The Raven Bride
Chapter 9: Under the Sakura tree
Recap of chapter 8:
"Are you alright? " Yoichi asked worriedly at me.
I nodded and bent my head.
"I think we should go now. " Ruka said as he turned his back on us and started to dash towards the parking lot.
Yoichi was about to carry me, but I raised my head and smiled at him.
"Thank you, but I could walk. " I replied.
He sighed. "Alright then. "
We then followed Ruka and Hotaru towards the parking lot, and when we reached his car, we hauled ourselves in and I looked at the window.
I found my index finger reaching for my lips and touching it, his kiss felt so familiar, as if he had kissed me before.
Natsume Hyuuga, who are you?
"The Universe always keeps it's create and destruct cycle wherever I go… "
Tap…
I smiled as I took a lock of my spiky black hair and smiled under the moonlight.
"That was what I thought… the only thing that I always thought…which literally made my life very tedious for centuries… " I whispered as I looked at the chess pieces placed in front of me. They were made out of the finest glass and crystals. It's expensive and one of a kind, but whenever I want something, I wanted it to be the best, no matter how the price is.
Like my plans and my divination…
I smiled as I took a pawn and moved it one step ahead.
"Being a ruler is no easy task, there will always be someone who wanted to grow their hands in their throats just to haul you in, barons that are backstabbing you, knights that will be planning your death under your nose, pawns that will betray you and allies that would wish for your destruction… "
I took the pawn again and moved it across three squares.
"And someone will take over as a King if the former King is killed, then yada, yada, yada, and the story will begin again and it will end in bloodshed and the cycle begins again… "
"Just like Abraham Lincoln said…history remembers the war, but not the bloodshed and when politics and freedom is involved, it always happens, like a circle that never ends… "
I halfsmiled as I looked at the shiny bright moon beaming above me.
"I wonder if someone who doesn't belong in the kingdom became a part of the cycle? Say an outsider will join the boring story, will it change the game? Will that outsider make the game more exciting? " I asked as my attention went back to the chess pieces.
Snickering, I took a pink and white painted pawn from my pocket and placed it on the part where the queen was standing, knocking the said queen in the process.
I raised my right arm and tilted my jaw on my knuckles.
"Probably… "
"Just like Alice in Raven Land… "
I bit my lip as I took a mug from the cabinet.
I wanted to bump my head over and over again on the nearby wall as I kept on mulling foolishly on what happened last night.
Okay, here's the thing, I still haven't gotten over from my foreign kisses, and now, Natsume Hyuuga, the one known as the King of crimson clan suddenly kissed me last night, to be honest, I felt that all hell broke loose that evening!
I noticed my face on the shiny silver spoon, and it showed my pale skin and black eyebags were formed under it, etching and marking under my eyelashes.
I sighed as I took the spoon and dropped it on the sink. I took the kettle and poured some hot water on my mug then took some instant chocolate powder from the tin can and dropped a couple of spoonfuls on it, I mixed it and drank it absently, not caring even if it scalded my throat.
Not only that, I saw our Etoile sama talking to bone like creatures and giving them flesh, what is she? A witch? A sorceress? Or a fairy?
"Mikan, if you're hungry, make some food, not contenting yourself with some hot chocolate. "
I jerked instantly when I Uncle's voice, he paused from stepping down the stairs and leaned on the railings to hover above me.
"I… I'm sorry… it's just… "
"Don't tell me you're in a hurry? Etoile san said that the shooting will happen around noon. Did she say that she will pick you up? Or did she gave another bunch of work for you? " He asked.
I shook my head. "No, she didn't. "
"Then sit on the chair while I whip up some eggs and bacon for us. " He commanded as he stepped down and took the frying pan. "
"Okay. " I whispered as I went towards the chair and sat.
Around 11, I took a bath and dressed myself, afterwards, I went to the kitchen and made myself a couple of riceballs for lunch and a peanut butter sandwich, then I chugged down a glass of water and brushed my teeth.
I was about to tie my hair when I heard a loud honking of the car.
"Just a minute! " I called then looked at the window, surprised to see Ruka's yellow Lamborghini parked outside our house.
Quickly, I opened the door, only to see Hotaru open the door of the car.
"Hotaru! " I called in surprise.
"Stop shouting, baka and get in the car, Ruka is going to give us a ride. " She said stoically.
"Oh, okay, just let me get my bag. " I replied as I rushed inside.
"Is that Nogi san? " Uncle asked as he came out from the garden and put down his shears on the floor. Apparently, it's his off today and he wanted to do some gardening.
"Yep, they came to pick me up. "
"Glad to hear it, that means, I won't have any trouble taking you to the academy. " He joked.
