Secret of Ukyo: Food and Love
Chapter 4
By Wanderer D
--
Paris has been- Rémy shook his head. What do you mean by that?
The rats all grinned, until Ukyo pulled out her spatula.
Girl... Be careful with that. One of the rats sneered. You might hurt
yourself.
I was thinking more along the lines of hurting you with it! Ukyo swirled the
spatula around her
expertly.
Get them, boys! The foremost rat shouted.
Rémy dodged the clumsy attempt of two of the rats to catch him, nimbly jumping
to the side and
letting them fall into the river with a splash. He turned to offer Ukyo a hand,
but the mouse
seemed to be in control of the situation. Using the handle of the spatula, she
knocked the air out
of the first one; at the same time throwing him on top of the one right behind
him. With an expert
flick of the wrist she tossed them out of the boat and into the river.
The first rat looked at them angrily as Rémy smiled smugly at them.
Seems like youre aching to take a bath, smelly. Ukyo said, pointing at him
with her spatula.
The rat growled, and whistled. Ukyo and Rémy exchanged worried glances at the
sound of several
things moving around the boat. And in seconds they saw that they were
surrounded by more than
fifty rats.
The rat smirked. You were saying?
Ukyo gritted her teeth and crouched. Ever heard the term blaze of glory?
she turned her hold
on the spatula, gripping it in anticipation of a sweep designed to take as many
enemies as
possible in one go. Ill clear a path, and you escape, Rémy.
What?! Rémy looked at her, incredulous. Theres no way Im leaving you here,
Ukyo.
Despite herself, Ukyo smiled as a blush rushed to her cheeks.
I might not know fancy tricks like yours, but Im no slouch in fights! Rémy
proclaimed, looking
around without a hint of fear.
Ukyos spatula lowered as she gazed at him with small hearts in her eyes. Rémy,
noticing this
sweated a bit. Um
Ukyo?
Yes?
Enemies
there?
Ukyo shook her head and faced the annoyed rats. Whenever youre ready. Ill
give you a fight
youll never forget!
Hey, hey, whats all this ruckus about? a voice asked from just under the
roof.
The rats and mouse looked around confused as to where the voice was coming
from. With a flutter of
wings a pigeon flew up from under the roof. I got hatchlings down there, you
know? Tryin to
sleep.
The rats looked at the pigeon, murderous intent still intact. Get lost
feather-brain. Or well
maul you along with those two.
The pigeon looked from the pair to the ten rats and let out a sigh. Well, as
much as I would like
to do that, I cant.
The rats stepped back to keep a careful look on both Ukyo and Rémy and the
pigeon. Why not? the
leader asked.
Well
the pigeon pointed at Ukyo. Shes under bird-kinds protection. And
hes with her, ergo,
he is too.
The rats blinked.
Um. Bird-kind protection? Rémy asked, looking at Ukyo, who shook her head and
shrugged.
Theres still one of you and ten of us! The rat said.
Correction. A male voice said from above them. Theres twenty and three of
us, and ten of you.
Looking around they discovered they were completely surrounded by black birds.
Crows and ravens
were perched along the border of the roof watching intently the increasingly
nervous rats.
This
this is not right! the rat said. Joan of the Paris Rats had a deal
with Alissandre of the
Owls precisely to avoid this kind of situation.
One of the ravens stepped forward. His voice was deep and carried a strange
echo behind it. She
has bowed to a higher authority amongst the avian hierarchy.
The rat growled. And who is this higher authority? She was the leader last
time we checked.
And she still is, another male raven said, stepping forward. However even
she would have to be
a fool of titanic proportions to ignore an order from one of the Phantom
Queens. And Alissandre is
no fool.
The rat shook his head, venomously looking from one group to the other before
turning his back on
them. Fine. Do what you want tonight. Joan will not be happy and I promise
you, Djangos clan
will pay, bird or no bird help.
Rémy didnt even have time to step forward when the rat was on his back,
staring in wild panic at
the glinting metal surface of the razor-sharp spatula as the edge was pressed
against his neck.
