Falling Into the Toilet
To Reviewers: Thank you for the reviews, I appreciate them, and look
forward to see more of your comments. Thank you to the reviewer who offered
the constructive criticism. Although, I don't have much time for writing, I
try, and I don't think research is even able to fit in my schedule. But, I
thank you, and will correct my error, the time period Kagome is in is the
1800's. Ok?
Another side point: People have been asking about the references of Kagome being Holly. This is my mistake also. You see, I am also writing this as an original tale, and plan to edit it, research, and publish it this summer, so, I want to keep the names original as well. But, changing it from fan fiction to original and back isn't easy because of appearances and names are always changing. Bear with me please. Also, if there is any reference to "Alice" that I have missed, it's actually Anumi I'm talking about. I've tried to catch everything.
Chapter 5: Hold My Hand
For some reason, my stomach was doing curls. I wasn't nervous of seeing the prince, or the king, or whoever the heck it was in that carriage. Maybe I just wasn't ready for another assault of rotten apples in my hair. They probably would recognize me as well. I was setting myself up for something. I could feel it.
"Miss Kagome?"
"Yeah?" I looked over at Anumi; she looked a tad bit paler than normal.
"You aren't going to............ Never mind."
"Oh, don't leave me hangin!"
"Pardon?"
"Tell me what you were going to say."
"Well, are you truly going to help the Prince in that attire?"
I looked down at my janitor uniform. My cheeks burnt, more out of frustration than embarrassment though.
"What's wrong with it? You gotta problem with my outfit?"
"Perhaps it isn't suitable."
"And you are suitable?" She had a dress full of soot on it.
"More so than you."
I smiled arrogantly. "Fine, go help them yourself."
"Where will you go? You haven't a place to return to. I heard you speaking to Count DeLuke. You don't have a home, attire, or money. So, where will you go?"
"I will go where I please. And if you knew that I didn't have any other clothes in the first place, why did you ask me about it earlier?"
"I was about to offer you an outfit more suitable."
"What, you have one in your pocket or something?" I laughed mockingly, but she didn't seem to notice.
"My house is just a little farther east. About 100 paces."
I looked down the road, and saw a house far off in the distance. It was beautiful. It was probably early 1800's, if I remembered correctly from the house magazines mom used to collect. "So, you and your family live here? Wow, what I wouldn't give to have a house like this."
"My mother and I are servants to the master of this house. I don't know what she does truthfully anymore."
"Well, why don't you ask her?"
Anumi looked away, ashamed. She whispered something barely audible. "I'm not allowed to speak with her."
I was in shock. "Why not?"
"Perhaps this isn't the time or place to speak of such matters Miss. The Prince needs our help! Come; let me get you some clothes from the Master's wife. I believe she won't mind."
"Um, ok."
I walked slowly to the house, watching the little blonde girl race, swinging one leg behind the other. Whoever she truly was, she had secrets hidden inside.
She was so different from anyone that I had ever met, and this place wasn't exactly New York either. Yet, it seemed coldly familiar. The whole atmosphere and environment sent shivers down my back, but it could have been the light wind that just picked up.
Eventually, I made it to the front door, and rested against the large white column that was placed on the left side of the porch, waiting for the blonde girl to reappear.
A few minutes rolled by when the door opened slightly. "Miss Kagome?" Anumi poked her head through the door. "Come in quick!"
She opened the door, and then beckoned me to follow her in a rather wary pace.
"Why are we running Anumi?"
"Do you truly want people to see you as such? It will ruin everything if anyone sees you at present!"
"Ruin wha...?"
She placed a cold finger on my mouth. "Shh! Please Miss, forgive me, but silence is necessary. I will reveal everything later."
I nodded in agreement and shuffled forward into the immense house. There were four staircases that I could see, all intertwining with each other. All outlaid in gold, silver, and marble.
Anumi took my hand and dragged me up a flight of steps. She paused every once in awhile to listen for creaking sounds or footsteps. I felt like I was in some Mission Impossible movie. All I need was a pistol and some background music.
Finally, we reached the fourth floor. It defiantly wasn't as pretty as the other floors we passed. The floor was outlaid with rough wood that probably breaded splinters, and the furniture was unfinished and warped. I felt like I was in a prison with a little bit nicer circumstances.
