Well, here's Angie once again. Taking her sweet ass time to write this next chapter... There were some difficulties with the Microsoft programs I had and basically, I couldn't upload anything. Also, I had to get a whole new drive for my laptop, meaning that everything previously on my laptop was deleted; including all of my background information and chapter 9. So I have to rewrite everything all over again (when I write, I write whatever comes to my head. I really don't make any preparations…I hope that isn't bad). So I'm sorry for the delay. But now it's summer! A whole 2 months for writing haha. But I'm going to California in 5 days so I'm super excited to see my friends, boyfriend, and family again! That's pretty much everything going on in my life (ignoring major shopping and a new hairstyle) so here is the story!
Chapter 9 "Forgotten"
Quiet. Silent. The whole tunnel was dead still. Only the soft breaths coming from the beings roaming the tunnel echoed off of the walls, the shuffling of tired feet grazing the ground. A few people hidden in the crowd held lit torches, raising it above their heads to provide light for the mortals behind them. The humidity traveled all over the passageway, sweat trickling down the dirty skins of the people and making home onto the soft ground. Almost all of the children were being carried as some had their eyes shut, sleeping away the moments passing by. Everyone's expression was lifeless; no shine in their eyes nor a delightful grin to ensure others around them. There was nothing to be happy about. Nothing at all. The reason? Too many to name.
Though everyone was huddled in a pack, not even caring about the heat they were producing in the cramped burrow, Ghanjan remained in the lead, far for anyone to talk to him in a regular toned voice. Lifeless arms dangled by his sides as he kept his sinister eyes on the ground, swaying back and forth like a controlled puppet. Though in any second did it appear that he would just collapse in front of the crowd, Ghanjan's pace was faster than the rest behind him.
Ghanjan's eyes struggled to stay open. "Two hours…" He looked over his shoulder, immediately spotting Hanajima who was second in the lead. Her expression was the same as usual; unexplainable. "Where is the ending of this tunnel…"
"Keep your words."
Ghanjan shook his head harshly, wiping his clammy hands over his face as he sped up. He had to get out of this tunnel immediately. Remaining in this channel… it was pure agony that incessantly pounded Ghanjan with harsh, disturbing memories that he created on his own just for the happiness of none other than Tohru, the most essential person he needed in his life. To let her run off like that in search of Kaxa; how foolish could he get? There were Zodiacs in the damn castle and letting a mere mortal run off inside a dangerous place filled with fatal enemies? As of now, he wouldn't necessarily mind bringing out his dagger and killing himself right in front of everyone. Nobody would care. Not after what he had done…
The expressions he was going to receive once everyone found out about the absence of the princess.
The expression from King Yishanu. The chance to earn his trust and approval…
"How could I…" Ghanjan could feel his whole body starting to shake, but with performing steady breaths Kaxa had once explained to him during combat training, his body merely tensed up as he remained like a statue, walking in the darkness as minor thoughts remained hidden beneath his eyes. It was better than shaking uncontrollably like a freak; especially when the almighty Hanajima was strolling right behind him.
Though he was loose with torturing himself with atrocious thoughts and assumptions, a faded glimpse of luminosity appeared in front of his eyes. Almost as if…
Ghanjan quickly spun around and pointed directly towards the light. "The exit! Everyone we're here!"
That was all he had to say as he forced himself to sprint up the tunnel. The tunnel exploded with the thunderous stomping of the crowd, everyone rampaging through the burning passage of hell. Each being was crying out in desperation inside their mind, wanting to free themselves away from the presence of others and to get their own space for once. Though the two hour walk basically took the life out of everyone, each one struggled to climb up the steep tunnel in order to feel the fresh sky over their heads besides the flaming torch cooking them to death.
There was no smile on Ghanjan's face as the light got brighter and bigger right in front of his own eyes. "Almost there…"
And immediately on that cue, he found himself flung into the wide open space, tossing himself onto the jade field that spread all over the land in front of him. The mortals suddenly dashed in front of him, everyone cheering with joy as other people copied Ghanjan's movements; carelessly falling onto the grass as they all felt nature's coolness comforting them. A few cries here and there shouted through the chattering crowd as a few broke down into terrible bawls; supposedly a cry that they had survive the near experience death of an enemy. Something every single person feared.
Ghanjan sat up and watched everyone enjoying their moment of delight. He was content; that was for sure. Everyone had managed to escape a place, which was once called home, a nightmare. The pure happiness engulfing everyone took him by surprise, but why argue with them? They didn't know what had happened in the tunnel. They didn't know that the princess was left behind, presenting herself freely into the hands of the Zodiacs. The things that those nasty beings could do to her… No one could imagine the possibility of the chances Tohru had to face now.
Shouts of help suddenly filled the atmosphere. Ghanjan looked around his environment, taking in the nature that surrounded him. Lush green grass, plants, reddish and orange skies with purplish clouds roaming above his head…
With no sign of any villages or outside people…
Just when he thought that doomsday was going to occur again, a sudden voice was heard despite everyone shouting their heads off.
"Everyone this way!"
Ghanjan watched as all his comrades scurried over to a teenage girl, supposedly a villager from some kind of rural community nearby since what she was wearing didn't match anyone. Basically, that was something Ghanjan pleaded for. He got up and sauntered along with the crowd as well, trying to blend himself in with everyone else as they followed the petite dark haired girl. This time, everyone appeared content with the condition they were in right now. All plastered with grins and probably thoughts about food and shelter; how he wanted to have such a care free memory…
He spotted Uotani, strolling along with Hanajima as they spoke silently to themselves. Surprisingly, Hanajima seemed to be the talkative one in the group as Uotani remained…emotionless. There wasn't any electricity of excitement or fury escaping her. Not this time. Not after what Ghanjan did…
Then he saw Kaxa, away from the whole entire crowd and off on her own. She walked gradually with her head still held up high. If one looked at her, nobody would think that there was something wrong with her. Her posture, face, everything; they were under controlled. Her black eyes stayed focused with what was in front of her and that was a place to remain safe and hidden…for now. But hidden deep inside those eyes; Ghanjan didn't want to know, but he was pretty sure that he had a good thought about it.
