Collision
Chapter 3
Written By: Kimchi_Taco
I do not own anything from Dawn of the Arcana/Reimei no Arcana or any of the songs that I mix in with the fanfic. I am just your average manga reader that wishes I could have been a part of the adventure but with a little imagination and a stroke of the keys… I can be. I hope you guys enjoy!
"This…is…so…awkward." Rainy thought as she sat at a ridiculously long table, adorned with silk table cloth, shining plates, and brilliant glassware. From the ceiling to the floors and everything in between were dusted and polished like brand new. Yet Rainy felt the awkwardness was equivalent to sitting in the middle of an Iraq police station; afraid to touch anything. Rainy has never been in the high class scenes of aristocrats or politicians. The closest she has ever been was a forced dinner her unit sent her to a five star hotel that was honoring veteran heroes, which she was introduced to the multiple forks. Another reason it was only a day or so that she was riding along a hot and stuffy HMMWV with four other sweaty males and the best meals she had was probably bits and portions of her M.R.E. Going from smelly dirt, poop, and sweat to perfumes and lavender was a hard transition to swallow. Of all these reasons, there was still one that toppled the others.
There was this heavy silence and stiff backs towards Princess Nakaba. Rainy sighed only because she knew the story of Princess Nakaba's lineage had brought a heavy burden on her, and having bright red hair was the salt on the wound in her family. Even so, Rainy did not have to know the story but understood there was a growing hate toward Nakaba from the simple glares at the rest of the table. Rainy had to give extreme credit for Nakaba's strong and almost stoic like appearance at the table and unmoved by the heavy clouds.
"Princess Rainy, my son tells me you are from a Kingdom called, I'm sorry if I mispronounce, but the United States of Am"air"ica?" the Queen looked at Rainy with pleasant eyes.
Rainy slightly twitched her eyebrows but presented her best front with a small smile and nodded, "Yes ma'am. United States of America."
The Queen responded, "I see. I guess it is common to wear pants in your kingdom and you make it look absolutely stunning."
Rainy from the corner of her eye watched Nakaba's reaction and she saw a tiny flinch of her wrist but her emotions were as stoic and strong as ever, until Rainy responded, "Thank you. It was very helpful that the maids already had a design like this from Princess Nakaba. But I do believe Princess Nakaba fits the outfit much better than I do. Don't you think so ma'am?"
Rainy smiled at the Queen as she responded, "A show of disgrace is what she is. I apologize if she is an eyesore for you."
Rainy knew that the Queen highly dislikes Nakaba, but she was still surprised at the insult as she immediately responded, "Disgrace? An eyesore? You must be joking right? She seems like a lovely person to me."
The Queen somehow seemed determined to make positive on Rainy as she responded, "Even to such low scums you are so polite. You're king and queen must have raised and regarded you highly."
As the Queen smiled and Rainy nodded in manners and even thought, "Thank you." Had slid through her lips so smoothly, her brain was absolutely freaking out.
"WHO DOES THIS LADY THINK SHE IS?! UGH! WHAT HUGE TUMOR-HATE FILLED BALLS DOES THIS LADY HAVE! THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOOOOOUUU? HOW CAN ONE PERSON HAVE SOOOO MUCH HATE?! SHE HAS TO BE CONSTIPATED WITH HATE! GO SHIT ALREADY! WHAT ANAL PLUG IS UP YOUR ASS SO MUCH TO STOP YOU FROM DIAHHRETICALLY POUR HATE FROM YOUR BUTTHOLE?!" and many other statements that are going to be censored, but I think you understand the point.
Rainy slowly brought a meatball up to her lips, and slowly her eyes focused on it, "Wait a second… This looks familiar…"
Her eyes looked up and slightly to the right and noticed Princess Nakaba and Prince Caesar playing with the meatballs that Rainy had just picked up with her fork. Rainy slowly placed the meatball back on her plate and a million and one thoughts ran through her head.
"Holy shit… this is when someone tried to poison Prince Caesar! I should say something! Wait… no… what if the whole story changes because I decided to be a good guy and try to save Prince Caesar? And then people will ask how I knew it was poison and it would be super hard to explain…"
Prince Caesar began to steal Nakaba's meatballs from her plate…
"UUUGGHH! Come on! I should totally say something? But what should I say or do? And what will I change in the future? SERIOUSLY WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO?!"
