Oh, My Beast
The rain poured, wind blowing, trees whipping, coldness, she sees a dark, forbidding castle in the distance. So cold and terrified, she stumbles up the pathway, reaching the door, knocks loudly. Yelling, attempting to be heard over the loud, wailing wind, cried, "Please someone help me…I am lost." It seemed the castle, darkened, empty, is it possible no one lives here, she wonders. Pushing the heavy door open, she enters into a large beautiful, elegant, well furnished, polished furniture, a stunning crystal chandelier lighting the entire room. Tsukushi gasped, never had she seen such a beautiful room, so posh and stunning. A tiny voice said, hello, miss. Turning, whirling around, looking in all directions she saw no one around, where did that voice come from, she's finally lost her mind with all her wandering, coldness and hunger.
Shocked as two bright lighted candelabras raced forward, both exclaiming to one another, "Ahh Akira at last. A guest…," a charming, cocky grinned, candelabra, and the other one had a gentle smile, exclaimed, "Yes Sojiro, a girl at that… perhaps." An elegant rose tinted, lamp, rode on an end table over to the group, a feminine voice, softly said, "Let's not scare her gentleman. She is frightened." Tsukushi's widened eyes, gasped, intently staring at these furniture pieces addressing her as if they are humans. Don't they know, their inanimate objects what on earth is going on here….some kind of enchanted place. Feeling confused, oddly warm, frightened, dizzy, sickened, she begins crumbling. Akira's excited voice cried, "Master, Master, Master, please we need your help." Yuki blinking her rose colored light, softly called, "No Akira, you know how he is with strangers…he will hurt this poor thing."
Before Tsukushi crumbled to the floor, a dark, black furred, scruffy, curly haired creature swept the girl into his hairy arms, growling, "why did you let her in…" The three servants gazed frighteningly at their master, only Sojiro spoke up, "Master, she wandered in, we couldn't stop her, plus look at the poor creature, she is drenched… please forgive us…" Huffing, growling angrily, the master leaped up the elegant staircase, followed by his servants, begging him to behave gently with the terrified girl. Placing her ever so gently on a guest bed, notices her wet braids, soft, peaceful face, Tsubaki, the armoire stepped forward, "Master, a girl, a girl, how long I've waited to dress a girl again." The beastly figure snarled, "Well dearest sister, it seems your wish has come true." Tsukushi stirred, blinking her eyes, sighing, the beast not wishing to be seen, hurried out, before hearing any screams, Tsubaki steps forward, "Oh dear, you are wet, please, go take a warm bath, and when you're done, I will help you dress." Tsukushi puzzled, again where is that voice, deciding to accept the advice, finds a bathroom, beautiful and elegant. She draws a bath, soaking, enjoying the rose scented soap, wrapping herself in a fluffy warm bathrobe, exits the bathroom. Drying her long auburn hair, finds a brush, and begins brushing her long, luxurious locks. Tsubaki impatiently announces "Come find a gown for your evening meal, please dear." Tsukushi jumps, viewing a large armoire standing behind, "What, what, is going on here?" The armoire gently laughs, "I am Tsubaki, our castle was cursed long ago, my brother, is a cruel, heartless young man, one day he turned away an old hag, but she really was a fairy princess, Shizuka. She cursed him and all of us to live our lives as furniture, we are waiting for someone to come and change his heart. Tsukushi gasped, "How horrible! Where is your brother?" Tsubaki shook her head, she cannot let this young woman meet her beastly brother, until the staff have prepared her for that scary shock, he is so gruff, heartless, snarly, and overall horrible especially as a human.
Tsukushi descended the elegant staircase, grasping the beautifully polished railing, greeted at the bottom by two very feathery dusters, wearing fun aprons, and bows on their upper sticks, their sweet voices chimed out, "Oh miss, welcome, Ms. Tama is waiting, please follow us." Suddenly the two candelabras appear, running, "Ladies, please, wait for us, oh you look so beautiful." The two smiles at Tsukushi, dressed in a soft pink dress, flattering to her soft skin color. Laughing, the foursome escort her to a huge dining room, an enormous table surrounded by fanciest of chairs, lighted by several crystal chandeliers rising above the table. A fancy, elegant, classy tea pot rolled in on her cart, proclaiming, "It's time to eat, my dear, I am certain you are hungry after your journey. We have prepared the best meal, enjoy." One of the chairs moved, allowing for Tsukushi to sit, gently moved so she is closer at the table. A specular glitzy show began, as the dishes danced and sung, so excited to finally be serving a guest, their voices rang out, "It's a guest, yes a guest, please eat all we offer. We live to serve, it's been so long, please our guest, enjoy…." Tsukushi ate steak, potatoes, a chocolate cake, so much food, she's never seen such a banquet. Standing in the corner, the small group gathered watching the innocent girl, hoping and wishing that she is indeed the special one to break the curse finally. Shigeru and Sakurako glance at Ms. Tama, "We hope she is the one…what do you think senpai?" Ms. Tama smiles, gently, watching this girl, "Perhaps, we will need to wait and see…"
Dinner finished, dishes leaving for the kitchen, cleaning and washing done, all tucked in their cabinets, ready for bedtime. Ms. Tama wishes Tsukushi a good night, and pleasant dreams. Tsukushi yawns, she is exhausted, following the candelabra duo up the stairs to her room, prepares for bed, finding a set of pajamas in Tsubaki's armoire. Lying down, she contemplates the master, who is he and is he really so awful, she sighs, saying good night to her personal armoire, Tsubaki softly says goodnight. She hopes this girl is the special one her brother will love and break this awful curse.
