Of Two Hearts
Chapter 23: Eloquence
The night was still. The moon merely hung in the endless sky, showing its silver, quarter crescent. The stars plastered into the dark atmosphere were dim, its shine never penetrating through the motionless clouds. Not even the grayish-blue outline of the clouds could be detected.
This night has an eerie beauty, Chi-Chi noticed as she leaned against the wall by the sliding screen doors leading to the balcony. She had been sitting in the corner for an hour or two, unable to obtain sleep. The restlessness came from the incessant thoughts of Goku. Just a few hours ago, Chi-Chi and Goku had seen each other, and Chi-Chi really was very happy to see Goku.
Though he looked weary, Goku was happy to see her as well. He wanted to see her, and the talk they had was something nice to him. He had learned something new once again.
No matter how many times he told her it was okay, Goku accepted that Chi-Chi was going to worry about him. There was just no changing that…
His simple, naive ways were what made him Son Goku. Hadn't he noticed that their encounter hours ago was a special moment to his fiancée?
The way Chi-Chi's heart went out to him, and the fact that she just wished they were together, because this love hurts sometimes…
This love…
This is what Chi-Chi was thinking of.
She still wasn't sure if Goku was sincerely trying to win her hand, or if he even loved her at all. Sure, he stuck by her side all these years, but she never actually heard him say the words 'I love you'…
Yet, how can I expect him to say those words to me when he doesn't even know what love means? Chi-Chi thought, bringing her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.
She lowered her head and brushed the bangs out of her eyes with her breath.
She had promised herself that she'd wait for Goku no matter what. But…
She wasn't sure how she could explain love properly, and what it meant, and all the possibilities of her future with Goku, including marriage and a baby perhaps…
This is going to be a lot to explain, but I'm certainly going to try…
***
Four Months Later….
***
Goku was harvesting wheat and other grains in the fields that stood tall under the hot, July sun. He was still doing labor for the Ox-King in the name of his daughter, and because he had fully agreed to this service, the Ox-King wasn't going to be nice anytime soon.
'A good husband takes care of what he owns. Pretend these fields are yours and do your best to make them presentable', Ox-King had told Goku as he handed him two kammas to work with.
Well, yes, but a husband can't die from a heat stroke before he marries his bride! Goku thought displeasingly, as he reached to wipe the sticky sweat off his forehead. He had been working in the fields, which were in horrible condition, to turn them into something a farmer would be able to use. And he had been working for hours now. The sun was aligned directly above Goku, and it was noon, so unfortunately the sun was shining at its hottest temperature…
Goku grunted as he tied another bundle of rye with a string of vine, to be taken to the wooden cart parked under a tree. The gathered grain was to be taken to the Ox-King and not to the mill to make bread, as Goku wished.
Suddenly, Goku heard the grain shuffle and be pulled apart, and he looked up to see the tips of the wheat sway quickly. Someone was approaching on horseback, Goku noted as he heard a whinny. Goku was grateful for the shadow protecting him, as the person came to a halt beside him. Goku squinted his eyes as he looked up. The sun's rays gleamed off the rider's armor.
"Wakaru?" Goku questioned, shading his eyes.
The young warrior jumped off his horse. "Yes. I came with something for you." He turned to his horse and looked through a large, leather pouch tied to the saddle.
"Here," Wakaru said, handing Goku a water gourd. "I thought you could use a drink. It's very hot today and you working here mustn't be very amusing…"
Goku didn't respond for a moment as he gulped down the water loudly. He was desperate for the rush of icy water to soothe his parched throat. He saved the last bit to pour over his head.
After this, Goku sighed with relief and smiled at Wakaru. "Thank you. I really needed that. And yea, it is a lot of work. Want to lend me a hand?"
Wakaru raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious?"
Goku raised his eyebrows as well, confused. "Yes! These fields are too big for me to handle alone. I've been here for hours. I'll take any help I can get."
Wakaru frowned. "I apologize, but I cannot help."
"Why not?" Goku asked.
Wakaru rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I'm not sure you understand what this means if I help you… See, if I helped you, that would mean I would try to marry my lady…"
Goku was only more confused, and Wakaru's face ran blank. "Uh… if I helped you, I'd be doing the same work as you. You're doing this to try and marry the princess. I can't do that without the same reason. In addition, my helping you is considered cheating."
"Oh," Goku said, but then seemed thoughtful. "But don't you love Chi-Chi too?"
