DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
"I must say, I'm a little surprised to see your grandmother decided to come. I didn't think she liked attending these types of functions anymore," King Stephon was saying to Lady Lilac's two great-grandsons.
"We didn't either, but when we mentioned it, she suddenly decided she wanted to come," Owen explained.
"And we can't say no to the woman," Andrew added.
"Oh I know," Stephon acknowledged.
"I think even her brothers had to obey her every whim," Markus joked, "not that she's a very demanding woman, even in her old age."
"She seems interesting," Louis mentioned, "I'm a little surprised she referred to me as my great-grandfather Scott, yet she calls Chi Katherine."
"She just identifies people with the same characteristics she saw in people she knew when she was younger and more competent," Owen explained.
"It's actually a compliment, she liked Scott the most out of Katherine's four boys. He was the more quite and reserve type. Much like herself," Markus insisted.
"Oh," Louis said looking towards Lady Lilac who was still talking to Ema.
"You are looking a lot prettier now that you've accepted your position as next queen!" Lilac said patting Ema's head, "and the crown will fit perfectly. I just know it."
"Uh, thank you," Ema said kindly. She was still having this stange feeling Lilac was actually speaking to her and not confusing her for Katherine.
"Dear, we should let Lady Lilac rest for a while. No doubt the drive has worn her out," Stephon said as he came and gently pulled Ema away.
"Stephon, Rubert, don't worry, Katherine is well suited to be queen. Better than any male heir either one of you could have produced!" Lady Lilac spoke up, "you tell Elizabeth I said that. I'd say the same to Linda, god rest her soul."
"Thank you Lady Lilac," Stephon said as he managed to get everyone else out of the room.
"Make sure she gets some rest," Stephon also whispered to her grandsons.
"We will," Andrew said as he shut the door.
"Boys," Lilac suddenly said once they were alone, "did you remember the extra luggage I ask you to pack."
"We did great-granny," Owen said looking at a small green case, "though I hope there's a reason why you made us bring it."
"There will be, as long as there's still that Nazi in the palace!" Lady Lilac declared.
"I know Elizabeth was the1st King Stephon's wife and queen, but am I correct to assume Linda was your great-grandmother, Lord Markus?" Louis asked.
"Yes, poor woman died when their daughter was still a baby," Markus explained, "if they had a son, there would have been a stronger argument for Great-grandfather to succeed his brother over Katherine. But it's like Lilac said, Katherine was a better heir than any son either one would have had."
"Do you really think there's some of Katherine in me?" Ema asked. She noticed a picture of the woman on the wall with her parents and sisters
"Of course, Grandmother herself would agree as well," Stephon assured her.
"Enough to maybe be a ruler?" Ema also asked.
"Yes, even that," Stephon insisted.
"And me? Even though I'm her second son's great-grandson?" Louis asked.
"You two don't worry about it. Grandmother would admire and be proud of both of you," Stephon said as he patted both their heads. "Why don't you two both go and get ready for dinner. I'm sure you're both hungry."
"Sure," Ema agreed.
"Lady Sophie, would you be objective to possibly having dinner alone, just the two of us?" Louis asked.
"Well as long as Wataru doesn't oppose," Sophie agreed with a giggle.
"How about a nice dinner in a garden?" Louis suggested.
"Sounds intriguing," Sophie said with a smile.
"See you later Chi," Louis whispered to Ema as he walked off with Sophie.
"Oh wouldn't Georgette be happy to see that," Markus said happily.
"Lady Sophie's parents will be happt to see it," Stephon added before looking at Ema. "My dear, if you wish you may take a small rest and have a private dinner in your room if you wish. You've had a long day."
"Thank you Grandfather, that sounds like a nice idea," said Ema as she walked on to her room.
"No big formal dinner tonight Stephon?" Markus said.
"Most of the boys are out or are entertaining their lady friends anyway. You have to let birds fly free at some point," Stephon explained.
Markus smirked. "You are enjoying family a bit too much I think. But you deserve it."
"Thank you," said Stephon. Only, his good mood was suddenly shaken when he noticed a few more than normal amount of Henry's men walking around the palace.
