TPK - Chapter 6

The Princess-King

Chapter 6

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Into the City We Go

Ariana dreamt she was back on the fields of Camlann, battling Morgana’s army once more.  Everything played out the way she remembered it.  Only this time, as she was about to go after Morgana, she begins to witness all of her knights, her closest friends, being killed one by one.  She calls out their names as each one fell.  When the last of her knights, her most beloved, fell at her feet, she collapses to her knees.  She gently pulls the fallen knight with locks of blue into her arms as she glances around to all of her fallen friends.  She begins to weep.  Then she hears Morgana’s malicious laughter all around her before she sees a flash of green light.

She wakes up with a gasp as she quickly sits up straight from bed.  She quickly glances around her to see that she back in the room of Sakura’s and Lee’s.  She places a hand on her forehead as she took in deep breaths.  “It’s was just a dream.” Ariana told herself.  “It was just a dream.”

She soon feel a headache coming on.  She begins to rub her forehead, feeling the fabric that covered one of her wounds.  She figures that maybe she’s still recovering from the shock of last night.  After some thinking, she decides that, instead of going back to sleep, she’ll get some fresh air to clear her head.

After getting out of the bunk, she takes a glance at her sleeping companions.  Toky was snuggled up tight in his huge stuffed animal with a peaceful look in his face.  As for Sakura, Ariana notices that she on her stomach with her right hand underneath the pillow while the other hanged over the edge of the bunk.  When Ariana looked a bit more closely at the young girl, she realized that underneath her left arm was her stuffed sea creature.  Ariana gives a quietly giggle, thinking that Sakura reminded her of a small child. 

She soon turns to leave, but before she could, she feels a slight draft on her legs.  She looks down and remembers that she’s still in the rather short trousers.  Not wanting to go out in the revealing clothing, she begins to look around the room to see if she could use anything to cover herself.  Her eyes soon turn to the basket that contained her and Sakura’s clothing from last night.  Figuring that it was better than nothing, she takes out her long white tunic and uses it as a make-shift robe.  Holding the tunic tightly together, she quietly opens the door and leaves the room.

She was first greeted by the orange, yellow sky as she comes out from the First Mates’ cabin.  As she was getting out, she spots a piece of rope at the corner of her eye.   She picks it up and finds it long enough to tie it around her waist.  She does so before she goes down the plank and onto the harbor to have a better view of the ocean.  It truly was a sight to behold.  The sun’s light shining on the ocean’s surface, making the waters give many colors that reflected the rising sun.  Even the orange, red, white clouds gave the sky its beauty.  Ariana smiles at the sight.  At least she knows one thing hasn’t changed from her time.  She sighs at this before she turns around to look upon Camelot. 

When she first saw the city in this new era, it was night time.  But now that the sun is out, she could see the city a bit more clearly.  Over the port’s walls and onto the hilltop, her sight first gazes at the castle. Her home when she was King of England.  From what she could tell, the castle hasn’t changed at all.  As she continues to gaze at the castle, shining in the light of the rising sun, she begin to wonder what this new day, this new era, will bring to her.  The more she thought about it, the more nervous she felt.  She begins to wish that her friends were here with her.  Her eyes begins to tear up as she thought of them.  But she quickly shakes herself out of it and takes in a deep breath.  There was no time to dwell on the past.  She has to focus on the present.  That is her goal.

She quickly tears her gaze away from the castle and back to the ocean.  Judging by the height of the sun in the sky, she estimates that it was close to 6.  She nods at this before she goes back onto the ship.  She then looks down the stairway the lead to the galley.  She hums in thought for a moment before she heads down the steps.

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Sakura felt a warm light hitting her cheeks.  Soon the light reaches her eyes.  She stirs in her sleep before slowing opening her eyes.  After she rubs her eyes from the drowsiness, she sits straight up and stretches out her arms.  She then slowly climbs down the bunkbed and goes over to her music box to take out her watch.  According to her watch, it was now 7:30 A.M.  She turns over to look at the sleeping Toky, who was now on his back with one of his legs twitching.   She lets out a yawn before she starches the back of her head.  It’s not that she’s not a morning person, but last night sure was eventful.  A lot more eventful than she or any of her crewmates thought it would be.   They somehow manage to do what nobody thought they would.  They found the legendary Princess-King and learn the mystery of her disappearance. 

Speaking of the Princess-King, Sakura turns back to bunk bed to check on Ariana.  But instead she sees an empty bunk, with the Princess-King nowhere in the room.  All alarms ring out all over her body, fully waking her up.  She quickly leaves the room, slamming the door behind her.  This causes Toky to wake up.  But as quickly as he woke up, he falls back to sleep.

Once Sakura reaches the bathroom that was right next door, she quickly knocks the door.  When she doesn’t get a response, she places her left ear to the door if she could hear anything that could indicate that Ariana was inside.  But when she doesn’t get anything, she quickly opens the door and she finds no one inside.  Now panicking, she rushes right out of the hallway and onto the main deck. 