His heart increased when he noticed that there was no sight of King Yishanu…
As of now, Ghanjan felt like he was a Zodiac. An enemy.
The princess silently sat on the graceful dragon, letting the breeze stab her face and eyes. Her dress slightly rustled with the wind, dry cold wetness developing near the corners of her sapphire orbs. Tohru made a soft, sturdy sigh as she ignored the tons of hair wrapping around her face. In the beginning, pretending to be content with the whole situation seemed to be a piece of cake. But now that she was traveling away from her home, now that reality was actually sinking in, there was no reason to try and pretend to act different. Of course, she had done it tons of times for other people's bliss. But who was she trying for now? She would be surrounded by strangers... Ignoring Lord Yuki and Momiji of course, but...
Was this how they felt when they arrived at her home? Did they consider her a stranger that they didn't want to be involved with?
She felt a light tap against her shoulder as she looked behind herself, Yuki's amethyst eyes sorrowful. His expression seemed a bit surprised as he cleared his throat. "You seem to be a little quiet." Yuki tilted his head slightly. "...Are you okay Princess Honda-san?"
Immediately Tohru widened her eyes, puzzled. "Oh? Do I look out of it?" She couldn't help but ever so lightly blush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that I was giving off that impression! I'm just kind of lost in thought, that's all."
The rat leader stared at her. "Oh."
"It's going to be so exciting meeting people like Lord Yuki," commented Tohru, turning back around as quickly her smile faltered.
Whatever happened to 'there was no reason to try and pretend to act different?' Tohru shut her eyes, licking her lips as she shuffled along with her thoughts. She just couldn't seem to risk other people being worried about her emotions. Was Lord Yuki really unaware about her actual feelings? Was he supposedly trying to go along with her act so that he wouldn't cause any trouble for her?
That as of now she would rather remain back in Mortal Castle and risk her life besides going to enemies' grounds?
The thought was negative and absolutely nonsense, but Tohru felt disappointed in her decision on following Lord Yuki into safety; running away. She was too selfish to stay back at home with the Zodiacs; possibly with other mortals who might have been left behind. She, the only princess and 'daughter' of King Yishanu, abandoned her home for her own protection instead of her people. She couldn't even check whether Kaxa was safe! With the absence of her presence, who knows what might happen to the barrier she created! Could her magic die eventually? Just a small adjustment of the barrier could end everything.
Once that barrier broke and the Zodiacs discovered the passage in the dungeons, the mortals were doomed.
The Zodiacs would be free into the Mortal land.
"I'm so sorry everyone."
"Why are you so excited?"
Momiji sauntered pleasantly through the halls, chomping away on some fruit cake, whip cream decorating his lips. Kisa and Hiro followed behind, Hiro holding a yo-yo as he merely dragged it on the ground, not amused by the silly toy.
Momiji's eyes danced. "This cake is so delicious!"
"Such an idiot," thought Hiro as he glanced over at Kisa, seeing her small, cute smile as her cheeks reddened with enjoyment. She was such a pretty girl, it surprised Hiro that she didn't have a boyfriend yet. The way her sleek auburn hair gently swayed with her movements and her matching, round eyes that sparkled in the dark; Kisa was more than an average Zodiac. She was so innocent around everyone and had tons of manners. Kisa could somehow brighten up the room with her presence, unlike Hiro...
Why would she be friends with a guy like him?
"You know, there's this one girl name Honey who use to always make sweets using honey because that was her name!" Momiji stuffed the remains into his mouth, still talking as bits of sweets came flying out. "I haven't eaten anything she's made for a long time!"
Actually, why was Hiro friends with some seventeen year old kid who obviously acted like a ten year old, not to mention he was held captive in Mortal Castle for a year and that everyone thought he was dead? He was a shame to the Zodiacs; working alongside with the mortals and not even making an attempt to escape.
"What a disappointment..." Hiro was filled with disgraceful views about the rabbit, that was until he noticed a few servants rushing through a different hallway further up ahead from them; most of them women as they held the hem of their dresses above their feet to prevent themselves from falling. A few commands here and there echoed around the building. Groups were scattered as well; ranging from different sizes.
Hiro and Kisa walked over to Momiji, watching the actions of everyone. Some servants stood around idiotically, looking all over the place like Hiro was. He found a group of servants discussing something very rapidly with arms flying around the place, that was until they dashed out of their huddle and started running towards the stairs leading downstairs. More and more servants started to follow.
"I wonder what's going on," questioned Kisa, a tint of concern in her voice as her large orbs watched the Zodiacs.
Hiro cleared his throat loudly. "It's nothing to be afraid of. Great. That's a reason to make her worry!"
"I'm going to see!" Momiji announced proudly, speeding away without another say. Hiro didn't even bother but to raise his brows with annoyance, watching Momiji's fluffy hair bouncing with his movements. Momiji needed to control his emotions a bit more.
Well...a lot more to be exact.
"Do you want to see what's going on?" Kisa looked at Hiro worriedly.
Hiro was silent for a moment before taking the lead, not bothering to make eye contact with the cute tigress. "I guess."
The chipper rabbit soon found himself with a big crowd gathering outside the corridors, the gates slowly being released by a pack of monkeys all shouting out at each other. There were six circular carvings on each gate; each with a figure of a Zodiac that was carefully carved in. There were no colors; just simple plain brown wood that blended in with the gate. The eyes of the Zodiacs, however, were rubies and different color gems. It wasn't necessarily a huge worship gate or anything, but merely a motivation for who they were and that they should be proud to be a Zodiac.
