Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters
PLEASE READ NOTE!!
A.N.: hey there!! I am in tears right now, because fanfiction.net is finally working for me and letting me update!! (you may have noticed the sudden gap between 6/9 and 6/14 in the story dates) I was trying for almost a straight week and even had to e-mail them I was having so many problems...i'm just glad it finally worked!! ^_^
This chapter focuses a lot on Domon and Rain's relationship, as well as Sai Sici's condition...I'm sorry if it's a little dull, but it's all leading up to the climax, which will come soon!!
Thanks once again to my chapter 7/A.N. reviewers:
Mystic Darkness: hey there!! Wow, I'm glad you reviewed twice, that was really nice of you. People sometimes just review once and you never hear from them again, but I hope that you'll keep reading and reviewing!! And thank you for e-mailing me!! I'm always glad to hear from my readers outside of reviews, it's really nice!!
Animechick: wow, thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoy my writing style!! And don't be discouraged, I'm sure you're a terrific writer!! If there's one thing I always try to do, it's to encourage other people to write more fanfics!! (just ask Skye Silvereye, I've been pestering her for a while now!) if you ever want help or someone to edit your stuff, feel free to ask me!!
halstar@animation: ::laugh:: I'm glad you're addicted...i hope you're still alive out there!! I really tried to update as soon as possible, but something happened with fanfiction...and it's still not showing all of my reviews...oh, well!! Thanks for the compliment, hope you come back for more!!
Kumoko Himura: hey, you wouldn't happen to be a fellow Rurouni Kenshin fan, would you? Just a guess, I noticed your last name, and put two and two together...anyway, I've also been having problems with fanfiction.net, but it's okay now...i don't think I'm that popular ::blush:: and I promise to go check out your fic, just as soon as I finish updating!!
Lil Evil: hey, glad you're still reading...i like George too!!! Thanks for the review, and I hope you continue to stop by!
Kaze Ishikawa: thank you so much for being understanding. I've included a little bit more of Ulube in this chapter, but believe me, there is much more of him to come!!
XP-Dark Angel: hey there, thanks for reviewing again!!! It's always nice when people come back to review...The whole Domon/Rain scene is continued here, so enjoy!!
Kitten Kisses: Thanks for trying to think of ideas for me and reviewing for both chapters!...if you ever do have some ideas, feel free to let me know right away!! I hope you keep coming back for more! P.S.- just to answer your question, yes, Rain's necklace is important ^_^ As for George, well, you'll just have to wait and see!!
Lina 567: Hey there...Sorry this chapter focuses mainly on Rain, Domon, and Sai Sici, but next chapter I am going to include more G/ML, definitely!!
Skye Silvereye: thanks for reviewing, as always!! I always look forward to seeing people come back and leave reviews! I'm glad you can be patient, thanks for protecting me from angry readers!! And thanks for offering to help me ^_^ I got things moving pretty well, but if I do in the future, I'll be sure to ask you! Keep working on that story!!
Punky: Thanks for reviewing again!! I'm always really glad when I see people returning to review my work, it shows that I must be doing something right, at least I hope so!! Anyway, be sure to keep it up!
Animefreak5483: thanks for the review!! I hope that you continue to review and keep reading! Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Goten's Gurl: ::laugh:: yes, I finally updated!! Sorry to keep you hanging there for a while, but I finished chapter 8!! I hope you like it, be sure to let me know!!
Filia101: WOW! An Oscar, huh? That's really flattering, I can't tell you how nice it is to hear that!! I'm not really happy with this chapter still, but I'm still posting because I've worked it to death. You found a story just like mine? That's really odd...i never noticed anything like that, but they sound pretty similar. Just a question, when did they post? I first published 3/23/03. I don't want to overreact, but could you maybe give me your opinion on the situation? And just to let you know, I always read my reviews!! I hope to hear from you again!!
Sweetangel: thank you so much for the complement! It's really nice of you to stop by, and I hope you keep doing so! And of course I'm going to finish it!!! I could never just leave you guys hanging, although I know it seems like that!!
Yogi Mutoh: I'm glad you appreciated all the twists and angsty scenes, I'm sorry there aren't that many this chapter, but as I get closer and closer to the conclusion, I can promise plenty more!! I hope you keep reading!!
Shinna: well, I suppose that I answered your first question in my note...as for the second, I'm not quite sure how many chapters yet...maybe around 14, but I'm really not sure yet. It could be more or less. Either way, I hope you keep reading!!
