On the eve of the wedding Lady Iboshi went to visit Hanamichi in his room but all she found was an empty bed littered with scraps of fur and pieces of feather. The redheaded lordling was gone and so were the three outfits made for him for his agreement for the hand in marriage. The alarm was sounded and every guards and servants went to search for the elusive bridegroom. Never did they notice a scruffy-looking creature shuffling through the gate to escape into the forest and onwards to the next kingdom.

"Hey, fool! Speed up on those pots will ya!" the second cook ordered as he hefted a pot of mixed brew off of the fire to make way for the soup.

"Alright, alright! Here!" the scruffy-looking person growled before he threw the oversized pot towards the unsuspecting cook. The man in the white apron screamed and fell down on the floor in fright but before the hard object reached his face it was caught by a hand stuck with feather and fur.

The scruffy-looking man laughed, "Oops, my hand slipped."

"You jerk! I oughta..." began the cook.

"You'll what?" threatened the fur-and-feather covered person standing up to his full height. The cook swallowed audibly and backed away.

"Hey, boy! I need that pot now!" the chief cook ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," the young man saluted carrying the big pot easily and placing it over the fire so that the water and other ingredients to the soup can be filled in. Before long the kitchen was filled with the delicious spicy aroma mixed together with the baked sweets that was made earlier.

"You cook some mean food, ma'am," commented the scruffy being, taking a whiff of the soup. The cook pushed him away and ordered sternly, "No hovering over the food, fool, or you'll get them covered in feather and fur. You're the handiest person to have around in this kitchen but if this creation of mine gets dirtied, I'll have you over my knee and spank you."

The kitchen girl, called Haruko, giggled as she began chopping the corriander leaves for the decorations. Under the layer of animal shedding, the young man blushed. Snorting to show everybody that he was unaffected by the chief cook's scolding, he then made his way outside to chop more wood for the firewood supply. Technically being a kitchen boy with two others of his age, the animal-like boy did other odd jobs together with helping out in the kitchen, especially those that require his strength. His appearance was one people would be aversed to. Being covered head to foot with feather and fur, he looked abominable especially with his height. At first the children ran away from him screaming monster and the adults spat at him for his looks but after a short two months, the people seemed to be more at ease with him for they learnt that he had a heart much warmer that anybody in the kingdom. One would expect the creature to be bitter with the world for being gifted with a hideous body but he surprised them with his positive and unexpectedly egotistical manner that one would think that he has been brought up in a castle where everyone kept assuring him that he was the best in all the world. Little did they know that under the dirty covering of animal shedding was indeed a lord's son by the name of Hanamichi who has lived in a castle nearly all his teenage life until his escape from a mismatch marriage of fate. But while the feather and fur covered his unblemished skin and red fiery hair, they did not manage to cover up his boisterous personality. He kept positivity, collectivity and humour among the servant community at its highest and nearly everyone of them have thanked silently for his presence although they were aware that due to his appetite the food supply has somewhat dwindled quickly than normal.

The sun was about to set when the non-human looking kitchen boy stopped his task. Already he has made two high piles of firewood that would last the cook for two weeks. As he was about to walk back into the kitchen, Haruko appeared from out of the kitchen as she was wiping her hand with a cloth. Hanamichi went still as he watched the pretty girl walk toward him with the sweetest smile he has ever seen on a young girl.

"It's time for dinner. I've set aside a dish for you so we can eat together," Haruko said, motioning for the young man to follow her, "Come on."

"Th-thanks," the lordling stammered. Trying to eradicate the nervousness he felt that might make the girl think less of him, the feathered-and-furred young man tried to start a conversation, "S-so, I heard that the cook has been ordering some spices from the eastern kingdom and meat from the west. I thought we had enough for the whole year."

The girl blinked, "Don't you know? The lord of the castle is holding a coming-out ball for his daughter, lady Arashi."

"Really? She's what...18?" asked Hanamichi.

"Hai," the brown-haired girl nodded, "And the younger brother, Kaede, is 15 just like us. We'll be able to see the two in their best in a week's time. The young lord hardly goes to any social functions and he keeps himself alone in the woods or practicing his sword in the castle bailey with a few soldiers."

The note of adoration and enthusiasm in the girl's voice brought displeasure onto the young lord. Although he has never seen the lordling before, Hanamichi didn’t think that the young master of the kingdom could be that perfect to make Haruko hold him in high esteem, could he? Ok, so young lord Kaede would undoubtedly NOT be covered in feather and fur like himself but looks aren't all to a man's attraction. What if it is in Haruko's opinion?
The wheels in the redhead's brain begin to turn. What if he showed Haruko his true self? Then she would fall in love with him! But that would be risky. People would notice and they would recognise him as the run-away bride-groom-to-be. Where would he run to next? He has made himself a home among the people in this kingdom especially with the servant staff and Haruko was like a ray of sunshine in his life. Loosing them would be like loosing his family all over again.
But there was that ball that would take place in a week's time. Maybe he could blend in with the other high-bloods invited to this gathering and pretend to be one of them. It was risky but he would try it for the chance that Haruko might see him in his best of form. As they sat down for their dinner, the redhead sneaked a peek at the girl beside him and made up his mind. For one night he would be young lord Hanamichi once again.

