Welcome back to "The Cat and the Onigiri Story Part II" everyone! I know I haven't written in a long time, but school work has been piling up lately, my grades are slightly slipping, and I've been so busy taking care of the house since my mom is always at work and my dad can't walk because of his little 'accident' in Georgia XD. Sad I know. Also I'm not going to answer reviews on this anymore because if you read the new update on the home page of it says there is a new system to replying to reviewers. And I suppose I should do that…so…I'm not really sure how it works, but I hope you all get my answer! Now on with the story!
Chapter 3 "Reminiscence"
The blazing sun had already touched the sky, shining each and every surface that was open for it. Not the slightest breeze swept through; the lavish emerald and yellowish-brown grass remaining in the same position, which is until someone marks their foot on it. Extra pieces of crumpled up orange and reddish leaves surrounded the place as they continued to scattered by each minute passing by. No one would exactly know the point of view nature was giving, but when was the importance of nature ever noticed?
Two figures charged at each other; gripping their swords tightly in the palm of their hands. With their swords raised high above their shoulder, they rammed their blades evenly; struggling to push the other forward or hopefully to make them lose balance. Eyeing each other with all of their might, one tightened his grip and started pushing the other one backwards, wanting to knock him down. But the other wasn't going to give up easily as he merely followed along; running backwards as nervousness started to form around his face.
Seeing that he was going no where, the one pushing the other backwards made a quick attempt as he brought his weapon back to his possession, but only to swing it vertically at his opponent's abdomen. Catching his target, his opponent tripped over himself by suddenness as he then plopped down onto the ground, looking up at his foe to see what he was going to commit next. But all he did was sheathe his sword back and crossed his arms while he looked down at the person he just attacked.
"Got another one," he said as he walked up to him, reaching his hand out. His defeated rival eyed him suspiciously and angrily, but looking down at his stomach, there wasn't really any wound except for his ripped uniform. Trying to hide his surprised face he swiped the helper's hand away and stood up on his own, wiping his behind from the stains.
"Just because you are now a warrior that doesn't mean I have to treat you like one," he snapped, bending down and snatching his sword quickly. "Ghanjan, don't think that I'm going to be brotherly to you because you are now a warrior."
"..Are you really that embarrassed that all you can do is say negative things about me?" Ghanjan questioned, though he didn't show true anger like some others would have done if they were given a comment such as that. "Don't you think it's weird that even though I was only part of the army for a month, I'm still able to defeat you? Not to mention that you've trained for about four years."
Merely chuckling to himself, Ghanjan's opponent stretched his arms into the air as he looked behind himself, seeing off into the distant the other warriors that remained in South Garden. Unlike him and Ghanjan, both of them were away from their destined training area. Even if it might sound a bit strict, no warrior was allowed to leave training quarters until King Yishanu declares it. But Ghanjan had a good reason to break this rule…and even if it didn't bother him, there was still regret deep within.
"Look who's talk'n," said the warrior, looking out of the corner of his eyes. "Even if you were brought back to life, it looks as though you're coming back to your senses. Doesn't even matter if you don't remember being in the army two years ago."
"Don't take your jealousy out on me," sighed Ghanjan. "Talk to Tohru-kun once in a while and maybe we can talk things over."
"Well that is the only reason why she talks to you," he mumbled. "Felt sorry that you were brought to a lower class and all that crap. You went from tough guy to a scrawny boy; who can blame her?"
"Are you speaking rude of her?" backfired Ghanjan with a curious eye brow.
"…Don't always speak what's on your mind you counterfeit," grumbled the warrior. "You merely use the princess as a tool to get away with things. If it wasn't for that battle we wouldn't even been having this conversation. But…who knows what might pop out of the bush?"
At that exact moment a rustling sound triggered Ghanjan's mind and as he turned around, another one of the warriors who was on the same side as Ghanjan unsheathed his sword as he was going to strike it straight at him. Ghanjan was able to dodge him by ducking and quickly backing away from him, facing two of the warriors. They both started to laugh as sweat slowly dripped from Ghanjan's neck. That was quite a shocker there…a real surprise indeed. He saw the 'jumping warrior' sheathe his sword as they continued to chuckle their way.
