Seeing Truth

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Chapter 20:

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Black garb… red eyes. The same red eyes I had seen the day before, but without the hatred. I stared up at Ryuichi, completely immobilized. What if he tried to throw me off the balcony? My eyes were wide with fear as I tried to find ways to communicate to my legs so they could move, but I was rooted to the spot. I felt like I should have been more careful. Ryuichi gazed down at me with an unreadable expression.

"Well, I should've known you would be alone." He said assuredly as he stepped towards me. I took a step back, my gaze still firm on Ryuichi.

"What do you want from me?" I asked in a whisper as he continued to advance while I decided to do the opposite.

"Well…" I bumped into the railing, "I realized that I don't need to worry about eliminating you anymore." He stopped as if waiting for a reply that never came before he continued, again, "Because, I've realized how unskilled you are in anything, so I've decided to give it a chance."

How rude to actually tell me that. "So, why are you here?" he stepped towards me again and placed his hands on the railings with me in between.

"I was bored and really had nothing else to do." Sarcasm dripped from his voice.

He was a threat to me and a threat to all of Hyrule, but deep down, I really think he was just a teenager who had gone the wrong way. Wonder if he's ever had a girlfriend? Wait! Bad thoughts!

"So, you came here?" I asked with a squeak.

"Actually, I came here to see my brother, but at the moment he's with that blonde kid." He said with a casual tone.

I didn't want to ask him, but I had to know, "I thought your brother beat you up?"

"Maybe he did." He said casually as if nothing had ever happened.

"And you still came? Where are your bruises?" I inquired, my voice growing a bit braver.

"Didn't you know? Sheikans heal quicker."

"Oh…" I turned my gaze to my feet, trying to avoid his eyes.

"Actually, it is better that I talk to you, because you have something I want." I glared at him skeptically, which was probably why he began to chuckle. It disappeared though and his face grew serious, "I want that book and I want it by tonight..."

"Hey, Jade!" I heard Kenny's familiar voice interrupt his brother from continuing. He was inside the room. I wanted to knee him and run to Kenny, but he was too close and things like that only seemed to happen in movies. Ryuichi turned his head swiftly and without any warning, grabbed my wrist. He shoved me against the wall where Kenny couldn't see us.

He whispered into my ear, "If you tell him that I was here, you can bet on your life you won't see any of your friends or family ever again."

As Kenny appeared through the doorway, Ryuichi had disappeared and I was leaning against the wall, my hand that wasn't facing Kenny was gripping the railing with my knuckles white.

"There you are." I heard him say with a grin that I tried to return but failed miserably, "We don't have to be at the farm for another hour, but I thought you might want to come down with Link and Zelda and I to the market before we head out."

I nodded my head stiffly and began walking, my hand barely loosening its grip on the rail. Was I that frightened of him?

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I walked numbly behind the trio, my hands stuffed in my pockets, trying to avoid contact with anyone. When they stared at me it was as if they knew what I was going through, but all they wanted to do was see what kind of fashion I was in so they could sell me some piece of junk that would fall apart the next day. Well, I wasn't going to fall for that. No. I had other things planned. Zelda had stopped by a booth selling jewelry and she was asking Link if the gold chain that reached down to her hips was pretty. Kenny was eyeing the salesman as if he knew everything on the booth was a piece of crap. Not good enough for your friends, huh? Especially the one who was beaten up and threatened not too long ago by your very own brother? I sighed and turned my head, looking around my surroundings when the face of a boy with dark brown hair and green eyes popped into my head. The first time that I actually wished Kado was here. Why can't he come and make me smile, again. He always did that... And maybe help me through this whole ordeal.

The crowd thickened every minute with more customers or townsfolk doing there business, yet when my attention turned toward the steps that led to the Temple of Time, I swear I had seen a tall, black-haired boy with black clothes staring down at me. He knew where we were and he knew where we were headed and he wasn't going to back down. How can I do this without ever making a scene or making it out alive? I swiftly looked a different direction. What would happen if I told them Ryuichi was here and staring at us? But it was too late, I glanced back for a second and he wasn't there. He was here, I could feel it, but no one else could.

"Hey, Jade. Do you think this necklace is pretty?" Zelda's sing-song voice rang through the air. I turned around to see Zelda holding a choker made of black ribbon with laced edges and a peridot pendant in a sterling silver hold up to her neck. I couldn't help but remember it as my own birthstone. Is Zelda's birthday in August, too?

"Yeah, it's beautiful." I murmured, trying to avoid an emotional impact coming on with three of my friends and the salesman watching me.

"Really?" She asked with a smile and I nodded in return. Her face brightened from my compliment as she finally turned around and mumbled something to Kenny and Link as she paid for it. Did I say something wrong? Did my voice break through? What did I do! I turned around yet again then walked towards the fountain in the center of town. There was only one way I could do this. It was alone, of course, but I had to do this, now, but wait, why was I going to do this? I couldn't just give him the book, that's murder. I had to figure a way to get the book and not give it to the jerk. I plopped down on the stone railing then rested my chin in my hand.

