Author's Note: Omg I'm so, so, SO sorry for this late update… as some of you know, I've been very, VERY busy these days, and after the whole roller coaster week and everything, I was just absolutely BEAT… and I couldn't bring myself to do anything… especially since I now have my whole Computers final summative due very soon, as well as 120 paintings to memorize for my art final exams… -.- so I'm terribly sorry for this late update… but I've just been waaay too tired and out of it… Anyhow, good news regarding that whole rollercoaster mess XD read ending A/N for more info :P
)Cheeseycraziness( - Thank you so much for understanding… T.T I usually feel better after I ramble in times when I'm stressed XD
)Irui( - I agree… but I guess we're just very… special people… n.n; my entire school's math department knows about it (somehow all my teachers are part of the math department… n.n;) and the teachers just randomly bring it up and ask in the middle of class… O.o It's random but it's funneh XP
)SIlver Night( - Aww, but I didn't even consider that a cliffy! n.n; wait till u read this chapter then—whoops… said too much… :shot:
)AngelEmCuti( - LOL! Well that always works for getting out of awkward situations! Just faint! XD
)Kaylee( - Sure thing! But could you leave me your email please…? n.n;
)Light in the Darkness( - Aww, thank you so much for all your support… T.T it really means a lot to me! :hugs: luckily that period is over… though despite the stress and all, I feel very, very accomplished, not to mention I now know my friend's parents a lot better XD (stayed over at her house for about 5 days straight :P)
)BiskElle( - Ah, thanks so much! Glad it wasn't disappointing for you! I was so scared people would hate this chapter… T.T Maybe it was kinda boring to me 'cause I read it over only about 20 times over for proof-reading sakes… XP You're very right about that as well—the 'good way' could be interpreted both ways. Believe it or not I spend over an hour contemplating that last ending sentence… but in the end I went, BLEH, f-this… I gotta go to sleep soon… DX Of course as mentioned the last chapter is EXTREMELY unrealistic in terms of an actual court-ruling… but had I gone through all the brutal tidbit details I would've bored my readers to beyond suffering… Thank you as always, for your kind and encouraging comments! Your reviews make my day! :)
)DEVILZ CHIK( - Don't worry about it, after all there's no rule that says you must review every chapter, ne? XD Glad you're liking all the drama and tension! :P
)PicturePerfect-x( - LOL! I agree! He IS! And thanks! :) Though casual writing is a looong way from publications… DX
)Elizabeth Eclair Rose( - I'm sorry but your email didn't show up! :( Please leave it in the form of name "at" host "dot" com! Because is annoying like that… DX
)NileyLover( - First off I wouldn't 'hate' you for writing this review! I've mentioned on my bio that I only despise anonymous flamers who are just out spreading hate. You asked a reasonable question, and actually I'd rather you tell me straight off than to just think it and leave it. And so, to answer your question, you shouldn't feel confused as to whether you are reading 'Wanted' or 'Love', because quite frankly, they're the same story. 'Love' just happens to be a mini story within 'Wanted'. It's just a style of writing. Yes, I could've wrote 'Love' as a separate story on its own, but to me, I think the two stories compliment each other and help push each other along. 'Love' helps bring out the feelings, emotions, and pressures of society in the very A/U world I set in 'Wanted'. So all in all, 'Wanted' is the story. 'Love' helps emphasize many points in 'Wanted'. Believe it or not but I plan my stories before writing them, and to me, the story flows much better with 'Love' included, as opposed to me just spending chapter after chapter trying to explain all the beliefs and social rules of the 'Wanted' society in a biographical manner. Not to mention 'Love' is very necessary for the ending I have in mind for 'Wanted', as well a scene in next chapter where I think it won't be as affective if I just typed it straight out. Blah, don't know if anything I said helped you understand better at all, but hopefully it did.
Thanks everyone for the support! 8D
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Chapter Twenty-One
Trial 1, Part II
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All around her, nobody seemed to realize the severity of the situation. Except for perhaps Tomoyo, Meiling and Eriol.
Eriol sighed. Meiling clenched her fists. Tomoyo looked near tears.
"I…" Sakura began. But she couldn't finish. She didn't know how to finish.
King Syaoran was smiling. He didn't understand the pain she was experiencing. He thought she was only feeling slightly guilty for having locked her friend up for three weeks.
But it was much more than that. Sakura had just sentenced her husband not only to 25 lashings but a whole year in jail. A whole year. In prison; in this castle.
But after all that she had just said, the embarrassment would be too great if she were to suddenly go back on her words.
More time passes in tense silence. And soon, slowly, people began whispering amongst themselves, pointing at her.
"Sakura?" King Syaoran frowned slightly, touching the back of his hand to her forehead.
Though he didn't notice, Kaho and Tomoyo saw the death glare in Touya's eyes. What was scarier was the fact that it was directly at Sakura.
Sakura swallowed and closed her eyes. Imagine. The exact same situation. But the woman I do not know, and the man… the man… is n-not my husband… I would deem them to the same punishment… is it fair for someone to escape their penalty simply because they know me…? Is it fair for me to temper with the rules set down for hundreds of years…? Of course not… In a barely audible voice, she said, "I will not show unfair leniency to criminals. I won't go back on my words. The sentence is final."
