by Karma
He was watching from behind a pillar. A large, sturdy column that felt cool against the touch of his hands. Being small, the pillar hid him from their view, allowing him to watch them unnoticed. Whenever they glanced in his direction, he quickly slipped back behind it. This was the third day he had been watching them and he wished that he had enough courage to speak his mind. To ask them if he could join them. But he was too shy, too afraid of being rejected. And if that happened, then they would notice next time that he did watch them. So he stood there, hidden from view, watching wistfully.
Today, they were playing some kind of wrestling tag game. Of course the older boy would win. He was larger and stronger. And yet, he let the younger one beat him, laughing all the same; as if winning or losing did not matter. The younger one ran and hid behind a rock, ready to spring out in surprise. The older one pretended not to notice, and called around for his younger brother with a false air.
"Oh! Has anyone seen my brother? He's a young scraping of a dragon."
Of course, no one responded to his calls. The two boys had long learned that no one ever entered the Royal Gardens except on days of celebration or when the emperor felt like bragging about them. Otherwise, no one was ever around, at least not in *this* part of this garden, although they never bothered to question themselves why...
The real owner of that section of the garden watched nervously as the older boy moved nearer and nearer to the pillar, while he pretended to look for his younger brother. The young boy scrunched behind the column, hoping that the other boy would not find him instead of his brother.
No such luck.
"Hi. Who are you?"
"I...um...I can explain," he stuttered, afraid and excited at the same time.
The older boy smiled reassuringly. "No need to be nervous. Wanna play with us?"
He felt elation, excitement, and gratitude well up inside him, mixing like a well-done stew.
Stew? What was that?
A shift. A change. A distortion in the dream.
Oh. Stew. Soup. Earth again.
"Dreaming of stew?" asked the familiar smooth voice with amusement. "My Lord, you never cease to amaze me."
"So you have returned, only to leave once more."
"I will return, as I must."
"I know. For that...I am sorry."
A lifting of a fine eyebrow in astonishment.
"There is no need for apologies. This will shake everything that you have always believed in, and will change you as well as I."
A graceful nod of resignation and acknowledgment of the words spoken.
"I know." A slightly bitter smile. "Welcome back."
"Enthused, aren't we?"
Arslan blinked and sat up. He ran his fingers through his soft blue hair, trying in vain to recall what he had just been dreaming about. A...garden? Smiling to himself, wondering why he felt both joy and dread at the same time, the young prince stretched and looked out of his window. It was still dark. The sun had not yet risen. Good. There was a lot to do today.
Today, or rather, tonight, we carry out Narcasse's plan. His lips turned downwards. I can't believe I'm actually going to go through with his plan. Inwardly, the earlier elation that Arslan had felt slowly dissipated like morning dew, leaving the boy only with dread that clung to him like a newborn babe to mother. Turning the Turans upon themselves... Only Narcasse would be able to cook up such a fantastic scheme. I have no doubt that it will work...after all, Narcasse himself thought of it. But...it seems almost...unethical...
The plan, in question, went something like this: a Turan spy, noticed by Jaswont, was leaked false information about Arslan's next plans. In fact, half way through his explanation, Narcasse had suddenly switched tactics, after Jaswont indicated that the that the spy was in the *very* same room as them. After giving some fake details about moving the troops in a fortnight, the spy had left with the false information, certain of its accuracy. Narcasse then proceeded to explain the rest of his plan. They would wait one day for the false information to circulate and then attack the following night. The androgynous strategist predicted that, by then, the other Turan men would be causing trouble for the spy, out of jealousy; as it was certain that he would be rewarded for the delicious news that the Palsian army would not move until the next moon.
Dressing, the future Palsian king's thoughts turned towards his guests. Much to his disappointment, the strange three brothers planned to leave this morning. Why do I feel disappointed? I didn't really expect them to stay. They have no reason to and are under no such obligation. After trying hard to persuade them to aid the prince, Narcasse gave up and kicked them out of the dining room before he went in depth on the details of his plans. I really wish that they would stay. Beings my age are so hard to come by these days. Arslan chided himself. What reason do they have to stay? Sure, they're extraordinary. But then again, everyone with me has a special talent or two of his or her own. What right do I have to feel disappointed? I don't own them, they aren't my subjects, and they don't belong here. Like...like Guibu, he suddenly realized. Guibu has no reason to either. And yet, he returned... Arslan smiled briefly. It's probably better if they left. No visitors have ever depressed me as badly as they did. Why, after a short chat with the oldest, Arslan had felt like crying, although he did not know why.
"Oi, Aniki."
