Whoooo.. that was a long break, wasn't it? I rewrote this chapter about four times, and I am finally giving up on revising for the sake of progressing the plot and actually getting to the parts I want to write about. Anyway, thanks for reading and enjoy!
Oh yes, and I forget all of the comments I had meant to respond to, but I think I will leave it with a general "They gave me warm fuzzies" type of feeling when I read them.
Naomi guided her brush through her long red tresses. She had been combing her hair for over a half hour now, though with silky smooth hair like hers, it did not require such maintenance. Still, she was aggravated, and brushing her hair usually helped. However this time, its calming effects were not taking hold fast enough, so Naomi switched to her second favourite past-time. She moved her face closer to the vanity mirror, scrutinizing the face that stared back at her. She turned this way and that, admiring her pretty features. Pale blue eyes –obviously from the father she never met- her mother's were a common brown- high cheek bones and arched eyebrows. Yes, Naomi certainly was beautiful, and she knew it. She felt her spirits lift slightly, and yet... another sigh escaped her lips. She did not consider herself to be an unhappy person. She has lived a life of privilege, what with being the heir to the Miyahara Kingdom and what not. She never went hungry, had fabulous clothing, and had a line of admirers, both male and female alike, begging to be her next interest. Every once in a while, someone would catch her eye and she would indulge their fantasies until she got bored and moved on. She had no interest in them of course, they were mere play things to her. Beautiful toys to pass the time. Her commitment was to Yumi, and this she was absolutely certain of. It was just that Yumi could be so, well, boring. They had spent a lot of time together in their youth, but at some point Yumi spent more and more time working. She was angry at first, accusing Yumi of avoiding her and not caring about her. Even when Yumi tried to explain that she had to start earning her keep, she refused to listen, demanding that Yumi still find time in the day to entertain her. She was so lonely without the brown haired girl. She remembered the first time she had taken a lover on the side. It was to make Yumi jealous, but unintentionally she had found the experience exhilarating. And so she never stopped, though she certainly never told Yumi about the others either. She probably suspects though. Didn't she almost walk in on me and what's-her-name- last time? Naomi giggled at the memory.
Naomi was startled out of her daydream when her door suddenly swung open, revealing a very harried maid. "Forgive me, Princess." She said. She bowed, though jerkily, as she was balancing a large basin full of water in her hands.
"It's about time!" Naomi snapped. "I had been waiting for over a half hour!" At the back of Naomi's mind she noted that the wash basin was only a little late, as she did not usually wake this early. Naomi however, had a fitful sleep and woke early. She had been severely annoyed ever since. Something felt amiss, but she did not know what. It was like the feeling of wearing outgrown clothing, or having an itch that you just couldn't relieve...
The maid bowed once again before turning to exit. "Wait." Naomi said suddenly. She had been rolling the thought over in her mind, but she hadn't expected to say anything. Too late now, though. "Please bring Yumi here. You can tell her to finish her duties later tonight. I want to spend some time with her today."
The maid looked at her uneasily, shifting her weight. "Now!" Naomi emphasized. Really! These servants, they have cork for brains, I swear.
"Princess, Yumi is no longer at the Castle. S-she is under General Yamada's command. She has been since last month when –"
"That's enough!" Naomi interrupted. She did not like to be reminded of things she had forgotten. "Just leave."
Naomi turned back towards the mirror, lost in thoughts.
FLASHBACK
Naomi observed Yumi, who was hunched over a desk, scribbling away with her quill. She enjoyed watching Yumi work sometimes, the look of concentration on her face. It was endearing. "Why don't you sit down, Princess?" Yumi asked without looking up. Somehow she always knew when Naomi was present. Naomi began to smile, but frowned instead when she noticed the clothing Yumi was wearing. "Yumi, didn't you already wear that outfit twice this week?"
"Eh – it's a uniform. I have to wear it everyday." Yumi explained.
Naomi noticed the condition of the material. She obviously only had one set. How embarrassing. I had thoughts of going for a walk together, but... What would people think, the Princess walking around with a servant"
Yumi smiled at Naomi earnestly. "Yesterday you mentioned something about a walk?" She quickly retrieved a package from beside her desk, procuring two bentos. "I packed us a lunch so that we could have a picnic too.... Princess?"
