Disclaimer: not mine.
I'll talk at the bottom, carry on.
Aoshi sat under a willow tree in the garden. He had just finished training in the garrison and was stilled covered in a light sweat. The breeze outside was much appreciated. He was reading a novel to pass the time. And it was a good way to relax.
It was calm. It was peaceful. It was…
…A large shadow passing over the castle. He swiveled his up to see the underside of a dragon flying overhead. Ranesta. What was she doing? His question was answered with an indistinct and distant whoop of joy from Kaoru. Ranesta was letting Kaoru fly with her.
He settled back down and started to read his book again, just comfortable and enjoying the peace and tranquility. Calm. Peaceful. "SANO HOLD STILL YOU BLOODY IMBECILE!"
Loud.
That was unmistakably Misao shouting at Sano for who knew what reason this time. More angry bursts could be heard from Misao coming from Sano's room. Now that he was listening he could also make out Megumi's voice. What had Sano done to get both of them so mad this time?
So much for him relaxing. Aoshi heaved an exasperated sigh, clutching his face in his hand. He would have to go and see exactly why Sano was being yelled at. Probably a false alarm of some sort but Aoshi had too much experience with his friends to shrug it off.
I was enjoying myself too. On the bright side, never a dull moment with them. if that could be called a bright side. He flew up to Sano's room. Sano's balcony doors were open, explaining why he had heard Misao so clearly. Landing on the balcony rail and stepping down, he only just had enough time to duck and avoid a hurling fireball. He turned around to extinguish the flames beginning to engulf a tree branch.
He could clearly hear the less than civil threats being shouted at each other as Misao wrestled with Sano to get him to hold still. Mostly it was Megumi and Misao shouting.
Oddly enough Sanosuke looked to be enjoying himself though at second thought Aoshi admitted that wasn't very unusual. He loved aggravating Misao almost as much as he did Megumi and they both always fell for it. She should really learn to control her temper around him.
Megumi was standing there trying to get a barrier around Sano to freeze him in place but he kept dodging or countering her. "Any reason for attempting to incinerate me?"
"Oh sorry Aoshi. It was meant for Sano. The fool won't allow me to examine his wing. He's getting blood all over." Indeed he was. Flecks and stains of red covered the floor and a good part of his furniture. Aoshi would have asked Megumi exactly why Sano was bleeding but another rogue fire ball came his and Megumi's way. It was easily dodged and extinguished.
"Honestly. All this just so he can frustrate me. Worst part is that it's working. And I'm not sure if Misao's doing more harm than good." Megumi huffed, thoroughly annoyed now.
"Aoshi, do you mind holding them down? I just need Sano to hold still for a second." Megumi pleaded with him.
Misao seemed to have just noticed his presence. "Aoshi! Mph! Damnit Sano! Hi! I'll be over in sec!" At the rate they were carrying on, Misao would take much longer than a second. He couldn't help but be amused at her. He handed Megumi his book (he had picked it up before leaving the gardens below of course).
"Sanosuke Sagara hold still damnit!" Misao wrapped an arm around each of Sano's shoulders, pressing herself against his back between his wing joints. "But it's no fun that way." He chortled and extended his wings out. Misao jerked upward and twisted herself to land in front of him. She sent jolts of electricity running through him. Literally.
This was when Aoshi joined in. Neither expected him to, so he had no resistance when he broke them apart, weaving solid air around their bodies to stop them moving. They both froze and stared at Aoshi in surprise sharing identical bewildered looks. "Now if you two don't mind. You need your wing healed I take it Sano?"
Misao puffed out her chest, heaving an indignant breath. "I've been trying to get him to hold still for the past ten minutes! His wing's injured and he won't let Megumi look at it! It's been like that since he left the stables! Megumi's ready to have burst a blood vessel she's been worrying so much. He's an impossible idiotic ass!"
Sano had a lopsided smile on his face, completely unfazed, both hands raised as much he could in defense. "I was only having a bit of fun. No need for her to be so uptight."
"Uptight? Uptight! I'm worried about you and you say I'm uptight? I wonder why with the way you act."