Shorty: I'm glad I have you questioning, that's what I wanted!! Many of your questions are answered in this chapter, although I still leave you hanging with what happens in Domon's room...As for Allenby and Ulube, I touch on it here, but that will be revealed in the next couple of chapters. You'll just have to keep reading!!
Kitty Luver: Yes, Ulube is a sorcerer! I actually got the idea from a quote from him at the end of the series, where he comments on being an evil sorcerer...Poor Sai's in trouble!! And next chapter I'm thinking of including some big D/R and G/ML scenes, but I don't know yet... glad I'm not the only one having problems with fanfiction.net! aw, and thanks so much for being understanding...it really means a lot to me...
Feona: ::laugh:: I can't just tell you what's going to happen!! You have to wait and see. Be sure to keep reading to find out!
Posypanco: I'm glad you like the story, and no, it's not going to be lemon or lime, as you will see! While that may be for others, I'm not into that writing style. Allenby's temper did kinda go berserk, but that's how I connect her in my fic to the series: the berserker system, temper...it's all connected
GoldAngel: Wow!! You always have the nicest things to say, I'm really glad that you like my work!! I'm quite flattered, I hope that you continue to review and let me know if I screw anything up so I can change it!!
*~*~*~*
WARNING: okay, I have included even more magical elements now since it has been requested several times by my reviewers, even from the very first chapter. I hope that I don't loose any readers/reviewers purely because of this, but the story simply wouldn't capture the essence of a true medieval tale without the magic associated with the time period. I have done quite a bit of research on some of the topics, and there are many theories out there, I'm only choosing to use some of them that can work with the plot line.
P.S.- I apologize if it's a little short, but it's kinda an in between chapter, building up to the climax, coming soon!! (many surprises await you!!)
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 8
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Sai Sici's eyes fluttered open, confronting the night. His entire back throbbed in agony and as he sat forward, pain shot up throughout his body. Unable to prevent it, a small cry was released from his lips, but he quickly silenced himself. Why was he so warm? The room was like a furnace it was so hot! Supporting his body with the wall, he kicked off his blanket and pulled himself up off the mat. Where exactly was he? Turning, he spotted a great, luxurious bed.
Approaching slowly as to not increase the pain with sharp movements, Sai peered into the bed at the figures. To his utter surprise, it was Prince Domon and Rain!! He stood there gawking at them lying there together. Then he smiled. The couple looked so peaceful with their bodies perfectly entwined together; her head and hand resting gently on his chest, his arm wrapped lazily around her petite figure, head turned in towards hers. Yes, perfect was the right word to describe them. That's exactly what they were together. Just seeing them made him homesick for Mersenia and Cecil, his own love.
Cecil was so charming and sweet, he had never met any other girl that had caused such feelings in him. He wanted to always be there for her, to care for her and protect her. However, there was that problem of her overprotective brother, Hans. He disapproved of Sai's affections towards Cecil and would never allow him to marry her. Sai had nothing to offer Cecil in marriage, and she was most likely fated to marry another who could provide her with a better life than a stable boy. Yes, Cecil's position as a scullery maid certainly limited how wealthy a husband she could find, but most any would be better financially than him.
He loved Cecil very much, but without more money, he could not get her brother's approval; and without her brother's approval, he could never marry her; and if he could never marry her, he would be miserable. Why wasn't love enough?
As he turned away from the pair, the pain once again raced through his system, this time affecting his vision. Everything became hazy, his body swaying and staggering, nausea taking control of his stomach. What was wrong with him? He wiped the back of his hand across a sweaty brow as he groped about for something to hold his feeble body upright when his knees shook and he collapsed, knocking over a nightstand with a clatter. The darkness engulfed him as he returned once again to an unconscious state.
*~*~*~*
Rain awoke at the sound and she looked around to register what was happening. When her eyes fluttered open, she flushed as she noticed how closely she and Domon had been sleeping, only adding to her already heated state from the warmth his body had radiated when next to hers. When had that happened? She was sure that had she been awake, she never would have let her body do something like that. But the mind lowers its barriers when asleep.
It was quite indecent, seeing as how he was dressed only waist down, and her dress was at quite an indecorous length, right below her knees. Yet, she didn't want to move, her body reveling in the feel of his. She shivered at the sudden cold when he left her side, aching desperately for his warm touch once again.
Domon was already up lighting a candle. "It's Sai Sici."
"What!?" She jumped up and followed Domon to where Sai lay sprawled on the floor. "He must have tried getting up and moving about. That's terrible for him in this condition." She lit a second candle and approached, kneeling down to examine Sai Sici.
His face had turned a sickly pale colour, beads of sweat spread across his countenance. Placing a hand on his forehead, she assessed his situation.