The ball has started and half of the guests have already arrived. The band has begun playing but no one was dancing yet. They all were waiting patiently for the host to formally start the ball with a speech and the servants were just appearing with trays laden with light treats and drinks to serve the guests with.

At the foot of the stairs leading into the main hall stood the host and hostess and his children, Arashi and Kaede. The two siblings were a beautiful pair with their dark midnight hair and pale skin like their mother and their graceful build like their father. Their eyes were of the colour of the darkest sapphire and their thick sooty lashes accentuated the seductive fox look. The maids felt weak on the knees as Kaede kissed their hands out of courtesy and the men had to remind themselves to breath when Arashi gave them a ruby-lipped smile. When the rest of the guests arrived, the host and hostess climbed a few steps up the stairs to welcome the guests and hence giving a start to the party. A pathway cleared for the two dak-haired siblings to walk towards the dancefloor and they began to dance to the music of the waltz. They danced gracefully along the dancefloor as their parents and the guests looked on appreciatively at the fine pair.

"I can't wait for this to be over," mumured Kaede. Arashi could clearly hear the impatience in his cool voice. Kaede never did like using formal attire as he was oft to complain that the collar was as stiff as a board.

"You and me both, brother," said Arashi putting up a smile to cover up what they were talking about, "I hate being put on display like this, as if I'm an object to be sold to the highest bidder."

"Then why did you agree to this nonesense?" asked her brother.

"Every young lady coming of age has to have a ball or everyone would think I have something horrible to hide," said the raven-haired girl.

"You are beautiful," assured Kaede honestly that made the young lady smile. And it was the truth. Even if she was not decked with diamonds and silk as she was at the moment, she would still be the best-looking woman in the room.

"Arigatou, brother. You are too," Arashi said. The snort from her brother made her want to laugh.

"I am not beautiful," protested Kaede lightly. It was the familiar banter between them. Before Kaede outgrew Arashi, the two nearly looked alike that people thought they were twins. Although Kaede hated dressing up in the finest formal wear a lord could afford, he looked dashing in it but like her, Kaede would look fine in any piece of clothing.

"Whatever," Arashi shrugged finely without missing her steps, "You get to run off to somewhere after this while I have to dance with all these men."

"Why don't you fake sickness of the wine?" suggested the young man.

Arashi shook her head in humour, "I know I did say that I hate being put on display but there is the possibility that the person who I am looking for might be in this room."

"What person?"

"The person who will not only be a husband, but also my life. I dream of meeting a man who can make me laugh and not shun me for my mind."

"I have never heard you speak of this before," commented Kaede after a moment. He and his sister intimidated many people including their tutors and other lord's children. Their cold and aloof personality made them stand out and together with their looks, the two siblings have become quite popular since they could walk and talk. While Kaede would rather keep to himself and stay silent most of the time, further maintaining his reputation of being distant, Arashi was quick in speaking out her mind from her deep knowledge of nearly everything she could glean from the books from the vast collection of the family library.

"You have never asked. Actually, you hardly speak at all," teased Arashi.

"Too tiring," Kaede said simply. Arashi chuckled silently.

