"Our Love Everlasting" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 6
Kathryn sat alone on a stone by the lake. Houki's spirit had gone off into the heavens for a brief spell, to recuperate, so to speak. Kathryn was left alone to think about not only her future.. but the futures of those Houki had left behind. Kathryn looked into the water, her mind a total blank. Her silver eyes were sad.. and resigned.
How did she get into so many of these situations? Why did she always have to take care of other people's problems? Kathryn was permanently stuck in the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho and people were expecting her to either fail or succeed at replacing someone she didn't have any right or want to replace! This was just not fair..
Houki's story had moved her, but the facts were still there. Kathryn had to fall in love with Hotohori. Kathryn smiled, mocking herself. No problem there. She already was half in love with him. Heck, she always fell for guys like him.. But the problem was.. how to make him fall in love with her? That was a toughie.
She simply wasn't suited to fall in love with the guy of her dreams. Hotohori was perfect inside and out. He was so gentle and kind.. the perfect gentleman. And his looks didn't help either. How could she not fall for long silky hair the color of milk chocolate.. and eyes like golden sherry.. and a smile that made her knees weak.. She could go on and on. He was the perfect guy. But.. not perfect for her.
Kathryn was argumentative, too curious for her own good, and completely lacking in the beauty, grace, and style department. She was just unique, she tried to tell herself.. but not in a good way, she reminded herself sadly. Kathryn sighed in frustration. Oh, why was she constantly putting herself down?! She was different.. but that was okay, wasn't it? And of course she couldn't help falling for a guy like Hotohori, but everyone loved him anyway. His people, Houki, Nuriko.. the list could go on and on.
Kathryn smiled wryly. How ironic. Back home, she had been proud of her individuality, her 'uniqueness'. She had been disgusted at her classmates for wanting to be popular, for wanting to be trendy. She had been enigmatic on the subject of being her own person, being herself. And now look at her. She wanted to be a lady. She wanted to be accepted. She made a face. She was pathetic. Why was it so different now?
"Because you are falling in love with Hotohori." The sea serpent answered her, swimming towards her.
Kathryn boggled. "SNAKE!!"
The sea serpent sweatdropped. "M-Matte.."
"SNAKE! AIYEEE!" Kathryn scrambled away as fast as her kimono-clad legs would allow her to go.
Chagrined, Euiko watched her go. "Now that could have gone better." She said, frowning with disappointment.
"What are you doing?" Houki asked Kathryn, wondering why her friend was crawling on her hands and knees on the hard wooden floor.
"I can't find it!" Kathryn panicked.
"Find what?"
"My notes!" Kathryn told her anxiously. She had been studying Houki and Nuriko for some time now and had taken notes on their ladylike behavior and ladylike tendencies. If she lost them, she would lose her one chance of snaring Hotohori! Oh, this wasn't good!
"Kate?"
Kathryn barely heard her name. "Doko.. where could they be? I left them right on my table.."
Samantha sweatdropped. "Kate.. What are you doing?"
Kathryn started, and bumped her head up against her bed. Ow! "Ow.." She said sorely, then she stood up and rubbed her head. She tried to practice her improved speech on her sister, "Oh, hello Samantha. How are you today?"
Samantha immediately looked disturbed. Kathryn sweatdropped. Did she sound that unconvincing? Was she that lame?
Samantha cleared her throat. "Er.. Kate.. are you feeling okay?"
Kathryn cocked her head, puzzled. "Why, of course. Why do you ask?"
Samantha made a face. "Kate.. is that you or Houki talking?"
Kathryn blinked. Was this was everything was about? Still, she was careful about the way she talked. "Why, of course Houki's not talking. I'm Shoshi. Are you feeling well, Samantha?"
However, her sister still looked unconvinced. "Kate, is Houki taking over your personality?"
Stricken, Kathryn looked down at the floor. Was she that obvious? Was she that pathetic? "Why.. am I acting strangely?"
Samantha couldn't help but be blunt. "Yes, you are. You're not acting like the Kate I know.. you're acting like.. like.. a lady."
Kathryn quickly masked her hurt. Oh. Why wasn't she surprised? "Like a lady, huh? You mean the real me's that hopeless?"
"Er.. no. I mean.. er.. I know you don't really talk like that.. so.."
Kathryn sighed and sat on her bed. Oh, what was the use? Samantha knew her better anyway. "Oh, shush. I don't like it when you stammer, Sammy. And no, Houki's not taking over my personality."