"His state has worsened greatly. He has an extremely high fever. We were too late when we cleaned out his injuries, the scabs already sealed in the infection. It has spread throughout his system."
"What are you going to do?"
"Cleaning the wounds again would give no beneficial outcome, and may even create further infection with the risks involved in reopening the gashes and exposing them once again."
"So, are you saying that there's nothing we can do?"
She shook her head despondently as she removed her hand from Sai's forehead, and quietly replied. "Nothing that could help him significantly, no."
Domon slammed a fist down onto a dresser. "There has to be something we can do. I can't just sit around here and watch him die! I won't be helpless!"
Her sorrowful gaze met Domon's. "I'm afraid that all we can do is wait. I'm sorry."
"Why can't you do anything! I can't believe you're just going to let his life slip through your fingers as he dies!" His voice grew agitated.
Rain looked down at her useless hands folded on the lap of her wrinkled dress with shame and repeated what she had previously stated with a whisper. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry is not going to save his life, Marie-Louise," he stated irately, crossing his arms over his bare chest.
Rain clutched her hands together into fists at his abrasive words. Unable to remain in the room any longer, she picked up the water basin and left, mumbling something under her breath about fetching more water, trying not to run from the cause of her pain as the tears hung ominously on her lashes, threatening to spill.
*~*~*~*
He really shouldn't have been so hard on her, but he was just so perturbed.
And terrified.
Terrified of her. Of what she was doing to him. Of what he couldn't control, how he felt.
NO!!! He didn't feel anything for her! She was nothing to him.
So why couldn't he stop it? Why couldn't he stop this need to be with her, to touch her and hold her close, to know she was there, safe by his side. He was so afraid of what he couldn't understand, of what he didn't know. Afraid of giving his heart and being hurt in return.
He needed to distance himself from her, remain as far as possible so he wouldn't be tempted. He needed to distract himself with something, anything. But it didn't seem to work. She was always there, and he had always acted impulsively, his body and heart refusing to obey his mind's commands.
His pulse raced as he remembered her head and hand gently resting on his chest as she slept. For some unknown and uncontrollable reason, he had wrapped a protective arm around her, wanting to shield her from harm. Even more mystifying, he enjoyed it. Lying there like that, he could honestly say that given the choice, he never would have fallen asleep, just stayed there forever, stroking her silken hair, watching her as she slept, and wondering if he was in her dreams.
But that's NOT what he wanted!! He shook his head, his mind whirling with frustration. Confusion prevented him from thinking clearly, but he came to the same conclusion every time. Distance. The farther from her he was, the easier his life would be.
Out of sight, out of mind. Right?
*~*~*~*
Since when had she become so weak? Domon's words and actions never used to affect her this much. She was miserable now that Domon was upset with her. And he was right. Sai Sici's life WAS slipping through her fingers. His life was in her hands, her worthless, pathetic hands, and he was dying. She couldn't stand the thought of loosing any of her patients. If she lost someone so dear to her as Sai, she wouldn't be able to live with herself. And Domon would never see her again. Not that he would anyway after she left.
The soft moonlight spilled out onto the river, shining like millions of sapphires from the ripples she created as she refilled the china basin with the glittering water. Gazing down into the bowl she had placed on her knees, she stared at her reflection, the moon distant in the background.
Who was she? Marie-Louise or Rain? Princess or servant girl? She had deceived everyone else, and now she didn't even know. She was two people, yet the same. Wasn't it the person on the inside that really matters and always shines through? So why was she so confused?
A single tear dropped from her cheek, splashing in the basin. She wiped the streak away, forcing herself to not break down and lose it when she needed to remain calm and collected. As she turned to walk back, she was met with a sudden flash of brilliant white light. She squinted, then looked again, her eyes meeting the figure of what had to be an elegant unicorn (1). The appearance took her breath away, and she froze, unable to move. Its alabaster coat shimmered gently, the long, wispy mane and tail waved in the breeze. Turning its bright eyes towards Rain, it seemingly floated over to her. The horn glistened a pure silvery-white, and it bent, the tip of the alicorn (2) barely touching the water in the basin.
"The pressure of the hands causes the springs of life to grow."
Its voice was quiet, not spoken aloud, only heard in her mind as a silken whisper. It then raised its head, and seemed to be leaving when it paused at the sight of her necklace. Faintly gesturing to her softly glowing pendant, it spoke once again in riddles.
"Look beneath the surface, to the mysteries inside."
And with that, it was gone, leaving a mystified Rain to wonder if it had all been a dream.