"Stupid bastards," thought Ghanjan who was steadily holding the handle of his sword. His first intention earlier was to withdraw it and block his attack, but instead he merely fled and now here he was; watching the two of them make fun of him.
Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder as it made a somewhat tight grip on it. Eyes widening, he pulled his weapon out and was about to attack the person behind him. But immediately the figure harshly knocked the weapon out of his hands just by swiping it away with her arm. The sword fell onto the grass as Ghanjan watched it lay there helplessly. But looking back up at the figure, he saw a woman with short black hair that only went behind her ears and up the edge of her neck. Her black eyes eyed Ghanjan severely as he lowered his shoulders; however his breathing continued to race at the same pace.
"…Kaxa-san," he spoke quietly to himself, not believing that he was about to attack King Yishanu's assistant.
Not bothering to say anything, she looked at the two other warriors who had appeared to stop laughing at their little scheme. Observing Kaxa confidently, she folded her arms and ignored Ghanjan.
"What are the three of you doing away from training grounds?" she questioned strictly. "Didn't I make things clear? Go on; get back to your groups and do what your suppose to do."
Both the two warriors nodded to her command, but that didn't stop them from snickering to each other as they both turned around and headed back to South Garden. It took a moment for Ghanjan to lower his temper inside his mind before shaking off all that tense around his body. But taking a step forward, he felt something poke him from behind the back. Looking over his shoulder he saw Kaxa with her usual stern eyes; the tip of the black sheathe of her sword prodding his back lightly.
"…What happened Ghanjan?" she spoke. She noticed a swift edgy look in his eyes, but he avoided her face as he looked back at the direction he was going to go.
"It's nothing," replied Ghanjan; however looking down at his sleeve he noticed a small red line. But he knew from Kaxa's point of view she couldn't see it…at least he hoped she didn't. "Just messing around that's all."
He wasn't sure if he satisfied her, but feeling the sheathe removing from his back, he figured that he accomplished something for once. He made a soft sigh so that he couldn't even hear it himself. But still…his heart continued to beat rapidly then usual. He felt fine when he was battling that one warrior, but with the other one popping out of no where and catching him by surprised…that wasn't exactly messing around. And what really concerned him was that Kaxa also gave him a fright just because she placed her hand on his shoulder. He wouldn't usually do that…
"You guys are hopeless," said Kaxa as she walked pass Ghanjan. "Stop acting like an immature child and listen to what you are instructed to do and that is to stay in the directed boundaries; understood?"
He made a quick nod as he followed Kaxa at a slow rate. His unease expression got the better out of him while he gradually played with the crimson thick string that was tied securely to his belt against the neck of his sheathe. He kept his eyes down on the grass while stepping on a couple of leaves that should have been raked up long ago. But with all this confusion escaping the castle, who was to blame that King Yishanu had become more anxious to defeating the Zodiacs then ever? It was clearly reasonable that with the Zodiacs out of the picture, things would become simpler to comprehend…right?
"Don't go picking fights," said Kaxa, but she didn't bother to turn around and face him. "You were brought into the army only a month ago and I understand that you have outsmarted some of the warriors who have been training longer then you have. But that doesn't give you the right to assume that you are the top dog."
"I-!...Understood," mumbled the warrior while clenching his fist easily. It wasn't as though he could respond a true answer to every single person he met. Even Tohru wasn't an exception. There were just some things that he had to keep a secret for himself…and once in a while there has to be secrets that he has to keep away from himself as well.
"…I'm not sure if you have noticed," said Kaxa while she turned to face Ghanjan; placing both her hands firmly on her hips. "But everyday you are turning out to be the Kuji Sanada everyone used to look up to. Do those images…still appear?" (If you don't remember, see chapter 9 for details).