After a while the lord of the castle cut in and danced with his daughter before allowing one by one from a line of admirers to take his place to get to know the young beauty of the kingdom. True to Arashi's words, Kaede did slip out the room before the maids could get a chance to swarm towards him like they usually do in occasions like this. Other than the clothing, he hated the socialising. He could never understand how the other females couldn't be like his sister. They all were just mindless, twittering idiots in his point of view.


~~~~

Hanamichi rushed out of the kitchen as soon as he was sure that he would not be missed amidst the near choas in the kitchen. The food was already cooked and all is left is to serve it. Knowing he would not be needed unless there were dishes or heavy cauldrons to wash, the redhead escaped into his small room at the servant's quarters and waited. A bird appeared through the small open window before another bird joined it and then another. It was not long before there was a crowd not only of feathered and winged creatures but also furried animals like the squirrels, doormice and rats gathered together inside the cramped room. Before Hanamichi could utter a word, the animals came after him and started plucking at the rag-tag ensamble of animal shedding to reveal a young man with fiery red hair dressed in an outfit comparable as the day.

Instead of being thankful for the animal's help, the redhead cursed as he spat a hair ball from his mouth, "You guys could at least warn me before you did that! Yuck!"

Beside Hanamichi, a squirrel snickered before it scampered off with the other animals to leave the redhead alone. Dusting off his outfit and brushing back his hair with his hands, Hanamichi set out to look for Haruko. Knowing that the girl would helping in serving the guests, he made his way to the source of music and was immedietly directed to the ballroom. He pushed and weaved his way through the sea of bodies and was too engrossed in looking out for the brown haired servant girl that he didn't notice that he has reached the centre of the dancing floor until he bumped into somebody and sent that person sprawling to the floor.

"Oh, gomen ne," the redhead apologised, offering a hand to the young man. The man wordlessly accepted his assistance and after pulling him up, Hanamichi was about to continue his search when he realised that every eye was trained upon him. Blinking stupidly he turned around and came face to face with the most gorgeous eyes he has ever seen.

"I assume you'd like to dance with me, my lord?" asked the young woman with a hint of teasing in her voice.

He knew he should be looking for Haruko but seeing that he shouldn't be impolite to this lady either, Hanamichi nodded, "Uh... hai."

The two began dancing and although he much appreciate the attention he received from the guests and hosts, the long period of hiding has made him uneasy.

"Am I making you uncomfortable, my lord?" asked the young lady to him.

"No... uh... what makes you say that?" stammered the redhead.

"Your feel tense," the lady told him, "Is it because of me or because of the people staring at you?"

"Urm..." redhead mumbled as he blushed, "The staring."

The lady smiled, "You should have expected it. You look stunning in this outfit. I have never seen anything like it. It reminds me of the one that has gone missing together with the young lord who was about to marry the widow of his uncle."

The sudden tight grip on her smooth hands made her wince. The redhead cursed himself before quickly easing his hold caused by his panic. Arashi assured him, "No need to worry, young lord. Your secret is safe with me but people will bound to remember you sooner or later. I am curious as to why you have left your hiding thus threatening your livelihood."

Hanamichi hesitated for a moment before telling her, "It's... it's Haruko..."

Arashi smiled knowingly, "Ah, love. A noble cause indeed. Now go look for her before people start coming at you to know who you are. Good luck."

The redhead grinned and squeezed her hand to relay his gratitude, "Thanks."

Aota saw the redhead leaving the dance floor and crossed the hall the catch up to him when suddenly in front of him stepped the young lady Arashi. Her action was quick and graceful that no one would see that she has intercepted his advance on purpose.

"Oh? A dance sir? Why I would be delighted," the lady said, lifting her hand for the young lord to take. Aota knew no other way to evade this so he began to start dancing and at the same time his thoughts occupied themselves with the presence of the mysterious redhead.

The lady's soft voice broke through his thoughts, "Shall we chat, my lord? How about on Art and Music? Or perhaps History or Politics?"


~~~~

The redhead escaped the bright scenery of the ballroom and breathed a sigh of relief. It wouldn't be easy to blend in the crowd after all, thought Hanamichi as he picked on his clothing sourly. If not because of his hair, it would be because of what he was wearing. He found a spot behind the curtains of an arched doorway and began to think where Haruko would go to other than serving in the ballroom when suddenly he heard the sound of booted feet clomping along the corridor. Peeping over the curtains he saw to his surprise that it was Kouichiro who was looking in all directions as if searching for something and it was of no doubt that the focus of the search was the redhead himself.

Hanamichi missed his family sorely but unable to face the life of loveless marriage, he kept silent when he realised with panic that his older brother was getting closer to where he was hiding. Tip-toeing backwards, his searching hands found a door's handle and silently pushed the door open. Managing to enter the room without being heard he closed the door silently and waited until the footsteps of Kouichiro's faded in the distance. Relieved, he turned around to see that he has entered a tea room where the owners of the house have their tea in the afternoons or a spot of wine after dinner. With the light from the fire burning in the firplace at the centre of the western wall, Hanamichi could make out a form sleeping soundly on a dark green couch. The redhead thought for a moment before walking up to the sleeping person to ask him where he might find another way of the castle but upon shaking the man awake, the young redheaded lord nearly got his face smashed by a fist.

"K'so!"cried Hanamichi, "Watch it will ya!"

The person sat up and glared at the redhead with his piercing blue eyes. Shaking off the sudden shiver he felt of being targeted by such a look, Hanamichi glared back. Like lady Arashi's eyes, this young man's blues nearly mesmerised him to dumb silence.

"What do you want?" the blue-eyed boy demanded coldly. But with his mask of annoyance, the raven-haired lordling's gaze swept from the bottom of the other boy's foot to the top of his red hair. Kaede has never seen a person like this one before and he has never ever met anyone who dared to met him eye to eye in such an open way. Others usually shirk away from his coldness but not this fiery being.

"I want to know if there's a way out of the main wing of this castle. I wanna get out without being seen," Hanamichi told him sourly.