The following day, Tsukushi curious, this castle has so many rooms, she wanders, opening and closing doors, everyone is tight lipped on most of the rooms. A handsome, polished antique looking clock, waddled, greeting her, "I am Kazuya, it's a pleasure to meet your young lady." Tsukushi bowed, saying thank you, can you give me a tour of the castle, "I am told you are an expert." She smiles, looking at the mischief candelabras, Akira and Sojiro, they were directing flames at the stiff, serious, clock, who clearly took his duties to heart. Kazuya says, "Follow me, miss, we will start our tour, only the west end is closed off to visitors, that is where the master resides." Akira and Sojiro, clanked arms, in comradery, "Yes stay away from there, our master dislikes company. He is a frightful brute." Tsukushi filed this new discovered information away, deciding she needed to explore and find more out about this so-called master.
Ditching her tour guides, she climbed the stairs to the west wing, finding the hallways darkened, no lighting except for a faint light filtering in from windows, oddly portraits hanging on the walls, were torn, looking as if someone clawed the delicate paintings. Peeking in each room, she finds out dusty, empty, deserted rooms, depressing, so different from the east wing where she was residing. Pushing, open, a claw ridden, door, missing a door knob, peeked in a room, with a master bed, dark, curtains pulled, blocking any light from entering and invading this desolate room. Gazing at a portrait haphazardly hanging on a wall, clawed and shredded, only a pair of dark brown, piercing eyes, and a glimpse of a black curl hanging above the eyes. Tsukushi found the eyes mesmerizing, drawing her into these intense eyes. She felt drawn in, curious is this the beast, he seemed harmless.
Tsukushi walks over to the heavy, long, dusty curtains, pulling aside, dust sprinkling down around her, she sneezes. Seeing a beautiful red rose, encased in a glass container, sparkling, shining, this must be part of the enchantment. Gazing intently at the rose, she sees a few petals floating downward, several more resting on the bottom. She felt a breeze, a large, hairy object brushed against her body, knocking her from gazing at the rose. Confronted with a dark, creature, she trembles. He growls, "Who let you in here, no one dares enter this room without my explicit permission. How dare you be on the west wing, I never invited…" Tsukushi glares, observing this odd creature, towering, muscular, dark black curly matted fur, claws barely able to grip, clearly outraged. Growling, "How dare you open the curtains." Striding to close the curtains, Tsukushi raises her voice, "Idiot! How dare you talk like that to me." Surprised, the beast turns, "What did you call me? I am a great one, still rich, and popular, though difficult to enjoy in my present state." Walking towards the door, flipping her hair, glared, stating, "Maybe if you let light in, you would be kinder and less gloomy."
The beast carries his special encased rose to the window, observing as the delicate petals fell, saddened, seeing less and less of the petals hanging on the actual flower. He feels discouraged, who on earth could ever love such a cold, arrogant, boastful, beastly man. He needed a special girl, someone who can see beyond his toughened exterior, and understand his heart, help him open his heart and allow his defenses down. But he is intrigued by this girl, she is gutsy, tough, and brave to stand up against his horrible behavior. Curious, barks for Akira and Sojiro, demanding any information regarding this girl, but the duo knows little. Akira suggests, "Master maybe if you engaged her in conversation, you can discover more information."
That evening, Tsukushi is surprised, when she's escorted to the dining hall, seeing the beast sitting at the table, awaiting her arrival. She nods, faintly smiling, curious why he is here now. He smiles, but sharp teeth mar his smile, a rather frightful look, but Tsukushi does not flinch, or run-in horror. She merely lifts her spoon and begins eating, grinning at his difficulty with the utensils, taking pity on him, she lifts her soup bowl, rather ungracefully sipping, watching as he relaxes, lifting his bowl, slurping loudly. She giggles, as soup spills down his black curly mane. He smiles, sharp, teeth protruding, a gruesome sight. Gazing into his deep, dark brown eyes, she feels less frightened, only a scared creature, desiring for love.