The smile on the King's face widened, as he squeezed her hand gently. "Good, I'm glad you were able to live up to your words. Guards, take them awa—"
"NO!" From behind the King, Tomoyo ran forth, half tripping as she fell on her knees in front of the King. "Your Majesty! PLEASE! Don't do this! Kaho is a fragile woman! You can't put her in prison!"
Behind the King, from the other side, Meiling came, slightly more composed than Tomoyo, as she knelt on the ground next to Tomoyo. "Your Majesty, I do not believe her crime is that severe! After all, she is not the woman you're interested in to marry! If that is so, why not open your heart, be kind, and just let her go?"
King Syaoran stared at the two women in front of him. Meiling was frowning, worry flashing deep within her eyes. Next to her, Tomoyo looked a nervous wreck, and absolutely pain-stricken. "But why?" He asked. "None of you objected to the final verdict just minutes ago. Now you find out the criminal is a friend of yours, you will change your mind? Is that fair?"
Tomoyo shook her head furiously as she fell on her hands. "NO! It's not! And I don't care! I don't care if it's fair or not! Just please, let Kaho go! Do not let her suffer so!"
"What's the point of human relations, if everything has to be perfect 'fair'?" Meiling asked, her eyes shining with a strange light. "Is it fair a man loves a certain woman more than another…? Even if the other woman loves him more…?"
King Syaoran blinked in surprise. Yeah. Is it fair to feel so strongly for one person…? Is it fair to change oneself so willingly, merely for one woman…? After a long time, he finally said, "I'm not the one who decides today—you're pleading the wrong person."
Slowly, Tomoyo straightened, as she and Meiling turned towards Sakura. "Sakura… please?" Tomoyo pleaded softly.
Sakura stared in shock at her friend. Oh how she wanted to say 'yes, Tomoyo, let's forget all this. Let's release Kaho'. But looking around the room, at Captain Ramsa's smirk, Advisors' judgmental stares, Touya's… Touya's hatred… she couldn't speak. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. "Tomoyo… I… I…"
Slowly, Sakura's hand went over her mouth, as a strangled cry escaped the back of her throat. Tears stung her eyes. She was suppose to be kneeling on the ground alongside them pleading for Kaho. Yet here she is, standing straight and tall, as the most heartless woman the world has ever known. Meiling was right. What is the point of feelings, if everything has to be perfectly 'fair'? Unable to take this moral torture anymore, she wiggled out of the King's grip and ran out the room, scrutinizing stares following after her.
—
Shutting her eyes tightly and nearly blinded by tears, Sakura ran and ran. She didn't even know where she was, nor did she care. Choking, she hiccupped a few times, as she bit her lips, trying to keep her sobs in. Oh God. Touya. Touya… TOUYA! What must he think? Oh, what else could he think? I was with the King! The King mentioned he was ready for a WIFE! A WIFE! And he took MY hand! And the whole time, Touya saw everything, he heard everything… oh God, and when I left, I-I told him I would be back as soon as possible and nothing would happen and I would be home as long as all the women were safe! Godammit how long has it been? How long has it been since the King stopped recruiting new women to this competition? Too damn long, that's how long! And yet here I am! HERE I AM STILL! Oh God, Touya…
Bursting through a set of doors, Sakura found herself in yet another one of the King's many gardens.
Walking through the beauty of the flowers and trees and fountains calmed her thoughts just the slightest.
In the middle of this yard was a single sakura tree, the cherry blossoms blooming to their fullest.
Slowly, Sakura walked over as she touched her hand to the bark of the tree, and slid to the ground helplessly, facing the tree. "How could this have happened…?" She whispered softly. "How could Touya be here…? And… Kaho." Sakura closed her eyes. Despite her having supposedly made the 'right' choice, she felt terrible. Both Meiling and Tomoyo begged for Kaho's release. They didn't care what's supposedly 'right'. They cared about friendship, and relationships, and feelings. Whereas she, who actually had the power to release Kaho, said nothing. Did nothing. Because she was so keen on doing the 'right thing'. Because she didn't want people judging her. Because she didn't want people to talk. Well so much for that. They're definitely not going to talk about the fact I just bloody RAN out the room before dismissal.
"Why is everything falling apart…?" She asked the tree softly. "Why? Why did I come to this stupid competition? Why did I come here…? If only… maybe… I never met the King…" But deep inside, she thought, If only I wasn't yet married…
Because that was the one truthful thought. It was the one most truthful thought that she dared not ever speak out loud.
A hand suddenly touched her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly as she spun around to face the person.
"Do not worry, you did the right thing today." The King said softly, as he smiled at her, then slowly took a seat next to her on the grass as he leaned against the bark of the tree, so that he was able to face her.
"I… I just ran out…" she said quietly.
"You know, if it was really this difficult for you, I wouldn't've minded if you just released Kaho. Truly, I used to be angry at her for daring to escape my competition… but now that, that I have found a suitable wife, no other woman matters…" he said, as he touched her hair gently. "I just wanted to give you a taste of what it feels like to run the Kingdom… I didn't mean for it to burden you so."