Eventually leaving from the spot, she finally returned with the basin, a slightly perplexed look on her face. He was still standing in the same position, leaning coldly against the wall as he watched over Sai Sici. Without saying a word, she knelt, setting the basin down and pushing up her sleeves. He didn't bother to discuss the sleeping arrangement, or apologize for his callous words. No, stone warriors don't apologize. Drenching a rag into the cool water, she stroked it along Sai's heated face.
Yes, it would be one long, cold night.
*~*~*~*
Allenby glared at her image in her shattered mirror, lit up now by the sun peering in through the curtains. What was that common cliché about if you broke a mirror? Seven years bad luck? Ha! What did it matter, anyway? She had enough bad luck to last her a century, now that her hard work and plans had done nothing. Her power had all been yanked out from under her by that brat princess.
She pinched her cheeks, hoping that the feminine flush there would take away attention from her red-rimmed, narrow eyes and the dark bags looming underneath. Turning sharply, she dug the heels of her slippers into the shards of glass, attempting to release her anger. Slamming the door shut, she pounded out of the room, the echoes of her clacking shoes haunting the halls.
As she whirled around a corner, she slammed into something large and strong.
"Fool! Watch where you are going!"
Lord Ulube stood there, staring down at Allenby. "I apologize, my lady."
He felt her aura (3) issuing forth, so strong was it that he didn't even need to search for it: scheming, frustrated, hurt, suffering, betrayal, hatred. She was passionate, full of turmoil and complicated feelings. Curious, he wondered what had caused her to be this way.
In order to achieve skin to skin contact, he stretched out his hand, taking hers into his own in a greeting as he lowered his head slightly. "I am Lord Ulube Ishikawa. I hope I have not injured you." He saw flashes of Domon, then Princess Marie-Louise. 'You can just stay here for the night.'
How perfect. Allenby wanted Domon, and he wanted the Princess Marie- Louise.
Smiling, he offered her his arm. She looked a bit surprised, then accepted it and he led her towards the gardens. They had quite a bit to discuss, both with similar problems. Perhaps they could come to a mutual agreement.
*~*~*~*
Marie-Louise stretched as she rose from her exhausted state. She hadn't slept very well, due to her conclusion about George last night. After she had returned, she had immediately collapsed into bed, completely forgetting about Rain and sobbed into her pillow for what seemed like hours, eventually falling asleep. It hurt so much. Why did she have to fall in love? She had never experienced heartbreak before, but it was happening now, for the first time in her life. And she prayed that it would be the last.
No matter how hard she tried, though, she couldn't forget those eyes. Those lovely violet eyes that were so extraordinary, she loved them the first time she saw them. Why couldn't they love her back?
Because she was nothing, nothing but a servant, that's why. And noble knights don't fall in love and marry lowly servants, no matter their moral standing. Oh, how easy it would be to tell him the truth! To tell everyone the truth and not have to hide anymore. To simply end the foolish game right now, and live, just be who she was and not have to pretend. Then there would be a better chance of George reciprocating her feelings. He would surely love her if she was Princess Marie-Louise!
And she was. But why couldn't he see it?
With a sigh, she forced herself to abandon her daydreams and musings. Remembering Rain, she went to the door separating the two rooms, and entered her chambers, only to find no one there. The bed had no sign of being slept in, and it appeared that Rain hadn't returned to her room at all last night. Then where was she??
She dressed hurriedly and found Kyoji in the library, quickly explaining the situation. At hearing this from her, he began to search all rooms, examining everything carefully.
"I want to stop and ask Domon if he's perhaps seen her before we head down to the stables." Kyoji banged on the younger prince's door. "Domon? Domon! Wake up!"
When no one answered, he tried the doorknob. Finding it locked, he kicked the door open with a shout. The heavy barrier slammed open with a bang to reveal a scene before him that caused his eyebrows to raise in utter surprise.
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Marie-Louise inquired.
*~*~*~*
(1): Just a small background on unicorns...They are mystical creatures that are often seen to take different forms, depending on the culture. I chose the typical Western concept of a horse-like figure; however, despite the different conceptions, most showed them as white in color. The unicorn is one of the few mythical creatures that does not stand for evil and pain. Instead, it is a symbol of purity, hope, majesty, gentleness, wisdom, and love. They were mysterious creatures, summoned to help others, often involved in healing. They would speak in riddles, and their visits were short and fleeting.
(2): The alicorn is the term for the unicorn's horn.
(3): An aura is a distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing, oftentimes hinting at a person's internal feelings and personality.
*~*~*~*
PLEASE READ NOTE!!