Nakaba was pouting because she wanted her meatballs and Prince Caesar already has the poisoned ball on his fork…
"Come on Loki… fuckin' sniff the air… wag your tail… DO SOMETHING! HURRY UP!"
"Princess Rainy are you alright? You have been staring at your appetizers for some time."
Rainy quickly looked up to Prince Cain's eyes, at first she was ready to burst out for help and stop the meatball from Caesar from lifting his arm, but from the corner of her eye she saw Loki's ear twitch and his eyes glared at the meatball as she responded, "No. No I'm sorry. I'm fine."
For a second, Rainy thought timed stopped as she watched Prince Caesar raise his fork toward the Princess Nakaba's lips. And for one second, Rainy thought Loki was just distracted enough from Prince Cain's comment that he missed it. And just before Princess Nakaba opened her mouth to accept the meatball… time reared back into reality.
A clatter on the floor where the fork was thrown was the only thing Rainy saw, and also Loki suddenly standing over Princess Nakaba and Prince Caesar. Rainy quietly sighed in relief when she saw Loki looming over the couple and taking the bite from the meatball. Sadly, Rainy still felt a sting of regret for not saying anything when she knew fully well that the meatball was poisoned. And it definitely did not make her feel better watching Loki taking a bite of the meatball and coughed bright red blood.
Prince Cain had immediately stood up shouting in rage, and had quickly moved out towards the kitchen to find the culprit or anyone that knew of shifty behavior. The guests and the royal family were quickly escorted out of the dining hall and into the hallway by the guards. Between the scuffles and shouts, guests hurriedly leaving to the nearest bathroom to vomit any possible poisons, the queen having fainting spells, the chaos caused Rainy to stand in the hallway alone.
Rainy slowly looked around her surroundings and said out loud, "Well… what do I do now?"
Rainy thought for a second and wondered, "I don't get it… You can't really tell time reading a manga or anything… but I just feel Loki was supposed to have done the whole fork flipping and saving Nakaba a lot quicker than that… am I possibly changing the story line?" Rainy shook her head and rationalized, "No way! A book is a solid foundation! Everything will happen like the way it should because it is destined to happen… right?"
Rainy happened to look down the corner and see a blonde boy with horns curled on the side of his head running and Rainy thought, "Hey! That is Rito! If I follow him maybe I can find Nakaba and see how she is doing… that was a little scary after all… and not to mention… I GET TO MEET THE AWESOME CHARACTER NAKABA!"
Rainy turned the corner and had watched the red-haired princess walk into her room, which Rainy had politely knocked on moments later and called it, "P-princess Nakaba?"
Nakaba turned around and answered, "Yes?"
Rainy immediately walked up to Nakaba and took her hand in an "American handshake" (once again forgetting this is not a custom here) and excitedly said, "My name is Rainy! I am so excited to meet you!"
Nakaba immediately pulled her hand back first from shock and also the immediate kindness she had received from a complete stranger as she responded to Rainy in an almost accusing tone, "Y-yes… it's nice to meet you to Princess Rainy. Can I help you with something?"
Rainy regained her composure and responded, "Oh! Please don't call me Princess… it's a little awkward for me. And also, I mostly stopped by here to see if you were okay. That was pretty scary…"
Princess Nakaba sighed and responded with, "Yes… yes I am fine. Thank you for asking though… and also… thank you for… taking my side at dinner today."
Rainy gave a huge big goofy grin and had her right thumb up and said, "No problem!" Rainy immediately crossed her arms and gave a foul face as she continued, "The nerve of people. It's absolutely frustrating. Well, it is late and I am sure you need sleep so I will let you go."
Rainy had turned around to walk out of the bedroom but before she closed the door behind her, she stuck her head back and said, "By the way. I think your hair looks beautiful. It reminds me of the sun. Bright, radiating warmth, and ultimately beautiful. I hope you don't let these jerks get to you."
Princess Nakaba stood there in shock. Someone had complimented her hair with no hint of sarcasm or a sugar coating lie. Princess Nakaba had looked down her braid that was draped over her shoulder.
Princess Nakaba slowly whispered, "The sun…"
Rainy had turned around one last time, and saw Princess Nakaba looking at her hair in a new light. This had caused Rainy's lips to curl up slightly up in a grateful smile. But that smile was quickly a cartoonish open mouth of fear when Loki had suddenly stood before and she rammed her body into his, because her head was faced behind her.