Sakura closed her eyes as she inhaled the sweet aroma from the surrounding flowers. "It wasn't just Kaho…" she said.
"Oh? What else, then?"
But Sakura couldn't tell him. How could she? Just thinking about it made her sick. Well, you see I was more worried about that man captured along with Kaho. See, he is actually my husband, and I just learned that he broke away and struggled against the soldiers in attempt to protect his daughter—yes, yes, of course, my daughter too—I feel kinda bad about it… you know what I'm saying?
But those words she couldn't say. Not now, not ever. Quickly, Sakura shook her head, clearing away the absurd thoughts. "So… what's the final verdict?" She whispered softly.
"There isn't one. It was up to you to decide today, and clearly you did not. Everyone is dismissed till tomorrow at noon, where we shall all adjourn once again in the throne room to hear your final say. Till then, your friend Kaho and the other guy will be kept in prison."
Sakura swallowed as her head lowered, her honey-coloured hair sliding gently down her shoulder and covering the sides of her face.
The King sighed as he looked her over slowly, a frown on his features. "You know…" he said, as he covered her hand with his. "I meant what I said. Of course it is good to be fair without bias… but at the same time, it's not a crime to feel. I understand Kaho was a good friend of yours… I'm sorry I put you through such a tough time, I hadn't meant to… I really didn't think it would be… well, this big a deal to you…"
Sakura shook her head rapidly as she clawed at the earth. "It's not your fault…" she whispered.
King Syaoran's frown deepened. "From the way you're acting, it clearly is." Slowly, using his free hand, he brought her chin up, so that she would be facing him. He was surprised to see the bare traces of tear stains down her cheek. "Tell me what's wrong…"
Sakura swallowed as she felt the sting returning to her eyes. But this time it was from the overwhelming love and care he had for her. It was from how carefully and gently he was treating her. And of course, from the guilt. Turns out in the end the player wasn't the King. It was her. "I-I don't want to attend the trial tomorrow."
He blinked. "But why not? You are aware the final decision rests within your power."
Sakura shook her head rapidly. "No. No, NO! I don't care! I can't do this! You make the decision! You do it!"
"But Sakura—"
She couldn't help the tears that began falling down her cheek. "Please…" she whispered breathily.
King Syaoran was stunned. She seemed in such pain. How he wanted to help her, except he didn't know how. Had he known Kaho's capture would've tortured her so, he would've just let her go without a second thought and cancelled that bounty altogether, and pretended that Kaho never existed. "Okay." He said after a long pause.
Her hands fell to the ground, and with it, her head fell down and hung lifelessly in front of her, her hair covered her face completely.
The King watched her with a deep sorrow within his eyes. "Sakura… I, I would like to comfort you now, I would like for you to feel better… but, I—ah—I, I'm not too sure how…"
Sakura knew the answer to that. She knew the answer to that question better than anyone. Had it been any other time, she would've convinced herself that they were not doing anything too intimate and it's all perfectly okay. But having seen him, and finally understanding the degree of betrayal involved, as well as the severity of the situation, she suddenly realized that she had been in denial for too, damn, long. Sakura bit her lips and was determined not to say anything. From this day forth she would distance herself from the King if it's the last thing she does. Or at least, that's what she thought.
But when the smallest of breeze blew by, brushing against her arm, Sakura felt as if it blew right through her heart, and she suddenly felt a deep loneliness, emptiness, and fear. And silently, she whispered, "Just hold me…"
And without question, this the King did, as he slowly relaxed her gently against him, as he wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, resting his hands in her lap as she played with his fingers.
No words were exchanged between them.
No words needed to be.
—
As they were to return to their final verdict tomorrow, Kaho and Touya were kept in a temporarily cell for the night. And because of the special and unexpected situation, they were allowed to be in the same cell.
Touya was sitting against the corner of the wall, his eyes holding enough hatred to burn a hole through the damp walls.
On the opposite side, Kaho stood, leaning lightly against the wall, hurt and fearful of what's becoming of the man she thought she had come to know, for at this moment, he felt like a complete stranger to her.
It's been 3 hours and they haven't said a word to each other. And Kaho couldn't stand the tension anymore.
She had hoped that as time passed it would ease his anger—but no such luck. Although she should've known—after all, he's renowned for his stubbornness.
Kaho took a deep breath. I should say something… after all, it's my fault we're here… it's my fault that… he had to witness that… Kaho could feel a deep pang of hurt deep within her chest. Oh Sakura, how could you? Of all people, I never expected the one to be you! You! Who is married! To such a wonderful, and kind man no less! And you have a daughter! How could you Sakura, how could you? You spoke so passionately about 'saving' women from this competition—what happened to you? Did you forget to save the one person who matters most—yourself?
Slowly, Kaho walked over to Touya's side of the wall, though still keeping a fair distance from him.
Carefully, as subtly as she could, she began inching towards him.
And just as she was within a meter away from him, and gathered enough courage to speak, a guard suddenly came and unlocked the door, disrupting her hard-gathered courage.
"You have a visitor." He said in a monotone, gesturing at someone near the doorway.
Timidly, a girl with long, black hair came down the stairs, her eyes shining with tears as she stared at her long lost friend.
