Lois Fogg SireneCall@hotmail.com Fantasy, Book Four, Chapter 2 [AuthorÕs Notes at the end of Chapter 3] I really don't know why I said that--no, I take that back, I do know why I said it. Apparently some proprietary instinct within me which I had been unaware of until now had surfaced at this unfortunate moment. Unfortunate, I say, because it predisposed our shocked shrine maiden to dislike me. Really, I'm normally a much nicer person, but as I said, Mamoru's presence just had the strangest effects. Closing her mouth with an audible snap, she bowed low, her forehead touching the ground before her. Even with my rudimentary introduction into the culture of this place, I knew that the gesture conveyed far more respect than was worthy two nameless intruders who had just popped into her lap. Mamoru and I glanced at each other in momentary confusion. After a moment, mentally shrugging my shoulders, I bowed as well. "We welcome your safe return and rejoice in it as a miracle of the Lady's making." She said this in a stilted, halting manner that gave me the impression that these were the words of a ritual. Now it was my turn for my mouth to hang open, wondering what would happen next. I hadn't really thought about our reception on the other end of the tunnel, but I certainly had not expected this. "As payment for accepting the Lady's gift, I ask that you now return the object which brought you to us." Mamoru and I looked at each other again, not confused, but carefully considering the pros and cons of giving this shrine maiden the journal. I was flattered that he would even bother allowing me in on the decision, and after a moment I nodded with what I hope was relative imperceptibility. Raising his eyebrows at me in a way that was certainly not imperceptible, he held out the innocent-appearing journal that had involved me in this mess in the first place. At this gesture, the priestess' eyes widened, and her hands shook as she reached for the book. She looked back and forth between us and the book in shocked confusion, obviously unable to believe whatever it was that she saw. For my part, I was still thoroughly confused. She bowed low, almost reverentially, and Mamoru and I were at a complete loss as to how to continue. After a moment, she stood up and rushed to a corner of a room set off by low hanging red-embroidered silk curtains. She pulled them back, and I saw the a red silk braided rope hanging from what I assumed was a tower. She pulled this rope frantically, and I jumped when I heard the bell tolling. "What the hell is going on?" I mouthed to Mamoru. He shrugged his shoulders, looking just about as lost as I felt. In a matter of seconds, the sound of rushing feet was heard and the sliding rice door was opened roughly. A short, bald man flanked by three others of somewhat greater stature appeared in the doorway, the former looking rather peeved. "Rei-chan!" He exclaimed, and my new language-sense recognized the diminutive as a term of affection. "What's the meaning of ringing the sacred bellÉ" he trailed off, his beady eyes having finally noticed our inconspicuous presence on the floor. "Are theyÉ" he began, shock registering on his features. For God's sake! I huffed in annoyance, couldn't *someone* tell me what was going on around here? She nodded silently, and held out Mamoru's journal. "Is it real?" He asked incredulously. "Yes, look at the inscription." He duly noted it, and looked between us again, then showed the book to his colleagues. I noticed that they all wore the same uniform of voluminous red silk pants and white shirt, regardless of gender. I only noticed this because I had given up on figuring out our situation. I would understand it eventually. The four newcomers walked toward us, and for a moment I was afraid that they would haul us back to the dungeon. Quite apart from that, they knelt as the priestess had done and bowed low. From Mamoru's expression of resigned bewilderment, he had obviously given up understanding as well. After that formality was over with, the short man stood up and barked orders to the woman. "Rei-chan, feed and clothe them as properly fits the honored guests of the Lady while we prepare for the ceremony." He paused and looked at us again, something almost approaching joy in his eyes. "Thank God it's happening now," he said enigmatically, and swept out of the room with the three men. "Come with me," she said quietly, and she had such a look of unadulterated awe on her face that I found that I simply couldn't take it anymore. "You know," I said, remaining seated, "I don't believe that we were properly introduced. My name is Serena and this is Mamoru. While I cannot imagine why our presence has produced such an outpouring of respectÉdid you mention free food?" Mamoru, used to me by now, burst into a fit of suppressed laughter. The woman--Rei, apparently-- looked at me with a shocked expression. Oh, it can talk, I thought sarcastically, but refrained from saying this aloud. "I'm Hino Rei, the Hikawa shrine priestess. Pleased to meet you." She said with admirable control. "Now, will you come with me?" Feeling as though I'd done all I could to humanize myself-- mysterious events were fine in novels, but they rather frustrated real life-- I stood up and followed. We walked through a long hallway lined with similar sliding doors, and she stopped at one near the middle. She opened it and led us inside. I looked around, noting the sparse but comfortably rich furnishings. To my untrained eye, it resembled an anteroom of some sort. A small wooden table--about knee height, like all the others I had seen so far--was in the middle of the floor, and a richly embroidered pillow had been placed at each side. Through the circular windows, I could see a well cultivated garden, and small bonsai trees stood in niches on the walls. "Please sit," she gestured towards the table. "I will send the servants to attend to your food and dress shortly." The mention of food reminded me that it had been at least twenty four hours since my last meal, and my stomach grumbled loudly. Rei looked at me with an expression bordering on humor, and then left quickly, sliding the door shut behind her. Mamoru and I stared at each other silently for a few interminable moments. "I don't suppose staying could do any harm," he said finally, sitting down at the table. "Did you have any other plans?" I asked, sitting across from him. "It seems to me we're pretty well boxed in." He tilted his head in acknowledgment, and we again lapsed into silence. It was strange, despite everything that we had gone through together, I suddenly felt awkward around him. Maybe it was because now that we were out of mortal peril, and had the benefit of good lighting, there was no denying how utterly gorgeous he was without a shirt. Well, not like I had been denying it before, but my hormones were now asserting themselves with more insistence. He was staring at me rather strangely, too, and I belatedly realized that I must look like a drowned rat. Sometime during our escape, my hair had completely fallen out of its braid, and was now hanging past my butt in a tangled blonde mess. I blushed, and turned away from him, just hoping that the food would