Wakaru blushed a little. "Well…ah, come now, Goku. Sure, Chi-Chi's my friend. Of course, I love her. She's pretty, yes, but…aw, I could never marry her."
"She's my friend too. I knew her when I was a child too," Goku reasoned.
Wakaru felt like slapping himself in the face. He frowned at Goku, uncomfortable. My lady's taste in men is a bit eccentric… he thought. Or perhaps Goku is only teasing…
Goku smiled subtly. "Anyway, as soon as I'm done here, I must go into the village and collect taxes. Ox-King said a good husband is reliable. If he wants the money right away, he's going to have to wait. It'll take me hours and hours to go through the whole village…"
Wakaru waved his hand. "Oh, you can take Shiori," he said, referring to the horse. "It's not far from here to get to the swimming hole, and that's where I'm headed."
Goku sighed with relief. "All right, thank you. I don't want to disappoint Ox-King. He's already suspicious as it is."
***
As Goku went into the village, Ox-King received the report that he left and went to check on Goku's work. He had left him with two horrible fields to fix up, and he expected them to be completely transformed. So, he and an expert farmer walked to the fields to investigate. The farmer brought a tablet, a piece of paper, and a quill pen to keep a record of the fields. He wore a thoughtful face as he studied the fields and walked around.
Ox-King waited patiently for the farmer's report. He may not know as much about agriculture as the farmer, but he knew the basics. He had to admit that Goku did a decent job. The fields were cleaned of the trash, the grains were harvested, good soil was turned over, seeds were planted and watered, and the plants and flowers were watered and healthy.
Soon, the farmer returned with his sheet of paper and handed it to the Ox-King. "I'm surprised that the boy did a satisfactory job, my Lord. I suppose every man has his hidden talent," he said.
Ox-King looked over the paper. Yep, Goku did a pretty fine job… "Not bad," he murmured, reading the paper again.
He tucked it inside his vest, looked at the farmer, and gestured toward the palace. "Let us return. This is the first thing Goku's done that I'm actually satisfied with…"
It was late afternoon when Goku returned to the palace. He put Wakaru's horse in the stable and loaded the moneybags into a cart. He wheeled it to the front of the palace and carried the bags up to the Ox-King, being sure not to drop one coin.
"I'm here, Sire," Goku announced as he bowed before the Ox-King, with the moneybags at his side. "I have collected what's owed to you from each villager."
Ox-King came to look at the moneybags. He opened them up and took out a handful of coins to look over. Once again, Goku had followed instructions and returned with a satisfactory report.
He was learning…
"Tomorrow, I will cover Sect B of the village, Sire," Goku added, his head still bowed.
Ox-King nodded, pleased. "Arise to your feet, boy."
Goku did as he was told and stood at attention. Ox-King told him, "I have some good news for you."
"Is it the princess?" Goku asked, hopeful. "Do I get to marry Chi-Chi now?"
Ox-King's face brightened. "How did you ever guess…? No."
Goku's expression changed at this confirmation.
"You're going on a trip with Wakaru and a few of the other samurai to the sacred Yukimae Mountains. You leave in the morning, so pack your things now, and get rest tonight. If you have questions, ask Wakaru."
Goku was hopeful once again. "Is this a vacation, Sire?"
Ox-King chuckled sarcastically, and then turned solemn. "Don't be silly, boy. You know you owe me at least a year of service."
Goku frowned at this. It was just even more work to do, and he wasn't sure if it was going to be enjoyable at all.
***
That evening, Wakaru found himself packing his necessities into his leather rucksack. He had to save space and pack only what was needed. He would probably be with Goku and the others at the mountains for a very long time. He left out a few things he would use tonight, and then place it in the rucksack and leave early tomorrow morning.
He felt a wider array of warmth from the setting sun as he glanced to his right. The door to his quarter opened, and he saw his sister march in, a worrisome look on her face.
Talim blinked at her surroundings. Why did the place seem somewhat bare?
"Good eve, sister," Wakaru greeted, continuing to pack up his things. He hadn't noticed she had come from her explorations in search of him, and that she was tired and worried.
"I've been looking everywhere for you… Why are your things being put into storage?" Talim asked. "Are you moving someplace else?"
"Not quite," Wakaru answered, grunting, as he stuffed a pair of pants into the rucksack. "I'm going on a trip to the Yukimae Mountains with Goku and some of the other samurai. It's orders of His Majesty."