She quickly searches the deck to find Ariana, but she still couldn’t find her.  She then goes down deck and continues to look for the Princess-King without waking up anyone.  As she continues searching high and low in the ship, her fears worsens, thinking that maybe she left the ship.  And if that were the case, where is she? Is she still in Camelot?  Is she even in the city at all?  What if something bad happened?  All of these thought continue to run through her mind, worsening her fears for her Majesty’s safety.

She soon comes back on the main deck, nearly out of breath.  Once she does, she smells something sweet.  Something fried.  Something smoky.  Something…good.  She then sees steam coming out from a vent from the galley.  Realizing that Remy is cooking breakfast, she thinks maybe the little guy has seen Ariana.  After taking in a couple of deep breaths, she rushes down to the galley.

“Remy! Have you seen-!”  Sakura immediately stopped in her tracks when she sees the person she was looking for.  Though what caught her off guard the most is that the legendary King of Britian was wearing an apron and was cooking with Remy.

“Mm?” Ariana looks after she flips her pancake.  When she sees that it’s Sakura, she lets out a gentle smile.  “Good morning, Sakura.”

 “Ah!”  Sakura quickly stood up straight and places her hands on her side.  “Good morning, you’re Majesty.”  She then turns to Remy.  “Good morning, Remy.”

Remy waves at Sakura and lets out a couple of squeaks, which Ariana could only assume he said, “Good morning.”

“Ummm…so…” Sakura began.  “I see you and Remy are cooking breakfast.”

On the counter of the kitchen, Sakura could see at least eleven types of food for breakfast.  She can see pancakes, French toasts, bacon, sausages, scramble and sunny-side up eggs, omelets, eggs benedicts, waffles, crepes, diced fruits, hash-browns and a bowl of oatmeal.

Ariana nods at this before she places the pancake with the others on a large plate.  “Yes we are.  Though this is the first time I ever cooked some of these since I didn’t have them in my time.  So don’t expect them to be great.”

“I-I’ll keep that in mind.”  Sakura said.

It was then that Ariana notices that Sakura’s breath was ragged and she was sweating a little.  “Sakura, you seem to be a bit winded.  Are you alright?”

Sakura becomes timid as she starts to twiddle her fingers together.  “U-Ummmm…I-I-I was…that is…ummm…I was looking for you.”

“Oh.” Ariana is surprised by this.  “For me?”

Sakura nods at this, feeling her cheeks heating up.  “Y-You see…when I woke and I-I-I didn’t find you in the bunk bed, I-I thought that something happened a-and…I looked over the ship to find you, fearing that-”  She feels her cheeks heating up even more from embarrassment as she rubs that back of her head.  She feels like a fool for being overly worried for Ariana.

Ariana feel touched by Sakura’s concern for her.  She suppose it was her fault for not letting her know that she was in the galley cooking breakfast with Remy.  Ariana gives Sakura a warm smiles when she finally looks back up.  “I am sorry, Sakura. I didn't mean to worry you like that.  I woke up by sunrise and decided to come down here.” Ariana pour another batch of the pancake batter in the frying pan.  “But at least now you know I’m alright.”

Sakura smiles at this as she begins to relax a little.  “So…do you and Remy need any help with anything?”

Ariana hums in thought for a moment before she turns to Remy if they needed any.  Remy places the ham and cheese omelet on a plate before he point up at the cabinet where the plates and other silverware were.

“Well, maybe you could help set up the tables for the crew.  But first,” She gestures for Sakura come closer.  The young black-haired girl does so, allowing for Ariana to whisper in her ear.  “You might want to comb your hair first.  I don’t want you to get embarrassed when the rest of the crew wakes up.”

“Huh?  What are you talking about, you’re Maj-” Sakura then realizes what Ariana meant.  She quickly feels for her hair and she slumps her shoulders when she realizes her hair is all frizzy again. 

Sakura feels her cheeks turning red again as she lets out a chuckle.  “Heheheheheheh…excuse me for a moment.”  She quickly leaves the galley to fix her hair.

As soon as Sakura was out of sight, Ariana and Remy resume their cooking.

Ten minutes later, Tadashi comes down to the galley, all dressed up for the day.  He lets out a yawn when he reaches the last step before his drowsy eyes turn to the kitchen.  Least to say that he was surprised to see Ariana cooking alongside Remy.

Ariana notices Tadashi coming before she lets out a bright smile.  “Good morning, Tadashi.”

Tadashi waves back at them with a smile. “Morning, you’re Majesty. You’re up and early I see.”

Remy waves at Tadashi with a squeak before he flips over some strips of bacon.  Tadashi gives the little chief a ‘good morning’ back before he goes over to the duo.

“I see you guys are cooking breakfast.” Tadashi said, standing in between the two.

“You sound quite surprised, Tadashi.” Ariana said with a smirk.