come soon. I felt doubly pathetic, because I knew it shouldn't have mattered to me how I looked around him, but I just couldn't stand the thought of looking so ugly when he could have posed for a Greek statue. "SerenaÉanything wrong?" He asked, peering at me. I blushed even deeper, wondering if this intense self-consciousness of mine could be considered a medical condition. "UhÉnothingÉ" I mumbled. My stomach chose that precise time to tell me in no uncertain terms what it thought of my treatment this past day. I seized upon the opportunity gratefully. "I'm soooooo hungry!" I exclaimed, sprawling on the table for dramatic effect. I wasn't acting much, either. After a moment, Mamoru laughed and I looked up at him. To my surprise, his expression wasn't too mocking, simply amused. "I don't suppose you have mastered the use of our foreign utensils since you left?" He asked, still smiling. After a moment of incomprehension, extreme horror dawned, which I eloquently expressed by groaning. "You have no idea what I went through to get here!" I wailed. "Why would I even have thought about chopsticks!" "You know, " he said, leaning back on his heels comfortably. "I have never met someone so fond of eating who is so bad at it." "I'm not bad at it!" I exclaimed, sitting up again. "I'll have you know that back in my world I'm a master eater!" "I'm sure you are," he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively while his gaze traveled over my full figure, which had been given some subtle additions by my inordinate fondness for boxed chocolates. "Oh, shut up!" I shouted, feeling even stupider. He wisely shut his mouth, but his eyes danced with barely concealed amusement. Speaking of those eyes, they looked rather gorgeous in the dying light of sunset. The room faced west (I assumed, although for all I knew, the sun set in the east in this world) so red light streaked every surface. I probably resembled Medusa, but Mamoru only looked more ethereally beautiful. Damn, I thought, staring at him intently. Who would suspect that such an enjoyable exterior could hide such an insufferable, pompous, self-assured, jerk? Well, he wasn't a jerk all the time, I conceded, but he sure made up for it. "What are you looking at?" He asked, shifting uncomfortably. I blinked, and realized that I had unabashedly stared at him for a good two minutes. "Nothing," I muttered, "I get strange when I'm hungry." "That's for sure," he said, and I knew his eyebrows were raised without even looking. "Is it possible for you not to make fun of every thing I say?" "Is it possible for you to say something intelligent?" The ability this man had to anger me was positively uncanny. "Fine, if you want it that way, Mamoru. I feel no obligation to talk to complete bastards." I crossed my arms over my chest and turned pointedly away to him. He just smirked at me, telling me precisely what he thought of that idea. I probably would have succumbed to the urge to scream at him again had the screen door not opened at that exact moment. Two modest-looking women, attired in what I assumed was the temple uniform entered, each carrying a tray filled with tea and an unopened ceramic pot. Delicious aromas drifted in my direction and I lifted my nose in an instinctual gesture. Looking away deferentially, the women placed a tray in front of both of us, and backed out of the room, bowing ceremoniously. ÒNow this is service!Ó I exclaimed, closing my eyes as I smelled the heavenly aromas. It would have been delicious even if I wasnÕt dying of hunger. I removed the lid eagerly, anticipating some incredible, fantastic...noodles. I stared in numb shock, wondering if Murphy really *had* hit upon the secret of life. Sure enough, lying innocuously next to the bowl were a pair of delicately inlaid chopsticks. Mamoru was making strange noises, I realized after a shocked moment. I looked up and was confronted with the picture of Mamoru in the throes of helpless laughter. "You should have seen your expression!" He choked out, his amusement gradually settling. I glared at him inimically, not enjoying the fact that he always managed to make fun of me. "It's not like my day could have gotten any better," I muttered, crossing my hands in front of my chest petulantly. "Really, at least I have the comfort of knowing that it could not possibly get any worse. I look like a drowned rat, I'm cold and I have spent the last six hours being mocked by this unmentionable jerk in front of me. And just when I thought that something was working properly...just when I thought that I could *eat*, they have to serve me noodles with...chopsticks!" I spat out the last word, valiantly trying to hold back tears of frustration. And was Mamoru, the bastard incarnate, moved by my plight? Of course not, from the interesting contortions his face was making, I figured that he was holding back laughter, and just barely succeeding. "Am I that funny to you, Mamoru?" I asked peevishly. I tend to get a little whiny when I'm hungry. It's one of those personality flaws which I have in abundance. The one good thing about being around Mamoru, though, was that he had no shortage of them, which made me feel much better about myself. "You," he said succinctly, "are absolutely brilliant." I looked at him curiously, all petulance forgotten. Of all things I'd expected to leave his mouth, that had to be the farthest from my mind. I was brilliant? What on earth was he talking about, anyway? In fact, I was so confused that I barely registered the fact that he was still speaking. ÒI have never in my life met someone quite as distinctly crazy as you. You have so many...quirks, you could call them.Ó ÒDistinctly crazy?Ó I repeated, indignant. ÒQuirks? Like what?Ó ÒOh, like your obsession with eating. Except you canÕt manage to use chopsticks. Or the fact you manage to be in some state of undress every time I see you.Ó ÒHey! ThatÕs not my fault!Ó He raised those hateful eyebrows. ÒWhile you could possibly argue that I was otherwise occupied at the time, I seem to remember a certain naked blonde running blithely through a heated battle.Ó I blushed; I had forgotten about that. ÒWell...um...Ó I began, ÒI couldnÕt think of anything else to do!Ó I finally finished, defending myself rather lamely. Mamoru knew it too. ÒI rest my case. You seem to find the answer to all problems in the precipitous removal of your clothing.Ó ÒI do...I mean...for GodÕs sake...you bastard!