Chapter Ten: Affections Embraces
It was now late; the stars were shining far in the sky, they seemed almost like faraway twinkling small diamonds as Ouma gazed upwards through the glass ceiling of the ballroom.
Twirling as he danced with his arranged fiancée Pi-kokku, he paid no heed to her as she had her head fixed upon his chest acting as though with adoration. He was too wrapped up within his own thoughts as the other guests of the Choissant danced around them too in a huge surrounding circle.
His thoughts were heavy with melancholy as he thought of Uzuri, 'I guess this is the result of it all isn't it?' He then spun Pi-kokku under his arm as he let her twirl for a few moments as he continued on thinking, 'there was no way for me to have gotten through to her from the start…' He felt completely useless… he was no good whatsoever. He hadn't been able to prove at all that what she thought was wrong. Even with the small attempts he'd tried with her hair ribbon, his blue suit and those few words he could say to her…
He then remembered the words she had spoken to him on the day of his confession, 'what you call love is nothing but admiration for me while I'm alive! Your words are nothing but lies! Now leave me alone!' His heart trembled with pain at these words as he stopped the twirl with Pi-kokku as she simply held onto him once more. He didn't and couldn't even have the opportunity to speak or see Uzuri the whole day as his father and 'fiancée' had kept a strict eye on him, along with the guards stopping any chance he could have had to. This saddened him even further than anything else could have done... he only wished he could have done more in the time he had left.
Then suddenly everyone surrounding them stopped their dancing as they all began to gather to watch the climax, at this Ouma knew exactly what was coming next… the final declaration as the flower in the centre of the ballroom began to shine eerily. This was it the end of it all… he was now doomed entirely, to be with someone for whom he felt nothing at all, with never being able to even to see Uzuri again.
Things now could not get any worse as he finally arrived with Pi-kokku in front of the glowing pulsating flower. Also standing there was Ahoudori, Pi-kokku's previous and arranged second in line fiancée, he gazed at the two of them with sharp and obviously jealous gloomy eyes.
Pi-kokku holding Ouma's hands with her own tightly and gently smiled up to him her thoughts obvious, the flower then began to pulsate faster and faster as though knowing what next was going to occur. There was a held breath throughout the ballroom as everyone anticipated the next few exciting moments. Feeling this Pi-kokku closed her eyes her smile still there as she then began to lean up forwards to finally make her permanent claim upon him. Ouma's father watching on had an immense grin upon his face, his fortunes were forever now guaranteed as well as his social position, but more importantly the wager was his, he'd won!
Feeling colder and colder internally the more Pi-kokku came closer, Ouma too then finally closed his eyes, the sad despair settling in as his heart began to feel heavy like iron, it was too late now nothing could be done, it was over for him. His hopes and dreams had come to naught…
Then suddenly all at once as Pi-kokku was mere millimetres from her and Sagi's enormous triumph there was a huge shout, "STOP!"
At once the glittering shining flower in the centre of the room vanished in moments, the sound a human voice making instinctively retreat. The suddenness made Ouma and Pi-kokku as well jolt, as did everyone in the ballroom as they all turned in shock at this sudden outburst to see who had cried out. Then there to the surprise of everyone there it was the princess Uzuri who was standing in the entranceway gasping heavily dressed in a blue dress with pearls around her neck with roses and ribbons decorating her hair.
Everyone staring at her were all silent in shock as they comprehended what had been said, then suddenly a lot of people in the ballroom began to shout out complaints, crying out at her of how she could disturb this sacred ceremony, making the flower vanish, and what ludicrous thoughts had come into her mind. Sagi too then infuriated began to shout out to her, "How dare you! We're in the middle of-"
However Uzuri over shadowed his voice as she then cried out again, "Ouma! Come with me right now!" She commanded as she regained herself as she looked at him with fierce determination.
As he heard Uzuri calling out to him like this he was stunned! Why was she? His father was infuriated with Uzuri for interrupting him; Pi-kokku looking at her younger stepsister was annoyed herself however she kept her cool as she then spoke out, "and why would he want to go with you? You've got nothing to prove here… you're just embarrassing yourself, you peasant bird." With that she then turned back to Ouma again as she now reached her arms forwards and up as she began to lean in forwards once more pulling him towards her, for she was going to complete the ritual with or without the sacred blossom. Ouma looked at her startled and uncomfortable.
