Author's Note: This is the last installment in the story The Tale of CinderSakuno. I have to say, that this story in particular has helped my story progress a lot. Even if it doesn't have many chapters, it was a pretty deep story. Anyway! It might be kind of long since this is the last chapter…Anyway! Thank you all for reading and be sure to review the ending!
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Chapter Five: A Happy Ending
The days following were painful for Sakuno. Every time she went out, someone else would be looking for the mystery princess from the ball some nights ago. Sakuno was too afraid to step forward, knowing no one would believe that a peasant such as herself could be the one a prince fell in love with. Her small friends often asked her if she would ever confront Ryoma again. She would just smile and say, "It wouldn't be good that way…It would just make the heartache worse." Sakuno was a mess. She was having a hard time concentrating on other things, because all she could think of was the magical evening she had shared with Prince Ryoma. How could she face him now? She ran away, leaving him in distress. He would never take her back, especially after realizing who she was.
"Prince Ryoma? Prince Ryoma, are you awake?" Fuji opened the large doors, entering the dark bedroom. "Go away. I don't want visitors. If it is my father, then tell him to wait an hour." Fuji frowned sadly as he heard the small mumble from between the large pillows of the bed. "You can't stay in your room forever…If you really want to find her, than you will do so by getting out of bed." The heartbroken prince remained silent, and Fuji slid past the canopy, sitting on the bed. "Prince Ryoma. She's out there. She's probably waiting for you…Just go find her." Ryoma clenched the blankets tightly; angered by the way his own knight was ordering him. "Shut up! You have no right to tell me what to do! If she doesn't love me then she doesn't love me!" Fuji looked deeper into the blankets to see tear spots coming from where the young boy hid his head. "Why doesn't she love me? What the hell did I do wrong? I don't get it!"
Fuji sighed sadly as he saw the young boy's rage and grief. "I can't explain the reasoning behind her leaving…but I can assure you, she is closer than you think…" Ryoma lifted his head, turning it to his loyal friend. "Closer than I think?" Fuji smiled warmly and nodded. "Closer than you think." Ryoma sat up, running his fingers through his hair as he tried to fix himself up. "Alright, then get the horses. We have some searching to do." Fuji bowed, and ran from the room, leaving Ryoma to his thoughts. "She looked so familiar…I know everything about her…but her name escapes me. She never told me…" He buried his face into the lush pillows surrounding him. "Damn it. Why can't I remember?" Ryoma shook off his distress, and hurried down the stairs. There is no time to sulk. I need to find her. I need to find my princess.
Aoi had noticed the different air Sakuno had been portraying the past few days. What is this wench hiding? Aoi approached her rather quickly, catching her off guard as she cleaned. "CinderSakuno! I have a question for you," the stepmother smiled deviously. "What did you do after the three of us left for the ball?" Sakuno stuttered with her words. She had never thought up a good lie in case she was asked! "Um…I…I cleaned…and…and…and…" Sakuno babbled on and on, eventually giving up and hanging her head down. "I can't remember…" Aoi clenched her fist. She finally knew why she recognized the young woman who swept the prince off his feet. IT WAS HER! BUT HOW! Aoi tried to refrain from beating the annoying little brat to death! She stole the one thing she wanted her daughters to have the most! "CinderSakuno…I would like you to go to the market today. I have made a shopping list." The evil woman smiled as she handed a long list of rather heavy items to Sakuno. "NOW HURRY!"
Sakuno ran off into the day, praying that she would not run into the prince. She could never face him. "This list should take me awhile…" Sakuno hurried along, stopping at various stores, picking up ridiculously heavy items from watermelons to dresses. Sakuno stumbled back and forth, trying to hold the weight up as well as she could. "I still have a few yen of my own…I think I'll go buy some lunch…" Sakuno bought a small pack of rice cakes, and sat down to enjoy them. "I see you are out shopping again. You seem to do that a lot don't you?" Sakuno jumped at the sound of the familiar voice. It was not the prince's, but the voice was comforting nonetheless. "Fuji!" She turned to see the smiling face beside her. "You are carrying an awful lot of things. Why not ask for help?" "Oh…if I do, then my stepmother will be very displeased…" Sakuno looked down, hoping he wouldn't worry. As the two conversed, rain began pouring down, and villagers fled for shelter.
