Aspiring Dreams

 

Alexiel shivered when he felt a cold draft breeze past him. He sat up then noticed he was only wearing his black slacks. He tried to remember what had happened, but he could remember was being in the portal then crashing to the ground. He scanned the room then stopped when he spotted Toku. Alexiel slid himself off the stone slab and made his way over to Toku. His body ached with every movement. He wondered at where he was while feeling as if he was in an Egyptian tomb. “Toku…” he said. His voice was hoarse and dry. Alexiel shook his friend. “Toku,” he said again, but this time was a little clearer. It echoed off the stone carved walls. Toku stirred just slightly while he made a groan.

 

He sat up while resting his head in his hands. “Man, I feel like I was ran over by something a couple of times,” he whispered. Toku rubbed his temples for a few moments then looked at Alexiel. “You okay?” Alexiel merely nodded then turned his head to the now open door. He saw a strange crimson haired man standing there. His well-toned arms were folded over his bare, finely chiseled chest while one of his feet tapped in a rhythmic fashion. Alexiel began to wonder at how long he had been standing there waiting. “You’re finally awake. Lady Aikou will be relieved to know,” he said. His voice was smooth as velvet, but was cold as ice. It held a certain darkness, mystery, and depth. Alexiel gave him a strange look and wondered at who he meant by Lady Ikirisu, but wondered at his presence. “And you are?” he inquired. The man gave a slight bow while he said, “Prince Hiroshi Kanamiri.”

 

Alexiel nodded then asked, “Who is this Lady Ikirisu you speak of?” Hiroshi looked at him as if he was crazy. “You, humans, are obvious to the real world. Lady Aikou Ikirisu is the warlord queen of her clan. You, foolish mortal, must treat her with the utmost respect. You do not then there is a price to be paid, is that understood?” Alexiel merely nodded. If only knew who I really was…would they treat me in such a way? I wonder if it would be worse. He thought solemnly.

 

He frowned deeply at Hiroshi. “What kind of man do you take me for? You obviously don’t know my personality very well,” he said. Hiroshi narrowed his eyes as he stepped toward Alexiel. He towered over Alexiel, who did not move his head to look up at Hiroshi. “I’ve seen the human male they are rather disrespectful when it comes to women. Oppressed them for thousands of years until recently you human males have just now started respecting the women. It is a wonder your species is still alive.” Hiroshi started laughing until Alexiel held his sword at the base of his neck. “I don’t know how many times I will have to establish this point with you, but I respect women. I believe they should have power. I don’t believe they should serve man to satisfy them when they could easily do it themselves.”

 

Hiroshi jerked his head in the direction of the door then fell on one knee. “Lord Anubis, I…” The god stepped toward Hiroshi then pulled him up by his neck. “I see you just get along with everyone so well,” he said. Anubis had a smirk on his face. Alexiel lowered his blade and studied Anubis for a moment. “I would have to disagree with you on that,” Alexiel said. Anubis turned his attention to him. His smirk turned into a small smile. “Sarcasm is a wonderful thing. Kanamiri hasn’t cut a lucky break with anyone especially Aikou. He has received practically every refusal in the book for the past five hundred and twenty-eight years.” Anubis chuckled while he pushed Hiroshi away from him.

 

“Lord Anubis,” Alexiel said while he made a slight bow. “We wish to return back home.” The god nodded then said, “I know all about that and Aikou is willing to escort you to the only other portal to the human world because the others were destroyed. Alex, if you would care to follow me I’ll take you to the ladies to discuss the arrangements.” Alexiel looked back at Toku then at Hiroshi, who was leaning against the wall with a crossed look on his face. He could tell Hiroshi was angry with him yet he did not care.

 

“So Comet, do you think you have had enough?” Comet shook her head and laughed. “Not a chance,” she said then twirled her sword like a baton. Aikou flicked open one of her bladed fans. “Well then, let’s continue.” Comet ran toward Aikou and swung the blade while narrowly missing Aikou’s throat. Aikou performed a few somersaults to create some distance between her and Comet then threw one of her fans like a boomerang. Comet dodged the fan then Aikou gasped. “Oops!” Comet looked down at the floor to see a small lock of her hair. Aikou caught her fan and closed it. “I’m so sorry,” Aikou said. Comet shot her death glare.