Feeling slightly embarrassed for his comment, he waves his hands in front of him.  “D-Don’t get the wrong idea, you’re Majesty.  It’s just, I never really expected someone of royalty to cook breakfast.”

Ariana chuckles at this.  “Yes, I may have been born a royal.  But I was raised as a peasant girl.  And even when I became king, I still love to cook whenever I find the time to do so.”

“I see.”  Tadashi said before turning behind them to see the food that she and Remy created.  “Well, I gotta hand it to you, you’re Majesty.  The food looks and smell delicious.”

“Why thank you.”  Ariana smiled at him.  “But it’s not just me that cooked them.  Remy did helped.  He especially taught me how to cook some of these dishes.”

Tadashi lets out a chuckle before he turns to Remy.  “You did a good job on teaching her Majesty how to make some of these, Remy.”

Remy beams himself with pride with Tadashi’s comment.

“Hi I’m back.  And I brought Toky.”  Sakura called out as she goes down the steps.  Her hair was now neatly combed.  What’s more, she changed clothes for the day.  In her arms was Toky, who was only half awake. 

“Welcome back, Sakura.”  Ariana said.  “And good morning, Toky.”

Toky waves back at Ariana, still all drowsy.  But as he gets a whiff of the food, his eyes pop wide open and his mouth waters when he actually sees them.  He immediately rushes out of Sakura’s arms and to one of the tables, waiting eagerly for the food to be serve.

Tadashi then goes up to Sakura, both of them blushing and smiling lovingly at one another.  When Tadashi was standing just a couple inches away from, Sakura felt such embarrassment in her that she couldn’t look up at his eyes.

“G-Good Morning, Tadashi.” Sakura said shyly, twiddling her fingers together.

Tadashi gently lift her chin up to face him, allowing him to fully see his girlfriend’s face.  Seeing her beautiful blue eyes, her rosy cheeks and her soft pink lips made his heart melt.  He then leans in and briefly kisses her.

“Good morning.” Tadashi softly said, smiling cheekily.  Feeling his cheeks burning, he looks down briefly with slight embarrassment. “Y-You look nice today.”

Still blushing from the kiss, she smiles back at him.  “Th-Thank you.  And you look pretty handsome today.  I-I-I mean…you always looked handsome no matter what.  I-I mean…even if you wear a silly hat or glasses or whatever, you would still look handsome.  A-At least to me.  I don’t know how the others would react if they see you in those or whatever, but just know that I still will think that you’re-”

Tadashi chuckles at this before he quickly silence her with another kiss.  “I get it Sakura.”  He then leans in closer to her ear before whispering.  “I think you would look cute in a silly hat.”

Sakura feels her cheeks heating up more from Tadashi’s words and his warm breath against her ear.  But she couldn’t help but smile softly at this.  Both of them then leaned in again for another kiss.  But before their lips could touch again, Sakura opens her eyes slightly to finally see…they still have company.

“Eak!” Sakura quickly blocks Tadashi’s lips with her hands and pushes him away. 

Tadashi looks at her, confused by his girlfriend’s action.  Sakura just points right behind him, her face now as red as a tomato. Tadashi looks over his shoulder and he sees everyone reaction.  Toky was looking down on the table, his face and antenna a bright pink.  Remy was leaning against the handle of his frying pan, with one hand supporting his head, his face all smiley and his irises in heart shapes.  But Tadashi’s attention was on Ariana, who just stood in shock, with her cheeks all red.  What more, with her attention on them now, the pancake she was cooking was burning.

It wasn’t that Tadashi and Sakura do it on daily basic.  But when they do, their friends usually don’t mind too much.  If anything, some of them find it kind of cute.  Especially when they are not the only couple on the ship.  Plus they could stop their public affection if it was too much.  So when they showed affection to one another, they thought they were just in the usual company.  But obviously they forgot that they have a famous person staying with them.

Feeling embarrassed, Tadashi rubs the back of his neck, barely even looking at Ariana.  “S-S-Sorry about that.”

“I-I-It’s…It’s alright.” Ariana shutter before she quickly takes out the pancake.  Luckily it wasn’t burned to the point of it being uneatable.

It wasn’t that Ariana was shocked to find that Tadashi and Sakura are courting.  It was obvious from the start by the way they looked at one other last night.  She was just surprised by the fact that the young couple showed such public display of affection to one another without flinching, at least for a bit.  In her era, it was considered indecent to even hold hands in public.  So she was shocked by the couple’s romantic action.  But, somehow, she wasn’t repulsed by it.  In fact, she found it kind of cute.  And…she felt…kind of sadden…

Everything is quiet between them for a few moments before Ariana breaks it.

“Umm…why don’t you two help set up the tables before the rest of the crew gets here.”  Ariana said

“R-Right.”  Sakura said as she and Tadashi head to the cabinet.

Ariana then turns to Toky with a smile.  “You can help set up the tables too if you like, little one.”