"Hey, what's the matter?" I craned my head to look at Kenny. I was so worried about my own thoughts I hadn't realized he had followed me. I tried to give him a reassuring smile, but I failed terribly. I ripped my gaze from him and tried to focus on something else as I spoke.

"Nothing, really... I'm just tired." I replied, my expression changing to look as if I really was tired rather than depressed.

"Are you sure? Cause I had a girlfriend once who had the same expression right before she told me that she wanted to break up." His voice didn't seem to falter as he said that. It was like it didn't seem to matter to him anymore.

I stared back at him, wanting to tell him exactly what had happened so that just maybe I could have someone with me on this...but I couldn't. I didn't know what Ryuichi could do- to me or my friends and family. Maybe last night was a hoax? Maybe he could control a lot more than I thought? He was just acting. I knew it would be like that. He knew what he was doing and I was afraid. I didn't want my selfishness to get others hurt... that had happened too many times. I shook my head hesitantly yet without a flaw as if nothing was wrong, but in reality- everything was wrong. He sighed, defeated then stood up.

"If you want to talk about anything, I'm here for you. I'll understand." He gave me a reassuring smile. If only you knew what I was going through... Link and Zelda finally approached us. A large smile was plastered Zelda's face and Link just held a small grin.

"So, Link. When are you leaving?" Kenny asked and my eyes widened, leaving?

"I will probably leave in a few hours. I still need to get a few things." He answered back. I stood up.

"You can't leave yet, Link. I mean, we really need you here." I said, my voice a little weak.

"I have to and you'll be fine. I'll be back soon." He tried to reassure me. If only it were that easy, I thought as my eyes traveled downwards only halfway. My eyes locked onto Zelda's and Link's hands. They were wrapped around each other. I didn't mind at all. No, but isn't that a bit awkward when you're in the market? What was the matter with me? I knew what was going on. Link had gotten her the necklace, but why exactly? A late birthday present? Or a going away gift? Why did I care? I couldn't stand this anymore. Everything seemed fine to them. Everything was normal for them, but me- what about me? I just wanted to crawl into a cave and die. I glanced back at Zelda's neck- the choker tied around her flawless, pale skin... just like Kenny's. Everyone was perfect here.

"I'm going to go for a walk..." I muttered, shoving my fists into my pockets, yet again and walked towards the market's entrance from Hyrule fields.

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A cold chill ran up my spine as I continued walking towards the farm. It was September here. I knew that much with the leaves slowly changing colors. I wasn't stupid. This place was completely different. I should have known that by know, but the days flew by either pleasantly or painfully and it wasn't easy. It was a... What is today, anyway? I couldn't remember. I cursed inside my head as I folded my arms across my chest and tried to keep warm. I wonder if it snows down here. I would love that! I smiled to myself as my breaths became more ragged. The farm's entrance was a pinpoint in the distance and I could clearly remember the first time I had seen the place. It was still when Kado was lying to me, but it was like it didn't matter anymore.

I had been daydreaming the entire time that I hadn't even noticed the loud clatter of horse's footsteps as they approached from behind me. I turned around without thinking it could possibly be a bandit. It was Kenny.

"I knew something was the matter." He leered.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide all emotion, "Nothing is the matter, Kenny. Get it through your head."

"You think I'm an idiot?" He said, his voice raising as he stared at me like he had done before. "I know something's wrong, so don't give me any of your crap."

"Listen, Kenny. All I wanted to do was be alone for a little while..."

"So, you go off to the farm? You could have gone to the temple if you wanted us to believe you more." Damn...why didn't I think of that?

I began slowly, trying to hide my impatience, "Well, there comes a time..."

He cut me off, "No, Jade. You're hiding something." Why am I such an open book? There was no where to run- with or without a horse, he could catch me. It was useless- I was useless, so what if Ryuichi killed me? No one would care, right?

I didn't want to say this, but I had to, "It's none of your business." He narrowed his eyes at me and I lowered my head before turning around and continuing my way. He guided his horse in front of me. Why won't you just leave me alone? He glanced down at me for the longest time, but my gaze didn't falter either. He turned around again.

"I'll meet you at the farm." He left without looking at me.

I sighed hopelessly as I sat down on the ground and hugged my legs to my chest. I can't believe I just did that, I thought as I shut my eyes, just when we were beginning to get along... Only a few minutes had passed after Kenny had disappeared beyond the entrance that my thoughts were interrupted by someone's laughter. I turned my head swiftly and twisted my back a little to see Ryuichi standing a few yards away with his arms folded over his chest in a comfortable manner I could never manage at that time.

