A/N: The chapter got away from me again. I have a feeling this might happen for the rest of the chapters too. *shrugs* oh, well. I rather like long chapters. Hope you do too.
Do we really need disclaimers at the beginning of every chapter? Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.
Chapter 12 : Heading
A few days later found Kyoko in the Hizuri's garden, attempting to finish her Latin translation. Attempting being the keyword.
The garden itself was lovely, but relatively distraction free. A blending of English aesthetics and tropical flora, the garden was nestled behind the mansion. A large and ornate fountain, which was the centerpiece, was surrounded by a tidy lawn. Along the outskirts, several flower beds were situated, overflowing with hibiscus, bird-of-paradise, and bougainvillea. Palm trees and grapefruit trees provided shade and a faint scent of citrus that perfumed the air. The twittering and cooing of sparrows and wood doves created a peaceful atmosphere and Kyoko would normally be able to sit on one of the stone benches and work quite contentedly.
However, the fellow occupants of the garden were what made it so difficult to concentrate. Not that she was angry, oh no. She was very willing to be distracted by one of the intruders in particular.
"Come on, son! You can do better than that."
"Well, maybe if you wouldn't flourish your sword so much, we could have a proper fight."
"Ha, excuses!"
The clang of swords startled the birds and sent them winging out of the garden. Kyoko merely raised her head to watch as Kuon and his father danced around the lawn in a rather impressive display of swordsmanship.
Watching Kuon practice, she had decided, was almost as fun as actually practicing with him. Perhaps more so, because now she could fully appreciate and study his form instead of simply guarding against it. As she watched, Kuu (he had insisted on being addressed as such after learning his wife had the pleasure of informality with the young woman) lunged at her captain, catching his sleeve as Kuon barely managed to dodge.
The two men were down to shirts and breeches only, in deference to the blazing sun. Kuon swiped his loose hair back in frustration and Kyoko stared. Was he actually sweating? He had never done that during their practice sessions. Her eye followed a single drop that rolled from behind his ear and traced a line down his neck and over his collarbone before disappearing under the neckline of his shirt.
She swallowed thickly and it took a moment before Kyoko's higher thinking re-engaged. She finally shook herself out of her daze and turned back to her work.
Ever since the day of the party, Kyoko had been made that much more aware of her captain. She now noticed every single movement, look, and sound that he made and it was driving her to distraction. The party had been the worst, as she had only just discovered her attraction. And the dancing. Oh, god, the dancing.
It hadn't been so bad when she had partnered with anyone else. She could ignore the burning sensation of his eyes and the heat that his touch sent through her entire body when she'd danced with Tom or Hikaru. She could pretend she was her normal self when she had been laughing at Kuu's exaggerated stories or when she had been chatting with Kanae and Juliena.
But anytime Kuon had asked her for a turn around the floor, Kyoko lost all sense of reality. She'd imagine that the world consisted of only the two of them and nothing else was important. Not the Dark Moon, not her desertion, not even Shotarou could intrude. All that mattered was Kuon's hand on hers, his arm about her waist, and the music.
Then the music would stop and she would be released from his embrace. And she would quickly curtsy and run off the floor seeking some form of normality.
In the present, Kyoko groaned and leaned over the ledger sitting on her lap. 'If this is love,' she thought despondently. 'I wish it would leave me alone.'
After the party had ended and she was safely ensconced in her borrowed bedroom, she had come to the conclusion that her love was better left hidden. If it wasn't openly acknowledged, then she couldn't be hurt, right? Besides, she had decided, her captain was destined for great things and the love of an insignificant servant girl and cook would surely be a hindrance. So she'd vowed to never let her feelings be known and had buried them deep.
But not so deep that they couldn't be examined.
Over the last few days, Kyoko had mulled over what the concept of being in love with Kuon meant to her. She dwelled on the differences between her two experiences of love and the men that had inspired them.
There could be no two men so completely opposite. Their only similarities were that they were both tall, sailors, and from high society families. True they were also good-looking, but it was like night and day. Shotarou had been a golden prince. However, he had used his family's influence along with his height and handsome features to intimidate and get what he wanted.
By contrast, Kuon had never seemed to flaunt his darkly attractive attributes or his family connections. In fact, he resented his good looks and had actively distanced himself from his family in order to blaze his own path. His selflessness and humility was refreshing after years of dealing with Shotarou's bravado and boasting.