Toky nods at this with a smile before he jumps off the table goes over to where the silverware were.

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Ariana, Remy, Sakura, Tadashi and Toky were done setting up everything when the rest of crew came down to the galley.  Everyone really enjoyed the food that was made, especially by Ariana’s since hardly any of them knew that she can cook. 

By the time everyone was done with breakfast, it was almost 9:00.  Everyone soon set out with their task for the day before they head out to the castle.  As planned, Tadashi, Lee and the girls will accompany Ariana to a dealer to sell her armor, go to the bank to get the money and get her some new clothes.  For John, he will stay behind with the rest of the crew to contact King Mickey in hopes to talk to Merlin about the young King. 

But before the group could leave, Ariana has to change clothes first to avoid her standing out of the crowd.  So the young King once again borrows a pair of clothes from Sakura since they are close to the same size.  Now Ariana was in a plain white loose T-shirt, dark blue sweat-pants and plain black sandals.  As soon as Ariana comes back on deck in the new clothes, the group then head down to the city of Camelot.

Even though Ariana told herself a thousand times that this is what she needs to do, she still can’t help but feel scared.  It was almost as nerve reckoning as when she first stepped onto the battlefield or even when she first became king.  But just like with those two, she just has to take that first step and keep going.

She just hopes that there are not too many changes.

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“I can’t believe how much money you earned from your armor, you’re Majesty.” Karin said as she and her group exit the bank.

“Yeah, ye Majesty.” Rin said. “You have enough money to buy a huge mansion, two fancy cars, and an exotic pet.  And that’s just a bare minimum.”

Earlier, the group went to Camelot’s collector shop and showed the owner the armor in a big sack.  They told him that they found the armor in a hidden cave in the middle of the Endwoods, which was technically true.  They tell him that they suspect that it was made in the medieval era.  As the dealer of the shop inspects the armor to see if it’s is truly authentic, as Lee has told them, it was worth its weight in gold and then some.  What’s more, since the owner was also a historian for Camelot, he tells them that there’s also a historic significance to it since the armor also bears the symbol of the monarchs at the time.  So adding up the historic significance to the many rare metals that made it…King Ariana’s armor was practically priceless.  Luckily for them, the manager of the bank of Camelot was in the owner’s shop to further prove the armor’s worth.  So after they give the owner Ariana’s armor and he writes them a check, the manager takes the group to the bank to transfer the money.  With Ariana’s consent, the group decides that they’ll split the money into each of their own accounts, including John’s.  At least until she can somehow get her own bank account.

“I’m surprised myself.”  Ariana said.  “I never realized that my armor is worth that much.”

“Well I did say that armor is worth a lot of money.”  Lee commented.  “But still…” He makes a blow up hand gestures on both sides of his head.  “Mind blown.”

“Yes, it is a lot of money, but it is still her Majesty’s.”  Tamera said in a stern voice.  “So you kids better not spend it on anything, unless you have her approval.”

Lee groans at this.  “Yes, Mom…”

“But luckily you can, you’re Majesty.” Sakura said, turning to Ariana who was right next to her.  “If you want to buy something, just let one of us know.  You know, after we get you some new clothes.  That is, not that we’re not using your actual money for the clothes but I’m just saying…” She takes in a deep breath before she babbles even further.  “…you know what I mean, right?”

Ariana nods at her with a small smile.  “Perfectly.”

“By the way, lads and lasses,” Rin said, getting everyone’s attention.  “Before we all start our task, I was thinking that we start calling her Majesty by her first name.”

Everyone looks at Rin, surprised by what she had suggested.

“Oh don’t you all look at me like that!” Rin said, placing her hands on her hips.  “If we keep calling her ‘you’re Majesty’ in public, people are going to think that's really strange.”

Everyone, minus Ariana, nods at this.  It’s not that they agree with what Rin is saying.  And they called plenty of royals by their first names.  But that was only because they were friends with them.  With Ariana, it’s different.  Even though they are familiar with her through her stories, she’s technically still a stranger to them and visa versa.  So calling her by her first name felt out a place right now.  True they called her by her first name when they first met, but that was before they knew who she was.

Tadashi turns to the young King.  “Well, you’re Majesty, you alright with calling you by your first name?”

Ariana begins to think this over.  No one called her by first name since she became King.  At least outside of friends and family.  Granted, the townspeople of her era still called her by her first and she permitted that.  But that was because she grew up with practically all of them.  So letting these still strangers call her by first name feels…strange.  But, just like with the time when she pulled out Excalibur, she might as well get used to it.

“Alright.”  Ariana said.  “You call can call me by my first name.”

Everyone nods at her.

“Well, me and Lee better go and get the tickets.” Tadashi said.  He then goes to his girlfriend and gently kisses her on the cheek.  “I’ll see you later.”

Sakura’s cheeks turn a light shade of pink, but she smiles brightly at him.  “Y-Yeah.”