Gritting her teeth as she saw this occurring Uzuri gripped her hands as she then cried out again, "I have got something to prove!" Looking incredibly angered.
Pi-kokku turned her head over as she was now becoming irritated as she looked at her young step sister again as she asked, "oh? And what?" Ending with a venomous sarcastic tone.
Uzuri hearing this provocation paused, as she felt herself torn inside… she knew what she felt, but could she really confess it? And in front of so many people! But then as she looked at Ouma who stared at her with those curious warm golden eyes of his, she felt her heart thump inside… she couldn't hold it back anymore. So opening her arms out wide she then shouted out loudly making it resonate throughout the whole ballroom, "Ouma! I Love you!" Her face raging red with embarrassment and overwhelming emotion.
Ouma gasped loudly as he gazed at her, his cheeks reddening in moments as his once dead cold heart started pumping incredibly throwing away the iron bands that nearly bound him. There were then huge gasps of further shock from everyone in the ballroom, at this huge revelation. Sagi was now in trouble! The wager was lost and everything else he had so nearly attained!
Pi-kokku realising this herself tried to think of something quickly as she looked up to Ouma who was still held in her arms as she asked him, "Ouma honey! You wouldn't really want to be with that pathetic peasant, now would you?"
His gaze stayed transfixed on Uzuri's form for a further few moments until he finally turned and looked down, Pi-kokku looking at him saw that his expression was blank for a moment. But then he slowly smiled as he closed his eyes, feeling somewhat relieved at this expression she smiled now calmly herself.
Uzuri seeing this though was alarmed slightly as she watched on silently, her arms still reaching out, she then called out again, "Ouma!"
Ignoring her though Pi-kokku continued to stare up at her husband as he continued to smile down at her, but then suddenly, "SQUACK!" Was called out loudly.
Her face was in shock as suddenly Ouma's human form vanished in a sparkle of yellow light as his clothes fell and were left hanging in Pi-kokku's open arms as a Scarlet Macaw parrot came out and went flying into the air s stray of feathers flying everywhere.
Uzuri reaching her arms out then caught Ouma's bird form in moments as she hugged him tightly and then quickly ran out of the entrance way as she drew out her raindrop umbrella and jumped out as she started to quickly float away into the night.
Pi-kokku still in a state of shock at what had occurred didn't move a muscle until she finally snapped back to reality as she started to shout, "that brat! How dare he do this to e! When I find them both I'm going to-"
But before she could take another step to leave Kawasemi stepped forwards blocking her path as he smiled brightly saying, "aww Pi-kokku, honey don't be upset, remember you still have Ahoudori here." He said indicating with a gentle hand gesture.
However at the mention of this name Pi-kokku shivered horribly as suddenly she felt a hand on her left shoulder that squeezed her quite tightly, feeling this awful pressure she turned her head around slowly and saw Ahoudori with a ghastly grin on his face as his glasses were shining insanely…
Floating down quickly through the air Uzuri still held Ouma close to her in one arm as her other held firmly onto her umbrella. Flying quickly still the two of them descended into the greenery of the forest of the palace gardens.
Landing quickly through to a particular spot Uzuri ran forwards, then suddenly she arrived where she wanted, a round marshy clearing where in the centre was quite a big sized pond with the light of the full moon shining down through a gap in the trees giving the place a mystical aura.
Quickly Uzuri opened her arms as she dropped her umbrella and let Ouma fly out as he landed in the water in moments with an enormous splash. Uzuri then quickly went behind another bush as she brought out a bag and then shifting through it swiftly brought out a series of towels as she ran back over to where Ouma was.
Turning her face away though as she knew the state he was in as he emerged from the water she spoke to him with an annoyed embarrassed expression the towels held out to him, "here, I don't want you catching a cold! I had to get everything in a hurry, since it took me all day to let my Godmother make my Umbrella able to float, but anyway I've got a shirt in the bag too so you can-"
But suddenly warm strong arms wrapped around her in seconds pulling her forwards, feeling the warmth of wet skin she immediately flourished red scarlet… suddenly then she cried out, "what're you doing idiot! Don't you know that you're-"
However he interrupted her, "I can't believe you came for me! You've got no idea how happy I am! Uzuri…"
Hearing these words she quietened down in moments as she couldn't think of anything to say it all at first but then it came as she said," it's no big deal… besides someone had to get you out if that dumb mess you made yourself…"
Listening to her as she said this he didn't mind the annoyed tone at all so only hugged her a little tighter as he said, "thank you…"
Looking down feeling the warmth of her embarrassment and fast beating heart Uzuri had no idea what to do at all as Ouma continued to hug her... but finally she sighed as she moved her own arms up as she wrapped them around him too, a warm smile appearing on her face.