That's not to say that every characteristic of her dear friend was perfect or even desirable. In fact, he had a laundry list of defects that made Kyoko crazy. For instance, he could be absurdly overprotective of her and his crew, but when it came to his own health, Kuon tended to be oblivious.
And his penchant for manipulation. Don't get her started on that. Thankfully, his Puppy-Dog Pout was only a last resort if his other machinations failed to yield his desired result. Oh, the numerous times she had noticed how well she had been played only after the fact.
Then there was the arrogance that he exuded during their training sessions. For a man who refused to accept praise for his good deeds, he had an overabundance of pride in his fighting skills. Although she would grant that his confidence in his abilities was well-deserved.
However, at the moment, that confidence seemed to be taking a bashing. Returning her attention to the bout between father and son, she was shocked, as she was sure Kuon was, when Kuu suddenly ducked and swept out a long leg, catching his son at the ankles and sending the younger man crashing to the ground.
Unconcerned for the books and papers on her lap, Kyoko leapt to her feet, scattering her supplies. She hurried over to where Kuon still lay attempting to recover the breath that had been knocked out of him. His father was leaning over him, trying to look contrite, but mostly coming off as amused.
"I'm sorry, boy," he was saying as she approached. "I thought you would've remembered that move." Kyoko knelt by her captain as he struggled to sit up.
"Kuon, are you alright?" She asked, laying a concerned hand on his shoulder. His eyes darted to her face then away, his own face turning a brilliant shade of red.
"I'm fine," he said gruffly, shaking off her hand before regaining his feet. He then turned to his father, gave a stiff bow and made his way back into the house. Kyoko stared after him, confused and hurt by his abrupt reply.
"Don't worry, my dear. He's just embarrassed."
The governor's voice caused her to look up. And up. From her kneeling position, the older Hizuri positively towered over her. He stretched out both hands to aid her to her feet. She accepted the offer and was quickly pulled upwards.
Kuu cocked his head to one side and nodded towards her knees. "The wife's not going to like that," indicating the grass stains that covered the lower half of her once pristine white skirt.
Kyoko sighed. "No, I don't suppose so." Juliena had taken it upon herself to dress the young woman every day. It had been so long since Kyoko had worn a skirt that she often forgot that she was wearing one. Therefore, incidents such as the grass stains were all too common for the cook. "I wish Madam Juliena wouldn't insist on giving me these dresses. I feel dreadfully uncomfortable."
"Ah, she's just enjoying having a daughter," the governor said indulgently as he escorted her back to her abandoned books and papers. He helped her gather up everything and joined her on the bench.
Blushing profusely, Kyoko said, "She's been very kind, as have you." He nodded his acceptance of the compliment and they lapsed into a brief silence. Finally, her curiosity could not be ignored any longer. "What did you mean, he was embarrassed?"
The governor grinned widely at her, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Isn't it obvious?" At her negatory headshake, he burst out laughing. "Oh, this is rich!" He continued chortling to himself.
She felt a slight twitch start up in her brow as Kuu laughed. "Governor," she managed to say. "What the blazes are you going on about?" Her annoyed tone finally broke through the man's amusement and he pouted at her formal address.
"I thought we agreed you would call me Kuu. Or perhaps," he added hopefully, "Papa?" His eagerness at this prospect caused a flush of pleasure to bubble up and she laughed out loud.
"Perhaps," she finally conceded, still giggling. "If you tell me what is so obvious."
"Naturally, my girl!" He leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered. "He was embarrassed to be shown up in front of his lady love."
It took a moment for Kuu's words to sink in. When they finally did, Kyoko's stomach clenched at his implication. "You mean-" she stammered, her eyes wide in disbelief. "You mean, me?"
"Well, of course I meant you." The governor blinked in wonder. "Who else could I possible mean?"
Kyoko shook her head adamantly in denial. "There are surely hundreds of others." Her plan of hiding her love could only work if there was no possible chance of reciprocation. "I'm just a servant. He's from a noble family."
"It's true that Juliena is titled," Kuu admitted reluctantly. "But I was a lowly sea captain when she consented to be my wife. We have always encouraged Kuon to find love where he would." He placed a consoling hand on Kyoko's clenched and trembling hands. "He wants you and I think that-"
"No."