Karin lightly skips to Lee and kisses him on the cheek before she speaks in a cheery voice.  “I’ll see you soon, darling.”

Lee feels his face heating up and heart flying from his chest.  He give out a slight chuckle and gives out a goofy grin.  “Y-Yeah…sure, Yarin. I-I-I mean Karin!”

Karin giggles at this little goof-up.  Meanwhile Ariana couldn’t help but look away from it, her cheeks now a bright shade of pink.  Now seeing that Tamera is close to her, who was also looking away with red cheeks, she decides to ask.  She taps on Tamera’s shoulder, getting the older woman’s attention.

“Ummm…Tamera, I must ask.” Ariana began.  “Is it common now a days for couples to show affection for one another in public?”

“Well, in most countries, yes.” Tamera answers her, before she further elaborates with a frown.  “Though some couples take it a little too far, but I digress.”

Ariana wasn’t sure what she meant by that.  But she decides that she can wait for further explanation.

Tadashi waves at the girls as he and Lee head in the opposite direction.  “We’ll see you guys at the castle gate.”

“Adios Amigos!” Lee calls out to them.

The girls wave back at them as they disappear into the crowd.  Once they were out of sight, they start their search to find any clothing store.

As they were walking through the streets of Camelot, Ariana began to observe on how much things has changed.  And far as she could tell, not much has changed.  The buildings hasn’t really changed.  Granted, the buildings are bit more colorful, some were taller and there were funny looking metal polls on top of them.  But overall they looked like they haven’t changed much.  But as they continue down the streets of Camelot, she begins to see more of the changes of the city she grew up in.  The streets was much more crowded than she remembered.   The people were all wearing the same type of clothing that the crew of the Journey wear.  What’s more, some of them were holding onto these small boxes of different colors and they seemed to be talking through them.  There also other items on the streets, big and small, where she couldn’t really tell if it’s magic or just advanced technology.  She also notices that the people were speaking in a language she doesn’t really understand.  Not that they weren’t speaking English, but they were speaking in a way that was a little to a lot confusing.  She also could have sworn that some of them said some words that she found a little shocking to repulsive.  She also sees vendors selling things she was familiar with to things she wasn’t.  She wanted to ask the girls about all of these new things, but she doesn’t want to bother them with them.  Except for one…

“Excuse me. Sakura.”  Ariana taps on the girl’s shoulder.

“Yes, you’re Majest-” Sakura quickly shakes herself of her mistake.  “I-I-I mean Ariana?!”

“I wanted to ask about some of these vendors.”  Ariana began, stopping in her walking. Soon the rest of the girls stopped and look at Ariana.  “Like, I see that they are selling makeshift armor, weapons and crowns.  Even some little metal figurine of knights and a king.  At first, I just assume that it just things for young ones to play pretend knights and kings.  But, when I looked closely to a few swords, they had the word ‘Excalibur’ on the hilts.  What’s more I saw some the other vendors carry some tunics, books and other items that had the words of my nickname, ‘Princess-King’.  When I saw them, I began to piece them together that...all of those items I mentioned are about me.  And what truly solidified my suspicion is when we passed those children who were playing together.  All of the boys were knights while that one girl in the group is king.  So…I have to ask.”  She took in a deep breath before she ask her question.  “…am I really that famous here in Camelot?”

Sakura bit on the bottom of her lip.  But Ariana could see a bit of a smile forming on them.

“To be honest, Ariana.”  Sakura began.  “It’s not just in Camelot that you’re famous.”

“It’s not?”  Ariana said.

Sakura shakes her head.

“You’re not just famous here or even all of England, Ariana.”  Rin intervenes, her face in a huge grin.  “You’re famous all across the Etherium!”

“And there’s not just books about you.”  Karin said in a cheery voice.  “There are poems, plays and movies all about your story as king.”

Ariana is shock by this.  Sure, there were people outside of her kingdom that are well aware of her name and the article that Tadashi showed her gave her some idea, but in all of the worlds?

“A-A-Are…Are you all joking?”  Ariana stuttered.

“Does it look like that the girls are lying?” Tamera asks her with a deadpan look.

“B-But, I only been on the throne for five years.”  Ariana practically protest.  “My father, Lord Uther, has been king far longer and accomplished more than I have.  He should have the credit.  Not I.”

“Maybe.” Tamera said.  “But the number of years as a ruler or how much you did doesn’t really count.  It’s what you do for your kingdom and people.  That’s what truly matters.”

“Yeah, Lady Ariana.” Karin said.  “Who else have made friends with the magical creatures, defend England from invaders, the first to find other ways to create peace and unite the land that doesn’t involve fighting?”

“Not to mention that, so far, you’re the only girl that’s king.” Rin said.  “A lot of children, especially little girls, really look up to you.”

Ariana felt her legs getting wobbly from this revelation.  She feels herself stumble a little until Sakura caught her.

