Gomennasai... It's practically a day late. So sorry, but I had a graduation/commencement
type of thing to attend. And more to come. Anyway, the chapter's up now.
And it is really long. Perhaps the longest I've written for this story even.
It's one I've kinda been looking forward to, so I hope you enjoy it as much
as I did writing it! Caution: contains the Angst and the Anti-angst.
~Enjoy!
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Naku na kari doko mo tabine no aki no tsuki
{Do not cry, wild geese! Your travels end wherever the moon of autumn is.}
(a haiku by Issa, translated by myself)
Mikoto spoke with Eiko for nearly an hour after the meeting had adjourned. Mikoto never showed emotion, but Tabito could feel the disgust emanating from the very movement of closing the connection.
"I never would have thought that Eiko, of all people, would give up so easily," Zeru reminisced as he watched his counterpart, Geomo, continue to scuff the floor with the toe of his shoe.
"She is overwhelmed by the situation and wants the easy way out," Mikoto said flatly.
"As do many of the rest of us," Ketto added beneath his breath.
"As much as people wish to ignore it," Mikoto continued, "we all know that the root of this problem runs deeper than anyone wants to credit it for. If we're all ready to brush it off as Tabito's fault, we're not ready to face the true threat."
"So, we should be preparing for the true threat?" Geomo asked.
"Yes," Mikoto answered.
"But what can we do by ourselves?" Zeru thought aloud.
"Fighting against the tide is all very noble on a personal level," Ketto pointed out, "but on the national level, it causes entire peoples to become enemies. And all because you believe Tabito's story, Mikoto? Is it worth that?"
"Call it intuition, if you must," she said, and looking at the Crown Prince: "I find it's my most righteous guide."
"But things are going from bad to worse," Zeru sighed.
"What have you to say, your Highness?" the governess spoke out. The violet gaze rose from the floor to glance at her and then dropped back to his feet.
"I feel I shouldn't speak," he replied softly.
"You disappoint me," she replied. The eyes closed, as if he felt not even worthy of looking at the floor.
"I know," he apologized.
"I've seen longer faces on flans," Geomo said as he walked up to the prince, "but not much longer." Tabito looked at him, but said nothing, so the advisor continued. "Hey, you, of all people, should at least appreciate what Mikoto is doing, right?"
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "I'm afraid I'm not handling this very well."
"You're doing a lot better than I would," Zeru encouraged gently.
"Heck, you're doing a lot better than I am," Geomo added. Tabito glanced from one to the other before forcing a half smile.
"I sincerely doubt that," said he.
"You know what you need?" Geomo said thoughtfully.
"A miracle?"
"Granted, but not quite what I was thinking," the Terran chuckled a little. "You need a break, that's what. You know, you look like you could use a nice, hot shower," he clapped his hand on the young prince's shoulder and almost recoiled as he felt how tense the muscles were. "…and some time to relax. And probably a change of clothes." Tabito's left eyebrow twitched in minor annoyance as he took a second to glance down upon himself. His green silk shirt hung half open in front and was covered with rock grit, as were the pants that were a shade darker. His bare feet, though dirty, were none worse for the wear, although he nearly choked up as he realized that he had left his shoes next to the piano in the parlor.
"I suppose," he mumbled. Will I never see Alexandria again, I wonder.
"What do you say, my Lady?" Geomo raised his eyebrows in Mikoto's direction.
"It is past lunch hour," Mikoto's blank voice completely hid the fact that she was considering as she spoke. "We should all take a break. And since we have other matters to attend to, I should think I could let Tabito go, at least for the day."
"Go where?" Tabito asked softly. A momentary silence filled the room.
"I have a spare room up at my place," Geomo offered with a shrug.
"I have several," Mikoto added. "He's stayed there before."
"Maybe he'd like to escape from the spotlight for a while, though," Zeru argued as he glanced at the prince, who continued to stare at the floor.
"Ah, so! So!" Geomo interjected, snapping his fingers. "He could stay in Zidane's apartment!"
"My father has an apartment?" Tabito asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, in Mishikai, the second sector," Geomo nodded. "Nice spot. He got it some twenty years back. He'd stay there when he came back here for extended visits."
"Oh," Tabito responded.
"Should I take him up there?" Geomo asked, turning back to Mikoto.
"That is a good idea," Mikoto decided. "Get some rest, Tabi."
"Thank you, Oba-san," the prince bowed respectfully, and shouldering the mythril bo, he followed Geomo out the door.
"C'mon, squirt," the advisor grinned as he led him out towards his personal transport.
"Squirt?" was perhaps the last thing Tabito said for a while. He'd ridden in Terran hovercraft only once or twice, but neither the novelty of the ride nor the information Geomo spouted about the streets they traveled could hold his interest for long. He stared at the warm creams and champagnes of the buildings they passed. They looked so invitingly soft, despite the fact that they were stone. Many people dressed in a wide variety of colors flocked about the walkways on the street, their paces all leisurely, so much more laid back than…Tabito sighed deeply. No matter what he did, he could not help but think about the place, and the people, that he had left behind. And he could not help but wonder…Were my efforts worth it?