"...?"
"You sure you don't wanna stay here?"
The three brothers were in a spacious room with a very large bed. Having no wishes to reveal Narcasse's plan to strangers (and especially *this* plan, with all its cunning), Darun had asked the brothers the night before to kindly leave. They had been given an extremely comfortable room as a result. They had gladly done so, since Amaru had begun to complain of fatigue.
Owaru lay beside his brother on the comfortable bed. Amaru was still sleeping, oblivious to the world around him and to his older brothers that were awake. Tsuzuku was sitting on the floor; his face close to his younger brother's as he whispered. He had woken up early on the account that he was too excited to sleep and was surprised to find Owaru awake as well. Groggy, yes, but awake as he struggled to form words on his tired lips.
"We're leaving this morning, after breakfast. I'm looking forward to finding Hajime-niisan."
"..."
"What?"
"...Nothing, Aniki. I guess you're right. There's nothing holding us here...except..."
"...Except..."
"Don't ya feel sorry for the prince? He's so young...just a little older than Amaru."
"So? He has plenty of advisors. You saw how many people there were in the room. He has many people to take care of him."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. After all, it's just us three. But..."
Tsuzuku sighed. He understood why Owaru felt this way, empathized, but still felt a need to find Hajime. Tsuzuku was not used to being responsible for making the decisions for the family and wished to be relieved of the burden as soon as possible.
"Owaru, we have no obligation towards them. None. They're nice, but we don't know anything about them. And they're at war." The more Tsuzuku talked, the more he began to believe it. It was, after all, true. The only person I have *any* sort of obligation towards would be Guibu, since he was the one who brought me to my brothers. "We'll get some supplies and walk. Today."
"Demo, Aniki...Amaru sensed it with me yesterday. He's alone and sad..."
Owaru is being uncommonly nice...how unusual. "If we were trying to cheer up every sad and lonely being in the world, we'd die of old age."
"Aniki...he lost his parents, like us. His throne has been stolen from him and so were they. And his eyes...they're...too old for one as young as he..." Owaru glanced at the peaceful sleeping Amaru protectively. "I NEVER want Amaru's eyes like that. Not even when he's 30."
"Owaru...if you really want, we can ask Niisan when we find him. If he says yes, then we can come back and help, ok?" A reassuring half truth to his brother. In all probability, the *last* thing that Hajime would want to get involved in would be some kind of foreign war in the middle of nowhere.
"Yeah. Plus they have food here," said Owaru, acting more like the Owaru he knew. Sighing, Owaru closed his eyes in an attempt to catch a few more hours of sleep. The sun, after all, had not yet risen. " 'Nite, Aniki."
"Good night," said Tsuzuku automatically. It's more like �good morning� though...
After hearing Owaru's steady, rhythmic breathing; Tsuzuku fell into the company of his own thoughts. Maybe we should help. Actually, for some reason...I *almost* want to help. But since I can't understand why...it wouldn't be a wise decision. Very irrational and quite unlike me.
Slowly, Tsuzuku got off the bed. I have to go see if I can get what we need for today. See if we can get supplies and such. He recalled his encounter with the prince last night, after Arslan had concluded the impromptu meeting in the dining room. Having explained his wishes before, the prince was not at all surprised at Tsuzuku's request for rations for the journey. The handsome prince had only smiled and asked if they would at least stay for breakfast. Knowing Owaru's appetite, Tsuzuku had no choice, although he would have liked to leave sooner. The young prince had them promised them supplies, although he apologized because they had no horses to spare. Tsuzuku had accepted.
I wonder where Guibu is. The minstrel being the only one he knew that probably knew where the kitchen was, Tsuzuku quietly left the room.
He wandered the hall a bit; wondering which room belonged to the capricious redhead. I probably shouldn't even be disturbing him. I doubt he's awake at this ungodly hour. Debating the morality of such an inconsiderate action, the red dragon continued searching fruitlessly for the minstrel's room. He walked aimlessly a bit more, decided to turn back, and then realized then that he was 100% completely lost.
Great. Just great. Now what? He looked around for servants but found none. Wonderful. I'm now lost in a castle in another dimension. How truly exciting that here I am, lost, on the day I plan to leave. Groaning inwardly, he cursed himself for not paying attention to the surroundings of his room. So absorbed were you in debating whether or not that you should disturb Guibu, EVEN THOUGH you don't know WHERE he is, that you got lost. Just brilliant. He stopped before a large door guarded by two sleeping people. Should I or shouldn't I wake them?
