AN: I'm going to do this without conflicting with QuickEdit. Yes… Sorry for the late update, I planned on updating last week, but I couldn't find a reasonable title for the chapter... stupid reason, yes, but nevertheless, my reason. For some reason, as I stared at the chapter today on my computer screen, this title just popped in my mind.
LynLin: Thank you so much for catching my error! I went back and changed the names, lol.
Sorato-Takari: Don't worry about it, not a stupid question at all, I probably wasn't clear enough and didn't explain it as much as I should have. Just read on ;)
Chikin Wang: LOL the skeletal system? I'm sorry that it was too graphic, I swear, it turned out a lot less graphic than I intended! Lol, promise I won't do it again without a warning. And I do love her hair! But, I thought maybe it was time for a change.
I'm really sorry to anyone who really disliked Miyako's out of character-ness in the last chapter. Hehe, what can I say, I needed her to do it… I know Miyako doesn't possess a violent nature even if she can get annoying, but just bear with me please. Making Miyako a villain, I couldn't really just have her be herself right? Hehee, thanks for everyone not complaining and killing me for it.
Disclaimer: Digimon is not mine.
Chapter Six – For Better Or Worse
(Gosh, I have no idea where that title popped up from in my mind, but oddly, I found it fitting…)
Pain. It was the only word on Sora's mind from the moment she moved to sit up. Sleep did not take mercy upon her; Sora was sure if she glanced into a mirror, the skin under her eyes would be dark and swollen. For most of the night, she kept doubting herself, rethinking her actions, and regretting some. Maybe the whole thing could have been avoided if she hadn't called Miyako a cow. Then again, who would have known being compared to a farm animal could make someone so furious.
Fighting back was out of the question, slapping Miyako had been risky enough. But through it all, Sora was glad her stepsister lacked the killer instinct. Working a man to death sounded like something she was capable of, but killing one with her own hands was unheard of—even after the events of the previous night. Even though Lady Inoue stood by her daughter during every argument, she would never forgive Miyako if she had become a murderer. Servant or King, it would tarnish the family name, something Lady Inoue would never stand for.
For that reason, for the Inoues' honor and pride, Sora did not scream out. Even if she did, who would come to her aid, Sam, Marianne and Janine? Sora would never put them in jeopardy. The redhead laughed, a miserable, choked laugh. Maybe Janine was right; she was too kind, foolishly kind. For the first time, Sora Takenouchi began to hate herself.
"Sora! Oh my goodness, what happened!"
"Janine, I'm fine." As if to prove it, Sora walked down the corridor with seeming ease. But at last, when the pain became too unbearable, she moved to lean against the wall, trying her best to look casual.
"Takenouchi, don't lie to me." Janine warned in a dangerous tone. Her green eyes clouded over and her usual carefree smirk was replaced with a scowl good enough to challenge Miyako's. "You're sweating uncontrollably, you're limping, your lip's bruised and cut, it's obvious you didn't get any sleep, and… you put your hair up."
Sora forced an innocent laugh, reaching a hand up to wipe away the cold sweat that had began to form. "What are you talking about, I put my hair up sometimes." It was a flat out lie. After being told once by Lady Inoue many years ago that she possessed wide shoulders and it would be best that she hid them, Sora never tied her hair up. It was absurd, she was a little girl but old habits died hard.
"Really, since when?" Janine continued to press.
"Since…"
"I've been here for years, I've never seen you put your hair up. Sora look at you, you can't even walk without bracing yourself against the wall. What happened last night?"
"Nothing." She moved again, trying her best to prop herself against the wall.
"Stop it Sora!" Janine rushed forward, wrapping one of the redhead's arms around her neck and supporting the weight. "Okay, okay, you don't have to tell me, but please don't do this to yourself."
"Do what?"
"Sora, stop it! Please."
She sighed, defeated. "All right Janine."