Sakuno jumped to her feet, smiling up at the sky. "This is wonderful!" Sakuno danced around the small square freely, giggling to herself. Fuji watched in amazement as the rain fell around her in slow motion, and that's when he realized the one thing no one else had. "You…" Fuji shot to his feet. "YOU ARE HER!" Sakuno stopped silently, turning to face him. They two stared at one another for a brief moment, and Fuji began towards her. "I knew it…Your smile…Your laugh…Your grace…Everything is just as Prince Ryoma described it! You must come with me now! He is waiting!" Fuji reached out his hand to her, hoping she would take it, but instead, she began backing away. "I can't go to him…I can't…" Fuji tried to stop her, but she was quick as the lightning that had begun flashing in the sky. "Don't tell him you saw me! Don't!" Sakuno cried as she gathered the packages into her wobbling arms and took off down the slippery road.
Fuji stood silently in the rain, contemplating deeply. Why does she not want to see the Prince? I thought she was in love with him…and Ryoma…What shall I say to him? The young knight decided to keep his promises, keeping his mouth shut about who he had seen at the market. "HEY FUJI!" A voice called from the distance mist. Fuji almost jumped out of his skin as he heard the tapping of horseshoes on cobblestone. "What are you doing?" The familiar image of young Ryoma riding his horse came into view. He looked very displeased. "Why did you drag me out here in the rain? Unless you found something, I am going to be very unhappy." Fuji remembered the saddened look in the young girl's eyes. The way she begged him not to tell Ryoma what he had seen. "I guess…you will be very unhappy with me then," Fuji said, walking past Ryoma. "I'll be right back," Ryoma called to Fuji, as he got off his horse.
The young prince made sure that his companion had turned his attention elsewhere, as he dashed down into the alleyway he knew so well. The fountain was overflowing with water, as coins rattled to the ground. Ryoma slowly slid to his knees, watching the coins. Mine must have fallen out as well…He closed his eyes tightly, remembering the wish he had made. He then reached into his pocket, pulling out another small yen. The same wish I made before…I wish to find my love… Ryoma then gently placed the coin at the bottom of the fountain, hoping it would not fall out, as had the others. "PRINCE RYOMA!" Fuji called from afar. "We need to hurry. I don't want you catching cold!" Ryoma smiled to himself. "Heh. It looks like I couldn't find you today, but I will…" Ryoma strolled over to Fuji, and got back on his horse. "Alright. Let's go…" The two rode off towards the castle, little did Ryoma know, that he had just missed his love in the same square he was in a few minutes ago.
"YOU UNGRATEFUL WRETCH!" Aoi screamed as she slapped around the soaked girl. "All the things I asked for are ruined! What the hell were you doing!" Sakuno felt the swift kicks to her sides, the yanks on her braids, the slaps across her face, yet she couldn't cry. She had to be strong somehow. Suddenly, the throbbing pain stopped, and Aoi pulled her chin up so she was looking her in the eye. "I know it was you. You were the one who stole the prince from my daughters…" Sakuno's eyes widened. She knew! She remained silent, and this enraged Aoi further. "ANSWER ME!" She shook the fragile girl about but got no answer. "Fine. If this is how you are to respond, then upstairs to your room! NOW!" Without a word, Sakuno trudged her wet and freezing body up the stairs, shutting the door behind her. She immediately changed into her sleeping gown, and crawled under the warm sheets. "I'm sorry Ryoma…I'm sorry."
The storm passed, and the night sky shone clear enough to see the stars. Sakuno had rested up during the afternoon, and was now staring out her window sadly. The castle was in perfect view from the little house on the hill. Sakuno closed her eyes, tightly clasping her hands together as she prayed silently. "Wherever he is…Whatever he does…Please let Ryoma stay safe and happy…You see…I love him more than anyone I have ever met before. Please do not put him in harm's way, because I would not be able to live with myself if anything happened to him…but most of all, let him find someone…someone just for him…"
Ryoma sat by the window as he did the night he spent with his princess. Peering out the window, he saw the sleeping town and the quiet house atop the hill. He closed his eyes tightly, remembering everything that had gone on for the past few weeks. He thought back to what Sakuno had taught him. Slowly he moved his hands together and looked at the stars twinkling outside his window. "I don't know if I'm going to find her or not…but it doesn't matter that much…If she is alive…and content then…that's okay…but if possible, at least let me see her again."