Slowly, the door to the room opened and a thin young man carefully and quietly stepped out. Gently, he shut the door and moved stealthily around his two "guards." Absorbed in watching where he was stepping, he did not notice the Ryudo until he accidentally bumped into him. The blue-haired teen looked up at the dragon with his startled blue eyes, and Tsuzuku then realized that it was the prince himself. Arslan gave him an apologetic look and indicated with graceful hand gestures that they were to talk away from the two sleeping guards. Obligingly, the red dragon let him lead the way, seeing as how he did not know it himself. Wonder why I didn't recognize him. But he knew. Underneath that bulky armor and that- as Owaru had called it- "dorky" helmet, was a young teen. Dressed in plainer clothes and not having a bunch of advisors around him calling him "Your Highness" certainly took away much of the "air" around him-- if it was ever there in the first place.
The young prince guided him down a hall and into an empty room. He did not close the door, turning instead towards the red dragon and smiling pleasantly. "I am sorry about that. Jaswont stayed up all night arguing with his companion, and did not get much sleep. I did not wish to wake him."
"No problem." Some guards *they* are. Sheesh.
"So, will you be leaving today?" The prince had deep blue concerned eyes.
"Yes, I must go search for someone." Some people, actually, thought the dragon. His thoughts changed towards the one standing before him. This was the closest Tsuzuku had ever been to the prince, and immediately he noticed a few things. Like the light bags underneath his eyes from lack of sleep. The fact that up close, he was a lot shorter than the Ryudo. But most of all, his eyes. Owaru was right. Arslan's beautiful blue eyes held no mirth in them, only sorrow, lethargy, and resignation. Tsuzuku wondered how long it has been since the boy had last laughed a genuine laugh. He almost wondered if Owaru was right about staying, but he resolved to not change his mind. Hajime and Matsuri are more important.
"Then I wish you the best of luck. What supplies do you need?"
"Food and water would be nice, if that's all right with you." He's rather nice for a prince. Aren't they usually stuck up arrogant childish prigs? Of course, he is no child. As Owaru said, no child would ever have eyes like those. The red dragon gave a silent "thank you" to whoever was listening that Amaru laughed as much as he did.
"When will you need your supplies by?"
"After breakfast." This seems almost too easy. Tsuzuku smiled, his warm eyes lighting by it. His thoughts ran once more, this time in another direction. Just a few more hours and then we're on our way to finding Niisan...
He has a beautiful smile, Arslan realized. He stopped himself. What am I thinking? What difference would it make if I did? "Then I will send a servant to your room to take you and your brothers to the dining hall when breakfast is ready. In the mean time, I will have the kitchen throw together some rations for your journey. I am afraid we will not be able to spare you a horse. So, other than that, is there anything else that you need?"
"Umm...yes..." The second eldest Ryudo looked down, a little embarrassed. Oh gods this is gonna sound stupid... "When does breakfast start?"
"A candle mark after the sun rises."
"Oh...in that case...there is one more thing that I need." Tsuzuku did not enjoy feeling foolish, but such was the situation that life had delivered to him. Great. Juuust great.
"And that would be...?"
Tsuzuku smiled a charmingly cool smile that would reassure anyone who walked into a factory having a nuclear meltdown that he had everything under control. The dragon's smile spoke of confidence, reassurance, and nothing that he was really feeling inside. "Would you mind directing me to my room? Or Guibu's?"
Arslan glanced at him and then quickly looked down, trying to remember to keep his composure. He's *lost*...for some reason, the thought was highly amusing to the young prince. It shouldn't be funny...but it is. He gave a slight nod of his head to indicate his consent, all the while struggling from laughing at the handsome person walking bedsides him. Nevertheless, the left side of his lips twitched slightly upwards. His brothers took down an entire army. Guibu had said that he had taken down Silver Mask's men. He speaks with such reassuring CONFIDENCE. But he's lost and it shouldn't be funny, but it is. Don't laugh. Don't laugh. Don't laugh...
Tsuzuku observed quietly as the younger boy struggled to keep a smile from appearing upon his delicate face. No, not doing a good job of it. The left side of his mouth gave it away. Well, at he found *something* amusing, realized the red dragon. He caught the boy's eyes as Arslan looked at him, tried to say something serious, thought better of it, and looked away again. His eyes look younger when he laughs. Feeling a state of mild amusement that someone could enjoy something so stupid so much, Tsuzuku gave Arslan a rueful smile. "As you can see, Your Majesty, I have not wandered more than two feet from my door before I forgot which door I came from or what the doors that I'm looking for look like." He imitated the nonchalant shrug that he had seen Guibu express so often and was rewarded in his pretentious efforts when the prince smiled a beautiful, genuine smile.