"This is the servant quarters. I live in here. Come to my dresser."
Walking past the one-pillowed cot, I sank to my knees as she opened up one of the drawers.
"The Master's wife thought these clothes were too old fashioned, and she told me I could have them because I would never see a day where I would actually own anything this nice. Isn't she kind?"
Waiting for any hint of sarcasm, I suddenly noticed the complete sincerity in her eyes and tone.
I blew the hair off my face. "Psh, she dissed you girl. I'm not to sure she is the nicest lady in the world, but she probably thought you'd get a kick outta playing dress up."
"Dissed? Dress up? Um..."
"Never mind, yeah she is way nice."
Anumi smiled and nodded. She stuck her hand into the deep drawer and pulled out a beautiful pink dress, the kind of stuff I only saw in old movies. It had lace and pretty designs. It was in great shape too, considering. Why the lady didn't like it was beyond me. But...
"I don't do pink."
"How do you do pink?"
"I meant that I just don't wear it."
"I have a brown one."
"I'll take the pink.
"But you said..."
"Just give it to me! Um.....Please."
Frowning, she handed the dress over.
"Do you need help dressing?"
"Um. No. But, I could use some privacy."
"Oh, yes, of course."
She got up and turned around, and stamped her foot impatiently. She obviously didn't like the silence that I was cherishing.
"May I ask a question?"
"You didn't give me much choice there did yah?"
"Um... You aren't from here, are you?"
It was more like a statement than a question.
"No, I'm not."
She turned towards me, not ashamed at all that I was in my bra and underwear, having a lot of trouble with the over-decorated gown.
"Are you a emissary, or perhaps a scout from China?"
"No, I'm from here, Japan, originally, but well, it's complicated."
"I could get in a lot of trouble for helping a scout during the war."
"War? Hey! Clean the sand outta your ears. I'm not a scout, spy, or whatever."
She still looked unconvinced, but she walked over and helped tie up the dress in the back. "You aren't very good at this are you?"
"No, and?"
She sighed. "Maybe one day you'll tell me the truth."
Twisting around to look at her directly in the eye, I smiled. "Maybe, one day. Now come on, we have to help prince bonehead."
"His name is Prince..."
"Do I care?"
"You should."
"Humph."
"I just have to go and get some wash cloths and wrappings and a vessel of water in case they are injured."
"And I will grab a bat so I can injure them more. You can clean up my mess as well if you want."
"Pardon?" Stunned was the only word that could describe her face.
"I'm kidding. Don't worry."
"I shant."
After we got out of the house, I jogged along with Anumi, keeping the pace, and helped carry the rags she chose to help Princy. It didn't really take long to reach the top of the hill.
"Do you think they are ok?"
"I don't know Miss Kagome."
"Well, let's check it out."
As we got closer, another chill ran down my back. Whatever it was, I didn't like the feeling of being nervous.
Reaching the smashed carriage, both Anumi and I peeked inside. It smelt like someone had sprayed it with a whole bunch of cheap cologne. There were a couple of guys that looked quite similar to the ones who threw the rotten food at me, but no sight of the Prince with whitish hair.
I looked around the surroundings. "Where'd the prince go?"
Anumi was applying water and bandages to the unconscious men. "I don't see him Miss Kagome."
"Call me Kagome."
"Yes mam."
"You can also say ok."
"Ok." She smiled, looking for approval in my face. I winked.
"Well I'll go look for..."
"Look for who? The Prince?" Someone called from behind my back.
Both Anumi and I looked up to see none other than princy himself, along with the horses that probably ran away at the crash.
Looking over to Anumi, she seemed deadly frightened. "Um, your Highness. We came to help, seeing your carriage had fallen." She bowed low to the ground and stayed that way.
"This is apparent. There isn't need to explain. You've done what you ought to have done, you slave."
That got me angry. "Oh yeah? Suppose we don't help? We didn't have to ya know."
"Yes, you did. It's the law."
"Oh yeah, or off with your head right? Right." I took Anumi's idea and bowed to the ground. I didn't want too much trouble, and I knew my limits of messing with people like him.
"Why do you bow so low? You are no servant, are you? Isn't this your little slave?"