People who could change into animals. What a difference compare to mortals...right?
A loud thump shook the occupied ground as everyone cried out surprised. Heads were tossing back and forth until a shout bellowed out, "It's all right! The gate was released too early!"
"I'm so sorry sorry sorry I am deeply sorry me! It is me who is apologizing because I'm so sorry I should just die! Die, die that's what I should do because of my sorrow and these apologizing for my sorrow and the cause of my being so sorry I'm so sorry!"
A group of older women approached the auburn haired monkey, Ritsu, and led him away from the crowd as the monkey continued to cry out his apologies. Some Zodiacs were either giving him a deathly, cold glare. However some, who were mostly girls, watched with sadness and help in their eyes. Momiji was part of that group as he saw Ritsu searching around crazily, shouting, "Where's the weapons!" His tail whacked everyone and each time he hit a home runner, another apology was thrown out.
"That's Momiji, right?"
Momiji's eyes traveled towards a group of elderly older women who were near the Ritsu scene, glancing at the rabbit without trying to make themselves noticeable.
"He came from Mortal Castle huh," one whispered.
"Yeah." Unfortunately, the other one managed to catch Momiji staring at them as the lady quickly turned around, her back hunched. "Poor dear," he heard her silently say.
Momiji made a petite smile as he blended himself with the crowd even more, trying to figure out what was going on around this place. Why did everyone suddenly charge outside? But wherever he went, Momiji would hear someone mentioning his name and his past experience back at that foul place... As they so say.
So he was captured by the mortals and held captive in Mortal Castle for little over a year. What everyone thought was that he was kept in a small, cold, wet dungeon with nothing to eat except rabbit meat, a sign of torture for him. Momiji was never introduced to light and he only took a shower once a month. The kids would purposely visit him and throw carrots at him for fun, but Momiji wouldn't care as he would devour the vegetable, pleading to the God that he would survive this insanity. The warriors would even use him as practice targets; however it didn't really seem like practice...
That was the story of the Zodiacs.
It wasn't the story of Momiji.
For the first day or so, he, Momiji, was kept in a dungeon, yes. And technically he was weak since the mortals did a little beating so that his capture wouldn't cause them problem. That's what the Zodiacs would have done if he were, hypothetically, a mortal. But he was then set free by Tohru, the princess of Mortal Castle without an explanation. From what he heard by Ghanjan, it was because he was no use for any information regarding the Zodiacs. He was placed as a servant and was treated like everyone else; with kindness and respect. There was no tint of hatred or rejection from any mortal whatsoever. He ate, but not just carrots and rabbit meat. Tons of dishes that one could imagine were set upon him—sweets specifically—and he was outside twenty-four seven. He loved playing with the little kids; they weren't torturous at all.
But no matter how many times Momiji tried to speak about the mortals well being, negative rumors somehow managed to interrupt him. Even if one took the time to listen to what Momiji said, they wouldn't take it in. Some believed that he was trying to hide his past experience and not make himself seem weak. Some believed that he didn't even want to remember those memories anymore and instead he was trying to make up memories of his own to replace that hard, dreadful year.
"What are you talking about?"
Momiji glanced around and finally noticed a small man, looking up at the sky as though he were searching for an answer. His pale gray eyes sparkled in the sky as his cane wobbled from the owner's support.
"Something big is coming?" questioned a Zodiac off in the distant loudly.
The elder man locked eyes with her almost immediately. "I sense a huge being heading our way; fast."
"Could it be the Zodiacs returning?" Excitement filled the crowd as everyone tried to overpower their voice.
"But I thought they were staying at Mortal Castle to overrun the place!"
"Maybe they were unsuccessful!"
Silence.
"They could be bringing back the wounded for us to help!"
"You don't think it's the mortals coming after us!"
There were too many comments overwhelming the whole entire place as Momiji kept his eyes on the sky, wondering as well what was coming after them. The small man was a dog Zodiac, so his keen hearing senses probably detected some sign of breathing or...just some sound that could erupt in the sky. What could possibly be coming after them? It could either be the Zodiacs or the mortals; it was an even out choice. Overrunning a castle didn't have a specific time limit, so technically it was impossible to know if the Zodiacs were heading back home either successful or unsuccessful. And what if, somehow, the mortals managed to defeat the Zodiacs? Could they have known that the Zodiacs were coming and that they planned to attack the warriors early? Were the mortals taking this chance to maybe overrun Zodiac Castle since all the warriors were out of sight?
"I'm so sorry for being a horrible Zodiac!" cried out a voice. Momiji looked over at the person, seeing his long auburn hair dangle in front of his face as the word 'depression' blew out from his eyes. "I, Ritsu, am a shame to the Zodiacs! I can't help if the mortals come after us and then our castle will be overrun with no one to defend but us servants!" He looked down at himself shamelessly. "Even if I'm wearing this kimono proudly, I need to be a man when the mortals come at us even if I am handless with weapons!"
"Ritsu-san, calm yourself down!" a few teen servants rushed over to the sorrowful Zodiac who continued to beat himself with harsh words, hiding himself in a corner between the weapon shack and part of the castle wall.
"Look!"
The whole entire crowd hushed as they looked at the sky, heads wandering all over the place, perplexed. Where? Where is the 'look' figure they should all be looking for? Was it big? Small? How would mortals be flying? That is unless they took control over a dragon Zodiac. But a dragon Zodiac would never let a mortal command them no matter what; they would put death first. Yet again it could possibly be just Zodiacs. Both of the same kind couldn't possibly come together; not in history.
Momiji saw it. Something blue was dancing in the sky swiftly. Though it blended in with the bright sky, it shined and sparkled as the dark outline of it helped it stand out.
"A dragon?"