"So whose room would you like to be directed towards first? Yours or Guibu's?" Upon speaking the latter's name, Arslan felt a little disconcerted. Disconcerted and a little jealous. He had no problem with Tsuzuku being friends with Guibu. Rather, he just wished that he had a better chance of getting to know all the Ryudo brothers before they left. Even though he's known Guibu for less than a week, he already considers him enough of a friend to say good-bye to. For a minute, he wished that he had found Tsuzuku, the way that Guibu had explained to them the night before. Don't be ridiculous. For one thing, you're never out by yourself without having someone sent out with you to watch you.
It's still dark. Guibu IS pretty lazy. He'll probably still be asleep. I shouldn't disturb him. Of course, that means I shouldn't have left my room in the first place; thus, I am lost for absolutely no reason. "Mine, I suppose. Guibu's probably still asleep."
Arslan stopped walking abruptly. Startled, the Ryudo stopped as well; observing with concern as the prince studied the fine carpeting of the floor.
Hmm... oh no, I can't believe this. Apparently finished with his studies, the prince sighed once and looked up to meet the dragon's inquisitive gaze. He then gave a rueful smile as well, one that matched the Ryudo's previous. This is a little embarrassing. "Um..." No "ums!" Bad speech sounds un-princely. "I do not believe I know where your room is located." He gave Tsuzuku an apologetic look. "I was not paying attention when my servants guided you to your room, so I do not know which previously empty quarter is now yours." After Narcasse had had them thrown out of the room, Arslan had simply instructed his servants to give them a large, empty, and unoccupied room. Later that night, when only the red dragon came to speak to the prince regarding leaving in the morning, he had not bothered to walk the dragon back to his room; a servant did that task instead. So there really had been no opportunity to find where his guests were staying. Really, rationalized the future king, feeling guilty for not paying better attention to such details.
Tsuzuku laughed softly. What an ironic situation. "That's fine. Do you know which room is Guibu's?" Guibu had accompanied him back to his room and left; so the minstrel, at least, would know where his quarters lay.
I know where his *old* room lies, thought Arslan mortified. If it's the same, then yes. If it's not, then no. I don't want to wake any servants; they work hard enough as it is. Giving a vague shake of his head in response to the dragon's inquiry, Arslan began to lead them to where Guibu used to reside. I hope he kept his old room.
No other words passed between them. Something, observed Tsuzuku, is disturbing the prince. They stopped before a door. Arslan looked at it hesitantly, so Tsuzuku knocked.
The door cracked slightly open and one eye peered through. The person behind it widened his eyes in surprise and recognition of his guests. He opened it slightly wider, inquisitively. It was Melain. He looked at them puzzled, but had none of the just-awakened confusion in his eyes, so Tsuzuku assumed that he had been awake before they knocked. The dragon glanced at Arslan, saw the stricken look on his face, and realized that this was not Guibu's room either. Maybe. Taking the initiative, since Arslan seemed frozen with realization, the dragon smiled pleasantly at the mountain bandit.
"Good morning. Do you know which room is Guibu's?"
"Two doors to the left."
"Thanks." Tsuzuku paused uncertainly, but couldn't resist asking. "Do you know where mine is?"
Melain laughed softly and shook his head. "Good luck."
"Well, thanks anyway." What a troublesome free loafer I am. Can't even find my own room. But it must be kind of funny, since that seemed to entertain both Melain and Arslan.
Melain nodded at the prince and when they turned to leave, and shut the door.
Tsuzuku walked in bemused silence besides Arslan. "You didn't know where his room was either?" He regretted the words immediately after the words were spoken. Arslan might get pissed off that this foreigner was questioning him so. He supposed that ordinary lower status people pretended that nothing happened, that the prince did not do something as mundane as a mistake. But when talking to a casually dressed Arslan, it�s easy to talk to him as a peer and forget that you weren't supposed to. Not that he was afraid of getting his head chopped off (the knives would break on his skin) but because Arslan did not seem like the type. He didn't want to offend the one that was giving them food. Then again, as Guibu had said, Arslan did not act like any ordinary prince.
"No. I apologize for claiming that I did." Arslan felt embarrassed, but tried not to show it. "I knew where his old room was," he added underneath his breath in self-defense.
They stopped at the appropriate door and the dragon gave the prince a friendly, reassuring smile. "There is no need for apologies." The words had a familiar ring to them. He then remembered to add: "Your highness."
