Chapter 4: Dancing with a Stranger
Regular POV:
Periru opened her eyes drowsily, lavender hues staring up at the stone ceiling. Blinking away her watery eyes, she looked over to see a dozing Appoline in a chair, the girl's long black hair in a bun, a few stray locks framing her pale like face. Periru slowly sat up and flinched at the aching headache that pulsed madly in her head.
Periru groaned at the pain, which was enough to stir Appoline awake. The young woman rubbed her eyes drowsily, looking around sharply, and then settling a tired gaze on Periru. Her face softened and she smiled faintly, "So you are alive." Periru smiled slightly, "Har, har, very funny. How did I get this splitting headache?"
Appoline took her hair out of her bun and ran her fingers threw the long silky locks. "It seems Joey and Sora pounded Lord Happosai to a pulp. Seems he spiked the water with a potion Chichiri and Mitsukake were working on, no idea how he got a hold of it. You, Yuna, Serena, and a few other people passed out around the same time. Old leech…"
Periru smiled half heartedly and Appoline added in a softer tone, "Yours was more induced by stress and minor shock. Since a lot of people were practically intoxicated, we delayed the ball till tonight. But so you know…" Periru bowed her head, figuring Appoline would call Periru some nasty name around the lines of eavesdropper. Yet Appoline's response was quite different.
"Hiei also drank some water and doesn't really remember anything from last night. Even with his Jagan eye, he can't really remember anything after he and I talked. So...you needn't worry."
Periru didn't ask questions, merely nodded. Appoline stood up and fixed her robe and walked out, striding out with a aura of pride and authority as she talked with servants and other people in the hall. Periru waited for her voice to completely fade before standing up to dress into her regular jeans and blouse.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she accepted the response her reflection gave her as she fixed her white ribbon securely. Taking a glance around, she noticed a note on Hiei's dresser. Blinking, she picked it up and read the hand writing carefully. It was to neat to be a boy's, so she deemed it safe.
Periru-
A meeting in the Main Library. Go to the Main Hallway and the third door on your right next to the picture of Enma and Koenma.
Appoline.
Wondering why Appoline didn't just tell her while they were talking but not in the mood to stress her self out even more, Periru headed out towards the Main Hallway. She counted the doors and looked for the third door on her right. When she found it, she gave it a push and entered the Main Library.
It was a spacious and cozy room full of plush over stuffed armchairs and love seats. There were at least three stories full of books and tables galore, a perfect place for someone like Periru, who loves to read. There was a large round table off to a side where people were already seated at. A large window looked out towards the small town Periru found out was owned by the Rose Kingdom. It was mainly stores and houses, a town full of teenagers and college students.
Ohtori Academy.
A large weird building with moving platforms and many courtyards, Anthy told Periru that this was where Utena, Anthy, and Dios first met. She smiled faintly and saw Appoline talking gently with Yuna, who seemed to have healed fast from being intoxicated. Sitting in a chair by the window…
Was a sleepy and grumpy looking Hiei.
Ignoring the uneasy feeling in her gut, she was going to sit near the ended, but Appoline shooed her to sit across from Hiei. The look Appoline gave Periru made the future Yume Master not want to complain. Hiei was staring into the distance of his thoughts and Periru let out a shallow sigh.
"You seem troubled."
Periru blinked up at Hiei who was still staring off into space. Saying her words carefully, "Yeah…you know how it was, rough night and a splitting headache after effect." Hiei shrugged, "I guess…" Periru mentally sighed but Hiei added, "You do know you've been sleeping in my room the past few nights."
"…Yeah, sorry about that."
Hiei shrugged nonchattingly and started talking to Chichiri, who sat on Hiei's left. Periru was glad a small talk conversation ended peacefully and smiled as Joey took a seat next to her. "You alright, Periru?" She smiled faintly and shrugged. "The headache is gone for the time being, so I'll live."
Periru heard Hiei snort and cough rather loudly.
Joey ignored his comrade and huffed with pride, "I took care of the geezer for ya! Everything is safe and sound thanks to Joey Wheeler!" Yugi walked in and smiled gently, "Joey, any more reason to huff with pride and you'll probably blow a hole in your chest…remember what the doctor said…"
"Gah, who made you my mother!"