Voices exploded from the crowd as everyone waited, the word patience not even existing as of now. The crowd all started shuffling, but apparently nobody knew where to go. Go outside or stay inside? Momiji tried to remain standing where he was, remembering that dragon on that one night; the night where he and everyone else escaped Mortal Castle. Everything was pitch black except for that dragon's eyes; icy cold blue. Just sitting with the Zodiacs and knowing what was happening around his surroundings... It wasn't an escape; it was a horrendous flee. And now here came the same dragon, coming over to them with elegance.
"Are those people on top of Lord Nukardo?"
Gasps erupted as more people tried to get a perfect view of the dragon.
Momiji cocked a curious head. "People?"
"So it's real?"
Hatsuharu studied his bangs with a lazy expression, wrapping his ringed finger around a strand of hair. "Yep. Every piece of strand."
Tohru's face was pretty much impressed and amused. "Do all ox Zodiacs have hair like that?"
The ox nodded. "Every single one of them. Well, in a different style."
Yuki watched as Haru glanced over the princess's shoulder, joining his eyes with Yuki. All the rat leader could do was smile as Haru returned the gesture, looking back at Tohru and continuing to socialize with her, a small, genuine grin visible. It was nice that the ox leader was at least trying to mingle with the girl besides leaving her out of the dark.
Lord Yuki looked behind himself, seeing the other Zodiac leaders talking among themselves and not regarding the other three people in front of them. Lord Yuki wasn't exactly close with the remaining three Zodiacs behind him. Remembering the things he heard back in the past—both at Mortal Castle and Zodiac Castle—it was basically 'Lord Yuki likes to be alone,' or 'he's bipolar or something along that.' Yuki never really knew who came up with that, let alone why someone would say that if they didn't know that for that a fact. Could it be because of the way he acted? Did Yuki really act as though he didn't want to talk to anyone? Or possibly was it because he was just too...weird...to be talked to? Even if he was a Zodiac, why be labeled as a loner without a choice?
"—you Lord Yuki-kun?"
Yuki had no idea that he was mindlessly staring at the princess as he widened his eyes a bit, trying to knock himself out of his daydreaming habit. "I..." He grinned, embarrassed. "I'm sorry Princess Honda-san. I was lost in thought. What did you say?"
"Oh, it's okay!" Tohru's pleasant smile erased Yuki's pervious thoughts. Was she ever using her magic secretly on him? "I was asking if the entire rat Zodiacs had hair like yours."
"Like mine?" Yuki purposely studied his bangs since they were the only visible strands of hair. "As in color? Yes."
"So basically each Zodiac has their own hair color?"
Yuki scratched his temple. "Pretty much."
"That's so cool!" Just a while ago Tohru was in a quiet mood... "I bet everyone is as beautiful as you then. Do they all have the same eye color as you too?"
The rat leader was a bit taken back as he didn't bother to hide his blush, noticing a quick grin coming from the ox who watched the conversation. "Um..." It was best to knock out that first comment. "Most of the rat Zodiacs have violet eyes, but there are some with different shades close to them."
"I wonder what I would look like having silver hair and grayish eyes," questioned Tohru to herself. She laughed, "I would probably look like Lord Yuki-kun's sister."
Yuki smiled as a faint cheer was heard from below them. The princess in front of him seemed to hear the same thing as they both attempted to look below their feet, trying not to lean too far since the dragon was still moving. Far off in the distant, a faint castle was visible as a large blue creature settled onto the ground, cheers becoming louder as scatters of ant-like creatures sauntered all over the free ground.
They were home. Well... Yuki was.
When Yuki looked back at Tohru, he noticed a tint of nervousness and fear. "...Princess Tohru-kun?"
She was silent for a moment, which was until she stared into one gray eye of Yuki's. "Is...that Zodiac Castle?"
Yuki nodded calmly. "There are only servants down there; except for the warriors who arrived on the dragon." He saw the ox leader looking at him, amused as he rocked back and forth with the ride. "Um...the castle isn't all that different compared to Mortal Castle." Seriously? "They're...they both have stairs..." And you call yourself a rat leader? "It's...hard explaining."
Tohru created an uncertain smile. "It's okay Lord Yuki-kun. It's just the thought of being around people I don't know. People who consider me as an enemy; a threat."
Yuki looked back out into the distant, the gap between him and the castle enclosing. "Well...back at your home, I felt uncertain too."
"A leader like you?" Tohru asked.
Well, what did she mean by 'a leader like you?' "I get scared sometimes." Was it just him, or did he feel like he was talking to his daughter who ran to him because of some kind of thunderstorm? "I felt hated in your home with no one to really communicate with. But I was aware of a few Zodiacs there so... I was around enemies who wanted to kill me and my people. Which will probably be the same situation as you... But..." Now that he thought about it, this wasn't really helping her at all. "Your people treated me like them. It was awkward... Though Zodiacs have a deeper hatred towards mortals... I can order the Zodiacs at home to treat you like us."
He saw the reaction Lord Hatsuharu gave him. As of now, Yuki felt so pathetic, but possibly punching the ox leader in the face a couple of times would relieve that tension developing all over his body. What else could he say though? He couldn't exactly promise anything to Tohru because technically, he had no control over Zodiacs who didn't belong to him. He had to confirm an agreement between eleven people that Tohru would be treated as a guest. The only reason why she had came along was so that somehow they could get some clever information regarding the mortals. The job was risky since abandoning people seemed to be the last thing on Tohru's mind, but with time…
But Yuki only wanted her protection in regards to paying back a debt Tohru had given him.
"You think they're going to hate me?"
"If I can't hate you, then who can? Give them some time like you did to me and things will be fine." Um... "I promise." What the hell Yuki. That's a promise that's probably not even possible to achieve!
