DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
King Stephon and King Dimitri walked down a hallway together, neither really saying much. A little tension could be felt off the two of them.
"I may go home tomorrow to make more arrangements for attending the ball, that we have now been invited to," Dimitri suddenly mentioned.
"Understood," Stephon agreed.
"I may try bringing a few more of Zane's siblings as well, at least the twins," Dimitri added, "Also, Abigail."
"Oh?" Stephon asked, "yes your wife was always fond of Yolanda, was like an aunt to her after Wilma died. No doubt she'll be crazy about Ema. If you do go back to your home land for a while, do you think you'll take Zane with you or have him stay here?"
"I, think that should be for the boy to decide," said Dimitri, "especially if he's interested in Robert's proposal."
"...and that is why love is by the best feeling one could ever know," the two heard a smoothing voice say out loud.
"Kaname, is that you?" Stephon called out.
"Ah, your majesty," Kaname said as he came down from his own hallway, bowing, "I was working on some ideas to speak up at the seminar that lovely Ambassador Smith had asked me to speak at."
"Ah, of course," Stephon said, "oh, Kaname, may I introduced King Dimitri of Poulon, our most neighboring country."
"How do," Kaname said bowing.
"This is one of Ema's many brothers I have invited here as ambassadors from Japan, her 3rd brother Kaname, the Buddhist monk," Stephon introduced Dimitri.
"Pleasure sir," Dimitri replied, "a Buddhist monk? I enjoyed when I visit the great temple in China, but I assume that's greatly different from yours in Japan?"
"Yes, you would be right," said Kaname.
"Have you ever visited the temples in China?" Dimitri asked.
"No, sir I have not had the pleasure," said Kaname.
"Ah, well forgive me if I was being insensitive with my question," Dimitri apologized as the three men walked on.
"Nothing to apologize," Kaname assured him.
"Oh, sire, Masaomi and Ukyo have returned," Richard suddenly said out loud.
"Oh, Dimitri would you mind if I were to go and greet the gentlemen home?" Stephon asked.
"Not at all, I would like to meet them myself," said Dimitri, "I take it they are also some of Princess Emma, er, Ema's brothers?"
"Corroct the oldest two," said Stephon, "they're helping to get this hospital project Ema herself actually suggested, off the ground."
"Oh, sounds like Ema is taking some vital part with the country's functions,' said Dimitri, "I haven't gotten Zane to do anything quite like that yet, dispite mine and Oliver's encouragement to do so."
"Well we weren't exactly jumping the gun to do big projects like that at his age either," said Stephon.
"Do you think it'll upset anything if we have the meeting tomorrow with the mayor?" Ukyo asked Masaomi as the two walked in.
"Well, hopefully Ema or King Stephon haven't made any plans yet," said Masaomi.
"Masa, Kyo, welcome home my lads," Stephon said as he came down the stairs accompanied by Dimitri, Kaname, Richard and one of Dimitri's guards.
"Hello your Majesty," Masaomi said cheerfully as he and Ukyo bowed.
"And how are things going with the hospital project?" Stephon asked.
"Well, actually, with your permission sire, we have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with the mayor of Almara about the proposal and we were wondering if Ema had time to come with us," Ukyo said.
"Of course, of course," Stephon agreed with delight, "you can even take the royal helicopter to get there faster."
"Thank you!" said both brothers.
"And will those other two women, Erica and Hannah be joining you?" Stephon asked
"We would assume so," said Masaomi, "they have been a big help in it."
"Let them know we come collect them from the House of Council so they can ride with you," Stephon insisted.
"Thank you sir," said Masaomi.
"Oh, and boys, I'd like you to meet someone, this is king Dimitri of Poulon, Elence's most neighboring country. Dimitri, these are Dr. Masaomi and Ukyo, Ema 1st and 2nd brothers respectively," Stephon introduced.
"Oh hello your majesty," Masaomi said as he and Ukyo bowed.
"Hello gentlemen," said Dimitri, "it's nice to met you."
"What brings you here your majesty?" Ukyo asked.
Dimitri and Stephon looked at each other.
"Some diplomatic duties," they both said together.
"Nothing you need to worry about," Stephon assured the two of them, "you two should be going to get freshened up for dinner. Come along boys, be on your way."
"Yes your highness," Masaomi said as he and Ukyo bowed and walked past the two kings.
"Oh how was Wataru's tutoring session with Lady Sophie?" Masaomi quickly asked.