A.N.: hey there!! I am in tears right now, because fanfiction.net is finally working for me and letting me update!! (you may have noticed the sudden gap between 6/9 and 6/14 in the story dates) I was trying for almost a straight week and even had to e-mail them I was having so many problems...i'm just glad it finally worked!! ^_^
This chapter focuses a lot on Domon and Rain's relationship, as well as Sai Sici's condition...I'm sorry if it's a little dull, but it's all leading up to the climax, which will come soon!!
Thanks once again to my chapter 7/A.N. reviewers:
Mystic Darkness: hey there!! Wow, I'm glad you reviewed twice, that was really nice of you. People sometimes just review once and you never hear from them again, but I hope that you'll keep reading and reviewing!! And thank you for e-mailing me!! I'm always glad to hear from my readers outside of reviews, it's really nice!!
Animechick: wow, thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoy my writing style!! And don't be discouraged, I'm sure you're a terrific writer!! If there's one thing I always try to do, it's to encourage other people to write more fanfics!! (just ask Skye Silvereye, I've been pestering her for a while now!) if you ever want help or someone to edit your stuff, feel free to ask me!!
halstar@animation: ::laugh:: I'm glad you're addicted...i hope you're still alive out there!! I really tried to update as soon as possible, but something happened with fanfiction...and it's still not showing all of my reviews...oh, well!! Thanks for the compliment, hope you come back for more!!
Kumoko Himura: hey, you wouldn't happen to be a fellow Rurouni Kenshin fan, would you? Just a guess, I noticed your last name, and put two and two together...anyway, I've also been having problems with fanfiction.net, but it's okay now...i don't think I'm that popular ::blush:: and I promise to go check out your fic, just as soon as I finish updating!!
Lil Evil: hey, glad you're still reading...i like George too!!! Thanks for the review, and I hope you continue to stop by!
Kaze Ishikawa: thank you so much for being understanding. I've included a little bit more of Ulube in this chapter, but believe me, there is much more of him to come!!
XP-Dark Angel: hey there, thanks for reviewing again!!! It's always nice when people come back to review...The whole Domon/Rain scene is continued here, so enjoy!!
Kitten Kisses: Thanks for trying to think of ideas for me and reviewing for both chapters!...if you ever do have some ideas, feel free to let me know right away!! I hope you keep coming back for more! P.S.- just to answer your question, yes, Rain's necklace is important ^_^ As for George, well, you'll just have to wait and see!!
Lina 567: Hey there...Sorry this chapter focuses mainly on Rain, Domon, and Sai Sici, but next chapter I am going to include more G/ML, definitely!!
Skye Silvereye: thanks for reviewing, as always!! I always look forward to seeing people come back and leave reviews! I'm glad you can be patient, thanks for protecting me from angry readers!! And thanks for offering to help me ^_^ I got things moving pretty well, but if I do in the future, I'll be sure to ask you! Keep working on that story!!
Punky: Thanks for reviewing again!! I'm always really glad when I see people returning to review my work, it shows that I must be doing something right, at least I hope so!! Anyway, be sure to keep it up!
Animefreak5483: thanks for the review!! I hope that you continue to review and keep reading! Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Goten's Gurl: ::laugh:: yes, I finally updated!! Sorry to keep you hanging there for a while, but I finished chapter 8!! I hope you like it, be sure to let me know!!
Filia101: WOW! An Oscar, huh? That's really flattering, I can't tell you how nice it is to hear that!! I'm not really happy with this chapter still, but I'm still posting because I've worked it to death. You found a story just like mine? That's really odd...i never noticed anything like that, but they sound pretty similar. Just a question, when did they post? I first published 3/23/03. I don't want to overreact, but could you maybe give me your opinion on the situation? And just to let you know, I always read my reviews!! I hope to hear from you again!!
Sweetangel: thank you so much for the complement! It's really nice of you to stop by, and I hope you keep doing so! And of course I'm going to finish it!!! I could never just leave you guys hanging, although I know it seems like that!!
Yogi Mutoh: I'm glad you appreciated all the twists and angsty scenes, I'm sorry there aren't that many this chapter, but as I get closer and closer to the conclusion, I can promise plenty more!! I hope you keep reading!!
Shinna: well, I suppose that I answered your first question in my note...as for the second, I'm not quite sure how many chapters yet...maybe around 14, but I'm really not sure yet. It could be more or less. Either way, I hope you keep reading!!
