My Note: So, I think this is a really beautiful piece. Not because I'm writing it, no. Because I believe it captures the essence of their love, this story does. Of course, everything grows with a little time, and those who are patient enough to wait, will learn of it's true blossom. Read and Review...Please.


A gorgeous red sunrise peaked over the horizon. At this time and hour, Skipper was not with the other penguins, instead he was with Marlene. The bright light and beautiful love of his life.

Marlene was actually awake this early, and was much happier than she was yesterday. However, the pain and depression had not completely been washed away by the waves of Skipper's perfect blue eyes. She really wanted to get out in the sun and enjoy watching it rise.

Unfortunately, Marlene couldn't really move much, because Skipper had her in a bear hug. He might look small, but he has an iron grip. He may also look big, but it's all muscle.

Marlene wasn't too happy that she couldn't move...at all. But she wasn't upset either. At least now she could be with Skipper and not worry about anything else.

But, being like Skipper is...He ruined the moment. Letting go of Marlene and jumping to his feet. "Ah...Good morning, doll face..." Marlene was surprised at Skipper's sudden romantic side. She had never heard his words so closely before...never listened so intently.

Of course, she fell to the floor after he let her go. Skipper smiled and helped her up gently. "Are you OK?" Marlene smiled and even chuckled a little. "Yeah, I'm fine. And, what's with this sudden interest in me? You only just kissed me..." Skipper let his eyelids slide romantically, and gave her his most loving smile.

"Ah, but it only took one kiss, Marlene." He took her paw into his flippers and kissed it lightly. Marlene was awed at the beauty of his words.

So, she replied in her own poetic way. "Am I really so desirable to have your heart set upon mine?" Skipper brung her closer, "My dear, Marlene...You are more than desirable, you are desired. And you are more than loveable, you are loved. By me...Now and forever." He gave her a tender kiss, and led her to the pond outside her habitat.

"You know, Skipper...I..uh...Just wanted to..thank you. For last night, you know...For saving me and all..." Marlene gave him a small, grateful smile and sat down next to her pond.

She let her feet slide in the water, moving them back and forth slowly. Just relishing in the feel of the wind, the sun, the world around her. Not to mention the feel of love that so deeply bound her heart together from the broken, disheveled pieces that had once lain strewn across the cold floor.

Skipper never took his eyes off her. How could he? She was so beautiful...The sun seemed to catch her eyes at the perfect moment, making those amber gems sparkle and shine.

"Save you? I just gave you classified information. Besides, it was bound to come out sooner or later." "Yes, but...If it had come any later...It would've been too late." Her eyes that a moment ago had been filled with golden happiness, were now shrouded with the cold sadness she expressed last night.

"What are you trying to say, Marlene?" "I'm trying...I'm trying to say that-" Her breath caught in her throat. How could she tell him? How she could possibly give him the answer without having to explain all the reasons she wanted so much to keep secret from him. She looked in his eyes. Those great glaciers that moved something inside of her, each time she saw them.

No. I...I have to tell him. I have to... "Skipper...I'm trying to say that what you said...what you did last night...saved my life. I was planning on taking my life. But, the closer I got to it, the more I realized I didn't really want to die. Not if I never got to see you again. But I did want to die because...Because...Skipper this could never work out. You never should have saved me." Marlene took her eyes off his.

Skipper was deeply hurt that she would even have the thought in her head to take herself. "Marlene. I don't understand. How could this possibly not work out? We love each other...Don't we?" Marlene held his flipper.

"Yes. More than anything. But love can't overcome everything." "Yes it can. As long as I have it, I can give it several battle plans, such as divide and conquer." He gave her a knowing smile. Marlene only shook her head and caressed his face.

"Skipper...There's so much you don't know." The little otter stood up and walked around the outside of her habitat. "Skipper, my family is very strict and harsh. They would only allow me to be with an otter, if anyone at all, and only an otter from...the 'Royal Prince' family. Since, I am considered a princess in my family name, 'Ren'."

She looked at Skipper for his reaction so far. He appeared to be listening more intently than anyone ever had. She smiled and continued.

"Anyway, the 'Prince' next in line to rule over the otters. He kinda, sorta, maybe...chose me as his bride." At this Skipper leaped in the air. "What? Chose you? Did you have any say in the matter?" "Well...No." This is what she was afraid of.

"Well, I'll go knock his block off right now!-" "No! Skipper. It's just..It's difficult to explain!" "Well then, explain it to me slowly." Then suddenly Marlene smiled and dashed off. She came back after about five minutes with a journal, it looked like, in her hand.