"What did you do?" he asked with amusement, "I've never seen my brother like that before." I narrowed my eyes and growled, but never said a single word.

"What's the matter with you?" he asked with the same tone as he walked towards me, "Do you like my little brother?" I clenched my fists and seethed, but kept quiet. "Oh, that's right, you like that other kid- what's his name?" My eyes widened for a moment. He couldn't possibly think I liked Link- 'cause I didn't, that's why it was such a huge offense. "Kado, isn't it?" I could feel his gaze on me as I thought. He was getting on my nerves, which meant he was accomplishing everything he had planned. I just wanted to scream and yell at him and tell him to shut up, but he just wouldn't go away!

"What do you want from me?" I seethed, my voice off edge.

"I already told you what I wanted. Have you forgotten already?" He said assuredly- as if he was going to get that book.

"Well, you can just forget it 'cause I'm not getting that book for you." It was the wrong thing for me to do- to look at him after I had said that. His eyes clouded over and his jaw tightened, but he kept staring at me even if his expression turned back to what it was a minute ago.

"I don't think you want to do that." He said icily. I backed away, my heart beating. I was never like this, but maybe it was the fact that I was actually alone? Get away from me! I just wanted to scream at him. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward. I stared at his hand, too frightened to do anything else. His hands were ice cold. "Maybe you'll change your mind."

"Who said I would do that?" I asked in a whisper, afraid of what he might do.

"If you don't, the Royal Family will be receiving a letter from Meyenn stating that their heir to the throne has just been murdered and they want them to attend the boy's funeral." At first the words didn't make any sense, heir to the throne…? I gasped, Kado? My eyes widened in horror. I felt like I was about to gag on my own spit. "Did you think I was going to take this lightly? I've been watching you for a while, now, and from what I've seen between you and Kado- well, it won't be just his family mourning for him."

"No one said I had that kind of feelings for him." I said, trying to pry his grip away from my wrist.

"Don't kid yourself." He said, staring at me with his blood red eyes. "If you want to see him again- you will do as I say. Be at the library by midnight." He pushed my hand away and stood up in a swift motion that seemed inhuman. He glared down at me once before finally disappearing without a trace. I sat, still shaking, still with tears running down my cheeks. I hugged my knees to my chest and rocked back and forth. He was a threat- a large threat. I had no choice. He would kill Kado to get that book and who knows who else. I have no choice.

Your losing your touch Jade, Kado's words echoed through my mind. If only he knew the real me.

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Darkness slowly began to hover over Hyrule as I made my way down to the library. My whole plan was laid out, but the only thing was- what was I going to do afterwards? I was betraying Hyrule, my friends and everyone I had met. I shook my head then grabbed my forehead and leaned against a nearby stone wall. I drew in deep breaths, closed my eyes, breathed some more, and then opened my eyes again. The soldiers were in posts set along the castle, but for all they knew, I was heading to my 'quarters.' I wonder where Eric might be. I thought about it casually. The servants in the castle had all retired for the night, including the Royal family, and...Kenny.

Kenny... I can't believe I actually went through that. I had gone to the farm, and Kenny had said nothing to me. All he seemed to be doing was concentrating- maybe thinking about something- I wasn't sure, but he seemed worried and I was scared. We didn't train; all I did was work, and I hated it. I kind of wished I could have said something, but I felt as though someone was watching us...and it never seemed to be the right moment as if he would snap back at me then ignore me some more. I had thought, Maybe he's just sensitive? I cracked my knuckles too loudly that I was afraid it was going to echo down the empty corridors. I could feel the aching in my entire body from picking and carrying all the vegetables and crops the entire day. The bruises and cuts didn't help much either. They only grew worse by the day, but I held it in. What if other workers saw me in pain? They would call me a wimp, tell me to go back home in the towns where I belonged. I couldn't do that, but I did wish they knew what I had gone through. Though, I had noticed Kenny glancing at me from time to time if I winced or whimpered, but whenever I glimpsed at him he was looking a different direction or concentrating on work, either physically or mentally.

By the time I had reached the castle, Link was gone. I hadn't even said goodbye to him- I just left, too busy and preoccupied to wonder about him and what he could be going through, but now wasn't the time to think about the past. It shouldn't take that long to get the book, but what was I going to do once I got to it? Maybe copy all the information that looked important- even if I couldn't read Hylian. Wait, so how could Ryuichi? Or, maybe I could rip out a few pages and leave it to Zelda to figure out. No, no. Nothing like that would work. Ryuichi would come right back demanding the rest.