Kuu blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
She had lowered her head while the governor had been speaking, but now she raised her furious eyes to meet his astonished ones. "I said, no." She stood suddenly and began gathering her materials. "I appreciate your help, sir, but I can't." She paused. "No, I won't be put in a position that could damage me again. Thank you for your concern, but please don't meddle."
With that, she turned and made her way to the house, just barely holding back the tears that threatened to unmake her and leaving a distraught governor in her wake
O.o.O
Later that afternoon, Kyoko was putting the final touches on her translation. After her outburst that morning, she had shut herself in her room and became immersed in the Latin in an attempt to avoid making a bigger fool of herself. For immediately after yelling at the governor, Kyoko had regretted it. After all he was only trying to help in his way.
But she didn't need the added burden of knowing how Kuon felt, even if it was true. She had resigned herself to being his friend only and supporting him as best she could. It would be enough. It had to be.
She shook her head and turned back to her work. Since she was the better translator, Kyoko has taken over the majority of the translation of the scroll. She and Kuon still debated over the exact wording of the English, but the legwork of the process was hers alone.
Translation was a long and gruelling process, even with a language she was familiar with. First, Kyoko had to identify what words she understood and which ones she didn't. She then had to track down the meaning of those unknown words, which sometimes had multiple possibilities. Then came the verb tenses, clauses, and particles, each with a different purpose and place in the work. This led to the restructuring of the sentence into comprehensible English. Even then the phrasing and meaning was up for debate.
Her favorite part of the process had been after all the hardwork was done and she and Kuon could bicker over the possible interpretations of the passage. Every time they'd had a session, Kyoko had discovered a new aspect of her friend. Sometimes it was only a slightly different tilt to his head as he argued over a verb, but sometimes it was an entirely new gesture when he was trying to prove a point. The day she had seen the little furrow that appeared between his brows had been a good day. She had loved every moment.
She was just finishing the final sentence when a soft tap came at her door. "Come in," she called as she sanded the wet ink, expecting it to be one of maids.
Therefore she was surprised when she turned around to find Juliena bearing a domed tray. The lady settled the tray on a convenient table and faced the young woman sitting at the desk.
"Kyoko, dear, is everything alright?" Juliena finally asked, a hint of worry coloring her tone.
Kyoko's heart twisted. She had figured that Kuu would've said something to his wife, but she hadn't expected to be approached so soon. The question now was what had he told her? She decided to hedge her way around the query. "Yes, Madam Juliena, everything's fine." She plastered a bright smile on her face. "Why do you ask?"
Juliena took a seat beside the tray laden table. "It's only that we missed you at luncheon." She nodded towards the clock on the mantle piece. Kyoko was surprised to notice that it was well past 3 o'clock.
"Oh. Well, I suppose I wasn't hungry?" It was more question than answer and it was at that point that her stomach decided to let out an embarrassingly loud growl. Kyoko clutched her waist and blushed furiously while Juliena loosed a peal of laughter.
"I figured as much," chuckled the older lady as she uncovered the tray, revealing a stack of sandwiches, a pile of fruit, and tea. Ham with cucumber and chicken salad beckoned Kyoko forward and she allowed herself to be drawn to the bounty before her.
She barely managed to avoid making a spectacle of herself as she devoured the repast. While she munched, Juliena poured them both a cup of tea and, after adding sugar and milk, passed one to the cook. She took her own and leaned back, waiting for Kyoko to finish.
Once the sandwiches were gone and Kyoko had settled back with an apple in hand, Juliena broached the real reason she had come upstairs. "So, my girl, what did that beast of a husband of mine say to upset you so?"
Kyoko choked on the fruit in her mouth. "What? Don't you mean what did I-"
"I meant exactly what I said," the lady interrupted. "You see, Kyoko, I know my husband very well. He is a kind man, but he can be a bit of an idiot." She chuckled at the young woman's incredulous look. "He knows that he said something to cause you anger, but he doesn't know exactly what it was. And that has managed to put him off his food."
The young woman blinked. "Really?"
"Oh, yes. Why, he barely touched half of his luncheon."
Considering that even half of Kuu Hizuri's normal intake of food was enough to feed the Dark Moon's crew for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Kyoko wasn't too worried about the governor starving to death. Yet still, the fact that his appetite had decreased was proof that what she had said to him that morning was upsetting the poor man.
