Ahiru's True Form
Chapter Eight
The weather was beginning to turn. The days were getting shorter and the leaves were alternating shades of orange and red. The weather was still mild but a chill could be felt in the wind. The fountain in the middle of the courtyard was due to be turned off soon so Ahiru, Lillie, and Pike sat on one of the benches taking in the last few days of aquatic glory before it was shut down for the winter.
"Ahiru, if you're a duck, do you get a little sad when you look at the water?" Lillie asked.
Ahiru shrugged. "Sometimes, I guess. I don't really miss being a duck. I like having friends and practicing ballet as a human."
"Can ducks not be friends?" asked Pike.
"Not the same way humans can. I could follow you around, eat some of your bread, maybe quack at you if something is wrong, but I could never talk to you or hold your hand." She hesitated. "Or return pieces of your heart to you." She muttered under her breath.
They were silent for a bit before Pike said, "Ahiru, why are you still here?"
Ahiru looked up confused. "Here at the school? Because I wanted to come back. I love this school and I love ballet. Even if I'm not very good at it," she finished with a little frown.
"No, Ahiru," said Lillie. "What she meant was why are you still human?"
Ahiru hesitated but then nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean. Now that Mythos has his heart back, there is no reason for me to still be here."
"Everyone else who was turned into an Animal became a person or a regular animal," Pike explained. "You are the only one who didn't turn back into what they were before the story."
Lillie looked thoughtful. "Maybe Ahiru was a human girl who was turned into a duck by a nasty witch. Then when the story began she lost all her memories and thought she was a regular duck. The storyteller gave her that pendent which temporarily broke the spell but when the story ended, the spell was broken permanently. Oh Ahiru, that's so romantic!"
Ahiru looked doubtful. "If that was the case my memories would have returned when the story ended as well and I would be hundreds of years old."
Lillie shrugged. "I like my story. It makes you sound more mysterious."
"I've got it!" cried Pike. "Ahiru, you were kept human so you would end up with the prince in the end! You're his true love. You were the one who returned all the pieces of his heart to him. Not to mention you've had a crush on him forever. It makes perfect sense!"
"No, that can't be it!" Ahiru yelped. "Mythos chose Rue. It was her confession that broke the Monster Raven's spell. They belong together. Didn't you see how wonderful they were together?"
"I thought it was Princess Tutu's confession that was supposed to break the spell in the story," Lillie said. Pike nodded.
"See, that proves it. You were meant for the Prince. Rue's character was never in the story so she couldn't be his true love. The prince was supposed to fall for Princess Tutu. Rue stole your happy ending away from you."
"No! No, you've got it all wrong! Rue is my friend. If anything she saved my life by confessing. After Princess Tutu confesses in the story she disappears in a flash of light…"
"And when the light is gone, perhaps what is left is a clumsy school girl with a heart of a princess and the soul of a duck," finished Lillie.
"When the light disappears, Princess Tutu is dead," stated Ahiru.
A cold breeze blew threw the courtyard causing all the girls to shudder against the chill.
"Ahiru, wouldn't you be happy to be the Prince's true love? I thought you liked him," inquired Pike.
Lillie nodded enthusiastically. "Your little ducky heart yearned desperately for him for a whole year. You were so cute! Always blushing and stammering every time he was around. Oh Ahiru, it was all you dreamed about!"
"I wasn't just that," Ahiru said softly. "I was also working to return his heart. Of course I liked him. He was such a beautiful person. I couldn't help but want to help him."
"Ahiru," Pike said kindly with a small smile. "You didn't just like Mythos, did you? You were in love with him."
Ahiru turned a violent shade of red and stuck her head between her knees.
"Oh Ahiru!" cried Lillie, her eyes hearting. "How cute!"
"It wasn't just because of the story," Pike continued softly. "You were really in love with the Prince. You would have confessed to the Prince if Rue hadn't said it first. She really did save your life, didn't she?"
"Unrequited love, betrayal, and uncovered emotions! Ahiru, how marvelous!" Lillie leap on Ahiru back and started hugging her violently. "Don't worry, my darling. Pike and I will help you get all better."
"You're not helping!" screamed Pike.
"Yes, I am." Lillie pouted.
"I did."
Pike and Lillie stopped arguing and looked down at Ahiru's reemerging face. It was covered in tears.
"I did love Mythos. More than I could possibly say. But what does that matter now? He chose Rue and now he lives off in a castle surrounded by royalty. I got left behind. I know I should be happy for them. They are both my friends. I love Rue as well. She's so beautiful and regal. She was like a princess all along. She deserves to live happily ever after."
"But she took your happily ever after," Pike said softly.
"No," said Ahiru. "Princess Tutu is a tragic character. If I had confessed to Mythos I would have died. Rue saved my life, and I'm grateful to her. But that doesn't make my feelings for Mythos any less real."
They were all silent for awhile. Suddenly Pike turned to Ahiru and said, "Wait, the spell is over now isn't it? You could go to the castle now and confess to Mythos without dying right now. It's only fair that he knows how you felt about him so he can know that he could have you instead. You are the one who returned him heart. You should have an equal bid on it."