Ó I choked out incoherently. I was of half a mind to toss my noodles over his head-- I couldnÕt eat them, anyway. The thought of my noodles made my object of making Mamoru pay a little less immediate. After all, when he mentioned my obsession with food, he had-- much to my dismay-- hit the nail, as they say, on the head. You can say what you want about me, but it canÕt be denied that I love my food. Which, of course, left me a little problem as to how to eat it. Mamoru, realizing the path that my thoughts had wandered, picked up his chopsticks with exaggerated ease, and began slurping his noodles noisily. I was, however, used to Mamoru by now and it took more than that for me to rise to his bait. Not much more, though. As I sat there in stoic hunger, eyeing my noodles mournfully, I wondered when this exquisite torture would make me crack. It didnÕt take long. The smell and the slurping I could take, but when my unfortunate companion began to make sounds of extreme olfactory pleasure, I could not stand the poignant rumbling of my stomach any longer. Pointedly avoiding MamoruÕs curious gaze, I gingerly reached for the dreaded chopsticks. It is said that necessity is the best teacher of all, and I am a living example of that. For twenty two years I had made every effort to learn how to use chopsticks, and I had failed miserably. Faced with the prospect of never eating again, I proved a remarkably fast learner. After a couple of false starts that resulted in adding soup stains to my noteworthy catalogue of why I did not look my best at that moment, not to mention a perpetually amused Mamoru, I managed to insert some noodles into my mouth. I chewed carefully, the explosion of taste delightfully welcome. Encouraged by my initial success, I finished off the bowl with surprising alacrity. ÒYou know, I think that you got roughly half of that in your mouth.Ó Mamoru commented, staring at me like I was a strange and possibly dangerous lizard at the zoo. Of course, they probably didnÕt have zoos on this world. If they did, IÕd probably be the central attraction, I thought with a small giggle. ÒI know, arenÕt you proud?Ó I asked with a teasing smile. I was much to pleased with myself-- not to mention full-- to be angry at anyone, even Mamoru. ÒOnly because itÕs you, my dear,Ó he said with his typical smile, but it lit his eyes in a way that made my stomach feel curiously strange. I was grateful when the two ladies returned. At first I thought they had come to retrieve the trays, but it appeared that they were planning on retrieving us instead. Prompted by low-voiced requests we stood, and guided out into the corridor again. I gave Mamoru a questioning glance before I remembered that Rei had mentioned something about dressing us properly. Yet another immediate necessity, I thought. I was tired of looking like a homeless poster child. I experienced a moment of panic when they began to lead Mamoru and I in different directions. However annoying he may have been, the thought of being without him put my position in this world, alone, in extreme and immediate focus. ÒWait! What are you doing?Ó I said loudly, trying to keep the panicked edge out of my voice. Obviously I didnÕt succeed very well, because our two ladies shared a worried look, and Mamoru took it on himself to calm me. ÒDonÕt worry, Serena. TheyÕre just taking us to change our clothes for...whatever it is thatÕs happening.Ó ÒBut...will we see each other again?Ó I asked, far more worried than the situation really warranted. He gave me an incredulous smile. ÒOf course.Ó And, after a moment, ÒI wonÕt let anything happen to you, I promise.Ó And with that, we were dragged apart. I felt like a complete idiot, of course. What had prompted me to initiate that ÒtouchingÓ scene of protective testosterone, anyway? What did I need protecting for? Certainly not from him! I fumed at myself as I marched down the hall, determined to put Mamoru back in his place as soon as I saw him again. In fact, I found my fuming so satisfactory that I continued to do it as I was led into another room, barely noticing the two other female attendants. There was a small low table in the corner, with the customary pillows around it. On one wall hung a long mirror, with a rich silver frame otherwise undecorated. On the other wall was what looked to be a long bureau, its doors richly inlaid with a beautifully simple design of cherry blossoms. In the far corner stood a changing screen, similarly decorated. I stared curiously, momentarily forgetting about Mamoru. This was obviously a very well endowed temple. Even if the cost of the decorations had not impressed itself on me, the number of attendants would have. I did not have much time to stare, however, because almost as soon as I entered, the ladies stripped me of MamoruÕs rather dirty tunic and dropped it disdainfully on the floor. I barely registered the fact that I was naked, since I had been in that state so much lately, and IÕd never been an overly modest person anyway. Thank god for small blessings, I thought with a wry smile. They led me to a small opening, blocked by a similar opaque screen doors that I had not noticed before. On the other side I saw, to my extreme surprise, a sumptuous looking bath. I hadnÕt had a bath in so long I had begun to wonder if I remembered what they looked like. Of course, this one looked quite different than what I was used to. The floor was made of wood, and a stone pit was sunk into it, filled with steaming water. A lady beckoned me to enter, and I obeyed without any qualms at all. As I had expected, as soon as I adjusted to the temperature, it proved to be the most enjoyable experience I had had in a week. I sat there for a good half an hour like an extremely contented sack of potatoes. I would have relaxed longer, except the anonymous ladies had apparently decided that it was time to actually clean me up. According to them, this required rigorous scrubbing with fascinatingly scented soaps and what looked to be loofahs. I suffered this patiently, hoping that their ministrations would help my appearance somewhat. Walking around with a topless Adonis had not done much for my self-esteem. Finally, they attacked what I had dreaded the most: my hair. After several scrubbings so rigorous in nature that I wondered if my hair was going to fall off anyway, they finished. Leaving me no time for recuperation, I was extracted from the tub and given a beautiful pink silk robe. I was reluctant to put such a precious-looking object on my wet body, but they insisted. The silent yet forceful presence of the attendants was beginning to make me uncomfortable. They treated me with the same extreme deference that I had encountered since I arrived. I knew that I would find out what was happening soon enough, but I could no help but feel that they had mistaken me for someone else. I wanted to protest that I wasnÕt someone important, just plain old Serena. But their closed faces, deferentially turned away from my gaze did not exactly invite such conversation. So, sighing in frustration, I followed them back into the main room. I gestured for me to kneel on a pillow in front of the mirror. I sat down carefully, examining my appearance. The bath had certainly felt wonderful, and it seemed that it had worked wonders on my face as well. I was tactfully avoiding the birds nest I euphemistically referred to as my hair. While it was now clean, it was also a tangled mess. I was just beginning to wonder why exactly I was sitting in front of the mirror when one of the women placed a pillow behind me and knelt upon it. She grabbed my hair firmly and my eyes widened in surprise. Well, they had eyes too, I supposed reasonably as she began raking through the tangles with determination. I tried to stop wincing, but really she *was* rather overzealous. She was using a rather interesting comb; it was shaped like a pick with a longer handle, which also happened to be jeweled. Just how rich was this temple, anyway? They must have a