By and by, the hovercraft pulled to a stop in front of a five-story building of gentle, whitewashed sandstone. Tabito gingerly stepped out onto the cool slate walk and glanced around. New Bran Bal had been built with its face to the open plains, the Magdalene Forest (once called Dead) to the left, the Bay of Gegalrich to the right, and its back carved into the Donna Mountains. Mishikai, Geomo had explained, was built onto the foot of the mountain, after they were through with the marble quarry. The second sector was higher than the rest of the city; it was very obvious to Tabito why Zidane had picked this spot. Some of the buildings on this block were about the same height as the one he stood in front of, but most were about half or so the size. The few trees scattered betwixt the structures were white with glowing spring blossoms. The walk before him was lined with flowered bushes that glowed pink, and every clear emerald blade of grass shimmered a gentle green light. He looked over the Terran plants with nearly a smile at the corners of his mouth. In the strong daylight, the light of the plants was very suppressed, but by night every flora was a child of the moon.
Tabito trailed after Geomo into the apartment building and up to the receptionist's desk. The woman there seemed to give more mind to her nails than to Geomo, but she stopped and smiled when she saw the prince.
"Fourth floor to the front," she instructed, pointing to the stairs, as if she guessed the whole situation before Geomo even said anything, "the door with the circular like design on it. You can't miss it. Call me if you have any trouble, koutaishi-sama."
"Thank you very much," Tabito responded, slightly taken aback by the title she had used. On the way up the stairs, he decided to ask Geomo, "Was she being overly polite?"
"Not to be mean," he answered, scratching his nose, "maybe a little fresh. Why? You've never been called that before?"
"Not that I recall," Tabito answered.
"Huh," Geomo shrugged as the approached the door. "It's an aura-lock," he said pointing to a black pad above the door handle. "You might be able to open it, which would make things simpler than getting them to change the lock."
"How do you open it?" Tabito asked as he stared at it.
"Put your fingers on it and ask it to open," Geomo grinned, amused. Tentatively, the prince reached out and contacted the lock, willing it to open. It did. "Simple," the advisor to the Governess nodded his head, looking all too pleased with himself. And thus, Tabito entered his new home.
"Is this fur?" he asked of the soft, sand-colored carpeting in the main room with the big windows that faced out over the city.
"Yeah, bear, I think," Geomo scratched his head. "I'm not very good with Gaian species. Come on, I'll show you how to use the appliances and stuff, and pay attention, because I hate repeating myself." And so, Tabito learned how to operate everything from the refresher unit to the laundry chute.
"This one seems simple," Geomo remarked, flipping the lid open with his hand, "but in reality, it is the most mysterious of all. You drop your dirty clothing through the hole, and in the morning, it shows up outside of your door. The strangest thing is it is clean and pressed when it shows up again! It's magic I tell you!"
"Wait, you mean I have to pick it up and drop it in the hole?" Tabito remarked as a half-hearted attempt at humor. Geomo laughed anyway.
"I've saved the most intimidating for last," the full-Terran said as he led the half-one back into the main room.
"Oh joy," Tabito said weakly.
"You say it," he nodded. "Even I don't really know how to—whoa!!"
"What?" the prince asked asked, alarmed.
"How did that get in here?!" Tabito followed his pointing finger to the big white horse who was standing nonchalantly on the bear carpet with his giant crystal blue wings folded over his sides.
"Oh," the two-tone breathed in relief, "it is Marital. He's come to see what I am doing." He walked straight up to the brilliant beast who nudged him gently with his nose.
"Yeah, but how did he get in here?" Geomo sounded less alarmed this time.
"Walls mean nothing to an eidolon," the simple answer came. Blinking back a burn in his eyes, the prince wrapped his arms around the long nose and buried his face in the snow-white forelock.
"Okay then," the advisor shrugged. "Blackjack, wake up!"
"Blackjack?" Tabito turned around, although Marital kept a comforting contact with him.
"That is the AI of this house," Geomo explained. "Blackjack controls the indoor climate, as well as keeping the plants watered and taking care of minor maintenance problems. Don't look at me; Zidane named him."
"Mm," was Tabito's solitary response.
"He does whatever you tell him to, although he has a voice of his own, and says what he wants too… Zidane had him set that way, but you can change it if you want."
"No, that's fine," Tabito shook his head.
"I like this one already," a voice came from the wall. "Master Tabito, the current temperature is 70 degrees and the current humidity is 40 percent. Would you like this altered?"
"Um, no," the prince was still looking for the source of the voice. "That's fine."
"He likes you," Geomo observed with a laugh.
"Yeah… um, is there any way to turn him off? You know, for privacy?"
"If you tell him to shut up, he has to," the advisor said. "Blackjack, do not talk until further notice."
"He won't talk now?"
"Not until you tell him he can. If you want to learn how to use him better, I'd suggest you get in touch with a technical support group. Anyway, you're set for now."
"Thank you for helping me, Geomo," Tabito bowed his head.
"Don't mention it until later," the other grinned back. "Now, you know what I suggest?"
"That I bathe?" Tabito said flatly.
"Well, yeah…" Geomo scratched the back of his head. "I didn't mean that to be offensive earlier…"
"My apologies," the younger one sighed. "I am not in the best of spirits."
"Hey, you don't have to tell me," Geomo shrugged. "It's written all over you in bold letters." Tabito looked away, somewhat ashamedly. "Hey, moping won't do any good," Geomo said brightly as he walked around to where the prince's gaze was. "Why don't you hit the town tonight? You know, get away from it all?" A moment of silence ensued as the addressee stared blankly at the speaker. Geomo took half a step backwards and scratched his chin. "I don't suppose you have any gil?"
"No," Tabito answered dryly. "That wasn't exactly my first priority."
