Constancy
Chapter Nine
-Bonds-
Taka slid off her dragon gracefully and let out a sigh as she looked around the area. She was at one of the lakes near the central palace, a secluded place she usually went to get away. And boy did she need to get away. It had been two months since Akito and Natsumi had been wed, and the palace was practically drowning in their stupid love. She was happy for them, she really was, but she couldn't help resent them as well.
All she wanted was to be happy too. Looking back, she understood that she and Akito never would have worked out. But she didn't understand what was so wrong with her that he didn't even find her appealing. She put up with years of pranks and abuse from him, the sole belief that he really was her future mate being the only thing keeping her going. She had heard the king and queen's story, and based on that, had believed that some day they would come to love one another.
'You must stop thinking about it mistress.' Retsu cooed, nudging the brunette. 'It does neither of us any good.'
"There's nothing wrong with wanting love." Taka said, patting the light blue dragon and walking towards the water.
Retsu followed, slowly getting into the lake. 'There's always Master Vincent. He seems to like you a lot.'
The brunette blew her bangs from her face. "Vincent doesn't know me." she said, sitting down on the grass and removing her boots. "He only likes the me that he thinks I am."
'Because you do not let him know you.' the dragon pointed out smugly, letting out a pleased noise as her body and back were covered in the cool liquid.
Taka rolled her eyes, taking off the rest of her clothes. "There's nothing to know." She defended, diving beneath the water and resurfacing next to her dragon. "Remember?"
'Do not let what Master Akito said affect you so.' Retsu glided through the water, swimming in circles as her rider floated on her back. 'He did not mean it. He was…not himself when he said those words.'
"But it's true." She whispered. "Look, I don't want to talk about it anymore. I just want to relax." She said, closing her eyes. A shadow passed overhead and she peeked an eye open, gasping when she saw Ikasu and Vincent flying towards them. "What are they doing here?!" she shrieked, realizing that she wouldn't have enough time to reach her clothes and get dressed before they landed.
Retsu squawked excitedly, hurrying to the shore and abandoning her mistress. 'Ikasu!' she said, going to meet the green dragon once he touched the ground. 'Want to swim with me?'
'I sure do!' he responded excitedly, knocking Vincent off and to the ground with a thud. 'Where is Mistress Taka?' he glanced around and then spotted her. 'Mistress!' he exclaimed, bounding off towards the lake and jumping in, creating a large wave that doused Vincent just as he stood, knocking him back over.
"Ikasu!" the auburn haired man yelled.
Retsu picked him up carefully. 'You can swim with us too Master Vincent.' She said.
Taka's mouth dropped open. "Retsu! I'm not dressed!" she shouted.
'Do something naughty for once in your life.' the dragon snickered, pushing the other rider towards the water encouragingly before moving past him and joining her friend.
Vincent looked out to the water and went wide eyed. "Oh…um, Taka I'm sorry I didn't realize you were…n-naked."
The brunette sank even deeper into the water, so that only her head was visible. "I…don't like swimming in clothes." she said.
"Well neither do I…but I wouldn't have intruded had I known…probably…okay…" he lowered his head. "I would have anyways."
'Ask him to swim.' Retsu said so that only she could hear. 'Please Mistress, you have been so cold to him…let him in. If only a little.' She begged.
Taka huffed. "I…you…can come in…if you want." she said, looking off and blushing slightly.
"Oh no…no-"
'Master! Don't chicken out now! What happened to your suave lines?' Ikasu chuckled, diving underwater.
This seemed to rile the man up, as he was now stripping off his clothing quickly. "Okay! Okay!" he nodded. Once he was bare he took off and jumped into the lake. He swam through the cold water and surfaced once he was in front of Taka. "Yo." He smiled.
Her blush darkened slightly. "Hi." She said softly. "So…what were you doing flying out here?"
"Just bored. Akito and Natsumi are playing that googly-eyed game where they stare at each other, feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries. Kyo took Satomi out on another picnic. But all the romance made me want to try my shot with you again." He wagged his eyebrows, sneakily wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I mean…here we are…naked…and wet."
"Don't make me regret letting you swim with me." she glared, putting her hand on his chest and pushing away and out of his grasp.
Vincent simply laughed. "You're so funny Taka."
This made her glare turn to a puzzled stare. "What makes you say that?"
"Nothing." He blinked, smiling. "You just are. I missed you these past years. I was so jealous Akito got to spend all his time with you."
She turned away so he wouldn't see the sadness enter her eyes. "He never spent time with me, at least not willingly." She said, glancing over at her dragon, who was helping Ikasu bathe, and vice versa, before looking forward. "And when we did, he was never very pleasant to be around."