"Mythos already chose Rue," stated Ahiru. "I'm not going to confess to him when he is already in love with one of my best friends. I couldn't do that to her."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean they belong together," argued Pike. "I mean, look and me and Fakir. I've always liked him, the same way you liked Mythos."
Ahiru whirled around, "What! You never said that!"
Pike shrugged. "It was implied. I know I'll never be with him, but I've always admired him. He's dark and mysterious, and a talented dancer. He's everything I've ever wanted in a boy and everything I want to be. He's so wonderful, but he isn't for me. You have a chance at the man you've always loved. Take it, if not for your sake than for mine."
Lillie nodded as well. "You should tell him, Ahiru. It is the right of a maiden to let her man know how she feels. Besides, even if he rejects you, you'll always have us to come crying back to."
Ahiru looked thoughtful for awhile. When she opened up her mouth to reply she heard her name being called from across the courtyard.
"Ahiru!"
Fakir was running around the courtyard toward them at top speed. He slowed as he approached them.
"Ahiru, I've looked everywhere for you."
"Is something wrong, Fakir?" she asked. He was panting, his hands gripping above his knees, trying to catch his breath. Ahiru could suddenly see him though Pike's eyes. His hair curved around his face, accentuating the masculine curves in his jaw. His green eyes were flashing from his recent exercise. When he stood, he didn't have the same regal bearing as Mythos but a more powerful stance born of his extensive physical training. A sudden understanding came over her, why so many girls chose to like Fakir rather than Mythos. There was something very commanding about his presence. It was almost scary.
"We have to go back to my house." He said still breathing heavily. "Urza-chan came back."
"Urza!" Ahiru cried, jumping up to follow Fakir.
"Ahiru, who is Urza? Why do you have to go now?" Pike yelled at her receding back.
"I'll explain later, promise!" Ahiru yelled over her shoulder as she ran after Fakir out of the school yard.
The fire in the stone fireplace had reduced to ashes and was in desperate need of wood. The inhabitants of the room, however, were unconcerned with the dying flames and barely noticed the dimming light.
Fakir sat at the head of the table, arms crossed with a deathly serious expression on his face. Ahiru was seated two chairs away looking interested but blank-faced, as if she knew something really important just happened but she was still attempting to grasp the vastness of the issue. Charon stood behind Urza, who sat innocently on the table top, her snare drum resting in her lap.
"So this Baron of Tilly is a man of great power and is an enemy of Prince Siegfried?" prompted Charon kindly.
Urza shrugged in confusion. "I didn't understand the silly men-zura. They were speaking very fast and they were always moving. I think there is something wrong with their heads-zura."
"So you're not sure you heard them correctly, then," Fakir said stiffly. "We don't know if there is any Baron of Tilly, or that he poses a serious threat to Mythos."
"But Fakir," Ahiru said, "what if he is real? What if he does want to hurt Mythos? We have to warn him."
Fakir shook his head. "Mythos is at a castle, surrounded by political advisors, who are all well informed and experienced. Any one of those men will know that this Baron might try to disprove Mythos's identity, and will advise him accordingly."
"That is of course if these advisors truly want Mythos to take the crown," Charon replied softly. Ahiru and Fakir turned to look at him. "Children, forgive me for calling you that, but you will always be children to me, the world is not a fair place. We all know that Mythos is Prince Siegfried. We know that he is the rightful heir to the throne and that he never died in a freak accident. However, there has been a war raging for four and a half years. A war that has taken homes, destroyed lives, and fueled many men's careers. While many people want this war to end, others want their losses to have some meaning. It is much better to think that you have been the victim of a valiant crusade to avenge the death of your Prince rather than an unfortunate misunderstanding. The political advisors in the castle may seek to avoid an uprising against the war by claiming that Mythos is a fake."
"But they know that Mythos is the Prince! How couldn't they?" cried Ahiru.
"They probably do know. Those men have probably known Mythos since he was a baby. They know him even better than we do. But that isn't going to stop some people from avoiding an unpleasant truth," replied Charon.
"Is the Prince and Princess in danger-zura?" Urza asked.
"We don't know yet," grumbled Fakir. "That's what we are discussing."
"If what Urza and Charon said is true, they could be in a lot of danger. They might need out help," said Ahiru.
"And what could we do for them," snapped Fakir. "We're just two ballet students who have never been outside of Kinkad Town. Mythos and Rue are in the middle of a spiral of political intrigue that has been going on for countless years, spurned by the rivalry of neighboring countries, nearing the climax of a war that has been fueled by feelings of national distrust and suspicion. What are we supposed to do about it?"
"I don't know," Ahiru said. "But I know that our place is by Mythos and Rue. We promised that we would go to them together if we knew they were in trouble."
"No, what we promised was if we knew we were in danger and we were the only people that could help them, we would go help them out."
"Exactly," said Ahiru. "That's what I said."