“You okay, Ariana?”  Sakura said, concern.

“Yeah, you alright?” Karin said, looking closely at her.  “You need anything to drink?  Do you need to sit down?”

“N-No.  I’m alright.” Ariana said, placing a hand on her forehead.  “I’m just a little overwhelmed, that’s all.  But I can keep going.”

“You sure?” Sakura asks her.

“Yes.”  Araian said.  She straighten herself before she looks at everyone.  “But…to be honest, I really shouldn’t have all the credit here.  Many people have helped me on my path as king.  My knights, Merlin, Lady Guinevere, Elaine, my father: Ector, and so many had given me their support and love.”  She feels herself tearing up talking about them.  “If it…weren’t for them, I don’t think I would even last a week on the throne.”

Seeing Ariana starting to tear up a little, Sakura places a hand on her shoulder.  Ariana slowly looks at her to see the young dark hair girl gently smiling at her.  She can’t help but smile a little back.  Ariana then straighten herself up and looks back at everyone.  “Well, what are we waiting for?  Let’s get a move on.”

Everyone nod at this before they perceive with the search.  After about 10 minutes of walking, Karin stops the group.

“Look everyone!” Karin said in excitement, pointing to a large building.  “There’s a store we could go to.  And that sigh on the window says that everything is 15% off.”

The building was four stories high.  It was in a Renaissance style with the first floor a little more modern. The glass windows on the first floor displays some of its clothing.  Above the glass door were the words ‘Lipsy: Women’s Clothing and Fashion’ in large, gold lettering.

“Aye. Good eye, Karin!” Rin said, giving Karin a high five.

The girls head to the entrance of the building.  When Arian sets inside, she looks in amazement.

The insides of the store look a lot larger than the outside.  It almost felt like being back inside the throne room of the castle, if the walls and columns were pure white.  There were two floors to the store, each having thousands upon a thousands of clothes.  What’s more, the clothes were in colors she never knew existed.   She also notices different types of shoes and accessories in each different parts of the store.   On some parts of the walls, there were pictures of different women, all of which were black and white.  Upon the ceiling, there were a few banners of different colors that carried her family crest.  And all around them, there was music playing in a tune that Ariana was unfamiliar with.

“This is one fancy store to be in a small city.”  Rin comments.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Sakura said along with Rin.

Tamera sighs before she speaks.  “Alright, why don’t we all split into groups?  Just to speed this up and we can meet with the others sooner.”

“Awww, can’t we stay here all day?” Rin said in a teasing voice.  But when Tamera fixes the brunette with a cold glare, she feels a sweat going down her brow.  Rin laughs nervously as she puts her hands up a little.  “I’m just kidding, Tamera.  But yeah, let’s split up.”

Before they went their separate ways, they decide that after 30 minutes of looking around, they’ll meet up in front of the fitting room on the first floor with whatever clothes they have for Ariana to try.  So the girls split into two groups.  Ariana and Kairn will look through the first floor while Rin, Sakura and Tamera go to the second floor. 

*********************

“Lady Ariana.  I found some clothes for you.  But I figure I’ll let you pick the ones you like.”  Karin said to young King, going over to her.  But she doesn’t seem to be paying any attention to her.  Instead, her focus seem to be on the undergarment section of the store. “Lady Ariana?” 

“Ummm…Karin?” Ariana, turning to the young brunette with her cheeks slightly red.  “Are these… truly the undergarments your generation of women wear now a days?”

Karin nods at this.  “Yes, unfortunately.  But look on the bright side, it’s not like anyone will see you wearing any of these with the clothes over it.”

“Yes.  I…suppose.”  Ariana said, her voice clearly indicating that she’s still not sure about wearing them.

Karin giggles a little before she speaks.  “Don’t worry, Lady Ariana.  I understand how you feel.”

“You do?” Ariana said.

Karin nods at this.  “When I was first introduced to one of these, I was shocked.  I couldn’t understand why women would wear something so revealing.”

Ariana sighs before she speaks.  “Yes.  I have noticed that everyone in this era seems to be more…well…open with one’s self when it comes to clothes.”

Karin nods her head again.  “But, overtime, I learned to get used to it.  And once I did, I find it to be alright.”

“Ah.” Ariana said before she turns her gaze away from the all of the revealing undergarments.  “I wonder what friends, Elaine and Marie would think of them.”

It grows quiet between the two girls as they glance around the store for a moment before Karin speaks.

“Lady Ariana.” Karin began.  “Forgive me if I’m being straightforward, but you don’t seem to be enjoying this.  The whole shopping thing.”

“Well, you’re not far off the mark.”  Ariana said.  “It’s not that I think shopping is awful.  Elaine and I used to do it a few times when I was just a peasant girl.  It’s just…I rather find the things I need and leave.  No offence.”

Karin shakes her head at this.  “It’s quite alright.  In fact, you’re not really the only girl that doesn’t like shopping.  Miss Sakura and Miss Tamera are the same way.  And now that I think about it, maybe you should have gone with them instead of me.  You would probably have a better time.”