Rainy took a few steps back and stammered, "W-what the hell man?!"
When she looked up and realized it was Loki and also allowed her brain to collect that it was her fault she quickly stammered, "I am so sorry! I should have been looking forward…"
"Who are you…" his voice was cold.
"…err… I could have sworn we did introductions at the table… but ummm…."
Loki had grabbed Rainy's shoulder and pinned her against the wall, away from Princess Nakaba's door and view as he said, "I know what they said at the table… but clarify for me… who are you?"
Rainy started to get frustrated and surprised him just enough to push him off her, "What is your deal man? My name is Rainy like they said at the table."
Loki looked down at Rainy, a little puzzled and then determination smoothed over his face, as he once again pinned her against the wall as he whispered, "Do not insult me… you look exactly like someone I had taken care of…"
Loki had quickly stopped mid-sentence and looked back down at Rainy, which she stared at him angrily as she said through gritted teeth, "Get… the fuck…. Off of…. ME!"
Rainy had picked up her left foot to kick him in the chest, knowing her legs are a lot stronger than her upper body. But he had quickly took a few steps back and for a split second Rainy could have sworn she saw the look of complete confusion and then immediately he had returned to his stoic self.
Loki had placed his forearm under his chest and bowed lightly as he said, "I am so sorry Princess Rainy… I believe I have confused you with someone else."
Loki had turned around and was about to walk away from the scene when he stopped and said over his shoulder, "I do not know who you really are or your intentions… but know if I feel for a second you are a threat to Princess Nakaba… I would just suggest you to stay away."
Rainy still standing with her left leg up to her chest and her arms above her head, and now her expression is filled with confusion. And just as quickly as he had appeared, he left. And she was left to stand there with one knee up to her chest.
"Princess Rainy?"
"AAHHHH! HIIYYYAA!" Rainy had jumped back on her right foot, still her left knee close to chest, but now her hands up in the air… she was standing in the stereotypical "ninja" pose.
Prince Cain stood there confused as he had asked, "What… what are you… Why are you standing like that?!"
Rainy only then just noticed how she was standing when she said, "Umm… err… I'm… I'm just stretching! YEAH! After all that ruckus at dinner, I thought it would be a good idea to walk around and stretch it out."
Prince Cain blinked at this response and actually kindly smiled, "You are an interesting person. Would you mind walking around the garden with me? I was hoping to get a little bit of "stretch" myself before bed."
At first Rainy was surprised and excited, "A garden?! OH YAY!" then a realization hit her as she said, "Are you sure it's okay with Princess Louise? I mean… I don't want to upset her…"
Prince Cain again blinked and then laughed at Rainy's comment as she puffed her cheeks and said, "HEY! That's not funny! Women are confusing and I don't want to start drama."
Prince Cain was still chucking as he said, "You're just an odd woman. Most women wouldn't think twice about walking with me, and even if there was a woman they wouldn't go as far to think of Princess Louise's regards. I just find it ironic how I met you… you were shoving my soldiers out of the way and yet dainty enough to respect my fiancé."
Rainy blinked and then said, "You know being a woman doesn't mean we all go after money and status. It is insulting if you think all women are like that. And it's not "dainty"… it is being respectful."
Prince Cain had immediately said, "I am so sorry! That is not what I directly meant…"
Rainy sighed as she responded, "It's cool… I understand where you are coming from."
Rainy had to choose this statement carefully, because she did know the story behind Prince Cain's mother, how they changed her "status" from Queen to a mere Concubine when in reality, the King actually did love his mother. That his mother was a phenomenal woman and he loved her so much, and his pride and love was insulted when they day she died his brother born with jet black hair was born. She also felt slightly wrong that she already knew so much about him as if she was reading his private journal, invasive of his personal life almost.
Prince Cain quirked his head to the side and repeated, "It's… cool?"
Rainy laughed and said, "It means "it's okay." I know you didn't mean to insult me. And by the way, you can stop calling me this "Princess" shenanigans. You and I both know better."
Prince Cain continued to smile as he said, 'Well, I guess it would only be right if you called me Cain, unless other ranks are around us."
Rainy nodded and smiled, "I understand. I've played this game plenty of times in the military!"