She sighed and resigned herself to being emotionally dissected. "It wasn't really his fault," she admitted. "He mentioned something about Kuon loving me and I reacted badly."
"Why?" Juliena asked curiously. "Wouldn't that be a good thing?" She clasped her hands under her chin and a dewy expression entered her eyes. "I think it would be wonderful."
"Yes, it would," Kyoko conceded. "If it were true."
Juliena froze, all thoughts of wedding plans evaporating from her thoughts. "What makes you think it isn't true?"
"Well, for one, I'm not his type."
The older lady scoffed. "Oh, don't be silly. You can't possibly believe that." She stopped when she saw the serious look on Kyoko's face. "My dear," she reached forward and grasped the younger woman's hand. "If you think that his ideal woman would have to be of the Ton, let me tell you right now how wrong you are. He has been around too many of my flighty high society friends to be attracted to that sort of woman. I raised my boy to have a modicum of sense."
"But I'm not beautiful."
"Says who? I happen to find you very lovely and a breath of fresh air," Juliena said, releasing Kyoko's hand and reaching for the teapot again. She poured herself a fresh cup of tea and leaned back. "What's your next argument?"
Kyoko glanced down at her clasped hands, thinking. After a moment, she responded. "I'm only a servant. I'm not worthy of that kind of attention."
The older lady actually spit out her tea at this statement. It took a moment for her to recover, coughing into her handkerchief. "What!?" She finally exclaimed. "Not worthy?" She paused and examined Kyoko's face, which had pulled into a grimace. "Now listen here, dear girl. I don't care what your mother or anyone else has told you before. Everyone is worthy of some form of love." Juliena stood then knelt in front of Kyoko. She reached a hand up and cupped the young woman's cheek. "I want you to know this, in the depths of your heart, that no matter what happens with Kuon, I will love you. And nothing will change that."
Sniffling, Kyoko collapsed forward and buried her head in Juliena's shoulder. The lady rubbed the cook's back in small circles, allowing her to cry as long as necessary.
In time, Kyoko pulled back, only emitting a sniffle or two and a teary smile on her face. "Thank you," she murmured, slightly embarrassed at her behaviour.
"No need, dear," Juliena beamed. "Now, why don't you show me what you were working on? Is it that scroll that my son has been going on about?"
"Yes, ma'am." Kyoko stood and crossed to her desk, glad for the distraction. "I've just finished it. I still have to show it to Kuon and see what he thinks of it, but it's done." She passed the parchment that held her 'official' translated passage.
Juliena read over the translation. "And this was in Latin?" At Kyoko's nod, she wrapped an arm around the young woman. "I don't know a single young lady or even several young men who could have done this. I'm very proud of you, my dear." She dropped a kiss on top of the girl's head. "I think we should go show the boys."
Kyoko squeaked, "Right now?" She patted her face, trying to dry the remaining tears. "I must look a mess."
Laughing, Juliena took Kyoko's hands. "You look darling. But," she added when the cook would have protested. "Take a few minutes to situate yourself. I'll find Kuon, and Kuu as well, and meet you in library. Say, in half an hour?" Kyoko nodded her agreement.
Just as Juliena was about to exit the room, she suddenly turned, crossed back to the overwhelmed girl, and embraced her. "Remember what I told you, Kyoko," she whispered. "And leave yourself open to possibilities."
With that final piece of advice, the lady swept through the door, leaving a bewildered young woman behind her.
O.o.O
Having taken over his father's office, Ren had settled himself behind the ornately carved oak desk and was currently reading over the latest reports from his first mate. According to Yashiro, the repairs to his ship were almost complete. The only job that remained was varnishing and painting the various areas in order to match the rest of the ship. Once that was complete, she would be good as new and they would be able to depart. Possible by the day after tomorrow.
Ren sighed deeply and wondered how his parents would take the news of his imminent departure. At least now that he had broken the initial barrier of returning home, he felt that future visits were more probable. Although, if Kuu continued to trounce him like he had that morning, the captain would have to reevaluate his training regime.
Growling, Ren slammed a fist down on the surface of the desk, causing an inkpot to rattle. He wasn't angry at his father, per se. Kuu had always been able to defeat him. After all, he had been the one to teach Ren everything he knew.