Yugi sighed in defeat and Serena, who was sitting next to Ranma (who was sitting next to Chichiri), shook her head smiling. "At least those two are normal, or we'd have something to worry about." Periru nodded and got a noogie from Joey, which in return got a glare from Hiei.
After much bustle and confusion, everyone finally sat down in their appropriate seats.
Side one: Hiei, Chichiri, Ranma, Serena, Tamahome, Happosai, Ryoga, Tasuki, Auron, Moose, Yuna, Sora, Kaiba, Tristan, Anthy, Mr. Saotome, Juri, Miki, Kimahri, Kurama, Chiriko, Yami Yugi, Sanosuke, Aoshi, and Appoline at 1st head
Side two: Periru, Joey, Amy (S.M), Yusuke, Miaka, Rei (S.M), Koenma, Botan, Hotohori, Kuwabara, Donald, Goofy, Isis, Kuno, Utena, Rikku, Paine, Mitsukake, Soun Tendo, Kenshin, Yahiko, Yugi, and King Mickey at 2nd head.
((A/N: Since it's a round table, Hiei sits next to Periru, and the people sitting next to Hiei and Periru loop around and the circle is met by Appoline and King Mickey. Also, in the middle of table is the map of Anima. On to the story!))
Appoline took a deep breath, entwining her fingers in front of her on the table. "Now that we're settled…we all know why we're here…" There was some muttering amongst the fighters and Appoline called up a hand for silence. "For those of you who don't, there have been rumors of Darktra warriors planning to attack, since they heard about Periru…"
Periru bit her lip nervous, and Joey squeezed her shoulder gently in reassurance. Auron stared coolly at Periru, which made her more fidgety and guilty. Appoline continued speaking in a gentle tone, "As you all know, we've lost about half of our warriors to the last battle seven weeks before and including the kidnapping of the Winter Moon Angels three years before."
"The Kingdoms of Anima cannot afford to lose more loved one, for fear of another devastating after effect. King Mickey and I have decided on seeking the help of the Cloud Warriors…" A lot of outbursts came threw from mainly the male sides and Utena and Rei, all who seemed to have some type of grudge or uneasiness.
"But their leaders Goku and Valliant are never serious! Who knows if they mess up again like last time!" complained Rei, the Fire Sailor Scout's eyes burning with annoyance and childish jealousy.
"It was because of their warrior, Bakura, betrayals to their side and his alliance with Darktra was one of the main reasons for the start of the Yami War! No way I'll listen to the orders of those two bird brains," growled Ranma, banging his fist on the table.
"I agree with Saotome, Lady Appoline. How do we know something of that caliber won't happen again?" asked Utena calmly, yet hotly.
Appoline twitched and closed her eyes gently then shouted, "WILL YOU LET ME FINISH!" Immediate silence followed by the amused snicker of Hiei. Appoline shot her anger at her father, "You too, father." Hiei quieted out of respect for his daughter. Plus, he didn't want to deal with the passed on scorn she got from her mother's side.
Appoline took a deep breath and continued, "We will only use the Cloud Warriors strength at the very last moment when we need them most. That may not even happen, so zip it the lot of ya until I finish. I wanted to wait a few more days before saying this but since it's his Highness's idea…" She nodded to Mickey and the mouse king stood up.
"As everyone but Periru knows, the day before Lord Hiei brought her to Anima, there was the constellation of stars in the form of Kimara, the Sea Dragon. Thus signaled the beginning of the ripened time to collect the Yume Spirits. So, Ms. Periru…what do you think? Are you ready?" All eyes settled on her.
Periru looked down for a moment, her mind racing. After a few minutes of silence, she stood up and looked around. "…I came here because I felt I could find a purpose, a reason I was given life. Though it may not be in a classroom or in a kitchen, I'm happy to be chosen for a gift like this…But…" People looked at her in question.
"But even though I don't understand everything fully, I swear on my life I will help get those people back, get back something most of you lost. A sister, a friend, a savior…" Her eyes settled on Hiei, "a wife." The warrior's eyes never changed, but she could tell he was fazed. She turned her gaze back to them, "so I will get those people back and end this war."