I pushed open the library door and slipped in. Only my footsteps were heard in the library, and even though that was what I hoped I was slightly nervous. Right, nervous, I thought sarcastically. I was scared out of my mind. I had too many negatives and when a positive popped into my head, another negative bounded in. I took a deep breath, grabbed one of the torch lights on the sides of the door and continued. The large torch was heavy and I had to carry it with both hands. At least, there is metal surrounding the flames, I thought wearily. I walked straight up to the one-seat couch and stared at it, wondering if the thing was big enough to budge and at the same time remembering the last time I had been here. Except, now, the place had been fixed like nothing had happened. I realized that if I wanted to move this I had to use both hands and they were full. I walked back to the torch holder and set the torchlight back into its place uneasily as if afraid that it would fall any second.

I headed back to the chair and tried to pick it up...which was useless. I'd have to push it. I did, and once it was off the rug it made an unbearable, scraping sound. I stopped immediately and averted my eyes to the large door, but nothing happened, no one barged in, demanding to know what was going on. So I continued. I was halfway there when I stopped and tumbled onto the couch. I was too tired. My muscles ached from the exertion I had worked up. I stretched my arms and legs, trying to avoid the thought that someone would jump out and attack at my when I was completely unprepared, unarmed, and unaware. I glanced to my sides and realized I was sitting right in front of the window seat. The window seat I had sat on while talking to Link or just taking a break from this mysterious world. I glimpsed out the window, but nothing was viewable. The stars were clouded over, unlike the night of the comet shower. It was pitch black outside and pitch black inside, but I knew the way. I would know because I would run into a bookcase that should be built against the wall. Smart, I know.

I sighed as I stood up even if my body did nothing but protest. Chills ran up my spine and I shivered absentmindedly as I continued pushing the chair through the dark library. The flames from the torchlights on the walls crackled in the backround as the back of the chair ran into a long awaited bookcase. I let go of the armrests and straightened my back and then twisted from side to side. I sighed in relief when it gave a small, reassuring crack that my bones would be fine... I think... I turned to the side of the chair and began pushing it down the corridor halfway then jogged back to a nearby torchlight that glowed brightly against the darkness. The torch slipped from my hands as I raised it out of its holder. The flames were only inches away from my face and I froze before it could go any further. The heat licked against my face and eyes, but I couldn't close my eyes or move, afraid it would catch an eyelash or stray hair. I slowly pulled it away then breathed in a few times before letting go.

I walked back down the isle stiffly, my knuckles white as I gripped the torch for dear life. I thought I was never going to be able to find the moving bookshelf, but one thing I hadn't noticed before was the slight crack in between the bookcases that didn't exist with the others. It stood out against the others in the light of the flames that helped me pinpoint where I looked. Only one of these books would swing the bookcase around and back. I took a deep breath as I guided the light across the desired bookshelf- the one I knew I had laid my hand on one day. And soon, I saw it. Their was a thick, dark blue book that had been pushed into the bookshelf as far as it could go while the others next to it were only a centimeter away from the edge and a large gap where three books had once been. I measured the distance with my arm, trying to calculate what position I had been in the other day. I finally was able to reassure myself and set to work. I quickly adjusted the couch so it would be right in front of the side of the bookcase and in a certain angle. I then rested my right foot on the couch's front and grabbed hold of the book. I balanced and pressured my left foot to stay still without slipping. In a second, I pulled away the book and the bookcase swung away from the wall and from me while the other side swung forward. I pushed the couch as fast and as hard as I could without it going to far in and readjusted it a little more so it was between the bookcase and the wall.

The bookcase was jammed and it moaned in protest. The couch was secure...for now so I had to hurry or it would slip and I hated small, smelly and dark rooms especially when your alone. I quickly stepped onto the couch's cushion and over its back. My balance nearly gave way as my entire body pressured against my ankle. With the torchlight still in hand I searched for the books, but all I found were the remnants of the desk, a rug, and a pile of bones sticking out in the debris. I grimaced as I slowly pushed the debris away. Nothing was there...only debris. Had I forgotten something? Then I remembered. Link. How could I forget? Stupid, stupid, stupid... If he had the book then that meant- all of this was for nothing! So, where would I find it? There was nothing on the coffee table- no books, or papers, just a flower in a vase set for decorations. I had searched, but had found nothing, but I kept looking around the room, in the corners, and even the ceiling, but I only found damp earth and stone...and a burned out lantern. I quickly stopped as I felt a small breeze enter the room. The flames licked against the metal fence around it as I whipped around, but just as I had done, the couch was thrust into the room. It clattered against the cold, stone ground as the sound of the bookcase creaking and closing shut reassured me that my chance of getting out simply was not going to happen.

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Yay! I actually think this was one of the best chapters I've written in forever. I hope everybody enjoyed this chapter because I'm most likely not going to be updating in a while. I have finals next week and I've been wanting to post this to get over with it cause I need to study...yeah, ok...heh, no, really. Anyhoo, I'm sure a lot of you understand with the final exams. So, anyhoo, thank you all for reading and don't forget to review 'cause the lot of you have stuck with me through a lot of this story and I just want to say... Thank you:P

Kitana5055