"No, what you said was that Mythos and Rue are in trouble. But they are in the kind of trouble that we can't do anything about. Therefore, we are not obligated to go to them since that was the second condition of the promise."
"Why are we having this argument? We are their friends. We shouldn't be arguing about promises or conditions. We should already be leaving."
"Fine, you go," Fakir yelled. "Just leave me here in Kinkad. Go to Mythos and Rue if you think it's so important."
Ahiru blinked in surprise. "What are you talking about? I'm not going to leave you behind."
"Well, I'm not leaving Kinkad, so if you go to Mythos you'll be leaving me behind," Fakir stated.
"Why won't you come with me?"
Fakir waved his hand, physically dismissing the question. "Once you get there, what are you going to do? Drink tea with Rue? Wear a pretty dress in the court? Make faces at Mythos?"
"I'm going to help my friends who are in danger of losing everything they ever worked for. I'm going to make sure that Mythos gets his birth right and that the hundreds of years he spent here in Kinkad don't rob him of the life he should have," Ahiru declared.
"How?" Fakir demanded.
"I don't know, but I know I have to go! And if your not going to come with me, I will go by myself," Ahiru cried.
Fakir's eyes flashed. "A girl can't travel through a worn torn country by herself. She'll be robbed, hurt, or killed."
"What do you care? You just told me to leave without you."
"You can't go by yourself, and that's final."
"I can go with Ahiru," Urza said delightfully. "Then she won't be alone-zura!"
Fakir immediately grew very tense. "No, that's even worse. Urza-chan will draw even more attention to you. You need a proper escort."
"Like a knight?" muttered Charon.
Ahiru, Fakir, and Urza turned to look at Charon who stepped forward into the last of the dying light from the glowing embers in the fireplace.
"Ahiru, are you determinded to go?" Charon asked softly.
"Yes, I am," Ahiru replied instantly.
"And Urza-chan, are you going with her?" Charon asked the puppet.
"Yes-zura! I want to see the castle with the Prince and Princess-zura!"
"Then it looks like you don't have a choice, Fakir. You're going as well," Charon stated softly with a smile.
Fakir was furious. "What, are you ordering me to go? Are you telling me what to do?"
"No," Charon said calmly. "I know that as a knight, you would never let Ahiru and Urza-chan leave Kinkad Town without your supervision. That is your noble duty."
Fakir narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Don't be stupid, Charon. I'm not a knight. I never was. I'm just a boy wish a strange scar. Even in the story I was a failed knight, doomed to be killed at the claws of a flock of Ravens."
"I believe that you are much more than you give yourself credit for. I also think that you have outgrown this little town. You're a magnificent person, Fakir, and there is a wonderful world out there; filled with places and people you've never seen. I think it's about time you explored outside of your boundaries. You might find that you can grow to meet this world."
"What's wrong with Kinkad," grumbled Fakir. "It was good enough for you bring me here when my parents died, why isn't good enough for me anymore?"
"You were born into that world, Fakir," Charon said. "That is the world of your parents. It might be worth your time to learn about it. You might find something new about yourself."
"We don't have to leave right away," Ahiru said softly. "We can leave tomorrow, or the day after. We can wait till your ready."
Fakir was silent for awhile, starring intensely into the now smoking ashes in the fireplace. The room was only lit by a few candles on the table. The soft candle light played across his face, giving the illusion of movement momentarily, but Fakir remained completely still. Ahiru waited, watching his face, till he reached his decision.
Finally Fakir raised his eyes to look Ahiru in face. "Aren't you scared of what's out there?"
Ahiru was taken aback so much that she was speechless for several minutes. "Is that why you didn't want to leave? You're afraid?"
"I haven't left this town since Charon brought me here when I was very young. I hardly remember the outside world, and what I do remember I don't want to think about. I've grown used to this town. This is where I met Mythos, where I was needed, this is where I needed to be. Now everyone is leaving. Mythos and Rue are living in a castle. Now you and Urza leaving to follow them. Even Charon is telling me to get out. I don't want to leave just yet."
"What are you afraid of?" Ahiru asked kindly.
Fakir looked haunted. "I'm afraid of leaving this town and discovery how small and worthless I really am. Here I'm needed. I look after you and go to school. Out there, I'm nothing. I haven't existed in the world in a very long time. I might as well be dead to them."
Ahiru watched Fakir for awhile. He brushed his hair back from his face and stared into space, like he was concentrating hard on a very complex idea that kept eluding him. He didn't look scared to Ahiru. He looked very lonely.
"At least you existed once," Ahiru said, causing Fakir to glance over at her in confusion. "My entire life up till the story I was a duck. I had no other world besides the pond. I didn't know anything but my own heart. Meeting Mythos opened up a new world to me. Suddenly, I was human, I had friends, I had people who cared for me and needed my help. It was scary at first, but it was wonderful as well. I quickly learned to love my new life and the help I was giving to my friends. I guess I'm not scared of that world because I just see it as an extension of the world Mythos gave me. Now my friends need to go to them, and I can't hesitate because it is all I know. I can't be afraid of what I don't know because I'm needed and you are too." Ahiru smiled at him innocently. "Don't you think Mythos is lonely in that castle?"