"Oh…" he frowned. "I'm sorry Taka. But you know Akito. He's been in love with Natsumi since she was born."
"I know." The brunette nodded. "It's just…I was led to believe that I would be mated to him…so I made myself love him, even believed it to be genuine at one point…despite how he treated me." she wiped at her face to get rid of the forming tears. "I'm such an idiot."
Vincent carefully wrapped his arms around her, making sure not to touch anything but her shoulders. "No you're not Taka. You're just a girl. And girls are sometimes silly." He smiled.
She looked at him over her shoulder, something stirring in her at the sincerity she saw in his eyes. Not caring that they were both naked, she turned in his hold and snuggled against him. "You've always been so sweet." She laid her head on his chest, the corner of her mouth tilting up slightly. "Why do you put up with me and my silliness?"
"I dunno." He smiled, trying not to say anything stupid. "Cause' I like you?"
'A lot.' Ikasu added, snickering since Vincent was now blushing.
"Alright. Alright. No one asked you." he huffed.
Taka chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck so she could be closer to him. There was something about being held like this that felt really nice, and she wondered why she'd never let him hold her before. "But why do you like me? It can't all be about my looks, they aren't really that great."
Vincent scoffed. "Well that's a big fat lie. You're so pretty Taka…in a more bitchy kinda way. You're like a lioness, watching over the others in your pride. I mean the princesses are pretty…I mean really pretty. But so are you, in a more attainable way." He went wide eyed. "Not that you are any easier than them…it's just, oh God I sound like an idiot." He sighed, shaking his head, but he didn't let go. "What I mean is. You seem more real. Natsumi and Satomi are so supernatural and intimidating, while you're warm and tangible. I'd much rather have you in my arms any day."
"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." the brunette whispered, lifting her head and locking her icy blue gaze with his warm aqua one. She glanced down to his lips, licking her own slightly as she thought about what she was about to do.
'Just do it.' Retsu said to her, playfully nipping Ikasu. 'Every time you think about things you do something wrong. Be impulsive.'
Knowing that her dragon was right, she pulled herself up and pressed her mouth to Vincent's, bringing their bodies as close as they would go in the process.
The auburn haired man's eyes widened, shock coming to his face. Finally, he kissed her back, not wanting to lose any moment of this beautiful memory. He wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened their kiss, tilting her back somewhat. Unfortunately, the feel of her body excited him more than he could control and their make-out session heated up so much that Taka felt something hard trying to push between her thighs.
"Vincent." She moaned softly, kissing him once more and wrapping her legs around his waist, rubbing against him. "Take me." she murmured against his lips, threading her fingers through his hair. "Please."
"Whoa." He pulled his head away, somehow looking more shocked. "For real? Are you sure…cause' I'm not going to lie…I've dreamt about it a lot." He blushed.
Her cheeks turned a soft red. "Yes…" she nodded, trying to keep up her courage. "I want you to. I've been saving myself all these years…and I think it was for this moment, here, with you." she smiled, stroking his cheek with the backs of her fingertips.
Vincent smiled, his eyes sparkling with eager happiness. He nodded and leaned down, kissing her once more, beginning the most memorable day of his life.
Kyo paced the halls of the palace, trying not to freak out. Satomi still hadn't said if she would marry him or not. It'd been two months since he'd asked, but she never gave him a clear answer, and it was driving him insane. He'd loved her for over three years now, ever since he'd learned her name and set out to become Futa's caretaker so that he could be with her always. He knew she cared for him in return, he just wished she would say it. She didn't even have to say it, really, all she had to do was say yes. That word alone would be enough to make him happy for the rest of his days.
But he also knew that she was very careful when it came to emotions and showing affection, because she was so vulnerable and caring, any form of betrayal would be sure to break her heart to a point where even he didn't know if he could repair it.
He stopped in his tracks and sighed. Man was she driving him crazy. She was always in his thoughts, even if she wasn't the one who put herself there. The blonde frowned and nodded decisively, before making his way to the elder princess' bedchambers. It was around the time of day that she would be bathing, for he knew her routine like the palm of his hand…though he didn't know that very well, so he supposed it was a bad analogy. But back to the point. He was going to march right in there and demand an answer, that's exactly what he'd do.
When he reached her bedroom doors he pushed them open, turning swiftly and going straight to her bathroom, where Satomi was sitting in her tub, her long pink hair wet and cascading down her back, disappearing beneath the bubbly water, as the rest of her form was. "Satomi, are you going to marry me some day or not?" he asked, placing his hands on the sides of the bathtub and leaning closer to her stoic face. "Because I love you, and I want to be with you, and I'm going crazy not having an answer."
"It's rude not to knock on someone's door. Especially one of your stature." She said in a bored tone.