Listen to me, you little piece of crap. Ukyo growled, slight wisps of energy
appearing around
her. I will make one thing absolutely clear. The birds saved your hides. Not
ours. She leaned
forward, her eyes boring into the paralyzed rat like drills. Go tell that
coward Joan that if he
is too blind and deaf to see or hear the truth, I will personally shove it down
his neck and keep
his mouth from opening until he can stomach it. Understood?
The rats eyes said he did as he was to afraid to nod or speak and risk slicing
his throat open.
With a huff, Ukyo moved the spatula away and kicked the downed rat in the rump.
Now go.
The rats ran away as fast as they could, leaving Rémy and Ukyo to stare at the
gathered birds.
Slowly, one by one they left until they were left only with the two male ravens
that had spoken.
Um
Rémy stepped forward, looking at each of the birds with a slight smile of
confusion. Thank
you for helping us
The ravens looked at each other, then the one on the left, the first to speak
looked at both the
rat and the mouse. The Phantom Queen also asked to do one more thing before we
leave.
Ukyo arched an eyebrow. Oh? And what was it?
-o-
The place where the ravens left them was surrounded by golden lights, spreading
up and down from
their position, and yet not overshadowing the sight of Paris, extending like
black velvet with a
thousand multicolored glowing lights as far as the pair could see.
Ukyos eyes were wide, taking in the sights and almost going out of breath as
she looked around
and into the distance. Her paw was holding on to Rémys as he too watched the
city from their
perch on the roof of the first level of the Eiffel Tower.
This is so beautiful
Ukyo said, slowly lowering her head into the fur of
Remys arm. She closed
her eyes as she felt him breathe next to him.
Rémy looked down at her, a soft smile spreading on his face as he looked back
to where the two
ravens had left them; right next to a small picnic mat with a bottle of wine
and several types of
snacks.
How did this happen? Remy asked.
I dont know
Ukyo sighed. Turning her head slightly to open her eyes and
gaze at the city
again. But right now I dont care.
Rémy sighed as he guided Ukyo to sit down next to him. Carefully serving some
wine into the
thimble-sized cups their mysterious guardian had left for them.
Ukyo
thank you.
Ukyo blinked. What for?
For trying your best to save me! Rémy said, smiling at her as he gave her one
of the cups.
I only beat you from trying first. Ukyo whispered, her eyes and Rémys
sharing yet another
smile.
-o-
Welcome back. Nabiki said as Ukyo stumbled into the room. Did you have a
good night?
Ukyo felt a blush rising to her cheeks as she nodded noncommittally and
proceeded to open the
mini-bar.
Nabiki laughed. Well, I hope you and Rémy did. I spent most of the time
waiting for you doing
work.
Ukyo sighed. Im sorry Nabs. I promise to be on my best tomorrow morning.
Nabiki chuckled as she closed her laptop. You mean later today. She stretched
and walked to her
bed, sitting down on it and looking at her friend. Ill take your word on it.
Ukyo nodded and quickly changed into her pajamas. As she slid into her bed, and
Nabiki turned off
the light, she looked at her friends silhouette against the moonlight. Nabs
who are the Phantom
Queens?
Nabiki didnt stir or make a sound and Ukyo slowly closed her eyes. In the
distance, as Ukyo
descended into dreams, she could hear her friends voice spiraling down into
darkness with her.
All in good time, Ukyo
Sleep now.
-o-
Dad? Rémy asked, walking into the nest. He had noticed the increased
security. Some of Gits
friends roamed the area in the form of unexpected patrols; the entrances had
been guarded by at
least three rats each. There was an air of tension all around and Rémy began to
understand that
the threats from the rat that had attacked them that night had not been a lie.
Rémy! Django came out of his shelter with a broad smile, tired eyes looking
up and down his son
as he approached him enough to give him a hug. What brings you here?
Dad, today I went out with Ukyo
A gleam came to Djangos eyes. Ah, he grinned. That young mouse caught your
eye, eh, Rémy?
Well, rats and mice normally dont mingle, but you have my blessing.
