Chapter 3

It was dark and late into the night. The moon's light shined through a window. There laid two figures in an embrace. Sasame smiled as he stared down at his chest to see his beloved princess wrapped in his arms. He sees the image of Takako as a human flashing back and forth as he stares at her.

"Takako," Sasame thought, "I know you're still in there. I know why you're trying to isolate Mawata from the rest of the world. It's because you're alone and just want someone to truly understand you. You want someone who has felt the exact pain that you have, to be by your side."

Takako rustles a bit. He could feel her legs and body moving to adjust herself.

"My princess, I will always stay by your side. I am yours. Do with me as you wish. All I want is for you to know that I'm here with you now and forever. Whatever pain, sorrow, and hatred you may feel, you won't have to bare it alone."

In a dream.

16 years ago we see Takako as a human sitting on a bench in the park reading a book. The cherry blossoms are in bloom. Pink petals fall from the sky. The park is peaceful and serene. A gentle waterfall from a nearby fountain can be heard.

Hidden behind a tree, we see Sasame watching from afar. He sees Takako give a smile as she reads her book. Seeing this brings a smile to Sasame's face. He looks down to see a small square envelope in his hand. On it read the name, Takako. Attached to the envelope was a single white rose tied by a gold ribbon through a hole-punch at the corner of the envelope. Sasame stares at the envelope for a while in his hand, then turns back to watch his Pretear again.

"I want you to know how I feel about you. My heart longs for the day when you'll smile back at me." Sasame thought this as he saw Hayate approaching Takako at the bench. He saw her jump up just to say hello to Hayate. His eyes focused on her as he saw Takako's face light up with an adorable smile that was only meant for his friend. A tear drops down from Sasame's face as he leaves the forest of trees where he hid. On the ground laid the small square envelope and white rose.

"Takako, let's go." Hayate reached out his hand. Takako placed her hand on his and got up. Colorful lights glittered all around them as they traveled the Road of Light to Leafenia.

Leafenia was beautiful this time of year. It was spring. The flowers were all in bloom. The grass was a wonderful green. The sky was full of white puffy clouds. It was so peaceful.

Hayate walked Takako to a large rectangular table. There, she saw her other Leafe Knights smiling at her.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAKAKO!"

"What's this?" Takako inquired.

"We're having a birthday party for you silly," Goh said smiling, "Try the food. It's from the restaurant I work at, so it should be tasty."

"Come on, let's go eat," said Hayate as he guided her to the table.

Sasame pulled out her chair for her. She sat down at the head of the table.

"I feel like a princess," said Takako.

"That's because you are a princess, our princess," Sasame told her. "My princess," he thought to himself.

"Thank you all. I couldn't have asked for anything better," Takako proclaimed.

"Cheers!" Their glasses clinked. Celebrating with laughter 'til' sundown.

It was dusk now. The party had tired Takako out. She was ready to go home. Sasame escorted her through the gateway that connected Leafenia back to Earth. As they walked through the same park as before, the moon was full and illuminated the land. Sasame desperately wanted to hold Takako's hand as he walked her home. But he knew that wasn't possible.

A light wind blew a square envelope with a white rose attached to it towards Takako's feet.

"What's this?" Takako picked up the envelope. "It has my name on it." She opened the envelope to see a folded up paper. She unfolds it and starts to read.

As I awake, all I think of is you.

Your sweet and gentle smile pierces my heart sharper than any sword.

Your purity and innocence attracts butterflies to flutter all around you.

Beautiful flowers adorn your feet as you walk with grace.

Your hair shines and burns my eyes like rays of sunlight.

Your eyes sparkle like the shimmering water of the ocean.

Your deep red crimson lips send my blood boiling for passion.

I want you.

I love you.

My heart races for you.

My heart aches for you.

I would gladly die a thousand deaths just for you.

I would sacrifice everything for you.

I want you.

I love you.

I can't contain my feelings anymore.

My heart is about to explode.

That's why, I want you to know.

All of my feelings I have kept hidden from you.

I long for you.

I want to be with you.

My feelings are true.

They are all just for you.

For you and only you.

I want you.

I love you.

Sasame stares at Takako as she reads the note. He smiles at the thought of her reading all that he knew to be true. Takako smiles and wondered, "I wonder if this is from Hayate." Sasame's smile faded.

"What's wrong Sasame?" Takako asked with a curious look.

"It's nothing," Sasame said as he brushed away the anguished look on his face. "It's getting really late. We should get going."

"Right," Takako agreed.

As they started walking Sasame halted for a minute. "Wait."

"Huh?" Takako stopped.

"May I see the card for a sec?"

"Sure." Takako hands Sasame the envelope looking puzzled.

Sasame unties the gold ribbon that kept the rose attached to the envelope. He takes the white rose and puts it in Takako's hair, tying a small knot with the ribbon to keep it from falling.

"There," he said, kneeling down on one knee, "Happy Birthday Princess." He takes her hand and gently kisses it. Takako blushes a bit. He then let's go and says, "Now we can get going."

"Thank you Sasame for a wonderful day." Takako smiles as they walk out of the park together.

The Princess of Disaster's eyes shot open. It wasn't morning yet. The moon still shined through the window. The silence and stillness was very calming.

Takako could see that Sasame was asleep. She felt so warm and safe in his arms. She takes a hand and caresses his face. Memories of the past start to flood her mind. She remembered all those times when she sounded like a love sick fool in front of Sasame and the looks that he had whenever she talked about Hayate.

"Was it you?" she thought, "all this time…"

AN: Hey guys. It's been a really long time since I've written anything. But now I'm back and ready to finish this story. There's going to be one or two more chapters to this. I hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you think of my writing now.