Fakir stared at Ahiru. She was as duck-like as ever, he could say that; her feathery red hair, her quacking voice, her unassuming sweet eyes. Now, however, he could see a deep peacefulness in her eyes that carried a wisdom that could only have come from her days as Princess Tutu.
"Someone needs to deliver Urza-chan's message to Mythos. I will escort you to the castle, but we won't stay longer than a week, got it?" Fakir stated in a blank voice. His face betrayed no emotion but Ahiru was overjoyed. She smiled hugely jumped out her chair to through her arms around Fakir's neck.
"Thank you, Fakir! You won't regret this. I'll be good the whole trip. I'll do whatever you tell me to do. Think about how happy Mythos and Rue will be when they see us!" Ahiru cried.
"Oh! Get off me!" Fakir hollered. Ahiru's arms only tightened in response. Fakir stiffed at first but then relaxed. "Please, Ahiru, let me go. I need to get ready for the trip." Ahiru thought she might have imagined it, but she thought she heard a slight smile in Fakir's voice. She released him and stood in front of his chair.
"Okay, Fakir. I'll go pack now. I'll come back here in a few hours and we'll leave tonight!"
"Hooray-zura!" cried Urza. "We're going to a castle-zura!" And then, "Charon-sama? What is a castle?"
A flash of anxiety swept across Fakir's face. "Tomorrow morning," he said. "I'll have the horses' ready tomorrow morning."
Ahiru looked a bit crestfallen but Fakir was adamant. Ahiru nodded sadly but waved cheerfully as she left to get her riding bag. Fakir watched her go while leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.
Charon came out and put his hand on Fakir's shoulder. "You're doing the right thing," he said.
"Is there a cure for this fear?" Fakir asked. He looked up at his adopted father.
"Of course," Charon said smiling down kindly. "Experience."
"Honestly, General Heinrich," the stout ruddy man said. "I expected more from you. We send you off to secure a suspicious city and instead you came flying back with a school boy, claiming you've found our dead Prince. I do believe your superstitious mind has overcome you judgment."
"Come now, Senator Klaus," replied the General, "Just look at his face. Look at his sword. This is obviously our Prince Siegfried!"
"What proof do you have?" demanded the Senator giving Mythos yet another disdainful glance that set Rue's teeth on edge. "He is a good-looking lad with features like the Prince's with an expensive sword. That does not make him a Prince. Even more conveniently, he claims to have amnesia, so we can't even test his princely knowledge. Most importantly, if he is the deceased Prince Siegfried back from the dead, why hasn't he aged? This boy is no older than fourteen, the same age of our prince when he disappeared. Five years have past since that tragic attack on Kinkad Town. More importantly four and a half years have past since Sachsan declared war on Tirol to avenge the death of our prince."
"A very unfortunate misunderstanding, Senator, I'm aware." The general mopped his brow with a white handkerchief. "I do remind you I spent a good deal of the last few years on the front line. I am well aware of the political repercussions of this discovery…"
"Are you indeed, General Heinrich," inquired another man with a wicked long nose. "You certainly didn't seem to take very long to decide this was our long lost prince. Perhaps Klaus is right; your superstitious nature does tend to take precedent over your better judgment at times."
"And what judgment of mine do you dare challenge, Count Reider? What decision have I made that has endangered our mighty nation or led our national army into undue harm? Before you challenge my judgment, I expect you to have some proof to your accusations."
The Count was taken aback by the direct assault. "I was merely speaking in generalities, my good man. That is all."
"If I may have a word."
The crowd of high ranking officials and military men all turned to listen to the speaker. While many years their minor, Mythos still kept a commanding presence. When he spoke, he didn't need to raise his voice to be heard. It was a quiet regality, but it was because of it subtly that Rue admired it so.
"I would prefer if you would not refer to me in the third person while I am in your presence. I am Prince Siegfried, and if you call yourself my countrymen, I request that you allow me the proper respect given to a Prince."
A slight blush and embarrassment grew from the crowd of men while the general beamed proudly.
"Ah, but that is a large claim for so young a boy," came a drawling voice from the back of the group. Everyone turned to find the speaker a tall spindly man with a high brow and receding hairline. His dark eyes flashed with dangerous wit as he addressed Mythos.
"Who are you who challenges my position as Prince of Sachsan? You must have some evidence to prove me wrong if you are to speak to me in such a disrespectful manner."
The man smiled wickedly as he continued in his drawling voice, "Forgive me, for my name is Baron Marwick von Tilly. But of course, if you were the real Prince Siegfried you would already know that, since I have served your family since before your birth. Never mind that now," continued the Baron, dismissing the General's attempt to interrupt him with a wave of his thin hand. "Of course I have no proof to prove you are not exactly who you say you are. Any evidence that could have been used was lost long ago in the surprise raid by the Tirolian army. I can, however, suppose that there is an ulterior motive to your claim of power."
