Density and perceptions Pt 7
Previously:
In love there is sometimes war. You must fight for your heart and your honor. She would not back down from this challenge. Her claim had been placed and she swore to guard that claim with her life.
Disclaimer: The Lawyers ways will lead us to hell. Akamatsu wont sell LH. So I cant buy it anyway before I die. Don't own LH.
(Note: Chapters 3-5 have been spellchecked. I really don't like the quickedit linespacing… Also, Some slightly OOC characters. Apologies for rough spots in the plot.)
Two Claims, One Island
The girl sighed as she came upon the mountainous steps to Hinata Sou. Looking up at the place where she lived, then starting the slow torturous climb to face her other family. The family that may well be broken in her mind. Motoko had been Naru's ally in the war against perverts and males for a couple years, and those few years held a lot of memories.
Now all that had given way to a new reality. A reality in which one male held their affections, yes, the guy was clumsy, and in her mind, perverted. She was fast beginning to realize that a few people were prepared to challenge her claim on Keitaro's heart.
Shinobu for instance, had had a crush on Keitaro which blossomed into love after only a few short months. Yet Keitaro had taken no notice of her simply thinking of her as a friend. It didn't mean that Shinobu realized that however, as she still try to get him to notice that she loved him more then that. To his credit though, Keitaro resisted the efforts of the young kawaii chef.
Motoko had virtually sneaked up on her and had challenge her dominance over Keitaro's heart within seeming minutes of Naru's emotional explosion. Like two competing countries for the same treasure, Motoko had landed her own exploration party on the island that was Keitaro's heart. From then on, Naru had the feeling that it would be ugly.
Naru reached the top of the steps, her sore back a testament to the long foot journey from the station. She entered the building and proceeded to go up to her room to unpack.
As she unpacked, she thought of her friends over the last few years, and wondered what would become of the ones she had now. She absently flung the shoes she'd packed at the floor in frustration and sat on the futon, gazing down at her feet deep in thought.
After a few minutes, she looked for some paper. Finding some, she grabbing the nearest writing utensil and began to write.
Treasure is Mine
Somewhere on an island,
There lies a buried treasure.
A treasure which can only be uncovered,
If the island itself is under your control.
The treasure is not unlike love,
And the island unto a heart.
Circling around this island are two boats,
Waiting for the time to land.
However, only one boat will land,
Leaving the other to go on searching.
There is no sign of weakness in either boat,
Neither will yield to the other.
Yet, one must back down from the challenge,
But it will not be me.
Naru smirked and yawned, thus stretching her lithe form over her futon and slowly falling asleep.
Dream SequiVision >
Within Naru's dream, she is suddenly in a rowboat in the middle of the ocean. In the distance, there lies a small island.
Naru starts to row toward this island, finding it fairly hard to gain ground as the current is going against her. By the time she reaches the island, she is rather tired from all the rowing done. Her clothes are pretty much soaked through in perspiration, the combination of the midday sun and the work.
Luckily for her, the island has a special current orbiting all its own. So Naru manages to relax just maintaining her place in the orbiting current.
On the island, tied to a tree, is Keitaro. He appears to be secured there by a heavy length of chain wrapped around his legs and torso with a padlock. In her noticing of all this, she almost doesn't see a second boat appear on the scene as it arrives while Naru is on the opposite side of the island.
Then a voice rang out from the sky above, "Behold, there is one key on the island to rescue Keitaro. In order to get the key, you must defeat those who oppose you to gain the key to his heart." It strangely sounded almost like Tsuruko's voice.
She shook that thought off and began watching for her adversary, which didn't take long as she spotted a similar rowboat coming up behind her. The person in that boat looked very familiar…
"Motoko?!" Her eyes narrowed dangerously, "So you're the upstart I need to kill…" Naru growled out across the still waters.
The dream Motoko's face contorted into a snarl as some more words were hurled back at Naru as she watched the dream Motoko get closer. The eyes of her enemy full of fury that rivaled Naru's own hair in intensity. "No, to the contrary Narusegawa, I will be the victor here. You will be fed on by the sharks."
Naru glared back spitefully at the dream Motoko who was now nearly ramming the bow of her boat into Naru's stern. "You must enjoy a deathwish… Pervert lover."
The dream Motoko laughed, amused by Naru's latest choice of insults. "Well, it takes one to know one, wench."
Naru suddenly lunged for the dream Motoko's throat, only to find her footing faltering as her own boat shot forward as she lunged for the dream Motoko's boat. Her fingers catching the bow of the boat as her feet dug into the stern wall of her own boat, leaving her helplessly stretched out with nearly her entire body dangling over the waters.
The dream Motoko cackled as Naru tried to desperately pull her own boat back closer to her with almost no avail. Naru heard the sound of metal leaving a sheath and cursed at her luck.
"It is not wise to make sudden fast motions in a smaller rowboat, Narusegawa. Such a pity you did not learn that lesson before you came here." The dream Motoko placed her sword at Naru's neck and whispered softly in her ear, "He is mine, once mine, always mine Naru."