"Don't make me get in there with you missy." He threatened, his hazel gaze narrowing slightly as he pointed at her. "Cause' I will."
Satomi rolled her eyes. "Yes. Because that is so intimidating. How many times must I tell you that I hold all the cards? I only give you some of them sometimes."
Kyo frowned. "Why can't you just answer the question? Or say that you love me too?" he reached out and cupped her cheek tenderly. "I know you do. You care for things so deeply, it'd be impossible for you to not feel something for me. Not after all these years." The corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile.
"I have my reasons…" the princess said simply, looking away so he could not attempt to work her over.
"Then what are they?" he asked, stroking her smooth skin with his thumb. "Please Satomi, at least let me understand why you're putting me through this hell of not knowing."
She looked down, shutting her eyes tightly as she wrapped her arms around her chest. "Because I'm afraid." She whispered.
The blonde smiled sadly, reaching out and pulling her closer to him in the best form of a hug he could give. "Don't be afraid my dearest Satomi. I will do whatever it takes to protect you, I promise." He murmured, stroking her wet locks.
Satomi laid her head against his chest, placing her palm over his heart. "I love you…Kyo." She said softly, almost so he didn't hear.
He felt his heart leap with joy, and his smile widened at this new feeling. "I love you too my precious princess. From the moment you tried to get Futa to eat me." he chuckled.
"You're so stupid." She smirked, pulling away from him and meeting his gaze with her own. She leaned up and kissed him, lingering since she loved the feel of his lips. "I never had a chance…you stole my heart so I could do nothing but fall for you and your annoying habits and jokes."
Kyo laughed then and cupped her cheek. "Then I have accomplished my goal, and can proceed with completing the rest of my dream. To be married to you and spend the rest of my life by your side. And hopefully we have a kid or two along the way." he told her, giving her a chaste kiss.
"Possibly." She said with a small smile. "Now get out. I wish to bathe by myself. You can spend your free time frolicking around and telling people of your impending wedding."
"You mean our impending wedding." He smiled, kissing her once more before rising and leaving her to her own devices. And when he left, he did just as she had said, going around the palace and telling everyone that Satomi had finally said yes to his proposal, a fact that actually took some convincing for some. But Kyo didn't care, for nothing could bring him down on this day, and for many to come. Nothing.
Minako let out a somewhat dramatic sigh as she sat in the garden of the palace. Izumi was lying in her lap, basking in the sun, her tail twitching idly as her mistress stroked her scales. She was so bored as of late. Even though all of her friends were back, most had been going off recently to do their own things. Akito and Natsumi were completely absorbed in one another and their marital bliss, Kyo and Satomi were planning their wedding, Vincent usually spent his time following Taka around, and Toshiro was either training, spending time with his family, or learning things he would need to know for when he became king. That was what actually upset her the most. The redhead was so busy catching up for lost time with everyone else, she barely got to see him.
It wasn't like he was neglecting her or anything, after all they weren't a couple of any sorts, so she shouldn't be feeling as depressed as she was. And when she did get to see Toshiro, he always came to speak with her about how she was doing, and other things of idle importance. He always made sure to spare her a moment, no matter how small. Such kindness and consideration was part of why she loved him as much as she did.
A small smile came to her face at thoughts of the redhead and she rose, picking Izumi up and ignoring the lizard's squawk of protest. Izumi laid on her mistress' shoulder, wrapping her tail around her neck for support. Minako began to wander through the gardens, making her way towards the dragon stables to visit her parents' dragons. When she walked inside, it was to be immediately greeted by the orange and lavender beasts. "Hello Kurama, Amai." She smiled, giggling when the dragons nuzzled her, sniffing her fire lizard in greeting.
A low rumble at the end of the stable drew her attention, and she noticed that it came from Rikou, who was looking upon her with interested emerald orbs. The ebony haired woman waved at the red dragon. "Hi Rikou!" she said, walking towards him and reaching up to rub underneath the large beast's jaw. "What are you doing here all by yourself?" It wasn't until he rumbled once more and looked behind her that she realized he wasn't alone. Turning swiftly, she saw Toshiro entering the stables, looking as if he was going to take his dragon out for a ride.
She blushed slightly, almost wanting to hide behind Rikou in a sudden moment of timidity. "Oh…hello Shiro. I didn't know you were coming out here as well."
The redhead looked up from pulling on his riding glove, surprise lighting his gaze. "Mina? What are you doing out here?" he asked, stopping before her. Rikou chuckled, sniffing his master and craning his neck around him so he could look at Minako as well.