 

Comet chucked one of her dagger at Aikou, who ducked just as. Alexiel walked door. He felt the blade whiz past his cheek. He touched his cheek then looked at his fingers and saw a trace of blood. A frown crossed his face. He looked at other woman standing closest to him. Most of her body was exposed showing off her tensed muscles. “May I assume that you are Lady Ikirisu?” Alexiel inquired. The woman bowed then said, “I am she. Alex, may I say something?” He nodded once then she continued. “There is no need to be so formal with me. Please just call me Aikou.” Alexiel nodded then looked at her companion. “Who’s your friend?” Aikou picked up the dagger then threw it at Comet. “Hey! Watch it, Aikou!” Comet exclaimed. “I mean that’s twice today already! I am sure I want to keep my head just as much as you want to keep your life!” Aikou laughed at her friend’s discomfort. “That is Comet, the daughter of Anubis and my best friend. To warn you she has a bit of a temper,” she said.

 

Anubis stepped toward his daughter and held out a hand. Comet took it and stood up then smoothed out her dress. She wore a slight smirk on her face as she stole a glance at Alexiel. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance and not to sound unappreciative of your presence, but I wish to get straight to my reason of seeing you.”

 

Aikou nodded then said, “Well, do you wish to discuss it now or when I’m in more suitable attire?” Alexiel’s face broke out into a smile. “It is up to you, Aikou,” he replied. “On second thought I better switch into more suitable attire. If you would please excuse me, Alex.” Aikou pushed past Hiroshi to get out of the room. “You really know how to ruin something, don’t you, Hiroshi?” Anubis said with a slight chuckle. Hiroshi narrowed his dark gray eyes. They glittered with the deep seated anger he felt coursing through his veins. He felt something he never felt before. He moved his gaze onto Alexiel. “I can sense envy and jealousy from you, Hiroshi,” Anubis said with a slight smile. Hiroshi averted his gaze to the god. “Humph…. You sense wrong, Anubis! Who do I have to envy? Why am I jealous?” he said. Anubis laughed then pointed at Alexiel. “Alex gets the kindness and type of attention from Aikou that you want. You envy him and you despise him because right off the bat she treats him differently than you. Don’t try to hide it because you’ve already made it quite clear.”

 

“Made what quite clear?” Alexiel looked at Aikou with an up and down glance. “I feel more comfortable in Hiroyoshi’s presence. Although I never am,” she said while tying a sash that was attached to her sword. “To answer your question, it was nothing really just Hiroshi is jealous.” Aikou laughed as she walked over to a chair and relaxed in it. “This is no surprise,” Comet said. “Strictly because he makes it so obvious that he is jealous.” Hiroshi screamed at them. “Seems like our little Hiroshi needs a nap,” Comet cooed then flashed behind him and struck him. Aikou stared at Hiroshi’s unconscious form for a moment then redirected her gaze. “You know in all honesty I don’t even like him this way,” Comet said. She then dragged Hiroshi out of the room and shut the door. “There now…is that better?” She said then locked the door. “Yes…much.” Aikou then smiled at Comet.

 

“Alright, Alex, now we can get down to business. Let’s-” There was a bang on the door. “Alex!” Comet opened the door then stepped aside. “Toki!” she exclaimed while hugging him. Toku gave her a strange look while trying to get her off. “No, it’s Toku,” he said. Come shook her head while tightening her grip. “No! Toki is just as adorable as you are. So you are Toki!” Toku fell onto the floor then said, “There’s no getting through to you, is there?” Comet laughed then said, “Nope!”

 

Aikou’s smile went into a crooked grin. “Shall we try this conversation again and hope for no interruptions?” she asked. Alexiel merely nodded then gestured for her to continue. “Well, I assume you want to return home and I know I am willing to escort you to the only portal. I will warn you it is a long journey. Not an easy one either. I don’t know about COMET!” Her friend stopped arguing with Toku and looked at Aikou. “Yes?” she said. Aikou straighten herself in the chair then looked into Comet’s lush teal eyes. “Wondering if you would care to come with me to get Alex and…” She paused then looked at Alexiel’s friend. “Toku.” Comet leapt off the floor. “Okie!”