Up close, the brunette was able to see the tired semicircles under Sora's usually vibrant eyes, evidence of her lack of sleep. Worse than that, Sora's bottom lip was swollen and it became apparent that… "You bit yourself." It was more of a statement than a question. "Why would you do such a thing?"
Sora turned her head away, afraid Janine would discover anything else. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."
"How can I not!"
"SORA!"
The two winced at the sound of Lady Inoue's voice, piercing and demanding. "Cow's mother…" Janine muttered angrily.
"GET HERE THIS INSTANT!"
Emerald eyes searched Sora's features for any hint of what to do. "Sora?"
Infinitely grateful that the servants' chambers were on the first floor, the girl smiled calmly. "Help me get to the cow's mother?"
"Sure."
Lady Inoue screamed several more times before the two finally made it to the foyer.
"Janine, I didn't ask for you."
The brunette faltered from where she stood, a few feet away from the two. Sora had insisted that she stay a short distance away so Lady Inoue wouldn't get suspicious. "I um…" she struggled to answer.
"You wanted to see me?" Sora asked, bringing Lady Inoue's attention back to her.
"Yes… Sora." The skinny woman paused, noticing Sora's hair. She sneered, "Don't think that putting your hair up is going to fool me. Your cheap tricks won't work."
"What?" The color drained from her face and Sora's eyes darted to Janine, only to be met by curious worry.
"Miyako informed me of your cheap ways. Sold your hair, did you? Pathetic."
"I didn't—"
"How much did they pay for it? Amazing isn't it, someone would actually buy your hair. Such an odd color, I don't know what anyone could possibly use it for."
"But I didn't—"
"Where is the money!"
Sora's head was throbbing. Forming a fist with increasing difficulty, she managed to bite out, "I did not sell my hair." It was apparent from whom Miyako got her stubbornness from.
"Really, then what happened, it magically disappeared?"
"I don't know, maybe it did or maybe you should ask your daughter about it."
Lady Inoue laughed shrilly. "Your father always did mention your… unique imagination. Obviously the result of too many bed time stories told about knights and magic."
"What— I am not delusional!"
"Get to your chores! I swear, I will search every corner of your bedroom until I find the money!"
"Search all you want but you won't find a thing!"
"You spent it all didn't you?"
"I don't know, maybe the faeries came and took them away!"
"How dare you!" Lady Inoue closed the gap quickly, hand raised, ready to strike.
Janine intervened quickly, tugging on Sora's sleeve lightly. "I'm sorry Lady Inoue, Sora's just tired, I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding."
"Sora, I want you to wash the windows, do the laundry, scrub the floors—again, clean the stables, polish every piece of wood in the house—"
"With all due respect, I think maybe it might be too much for Sora to handle."
"Good, then you can help her." With that, the woman walked away, head held high and posture stiff.
Sora collapsed onto Janine the moment Lady Inoue was out of earshot and looked up at her friend with concern. "Janine, you shouldn't have."
"Don't worry about it, just rest today."
"What? I can't! Did you hear all the chores I have to do?"
"Consider them done."
"Stupid girl, you can't do all of them by yourself."
"Well… I don't think she'll know if the floors were polished again or not, so that's one less chore!"
"Janine…" Sora protested, her eyes slowly beginning to close as a new groggy sensation overtook her.
"You need sleep, come, I'll take you to your room."
"…no…" It came out as a meager whisper and before any of them knew it, Sora was asleep on Janine's shoulder.
When dark ruby eyes flashed open again, it was well into the day. The sun was high, it's brilliant light reaching the fragile girl on the bed. Sora rubbed her head in frustration, trying to remember what had happened and slowly, things finally came back to her. Janine had forced her to take the day to rest, assuring the redhead that she would do all her chores.
She couldn't allow Janine to do her chores, but at Sora's state, there wasn't much she could do to help. Pandemonium played in her mind, painfully reminding her of the injuries she had sustained. Her inability to move only fueled her desire to escape and Sora soon found herself supporting her weight on the few pieces of furniture in her room. Going outside was not only what Sora needed, it was the more logical choice. Lady Inoue was sure to search her room, and Miyako found it absolutely amusing to occasionally burst into her room, trying to find any secrets she could use against Sora. If any of the two saw Sora in bed instead of working, they'd go mad.