"Hm," Geomo scrounged in his side pocket for a second before producing several hundred gil. "Pocket change," he winked, handing it to the prince. "Don't spend it all in one place, that is, unless the place is really good."
"I—"
"Don't argue," Geomo shook his head. "You couldn't possibly win. Trust me, you need to get your mind off of things."
"Well…" Tabito's voice was barely a whisper.
"You have every reason to feel the way you do," Geomo said, suddenly gentle. "But if you just sit here and think about it, your soul will break. I can feel the pressure emanating from you, Tabito. You really need to give yourself a break."
"Yeah," the prince agreed softly.
"Well, ja na," the advisor smiled and waved a hand. "I'll probably see you tomorrow or something. Ask the receptionist if you need anything." Tabito watched the man leave, and then he was alone. Well, except for his two strange companions.
"Maybe he has a point," Tabito said, as he rested his hand on the nose that reached over his shoulder. "I should try to get my mind off of things for a couple of hours. But…" He sighed, feeling the all-to-familiar heaviness wash over him. "Blackjack? Have you any ideas where I might go?"
"Searching…" the voice from the wall responded.
~~~~~
Nightfall found the Crown Prince of Alexandria meandering into the heart of the city. The streets were nearly empty, save for floria light that the Terran foliage gave off. Tabito tugged fussily at his clothing. Or rather, his father's. The Terran style did not suit him very well. He found the pants too tight and the shirts just too odd. However, the footwear was extremely comfortable, he found as he traversed the pale slate walkways. He also noticed that the Terran style was much easier on his tail, but one would have hoped that. He found the walk rather enjoyable, but quickly became anxious when he reached his destination. Blackjack had been of the opinion that he would fit right in, but no sooner had he entered through the doors of the nightclub than he knew that he didn't. Sure, everyone in there was physically his age, but their hearts were much younger…and happier. He sighed as he glanced about the place, trying to ignore his own discomfort by brushing it off as culture shock. Truth be told, he had never done anything like this before. Presently, he espied some empty chairs out of the light, and tried to remain inconspicuous as he moved over to them. He glanced around, wondering if any of the Terrans were watching him as he took a seat. It was warm…and it moved. And squealed.
Tabito jolted upright and whirled around, his first impulse to murder whatever it was that had sneaked up behind him. The second was to wonder how on earth he had missed seeing a girl who was wearing bright yellow. But then, his primary concern quickly shifted to whether or not he had hurt her.
"Are you alright?" he asked timidly, as he looked at her bright aquamarine eyes, which were open wide with shock.
"I'm fine," she blinked. "My heart will start beating again any minute now… Yup, any minute now." Tabito scratched the back of his head as he felt the blood rush to his face. He had never sat on anyone before, much less a girl.
"A-a hundred thousand apologies," he said ashamedly, "I don't know how I managed not to see you."
"It's all right," she grinned up at him, her teeth nearly as bright as her eyes. "Now I just have to get my breath back."
"Um," he glanced around, feeling very much like disappearing into thin air, "can I get you something?"
"Well, since you're offering, I could use a sakuranbo nomi," said she, twirling some of her blonde hair around her finger as her surprised look suddenly melted into one of mischief. Tabito suppressed a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Certainly, if you'd repeat that again, slowly."
"Sakuranbo nomi…" she repeated, then glanced down, biting her lip. That time, Tabito caught all of the syllables and could tell that it sounded like some sort of drink. He nodded and made his way towards the bar, hoping that he wasn't being foolish.
"You're really cute when you blush," the female bartender smiled as he approached. He twitched an eyebrow in response. Is it just me, or are the women really fast around here?
"Could I get a sakaran—" no sooner had he started to say it then the bottle was in front of him.
"And for yourself?" she asked, smiling smugly. Tabito felt himself suppressing a growl of annoyance. The girl's shriek had probably attracted a lot of attention, and he wanted no attention. Still, it was his own fault.
"Water," he said flatly. The barmaid twitched her upper lip at him, annoyed that he wasn't playing along.
"How boring…" she muttered as she went to get a glass. He quickly paid and went back to the other girl, who was picking at her fingers. She smiled up at him as he set the bottle down in front of him.
"You seem very preoccupied," she said, sounding a little concerned.
"I am," he admitted.
"Ah, I don't think we've met," she chirped suddenly, nodding at him. "My name's Reichia."
"I'm really sorry about earlier, Reichia," he said he set his own glass on the table.
"It's quite alright," she shook her head as she opened the bottle. "I'm distracted easily too, oh, thank you, by the way." Tabito found himself smiling slightly at her antics as he sat down. He took a moment to look her over as she started on her drink. Golden blonde hair framed her round face and fell to her shoulders. She looked to be about sixteen, maybe a little older, if he was any judge. Her shoulders were rather narrow, much like the rest of her, but such was to be expected of a Terran. He dropped his eyes to the table, determined not to examine her any longer.
"Your parents let you do that?" she asked after she had taken a sip.
"Mm?" he raised his eyebrows, somewhat confused.
"Your hair," Reichia explained quickly. "Where'd you get it done? My parents would never let me do something like that."
"They didn't really have a choice," he answered quietly, not liking feeling self-conscious.
"Oh," she blinked twice. "So…um, where'd you get it done?"
"I wouldn't know," he shrugged, keeping his eyes averted to the table. She stared at him for a moment, before suddenly waving her hands in front of herself in excitement.
"Aaah!" she cried. "Are you trying to tell me it's natural and I'm just being incredibly dense? Gah, I'm such a moron…" He looked up to see her face buried in her hands and her head rocking from side to side as she made whimpering noises.