"In the past I merely saw cloudy visions," replied Ghanjan. "But that didn't please me. I know I heard things from other people saying stuff about this Kuji Sanada I used to be…was he really that great?"
"Well we didn't call you the Kuji Sanada for nothing," said Kaxa. "But if you are capable of overpowering some of our toughest warriors already, you can grow up to be him once again. Possibly you can be superior; it depends on you mostly. I always heard from Tohru-kun that you wanted to be a warrior, but I never heard a reason on why you wanted to. I'm…not going to ask what your motive is, but I just want you to keep a safe distance from others from now on. You aren't the same as others use to reclaim so it's tough for them to decide who you really are."
Ghanjan really didn't have the guts to look back up at Kaxa. Why hadn't he thought about this over these months? In the past he didn't have a single clue on who he was, but with people calling him Kuji, who could blame him for asking questions until the answer suddenly appeared in front of him on a silver platter? Would others still think of him as Kuji even though he had been a servant for quite some time? But now going back into this army business, what decisions could he possibly make?
"Besides," added Kaxa with a wink. "You're a warrior now…the cat leader is gone…why not stick to the 'servant boy' for a little while and see what you can do with Tohru-kun."
Parting his lips slightly, his heart started to pound once again. But the nervousness that he expected to come around never appeared as he kept a straight face. Dropping her arms to her side she strode over to the warrior who seemed busy in thoughts, but his eyes followed every movement King Yishanu's assistant crossed. Only three feet away from his personal self was when she lifted his chin high enough so that she got a good view of his face. His eyes didn't show that same kindness as it did in the past. His bangs grew longer but his hair was still the same length. Can't exactly say he made a huge difference with his outer shell…and yet she couldn't say that he wasn't all that bad…
"I don't know who Kuji Sanada really is," said Kaxa. "…But I do know who Ghanjan Hiyama is. And so does Tohru-kun…I don't like the idea of you and Tohru together, but at least I don't get worked up about it. But I'm just telling you; there is another chance. Could be faith anyway…"
"Kaxa-sensei a combat is taking place!" shouted a warrior's voice. "And it's not pretty!"
Kaxa looked behind herself to see if she would notice any child's play while releasing Ghanjan. But unable to see what was occurring, she pivoted briskly and strode towards South Garden as some cheering started to form. Ghanjan wiped his chin softly for he felt a strange feeling…and it wasn't making him comfortable at all. He heard Kaxa shouting something, but all was an echo for him to catch.
Sure, it might have sounded easy by the way Kaxa explained it. With the cat leader gone there was nothing to stand in his way. Becoming a warrior has made him eligible to become closer to the King…and yet there was still a price he had to repay. He knew for sure that King Yishanu had not forgotten the battle with the cats and the dogs. Even if it was a year or two ago, it was he who had caused a wound on the King.
Zodiac Castle
He really didn't expect this to occur. Reasoning his thoughts out perfectly, he knew for a fact that the impossible was surely…impossible. But then yet again he did keep a promise to her, and it wasn't very honorable to leave a promise hanging off the edge of your tongue. But knowing what was happening through his life, there was a one out of a thousand chance that he could at least get something off his back and accomplish something for once. He surely failed his Mortal Castle assignment. Who knew that girl had an affect on him…well, it wasn't exactly the girl who got him caught. She was part of it, but that cat leader…he was the reason that now he had to put up with all of this. The reason that he now had to hang his head low whenever he walked in public. The reason for stopping every ten seconds so he could clear his thoughts. The reason for making that promise! If he had gone back into the past and thought of his actions more carefully, then he wouldn't have to put up with-.
"It's funny that you see animals running all over the place you know?" questioned a figure walking behind the rat leader; his head glued to his feet. "It's like a zoo going lose! Funny…and yet again you see a tiger walking next to a monkey like nothing is wrong. How is that possible with real life animals? And you know I really never saw any real life animals around this place!"