'I know Robert think he has free range of this place, but this feels a little off,' he thought concern.
Ema was walking a little tired to her room, but also could feel a sense of worry when a few tough looking men walked past her.
'They don't look like members of the royal gaurd,' she thought nervous. 'maybe I should try and figure out where all my other brothers are.'
*Click*
"Hmm," Natsume said as he snapped another picture of Krewn Bog. It was as Emily Smith had said, a big tourist attraction. Lots of people were standing around snapping pictures of the bog, the woodland area, or giant statues of the supposed famous frog.
Some people were also walking down the pathway through the woods exploring.
"So what do you think?" Emily Smith asked as she stood next to him taking notes.
"I think this whole terrain would make a good level for the game," Natsume said, snapping another picture.
"You ever made a frog a villain in a game?" Emily asked.
"Not for the kind of game I'm thinking about making for the king," Natsume said as he stepped away from the water and looked around.
He noticed a peg board of supposed pictures of the famous giant frog. All looked blurry or out or range or focus. Much like the supposed famous pictures of the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot.
Natsume shook his head. The whole thing was amusing in and of itself.
"People will do anything to feel special or important," Emily said as she joined him by the board.
"True, having 12 brothers you see that first hand," Natsume said. He looked at his watch.
"It's getting a little late. Aren't we supposed to meet your sister and my brother for dinner?"
"Yeah, I guess we should get going if we are to meet them," Emily said as lookrd at her watch too. The pair headed back to the main parking lot and got into Emily's car.
"So how was the whole day for you?" Emily asked as they drove away.
"Nice, I like the experience. Think you could show me some other places for more references?" Natsume asked.
"Of course, just call me when you need me and where you want to go," Emily promised.
Natsume smiled at the woman, before his serious expression returned, "um, with that said, I was curious. There's to be a royal ball soon and well the king said we were allowed to bring guests. And as such, I haven't had a chance to really meet any other women in the area. So I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but would you like to attend with me?"
"You want me to be your date to a ball?" Emily asked.
"I would, we can talk more about the game and maybe other things we might have in common," Natsume said.
"Well, I'd like to but, it's kind of short notice. I don't know if I'd have time to get a proper dress," said Emily.
"I might be able to help with that," Natsume reluctantly admitted as he remembered the text from Hikaru. "My brother and his new girlfriend have volunteered to do dress shopping for any of our brothers' dates. I'm sure they'll do it for you too."
"Well, um sure," Emily agreed confused, "I can give you my size and what not."
"No, that's ok," Natsume said as he held up his phone and snapped a picture, "Hikaru would want a picture regardless so he knew the right kind of dress for you."
"Well if that's all it takes," said Emily.
Natsume studied the picture. It was a cute one of her. Maybe he would keep it for a while. Just so he could remember the nice lady.
'I should probably check and make sure Kaname and the other Miss Smith are on their way,' he thought as he text his other brother.
"Mr. Asahina, is everything okay?" Elizabeth asked as she and Kaname walked to the royal garage.
She noticed Kaname kept looking over his shoulder as they walked.
Kaname kept sensing the men from Robert's group was following the two of them.
"You didn't tell anyone where were going tonight did you?" he asked.
"No, I've been with you most of the afternoon helping you with your speech and you helping me with my family troubles," Elizabeth said, "why?"
"Just didn't want to be interrupted," Kaname said right as they came outside and Elizabeth led Kaname to her car.
"We're just having dinner with our sister and brother, don't think it's too big of a deal," said Elizabeth.
"Maybe you're right," Kaname said before getting into the car.
Just then a garage attended knocked on his window.
"Yes?, Kaname said rolling down the window.
"Where you folks headed?" he asked as he held up a personal GPS.
"Captain Rudders in Shrouder," said Elizabeth.
"Here we go," The attendent said as he programmed the GPS and handed it to Kaname, "that route will get you there in no time."
"Thank you," Kaname said as Elizabeth started the car and they took off.
The attendant watched them drive away before walking back to the car he had been working on.
"Hey, where's that car headed!" a voice demanded. The attendant looked up at 4 tough looking men standing behind him.
"I don't see why I should tell you," he said trying to ignore them.