"Um…" he glanced around, not sure of what to do. He did not want her to cry though. "It's not important… You shouldn't get disheartened like that."
"I'm so hopeless," she pounded the table weakly. "I can't even take a hint."
"Mayhap not so quickly as you would have liked to, but you did eventually, so you're not hopeless," Tabito said then reached for his water. She looked up at him with a mixture of frustration and wonder on her now red features. "Besides," he continued almost against his will, "I was being evasive."
"I'm so dense…" she murmured. "If you don't want me to ask about you, then I won't." He glanced up to see her biting her lower lip as she watched her fingertips drum on the table. "I'm…" she said timidly as she began to pull on her fingers. "I'm a prep student and a pilot trainee, if you hadn't guessed. I'll be graduating and getting my space license in a little less than a year, if you were wondering."
"Mm," was all he said, although normally he would have been more interested to find he was talking to a future space pilot. At the moment though, he simply wanted to go lock himself in his room.
"While I'm thinking about it, though, could you at least tell me your name?" she looked up hopefully. "I just realized I never caught it." Tabito sighed and glanced around to see if anyone was listening in. He had been hoping she wouldn't realize that he hadn't introduced himself.
"I suppose I shan't hide that from you," he said softly.
"Shan't?" she cocked an inquisitive head to the side. "What is 'shan't'?"
"Shall not…" he said after a moment, and then after another moment, "will not."
"Oh, like in the Avon plays," she nodded. "Wow, you're Gaian is really good. Classical even… wait. You're evading again." He cracked half a smile, for he could already imagine the look on her face although he kept his eyes on the tabletop. "That's all right," Reichia sighed, "if you don't want to tell me."
"Tabito," he said softly. "My name is Tabito." He looked up to see her staring at him as if she'd been slapped.
"Prince Tabito?" she whispered, as if she dared it not be true. "Of Alexandria?"
"Yes," he nodded. Her head lowered into his line of vision as she stared intently at his face. Of course, he knew exactly what she was doing.
"You have gorgeous eyes," she suddenly breathed. Her remark caught him somewhat off guard.
"You say funny things," he blinked.
"It's because I'm stupid," she slapped her hand over her face. "No wonder you didn't want to talk to me…" That hurt, for some reason, and Tabito found himself biting his own lip. Reichia continued unaware: "It was so obvious too. Gods, I'm so dense. Please pardon me for being so impertinent!"
"That's all wrong," he shook his head, a little unsure of what to do. People with low self-esteem were not something he was used to dealing with. "I wasn't really cooperating with you… I have quite a bit on my mind, you see."
"I'd bet," she took her hands off her face, which was red again. "I just didn't think I'd see you around at. I would have thought they'd keep you safely locked up in the capitol or something…"
"Why?" Tabito shrugged and dryly remarked, "Everybody knows everything would be better if I were dead." From the startled, guilty expression she made, he could tell that probably someone had been telling her the same thing earlier. Or maybe even she's said so herself.
"B-but…" she stammered. On the other hand, she looks about ready to burst into tears.
"I feel like I've just kicked a kitten," he sighed and shook his head.
"I say funny things?" she asked.
"It's just that," he sighed and shook his head again before looking up at her. "It's just that you seemed so blissfully happy before I started talking to you. You really shouldn't be troubled by what befalls me."
"Maybe, but I can't ignore what's happening to you."
"Oh?" he blinked, not certain what to say.
"I mean," she began pulling at her fingers. "You certainly don't seem like the sort of person who'd murder his own mother."
"That's…" he actually cracked half a smile, "that's disturbingly nice to hear." He watched her eyebrows rise in the deepest of sympathy. "Please don't look at me like that," he sighed.
"I just wish I could cheer you up…" she bit her lip in what Tabito now assumed was her usual look of uncertainty.
"I'm afraid there isn't much chance of that," he said, as he looked at his half-empty glass of water.
"Can I try anyway?" Reichia inquired.
"If you must," he replied then drank more of the water. She seemed to have a thoughtful look on her face as she glanced about the room.
"I know!" her eyes lit up. "Do you like to dance?"
"Yes, actually," he replied as he set the glass down.
"Really? It doesn't look very crowded over there." He followed her gesture over to the far side of the room, where several couples seemed rather personal with each other.
"I'm not familiar with that style," he said, turning his gaze back to the table.
"It's easy!" said she, making to get up, "I'll show you."
"I'm not exactly in the place to learn new tricks," he negated.
"I understand," her face fell. Then Tabito stood up, she watched him with a questioning gaze.
"I believe I'm quite through with sharing my depression," he apologized. "I'm going to head back now."
"Where are you staying?" she asked, standing up as well.
"Mishikai."
"Ah," she smiled, "a friend of mine is dating someone up there, so I'm familiar with the area. Would you like a ride?"
"I'd prefer to walk, thank you," he bowed his head.
"Oh," she glanced at the floor, trying to hide her disappointment. "Well, then… maybe I can drive you around some other time. I know! Maybe when you're feeling better, I could show you around the city? I know the place like the back of my hand."
"Perhaps," Tabito replied, casting her a sidewards glance.
"Hold on," Reichia said excitedly. "I'll give you my number." He waited while she scrounged through her purse for a scrap of paper and apologized for being bad at writing in Gaian before finally handing him the slip of paper. He slid it into his pocket, bid her farewell, and strode out the door. It was nice to be in control again, even for once.