Shorty: I'm glad I have you questioning, that's what I wanted!! Many of your questions are answered in this chapter, although I still leave you hanging with what happens in Domon's room...As for Allenby and Ulube, I touch on it here, but that will be revealed in the next couple of chapters. You'll just have to keep reading!!
Kitty Luver: Yes, Ulube is a sorcerer! I actually got the idea from a quote from him at the end of the series, where he comments on being an evil sorcerer...Poor Sai's in trouble!! And next chapter I'm thinking of including some big D/R and G/ML scenes, but I don't know yet... glad I'm not the only one having problems with fanfiction.net! aw, and thanks so much for being understanding...it really means a lot to me...
Feona: ::laugh:: I can't just tell you what's going to happen!! You have to wait and see. Be sure to keep reading to find out!
Posypanco: I'm glad you like the story, and no, it's not going to be lemon or lime, as you will see! While that may be for others, I'm not into that writing style. Allenby's temper did kinda go berserk, but that's how I connect her in my fic to the series: the berserker system, temper...it's all connected
GoldAngel: Wow!! You always have the nicest things to say, I'm really glad that you like my work!! I'm quite flattered, I hope that you continue to review and let me know if I screw anything up so I can change it!!
*~*~*~*
WARNING: okay, I have included even more magical elements now since it has been requested several times by my reviewers, even from the very first chapter. I hope that I don't loose any readers/reviewers purely because of this, but the story simply wouldn't capture the essence of a true medieval tale without the magic associated with the time period. I have done quite a bit of research on some of the topics, and there are many theories out there, I'm only choosing to use some of them that can work with the plot line.
P.S.- I apologize if it's a little short, but it's kinda an in between chapter, building up to the climax, coming soon!! (many surprises await you!!)
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 8
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Sai Sici's eyes fluttered open, confronting the night. His entire back throbbed in agony and as he sat forward, pain shot up throughout his body. Unable to prevent it, a small cry was released from his lips, but he quickly silenced himself. Why was he so warm? The room was like a furnace it was so hot! Supporting his body with the wall, he kicked off his blanket and pulled himself up off the mat. Where exactly was he? Turning, he spotted a great, luxurious bed.
Approaching slowly as to not increase the pain with sharp movements, Sai peered into the bed at the figures. To his utter surprise, it was Prince Domon and Rain!! He stood there gawking at them lying there together. Then he smiled. The couple looked so peaceful with their bodies perfectly entwined together; her head and hand resting gently on his chest, his arm wrapped lazily around her petite figure, head turned in towards hers. Yes, perfect was the right word to describe them. That's exactly what they were together. Just seeing them made him homesick for Mersenia and Cecil, his own love.
Cecil was so charming and sweet, he had never met any other girl that had caused such feelings in him. He wanted to always be there for her, to care for her and protect her. However, there was that problem of her overprotective brother, Hans. He disapproved of Sai's affections towards Cecil and would never allow him to marry her. Sai had nothing to offer Cecil in marriage, and she was most likely fated to marry another who could provide her with a better life than a stable boy. Yes, Cecil's position as a scullery maid certainly limited how wealthy a husband she could find, but most any would be better financially than him.
He loved Cecil very much, but without more money, he could not get her brother's approval; and without her brother's approval, he could never marry her; and if he could never marry her, he would be miserable. Why wasn't love enough?
As he turned away from the pair, the pain once again raced through his system, this time affecting his vision. Everything became hazy, his body swaying and staggering, nausea taking control of his stomach. What was wrong with him? He wiped the back of his hand across a sweaty brow as he groped about for something to hold his feeble body upright when his knees shook and he collapsed, knocking over a nightstand with a clatter. The darkness engulfed him as he returned once again to an unconscious state.
*~*~*~*
Rain awoke at the sound and she looked around to register what was happening. When her eyes fluttered open, she flushed as she noticed how closely she and Domon had been sleeping, only adding to her already heated state from the warmth his body had radiated when next to hers. When had that happened? She was sure that had she been awake, she never would have let her body do something like that. But the mind lowers its barriers when asleep.
It was quite indecent, seeing as how he was dressed only waist down, and her dress was at quite an indecorous length, right below her knees. Yet, she didn't want to move, her body reveling in the feel of his. She shivered at the sudden cold when he left her side, aching desperately for his warm touch once again.
Domon was already up lighting a candle. "It's Sai Sici."
"What!?" She jumped up and followed Domon to where Sai lay sprawled on the floor. "He must have tried getting up and moving about. That's terrible for him in this condition." She lit a second candle and approached, kneeling down to examine Sai Sici.
His face had turned a sickly pale colour, beads of sweat spread across his countenance. Placing a hand on his forehead, she assessed his situation.