The beast escorts her to a darkened room, telling her, "Close your eyes, I have a surprise." Tsukushi obliges, closing her eyes, allowing the beast's clawed hands guide her into a quiet space, he demanded open your eyes. Tsukushi opens her eyes, gasping, swirling around, the room had shelves and shelves of books, lamps, rugs, armchairs, sofas, a desk, everything to relax, read, or write, a peaceful get away from the darker sides of the castle. The beast bows, leaving Tsukushi time to enjoy this library to herself. Finding a comfy arm chair, she curls up, reading a book, when she hears a soft yawn, a smooth voice asks, "Who is sitting? I know it is not my master, as he is too heavy, and claw me to pieces." Jumping off the chair, Tsukushi says it is me, I am a stranger to your enchanted castle. "Humm," the chair replies, a girl, huh, maybe you can help our cruel, mean beast. He is in need of discipline, laughing the chair introduced himself, "I am Rui, our beast's best friend. Please miss your name." She smiles, my name is Tsukushi, pleased to meet you." Rui yawned, "Well I am rather tired, I will go back to my nap now."
One afternoon, Yuki, the lamp delivered a message to Tsukushi, "The master would like to see you on the east balcony this evening, he has something to show you. Please be prompt her requested." Flashing her rose tinted bulb, disappeared out into the hallway. After dinner, Tsukushi joined the beast on the balcony, he had set up a telescope, pointed at the stars, baffled as to what he desired to show. Inquired, "Well what are you showing me?" He bent clumsily adjusting the telescope, awkwardly bending down to gaze at the stars, standing, smiling, "I found it. Look through the lens, tell me what you see." Tsukushi peered into the lens, seeing a distant oval object, with ring around it possibly. Looking up, curiously at the beast, "what is it? It's beautiful like a miniature necklace." The beast grinned frighting with teeth bared, his dark eyes shined kindly, pleases at her comment. He replied, "It's the planet, Saturn, beautiful, right." Yet as he made this comment, his eyes were on Tsukushi, she was unaware as she continued staring into the lens at the distant planet. Tsukushi stood, gently smiling, touches his arm, squeezed his hand, "Thank You, Beast, it's beautiful, such a wonderful surprise. I never knew people views stars this way." The beast felt pleased that his surprise is so well received, appreciated, he gently places his large, clawed hand on Tsukushi's hand, not squeezing for fear of tearing her flesh. Akira, Sojirio and Ms. Tama watched over the couple, hope in their hearts, that this indeed is the girl to break the enchantment over this castle.
The candelabra duo, always a troublesome duo, approached their master, in hopes to push his relationship further with Tsukushi. Akira quietly says, "Ahh master, she is so happy. You showed a kinder, gentler side, you need to keep showing her that side, before you know it you will win her heart." Sojiro chimed, "Yes, yes, yes, master, she is intrigued, perhaps she will look past your beastly look, and we will be finally out of this prison." The beast shrugged, he felt fearful, how could one girl have so much power over his outlook, he desires to be a better person, she opens his heart like no one before. The candelabra duo, yelled together, we will have a ball, but just for you two, and you will have an opportunity to show off your dancing, and a romantic, candlelight dinner, perhaps. He reluctantly agreed, worried, how will she react, being invited by him. All the castle occupants prepared for this ball for the remainder of the day, the instruments dusted off, practiced their chords, the piano dusted, placed, prepared a specular song for the beast and Tsukushi.
Tsubaki, the armoire, excitedly, directed Tsukushi to walk in closet, full of pairs of shoes, elegant gowns, jewelry, all the girly items possible. Tsubaki gleefully laughed, my dear, this is my room, I loved dressing if you can't see by my bedroom, but I am so glad you are here. Let's get you ready for the evening. Tsubaki picked a beautiful yellow, draped ruffled ball gown, with shimmery decorations on the bottom of the gown, yellow gloves, along with a beautiful pair of high heels complemented the gown. Tsukushi pulled her long auburn hair, twisting, tied back with a lovely yellow ribbon. Smiling, looking in the mirror, she looks beautiful, even though most people found her plain, not pretty in the least. Walking down the stairs, she sees the beast, standing at the bottom, dressed resplendently, his black fur brushed smoothly, wearing a black jacket, white shirt, black tie, and black pants, of course no shoes, but he looks very handsome. His dark curls around his face were brushed smoothly, his dark eyes shined, excitement, and something more, but Tsukushi is uncertain. For being a beast, he is very handsome indeed. He bows, holding his paw out, she lightly places her hand on his paw as he guides her to the dance floor. Ever so gently he places his paw behind her back, as she slips her hand up to his shoulder, gently grasps his paw, they slowly begin moving, around the large ballroom. The piano chimes, plays a soft melodic song, the couple on the floor twirled, staring into one another's eyes, the beast dipped Tsukushi, laughing, gazing into his eyes, saw merriment reflected in his dark brown eyes. Rising, she stood on tip toes, kissed his hairy cheek, blushing, he seemed so bashful by the affectionate gesture.