"Calm down Megumi. You can look at him now. I have him, he won't go anywhere." It was probably a good thing he had restrained Misao too, she might try to attack Sano again. Sano seemed to realize the same thing, after all he wasn't always as dim as he acted, and agreed to let Megumi look at him. "All right. I know I'm beat. I'll be a good boy now Aoshi, you can let me down."
Aoshi waited a moment and acquiesced. He walked over to Megumi who had just stood there watching. She knew better than to get in the middle of a quarrel between those two, let alone a wrestling match. Besides which, Aoshi was quite used to having to break up fights between his friends. Especially these two.
Megumi punched Sano's arm to vent her anger before inspecting his wing. "You made it worse. Why didn't you go and have someone heal it right away? You idiot. It's all irritated and the bone's cracked…." She kept mumbling about the injury, only further frustrating herself.
A few moments of glowing green healing magic later and Sano's wing was fixed, mended, and perfectly usable without causing infection or pain once again. A lot of his feathers were still matted in blood on his wing though.
"You're cleaning it yourself. And your room. Without magic." She crossed her arms and flicked her wings. Sano stared around, eyebrows rising at the sight of his room. There was a good bit of blood. How much had his wing bled?
"Are you serious?" Megumi punched his shoulder again, giving him a curt "yes." She looked ready to slap him and storm away but hesitated and stayed where she was without further inflicting pain on the rooster head.
Aoshi smiled to himself and turned to Misao who was still suspended in the air and fuming. "I'll let you down but don't kill Sano. I'm sure Megumi wouldn't appreciate having to heal him again. Unless she's the one who does the maiming this time."
"Hmph" She nodded. Aoshi released her and she landed lightly back onto the ground and walked over to him.
"Well then if I'm no longer needed I think I'll take my leave now. Misao, would you like to join me?" without either Sano or Megumi noticing, Aoshi gave her a wide and charming grin. She blushed, looking unsure for a moment but nodded, a wide grin easily outdoing his own spreading on her face.
"Sure. Anywhere in particular?" She walked over to the balcony with him and together they flew out of Sano's room.
"I was planning on going to Amandil. Not as quiet as here but I suppose I've had enough quiet for today. Is that all right?"
"Yes. Actually I needed to go there anyway."
He stared at her for a second before turning to pay attention where he was flying. "Good. This works out then. It's always nice spending time with you."
He didn't think she would take that comment as anything more than enjoying a friend's company but obviously he wasn't aware to how it sounded to Misao. Nor did he catch the pink tinge to her face as she hid a small smile at his words. (His book was long forgotten.)
Back inside Sano's room, Sano stared after Aoshi and Misao even after they disappeared from sight. He could feel Megumi attempting to bore a hole in his head with a glare and didn't want to have to face her just yet. She might actually succeed in boring that hole if he wasn't careful after all.
He heard Megumi stand and walk over to him slowly. It was odd she hadn't said anything yet. Normally she would be yelling herself hoarse right now. Maybe she wasn't as mad he thought. Probably worse. Still he turned around, already grinning and just about to speak when—
Smack! She slapped him right on the face. Hard. He could feel his stinging cheek throb and practically see the red handprint etched there.
"Ow, Megumi. Did you have to hit so hard. What did I do?" Rotating his jaw and rubbing his offended cheek, Sano looked up to Megumi to see her looming over him, both fists clenched so tight her knuckles were white. Scary.
"Megumi?"
She tried to slap him again but he caught her hand this time. "…You jerk. You think everything's a joke Sanosuke. I was so damn worried when Misao said that unicorn kicked you. and you act like it's no big deal. You're wing was broken and you didn't even bother healing it!"
That's why she was mad? Because of his wing. He couldn't help the laughter that escaped him. "Is that all?" He continued laughing, holding onto Megumi to keep from falling over but she shoved him off. "I thought something bad happened! Megumi you worry…too much…it was just a scratch—"
. "There you go again! Always brushing stuff off! Having your wing injured is serious Sano! What if it got infected? And the way you kept flailing all over the place when Misao and I were trying to help you! You have no regard for your own damn health! You never take anything seriously at all! I was worried about you! And you act like it's no big deal! I can't stand you Sagara! You wonder why I'm always so mad at you! Why I'm so uptight! Because you never are! You uncaring selfish, stupid…"
She broke off, her body shaking. Sano stared at her and hugged her to him, stroking her hair and trying to calm her. As concerned as he was, he couldn't help the amusement bubbling in him over Megumi's actions. Still, she'd make herself sick if she kept this up. He needed to calm her down. "It's ok Megumi. I'm fine. I'm sorry I worried you so much. It's okay. I'll be more serious now alright. Stop crying. I'd rather you hit me."