No...it couldn't be true. His heart broke as he struggled to maintain his normal, calm and composed countenance. He studied his fingers as he continued to play, speaking softly. What did he expect? He was a servant, a bard, a whore. He had served dozens of masters before. Why did he hope that this one would care for him any more than the rest? How could he dare dream that he was the one for his lord? "You must be pleased, Lord."
His prince looked at him in disbelief. "PLEASED? You think I'M pleased!??!" The beautiful prince ran his hands through his hair unhappily. "I'm horrified! I've never even met him! In all my years here, I've never seen him, not once!" Despairingly, he sank to the ground and comforted his face with his own hands.
"Actually, My Lord, you have. Met him, I mean." He continued playing his instrument, as he watched his world fall apart.
His prince looked at him, uncomprehending.
"You didn't know because your brothers didn't know."
Realization slowly dawned on the gorgeous face. "You mean...?"
"He never said anything because he was afraid to. He never made a public appearance because the emperor felt it was safer to keep his identity a secret." Every word he spoke hurt to say. He was going to lose the one person he had ever loved in his life. He probably would not be allowed to stay with his lord after the ceremony, he would be shuffled back along into the cycle and routine of finding another master. Never mind that his master reciprocated his feelings. In the end, it all meant nothing. Despair welled within, but he continued to play his soothing music. A union would chain them together far longer than this life alone. Next time, he vowed... I am definitely going only for females. He smiled sarcastically. "One good prince deserves another."
His prince looked at him, hurt. "But the one I love is sitting before me."
To finally hear the words spoken, only to come to this. It was too late, too late, too late. Next time, he was determined to fall only for women.
So here she was suddenly, appearing before him. And it was the same thing, all over again. She did not love him. She was bound to her duties as a priestess and his carefree ways made her both envious and angry. He would lose her just as he lost the other, only this one never even liked him. He smiled at her anyway, her beauty always made him smiled. Her intelligence, personality, spirit-- they always made him smile.
And she looked down on him with contempt, and his heart died. She hated him, he knew it now. She spat on him in disgust and slowly vanished from his sight, leaving him as broken as before.
Guibu woke up to the sound of knocking on his door. The residue of the dream vanished quickly, although he grasped at its elusive remains desperately. The only image that stayed with him was a picture of Farangis spitting. Well, that was a funny image to behold. The minstrel slid out of bed, shaking the odd sadness he had felt while dreaming off of him, and moved towards the door. He kept only the odd image of spitting of the priestess spitting as the souvenir of his nightly visitor. What an amusing dream, he thought lightly to himself. Farangis spitting. He imagined her joining one of the servant's spitting contests, a practice found frequently among those mistreated. I bet she would win, too. The thought cheering him, he opened the door.
"Well, isn't this a lovely surprise?" Asked Guibu cheerfully upon discovery of the identities of the guests behind the door. What on earth do they want at this hour? "How may I be of service at this splendid early morning?"
"Do you know where my room is?" asked Tsuzuku, suddenly feeling stupid, although such emotions never appeared upon his countenance. Of course, having a prince misdirect you around made you feel less so, but the embarrassment suddenly crept in as he realized how stupid this was. How completely stupid, moronic, and ironic.
Guibu chuckled amusedly. He looked at Arslan. "And what may I do for you, My Prince?"
Arslan felt conflicting emotions at the words. At one moment, he felt silly that he, the prince, was unable to guide a guest back to his room. At the other, he felt a little pleased that Guibu called him "my prince." I hope this means that I am finally a worthy prince. He smiled apologetically. "Sorry to awaken you, Guibu. Tsuzuku is lost and I cannot help him find his room because I am unaware of its location as well."
The minstrel gave his usual carefree shrug. "No matter, what's done is done." He stepped out, barefooted, and winced at the touch of the cold stone floor against his feet. Too lazy to change into more appropriate attire... He was not dressed for walking, after all, but for sleeping. But it's so close...too...lazy... "You might want to come too, Your Highness, in case you need to contact Tsuzuku or his family before they leave."
Arslan nodded, feeling a little relieved. There had been no point in him following them back to Tsuzuku's room, now that he had Guibu to guide him. But Arslan felt like accompanying them, just for the sake of doing so. The morning was still very early, and he felt a lethargic sense of calmness come over him. He liked both of their company, would probably never see Tsuzuku again, and just felt like not doing any *real* work as of yet.
Guibu began to guide them expertly down the corridor. "You know," he said conversationally, "I had the most amusing dream. I can't recall most of it, but I distinctly remember the glorious, fair, and beautiful Farangis spitting."