They were then both silent like that together for many moments basking in the light of the pale full moon as it shone down upon the two of them, Ouma opening his eyes then asked her, "hey? Uzuri?"
Not really answering him properly she murmured, "mmm?"
"Can you say it again for me?" He spoke.
Hearing this one question Uzuri was embarrassed once more realising what words he was talking about as she complained then smacking him hard on his bare back, "why should I! You already heard me once! I don't need to repeat-"
"Please! I just want to… I want you to only say it in front of me this time… please?" He repeated.
Annoyed and still utterly embarrassed with the position they were in she pursed her lips… "I love you."
Hearing her small utter Ouma smiled as he encouraged her, "louder!"
Annoyed she said it a little louder, "I love you."
Smiling more feeling his happiness swell more and more by the moment he cried out, "come on you can do louder than that!"
Gritting her teeth now becoming really irritated she began to say it again, "I love-"
However she was interrupted again as Ouma spoke out loud, "c'mon! I really want to hear you say-"
Then Uzuri cracked as she shouted out, "I LOVE YOU! YOU IDIOT!"
This made Ouma silent in moments as he released her for a moment as he looked down at her as she smacked his chest continuing on with her complaining confession, "I love you! I love you! You idiot! In fact I do so much that I don't even know why I do! It's just I…"
In awe of her as she continued this way he saw her embarrassed expression as she finished trailing looking utterly defeated and drained, " I love you…"
Warmed from the inside out more than any words he could express Ouma walked up to her as he tilted her head up to him as told her smiling, "yeah, well guess what? I do too."
Looking up at him and his warm expression Uzuri's eyes were widened as he then gently and slowly placed his lips upon her own… silent as she felt his warmth upon her, her heart and chest suddenly became elevated inside of herself as a flood of butterflies were released from within her stomach making her feel as though as she was welling up with sweetness, feeling this she closed her eyes as she basked in this emotion.
Their arms wrapped around one another as they both tasted the sweetness of each other, the lights of fireflies floated around them both making the moonlight light all the more glorious with it's radiant warm atmosphere.
Finally at last they detached from one another slowly, both taking breathes of air. Feeling his heart thumping madly within inside himself Ouma never felt so elevated and yet peaceful in his life. Gazing upon his love he then asked,"Uzuri?" And at once she lifted herself revealing her vulnerable breathless, blushing red face as she seemed to tremble … at once something was struck inside him as he gazed down at her.
Uzuri now recovering from the overwhelming feeling of being kissed for the first time then noticed Ouma shaking slightly. Curious she asked,"Ouma?"
But as she asked this one question he suddenly cried out in a happy lovey dovey voice, "Uzuri, my honey!" As he went to pounce upon her.
However Uzuri was outraged, as he was completely naked as she cried out, "AAAHHHHH! With that she then quickly pulled out her right fist as she clobbered him with her on hand umbrella.
Pummelling him in moments in a panicked frenzy he then lay on the grass covered in towels as he was dazed looking at floating birds and stars in the sky. Uzuri breathless then annoyed gasped madly embarrassed and annoyed, "moron… total stupid moron!"
Ouma then concluded this as he smiled with a finger pointing into the air, "and that's the whole story!"
Everyone silent in awe at the conclusion didn't say anything for a few moments but then suddenly Uzura spoke up, "wow that was great zura! I love the love-love Zura!"
Hearing this Ouma smiled as he bowed his head and then replied, "why thank you Uzura."
Rue then immediately spoke up herself, "yeah it was good! I never realised you two had such an exciting beginning."
Nodding once more as he was becoming a little embarrassed by this praise he then scratched the back of his head as he replied, "yeah well… it's just how it turned out really."
Fakir now having calmed down Uzura from banging her drums again as he then spoke, "as I see, though it's surprising to know that even Uzuri can lose her cool." With that he looked in her direction.
Uzuri had her head down but it was clear to everyone there that she was clearly embarrassed as the redness of her cheeks and ears was evident even if it was partially hidden by a pillow. However hearing Fakir's words she then spoke crossly raising her head, "I don't need to hear that from a weirdo like you!"