She did just that though there was no force behind it and simultaneously wiped her eyes and hugged him back. "It's not ok. You always do it. And you're never serious."
He tightened his arms around her. "I'm being serious now aren't I? And besides I always do stupid things. And then you always yell at me…and hit me. Which really hurts by the way. It's been like that since we were kids. I didn't know it worried you so much. I promise I'll be serious from now on. And get medical help right away when I need it. Just don't have a break down like this again. Ok?"
"Must you over do everything? You don't have to be serious all the time. Just when it's important. I like you goofing off too. It can be funny. Just not when you're bleeding all over." He grinned and kissed her forehead. "Deal." He kissed her again.
It took a while before she broke it off. "By the way, speaking of blood." She pushed herself up so she wasn't leaning as much against him. "You still have to clean up." She pointed to a section of his floor stained in red. He grimaced, remembering what she had said.
"You wouldn't be willing to help me would you Megumi?" She smirked at him, bringing her face close to his. "No way." She stood immediately and flew away from him. Well, she would have flown away but he had grabbed her legs and brought her crashing on top of him. "Hey! What about the moment we just had? You should help me after that."
"It was your fault. You wouldn't let me heal you. It's a good punishment. Maybe next time you'll actually think. And I've already made it so you can't magic any of the blood away. Have fun."
She tried to get up but he didn't let her. "Well in that case, it can wait. I have a better idea." He began kissing her again. Megumi tried pushing him off but only ended up laughing at him and giving in, kissing him back.
A servant passing by Sano's room at the moment blushed and shut the door quickly, hurrying from the hall to carry on with her chores. Neither of them noticed.
s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s
The castle had gone mad. Stark raving mad. Or at least Lady Kimiko had and everyone who had to be in the same room with her. All right, so maybe that was being too harsh, but to Kenshin it was close.
For the past week Lady Kimiko had been supervising over preparations for the ball. Kenshin quickly learned the best way to avoid the chaos in the castle was to stay far from it.
On the bright side that meant more magic practice. He still was having some trouble with summoning; the practice objects seemed to enjoy crashing into his face. But he had conjured yesterday, even if it was only by accident. Now to remember how he had done it.
Today though, he was unable to practice. This morning he had to sort through a whole new wardrobe of tunics to find something to wear (Lady Kimiko's orders). After that, he had caught up with Sano, who also was trying to avoid his mother, and claimed to go find Kaoru outside. Apparently she had mysteriously disappeared early this morning just after dawn.
"You always know something's up when Kaoru wakes up early." Sano had told him. Kenshin could understand why if she had to deal Kimiko every time some big event happened. Sano had explained to him some of the past balls and Kaoru's attempts at avoiding them. The things she had come up with were…interesting, definitely interesting.
"So where's the most likely place she went off to?"
"Who cares? Along as we don't have to go back there until my mother hauls us back. She's probably in the forest with Rayne or something. She's always there."
"If she's always there why hide in the forest? Seems to defeat the purpose if who you're hiding from knows where to look."
"Ah, but you haven't been in there a lot have you? The forest had its own magic what with all the magic creatures lurking about. You can't rely on magic to much to find someone cause of that. And Kaoru's uses that to her advantage."
"No one can detect her? That's hard to believe."
"You'd think that wouldn't you?" He didn't elaborate further as they had come to Ranesta's cave, hidden behind a veil of vines and roaring waterfall. Kenshin was thoroughly soaked after stepping inside but Sano had remained perfectly dry which earned a glare from Kenshin as he wrung out his hair.
Kenshin wasn't sure they should be doing this but Sano just kept his stride, perfectly at ease. Ranesta did indeed seem nice enough but after his first encounter with her he felt he had reason to be weary.