"I was bored, so I came to visit Kurama and Amai. But I saw Rikou here, so I was petting him and talking to him." her blush darkened slightly at how stupid she probably sounded. "It's silly I guess, talking to a dragon when you can't really understand them…" she began to pull on some of her hair in her nervousness then.
"I don't think so." Toshiro smiled. "Being able to understand people's emotions without them speaking is a great gift. It must be why Satomi likes you so much. You can understand her nonsense no speak." He chuckled, as did Rikou.
Minako smiled. "Well…I can only do it because of Izumi, since she doesn't really speak." The purple fire lizard on her shoulder grumbled softly, but kept her eyes closed.
"Still pretty amazing. But you're a pretty amazing girl." He said, scratching his dragon's neck. He seemed to get an idea then. "Hey Mina, would you like to go for a ride on Rikou with me?"
Her cerulean eyes widened slightly. "Really?" she asked, her smile widening. "I would love to." She said, reaching up and plucking Izumi from her shoulder, earning a protesting squawk. "Calm down, you won't be able to keep up anyways." she laughed, setting her down on a pile of hay. "Just keep Kurama and Amai company." She told her, stroking her head before straightening and looking back at the redhead. "Okay, I'm ready."
"Excellent." Toshiro beamed, heading out with Rikou. Once they were all outside, Toshiro mounted his dragon and offered his hand down to Minako, who took it and was heaved up onto the dragon with him, though Toshiro set her in front of him. "Don't want you falling off now." He smiled, wrapping and arm around her waist and the other holding onto the saddle. "Ready Mina?"
"Yes." She said softly, leaning against him for better support as excitement welled up inside of her.
"You heard her Rikou! Let's go!" he called and with that, Rikou took off into the sky, spreading his wings and catching the air as he began to soar.
Minako let out a squeal, holding onto the redhead as she laughed, her hair whipping behind her in the wind. She'd been flying with her parents before, but it had been so long, and they always flew slowly to make sure she didn't fall. But this was exhilarating. "It's so amazing!" she smiled, looking down at the earth below before returning her sparkling blue gaze to Toshiro.
"Isn't it?" he breathed out, enjoying the breeze now that they were gliding around. "You know Minako, now that all this mating drama is over, I'm so happy. Everyone seems to have gotten to be with the one they wanted."
"Yeah…" she said, looking forward and watching the clouds as they drifted by. "Kyo and Satomi will be married in no time, and I doubt Vincent will wait that long now that he's finally gotten Taka to like him. Soon everyone will be married."
Toshiro nodded, staring out into the sky. "What about you Minako? Did you ever want to get married?"
Sadness entered her gaze, and she was glad that Toshiro couldn't see her face. "I've thought about it. Now that I'm sixteen, my family will probably start looking for someone suitable enough for me to marry, as is customary."
"And they won't let you pick whom you want to marry? That doesn't seem like your father." He pondered.
"They probably will, after all my dad was just a dragon caretaker and he still got to be with my mom. But I will have to pick from the selected suitors, or the ones that have expressed an interest. If I'm too picky my grandfather will choose for me, and I would rather avoid that." she told him.
"Hmm…" Toshiro thought aloud. "Well then why don't you just pick someone?"
She blinked, her brow furrowing slightly. "I will I suppose…when I meet them at the party my family will throw for me. That's usually how it's done." She explained, the continuing of their selected topic only making her even more depressed.
"Well, you know-" he began, his grip on her tightening slightly as Rikou roared and dove out of the way as a massive fireball shot at them. Minako couldn't help but let out a scream as they fell towards the earth. Toshiro held her tightly against him. 'Rikou! Level out!' he ordered.
'Master! I feel a sinister presence! We must escape!' Rikou yelled, flapping his wings and avoiding another. They dodged out of the way once more and then Rikou took to the air, heading back to the palace.
"Hold on Minako!" Toshiro called over the noise of the wind, bending over her so she was mostly protected. "And keep your head down!"
She gripped onto the saddle, hiding her face against the leather as she prayed for all of this to be over. She peeked out and saw another ball of fire coming at them, and she let out a startled yelp, clenching her eyes shut and holding on for dear life. There was another loud roar, though this one was more familiar. A black dragon shot forward and down, followed by another with a pink streak.
'Natsumi! Akito!' Toshiro cried out in relief. 'I have Minako with me! I think there is a rogue dragon down below!'
'No!' Rikou growled. 'Not rogue!'he told the other two dragons, catching their eyes before they shot down.
'Don't worry, we will handle it. Get Minako back to the palace safely.' Akito said.
The redhead nodded and took off, leaving the others to handle the dragon. Once he dropped Minako off he'd get the others and head out after them just to make sure. After all, that was his baby sister out there. And even though Akito was with her, he could not leave her to fight without him to protect her.