No, the captain was angry at himself for becoming overconfident. Fearsome reputation or not, there was always going to be someone better. If he let his arrogance get the better of him, someone he cared about was going to end up hurt.
Or dead.
Today he had been so preoccupied with showing off, knowing that Kyoko was watching, that he had forgotten his father's favorite surprise move. The resulting downfall had been an eye opener for him.
Speaking of overconfidence, Ren realized that Kuu had been acting suspiciously sheepish since then. If he didn't know better, he would almost think that his father was ashamed. It couldn't be because of besting his son, for he had done that many times over the years and Kuu always considered defeat to be a great educator.
Finally, Ren narrowed it down to either repentance for humiliating him in front of Kyoko or that something had happened after he had left the garden. Considering that Kyoko hadn't been seen since then, the captain was inclined towards the latter.
'If he's said something to upset her, I don't care if he is my father,' Ren thought protectively. 'I will defend her.' He didn't honestly think that Kuu had done something purposefully harmful, but his father could be accidently careless. 'I should ask him what happened,' he concluded after a moment's consideration. 'At least then, I can attempt to remedy the situation.'
He was just standing and about to search out the governor, when a light tapping came at the door. "Enter," he called, gathering up the reports he had scattered across the desk. He glanced up as his mother opened the door.
"Ah, Kuon," she said, a smile gracing her lips. "Good. Could you join us in the library?"
"Us?" He asked curiously.
"Yes. Kyoko, your father, and myself." Juliena crossed the hardwood floor, her heels tapping lightly. "It seems your little friend has finished that scroll of yours."
Ren's brow arched in amazement. "Truly? When?"
"Just now."
He nodded, pride at Kyoko's accomplishment shining through. "That's wonderful news." He shoved his papers into the satchel he used for his important documents. Once finished, he tucked the bag under his arm and moved to his mother's side, wrapping his free arm around Juliena's shoulders. She curled her own arm around his waist and hugged him close. Looking down at the top of her shining hair, he thought it funny how he had once considered her quite tall. Now the crown of her head barely reached his chin.
'How times change,' he mused quietly. Out loud, he asked a different sort of question. "So, mother, what do you think of Ms. Mogami?"
She gave him a sly sideways glance. "I'm sure you're on better terms with her than that, son." When he flushed, Juliena snickered before snuggling further into his side. When she next spoke, a quiet seriousness had taken over. "I like her very much." She raised her head and met his downturned gaze. "As does your father."
Ren grunted, bracing himself. He had expected her response. After all, who wouldn't be charmed by the fiesty little cook? But now came the most important question. "And if, someday, she became a permanent part of the family?"
The happiness that radiated from her smile was blinding. "Why, Kuon! Does that mean what I think it means?"
He chuckled nervously. "Only if she'll have me. But," he warned, a stern gaze in his eye. "It'll be quite a time before that even becomes an option."
Juliena hummed thoughtfully. "Maybe not as long as you think." At his bewildered look, she came out from beneath his arm and faced him squarely. "Treat her gently, Kuon," she cautioned. "She has had much hardship in her life."
He nodded. Ren had known it would be an uphill battle to gain her heart, but with his mother's words, he now had hope that it wouldn't be as steep or treacherous of a climb as he'd originally feared.
"Well," Juliena clapped her hands together, closing that line of conversation. "Shall we adjourn to the library?" She made her way to the door.
Ren followed and, using his longer strides to catch up, offered his arm to his mother. She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and bestowed a smile on him. They exited the office and crossed the hall. When they reached the bottom of the staircase, Ren pulled them to a stop.
"I should put this away," he said, indicating his satchel. "I won't be a moment." With a kiss to her cheek, Ren sent Juliena on to the library before ascending the stairs two at a time.
There was something else he needed to collect from his room.
O.o.O
Returning downstairs with his prize safely tucked away in his coat pocket, Ren entered the library, the last to arrive. The others were seated upon the couches, Kuu and Juliena cuddled together on one with Kyoko by her lonesome on the other. A ledger that he recognized as containing their translation notes was seated on the table between them.
"Afternoon," he greeted, making his way to what was obviously to be his seat next to Kyoko. His parents were not subtle people, although he loved them all the same.