Yuki Sohma merely swayed back and forth with his steps as that same annoying voice continued to enter through his ears. He didn't bother to look behind himself at the person that just didn't seem to have a stop button. Just by thinking of his name, he could easily picture him in his mind; a pretty much short decent cut black hair and matching black eyes that shined bright even in the night sky. He had a decent body just like the rat leader; only Lord Yuki was a bit skinnier and had a paler complexion. Only a few inches taller then him, his clothes matched the garments others were wearing…well, of course they had to. But for a person like he himself…
"Don't tell me you kill your own people when they are in their Zodiac forms!" gasped the figure as he jumped in front of Yuki who's head was still stuck to his shoes. "How else would you get meat? I have never once seen a single real life animal! That's terribly disgusting Yuki!"
Mortified by this question, he had enough guts to look around his surroundings. And just like he suspected, there were some Zodiacs eyeing him suspiciously, worried, or mostly just plain confused. But it wasn't their fault that they were staring at the rat leader as though he had gone crazy. What in the world was he doing with him? And more importantly, why was he letting him wander around the place; following close behind his existence as though he were a lost puppy trying to find his way home? Zodiacs themselves have a better chance of being around the rat leader then that 'hostage'.
Taking a relieve breath; his eyes steadily rose until he could catch the face that he once felt sorry for. It surely was unbelievable that he felt regretful for him in the beginning; all locked up in that cellar with one or two guards keeping 'lookout' of the place. His hair was greasy as his body looked lifeless; however once Yuki said a clear greeting to him, it was as though his voice had brought all the energy back into the prisoner and sure enough he was talking rapidly as though he were a little kid.
"Manabe…do we look like people who would do that?" asked Yuki, disbelieved that he was actually answering this mortal's question.
"Well it was worth a shot asking," he sighed as he shrugged his shoulders. "Or possibly all of you are vegetarians! Explains why you are so skinny and pale."
"Being a vegetarian doesn't necessarily do that," he mumbled, but that didn't stop Manabe by swinging his arm over the rat leader's neck and playing with his bangs. "…And what are you doing?"
"So you guys aren't vegetarians?" questioned Manabe surprised with another one of his 'wonderful' gasps. But that's when Yuki swiped his arm in front of Manabe so he could have himself back in his possession, but this only made Manabe laugh. "Well then, you really need to pack on the muscles Yun-chan because that didn't even hurt a tiny bit!"
"I wasn't planning on hitting you," spoke Yuki as he started walking once again, but of course there was Manabe; following close behind like he did for the past two months. "I just don't want you touching me."
"Aw, so you really do care!" cried out Manabe while giving a hard pat against Lord Yuki's back. "Don't I feel grateful or what?"
"Why did this…person have to be Manabe?" thought Yuki as he felt himself being swayed back and forth by Manabe. "I should have left Yishanu-san to kill me back then."
3rd Floor
Servants walking down the halls close to Akito's study quickly scurried out of the way as a blur of orange stormed through the halls, knocking everyone off of their feet, smashing not so cheap vases on the ground and in general creating an enormous mess and producing an extremely loud noise. Quiet muttering escaped Zodiacs' mouths while they watched their cat leader angrily pass through the hallways that once used to be spotless.
The door to Akito's study was kicked open, and Kyo Sohma strode in, plopped down on one of the chairs, crossing his arms in front of his chest, fixing an angry expression on his face. But how can you exactly tell if Kyo had an angry face or not? Everyday he would seem piss about something…and yet that was quite similar to other cat Zodiacs as well. Almost as if it were their nature. But weren't cats supposed to be cuddly and elegant? The way the cat leader sat…he was far from being an actual cat.
His ever-composed Lord didn't even look up from his work, opting instead to keep signing documents in his neat handwriting.
"A good day to you too, cat leader," he spoke, eyes still lingering on the papers in front of him. "I trust you had a good morning?"
But even with the deadly silence, it was almost as if time stopped. No answer or a single word came through the cat leader's lips as his eyes remained pinned to Lord Akito. With a mere grin spreading across his face, he started scrimmaging through the papers that were stacked in front of him.