Dad
wait
Rémy started to say when Émile rushed him.
Did I hear right? Are you getting together with the mouse girl? His broad
brother was smiling
from ear to ear as he hugged Rémy. Wait, Émile. I need to talk
We should celebrate! Git said, his patrol group surrounding Django, Rémy and
Émile. He patted
Rémy on the back, almost bowling him over. Congratulations buddy! I guess the
good thing is you
dont have to worry about the catering for the wedding night!
Gits friends laughed at his joke as Rémys eyes lowered halfway as he tried,
unsuccessfully to
talk.
Rémy is getting married? A female rat asked, eyes wide. I have to tell the
others!
Ok
stop. I mean it. Rémy groaned as he was pushed towards the centre of the
room colony. The
now fully awake rats started pulling out food.
Look, Im not hungry. The young chef said amiably, yet annoyed as he turned
to his dad. Dad, we
need to talk
Dont worry about the details Rémy, we will deal with them in time! Django
said.
Dad
Okay, Émile, you will go get the decorations along with
Daaaad
Git, we will need your muscle to move the cake
wait
we might have to ask
Linguini to do that.
Rémy knows how to read and write so hell tell him, but I still need you to
move the drinks
DAD!
Django and the others stopped and looked back at Rémy as the young rat breathed
hard and tried to
calm himself.
What is it son? Wait
dont tell me
his eyes widened. You havent asked her
yet?
YES! I mean, no! I mean
Rémy shook his head. Wait. Stop. His hands made
slowing motions
towards everyone present until even the musicians stopped strumming their
instruments. Okay. I
havent asked Ukyo to marry me
A collective groan reached his ears and he glared around until everyone quieted
down.
Geez, Rémy
Émile suddenly said. Do you think she would say no?
At that Rémys mind blanked and he took two steps back.
Everyone looked expectantly at him as he slowly shook his head.
That
is not what I wanted to talk about
he faced Django. Dad
me and Ukyo
were attacked
tonight.
Everyone took a deep breath. Django looked worried for a bit. Then, slowly his
eyelids lowered
dangerously. Were you or the girl harmed?
Rémy sighed as he shook his head. It was a close call. We were saved by the
birds.
Djangos brow furrowed further. Why would they help you?
Rémy shook his head. I dont know
it was because of Ukyo. They said she was
under the protection
of someone called the Phantom Queen.
But that makes no sense
Django said. The ruler of the birds of Paris is an
old Owl called
Alissandre and shes been in very good terms with Joan.
Rémys eyes shot up. The rat that attacked us said Joan had sent them. Dad
whats happening?
That is something Id like to know too. A female voice drifted down to the
rats.
Immediately, Git and his troops surrounded Django, Rémy and Émile. Who said
that? the big rat
challenged, looking about.
With a sudden gust of wind, a raven landed in the middle of the rats, scaring
and scattering a few
of them. Two more ravens landed slightly behind her, and Rémy recognized them.
Dad, those two helped me and Ukyo against Joans rats!
Who are you? Django asked the female raven.
The Phantom Queen. The raven answered, a glint of amusement in her eye. And
you are Rémys
father. She turned her eyes to the young rat-chef. Did you enjoy your night,
young rat? I mean,
I set up everything for you to enjoy the night with dear Ukyo. Good wine,
breath-taking view
..
complete and utter solitude for the both of you
Behind her the two ravens exchanged glances and rolled their eyes.
Rémy on the other hand was starting to show a blush through his blue-gray fur.
You did. Didnt you? the female raven laughed. This is priceless. And to
think she never
thought shed fall for another rodent.
This drew a few blinks.
What? Rémy asked.
My, hasnt she told you about her ex-fiancée? the raven did her best
impression of a smile. Rémy
didnt know that birds beaks could form such convincing grins. Wild Horse.
Everyone stared.
How do you know so much about her? Rémy demanded.
The Phantom Queen snorted. All the questions you can ask and you go for that
one? Lack of
imagination for a chef of your caliber, Mr. Rémy.