Samantha sat next to her sister. "So Houki's sprit really does linger within you?"
Kathryn nodded. "Yes.. at least remnants of it. She's not taking over.. just.." She turned red. ".. she's tutoring me."
Samantha blinked. "Tutoring.. you? On what?"
Kathryn's face reddened even more. Why must she embarrass herself on a daily basis? "On.. how to be a lady." She muttered, embarrassed.
It took Samantha a while to digest this new information. After she had done so, she couldn't help but smile. "Why.., may I ask?"
Kathryn sighed. Samantha wasn't usually this dense. "You do know that I'm supposed to take Houki's place in this world, right?"
Samantha nodded slowly. ".. Right.." She still couldn't see where Kathryn was getting at. ".. And..?"
".. And because of that, I'm supposed to fall in love with Hotohori and have his kids." Even coming from her, something didn't sound right.
Samantha's smile broadened. "And you think the best way to do that is to be exactly like Houki was supposed to be?"
Kathryn slumped. "Yes." She muttered. Wasn't she obvious enough?
Samantha couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing. "You can't be serious!"
Kathryn was hurt. Were her performances that laughable? "But I am.."
Samantha was immediately apologetic. But she couldn't stop smiling. "I know you are, and that's why it's so funny. Geez, Kate, what cave did you crawl out of? If you want to fall in love with Hotohori, and him to fall in love with you, just be yourself!"
"Demo.."
Samantha gently touched her sister's shoulder. "Listen, Kate.. think. Why did Hotohori love Miaka in the beginning..? Because.. she was so full of life. You are also.. full of it. And you already have a weakness for guys like Hotohori. It'll be a snap to fall for Hotohori.. Do you get it, yet?"
Kathryn was stunned. "But how could you be so sure..?" Coming from her, it sounded so simple. But life.. especially love, was never that simple.
Samantha smiled gently. "Do you remember life outside the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho, Kate? Guys liked you. Some even asked you to be their girlfriend. But you rejected them all.. as if you were waiting for something.. or someone. Hotohori's your dream guy. Remember that." Samantha got up and walked towards the sliding doors. She only looked back once to smile encouragingly at her sister.
A while after Samantha had gone, Kathryn was still thinking. Her sister's words had made her feel better, undoubtedly, but there was still one thing.. Hotohori was her dream guy, sure.. but fat chance she would be anyone's dream girl.
A few days later, Kathryn decided to try out her sister's advice. She had to be herself. She just had to remember that. Just be herself. Peace of cake.
"Shoshi-sama! Shoshi-sama!" Miyu hurried after her. "Where are you going?"
Kathryn smiled cheerfully at her friend. "Well, I'm going to the lake first to talk with Hotohori's pet snake, then I'm going to swim for a bit before taking a little flight around town. After that, I think I'll play some pranks on the advisors, then go to Hotohori to have a little chat. Wanna come?"
Miyu was speechless. "S-Shoshi-sama.. b-but.."
Kathryn looked at her invisible watch. "Oh, look at the time! I'd better go! I don't know the naptime of the serpent, and I don't want to waste too much of her time. You're free to join me later, Miyu, if you want. I think I'd rather enjoy the company. Well, ja!" Kathryn hurried off in the direction of the lake.
Staring after her mistress, Miyu began to sweat. Oh, maybe she should fetch Tei-sama.. But Shoshi-sama wouldn't get into too much trouble, right? She could only hope.
"Ms. Snake! Ms. Snake!" Kathryn smiled when she saw the serpent swim up to her after a few minutes of calling. She gasped at the sea snake's watery beauty and smiled even more. She was beautiful!
Euiko blinked at the young lady's fearlessness. Was this the same woman who had run away screaming 'snake!' at the top of her lungs just a few days ago? "Y-Yes?"
Kathryn smiled. "Wow.. you're so pretty.." Then she composed herself. "I just came to apologize for my terrible behavior the other day. I really couldn't help myself. You really don't look like a scary sea monster up close, you know."
Euiko smiled reluctantly. As puzzling as her new fearlessness was, the girl was really quite charming. "You are Kathryn?"
Kathryn blinked. "You know my name?"
Euiko smiled. "Hotohori has told me quite a bit about you."
Kathryn blushed. "Really?" She looked around quickly then whispered, "Did he tell you good things about me? What does he think about me?"
Euiko couldn't help but chuckle. "Well.. he is intrigued by your uniqueness, that's for sure."
Kathryn grinned. "Well of course he is. I bet I'm the only female who's as beautiful as he is, huh?"