A pause, and then applause and whistles. Periru smiled in relief to find a way to get over her stage fright, and sat down, "You did good, Periru," said Amy gently, smiling and Periru returned the smile. Joey nodded, "Mhmm, Mhmm, Mhmm!" Periru giggled and Appoline called for silence once more, also smiling at Periru.
"With that said, the Kings and I will explain our plan." Auron, Kenshin, Hotohori, King Mickey, Koenma, Appoline, Utena, and Yami Yugi stood up while Happosai hopped onto the table and stood in the middle. Appoline leaned over and pointed on a dot in the center of the Rose Kingdom, "We are here in the capital of the Rose Kingdom, Ohtori. Ten spirits exist in each Kingdom, including Darktra."
King Mickey's tail flicked, "So you are to use the Fae Whistle to help find the spirits, so use it carefully and wisely," He tossed the whistle to Periru, but Joey caught it and Periru and Joey looked at it curiously. It changed colors from time to time and looked more like a flute then a whistle, with the ancient text of fairies embedded into the crystal flute.
Koenma added as a side note, in his human form, "Each color stands for a different element. Black for Space and time, Yellow for Lightning, White for Spirits and holy, and so on. Though the emotional spirits don't show up often…yet still be on the safe side and pay attention to the whistle. Gods come up gold and silver." Periru nodded and put the flute in her robe pocket.
Hotohori pointed to his Kingdom and the capital of Hong-Nan. "Always keep in mind that you can always count on rest in the capitals. After you all leave, we will teleport back to our positions and await you there. Each Kingdom was given a clue to find the Winter Moon Angel, who resides some where in Darktra. You may need her assistance later on."
Little Happosai waddled and plopped his little butt and smoke his pipe and shook his finger at Periru, "Keep in mind not to do anything stupid and get us all killed, like a few individuals I know who almost did just that." Ranma mumbled loudly, "It was all Akane's fault anyway, the tomboy…''
Kenshin smiled gently to everyone and pointed to the border between the Samurai and Fighter's Kingdom, which were right next to Darktra. "While you all concentrate on the findings of the Yume Spirits while Lord Happosai, Lord Hotohori, Lady Appoline, and I gather what troops are willing and ready to fight to carefully watch the Darktra border for you all."
Auron fixed his katana on his shoulder and looked at everyone coolly. "Now none of you try to play hero and wander of to do something stupid and heroic. We need every warrior we can get." Utena snorted and pointed at little Yahiko, "That goes especially for you too Yahiko!" He snorted and glared, cursing vulgarly and Periru raised her brow at the teenager.
Yami Yugi smiled lightly and pointed at light colored areas in the Kingdoms, "There are zoned out areas where you are most likely to find Yume Spirits. The chances are differing day by day so be careful since God Spirits are the strongest and most deadly.
Appoline smiled gently at the light atmosphere and asked for some more silence. "Now…Everyone introduce yourselves to Lady Periru so she doesn't walk around, cute and stupid." Joey mumbled something that Periru didn't but Hiei heard, "What, the naïve and confused look is cute…"
Hiei twitched in rage and growled. Joey pay no notice and Appoline turned to the other warriors and asked gently, "Since Lady Periru only knows a few of you, so let's introduce each other and end this meeting so we can rest before the ball." There were murmurs of agreement and the long line of introductions followed.
"I am Amy, Sailor Scout of Mercury and protector to Lady Serena of Crystal Tokyo of the Moon Kingdom."
"The name's Yusuke Urameshi! Leader of the Spirit Detectives and Co-founder of the Red Moonlight Spirits. My trademark is my Spirit Gun."
"I am Rei, Sailor Scout of Mars and protector to Lady Serena of Crystal Tokyo of the Moon Kingdom."
"Koenma of the Spirit Kingdom and one of the ten Kings of Anima and son to Yama."
"Botan here! Ferry girl and pilot of the River Styx! Though some better know me as the Grim Reaper."
"I am Emperor Hotohori of Suzaku's Kingdom and one of the seven constellations of Suzaku."
"Name's Kuwabara and I'm one of the Spirit Detectives of Koenma! The second punk in Anima!" With that said, Yusuke snickered.