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Okay, maybe it wasn't as angsty as I said it was. But hey, I didn't get into Tabi's head much. Don't fret, there's plenty of that yet to come. So, how did you like it?
~Enjoy!
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Naku na kari doko mo tabine no aki no tsuki
{Do not cry, wild geese! Your travels end wherever the moon of autumn is.}
(a haiku by Issa, translated by myself)
Mikoto spoke with Eiko for nearly an hour after the meeting had adjourned. Mikoto never showed emotion, but Tabito could feel the disgust emanating from the very movement of closing the connection.
"I never would have thought that Eiko, of all people, would give up so easily," Zeru reminisced as he watched his counterpart, Geomo, continue to scuff the floor with the toe of his shoe.
"She is overwhelmed by the situation and wants the easy way out," Mikoto said flatly.
"As do many of the rest of us," Ketto added beneath his breath.
"As much as people wish to ignore it," Mikoto continued, "we all know that the root of this problem runs deeper than anyone wants to credit it for. If we're all ready to brush it off as Tabito's fault, we're not ready to face the true threat."
"So, we should be preparing for the true threat?" Geomo asked.
"Yes," Mikoto answered.
"But what can we do by ourselves?" Zeru thought aloud.
"Fighting against the tide is all very noble on a personal level," Ketto pointed out, "but on the national level, it causes entire peoples to become enemies. And all because you believe Tabito's story, Mikoto? Is it worth that?"
"Call it intuition, if you must," she said, and looking at the Crown Prince: "I find it's my most righteous guide."
"But things are going from bad to worse," Zeru sighed.
"What have you to say, your Highness?" the governess spoke out. The violet gaze rose from the floor to glance at her and then dropped back to his feet.
"I feel I shouldn't speak," he replied softly.
"You disappoint me," she replied. The eyes closed, as if he felt not even worthy of looking at the floor.
"I know," he apologized.
"I've seen longer faces on flans," Geomo said as he walked up to the prince, "but not much longer." Tabito looked at him, but said nothing, so the advisor continued. "Hey, you, of all people, should at least appreciate what Mikoto is doing, right?"
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "I'm afraid I'm not handling this very well."
"You're doing a lot better than I would," Zeru encouraged gently.
"Heck, you're doing a lot better than I am," Geomo added. Tabito glanced from one to the other before forcing a half smile.
"I sincerely doubt that," said he.
"You know what you need?" Geomo said thoughtfully.
"A miracle?"
"Granted, but not quite what I was thinking," the Terran chuckled a little. "You need a break, that's what. You know, you look like you could use a nice, hot shower," he clapped his hand on the young prince's shoulder and almost recoiled as he felt how tense the muscles were. "…and some time to relax. And probably a change of clothes." Tabito's left eyebrow twitched in minor annoyance as he took a second to glance down upon himself. His green silk shirt hung half open in front and was covered with rock grit, as were the pants that were a shade darker. His bare feet, though dirty, were none worse for the wear, although he nearly choked up as he realized that he had left his shoes next to the piano in the parlor.
"I suppose," he mumbled. Will I never see Alexandria again, I wonder.
"What do you say, my Lady?" Geomo raised his eyebrows in Mikoto's direction.
"It is past lunch hour," Mikoto's blank voice completely hid the fact that she was considering as she spoke. "We should all take a break. And since we have other matters to attend to, I should think I could let Tabito go, at least for the day."
"Go where?" Tabito asked softly. A momentary silence filled the room.
"I have a spare room up at my place," Geomo offered with a shrug.
"I have several," Mikoto added. "He's stayed there before."
"Maybe he'd like to escape from the spotlight for a while, though," Zeru argued as he glanced at the prince, who continued to stare at the floor.
"Ah, so! So!" Geomo interjected, snapping his fingers. "He could stay in Zidane's apartment!"
"My father has an apartment?" Tabito asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, in Mishikai, the second sector," Geomo nodded. "Nice spot. He got it some twenty years back. He'd stay there when he came back here for extended visits."
"Oh," Tabito responded.
"Should I take him up there?" Geomo asked, turning back to Mikoto.
"That is a good idea," Mikoto decided. "Get some rest, Tabi."
"Thank you, Oba-san," the prince bowed respectfully, and shouldering the mythril bo, he followed Geomo out the door.
"C'mon, squirt," the advisor grinned as he led him out towards his personal transport.
"Squirt?" was perhaps the last thing Tabito said for a while. He'd ridden in Terran hovercraft only once or twice, but neither the novelty of the ride nor the information Geomo spouted about the streets they traveled could hold his interest for long. He stared at the warm creams and champagnes of the buildings they passed. They looked so invitingly soft, despite the fact that they were stone. Many people dressed in a wide variety of colors flocked about the walkways on the street, their paces all leisurely, so much more laid back than…Tabito sighed deeply. No matter what he did, he could not help but think about the place, and the people, that he had left behind. And he could not help but wonder…Were my efforts worth it?
By and by, the hovercraft pulled to a stop in front of a five-story building of gentle, whitewashed sandstone. Tabito gingerly stepped out onto the cool slate walk and glanced around. New Bran Bal had been built with its face to the open plains, the Magdalene Forest (once called Dead) to the left, the Bay of Gegalrich to the right, and its back carved into the Donna Mountains. Mishikai, Geomo had explained, was built onto the foot of the mountain, after they were through with the marble quarry. The second sector was higher than the rest of the city; it was very obvious to Tabito why Zidane had picked this spot. Some of the buildings on this block were about the same height as the one he stood in front of, but most were about half or so the size. The few trees scattered betwixt the structures were white with glowing spring blossoms. The walk before him was lined with flowered bushes that glowed pink, and every clear emerald blade of grass shimmered a gentle green light. He looked over the Terran plants with nearly a smile at the corners of his mouth. In the strong daylight, the light of the plants was very suppressed, but by night every flora was a child of the moon.
