[ Return to Karaka ] Part V.
[ Return to Karaka ]
V.
Running down the familiar village pathways to the pier, she saw the boat she had seen on the hill. It had just pulled into the harbor. Looking onto the passengers she saw a girl with fair red hair giggling happily. To whom she couldn’t see as the items that were brought over to trade where stacked up high and blocked whoever the girl was talking with.
Getting closer to the ship she heard it dock completely and saw many of the local workers go to collect the trade while piling fish on board at the same time. The many boxes were full of fresh vegetables and some other necessities’.
Once the boxes had cleared she heard a voice she had longed to hear ever since he had gone away.
“Kirika?” he called out from behind her. Turning around she saw Mikage and to her surprise the young fair haired maiden from the ship holding hands like some old married couple.
“Mikage? Uh… welcome back..” she replied lifting her hand to do a slight wave of welcome back but found it to be very weak all she could think about was who the girl was and why she was there with Mikage. Ever since her childhood when she had first met him she had been crazy about him. Finding herself glaring a little with the green monster in her eyes she walked closer to them and decided it was best to place a smile on her face.
“Why are you back Kirika? Is your grandfather alright?!” he asked hurriedly letting go of the girls’ hair slightly.
“Oh. Grandpa is fine now. Ayame lost control of him and he made himself worse for a little bit is all so I came to set him straight you know.” she replied in monotone as she gazed up at him. Shifting her gaze to the girl Mikage gave a slight jump.
“Oh right. Kirika this is Annemarie. She from the village of Sea port to the far north.” He stated bluntly. Looking over at the girl, Kirika soon found herself in envy the girl was indeed very beautiful with her fair red hair that touched just to her shoulders and her emerald green eyes and pale skin. Giving a slight sigh, she looked up at Annemarie and smiled.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Annemarie.” she replied hoping that she sound cheerful in someway. What happened next was something Kirika had never prepared for.
“um… she’s my fiancé.” he added rubbing the back of his head in a somewhat cheerful manner. Taken back from the news Kirika gazed at him and then to Annemarie. At his very words she felt her heart sink in her chest as if it had been lost in the darkness. Staggering back inch by inch she finally looked them both in the eye and said.
“I have to go.”
And ran back, past the village houses, and back past the small forest area of dead tree and shrubs. She soon found herself back in the icy cave of her childhood. Crying into her gloved hands she sat down on the icy cavern floor for hours until she couldn’t cry anymore. Gazing into the icy reflection she began to think.
‘He was always there for me when I needed him. He was there for me when I had been picked on constantly, he was there when I had pneumonia, and he was there when grandpa fell ill. Thinking back Mikage had always been there for me. Maybe all I could see was my own feelings for him and that his feeling for me didn’t matter…There’s simply no way I can compete with Annemarie she’s just to pretty.’ She thought giving off slight sighs here and there.
“If he is happy with her, then I’ll be happy for him.” she said to herself as she wiped her face dry with her gloved hands. Standing up she walked outside of the cave and headed down the path towards home where her Grandfather and Ayame were waiting to eat dinner.
‘Grandpa seems to be doing better. I think I might pack up and leave soon. Ayame can handle the rest and I still have a search to continue.’ she thought as she headed into the hut where they were seated at the table. The table had three plates set up each contained a small fish that had been caught fresh that morning and a small bowl of rice and a cup of tea.
“So you’re finally back?” asked her grandfather as he picked up his chop sticks ready to chow down on the fish before him.
“Yeah. So grandfather are you feeling better?” she asked hoping he would say yes so she could catch the next boat.
“As for my cold, yes it is going down.” he stated though bits of fish. Smiling slightly she took a few bites of her own fish.
“That’s good. If it’s alright I’d like to continue my search.” She commented as she sipped some tea. Ayame looked at her a little crushed to see her big sister leave already but she held her tongue as he grandfather looked up at his oldest granddaughter and smiled.
“If that’s what you want.” Was all he said as the night came to its closure. The next morning, Kirika had everything packed up and ready to go thanks to Ayame who was still saddened by her sisters’ decision to leave but understood her reasons or at least thought she did. Saying her farewells once more as she picked up her bags and boarded the boat that would take her back to Peridot. Waving to the family on the shore as the boat began to leave she smiled at them and then took her seat with the few others onboard.