I shrugged helplessly. I didn't truly like the word "slave" either.
"She isn't accustomed to this land your Highness. She is new."
Once again, his eye was turned on me. His eyes were incredible. They shimmered golden, I was sure of it. Yet, his look was just as deadly as his power, but I could feel his gaze murder my coolness.
"Yeah, so, um, we'll leave this stuff for you. Anumi, let's go."
"Excuse me. I did not dismiss your assistance."
"Yeah, but I did. Later." With that I turned around and headed toward Anumi's house. "Come on Anumi. Princy can handle himself."
"Miss Kagome!" I turned to her.
"Yeah?"
"Oh Miss, please."
Pretending not to hear her, I kept walking up the old hill.
Man my legs ached. I needed a nice long hot bath. And some coffee and ice cream and...
A large hand grabbed my arm firmly. I froze, and I think my heart did a 180. Ok just because I didn't like his attitude, didn't mean I didn't think he wasn't hot.
"Madam. You are thoughtless to walk away! You walk away and I can have you beheaded."
"I suppose that's why God gave me legs to run from you, huh?" I smiled smugly.
Take that Princy. Truthfully, I didn't know why I was being so bigheaded and a smart-butted, but I enjoyed seeing the anger in his eyes, if only to spite him.
He pulled me around to face him, and brought me close to him. Locking gaze to mine, I started to lose all thoughts and spiteful comebacks to get me out of these types of situations. Besides, it wasn't like I didn't enjoy a little attention from royalty.
He held me for a few more seconds, he almost looked like he recognized me, which was impossible, and then he let go of my arm.
"Uh, yeah, hands off, jerk."
Oh, nice try Kagome, you big stupid idiot, that was such a dumb come back.
"I can have you beheaded. But since I am done with your pitiful assistance, you can leave, but only because I give you permission.
He looked over haughtily. I could feel the challenge in his words, like he was saying, dare me baby, just once, say something, anything, and see what happens. I was going to take the challenge, until I saw Anumi. She was on the brink of tears, and probably scared. For her sake...
"Thank you, your highness." I exaggerated the "your highness" but all I heard was silence, soaked with his reeking pride.
"Humph."
Without another word, I grabbed Anumi's arm and trudged up the hill, but I could feel his eyes burning a hole in my back.
Don't look, just don't look. That was the only thing running through my mind at the moment. Get Anumi out, and don't look back.
But... I did look back, I wanted one last look. Of course, he was looking straight back, eyeing me. But he was holding something in his hand, waving it at me.
It was my bracelet.
"Anumi, I left my bracelet, I'll be right back. Stay here."
She obeyed, and I walked back to the Prince, feeling very embarrassed and hotheaded.
"Forgot something?"
"Don't ask stupid questions, duh I forgot something. May I have my bracelet please?"
"Of course." Taking my hand gently, he slowly put the bracelet on my arm. I felt the blood warm in my cheeks.
Oh man, don't blush, don't blush! Too late...
Chuckling like a fool he said, "It's scorching outside, is it not? Your cheeks are all red." I knew he knew I was blushing. But, for my sake I just replied innocently.
"Extremely hot."
"Heh, I know."
I could have sworn he was going to say, "like me," but he didn't have to say it, it was the look in his eyes that told me he knew I was thinking it, and he knew it was true. I just wanted to slap him.
Only thing preventing me was that he was still holding my hand, and my stomach was doing lurches.
He was doing this on purpose, and I knew it.
"Um, well, I have to go now, bye bye."
I turned to leave, but he wouldn't let go of my hand, and when I tugged it, he let go, and laughed conceitedly. "Goodbye, pray we meet again," smiling conceitedly.
Mumbling back, "Hope not."
"Pardon me?"
Ok, he couldn't have heard me, I whispered it.
Oh well. "Nothing. Later."
Snorting, he turned his attention to his carriage, because apparently the men were arousing inside, and that was my cue to leave.
As soon as I did leave, more trouble was on the horizon. Anumi was talking to someone in another carriage that arrived unknowingly to me, and she was pointing in my direction.
A huge lady proceeded to get out of the carriage, and looked upset that she had to move from her seat from inside. Of course, with massive amounts of weight like that, I would hate it too.
