CHAPTER 2 - DARK SIDE

I can hear the pixie cries

Breaking through the silent night

Howling of the winter sky

Lead the moon to his darkest light...

Kagome close her book. She did not quite understand what exactly the poet was trying to say. After all, she was merely attracted by the gleaming fairy cover of the book, nothing else.

''...Pashibaru, I wonder why the pixie cries.'' said Kagome to her teddy bear while hugging him.

After a short while, she came into conclusion which she meant to be Pashibaru's answer.

''...You're right, Pashibaru. Maybe she was just so lonely...'' muttered her with sad voice.

In the meeting room

''Ahhhh! Just where the hell is she?'' scream Shion, the student council president of Spica.

''My deepest apologize. We've search for the last two hours, but it didn't bring any satifying result.'' said Miyuki calmly. She was annoyed as well. However, rather than making situation more complicated, she decided to stay calm. President of Lilim, Chikaru merely chuckle by both parties action.

The meeting was about to discuss this year play. Miator, Spica, and Lilim cooperate together for the yearly performance every year, but... it doesn't seem the Etoile herself take interest in this. In the end, purpose of this meeting has been changed by those two girls. This is what happen if Shizuma skip the meetings and unfortunately, she often skip. Leaving those three girls waiting and waiting, until they start quarreling.

Chikaru place her eyes, looking outside the window. How peaceful and settled the outside world are... I can even hear the chanting within the church. No wonder she flee herself... Chikaru sigh heavily and smile ...from this cozy, luxurious cage of hers. Nah, I'm sure she's there, under the trees, just like the olden days. But it will not be so interesting to tell them where she is, so better I keep quiet and let it be... interesting.

''Shizuma-oneesama...'' she murmured with her eyes yearning for passionate kiss which Shizuma gladly grant her wish. Kissing her deeply and more deep, as time flows between them. Nevertheless, the girl sharing kisses with Shizuma seems like the only one cherishing every second they spent together.

''Takahashi-san...'' Shizuma panting and take a step away from her. She wipe her sweat off her forehead, staring at the maiden standing before her.

''Onee-sama... am I not enough for you?'' ask her disappointedly, she looks that she was just about to burst into tears.

Shizuma turned around and walk away. ''You're not... the one meant for me...'' reply her coldly.

THAT NIGHT IN SHIZUMA'S DORM ROOM

The sound of water splashing and warm water pouring her face and body calm her nerves. After a short time, she came out of the bathroom with tired face and sat down in her comfy bed. She observe her room. Still the same as always... the only thing different here was simply just me.

Cring! The dark blue necklace, the proof of the Etoile which she wear it since she rule the position, fall down from her neck.

''Oh...'' said her weakly. At the same time, she tried to reach her necklace and when finally grasped it, something occupy her blank mind.

''Shizuma!''

''Don't run, Kaori. Your health will drop down again.''

(Kaori hand over a box to Shizuma cheerfully)

''What is it? It's a fancy little box.'' tease Shizuma while accepting the wooden box from Kaori and opening it.

''A necklace..?'' asked her. The necklace she hold was beautiful, with a dark blue stone, as blue as the ocean and the other still laying on the box with a lovely red stone.

Kaori laugh and pick up the red necklace. ''It's a proof! We're both Etoile now and that means we have the right to own this necklace!''

''Yes... I remember correctly both the former Etoile wearing this. I'm so happy, Kaori... We are officially the Etoile's now.'' exclaim Shizuma with joy on her heart.

''Shizuma... i don't think I will live until the day we turn back both the necklace to the church...'' said Kaori softly.

After hiding her own fear of losing her, Shizuma hug Kaori with her desire to make Kaori feel secured. Even from her own weak, frail body which Shizuma has been wanting to embrace all day long.

''Kaori... as long as this necklace bear my name as it's owner, I swear I'll protect you as an Etoile and as your lover. I wont let anyone hurt you, so... please, just don't say anything which will make my oath to you a mistake.'' reply Shizuma, releasing her hug.

Kaori blush a bit and smile happily. ''Shizuma, let me be with you for the rest of my life...''Kaori hug Shizuma's back so that she can't see her face.

''...in your heart...'' continued her as tears forming in her eyes drops down quietly.

''Kaori... I'm so sorry...'' said Shizuma sadly. She squeeze her necklace tightly until drops of blood flowing down her hand but still, her heart feels aching.

''What do you feel at that time...? What do you think of me when I made such an oath to you...?'' ask Shizuma heavily, realizing deep down in her heart nothing would answer her delayed question...

A/N: Finally chapter 2 is release. It eats up my Sunday though... but I was just so happy writing about Shizuma and her past. I've always wanted to express my feeling into words, and Shizuma is really the right choice X3 I want to introduce Shizuma as an elegant, strong princess character and Kaori is more of frail princess character, what a perfect combination... but nothing is more interesting than writing her dark side and past! I hope to write longer chapter next time.