rather generous endowment. Now, if only they had conditioner in this world, I wished as she attacked a particularly gnarled tangle. At certain points in this half-hour process she requested various concoctions from the other attendants, which were, as far as I could tell, scented oils. When it finally ended, to my eternal relief, my hair lay in an abundant gleaming mass around me. As I stared at myself in the mirror, even I had to admit that I looked far better than I had in a good month. It seemed that adventure agreed with me, I thought with a cocked smile. I saw the inklings of a smile on the womanÕs and another attendant allowed herself a muffled explanation over the sheer abundance of my hair. I had to agree with her, half the time I thought I was crazy to keep it this long, but I couldnÕt really overcome my romantic notions about long hair. I suppose, in the back of my mind, there was always the thought that no princesses had ever had short hair, and I did, after all, want to find my prince. The respite did not last long, however. Far sooner than I was prepared, the woman attacked me again, this time with the express purpose of dressing my hair. I admit that after the initial minute, I became too fascinated with what she was doing to worry about being uncomfortable. She put my hair into roughly seven thick braids and styled them expertly in something resembling a bun. She used a gorgeous pair of jeweled clips to hold the majority of the braids together at the center. She styled the remainder of my hair around the central bun with small clips resembling cherry blossoms. The end result was beautiful, if a little heavy. I wasnÕt used to having all of my hair piled on my head, largely because it had been years since I had been able to do it. I was obviously in the presence of genius, however, for I had rarely, if ever, seen my hair look so gorgeous. She allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction before we continued this interminable coiffure. Honestly, I hadnÕt taken this long to get dressed since my high school prom. If only I had taken Mamoru with me, I thought with a small giggle, then I would have had something to remember. As I descended again to reality, I noticed that the women had extracted a remarkable looking outfit from the closet. It was deep blue silk, resembling a kimono, but far more elaborate. As they continued to remove various undergarments and appendages, I had to suppress the urge to run far away. As pretty as the clothes were, IÕd probably collapse under all of that fabric. The attendants, however, looked as though this were routine dress. Perhaps it was, but I found myself possessed of a new appreciation of the twentieth-century leaning towards skimpy outfits. After another half an hour characterized by many confusing tangles and misunderstandings, I was fully dressed. I was even wearing those strange wooden shoes on what looked to be small stilts with socks separated for the thong. They were remarkably difficult to walk on, and considering that I was draped in what felt like miles of fabric, it was even more difficult. The ladies admired my appearance in the mirror, and even I had to admit that despite my extreme discomfort, I looked rather dignified. Contrary to what I had feared, I was not drowned by the formal outfit. A light blue sash cut across the dark blue kimono at my waist, and a long train of light blue fabric hung down my back. I quite enjoyed the way that it accentuated my hips. The sleeves covered my hands somewhat, but the collar revealed a healthy amount of my neck and a little below. I turned to thank them when I heard a loud commotion outside the doors. I knew it was Mamoru even before I heard his voice. ÒWhat have you done with Serena!Ó he was shouting. ÒI know it doesnÕt take two hours just to get dressed!Ó ÒPlease sir,Ó a placating male voice begged, Òthe ladies are preparing for the ceremony. I assure you that she is safe--Ò ÒIf someone doesnÕt enlighten me very soon as to what precisely is going on...Ó He said threateningly. ÒOf course, sir, if youÕll just come with me...Ó ÒI will not! IÕm going to find Serena!Ó And with that, he burst unceremoniously into the room. ÒWhere is she!Ó He demanded, his angry eyes quickly scanning the room. He noted my figure, turned sideways to him, but obviously did not recognize it. ÒReally, Mamo-chan,Ó I said with a raised eyebrow as I turned to face him. ÒAnd you say that I act hysterical. What exactly did you think had happened to me, anyway?Ó His mouth was hanging open slightly and his deep blue eyes had grown wide. ÒWell...Ó he stuttered, staring at me. I could not help but smile-- it was nice to get admired by *him* for a change. Mind you, he wasnÕt looking too bad himself, but at this point I was used to my reaction. He was wearing black pants similar to the red temple uniform. He wore a white silk shirt crossed in front and tucked into his pants, which did reveal a tantalizing amount of his chest. Over the shirt he wore a longer black jacket delicately embroidered with birds. His sword was again in its traditional place on his back. I noticed that he was wearing similar shoes as well, but he looked considerably more sure of himself than I. Not like I would ruin this delightful moment of superiority by admitting such a thing, of course. ÒI...I...told you not to call me that...Ó he mumbled, and I took the opportunity to smile at him patronizingly. ÒIf youÕre going to act like that, dear, I really donÕt have much of a choice. Now, why donÕt we take that manÕs advice and find out whatÕs going on?Ó Saying a small prayer I began to walk towards him. He seemed to regain his composure somewhat, but that didnÕt stop his eyes from locking exclusively on my figure. I made it to the door, amazingly, without mishap. ÒAre you coming?Ó I asked, when I stood next to him. I was feeling remarkably sure of myself. ÒAs you wish,Ó he said, and despite his formality, I detected the old mockery was firmly back in place. I skirted past him haughtily, and promptly tripped over the hem of my kimono, only saved by MamoruÕs ready arms. IÕm really going to have to stop doing that, I thought as I stared into his eyes, alight with mockery and humor. Finally, weÕre getting somewhere, I thought with relief as I looked across the low table. Mamoru and I were seated on one side with Rei and two of the men who had appeared when we first arrived. ÒWe welcome you to our humble shrine,Ó the older man said, bowing low over the table. The other two followed suit. Mamoru and I took this opportunity to roll our eyes; less respect and more answers would have solved our problems hours ago. ÒIÕm afraid that we donÕt quite understand what is going on around here. If you would care to enlighten us...Ó Mamoru said, his patience obviously having run out. I allowed myself a small smile, but didnÕt turn to look at him. ÒBut...how did you get the LadyÕs journal?Ó Rei asked with a shocked expression. ÒI was sent on a quest...I must find her before this plague ravages all Umeru. I was given the journal as a clue and it led me here.Ó ÒThe journal...who gave it to you?