Wellppppp, I've been gone a really. really. really. Long time. And I didn't even write more. This is an adaption of a story I wrote 5 years ago that I thought I lost the data to, but I stumbled upon it today, so I'd thought I stick it up here just for the heck of it. I intended it to be 3 chapters, each one being the same story but from a different point of view, but that may or may not happen now. Anyways, here it is, Secret: Black Vow. Please if you do want more drop me a like, review or anything really! It's very much appreciated!

Black Vow

I stepped forward, the soft wood of the dock creaking pleasantly under my foot. I let the white hood of my cloak continue to hide my face as I looked over the scenery. Calm ocean waves. Soft hues of pink and orange streaked through the sky and my lungs gratefully took in a breath of salty air. God knows where.

"Hey Rin…" I started, my voice rough. I hadn't spoken for a while after all.

"I wrote you a song; I think you really would've liked it."

A sad dream beyond measure

In which I didn't understand

That I destroyed a precious treasure

by my very own hand

Black. No matter what name you want to give it, what title you try to hide it behind, whether you call it a color or a shade, it won't change what it is. Black is, still Black. The absence of light. The omen of death. The...the...what's the word...harbinger? Harbinger of misfortune. Darkness, doubt, ignorance and uncertainty. Most wear it in grief and mourning; I wore for my wedding. It's a shade with endless meaning. But for me, no matter where I went, what corner I turned, there it was, the face of despair, greeting me with a smile. It was something I used to love, and quickly grew to hate. A curse that someone like me, would never be able to break.

But let me start at the beginning.

It all began that night I was walking home from the market. It had been a hard day, and I was exhausted to the point where my legs weren't even sure how to stand up straight anymore. For some reason though, I wasn't really in a rush to get home. I had a lot on my mind, so I decided to take a little detour. The town I lived in was tiny, just a speck on the map really, even so, I never took the time to just, you know, explore. Take a path I've never ventured on before. The streets were already emptied of their usual crowd of people, but I managed walk on in a comfortable silence. If I had to guess, I'd say it was around dusk. The sun had just about set; I had caught the sky in it's elusive transition between a sunset and a starry night sky.

That's when I saw her.

A girl dressed in all white, sitting by herself. Well...she looked more like she had fallen by accident more than anything else. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her shaking shoulders as head hung low to the ground. I took a gentle step closer and held out my hand to her.

"Would you like some help?" I said with a small smile.

A pair of sky blue eyes looked up at me. Her golden hair almost touched her shoulders, and a lock of it was braided and pushed behind her ear. An air of timidness was unmistakable behind porcelain skin. True to my first glimpse, she wore nothing else but white. A collared tank top with delicate frills going down the center, shorts, thigh stockings, white heels and fingerless white gloves. I did notice, however, a chain wrapped around her waist, kind of like a belt, and hanging off of it on an even thinner silvery chain, was a cross. Admittedly unusual for this town, for any town for that matter. But what really got me, was when the last glimmer of sunlight graced her figure, a pair of long feathered wings coming from her back flickered in my eyes. I blinked. An...Angel? I looked again, but they were gone. I forced myself to stop from jumping to any conclusions, but I definitely knew she wasn't from around here. With a flustered look on her face, she took my hand and pulled herself up, still a little shaky on her feet.

"T-Thank you." She said shyly, her eyes quickly cast back to the ground.

I couldn't help but let out a little laugh, "I'm Miku Hatsune."

Silence. She seemed like the type of girl who wouldn't speak unless spoken to. I tried to continue the conversation. My curiosity was piqued."What's your name?"

"Rin." She said simply after a moment's hesitation.

Rin. I liked how the name rang in my mind. I could understand why the girl didn't give me her full name, I mean, why would she? I was a complete stranger after all. She looked as fragile and delicate as a lily. As if the tiniest gust of wind could just blow away her petals at any moment. I mean, other than the fact that she had wings, (even if it was only for a moment, I knew what I saw), I could tell that there was something different about her.

I didn't put much thought into that meeting, to be honest. But I began to see her around town more and more often. Sometimes, she even helped me with my daily chores. It was…strange, but kind of nice. There was a lot more to her than just this shy and quiet girl on the surface. She was kind, gentle, with compassion unmatched by anyone I've ever known. But nobody seemed to know who she was or where she came from.

We became easy friends. What started out as polite greetings slowly transformed into the candy-coated conversations that told us more and more about the other. But the glimpses of wings didn't stop. Sometimes for a minute, sometimes for no more than a second. Though I didn't dare tell Rin about it, sometimes I'd casually slip in a question to others that might lead them to comment on them. But no one ever did.

No one ever saw what I did.

I stopped mentioning it in conversations. It was something I came to accept. And in a way, I felt an inner pride about being the only one to see them. It was just the way she protected and cared for me, I came to think that she was an angel. My Angel. Call it silly, or stupid, but it wouldn't of changed my conviction. And in the passing of a couple weeks, we were practically inseparable. Wherever I went, she went. I didn't protest. I didn't question it. I didn't even need her last name.