"We'll give you a reason!" one of the men said as he grabbed the attendant and shoved him to the ground.
Next thing the man knew, the four were punching and kicking him. Until finally the poor man blurted out, "Captain Rudders, in Shrouder!"
"There see, was that so hard?" one of his attackers said as he gave him one last punch and knocked him out cold.
"Let's go!"
Kaname and Elizabeth had barely started to leave the palace grounds when Kaname got Natsume's text.
You're on your way, right?
Yes, but, do you think the ladies would want to maybe try a different place?
"Go somewhere else?' Natsume asked.
"Is there any other place worth eating at in the town we're going to?" he asked Emily.
"Well sure," Emily asked, "why? Not too excited for Captain Rudders?"
"My brother's asking," Natsume explained.
Emily shrugged, "ask him if can still meet at Rudders and go from there?"
"Sure," Natsume agreed texting Kaname the suggestion.
I supposed that's fine. Meet you there' Kaname replied.
"We'll do that," Natsume told Emily.
"Ia everything okay?" Emily asked.
"Not sure," Natsume. Kaname's text did make him feel a little nervous. Kaname wasn't one to just randomly change plans like that.
"Why do you suddenly want to change places for dinner?" Elizabeth asked Kaname as they drove.
"Just a hunch, a small hunch, as though the gods are trying to advise against it," Kaname tried to explain.
"Okay," Elizabeth said a little confused.
"Well it doesn't matter much, nothing serious seems to be happening at the moment," Kaname said looking back out of the car. None of the cars seemed to be suspicious.
"I can call my office," Elizabeth offered, "see if they can send some muscles if you're worried."
"No, let's start causing too much of a stir," Kaname said.
"Okay, just don't want you to feel nervous sir," said Elizabeth.
"Oh I'm not worried about myself. I'm more worried about your well being, if you remain in my precense," Kaname told her in his usual smooth time.
"Sure," said Elizabeth, "I bet you say that to all the ladies."
"Only the most special and you my dear are extremely special," Kaname said as he slid his arm across the back of Elizabeth's seat.
Elizabeth shifted her eyes examining the hand.
"I wanted to ask you something in that regards my lady," Kaname suddenly said, "the king has allowd me to have a lovely woman on my arm at his upcoming ball for my little sister. Would you do me the honour of being the woman I escort?"
"Me?" Elizabeth said in surprise, "I wouldn't know how to act or what to wear!"
"Please be at ease madam," said Kaname, "my ever cleaver brother Hikaru can help provide you a dress. He has many a experience in such. And as for how to act, well just don't flirt with any a man in front of me. You may trigger my jealousy and make cause a curse on you to be only with me forever."
Elizabeth actually snorted at his comment. "Well if you have everything covered and want me to come with you, then sure."
"Marvelous! I have a feeling the gods will smile favorably on us that night," Kaname said as he took a picture of her.
"Another one! Oh joy!" Hikaru cheered when he got Natsume's text.
"Another one what?" Heather asked as she staked the boxes of dresses they had already managed to purchase.
"My brother Natsume has asked us to get a dress for his date!" Hikaru said as he showed her the picture.
"Oh," Heather said studying the picture, "I think my sister has her father as a teacher at the university. Hmm, I'm thinking turquoise?"
"Turquoise would be perfect for her!" Hikaru agreed. He flagged down a sales clerk. "Where are some of your turquoise color ball gowns?"
"Oh, allow me," said the clerk as she walked off.
"I hope more of your brothers ask us to get more dresses for their dates!" Heather said joyfully, "this was fun!"
"One more just did!" Hikaru told her happily as Kaname's text came in, "and oh, it's our representative!" He showed Heather the picture.
"Oh, she's pretty. I'm a little jealous she got to escort you here from Japan!" said Heather, "red-black?"
"You read my mind!" Hikaru concured, "my good man?" He flagged down another clerk.
"Yes sir? More purchases to be made?" the clerk asked as he bowed his head.
"What do you have in the the black and red dreas designs?" Hikaru asked.
"Allow me sir," the clerk said as he too walked off.