Soon enough the castle was large enough for them to make out the Zodiac faces on the ground, all staring up at the dragon as their smiles and wide, colorful eyes overwhelmed the negatives in the atmosphere. Yuki saw Tohru looking at the people; Zodiacs hugging one another as tons backed away from the gate, giving room for the mighty beast. The blue dragon sauntered inside as a servant walked by his side, holding clothes and other garments in his hands. As the rat leader looked back at Tohru, he noticed her eyes flicker with fear that wasn't even clear to him. And she was watching the blue dragon...
Could it be the night when he and all the other Zodiacs fled? Was she thinking of that? Had she seen Lord Nukardo during the getaway?
The gravity started pushing them down as the red dragon slowly started to land, the crowd trying to get as close as possible without being crushed by the huge claws of the creature. Yuki kept his eyes on the princess at all times, making sure she had a good grasp on the dragon. Hatsuharu seemed to be glued to the dragon as Yuki could imagine Haru waving his hands in the air; almost as if he were riding a roller coaster. Though he had never witnessed a true roller coaster, he heard many stories about them descending as tall as the towers of his home. That they could reach the top speed of an average dragon…
What a strange thought in this kind of situation?
Finally, Yuki slightly felled forward from the pressure as everything felt normal again except for the rush developing inside of the rat leader. The crowd was in close range as the cheers continued to plundered his ears, greetings heard and questions being tossed out that weren't quite eligible to grasp. Everything had stopped moving except for the Zodiacs who waited on the ground. The rat leader looked behind himself, seeing the three other leaders carefully standing up as they traveled down the dragon's tail like a bridge. Yuki stood up from his position as he looked back at Tohru, watching Hatsuharu help her up as she staggered with difficulty. It actually looked...cute.
Immediately, the crowd hushed.
Lord Yuki knew why.
He watched Tohru as she kept her eyes on the dragon's scales, watching her feet and making sure her footage was safe. But not only to prevent herself from a nasty fall, but to ignore the others stare. Yuki couldn't help but smile as he took her hand, leading the way as he carefully led her down the red scaly tail with tiny steps. He didn't feel embarrass or nervous at all. Even though the crowd was muted and all eyes were on the princess, there was just something that prevented him from being scared. Why was that?
"They're quiet," whispered Tohru tensely, not daring to sneak a peek at the Zodiacs who were only twenty steps away from reaching her. The things they can do if they could touch her...manage to stroke a finger through her chocolate hair…
"It's okay." Yuki looked at Haru as he gestured the rat leader to keep moving. "Let's hurry Princess Honda-san."
"Tohru-kun!"
The princess gasped as her head shot up, looking through the crowd as her eyes scanned pass every single being, which was until it landed on a chipper boy who pushed his way through everyone forcefully. The grasp on Yuki's hand disappeared as Tohru brushed passed him without a word, making her way down the tail as though they were regular stairs. Yuki watched as suddenly Tohru and the hyper blond boy, Momiji, collided with one another as a small, purple smoke appeared in thin air. Quickly the smoke faded away as the princess was presented in front of everyone; holding a rabbit in her hand.
She just performed a wicked Houdini.
"Momiji-kun I can't believe you're here!" spoke Tohru, her pitch a bit too high for comfort. "I missed you so much!"
"So they're friends?" Hatsuharu questioned, nodding slowly as though he had undergo some dé jà vu.
"Pretty much." Both the leaders made their way off the dragon as they approached Tohru and the snuggly, small rabbit. Hatsuharu picked up Momiji's clothes that laid near Tohru's feet as Yuki tapped the princess's shoulder lightly.
"I can't believe you're here!" Momiji rubbed his furry little head against Tohru sweetly. "What are you doing here! This is going to be so cool Tohru-kun!"
But before she could answer, Yuki's touch finally brought her out of her trance. "Princess Honda-san we should get you inside for now. It'll be for a little while."
"Oh. Um, right."
It was almost as if the crowd had disappeared from her for that moment. Suddenly reality was back to her as she hung her head with nervousness, realizing that all the Zodiacs were still eying her with curiosity and hatred. From red to green and purple to yellow eyes, they were all penetrating the princess as numerous invisible daggers were being stabbed continuously at her for her existence at an enemies territory. The countless thoughts running through all these Zodiacs; that was something no mortal would want to know; especially Tohru.
A huge roar of laughter filled the crowded shack, clattering bottles banging against one another like dueling swords, the inside lights flashing through the only single open window and a few cracks within the wooden walls. The sky was pitch black and decorated with nothing but faint mist, the ground appearing as though it were steaming. All but the one single shack was dark; not a tint of light escaping. Shining brightly in the sky was the half cut moon hidden behind a thick layer of smoky clouds. The arid gravel roads were bare from all living things, except for one certain brown headed boy.
Ghanjan sat on a worn out wooden bench that laid against the shack, the window above him as he listened to all the rustling and conversations occurring inside. His breath was off beat; clear smoke escaping his nose and blue lips as it dissolved in the air. He rock steadily back and forth, repeatedly tapping his heel against the ground; fidgeting. Ghanjan fluttered his eyes in frustration with keeping them open, not wanting to give in into the cold weather that loomed over the small village.
He spotted two shadows exiting out of the shack as he took a quick glance at them. A man and a woman were laughing hysterically, a typical type of thing after leaving some place that appeared to be a bar. The man whispered to the woman keenly as she giggled, looking down at Ghanjan for a split second. Immediately her face altered into annoyance and a bit of fright as she pulled the man away from Ghanjan's site, muttering something into his ear as they both turned around to watch the warrior. Ghanjan was staring at them as though he were about to leap up and strike them.
However warrior couldn't care less as he brought his shivering hands towards his mouth, blowing harshly against them as he rubbed them furiously. Just a little longer...
"So damn cold," he thought, clenching his teeth as an uncomfortable sensation traveled everywhere in his body. He couldn't enter the shack yet. Well, actually he wasn't planning on entering it tonight nor ever. But...