Ó Asked the old man with a hard expression. I had the sensation that he was testing Mamoru. I tried to keep my uneasiness from my expression, but I donÕt think it worked. A great deal relied on this meeting, I realized. ÒI was given it by the late emperor Nakatami Ashitaka on his death bed.Ó The shock at his words was palpable. ÒWhy...did he entrust this to you?Ó ÒBecause I am his son,Ó he said clearly. Although I knew all of this information, my breath was taken away at his performance. The way he held himself, staring straight into the eyes of the older man, made me inexplicably proud. After a moment, the man lowered his eyes. ÒI understand. It is then our duty to help you on your quest. But, if you will allow me one more question, who is the girl?Ó Here was the moment of truth, I thought nervously. How would he explain my presence? I glanced at him, but he was staring straight ahead. ÒShe is a messenger from another world.Ó I couldnÕt believe it. I stared at him, mouth open. A messenger from another world? I had heard of awful saves before, but that just had to be the worst one yet. Mamoru glanced at me and caught my incredulous expression. He smiled a little and looked away. Despite my shock, it seemed that our hosts had accepted his explanation. God only knows why, I thought, barely avoiding rolling my eyes. ÒThe time has come then.Ó The old man said gravely. ÒCome, the ceremony will be soon. Then, we will give you the box the Lady entrusted us with those centuries ago.Ó Mamoru nodded; it seemed that everyone had forgotten about my presence. I found that I couldnÕt get up the energy to be annoyed about it, though. ÒIf you will excuse us,Ó he said as they rose from the table. ÒWe must prepare for the ceremony. Attendants will fetch you shortly.Ó They left with a purposeful air, leaving me alone again with Mamoru. ÒA messenger from another world?Ó I asked in my most sarcastic voice. He broke into a sort of rueful smile, and I endeavored to remain upright under its onslaught. ÒWell...I had to say something. Considering that even I am a little unclear as to who exactly you are...Ó I smirked. ÒFor that matter, so am I. Actually, though...Ó I said, suddenly remembering the amulet that I had come all this way to give back. I removed it, regretting its loss immediately. I had grown accustomed to its weight. He regarded both the amulet and myself with surprise. ÒSerena,Ó he began, closing his hand over mine. I shivered, and then hated myself for reacting that way. ÒI think...that you should keep it, for now. Thank you for bringing it back, but I donÕt know what is going to happen to us, and it might be safer if you had it.Ó ÒAll...right...Ó I stuttered, and with shaking hands replaced the object over my neck. ÒYou know, I didnÕt recognize you in that outfit,Ó he said casually, completely changing the subject. I admit that I was grateful; things had been growing too strange for my comfort. I rolled my eyes. ÒI noticed.Ó ÒI have a feeling youÕre not going to get very far in those shoes, though.Ó ÒGlad for the vote of confidence.Ó ÒItÕs not my fault youÕre clumsy! I just make observations.Ó ÒI am not clumsy!Ó ÒOh really? What exactly do you call your...interesting use of chopsticks?Ó ÒEating!Ó ÒMaybe if youÕre a pig.Ó ÒAre you calling me a pig?Ó ÒHey, if it looks like one and oinks like one...Ó ÒDo you want me to punch you again?Ó My balled fist was dangerously close to his nose and ready to let fly. At that opportune moment, a serving girl I recognized from earlier entered the room. Mamoru rose to his feet with amazing alacrity and I followed suit, albeit a little more slowly. ÒYou got lucky this time, Mamo-chan.Ó I whispered angrily as we walked out of the room. He just laughed. My life seems to be traveling in circles lately, I thought. We were seated, once again, in front of the same fire that we had encountered during our memorable entrance. It seemed that the entire household had turned out for the ceremony which made the room feel rather stuffed. Rei and the old man had taken seats on either side of the fire, facing us. As of yet, nothing had happened, and the intense silence was beginning to make me nervous. It seemed that I had been waiting for things to happen far too often lately. I was tired of reacting to everything, I realized. I just hoped that this whole ordeal would soon be over so that we could be on our way. ÒIn the old days,Ó the old man suddenly intoned, and his booming voice made me jump a little in surprise. My shock didnÕt last long however, for I was immediately drawn into his story. ÒTemples were created in honor of the four great kami: earth, fire, wind and water. Here, in the land now called Mirror, the fire temple was established, and it prospered. Even when the great warlords ravaged the land, we alone of all the Mirror temples remained sustained in our power. But we cannot forget the debt we owe to one great woman, the savior who allowed us to continue and prosper. The Lady, benefactor of all this land, helped us as well. She endowed this temple with the magic to save those imprisoned, by impregnating certain objects with her magic. But, she requested one favor. According to the legend, she took a thin book, filled with blank pages, and wrote an inscription on the inside cover: ÒBeyond the Mirror lies the LadyÕs key You who hold this: write, so hidden eyes can see. [AN: The crappy poem strikes again! And you thought it had died, didnÕt you? See, I can be evil too! ] ÒInstead of leaving this in our possession, however, she took it with her. Should ever anyone come to us bearing that book, we were to open this box and leave the contents with them. This,Ó he paused for a moment to draw out the familiar figure of MamoruÕs journal, Òis the same book. They have come to us through the hidden passageway, escaping from the dungeon as of old. It is time for us to reveal the secret we have faithfully hidden for over four hundred years.Ó To say that he had my full attention would be an understatement. I stared at him, rapt, my entire being focused on his story. Not only was I getting some answers, I was getting some exquisitely tantalizing ones. This adventure of mine was growing rather interesting at an alarming rate. He appeared finished, to my disappointment, but before I really had time to worry about it, Rei had unfolded herself with an enviable grace. She stood in front of the fire, and with her head bowed penitently, she chanted for a few moments. Then, with a force so sudden that I had to repress a cry of shock and fear, she let out a scream-- perhaps of challenge or rage, I really wasnÕt in a condition to tell-- and reached her hand inside the fire. After what could not possibly have lasted longer than five seconds but what seemed like a few years she removed a thin wooden box, roughly a foot in diameter. If I thought that I had been surprised before, that was nothing compared to what I was experiencing now. By all force of logic, her hands should have been burned, dress scorched and the box--if it had been resting in that fire-- should have been reduced to smoldering ashes years ago. Yet, she walked towards us with an outward appearance of total calm, and placed the box gently between us. Mamoru and I reached out to touch it at almost the exact same time, and I could feel his mirroring disbelief. The box was cool to the touch. ÒLet the two open the LadyÕs gift together.