"YOU THERE! COME HERE YOU WENCH!"
Uh oh... Trouble?
Why does the prince have to be here at my worst moments? Why?
Just not my day, just not my day.
Another side point: People have been asking about the references of Kagome being Holly. This is my mistake also. You see, I am also writing this as an original tale, and plan to edit it, research, and publish it this summer, so, I want to keep the names original as well. But, changing it from fan fiction to original and back isn't easy because of appearances and names are always changing. Bear with me please. Also, if there is any reference to "Alice" that I have missed, it's actually Anumi I'm talking about. I've tried to catch everything.
Chapter 5: Hold My Hand
For some reason, my stomach was doing curls. I wasn't nervous of seeing the prince, or the king, or whoever the heck it was in that carriage. Maybe I just wasn't ready for another assault of rotten apples in my hair. They probably would recognize me as well. I was setting myself up for something. I could feel it.
"Miss Kagome?"
"Yeah?" I looked over at Anumi; she looked a tad bit paler than normal.
"You aren't going to............ Never mind."
"Oh, don't leave me hangin!"
"Pardon?"
"Tell me what you were going to say."
"Well, are you truly going to help the Prince in that attire?"
I looked down at my janitor uniform. My cheeks burnt, more out of frustration than embarrassment though.
"What's wrong with it? You gotta problem with my outfit?"
"Perhaps it isn't suitable."
"And you are suitable?" She had a dress full of soot on it.
"More so than you."
I smiled arrogantly. "Fine, go help them yourself."
"Where will you go? You haven't a place to return to. I heard you speaking to Count DeLuke. You don't have a home, attire, or money. So, where will you go?"
"I will go where I please. And if you knew that I didn't have any other clothes in the first place, why did you ask me about it earlier?"
"I was about to offer you an outfit more suitable."
"What, you have one in your pocket or something?" I laughed mockingly, but she didn't seem to notice.
"My house is just a little farther east. About 100 paces."
I looked down the road, and saw a house far off in the distance. It was beautiful. It was probably early 1800's, if I remembered correctly from the house magazines mom used to collect. "So, you and your family live here? Wow, what I wouldn't give to have a house like this."
"My mother and I are servants to the master of this house. I don't know what she does truthfully anymore."
"Well, why don't you ask her?"
Anumi looked away, ashamed. She whispered something barely audible. "I'm not allowed to speak with her."
I was in shock. "Why not?"
"Perhaps this isn't the time or place to speak of such matters Miss. The Prince needs our help! Come; let me get you some clothes from the Master's wife. I believe she won't mind."
"Um, ok."
I walked slowly to the house, watching the little blonde girl race, swinging one leg behind the other. Whoever she truly was, she had secrets hidden inside.
She was so different from anyone that I had ever met, and this place wasn't exactly New York either. Yet, it seemed coldly familiar. The whole atmosphere and environment sent shivers down my back, but it could have been the light wind that just picked up.
Eventually, I made it to the front door, and rested against the large white column that was placed on the left side of the porch, waiting for the blonde girl to reappear.
A few minutes rolled by when the door opened slightly. "Miss Kagome?" Anumi poked her head through the door. "Come in quick!"
She opened the door, and then beckoned me to follow her in a rather wary pace.
"Why are we running Anumi?"
"Do you truly want people to see you as such? It will ruin everything if anyone sees you at present!"
"Ruin wha...?"
She placed a cold finger on my mouth. "Shh! Please Miss, forgive me, but silence is necessary. I will reveal everything later."
I nodded in agreement and shuffled forward into the immense house. There were four staircases that I could see, all intertwining with each other. All outlaid in gold, silver, and marble.
Anumi took my hand and dragged me up a flight of steps. She paused every once in awhile to listen for creaking sounds or footsteps. I felt like I was in some Mission Impossible movie. All I need was a pistol and some background music.
Finally, we reached the fourth floor. It defiantly wasn't as pretty as the other floors we passed. The floor was outlaid with rough wood that probably breaded splinters, and the furniture was unfinished and warped. I felt like I was in a prison with a little bit nicer circumstances.
"This is the servant quarters. I live in here. Come to my dresser."
Walking past the one-pillowed cot, I sank to my knees as she opened up one of the drawers.