Prince Cain blinked and began to walk down the hall, "Well, I will be sure to tell Princess Louise our walk and also make sure she understands it was only talks of politics. Can we still go on this walk and I'll show you the gardens?"
Rainy was satisfied with his answer and said, "YES! I am so excited!"
As they walked in the hallway he asked, "Wait, you said you were in the military? It sounds like our knights almost?"
Rainy decided that at least talking about military tactics (the bare minimum that she knows) is pretty safe, "Yeah kind of. It's troops. Your guards and what not."
"So, you were a guard member?"
"Yup!"
He shook his head a little trying to let this sink in as he said, "But… you are a woman. Why would a woman fight a man's war? And you are so tiny!"
Rainy was starting to adjust to these "sexist" comments because she understands this was just the way he was raised and not that he didn't know better, but it was his life and that she had to respect that, "Hmm… but that doesn't mean a man's war simply doesn't affect a woman's life. The country isn't just a man's country, she's mine as well. Tiny or not, I'm still a soldier."
"Well, what did you do in the military?"
Rainy puffed her chest out with a little pride as she said, "I am a medic. Health Care Specialist or also known as Combat Medic."
Prince Cain stared at her blankly as she explained, "Err… I'm a soldier that knows basic life-saving skills that can help save soldiers."
"So… kind of like a doctor."
"Kind of… but not into so much details."
As they walked outside, Rainy stopped and was in complete awe at the wonderful flowers, trees, and plants that were blooming in the garden. The sun was slowly starting to set, being at the end of the day. She had quickly jogged in front of Prince Cain and smelled a beautiful red flower with its petals outstretched and in full bloom.
She looked back at Prince Cain exclaiming, "This is absolutely beautiful!"
Prince Cain stood at the doorway, and couldn't help but smile a little as he watched Rainy going from flower to flower, sniffing or staring in awe as if she was a child. His arms crossed on his chest as started walking into the garden a little behind the giggling woman.
Rainy looked up at Cain and asked, "Hey! Is it okay if I pick a few of these?"
Cain nodded and Rainy went to work choosing a small bouquet of flowers and when she was satisfied she handed the small bunch to him and said, "You should give this to you fiancé! I am sure she will like them!"
Cain blinked at the sudden impromptu gift and said, "I suppose…"
He slowly took the flowers into his hand, and remembered the last time he had gave flowers to his fiancé. She had placed them in a vase, and forgotten about them in matters of seconds and the next day they had died.
Rainy waved a hand in front of Cain's face and said, "Hey. You okay there?"
Cain blinked and looked up at Rainy and said, "Oh yes! I am sorry about that!"
Rainy sat down next to the blonde prince and said, "Not meaning to pry… but your fiancé is one of those status women you were talking about… isn't she?"
Cain sat silently as Rainy sighed and said, "You know… I have to admit it sucks to be royalty. Marriage isn't about love anymore but a political gain. Matter of fact, it's really sad how your whole life is a political game."
Cain sat in silence which Rainy felt she was putting salt on the wounds, she realized that the way Cain is and the dark feelings and dark thoughts he has, was because of a royal game and so Rainy said the truth, "You know Cain. You deserve way better than how you have been treated. And I know none of it is my fault… but… I'm really sorry. I know it's nice to hear it… so… I'm really sorry."
Cain had looked up in complete shock, when he looked at Rainy he felt that she was looking and reading everything there was to know about him. In a sense she literally did, but he doesn't need to know that now. He had quickly stood up and said, "I believe it is getting late… neither of us should be catching a cold."
Rainy stood up and tried to look at Cain's face, when she realized his eyes had begun to water. Rainy had frantically started looking around and did something she didn't think she would do with Prince Cain. In the book, she didn't like Prince Cain, he was obviously a misguided and manipulative person… but it was hard seeing and experiencing his pain in front of you. Not only that, she started to understand better how he became the person he is today was an environment factor and something he could not control, so how could she really blame it all on him? So, she did the one thing she never thought she would ever do… she hugged him.
Author's Note:
Holy jeebus rice I have been procrastinating. Okay okay, it was actually a mix of procrastination and also my life. With school, weddings, and all that fun stuff. Also, there was a part of me that wasn't to sure how to keep the story going because it can easily have been formed a different way. But I think this has been the best route so far. Thank you for the positive comments and also favorite-ing this story. I really enjoy writing it and I am glad someone is enjoying the story. Thanks guys!