Hearing the angry tone in her older sister's voice Ahiru quickly went to intervene as she spoke up, "please you two this isn't the time to be fighting with each other!"
Komadori hearing her say this then too joined in as she said, "yes it isn't, besides its Christmas eve tomorrow and-"
It was then Fukorou spoke up himself, "I think it'd be good for us to get some sleep, it's late and I've had it for day." He then finished with a yawn making his tiredness evident.
Mytho too seeing this smiled himself at this as he also said squeezing Rue's hand, "yeah, I'm tired too, let's call it a night everyone." With that everyone was in firm unison.
Walking to her room now dressed in her nightgown Komadori walked to the room where she, Ahiru Rue and Uzuri would be sleeping together in. Yawning slightly as she removed a speck of sleepy dust from her eyes she moved her hand to turn the knob.
However before she could, "hey?"
Turning quickly she then saw Fukorou standing on the landing dressed in his red and white striped pyjama's as he stood with a calm smile on his face, his arms folded.
Seeing him Komadori gasped slightly as she spoke, "oh! Fukorou? I thought you were in with the others by now."
He shook his head as he walked over to her as he said, "no not yet, I wanted to see you before I did."
Curious she asked innocently turning her head to the side slightly, "why's that?"
He then reached over to her as he then took a stand of her hair as he stroked it in his finger tips slightly as he said," I was thinking that I've been very unfair to you haven't I?"
Hearing these words she was surprised as she asked, "unfair? What do you mean by that?"
Her hair still held Fukorou then answered," I've been distant from you for a long while now, you must be dissatisfied with me. having to put up with it for three years."
At hearing these words Komadori couldn't believe what he was saying! She shook her head left and right as she told him," that's not true! I mean… well, I can understand why you have! I mean with the witch in the past and everything else and-"
She was quickly though interrupted once more as he released her hair from his fingers and looked her sadly, "you know… I have been selfish… because the pain I've caused you in the past, I let you stay close by my side without giving you anything and-"
But then he was interrupted himself as Komadori couldn't bare any more words like this as she hugged him tightly saying, "please don't say anything more like that! You don't have to give me anything at all! I'm just happy to be with you! No matter what pain I've suffered… I always feel better with you with me, than being apart so please don't-"
At this point as she hugged him Fukorou quickly detached her from him as she looked at him with sad startled eyes, he looked down at her with seriousness in his own gaze… she had no idea what to expect at all, but then suddenly Fukorou smiled down at her as he said, "you know…" with that he then bent his head down towards her as she looked up at him with widened eyes as he then said, "you should wait until a person has finished talking…"
With that she suddenly was given something she hadn't even planned on having or had given up for some time in receiving… a kiss.
It was gentle and soft, short and brief but it was enough to make her heart tremble, as he removed himself from her she then felt her lips as his touch remained there as a wonderful warmth. She then looked up at him as he smiled brightly and said, "think of it as an early Christmas present, and…"
With that he then leaned his head forwards again as he then placed his lips on her forehead as he finished saying, " you can expect more in the near future."
Finishing then he withdrew as Komadori felt her forehead her cheeks blushing madly… but she looked up at him and said with a happy shyness, "I'll be glad to receive more… but please don't worry me like that again,"
At this Fukorou smiled once more as he gave her a warm hug and said, "don't worry I won't…" With that the two of them parted ways happily after a few blissful moments as they both departed for a good nights rest.
It was now really late in the night, certainly a substantial amount of time had passed and it was certainly way past midnight and during this time… Pi-kokku had managed to escape from her bonds and was now sneaking up the staircase.
Rubbing her hands together she spoke up, "now those fools are all dreaming away… and at last I can have some fun… Taka!"
With that using her beady eyes she reached the landing, looking left and right she saw that the coast was entirely clear and so walked on over to the boys room door. Reaching her hand forwards she then twisted the knob and opened it quickly.
Looking inside speedily she saw that all of them were sleeping away so she entered and closed the door behind her a truly satisfied and cunning grin on her face, but then as she turned her head to look up again suddenly in front of her came a very angry grumble, "mmmmm!"
She then looked on with absolute dread as there standing in the light of the room was none other than Uzuri her arms folded, Pi-kokku looked on shocked entirely and was now trembling with nervousness.
Uzuri then spoke entirely irritated and annoyed, "you never learn do you!" With that Pi-kokku was given the pummelling of her life!