"Hikaru, I just have to say, I enjoy the time I've had with you so much. I know we've only known each other a few days, but it feels so much longer," Heather said when they were alone.
"Hopefully it will be that," Hikaru said playing with her hair, "I've felt the same since I've met you. And in my opinion, only a wonderful woman can make feel that way."
"And vice versa," Heather added with a giggle as Hikaru looked like he was about to kiss her.
"Sir? Madam?" the first clerk asked as she came up with two different turquoise dresses.
Hikaru and Heather quickly started to study the pair.
"I have more," the clerk added.
"No it's fine. You're as spot on as your co-workers," said Hikaru as he and Heather both found themselves drawn to the dress that had a center and trim on the top.
"This one will work for our girl," Hikaru declared.
"Exactly," Heather said as she gave the clerk the size for the dress.
"Right away," the clerk said as she hurried off. Just then the other clerk came back with a black skirt with a red and black top covered by a few sequences.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"I think that's perfect!" said Heather, giving the man some measurements for it as well.
"Yes Kaname will be most pleased with his date in this dress," said Hikaru.
"Very well, oh and your escorts were wondering how much longer you'll be," the clerk asked as he walked away.
"Our what?" Hikaru asked.
"Your escorts," The clerk said again, nodding towarsa the entrance where two men with sunglasses were standing looking menacing. One looked like the man he had seen spying on him back at the palace.
"Oh, them," Hikaru said as he nodded, "thank you sir."
"You don't regonize them do you?" Heather whispered a s she gripped Hikaru's hand.
"Not in a good way," Hikaru whispered back.
"I can call my mother, she can send some help," Heather offered.
"Maybe, but not yet, and not here," Hikaru said. "We should focus on getting out of here first before they realize we've left."
Heather nodded as she and Hikaru did their best to avoid looking towards the men. Instead the pretended to be looking at the different accessories and dresses in a casual manner. All the while examining the store, looking for either a way out or a distraction they could do to make a break for it out the front door.
Soon both clerks returned with two more boxes.
"Are we done or more shopping?" the man asked in an amused tone.
"Actually, could I try this on?" Heather asked as she held up a simple but beautiful short dress.
"Yes, this way," said the lady clerk leading her away.
"Go ahead and add the boxes to our pile," Hikaru told the male clerk as he followed Heather and her clerk.
"Would you like me to give them to your escorts?" the man asked.
"No, don't worry them," Hikarun insisted.
He stopped a little ways from the dressing room door as the clerk let Heather in. Hikaru waited casually as the woman walked away before he walked over and knocked on Heather's door. Heather opened it a crack and let him in.
What should we do?" she asked.
"Just wait, I'm sure they're going to get impatient at some point. Especially if we left already," Hikaru assured her with a nervous smirk.
Yusuke was feeling a little proud of himself over the way he kept getting praised fir his quick actions in saving Ema from the crazed man back at the reception. Not that he wouldn't have done the same had Ema not be a princess and he a gaurd in training.
He did however feel a little shaken that such a man had tried to attack her. How long had he been there with the notion to hurt Ema?
'I got to do better with my training so I don't let something like that happen again,'he decided as he walked up some stairs, only to his his face smash into somebody's chest.
"Oh, you better not have messed up my shirt!" Futo complained.
"Huh?" Yusuke asked as he looked up to see Futo and Ami dressed up fancy as though they were going out.
"What's with the getup?" he asked.
"We're going to the Wallflower," Futo said as he tried to walk past his brother.
"i thought Richard said we weren't allowed to go there," said Yusuke.
"No, just Ema. We can, even he advised against it," Futo reminded him.
"Well maybe you shouldn't then," Yusuke tried to advise.
"We'll be fine," Futo insisted as he pulled Ami along after him.
"Futo, wait, Ema was attacked today during her reception for the hospital presentation!" Yusuke quickly said.
"She was what?!" Ami asked in alarm.
"Is she okay?" Futo asked, also looking concern.
"Yes, but that attacker was quite obviously one of Robert's guys! He's getting bolder!" Yusuke explained.
Futo looked a little conflicted by Yusuke's words before he started looking like hia usual cocky slef.