Right on time, the worn out blanket that dangled in front of the entrance swept open, a woman walking out as she draped a fairly long black cloak around herself, folding her arms and pulling over her hood to cover her dark face. Instead of walking towards Ghanjan's direction, she turned the opposite way and briskly strolled off. Instantly Ghanjan obliged himself into standing up as he endeavor the strength to catch up with the woman, his legs frozen to a point where it felt as though they were break off if he were to take another step.
Ghanjan's voice was icy. "Ka…" He cleared his throat loudly. "Kaxa!"
The figure in front of him paid no heed as she continued onwards, only this time her pace seemed to have quickened. Ghanjan rushed up to the woman until he was keeping the same speed as her, his shivering visible. He tried looking at her, however Kaxa was giving him the cold shoulder as only part of her face was visible due to the hood that covered her facial appearance.
"Kaxa." She still didn't stop. "Kaxa let me explain!"
And then she stopped, still staring ahead of herself. "Explain?" Slowly she cocked her head until she had a good view of the younger boy who appeared all blue as the sky. Not that it bothered her one bit… "What's there to explain?"
"Ka—."
"Tohru-kun is gone. Is there really anything to explain about that?"
Something stabbed Ghanjan's chest. Gone as in kidnapped, or gone as in…
It appeared as though Ghanjan was about to reach out towards the woman, but instead he held back as all he could do was stare at her disbelief. What was there to explain? His intentions were to just apologize to Kaxa and give a brief explanation as to why he let Princess Tohru Honda run off. To top that off, he wanted to discuss with her the possibilities of trying to recruit her back. All he wanted to do was repent his actions and hopefully make himself appear that he wasn't an enemy. His decisions were wrong and it had cost him the person he loved most, but keeping it locked inside of him wasn't helping at all. Kaxa cared too deeply for Tohru…and he knew that she was suffering the same treatment.
Kaxa made a 'hmph' mutter as she continued to stroll along, only to be stopped by Ghanjan's hand that grasped her shoulder firmly. He caught a glimpse of Kaxa's raging black eyes, but that didn't stop him from releasing her. Sure, he was the cause of a missing mortal, but he was not going to be ignored like…a Zodiac or some being that was even far beyond lower then a Zodiac.
"Look, I wanted to say that I'm sorry," spoke Ghanjan easily, hoping that Kaxa wouldn't brush him away now. Even he knew that sorry just wouldn't cut it. "I just figured that…maybe explaining what happened might—."
"Might what?" snapped Kaxa quickly, having property of her own shoulder again. She stared at Ghanjan once again before continuing, softly, "I already know everything. Uo explained the whole story so there's no reason to hear it again."
Ghanjan was a bit struck by Kaxa's calm reply, but he knew there was still abhorrence from her. "She wanted to find you and I had no idea that you were in the front…and she promised me that she would keep her word so... I don't know Kaxa-san…I just figured tha—."
"She's just a girl Kuji!" her voice was rising once again. "Sure, she's sweet and innocent, but do you expect a girl like her to know what she's doing? Tohru tossed herself with that cat leader, the rat leader, that rabbit boy; she never knows what she gets herself into until the last minute you know! She doesn't know the problems it causes! I, Kuji, I am the one who watches out for her so that she doesn't become too involved with the wrongs! But with all these distractions in my way I can't be the only one knowing whether what she's doing is right! I feel like her mother Kuji! And now she's off with those Zodiacs…"
Ghanjan could see the sparkling tears developing in her black orbs, though anguish and loathe covered her entire face. He couldn't say anything, not after what Kaxa had told her. He felt like he was a big brother to Tohru, only he wished to be more. Tohru had presented herself into his life and brought him happiness after being 'reborn.' But being a motherly figure…Kaxa… She was a fiery woman; fiercer then Uotani, and that wasn't a pretty sight to look upon. But she cared too deeply for Tohru, but as in a motherly way? What was Ghanjan to Kaxa now? An enemy who threw her daughter away?
"You've done enough damage Kuji." She quickly wiped her tears with the back of her eyes. "I thought that if Kuji Sanada had returned, things would have been better for all of us. But ever since then, things haven't been going right. Not even the slightest thing. Ghanjan was a weakling, but he cared for Tohru-kun and her safety. I thought Kuji would have been the same, but—."
"Would you stop calling me Kuji?" Ghanjan backfired, storming up to Kaxa as he waved his arms maniacally. "You might think that I am still him, but I'm not! I'm still Ghanjan for God's sake! When did I ever decided that I wanted to be this Sanada bastard?"
"You did!" Kaxa turned around and walked a few paces around before turning back to Ghanjan, her hood falling off as she towered over the warrior. "When you became a warrior again all because you wanted the princess for yourself!"
"You… It wasn't all for her!"
"Why don't you just shut up and drop this, all right?" Again, being the person she was, she spun around once again and tried running away from him. But Ghanjan wasn't the easy type as he stopped her once again, grabbing her cape as she literally almost felled back.
"Not until you let me explain my side of the story!" Kaxa was about to interrupt but Ghanjan was quick enough to cut her off. "I care about her like you do! I know how you are feeling right now becau—!"
"How I feel?" Kaxa gaped at Ghanjan as though he had just told her a deep dark secret. However she only then started laughing, though it wasn't a pleasant laugh. It was dark and forceful. "You say you know how I feel?" She paced herself around again, looking at the sky with a dumbfounded face. "You're saying…" Kaxa pointed her finger at him, waving it slightly as she tried forming the words in her head. "You're saying that I know what it's like to let the most important person in your life go? That I feel repent and sorrow for letting a girl like her get away with a threat like the Zodiacs? Undergoing the feeling that everyone is going to know you because you were the one who let her run off? Is that what you're saying?"