As both the prince and the peasant prayed into the night sky, a star fell. At the same time that star was wished upon. The same wish was made over and over again, and the star fell out of sight. The night was silent, and the whole land was hushed in sleep except for two. Two lovers who hoped to see the one they longed for so desperately. Eventually, Sakuno grew tired once again, and turned in, but Prince Ryoma was up the entire night. The next thing he knew, the sun had risen brightly into the sky. "Prince Ryoma." A soft knock came upon his door as he yawned. "I'm not eating today. Just leave me alone." Ryoma lost all his strength from his lack of sleep, and just barely made it to his bed, collapsing on it quickly.
"Prince Ryoma. You have to wake up." The door creaked open and Ryoma mumbled angrily. "Get out!" Fuji slipped into the room, smiling at the young boy sprawled across the bed. "You were up all night, weren't you?" Ryoma didn't answer, but just crawled under the soft blankets of his bed, cuddling his pillow. "Prince Ryoma…" Fuji kneeled by the side of the bed, waiting for the exhausted prince to open his eyes. When he did, Ryoma's view was filled with pink. "What is that?" He grumbled. "It's a pink sandal. Recognize it?" Ryoma's eyes filled with the memory of the young girl he had been with. He remembered their goings on in this room, and how she had backed towards the bed while taking off her PINK SANDALS! "HER SANDAL!"
Fuji smiled as Ryoma snapped to attention, waiting for Fuji to explain what he had it for. "If we try it on every maiden's foot in the kingdom, we are bound to find her." Fuji was surprised to see how quickly Ryoma darted around the room, flinging his closet open to pick out clothes, searching for boots. Fuji watched the young prince stumble around the room, trying to do everything at once. "HURRY THE HELL UP FUJI!" He ordered as he bolted to the door. "Coming Prince Ryoma!" He called after him, and the two prepared for departure. Before they left, Ryoma made sure to send Inui into the village to spread the word, and once he returned, the search would begin. Ryoma anxiously waited while Fuji got the horses, his legs shaking in anticipation. This was his last chance at happiness. He was going to find her no matter what!
"Mother! Mother! We just heard the most wonderful news!" The two daughters cried as they burst into their home from another day of shopping. "The prince is bringing around a sandal they found from the princess, and whoever fits it has to be the princess!" Aoi, unlike her daughters, was not excited about this news. She knew who the princess was and that sandal would fit her perfectly! She could NOT let that dirty little urchin steal her family's chance at riches! "Alright, then go upstairs and get dressed in your best. Hurry now!" As the two siblings rushed upstairs, Sakuno, who was almost knocked over, came down the stairs. She had overheard the conversation. She could finally get out of this place! This was her chance! After last night, she realized that she had to be with him! She wouldn't be happy unless she was, and this would lead her back to her love. "Because everyone in the house will be asked to try on the sandal, does that mean I can to?" She smiled sweetly, and was surprised at how kind her stepmother responded. "Of course dear. Now hurry upstairs and pick out another outfit to wear."
Sakuno felt overjoyed! This was it! We can be together soon Ryoma…She hurried up the stairs to her room, and while she threw clothes all over, trying to pick the best one out, she saw her stepmother coming towards the room. "Oh! Stepmother…" Aoi beat Sakuno to the door and slammed it. Sakuno stood in shock and sprung into action once she heard a click, realizing the door was locked. "NO PLEASE! LET ME OUT PLEASE!" "Now, stay up here like a good girl and wait until the Prince leaves. Act as though you do not exist." The last thing Sakuno heard were small shuffling footsteps as her prisoner left her. She beat relentlessly on the door, but soon found herself losing strength, and all she could do was crumple to the floor in tears. "Ryoma…Ryoma…"
"I believe this is our last stop in the area Prince Ryoma," Fuji said proudly. He knew that Sakuno lived there, and he knew that she was the one who Ryoma had been pining for. The reunion would be touching for both of them. They dismounted and knocked on the door and were greeted by two very overexcited girls. "OH! WELCOME PRINCE RYOMA! WE ARE SO GLAD YOU COULD COME!" Fuji stood in between the girls and Ryoma to protect his prince from the harpies on the other side of the door. "Ah. Do come in," Aoi offered as she curtsied. They entered and looked around. Fuji felt slight tension. "Is…Is this everyone?" He asked curiously. "Yes…Yes. No one else is here. Now let us sit in the living room, shall we?" She coaxed as she wrapped her arm around Ryoma's, leading him away from the stairs and into the other room with her daughters in tow. Fuji took one last confused look around and joined them.