Ó Mamoru and I stared at each other for a stunned moment, before he nodded. Trying to control the shaking of my hand, we opened the box. Inside was a simple piece of parchment. The beautiful calligraphy was carefully written over a delicate depiction of a forest in gold leaf. MamoruÕs eyes raked over it insistently, and his puzzled expression only deepened. ÒI donÕt understand,Ó he said, peering into the old manÕs eyes. The latter simply seemed to shrug his shoulders. ÒWe have performed our duties. That is all the Lady ever entrusted us to give. I suppose that she assumed you would understand her meaning.Ó Mamoru looked like he was about to push the issue, but decided against it. I was glad; I wasnÕt too keen on mentioning the fact that I could not read the writing in front of this many people, so I was praying for the rest of this ceremony to finish as quickly as possible. ÒAs is the tradition,Ó the old man intoned again, ignoring our confusion. Òthose who were lost have returned, and our sacred mission and debt has been repaid in full. Let us ring the bell in celebration.Ó The ringing seemed a cue for the audience to stand. They stood in front of us, one by one, bowing low, and then leaving. After five strained minutes we were alone again with Rei and the old man. ÒRei, please discuss the arrangements for tomorrow with our guests,Ó he said, as he stood up. ÒYes, Grandfather,Ó she said, her eyes downcast. Somehow she still didnÕt look very submissive. His expression softened. ÒYou were...brilliant today, Rei-chan.Ó She smiled, and the expression revealed even more of her exquisite beauty. ÒThank you, Grandfather.Ó The old man left at that point, leaving us alone with Rei. ÒThank you for your hospitality, but we will be leaving tomorrow,Ó Mamoru said firmly. I looked at him in surprise, but didnÕt dispute his decision. As much as I disliked his tendency to speak for the both of us without consulting my opinion, I had to agree that it was better to move out as quickly as possible. Rei acknowledged his statement with a dignified nod of her head. I was really beginning to envy that girlÕs composure. She couldnÕt be any older than I, and yet she had this air of maturity and worldliness about her that I could never hope to achieve. ÒWe will provide you with all you require for a safe journey...the details can be worked out tomorrow morning. As for now, I suspect that you may want to rest?Ó She was staring pointedly at me, and I blushed, for she had caught me mid-yawn. Another one was threatening to follow as well. I realized that it had grown dark somewhere during the dayÕs confusion, and that I was practically dead on my feet. Now that she mentioned it, I found that I wanted nothing more than a warm bed and no obligations for two days. Mamoru was giving me his typical smile as well, and even as I melted I found that I rather disliked that convivial air those two were sharing. It made me feel rather proprietary, IÕm ashamed to admit. She laughed a little. ÒCome, IÕll show you two your rooms.Ó I was a little surprised when she showed Mamoru and I to separate rooms. To my sleep-fogged brain it had made perfect sense for us to sleep together. And whatever *that* meant, I didnÕt want to think about. I waved a sleepy goodnight to Mamoru, and as I turned to enter my room, I wondered if I had just imagined that almost sweet softening of his expression as I smiled at him. Now, if thatÕs not strange, I donÕt know what is, I thought as I stared around the room. It was a little smaller than the others, furnished with little more than a changing screen, straw floor mats and an interesting-looking pallet on the floor. Just when I had begun to wonder if I would be forced to extract myself from this outfit by myself, two women entered the room with the apparent purpose of divesting me of the cumbersome outfit. As pretty as it had been, I bid it a happy farewell. Mind you, anything was better than no clothes at all, but I could get tired of that very quickly. I stood in the center of the room like a stuffed doll as they undressed me and unpinned my hair. As soon as the weight was released, I felt as if my head were floating off my neck. I shook my head a little, feeling my hair cascade down my back. They let me keep the basic undergarment for sleeping, an activity that I was rather keen on doing immediately. They went to a small cabinet and drew out several blankets and a pillow. I waited in a state of groggy impatience while they made the bed. At the soonest possible moment, I lay down, relishing in the foreign feel of the mattress. It felt sort of like a bean bag, I thought as I snuggled deeper inside. I dropped into oblivion mere moments later. Dressed in a far simpler kimono of patterned light pink and wearing a pair of flat shoes, I dined with Mamoru the next morning. My hair was held back from my face with two simple jeweled clips that I hoped they would let me keep when we left. PetuniaÕs Barbie doll was tucked safely into the thick middle wrap of the kimono. I currently found myself thwarted in my efforts to gulp everything down at once, largely because my grasp of chopsticks was still rather precarious. Mamoru regarded me as a running joke, and ended up losing large amounts of his food by laughing at me with his mouth full. Despite minor annoyances-- or perhaps because of them-- I rather enjoyed myself. Finally, we were continuing on our journey, which meant taking a proactive stance on events. I took another sip of some rather delicious juice from an unidentifiable fruit. ÒAbout this journey of ours,Ó I began, remembering my question from last nightÕs ceremony, Òwhat did that parchment say, anyway?Ó ÒYou didnÕt read it?Ó He asked. ÒYou were staring right at it.Ó I rolled my eyes. Why exactly did I ever credit him with intelligence? ÒMamoru...I canÕt read your language!Ó He still looked blank. ÒBut...you can speak it...you mean, this isnÕt what you speak in your world?Ó ÒOf course not! ItÕs part of the...Ó I was about to use the word ÒspellÓ but something warned me away from it, Òway I got here...I can understand and speak your language without thinking about it. But I still canÕt read it.Ó He nodded slowly. ÒBut, you know, Ò I mused, ÒI wonder if I could force myself to speak English...Ó ÒThatÕs your language?Ó I nodded, distracted. ÒMamoru...is stupid!Ó I said slowly, concentrating. ÒDid you understand that?Ó I asked, looking up at him. ÒPerfectly,Ó he said, with understandable sarcasm. I blushed. I probably should have chosen a better test sentence. ÒWait...IÕll get this in a second...um...the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain!Ó He gave me a quizzical expression. ÒYou didnÕt understand that!Ó I said, excitedly. ÒNo, I understood it, youÕre just insane.Ó I gave him my most withering expression, completely forgetting about my former efforts. ÒI do not believe that I am the insane one around here, Mamo-chan. Who came barging in my room yesterday, while I was changing? Your evil twin?Ó ÒThat was a perfectly logical reaction, and donÕt call me that!Ó ÒI will if I want to. How can you stop me?