Introductions were induced one by one and soon, Periru knew every warrior by name and what Kingdom they came from. Appoline dismissed them and they all walked out. On Periru's way out, Yami Yugi gave her a map of Anima to use along the way and the Millenium Necklace that was passed down from Isis, to Yami, and now to Periru.
Thanking the young Pharaoh, Periru walked out only to be greeted by Yuna, Serena, Anthy, Utena, Paine, and Rikku. Periru blinked, "What's up girls?" They looked at each other and Rikku and Anthy linked arms with Periru, "We've got to get you ready for the ball missy!" said Rikku cheerfully, wearing her Thief Dressphere.
Periru gulped, "Do I have a choice?" Yuna smiled gently, "Nope!" Periru sighed, "Then take me away…" Giggles erupted and they dragged Periru to one of the girl's bedroom. Once there, Rikku, Yuna, and Paine started doing her hair while Serena, Utena, and Anthy looked threw dresses.
Paine was brushing Periru's hair and asked coolly, "So you like Blondie Bear or the Hot Head?" She blushed, "Who?" Rikku giggled as she looked threw the vanity drawers, "Joey and Hiei silly! They sure like you, especially Joey!" Utena smirked, "Like isn't the word, more like love, Rikku." Rikku shrugged, "That's what I said!"
Serena and Anthy shook their heads smiling and Anthy pulled out a white dress. "I found one!" It was simple but beautiful, all white ball gown with white silk lace and white silk sleeves. A simple large ribbon tied around her waist made it look cute and not to plain. The dress was all white with a silver head piece made by the elves of Winter Moon. It was like three thin silver vines entwining together with white pearly leaves made of crystal. ((A/N: Think of the head thingies the elves used in Lord of the Rings))
Periru put a hand to her mouth, "It's so…beautiful…" Rikku tapped her chin, "Now haven't I see that dress before…" Serena nudged Rikku in the ribs and the younger girl shut up. Paine smiled and turned Periru to face the mirror and said softly, resting her hands on her shoulders, "You're going to knock all those guys dead. You are beautiful, remember that."
Periru smiled tearily and Yuna said cheerfully, "Periru's unbreakable spell!" Periru blinked and Anthy started shooing them all out, "We'll let you get ready Ms. Periru! Wear your hair down tonight." When they shut the door, Periru pondered slightly but shrugged the feeling off and slowly changed in front of the mirror.
"You are beautiful, remember that."
With Paine's words making her feel a lot more confident, Periru changed into her new dress. Maybe tonight will help ease her troubled mind of the past few days in this new world. Clearing her mind of negative thoughts, she finished changing and took out her ribbon, tying it around her wrist. Putting on the head piece, she smiled and walked out.
During the ten minutes it took for Periru to get ready, all the other girls got ready too. All the girls were oogling and giggling over her dress. Utena, Anthy, Paine, Isis, and Serena smiled with pride, seeing Periru as a little sister besides the Yume Master. They all walked towards the golden door and one by one, went out.
Periru stood in the back nervously. Utena blinked and smiled gently, "Don't worry Periru, you look fine!" Periru bit her lip and nodded, calming down a little, "I know…but still…" Utena smiled and let Periru take her arm and the two girls went threw the golden door, and into a spacious new environment Periru would have to get used to.
People were all dressed up, looking happy and relaxed. Periru felt nervous as a lot of people stopped what they were doing to look her over. Yusuke grinned and wolf howled while Ranma whistled, Periru just blushed. Utena left Periru to dance with Anthy and Periru looked around for a familiar face of one of the girls. She felt a gentle tap on her shoulder and turned around.
It was Joey.
He looked more serious then usual and coughed lightly, "You um...look very good Periru. And uh…yeah…really cute." His face was a tad pink and he shifted from one foot to another and scratched the back of his head. Periru smiled lightly and rested one pointer finger on his lips, "Shall we dance, Lord Joseph?"
Joey blinked and grinned, flicking his nose with his thumb, "Hey! Who said you could call me by my real name?" Periru shrugged, "Oh nobody." Joey rolled his eyes and held out his arm, which Periru took with a gloved hand and they headed onto the dance floor to dance the first song of the night.
Periru rested one hand on Joey's shoulder and the other in his hand while he did the same, putting his other hand on her waist. They started dancing slowly to the soft music. As they danced, Periru felt Joey bring her a little closer to him and he rested his head against her shoulder.