Little did they know that they were being watched by little eyes around the stairs. "Where is CinderSakuno? She's not there!" Sengoku looked around as his friends panicked. "Come on guys! I hear something!" The chibis climbed up the endless stairs until they reached Sakuno's door. "CinderSakuno!" Sengoku reached his small hand under the door as he felt her finger brush it. "What's wrong?" "You have to help me! My stepmother locked me in there and Ryoma and Fuji are down there! I have to get me out of here!" "We'll help you CinderSakuno!" The chibis cried, but suddenly grew quiet. "Guys! Are you alright!" All Sakuno heard was a loud growl as the small screams and pitter patter of small feet running. Oh no…Horio is going to kill them... Sakuno flung her window open, calling out to the birds who sat near the window. "GET KACHIRO! HURRY!" And off the birds flew into the barn.
Kachiro had been sleeping peacefully, for he was not allowed in the house at this time. The birds swooped down, pulling on his ears and tail, trying desperately to get him up. All he did was lazily look at them and put his head back down. Suddenly the cries of his master called to him. "Please Kachiro! You have to save my friends!" With a few more coaxes from the birds, he was off, bursting through the back door and up the stairs so no one would catch him. "I don't think it fits…" Fuji said as he removed the sandal from Ann's foot. "Oh my god! You shrunk it! That's all! It really did fit!" Ryoma rolled his eyes silently as he watched from his chair. Where is she…neither of these girls can be her…
The chibis had been backed into a corner of the hallway, Horio looming over them hungrily. He was ready to pounce, when the loud barks of Kachiro filled the hall. The next thing Horio knew, he was running for his life from the snarling dog chasing him. "GUYS!" This time it was Sakuno who stuck her hand under the door, waiting for Sengoku's brush. "Don't worry CinderSakuno! We'll get the key!" And off the chibis ran. They looked down to see the key resting on the table beside Aoi. "How are we gonna get it all the way down there?" Dan asked. "Ladder!" Soon enough, chibis were hanging down from the railing down to the key. Sengoku stepped onto the table, only to find Aoi moving her hand. He quickly grabbed hold of the treasure, but was accidentally picked up along with it, and placed in the dark pocket of Aoi. He squirmed, but was knocked out from the impact of the brass key on his head.
"I'm going in!" Cried Dan who was closest to the table now. He found his footing, and dove deep into the darkness, feeling around for Sengoku. Once he found him and stirred him back to reality, the two carried off the key and ran back to the chibi ladder. They passed up the key first, almost dropping it halfway. Carefully the chibis passed it one by one until it was on the top floor, and then they began lifting each other up. Fuji and Ryoma had both spaced out during one of the stepmother's long stories, and they had both seen the chibis. Both looked wide eyed and turned back to the story thinking it was only an illusion of some sort. The group had made it up and were all congratulating each other while a sleepy Jiroh looked up from his resting place to see Horio flying at them again. "GUYS! GUYS!" He cried out, and off they ran, the key being carried along with them. How would they make it all the way down the hall to Sakuno?
As the others ran, Oshitari began a backwards jog, looking past Horio to see Kachiro still running. "I have an idea!" The wise chibi called to the rest. After calling a plan to them, they put it into action. Horio was glad to see them stop as he licked his fangs, hoping to sink his teeth into one of them. As he pounced, he landed on a tablecloth, sending him down the hall. The chibis took this opportunity to jump on the back of the mighty dog and rode him down to Sakuno's room. "The sandal is much too small for you…I'm sorry…" Fuji removed the sandal from Tomo's feet as she argued with him. "It's mine! My feet were just swollen from dancing that night!" Ryoma silently shook his head as Tomo and Ann continued their argument. Fuji nervously looked at the clock. Their time was running short, and Sakuno was no where in sight.