Tabito trailed after Geomo into the apartment building and up to the receptionist's desk. The woman there seemed to give more mind to her nails than to Geomo, but she stopped and smiled when she saw the prince.
"Fourth floor to the front," she instructed, pointing to the stairs, as if she guessed the whole situation before Geomo even said anything, "the door with the circular like design on it. You can't miss it. Call me if you have any trouble, koutaishi-sama."
"Thank you very much," Tabito responded, slightly taken aback by the title she had used. On the way up the stairs, he decided to ask Geomo, "Was she being overly polite?"
"Not to be mean," he answered, scratching his nose, "maybe a little fresh. Why? You've never been called that before?"
"Not that I recall," Tabito answered.
"Huh," Geomo shrugged as the approached the door. "It's an aura-lock," he said pointing to a black pad above the door handle. "You might be able to open it, which would make things simpler than getting them to change the lock."
"How do you open it?" Tabito asked as he stared at it.
"Put your fingers on it and ask it to open," Geomo grinned, amused. Tentatively, the prince reached out and contacted the lock, willing it to open. It did. "Simple," the advisor to the Governess nodded his head, looking all too pleased with himself. And thus, Tabito entered his new home.
"Is this fur?" he asked of the soft, sand-colored carpeting in the main room with the big windows that faced out over the city.
"Yeah, bear, I think," Geomo scratched his head. "I'm not very good with Gaian species. Come on, I'll show you how to use the appliances and stuff, and pay attention, because I hate repeating myself." And so, Tabito learned how to operate everything from the refresher unit to the laundry chute.
"This one seems simple," Geomo remarked, flipping the lid open with his hand, "but in reality, it is the most mysterious of all. You drop your dirty clothing through the hole, and in the morning, it shows up outside of your door. The strangest thing is it is clean and pressed when it shows up again! It's magic I tell you!"
"Wait, you mean I have to pick it up and drop it in the hole?" Tabito remarked as a half-hearted attempt at humor. Geomo laughed anyway.
"I've saved the most intimidating for last," the full-Terran said as he led the half-one back into the main room.
"Oh joy," Tabito said weakly.
"You say it," he nodded. "Even I don't really know how to—whoa!!"
"What?" the prince asked asked, alarmed.
"How did that get in here?!" Tabito followed his pointing finger to the big white horse who was standing nonchalantly on the bear carpet with his giant crystal blue wings folded over his sides.
"Oh," the two-tone breathed in relief, "it is Marital. He's come to see what I am doing." He walked straight up to the brilliant beast who nudged him gently with his nose.
"Yeah, but how did he get in here?" Geomo sounded less alarmed this time.
"Walls mean nothing to an eidolon," the simple answer came. Blinking back a burn in his eyes, the prince wrapped his arms around the long nose and buried his face in the snow-white forelock.
"Okay then," the advisor shrugged. "Blackjack, wake up!"
"Blackjack?" Tabito turned around, although Marital kept a comforting contact with him.
"That is the AI of this house," Geomo explained. "Blackjack controls the indoor climate, as well as keeping the plants watered and taking care of minor maintenance problems. Don't look at me; Zidane named him."
"Mm," was Tabito's solitary response.
"He does whatever you tell him to, although he has a voice of his own, and says what he wants too… Zidane had him set that way, but you can change it if you want."
"No, that's fine," Tabito shook his head.
"I like this one already," a voice came from the wall. "Master Tabito, the current temperature is 70 degrees and the current humidity is 40 percent. Would you like this altered?"
"Um, no," the prince was still looking for the source of the voice. "That's fine."
"He likes you," Geomo observed with a laugh.
"Yeah… um, is there any way to turn him off? You know, for privacy?"
"If you tell him to shut up, he has to," the advisor said. "Blackjack, do not talk until further notice."
"He won't talk now?"
"Not until you tell him he can. If you want to learn how to use him better, I'd suggest you get in touch with a technical support group. Anyway, you're set for now."
"Thank you for helping me, Geomo," Tabito bowed his head.
"Don't mention it until later," the other grinned back. "Now, you know what I suggest?"
"That I bathe?" Tabito said flatly.
"Well, yeah…" Geomo scratched the back of his head. "I didn't mean that to be offensive earlier…"
"My apologies," the younger one sighed. "I am not in the best of spirits."
"Hey, you don't have to tell me," Geomo shrugged. "It's written all over you in bold letters." Tabito looked away, somewhat ashamedly. "Hey, moping won't do any good," Geomo said brightly as he walked around to where the prince's gaze was. "Why don't you hit the town tonight? You know, get away from it all?" A moment of silence ensued as the addressee stared blankly at the speaker. Geomo took half a step backwards and scratched his chin. "I don't suppose you have any gil?"
"No," Tabito answered dryly. "That wasn't exactly my first priority."
"Hm," Geomo scrounged in his side pocket for a second before producing several hundred gil. "Pocket change," he winked, handing it to the prince. "Don't spend it all in one place, that is, unless the place is really good."