Tsuzuku listened with amusement, while the mention of the priestess' name suddenly reminded Arslan of a few more tasks at hand. "By the way, Guibu, would you be willing to play a piece for today's funeral?" The prince spoke softly as they walked. "I think the villagers would like that. I was not aware earlier-- but apparently, you are considered a village favorite."
"Today's funeral..." Tsuzuku paused, trying to figure out who died. Then he recalled the exciting tales that Owaru had stayed up late to tell him. His brothers had interfered, and saved many, but not everyone. The Ryudo felt some passing regret-- he wished he a been there to help. He glanced up at the next words and looked at Guibu.
Guibu's face was drawn, he looked thoughtful and sorrowful at the same time. "I would be honored, Your Highness. But...um...are you certain that I would be welcomed?" I didn't make any enemies in THIS village, like I often do, but there are still many that disliked my company... He was silent, as he wondered which of his friends in the village had been murdered and which had escaped. The troublesome sorrow that he had felt when he first woke up returned to him, while he contemplated which song he should play.
The prince nodded his head with the certainty that is only seen in true leaders. "Your name was specifically brought up by the village head." The blue eyes turned to meet the dark amber eyes of the dragon. "He would also like to reward your brothers, on behalf of the village." For a moment, Arslan looked down, ashamed. Here the brothers had saved so many lives and the only reward I can offer is food and supplies. Nothing of real monetary value, not even a horse, because such is needed for the war. Some prince I am. He looked back up at the older teen. "I told him of your plans to leave at breakfast, and he seemed fairly upset. I do not think, with everything going on, that he will be able to present an appropriate gesture in time. Do you mind? Unless you wish to stay." A tiny part of him called to the dragon to stay; though the prince was unaware of it.
"No, I-- we have to go." Suddenly Tsuzuku almost wished that they would stay for a few more days...but Matsuri and Hajime came, as always, first. "Don't worry, we'll..." the Ryudo brother suddenly closed his mouth. I was about to tell him that we would return, he thought amazed. Fat chance of that happening. It just seem so automatic, those words. Appropriate, like he had said them before.
"And here, our brief trip ends." Guibu smiled amusingly. He pointed at the requested door triumphantly. "THERE, Tsuzuku, is your room. Try to remember it next time," he chided lightly, not at all really caring. "I hope you have the key to your room, in case you locked yourself out?"
Tsuzuku nodded. "Thanks. I -- "
NIISAN!!! ANIKI! It's Amaru!
Recovering from his initial shock of the thoughts that so readily entered his mind, Tsuzuku quickly tried the door. Locked. Cursing silently, he fished out the key and hurriedly unlocked the door. He made no attempt to conceal his sudden panic and worry from his face, thereby alarming his two friends. Without another word, Tsuzuku opened the door and ran into the room. Stunned, Guibu looked at Arslan. By an unspoken agreement, they followed.
Owaru looked up at Tsuzuku in relief. "Aniki!" He was bent over the younger brother, who was lying on the bed.
Oh gods, what is it? Is he hurt? Did someone attack him? Tsuzuku fought the momentary panic he felt and looked at his younger brother. "What is it, Owaru?" His voice was harsh and almost sounded angry, for it was laced with anxiety and impatience. The red dragon swiftly landed next to the white dragon, as he peered to inspect his youngest brother.
Amaru was crying silently on his bed. At the approach of his older brother, he threw his arms around Tsuzuku and hugged him helplessly. In response, Tsuzuku began to rock him gently. He held his youngest brother comfortingly and reassuringly, asking no more questions verbally. Mentally, however, his mind moved quickly. His thoughts raced upon each other, tumbling and crashing together. What happened? Did Owaru scare him? Was he molested? Hajime-niisan, where are you when we need you? He's crying oh gods why is he crying someone tell me dammit, someone say something! If somebody harmed him I'm going to rip him apart and fling his body parts into different directions at different speeds. Ok, calm down. Calm calm calm. He rocked his sibling silently for a few more seconds, and then asked in a restrained, low voice: "What is it, Amaru?"
