First of all, I have to thank FeatherBerry, katos32536, YoMaster (guest), Nekoo-kun (guest), yukari123 (guest), aza004 (guest), Ten-Faced, Unyielding Wish and those that favorited/followed this story. Thank you all so very much for your kind words and such! I'm glad so many people wanted an epilogue, so this is all for you and I hope you enjoy it! And to all my haters, thanks ever so much. Your words of contempt helped out quite a bit.
Oh, and if you would be so kind to keep tabs on my tumblr because I'll most likely be updating quicker on Tumblr than on FFnet due to some issues I'm having with it. My tumblr is: skyloftx. tumblr. com (without the spaces). And besides, it gives me a better chance to know my readers and vice versa. C:
Disclaimer: I don't own Vocaloid or this plot; I just own my weird little plot and my twisted imagination.
A small tune danced in the air as the green-haired maid tidied up the King's bedchamber, glancing quietly at a looking-glass that hung on the wall. Her girly features were no more for she now had age lines along her eyes and mouth as her vibrant green locks now were a duller greem and reached the middle of her back. A sad smile graced Gumi's features as she thought about how time flew by after the pink-haired witch's escape thirty-five years ago. She had been fifteen then just as her dear friend Gakupo had been twenty-one; now they were well in their fifties.
Rough coughing caught Gumi's attention, the greenette turning around instantly and rushing over to the King's bedside. Placing a tender hand on his back, she began rubbing his back in circles to help sooth her friend during his coughing fit. But despite her tender and motherly actions, she couldn't help but be extremely worried over her longtime friend. Anyone could see how much the purple-haired male had changed over the course of thirty-five years; he had grown colder and so much more distant with the general public. And more recently in the past fifteen years, his health began declining rather quickly.
For some reason, Gumi's mind slowly began to wander to the day where the Prince married the princess of a neighboring kingdom about twenty years after the failed burning; marking the day he also officially became King. A fake smile was plastered on his face that day while his eyes were void of emotion. No one but her seemed to notice his behavior; especially not the beautiful blonde Lily, the soon-to-be Queen. Everyone was much too busy fussing over the glamorous wedding and the wonderful news of having such an interestingly lovely Queen.
"G-Gumi… water…" the ill Gakupo muttered out in a raspy voice, a coughing fit hitting him at full force as the maid quickly snapped out of her thoughts and presented the King with water, pulling him up as gently as she could so he could drink the water. Once she was sure her friend's thirst was sated and coughing stopped, the green-eyed femme placed a cool washcloth on the King's head and pushed him down to rest. It only took a few moments for the King to fall into a light slumber, his breathing a bit ragged and shallow.
Sighing quietly, Gumi walked to the door of the bedchamber and stuck her head out, looking around the hall until she spotted a greenette girl and an albino boy down the hallway. "Sonika, Piko!" she called out loudly to her children, the duo quickly heeding their mother's call.
"Yes, mother?" the fifteen-year-old albino male asked curiously with his head tilted to the side while his older sister trailed behind.
"You called, mother?" Sonika asked, a gentle smile on her face as the duo awaited for their mother's response.
Grinning at her children, Gumi closed the bedchamber door behind her and slowly began walking down the hallway. It didn't surprise her in the slightest that her two children trailed behind her, Piko gently latching onto his mother's arm to keep up with her quick strides. "Yes, I was wondering where the Queen and Princess are. I'm sure one of you two would know."
At this, Piko beamed quietly at his mother while nodding his head. "Yup! Queen Lily is still out and about in the neighboring kingdom. Princess Ia is napping in her room."
For his response, the albino adolescent received a loving pat on the head and a gentle smile from his mother. "Thank you, dear." Older green eyes then rested on the younger greenette, a small light of curiousity dancing in them. "And Sonika, have you heard anything about her yet?"
"Yes, mother. I have heard from a few vagabonds and traveling knights while I was in town that she would be coming to town for the first time in years. It seems that she has gotten your letter and wishes to see some old friends according to what Knight Kaito has told me," the twenty-year-old femme responded.
A cheery smile made its way over Gumi's face, making her appear like her old teenage self as she began jumping up and down in glee. She had been hoping that the pinkette would get her message and would come and visit. Perhaps the King would then feel better seeing his beloved again; hell, maybe she could even cure him of his sickness. I wonder if she has aged as well, she quietly questioned herself as she spun in circles, her children watching with some delight and smiles on their faces.
"Good, good! This is marvelous news!" the maid responded, slowly calming down as she hugged both her children. "Now, run along and do your duties. I have a few things to do before our honored guest arrives. Should she come and knock on our door, let her in and bring her to the King's room, all right?" When the duo nodded and scampered off to go their chores, Gumi set out to go visit Princess Ia.
The town was abuzz with gossip as a cloaked figure walked through the cobblestone streets. People walking to and fro in groups, not paying attention at all to this individual draped in a black cloak. Rumors and stories of a horrible witch that escaped so long ago danced in the air along with tales of a treacherous priestess. They were speaking of events from so very long ago; it almost seemed like a silly tale to those who never witnessed the occurrence.
A soft sigh left pale lips as the figure continued down the street, slowly ignoring everyone and anyone that stood in their way. It was a very easy task for someone like them; all they had to do was ignore the rest of the world like they had done for years now. They were a master of ignoring others that were deemed unnecessary. However, they could not ignore a certain line that a small brunette child sang in jubilance, her brown eyes twinkling in mischief and ignorance.
"In a faraway place, there was a witch. She deceived and seduced a prince. The happy time is now over for him who was once under the witch's charm," sang the child, nearly bumping into the cloaked person out of clumsiness. Once she caught herself, she scampered away, leaving the cloaked figure temporarily frozen with shock and minute anger.
Things certainly haven't changed all that much, a voice chimed in internally as the cloaked figure continued forward, heading to meet a dear old friend.
Tiptoeing into the Princess's bedchamber, Gumi quietly observed the young girl as she set down a tray of tea and cookies on bedside table. Long strawberry blonde tendrils were splayed all over the bed behind her, her small frame curled up in a fetal position while her soft breaths quietly swayed in the air. Princess Ia* was an adorable child in the greenette's eyes, slightly reminding her of what a child between Gakupo and Luka would look like had they ever had the opportunity of being with one another. The ten-year-old's hair could pass for a light pink in the right light and had similar personality to Luka (from what she had seen) after all. Not to mention that Princess Ia had purple-blue eyes like her father did.
Perhaps that's why the King adores her so much. She reminds him of Luka, Gumi mused internally, smiling gently at the princess before running her aged fingers through the young child's hair. It was then that the strawberry blonde girl fluttered her eyes open and turned to look at the maid, sleep still plastered on her young face.
"Miss Gumi?" Ia questioned hesitantly as she sat up, rubbing sleep out of her eyes while she tried to focus on the green-haired maid. "How… how is Papa doing? Is he any better?"