One day, those lost memories were

Pushed to the depth of my heart

Leaving my mind hazy and blurred

And empty loneliness to tear me apart

"...So what'd you want to talk about?" I asked, tilting my head at him. He was usually so detached and stoic...but even I could tell he was absolutely brimming with his own nerves, especially when he had asked me to come. I just had to agree; that's what friends were for, after all.

We had come to a grassy hill overlooking the town. The sun was setting, dying the sky in its usual colors of pink and gold. We sat side by side, in silence for a few moments as I waited for an answer. Finally, the brunet turned to me and rested his hand on mine. I felt an unfamiliar tug inside me, telling me to pull away.

"Miku, we've been friends for a long time..." He started in his deep tenor, looking a bit hesitant. He cleared his throat again. "But I've wanted to be more than that. It's time to become more than that."

"W-What?"

"Miku, please," He was on one knee now. "You're always on my mind...and all I could ever wish for is the right to call you mine." His voice ached with sincerity as he took out a small box from his pocket, covered in black velvet. "Will you marry me?"

He opened the lid, revealing a silvery ring with a clear diamond set in the center. It glimmered brightly back at me. My throat felt tight and I stared at the content of that little box with a rising feeling in my chest. It was beautiful...of course it was.

"I-I don't know what to say.." Was all I could manage out. I looked at him but my eyes flickered back to the ring. The answer seemed obvious. A man with gentle manners, a whole social class above me, a respectable family background; a pairing that would've made my parents jump with joy. Something told me that I would've said 'yes' without hesitation not so long ago...

...So why was I hesitating now?

What had changed? What had changed? I repeated the question again and again in my mind, but still couldn't come to an answer. I looked to the man kneeling in front of me, losing more and more confidence with every second passed in my stunned silence. So I said what I 'ought to.

I said yes.

"Yes, I will, I will." I nodded vigorously, feeling embarrassed as my face grew hot. He pulled me into a tight embrace, every feature on his face expressing his ultimate joy.

"I'm glad." He said softly, "I'm so happy." Pulling away, he took my hand, taking the ring from the box with a trembling hand and slipped it on my finger. "A perfect fit," He said, just barely able to catch his breath.

I forced a smile back.

Looking up to the sky

I vainly reached out my arms

to the whiteness beyond my eye

that could do nothing but harm

Someone smiled and held my hands

But who was that...?

I sat down on my bed with more weight than an anvil, replaying the scene over and over in a daze. I held up my hand. The ring felt heavy, cumbersome and just plain unnatural. Was this how you were supposed to feel the night you're engaged? Was this really the right thing to do? Even after all of these years, I had never suspected this at all. In theory, he should be the perfect guy. A dream guy, really, for anyone. Not only was young and handsome. He was supposedly the epitome of charm. Practically everyone in town had been falling over their own feet for him. A noble from birth. I could make a good name for my family. I should be happy…but why wasn't I?

Rin's face immediately came to my mind.

That's right; I would have to tell Rin about this. As soon as possible. I felt a fresh wave of uneasiness. Why? I couldn't answer that either. But I did know that I wouldn't be able to even function properly until she knew and my mind was cleared.

I flopped back on the mattress and wrapped blanket tightly around myself. Maybe I could sleep on this. Maybe things would look better in the morning. Heaving a sigh into the sheets, I closed my eyes and forced myself into a restless and uneasy sleep.

Morning didn't bring the usual optimism and refreshment I needed. But I headed to the market place as usual anyways. The town square was paved with uneven stones, and small shops lined the area. Few people but the shop owners populated the area at this time of day. Coming into the square, I could see that Rin was already there, bright and early. She ran a shop cart that sold all sorts of odds and ends. She was handling a small wooden crate, probably moving it to her cart. My presence though, caught her attention immediately.

"Good Morning Miku." She said, a smile quickly gracing her lips.

I didn't return it. I had to tell her. Now. "Rin, I have something important to tell you." I blurted out, watching confusion twist her features. Come on now, don't beat around the bush. "I'm getting married." My left hand hung limp at my side, seemingly weighed down by the ring strangling my hand.

The crate hit the ground. The wood split the moment of contact, and its contents sprawled out in every direction. The look of shock was so deeply etched on her face that I thought it might be permanent. Finally after a moment of silence, she spoke:

"W-what?"

I felt uneasy under her blue gaze, almost ashamed. I averted my eyes; I didn't want to repeat myself.

"I-I mean...that's great." She smiled at me, quickly regaining that docile composure I was so used to, "I'm really happy for you." She seemed like she was back to her old self.

I paused, but decided to continue with a cautious feeling of optimism. "I'm going to look for the dress tonight...I was hoping that you could maybe come and help me pick one out?"