"S-s-s-orry for scaring you like that, Niisan." Choking back a sob, Amaru released his brother and sat down on the corner of the large bed. He wiped at the corners of his eyes and tried to smile. His voice shook as he spoke. �Ha-a-jime-n-niisan..." He paused, collected himself, and tried again. "I was dreaming again. About dragons. And suddenly, the dream disappeared and there was Niisan. And he was really upset, angry, and worried. He was also very sad. I tried to hug him but he pushed me away and said there was something even more important. He demanded to know where we were and said that Matsuri was dying and he needed our help. He shouted at me to get you and he didn't say it, but he's certain that Matsuri's gonna die, I could hear him think it over and over again. Not to me, but I knew that's what he thought and he looked at me and calmed down --" Amaru paused, taking some air in before finishing. "Then he told me that we haveta find him today. 'Today', Niisan had said, almost panicking. 'Otherwise it'll be too late.' And then I could hear him thinking despairingly that it was too late already" Amaru's voice began to crack once more, as he attempted to fight back a new wave of tears "and that there w-w-a--a-s n-n-othing we could do." He hugged Tsuzuku again, taking solace in having told what he was supposed to and feeling reassured because his brother was there and would make it all better.
Owaru looked at Tsuzuku with fierce eyes. "What do we do, Aniki?"
"If Niisan says today, then we have to find him as soon as possible. How close do you feel him?" Oh gods...Matsuri...
"He's not too far." Owaru groped for the right words and tried to measure his instinctual guess of the location of his eldest brother. "A coupla dozens of miles, maybe."
Tsuzuku nodded in consent. My estimate as well. He looked at his two younger brothers. "Are of any you hungry?"
Knowing the elder�s thought, the two boys bravely shook their heads.
"Then let's go. Right now. We'll find them," his voice growing more and more fierce, "this instant. Let's not waste another minute." He gave a half-smile at his younger brothers, trying to reassure them as much as himself. "Whoever finds them or gets to them first will get rewarded," he promised, on a whim and in an attempt to lighten the situation.
Amaru looked at Owaru. Simultaneously, they both looked back at Tsuzuku.
"What kinda reward?"
" Aniki, I promised Amaru that you would reward already."
"For what?"
"The villagers."
"Niisan, Niisan! How 'bout you treat us for a whole day? The Big Bowl's coming up soon."
"Yeah! Yeah! Ha ha! Aniki, you gave your word. You'll treat all of us for the whole day to the Big Bowl, buy us expensive food..."
"Like steak and ice cream and..."
"And you have to come with us, so that..."
"You can buy us popcorn too!" They both finished. Tsuzuku looked at them, stunned, and feeling like he had just been tricked.
"Aniki, you NEVER come with us, so it'll be fun!"
"You have to treat Hajime-niisan too. And Matsuri-chan..." Amaru's voice trailed off at the realization that the latter may not be able to make it.
Noticing the quick change in his younger brother's mood, Tsuzuku solemnly nodded. "If, you two find them first. If I find them first, then you two have to wash my car for a week."
"Uh...Aniki...wasn�t your car totaled in the Tokyo Dumpster...?"
"..."
"Don't worry, Niisan. We�ll...uh...give you back your books instead, how's that?"
"My BOOKS...?"
"Amaru! You weren't supposed to tell him! He's supposed to find out for himself, remember?"
"..."
"Oh well, it sure beats cleaning his car. Ok, deal Aniki?"
"..."
"Uh...you're not mad are ya?"
". . ."
"Right. Anyway, first we gotta find Niisan-tachi."
Tsuzuku sighed and then nodded. "So none of you want breakfast?"
"Nope!"
"Yosha! Let's go find our lost brother and cousin!"
"Hoah!"
"Um..."
Startled by the outsider's voice, the three brothers looked to see the forgotten two visitors. Owaru looked at them suspiciously for a second, recognized the prince, and then grinned in greeting. Amaru just looked puzzled, unaware of when they got there. Tsuzuku was silently cursing himself for his forgetfulness. From our conversations now they know that we *really* are foreigners. He felt a little defensive, like they were intruding on his private world and at the same time a little troubled for now they really knew what the brothers were really like. At least we didn't mention Niisan and my theory that we actually *are* dragons. Oh well. It doesn't matter. When we find Niisan, we'll be leaving and we'll never see them again. "Oh right. Thank you for your help, Guibu; Your Highness."
Guibu grinned, hiding the awkwardness that he felt behind a smile. "Our prince has none to spare -- but you can borrow my horse, if you wish. You might be able to find your relatives faster with it."
"Thanks, but..." Tsuzuku did not like the idea because of 2 reasons: 1) none of them knew how to steer a horse properly and 2) there probably wasn't enough room for all three of them on it.
"We don't need horses. They're slow. And they get hungry fast," piped Amaru.
Arslan and Guibu stared.
"Er...out in the woods, see," said Owaru. "We managed to survive without horses and we only see them as potential sources of food. Um. Really."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thank you for the offer, but we have to go now. I don't think we'll be back, so we can't take your horse." Tsuzuku smiled. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Guibu. And you as well, Your Highness."