A few minutes passed and Sora soon realized she had greatly underestimated the sensation of pain, and greatly overestimated her own stamina. She had been able to make it out the back door of the mansion to where the garden was. Reaching an arm out to a large maple tree conveniently nearby, Sora steadied herself and the dizzying swirl in her head.
Perhaps it was the fresh air, or perhaps it was a sudden hatred for the Inoues, but Sora was overcome with a great need for freedom. Even though it was just for a day, she would cherish it. The west and south of the mansion were surrounded by forest, a place that neither Lady Inoue nor Miyako ever dared venture into.
It wasn't the smartest idea Sora had ever come up with, but it wasn't the worst either. Though the forest was hazardous to a young woman with severe wounds, it also contained all the fresh air and beauty she needed. The tall trees and lustrous greenery reminded Sora of the fantasy books she had adored as a child. Even now, it was hard not to get carried away by the new scenery.
But the sharp sting sent through Sora's body from her leg brought her crashing back into reality. It was no fairy tale land she lived in.
While daydreaming (though it might have been due to the medicinal herbs she used), the redhead soon came to realize that she had traveled quite deep into the forest. The pins in her auburn locks had begun to loosen its hold, allowing a few short, damp strands to fall down and frame her delicate features.
Leaning against a strong oak tree, Sora reached down to lift up the hem of her skirts, just enough for her to check the bandages on her leg. She grimaced at the sight of the blood soaked cloths and began to seek out a place where she could stop to reapply her bandages.
She didn't have far to look, for soon, the sight of a small spring greeted her. Sora inhaled deeply at the clearing and couldn't help but smile. The trees that surrounded the spring seemed to glow an almost magical glimmer, and the various plants that had been fortunate enough to grow roots by the water were vivid with life. A place to sit wasn't a problem at all, as there were tree trunks arranged neatly around the spring. There was no doubt in Sora's mind that the small clearing was most definitely not something that had just coincidentally occurred naturally.
Sora stepped closer and soon came face to face with a brilliant white stallion. Apparently, she wasn't the only one who had found out about the little piece of heaven. The two stared at each other for a moment, her crimson eyes meeting the unique amber of the horse before finally, the stallion lowered its head, almost urging Sora to stroke its mane, which she did with little hesitation. It was such a beautiful horse, luxurious coat, strong amber eyes, and a soft ivory mane to match its coat. Daring to get closer, Squall nuzzled her cheek, making the girl laugh in delight.
"You know, he doesn't usually like strangers."
Sora, though a little startled, turned to face the speaker with a natural smile subconsciously forming on her lips. She continued to stroke the stallion's mane with one hand while bowing her head; she wasn't going to take the chance of curtsying. "Prince Yamato."
Yamato gave a devilishly handsome grin and bowed. "Lady Sora."
She furrowed her brows in confusion. "Lady?"
"There is no boundary of classes here. Here, I am Yamato and you are Sora."
The redhead stared at the prince before turning her attention back to the stallion. She almost believed him—if it wasn't for the smirk on his face that screamed "I-know-something." "Is this your horse?" Sora asked casually, stroking its ivory mane as she did so.
"How else could I have escaped here?"
"Escaped?"
"You've found my secret! What brings you here, milady?"
Sora's head began to swirl as she remembered why exactly she was at the spring and not at the mansion. Turning her head away from the prince instinctively, she suppressed a groan; heavens, she must've looked like a horror. "I uh… got lost." Too tired to make up excuses, Sora settled on trying to get to the neatly placed tree trunks instead.
Squall seemed to have a sixth sense, for before Sora could even make a move for the makeshift benches, the stallion led her there with surprising gentleness.
"Got lost, huh," Yamato said with a raised brow.