The greenette's heart clenched in her chest as she placed an affectionate hand on the young girl's hair, stroking it slowly while she spoke as levelly as she could. "Princess, your father is still very sick. He needs as much rest as he possibly can and he needs to relax."
Glassy-eyed, the young girl nodded as she turned her head to stare out the window, taking in the cloudy afternoon sky. She had known that her father was a very sickly man since she could possibly remember. From what she had been told by her Nana Gumi, her father had once been a kind and springy sort of gentleman that many women fawned over; particularly her very young mother, Lily. However, her beloved father had fallen ill and became a rather cold man some time before she was born. The petite girl was never told why her father changed so suddenly, but from the bedtime stories Sonika told her of a beautiful witch and a handsome prince that fell in love, she sort of felt like that was her father's story.
"Ah, Miss Gumi, can I play with Piko-pi in the garden?" the Princess suddenly asked to get her mind off of her own thoughts, putting a smile on for her nanny. When she received a nod and an understanding smile, Ia slipped out of her bed and dressed herself, running straight out of the room soon after hugging the greenette in search of her dear albino friend.
Staring after the child, Gumi couldn't help but tear up the slightest bit. She knew the young girl was severely concerned over her father; he was the only biological parent that gave a damn about her. The Queen was often away and rarely ever concerned herself with little Ia. Though, it was to be expected from a young queen; Lily had only been twenty when she gave birth to the Princess and as of right now, turning thirty in a few months.**
A shuddering sigh left her lips as she grabbed the tray, walking out the room and skillfully closing the doors to the bedchamber with her foot. Luka, if you take Gakupo away with you, can you take Ia too? She deserves to be happy with her father and a mother figure that loves her, the greenette thought to herself as she headed back to Gakupo's bedchamber.
"Sis, look!"
"Yeah, Sonika. Look!"
A light sigh escaped the young femme's lips as she trailed after the Princess and her brother absentmindedly. The greenette had long since known that if the two young'ins were going out to play in the garden, she had to drop everything and watch them to keep them out of trouble. She really didn't feel like being reprimanded by her mother ever again for allowing the duo to "tend" to the garden.
I obviously read Alice in Wonderland to often to Ia… those two did paint the roses red after all. Though, it was funny to see the "Queen" get all mad about her lovely garden being ruined. You'd think Piko would stop acting like a ten-year-old kid considering his age, Sonika mused to herself as she finally caught up to the children that were preoccupied with a bush. "What is it, you guys?"
"Shhh! Sis, look!" Piko chirped, pointing a pale finger at something beyond the bush as he scooted over to make some room between him and the strawberry blonde girl. At this, Sonika peeked through the shrub, taking notice from the corner of her eye that Ia seemed completely entranced and utterly excited. Naturally, she was confused to why the young Princess was like that until she actually looked forward.
A lithe woman draped in a black velvet cloak with a cobalt violet gown stood at the gate, guards blocking her way in getting inside the palace. From what could be seen, the unknown woman had misty rose colored hair that went well passed her waist and a porcelain complexion accompanied by pale scarlet lips. The woman looked no older than Sonika herself or perhaps a little bit older, yet there was a sense of power and regality that no one her age could possess regardless of upbringing. No way… could it be…?
"Soni, isn't that the lady mother's expecting?" Piko chimed in inquisitively, receiving a nod from his elder sister. It was then that the little Princess darted from out of the bushes and went straight to the guards and the stranger, leaving behind a panicking Sonika and Piko. "Oh, Princess! Wait!"
By then, the small girl had already gotten the guards and stranger's attention, receiving quizzical yet anxious looks from the guards while the woman gave the girl a tender and motherly smile. For some reason, the blue-purple-eyed girl began to blush a bit due to the gentleness of the woman's smile; her mother never smiled at her like that. The only person that came close to this woman's smile was Gumi, but even then, she had never blushed because of it.
"Princess, you should head back inside," one of the guards with snow white hair huffed out in slight agitation, glaring at the pinkette.
"Yes, we'll take care of this woman. She won't bother you again," the other guard with crimson hair declared, giving the woman a stony gaze. "So Princess, please run along back inside."
A wave of indignation crashed through the young girl, a frustrated pout decorating her young face. And just as she was about to yell at the guards for talking down to her and the visitor, Piko and Sonika ran up to the small group.
"Ah, I'm sorry, ma'am! I hope Taito and Akaito weren't being too troublesome!" Sonika apologized, bowing her head towards the pink-haired femme before shooting warning looks at the two guards.
"Oh, don't worry about it. And you needn't bow; I'm no royal. I've just come to visit as per the request of Gumi," the pinkette paused, giving Sonika and Piko a knowing look. "You two must be her children, correct?"
Piko's eyes widened in wonder and surprise while he smiled up at the woman, rocking on his heels. "Yeah. How'd you know that?"
Rolling her eyes, the greenette waved off Piko's question as she quickly turned about face and started walking. "Come inside, ma'am! My mother's waiting for you."
That being said, the two guards begrudgingly moved out of the way and allowed the woman through, Piko coming up to her and pulling her along by her hand. It didn't seem to occur to the two servants that were walking away with the expected guest that they left the Princess behind, though it barely mattered. The strawberry blonde child stood there staring after the woman for a moment in wonder and admiration before running after the trio.
Please tell me you're the one Papa's been waiting for! she hoped with a smile on her face as she caught up with them, heading towards the King's bedchambers.
"Gumi, you shouldn't bother yourself checking on me all day. Go spend time with Sonika and Piko," the purple-haired King rasped out as he sipped some herbal tea, the green-haired maid smiling at him like a young child again. His beloved sister figure hadn't grown out of her stubbornness even after all these years; not that he minded it. It was probably one of the traits that he so admired about her. She was capable of withstanding her ground despite the heavy opposition; she never broke under pressure and rarely ever bended much unlike him. While his dearest friend stood proudly and unyielding, he cowered and wilted with the slightest bit of pressure nowadays. What happened to the man I used to be?
"Oh, but if I don't, who will? Besides, those two can fend for themselves rather well; I taught them as much," Gumi chimed with a gentle maternal smile as she prepared his medicine, pouring two liquids together in a small cup to produce a mauve-colored syrup. "There's your medicine, my lord. Better drink it before you get worse or else I'll hang you for it," she teased with all seriousness as she waited for him to take it.
With a pout on his face that seemed to erase the heavy age lines that time gave him, Gakupo swallowed the bitter remedy in one gulp as he chased it down with the herbal tea. "Two years of taking the bloody thing and I still can't get used to the taste," the purple-maned male huffed as the maid poured him more tea while giggling.
"Oh, don't be such a baby, Gakupo. There are worse-tasting things out there, I'm sure," Gumi mused as she received a smile from her old friend. Seeing him smile was such a rare treat now, so she made sure to treasure it as much as she could. The greenette never knew when she would see a smile grace his features again; though, it would most likely be in her company, her children's or Princess Ia's.