I laughed as I ran towards him and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you later. "
He nodded. "I'll just keep the steak in the fridge, heat it in the microwave oven if ever you came in late and I'm already sleeping. "
"Okay! " I answered as I took my bag and closed the door.
When we arrived in the garden, we saw a lot of people doing running around to and fro, some of them carrying huge cardboards and colourful papers, some of them carrying paints of different colours while the others where carrying different sets of clothes while the others are talking in their own blue tooth headset while running around and carrying a bunch of papers while some of them were carrying their laptops or… their Iphones.
"Wow, everyone is busy. " I mused.
Ruka grinned. "Well, we're all afraid to face Etoile sama's wrath, she's a perfectionist when it comes to this things. "
"You mean on everything. " Hotaru corrected.
"It's good you arrived early. " A feminine voice concurred out of nowhere.
All three of us looked up and we gaped at her attire.
Right now, she's sporting a blue green wig that looked like a cotton candy placed securely on her head, with three red and white coloured star shaped lollipops rolling on the left side of her wig.
But what caught me the most was her dress, it's a little bit revealing. She was wearing a hot pink tube top that reached until 3/4 of her tummy, revealing her belly button, fitted cream coloured shorts followed afterwards, which were covered in a copper coloured skirt with open swirling designs, making her shorts visible, she was wearing knee length black stockings with plum coloured pumps. And she's got many colourful gem stoned bracelets hanging on her right arm. And dark black shades were worn over her eyes.
The stick like figure that I thought was completely an honest mistake! Etoile sama may look freaky and weird, but she's got a super, super, duper, duper, killer body! I noticed up close under the sun that she wasn't that pale, her skin is light gold, with reddish hue which makes it look like pale rose gold, her skin is super smooth, soft, tight, and beaming with youth, her C cup boobs looks elevated and supple and her waist is so tiny (around 20 inches or 19 maybe? ) and she possess the butt of Jennifer Lopez. Her legs are long and shapely, her body is so curvy that my love for my own body was eradicated in a snap.
"You look…dressed up Etoile sama. " I said, my voice strained.
She laughed. "Of course, I'm going to direct a movie, I need to look my best. " She said as she snatched my arm. "Come on, I need to you to change and be fixed. We're going to start the shoot within minutes. " She said as she looked over Hotaru and Ruka. "Same to you Nogi, go to the dressing room and be fixed! " She commanded.
I heard Ruka let out a small growl and Hotaru laughing a little. Oh yeah, I forgot, he was playing a female role.
Which made me snicker after I realized it.
I found myself being kicked in a fancy room, when I entered, I saw two pretty girls, one was the female version of Hyuuga Natsume, and the other one has a curly blue hair with ice blue eyes.
"Nobara, Aoi, take Yukihara san's measurements and taker it to the Star Gala so that her costumes will be prepared tonight. And don't forget to call Karima and book her an appointment there the tomorrow. " She commanded before dumping me on the couch and dashed out of the room.
"And then she dumped me like a trash. " I said and rolled my eyes.
I was about to stand up when I saw the raven haired crimson eyed girl smile at me.
"Hi! I'm Aoi Hyuuga, Vice President of Crimson clan, and this is Nobara Ibaragi, the Vice President Of Cerulean clan. " She introduced cheerfully.
"Oh, I'm- "
"We know, Yukihara Mikan right? " Aoi said and smiled. "Your voice is so beautiful, like a songbird. "
I blushed. "Thank you. "
"It's true, everyone loved your voice, if only Opera singers where like you, then it wouldn't be so bad. "
Nobara laughed. "As much as we wanted to praise her, we should get going, Etoile sama hates it when things aren't done as possible. "
And so I complied. I stood up and then let them shower my stick like body with measuring tapes.
I looked at them as they do their work, unlike the others, these two seemed to be in sync, I mean they click so well together, there are a lot of communication between them, and not once did I saw any glare or reflection of anger between them, to be honest, they looked like the best of friends in my eyes.
"Hm, seems like the rehearsal gown will fit you perfectly. " Nobara noted as she smiled at me.
"You've got rehearsal gown? " I said in surprise.
She shrugged. "Everyone in the academy practices with rehearsal costumes everytime there's a play, it's for the actors to get accustomed to their clothes. "
"Oh… "
"Anyway, we have to fix you and put you in the rehearsal gown. " She said before dashing towards the connecting room and closed it.
"Sorry about that, Nobara is very much into detail, and she wanted to make sure everything is fine. "Aoi explained as she fixed her measuring tapes.
"I don't mean to be intrusive, but how come you two are close? I've seen the dispute between your clans, and trust me, it wasn't peaceful. " I said.