As he settled on the couch, Ren noticed how Kyoko fidgeted with her hands and shot nervous glances at him. 'Now what is that about?' He wondered as he pulled the ledger closer and began shuffling through the papers. "So you finished?" He asked, turning his head towards the young woman.
"Yes." Kyoko's voice squeaked on the affirmation. At his raised brow, she cleared her throat and tried again. "Yes, it's finished," she said, voice steady. "I wanted you to check it over and see if there was anything you disagree with." She reached over and deftly plucked a specific sheet of paper out of the mess he had made.
The captain grinned at her. "Alright," he said, taking the translation from her, their fingers brushing in the process. He was so focused on the parchment (and the tingling sensation her soft touch had left behind) that he didn't notice the hitch in her breath or the trembling hands now clasped tightly in her lap.
He scanned the work with a judgemental eye. "This looks good," he complimented once he reached the end. "I don't think I would change anything."
"Fantastic," Kuu finally spoke up, with a sarcastic tone to his voice. "How about letting the rest of us hear it?" Juliena pinched his arm. "Ow! What was that for?"
"Nothing, dear. Now hush."
Shaking his head, Ren tuned to Kyoko and handed the paper back. "Here. Why don't you read it?"
"Are you sure?" She asked uncertainly.
He nodded. "Of course. We wouldn't have this without you." He smile warmly at her and Ren could see her nervousness begin to fade.
"Alright," she conceded and started to read.
X.x.X
My name is Aura. I serve the goddess as penance for my transgressions against life and love. Thus, I bear a warning for those who would seek that which is not theirs and to prepare the one who will be found worthy. For those who wish for a life of love, heed my tale and learn from my mistakes.
In my youth, I loved a young man and we were happy. After a time, my love's eye began to wander. It soon followed that his body did the same and in time, his heart.
I was heartsick and wished to be free of the pain. In my foolishness, I beseeched the goddess of the sea to take my love and lock it away. She answered my call and did as I asked but at a terrible price.
For the goddess was wrathful, having been witness to scores of tales such as mine and having experienced the pain for herself. Thus did she curse my heart, making it an object of greed and punishment.
On the isle which cannot be found, in the place which cannot be seen, there resides my heart. Be warned. Those that would seek the heart for themselves will be kept from the isle. Should they make the journey, storms will be their only reward.
If, by chance, they reach land, the heart will enact a terrible catastrophe on those foolish enough to attempt to claim it as their own.
Only those of pure intent may approach and only those who are truly selfless may ask for one boon from the goddess.
I cannot say what will sway the goddess's pity and thus grant your prayer. So I say to you, seek some other treasure. For those who will not be swayed, I urge you to remember this. Love is the key, for without it, you will be lost.
X.x.X
Having finished, Kyoko lay the parchment in her lap, her gaze thoughtful. Juliena shared the same pensive expression. "Who is the 'goddess'? She asked, head tilted to the side.
"Calypso," Ren answered. As her curious look, he elaborated. "On the original scroll, there is an illustration of the Heart and of the Sign of Calypso."
"Ah." She nodded and returned to her ponderings.
"Wait," Kuu scoffed. "Was that it? An 'isle which cannot be found'? That's what is supposed to lead you to the treasure?" He laughed disbelievingly. "It's not much, is it?"
"Not really, no." Ren responded.
"Then how will you find this island?"
"With this." He pulled out the compass he had retrieved earlier and tossed it to his father. "Lory said that this would help."
Kuu opened the box and stared. "A broken compass?" He glanced back to his son as if expecting him to shout "Surprise!" When he didn't, the governor poked at the windrose. "How is this supposed to help?" Frustrated, he passed the box to his wife.
Ren shrugged. "I'm not sure. All I know is that it doesn't point north." He paused, thinking. "And that I've only gotten it to work once before."
That caught everyone's attention.
Kyoko was the first to break the silence. "When was that?" She asked.
The captain rubbed at the back of his head. "Remember that day you almost lost your stone?" She nodded, eyes wide and hand grasping at the pouch around her neck. "Well, I had been examining the compass when it suddenly stopped moving." Kyoko stood and crossed to Juliena in order to peer over her shoulder at the instrument. Instead, the older lady passed it over to the girl, who then drifted towards an armchair, staring intently at the spinning dial.
"Really?" Juliena asked. "What were you thinking of when it stopped?"