Talim stepped back in surprise. "T-To the Yukimae? That's dangerous, 'Nii-chan! Why are you leaving anyway?"
Wakaru lowered the rucksack's opening flap and fastened it shut. "Because… Ox-King said so, and this is probably for a good cause."
Talim frowned, and a sense of discomfort came over her. "Must you go?" she asked quietly, almost pouting.
Wakaru swung the rucksack over his shoulder and grabbed his zori to put by the door. "I have no choice, Talim. I don't know when I'll be back, but don't fret over me. I'll be safe."
"I can't help it!" the girl blurted pleadingly. "I can't help but worry about you, 'Nii-chan! I'm going to miss you. Please say you don't have to go…" She trailed off, sniffing, whimpering softly, and brought her arm to hide her red, tear-stained cheeks. She wiped at her face vigorously to rid it of the threatening tears.
Wakaru saw his sister's behavior, and set his things down. He walked over to her and knelt to her level. His hand reached for her, and his thumb wiped away the salty tears on her soft, childish face. Then he pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her soothingly. Several strands of her mahogany hair brushed his face as she settled in his arms. Wakaru had her right where he wanted her, and his lips were not far from her ear.
"Don't cry," he whispered gently. "You're a strong girl. You can handle this. I won't have you worrying about me and losing focus on what you're supposed to do. I need you to be a strong girl for me, all right? Be strong for Otousan too."
Talim sniffed and nodded her head against his chest as she snuggled closer in her big brother's arms. Her clutch on him softened to two relaxed hands on his arms.
"Good girl," Wakaru said. "Now you go on and-"
His words were cut off by another distant voice calling Talim's name.
"Go on and see who seeks you," Wakaru finished.
Talim pulled herself out of Wakaru's arms and wiped her face before leaving the quarter. She curiously looked around, wondering who had called her name. She did a double take at the opposite side of the quarters; it was then that she saw the one who summoned her.
Talim kept her wondering eyes on Goku as she walked towards him. She stopped before him and looked up at him, confused. "You wanted to see me?"
Goku nodded and placed a hand on her head. "Yes. I have something I want you to do for me. Will you deliver this?"
His free hand ventured the inside of his vest and pulled out a sealed letter. He placed it in Talim's hands. "Will you be my messenger girl tonight?"
Talim's head bobbled up and down as she bowed. "Yes, sir. To whom shall this letter be delivered?"
"Chi-Chi," Goku answered. "I trust you won't open the letter and hand it straight to the princess."
Talim nodded and bowed again before leaving the quarters to her destination in the palace.
***
There was a knock at Chi-Chi's bedchamber door that night. Silence was the seeker's response. Talim hummed a little song to herself, rocking back and forth on her heels as she waited for Chi-Chi to open the door.
One minute passed… Two…
"What are you doing?"
Talim looked up in surprise at that recognizable voice. She turned around and saw Chi-Chi had just come up the stairs, and she was probably wondering why Talim was by her door.
"Huh? Oh, I was looking for you, Princess," Talim explained as Chi-Chi approached her. "I must deliver something important to you."
Chi-Chi laughed softly. "You're silly. It was time for supper. Of course I wouldn't be in my chamber. Anyway, what do you have for me?"
"Heh, heh," Talim laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head. She handed Chi-Chi the letter and then watched her, waiting for her expression.
Chi-Chi didn't notice Talim's game as she unfolded the sealed letter. Her eyes had a curious look to them as she saw the handwriting, but then they softened as she continued to read the letter thoroughly.
Dear Chi-Chi,
By the time you're reading this, I will be preparing to leave. I don't want to go away, but I must. I'm going to the Yukimae with a group of samurai and Wakaru, and I don't know how long I'll be gone or when I'll get to see you again. So, I'm writing you this letter to simply say… Goodbye. I'm sorry I won't be able to see you or give you a proper goodbye. But that doesn't mean I didn't care. I really do. I'm going to miss our visits at night and the talks we had… I'm going to miss YOU. I'll think of you when I'm away, and I'll do my best to come back safe. I want to come back to you.
Don't worry about me or the hard journey I'll endure. Just think of me and my promise that I'll come back. I will come back to you, Chi-Chi. Be sure of it. Until then, stay safe and busy, and before you know it, I'll return to you, my beloved.
Signed,
Goku
Talim raised an eyebrow curiously as she watched Chi-Chi. Why did it seem she was going to cry? Yet, she didn't look sad. Rather, there was a touched look on her face. Her hand rested at her heart as she read the letter again.