Naomi shook her head, contorting her face to what she hoped looked like remorse. "I-I'm sorry Yumi. I just came by to tell you that something has come up and I will be unable to dine with you. Perhaps when you are finished and you have had a chance to change out of your uniform?" Naomi suggested, she did after all, want to spend time with the girl.
Yumi looked dejected. " I don't finish until late tonight..." Yumi said sadly, but then in a forced cheery voice, "Maybe some other time?"
But there wasn't another time because shortly after Naomi had convinced her Mother to force Yumi into the army. "Mother! It's embarrassing! I can't marry a servant! I love Yumi, but... but I am a Princess!"
Her mother hadn't much disagreed with her, so long as Yumi did not actually engage in battle, she would still be safe. So Yumi was enlisted.
Yumi had put up quite a struggle when she heard the news. "No! I don't want to go! I-I -" Yumi didn't want to admit that she was scared, or that whenever her powers were used to cause harm, she would cry herself to sleep at night. "I-I'm not strong enough!" Yumi finished lamely, though she wasn't lying anyway. There were a few females in the ranks, but they were all very strong, burly women. But in the end, she had no choice. She had no family to support her and this was the only way to earn her keep. Naomi had thought of course that she was doing it to make her happy, but really, Yumi was just trying to secure three meals a day and a bed to sleep in.
END FLASHBACK
Naomi shook her head, trying to clear her mind of these thoughts. She had been blinking in and out of these memories all morning, for no apparent reason, and out of her control. Why do I keep thinking about Yumi? Naomi gave another frustrated sigh and then pushed herself away from her desk. I will just have to retrieve Yumi myself. I want to see her right now.
Naomi made her way towards the army barracks.
Yumi looked a mess, and she knew it. She knew that her hair, usually neatly tied in pigtails, had fallen loose around her shoulders; her clothes, were stained with dirt from her fall, adding on top of that they were all rumpled since she slept in them. Yes, she was a mess, though surprisingly none of the knights had mentioned anything about her appearance. Had she been back at Miyahara she would have been reprimanded instantly by Naomi, Probably before she would have asked if I was okay. A voice popped into Yumi's head, univited. Yumi was surprised, Where did that come from? She wondered.
Yumi's thoughts went to the Princess she had unwittingly left behind. She imagined Naomi conducting a castle wide search for her; Naomi, tossing and turning, unable to get any sleep until she was safely found… But she knew these thoughts were only her desires, and if anything, Naomi would probably take her time before initiating a search. Or notice she were even gone.
No! Yumi shook her head violently. She could not, would not let herself think that way about Naomi. Especially because she knew it was very likely true. No. I have to be faithful to Naomi. She.. she cares for me. Only she's a very important person. It's not her fault if she does not immediately notice – That's a LIE – an opposing voice suddenly manifest itself and Yumi quickly silenced it just as fast as it appeared. Yumi questioned Naomi's feelings for her, of course, but she desperately did not want to be trapped in a loveless relationship, so she had fallen into the habit of defending the Princess' actions to herself.
"Yumi?" A voice broke into Yumi's distracted state, scattering the remnants of her thoughts of Naomi.
Her eyes focused, and she noticed the entire table of knights were all looking at her expectantly.
Oh no. "Uhh.." Yumi gave a nervous laugh trying to recover and pretend as if nothing were wrong.
She had spent a good portion of breakfast trying to devise a plan of escape, or at least a believable story that would excuse her from this unusual capture. Unfortunately she had never been a very good liar – a problem which only started with her inability to keep her emotions off her face..
"Yumi, Youko-sama asked which Castle you serve." Sachiko kindly whispered to Yumi.
Yumi was surprised. She had barely spoken a word to Sachiko all morning, despite the older girl's efforts. She was surprised she would help her now, and not relish in her obvious discomfort.
"Oh!" Yumi's face lit up in relief. "I-I.." Her smile quickly faltered as she realized that even though she now knew the question, she now did not know the answer. Castle? What Castle??
Yumi squirmed in her seat.
