(A/N: Sorry I disabled the anonymous reviews but it was being abused and I was forced to take that action. Also there is a user out there that is spamming our beloved fan fiction website. Whether you are a user or not, please report him. I know he's probably going to spam me even more but I don't care as long as we work together to remove him….Anyways on a brighter note :D here's our next chapter!

Chapter 7: Conflicting feelings

Bryana ran behind a game stall narrowly avoiding Aaron's gaze. She held her breath as he walked by looking around. As soon as he was out of sight she exhaled loudly and swiped her paw across her brow. Her father told her to go to the festival with him, but that didn't mean she had to leave with him. She smirked and carefully peaked over the corner again.

"Ahh...coast is clear. Bry, when you are good, you are good!"

She strolled out of her hiding place, smiling and taking in her surroundings. Now that Aaron was gone, everything seemed perfect. Well, almost everything.

"If Dan was here, than that would be perfect," Bryana stopped abruptly, "Where did that come from? Geez, I'm obsessing about that boy…I would go see him but there is so much guards around; stupid guards keeping me from seeing him…"

She walked towards a food stall and ordered a piece of blueberry pie. She took a piece of the pie with her fork and put it in her mouth, "Mmm de-licious!"

She was enjoying her pie so much that she didn't notice two figures sneaking up on her.

"Boo!"

Bryana squeaked in fright, dropping her pie. She looked down at the spilled food and glared at the two mousemaids laughing at her.

"Emma! Mariella! Look at what you made me do! That pie was so good…"

Mariella put an arm around her cheerfully, "Aw cheer up, young un. You could always get another."

Bryana pushed her arm away, "I wanted that one," she pouted.

"Gosh, so immature, sis," Emma said, rolling her eyes.

"What are you doing here alone, anyways, where's your lover?" Mariella said with a playful smirk.

"He is NOT my lover! I don't care where he is. I know I'm here enjoying the festivities. He can kiss my behind!"

"Ooh harsh…"

Mariella and Emma exchanged glances. "You don't think you're being too harsh, Bry?"

"Hmph, no," She said, "I'm just sick of creatures saying that we should marry…I'm not in love with Aaron. I'm not. So why do people keep pushing me to get with him…" Bryana frowned deeply and turned her back to the maids.

"Sorry, Bry, I didn't realize how much the Aaron situation bothered you…"

"Sure you're not saying because of your boyfriend…?" Emma said, nudging her.

Mariella raised an eyebrow, "What boyfriend…?"

"Emma….."

"Whoops, ahhahaha got you! There is no boyfriend. I'm just yanking her tail…haha ooh, strawberry cordial! I'm going to get some…"

Mariella approached Bryana as Emma walked away.

"I know when she's lying and when she tells the truth…What was she going on about, Bry?"

"Nothing. You heard her; she was just yanking my tail…"

"Stop! I know you better than that….I'm your cousin, Bry…You can trust me…"

"I know that."

"Then why aren't you telling me anything?"

"Mari…"

"Fine, don't tell me. I see how it is…You usually trust me more than Emma, but it's okay. I understand."

Mariella turned to walk away.

"Wait. OK, fine. I will tell you what's going on, but for the record, he isn't my boyfriend. He's a friend."

"OK, I'm listening."

"Well, you have to keep it secret. You can't tell anyone and I know you're gonna scold me for it."

"Your secret is safe with me. I'm your cousin, sweetie. I've kept all your secrets up till now as you have done for me. I'm hurt that you would find the need to say that."

"That just shows how secret this secret is, Mari."

"True, true; so tell me what's going on with you?"

"I met this guy about two months ago during one of the battles. He was injured badly, so I decided to help him, even though I know that I would be in big trouble if anyone would find out that I helped him…"

"Cut to the chase: who is he?"

Bryana pulled Mariella behind an empty stall and looked around carefully.

"Bry…"

"He, he's a Tanger, Mari…"

"What? Bryana…"

"I know. I know…"

"Do you? Do you really? Do you know what will happen if they find out? Why are you taking such a big risk?"

"Please calm down…"

"Do you like him?"

"What?"

"Do-you-like-him, Bryana?"

"Well, he's so kind and sweet. I feel like all we were told about Tangers is false, Mari. They aren't as bad as we put them out to be. They are just like us really…"

"You've gone mad, I swear. What are you thinking?"