Euiko grinned back. "You're quite different from your sisters, you know."
"You know them?"
"Only by sight."
"Well, you're right. I'm prettier, smarter, and more graceful than the whole lot of 'em." She boasted teasingly. The sea serpent was really quite nice. Why had she been so afraid at first? She smiled sadly. Because at heart, she was a chicken. A real feather-brained first-rate coward. Her outer mask of confidence was just.. a mask. But it did help her sometimes. Her mask was made of false courage. But it had always managed to help her. And now, because of it, she had gotten the courage needed to befriend a really nice creature.
Euiko smiled. "You're not such a baby after all." She said, pleasantly surprised.
Kathryn arched a brow. "A baby? Me? Pshaw!"
Euiko smiled again. "You know, I think the two of will become quite good friends."
Kathryn grinned. "That's good. Because I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.."
"Fire away."
Kathryn breathed in the morning air contentedly. Ah. What a wonderful day it was turning out to be. Already she had befriended a sea snake, took a delightful morning dip with her newfound friend, and now she was about to take only her second real flight.. but this time, instead of just circling the palace, she planned to take in the sights of Konan from a bird's eye view.
Giggling, Kathryn balanced herself on the edge of the palace roof. Before she had been afraid of heights.. but not so much anymore. Hey, if she couldn't fall, why be afraid?
Kathryn wondered if she were going too far. But if she wanted real courage, she had to be bold! Both inside and on the surface! How else was she going to snag Hotohori? She smiled sheepishly to herself. Snag him? Not a good choice of words, really. But she was already falling in love with him.. and he had loved Miaka because she had been 'full of life', right? Well, what better way to catch his interest than to take risks? She was going to be bold! She was going to be brave! She wasn't going to go through with this!
Accidentally, Kathryn had looked all the way down.. and suddenly, she didn't feel any confidence at all. She was on a freakin' palace roof, for crying out loud! What had she been thinking?! She started to crawl back to where she had come from, but her father stopped her.
If you want to master your gift of flying, daughter, you have to practice the ability.
Kathryn wanted to cry. "But.. it's so high.." She sobbed.
Byakko sighed. Very well. It seems you need a little push in everything, daughter.
"Nani?" Kathryn opened her eyes. "What are you going to do?" Suddenly, a monstrous gust of wind came out of nowhere and blew her off the roof. "WAAAAAHHHH!!!!!"
Screaming, Kathryn was too frightened to even think of breaking her fall with her power. Exasperated, Byakko, gave her a mental nudge. Kathryn, fly!
Kathryn couldn't stop screaming. Sighing with frustration, Byakko momentarily took control of Kathryn's mind and instructed her limbs to move. Finally, Kathryn's arms spread and with a few measured strokes, he finally managed to find the breeze's rhythm. She was flying.
When she didn't touch the ground, Kathryn cautiously opened one eye. She boggled. She was flying! Incredible! Smiling contentedly, she allowed her invisible wings to find their rhythm. Smiling, she looked down at the palace as she flew overhead. "There! Now that wasn't so hard!"
Byakko mentally sweatdropped. The only thing you need to learn is to let go. You have to learn to take a leap of faith.. literally speaking, of course.
Kathryn shrugged. "Of course. I think I'm getting the hang of it, though."
Byakko sighed, giving up on his daughter-in-denial.
As Kathryn flew over the palace gates, she allowed her spirits to soar free.. Here, high in the sky.. she was free.. to be herself. Giving a joyous shout, she dived towards some frightened villagers, laughing with sheer happiness.
The advisor nearly tripped over his own feet trying to get to the throne room as fast as possible. He threw the doors open. The emperor was already listening to several other advisors giving complaints.
Hotohori sighed mentally, and looked towards the newest arrival. "I suppose you have come with a complaint against Shoshi-sama?" He asked wearily.
The advisor nodded, his royal hat askew on his shiny head. "Hai! Your Majesty, I beg you to stop the witch! She is causing utter chaos in the city!"
Several other advisors nodded their agreement. "Yes! Yes! She is trouble!" They all agreed, greatly troubled.
Hotohori closed his eyes. "Silence."
There was silence.
"I wish to hear your complaints, one by one, if you please."
"Sire, she has been swooping from the skies, upsetting your people, and carrying them off with her into the sky like a winged demoness!"
"She has gone mad! She has been throwing carts around like a circus performer!"
"She has become a demoness! She screeches like a thousand banshees!"
"She has your people crying and weeping for mercy! She is terrorizing them, my lord!"