Tsukushi awoke, the next morning, happy, excited for the new day ahead. Glancing out the window, she observed the beautiful castle grounds, deciding she will take a stroll. Dressing warmly, in some jeans, sweater and boots, strolled the gardens, admiring the quiet beauty. Her footsteps took her past the gardens, out to the cold, darkened forest, she continued exploring. Suddenly wind picked up, howling through the trees, bursts of chilly wind, brushed against her cheeks, a light rain, more of a mist fell, turning into a more drenching, freezing rain. Tsukushi stumbled on an overgrown tree limb, falling, twisting her ankle, crawling to a tree stump, she sat crying as rain soaked her clothes. Daylight slowly turned towards darkness, Tsukushi stood, almost falling, limped, realization sinking in that she is lost, cold, frightened. Her thoughts turn to the beast, his dark brown eyes, concerned, protective, she would never see him again.
Akira and Sojiro ran calling Master, Master, she is gone. The beast ran, following their voices, "What do you mean she is gone? Where?" Akira stated, "Rui saw her leave the library, she exited to visit the gardens." The beast nods, "we must find her, its raining, dark now, she is lost." With out a second thought, he bolted out into the darkness, unconcerned for his own safety or discovery. Hearing in the distance, wolves howling, growling, snapping teeth, he galloped on all fours towards the sound. His heart pounding, praying for Tsukushi to be all right. Listening, hearing, low growls, gnashing of teeth, he leaps in amongst the wolves circling, nipping at Tsukushi, she sat on the wet ground, shivering, crying, lamely hitting the aggressive animals with a stick. The beast charges the close wolf, backhanding the wolf into a tree, grabbed one wolf's neck biting with his powerful jaws. Wide eyed, Tsukushi watched terrified by the beast's brute force. Finally escaping the wolves' clutches, the beast gently placed Tsukushi on the tree stump, where he wrapped her ankle with her scarf, helping her stand, they took a few gingerly steps, when the beast howled painfully. Tsukushi turned, seeing an overly giant wolf leap on the beast, tearing fury flesh, sinking razor blade fangs into his nape, swishing his head back forth, tearing more flesh, wounding the beast deeper. Tsukushi screams, attempt to knock off the wolf, finally whacking the creature with a heavy tree branch. The beast fell face down, only barely breathing, Tsukushi knelt, sobbing, please don't leave me.
Standing, using all her strength, lifts the beast's limp body, placing his arm around her neck, slowly dragged him back to the castle, and up the stairs to her guest room. Tsubaki gasped, "what's happened to my brother?" Tsukushi quieted her down, calling for Ms. Tama, who arrived with bandages, warm water. Laid on her bed, the beast occupied the entire area, Tsukushi climbed on the bed, soaking cloths on the beast's deep wounds, cleaning his matted, bloody fur, he barely moaned, nor moved. After administering to all his wounds, sitting on the bed beside him, cried gently. Yuki carted, whispering to the candelabra duo, showing them a covered object. Tsukushi hearing the whispers, demanded, "What is going on?" Akira's lighted hands went dark, uncovering a handkerchief protecting the rose, which only had two petals hanging. Tsukushi gasps, crying harder, "No he can't die, I won't allow it." The furniture sadly glanced at her, hearing her sorrow and pain in her hoarse voice.
Hearing his soft deep breath, sounding like he's losing his battle, she sees a petal dropping, turning, screams, clutching his back, sobbing into his soft dark fur, whimpers, please don't leave me, I need you. The candelabras attempted to gain her attention, but she is so devastated at losing her beast. Holding his paw up to her face, kiss his palm, whispering, "I love you…my beast…I love you so much…please don't leave me ever…"as the last petal dropped, a bright, blinding, flash occurred, all Tsukushi saw is the beast turned over, only dark fur turning to a lock of curl, one arched eyebrow and dark piercing eyes.
Tsukushi stretched, yawning, feeling warm arms wrapped tightly around her waist, she snuggled further into his body, soaking up his heat. Rolling over facing him, stroked his wayward curl, kissing his lips, he moans, "Tsukushi it is too early, let me sleep…" briefly he opens his dark brown eyes, full of love, she leans in kissing his lips, "I love you Tsukasa, my beast." He closes his eyes, falling back to sleep, dreaming.