"I suppose you're right, Gumi," he stated softly, staring at the tea in the teacup swirl around. Somehow, it reminded him of when his friend nearly drowned about twenty years ago after falling in the stream, only to be saved by a gentle (but rough around the edges) knight. It didn't surprise the King at all that the two hit it off from there, fell in love and had children together. They would've had a happily ever after if it had not been for his untimely death; the knight died trying to defend a child from creatures in the forest. The greenette and her children had wept over the man's death, but soon got over their grief.
They're ever the resilient bunch, he smiled to himself as he took another sip of his tea and stole a vanilla cookie from the tray by his bedside. When he stole a glance in his friend's direction, he could see that she was currently in her own little world with that distant and dreamy gaze of hers. It made him curious of what it was that she was thinking about, but he wasn't going to pry… until the question slipped from his mouth. "What are you daydreaming about?"
The greenette nearly jumped out of her skin as the King snapped her out of her thoughts, her green eyes staring at him owlishly before shaking her head. "Oh, nothing really… Just how much has happened within the past years. Who would've thought you and I would still be the greatest of friends and have our children be close friends too?" she pondered with a gentle smile, receiving a nod in agreement as well as a smile from her purple-haired friend. It was then her thoughts traveled to a certain teal-haired femme, a small frown creeping onto her face.
"And who would've thought that Miku would no longer be here?" she grimaced with careful annoyance. "She's probably suffering more in the afterlife than she ever did when she was alive."
"But that was her fault," Gakupo responded with a tight face, sipping his tea while anger and betrayal danced in his eyes. It was the truth; the priestess had made her own bed by manipulating everyone around her in order to kill off a certain pinkette out of a fit of jealousy. It was a very hard year after that failed burning due to Miku becoming overly obsessive and possessive over him, nearly killing him in his sleep for rejecting her affections repeatedly. It goes without saying that she was imprisoned for her actions of betrayal and her attempts of killing him. Sadly, she committed suicide after about two years in prison, but by that time, Gakupo and Gumi had grown utterly indifferent towards their former friend. And by now, she was long forgotten by everyone save for them. Nothing but an old tale.
A sigh left the green-haired woman's lips then, knowing the heartache her royal friend bore when it came to the tealnette. After ripping the King away from his true love, the girl had has the audacity to make his life more of a hell soon afterwards. Though Gumi wouldn't admit it out loud, she was glad that the priestess was dead and gone now; she couldn't cause the purple-haired man anymore hell or pain. And besides, he had one royal blonde pain in the ass to deal with; he didn't need any more trouble now with his failing health. "She's gone now, so there's nothing that can be done about her past stupidity."
Sudden rapping at the caused the woman to walk towards the bedchamber doors as her friend continued on with his tea and relax. Opening the door, she saw a very excited Piko jumping up and down. "Mama, she's here, she's here!" he said in jubilance, barely able to hide his joy as he pointed down the hall to a woman in a velvet cloak that was currently talking with the young Princess.
Utter glee filled the greenette's heart, a bright smile adorning her aged features as she quickly kissed the top of her son's head and nodded. "Thank you, dear. I'll be there to talk to her in a moment," she spoke kindly as her son ran off to continue on with his chores, leaving Gumi to turn around and look at Gakupo.
"Your Highness, will you allow me a moment to do something?" she inquired, joy lacing her voice as she stared at him with eyes that made her seem like a child again.
"Of course, Gumi. I'll be fine right here with the tea and cookies," Gakupo mused lightly as he continued on with the food as Gumi ran out of the room and shut the door behind her.
She's back!
"So, your name is Luka Megurine?" Ia questioned in wonder at the pink-haired beauty in front of her.
"Yes… But you can just call me Luka or Lulu if you like, Your Highness," the pinkette responded with a kind tone and a smile, receiving a happy grin from the little Princess.
"I'll call you "Luka" since that's your name," the strawberry blonde girl responded in a matter-of-factly way as she looked over at the green-haired maid that was currently running towards them with the energy of a teenager, leaving the child astounded. Miss Gumi was probably really energetic when she was younger, the little girl inquired as the greenette stopped right in front of her and the witch.
"M-Miss Luka!" Gumi stuttered out, her heart hammering against her chest as she wrapped her arms around the pinkette and hugged her. "Oh! How good it is to see you again!" she cheered, smiling at the young-looking woman with utter joy.
"It's so wonderful to see you too, Gumi," Luka smiled warmly, ruffling the greenette's long locks in an affectionate way. "I see where your daughter Sonika gets her beautiful hair and where Piko gets his bountiful energy from," she teased frivolously, causing the maid to blush with mild embarrassment and to laugh.
"Oh, I know. They're such terrors," the maid joked lightly as she hugged the pinkette once again, pulling away from her only a moment after. "You look like you haven't aged a day! Still as beautiful as ever!" Gumi grinned, looking towards the Princess who was currently observing them. "Wouldn't you say so, Princess Ia?"
A light blush surfaced on the young girl's face all of a sudden, nodding. "Luka is as beautiful as a princess."
Not resisting a smile, Luka placed a hand on the young girl's head in a way of thanks with an ever present smile on her face. "Thank you, Your Highness. It means an awful lot coming from you," she spoke soothingly, causing the girl to smile.
"You're welcome," she beamed up at the witch, a feeling of joy and wholeness that she never felt before filling her as she drank in the woman's presence. Luka had such a warm and inviting aura around her and Ia couldn't help but marvel at it; it reminded her of the air her nanny carried around her when it came to Piko and Sonika. Is this what a mother feels like? she wondered to herself as she turned to Gumi, a look of calm washing her young face. "I'm going to go to my room now. It was nice meeting you, Luka." That being said, the little girl ran off, already missing the witch's presence.
She feels like home just like Papa does¸ the young femme decided as she walked into her room with a content look on her face.
As the two women watched the Princess leave, Gumi couldn't help but notice the longing but caring look in the pinkette's cerulean eyes. It didn't take a scholar to know that the pink-haired enchantress was already fond of the blonde princess in the way a mother would be fond of their child. The greenette's heart warmed at the thought that Luka would probably take care of Ia if it came down to it. "Time sure flies," she commented absentmindedly, turning her gaze to the pink woman.
"It does indeed…" Luka paused, biting down on her lip for a moment. "Gakupo has a beautiful daughter," she stated in a careful tone, trying to hide the minor pain she was feeling at the thought of him being with someone else. She had been longing for him for so long and the knowledge that he had a child with someone other than her made her heart sink a bit.
"Ia truly is a beautiful child," Gumi agreed as she watched the pinkette's cautious eyes. "I'm happy she's not anything like her mother; she barely even looks like her. In all honesty… the Princess is more like you, Miss Luka. She even looks a bit similar to you."