Hotohori had had enough. He put up a hand. His advisors immediately grew silent and eagerly awaited his command to banish the troublemaker. Hotohori's eyes were still closed.
Hotohori knew better than to immediately trust his advisors right away. This was not the first time they had exaggerated a story. He opened his eyes. "Please fetch Tei-sama."
"Hai!"
"I will go to my chamber and rest. Instruct Tei-sama to go to her sister and demand an explanation for her actions."
"Hai!"
Hotohori waited but still, nobody moved. "I wish to be alone."
"H-Hai!"
"Houki-sama! Houki-sama! Do it again! Do it again!" The child squealed eagerly.
Laughing, Kathryn set the child down. "Iie.. I need to work, Ikue."
As if on cue, another villager called for her attention. "My lady, may I request your aid?"
Kathryn floated off to the villager. "Hai. What may I do for you?"
He smiled fondly at the pretty blue-haired miko and pointed to his cart. "I don't wish to trouble you, my lady.. but I was wondering.."
Kathryn smiled, her eyes sparkling with life and genuine warmth. "Wonder on." She said, smiling happily.
The poor villager smiled gratefully. "My lady, I have just sold my horses to feed my family, but I have no way to get this cart back to my house." He scratched his head sheepishly. "I didn't think I'd get this much rice for my horses.. and I need to bring it back to my family.."
Kathryn smiled gently. "Say no more." She floated over to the cart loaded with rice and closing her eyes, she concentrated her energy and lifted her hands. The cart rose off the ground. She opened her eyes and looked at the villager. "Now where did you say your house was?"
Hotohori looked away from the curious looks of the villagers and inwardly scolded himself for not bringing a hood. Even dressed in simple clothes, his grace, beauty, and flowing long hair all screamed 'royalty'! And his fancy sword strung at his side didn't help matters. But he simply felt comfortable with his trusted sword at his side..
He sighed. He wasn't here to contemplate his unusual, royal beauty that made him stand out like a sore thumb.. He was here to investigate Kathryn's 'crimes' for himself. Speaking of which.. where could he start looking first? Strangely enough, he didn't see any villagers running for their lives. So perhaps his advisors' stories had been a little stretched..
"Hayaku! Hayaku! Houki-sama just lifted an entire cart by herself! And she didn't lift a finger!" Hotohori watched as two excited little children rushed past him.
Hotohori frowned. "Houki..?" He called out to the children. "Ne.. matte! Where is this lady you speak of?"
The little girl with an adorable heart-shaped face looked back at him. "Follow us! We'll show you!"
Hotohori started running after the children. He smiled wryly. The emperor of Konan running after two adorable ragamuffins like he was a child himself. "Matte.. is her name Houki-sama?"
"I dunno. Oniichan said that's her name! She's really pretty too! But you're more beautiful, lady!"
Hotohori sweatdropped. When would it ever stop..?
The cart landed in front of the poor, worn-down house with a gentle thud. Kathryn sighed and dusted her hands. That had been one heavy cart! The villager's wife rushed out with a ladle of water. "Arigatou, Houki- sama! Are you thirsty?"
Kathryn smiled gratefully, accepting the ladle. "Arigatou!" She smiled cheerfully. "That was thirsty work!" She took a grateful sip of the cool water. Mm.. that hit the spot.
"Kathryn?"
"Phlewey!" Kathryn spat out the water, startling the villager and his family. That voice! She turned around in amazement. "Hotohori! Uh.. I mean.. Your Highness!" She blinked with confusion. "What are you doing..!"
Kathryn stared at the emperor. "H-Hotohori? Is that ..!"
Kathryn couldn't help but stare. Oh.. Oh no.. Was that how Hotohori looked with his hair down..? Oh no.. How could anyone look so.. so.. hot.. yet so innocently.. hot..?
Long silky hair loosely tied with red silk.. gorgeous, inquiring golden eyes.. Oh wow.. And his common clothing just added to her troubles. It made him look more rugged.. more human.. more appealing in her eyes.
Getting a hold of herself, she tried to regain her dignity. "M-May I help you, H-Hotohori.. er.. I mean.. your Highness?"
Everyone surrounding them stared. "Your Highness?" Many of them echoed in disbelief. "He's the emperor?!"
Dismayed, Hotohori motioned for Kathryn to come forward. Kathryn did. "Why did you just do that?"
Kathryn had no idea what she had done. Had she just made an unladylike stumble? "Do what?" She asked cluelessly.