She stopped fixing her things and halfsmiled then stared at me.
"We're the student council, Yukihara san. " She explained. "It's our job to be a role model in this school, if you've seen president Kokujen and President Tsubasa, and the friendship that is formed between them, then it's the same with us, we need to form stabilization and keep the peace in this school, what's the use of having a student council body if not for keeping the peace and prosperity in this school? "
"But I think the Kings thought otherwise. " I said and widened my eyes as I realized just what I've said.
She laughed. "It's fine, it's only natural, Natsume nii chan is a very egoistic person, and so does…Hijiri san… " She said and I saw her caught her breathe when she pronounced his name and she blushed.
Natsume nii chan? Then that means, she's his sister?
I wanted to clarify it but Aoi seemed to be blushing too hard that it made her look feverish.
"What's wrong? " I asked, worried.
She shook her head. "Please don't mind me! You see both of them refuse to bow down to each other so- "
She was cut off when the connecting room opened and Nobara entered carrying a dusky old pink off shoulder gown.
"Here, I think this will be good. " Nobara said and gave the gown to me. "Please try this Yukihara san, if this fits you, then we'll proceed on fixing you, if not then I will find you another one. "
"Oh, okay. " I said and then took the gown.
"The fitting room is beside the connecting room. "Aoi instructed and bowed. "Please excuse me, I need to call Karima san. " She said and took her slim phone from her pocket and dialled some numbers.
I silently walked towards the fitting room, and put on the dress. It fitted me perfectly, like it was made just for me.
As I feel the softness of the dress, I couldn't help but wonder at Aoi san's words, why did she became breathless when she mentioned Yoichi's name? And how come they cannot enforce their friendship to their schoolmates? What's stopping them?
I shook my head, I shouldn't be thinking of that, it's their business so I should stop being nosy and do my role as a proper student.
I went out and Nobara smiled, while Aoi giggled.
"You looked wonderful, Yukihara san! " Aoi said as she pulled me into a mirror.
I gaped at my reflection, aside from my pigtails, my body under the gown seemed to make me curvier, and for some reason, my boobs were enlarged a bit.
"This will do. " Nobara said and took a small, beauty case.
"Now let's do your hair and make up! " She said and I sweatdropped, for some reason, I have a feeling that Nobara enjoys making a doll out of someone.
After half an hour, I emerged, looking like a human being to say the least,with all the make up and the fixings. I have to catch my breathe once in a while because Nobara insisted on me wearing a corset to make my waist smaller. And it wasn't a modern one, it was the one with the laces!
I sighed. When I looked at the mirror, I looked beautiful, with my hair in low ponytail and my face done with light make up, I'm not used to wearing make up, but I have no choice. Afterall, Etoile sama said that I'm the star of the show, so I have to endure all of these things.
Etoile sama smirked in delight as she saw me.
"My credits to you, Aoi and Nobara, thank you very much. " She said and the two girls bowed and went away.
"Alright, you look perfect, and such a small waist too. " She observed.
"I maybe small, but I'm not size zero. " I grumbled. "And I can't breathe! "
She stared at me and fixed her shades. "You have to wear a corset, the setting is in the late 1800's and women with high social status always wear corsets to highlight their figures. " She stated.
"I wonder why none of your actresses died during practices. " I shot back.
I know I was being a bit mean, but I really can't breathe!
Her lip quirked upward. "I didn't know that you've got a sharp tongue, Miss Yukihara. " She said and quickly shifted my form so that my back was facing her, and without any word, she took the zipper down from my gown and her hands feeling my corset.
"What are you doing? " I shrieked.
"I'm going to adjust your corset. " She replied. "You told me that you can't breathe, so I'm going to adjust it, I don't want a whining actress. "
I bit my lip and after a minute, my corset was little loose, and I can breathe better.
"That's better. " I said in relief.
"Good. Now, I want you to stand on the stage and follow the dance instructor, remember, you're going to play the famous Opera singer in New York. " She instructed as she pointed the stage across us where there are a dozen of people dressed in 18th century Western clothes. And two people dressed in jogging pants and a fitted shirt.
"We're going to have a musical show? " I exclaimed.
She grinned. "Yes, first scene, which is you. "
I narrowed my eyes at her.
"What? We have to show the audience a bit of your lifestyle in the city. Do you want them to get confused? " She noted.
I sighed. "I don't know how to dance. "
"You don't have too, just follow your teachers. " She said and pointed at the two casually dressed people in the stage. "Spencer and Nairn are nice and patient teachers, so I'm confident that you as well as the other cast will be in good hands. " She said and looked at my feet, which was wearing a pair of baby pink doll shoes. "I think you're good. " She dismissed as she tapped my back and directed me towards the stage.