“Oh don’t say that, Karin.” Ariana said.  “I may not enjoy shopping as much as you, but I like being in your company.  You have much spirit in you and I admire that.”

Karin was surprised by this.  “Really?”

Ariana nods at her with a small smile.  “And to be honest, because you have more experience with shopping, I don’t think I’ll be able to find the right ones for me.”

“Speaking of that,” Karin said.  “I found a section of clothes I believe would look beautiful on you, but I would like for you to pick since a couple would probably be yours.”

Ariana gives her head a slight bow.  “Lead the way.”

Ariana then follows Karin to a long, cushion stool, filled with different types of tops in different colors and patterns along with different types of jeans.

“So Lady Ariana, which tops and pants catches your eye the most?” Karin said, gesturing to the row of clothes.

Ariana places a finger on her chin, looking each top and pants.  After she looks over them a couple of times, she picks out two tops and a pair of jeans that reached to her ankles.  After that, they went back to the undergarment.  This time, Karin made a pick for her since the young King was still hesitant about them.  Karin pick two pairs that resembled something closer to Ariana’s time.  Then the two head on over to the fitting room and waited for the others to come.    They didn’t have to wait long.  Sakura and Rin had four sets of clothes each while Tamera had at least 3 small, rectangle boxes.  Ariana was a little overwhelmed with the amount of clothes she has to try on.  She begins to wonder if this was truly necessary.

“Hey guys.” Rin said before she turns to Ariana.  “We got you some pajamas, shoes and regular clothes for you to try on.”

“Thank you all.”  Ariana said with a slight bow.  “So…” She looks at the boxes in Tamera’s hand.  “What are in those boxes?”

“Its shoes.”  Tamera answers as she sets them down on a cushion stool.  “Anyway, best pick one or two these after you try them on.”

“Okay.”  Ariana said.

After Sakura and Rin handed Ariana the clothes, the song that was playing in the store comes to an end, only to start another.  Though this one was a little different.  It began soft guitar playing.  The next thing that Ariana knew, Rin, Sakura and Karin let out a squeal.

“Come on girls!  Let’s sing this!”  Rin pumps her fist before she starts singing to the song.

(Rin)

You are my fire
the one desire
Believe when I say
I want it that way

(Karin)

But we're are two worlds apart
Can't reach to your heart
When you say
I want it that way

(Rin, Sakura, Karin)

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

As the three girls continue to sing, Ariana was just looking at the girls, completely confused.

“Umm…Tamera? What are they doing?” Ariana asks the older woman.

“They’re singing to a BackStreet Boys song.  What does it look like?”  Tamera said bluntly. 

“Yes, I’m well aware of that.” Ariana said.  “But why are they singing it out loud if there’s already a group singing it elsewhere in the store?”

“Okay for starters,” Tamera began.  “The group you're hearing now is a recorded version of their song.  Think of it like writing it down on paper, only through sound.  As for the one here singing now, this is just their way of bonding together.  Surely you must have done things with your friends back in your time that are downright silly from outsider's viewpoint.”

Ariana turns back to the girls as she begins to think what Tamera said to her.  As she watches the girls sing and dance together, she thinks back on the time when she was a child.  How she and Elaine would play some of the silliest of games, but they didn’t care.  What mattered to them is that they were having fun together.  Realizing that Tamera does have a point, Ariana shrugs her shoulders as the two of them continue to watch the girls.  Even some of the customers of the store began to observe the trio.

When the girls reached halfway through the song, Rin turns to Tamera.

“Come on, Tamera! Sing with us!”  Rin said over the other two who continued to sing.

“Oh let me think about it. Uhhh…no!”  Tamera said.

“Oh but Miss Tamera,” Karin said, stopping her singing. “You have such a good voice.”

“Yeah.  And besides.”  Sakura said, the last person to stop.  “I heard you sing this song before.  And you sounded really good.  What’s more, I can tell you want to.”

Tamera groans at this.  “I still say no.”

“Come on!” All of the girls say as the song continued on.  “Please!?”

Hearing that the song is almost done, and seeing the girls giving her the puppy looks, Tamera sighs at this.  “….fine.”  She takes out her dagger, hilt and all, and begins to sing with it like it was a mike.

(Tamera)

Now I can see that we're falling apart
From the way that it used to be, yeah
No matter the distance
I want you to know
That deep down inside of me...

(Sakura)

You are my fire
The one desire
You are

(Rin, Karin)
You are
You are
You are

(Sakura)

I don't want to hear you!

(Rin, Karin, Sakura, and Tamera)

Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake (don't wanna hear you say)
I never wanna hear you say (oh, yeah)
I want it that way

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain't nothin but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say (don't wanna hear you say)
I want it that way

Tell me why
Ain't nothin' but a heartache
Ain't nothin' but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say (never wanna hear you say)
I want it that way

(Rin)

'Cause I want it that way.