The chibis stacked onto one another again, and reached the key into the lock, turning it and falling into a heap as Sakuno opened the door. "Oh thank you all! Thank you!" She cried as she pulled them against her. "Hurry CinderSakuno!" "Well…This has all been fun, but we need to leave," Ryoma interrupted the argument. "OH! But surely you will come back when my daughters have more time to prepare!" Aoi tried to block their path, but they pushed past her briskly. "I'm sorry. We must go." Fuji stopped at the door, turning again. "Are you sure that there is no one else in the house?" "Of course! There is no one else in the h…" "WAIT! YOUR MAJESTY!" The group ran to the stairs to see Sakuno running down the staircase in a hurry. Fuji sighed in relief. She is here. Thank goodness. Sakuno had a few steps left when her foot caught a bump, and down she tumbled.
"OH!" Sakuno's instincts caused her to shut her eyes, and once again, she felt a pair of strong arms catch her. She pressed into the chest of her rescuer as she heard a laugh. She looked up to see Ryoma laughing. "Are you alright?" He said through his laugh and she scratched her head. "Sorry!" "Shall we try on the sandal?" Fuji asked her directly, winking at her. "Yes please!" They moved back into the family room with the stunned relatives behind them. "Oh! The sandal…where?" Fuji saw the sandal resting on a footrest near the fireplace. "OH! There it…" Aoi called Horio down quickly, and the cat slid down the stairs, knocking over the footrest. Sakuno felt as though this moment was in slow motion. The sandal flew through the air landing directly into the fire, melting in seconds.
The room was silent. Sakuno felt her heart sinking and crashing. The only proof she had…the only proof she had was gone in the blink of an eye! Fuji and Ryoma crouched by the fire, seeing what was left, and of course, Aoi and her daughters paid attention to them. Sakuno heard a whisper as she turned away from the excitement. "S…Sengoku? Guys? What are you doing?" She whispered leaning down. "Here!" Her small chibi friends passed forth the matching pink sandal. "You remember? We kept it in the wall to remember all the fun we had that night! You need it now so we can all get outta here and be happy!" Sakuno happily took the sandal, tears filling in her eyes. She was touched by their kindness. After blowing them another kiss, she ran over to the group around the fire. "Excuse me…um…but what do we do with this?"
They all turned to see the matching pink sandal. Ryoma and Fuji smiled even wider as Aoi and her daughters shrieked in shock. "Let's see if it fits then." Sakuno handed the sandal to Fuji, who turned to the young prince. "Maybe if you do this one, we can find our princess." Ryoma smiled slightly at his knight as he took the sandal and kneeled before Sakuno while she sat down. The sandal was slid gingerly on her foot, and fit in place perfectly. Ryoma looked up at Sakuno as she looked down at him. "Looks like all that wishing came through for us…" Sakuno smiled as Ryoma stood up, pulling her along with him before kissing her tenderly.
The wedding was beautiful. The entire area came out to see the happy couple get married. Sakuno had never felt such loving feelings in her life! Even if it was a dream, she hoped it would never end. After the long evening, the two retired to Ryoma's bedroom where they shared an evening of passionate love. There was no doubt. No holding back. Nothing stopping them from the love they made. "Ryoma…I have a question," Sakuno whispered as she looked up at the top of the canopy. Ryoma slowly caught his breath from the recent tussle the two had. "What is it?" "Well…my friend…she has had a crush on this boy she met…um…and she doesn't know if he likes her or not…" "What's the boy like?" Sakuno smiled to herself. "Just like you…" "And what is the girl like?" "Just like me…"
Ryoma turned on his side, peering into his beloved's eyes. "Then tell your friend to be herself and nothing else. That's why I love you so much. You were yourself." Sakuno blushed lightly and smiled at him. "Thank you. She'll love that advice." Ryoma gently touched Sakuno's cheek before kissing her on the forehead. "Get some sleep. It's late." Ryoma was surprised when Sakuno's expression saddened. "What's wrong?" "What if it's a dream? If I wake up…you won't be there…" Sakuno traced her fingers along every inch of his body as she spoke, hoping to be able to touch him like this forever. "If it's a dream…then it was the most magnificent dream I've ever had…" With that, they shared one final kiss before drifting off to sleep.