"I—"
"Don't argue," Geomo shook his head. "You couldn't possibly win. Trust me, you need to get your mind off of things."
"Well…" Tabito's voice was barely a whisper.
"You have every reason to feel the way you do," Geomo said, suddenly gentle. "But if you just sit here and think about it, your soul will break. I can feel the pressure emanating from you, Tabito. You really need to give yourself a break."
"Yeah," the prince agreed softly.
"Well, ja na," the advisor smiled and waved a hand. "I'll probably see you tomorrow or something. Ask the receptionist if you need anything." Tabito watched the man leave, and then he was alone. Well, except for his two strange companions.
"Maybe he has a point," Tabito said, as he rested his hand on the nose that reached over his shoulder. "I should try to get my mind off of things for a couple of hours. But…" He sighed, feeling the all-to-familiar heaviness wash over him. "Blackjack? Have you any ideas where I might go?"
"Searching…" the voice from the wall responded.
Nightfall found the Crown Prince of Alexandria meandering into the heart of the city. The streets were nearly empty, save for floria light that the Terran foliage gave off. Tabito tugged fussily at his clothing. Or rather, his father's. The Terran style did not suit him very well. He found the pants too tight and the shirts just too odd. However, the footwear was extremely comfortable, he found as he traversed the pale slate walkways. He also noticed that the Terran style was much easier on his tail, but one would have hoped that. He found the walk rather enjoyable, but quickly became anxious when he reached his destination. Blackjack had been of the opinion that he would fit right in, but no sooner had he entered through the doors of the nightclub than he knew that he didn't. Sure, everyone in there was physically his age, but their hearts were much younger…and happier. He sighed as he glanced about the place, trying to ignore his own discomfort by brushing it off as culture shock. Truth be told, he had never done anything like this before. Presently, he espied some empty chairs out of the light, and tried to remain inconspicuous as he moved over to them. He glanced around, wondering if any of the Terrans were watching him as he took a seat. It was warm…and it moved. And squealed.
Tabito jolted upright and whirled around, his first impulse to murder whatever it was that had sneaked up behind him. The second was to wonder how on earth he had missed seeing a girl who was wearing bright yellow. But then, his primary concern quickly shifted to whether or not he had hurt her.
"Are you alright?" he asked timidly, as he looked at her bright aquamarine eyes, which were open wide with shock.
"I'm fine," she blinked. "My heart will start beating again any minute now… Yup, any minute now." Tabito scratched the back of his head as he felt the blood rush to his face. He had never sat on anyone before, much less a girl.
"A-a hundred thousand apologies," he said ashamedly, "I don't know how I managed not to see you."
"It's all right," she grinned up at him, her teeth nearly as bright as her eyes. "Now I just have to get my breath back."
"Um," he glanced around, feeling very much like disappearing into thin air, "can I get you something?"
"Well, since you're offering, I could use a sakuranbo nomi," said she, twirling some of her blonde hair around her finger as her surprised look suddenly melted into one of mischief. Tabito suppressed a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Certainly, if you'd repeat that again, slowly."
"Sakuranbo nomi…" she repeated, then glanced down, biting her lip. That time, Tabito caught all of the syllables and could tell that it sounded like some sort of drink. He nodded and made his way towards the bar, hoping that he wasn't being foolish.
"You're really cute when you blush," the female bartender smiled as he approached. He twitched an eyebrow in response. Is it just me, or are the women really fast around here?
"Could I get a sakaran—" no sooner had he started to say it then the bottle was in front of him.
"And for yourself?" she asked, smiling smugly. Tabito felt himself suppressing a growl of annoyance. The girl's shriek had probably attracted a lot of attention, and he wanted no attention. Still, it was his own fault.
"Water," he said flatly. The barmaid twitched her upper lip at him, annoyed that he wasn't playing along.
"How boring…" she muttered as she went to get a glass. He quickly paid and went back to the other girl, who was picking at her fingers. She smiled up at him as he set the bottle down in front of him.
"You seem very preoccupied," she said, sounding a little concerned.
"I am," he admitted.
"Ah, I don't think we've met," she chirped suddenly, nodding at him. "My name's Reichia."
"I'm really sorry about earlier, Reichia," he said he set his own glass on the table.
"It's quite alright," she shook her head as she opened the bottle. "I'm distracted easily too, oh, thank you, by the way." Tabito found himself smiling slightly at her antics as he sat down. He took a moment to look her over as she started on her drink. Golden blonde hair framed her round face and fell to her shoulders. She looked to be about sixteen, maybe a little older, if he was any judge. Her shoulders were rather narrow, much like the rest of her, but such was to be expected of a Terran. He dropped his eyes to the table, determined not to examine her any longer.
"Your parents let you do that?" she asked after she had taken a sip.
"Mm?" he raised his eyebrows, somewhat confused.
"Your hair," Reichia explained quickly. "Where'd you get it done? My parents would never let me do something like that."
"They didn't really have a choice," he answered quietly, not liking feeling self-conscious.
"Oh," she blinked twice. "So…um, where'd you get it done?"
"I wouldn't know," he shrugged, keeping his eyes averted to the table. She stared at him for a moment, before suddenly waving her hands in front of herself in excitement.
"Aaah!" she cried. "Are you trying to tell me it's natural and I'm just being incredibly dense? Gah, I'm such a moron…" He looked up to see her face buried in her hands and her head rocking from side to side as she made whimpering noises.
"Um…" he glanced around, not sure of what to do. He did not want her to cry though. "It's not important… You shouldn't get disheartened like that."