"The Master's wife thought these clothes were too old fashioned, and she told me I could have them because I would never see a day where I would actually own anything this nice. Isn't she kind?"
Waiting for any hint of sarcasm, I suddenly noticed the complete sincerity in her eyes and tone.
I blew the hair off my face. "Psh, she dissed you girl. I'm not to sure she is the nicest lady in the world, but she probably thought you'd get a kick outta playing dress up."
"Dissed? Dress up? Um..."
"Never mind, yeah she is way nice."
Anumi smiled and nodded. She stuck her hand into the deep drawer and pulled out a beautiful pink dress, the kind of stuff I only saw in old movies. It had lace and pretty designs. It was in great shape too, considering. Why the lady didn't like it was beyond me. But...
"I don't do pink."
"How do you do pink?"
"I meant that I just don't wear it."
"I have a brown one."
"I'll take the pink.
"But you said..."
"Just give it to me! Um.....Please."
Frowning, she handed the dress over.
"Do you need help dressing?"
"Um. No. But, I could use some privacy."
"Oh, yes, of course."
She got up and turned around, and stamped her foot impatiently. She obviously didn't like the silence that I was cherishing.
"May I ask a question?"
"You didn't give me much choice there did yah?"
"Um... You aren't from here, are you?"
It was more like a statement than a question.
"No, I'm not."
She turned towards me, not ashamed at all that I was in my bra and underwear, having a lot of trouble with the over-decorated gown.
"Are you a emissary, or perhaps a scout from China?"
"No, I'm from here, Japan, originally, but well, it's complicated."
"I could get in a lot of trouble for helping a scout during the war."
"War? Hey! Clean the sand outta your ears. I'm not a scout, spy, or whatever."
She still looked unconvinced, but she walked over and helped tie up the dress in the back. "You aren't very good at this are you?"
"No, and?"
She sighed. "Maybe one day you'll tell me the truth."
Twisting around to look at her directly in the eye, I smiled. "Maybe, one day. Now come on, we have to help prince bonehead."
"His name is Prince..."
"Do I care?"
"You should."
"Humph."
"I just have to go and get some wash cloths and wrappings and a vessel of water in case they are injured."
"And I will grab a bat so I can injure them more. You can clean up my mess as well if you want."
"Pardon?" Stunned was the only word that could describe her face.
"I'm kidding. Don't worry."
"I shant."
After we got out of the house, I jogged along with Anumi, keeping the pace, and helped carry the rags she chose to help Princy. It didn't really take long to reach the top of the hill.
"Do you think they are ok?"
"I don't know Miss Kagome."
"Well, let's check it out."
As we got closer, another chill ran down my back. Whatever it was, I didn't like the feeling of being nervous.
Reaching the smashed carriage, both Anumi and I peeked inside. It smelt like someone had sprayed it with a whole bunch of cheap cologne. There were a couple of guys that looked quite similar to the ones who threw the rotten food at me, but no sight of the Prince with whitish hair.
I looked around the surroundings. "Where'd the prince go?"
Anumi was applying water and bandages to the unconscious men. "I don't see him Miss Kagome."
"Call me Kagome."
"Yes mam."
"You can also say ok."
"Ok." She smiled, looking for approval in my face. I winked.
"Well I'll go look for..."
"Look for who? The Prince?" Someone called from behind my back.
Both Anumi and I looked up to see none other than princy himself, along with the horses that probably ran away at the crash.
Looking over to Anumi, she seemed deadly frightened. "Um, your Highness. We came to help, seeing your carriage had fallen." She bowed low to the ground and stayed that way.
"This is apparent. There isn't need to explain. You've done what you ought to have done, you slave."
That got me angry. "Oh yeah? Suppose we don't help? We didn't have to ya know."
"Yes, you did. It's the law."
"Oh yeah, or off with your head right? Right." I took Anumi's idea and bowed to the ground. I didn't want too much trouble, and I knew my limits of messing with people like him.
"Why do you bow so low? You are no servant, are you? Isn't this your little slave?"
I shrugged helplessly. I didn't truly like the word "slave" either.
"She isn't accustomed to this land your Highness. She is new."