The other boy arched an eyebrow, "Why? What have you done?"

"Nothin'!" Hanamichi defended himself testily, "I... I just wanna get out of here without any trouble. This party's a drag. Besides, the person I was looking for wasn't here."

"Who?"

"Haruko. The most beautiful girl in the kingdom!" Hanamichi began enthusiastically, his mind starting to wander to the girl's image.

"....."

"She's got the sweetest smile, the softest brown hair, beautiful eyes and the most melodious voice..." sighed the redhead. With a goofy smile he turned his attention back to the raven-haired boy only to see that his companion has fallen asleep.

"Hey, wake up ya jerk! Tell me where I can get to - WAAH!"

The raven-haired boy sat up again and blinked sleepy eyes at the redhead who was crouching for the second time to evade his fist again.

"You're crazy, do y'know that?!!" cried the redhead standing up to glare at the brunette.

"What do you want?"

"I told ya, I want to find a way out of this place!"

"There are only two ways. Through the ballroom and the corridor that leads to the kitchen. That is all."

Hanamichi thought for a moment. Walking across the ballroom would get him unwanted attention and he already knew that Kouichiro has taken the route to the kitchen so there was the danger of bumping into his older sibling. Turning around to make sure of the routes available, the redhead saw that the brunette has fallen asleep again.

"Hey, wake up-WAHH!!" For the third time that night the redhead found himself ducking from the blow.

"What now, ahou?"

"Alright, that's it!" growled Hanamichi taking off his cloak, "First you nearly hit me and then you insult me!"

"The insult was just."

"WHY YOU...!!"


~~~~

It was nearly midnight when the guest started to leave to go home. Arashi excused herself from her still present admirers to freshen up but instead of going to her room, the young lady made a detour to the tea-room where she suspected her brother might be. When she opened the door she was not expecting to see the chairs and tables shifted and turned over and in the centre of the room stood her brother and the redheaded lord, their fists up and face all bruised and bloody.

"Kaede? What is the meaning of this?" asked Arashi calmly.

"He started it," accused her brother, motioning towards the redhead.

"Did not!" protested Hanamichi hotly, "You're the one who insulted me first!"

"As I've said the insult was just," scoffed Kaede which infuriated the redhead further.

"TEMME!!"

"Enough. Kaede, show some respect to our guest," chastised Arashi and then turning towards the redhead, she aplogised, "I am sorry for my brother's behaviour. Would you like to join me again at the ball. After lord Aota was gone, all the other men seem so dull."

Hanamichi stopped his action in trying to fixed his rumpled outfit, "Lord Aota? Did he leave with his brother Kouichiro?"

"Yes, he did," Arashi tilted her head, "You know of them?"

"Well, yeah... he's my ... erm... brother..." whispered Hanamichi. Arashi already knew about him so he trusted her. Kaede rolled his eyes. Not actually keeping himself updated to the going-ons of the other kingdoms around his father's own, the fox-eyed boy did not understand the secrecy.

"Ah. I see," Arashi smiled as she linked her hand around the redhead's arm, "Does he have a lady love waiting for him back in his kingdom or elsewhere?"

"Not that I know of," the redhead said as he scratched his chin. Then he stopped and asked the young woman, "What time is it?"

"Nearly midnight," Arashi told him.

"Shimatta! I've gotta go!" the redhead apologised slipping away from the lady's grasp. Since it was that late, the kitchen ought to be piled high with dishes, pots and pans ready to be washed and the kitchen staff would be looking for him any minute now. And he did not want his ear pulled like what the chief cook would threaten to do for disappearing on the job. The cook was shorter than he was, but damn, she has got strong hands. It must be stirring the food for so long.

Before Arashi could stop him, the redhead has rushed out of the room and disappeared out of sight.

"He is very charming... like his brother," Arashi commented, lifting her gloved hand to her cheek.

"You're not serious of that fool's brother are you?"

"Why whatever do you mean, dear brother," feigned the raven-haired lady innocently.

"You asking if the lord has already got a lady love," pointed out Kaede.

"Hmm," Arashi smiled, turning to face her brother, "Alright I admit, I find Lord Aota very appealing. I have never met anyone who can match me wit for wit and it was the first time I have ever held a real conversation with a man before. And he is very handsome."

"Are you sure they are brothers?" asked Kaede sarcastically.

"Don't be mean, Kaede. I have never seen you getting so incensed with someone like this before. You should see the people staring at the him in the ballroom earlier on. He made quite an impression and I must say that I was awed at the moment," admitted Arashi.

Kaede snorted, "Before Lord Aota came in."

Arashi sniffed demurely, "You're just jealous because you haven't found someone that you like."

"Hmph. As if."


~~~

Cross-over characters= Arashi from X-1999. She is kinda OOC but I had to change her behaviour a bit to fit the role of Kaede's sister ^^;;



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