YUME By Shiro-Angel

This is a complete revision of my original story that I started six years ago. (How many of you gave up?) It's changing and remaining the same, if that makes sense. I have hopes for this version, though I won't voice them until quite later. Please enjoy and review, as I can only get better with your comments. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Angelic Layer and all that pertain to it, belong to CLAMP, I am merely taking liberties with their characters and using them to suit my own imagination.

Chapter 1: Running

The pale light of the moon washed over the garden grounds, blanketing the tall trees, shrubs, and various plants in a pure white-blue glow. Droplets of water glistened like miniature diamonds as a cool breeze blew by making them shiver in their place. Crickets sang their nightly serenade to each other, accompanying the fluttering dances of the glowing fireflies.

In the quiet music of the night, only a few of Mother Nature's creatures took notice of the slender figure moving slowly along the dark shadows of the tall trees. Curious fireflies silently floated their way towards the moving shadow, momentarily casting a soft light upon the features of a young boy before they were gently swatted away. Quickly ducking his head out of the pale glow of the fireflies, the young boy made his way towards the end of the trees before stopping.

Straight ahead of him stood curved gates of imposing height that had been carved from several cedar trees. Its fragrance was noticeably strong in the cool night as wisps of air carried it throughout the garden. Intricate carvings wound its way along the borders and wove its way into the middle, stopping only a few inches from a thin, gold circle embedded in the middle of the joining doors. Within the circle lay an outline of a simply carved crown the tips of which each held a large white pearl. The center of the crown was encrusted with several tiny sapphires forming the letter M. Each gem twinkled in the moonlight as the moon slipped in and out of a few stray clouds.

Tilting his head up, the young boy let out a quiet sigh as he contemplated his plan. Watching the clouds carefully, he quickly ran across the open space as the last rays of the moon were gulped up. Ducking underneath the branches of a cherry tree, he let his eyes take in the stonewall surrounding him before he made his way along the left edge of it.

Running his right hand across the cold stones he thought back to that evenings events and quickly squashed the small seed of annoyance creeping into his thoughts. There had been another gathering of nobles and aristocrats, which he had been obligated to attend as the crown prince. He had politely danced with each daughter presented to him, but what had turned his evening to disgust were the unhidden intentions and hopes of the fathers to have their daughter be the one to capture his interest. What had begun as a small recognition soiree for their various achievements, quickly turned into a competition for a place in the royal family. Only a select few daughters felt ashamed of their father's true goals that night, but most were just as adamant and serious in competing for a place beside his throne.

What allowed a bitter laugh to escape his throat had been the fact that he knew what they really wanted and it wasn't him. Their sugar coated compliments and calculated laughter had nothing to do with him or his personality, but rather who he was. They didn't love him. What they loved and desired was the title and position; the vast amount of power that came with just being the companion of the crown prince. Those prettily dressed and well groomed girls were nothing more than wolves behind flawless masks of beauty. Looking into their eyes devoid of love for anything else but themselves turned his heart cold and made him wish to be anywhere but in their company.

Though his distaste for them grew each time he was forced into their company, he felt a little ashamed of himself for thinking so little of them. He himself wasn't being completely true to them either. He gave polite smiles and laughed along with them, all the while wishing he were somewhere else. Perhaps he was being just as cynical as they were, these days he wasn't so sure where his attitude stood.

'Ahhh,' he sighed, 'I should stop thinking about this.'

As if complying with his thoughts, he halted, stepping closer to the stones embedded in the wall. Peering closer to a small stone to his right, he made out a small black charcoal star. Running a finger along the edges of nearby stones, he found the thinnest crack of a line that ran from the ground up to about the middle of his chest. It looked to be about three feet wide though he wasn't sure as he could not make out the rest of the wall. Just as he was about to push where he figured the center was, a slight rustling of the leaves above caused him to stop. Crouching low to the ground he turned and looked up, flinching in surprise as a pair of icy blue eyes bore down on him.

Straightening, he let out a sigh. "Okay Wizard, you caught me."

"Caught you?" Wizard laughed quietly, raising an eyebrow. "I've been on your tail since you left your room. You really need to work on those detection skills of yours."

The young prince scowled, "You play rather unfairly. I know you cloaked your presence from me. Even the fireflies didn't notice you."

Jumping down from his perch, he landed next to the prince. Grinning, he patted his friend's shoulder, "Well, I'm not here to stop you, but offer assistance. Miraculously enough, it seems as if you've got everything under control."

"Your confidence in me is overwhelming."

"As it always is, your highness."

"Don't call me that when we're alone. You know I hate it."

"Sorry Oujirou," Wizard grinned, "but as it stands, it's a reminder of who you are." His expression grew serious as he bore into his friend's deep, sapphire blue eyes. "What happened tonight is only the beginning, you and I both know that very well. Running away like this will only temporarily help you avoid the responsibilities of your royal duties. You are the crown prince, not someone who has the leisure to do as they please on a whim."

Oujirou nodded with a flicker of irritation in his eyes, "I know quite well my duties as a crown prince. However, even a prince needs an escape from the burden of his title now and then." Grinning, he added, "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Well then little prince," Wizard's lips twitching into a grin of his own, "be off and I'll come fetch you before dawn breaks."

Pointedly ignoring the 'little prince' comment his friend purposely let slip, Oujirou gave him a wave of affirmation before turning his full attention to the wall.

Placing both hands against the rough stones, Oujirou gave it a firm push, stepping back when the wall silently gave way to reveal the small cluster of trees sequentially placed outside the walls. Two long rows framed the cobbled path to the palace gates. Looking back briefly, he gave a small wave to his friend before ducking into the small space and disappearing into the night. The wall reclaimed its detached piece, moving it back into place without a sound or a hint of evidence that it held a secret opening.

Staring momentarily at the place Oujirou had disappeared through, a small frown formed on his lips as the mirth in his eyes died and a look of sadness crept in. Time was running out for his friend and both of them knew it. It would only be a matter of time before he would have to refuse Oujirou even this small bit of freedom. Tilting his head up, his eyes fastened on the velvety night sky and the numerous stars winking back at him. A thin streak of light ran across his vision and disappeared, taking with it, a wish from his heart. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall into his hand as he scrubbed at his tired eyes. Running slender fingers through his hair, he let out a sigh.

"Find her quickly…before it's too late."

With a last look at the wall, Wizard swung himself onto the lowest branch of a cherry tree, making his way to the fat branches laden with lush green leaves and numerous flower buds above. Leaning against the base, he let his legs stretch out and situated himself comfortably, looking through the branches briefly before allowing his eyes to close.

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