Byakko sighed.
Chapter 6
Kathryn sat alone on a stone by the lake. Houki's spirit had gone off into the heavens for a brief spell, to recuperate, so to speak. Kathryn was left alone to think about not only her future.. but the futures of those Houki had left behind. Kathryn looked into the water, her mind a total blank. Her silver eyes were sad.. and resigned.
How did she get into so many of these situations? Why did she always have to take care of other people's problems? Kathryn was permanently stuck in the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho and people were expecting her to either fail or succeed at replacing someone she didn't have any right or want to replace! This was just not fair..
Houki's story had moved her, but the facts were still there. Kathryn had to fall in love with Hotohori. Kathryn smiled, mocking herself. No problem there. She already was half in love with him. Heck, she always fell for guys like him.. But the problem was.. how to make him fall in love with her? That was a toughie.
She simply wasn't suited to fall in love with the guy of her dreams. Hotohori was perfect inside and out. He was so gentle and kind.. the perfect gentleman. And his looks didn't help either. How could she not fall for long silky hair the color of milk chocolate.. and eyes like golden sherry.. and a smile that made her knees weak.. She could go on and on. He was the perfect guy. But.. not perfect for her.
Kathryn was argumentative, too curious for her own good, and completely lacking in the beauty, grace, and style department. She was just unique, she tried to tell herself.. but not in a good way, she reminded herself sadly. Kathryn sighed in frustration. Oh, why was she constantly putting herself down?! She was different.. but that was okay, wasn't it? And of course she couldn't help falling for a guy like Hotohori, but everyone loved him anyway. His people, Houki, Nuriko.. the list could go on and on.
Kathryn smiled wryly. How ironic. Back home, she had been proud of her individuality, her 'uniqueness'. She had been disgusted at her classmates for wanting to be popular, for wanting to be trendy. She had been enigmatic on the subject of being her own person, being herself. And now look at her. She wanted to be a lady. She wanted to be accepted. She made a face. She was pathetic. Why was it so different now?
"Because you are falling in love with Hotohori." The sea serpent answered her, swimming towards her.
Kathryn boggled. "SNAKE!!"
The sea serpent sweatdropped. "M-Matte.."
"SNAKE! AIYEEE!" Kathryn scrambled away as fast as her kimono-clad legs would allow her to go.
Chagrined, Euiko watched her go. "Now that could have gone better." She said, frowning with disappointment.
"What are you doing?" Houki asked Kathryn, wondering why her friend was crawling on her hands and knees on the hard wooden floor.
"I can't find it!" Kathryn panicked.
"Find what?"
"My notes!" Kathryn told her anxiously. She had been studying Houki and Nuriko for some time now and had taken notes on their ladylike behavior and ladylike tendencies. If she lost them, she would lose her one chance of snaring Hotohori! Oh, this wasn't good!
"Kate?"
Kathryn barely heard her name. "Doko.. where could they be? I left them right on my table.."
Samantha sweatdropped. "Kate.. What are you doing?"
Kathryn started, and bumped her head up against her bed. Ow! "Ow.." She said sorely, then she stood up and rubbed her head. She tried to practice her improved speech on her sister, "Oh, hello Samantha. How are you today?"
Samantha immediately looked disturbed. Kathryn sweatdropped. Did she sound that unconvincing? Was she that lame?
Samantha cleared her throat. "Er.. Kate.. are you feeling okay?"
Kathryn cocked her head, puzzled. "Why, of course. Why do you ask?"
Samantha made a face. "Kate.. is that you or Houki talking?"
Kathryn blinked. Was this was everything was about? Still, she was careful about the way she talked. "Why, of course Houki's not talking. I'm Shoshi. Are you feeling well, Samantha?"
However, her sister still looked unconvinced. "Kate, is Houki taking over your personality?"
Stricken, Kathryn looked down at the floor. Was she that obvious? Was she that pathetic? "Why.. am I acting strangely?"
Samantha couldn't help but be blunt. "Yes, you are. You're not acting like the Kate I know.. you're acting like.. like.. a lady."
Kathryn quickly masked her hurt. Oh. Why wasn't she surprised? "Like a lady, huh? You mean the real me's that hopeless?"
"Er.. no. I mean.. er.. I know you don't really talk like that.. so.."
Kathryn sighed and sat on her bed. Oh, what was the use? Samantha knew her better anyway. "Oh, shush. I don't like it when you stammer, Sammy. And no, Houki's not taking over my personality."
Samantha sat next to her sister. "So Houki's sprit really does linger within you?"