"From what I could tell, it was most successful," Stephon said with a smirk.
"Good, one less thing to worry about," said Masaomi with delight.
"Of course, I take great pride in making sure all you boys are well taken care of," said Stephon.
"Hmm," Kaname heard the other king humming. He noticed Dimitri stroking his chin, deep in thought. He himself was pondering what the new king was thinking.
"...and you will feel 10 times better," they all heard Heather saying in a comforting tone.
"I know, I know," Hikaru was say, hugging Heather close to him as they came to the top of the stairs.
"Is that a man or a woman?" Dimitri asked.
"Hard to tell isn't it?" Stephon joked, "Hikaru, come down here! I want to introduce you to an old friend!"
Hikaru and Heather looked down a little surprised at King Stephon's call.
"King Dimitri!" Heather said in shock. "He's the king of our neighboring country Poulon."
"Oh," Hikaru said as he and Heather walked down the stairs together.
"You're Heather Cook, aren't you? Prime Minister Cook's oldest daughter?" Dimitri asked.
"Yes sire, how are you?" Heather asked as she bowed. Hikaru did as well.
"And this is Hikaru, Ema's 4th brother, the writer," Stephon introduced.
"Brother?" Dimitri said as she observed Hikaru, "didn't you have a cousin that did that too?"
"Yes, but he couldn't be as open about as Hikaru can. Nor could he pull it off as well as Hikaru can," said Stephon, sounding as though he was boasting.
"Oh, your majesty," Hikaru said sounding pleased.
"Are you two going out?" Stephon asked.
"We were hoping to," Hikaru said.
"Oh, I was hoping for most of you to join me for dinner with Dimitri and his grandson Prince Zane who's around here somewhere," said Stephon, "I want him to get to know you boys as well as I have."
"Oh, well of course we can stay for dinner," Hikaru assured him. He looked at Heather, "that's alright, right?"
"Absolutely," Heather agreed.
"Good, make sure there's a spot for Heather at the table" Stephon ordered Richard.
"Come, I'm sure we can arrange to go out afterwards," Hikaru assured Heather, the two sharing a loving look.
"You know what's odd, your brother seems like a good match for Miss Cook," Dimitri whispered to Kaname.
"I know, she completes him in so many ways," said Kaname.
"Should probably make our way to the dinging hall, less we postpone dinner any longer," said Stephon, walking back up the stairs with Hikaru and Heather while Dimitri and Kaname walked behind them.
Kaname couldn't help but notice how intrigued Dimitri seemed to be with watching Stephon talk and interact with the couple.
"What a loving family," he heard the king say, "it's about time."
"Time for what your majesty?" Kaname asked out loud.
"Oh, nothing," Dimitri insisted. However, he had a very loving smile on his face.
Ema wasn't sure how long Yusuke was holding her after the two had kissed for real. She didn't actually care. She loved being in his arms, being held by someone she had come to truly love and who truly loved her.
"Do you want to maybe have a more private dinner? Just the two of us?" Yusuke asked, "away from that prince guy?"
"I'd like that," Ema agreed, "maybe we can arrange something in the garden or the conservatory?"
"Um, Princess Ema, Yusuke?" they suddenly heard Billy call out as he came into the room. He paused when he two embracing.
"Um, sorry," he apologized, "but your grandfather is calling you to dinner with King Dimitri and Prince Zane. He wants you Princess Ema and as many of your brothers in attendance."
"Oh," both Ema and Yusuke muttered.
"Let's go then," Ema said, as she and Yusuke walked out, Ema holding Yusuke's hand. Billy shot Yusuke a small thumbs up, before he spoke up again.
"Um, Yusuke, you should probably change out of your workout clothes."
"Right," Yusuke suddenly remembered, "I'll go do that real fast."
"I'll see you in the dinging hall Yusuke," said Ema as she walked off.
"Psst, Yusuke!" Billy quickly whispered. Yusuke turned around, "everything looking good?"
"I think so," Yusuke whispered back.
"Nice!" Billy congratulated, again giving him a thumbs up.
"...so you'll have to stay off it for a few days," the doctor was telling Natasha as he finished applying a cast to her leg.
"I figured as much," Natasha muttered. She felt a hand squeeze hers and looked over to see Azusa still next to her. He had stayed with her through the whole x-ray examination, when the doctor gave his diagnosis and when he started applying the cast.