 

“There you have it,” Aikou said while clapping her hands together. “Just one thing I have to ask you and that is… Can you fight?” She froze when she felt a hand on her shoulder, then glanced to the side and relaxed. “I have full confidence is his ability, Aikou, simply by watching his movements when he drew his blade against Kanamiri.” Alexiel gave Anubis a skeptical look. “I don’t honestly believe that you could judge someone’s ability simply by drawing a sword, because anyone can appear strong that way, but can be the opposite,” he said. Aikou chuckled at him. “You seem to underestimate the ability some people have to detect strength. No matter…” she said dismissively. “Sad really, but I guess I’ll have to find your ability out the hard way…through battle.”

 

Comet’s interest was now peaked at that point. “Is it a death match?” she asked. Aikou just shook her head as she stood up while Comet groaned. “Oh, come on! Why not?” Aikou merely frowned. Comet was all too death happy about Alexiel for her liking. “Sorry, but no death match. It is nothing more than a test for him and me. So just get over it.” Toku looked over at Aikou with a bewildered face. “Now is this test only for him or does this apply to me as well? Because in all honesty, I only did two years of martial arts. I didn’t keep up with it as much as I wanted to.” Comet shrugged her shoulders then sat herself down. “I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the show, Toki. I suggest you do the same,” she said. “Before I call you Toki again.” Toku flew into the seat beside her and began twiddling his thumbs. “Well, I guess I’ll fight you then,” Alexiel said with a sigh.

 

“COMET! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!” Hiroshi bellowed through the door. He punched the door a few times to relieve some of the anger he felt then slid down the wall. He sighed heavily. He hated the way Comet had treated him over the years. “You would think sharing my feelings about Aikou with Comet would make her sympathize or at least be a little more kinder to me. I’ve realized now that Comet doesn’t give sympathy to anyone except Aikou or maybe she does and just opts not to give it to me. Not that I’m looking for it just where Aikou is concerned. What is wrong with me? How could she hate me… after all that we have been through? Why do you hate me, Aikou?” he said. “Instead of worrying about why I hate you, which I don’t, try worrying about something that is worth it. Now either stay and watch the fight or go on home. Which will it be?”

 

He got off the floor then said, “If you don’t hate me, Aikou, then what do you feel for me?” Aikou closed the door behind her then looked away and sighed. “Walk with me, please,” he said softly then took her hand and led her out of the palace. Hiroshi let go of her hand once they were outside. The night sky greeted them with stars that twinkled like diamonds and ruby moon. They walked a short distance away before he stopped. “Some walk,” she said. Hiroshi shrugged his shoulders then crossed his arms. “Explain to me what I am to you, Aikou. To tell you the truth I can never sleep peacefully because that is unknown. My mind is restless,” he said. His tone yielded no expression. Aikou looked up into his eyes and saw they were distant. She thought she saw tears in his eyes, but questioned at why.

 

There was one thing she was taught and that was to never show weakness even to her friends. So many times she wanted to break down and cry, but she kept herself from doing so. “I don’t know what to tell you, Hiro, because I am uncertain of my feelings myself. I just know for sure hatred is nonexistent. When I was weak you fought to protect me from my brother all those years ago! How could I hate you? I mean sure you’ve been rather obnoxious with the constant proposals, but that doesn’t effect anything,” she said. Hiroshi placed a hand on her shoulder then drew away from her. “What? Saving you from your brother? I thought it meant nothing to you. Now you are telling me that it does. Why?” She stood there with one hand resting on the hilt of her sword and the other one running through her hair. “I don’t know,” she said.