Ó ÒI have my methods--Ò ÒYeah right. Are you going to tell me what that parchment says or what?Ó ÒHuh?Ó ÒThe parchment. The reason we are having this entire ridiculous conversation in the first place...remember?Ó ÒYouÕre the reason we got off topic! DonÕt pin it on me...Ó ÒI am not! Oh...never mind, I donÕt care. Just tell me what the stupid thing says!Ó My voice was getting dangerously loud. ÒAll right, all right,Ó he said, placating me. ÒMaybe youÕll be able to make more sense out of it. ItÕs obvious that there is a reason why the Lady is known for her sense of humor.Ó ÒWell? Enlighten me.Ó I said, leaning closer. He fished the protective tube holding the parchment from the deep pockets in his overcoat. He rolled it open carefully, his fingers tracing the writing lightly. ÒThe rhyme itself is very simple. It just doesnÕt make any sense.Ó ÒI believe you said that already. Will you just get to the point?Ó He chose to ignore me. ÒFind the house with no windows, no doors, and a star in the middle [AN: Thanks to my beautiful, wonderful, sister for supplying this extraordinarily vital part of the story.]Ó I waited a moment while he stared at me with raised eyebrows. ÒThatÕs it?Ó I asked, slightly panicked. ÒI said it didnÕt make sense. Did you not believe me?Ó ÒI just thought you werenÕt exercising your admittedly deficient intellect to its fullest potential, thatÕs all.Ó ÒAhh, in other words, you thought you could do it better than I?Ó ÒPut simply, yes.Ó ÒBut it seems that plan didnÕt work, did it?Ó Damn. Every time I thought I had him he somehow managed to weasel his way out of it. One of these days my gift of repartee was going to kick in, and then he would regret everything he said to me. Until then, of course...I sighed, and changed the subject, fully aware that he would recognize the transparent ploy. ÒDo you think that the trees in the background might be a clue?Ó He gave me that patented look of his that I weathered stoically before he deigned to answer my question. ÒItÕs the only comprehensible thing about the whole poem in my opinion.Ó ÒSo, basically we know we have to find some strange sort of house in a forest...some clue. Maybe IÕm under the wrong impression, but arenÕt there plenty of forests around here?Ó ÒYouÕre right...Ó he said slowly, his finger still absentmindedly tracing over the designs, Òbut...look at how the trees look!Ó He said in a flash of inspiration. I looked closer, but did not see what had made him so excited. ÒDonÕt you see,Ó he continued, Òthe trees are on a sharp slope. There is a certain forest in the Minami hills that is known for its wild, untouched nature. Not even bandits venture there. There were, of course, old legends about magic, but I never really paid much attention...Ó ÒBut,Ó I said skeptically, Òhow do we really know this is the forest she means? That canÕt be the only forest in the mountains?Ó ÒNo, but itÕs the only one still untouched. Listen, Serena, I know we canÕt be positive, but at this point definite assurance is a little too much to ask for.Ó ÒAll right, the Minami hills it is, then. I defer to your greater knowledge.Ó I was actually being more serious than sarcastic. ÒIÕm so glad,Ó he said, smirking at me. He quickly turned serious, however. ÒOn good horses, weÕre about two weeks away. I must ask Rei and her grandfather about the KojinÕs recent activities...we might have to take a longer route there to avoid the plague.Ó As if on cue, Rei entered the room and bowed respectfully. ÒHave you finished?Ó Mamoru nodded, and I gazed at the untouched food mournfully. I had been feeling rather hungry this morning. ÒGrandfather requests your presence to discuss your journey.Ó Mamoru and I followed her through a small courtyard to a circular building with a wooden porch. We removed our shoes on the porch, and she slid the door open. We emerged into one room, with similar straw mats on the floor. It had an interesting smell, but I could not place it. Her grandfather was kneeling in the middle of the room, before a rather large piece of paper. As we approached him, I realized that it was a map. He beckoned us to sit before him. Rei and Mamoru sat easily, but all of this kneeling was really taking its toll on my ankles. I longed to sit cross-legged, but I had a feeling that it would be impolite. As nice as our stay had been, I was going to be very grateful when we left. ÒHave you interpreted the LadyÕs message?Ó he asked. ÒPartially; we plan to make our way to the forest in the Minami hills.Ó The old man nodded gravely. ÒThat is a wise decision. I expect that you know the way there is dangerous...especially in these times.Ó ÒWe do,Ó Mamoru said, and I glanced at him sharply. What was this ÔweÕ business, anyway? It was news to me that the trip was dangerous, although the prospect actually excited me more than it scared. ÒSir, could you please tell me anything you know of the KojinÕs recent activities? This information is vital to our quest.Ó At least he was thinking of us as a team, now. It made me feel rather special. ÒOf course. From what I have heard, the plague has not yet reached Mirror. In fact, there are rumors that the plague itself has stopped suddenly. Those who thought they were doomed awoke the next day miraculously cured.Ó ÒDoes this mean...Ó Mamoru asked in excitement, trailing off when the man shook his head. ÒNo, it seems that the Kojin has changed tactics. The tales of people disappearing without a trace have increased. I would guess that he is looking for someone or something. We can be grateful that he has not yet found it, but...Ó ÒThat ÔsomeoneÕ may very well be us,Ó Mamoru finished. ÒWe will have to be very careful then. If we leave now, Ushiru and his men will have no idea where we are. It might be better to take a more circuitous route to the Minami hills, but we canÕt afford to take too long.Ó ÒUshiru?Ó ReiÕs grandfather questioned. ÒOne of the KojinÕs top officials. He captured me, but she escaped,Ó he pointed to me and I found myself flushing with some inexplicable emotion. ÒIn the process, we killed several of his men. He has an intense personal desire to see us eliminated.Ó ÒI see. I agree with your assessment of the situation, then. I suggest that you two masquerade as husband and wife. While we will provide you with enough money for your journey, it would be ill- advised for you to appear unduly rich. You must endeavor to remain as unremarkable as possible.Ó Mamoru was about to agree when I finally decided to assert my presence. It was remarkable how little involvement I had in a conversation about our eventual fate. ÒWith all due respect, there is no way that I am going to masquerade as *his* husband!Ó My voice grew a little shrill in my excitement. The old man stared at me in shock, but Mamoru just gave me one of his cocky grins. ÒItÕs not a fate that most women would object to, you know.Ó ÒThe only way anyone would agree to marry you is if she had been too busy staring at you to pay attention to what came out of your mouth.Ó ÒAre you saying that IÕm attractive?Ó He asked, his eyes gleaming. ÒThat has nothing to do with anything,Ó I protested, blushing. ÒI see you do,Ó he said knowingly, his smile now a wide grin. ÒThen you ought to have no objections.