"Tomoyo!" Kaho gasped as she rushed forth to embrace the girl.
"Uh-uh-uh…" the guard lashed out his foot, nearly tripping Kaho. "I said someone's here to visit. Which means you stay on this side of the bars, and she stays on the other side. Got it?"
Kaho glared at him, but nodded quickly, as she stretched her hand through the bars, reaching for Tomoyo.
Tomoyo grasped it happily, wiping away a free tear with her other hand. "Kaho… I can't believe it… I thought I'd never see you again…"
Kaho forced a happy grin. "Tomoyo, I told you we'll meet again. Even if I had imagined a different circumstance, this is fine, isn't it?"
Tomoyo nodded happily through tears. "Oh Kaho, how have you been?"
"Don't worry, Tomoyo, I've been great! Tou—" She paused, and glanced at the angry figure on the floor. The smile faded off her face as she let out a deep sigh. "He's been taking care of me…" she finished, her voice barely above a sad whisper.
Tomoyo stared back and forth between Kaho and Touya, as her eyes widened. "Is he—"
Kaho nodded quickly. "Shh!" she whispered quickly, her eyes shifting towards the guard who was clearly eavesdropping on their conversation.
Tomoyo frowned, as she strode over the guard. "Excuse me, sir, but do you think you could leave my friend and I alone for a bit?"
The guard snorted. "And what's going to happen if you try to break her free?"
"Sir, please, I am a Lady, I can barely run for 2 minutes straight—I would only be a burden to her if I were attempting to help her escape."
"Hey, talk's cheap, hon."
"But sir!"
"Nuh-uh. Nope. I's not leavin'. You talk with me here, or you leave." He smirked.
Tomoyo narrowed her eyes slowly as she finally strode over back to Kaho, her head high in the air. "Oh Kaho, guess what, did I tell you about the arrival of Lord Fechner?"
Kaho raised an eyebrow. "Tomoyo?"
Play, along… she mouthed. "If he won't leave willingly, I'll tempt him away with false information…" she said under her breath.
Kaho chuckled. It was always a treat watching Tomoyo get spunky. The girl's definitely got spirit and guts; it's too bad she doesn't show it too often. "Oh yeah? You gotta tell me about it! I mean Lord Fechner is like the Lord, who is like King Syaoran's absolute closest friend other than his family and Advisor Eriol, right?"
"Yeah! So you do know—well I'm not surprised, considering how popular and well-received he is… but you remember a few years back when he left? Well he just came back recently—though he specifically asked that news to be kept quiet—and I think he had some trouble at his Kingdom or something and I hear he's looking for some people to full positions of Lords back at his castle!"
"Really? Wow… that's a pretty high position! Where's going to find those people?"
"See that's the thing, he's kind of short on time and stuff, so he says he's just going to find some people randomly at this castle! Since nobody really knows his position and identity, he'll just hire the first seven people who speaks to him a the Lords of his kingdom!"
"Wow! What's a chance! Though if no one knows his true identity, I really doubt many people would approach him except for maybe maids and servants…"
"Yeah… although people might just stop to ask him about his hometown—he does have very distinct features, what with that red hair and bright green eyes…"
"Yeah, he's definitely a dream… and I hear he treats everyone who works for him real well—something like endless pay and stuff… Whoever gets the position of a lord at his country is going to be so lucky!"
Tomoyo glanced to the side, and smirked a tiny bit when she saw the guard fidget a little, straining to hear their conversation.
"Listen uh," he spoke up slowly. "You mind leavin' soon? I just remembered that I got some stuff to do today and I gotta leave soon…"
Tomoyo held her head high. "Hey, if you got things to do, feel free to leave. I don't see any times restrictions to visits."
The guard growled angrily as he mumbled furiously under his breath. "You ladies better not try anything funny, gotcha? I'm gonna go for some… err, toilet break, right, that's it… nothin' funny!" He warned one last time, before running out to search for this red-haired, green-eyed Lord Fechner.
There was 5 minutes solid of silence following his departure, before Tomoyo allowed herself a grin, "Wait for me." she whispered happily as she ran out the cell.
A few minute later Tomoyo came back with a key-filled metal hoop around her hand.
Kaho shook her head slowly and smiled at the sight. "You're turning into a bad girl, Tomoyo…"
"Anything for you." She replied, rummaging through the keys. "C'mon… it's gotta be here…"
After over 20 tries, and on the brink of exhaustion as well as defeat, the lock suddenly clicks, as the chain binding the jail cell slid off to the ground. "Ah!" Tomoyo gasped happily, as she yanked the jail cell open, embracing her long lost friend in a tight hug.
"Tomoyo…" Kaho whispered happily, hugging her back with equal strength. "How are you doing honey? You are taking care of yourself still, right?"
Tomoyo nodded vigorously. "Of course I am. What about you?"
Kaho laughed. "Never been better."
"I'm glad…" Tomoyo opened her eyes slowly, staring over each strand of her dear friend's bright red hair. She felt a tint of fear as she glanced at the scowling young man behind Kaho. "Kaho… I think that guy is listening to our conversation…"
Kaho spun around and glanced at Touya before chuckling. "Oh Tomoyo, do not worry. He's always been here with me."