Crossing his arms, Ren leaned back and contemplated the question. What had he been thinking of? It had been a day of several revelations: that Kyoko could understand Latin, that Lory was mystery unto himself, and, most importantly, that Kyoko was Kyoko. In fact, the young woman had occupied a great deal of his thoughts that day. Then he remembered.
He huffed an embarrassed laugh. "I was wondering where Kyoko was," he admitted as he felt blood rushing to his face. Said girl snapped her head up, eyes full of astonishment. Ren smiled at his dumbstruck love. "I didn't know who you were exactly at the time,only that you were pretending to be a boy. I had been reminiscing about my childhood friend and where she might be, when the arrow stopped." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "In hindsight, it must have been pointing at you." He met her shocked gaze. "I honestly had no idea beforehand."
Kyoko's brow furrowed in confusion. "Then how did you know?"
Ren rubbed his head in remembered pain. "Your pouch hit me in the head." She blushed and ducked her head. "I opened it and recognized the stone."
"Wait, what stone are you talking about?" Kuu interrupted.
"This stone." Kyoko removed the sapphire from its resting place and passed it to the governor.
He examined it before lifting incredulous eyes to his son. "I thought you lost it?"
The captain shook his head. "I gave it to her as a parting gift when we left England." Kuu nodded his understanding, handing the stone back to Kyoko.
Juliena raised a hand, drawing Ren's attention to her. "So, to clarify, you wanted to know where she was."
He sensed that his mother was on to something. "Yes."
"Hmm." She focused on Kyoko, who was still clutching the compass. Abruptly, she stood and crossed to the young woman. Smiling a Cheshire grin, Juliena placed her hands on the cook's own. "My dear, we're going to conduct an experiment."
Kyoko visibly sagged, apprehension in her features. "Another one?"
His mother laughed. "Yes. Now I want you to hold onto that compass and listen to me. Don't fight what your heart tells you. Understand?"
The young woman nodded, still nervous.
Juliena released her hands. "Tell me what is it that you most want right now. What is the desire of your heart?"
There was silence as Kyoko stared down at the compass and everyone else watched. Ren knew that the disc had stopped spinning when she gasped and her eyes flicked up to his, anxiety in the golden depths. Then, they transferred to his mother.
The lady inspected the compass, a slight smile on her face, before meeting Kyoko's fearful gaze. She lay a hand on her chest, smile increasing. "It's pointing at me, isn't it, dear?" She asked kindly.
The relief that poured from the cook was palpable. She released a huge sigh and slumped forward, before nodding her head.
"As a mother figure, I'm guessing." Juliena continued.
"Yes, ma'am." Kyoko's voice was small and shaky.
Juliena gathered the girl in her arms and began whispering soft words. Ren turned away from the emotional display, only slightly disappointed in the outcome of his mother's experiment.
He was glad that Kyoko would have a positive mother figure in her life. There was no one better than Juliena at providing that sort of comfort. But he couldn't deny that he had hoped that the instrument would point towards him. Wishful thinking it seemed. At least for the moment, if he had any say in the matter.
His musings were disturbed by his father leaning forward. "It appears we know how to work that damned Lory's compass. Leave it to him to come up with something like that." He rubbed his hands together. "So all you have to do is want to find this island of yours."
"True," Ren conceded. "But there are the other warnings to consider."
"Bah!" Kuu waved off his son's concerns. "Superstitions."
Ren remembered his first mate's warnings from what seemed like forever ago. "Perhaps, but I don't know if I'm willing to risk it." Especially if it meant risking Kyoko's safety. He didn't need any mythical, wish-granting treasure as long as he had her.
A sudden knock startled the occupants of the room. "Come!" Kuu shouted.
The butler, Simmons, entered. "Pardon, sir, but the captain has visitors."
The governor gestured for the man to admit them. Simmons stood back and allowed Yashiro to pass, followed by Lt. Brown.
"Captain, we have a problem," Yashiro said, a troubled look on his face.
Ren and Kuu stood, approaching the unusual duo while the ladies looked on. "What's happened?" He asked.
His first mate shared a glance with the lieutenant, then gestured for him to speak. The Hizuri men transferred their attention to the soldier, who saluted. "Governor." Kuu nodded, before the young man turned to Ren and spoke in a lowered voice. "Captain Tsuruga, a British naval ship arrived just this morning. The H.M.S. Prisoner. Her crew has been asking questions."