Kathryn nodded. "Yes.. at least remnants of it. She's not taking over.. just.." She turned red. ".. she's tutoring me."
Samantha blinked. "Tutoring.. you? On what?"
Kathryn's face reddened even more. Why must she embarrass herself on a daily basis? "On.. how to be a lady." She muttered, embarrassed.
It took Samantha a while to digest this new information. After she had done so, she couldn't help but smile. "Why.., may I ask?"
Kathryn sighed. Samantha wasn't usually this dense. "You do know that I'm supposed to take Houki's place in this world, right?"
Samantha nodded slowly. ".. Right.." She still couldn't see where Kathryn was getting at. ".. And..?"
".. And because of that, I'm supposed to fall in love with Hotohori and have his kids." Even coming from her, something didn't sound right.
Samantha's smile broadened. "And you think the best way to do that is to be exactly like Houki was supposed to be?"
Kathryn slumped. "Yes." She muttered. Wasn't she obvious enough?
Samantha couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing. "You can't be serious!"
Kathryn was hurt. Were her performances that laughable? "But I am.."
Samantha was immediately apologetic. But she couldn't stop smiling. "I know you are, and that's why it's so funny. Geez, Kate, what cave did you crawl out of? If you want to fall in love with Hotohori, and him to fall in love with you, just be yourself!"
"Demo.."
Samantha gently touched her sister's shoulder. "Listen, Kate.. think. Why did Hotohori love Miaka in the beginning..? Because.. she was so full of life. You are also.. full of it. And you already have a weakness for guys like Hotohori. It'll be a snap to fall for Hotohori.. Do you get it, yet?"
Kathryn was stunned. "But how could you be so sure..?" Coming from her, it sounded so simple. But life.. especially love, was never that simple.
Samantha smiled gently. "Do you remember life outside the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho, Kate? Guys liked you. Some even asked you to be their girlfriend. But you rejected them all.. as if you were waiting for something.. or someone. Hotohori's your dream guy. Remember that." Samantha got up and walked towards the sliding doors. She only looked back once to smile encouragingly at her sister.
A while after Samantha had gone, Kathryn was still thinking. Her sister's words had made her feel better, undoubtedly, but there was still one thing.. Hotohori was her dream guy, sure.. but fat chance she would be anyone's dream girl.
A few days later, Kathryn decided to try out her sister's advice. She had to be herself. She just had to remember that. Just be herself. Peace of cake.
"Shoshi-sama! Shoshi-sama!" Miyu hurried after her. "Where are you going?"
Kathryn smiled cheerfully at her friend. "Well, I'm going to the lake first to talk with Hotohori's pet snake, then I'm going to swim for a bit before taking a little flight around town. After that, I think I'll play some pranks on the advisors, then go to Hotohori to have a little chat. Wanna come?"
Miyu was speechless. "S-Shoshi-sama.. b-but.."
Kathryn looked at her invisible watch. "Oh, look at the time! I'd better go! I don't know the naptime of the serpent, and I don't want to waste too much of her time. You're free to join me later, Miyu, if you want. I think I'd rather enjoy the company. Well, ja!" Kathryn hurried off in the direction of the lake.
Staring after her mistress, Miyu began to sweat. Oh, maybe she should fetch Tei-sama.. But Shoshi-sama wouldn't get into too much trouble, right? She could only hope.
"Ms. Snake! Ms. Snake!" Kathryn smiled when she saw the serpent swim up to her after a few minutes of calling. She gasped at the sea snake's watery beauty and smiled even more. She was beautiful!
Euiko blinked at the young lady's fearlessness. Was this the same woman who had run away screaming 'snake!' at the top of her lungs just a few days ago? "Y-Yes?"
Kathryn smiled. "Wow.. you're so pretty.." Then she composed herself. "I just came to apologize for my terrible behavior the other day. I really couldn't help myself. You really don't look like a scary sea monster up close, you know."
Euiko smiled reluctantly. As puzzling as her new fearlessness was, the girl was really quite charming. "You are Kathryn?"
Kathryn blinked. "You know my name?"
Euiko smiled. "Hotohori has told me quite a bit about you."
Kathryn blushed. "Really?" She looked around quickly then whispered, "Did he tell you good things about me? What does he think about me?"
Euiko couldn't help but chuckle. "Well.. he is intrigued by your uniqueness, that's for sure."
Kathryn grinned. "Well of course he is. I bet I'm the only female who's as beautiful as he is, huh?"