RING RING RING! Sakuno shot up, looking around to see her room. Everything was back to the way it was. The book was still under her, and Sakuno held it close to her again while she sat up. The phone had been ringing nonstop until she picked it up. "Hey you didn't call me back! You must have found something really exciting!" Sakuno sat by her window, gazing out of it as she answered. "Yes…I drifted off into a fantastic dream." As their conversation continued, Ryoma was riding by her house on his bicycle. Sakuno's heart leapt. My prince. "Tomo! Sorry! I have to go again! BYE!" Sakuno quickly tossed the phone aside, but doubt swept in. What if he doesn't want to talk to me? Then Sakuno remembered the words she had been told over and over. Be yourself and nothing else. Out the door she ran, calling his name. "RYOMA! RYOMA!" Ryoma stopped to move to the curb, and Sakuno caught her foot on a rock. The next thing she knew, she was in his arms.
"I'm so sorry! I just get so clumsy sometimes…" "You don't have to apologize," Ryoma said nonchalantly as he helped her to her feet. "Where are you going?" "I was gonna go hit some balls around." Sakuno had a feeling, and instead of backing down, she was brave. "Can I come with you?" It was strange, but Sakuno looked up to see Ryoma smiling at her. "Fine. Come on." Ryoma shifted back on his bike, giving her room to sit in front of him. As she climbed on, his arms rested on either side of her, keeping her balance. "Hang on." And off they went.
Years had passed since that time. People had graduated, moved away, and changed altogether. "It still looks the same after ten years," an older Sakuno said as she began moving boxes into the shrine she had known so well. "I guess. Dad didn't do that bad a job on it," Ryoma added as he brought in the last of the boxes. "Hey Ryoma!" Nanjirou called as he entered the room. "I'm glad you three are finally coming to live with us! I mean, you've been married for how long?" "Almost two years," Sakuno said with a smile. "Yeah! And it's about time you came back for awhile!" Nanjirou playfully messed with his son's hair. "By the way, where is the third?" The three looked around until a small girl waddled into the house carrying a book. "Mommy! Look what I found!" The little girl exclaimed as Sakuno picked her up. Ryoma took the book, looking it over. "What is this?" "Oh! It's a book I used to read when I was a little girl. And then I found it one day when I was about thirteen. I ended up falling asleep with it and I had the most wonderful dream, and since then, I've kept it close."
Sakuno turned to her husband and smiled. "If not for that book, I wouldn't have had the courage to come up to you ten years ago. Remember?" The two rested on the couch with their small child in between them. Ryoma stretched his arms behind his head. "Yeah. I was riding my bike to the courts and you wanted to come with me. We ended up playing until dark. That was the first time I kissed you." He looked over at his lovely wife as she giggled. "You remember it so well!" She then rested the book on her daughter's lap. "We have to keep this book. It's something very special." "Let's read it! Let's read it!" The little girl said in an excited tone. "Oh! You want to read it?" The little girl nodded and opened to the page with a very dusty bookmark. "Cinder…Ella…" Ryoma put his arm around Sakuno and kissed her gently as the two watched their daughter try to read through the story. "This is…the story...of…a…lovely…maid…en…and…a prince."
Both CinderSakuno and her Prince felt pained as they were distanced, but in a twist of fate, a sandal brought them together. Fuji, one of the Seigaku knights discovered CinderSakuno's identity, but the opportunity was missed as she ran off into the rain. Another wish on a fountain and a star might have changed their luck. The kingdom was searched high and low, and finally they came upon CinderSakuno's home. She was cruelly locked away, but thanks to the efforts of her loyal friends, she came just in time only to see the sandal burned. But we mustn't forget the sandal hidden in the wall! A perfect fit. CinderSakuno and the Prince married soon after, living happily ever after. Dear Sakuno awakened only to find her happiness a dream, but one lesson was learned. Be yourself and nothing else. With this, she set off after her prince. Ten years later, Sakuno's dream had come true. She had wed Ryoma and they had settled down with his family and their daughter in Japan. Another happy ending.