Her breath caught in her throat and her heart started pounding madly in her chest. She let her eyes close, feeling his rhythmic breathing against her neck thanks to the off the shoulder sleeves. When the song finally ended, Joey kept her like that and slowly let her go. He smiled lightly to her and at her flushed and confused face.
"I uh…really like you, Periru. Please know that at least…"
He turned and left her, walking over to talk to Sora and Yugi who were drinking punch. She rested a hand against her chest and blinked slowly, "My heart…is still pounding…" Sighing softly, she poured herself a little punch and nibbled on a cookie, washing it down with the punch.
For almost the rest of the night, Periru was asked to dance with probally every man that asked her. Except for Happosai who was too short and perverted. She felt her heart twist in knots when she danced with Aoshi who (despite his cold and evil looking demeanor) seemed to steal her heart on the spot. But she wasn't going to rush and immediately assume.
Her feet were sore and her face flushed from practically dancing non stop. Quietly, she went outside and walked threw the garden to the fountain. She looked up and smiled at the large full moon, which seemed to light everything up as much as the sun. When she came to the fountain area, everything seemed to fade away in place of a world with only two people.
Hiei and Periru.
Hiei had been sitting on the fountain when Periru arrived. At first he didn't notice her, assuming it was Kurama or Anthy coming to give him something to eat since he decided to skip the ball. When he saw her, everything in the world didn't matter to him at that moment. All he wanted to do was look at her.
His eyes trailed from her long soft silky lavender hair, which was down and to her waist. From her eyes of only a few shades darker with silvery eye shadow, flushed cheeks, soft mouth, all that and more. He slowly stood up and simply stared at her, which made her fidget and uneasy.
Periru blinked slowly and tilted her head, "What is it Lord Hiei…" Hiei blinked and shook his head, slowly walking towards her. "Nothing you should worry about tonight." He stood in front of her, only inches apart and looked down into her eyes and asked softly, almost a whisper, as if he was shy and afraid of her.
"Will you dance with me?"
Smiling softly she nodded and said lightly, "I couldn't say no to a king." He smirked lightly and gently took her hand, bringing her in close. She didn't complain and rested her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck, gently toying with some hair on the back of his head. He didn't complain about that either.
It felt awkward for Periru, like she'd done something like this before a long time ago. But she couldn't remember, while Hiei on the other hand, whispered lightly in her ear as they danced, "It's been three years since I danced like this with you." Periru blinked slowly and looked at him, tilting her head. "What?"
He shook his head, "Nothing, but first…" He took both of her hands and held them to his chest, "I will always protect you. No matter what, I won't lose you again." Periru didn't get a chance to ask, because he brought her close to him and kissed her gently, one hand holding her hands while the other wrapped around her waist.
She was about to melt into the kiss fully, but felt something weird happen. She felt her body glowing purple and her body change. Her hair turned a darker purple and her eyes turned into a mint green, plus she grew to about Hiei's height. While her mind was the same, she had no control over her body. A different voice came out of her mouth and looked up at Hiei.
"…Hiei?...Koibito?"
Hiei blinked slowly and his eyes widened as he broke away. "Felicia?..." That's all Periru remembered as her mind faded into darkness, their voices echoing in her head as she was helpless against the woman Hiei called Felicia. Periru's side of her mind faded into a mushy fuzzy feeling and it all went black.
Periru woke up by someone shaking her gently. When she got the strength to wake up, she looked up at a frantic Utena, Yuna, Rikku, and Paine. Periru slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes and sat up sleepily. "What's wrong guys? You seem frantic…" Paine snorted, "We have perfect reason to be." Periru blinked, "Why?"
Rikku was jumping up and down and after quiet words from Yuna, calmed down. Then Periru noticed they were in their battle forms of the warrior, thief, and gunner. Rikku then blurted out frantically, grabbing Periru by the shoulders.
"Darktra has launched an attack on the castle! And they're holding Anthy hostage, saying they'll let her free if we let them kill you!"
So much for a romantic and confusing evening…Yet all will eventually turn out well, hopefully. You just sit back and try to figure out my little mind game I laid out.