"HEY! Anyone in here? Hello!" Sano called in a sing song voice, the echo bouncing off the cave walls. There was pause then, "Sano? We're in the fourth cave! You can come here!" Kaoru's voice echoed back to them.
Kenshin followed after Sano, trying to stop his ears from ringing. Why do they have to yell so loud? He meant to follow Sano into the left tunnel but he had ended up staring down the right one, completely transfixed. It was pitch dark and he couldn't see anything but…there was something down there. He knew it. Without even being aware if it he started to go that way instead. He was just a step away from entering when Sano swung him backwards.
"Whoa! I wouldn't go back there unless you want Rayne fricasseeing you and turning you inside out for dinner. And just so you know, magic won't be able to fix that."
Sano directed him into the left tunnel and Kenshin seemed to pull out of his trance. Ranesta had warned him not go in there and he almost did. What Sano said probably wasn't too far form the truth of what she could, and would, do to him if he went in there. So why the hell did he just try?
After making sure Kenshin could walk on his own without wandering to where he wasn't suppose to, Sano conjured a light sphere to lead the way to Kaoru and Ranesta. Cave…tunnel…cave…tunnel…light. Bright light. And here they are in the light. Awfully well lit for an underground cave. Oooh. Glowing crystals, that explains it.
Sure enough, Kaoru and Ranesta were there amongst columns and formations of glowing crystal and water dripping into a tiny pool echoing. Why does everything around here seem to glow? Or shimmer? Or emit light in some way in general?
"Kaoru! Rayne! How are you on this fine day?"
"Hello Sano. And Kenshin I see. Hello to you too."
"You brought Kenshin with you? You're pretty cheerful this morning Sano. Any reason?"
"Why thank you, Kaoru. Yes your dear older brother is fine thanks for asking. And to think mom went to all that trouble giving you etiquette lessons."
"Half the time I fell asleep. And knowing you I have reason to be suspicious when you act polite. Why are you anyway dear brother? Couldn't handle mother?"
"I don't see you at the castle either. And I couldn't exactly leave Kenshin alone and defenseless in there. He won't be able to refuse any orders given him. Megumi and Misao have already been enlisted. And I couldn't find Aoshi."
Kaoru and Sano kept up their banter while Kenshin walked inside still glancing around at the crystals. "He makes it sound like a war or something's going on."
"Yes, but he hardly means half the things he says. He and Kaoru often exaggerate or take things lightly. Neither of them cares much for formalities." Kenshin jumped when Ranesta spoke. He didn't mean to say that out loud. Or for her to answer.
"….You tried entering that tunnel again."
He tensed. How'd she know that? "Ah…"
"I can sense if someone tries entering that tunnel. Sanosuke stopped you though. Everyone knows I forbid others entering there. You'd do well to learn it too. I won't do anything this time."
"I didn't mean to. It just—"
"Happened. I know. You are drawn to it. But you can not enter yet. You still have to wait."
He was going to speak, the words were on the tip of his tongue but Kaoru just had to choose that exact moment to interrupt. "Hey. What are you two talking about? I don't be left to have to speak to this rooster the whole time." She pointed to Sano who wittily stuck his tongue out at her.
"Nothing Kaoru. Now what were you talking about? I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention…"
Kenshin pretended to listen, staring at the dragon out of the corner of his eye. What did she mean? What did he have to wait for? Ugh more questions…
"…shin. Kenshin. Woohoo." Kenshin started, seeing Kaoru's hand waving in front of him. "What?"
"Welcome back to reality. Have a nice day dream? It's rude not to pay attention and I know the subject's not that boring...you're awfully pale. And you've been quiet. I haven't received one insult from you the whole time and you haven't responded to any of mine. Are you okay?"
Kenshin stared at her a moment, his mouth hanging slightly open, before he registered what she had said. "Yeah-yeah I'm fine. Um, what were you talking about?"
"Rayne asked how you've been doing about your Battousai stuff. Lady Tomoe said you're supposed to be learning about history right?"
Supposed to. He had forgotten about that. Learning magic had wiped it from his mind and the past week he hadn't been much in his room, or the castle for that matter, to remind him. "Well I was. I kinda forgot about that though….Sano, Kaoru, have either of you read Historical Legends and Legendary Historics or whatever it is? I read something about a 'Fairen Division' but didn't find out what it was."