"Tell me," spoke Lord Akito. "Which part of 'do not enter my study ever again unless you knock' do you not understand? I had thought it was quite clear enough, as even the other Zodiacs seemed to understand it.
"Guess it wasn't clear enough," Kyo sneered at his Lord. "I get up, and the first thing I notice is a note sticking out from my door, saying that we are all heading out tomorrow! More importantly, you're putting me with that asshole that calls himself 'rat leader'. Did you go insane or something?"
Taking his eyes from his documents for the first time, Akito gave the cat leader a blank look that you would barely see. It wasn't usual for Akito to create a face such as that, but with Kyo speaking whatever was on his mind, Akito was not the person who would easily accept them. But in this case…what was wrong with playing with his mind for a bit. Something to amuse himself once in a while…
"Apparently, I did, for it seems like I have given you consent to take a seat," replied Akito with a 'what do you think' tone. "Then again, I have not become insane, for I actually did not give you such permission."
Kyo immediately jumped to his feet and stormed up to Akito's desk; slamming his fist on Akito's desk, causing a particularly large pile of papers to topple. But this didn't even catch Akito's attention as he kept his eyes on the crimson eye teen that had literally slammed his whole frustration through his simple desk. It was bizarre that it remained standing…but probably with another punch the whole thing would just collapse. Flaming pupils circled the young youngster just like it would always do whenever he caught a glimpse of his Lord. He wasn't even trying to hide the fact that he was forcing out all of his hatred into him, and Akito didn't seem to have any trouble with that matter.
"Stop avoiding the subject!" snapped Kyo. Akito merely folded his hands as he showed a small amount of enjoyment in his eyes. "I want to know why the hell you put me with that rat! I don't need help with anything; let him deal with his own business!"
"Who was captured by our adversaries?" asked Akito as he raised his brows, wondering if Kyo could even give him a straight answer. Kyo opened his mouth to talk back, but nothing was able to come out, and this gave Akito a decent answer. "That's what I thought. The last time I checked, it was still I, Akito Sohma, who is Lord of the Zodiac Lands, and therefore, you should stop questioning my decisions and merely go along with them. It is not as if you have a choice."
"But-," Kyo began.
"Perhaps," Lord Akito sneered. "You should remind yourself of the fact that the rat leader is still our ally. Are you so mundane that you have forgotten it already?"
"I don't care if he's an ally or not, and I know that I can handle everything on my own!" backfired Kyo as he pounded one fist against the desk again, but still it remained to stand for Akito's sake. "So what is this? Some 'act of preparations' because these mortals managed to kick your holy ass!"
Kyo was yelling now, and for a moment, the two Zodiacs stared each other down, each one of them angry in his own way. Kyo with a scowl on his face, furious and growling. But wasn't that a dog's job to be growling and furious when someone starts annoying you? And Akito; the ever collected person, an image of total gracefulness, but with a more deadly glare in his unadulterated dark violet eyes. Of course, Akito was the one with the most self control, and he only spared the cat leader a slight glance before he set his pen to paper again.
"No one in this world has managed to 'kick my holy ass' as you so eloquently put it," spoke Akito darkly. "I don't know what that sickening castle did to you, but you are now under my law once again so I suggest you put your act back together. Now leave my office, but I warn you, the next time you come in like this, I won't go easy on you."
He knew from the back of his hand that whatever Lord Akito said was pure law through his soul, but this was going overboard! Why did Kyo, Lord Kyo of the cat Zodiacs, have to be put side by side with that revolting Lord Yuki? Was it because the mortals were able to catch not only him, but along with Lord Yuki as well? Did Akito actually have some hidden uncomfortable feelings that it would be right if Kyo and Yuki were put together? But he knew for a fact that the two of them didn't get along at all…just like that war two years ago. Did he just forget about the whole thing?
"You think that just because Yuki and I were captured it gives you the right to put us together!" shouted Kyo, and this time Akito's glare deepened. "We both are not weak at all and I know that with us together it would just ruin things even more! Why don't you put Haru with him! That'll make his day I'm sure of that!"
