August Moon
Part 17 : Zoisite
©MMII T h r e a d s
The shelf was tall, but the book sat at the top. Its shiny red cover reminded Zoisite that his plight to possess it a worthy cause.
He had read it at least a dozen times before, but it was his favorite novel of all, and he wanted to read it once more.
The story was about a poor farmer who awakens in a strange land, where nobody trusts him… but in the end he becomes a hero, saving the Kingdom and marrying the King's daughter. A trite and overused storyline, Zoisite still loved it. There was something in its simplicity that captured his mind. Only this time, as he returned to the Palace library the book was on the highest shelf… instead of a shelf at normal height, where it was normally found.
At first he had attempted to jump up and grasp it, but that effort had ended in him being assaulted with falling books- none of which were the one he wanted. Finally Zoisite had conceded defeat and fetched a chair to stand upon.
The chair was not as sturdy as one would hope- as Zoisite discovered as soon as he stepped into the seat. With careful balance he reached out and grasped his beloved novel, and leapt off the chair before the eventuality of losing his balance.
"Zoisite!" Charlotte yelped in surprise. "Please, watch where you are jumping."
Zoisite sighed heavily. "Hello Charlotte. What are you doing here?"
"Looking for books. Why else would I be here?"
"To annoy me, perhaps?"
"Annoy you? I have better things to do than to bother you!" She said defiantly, placing her hands on her hips, and turning her chin up.
"I never would have pinned you for a reader, Charlotte."
"I do read, Zoisite." She frowned sharply. "There are a lot of things about me you've never bothered to learn."
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry- I'm a little grouchy today. Kunzaito-sama was in a particularly foul mood yesterday… something about a former student. I won't bore you with the details, but it was not an enjoyable time for me."
"Oh." Charlotte said nodding. "He's rather scary. I never got the impression he was a friendly person."
Zoisite only shrugged.
"So what book is that?" Charlotte asked, changing the subject.
Zoisite held the front to her, which read "The First Kingdom".
"The First Kingdom?" She giggled. "I didn't know you liked children's stories."
"I don't. I only like this one."
"A story about a man with a miserable life who awakens to a better one? I understand its appeal. I remember reading when I was a child and dreaming of something better than what I had."
"Stop trivializing it." Zoisite snapped, pulling the book away. "It's one of my favorites. I don't care what you say about it."
"One of your favorites?" She said with surprise. "I don't understand… if it is a favorite, then why are you taking it from the library? Don't you own a copy?"
Zoisite shook his head.
"I don't understand."
"I never felt I needed to own a copy." Zoisite said shrugging uncomfortably. "I find these days I only read it when I've had a bad day."
"I see." Charlotte smirked. "Better there than here."
Zoisite narrowed his eyes a moment, and then decided it was time to change the subject.
"You know what?" Zoisite declared.
"What?" Charlotte asked, her brown eyes widening.
"I don't need this thing. Come," He said, sticking his arm out. "I'll take you for that walk you were pestering me about the other day."
"Would you?" She smiled.
Zoisite nodded. "Why not."
"Would you believe who spoke with me the other day?" Charlotte squealed as the two walked arm-in-arm towards the doors outside.
"Who?"
"The Captain of the Guard. I couldn't believe it at first… he's completely out of my league. But there we were, talking."
"Out of your league?" Zoisite said with mock insult. "He's a lower rank than I. What does that make me?"
Charlotte giggled. "You're special Zoisite. You're different from all the others… but in a good way. I like that about you."
The only thing Zoisite could say was in a smile.
"So where is Kunzite?" Charlotte asked.
"I don't know. I'm rather worried too." Zoisite said; his brow creasing. "When I went to wake him this morning, he was already gone. I checked the stables and his horse was missing; he must have gone out riding for the day. It clears his mind. He doesn't normally run off like this though, I hope he's alright."
"Oh, I'm sure he's fine." Charlotte said as she waved a hand. "It's Kunzite- he knows how to handle anything."
"Yes, he does."
The two continued their walk through the castle in silence. They were not even half way there when, from around a corner, Kunzite stormed, his riding clothes smudged all over with dirt. He stopped abruptly, a good five meters in front of the two, caught Zoisite's eyes with a hard glance and turned left in the direction of his room.
Charlotte and Zoisite were silent for a moment.
"What happened to him?" Charlotte asked with anxiety. "He looks awful."
"Look, Charlotte-"
She sighed heavily and looked away. "It's alright, go."
"I'll make it up to you."
"Sure you will." She said with sarcasm.
"I will."
"You can make it up to me by suggesting to Kunzite into hiring a personal maid or assistant, instead of using his protégé."
"He doesn't-"
"I'll see you later Zoisite." Charlotte snapped, breaking her arm away from his, and walking back down the hallway.
How Zoisite had managed to find himself back in his room he never knew. He had never made it to his bed though; instead (he figured) he had just found a comfortable niche on the carpet and curled up for sleep there.
He had been with Kunzite for the remainder of the afternoon and late into the night. By the time he had caught up with Kunzite in his room Zoisite was thrown out and spent the better part of the afternoon into talking Kunzite to let him back in.
All the courtiers would have plenty to gossip about today- that was certain.
By the time Zoisite was allowed access back in he had found Kunzite partially dressed with a half dozen empty wine bottles strewn throughout the room. Kunzite wavered in between intense gratitude and disgust for Zoisite, all the while ranting about somebody named "Danyel", his "wretched" horse, and how he was old and of no use to anyone anymore and would be replaced.
That was all Zoisite could remember clearly. After that, mixed in there- somewhere, was a meal, a bath and Kunzite passing out for a period of time.
Zoisite used the shelf next to him to help him rise back up to his feet and stumbled to his desk where he found some day-old dried fruit that he picked at. His notes were stacked neatly in one corner, books in the other. Placed neatly on the center of the desk was a letter addressed to Zoisite. He picked it up hesitantly and recognized
the handwriting as his mothers. Not wanting to move to find a letter opener, he tore the end open with his finger.
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Dear Zoisite- I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. I regret to say that this letter is not one of friendly correspondence, merely a call to come home. Your father grows more irritated- I believe he longs to see his only son, even if he will not admit it to his own wife. Your sister Zdena, I am also mournful to inform, has lost her baby daughter. We are not sure of the causes, but I and the whole family wish you come home for the funeral. She was never able to see you when you last visited, and I know that you will help her through this difficult time. Love, Your Mother,
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Zoisite dropped the letter onto the desk and leaned back deep into his chair. As much as he loved his family, he did not need the stress they always induced whenever he visited them, but he mourned for his sister and her loss… He would go. Only, he hoped Kunzite would allow it.
End Part 17