"Guess, I should make myself comfortable in my room," she said as she tried to move off the table. She was little surprised when Azusa started to help her off.
"It would be best to stay here at the palace tonight, keep pressure off the leg," the doctor suggested, offering her a pair of cruches.
"I had already made arrangements to stay here since that mare in stalls is due soon," Natasha admitted.
"Here let me help you to your room," Azusa offered.
"Thanks," Natasha said as Azusa helped her out of the room, "and thanks for sticking around the whole time I was being examined."
"No problem," Azusa assured her. The two walked on a little silence until they came to a stairs and elevator.
"Can you hit the down button?" Natasha asked.
"Sure," Azusa said as the doors opened and the two moved in.
"Floor 2B," Natasha instructed. Azusa hit the button and the elevator road down until it came to a stop and the pair moved down a rather dark hallway until Natasha stopped at a door.
"I think my key's in my left pocket," Natasha said as she tried to fish it out over her cruches.
"Here let's see if I can get it," Azusa said as he stood behind her and tried to get it out. Both he and Natasha started to blush until he managed to find the key and unlocked the door. Inside was a quaint, nicely decorated room with a small couch in the middle with a tv in front of it. As Azusa walked furtger in, along with Natasha he noticed a small kitchen and closet and two other doors, along with a desk and laptop next to one of the additional doors.
"Nice, a little like my dorm room in college," Azusa commented.
"That's the general idea. They're not supposed to be a permanent living space. Those are on 1B, up above. They're a little nicer. These are like for the student work program or people like me who stay for overnight for certain reasons. That's why my laptop's already here, along with my clothes and dvds I like," Natasha explained a she hobbled around the room.
"Oh yeah," Azusa said noticing a few dvds placed on a shelf on the stand holding the tv. He knelt down and took a closer look and was surprised by Natasha's collection.
"You're into anime?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, I love anime," Natasha said, "especially in it's original dialect. Sometimes it just doesn't sound right when it's dubbed."
Azusa had to smirk at the comment.
"What about you? I know you're from Japan and all, but are you into anime?"
"Oh yes," Azusa said amsused. Natasha wasn't sure what to make of the way he spoke. He seemed to be hiding something.
"Anyway, I should probably get myself something to eat," she said.
"Do you need help preparing anything?" Azusa offered.
"Nah, I'll just order something from the staff kitchen," Natasha said as she hobbled to a phone on the wall by the closet.
Azusa stood up and walked over to her and the phone. "At least let me go get the food for you. Or even yet, may I join you for dinner, my lady?"
"You want to join me for dinner? Why?" Natasha asked.
Azusa shrugged his shoulders, "I just feel you could use the company."
Natasha seemed to become relaxed with his statement. "Okay, how about a pizza then? What do you like on yours? The chefs make a great hand toss."
"Oh, tempting," said Azusa, "how about...,"
Just then the door was yanked open and a gaurd poked his head.
"Ah, the doctor thought you might be here Master Azusa," he said, "King Stephon wants all of you brothers to join him for dinner. He has special guests in attendance."
"Oh, um, well," Azusa sputtered, "I had kind of just made plans and...,"
"It's okay," Natasha quickly said, "go ahead. We can do this some other night."
"Oh, okay," Azusa said, as he turned around to follow after the gaurd out. However he stopped and looked back at the woman, "how about I come back later and we watch some of your animes together?"
Natasha looked extremely excited at the idea, "you like cheesy popcorn?" she asked.
"Sure," Azusa agreed.
"I'll make sure we have some," Natasha said.
"Can't wait," Azusa said as she walked out, making sure to shut the door behind him. Natasha squeezed her hands together happily.
"Guess I got a date with him after!" ahe said to herself.
Several of the Asahina Brothers had started to gather in the grand dinging hall, all dress in semi formal clothes.
"Why are we so dressed up?" Wataru was asking, "does it have to do with that flag the nice girl Rose was talking about?"
"Probably,' Subaru confirmed.
"This whold thing seems some kind of fishy, a new king and prince suddenly showing up like this?" Tsubaki was muttering.
"Yes, it does feel slightly like a set up of sorts," Natsume seemed to agree, "where's Azusa by the way?"
"He was helping a poor girl who got hurt down in the stables earlier," said Tsubaki.
"She saved me when Wind Storm suddenly got scared," said Wataru.
"Is she alright?" Natsume asked.