Ghanjan shook his head as his eyes buried itself deep within Kaxa. She was overreacting…way overreacting. Ghanjan was horrible about the disappearance of Tohru, but shouting and yelling about her like this wasn't going to help them find her nor bring an understatement. "That's not what I'm saying! She wanted to find you Kaxa! If you hadn't just order her to run off with the rest of the crowd to escape, she would still be here with us! You made her worried about your safety Kaxa! Don't put all the blame into me now because you know that if you didn't command her to leave your side while you were casting that barrier than—!"
A loud smack echoed into the ears of Ghanjan as his face burned and stung. "Shut! Up!" Kaxa quickly ordered, her hands shaking crazily as she dug them into her pocket swiftly. "Don't you dare tell me what I should be feeling guilty about you cheap, no good rotten…" Her voice grew louder and louder." …Snake licking, dirt eating, ignorant…dog kissing, brainless, hopeless, heartless, worm-headed, stack of monkey shit you are!"
And with that, she was finally able to walk away without being interrupted by Ghanjan. "Don't you ever bring this subject up again," she silently said.
It might have been wrong to think of it now, but Ghanjan couldn't decide whether or not to laugh at the names Kaxa had called him. She was seriously angry about the situation everyone was in right now. But the way she said it; snake licking, dog kissing, monkey shit... Sure, it was funny, but it made him appear as though he were on the Zodiacs side. It wasn't as if Ghanjan had literally wrapped the princess up, tossed a huge bow on top of her head and delivered her to the Zodiacs like Santa Clause. And the more he thought about what Kaxa had called him, the more pathetic he felt. The more he remembered, the more sorrow, regrets, repents…
"Is this how everyone is going to react to me?" Ghanjan just stood in the same place, watching Kaxa walk away with stiff shoulders. "I didn't mean to just let her run off… She said she'd keep her words. She has never lied to me…" Something wet was trickling down his cheek. He tightl shut his eyes and clenched his fist as he started walking, no destination set in his mind. "Who am I kidding… She's Tohru-kun."
He was wrong for blaming Kaxa. She was right. She couldn't protect Tohru all by herself. She needed others to keep an eye on the princess by all means. When did Ghanjan ever save Tohru? He had only brought her closer to danger; at least, that's all he remembered. Was he too reliable on other people to watch her while instead he enjoyed his moments with her? Spending time with Tohru without even regarding her safety… Some kind of warrior he was. Some kind of friend he was.
Zodiac Castle
With Lord Yuki, Lord Hatsuharu and Momiji by her sides, Tohru leisurely roamed the fist hallway of the Zodiac Castle, ignoring the Zodiacs who were trying their hardest not to ogle into the eyes of the mortal. The princess. The enemy. Earlier, Tohru had followed Yuki around the castle into his workplace where he momentarily sat at his desk, jotting down some notes. Tohru had waited patiently by sitting on a chair near Yuki, looking around the place as she pretended to occupy herself with whatever was in front of her. There wasn't anything unique about the office.
Tohru was expecting him to show her where she would, but instead here they were, just strolling through the halls casually like every day people. Momiji continued to chirp at Tohru, thousands of issues piling out of the boy's mouth. Tohru replied modestly, hoping that her longtime friend would take her mind out of the difficult thoughts that remained incarcerated in her head, such as a random Zodiac trapping her alone in this castle…this huge castle.
"Open the gates! Open the gates!"
Tohru frantically searched her surroundings after that holler, watching all the Zodiacs stop their doing as they bristled along the corridors. The sound of the front door being opened was heard by Tohru and the rest of her 'body guards' that stood by her side, also taking in the sight. What was going on? Why open the gates? Had…the Zodiacs from her home returned? Had they come for her? But why so soon? She had just arrived here only about an hour ago! What were they going to do to her?
"Lord Hatori! He's back!" another cry reported.
"Ah…" Lord Hatsuharu started to lead the way, looking behind himself at Yuki. "Might be a good idea to follow."
"Lord Hatori?" thought Tohru as she felt her arm being pulled by Momiji, Yuki following close behind. She looked down at Momiji for a brief moment before trying to make eye contact with the rat leader. "Who's Lord Hatori?" she curiously asked.
"That's nothing to worry about." Yuki paused for a moment before leaning towards the sapphire eye girl, the movement of his smile tickling Tohru's ear. "I'm pretty sure Lord Kyo is with him, so we're just going to go and greet him properly."
Before Tohru could even react, Momiji interrupted by tugging Tohru's arm once again. "Hurry up Tohru-kun! Lord Hatsuharu is beating us!"
Tohru didn't say a single word as she let herself be pulled by the fanatical boy, her eyes wandering everywhere as she tried focusing them on Lord Hatsuharu's back; a spot that wasn't moving rowdily. Kyo-kun was here? Here in flesh in mind, body and soul? The almighty cat leader who she had gotten to know during his 'captivity?' With four months already gone by… Why was she so overwhelmed by his presence? He was, after all, a wonderful friend who had…escaped her home. But he just wanted to go home to his people and be in a place where he was comfortable. Kyo just wanted things to go back to normal…just like what Tohru wanted. Kyo didn't make it seem like he wanted to go back…
But…that one night where he escaped.
Tohru was flung outside as a huge, forest green dragon approached her eyes all of the sudden, knocking the wind out of her. Golden sun eyes pierced against Tohru as her whole entire figure tensed, a sense of authenticity rushing back into her as her body continued to move throughout the crowd. This was the same dragon that attacked her that one time when she was healing Kyo's wound. It was still a clear memory for her; when she approached her bedroom balcony and saw that dragon floating with grace… It was a pretty sight, that was until it attacked her. If it weren't for Kyo saving her, she probably wouldn't even be here staring at this dragon now.
And then that one time when all the trapped Zodiacs started to make their break out… This dragon had been circulating around her home, pulling down Kaxa's barrier and creating some kind of scent that caused everyone to fall into a deadly sleep. Tohru had caught the yellow eyes of the dragon and soon after, the last thing she ever saw was Kyo who…
"Come on Tohru-kun!"