For the first time though, Rin looked uncertain. "You know...I don't think I can make it tonight…" Her voice faltered. "But don't rearrange your plans just for me," The blonde added quickly, "Go, have fun." She smiled lightly, taking my hands. "I really am happy for you." She said, putting all the earnestness in her voice as she could.

It was wrong though. It was all wrong.

If I could fly and find you

in the ends of the sky

I'd hold you in my arms

and never say goodbye

This, I swear to you

We walked hand in hand down the road, a window with dresses pinned onto mannequins coming into sight. Since Rin couldn't come with me, I asked my fiancée instead. There were only two opinions that mattered to me anyways. I knew if I postponed the plans, Rin would grow even more frustrated with me. Whatever the initial reason was. So I pushed the wedding superstition aside, how much could it hurt for the groom to see the bride beforehand? He accepted my request with enthusiasm, and before I knew it, we were off to the dress shop.

He wanted to call for a carriage, but I asked to walk there. And I have to say, the walk wasn't that bad. It was just like old times, you know, except for the hand holding. We laughed and talked about, well, everything. Anything from the town news to even the weather. I found myself clutching his arm. To anyone passing by, we probably really did look like a couple.

What was I saying? We are a couple.

...Aren't we?

A bell's pleasant tinkle rang as we entered the store. Even with the wide array of beautifully made white dresses, nothing really caught my eye. We had to wave away the sales clerk several times. I ridiculously felt bad for being so indecisive, especially in front of him, but he continued on with impossible patience. We slowly weaved our way to the back of the store, since I turned away from dress after dress.

Then, just when I thought we had reached the end of the line, in the very back corner, hanging on a beaten-down mannequin, was a gorgeous black dress. It was black as the night itself, and the heavy folds of dark fabric draped along the dress, tying into a ribbon the side of the waist. I touched the delicate fabric, the admiration clear in my eyes.

"Is this the one..?" He asked quietly. He was hesitant at first, but with just seeing my expression, he immediately softened to the idea and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Yea..." I smiled warmly, "Yea, I think it is." Black for a wedding. My wedding. I certainly wouldn't be like any other bride.

"Well, I'm sure you'll look beautiful." He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

My days were quick to grow busy. Planning for the wedding, choosing this and that, everything seemed to be getting out of hand. As for a bridal shower, well, I insisted on entirely not having one. I didn't like the idea of all of that attention. Maybe I'd have something small. Just Rin and I. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. Rin and I seemed to be growing more and more distant since I told her about the wedding and I wanted to fix that. She was one of my closest friends, and the spot of bride's maid would be reserved for her, whether she came or not.

She came to agree and I set it all up. It was nothing big, we were going to walk around the backstreets of town, just like when we had first met, where we could just …talk. She probably knew so much about me, when I had hardly ever asked her about herself. I wanted to make up to her about what a bad friend I had been.

So we walked down the streets together, dusk beginning to touch the skies. Rin looked even worse then before, her shoulders slumped and her head rarely rose to even speak to me. She hardly ever spoke, and when she did, I could see dark circles shadowing under her pale blue eyes. I stopped us at the same spot, where I had first found the blond angel.

"It seems so long ago, doesn't it..?" I said, tugging a smile on my lips, trying to lighten things up.

More Silence.

Finally, her head snapped up, she ran in front of me, a look of determination in her eyes.

"Miku." She breathed as pulled me in close, her hand grasping the back of my head.

She kissed me.

My eyes widened a mix of shock and horror bowled over me. I pushed her away with a firm force, causing her to stumble backwards. My hands gingerly covering my mouth as I gasped.

"What…What are you doing?!" I said, trying to gather my words together. The anger starting to bubble in my stomach. I was barely even sure at what I was angry at. "I'm engaged… and you're a...a…."

I stopped myself. Rin who had said nothing but my name this whole time, pulled a pained smile onto her face. When her eyes finally reached mine, I could see that her eyes were watering, tears threatening to come out. I realized that I had just hurt one of my closest-no-my best and closest friend. My anger died down as quickly as it had come and Guilt took its place. My eyes drifted back down to the ground. I could barely even look at her anymore without feeling ashamed. There must be some misunderstanding here, there had to be a way to figure this out. So, after a moment or so, I mustered up my courage, and pulled my head back up.

"...Hey, I'm really sor-"

I never got to finish my apology. She was gone. A few snowy white feathers softly fluttered down onto the ground my Angel stood on only moments before.

My heart dropped into my stomach. I spent the rest of that night looking for her. I swear, I looked in every alleyway and backstreet of the town that night. But other than the few feathers she had left behind, there was no trace of her. Oh where could she have gone? I looked and looked until limbs were numb with cold. I called out her name, shouting apologies until my throat was sore and my voice left me. Eventually, the cold night air forced me to retreat to my home.

There were no words to describe my despair. What had been meant to repair our crumbling friendship may have only destroyed it.

What had I done?