"I'm so hopeless," she pounded the table weakly. "I can't even take a hint."
"Mayhap not so quickly as you would have liked to, but you did eventually, so you're not hopeless," Tabito said then reached for his water. She looked up at him with a mixture of frustration and wonder on her now red features. "Besides," he continued almost against his will, "I was being evasive."
"I'm so dense…" she murmured. "If you don't want me to ask about you, then I won't." He glanced up to see her biting her lower lip as she watched her fingertips drum on the table. "I'm…" she said timidly as she began to pull on her fingers. "I'm a prep student and a pilot trainee, if you hadn't guessed. I'll be graduating and getting my space license in a little less than a year, if you were wondering."
"Mm," was all he said, although normally he would have been more interested to find he was talking to a future space pilot. At the moment though, he simply wanted to go lock himself in his room.
"While I'm thinking about it, though, could you at least tell me your name?" she looked up hopefully. "I just realized I never caught it." Tabito sighed and glanced around to see if anyone was listening in. He had been hoping she wouldn't realize that he hadn't introduced himself.
"I suppose I shan't hide that from you," he said softly.
"Shan't?" she cocked an inquisitive head to the side. "What is 'shan't'?"
"Shall not…" he said after a moment, and then after another moment, "will not."
"Oh, like in the Avon plays," she nodded. "Wow, you're Gaian is really good. Classical even… wait. You're evading again." He cracked half a smile, for he could already imagine the look on her face although he kept his eyes on the tabletop. "That's all right," Reichia sighed, "if you don't want to tell me."
"Tabito," he said softly. "My name is Tabito." He looked up to see her staring at him as if she'd been slapped.
"Prince Tabito?" she whispered, as if she dared it not be true. "Of Alexandria?"
"Yes," he nodded. Her head lowered into his line of vision as she stared intently at his face. Of course, he knew exactly what she was doing.
"You have gorgeous eyes," she suddenly breathed. Her remark caught him somewhat off guard.
"You say funny things," he blinked.
"It's because I'm stupid," she slapped her hand over her face. "No wonder you didn't want to talk to me…" That hurt, for some reason, and Tabito found himself biting his own lip. Reichia continued unaware: "It was so obvious too. Gods, I'm so dense. Please pardon me for being so impertinent!"
"That's all wrong," he shook his head, a little unsure of what to do. People with low self-esteem were not something he was used to dealing with. "I wasn't really cooperating with you… I have quite a bit on my mind, you see."
"I'd bet," she took her hands off her face, which was red again. "I just didn't think I'd see you around at. I would have thought they'd keep you safely locked up in the capitol or something…"
"Why?" Tabito shrugged and dryly remarked, "Everybody knows everything would be better if I were dead." From the startled, guilty expression she made, he could tell that probably someone had been telling her the same thing earlier. Or maybe even she's said so herself.
"B-but…" she stammered. On the other hand, she looks about ready to burst into tears.
"I feel like I've just kicked a kitten," he sighed and shook his head.
"I say funny things?" she asked.
"It's just that," he sighed and shook his head again before looking up at her. "It's just that you seemed so blissfully happy before I started talking to you. You really shouldn't be troubled by what befalls me."
"Maybe, but I can't ignore what's happening to you."
"Oh?" he blinked, not certain what to say.
"I mean," she began pulling at her fingers. "You certainly don't seem like the sort of person who'd murder his own mother."
"That's…" he actually cracked half a smile, "that's disturbingly nice to hear." He watched her eyebrows rise in the deepest of sympathy. "Please don't look at me like that," he sighed.
"I just wish I could cheer you up…" she bit her lip in what Tabito now assumed was her usual look of uncertainty.
"I'm afraid there isn't much chance of that," he said, as he looked at his half-empty glass of water.
"Can I try anyway?" Reichia inquired.
"If you must," he replied then drank more of the water. She seemed to have a thoughtful look on her face as she glanced about the room.
"I know!" her eyes lit up. "Do you like to dance?"
"Yes, actually," he replied as he set the glass down.
"Really? It doesn't look very crowded over there." He followed her gesture over to the far side of the room, where several couples seemed rather personal with each other.
"I'm not familiar with that style," he said, turning his gaze back to the table.
"It's easy!" said she, making to get up, "I'll show you."
"I'm not exactly in the place to learn new tricks," he negated.
"I understand," her face fell. Then Tabito stood up, she watched him with a questioning gaze.
"I believe I'm quite through with sharing my depression," he apologized. "I'm going to head back now."
"Where are you staying?" she asked, standing up as well.
"Mishikai."
"Ah," she smiled, "a friend of mine is dating someone up there, so I'm familiar with the area. Would you like a ride?"
"I'd prefer to walk, thank you," he bowed his head.
"Oh," she glanced at the floor, trying to hide her disappointment. "Well, then… maybe I can drive you around some other time. I know! Maybe when you're feeling better, I could show you around the city? I know the place like the back of my hand."
"Perhaps," Tabito replied, casting her a sidewards glance.
"Hold on," Reichia said excitedly. "I'll give you my number." He waited while she scrounged through her purse for a scrap of paper and apologized for being bad at writing in Gaian before finally handing him the slip of paper. He slid it into his pocket, bid her farewell, and strode out the door. It was nice to be in control again, even for once.
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Okay, maybe it wasn't as angsty as I said it was. But hey, I didn't get into Tabi's head much. Don't fret, there's plenty of that yet to come. So, how did you like it?