Euiko grinned back. "You're quite different from your sisters, you know."
"You know them?"
"Only by sight."
"Well, you're right. I'm prettier, smarter, and more graceful than the whole lot of 'em." She boasted teasingly. The sea serpent was really quite nice. Why had she been so afraid at first? She smiled sadly. Because at heart, she was a chicken. A real feather-brained first-rate coward. Her outer mask of confidence was just.. a mask. But it did help her sometimes. Her mask was made of false courage. But it had always managed to help her. And now, because of it, she had gotten the courage needed to befriend a really nice creature.
Euiko smiled. "You're not such a baby after all." She said, pleasantly surprised.
Kathryn arched a brow. "A baby? Me? Pshaw!"
Euiko smiled again. "You know, I think the two of will become quite good friends."
Kathryn grinned. "That's good. Because I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.."
"Fire away."
Kathryn breathed in the morning air contentedly. Ah. What a wonderful day it was turning out to be. Already she had befriended a sea snake, took a delightful morning dip with her newfound friend, and now she was about to take only her second real flight.. but this time, instead of just circling the palace, she planned to take in the sights of Konan from a bird's eye view.
Giggling, Kathryn balanced herself on the edge of the palace roof. Before she had been afraid of heights.. but not so much anymore. Hey, if she couldn't fall, why be afraid?
Kathryn wondered if she were going too far. But if she wanted real courage, she had to be bold! Both inside and on the surface! How else was she going to snag Hotohori? She smiled sheepishly to herself. Snag him? Not a good choice of words, really. But she was already falling in love with him.. and he had loved Miaka because she had been 'full of life', right? Well, what better way to catch his interest than to take risks? She was going to be bold! She was going to be brave! She wasn't going to go through with this!
Accidentally, Kathryn had looked all the way down.. and suddenly, she didn't feel any confidence at all. She was on a freakin' palace roof, for crying out loud! What had she been thinking?! She started to crawl back to where she had come from, but her father stopped her.
If you want to master your gift of flying, daughter, you have to practice the ability.
Kathryn wanted to cry. "But.. it's so high.." She sobbed.
Byakko sighed. Very well. It seems you need a little push in everything, daughter.
"Nani?" Kathryn opened her eyes. "What are you going to do?" Suddenly, a monstrous gust of wind came out of nowhere and blew her off the roof. "WAAAAAHHHH!!!!!"
Screaming, Kathryn was too frightened to even think of breaking her fall with her power. Exasperated, Byakko, gave her a mental nudge. Kathryn, fly!
Kathryn couldn't stop screaming. Sighing with frustration, Byakko momentarily took control of Kathryn's mind and instructed her limbs to move. Finally, Kathryn's arms spread and with a few measured strokes, he finally managed to find the breeze's rhythm. She was flying.
When she didn't touch the ground, Kathryn cautiously opened one eye. She boggled. She was flying! Incredible! Smiling contentedly, she allowed her invisible wings to find their rhythm. Smiling, she looked down at the palace as she flew overhead. "There! Now that wasn't so hard!"
Byakko mentally sweatdropped. The only thing you need to learn is to let go. You have to learn to take a leap of faith.. literally speaking, of course.
Kathryn shrugged. "Of course. I think I'm getting the hang of it, though."
Byakko sighed, giving up on his daughter-in-denial.
As Kathryn flew over the palace gates, she allowed her spirits to soar free.. Here, high in the sky.. she was free.. to be herself. Giving a joyous shout, she dived towards some frightened villagers, laughing with sheer happiness.
The advisor nearly tripped over his own feet trying to get to the throne room as fast as possible. He threw the doors open. The emperor was already listening to several other advisors giving complaints.
Hotohori sighed mentally, and looked towards the newest arrival. "I suppose you have come with a complaint against Shoshi-sama?" He asked wearily.
The advisor nodded, his royal hat askew on his shiny head. "Hai! Your Majesty, I beg you to stop the witch! She is causing utter chaos in the city!"
Several other advisors nodded their agreement. "Yes! Yes! She is trouble!" They all agreed, greatly troubled.
Hotohori closed his eyes. "Silence."
There was silence.
"I wish to hear your complaints, one by one, if you please."
"Sire, she has been swooping from the skies, upsetting your people, and carrying them off with her into the sky like a winged demoness!"
"She has gone mad! She has been throwing carts around like a circus performer!"
"She has become a demoness! She screeches like a thousand banshees!"
"She has your people crying and weeping for mercy! She is terrorizing them, my lord!"
