast. It was as if he was never there.
**Morning**
The horse walked wearily up the hill toward town. Dr. Mizuno's head was bowed down, not from weariness, but from heartbreak. She knew what would happen.
That damn beast knew just as well as she did!
Her mouth set into a straight line momentarily, and then softened with final defeat. She had to accept her fate. The beast was too powerful for her, and for anyone, to deal with. In addition, the townspeople would never believe her, even if she were a respectable doctor. The bouquet of white lilies did little to comfort her. "At least I got her something special for her birthday," said Ami's mom.
"Mom! You're back early!" a sweet voice called out. Normally, Dr. Mizuno's heart would soar at that sound. This time around, it had the opposite effect. Fear and dismay washed over her. In the distance, she could see her daughter running toward her.
Ami will soon know the consequence of greeting her mother first...
Dr. Mizuno internally braced herself, straightened up her back, and pasted on a tired smile.
"Mom, you look tired. Let's go back home together," Ami chatted happily and then abruptly stopped. "I thought you went with someone." She stared at the object in her mother's hand. "Those must be white lilies, my favorite. Where did you get them? I thought none grew around here."
Ami's mom sighed and replied, "It's a long story... I'll tell you everything when we're home." Her daughter looked straight into her eyes and nodded.
**After the narrative**
"So those white lilies came with a heavy price," stated Ami. "Though they're still lovely."
Mrs. Mizuno said, "You should not go. I will not rest easy knowing you are in the power of that beast."
Ami argued, "But a promise is still a promise that must be kept. According to the agreement you made with the beast, whoever greets you first on your return home must go and live with him correct?"
"Yes..."
"Then I must go to him Mom," the blue-haired girl concluded. "If we do not fulfill our part of the promise, then the beast might take out his anger on this town. And he let you go without harm. Thank God!" Ami ran into the waiting arms of her mother and hugged her tightly. She had bravely held in her tears and fear throughout the entire narrative, but the dams behind her eyes threatened to burst any moment.
"I'm ok Ami. Hush," consoled Mrs. Mizuno, softly rocking her daughter back and forth. "Everything will be alright".
"I know. I will go and live with the beast for as long as he requires. I don't think he will eat me since you said he had no taste for human meat," reasoned Ami.
"Plus, I must thank him personally for the white lilies."
Ami's mom silently shuddered. Night came too soon. She had started out as early as possible. The driver refused to make the return trip with her. She was riding a plow horse, holding out a lantern to light the path.
She was alone.
Treating the patient took less time than she had expected. Ami's mom thought it would take a few days at least. She started going back around mid-afternoon. Why didn't she wait until the next morning? Because Ami's birthday was today. She desperately wanted to be home to celebrate with her beloved daughter.
I know I haven't been the mother I should be, since I'm not always there for you. But you understood. Please let me make it home in time for your birthday today at least...
Darkness reigned supreme in the forest. The foggy mist threatened to swallow up the dirt path if it wasn't for that golden yellow light.
The trees seemed to be alive, ready for any misstep by the sole traveler. An occasional hoot from an owl pierced the air.
Ami's mom observed her surroundings anxiously, ready in case anything would happen. The plow horse traveled on steadily. It was too silent.
Intuition told her that some evil presence was lurking nearby. Ami's mom gripped a wooden club tightly. She found the old piece of wood before going far into the forest interior. It gave small comfort at the least.
If I ran into trouble, then I'm not going be attacked without fighting back!
With renewed determination, she held on to her courage. Mrs. Mizuno did not become a doctor and single-handedly raised a daughter for nothing.
She will need all her courage and strength she could muster tonight.
For the hunt will begin; and no prey has ever escaped alive...
HOWWWWLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dark shapes flew quickly between the trees. Wolves!
Howls followed each other in succession. A very large pack was hunting tonight. Bright red eyes glowed dangerously under the cover of trees. The wolf pack efficiently surrounded the horse and its rider before they could react. Loud growling echoed throughout the forest.
The plow horse reared on its hind legs and screamed wildly with fear. The rider held on for her dear life. With what strength she had left, she quickly pulled on the reins to regain control of the horse.
Once the horse was somewhat calm, she quickly lit her club with the lantern and flung the lantern straight where the most pairs of glowing eyes were. The lantern exploded upon hitting the ground, causing smoking fires and flying glass fragments.
The wolves yelped with pain and surprise. Taking advantage of that momentary distraction, Ami's mom urged the horse to run as fast as it can. Go! she cried. The horse needed no motivation; it galloped for its life upon the beaten path.
Howls of rage filled the air. No prey had eluded them before. The wolf pack renewed their attack, racing toward their runaway target.
Ami's mom leaned forward, crouching close against the horse. A flaming torch was in one hand. She could hear the heavy breathing of the wolves following close behind. She kept her eyes forward, determined to outrun the wolves. Something was looming up ahead in the distance. As the horse got closer, Ami's mom saw what it was: a castle!
Relief flooded her face. Just a few more yards... Tall black gates appeared within her eyesight. She was about to slow down the horse, but the gates amazingly swung open by themselves! The horse rushed through the gates; the wolves close at its heels. The second the horse went in completely, the gates slammed shut. The snarling wolves struggled to get inside by the open gaps, but to no avail. All they got for their trouble were tired feet and sore noses.
Dr. Mizuno stopped the horse and looked out at the gates. After making sure the horse was safely secured, she glanced forward. A grand sight greeted her eyes. The castle was HUGE. But it was completely black, blending into the mist. Grotesque sculptures of gargoyles protruded from the edges of the castle. Its towers reached high into the air.