As the young rat seethed, Django stepped forward, with Git slightly behind him,
ready to jump
forward in a second. It seems you are the one to thank for saving Rémy and
Ukyo
thank you. He
bowed slightly.
Yes, but now its time for you to tell me exactly why two of my favorite
rodents are in danger.
Django sighed. Rémy... follow us. He motioned for the ravens to fall behind
as he led them to a
secluded area of the nest.
-o-
Joan followed the secret paths his predecessor had taught him to reach Jean
Sans Peur. Once inside
he made his way to his appointed place and waited for his acquaintance to
arrive.
Damn it, Alissandre we had an arrangement. Joan said from a hole in the wall.
The lanky-looking
rat was glaring upwards at the large brown owl who was glaring right back as it
settled down on a
next to the staircase.
We do have an arrangement, Joan. The owl said, her voice dropping in
temperature with each word.
But there is little I can do if the so-called Phantom Queen appears and
demands a favor.
Who is this Queen? another voice purred from the darkness of a distant
corner. Is she really
royalty to order you about, Alissandre mon aimé?
The owl ruffled her feathers, shooting an amused glance at the corner. Armand
mon cher
She
nodded. How nice of you to join us.
Hardly anything happens without us knowing about it, bird. A growl echoed in
the room, drawing
an antagonistic hiss from Armand.
Watch your mouth wag-tail. He hissed. Or I will make sure you cant sleep at
night for fear of
your eyes being gauged out!
A soft woof laughed its way up. Fine, fine. Never be said Lydie didnt have
proper respect for
the alphas of other clans.
That is if Alissandre is still an alpha as you call it. Jean said. If you
are the leader of
the birds, why did you follow orders from this Queen of yours?
Alissandre considered her options, then sighed. She has every crow and raven
in the city
believing she is the Phantom Queen that had I not acquiesced to her request she
would have started
a fight I could ill afford.
That is an unusually pacifist approach from you, Alissandre, you normally
favor battle. Yet
another female voice echoed in the empty tower, coming from the dark confines
of the top of the
tower.
Minuit-fleur
Joan looked up, a sigh escaping him.
Joan. The reply was curt. Why were your rats attacking them in the first
place?
The rat cringed at the coldness of the reply, but, heart beating fast he
explained. The girl
wasnt the target, it was her companion. Hes from a clan from the north, they
came to live in
Paris, agreed to our rules and then broke them.
The amber eyes in the topmost shadows glinted. Why did they do that?
Does it matter? the growl drew everyones attention down as the moonlight
entered the tower
through several cracks and windows. The dog that stood on the floor was almost
wolf-like in size
and appearance. Her canines shone white-blue in the moonlight and her matted
black and gray fur
seemed to absorb the light while her eyes glowed red in the darkness. They
broke the law.
As much as I hate to agree with the flea-bag, I have to do so. Armand said,
ignoring the
threatening growl and purring slightly as he balanced his way over the beam to
sit next to
Alissandre. If anyone breaks the laws then they have to be either exiled or
punished. No
exceptions.
Jean looked at the color-patchwork tabby with a mixture of contempt and well
hid fear. Agreed.
And That was what I was doing. The boy, Rémy, is from Djangos clan. I was in
my right to punish
him.
That hardly sounds like Django. You had good words to say about him when his
clan came to Paris.
Minuit-fleur said.
I thought he was a proud Rat. That he remembered the ways, and respected the
thousand-year old
traditions we of the Voix Cachées guard. He betrayed that trust by claiming
food only for his clan
under the pretense of setting the area off-limits. The rat retorted.
So. Armand nodded, and looked deeply into Alissandres brown eyes. If we
were to get rid of
this so-called queen, you would be free to rule your avian cousins as your
position demands.
Alissandre looked back at the cats green eyes and hooted so softly only Armand
and Minuit-fleur
were able to hear it. Yes
but I cannot do it alone. And if we do this, it has
to look like an
accident.
The amber eyes in the shadows slid down dangerously. But Minuit-fleur kept her
silence.
I have an idea
Armand said.
End Chapter 4
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