Hotohori had had enough. He put up a hand. His advisors immediately grew silent and eagerly awaited his command to banish the troublemaker. Hotohori's eyes were still closed.
Hotohori knew better than to immediately trust his advisors right away. This was not the first time they had exaggerated a story. He opened his eyes. "Please fetch Tei-sama."
"Hai!"
"I will go to my chamber and rest. Instruct Tei-sama to go to her sister and demand an explanation for her actions."
"Hai!"
Hotohori waited but still, nobody moved. "I wish to be alone."
"H-Hai!"
"Houki-sama! Houki-sama! Do it again! Do it again!" The child squealed eagerly.
Laughing, Kathryn set the child down. "Iie.. I need to work, Ikue."
As if on cue, another villager called for her attention. "My lady, may I request your aid?"
Kathryn floated off to the villager. "Hai. What may I do for you?"
He smiled fondly at the pretty blue-haired miko and pointed to his cart. "I don't wish to trouble you, my lady.. but I was wondering.."
Kathryn smiled, her eyes sparkling with life and genuine warmth. "Wonder on." She said, smiling happily.
The poor villager smiled gratefully. "My lady, I have just sold my horses to feed my family, but I have no way to get this cart back to my house." He scratched his head sheepishly. "I didn't think I'd get this much rice for my horses.. and I need to bring it back to my family.."
Kathryn smiled gently. "Say no more." She floated over to the cart loaded with rice and closing her eyes, she concentrated her energy and lifted her hands. The cart rose off the ground. She opened her eyes and looked at the villager. "Now where did you say your house was?"
Hotohori looked away from the curious looks of the villagers and inwardly scolded himself for not bringing a hood. Even dressed in simple clothes, his grace, beauty, and flowing long hair all screamed 'royalty'! And his fancy sword strung at his side didn't help matters. But he simply felt comfortable with his trusted sword at his side..
He sighed. He wasn't here to contemplate his unusual, royal beauty that made him stand out like a sore thumb.. He was here to investigate Kathryn's 'crimes' for himself. Speaking of which.. where could he start looking first? Strangely enough, he didn't see any villagers running for their lives. So perhaps his advisors' stories had been a little stretched..
"Hayaku! Hayaku! Houki-sama just lifted an entire cart by herself! And she didn't lift a finger!" Hotohori watched as two excited little children rushed past him.
Hotohori frowned. "Houki..?" He called out to the children. "Ne.. matte! Where is this lady you speak of?"
The little girl with an adorable heart-shaped face looked back at him. "Follow us! We'll show you!"
Hotohori started running after the children. He smiled wryly. The emperor of Konan running after two adorable ragamuffins like he was a child himself. "Matte.. is her name Houki-sama?"
"I dunno. Oniichan said that's her name! She's really pretty too! But you're more beautiful, lady!"
Hotohori sweatdropped. When would it ever stop..?
The cart landed in front of the poor, worn-down house with a gentle thud. Kathryn sighed and dusted her hands. That had been one heavy cart! The villager's wife rushed out with a ladle of water. "Arigatou, Houki- sama! Are you thirsty?"
Kathryn smiled gratefully, accepting the ladle. "Arigatou!" She smiled cheerfully. "That was thirsty work!" She took a grateful sip of the cool water. Mm.. that hit the spot.
"Kathryn?"
"Phlewey!" Kathryn spat out the water, startling the villager and his family. That voice! She turned around in amazement. "Hotohori! Uh.. I mean.. Your Highness!" She blinked with confusion. "What are you doing..!"
Kathryn stared at the emperor. "H-Hotohori? Is that ..!"
Kathryn couldn't help but stare. Oh.. Oh no.. Was that how Hotohori looked with his hair down..? Oh no.. How could anyone look so.. so.. hot.. yet so innocently.. hot..?
Long silky hair loosely tied with red silk.. gorgeous, inquiring golden eyes.. Oh wow.. And his common clothing just added to her troubles. It made him look more rugged.. more human.. more appealing in her eyes.
Getting a hold of herself, she tried to regain her dignity. "M-May I help you, H-Hotohori.. er.. I mean.. your Highness?"
Everyone surrounding them stared. "Your Highness?" Many of them echoed in disbelief. "He's the emperor?!"
Dismayed, Hotohori motioned for Kathryn to come forward. Kathryn did. "Why did you just do that?"
Kathryn had no idea what she had done. Had she just made an unladylike stumble? "Do what?" She asked cluelessly.
Byakko sighed.