A tender smile ghosted over the blue-eyed enchantress' lips at that thought, her sinking heart lightening up and warming. Even she had to admit that what Gumi was true; she had thought that she was staring at a younger version of herself. "If you say so, Gumi," Luka pondered before she continued speaking. "And how have you been? Busy I would guess with your children."
Looking both forlorn and happy, Gumi nodded. "I've been wonderful, really. There's nothing about my life that I can complain about save for Gakupo's horrible health. My children are alive and well, and they're growing up to be wonderful and kind people. Their father would be proud of them…"
Taking the subtle hint, the pinkette placed a comforting hand on the greenette's shoulder. "I'm sorry for your and your children's loss, my friend."
Shaking her head, Gumi could only smile at the witch. "Oh, don't worry about it. He lived a happy life and I'm sure he's happy to know his children are well."
Nodding for a moment, Luka tilted her head to the side as she looked at the green-eyed maid with concern and curiosity. "Now what's this about Gakupo's horrible health? I've heard whispers in the nearby towns that the King was sick, but I thought it was just a temporary thing."
Gumi then frowned the slightest bit as she let out a sigh. "Sadly, no. He's been sick for years now; even before Ia was born. But he's gotten so much worse within the past few years… I'm kind of expecting him to die at any given moment from how bad it gets," she admitted sorrowfully as a tear raced down her aged cheek, making her wipe it away as quickly as possible while she held in the rest of her tears. However, looking at the enchantress' heartbroken face made it all the more difficult to hold it in.
"I… I had no idea he was so sick… I… I would've d-"
"It's not your fault, Miss Luka. He was bound to get sick eventually; that's what happens when you get old," she joked lightly. "I think… I think you're part of what's keeping him alive. The other part being Princess Ia. He loves the both of you so much."
Visibly stiffening, the fair-looking femme looked down to the ground while she tried to ignore the pounding of her heart at the mention that Gakupo loved her. "Does he really?" she questioned carefully, her cerulean gaze resting on Gumi as she received a nod for an answer. "Oh Gumi, you don't give yourself enough credit. You and your children are probably another part of what's keeping him going. You're his oldest and dearest friend, after all."
Sticking out her tongue childishly, the greenette laughed lightly. "I guess you're right. I have been taking care of him for the past fifteen years after all. Gods know that if I don't, no one will."
Luka nodded at this, her mind briefly traveling to the events that happened so long ago. "I… I've heard some rumors about Miku," she informed slowly, gauging the maid's reaction. To her surprise, Gumi seemed totally unaffected (or rather, uncaring) at the mention of the teal-haired priestess.
"She was imprisoned about a year after she managed to chase you off," she stated, acting as if she was listlessly talking about the dreary weather outside. "Miku made Gakupo's life an utter hell during that year… She even tried to kill him after he rejected her affections so many times."
To say that the blue-eyed enchantress was surprised was a bit of an understatement. She was aware that the priestess obviously had some issues due to having her nearly burned at the stake out of jealousy. But she had absolutely no idea that she would go so far as to almost kill the purple-haired male. "What… what happened to her?" she asked, her eyes wide with minor shock.
"Well, she ended up hanging herself while she was imprisoned. According to the guards that watched over her, she had gone mad," she said with a light frown marring her face. "I went to visit her once… She blamed you for taking him away from her. Shouting nonsense about how the two of them would've been happy if you had never shown up."
"Ah… I suppose that's to be expected," Luka grimaced, slight remorse dancing in her eyes. "I… I still feel for her though. Despite what she put me through, I can understand why. But I don't condone what she did."
"I can understand why she did what she did too… But I will never forgive her for the complete and total hell she put Gakupo through!" Gumi huffed, a clear frown creasing her face.
"Speaking of Gakupo… can I see him?" the pinkette asked warily, trying to change the subject in order to ward off the bad aura that was currently occupying the air around them.
"But of course," Gumi chirped happily as she started walking away, waving a hand for the pinkette to follow her as the tense atmosphere melted away in an instant. When the enchantress began walking after her, the maid continued walking on down the hallway with a smile on her face. Everything surely had to work out for the better now that the enchantress was here.
"And the reflection of a lie will keep me waiting
A love gone for so long…" (1)
The King's bedchamber slightly quivered with the echo of his song as he stood by the window. Gakupo felt so tired just by the little walk from his bed to the window; how was it possible to feel this old and useless? However, the exhaustion he felt was nothing in comparison to the heartache that made its presence known once again. Images of a smiling pink-haired femme flooded his mind, causing him so much more grief than comfort. Then came the crashing wave of guilt and the air of anger. I'm an emotional wreck.
A knock at the door caught his attention, turning his head to the side to look at the entrance of his bedchamber. "Enter," he spoke softly as he turned his attention back out the window, noticing for the very first time that it was the stormy afternoon had sprung into a beautiful clear day.
"I'm back, Your Highness," Gumi beamed as she entered, opening the door behind her even wider to allow the pink-haired witch to enter. It didn't surprise her to see that the woman was taking very slow tentative steps into the bedchamber. "And I brought a visitor if you don't mind, sir."
"A visitor? Oh, of course I-" Gakupo stopped midsentence as he turned around to gaze at Gumi. Imagine his shock when he saw the blue-eyed enchantress looking at him with a serene look on her face. Standing there gaping for a moment, the King walked forward in slow steps until he stood right in front of the young-looking femme. It was almost as if the purple-haired man was having an out of body experience as he reached forward and brushed his withered hand against Luka's cheek, a shuddering breath escaping his lips. "It's you… You're… You're really here."***
The pink-haired enchantress had to bite down on her quivering lip to keep herself composed, her masking failing once she caught a tear stroll down the man's face and his wet eyes shivering with both happiness and disbelief. She couldn't help but throw her arms around the man and bury her head into his chest. In all honesty, she felt like weeping, but the stubborn side of her wouldn't let her. "Yes, I'm here," she murmured.
It was while the duo was having their tender moment that the maid slipped out the doors, a smile on her face as she did so. This, of course, went unnoticed by the two of them as they held onto each other; so desperately clinging to one another as if letting go would mean that they would disappear and it was only a taunting fantasy. It seemed like they held each other for years before Gakupo pulled away from Luka when he had another coughing fit.
"You're sick," the pinkette said with concern as she led the King to his bed, helping him sit down and rubbing his back in a circular motion to soothe him. When he finally settled down, she pulled him in a light embrace and kissed his cheek. "You were in such good condition the last I saw you…"
A chuckle escaped from the purple-haired King's lips as he rested his chin atop the witch's pink locks, holding her loosely yet close to him. It was true what she said; he had been in his prime back then. Now he was just some sickly old man that clung to life for the sake of his loved ones. "Time does that to a person… Though, I see time has been nothing but kind to you," he smiled, breathing lightly. "You look as lovely as you did back then."
"Magic does that to you," Luka answered with indifference. "I do have time-stopping magic, after all… staying young is simple."