"His state has worsened greatly. He has an extremely high fever. We were too late when we cleaned out his injuries, the scabs already sealed in the infection. It has spread throughout his system."
"What are you going to do?"
"Cleaning the wounds again would give no beneficial outcome, and may even create further infection with the risks involved in reopening the gashes and exposing them once again."
"So, are you saying that there's nothing we can do?"
She shook her head despondently as she removed her hand from Sai's forehead, and quietly replied. "Nothing that could help him significantly, no."
Domon slammed a fist down onto a dresser. "There has to be something we can do. I can't just sit around here and watch him die! I won't be helpless!"
Her sorrowful gaze met Domon's. "I'm afraid that all we can do is wait. I'm sorry."
"Why can't you do anything! I can't believe you're just going to let his life slip through your fingers as he dies!" His voice grew agitated.
Rain looked down at her useless hands folded on the lap of her wrinkled dress with shame and repeated what she had previously stated with a whisper. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry is not going to save his life, Marie-Louise," he stated irately, crossing his arms over his bare chest.
Rain clutched her hands together into fists at his abrasive words. Unable to remain in the room any longer, she picked up the water basin and left, mumbling something under her breath about fetching more water, trying not to run from the cause of her pain as the tears hung ominously on her lashes, threatening to spill.
*~*~*~*
He really shouldn't have been so hard on her, but he was just so perturbed.
And terrified.
Terrified of her. Of what she was doing to him. Of what he couldn't control, how he felt.
NO!!! He didn't feel anything for her! She was nothing to him.
So why couldn't he stop it? Why couldn't he stop this need to be with her, to touch her and hold her close, to know she was there, safe by his side. He was so afraid of what he couldn't understand, of what he didn't know. Afraid of giving his heart and being hurt in return.
He needed to distance himself from her, remain as far as possible so he wouldn't be tempted. He needed to distract himself with something, anything. But it didn't seem to work. She was always there, and he had always acted impulsively, his body and heart refusing to obey his mind's commands.
His pulse raced as he remembered her head and hand gently resting on his chest as she slept. For some unknown and uncontrollable reason, he had wrapped a protective arm around her, wanting to shield her from harm. Even more mystifying, he enjoyed it. Lying there like that, he could honestly say that given the choice, he never would have fallen asleep, just stayed there forever, stroking her silken hair, watching her as she slept, and wondering if he was in her dreams.
But that's NOT what he wanted!! He shook his head, his mind whirling with frustration. Confusion prevented him from thinking clearly, but he came to the same conclusion every time. Distance. The farther from her he was, the easier his life would be.
Out of sight, out of mind. Right?
*~*~*~*
Since when had she become so weak? Domon's words and actions never used to affect her this much. She was miserable now that Domon was upset with her. And he was right. Sai Sici's life WAS slipping through her fingers. His life was in her hands, her worthless, pathetic hands, and he was dying. She couldn't stand the thought of loosing any of her patients. If she lost someone so dear to her as Sai, she wouldn't be able to live with herself. And Domon would never see her again. Not that he would anyway after she left.
The soft moonlight spilled out onto the river, shining like millions of sapphires from the ripples she created as she refilled the china basin with the glittering water. Gazing down into the bowl she had placed on her knees, she stared at her reflection, the moon distant in the background.
Who was she? Marie-Louise or Rain? Princess or servant girl? She had deceived everyone else, and now she didn't even know. She was two people, yet the same. Wasn't it the person on the inside that really matters and always shines through? So why was she so confused?
A single tear dropped from her cheek, splashing in the basin. She wiped the streak away, forcing herself to not break down and lose it when she needed to remain calm and collected. As she turned to walk back, she was met with a sudden flash of brilliant white light. She squinted, then looked again, her eyes meeting the figure of what had to be an elegant unicorn (1). The appearance took her breath away, and she froze, unable to move. Its alabaster coat shimmered gently, the long, wispy mane and tail waved in the breeze. Turning its bright eyes towards Rain, it seemingly floated over to her. The horn glistened a pure silvery-white, and it bent, the tip of the alicorn (2) barely touching the water in the basin.
"The pressure of the hands causes the springs of life to grow."
Its voice was quiet, not spoken aloud, only heard in her mind as a silken whisper. It then raised its head, and seemed to be leaving when it paused at the sight of her necklace. Faintly gesturing to her softly glowing pendant, it spoke once again in riddles.
"Look beneath the surface, to the mysteries inside."
And with that, it was gone, leaving a mystified Rain to wonder if it had all been a dream.