"If you're unsure, perhaps you can tell us your family name? It should be no problem placing you that way." Rei interjected helpfully.
Yumi looked downcast. She couldn't very well give her real last name to the Knights. What if 'Hiyash'i is name unique to Miyahara? And she could not make one up either. What if I give a name that nobody has? Or worst… what if I give a name that someone DOES have? Either way, they will find out if I am lying or not!
Yumi felt completely trapped. Think! Think! Think! Her mind chanted. To buy some time, Yumi decided to take a bite of food. She reached for her spoon. It nudged away from her, as if alive. Yumi glared at the disobedient utensil. Her powers were always spilling over this, though she especially had difficulty controlling them when she was nervous.
Yumi made another grab for her spoon before anyone saw.
Without looking at anyone, she reached for a grapefruit in the basket sitting in front of her. As soon as her hand neared, all the fruits jumped out of the basket and rolled away from her.
Yumi's face flamed red. The knights chuckled in unison.
"Maybe you could tell us your family's trade…" Shimako offered optimistically, after recovering from laughter.
"Oh, these questions can probably wait. Don't worry about it Yumi-chan." Sei suddenly interrupted. Then turning to the woman beside her, "Youko, can I see you outside for a moment?"
Yumi was relieved she had avoided having to answer. Perhaps I will just thank them for their hospitality and then be on my way? Yumi thought simply, though that did not answer the question of how to get back, and it was not something she could just casually bring up.
Yumi's nostrils were suddenly filled with the faint scent of roses. She noticed that Sachiko was leaning close to her. Wordlessly, the girl placed a halved grapefruit on her plate.
Sachiko gave Yumi a gentle smile.
Yumi's heart fluttered, not for the first time today, but like the unwelcome voice of reason regarding Naomi, Yumi quashed these feelings as well. Yumi sighed. She really needed some self control. Here she was, warming these murderers, while her parents lay lifeless in the ground. Yumi steeled herself with resolve. I will NOT let my guard down. I Will not be fooled by these Knights. I will not.. Will NOT….
A squirt of juice hit her eye as she gave her fruit a jab.. Arrrrgh!!!
Sachiko chuckled softly beside her. "My Yumi, it seems that grapefruit really does not want to be eaten."
She plucked the half from her plate and gave it a gentle poke with her spoon, effortlessly freeing a piece. "Here, Yumi."
Sachiko brought the fruit towards Yumi's mouth.
Is she really trying to feed me?! Yumi was alarmed. Even more alarmed, when she felt her mouth open unintentionally to accept the fruit. Parents!!!! Yumi!! Your Parents! Stop fraternizing with the enemy!
Yumi jolted back on high alert. Clamping her mouth firmly shut she pushed herself away from the proffered fruit and Sachiko's warmth.
"I'm not hungry anymore."
"I'm not hungry anymore.." Yumi's cold voice felt like a slap in the face. Sachiko looked around, noticing her fellow knights absorbed in a conversation of their own. They probably didn't notice. Sachiko thought in relief.
Sachiko was hurt and confused. All morning the brown haired girl had avoided speaking to her. What did I do wrong now?! Sachiko thought in frustration.
Sachiko watched as her own Master and Sei-sama re-entered the dining room. She saw as Sei stealthily approached Yumi and attacked her in a giant embrace, causing Yumi to squeal in surprise. Sachiko tried to keep the hurt from her eyes, knowing that Youko-sama was watching her carefully. Well, she certainly seems fine with Sei-sama. "Yumi-chan! Come walk with me."
Sachiko's eyes followed the pair jealously as they exited.
"Sachiko." Youko called. "Please come with me."
Sachiko excused herself, slightly confused at her Master's cryptic behaviour, what with carrying on secret conversations here and there, this was not her style. If something was on Youko's mind, she said it in front of everyone. She was not the type to hide things, so this conversation must be really important, Sachiko thought. Or really embarrassing. Oh God. I know what this is about.
"It's nothing." Sachiko spoke before her Master could begin, once alone. "I know what it looks like. It is nothing. I-I'm just worried about Yumi, that's all. You even said so yourself how I need to be more open- and so there, I tried. And it did not work-"
"Sachiko" Youko interrupted her charge's rambling. "I'm not sure where this is coming from.. or to what you are referring to… but I wanted to inform you of a change in plans. Sei and I both have reason to believe that Yumi is an orphan."