A few moments of peaceful silence passed between the two before the pinkette pulled away a bit to look at Gakupo, brushing her fingers lightly over his cheek. "Princess Ia is quite a beauty," she remarked nonchalantly, a smile tugging at her lips when she saw a flicker of light in the King's purple-blue eyes.
"She's my pride and joy," he said happily, the smile on his face taking years off of him. "She reminds me a bit of you with her general gentle nature."
"Ah, Gumi said about the same thing… Only she thinks Ia sort of looks like me as well. I don't really see it; she's much more insightful than I ever was and she's only a child," the blue-eyed femme pondered playfully.
"Even so… I am grateful to have her. She's one of the reasons why I keep on holding onto dear life. You, Gumi and Gumi's children are the other reasons," Gakupo stated honestly as he ran his fingers through some of the enchantress' pink locks.
"Her mother isn't very concerned with her, is she?" she questioned curiously as her eyes watched his hand play with her hair.
"No… Not really. Gumi is more of a mother to Ia than Lily ever was. And even though Ia doesn't show it, I know she's sad to know that she doesn't have anyone to call her mother," the King sighed. "It's a miracle Ia has turned out as good as she has."
Nodding, Luka latched her hands onto Gakupo's and brought them to her lips, placing a light kiss on his hands. "She has good-natured people around her; it's only natural that she also turned out to be such a gentle person." She paused for a moment, looking up into his eyes. How she had missed those eyes… so gentle yet so strong. In that moment while she was lost in his blue-purple gaze, a thought escaped her lips. "Come away with me…"
The King could do nothing but stare at the pinkette with mild shock and confusion. "But what about Ia and the rest of the kingdom? And besides, I'm a sickly old man… I'll die soon."
"The kingdom will be able to take care of itself; it still has its Queen after all. And we can take Ia with us! I'm sure she would be happy," Luka reasoned, biting down on her lip a bit. "And you won't die… I won't let you die."
A small smile crept across Gakupo's face at seeing her stubbornness. She really hasn't changed, has she? he questioned mentally. "Luka, I can't ask that of you. I'm undeserving of it," he paused, looking at her gravely. "I hurt you so long ago due to my ignorance. You should hate me yet you don't. You seem to have forgiven my stupid and regretful mistake… and that's truly all I could ever ask for. You being here is also all I could possibly ask for. I honestly thought I would never see you again."
With a small pout donning her face, the enchantress looked at the King with a serious but tender look. "I understand that… But you're not undeserving. Not to me. I'll forgive you a thousand times over if it means I get to be with you again. And I'm not taking back what I said about not letting you die; I'd much rather be burned at the stake then to let you die when I know I can prevent your death… Or at least delay your death."
At this point, the purple-haired male knew she wasn't going to back down. It was what she wanted and he had no right to deny her what she wanted most at the moment; he had to make it up to her for the torture he had caused her so long ago. He'd be damned if he caused her anymore pain than necessary; if he had to travel the world a thousand times over to keep her happy, he would do it.
"You'll never have to do such a thing… I'll come with you. But are you sure that you could love an old man like me?" he teased.
"But of course," she giggled lightly.
"Miss Gumi, do you think Papa will marry Luka?" the little strawberry blonde child asked her nanny inquisitively, staring up at the greenette with doe-like eyes.
"Well, I don't know about that Ia," the woman said honestly, a smile playing at her lips. "Would you want your father to marry her?"
The young child stood there for a moment, pondering the thought of a beautiful enchantress marrying her father. Most children would naturally want their parents together, but seeing as her mother completely disregarded her own family, Ia could very well do without the woman being in her life. It's not like she was in it much anyways. "She makes Papa happy and she's really nice. I wouldn't mind them getting married," she responded with a grin. "Maybe I could be their flower girl."
A light giggle escaped the nanny's lips at the girl's musings. Gumi had to agree with the Princess when it came to her observation. It would be absolutely wonderful if the two of them could finally be happy together; the atmosphere around the two of them was always blissful and calming regardless of what was going on around the two. "So you wouldn't mind her being your mother then?" the maid asked with her head tilted to the side, a cheery air around her.
"No, I wouldn't mind. She's really nice to me and she makes me feel loved," Ia cheered. The thought of having an actual mother made her giddy. So giddy that she even twirled a bit before hugging her nanny. The two shared a laugh and a hug when there was a sudden knock on the door, catching both of their attentions. Naturally, Gumi let go of the child and went to open the door, only to be greeted by a familiar pink-haired woman.
"Ah, Miss Luka! How did it go?" she asked with a smile, noticing the brightness in the woman's eyes.
"It went well. He should be coming here in a moment," Luka responded warmly. "May I come in?"
"Of course you can!" Ia shouted, bouncing her way over to the two women as Luka entered the Princess' bedchamber.
"So what brings you in here, Miss Luka?" Gumi asked inquisitively as she tidied up the little mess that Ia had in her room.
"Well… I came here to talk to Ia. I have a few things to discuss with her," the enchantress responded.
"What do you want to talk to me about?" the blonde child questioned, looking at the pinkette oddly. It didn't surprise her that she received a smile from the lady in question; it made her feel happy inside instead.
"I was speaking with your father and I was wondering…" Luka paused, thinking carefully of what she wanted to say. "I was wondering if you and your father wanted to come away with me."
The silence that filled the room was something that the blue-eyed woman expected so was the shock that was clearly evident on the girl's face. However, she didn't at all expect for the young girl to throw herself at her and wrap her arms around her. Luka was clearly confused.
"Yes! I'll go with you if Papa does!" Ia said excitedly as Gumi gazed at the two with a smile on her face. The little Princess would finally have a real family. "Oh… But what about Miss Gumi, Sonika and Piko? What will happen to them?"
Ah, what will happen to them? She thought to herself, mentally sighing. Luka hadn't really thought about it; she was so focused on getting Gakupo to come with her that she didn't bother to think of the fate Gumi would have with her two children. Would the Queen dismiss them?
"Oh, don't worry about us, Princess. I'm sure things will be fine," she waved off, trying to comfort the little strawberry-blonde female. Truthfully, she was a bit worried about what would happen to her and her two children. This was the only home that she and her children had ever known; what would become of them after the King and the Princess left? The greenette knew for a fact that the Queen wasn't too fond of her and would often times find some way to cause some hell for her or her children.
"No, they can come with us," the enchantress suggested, drawing a surprised expression from the both of them. "I live in the forest far from this town and kingdom, but close to a quaint little settlement. No one bothers me in the forest and there's more than enough land around there to make another house for Gumi and her children to live," she informed the two with a hint of a smile.
"But Miss Luka, I could never-" Gumi started, only to be cut off by the pinkette.
"Think nothing of it. I want you and your children safe, and I doubt the Queen will be so kind to keep you and your children around if the King or the Princess are no longer here. And besides," she paused, looking at Ia. "I'm sure Ia wants to keep her friends around. It can be lonely at times."
"You mean it?" the little girl asked hopefully, a bright smile crawling over her face when she received a nod. "Thank you!"