"Sounds like she has a broken leg," said Tsubaki.
"Oh," Natsume said.
"We can try the fitting after dinner," Markus was saying as he walked into the room with Louis.
"I do appreciate you finding that for me," Louis said.
"What did you dind Markus? A sword? A crown?" Wataru asked excitedly.
"Afraid nothing that exciting lad," Markus said with a chuckle, patting the boy's head. "I found a suit for your brother to wear that was worn by his birth father and his father's father."
"Really?" Natsume said, "that must have been a find."
"It was," said Markus.
"What was he like? My grandfather?" Louis asked.
"A good man, maybe I can tell you more about him when we try the fitting," Markus suggested.
"About who Uncle?" Sophie asked as she too walked into the dinging hall.
"Louis' grandfather, Dr. Unton," Markus explained.
"Oh, yes," Sophie said as she seemed to recall the man.
"My grandfather was a doctor?" Louis asked.
"A scientist, for the air force," Markus explained, "we'll talk more later."
"Who is this lovely lady?" Tsubaki asked out loud.
"She's my tutor!" Wataru declared, "mine!"
"Oh, sorry," said Tsubaki with a smirk.
"I take it you made a little impression on the boy?" Markus whispered to his niece.
"A little," Sophie whispered back with a smirk.
"Sorry if I'm late," Iori said as he walked in, "I was caught up in some sketches I promised to help my new friend Jane with a school project."
"Sorry I'm late, I was helping Natahsa to her room with her broken leg and all," Azusa also said walking in.
"No threat, neither king is here yet," said Markus.
"Kings?" Iori asked.
"We have a visiting king and prince from the neighboring kingdome of Poulon," Markus explained.
"Oh, that's interesting," said Iori.
Just then Futo walked in with Ami, who was now wearing her maid uniform. She was doing her typical maid duty, pulling out a chair for Futo and then standing at attention behind him.
"I don't know what's going on, but this had better be worth it," Futo muttered, "I wanted to go out."
"I'm sure you'll be able to once dinner is over," said Natsume.
"Hello guys," Masaomi said as he, Ukyo, Kaname, Hikaru and Heather all walked in, "is everybody here?"
"Yusuke isn't, looks like," Ukyo observed.
"Anyone know where's he at?" Masaomi.
"Not off the top of the head," said Natsume.
"Hi guys," Yusuke practically sang as he glided into the room.
His brothers all gave him a puzzled look.
"What's happened to Yusuke?" Wataru asked.
"What indeed?" Hikaru asked looking at Heather who seemed to be on the same wave length as him.
"Oh, they're all here?" Robert muttered as he entered, dragging poor Bea with him. Bea looked annoyed as she was dragged around, but managed to send a wink towards Tsubaki without Robert noticing.
"You'd think my uncle would want more decent company when entertaining special guests," Robert continued to complain as he took his seat and forced Bea to sit.
"And yet here you are," Markus said out loud, what everyone was thinking.
Nearly all the brothers had to readjust themselves so didn't burst out laughing.
"Cousin!" Robert shouted.
"Grandson!" Wataru shouted.
"Wataru, I was going to use that one!" Markus said.
Robert moaned.
Ema walked to the dinging room, looking down at herself, hoping she looked presentable for meeting another king.
"Hello Princess Emma," she suddenly heard Zane's voice. She looked a little uneasy as she realized he was coming from the opposite direction. He still had a lustful smile on his face.
"Hello, Prince Zane," she said politely as she could.
"I was hoping after dinner we could talk more, in private, perhaps?" Zane asked.
"Um, maybe," Ema said, not sure how to really respond to such a request.
"Zane, you better not be up to anything!" King Dimitri warned as he and Stephon approached.
Both paused when they noticed Ema.
"Oh my god, she looks just like them," Dimitri said softly.
"I know, Dimitri, I'm very happy to introduce you to my granddaughter Ema. Ema, this is King Dimitri of Poulon and his grandson Prince Zane. Though it would appear you two have met."
"Yes, we have," Zane said smugly. His grandfather shot him a warning look before walking over to Ema.
"It's so nice to see you here, Princess," he said bowing respectfully, "as a good friend of your grandfather, I can't tell how amazing it is to seem be blessed with family once again. Believe mr, your mere existence has done more for him than any fortune or title ever could."
"Thank you," Ema said looking at her grandfather, and saw his smile. She could easily believe what King Dimitri had just told her.