"An ulterior motive of my own or my supporters?" Mythos asked calmly.
"Your supporters, of course," replied the Baron blandly. "It is obvious that you were elected by a group of anti-war rebels for your fair looks to be sent to the castle as a means to end the war. Perhaps some of those naïve fools believed if Prince Siegfried was found all the years of blood shed and destruction would be forgotten and pushed aside without a second thought. I don't blame you, dear boy. You are just a pawn in someone's plan to upstart the war and add another monkey wrench to the political machine."
Rue couldn't take anymore. "There will come a day that I will make you eat the words you just spoke to your Prince. I promise you that."
His eyes flashed in anger but before the Baron could respond, a large voice floated down the stairs. "What is this, a party? How did I miss out on an invitation?"
The response was immediate. Every man instantly fell to one knee and bowed their head so their chins rested against their chest. Rue barely had time to fall into a curtsy before a majestic parade flowed down the stairs into the parlor like a golden fountain. Mythos remained standing but was bent slightly at the waist, giving his cousin due respect as expected from the royal heir.
King Byron glided into the room surrounded by a royal entourage. On his right arm was Queen Charlotte, a beautiful woman with heavy lidded eyes and rich brown hair. They both wore purple and gold clothes made out of heavy silk. The couple was such a perfect picture of regality that the glittering crowns on their heads seemed to be only accessories obligated by their royal position rather than identifiers of the King and Queen.
"Forgive us, my king," said the Baron, still facing the floor. His voice had become immediately oily. "We were merely discussing a matter of trivial politics. Such inane triflings are below the attention of the King."
"I will decide what deserves my attention, Baron von Tilly," replied the King smoothly. "Something that I happen to find extremely interesting is a rumor I heard that there was a young man in the castle who claimed to be my dead cousin." He turned and looked at Mythos, who stood straight backed and looked directly back into the King's eyes. "You are a brave boy. If you are found out as a fraud, I could condemn you for treason simply for making eye contact with the King."
"I am confident that in time my identity will be made certain," replied Mythos. "I am Prince Siegfried. I was never killed, but certain hardships made it impossible for me to send word to my King that I was alive."
"Hardships, you say," pondered the King. "I suppose these things do happen, however, your story will have to wait. While I'm sure it's a fascinating yarn, there are more immediate matters at hand."
Mythos bent at the waist slightly before stepping back. Rue, uncertain of what to do, remained completely still, waiting for the King's attention to fall on her. However, her paranoia, at least this time, was unfounded. The King instead addressed the crowd of men in the parlor. Upon being addressed the men rose from their knees but did not look directly into the face of the King.
"I have just received news from our encampment near the Tirolian border that our surprise attack on Innsbruck was anticipated and intercepted by an army of 5000 men. Our troops suffered a drastic defeat and our plans to take the capital have been pushed back, possibly by months," said King Byron. "I can't begin to describe how disappointing this news is to me. It seems that an end to this war is much farther away than we thought." The King took a deep breath before continuing, "You may give me your opinions at this time."
"Your majesty," said a voice like a cackling frog. "First, may I say that this news is far worse than anything we could have imaged. My deepest sympathies lay with your majesties and the brave soldiers who have suffered from this tragedy."
The King nodded sadly and there was a moment of silence before another voice spoke. It was the Baron. "If I may say so, your majesty, is it possible that the plans for our attacked were leaked to the enemy? I suspected this earlier when another surprise raid was caught adeptly by the Tirolian army."
"I agree," said Senator Klaus. "This can not be a coincidence that two of our secret operations be foiled. There is definitely a spy in our midst."
An anxious mutter rose from the crowd. Men looked at their neighbor with shifty distrustful eyes. Rue looked at Mythos for some clue of what to do but he seemed to be considering the position with great focus. He kept his eyes on the King, watching his reaction to the men's suggestions.
The King was solemn but resolute. He raised his hand and the muttered immediately silenced. "I have decided that an emergency war council must be called within the next two days. I will send out messengers to all the representatives tonight, requesting them to arrive tomorrow morning when we will commence the council meeting."
The flurry of sycophantic mutterings buzzed in the air. The King nodded, more to himself than the advisors and noblemen. He turned to go, but stopped. He looked over at Mythos who was still standing off to the side with Rue. "You, boy. You are to come to the war council as well. You will act out the duties of the Prince of the nation. We will see if the real work of a royal is suited to you." He stopped again then said hesitantly, "You truly do resemble my cousin. I was greatly saddened by his death. If you truly are him, I apologize for my suspicions, but you must understand the position I am in."
Mythos nodded resolutely and replied, "Of course, your majesty. It is a set of extraordinary circumstances. I understand if it is hard for you to believe."
The Queen gazed dreamily at Mythos and smiled. She didn't say anything but Rue took an immediate liking to her. While the Queen was wordless, her silent approval of Mythos spoke volumes.