"Relax, I'm a popular idol. If something were to happen to me,. I doubt Robert could get out of it that easy. Let's go maid!"
"Well want about her? She's not an idol!" Yusuke said pointing towards Ami.
Ami looked at Futo with concern.
"If you seriously think I'd let anything happen to her, you're more of an idiot than I thought you were," Futo said as he wrapped his arms around Ami and led her away.
Yusuke shook his head.
"Hey Yusuke, what's up?" Billy said as he found Yusuke by himself.
"My idiot Idol brother ia going to that Wallflower club!" Yusuke said.
"You're kidding!" Billy said in alarm, "is he bringing a gaurd?!"
"I doubt it knowing him. He'll do what wants!" said Yusuke.
"Shit!" Billy muttered, "well maybe we can get somebody to tale in in secret."
"Good luck with that," Yusuke warned.
"I think its moved!" Natasha said as she felt the pregnant mare's belly.
"Is getting there?" Azusa asked.
"Probably by tonight or early morning at the latest," said Natasha happily.
"You'll do fine, you'll see," she said to the mare. Azusa smiled at her gentel care for the horse.
It was almost like a mom comforting a daughter ready to give birth.
He reached down and offered Natasha her hand, helping her to stand.
"So if it's a girl, think they'll call her Ema after her?" he asked as he also helped Natasha make her way out of the pregnancy stall.
"I'm sure that's what will happen. Anymore than they call him Louis if its a boy," Natasha said as they came to the main floor of the stables.
They could hear some laughter from the outside and came up to the opening where they could see Wataru riding Wind Storm witn another instructor. Wataru and Wind Storm actually looked happy as they road around the pasture.
"Who knew Wataru was such an equestrian," Azusa said with a smirk as he followed Natasha into the office.
"Had he ever seem to like horses before?" Natasha asked as she went back to paperwork.
"Not to that extent," Azusa said as he sat down on the other side of the desk, "how much longer do you have?"
"I'm almost done. You still in the mood for pizza?" Natasha asked.
"Been looking forward to it all day," Azusa assured her.
"It's been nice having you here with me all day," Natasha said, "I hope we haven't been keeping you from doing anything fun."
"Nah, I'm fine," Azusa said.
Natasha blushed as Azusa's assurance. "Do you want to watch something else other than an anime tonight?"
"Why are you tired of my voice already?" Azusa asked.
Natasha smirked and blushed again, and then responded in a way Azusa hasn't expected, by saying "No, not at all. i wasn't sure if you got board with watching your show all the time," in Japanese
"You speak Japanese?!" Azusa asked in surprised, also in Japanese..
"Yeah, between all my anime watching and studying it a bit in high school and college, I know enough to probably get by if I ever went to Japan," Natasha explained smugly, also in Japanese.
"Wow, impressive," Azusa said. "Have you ever been to Japan?"
"Not yet, but someday I'll want to," said Natasha. Azusa bit his lip.
"You could come visit me when I go back. At least then you'll havs an excuse and a place to stay," he said.
"Go back?" Natasha said in alarm, "oh right, you have your career and everything.".
"Yeah, I don't know what kind of voice work they have here in Elence," said Azusa.
"Not much," Natasha admitted. She felt Azusa take her hand.
"We'll work out something where we can still see each other, I swear," he tried to assure her.
Natasha nodded.
"Natasha! Rose! You two here!" they suddenly heard a voice shout.
Natasha looked scared as Azusa looked at the office doorway.
"Who's that?" he asked as he poked his head out. There he saw six men he knew he immediately shouldn't trust.
"There's one!" one of the men said when he noticed Arthur.
"What do you guys want?" Natasha asked as she joined Azusa in the doorway.
"Don't sweat it," one said, "you're off the hook for now. We got more important things to worry about."
"Azusa, I think you should go! Get your brother and go!" Natasha tried to warn.
"I think she said brother," another man said.
"Check the feild," the leader ordered.
"Don't you dare!" Azusa warned.
"Shut up," the leader snapped at him as two men hurried to the other exit. "And somebody find Rose! Find if her boy is with her or if ahe knows where he is! Ans as for you!" He pointed at Auzsa, "you're are coming with us or you die. Make your choice!"