"B-But… you are a woman… how could you be locked up with him?"
"After that unexpected ending to the trial… the King has decided to keep us here temporarily before we are to resume the trial and come to a final conclusion… and besides…" her voiced dropped slightly. "I don't mind sharing a cell with him…"
Tomoyo relaxed slowly as she walked forth to the young man. Up close, underneath that dangerous glare, he was quite handsome. "Oh yes… I didn't get a good enough look at you during the trial… you must be the one who helped Kaho all these days she's been gone and in trouble, correct?" Touya didn't say anything. Tomoyo smiled as she held out her hand timidly. "My name is Daidouji Tomoyo, and I thank thee from the bottom of my heart for taking care of my friend, Kaho…"
Touya stared at Tomoyo's outstretched hand for the longest time, till Tomoyo felt rather uncomfortable and withdrew her hand timidly.
Kaho sighed as she walked forth to stand between them. Forcing a smile, Kaho gestured at Touya, and said, "Tomoyo, I would like you to meet the kind man who has shown me great hospitality and bravery in this time of need… Touya. Kinomoto, Touya."
Tomoyo's eyes widened slightly.
Her gaze shifted from Kaho, then to the man whom she had heard so much of.
The man Kaho loved since her teenage years.
The man Kaho would willingly die for.
The man Kaho watched daily from a distance, in longing and sadness.
And most of all, the man who is wedded to Sakura.
Her hand came over her mouth as she stifled a gasp.
—
Jelensta walked through the gray corridors of the castle, bored stiff. Sometime she really wondered what the heck was wrong with her. Why she was so ambivalent. And why she's so damn nice. Frustrated, she looked around for any possible source of entertainment.
As she turned to walk upstairs, a grin stretched across her lips. "Looks like I'm in luck." She whispered to herself as she glimpsed a seeming low-status woman wandering around aimlessly, as her eyes sparkled with an insane light.
Quietly, she followed closely behind the girl. Just as she took a deep breath and was about to scare the poor girl witless, the girl beat her to it as she spun around, an angry glare in her obsidian-like eyes, as she growled. "Look, what the hell do you want and why in the name of God are you following me?"
Jelensta blinked in surprised as she leaned backwards, looking the girl over slowly, her lips sneering in distaste. "Let me guess. Another woman for King Syao's competition."
The girl brushed back her long, beautiful red hair. "King Syao? What are you, his whore?"
Jelensta narrowed her eyes. Never, had anyone dared to speak back to her. Not to mention with such attitude. Those who knew of her feared her, those who didn't know her feared her within half an exchanged conversation. "No, but that's the position you're aiming for."
The girl narrowed her eyes in return, matching Jelensta's glare as she placed her hands on her hips impatiently. "For your information—if you have enough brain capacity to comprehend—I'm not damned here for that worthless King."
Jelensta raised an eyebrow as she let at a little amused laugh. "Oh? You call his Majesty… 'worthless'?" she drawled. "You are aware if I were to report that he could have your life."
The girl rolled her eyes. "The hell he would. I damn screamed and threatened his life the first day I met him. He didn't have the heart back then to end me, he won't have the heart now. That King's damned worthless. I'd be blind to be in this competition for him."
Jelensta stared at her for the longest time, eyes non-blinking, before she burst out laughing. "Girl, I like your attitude." She said with a smirk, as she held out her hand. "Kalira. Kalira Jelensta, the King's whore, as you put it."
Ilonka's glare faded slowly as she couldn't help but to smile at Jelensta's humour. "Fei. Fei Ilonka, the King's worst nightmare—quite literally." She grasped Jelensta's hand. Ilonka's eyes widened slightly in surprise as she felt the coldness in Jelensta's hand. It felt like touching ivory. Or ice. "Are you cold?" she asked.
Jelensta withdrew her hand slowly, a smile playing upon her lips. "Or are you just hot?" She really loved scaring people. With that, she slid down to the ground, where she sat quite naturally, leaning against the walls. "Care to join me?" she asked, patting the space beside her. She half expected the girl to scram right now, while she still had the chance.
But Ilonka just raised an eyebrow in surprise at the girl's loose attitude, shrugged, then accepted her invitation. She was annoyed right now and needed someone to talk to to let off some steam, except somehow everyone seemed to have disappeared. "So, what are you doing wandering in the hallway? Just causing trouble?"
"And bored stiff. Ya know, from being a whore and all."
Ilonka smirked. "C'mon now, enough with that. I was just insulting—you can't be the King's whore."
"Oh?" Jelensta smiled. That was also a first. Anyone who 'knew' her only thought they knew her, and only bothered 'getting to know her' because they thought she was easy to get. Anyone who didn't know her concluded she was an utter whore from her carelessness, and sometimes slightly drunken attitude. But never once had anyone seen—or cared to see—past her exterior. That deep inside, she really was just another woman with pride and self respect. "What makes you say that?"
Ilonka held her head high, a confident grin upon her lips. "I'm good at judging people."
Jelensta's smile grew. For once, she felt awake. She actually felt interested in speaking to this girl. Not out of insane boredom, but because she wanted to. "I'll bet you are. Say, what's a smart girl like you doing in Syao's stupid competition?"