Eventually leaving from the spot, she finally returned with the basin, a slightly perplexed look on her face. He was still standing in the same position, leaning coldly against the wall as he watched over Sai Sici. Without saying a word, she knelt, setting the basin down and pushing up her sleeves. He didn't bother to discuss the sleeping arrangement, or apologize for his callous words. No, stone warriors don't apologize. Drenching a rag into the cool water, she stroked it along Sai's heated face.
Yes, it would be one long, cold night.
*~*~*~*
Allenby glared at her image in her shattered mirror, lit up now by the sun peering in through the curtains. What was that common cliché about if you broke a mirror? Seven years bad luck? Ha! What did it matter, anyway? She had enough bad luck to last her a century, now that her hard work and plans had done nothing. Her power had all been yanked out from under her by that brat princess.
She pinched her cheeks, hoping that the feminine flush there would take away attention from her red-rimmed, narrow eyes and the dark bags looming underneath. Turning sharply, she dug the heels of her slippers into the shards of glass, attempting to release her anger. Slamming the door shut, she pounded out of the room, the echoes of her clacking shoes haunting the halls.
As she whirled around a corner, she slammed into something large and strong.
"Fool! Watch where you are going!"
Lord Ulube stood there, staring down at Allenby. "I apologize, my lady."
He felt her aura (3) issuing forth, so strong was it that he didn't even need to search for it: scheming, frustrated, hurt, suffering, betrayal, hatred. She was passionate, full of turmoil and complicated feelings. Curious, he wondered what had caused her to be this way.
In order to achieve skin to skin contact, he stretched out his hand, taking hers into his own in a greeting as he lowered his head slightly. "I am Lord Ulube Ishikawa. I hope I have not injured you." He saw flashes of Domon, then Princess Marie-Louise. 'You can just stay here for the night.'
How perfect. Allenby wanted Domon, and he wanted the Princess Marie- Louise.
Smiling, he offered her his arm. She looked a bit surprised, then accepted it and he led her towards the gardens. They had quite a bit to discuss, both with similar problems. Perhaps they could come to a mutual agreement.
*~*~*~*
Marie-Louise stretched as she rose from her exhausted state. She hadn't slept very well, due to her conclusion about George last night. After she had returned, she had immediately collapsed into bed, completely forgetting about Rain and sobbed into her pillow for what seemed like hours, eventually falling asleep. It hurt so much. Why did she have to fall in love? She had never experienced heartbreak before, but it was happening now, for the first time in her life. And she prayed that it would be the last.
No matter how hard she tried, though, she couldn't forget those eyes. Those lovely violet eyes that were so extraordinary, she loved them the first time she saw them. Why couldn't they love her back?
Because she was nothing, nothing but a servant, that's why. And noble knights don't fall in love and marry lowly servants, no matter their moral standing. Oh, how easy it would be to tell him the truth! To tell everyone the truth and not have to hide anymore. To simply end the foolish game right now, and live, just be who she was and not have to pretend. Then there would be a better chance of George reciprocating her feelings. He would surely love her if she was Princess Marie-Louise!
And she was. But why couldn't he see it?
With a sigh, she forced herself to abandon her daydreams and musings. Remembering Rain, she went to the door separating the two rooms, and entered her chambers, only to find no one there. The bed had no sign of being slept in, and it appeared that Rain hadn't returned to her room at all last night. Then where was she??
She dressed hurriedly and found Kyoji in the library, quickly explaining the situation. At hearing this from her, he began to search all rooms, examining everything carefully.
"I want to stop and ask Domon if he's perhaps seen her before we head down to the stables." Kyoji banged on the younger prince's door. "Domon? Domon! Wake up!"
When no one answered, he tried the doorknob. Finding it locked, he kicked the door open with a shout. The heavy barrier slammed open with a bang to reveal a scene before him that caused his eyebrows to raise in utter surprise.
"Prince Kyoji, is something the matter?" Marie-Louise inquired.
*~*~*~*
(1): Just a small background on unicorns...They are mystical creatures that are often seen to take different forms, depending on the culture. I chose the typical Western concept of a horse-like figure; however, despite the different conceptions, most showed them as white in color. The unicorn is one of the few mythical creatures that does not stand for evil and pain. Instead, it is a symbol of purity, hope, majesty, gentleness, wisdom, and love. They were mysterious creatures, summoned to help others, often involved in healing. They would speak in riddles, and their visits were short and fleeting.
(2): The alicorn is the term for the unicorn's horn.
(3): An aura is a distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing, oftentimes hinting at a person's internal feelings and personality.
*~*~*~*