A silence fell, and tension hung thick in the air, but it soon disappeared as Kyo found himself lifted off the ground with one of his Lord's deadly clawed hands tightening his collar; squeezing the life out of him. It was even more surprising that Lord Akito was able to life him up with a single arm…that was strength, he had to admit.
"Leave the rat leader out of this you monster," Akito hissed, narrowing his brows. "You know nothing, you imbecile. We go to war tomorrow, and that is it, end of discussion. Now leave, if you value your life."
At that, Kyo was dropped unceremoniously to the ground, his Lord already on his way back towards the desk, face blank once more, as if nothing had happened. However, there was a short knock on the door, and Kyo watched with amusement how a moment later, a very uncomfortable looking Kagura coming in, squirming under her Lord's cold glare. Even though she noticed Kyo in front of her, knelt on the ground, jumping on top of him with Akito in presence would surely make her nervous. It wouldn't be very mature…but it wasn't as though she could completely ignore it.
"M-my Lord…I…I m-must"
"Boar leader," the girl gulped as a pair of murderous dark violet eyes bore into hers. "Stop stuttering and say what you have to say. You are wasting my time otherwise, and you know very well what that means."
"There were some rumors going around that I overheard…" she mumbled, cowering under her Lord's gaze. "They say that…one of our prisoners is walking freely around the castle grounds…the prisoner, he, he's accompanied by Lord Yuki as well."
Dark bluish-purple eyes were narrowed again, and the boar leader ducked reflexively as her Lord approached him, but instead of expecting some harsh threats that she had heard from others in the past, her Lord just walked straight past her and out of the door, leaving a slightly stunned orange head and a relieved girl behind.
"A prisoner walking freely around the castle?" muttered Kyo to himself as he stood up, though there was still anger circulating through his veins. "Heh…wonder what he thinks about the rat leader now?"
But it was completely inevitable that by the next second a girl who was once frightened by speaking to the Lord was now on top of him; wrapping her legs around Kyo's stomach and tightening her arms securely to Kyo's neck as he gasped for air, walking clumsily backwards while hearing chitter-chatter continuously that even though he was at least an inch away from her face she was shouting as though he were deaf. But not able to outstand the sudden hugging and balance, he fell straight to the ground with her, but still she held on for dear life as she giggled happily.
"What the hell are you doing?" shouted Kyo angrily as he tried to pull her off, but her love was too powerful to release him that easily.
"You were gone for so long what do you expect me to do darling?" she cried out as she hugged him even tighter, swinging back and forth as Kyo's head flowed along with it…or should it be 'force' along with it. "I have made a commitment that each and every single day I shall give you a warm, delightful hug so you can remember that someone is always here to love you!"
"This is a torture hug dammit!" bellowed Kyo as he tried to stand up, but Kagura's playful act was just too much as he fell back to the ground again. "AND WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO LET GO!"
"I can't possibly let you go now Kyo-kun!" replied Kagura as she snuggled her face in Kyo's hair; his eyes widening with fear yet irritation. "I just got here! You haven't even experienced the tenderness in it yet!"
"What I'm going to feel is a broken neck!" he snapped, and trying as hard as he could he was able to stand up, but Kagura was pinned to his back. Frustration crawling up his spine he heard Kagura squealing with enjoyment.
"A piggy back ride!" she spoke happily as she rested her chin on Kyo's shoulder, looking up at him. She could still see that aggravation that was common in the eyes of the cat leader, so this didn't worry her at all. It just proved that he was his normal self and nothing more. After these past two months, she had no idea what was happening to Kyo when he was kept at Mortal Castle. Who knew what kind of things occurred there? But as long as he's in his usual mood, there is nothing to be worried about.