Naru screamed out as the dream Motoko raised up her sword from where the blade had rested for an instant on her neck. "NO!!"
Dream SequiVision off>
Naru woke up, her eyes wide as footfalls reached her done and Kitsune peered inside.
"Something wrong Naru?" Kitsune inquired as she entered sat by Naru to gently offer comfort.
Naru accepted the hug, but then sighed softly, "No, its ok, just a dream I had." She looked to Kitsune, "Thank you for checking on me though, I appreciate it."
Kitsune nodded and got off the futon as she made her way to the door, "What are friends for Naru?" She smiled and left Naru in darkness upon leaving.
Naru shrunk back under the covers to slowly fall asleep again…
-
Motoko was fast approaching sleep, as Keitaro had fell into the rhythmic patterns of sleep a few minutes ago. Motoko looked around the room before settling her gaze back on the young man who was her landlord. He looks so peaceful. She thought smiling softly as she stretched out her lengthy form and slowly dozed off to sleep…
Dream SequiVision >
"Sister." The voice spoke and Motoko turned around to find her older sister addressing her.
"What is it?"
Tsuruko regarded her as she continued to speak. "The Urashimas request your presence dear sister. Prince Keitaro is ripe for the song of Love. You are requested to go to The Urashima stronghold and speak with his father."
Motoko bowed to her sister, "It shall be done Sister." Then turned and left the building…
dream fading out then back in >
Motoko found herself astride a horse coming up on the stronghold to see a group of very royal looking men. One of which cried to her in greeting.
"Hey there! State your business!"
Motoko dismounted and bowed before the noble Urashima group. "Greetings, I come from the Aoyama Dojo. My sister said you had sent for me M'Lord?"
The large authority nodded in reply, "Yes… Motoko, isn't it?" He grunted to her nod and continued. "Well, its like this. Prince Keitaro has become of the age where we feel that it is important for him to marry. However, to this end, there has been no suitable mate found within this area. Since there were no volunteers found here, I had notices sent to the neighboring areas." He paused, looking toward her, as if inviting her to comment.
"Do you mean the Narusegawa Clan of the Nippon region M'Lord?" Motoko asked, since she figured the only neighbors the Urashimas had were the Aoyamas and Narusegawas.
The Lord nodded, smiling a brief approving smile, "Very good M'Lady. There is one from there also who wishes the heart of the prince for herself. Anyway, the Price is locked in a tower surrounded by a moat. Only one princess will be able to enter the tower to claim him. Only one princess will be the victor, the other will die by her hand."
Motoko nodded, "Your majesty, I'm most grateful for your information. I thank you."
The king smiled to her, "Enough talk Miss Aoyama. Go, and may the gods smile on you this day."
Dream fade out, fade in >
This time, Motoko found herself in a fair sized clearing with a tower in the middle surrounded by a moat. A horse draped in red, stood at the waters edge, drinking its fill. Nearby, a woman, draped in matching red, stood gazing at the tower, she turned towards the rustling as Motoko dismounted.
Motoko was not surprised with who was there, and began slowly approaching her. "Lady Naru…" She called as she came closer to the dream Naru.
The dream Naru smirked at her, "Lady Motoko… It has come to this has it not?" She gestured around them, mainly referring to the tower and its sole occupant."
Motoko nodded, "Yes it has, if there's one last kind thing to say to you. You were good friend before today Naru."
The dream Naru smiled and nodded, "Likewise Motoko. To this day, we had a goof friendship. A pity you will not leave this place alive." She lunged forward as she finished the last statement, intending to close the distance between them in a hurry.
Motoko drew her sword and leapt aside at the last minute slashing down at the dream Naru's legs, hoping to quickly immobilize her, but managing only to cut off part of the dream Naru's right shoes heel. She turned as Naru went past her, keeping her eyes on the target. She decided to try one of her strikes.
"CUTTING EVIL STRIKE!"
The sudden air current flew towards the dream Naru, knocking her down and against a nearby tree as Motoko charged in, her blade pointed towards the dream Naru's neck.
The dream Naru opened her eyes and dodged, sacrificing the red veil she had worn in exchange for her life.
Motoko had encountered a problem: Her sword was quite stuck. She pulled and tugged, but was unable to budge it when she suddenly received a knuckle sandwich to her mouth. Knocking her down and almost out.
The dream Naru cackled evilly and withdrew a dagger from her ankle and laid the blade on Motoko's neck. "Looks like I'll be in Keitaro's bed tonight-"
Motoko screamed out in terror, cutting her off as she felt the knife go deeper, "NOOooo!"
Dream SequiVision Off >
Motoko's eyes shot open as she caught her breath, looking around the room as she realized where she was. Keitaro had his head up and looking at her with concern.
"You ok Motoko?"