"Are you sure you do not want breakfast?"
"Thank you, Your Highness, but we'll be just fine."
"You do not even want your supplies to get readied first...?"
"Naw, it's ok, Prince." Owaru grinned. "We'll be fine. Thanks for everything."
"Nice meeting you," said Amaru feeling like he had to say something of that kind. He smiled at the prince. "Smile more, ok?"
Owaru looked at Tsuzuku. "Let's go!"
She looked at him sadly, her husband's child that was only a few years younger than her. She did not treat him as a son, but as a younger brother, one of whom she was very fond. It hurt her to see him in so much pain, but the duty had fallen upon her to bear him the news of his father's wishes.
"For insurance that you will inherit the throne," she explained to the sobbing boy in her lap, "The emperor feels that it would be best if you were tied to one of the more powerful and loyal families." She stroked his hair gently, giving what little comfort she could. He stopped trembling, for his tears had stopped flowing.
"I...wish...it isn't fair...nobody even knows what I look like... they only know that I exist and half of the court doubts even that. And now I...I..." He choked back another sob.
"I know, love, I know." Her own heart stolen by someone that she could never have, she was not unknown to the misery caused by the emperor's decisions.
"It can't be true...I'm already in love with someone else...and I know him, personally...and he's also in love with someone else...He'll never be mine, just as I'll never be his..."
She held him gently, and sighed. "Our hearts do not always follow the same direction as our responsibilities do." She thought of the one that she really loved, then of the one that she had been forced to marry. "You must bear it bravely. When you are the emperor, you can change things for future generations."
"I don't want to be emperor...I wish I was born to someone else..." He looked up at her with sad, mournful eyes. "Have you ever learned to love the emperor?" Because he was one of the few that really, really knew her, spent time with her, and observed her actions, he was one of the few that knew where her heart truly lay.
"...Yes..." A little lie, a little little lie. She had never loved the emperor but she could not take away the last hope from the child. She did not love him, but she was learning to care for him, at least. So it was not too much of a lie.
He quieted and looked at her briefly without words, trying not to desperately accept that which was unlikely. "Do you think he'll ever learn to love me?"
"Without a doubt. Once he gets to know you, he'll fall for your eyes in a second." The Emperor's son possessed the most compassionate, beautiful, and deep blue eyes in all of the kingdom.
The compliment made him smile briefly, but just as quickly as it came, it was gone. He looked at her once more with those beautiful, sad eyes.
"He'll hate me forever, because he's in love with his servant..."
She did not know what to say, and so held his hand instead.
"A minstrel whose voice can enchant demons to sleep." The boy gave an ironic, bitter laugh. She looked at him in alarm, so strange was the laugh from his lips. "But you know why I'm really sad?"
She waited for him to continue, as he did.
"He's the wrong brother."
She stared.
"Just as you loved his older brother, I love his younger brother."
"When did you --"
"They were playing in my garden, the two youngest." His secret so long kept would now be exposed and his heart grew all the more sadder. And he began telling her the secret that no one knew. "They didn't know who I was an I didn't tell them. And they accepted me, and didn't care."
"Do they..."
"My name to them is 'Aoiki.' The older one gave me the name since I refused to give him my real one. He said that I have the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen."
"Does he...?"
"No." The prince gave another laugh, one even more bitter than the first. "No, he does not see me as a lover, but as a friend, a younger brother. But I... I fell in love with him, though he does not know it. To this very hour, he does not know that I am the emperor's son. The prince. And now, now he will know that everything I told them was a lie. Now, I'm marrying his BROTHER, they'll never let me hang around them again--they won't be my friends any longer and my match will hate me forever..." New tears began to slide from his eyes and he held her for the comfort of the only friend that really knew him.
And she wept with him, for it pained her to see him pained and his story was indeed a tragic one. Mortals called their place heaven, but to its occupants, it was hell.
Tears formed beneath her long eyelashes and began to slowly slide down her face. Disturbed, he frowned, wondering what made her weep in this condition. Did she guess how close she was to death or was even sleep simply no refuge for her? Gently, he wiped them from her face and hoped that his brothers would hurry.
They watched the retreating figures move farther and farther from their view. Soon, they were gone, and only the two watchers remained. The minstrel looked at the sun that was beginning to rise on the horizon and then at the young prince beside him. Arslan�s eyes still traced the path of the shadows of the brothers and his eyes lingered where they were last seen. Upon his face was a small, thin smile.
"Why are you smiling, my prince?"
Arslan looked thoughtful as he considered the question. "I do not know why, but I am certain that they will return."