"I hand-crafted it back when I was little. While my parents weren't looking of course. It contains my whole life story, basically. Here. Start reading right-" "-Marlene. I can't read." Marlene was confused, but shrugged.

"OK. Then, I guess I'll just read it to you."


[FLASHBACK]

The Prince has come to our family earlier today. You know to observe us and choose his bride. You'll know if he chooses you, when a beautiful golden lotus is placed behind your ear. Father says I better get chosen or my life will be more miserable than my life has ever been. Of course, I know what they're saying is true.

Anyways, the Prince is far desired by many girls. His name is Takahiro Prince, meaning 'of great value or nobility'. Now, our otter-born names have meaning. Each and every one. Most of them are Japanese. Like my name. My name is Marlene Ren. Marlene had no Japanese meaning and that's the way my parents wanted it.

They are evil, the profound definition of it actually. You know how it was described in the dictionary as "morally wrong or bad;immoral;wicked"? Well, when others saw my parents and their hostile behavior towards me, they had to extend the definition.

Anyways, my last name, 'Ren', means lotus; love. It's ironic because I've never been capable of giving or receiving love before. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll fall in love and marry a bird of all things. I mean, at least that's what Madame Chie said. Her name means 'wisdom; intellect'. Which makes sense, seeing as how she's the, well, I guess you would call her a fortune teller.

Takahiro looked at my sisters and me in a line-up; tallest to shortest. I was right in the middle thinking there was no way he'd take the time to look at me when he had my older blonde sisters, and that's when he stopped in front of me.

I swear my heart has never beaten so hard in my life. Not even when Father bashed my head with his fist. And guess who had to clean the blood up? Yep. Me. Of course, you know that since I've written down everyday since I was three. Not that they'll ever know. ;) I'll keep it secret if you do. Haha.

OK, when he stopped in front of me, my eyes were closed, you weren't supposed to look up at him unless he requested. "Beautiful, lovely child...What is your name?" I kept my head down and spoke," My name is-" "No. Child. Look up at me." He brought his hand to my chin and lifted my head so he could see me face and look into my eyes.

"My name is...Marlene. Marlene Ren." He closed his eyes and relished it which kind of creeped me out since I'm only, like, oh I don't know, fifteen! And he's twenty-six! Ew. He's so old.

But that's not the point, that's not even the creepiest part! When he opened his eyes, they roamed over my body slowly, relentlessly. I felt extremely uncomfortable, I still do! Then...the worst thing happened, he reached and touched my body!

Seriously! My body! Disgusting. His hands roamed over just as much of me as his eyes did. I wanted so badly to squirm and fight but knew better. My eyes were beginning to fill with tears at the violation of body.

The Prince finally stopped then looked at my Father. "Yeah. She'll do." The Golden Lotus was taken from the sack he carried with him and placed it behind my ear! My ear! Can you believe it? He chose me over my most desirable sisters! Still...I felt bad for them...No doubt, Father would kill them. Or, come close to it.

The Prince took my hand by force and led me away from my family, but luckily I had stashed this diary in the sack that I was allowed to take to the palace if I were chosen. Which I, unfortunately, was. To give you a hint, the sack is barely big enough for this diary and it's lying on my-...our bed.

I said unfortunately, because a life married to a Prince is not as glamorous as you think. I'm forced away from my family. Which is good when it comes to my parents-...parent. I'm never allowed a word, never allowed to speak to my husband. Unless he gives me something to say, something most likely disgusting and taunting.

This is the worst event to ever occur in the history of my long, pitiful life. I'm in the den he chose for us. Right now, he's out with his brothers drinking and bragging about his minor wife. Then later, I would be beaten, kissed, beaten, thrown, kissed, beaten, and so on, and so on.

Takahiro requested that Madame Chie come see me, to determine if I am fertile? Um, ewww. Why? I don't even know what that means! Or, I didn't. Thankfully, Madame Chie is a wonderful person who took pity on me for being so young and being of such horrible background.

Anyways, because "The stars were upon me", she decided to give me the plans to escape. And, right now I'm writing from the inside of a crate. But, before I left, I asked her if I were ever to find true love.

This was her great answer: "You will, Marlene. You will find a man, along your journey, who will want to protect you more than anything. At first, he will not reveal it to you. For he will be a very stubborn, very prideful man, but not just a man. A bird. One that does not fly. At least not physically. Trust me, he likes to keep things secret and won't give away too much, but you will change his life as he will change yours. Your marriage will be that of a lifetime. It will be the ultimate expression and display of true love."

That's what she said to me. In this moment, I can only hope it's true.


My Note: Sooooo...?I know it was a long wait, but I do believe it was worth it. Review please! (2,187 words! So close to my record!)