She nodded slowly, after recovering her breath, replying. "Yes, thank you Keitaro-san. It was a nightmare, but I'll be ok now." She smiled what she hoped was a reassuring smile as he nodded,
"Ok, I'll try to get more sleep then." He turned over as to try to get comfortable again.
She got up and went over to him, "I'll be back in a while ok? I'm gonna get some fresh air." She smiled and left the room as Keitaro again settled into somewhat peaceful dreams…
Motoko headed for the waiting area on this floor, it wasn't more then a couple chairs by the elevators, but it would suffice for her. She looked around as she sat down, noting that it looked dead at nearly 5am. She nodded to herself and opened her notebook to a clean sheet.
My Prince's Heart
A heart shines out like a fire,
Burning those who wish to touch.
For the fail to read the instructions given,
Inscribed at the base of the tower.
Only one maiden's heart may enter this tower,
After she has conquered her competitors with victory.
This is the rule that all must abide,
Or his heart will not be claimed.
I have found myself to be worthy of this Prince's heart,
Who dareth me to a duel of death for him?
Any others who claim him but me shall perish,
Impaled on my sword.
I love the prince's heart,
And wish it to be mine.
The Prince's heart will be mine.
The sun arose that morning, bright and cheery, enlightening the skies and earth with enjoyable rays of warmth. In one section called Hinata, a well known building by local standards, was the place where excitement was growing, due to the landlords return from the purgatorial hell otherwise known as the hospital.
After breakfast, Hawklyn was in the hall on the stairway, sitting to one side as he did stuff on his laptop, allowing Naru and others to go by him from breakfast.
"Hey Hawklyn-san, could we talk a minute? My room."
Hawklyn looked up to Naru, "Huh? Oh sure…" He closed his laptop and followed her into her room.
Naru showed him the poem she'd written last night, to which Hawklyn nodded approvingly.
"Very good work Naru."
"Is it possible I could read it like Keitaro read his at dinner tonight?"
Hawklyn shrugged, "Sure, its not my decision, go ahead if you like."
Naru smiled, "Thank you."
Hawklyn tilted his head at her a bit, "So, mind if I inquire about why you wrote that poem?"
Naru frowned, "I'd rather not say too much, except I went to see Keitaro and I saw Motoko in there reading something to him. Decided to get back here then."
"Ah." Hawklyn nodded and gave her a smile, "Well, keep up the good writing." He encouraged, disappearing from her room as quickly as he'd spoken.
Naru looked at where he'd been then went downstairs to help with preparations for Keitaro's return.
Later that day, 2 PMish>
Motoko helped support Keitaro while the older woman went to sign him out and such. Then they helped him out to the disabled person transport for easier portage back to Hinata.
The ride was nice and smooth, unlike Seta's van or whatnot, and was actually uneventful. Meaning that no moods or cigarette packs were thus dropped. The van dropped them off near the foot of the Hinata Sou steps, then drove off as Haruka, carrying the bag with Keitaro's personal effects, assisted Motoko somewhat in help Keitaro up the stairs…
…Where everyone was waiting them.
Keitaro smiled at the support and asked for them to go inside, telling them he's be there in a bit. The crowd dd as they were told while Hawklyn stayed back to help.
"So, how was the hospital Keitaro-san?"
Keitaro made a so-so gesture and smiled slightly, "It was alright except for the food."
Hawklyn chuckled, "Yep… Hospital food is strange…"
Motoko finally ventured into the conversation, "Um… Can I read a poem tonight at dinner Keitaro?" She looked to him, her face trying to be as impassive as possible, in order not to give her feelings away.
Keitaro nodded slowly, "Sure, would love to hear another of your poems Motoko."
As they entered the house, Keitaro commented aloud, "Ya know you guys, I need to go to my room and rest up before dinner ok?"
They all nodded, Su being a little disappointed however in what he just said. Seeing Su frown, Hawklyn smiled, "Come on Su, lets go play some UT 04."
At this, Su brightened up and took off with Hawklyn following up the stairs.
Everyone else began filter away to some area of the house as Keitaro went up the stairs, helped by Haruka toward his room. After helping her nephew to his futon, Haruka admonished him to be careful and get lots of rest. To which Keitaro nodded and lay there, eyes closed, resting…
…Until the recently installed PA system blared to life. Shinobu's voice sounding like thunder as she spoke. "Hello, Chef Shinobu here to inform you all that dinner is ready. Tonight there is a special seating arrangement due to a couple poetic presentations after dinner, so please be aware of that upon your arrival in the dining room. At any rate, come down to eat." The PA clicked off, leaving a startled Landlord to assemble his thoughts and crutches to assist in his travel to the table. Hoping for a quiet evening tonight.
Unknown to him, fate had other plans…
(A/N: Outdone myself I suppose. Next chapter will be interesting. This chapter.. two poems.. two dreams… Hardhats anyone? The tension is building… RnR! Also, any games or music I happen to name in this chapter or others are not owned by me, I just own copy of the finished product, not the product itself.)