The King and Queen departed. Their exit equaled the glorious splendor of their entrance. Wordlessly, the men disbanded. Senator Klaus and the Baron strolled off together, deep in conversation. Rue felt a stab of intense dislike overtake her. Apparently her disgust showed on her face since Mythos said, "Do not allow those men to upset you so."
"I can't help it," she replied. "They said such horrible things to you."
"No, they said what they were scripted to say. That is the job of an advisor. They are not to make judgments but to point out options and possibilities. Decisions are to be made the king. What they said was not completely malicious in nature," replied Mythos. "They were merely fulfilling their function."
Rue was taken aback by this idea. She smiled. "You always surprise me with your kindness. I don't know if I could ever learn to think the way you do."
Mythos smiled back. "You are wise and intelligent. You will come into your Princess-hood with time. Soon we will be recognized by the court and we will be the heirs of this nation. You are in the perfect position to learn everything you will need to know when you take that throne."
Rue's smiled faded a little. "I wish I could be as confident as you. I really don't know what I'm doing here. I always feel like I'm in the way. Like back there with the King, I didn't know what to do. I wanted to speak up and defend you, but I don't know what the weight of my words would be here."
"Just relax," Mythos said kindly. "You're doing fine. You could have spoken up, but its fine that you didn't. My identity will become certain in time. We just need to wait."
Rue looked annoyed. "Waiting. I hate waiting."
A young soldier in navy blue approached the young royals. He borrowed deeply and said, "I beg your pardon, but I am here to deliver a message to Prince Siegfried and Lady Rue."
"Princess," Rue hissed under her breath. The messenger didn't seem to be fazed and continued.
"There are three persons who have arrived at the main drawbridge that claim friendship with your eminences. One is a dark haired boy with a sword, a red-haired girl with a yellow cloak, and a strange child with blue hair and a painted face."
Mythos's face, which had been kept in a calm mask the entire time they stayed at the castle, betrayed his elation. "Are you quite sure? Was the boy's name Fakir?" he asked anxiously.
The messenger nodded his head. "Yes, sir. Shall they be let into the castle?"
"Yes!" cried Mythos. "Please, bring them up to my private quarters. As quickly as you can."
Rue looked at Mythos's face. He was obviously happy. A small smile refused to leave his mouth as he guided her through the corridors towards his rooms. She had seen him happy several times in the past few weeks, but never this excited. A stab of jealousy hit her in the heart that she wasn't the cause of his obvious elation. It seemed that Rue and Fakir's long tug-of-war fight for Mythos's attention hadn't ended yet.
Fakir, Ahiru, and Urza were guided through castle corridors by a soldier in a navy blue uniform. Ahiru and Urza were overwhelmed by the splendor of the halls. Decadent tapestries, masterful paintings and heavy silk curtains decorated every hall.
Fakir gripped his side to hold the hilt of his rapier but his hand found empty air instead. He had been disarmed at the castle gate. He could understand the need for security but he felt vulnerable without a weapon with him.
The soldier led them directly to the Mythos's room. They stopped outside the large embossed doors to Mythos's chambers and waited as the soldier rang a small bell hanging on a string nearby. A maid dressed in a plain brown dress opened the door and let the trio in without a word. They were lead by the maid into a glamorous parlor with red velvet seats and Persian carpets. Ahiru and Urza were mesmerized by the splendor of the decorations but Fakir's attention was drawn to the young couple standing in the middle of the room. Mythos and Rue greeted them warmly.
"Welcome to Sachsan castle," said Rue taking Ahiru's hands in her own. "This is such a pleasant surprise. We weren't expecting you to visit, at least not so soon."
"Rue! You look amazing," cried Ahiru, admiring Rue richly designed apparel. "You look just like how I always imagined a princess."
Mythos shook Fakir's hand warmly. "I'm very happy to see you here Fakir. Could it be that you have changed your mind about my offer?"
Fakir smiled for the first time since they left Kinkad. "I'm afraid not. This is just a short visit. Ahiru insisted on coming and I couldn't let her leave alone."
Mythos looked disappointed for a second but quickly recovered his composure.
"I see. Well, it's still good to see you," he replied.
"What is this thing-zura?" They all turned to see Urza pulling a tapestry aside to reveal a hidden passageway behind it.
"Urza! You shouldn't go exploring in strange places without asking permission," cried Ahiru.
"Well, look at that," said Mythos, amused. "I believe that the secret passageway to the kitchens. I've been told that when I was young I would often use it to steal pastries late at night."
"Yes, but he felt so guilty when he stole them that he would leave his favorite toys in their place, so he was quickly found out and the passageway was blocked up. I wondered where it was," Rue replied.
"Mythos, are you starting to regain your memories?" asked Ahiru.
Mythos smiled sadly. "Not exactly. I've been speaking with my old tutor who has been relating my life story to me. When he explains it all to me it feels familiar but I haven't remembered anything on my own yet."
"Do you think you every will," asked Fakir coldly. "It is possible that the spell could have permanently erased your memories previous to coming to Kinkad Town."