The captain became apprehensive. "What about?"
"Your ship, sir."
That's what he'd been afraid of. "Any idea what for?"
"Not entirely, sir. But," he reached into his jacket, "they have been flashing this about." He presented a scrap of paper. Ren flipped it over and felt his breath catch in his throat.
It was a rough sketch of a face and, even though it was poorly drawn, it was still recognizable as Kyoko. Ren shared a concerned look with his father. Kuu nodded in understanding. "You'll need to leave as soon as possible. Is your ship finished?"
"Yes, but if the Navy is asking questions about the Dark Moon, they surely have her under guard." He ran a hand through his hair. "How are we to get to the ship, much less set sail?"
Lt. Brown cleared his throat. "I may have an idea, sir."
"Is that so, lad?" Kuu asked, crossing his arms. "What is it?"
"Well," the lieutenant began. "After they docked, the captain of the Prisoner came to the garrison, demanding that we aid him in capturing your ship." He grimaced. "He was quite rude about it and our captain has been riled ever since. He sent the man packing, saying that he would need the governor's permission for such a maneuver." He smirked mischievously at that.
It didn't take long for the hint to sink in.
"Ha!" Kuu burst out. "And I suppose there will be a few new additions to the ranks that are lent out, eh, boy?" He slapped Lt. Brown heartily on the back before turning to Ren. "Think you can work with that, son?"
Ren's mouth was already pulling up into a devious grin. "Oh, I think I can manage something. Right, Mr. Yashiro?"
The first mate grinned back. "Like Cuba?"
"Aye, Cuba."
"I'll give the men a heads-up, shall I?"
"Yes, do that," Ren instructed. "Then join us back here." Yashiro nodded and bowed to the room, before quickly exiting the building.
Kuu and the lieutenant looked askance at Ren. Lt. Brown was the first to ask the obvious question. "What happened in Cuba, sir?"
"Four words." Ren smirked. "Hide. In. Plain. Sight."
The governor chuckled. "Good. I'll just jot down a quick note to our dear captain, outlining his part in the plan, shall I? Follow me, lieutenant." With that, he dragged Lt. Brown back out into the hall, most likely to his office.
"Kuon." Juliena and Kyoko sidled up to him. His mother wore a baffled expression. "Is everything alright? What's happened?" She asked, concern lacing her voice.
Wincing, Ren faced the two women. He reached for his mother's hand and clasped it between his own. "I'm afraid that I, we," he gestured to Kyoko, "must run away."
"Truly?" Juliena's voice choked with emotion. "Will you return?"
He stepped forward and wound his arms around her. "Of course. And this time I promise to write." This earned him a tearful laugh and renewed strength in the embrace. Ren lifted his head to see Kyoko's reaction to the news.
She was standing back aways, arms wrapped tightly around her chest, head down. Ren pushed back from his mother, who saw the girl's defensive stance and correctly interpreted the meaning. Without saying a word, Juliena smiled at her son and swept from the room.
Left alone, Ren approached Kyoko. When he was within arm's distance, she raised tortured eyes. "This is about me again, isn't it?" She asked, already knowing the answer.
In response, he handed her the badly drawn portrait. She stared at the image for a moment, before scoffing. "Is this supposed to be me?"
He laughed softly, glad that she was still able to see the humor in the situation. He placed both hands on her shoulders, silently urging her to look up. Once her eyes met his, Ren smiled. "I want you to know that we'll get out of this."
"I know." She nodded. "You'd never leave any one to face this alone." She smiled ruefully. "I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me." With that she slipped her arms about his waist and lay her head on his chest.
He froze for only a moment before returning the embrace and squeezing her back. Ren relished the contact for a bit longer than he should, then he pushed her back. "We have much planning to do before we even think about pulling this off. If you could go and gather your things, then meet me in the office?"
"Alright," she agreed, not even thinking about questioning his request. She made her way to the door, his gaze following her the entire way. At the door, she glanced over her shoulder, met his eyes and flashed him a brief smile. Then she was gone.
Ren sighed and turned his attention to the problem at hand. "Let's get started, shall we?" He muttered to himself before venturing to find where his father and the lieutenant had run off.