Everyone that was seeing the girls applauded when the song ended.  Even Ariana was clapping as much as she could with all of the clothes she had.  But she was happier to see the girls bound so much by singing together.

“There. You see?” Sakura said, nearly out of breath.  “I knew you would enjoy it.”

Tamera just lets out a shrug.

“Yeah.” Rin said.  “That was fun.”

“Oh yes.  I agree.”  Karin said, clapping her hands together.  “That was wonderful.”  She then turns to Ariana.  “Maybe you should join us next time, Lady Ariana.”

Ariana shakes her head at this.  “No.  I don’t think you want to hear my singing voice.”

“Oh come now, Ariana.”  Rin bumps her elbow at Ariaan’s arm.  “It’s fun to sing along with a song.  Just give it a try the next time.”

“I’ll consider it.”  Ariana said, though she’s kind of hoping there won’t be.

“Well,” Tamera said, straightening up.  “Now that is done.  Ariana should really try on the clothes.  This way we can have our pick.”

“Oh! Yes.”  Ariana said as she goes into the fitting room.  But then quickly comes back out.  “Can one of you help me with bringing the boxes, please?”

“Yeah. Sure.”  Rin said.  She picks up the four shoes boxes and follows Ariana into the fitting room.

**************************************************

The girls spent a little over an hour in the clothing store.  In the end, Ariana wound up getting three sets of regular clothes, two sets of pajamas, a jacket, a sweater, two sets of the undergarments, two pairs of shoes and a couple of accessories.  Karin and Rin suggested for her to get some to go with some of her outfits.  Ariana didn’t think it was necessary, but it seemed to have made them happy enough.

The girls were now heading back to ship to drop off Ariana clothes.  As for Ariana, she was now wearing a pair of new clothes.  The sleeves of the top went off the shoulders with the spaghetti straps to keep the top up.  Not to mention that it also was little tight around the collar area of the top.  The color of it was white at the bottom with light blue at the top and a little bit of light pink in the middle.  There were round, brown circle pattern around the collar.  Her dark blue jeans reached down a little pass her calf, with the cuffs rolled up a little.  She was also wearing dark brown sandals, with the straps wrapping around her ankles and the heel being covered up a bit.  For accessories, she was wearing two brown bracelets on her right hand and the other had a tight wristband.  Another accessory she had on was a pair of red spectacles, which the girls called sunglasses, on top of her head.  At first, Ariana didn’t want to get them since she feels she doesn’t really need them.  But Rin says that they’ll help keep out sunlight from her eyes.  Plus, as she would put it, they will make her look ‘cool’.  After some persuasion, Ariana finally relents and got the sunglasses.  She was also still wearing her sunflower ring.

 “Hi guys.  We’re back.”  Sakura calls out as she and the other came on deck.  But she doesn’t get a response.  They figured that they are already at the castle gate.

 “Well, I better get these back into the room.”  Ariana grabs two of her bags before she turns to Sakura.  “Can you help me with the bags, Sakura?”

“Sure, Ariana.”  Sakura said.  She then grabs the other two bags and follows the young King to the First Mates’ cabin. 

When the girls open the door, they see that their clothes are neatly folded on top of the bottom bunk.

“Alvin and Wall-E must have done the laundry after we left.”  Sakura said.  She notices a folded up white cloth next to Ariana’s clothes.  Something she hasn’t seen before.

“Hey Ariana.” Sakura said, getting closer to the cloth.  “What is that?”

All of a sudden, Ariana rushes to the cloth and quickly gathers it in her arms.  “I-I-It’s nothing.”

“But I just want to know what it is.”  Sakura said.

Ariana then waves her hand at her with a rather nervous look.  “You don’t need to worry about it Sakura.  It really is nothing.”

Sakura was a little bewildered by Ariana’s behavior.  She obviously hiding something.  But she figure she better not push it if she doesn’t want to answer.

“Well,” Sakura said.  “We better meet up with the other and go to the castle.”  She then goes over to the door and opens it slight before she looks back at Ariana.  It looked she was mostly focused on the white cloth in her hands. “You coming?”

“Hmm?”  Ariana shakes out of her thoughts before she turns to Sakura.  “Oh yeah.  But you go on ahead.  I’ll meet you on deck.”

“Well…okay.”  Sakura said before she slowly closes door behind her.

When Sakura was out of the room, Ariana looks back down at the white, folded cloth in her hands.  She then opens it up, revealing it to be a long white veil with gold embroilment on its sides.  She traces her fingers on the embroilment with complete remorse in her eyes.  She then clutches it close to her as she looks up at the ceiling with a tear going down her cheek.

After she allowed herself to calm down, she folds up the veil again and gently places back on the bunk bed.  She traces her fingers on it one more time before she heads out of the room to join the others and to see the castle one more time.

End of Chapter 6