Mythos's smiled grew sadder. "That possibility has crossed my mind. I hope that isn't the case. From what I have been told, I had a very pleasant childhood. I would like to be able to remember it first hand."
Rue and Ahiru looked pityingly at Mythos. Fakir considered him with sympathy.
There was a soft ring at the door. The maid rushed forward to let in the visitor. Moments later, Stossen was led into the room.
"Prince Siegfried, the K-king requests that you come to the opening delegations of the emergency war council," Stossen said without a greeting. "I was s-sent here to escort you to the grand chambers."
Mythos nodded in acknowledgement but replied, "Of course, but I thought that the discussions would not begin until tomorrow afternoon."
"Rue, who is that?" murmured Ahiru to her friend.
"This is the secretary to the general who brought us here," replied Rue in an undertone.
"I remember you," Fakir said abruptly. "You were in Kinkad Town a few weeks ago."
Stossen nodded at Fakir politely but turned back to Mythos to answer, "Yes, the discussions with the p-provincial representatives begin tomorrow but there will be some preliminary meetings to decide an immediate response to the defeat in Innsbruck."
"Oh my-zura," cried Urza, now standing on one of the velvet chairs. "This person has circles on his face like Aotoa-kun. Are people with circles on their faces they same as people without?"
Stossen stared at Urza. "I-is that a-a child? She looks very strange." He continued to stare. "Why does she ha-have blue hair?"
Ahiru and Fakir looked panicked at each other. They had gotten so used to Urza that they no longer thought of her as a puppet. While talking animals and puppets had until recently been the norm in Kinkad, they were quite unheard of in the outside world. It could be bad if Urza drew to much attention to herself.
"Ah, Urza is just a native girl from Kinkad," said Ahiru. "Lots of girls in Kinkad have blue hair."
"Then why is her face painted?" asked Stossen.
"It is traditional to paint young girl's faces in Kinkad," continued Ahiru. Fakir shot her furious look but she wasn't able to take the words back now.
Stossen looked thoughtful. "I d-don't remember many girls with painted faces when I was in Kinkad Town."
Fakir decided he might as well play along. "They only paint the faces of girl with blue hair. It's long been a part of our culture."
Rue and Mythos looked at each other in confusion and shrugged.
Stossen seemed to be satisfied. "If you would like, my children are here at the castle as well, visiting with their mother. After I take Prince Siegfried down to the grand chambers, I could take this little girl down to their playroom. I'm sure they would appreciate a new face, especially such an interesting one."
Urza chirped happily, "Urza-chan likes little children! I want to go to the children-zura!"
Fakir let out a breath in relief. "Well, that settles it. We'll speech to you after you're finished your business with the King, then," he said to Mythos.
Mythos looked at Fakir thoughtfully. "Perhaps you should come with me, Fakir. I could use your opinions on some of these political matters."
Fakir was unconvinced. "I don't see what help I would be. I don't even know what goes on in a war council."
"Well, whoever is coming with me, it needs to be n-now," said Stossen, in a stressed voice. "I was supposed to bring the Prince down to the chambers ten minutes ago."
Ahiru said to Fakir, "Go ahead, I'll be fine here with Rue."
Mythos began to move towards the door and yelled over his shoulder, "Come on, Fakir. It will be an educational experience."
Fakir followed Mythos reluctantly out of the room, followed in turn by a marching Urza, tapping a steady beat on her drum.
Ahiru and Rue were left alone in the lavishly decorated parlor, surrounded by all matters of comfort and wealth.
"Are you hungry?" asked Rue as she took a seat on the red velvet couch. "I can get the maid to bring us up anything you would like."
"No, I couldn't trouble anyone like that," Ahiru said adamantly but was cut off by her rumbling stomach. She smiled in embarrassed and murmured, "Some biscuits would be nice."
Rue motioned to the maid and she was immediately at her shoulder. "Bring us some sandwiches, biscuits, and tea, please." The maid barely nodded before rushing off to the kitchens.
"Wow, Rue," said Ahiru. "You've certainly gotten used to living in the castle quickly. Look at your clothes. Your poise as you sit straight-backed in your chair. And the way everyone treats you. It was like you were born for this. It's just like it's out of a fairy tale."
Rue smiled politely. "Thank you, Ahiru, your very kind. It is very nice here. Ordering around the servants was strange at first, but they seem to want to take your commands. They just stand there looking dull otherwise. Taking orders gives them something to do."
"We all miss you back at school. Neko-sensei is gone now, but we have a new instructor who is very good. His name is Dubois-sensei. He's from France but they say that he trained with Agrippina Vaganova. I'm still not very good and I get yelled at a lot but I think I'm getting a little better."
"I'm sure you're working very hard," said Rue pleasantly. "You've always been very persistent. It is one of your stronger characteristics."