Ilonka shrugged. "Issues. Problems. Needs. Missions. All the usual. Just not for the King nor the position."
Jelensta ran her hand through her own long, black hair as she drew her knees up to her chest, looking Ilonka over slowly, thoughtfully. "You know, I like you. And I've never really liked anybody. Or just very few people. So talk. I wanna know more about you." She was a little afraid of scaring Ilonka off with her forwardness, but hey—if she's that easily scared, she wouldn't've like her in the first place. She really hated all the sissies and tradition-following pricks in the world. They were all so hopelessly dull.
To her surprise as well as pleasure, Ilonka simply leaned back, allowing her hair to puddle around her, as she closed eyes with a shrug. "What do ya wanna know?"
"Anything. Everything."
—
Tomoyo didn't know what to say. She stared at the young man before her and in that moment, she couldn't understand why anyone could like him… or dare to like him. He looked so… dangerous.
"K-Kinomoto-san…" she whispered, in utter shock.
Slowly, a cruel smirk lifted his lips, matching the anger set deep in his eyes. "So you know."
She looked uncertain. "Y-Yes…" she said at last.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. All was still for a good five minutes, when his eyes suddenly snapped open as he jumped to his feet, startling Tomoyo. "Then why the damned hell didn't anyone tell that damned slut to mind herself? HUH? DID ALL OF YOU JUST LET HER TOUCH THAT KING NOT GIVING AN ASS ABOUT WHAT HER HUSBAND MIGHT'VE THOUGHT? IS THAT IT?"
Tomoyo looked positively to tears as she backed up slowly, Touya glowering angrily above her.
"I-I'm sorry…" she squeaked when she felt her back hit against the cell bars. "I… I… didn't know th-that i-it, it would c-come to t-this…"
Touya dropped one arm on either side of her head, grasping the bars so tight his knuckled turned white. "So what the hell did you think then? Huh? That the damned married woman can just go around sleeping with whoever, then come back to her stupid husband's arms when she's sick of this life? Do you find this damned funny?"
"Touya that's not fair!" Kaho cried as she came to Tomoyo's rescue. Much to Tomoyo's admiration Kaho actually dared to land a hand on Touya's arm.
He stared at her soft, long finger for the longest time, as if contemplating whether or not to rip them apart. At last, he took a deep breath. "Don't touch me."
Kaho was hurt. "W-What?"
"What are you, hard of hearing? I said don't touch me."
Kaho withdrew her hand quickly. "Touya… what happened, happened. It's as much of a shock to you as it is to anyone else—"
"Not to her it's not." He said, casting Tomoyo a dirty look.
"—and nobody's at fault here." She took a deep breath, thinking of the time she saw Touya and Sakura kiss in their garden. How happy they were, how passionate they seemed—yet Kaho couldn't help but to wish that Touya was hers. As much as she hated destroying families and happiness, love makes one wish for strange things. "Sometimes, things just happen…" she whispered. "A-And, and you can't really help it, you know?" Slowly, she looked into his eyes. "Sometimes you feel things you know you shouldn't feel, and the things you feel makes you forget everything else… haven't you… experienced that, before?" Kaho's eyes softened. Her heart was beating so quickly—praying that she hadn't read the signs wrong from their time together in the past few weeks… that he did in fact, feel something for her, despite him being married and with a child.
But Touya only let out an agitated breath of air as he pointed a finger at Tomoyo. "You. Get Sakura. Get her here, then you leave."
Kaho frowned. "Touya, what on earth are you—"
"I need to talk to her. Wouldn't you say I have the right to speak my own wife?"
Kaho stared at him sadly for a long time, before she finally sighed, and left to sit by herself in a corner, as far from Touya as she physically could, hugging her legs to her chest.
"You gonna get her or not?"
Tomoyo nodded her head quickly, her eyes still wide with fear.
"After you get her here, you're gonna watch the door and make sure no guard comes, got it?"
Tomoyo nodded even more rapidly.
"Then what the hell you waiting for? GO!"
Tomoyo squealed as she ran out the cell in relief—she wanted to be as far away from that man as she possibly could.
—
After Tomoyo left, Touya resumed his position at the opposite corner of the cell, continuing to glare at the floor.
15 tense minutes later, knowing Sakura would soon arrive, Kaho whispered sadly, "Touya… what do you plan on doing?"
His tone was devoid of emotions. "Talk to her. Ask her. Ask her what the hell is going on."
"And if she says it's all just a misunderstanding…? I'm sure you are aware that… that your, your wife did originally join this competition for a very kind and selfless cause… what if she told you that was part of her scheme? What if she says to you… she loves you, and once everything is over, she will return home with you…?"
"Then I'll return home and continue waiting for her."
Kaho swallowed, holding in the tears that threatened to spill. How simply he said it. As if their magical past few weeks had never existed. She couldn't help but to think of the time he found her... how he leapt off that horse rolled down the hill with her, the way he held her hands and stared into her eyes, promising her they would never part again… lies. Oh, how cruelly he lied. Kaho lowered her face onto her arms, the sleeve of dress absorbing her tears.