…Kissed her. Up until now, Tohru had entirely forgotten about Kyo's actions on that hour of darkness. It was fast and brief, but that memory was so ordinary to her now. Before Kyo escaped and before Tohru fell to the ground from exhaustion, Kyo had suddenly jolted up to her and kissed her before she found herself in her room once again; daylight breaking in. With the fact that the Zodiacs were gone and that her bracelet had gone missing on that night, the memory with Kyo on that balcony was long…forgotten. But now it all came rushing to her. Why had he done something like that in the first place? Possibly a kiss on the forehead or cheek would have been nice but… It wasn't like Kyo. What were his intentions?
"Jekou-kun!"
Tohru jerked and looked up at the green dragon, only to recognize a pair of familiar glass green orbs; the yellow iris glancing at everybody as again the cheering formed just like earlier. Tohru was at lost. Jekou-kun was here? Was he possibly also taken as a prisoner? But wait… Jekou was reported missing after all the Zodiacs fleeted that night. So there was a good chance that he wasn't a prisoner… Maybe Jekou was hidden by the Zodiacs back at her home for some reason where nobody would find him during that night. But why would the Zodiacs do that? Or maybe…
No. He couldn't possibly be a Zodiac himself. But Jekou…
Before Tohru could shout out to her old friend, her whole body froze on the spot. Her heart was now held captive by an imperceptible hand; stopping her breath and thoughts as she watched an orange head boy make his way down the green dragon, a bored expression on his face as he lazily lingered onwards with his hands in his pockets. There were a few shouts of 'cat leader!' and 'welcome back!' coming from certain sections of the crowd.
It was him. "…Kyo-kun," Tohru whispered silently.
"Lord Kyo!"
Tohru watched Kyo take his first step onto the green grass, but was immediately trampled by a beautiful brown headed girl. She dived straight at the cat leader and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him to death as Kyo shouted at her angrily, trying to force her off. He heard him shout the name 'Kagura' at least ten times before he was free from her grasp. Supposedly that was the brown headed girl's name. A strange disturbance formed throughout Tohru as the girl, Kagura, once again attacked Lord Kyo. Finally, the cat leader was able to throw her off as he forcefully ordered her to stay away. But all she did was walked by his side with a proud smile, her arm pleasantly brushing against his.
"Kyo-kun…Ky…Kyo-kun!" Tohru released her grip against Momiji's hand as she squeezed herself between the small groups of people in front of her. She wasn't far from the cat leader as he continued to walk towards the back of the crowd, Kagura following by his side proudly as a few random Zodiacs joined, questioning numerous subjects. "Kyo-kun!"
Finally, Kyo turned around gracefully with his hands still in his pockets, his crimson eyes catching Tohru's. Tohru was struggling with what to do and what to say and how to react to the sights of him. She brought out her small arms, attempting to drape them around Kyo just like the girl besides him did before. It had been four months since she's seen Kyo and now she was only a few feet away…A few feet away from being together with her long time friend who had saved her several times…
Kagura, who was once besides Kyo's side, quickly stepped in front of him, preventing Tohru from passing. She held an arm out in front of her, her delicate hand a few inches away from Tohru's chest as the princess continued to breathe quite harshly from the excitement and revelation…
"You dare speak Kyo-kun's name?" questioned Kagura strictly, stabbing her gaze into Tohru. The ferocity that exploded from her was startling.
Princess Tohru's smile was wide; truthful. She gazed at Kyo for what seemed like forever until she spoke again, "Ky—."
"What the hell?" The cat leader straight away stepped back as he stared at the princess, his eyes filled with revelation, disbelief and…fury? "What the hell is going on?" he shouted, still backing away. Kyo looked around himself hastily, searching for an answer by someone. "How come no one is going after her?"
"What?" thought Tohru. Kagura was still looking at her sternly, not moving from her spot.
Jekou had walked towards Kyo, placing a steady hand on his shoulder as he lightly gripped it. "Lord Akito ordered her incarceration here, Lord Kyo."
Kyo was still staring at Tohru with incredulity, not believing what was going on. He didn't keep his blood shot eyes away from her. "What's so special about her?"
Again, Jekou answered his question. "She's the princess of Mortal Castle." He leaned in and whispered something into Kyo's ear, only to see Kyo's eyes flinch. What in the world was going on? What was with Kyo's…callous greeting? Did he not recognize her? Did he not remember the princess he had stayed with for half a year? Did four months really get the best out of him?
Yuki managed to rush up to Tohru as Momiji followed behind, grasping her arm. Kyo continued to stare into the eyes of Tohru, studying every single detail of her. His eyes glanced at Yuki who remained by the princess's side. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Lord Kyo looked away and turned his back against her. Again, the crowd around them started to chat once again. "Well, she has nothing to do with me." With that saying, Kagura hurriedly lowered her hand from Tohru and rushed by the cat leader's side with a bright smile.
For a moment, Tohru was struck, but then cried out once again without thinking, "Kyo-kun wait!"
Kyo spun his head around as a few Zodiacs within the crowd hissed with pure loathe. Everyone was glaring at the princess, but that wasn't bothering Tohru. What bothered her was the way Kyo had sharpened his eyes only for her, Kagura grinning crudely by his side. He then snapped, "Don't call me Kyo-kun you filthy mortal. I don't need to waste my time with a silly prisoner such as you."
I seriously hated how I ended this. I wanted to make it different but this was the only way I can put it. Like…there was more I wanted to do, yet I just didn't know how. Have you ever gotten that feeling? Where you know that in one scene, you could write tons of things, but somehow you just can't? It's a complicated topic to deal with but…there's your chapter! I hope making it long summed up my half year absence…yep… Well…I'm going to try hard to work on chapter 10 as much as possible! Please continue to follow along, but if you can't handle the time I take to write, then its okay. Until next time!