"And thank you, Miss Luka," the maid thanked with a smile just as there was a knock on the door along with some commotion outside. As always, she went to answer the door and was nearly toppled over by her white-haired son.
"The King is out of bed!" Piko announced excitedly as he dashed into the room. And just as he said that, Gakupo himself walked inside his daughter's room with Sonika trailing behind him nervously.
"I see everyone's here," the purple-haired royal chuckled, ruffling Piko's hair affectionately as the albino child stood there agape by the door, only to be nearly toppled over by a tackle hug from Ia.
"Papa, you're out of bed," Ia sobbed as she tightened her arms around her father, nuzzling her face into his leg as tears fruited from her eyes. "Y-You look better a-already," the young girl hiccupped.
Staring down at his daughter with a soft expression adorning his aged face, Gakupo ruffled her strawberry blone locks affectionately. "I feel a bit better," he confirmed, flashing a smile as he glanced in Luka's direction.
"D-Did you use magic on Papa?" the princess asked, pulling away from her father a bit to look at the pinkette.
"I haven't used magic on your father at all," she replied warily. "He doesn't want me to use magic on him."
"But Gakupo… I'm sure Luka could help get rid of your sickness if you let her use magic on you!" Gumi interjected, a worried look on her face.
"I'm well aware of that… But I cannot ask that of her," Gakupo stated softly, still playing with Ia's hair.
"But what if she wants to? What then, Gakupo?" the green-haired maid countered hotly, a frown taking place of the worry on her face.
"I don't deserve it, Gumi," he retorted crossly, slightly glaring at his fuming sister-figure whilst he ignored the sudden lack of breath he was experiencing and the pain that was shooting through his arms.
"Who says you don't?! She loves you, Gakupo. Loves you. You two have spent years without each other, suffering from a broken heart due to not hearing a damn word from one another. You two are finally back together again, and now you don't want her to use magic to get rid of your sickness and save you? What kind of damn logic is that?!" the greenette raged as her two children held her back.
"It is my choice, Gumi!" he yelled breathlessly as he let go of Ia and drew closer to Gumi, a complete glare marring his features.
"I don't care if it's your fucking choice!" the green-eyed woman shrieked, returning his glare with a scowl of her own. "What about Ia and Luka? Huh? What about them?! Do you think they want to see you die?!"
"Mom, calm down," Sonika pleaded as she held onto the older greenette, her eyes flitting towards Ia's teary-eyed face at the argument. Though, the request fell on deaf ears as Gumi and Gakupo escalated their voices in their argument while Luka held back the King, a sorrowful expression claiming her face.
"Of course not! But it is still my choice. My damned choice and I will not have you talking down to me because of it!" the purple-haired male snarled out, completely disregarding the harsh pains that were coursing through his arms and chest and the sudden pressure in his chest.
"Stop being such a selfish bastard, and quit trying to act all high and mighty! They love you and you finally have what you wanted back! The three of you could be a family, but you're deciding to be cold and self-pitying asshole!" Gumi bit out angrily, tears swelling up in her eyes.
"Stay out of my damn business, Gumi!"
"I'm making it my business!" she screamed at him. "It will always be my business whenever you're involved or Ia is! You're both important to me and you're not thinking clearly!"
"I am thi-" he stopped midsentence, his eyes widening as he suddenly couldn't breathe and the pain in his chest overwhelmed him, falling to the floor breathlessly and in pain while he slowly began to lose consciousness.
"Gakupo!" Luka cried out, kneeling next to him hurriedly as the others in the room rushed over as well.
"Papa!" Ia whimpered out, shakily holding onto his hand as tears cascaded over her pale cheeks as she looked at his pained expression on his barely lucid face. "Papa! What's wrong?! Papa, talk to me, please!"
Choked gasps escaped through Gakupo's lips as he clutched his chest with his free hand for a moment, looking in Ia's direction as best he could and squeezing her hand gently before he shut his eyes and his hand went slack. Immediately afterwards, the pink-haired witch searched for a pulse, her eyes brimming with tears when she only shook her head as she found nothing. The whole world stopped for the group as they looked on, thick silence filling the room as no cheek was left without tears.
"Papa… Papa, wake up," the young princess begged as she shook his body with small hands. "Papa… Papa, it's not funny. Wake up!"
"Ia, sweetie…" called Sonika in a hurt tone as she tried to pry the young girl off of the King's, only to move back as the young girl refused.
"Papa! Papa, wake up!" she cried angrily, shaking him furiously as she hoped it would wake him up like it usually would. "Papa, don't leave me here! Please! Papa, stay with me!"
The three servants could do nothing but cry at Princess Ia's vain attempts to try to rouse him. He was gone. Gone. He could never come back. Everyone was so focused on Gakupo's inanimate body that they didn't notice Luka held a glowing hand over his chest, holding back her tears as she did so.
"His spirit… is still here," she announced slowly, gaining the full attention of the others in the room.
"C-Can you bring him back?" Gumi asked, desperation and anguish lacing her voice as she stared into the witch's blue hues.
"I… I could. But…" she paused, biting down on her lip as she brushed the violet locks out of the King's face. "It comes with a heavy price."
"What is it?!" Ia asked impatiently, tears still rolling down her cheeks. "I'll do anything to bring back my Papa! Anything! Bring him back, Luka! Please!"
Steeling herself, the pinkette let out a burdening sigh as she kept her gaze on Gakupo's face. "Someone must pay with their own life to bring him back. I cannot just coax him with magic to bring him back to life."
The room was silent again, but the thought that ran through everyone's mind was blaringly loud. Who would give up their life to bring back the King?
"I suppo-" began Luka, only to be stubbornly cut off by Gumi.
"I'll do it," the maid said firmly, leaving her children to look at her in shock.
"But… But mama…" Piko began to protest, confusion clouding over his eyes as he stared at his mother.
"Piko, you're going to be sixteen soon. You'll get to train to be a knight like you wanted to when you were little. You'll be able to be on your own," the greenette stated calmly as she lightly passed her worn hands through his snow-white locks. "You won't need me anymore."
"Mother, I…" Sonika trailed off, tears gathering in her eyes as she gazed at Gumi.
"Sonika, you're more than old enough to do what you want. You don't have to stay here any longer. Go off and become a scholar like you wanted to," Gumi smiled at her daughter solemnly, hugging both of her children to her. "I'm so happy… that I had you two. You make your father and I proud."
As the two weeping children hugged her mother, Ia couldn't help but cry at the sight. The thought of losing her green-haired nanny… it hurt her more than she initially imagined. She loved the woman like her own mother. So without even thinking about it, the young girl darted over to the three and joined in on the hug. "I don't want you to go, Miss Gumi," she whispered.
"I know, Princess. But… I want your father to be happy and I don't want you to grow up without him. You already lack a mother," she stated soothingly as she hugged the fair-haired child, only to let go of all three of them and move over next to Luka.