"You should come back
and visit sometime," continued Ahiru. "The advanced group had to
have auditions to replace your spot, but I'm sure if you come back
you could join one of the troupes or if Mythos came back too, you
could dance a pas de deux…"
"I don't think that
Mythos will be able to go back to the school anytime soon," Rue
interrupted. "I'm afraid the two of us are very busy here. The
political atmosphere here at the castle is… tense. I don't think
either of us will be able to get away anytime soon." She looked off
into the distance and her gaze became misty. "I do miss dancing but
there just isn't time for ballet here at the castle. Everything
here is about the war. I'm starting to get sick of this war, and
I've just been around for a couple weeks."
"Rue, there is a reason why Fakir and I came here," Ahiru started. "We made each other a promise…"
"A promise?" Rue looked back surprised. "With Fakir?"
"Yes. We did."
The maid appeared with a tray filled with sandwiches, biscuits, and hot cups of tea. Ahiru instantly remembered how hungry she was.
"Itadakimasu," she cried and began to eat with gusto.
Rue was treated to the comical scene of Ahiru trying to consume three sandwiches and two biscuits simultaneously. She took a single biscuit for herself and took a refined bite. Ahiru was oblivious to their separation of civility and gulped down her tea greedily.
"I suppose in some ways you will always be a duck," Rue said in an amused tone. "Especially when it comes to table manners."
Ahiru looked at the mess she was making and laughed a little. "Yeah, I guess so. I can't help it when I make such a mess. It just happens. Maybe I'll just watch you eat and I'll learn how to do it the right way."
Rue waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. It's just the two of us here. Just be yourself. It's what you're best at. It does remind me of a story I heard about Mythos when he was younger though." Rue smiled softly to herself as she continued, "He was about five years old when his governess was trying to teach him to hold a fork properly at the dinner table. I was told that he held the like a little sword and said, "En Garde!" and disarmed the governess who had been trying to show him by example. The governess just laughed and told everyone that the prince was born a master swordsman and that he would be slaying dragons by the age of ten. She said that she would have to teach him letters with a rapier instead of a pencil."
"Mythos must have been very cute when he was a child," said Ahiru. "Who told you these stories? Did Mythos remember them?"
"No, he doesn't remember much of his childhood at all," Rue replied. "We have been taking lessons with Professor Krinkle, Mythos old tutor. He is very knowledgeable and wise and remembers everything about Mythos. He tells us about Mythos's past and the history of Sachsan. It is very important that we both have an elementary knowledge of the world, especially if we are going to be inheriting the throne." Rue's gaze grew misty again. "Of course that won't be for a long while. King Byron is still young and very capable. Mythos and I will have plenty of time to study the histories of Sachsan and Tirol. Plenty of time to spend time together, getting to know each other better."
"Rue," Ahiru said putting her tea down on the table, "there is something I have to tell you, about why I'm here."
Ahiru's voice seemed to bring Rue crashing back into reality. Her eyes flashed red. "Oh, yes, your promise with Fakir," Rue said, instantly bored. "Don't worry about us, Ahiru. We are doing alright here. In a few months, our situation will be set and Mythos will commence his princely duties. I'll be kept busy supporting him in the court. It truly is a happy ending, isn't it?" Rue's smile seemed to have a harder edge than usual, but Ahiru wasn't concerned. She knew the affect of the raven's blood was temporary. Her sweet, considerate Rue would be back in a few minutes. She just needed to wait out Rue's episode and then she could tell her the news she brought with her.
"One more thing, Ahiru," Rue said sharply. "Watch out for Fakir, he doesn't have you best interests at heart."
Ahiru knew that Rue and Fakir didn't get along but the blunt attack still surprised her. "I don't know what you mean, Rue, Fakir is my friend. He hasn't done anything strange at all."
"Fakir is a very unstable personality. That power of his might prove to be his undoing, just like Dosselmeyer. He clings to you because he thinks you can save him like you saved Mythos but that is outside of you power. You are no longer Princess Tutu and even if you were, you would not have the ability to help him. Fakir will succumb to temptation and will use his power for personal gain. I can see it now. He will start small. A boy like him will think that it small changes mean nothing. Then it will grow and escalate out of control. He knows what is in his heart. He is already distancing himself from Mythos, preparing for the worst. He tries to resist, but he will fail. He is power hungry. We have seen so much when we were fighting the raven. Soon, that power will prove to be too much for him. Be sure that you are far away from him when it happens, Ahiru, for your own sake."
"Rue, you're speaking nonsense," cried Ahiru. "You are not in your right mind!"
Rue faltered. She seemed to be confused, as if she had forgotten where she was. She looked around the room blankly. Eventually her gaze fell back to Ahiru.
"I'm sorry, Ahiru, I thought I was over this."
Ahiru smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. It's just us here. If that was your first episode since you came here, you're doing very well."
"It wasn't just an episode. I did mean some of it. Don't trust Fakir, Ahiru. Not just because of his abilities. He is a not a safe person," Rue said.
"Fakir has been very good to me since you and Mythos left," replied Ahiru. "I won't hear a word against him. I say the same thing when he says untrue things of you."
Rue looked like she was about to argue back but simply smiled. The edge was gone now. "You really are too kind, Ahiru. Sometimes I wonder if it is bad for you to be so trusting."