Touya felt a stab of pain as the sentence left his lips. He closed his eyes tightly and leaned his head back against the wall, so that the tears would not spill. And he could not understand why. He loved her… but like a dear friend, like a relative, like the way he loved Mame… right? Of course it's natural that he would do everything in his power to mend things with his wife… right? Kaho was just a friend… a friend. So she wouldn't care… right?
But then why, was she crying…?
Touya wiped away the tears that threatened to spill as he stared at her; love and admiration clear in his eyes; though this gesture Kaho did not see. She was too busy wallowing in her own misery.
—
Tomoyo ran through the castle in a frenzy, her heart beating rapidly, tears running down her cheek, her lips quivering.
"Sakura… Sakura… Sakura—oh where are you?" She turned sharply at the corner, unexpectedly running into somebody. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" She bowed deeply. "It is completely my fault, I—"
"Tomoyo?"
At that sound of that gentle and loving and kind voice, Tomoyo's head snapped up as she fell into his embrace helplessly, crying uncontrollably on his shoulder. "E-Eriol… what's going to happen? What's going to happen?"
Eriol was surprised at her sudden outburst as he wrapped his arms around her slowly, patting her back. What could've happened…? "Tomoyo, dear, what could've possibly put you in such trauma?"
"E-Eriol…" she hiccupped. "T-That man at the trial… that man at the trial with Kaho… he, he's S-Sakura's husband!"
Eriol's face paled as his hands frozen. He suddenly felt his body numbing. "W-What?"
"I-It was Trial k.t. and m.k. r-right…? M.k. stood for Mizuki Kaho, a-and, k.t. for Kinomoto Touya!"
"WHAT? That's outrageous! WHAT IS HE DOING IN THIS CASTLE? If the King were to see—if he were to recognize Sakura—if Sakura were to recognize him—if the King were to find out—"
Tomoyo shook her head vigorously. "It's too late… he's already recognized her to be his Sakura, and he demanded for me to bring her to him immediately…"
"B-But, the King does not know yet, does he?"
"I-I don't think so…"
Eriol closed his eyes as he let out a small breath. "Good. Then we must keep it that way… this news about Kinomoto Touya—it must be kept between us. And, we must rid of him from this castle as soon as possible. If the King were to find out this 'k.t.'s' relationship to his Sakura, his outrageous would be devastating for all of us."
Tomoyo nodded slowly, envisioning Touya's wrath. "That wouldn't be a pretty scene…" and she wasn't sure whether the sympathy was for Touya, or the King. "But I must find Sakura now… I do believe it is at least in his right to speak to her…"
Eriol looked uncertain. "My dear… I do not believe now is the best time…"
"It matters not! I must find her—before he tears the place down! You have not seen this man—he is very dangerous and impulsive… if he does not see Sakura soon, I fear he may tear through the castle in an attempt to find her!"
Eriol remained uncertain. "B-But Sakura… she is… she is with the King right now…"
"Eriol, please, please, tell me where she is!"
"But—"
"Or this might be the last time you'll see me…" she whispered.
At that, Eriol became instantly alert. "Tomoyo, darling, do not speak like that, please. You know how much I love you, and I simply would not function without you… If it's Sakura's whereabouts you want, that is what you'll get. She has gone out to the Memorial Garden near the fountain, and the King went after her a few minutes later… neither has yet to return."
Tomoyo nodded quickly. "Thank you, Eriol." She said. And how he loved the softness in her feminine voice. How he loved the way she thanked him. How he loved everything about her.
Slowly, very unsure, Tomoyo leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek, before running off quickly, avoiding his widening eyes.
Eriol stared after her retreating figure as he touched his cheek. It still burned. And slowly, a goofy smile tore through his shocked complexion. He would not let her waste her ladyship with him—he would take her to be his wife. With his position as the King's most trusted advisor, it is common that he would be bestowed a beautiful princess of high status, and they would wed. But Eriol would do everything in this power to be granted the privilege of marrying Tomoyo.
—
"SAKURA!"
Sakura sat up in alert, glancing around.
The King yawned feeling the sudden movement.
It was such a nice day out, and being held so tenderly by the King, Sakura had nearly fallen asleep against him. "Who the hell…?" The King growled, as Sakura quickly moved out of his embrace.
From behind the tree, Tomoyo came, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed red. "S-Sakura…"
"Tomoyo… is everything all right?"
"T-There is someone you should see…"
"Who?"
Tomoyo glanced at The King carefully. "Just an old… friend… you really should meet…"
Sakura frowned slightly. "Could you give me another 10 minutes or so?"
Tomoyo bit her lips uncertainly. "It would be best if you would come with me now…"
"But—"
"Please?"
Sakura stared into her friend's eyes as she sighed, nodding. "Your Majesty, I'm terribly sorry to be leaving you so suddenly." She curtseyed before turning to follow Tomoyo away.
But King Syaoran grabbed her wrist as she spun around, her eyes wide. "I'll be in my library. And do not refer to me as 'Your Majesty'. Very soon, we may be of the same status." He smiled, and winked.
Sakura couldn't help but to return his smile, feeling her cheeks beginning to redden slightly. She nodded happily, staring into his eyes, not wanting to leave him. "I'll see you soon, then."