"There isn't much time left," the enchantress proclaimed, looking up at her green-haired friend warily. "But I can't ask you to do this for me… I don't want you risking this."
Laughing lightly and shaking her head, Gumi looked down at the witch with a gentle smile. "You're not the only one I'm doing this for, Luka."
"Gumi, you're being silly. I can do this myself."
"I'm sure you could… But if I do it, I'll be leaving behind two happy dear friends and a cheerful child that is almost like my own. Besides," the greenette paused, looking at Ia with a motherly smile and a tender look in her eyes. "Ia needs… Well, she's never had a whole family. Lily has barely given her any motherly affection and I can only fill the void so much. And she already adores you, Luka. So please…"
Upon staring at her green-haired friend, the cerulean-eyed woman knew that she couldn't change her mind. Swallowing thickly, she gave a quick nod of the head right before the greenette suddenly embraced her. Shocked, she hugged the woman back as she let silent tears stream down her face. "Gumi…"
"Luka, please tell Gakupo that I'm sorry I yelled at him… That I just didn't want him to die after having such a brief moment of happiness and that he deserves all the happiness in the world after so many years of heartache," the aged woman whispered gently as she pulled away and offered the lithe woman a smile. "And please keep the Princess happy too."
Trying to hold herself together, Luka merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak kind words to her friend. Inhaling deeply, she grasped her friend's hand with one of her own whilst her other hand hovered over the King's body. A faint white glow enveloped the three then, the room filling with silence save Luka's gentle chanting as the younger people in the room watched with silent tears.
"En dragu a sei lain…
Vi fa-ru les shutai am…
Win chent a lotica…
En val turi…
La finde reve…" (2)
A sudden flurry of wind forced open the bedroom doors as the witch continued reciting the spell, the wind dancing about the room as the faint glow grew brighter around Gumi and Gakupo's body. Much to the observers' surprise, the King's spirit materialized next to the greenette and held her hand. The duo shared a knowing yet comforting smile before the soul returned to its body while Gumi slowly began to fade. Even with Gumi disintegrating into little flecks of light, the wind refused to cease.
"Falusa tu la-ouya,
Non-qua-ir xir tu lar-fi-ait!" (3)
The pinkette moved her now free hand over the purple-haired male's torso, the light around the man turning red in hue. A few more quick moments passed as the chanting ceased, the light and wind dying down as Luka removed herself from Gakupo, only to stumble and land on the floor with an indignant groan. I think I pushed myself too hard, she groaned mentally as she weakly tried to get up despite her protesting limbs.
"Miss Luka!" Sonika cried out as the trio dashed to the fallen enchantress' side, a soft baritone grunt catching their attention when they finally reached her. Turning their gazes from Luka to the source of the sound, they stood there absolutely astounded by the sight before them. A younger Gakupo was struggling to sit up as he blearily gazed at them, a groan passing through his lips at the soreness in his body.
"P-Papa?" Ia stuttered out in awe as she timidly approached him, extending a small hand towards him.
"I haven't felt this horrible since my first fencing lesson," the purple-haired man croaked as he latched onto his daughter's hand, sitting up with her help as Sonika and Piko stood there stupefied.
"It worked," breathed Luka as she stood up, faint age lines tugging at the edges of her eyes while she smiled warmly.
"Miss Luka, you look older," Piko piped up, winning a light hit on the head from his elder sister.
"Don't be so rude, Piko! Mama taught you better than that," the greenette chided with a frown.
"Oh, it's alright, Sonika," the enchantress chirped sweetly, the smile never leaving her face. "It's to be expected… Magic does come with a price, after all.**** I exchanged some of my youth to rid Gakupo of his sickness and to make him younger, hence why he looks about twenty years younger."
"Luka… you didn't have to," the King gasped in disbelief as his purple-blue eyes widened at the pink-haired woman.
"I wanted to," she responded simply, her cerulean orbs resting on the young strawberry blonde Princess who was currently staring up at her father with joyful tears in her eyes. "Besides, you never did have much time to spend with Ia while you were sick in bed. Now you do. She deserves time with her father."
"You… You did this for me, Luka?" the young girl asked with a watery smile, throwing herself at the pinkette and embracing her when she received a nod. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" she sobbed happily into the woman's dress.
"There is no need to thank me," hummed Luka, gently smoothing the crying girl's hair as she took in the others' expressions. They all seemed so… content and at peace.
Silence washed over the room for a few moments until the Princess ceased crying, the young female pulling away from the blue-eyed witch with a smile before giddily tackle-hugging her father. Mirth reverberated through the room as the two royals laughed happily, the two servants and the witch smiling joyfully at the pair as they watched on. However, Piko didn't stay quiet for too long as a question escaped his lips.
"Miss Luka, are you going to take the King and the Princess with you now?"
Glances were exchanged at that moment between the pinkette and the purple-haired male, a smile tugging at both of their lips. "Only if they want to come with me," she responded.
"Of course we do! Papa wants to go, right?" Ia questioned excitedly as she looked up at her father hopefully. A squeal of delight erupted from the young girl when she received a nod of approval, bouncing about and humming happily. However, she immediately stopped as her gaze fell on the two siblings. "But… what about you two?"
A cheeky grin decorated Sonika's face as she hugged her younger brother, teasingly nuzzling his cheek as he squirmed. "Don't worry about us! We'll be alright. It's like our mother said; we both have things that we want to do, so we'll do them now that we have nothing tying us to the castle."
"You are always welcome to come with us if you like," Gakupo interjected, worry dancing in his eyes as he observed his best friend's children. "I'm sure Luka has no qualms about letting you two come along."
"Thank you, King Gakupo. But Sonika's right," Piko said calmly, smiling kindly at the young Princess who looked like she wanted to weep again. "But… can we come visit?"
"Yes, can they come visit? Please Luka!" Ia pleaded with an optimistic pout, hugging the pink-haired woman once again.
"But of course. They can come whenever they please," Luka consented, a light laugh coming from her as the strawberry-blonde female pulled away giggling and tackled the two siblings into a hug. It didn't take too long for the purple-haired king to join in on the group hug.
As the quartet was busy with each other, Luka summoned a pair of trillion-shaped, astral-colored stones bound to silver chains. Closing her eyes for a moment, she muttered a quick chant under her breath and made her way over to the siblings, handing them the jewels as well as a large pouch. "These charms are yours and they will only respond to you two. They will take you to us should you want to visit. And this pouch is filled with a very large sum of money, so you may do with it what you wish."
Eyes twinkling in gratitude and awe, the two siblings embraced the woman. "Thank you so much!" they shouted in unison before pulling away and placing the trinkets over their necks.
"Don't mention it. I should be thanking you for helping your mother all these years with so many things," the pink-haired femme beamed gently, turning her attention to her beloved's direction. "Are you and Ia ready to leave?"