"No wonder I didn't see it before," whispered Ami's mom in awe.
Holding her makeshift torch, she looked around the castle. Curiosity overcame her initial fear. Dr. Mizuno strolled along the outside of the castle, observing its front entrance gardens. Eventually she made her way to the back.
She cried out with joy. White lilies floated softly on the smooth water of the pond. Each lily glowed with inner light, emitting peacefulness and calm. "Like Ami", smiled the mother doctor. White lilies were her daughter's favorite flower.
She glanced at the castle's stonewall. Vines so dark green it looked black at first glance clung tightly to it. Ivory pink-tinted flowers bloomed fully, soaking in the night air. Moonflowers! Dr. Mizuno knew these flowers were rare, only blooming at nighttime.
She walked toward the lake, spotting a white lily close by. Dr. Mizuno bent over, and broke its stalk.
A low growl filled the air. Dr. Mizuno froze, the lily held in her hand. She straightened up, refusing to show any fear.
"What have you done?" a soft voice asked dangerously. "You have repaid my kindness of opening the gates by taking what is not yours."
"Sir, I did not know the castle was occupied. I thought it was abandoned," Ami's mom replied politely. She turned around slowly... and nearly fainted from fright.
A fearsome man-beast stood tall on its hind legs. Part of its mane covered one of its green eyes. The one eye showing glowed menacingly. The face cannot be described, except one cannot tear one's eyes away from it if caught in its glance. He was simply dressed in a white shirt and black pants that managed to fit his huge frame.
"You must be punished for your mistake."
Before she could stop herself, Dr. Mizuno's eyes widen with fright. Her breath was caught in her throat. He can't be thinking of eating her!
As if he was reading her mind, the beast bluntly stated, "I have no taste for human flesh. You will be imprisoned inside this castle until you perish."
"You can't do that!" Ami's mom snapped back, her eyes flaring. "I picked this white lily because it was my daughter's favorite flower and tonight is her birthday. I will not abandon my only daughter to be alone in this world." The thought of her sweet Ami gave her courage to stand up to this creature.
The beast startled, ever so slightly. He grew impressed with this mother. Here's a mother who clearly loves her only child. Her statement about being alone in this world stabbed deeply into his heart, better than any steel sword or arrow. He shook his head: Keep your mind focused Trowa. His face became unemotional once more.
"Then you may pick as many of my lilies as you want and leave this place freely," answered the beast. Just when Dr. Mizuno was about to thank him gratefully, he quickly added, "Under one condition though."
"And what is that one condition?" Ami's mom asked suspiciously.
I knew there was a catch somewhere.
"If you do not comply with this condition, you forfeit your life now. Understood?" continued the beast.
Dr. Mizuno quietly nodded her assent.
"Good. Whatever or whoever greets you first on your return home must come and stay here with me," the beast demanded.
Ami's mom instantly paled. Oh no...Ami! She groaned mentally, knowing she was in no position to argue with this monster.
"I agree with your condition," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I swear upon the honor code of a practicing physician." To her extreme surprise, the beast gave an elegant bow to her.
"Thank you for agreeing, even though I did not give you much of a choice. The lilies will be my gift to your daughter. Please give my congratulations to her."
"I will sir," she whispered softly. With a heavy heart, she turned her attention to picking the lilies for Ami. When she turned around again, there was no sign of the beast. It was as if he was never there.
**Morning**
The horse walked wearily up the hill toward town. Dr. Mizuno's head was bowed down, not from weariness, but from heartbreak. She knew what would happen.
That damn beast knew just as well as she did!
Her mouth set into a straight line momentarily, and then softened with final defeat. She had to accept her fate. The beast was too powerful for her, and for anyone, to deal with. In addition, the townspeople would never believe her, even if she were a respectable doctor. The bouquet of white lilies did little to comfort her. "At least I got her something special for her birthday," said Ami's mom.
"Mom! You're back early!" a sweet voice called out. Normally, Dr. Mizuno's heart would soar at that sound. This time around, it had the opposite effect. Fear and dismay washed over her. In the distance, she could see her daughter running toward her.
Ami will soon know the consequence of greeting her mother first...
Dr. Mizuno internally braced herself, straightened up her back, and pasted on a tired smile.
"Mom, you look tired. Let's go back home together," Ami chatted happily and then abruptly stopped. "I thought you went with someone." She stared at the object in her mother's hand. "Those must be white lilies, my favorite. Where did you get them? I thought none grew around here."
Ami's mom sighed and replied, "It's a long story... I'll tell you everything when we're home." Her daughter looked straight into her eyes and nodded.
**After the narrative**
"So those white lilies came with a heavy price," stated Ami. "Though they're still lovely."
Mrs. Mizuno said, "You should not go. I will not rest easy knowing you are in the power of that beast."
Ami argued, "But a promise is still a promise that must be kept. According to the agreement you made with the beast, whoever greets you first on your return home must go and live with him correct?"
"Yes..."
"Then I must go to him Mom," the blue-haired girl concluded. "If we do not fulfill our part of the promise, then the beast might take out his anger on this town. And he let you go without harm. Thank God!" Ami ran into the waiting arms of her mother and hugged her tightly. She had bravely held in her tears and fear throughout the entire narrative, but the dams behind her eyes threatened to burst any moment.
"I'm ok Ami. Hush," consoled Mrs. Mizuno, softly rocking her daughter back and forth. "Everything will be alright".
"I know. I will go and live with the beast for as long as he requires. I don't think he will eat me since you said he had no taste for human meat," reasoned Ami.
"Plus, I must thank him personally for the white lilies."