"Your stallion is beautiful, I've never seen a horse with such unique qualities," she said, trying to change the subject.
Luckily, Yamato understood her intentions and merely smiled. "Never seen a white horse before?"
"It's not that, we have two ivory stallions in the stables, but I've never seen one with such… pureness." Squall seemed to enjoy the attention Sora was giving it and decided to stay by the girl, allowing her to continue stroking it's coat from where she sat.
"I raised him myself. I used to spend a lot of time at the stables and when I saw Squall, I just had to keep him. He likes you."
"Squall huh? Well Squall, my name is Sora, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Squall lowered its head as if in greeting, prompting a laugh from Sora.
"Clever too. You know Yamato, he has gorgeous eyes," she held a finger to her chin, "kind of like you."
"What? Squall's eyes are amber, where I've been told my eyes are 'a deeper blue than the most beautiful of oceans, and clearer than any sky,'" he recited dramatically.
Sora rolled her eyes playfully, never bothering to look away from Squall in case Yamato could see her swollen lip. "I meant you both have amazing eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to a person's soul. I believe that."
Left speechless, all the prince could do was blush and smirk like a dazed child. "Well uh, you have really nice eyes too, Sora," he stammered out.
"I've been told that my eyes 'hold more passion than the greatest fires.' I don't think 'nice' would be the word to use."
Yamato blinked, and before any of them realized what was going on, they were laughing like a pair of maniacs in the middle of the forest.
A little voice in the back of her mind kept reminding Sora she really wasn't supposed to be talking to the prince, much less laughing with him. But when she looked at him, with his golden hair, sapphire eyes and dangerously irresistible smirk, all traces of resistance would disappear. Just looking at the prince made Sora feel so good about herself and as selfish as it seemed, she never wanted to let the feeling go.
Yamato moved to sit by Sora, only to frown when she wouldn't glance at him. He wanted to tell her that he went to look for her the day before. He wanted to give her the necklace he bought for her; he wanted to tell her about Catherine, he wanted to take her to the palace gardens. Sora had a type of power over Yamato that just made him want to tell her every secret he had, every thought that ran pass his mind.
The prince groaned, it must have been the spring that put those ridiculous ideas in his head. But as much as Yamato denied it, he dreamed about Sora's smile. A comfortable silence settled among the two, with Yamato staring up at the sky, and with Sora absentmindedly stroking Squall.
"I should return to the mansion."
"Why?"
"Miyako and Lady Inoue will be looking for me."
Yamato's features darkened considerably. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" This time, curiosity got the best of Sora, and she turned to look at the prince who had his head bowed.
"You were punished because of my persistence in the gardens."
"It's nothing; they probably would have found another excuse to whip me later on."
Yamato looked up, mouth open and ready to protest until he saw her lip. "What happened?" he reached a hand out, but it was instantly pushed aside.
"I really should be making my way back," Sora said hastily. Underestimating the pain once again, she moved much too quickly to stand and was instantly brought back down.
"Sora!" Yamato was on his knees beside her, holding onto her arm to support her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Making a move to stand back up, Sora silently cursed when she collapsed into Yamato's awaiting arms.
"Nothing?"
Her head was swirling and the cold sweat returned. "Really… nothing," Sora breathed out, while feeling her energy abandon her. Fainting in the prince's arms, no matter how handsome he was, was definitely not something she aspired to do.
Unfortunately, it was also inevitable.
AN: I know it seemed like Yamato didn't really notice Sora's new choice of hairstyle, but I'll go into more detail in the next chapter.
So, this chapter was timely right? I think should get extra reviews for that, MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Okay, okay maybe not.
LENGTH OF SORA'S HAIR. Well, I was going to add it into the next chapter, but since so many people asked, it's shoulder length, hehe, not bad at all, no?
advertisement: Law & Order: Trial By Jury is FREAKIN' GOOD. Go watch! Fridays at 10/9pm on NBC. Unfortunately, it airs at the same time as NUMB3RS...
Jerry Orbach, RIP