"Soon." And he kissed her slowly on the back of her hand, as Sakura giggled.
From afar, Tomoyo couldn't help but to frown at the scene.
"Let's go." Sakura said as she caught up to Tomoyo, the King walking away the opposite direction.
—
They stopped before the entrance to the jail cells. Sakura smiling brightly. "Oh Tomoyo, why didn't you just say so? We are visiting Kaho! Oh, how I've missed her! She's by herself in the woman's cell, right…?"
Tomoyo frowned deeply. "S-Sakura, I… I cannot accompany you any further… because—um—because I have managed to keep the jail guard away for a while, and I must be on guard. You speak to Kaho, okay?"
"But what about you?"
"I've already spoken to her earlier. So please, go ahead, before the guard returns. Go down the stairs and turn right—she's in the second cell."
Sakura nodded quickly. "Okay Tomoyo, thank you."
But Tomoyo didn't reply. She couldn't.
—
Sakura walked down the stairs into the dungeon happily. She was going to speak to Kaho again.
As she remembered, Kaho was such a wise, and kind woman. Before she befriended Tomoyo, it was Kaho who first warmed up to her. "Oh, I hope you are doing fine…"
She head down the hall as she came up to a corner. Excited, she turned, nearly running.
"So the second cell… One… two—ah! This should be it!" Sakura headed through the open door as she stared at her friend sitting miserably on the ground in a corner. "Kaho?" She asked softly, couching near her friend. "Are… you all right?" As she extended out her arm to touch Kaho's hand, she suddenly felt a firm grip on her shoulder.
"Hello, Sakura."
Sakura's eyes widened. How could anyone not recognize a voice they've heard daily ever since they were merely 10 years old?
She stood up and spun around in shock and stared up into the eyes of the man she once loved above all—she still loved him, just not above all… "T-Touya…" she whispered.
—
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—
Author's Note: Gaah! Cliffy! So evil of me! n.n; I wanna get onto the next chap though, so hadda end it somewhere… :P Anyhow, a little more rambling on the roller coaster project (feel free to skip):
Okay… so as mentioned before, being very special people, we screwed up really badly, got 6 days to do a 6-month long project, etc etc right…? Weeeellll… Believe it or not, WE FINISHED IT! I am so, SO happy, though it definitely was NOT an easy journey… The due date was May 6… on May 5, around 6:00pm, our entire coaster broke down. We had the track built, tested, working 100-percent of the time, and I just wanted to test it outside for a bit and see how it does under different weather conditions… and it suddenly it just stopped working. COMPLETELY. We had about 10 loops working at that point, and suddenly, it wouldn't even go through one. I had no idea why. My friend and I were on the verge of TEARS by that point. We could NOT figure out why. Is it the humidity? And temperature? Some sort of tilt or slant of the base? No clue. We got completely depressed, and couldn't do anything…
Somehow, a few hours later, her dad came home, and he had no idea why it doesn't work either. Slowly night comes, and it began to get cold, so we closed to the door to her porch. Miraculously, about 20 minutes after, it starts working perfectly again. -.- So we're like WTF? But didn't contemplate on it, and decided to just keep working. Her dad helped us on the track, as we worked maddeningly on the aesthetics.
Then, at 4:30am of May 6, just as we're nearly done except some finishing details, and I just finished painting the backdrop, the track suddenly stops working again. We were like: ARE YOU KIDDING? THE BLOODY THING IS DUE IN LITERALLY 3 HOURS! So, after more frustrations, feeling depressed, trying out different temperature and humidity and everything… we figured out why. To put it bluntly, our track was allergic to our aesthetics. -.- No jokes. The more reasonable-sounding reason behind this, is that vinyl tubing (our track) reacts with spray paint. I realized this when I thought: 'hey, why did the track stop working the moment we all began complaining about the annoying smell of the spray paint on the backdrop…?' Basically kicked the backdrop out of the house, and track started working in 10 minutes. -.- And according to my chemistry teacher, the double bond and the chlorine in vinyl does something funny with spray paint, creating ridges on it, which multiplies the friction by about 100 times… and the only way to get rid of that problem is to wait for it to oxidize. No idea what that means, all I know is that it's not our fault, and our theory was correct. XD
Anyhow, to my joy and happiness, WE GO VOTED TO ENTER THE CONTEST AT WONDERLAND! n.n Which was what I was aiming for all along—just for a chance at the competition. Well, we damned got it. Unfortunately, we did not win, though we DID get mentions, AND put on the official website! Which means we'll be remembered forever, and everyone in the future years will be able to see our example! Honestly, to just be given this chance and know that our hardwork will not be forgotten, that's enough for me.
And so, I would really, REALLY appreciate it if you would click on the link posted on my bio, and take a look at our roller coaster—'END OF THE WORLD', featuring 'NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS'. :) Jack and Sally was hell to make… T.T Especially Jack… though I wuv him… n.n
Thus concludes my rambling… I promise next chap I won't ramble… unless it happens to be at end of school… which by then means I would probably start rambling about all the people I'm going to miss… T.T ahh, excuse me, I get like this sometimes… DX :shot:
8324 words.