Ó ÒUnfortunately, I have to marry your personality, not just your face!Ó I shouted, his calm absolutely infuriating me. ÒWill you two stop that!Ó the old man interrupted, finally, raising his voice to silence both of us. ÒYou are not getting married. You are simply pretending. In the privacy of your room you may do whatever you like. We are simply using this ruse as a matter of safety. It is unheard of for an unmarried man and woman to travel alone together, as you two will necessarily be doing. There is no other way. Do you understand?Ó he asked, looking pointedly at me. ÒYes,Ó I muttered, trying to ignore MamoruÕs look of triumph. ÒWell then,Ó the man said, rubbing his hands together in a business-like manner. ÒLetÕs plan your route.Ó In the end, our trip looked far more like a ÒcÓ than a straight line. At least we didnÕt have to travel to other islands on the archipelago, since the Minami hills were situated on the very tip of the main island. We were avoiding the areas ravaged with the plague primarily for health reasons but also because of the increased likelihood of discovery. Unfortunately, it seemed that we were traveling mainly along bandit-infested roads. Most of the cities and villages, thankfully, had certain inns secretly known for their protection of political enemies, and we definitely fell into that category. Rei had ordered several attendants to fill saddle bags for us with only two changes of clothes and other supplies, expressly ordered to be modest-looking. The less rich we appeared, the less bandits would want to rob us. After that business had been accomplished, the man rolled up the map and handed it to Mamoru. ÒWe will part ways soon. Will you do me the honor of taking tea?Ó The words seemed ritualized, and for once I was grateful for MamoruÕs tendency to answer for us both. ÒIt is our pleasure, great sir,Ó Mamoru replied, while bowing, and after a secondÕs hesitation I did so as well. At our gesture, Rei stood up and retrieved an already prepared tray in the corner of the room. As she placed it in front of us, I finally realized that I had been smelling tea. This must be a traditional tea house, similar to the kinds I had seen in pictures of Japan and China. I had, of course, noticed the extreme similarity that this world bore to ancient east Asia. It didnÕt make any sense, however, and I resolved to add that to my ever- growing Òlist of questions to ask Petunia.Ó That was the last opportunity I had for idle thought over the next hour, because as soon as the ceremony began, I found myself frantically watching Mamoru to figure out what I was supposed to do. The process was intensely ritualisic, and I was afraid that if I did one thing wrong, I would offend our hosts forever. By the time I got around to actually drinking the tea, I was sure that I messed up at least a thousand things. I stared at the tea bowl I held in my hands, admired it three times as Mamoru had done, and tried to avoid thinking about the fact that the substance I was about to drink was a deep, thick, green. To my utter surprise, however, I found that I enjoyed it. It was bitter and the taste was completely foreign, but I drained the contents with remarkable ease. When I finished, I bowed low and expressed words of praise in what I hoped fairly approximated MamoruÕs speech a few minutes before. After several more nerve-wracking moments, the tea ceremony finished, and we were allowed to leave. I had to distinctly avoid skipping away, and as we walked out together Mamoru noticed my pleasure. ÒWhat is it?Ó ÒDid I mess up terribly?Ó I asked as I replaced my shoes and he did the same. ÒWhat do you mean?Ó ÒAt the tea ceremony!Ó ÒOh...Ó he said, smiling a little. ÒAs strange as you are, I keep forgetting you come from another world. You had never done that before, had you?Ó ÒYou just noticed?Ó ÒTake it as a compliment. I thought you knew what you were doing.Ó ÒThat *is* a compliment, coming from someone who never thinks I know what IÕm doing.Ó ÒI donÕt think, I know. You were just copying me, in there.Ó ÒI thought you were complimenting me on my performance!Ó ÒYou only got by because I went first.Ó ÒOh! You self-assured--Ò ÒPompous bastard, I know, I know,Ó he said, waving his hand in that nonchalant way that only managed to infuriate me more. ÒDo you think that we could save this for later? I would really like to leave before noon.Ó We both had to change our clothes one last time before we went. While a small, practical part of myself longed for my requisite jeans and tee-shirt, I was mostly exquisitely happy with my wardrobe here. As little as I dressed up at home, I am a hidden clothes-freak. I just love exotic clothes. I had always dreamed of wearing things like Saris or kimonos, and now I was. Admittedly, this was far less magnificent than the ceremonial one I had worn last night, but it was also far more comfortable. It was made of plain dusky-gray silk, and the obi around it was a strong white fabric. They had removed the beautiful jeweled combs, and replaced them with two far simpler ones that I suspected were made of bone. I was, thankfully, allowed to keep the comfortable sandals. MamoruÕs necklace and PetuniaÕs Barbie doll were both hidden close to my body, inside my obi. I felt about as ready as I was going to be; it was high time I got going. Nodding to the attendant, I walked away from the mirror and the room, and emerged outside. The temple, it seemed, was perched on a hill just outside Mirror. It was enclosed by high walls. The woman led me to an open area on the side of the temple, that appeared to be the stables. Mamoru was already there, dressed in an outfit similar to what he had appeared in when I first met him. His boots were hidden under slightly baggy black pants. A long deep blue tunic hung over it, and an obi much smaller than my own was tied around his waist. His sword was, of course, strapped to his back. He was standing beside a rather large brown horse, but being abysmally ignorant on the subject of horses, I couldnÕt identify any more than that. He smiled at me as I approached and I looked away, determined to keep my dignity. ÒAre we ready?Ó I asked, unable to keep some of the excitement from my voice. Mamoru nodded, and then turned to our hosts. We bowed silently to each other for a moment, and then the old man said quietly: ÒWe wish you luck on your journey. A great deal rests on your shoulders.Ó Mamoru nodded silently, and then jumped easily on the horse. It took me a moment to realize that I was to ride behind him, and yet another to realize that I had to ride sidesaddle. By that time, he had already picked me up and dumped me unceremoniously on the horse. ÒDo I have to ride sideways?Ó I whispered urgently into his ear. The prospect of doing this for three weeks did not sound very appealing. ÒYes.Ó He said curtly, spurring the horse forward. I had the premonition that he was going to try something flashy, so I gripped his waist tightly seconds before he urged the horse into a gallop. ÒGoodbye!Ó I heard Rei call from behind us, and I turned and waved, extreme relief washing over me. Finally, my adventure was continuing. Of course, if I had known what that trip had in store, I might not have been quite so eager to undertake it.