This only confused Talim. What did the letter say that got Chi-Chi like this?
"Oh, Goku," she heard Chi-Chi whisper softly. Talim didn't know that Chi-Chi had read the last two words of the letter again, causing a light shade of pink to color her cheeks.
My beloved? Did I… Did I read that right? Chi-Chi thought incredulously, sentimentally. Oh, this was too sweet for words. She didn't know Goku had a side like this…
"What?" Talim asked finally, growing tired of the suspense and silence. "What did it say?"
Silence. Just Chi-Chi staring giddily at the letter…
"Hm?" Talim mused. "Princess, what's the matter with you?"
Chi-Chi heard her this time, and folded the letter back up to be put away. She glanced at Talim, acknowledging her, and then turned to enter her bedchamber.
For that brief moment Chi-Chi looked at her, Talim could detect something in Chi-Chi's eyes. There lie several things in those dark depths… Serenity, compassion, true satisfaction.
For all the years she knew Chi-Chi, Talim thought she had never seen her so happy.
This letter has done something good to her, she thought.
***
"Are you reading it again?"
Talim sighed under her breath as she sat on a far futon in the corner of the bedchamber. She was sitting there, waiting for Chi-Chi to put the letter away so they could talk. She was determined in knowing what the letter contained and why it made Chi-Chi this way.
She glanced at Chi-Chi by the legless table at the opposite side of her bed. There was a small box on it, and that was where the letter was to be placed. Instead of just putting the letter in the box right away, Chi-Chi stole a quick read. She finally heard Talim's question, and finally put the letter away. She stretched her arms, yawning, as she walked back to her bed.
"Love sure can make you act funny," Talim said.
"Huh?" Chi-Chi said reflexively, and then blushed, glad that the only light in the room was the candle on her nightstand. "Uh, yeah…"
"So what was in the letter, if you don't mind me asking?" Talim stated, arising and sitting next to her.
"Nothing you'd find interesting," Chi-Chi said slowly, honestly.
Talim frowned. "But, Princess, I've seen that look on your face before…"
Her face brightened suddenly, and she snapped her fingers. "I know! Goku wrote you a love letter? Didn't he, Princess?"
"I suppose," Chi-Chi answered softly. "It was a sweet letter, and it did bring forth even deeper feelings than before…"
Talim tilted her head, confused. What's deeper than what? Ah, she'll ask that question later. She had a different question for Chi-Chi for now.
Talim looked up at her, curiously. "So have you kissed Goku yet?"
Chi-Chi raised an eyebrow, and couldn't turn her head to hide the evident blush on her cheeks. "…No comment."
Talim smirked. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Hey…"
Talim leaned closer, her wondering eyes looking at Chi-Chi. "What's it like?"
Chi-Chi cleared her throat, and the blush grew deeper. "Talim…"
"Huh?" the naïve girl asked. "What's it like?"
"What's what like?"
"To kiss."
"To kiss?"
"To kiss a boy… I mean, in your case, a man."
Nope. Chi-Chi couldn't outsmart or confuse Talim. Silencing her curiosity would have to do. "Um…it's very nice."
Chi-Chi rolled over in her bed to end the discussion, finally glad to have gotten this over with. In case that didn't give Talim the slightest clue, Chi-Chi said softly, "Good night, Talim. I'm very tired now." There was silence in the dark, and Chi-Chi couldn't hear Talim moving. It was like this for a few moments, and Chi-Chi turned over to see if Talim was gone, but she was surprised to see the hesitant girl on her knees beside her.
Chi-Chi was concerned about the uncertainty on the girl's face, and the fact she hung her head. "What?" she whispered. "What's wrong?"
Talim played with her thumbs, silenced, and then finally gave Chi-Chi a bashful look. "Um, is it all right if I sleep next to you? I promise I won't ask any more questions. I just like being here…"
Chi-Chi smiled warmly. "Sure."
The young girl happily climbed into bed and snuggled close to Chi-Chi, as if she were her mother. In fact, she often regarded Chi-Chi to be some sort of a mother figure. The age difference and maternal care was apparent, not to mention she was a good friend.
Talim closed her eyes, content, and smiled. "I feel safe here, Chi-Chi. Thank you. Goodnight…"
The last whisper of "Good night" from Chi-Chi was the last thing to be spoken as the crickets chirped outside, singing a soothing, melodious tune that would rock them to sleep.
To be continued…
Chapter Twenty-Four: Discovery