"Fairen Division?" They both chorused.
"That's when fairens got the different wing types. Before everyone were Antrones but for some reason all our wings split into the other types. There aren't any Antrones left."
"You are mistaken Sano. There are Antrones but they are very few and live isolated from other fairens. I believe they don't even live in or near Telrunya if memory serves me right."
"Oh hehe. Guess you're right Rayne."
"Sheesh Rayne knows more about our history then you do, Sano. That's kinda sad. And too think one day you're supposed to take dad's place." Kaoru scoffed and again Sano stuck out his tongue.
"As fascinating as Sano's ineptness is, do you mind getting back to telling me why fairens have different wings please?" Sano and Kaoru blinked at Kenshin's comment, with Sano muttering "everyone's against me." and dramatically crossing his arms and turning his back in a huff.
Kaoru was laughing at Sano. "You just can't win. Hehehe. Ok anyway. It's not too clear why fairens back then divided their wings into the other three types. But afterwards they couldn't undo it. It been said we didn't even do it but other races forced t on us because we were too magically strong and wanted to weaken our magic skills and a side effect was the wing division. I don't think that's true though, there're plenty of other races just as magically strong as us. It's more than likely that we did it though and far more practical reasons at the time. Antrones' wings are like a combination of the others and when they split, one of the three characteristics became dominant."
"You can find some pictures of what they looked liked and stuff in the library back home if you want. I'll show you when go back later."
Rayne, who had been silent since her correcting Sano, asked Kenshin. "Is there anything else you haven't learned?"
Kenshin paused, he had been thinking about what Kenshin had said. "Um, actually I don't know too much else. Tomoe told—"
"Lady Tomoe." Rayne corrected.
"Uh, right. Lady Tomoe told me about why my family ended up with humans but I don't know too much else."
"Wow that's all? Before I thought you were dying to know all this stuff. Did you go completely brain dead now and can't find out on your own?"
Kenshin glared. "No Karou. I've just been distracted. And I haven't been here that long. Do you have to be such a pain? And I thought you were actually beginning to act like a woman."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
"Good. I appreciate it if you would further refrain from bickering needlessly while with me." Ranesta berated. Sano had wisely chosen to be quiet, thus avoiding the stern stare Ranesta was giving Kenshin and Kaoru.
"Sorry Ray-Ranesta." Rayne inclined her head. "It is fine Kenshin and you may call me Rayne." He swore he saw her smile. Or at least what would be considered a smile from a dragon.
"You apologize to her but can't even bother to attempt being polite to me—" Rayne growled "Kaoru" quickly causing the raven head to squeak and mutter sorry.
Sano decided to change the subject. "Well now that that's all taken care of. What are you planning to do tonight Rayne while the rest of us enjoy the oh so delightful ball and festivities?"
"Kimiko has asked I help with the fire display tonight. Other than that I plan on staying here."
"Fire display? At a ball?"
"We do have ways to entertain the masses Kenshin. It's not all just dancing and sleeping on your feet. There's also painfully boring conversations and mingling with people you really don't like while they suck up to you."
Kaoru snorted, choking back her laughter. "It is a celebration too you know. So yes, something fun does in fact happen. Speaking of dancing though, do you even know how to, Kenshin?"
"Basics." A ball. Dancing. Of course. This just kept getting better and better.
"That means no then? You're going to have to have someone show you. Mother's going to have a heart attack now."
As if on cue, Lady Kimiko's voice resounded through Ranesta's crystal-laden den. "Sanosuke! Kaoru! Where on earth are you! Sanosuke you were supposed to bring Kaoru back, not hide with her! Do know how long I've had to take to find you? I want you both back here! Now! I need you to get ready. I mean it! No wandering off or hiding somewhere! Or your butts will be sore for a week! Don't think I can't! Is Kenshin with you? If you are, I need you to come back as well sweetheart. Hurry now!" Her voice disappeared as suddenly as it came though the echoing still rung throughout the cave.
All three fairens were completely silent. Ranesta didn't blame them however she wouldn't let them get into further trouble by lingering there anymore. "All right then. You heard Kimiko. Off you go and I might see you later tonight."