Sachiko paused. What?
"An Orphan: Without parents. You'll recall the definition, of course. Yumi was unable to answer our questions before, which by no means, are difficult to answer, unless you do not have an answer. She must have been on her own for quite a while, and is probably too embarrassed to admit how she has been surviving all of this time…"
Sachiko sighed in relief. She was sure that this conversation would have been about her uncharacteristically attentive behaviour to a girl she had just met. She loved and respected her Master, but even then, she kept her heart well guarded and did not enjoy speaking about her feelings to anyone.
"...As such, it is our responsibility to ensure that Yumi is taken care of. We think she should be placed in one of the Castles. I think she has the magical potential – don't pretend you didn't see what happened with that basket of fruit… and that spoon- the training is free, and Yumi would receive three meals a day and a bed to sleep in. There is no reason why she would refuse."
Sachiko's mind finally clicked. An orphan? She will enlist? Sachiko asked the obvious next question. "Which Castle will she be in?"
Youko smiled at her, a smile that showed she had something up her sleeve, and that whatever it was, she was going to enjoy this next part immensely.
"We aren't sure. Sei would not be opposed to having her stay here, in Gigantea. It makes sense… afterall, she was found on Gigantea land."
Sachiko's fought to control her emotions. She knew that her Master knew she wanted Yumi in Chinesis. That Youko was laying out the options in front of her, drawing out the process, showed that Youko was trying to force her into revealing something.
"Or, she could come to Chinesis with us." Sachiko clasped her hands; the only indication that she had heard Youko at all. "You were the one to find her, and you are under my rule, so that is also logical."
"…But then I guess the Foetida Castle is also a viable option because Rei was a part of the rescue and she belongs under Eriko… I don't know. Where do you think Yumi should be?"
Sachiko worked her jaw, trying to keep her tone even. "I think." Inhale. "Yumi should be in Chinesis." Exhale. "Because…." Inhale.
Youko rolled her eyes as if Sachiko had just failed some unspoken test. "Sachiko, relax, please. You know very well that's not how Knights are divided into Castles.. It is not a random process, there needs to be a connection."
. It had only been a fact drilled into her brain since childhood. Every pledge who had come from a family that had also served knew this. Like me. I should have remembered. Sachiko suddenly looked down, knowing that whether or not she will see Yumi again was not up to her.
"As it turns out, Sei and I both agree that she should be in Chinesis."
Sachiko snapped to attention. "Are you sure? What is her connection? How do you know?"
"Yes we are sure, it was very obvious - The connection is you, and -"
"Me?" Did they not see her trying to engage Yumi? Did they not see her get shut down repeatedly?
Youko shook her head with an amused smile. "Yes, you. Yumi hasn't shown an affinity to you yet… but you certainly have for her, we saw the way you were during breakfast… and that is how we know."
Yumi was furious at her herself. How did this get so out of hand!? One moment she was convinced that she only needed tell the Knights she would be leaving – proud of the fact that she had not trapped herself by giving false answers to the Knights – and then the next, she discovers that her non-answers have convinced the Knights that she was some poor orphan drifting from place to place. Baka! Baka! Baka! I'm so stupid!! How did this happen?!
Yumi trudged along behind Sei, as the blond gave her a brief history of the Castle system, mentioning that she would be in the Chinesis Castle, whatever that meant. She was now being lead to the army barracks, where she would be sleeping. Yumi was sick with fear that her escape would now be much more complicated, and therefore, would require some drastic action.
"Ah, Yumi, here is your room." Sei suddenly stopped in the middle of the hall and ushered Yumi through a door.
Yumi looked around in surprise. There was a nice spacious bed with a night table, a small desk on side of the room and a vanity mirror on the other side.. The room was tastefully decorated, though not excessive and frilly as some rooms often were. The highlight however, was the large window that covered an entire wall. "W-where will I sleep?" Yumi asked stupidly, though she had no intention of sleeping that night.