"I haven't gone mad at all. I've realized the lies we've been told. They're not bad at all, Mari. We just have been forced to think that way."

"Are you listening to yourself…what the hell have you done to yourself? You sound like you're in love with this guy, that's probably why you can't say anything bad about him…"

"I am NOT in love with him. I got to know him better, is all."

"'Know him better?' What, what have you done with this guy?" She asked, panicking.

"I haven't done anything with him. He never touched me, okay? Remember, he's a Tanger. He's not going to try and touch me when he doesn't know how I would feel about it…"

"And how do you feel about it?"

"Well, there you are!"

Both maids jumped at the voice, "Aaron?"

"Well, who else? I was looking all over for you, Bry…"

Bryana shifted uncomfortably and looked at Mariella for help.

"Oh, sorry. She was with me…just having some girl talk…"

"Maids, I swear," he said, rolling his eyes, "Well, there is one more place I wanted to take you before we leave. I know you're probably tired after this long day…"

"Um, well, okay I suppose," Bryana said, forcing a smile.

Mariella winced as Aaron put an arm around Bryana, "See you later, Mari."

"Bye, Mari! See ya soon!"

Mariella forced a smile and waved at them. Bryana looked back at her, and they both made a face. Emma came back, holding two cups.

"Where'd Bryana go?"

"Back to her 'date,'" Mariella responded, taking one of the cups, "Mmm, this is tasty!"

"Isn't it? Too bad Sis is missing it."

"Yea, too bad…"

"Did she tell you about Dan?"

"Is that his name? Yea, she did…Wait a minute. That name sounds familiar…"

"It should. He's General of the Tanger Army."

"Umm, but Uncle Matt hates the Tanger general…"

"Exactly the problem…He is really, really cute though. I mean I'm not even kidding!"

"For a Tanger you mean?"

"No, he is handsome, period! You should see how Sis stares at him…She is sprung, but does not want to admit it."

"She keeps on saying that, but you know she means the opposite."

"At least she acknowledges it. He likes her too, but he's in denial. He's probably those types that don't pay attention to girls, that is, until he met our Bryana. She saved his life you know, so that's probably a plus for her. Ooh, you know what; I think they would have the most adorable children!"

"Emma! How could you even say that! Tangers and Langis are not supposed to even talk, let alone marry! That's a sin and it has deadly consequences. Imagine if Uncle Matt found out his daughter is in love with the very mouse he hates. It would be a disaster!"

"I know it would, but still, he's nicer than Aaron. Better looking too," she said, with a wink.

"Where are you taking me?" Bryana asked, impatiently.

Aaron walked behind her with one paw over her eyes and the other one guiding her.

"Patience is a virtue, pretty one," he replied, cheerfully, "You will see soon enough. We are almost there…"

"You said that five minutes ago…"

"Exactly, and it's not that long ago, Bry. We…oh we're here! Are you ready?"

Bryana smirked, "I was born ready."

Aaron pulled his paw away from her eyes. She blinked twice and stared at the view. There was the waterfall outside the villages.

"Wow, its, it's beautiful Aaron…"

"Ehh, I think you're prettier," He said with a shrug.

She smiled slightly and shook her head. The water gushed quickly along the bank. The cool, blue water filled her senses with wonder. It was magnificent. The scent of the water was strong since they were right next to it. The wind carried some of the water across the land, hitting her and Aaron. It was refreshing and felt wonderful.

"Thank you for bringing me here," She said, "It's really very beautiful."

"Well, you're very welcome."

He went closer to her, and ran his paw down her arm. Bryana turned to look at him and he put his arm around her waist. Bryana stared at him for a moment and tried to pull away, but he didn't let her.

"Aaron…"

"Shh," he whispered, putting a claw to her lips. He brought his face closer to hers. Their lips almost touched, but Bryana pushed him away, quickly.

"I'm sorry, I can't. Aaron, I know how you feel about me, but I'm sorry, I don't feel the same way for you. You are my best friend and that's our relationship. Please forgive me, but I can't do this…"

She turned and ran away. Aaron stood there, staring after her. He felt tears in his eyes, and he shook his head, "I will not cry. I will not cry. Damn it, what did I do wrong? I love her so much and this is how she repays my love for her?" He stormed off angrily, "I will avenge this humiliation," he growled.

(A/N: Geez, what a sore loser! She doesn't love you! Not if I have anything to do with it! ;D Yay longer chapter! Lol don't forget to R&R!