"Ah, we're leaving now, Luka?" chimed the young Ia as she looked up at motherly woman curiously.
"Well, unless you want to stay here longer... But the longer we stay, the more likely we are going to encounter the Queen. She's due to arrive any minute now," she informed levelly, taking the shocked faces of the others as they stared at her.
"Miss Luka, how could you know that?" Sonika gasped, awaiting a response with large eyes.
"I heard it among the guards outside before you three found me," the pinkette shrugged.
"Then we gotta get goin'," Piko chirped with mild annoyance and exasperation, grabbing onto his older sister's arm and slowly dragging her out of the room. "Take care of them for us and our mother, Miss Luka! We'll be sure to visit you three very soon! Sonika and I need to get out before Queen Lily finds us!"
With that, the duo walked out the room, shutting the door with a mild slam behind them. The trio stood there for a moment, simply staring at the door in silence until a childish giggle erupted from the strawberry-blonde girl. "Piko-pi is always in such a hurry. He really doesn't like the Queen!"
Staring down at his daughter affectionately, he picked her lithe form up in his arms and nuzzled her face while hugging her, gaining a trilling laugh from her.
"I suppose it's time for us to go then," Luka hummed, moving closer to the both of them and placing a hand on each of them.
"Are we going to be happy, Luka?" the Princess asked before the woman could perform a spell, catching the cerulean-eyed femme off-guard.
"Of course we will, Ia," Gakupo interjected, receiving a thankful smile from the enchantress and a hopeful look from his daughter.
"Can... Can I call you "mama," Luka?" the girl asked shyly, her young face flushing red as she looked towards the woman. It surprised the young child to see that Luka was staring at her in shock only to smile tenderly at her a moment later.
"If you like," she stated warmly, a maternal undertone lacing her words.
With no more interruptions taking place, the witch muttered a quick flurry of ancient foreign words before the three of them disappeared from the room in a quick flash of light. Not a trace of the trio was left.
"Papa, Mama, Piko-pi is here!" cried Ia excitely as she dashed through the kitchen and out the door of the humble abode, leaving the two adults to look after the girl with a chuckle.
"Invite him inside! It's going to rain soon!" Gakupo bellowed in an upbeat tone as he helped the pink-haired beauty next to him prepare for supper, a huge smile adorning his face as he gazed at her and her slightly bulging midsection.
It had been eight months since the little group vanished from the castle, and just like how Luka predicted, the kingdom they left behind still remained intact. To her surprise (and to the surprise of the former royals), the Queen had actually sent out a search party to locate the missing duo. Of course, that didn't last for too long; a week and a half to be exact. It wasn't surprising at all to find that the blonde Queen remarried about two months after their departure. And from the news that was heard of the neighboring kingdom, the Queen and the new King were very much in love and happy to be together; apparently, the monarchical duo were expecting twins on the way. Of course, the adults kept this news to themselves to keep from Ia knowing; they'd hate for her to feel hurt because of her biological mother's actions.
"Tada!" the young femme shouted as she pulled the albino adolescent into the kitchen, a happy grin plastered on her face.
"It's nice of you to visit us again, Piko," Luka greeted, tilting her head in acknowledgement as she finish tending to the cooked chicken that was before her, quite accustomed to seeing the boy every month or so. "You're just in time for supper."
"It's good to see you three looking so well," Piko uttered lightly, his heterochromatic eyes widening a bit as he spotted the roundness in the enchantress' middle. "It seems you two are especially doing fairly well," he jeered playfully, causing the two adults to blush a bit at his comment.
"Well, you've certainly grown out of your shell a bit," the purple-maned man huffed, a slight pout on his lips.
"We are supposed to be brave and everything if we're going to be guards for the kingdom, Gakupo," Piko quipped proudly.
"You have to show me what you look like when you have your uniform!" Ia stated sternly.
"I will, I will," the albino male grinned, ruffling the girl's hair roughly.
"Ia, can you please set the table for four?" the pinkette requested gently as she put the finishing touches on the rest of the food, watching the bouncy child skip off to set the table, leaving the three to talk alone.
"Okay Piko, what are you here for?" Gakupo questioned quickly, raising a suspicious eyebrow at the teen.
"Wh-Who said I was here for anything?!" Piko yelled in embarrassment, his cheeks a burning rouge as he stared at the duo.
"You're here for something, Piko," Luka hummed, settling her cerulean orbs on him. "With your behavior right now, there is definitely something you want."
"I... I..."
"Well?" the purple-haired man asked impatiently.
"I... Well, I was wondering something the last time I was here... Ia turned eleven a few months ago," Piko began, looking at everything in the kitchen but the two adults. "And... Well, she's getting close to the age where she's going to be... going to become a woman and... Well..."
"You want to marry her when she's old enough?" the witch deadpanned, filling in the blanks quickly and receiving odd looks from both males.
"Y-Yes," he responded nervously, a furious blush adorning his pale cheeks as he stared up at Gakupo who currently had an unreadable look on his face.
"I'm not saying no, but I am not saying yes," Gakupo answered simply, picking up the food dishes to take to the dining area. "If she wants to marry you in the future, I won't be against it... But you can't force her to do that."
"Of course n-not!" the teen stammered, growing redder at the idea.
"Well, now that that's over with, time to eat," Luka announced simply, handing Piko a dish to carry to the table.
As the trio walked into the dining room, the four of them all sat down and began to eat, quick and lively chatter filling the room along with the clanking of dishes. All was merry and good before a question popped into Piko's head, quickly voicing the thought.
"What are you going to name the baby?"
Silence filled the room as Luka and Gakupo stared at one another, having a mute conversation with their eyes before smiles swelled on their faces.
"Well... Luka is definitely certain that it is a girl..." Gakupo began, grasping the pinkette's hand gently under the table as they smiled at one another. "So..."
"Because of how grateful we are..." Luka continued, turning her smile at her daughter and Piko (her possible future son-in-law). "We are naming her..."
"Gumi."
1.) Shattered – Trading Yesterday
2.) Sora – Yoko Kanno
3.) Inori – Eri Kawai
* I know that in some pictures that Ia has platinum hair while in others, it looks more strawberry blonde-like. For the sake of this epilogue, she's going to be a strawberry-blonde-haired child.
** Lily was about fifteen when she married the forty-one year-old Gakupo. Don't judge me. Things like that used to happen an awful long time ago for political reasons and such when monarchs were abundant around the world. If you have a problem with it, take it up with them.
*** Hehe~ I was going to put "You're real," but perhaps that's just my RumBelle feels running rampant. God, do I miss OUAT. ;u;
**** Teehee~ Something else that comes from Rumpelstiltskin. God, I really do miss OUAT.
Ah mai lawd... This is finally done! :D This actually mixes the ten epilogues pretty well if I do say so myself. It has some humor, angst, fluff and all that other good stuff. I hope you guys all enjoyed it! Please review~ They make me happy.
Onward to Last Falling Star!