She walked them out to the entrance, occasionally pushing them lightly along the way with her wings.
They were half way back home when Sano finally broke the silence between them. "So what do you think mom's gonna do when we get back?"
"Hopefully no more than yell at us some more. If we're lucky though she'll be too busy or won't notice us coming back."
"Doubt it."
"I can still hope."
"You both act like she's going to hang you."
"Haha, but you don't have to worry do you Kenshin? You're an important figure and not one of her kids. You can't be seriously punished."
"We on the other hand are her children thus she can punish us until we're old and gray."
Kenshin suppressed a grimace. He still thought Lady Kimiko was very kind, even motherly, but she was beginning to seem scarier than Rayne.
s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s
Kimiko was waiting for the three of them in the entrance hall when they arrived, hands at her hips and wings sprung behind her with a deep scowl on her face. Not exactly the best welcoming party.
"Upstairs and get ready. Now. You have two hours. And I expect you on time. Stop standing around. Get to it." They leaped from where they stood, Sano flying out a window to his room and Kaoru and Kenshin sprinting up the stairs. Apparently Kenshin had forgotten about the pair of limbs on his back.
Gasping for air, they reached the hall way to their rooms. Sano was most likely already in his room as he wasn't to be seen anywhere in the hall or outside a window. Through if truth be told, neither had much chance to look as they were quickly jostled into his or her respective room by a trio of servants each.
For Kenshin preparing wasn't that bad. The bath, though rushed and shorter than he would have liked, was nice and hot. And the tunic chosen to wear was very comfortable. Though he needed help tying the threads in the back. He basically just had to stand there while the servants got him ready, whether he liked it or not. He drew the line though when they tried braiding his hair. Wasn't gonna happen. It ended up in a high ponytail.
Once ready, and with a half hour to spare, he was lead into a room where Sano and Lord Seiji were waiting, looking just as prim and proper. Sano looking very disgruntled was trying to shake off a servant attempting the near impossible task of taming his wild hair.
This is going to be a long night.
Back to Kaoru.
For her, getting ready had been less easy going. And involved a lot more protesting. From what perfumes she would allow in her bath (honestly some of the scents were overbearing even for a flower nymph) to the hair style she was going to wear. Her mother had distinctly said she could not wear it in a high ponytail as she normally did. That easily took up a good part of the two hours. Her pre-selected dress was all but thrown on. Make up and jewelry were relatively easy since she always wore the same silver bracelet and choker. Makeup was at barest minimum.
The servants attending her were just as relieved she was once Kaoru was declared ready. She too was lead to a waiting room with her mother and Lady Tomoe inside, separate from where the men waited. She was just in time.
Her mother glanced over at her and looked her up and down before nodding her approval. Tomoe smiled reassuringly at her behind Kimiko.
The high noble family and prophetess were always announced before arriving to important events, such as tonight. Being the Battousai, this year Kenshin would be joining them. Anxiety built up in her as Kaoru waited for them to be announced. She really wished Megumi and Misao could be in here with her.
Finally someone on the other side of the room called for everyone to quiet down as they were to be introduced. A long night of doing her best to avoid all those old annoying nobles. Heaven help anyone who tried pairing her up with their son.
This is going to be a long night.
s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s
He glided his way past a pair of bulky Itens, surprised they could actually lift themselves with wings alone. He took a sip of the wine he nicked from a waiter. Like he cared he was considered underage. Technically he was far older than anyone present. It was his forth drink in the hour he had already been there and expected many more to be had.
Yumi was going to pay for this. To say he didn't want to be here was a serious understatement. Being her messenger boy put him on his last nerves. He wanted it over and done with.
There was loud pounding as a frail looking man beat his cane on the floor in front of two large doors atop the grand staircase. A bout time. The loud buzzing of conversations faded. "Quiet please! Everyone quiet please! Announcing the Sagara family!"
I know, late again. This why I shouldn't make promises. Neh. And at least I've finally gotten to the ball. (is there another name to use for that? I keep thinking Cinderella or something) I think this chapter's better than last. Hopefully. So you all can guess who that was that hates Yumi? I don't think it's too hard to figure. Seems pretty obvious I think.
Neh anyways. Until chapter 19! By for now.