Once again, his eye was turned on me. His eyes were incredible. They shimmered golden, I was sure of it. Yet, his look was just as deadly as his power, but I could feel his gaze murder my coolness.
"Yeah, so, um, we'll leave this stuff for you. Anumi, let's go."
"Excuse me. I did not dismiss your assistance."
"Yeah, but I did. Later." With that I turned around and headed toward Anumi's house. "Come on Anumi. Princy can handle himself."
"Miss Kagome!" I turned to her.
"Yeah?"
"Oh Miss, please."
Pretending not to hear her, I kept walking up the old hill.
Man my legs ached. I needed a nice long hot bath. And some coffee and ice cream and...
A large hand grabbed my arm firmly. I froze, and I think my heart did a 180. Ok just because I didn't like his attitude, didn't mean I didn't think he wasn't hot.
"Madam. You are thoughtless to walk away! You walk away and I can have you beheaded."
"I suppose that's why God gave me legs to run from you, huh?" I smiled smugly.
Take that Princy. Truthfully, I didn't know why I was being so bigheaded and a smart-butted, but I enjoyed seeing the anger in his eyes, if only to spite him.
He pulled me around to face him, and brought me close to him. Locking gaze to mine, I started to lose all thoughts and spiteful comebacks to get me out of these types of situations. Besides, it wasn't like I didn't enjoy a little attention from royalty.
He held me for a few more seconds, he almost looked like he recognized me, which was impossible, and then he let go of my arm.
"Uh, yeah, hands off, jerk."
Oh, nice try Kagome, you big stupid idiot, that was such a dumb come back.
"I can have you beheaded. But since I am done with your pitiful assistance, you can leave, but only because I give you permission.
He looked over haughtily. I could feel the challenge in his words, like he was saying, dare me baby, just once, say something, anything, and see what happens. I was going to take the challenge, until I saw Anumi. She was on the brink of tears, and probably scared. For her sake...
"Thank you, your highness." I exaggerated the "your highness" but all I heard was silence, soaked with his reeking pride.
"Humph."
Without another word, I grabbed Anumi's arm and trudged up the hill, but I could feel his eyes burning a hole in my back.
Don't look, just don't look. That was the only thing running through my mind at the moment. Get Anumi out, and don't look back.
But... I did look back, I wanted one last look. Of course, he was looking straight back, eyeing me. But he was holding something in his hand, waving it at me.
It was my bracelet.
"Anumi, I left my bracelet, I'll be right back. Stay here."
She obeyed, and I walked back to the Prince, feeling very embarrassed and hotheaded.
"Forgot something?"
"Don't ask stupid questions, duh I forgot something. May I have my bracelet please?"
"Of course." Taking my hand gently, he slowly put the bracelet on my arm. I felt the blood warm in my cheeks.
Oh man, don't blush, don't blush! Too late...
Chuckling like a fool he said, "It's scorching outside, is it not? Your cheeks are all red." I knew he knew I was blushing. But, for my sake I just replied innocently.
"Extremely hot."
"Heh, I know."
I could have sworn he was going to say, "like me," but he didn't have to say it, it was the look in his eyes that told me he knew I was thinking it, and he knew it was true. I just wanted to slap him.
Only thing preventing me was that he was still holding my hand, and my stomach was doing lurches.
He was doing this on purpose, and I knew it.
"Um, well, I have to go now, bye bye."
I turned to leave, but he wouldn't let go of my hand, and when I tugged it, he let go, and laughed conceitedly. "Goodbye, pray we meet again," smiling conceitedly.
Mumbling back, "Hope not."
"Pardon me?"
Ok, he couldn't have heard me, I whispered it.
Oh well. "Nothing. Later."
Snorting, he turned his attention to his carriage, because apparently the men were arousing inside, and that was my cue to leave.
As soon as I did leave, more trouble was on the horizon. Anumi was talking to someone in another carriage that arrived unknowingly to me, and she was pointing in my direction.
A huge lady proceeded to get out of the carriage, and looked upset that she had to move from her seat from inside. Of course, with massive amounts of weight like that, I would hate it too.
"YOU THERE! COME HERE YOU WENCH!"
Uh oh... Trouble?
Why does the prince have to be here at my worst moments? Why?
Just not my day, just not my day.