She assumed that, naturally, she would be sharing with at least four or five other soldiers, but she saw only one bed. Only one of everything, actually.
"In your own bed, preferably." Sei teased, but noticing the confused look on Yumi's face though she quickly corrected herself. "Um… you do see that rectangular structure in the middle of the room right? Well, it's surprisingly soft, and…-"
Yumi nearly smacked herself, realizing that because of her "being an orphan" Sei thought she did not know what a bed was. "Yes. But there is only one. Where will the other soldiers sleep?"
"Oh, haha! This is your own room, Yumi-chan. Every knight is assigned a room. What did you think we were going to cram you all into a tiny space and make you share?? " Sei bursted out in laughter. "This one is only temporary of course, until we leave in a week, but you will be given one similar when you are in Chinesis."
"I hope you will make yourself comfortable here." Sei moved to open the curtains. She was silent for a while, as she looked out the window. Yumi shifted uneasily.
"I know this must be hard on you." Sei's voice turned quiet, losing its jovial manner. "But there is no shame in asking for help. I have no parents either, did you know? They were killed in the first and only battle between Lilian and Miyahara..."
Yumi gasped softly. "Mine too! Or- that's what I am told. I've never met them before though. Or... I don't know how they were killed, if they were fighting or what, I just know they died when I was little." Suddenly Yumi's story began to tumble out in bits and pieces.
Sei turned to Yumi looking at her with a new found curiosity. "Your parents were killed by that witch, Asuka Miyahara, as well? It seems a lot of people were left with broken families because of her. She will pay for what she has done." Sei's eyes darkened.
Yumi was enraged. "Queen Miyahara is not a witch! S-she's a--" Queen. Yumi caught herself just in time. Realizing her mistake, Yumi shut her mouth immediately, leaving her sentence hanging. She obviously needed to be more careful if she wanted to make an escape.
Sei turned her head as if to get a closer look at Yumi. She contemplated a thought and opened her mouth to say something, but to Yumi's relief, was then interrupted by another figure in the room.
"Sachiko" Sei greeted solemnly. She gave a tight smile. "Please take care of Yumi. I need to.... to attend to something." Sei shot a glance at Yumi before exiting, leaving the two alone.
"I brought you some towels. And an extra blanket, in case you get cold tonight." Sachiko said carefully.
Yumi just gave Sachiko a blank look, afraid that if she spoke she would make another blunder.
"If you need anything, I am just in the next room."
Yumi nodded her head.
"Thank you." Yumi mumbled, quickly moving to the window to avoid looking at Sachiko. She noticed the windows could be opened, and were not locked.
"It's beautiful isn't it? The scenery." Sachiko was grasping at straws now, trying to elicit a response from the girl.
Yumi did not hear Sachiko, her mind was beginning to form a plan of escape. I wonder how far from the ground I am? Yumi thought.
Sachiko moved in beside Yumi as the girl tried to gauge the distance to the ground without making it obvious. She found, that she was not too high above the ground at all. I could probably climb down, if I'm careful.
"That's the forest where we found you." Sachiko said. She pointed out the window towards the line of trees in the horizon, using the movement as an excuse to inch closer to Yumi. Yumi shifted to get a better look at where Sachiko was pointing, causing her to subtly move awayfrom Sachiko. Her movement did not go unnoticed.
"I see. A-and, is that where the border is?"
The final piece of Yumi's plan fell into place. Tonight. She thought. I will escape.
Naomi thundered into her mother's study. "Mother!"
"Daughter." The Queen responded calmly, ignoring her daughter's outrage.
"Yumi is missing. She was sent on an errand yesterday evening and she had not returned… We must alert-"
The Queen silenced her daughter with the raise of her hand. She dismissed the servants. Asuka studied her daughter.
"I am glad you have finally noticed, Naomi. I wasn't expecting that you would for another few days.."
Naomi scowled. Sure, Yumi was an unlikely match for her, but still, she did care for her, very deeply, she thought. The Princess took a closer look at her mother's calm demeanour. She noticed, for the first time that they were not alone in the room. Monsieur, the Oracle, now stood beside her mother.
Both looked stoically at Naomi.
"What have you done? Why aren't we searching for her?"