But she couldn't be sure about that theory. What about that one day where she found out that her beloved Lord Kyo had returned to their castle? Of course, she knew that she was the happiest girl in the whole wide world; Zodiac or Mortal. She just knew that no one could surpass her happiness level. Yet after finding Kyo, that provocation appearance was gone with the wind where he was only left with emotions that probably ran through his mind. It was the first time ever that she experienced a strange feeling throughout herself; seeing Kyo in that kind of position. What could have possibly caused him to react that way when he finally came back to his home? Wasn't he grateful that he had escaped that damn castle that captured him in the first place? Even with these thoughts, she didn't even have the courage to confront him that day as she just left him to be. That was the right choice…right?
"…Hey Kyo-kun?" questioned Kagura as she soften her grip around Kyo's neck. But to her shock he didn't even try to escape from her grasp. She was certain that he would have at least shaken her off. She didn't even realize that she was dozing off until Kyo's crimson eyes looked at her from the corner of his eye. "Oh! Um…er, you don't think that, um, the rumor is true, do you? About the prisoner that is."
"Why you asking me?" he mumbled, looking at the desk that was once separating he and Akito. If that desk wasn't even there and only he and the chair remained, who knew what ideas could pop into his head. "It's not my concern that I have to know everything about that damn rat. But if it's true, I say he's gone crazy. How should I know anyway?"
"Because you were with him for almost four months," thought Kagura with a weak smile, looking down at Kyo's arms that were hanging lifelessly at his side. "Almost four months in Mortal Castle with him…something must have triggered in his mind to do something like that. Freeing a mortal from imprisonment; let alone letting him follow you around. What ever happened to 'humans are filth and therefore should be treated as such'?"
"Oh," added Kagura as she looked up at him. But this time he kept his eyes on the desk, not bothering to show that he was paying attention. "What are you doing in Lord Akito's office anyway?"
"…Didn't you read that document?" questioned Kyo strictly. "Gave us details about what we're going to do tomorrow. Stupid as he is, he decided to put me with Yuki; that filthy rat. And he says that he's not insane…"
"You still can't get along with him?" she muttered. "I thought that maybe three months, being the only major Zodiac prisoners at that castle, you two would probably get along. But it isn't all that bad, right? At least you now get to take revenge on Mortal Castle right?" A small giggle escaped her lips, but she really didn't know what she was laughing about. "You must be excited to attack the mortals, huh?"
Expecting Kyo to at least go off topic or reply with an 'unusual' answer, the room was left in silence as it did moments ago with the snapping between the cat leader and the Lord of Zodiac Castle. Not sure if Kyo heard her or not, she looked back up at Kyo to see his face. Her weak smile progressively fell into a disheartened frown; something that didn't exactly suit the girl as others might imagine.
That same image she saw two months ago; the one where Kagura was about to see Kyo once again after around four months, that same expression started to form through his eyes. Kagura knew him too long to know how he was feeling, and in this case, it wasn't good at the moment. Did something she say affect him with his emotions? Maybe talking about Mortal Castle just made him uncomfortable…but…this was Lord Kyo.
"What happened at Mortal Castle Kyo-kun?" thought Kagura as she looked back down at Kyo's lifeless arms.
Mortal Castle
"I see you succeeded."
Hanajima turned, remaining mute as Uotani came walking towards her with a proud grin. Besides wearing her usual tattered tanned pants and a tucked in white shirt, she was now covered head and toe with garments that were always seen outside of the castle; especially when a battle was about to take place because she was now a warrior surprisingly. It wasn't like King Yishanu to change positions of a person's role. Uotani didn't even know how she was able to join them…but for some reason she would always think back to Tohru.
Uotani standing next to her with her hand against her hip, she didn't start bragging about her uniform. Hanajima glanced warily at her before following her gaze into the direction of a large pathway of the red carpeted hallway that was made with perfection with an appealing girl that was laughing and playing with Hanajima's brother, Megumi. A mere stranger would have thought that Megumi wasn't having fun at all, but Uotani and Hanajima could easily tell that no aloof was looming in the air.
"Perhaps," murmured Hanajima, eyeing her friend with satisfaction, as she was obviously enjoying herself for once. The warrior standing by her side, however, raised her eyebrows.