 

“Why are you so opposed?” he whispered. Aikou frowned deeply then looked at the moon. “I feel like I haven’t done all that I am meant to and I believe that I haven’t found my life’s companion.” Hiroshi turned her head towards him. “What if your companion was right before your eyes?” he said. Aikou shook her head then said, “If we are meant to be, Hiro, then it will happen. No sense in rushing it. I must go.” Hiroshi nodded while she walked off. “Aikou, if you need me just send word,” he said. “Alright!” she replied. Her thoughts contradicted what she said. She was far too independent to depend on a man that seemed so weak to her, but strong to many others.

 

“Aikou, let me ask you… Is there anyway I could awaken something to get you to remotely love me?” Hiroshi turned her towards him then tilted her head up. She closed her eyes and shook her head. “No,” she said firmly. His thumb stroked her cheek softly then said, “You sure? We have never tried so who knows.” Aikou tried to get away, but her left arm twisted behind her back as he kissed her. She arched back her right arm and slammed the fist into his face. He stumbled backwards and hissed. “Don’t you ever handle me in such a way again or by Gods I will have your head! Do you understand me?” she said in a slightly elevated voice. Hiroshi now wore an odd smile on his face. “You’ll have my head, eh? Well, that will happen on the day you dare marry someone other than me, because I will have you! I swear it!” His face held a crazed look as if he had gone mad.

 

“No, you will not!” she screamed. Hiroshi grabbed her arms roughly then forced her to the ground. “You so sure of that, aren’t you? I’ve noticed over the years that you’ve treated every man fairly except me. None have received the look that you gave that human. I’ve seen it! Don’t you dare deny it! You feel for him! Don’t you?” Aikou turned her head away from him. “Whatever do you mean by look?” she asked him. Hiroshi laughed shrilly. “You’ve got to be kidding me? You want to say that you were not taken by Alex. That is rich!” He continued to laugh until he was jerked up off of her.

 

“I have found that I do not like your presence very much at all.” Hiroshi pulled away from Alexiel. “You wish to speak of respect for women and Aikou most of all, but you, I can see at this moment, do not. Now I suggest you behave yourself,” he said stiffly. A smirk slid onto Hiroshi’s face. “So the human boy is trying to tell me what to do?” Hiroshi chuckled in his amusement. Alexiel’s eyes met Aikou’s. She smiled at him. “Well, I must hand it to you, Alex, you do have the courage to stand up to someone who is clearly out of your league,” he said smugly. Alexiel shook his head then said, “I have to tell you, Kanamiri, I rather detest egotistical people.” Hiroshi tilted his head to the side then turned toward Aikou. His smirk turned to a grin. “Aikou, my dear,” he whispered. “Can you honestly believe him? Do you truly trust what he appears to you as?” She nodded once then said, “Yes,I can.” Hiroshi grin disappeared quickly. He pulled his arm back and before he could even strike Aikou he fell to the ground.

 

Aikou looked at Hiroshi then at Alexiel. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don’t think it is necessary for that battle any longer. I am sorry that I’m going to be leaving you, but I wish to retire to my chambers.” He nodded then said, “I’ll see you soon.” She grinned then hugged him. “Good night, Alex,” she said then left. Alexiel kicked Hiroshi. “Get up,” he said. Hiroshi groaned as he stood up. “You know, human, I would be care if I were you. I wouldn’t want to break Aikou’s heart over you,” he said. Alexiel’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” he said. Hiroshi’s smirk reappeared. “Alex or should I say Alexiel. It is hard not to know if you know the legends well.” Alexiel narrowed his eyes. “I’ll make a deal with you, Alex. You don’t make any romantic moves towards Aikou or I reveal you.” Alexiel shrugged his shoulders then said while walking away, “Do you what you wish as I will do what I wish.”

 

Aikou stared at the ceiling of her room. She curled up and hugged her knees then closed her eyes. She felt like something was watching her then sat up suddenly. “Alex…” she gasped. He smiled at her. “I’m curious if he…tried anything.” She looked away from him then sighed. “He only managed to kiss me. I am not sure if he was going to progress any further, but I have a feeling he was.” Aikou moved her gaze back on him. “It is okay,” he said. “I believe Kanamiri will leave you be, but I can not promise you that.” Aikou nodded then laid back down. “Good night, Aikou,” he said then left. She curled back up and fell into a deep sleep.