"What do you mean by 'perhaps'?" questioned Uotani curiously. "She looks a lot better to me…"
Hanajima made a soft sigh and closed her eyes for a moment before looking at the happy princess who had tried so hard to make herself seem like the happiest girl alive. Her personality, mind, soul, actions, everything that made her up was slowly disappearing as day by day her acting started becoming a phony. But no matter what she was still able to manage a smile to anyone…you would barely find a person like that.
"I bet you everything she's showing is an act," said Hanajima smoothly as she noticed a couple of kids waving hi to Megumi. But besides leaving, they merely ran up to the princess as her smile grew even wider. "You were right in your assumption that something was growing on between them…but he left, and the pain that that caused won't go away easily."
"Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean," said Uotani with a chuckle, but it wasn't as though she were in joy. "…He didn't say anything to her did he?"
"Not all men are as forward as others," spoke Hanajima with a straight face as usual. "If he, as you seem to think, does feel something for her, he hasn't said anything about it. But something did happen." Seeing a curious look from the Yankee who now seemed like a pure Yankee, she shook her head. "I'm just not able to detect it. I can't do those kinds of things."
With a slight shrug, she merely watched Tohru with the little children as though she were running her own daycare.
"If we ever get to see that orange head again, I suggest that we tell Megumi to curse him," said Uotani as she took a huge intake of breath. "…It's okay, really…this way, I've still got something to repay her for,". At that moment, Tohru chose to succumb a laughing fit as some of the children started pretending to be Zodiacs; one crawling on the ground like a tiger and prancing at a child that went into a laughing fit as well.
"But she does look better, that's for sure," Hanajima mumbled as she watched her friend again. Her shift was already over; dinner had passed and it was around eight. But she didn't have a reason to just fall asleep; the night was still young as others would say.
"Yep…our Tohru-kun does look better," said Uotani.
Tohru's Bedroom
Already tucked in bed, she rested her arms on top of her stomach while staring up at the ceiling that had somehow caught her interest. Her eyes weren't even close to drooping into a restless sleep as she tilted her head to the side to see a mere wall that almost seems as though it had been built there ever since this castle had exist. But clear enough for her to remember that there once use to be a balcony, and who was the destroyer of that lanai?
"I feel so clumsy," thought Tohru with an embarrass smile.
Almost having this same thought for the past two months hasn't been that difficult on her. Sure, maybe some moments where maybe she would be lost in thought and completely forget that she should be sleeping by now, but it didn't exactly scar her life. Making herself feel hopeless wasn't going to help anyone and she knew that. What good would it bring anyway? It would merely bring more depression to other people around her.
"Uo-chan and Ghanjan-kun are now warriors," thought Tohru just like she would every once in a while. "I can't let them worry about me because some friends have disappeared from my life. I still need to cheer them on and give them courage to be the best!"
The night remained still just like every other hours of darkness. Nothing different about today; it was the usual same routine as always. She would find herself with Megumi a lot nowadays since Hanajima was usually busy with the kitchen; not to mention Ghanjan and Uotani in the army. It was kind of hard to talk with them while they were in training. It only depended on King Yishanu on when break or even a day off was needed…and by how these past weeks have been going by, it seemed logical that that would never occur.
"I wonder what tomorrow will bring," thought Tohru, her eyes drooping down until all she saw was pitch black. "And the day after…"
Oh thank GOD! After a complete 3-4 weeks, I have FINALLY finished this chapter. (Though I doubt it's good…I need to update more dammit). I hope all of you like this chapter! I was trying to make things clear in here without actually giving any 'easy' information away you know? So…yeah that's mostly it! Since it's now Thanksgiving Week, I don't think I'm going to be doing that much so I'll try to put as much effort as possible in my other chapters okay? School is getting hard and, surprisingly, I keep getting side tracked and distracted…I hate it. But trust me; I will finish this story. I can guarantee that. Well, read, review, repeat please! BYE!
DarkKyo