"Good luck! " She winked before pushing me towards the crowd.
I sat on the nearest chair and kicked my shoes off and massaged my feet.
Those dancing lessons really hurt!
I looked at my blushing and swelling ankles. I have a newfound respect for dancers right now, Christina Aguilera was right, dancers don't have sexy feet.
I followed through the moves after awhile, but I didn't think it was really that hard!
I also massaged my legs, Nairn, one of the teachers keep on stretching my legs and my body that I let out a loud fart countless of times! Talk about embarrassment! Thankfully, none of the crowd laughed since they were also concentrated in their won moves and not to mention they were also farting too.
And take another note, Surprise! Surprise! Etoile sama! She's such a slave driver! She was definitely a HARD TO PLEASE person as in HARD, all in capital letters, did I say that right? Yes, you got it. She keeps on telling us to repeat all the things that she thought were not our best moves! What's the big deal? This is just practice!
It was sunset when Etoile sama was contented in our performance. And then she gave me a break. Seriously, I was very tired and all I wanted right now was to curl in the bed and sleep.
"You still got 20 minutes before the next shoot, Yukihara san. " Etoile sama instructed.
"Can you extend it for an hour? I'm really tired. " I begged using my puppy dog eyes.
She then pointed her face to me, and though I cannot see her eyes, I saw her jaw became tight and I gulped.
"I'm tired of you having excuses like a spoiled brat. I've heard enough of your whining, why can't you just do the darn things that I'm telling you? " She snapped.
Something inside me boiled. Can't she see that I'm really tired from those dance lessons? And I didn't volunteer for this! She forced me into this movie!
"Well, for your information, I never asked for this role! You forced me into this! You should be thankful that I complied to your request in featuring this stupid mov- "
CRASH!
I froze when I heard the window behind me shattered in a snap.
"Don't you ever ever ever dare call my hardwork stupid, you stupid girl. " She growled and in a snap, she was in front of me, and took my arm harshly. "Everything that I've worked for is for the best of this academy. All the people in here are doing their best, giving all they can, some of them working until 10 in the morning, catching only two hours of sleep because they wanted to make this stupid movie happen at all cost, and you had the gall to call this movie stupid? You didn't just mock me, but you mocked the entire people who are working hard to make this project happen, doesn't that sound insensitive on your part? "
I bit my lip as guilt started to crawl upon me and eat my conscience.
"If I could get another actress in this movie, I would, but the thing is, only you could fit this role, only you could fit the role of Alta May Shizuma, and though you didn't want it, though you didn't plan it, it was given to you, true, you were forced to do it, you were forced to perform a role that many of the girls here are trying to snag, and yet I chose you, do you really think that I will choose you if I don't know that you're not fit for the role? I'm giving you the chance to prove yourself that you're worthy to be a part of Alice Academy family and you're throwing it away like a garbage? What you want to be known as the accident prone girl forever? " She interrogated as she let go of me and turned her back on me. "Fine then! Your wish is my command! If you don't want your role, then return your gown to Aoi or Nobara, and it's your problem to tell the cast that you don't want the role anymore and let them see what an insensitive bitch you are. As for me, I'm going to continue directing and working with other actors and with the different scenes instead of whining my troubles and complaints, I'd rather not stress myself upon that. Goodbye. " She said in finality as she stepped out of the room.
I looked blankly at her as I watched her disappear in my sight, it took me some minutes to process what she had said.
Etoile sama was disappointed, I disappointed the most beloved leader of the school.
I hugged my knees and bent my head.
I didn't know the time had passed, and before I knew it, it was already night when I looked at the window.
I sighed, after staring into blank space for awhile, I realized that she was just pushing me out of my limits, out of my comfort zone, just like a fitness trainer and what did I do? I rebelled and continued complaining, while the others around me are doing their best without any complaints.
I bit my lip harder, I'm the star of the show, and she was giving me the chance to prove myself, and here I am being stubborn about not discovering my abilities, how could I disappoint her?
Yes, I didn't choose it, but to show up here is my own choosing, to attend this practice is of my own choosing and she wanted me to play the role of the sacrifice, I should feel special since among all others, she chose me.
And I screwed it up.
I breathed again, and stood up. I should apologize to her.
I went out of the theatre room, and I found the others are still working in their computers and discussing the backgrounds, then I saw President Tsubasa and President Kokujen painting some scenes while the other students are throwing and hanging curtains from one post to another. Great, they are working hard and I did nothing but complain, she was right, I'm acting like a bitch right now.
"Mikan? "
I looked up and saw Hotaru operating a modern camera, the kind that you see in the movies, the one with the long arm and was moving from different directions? Yeah, that kind of camera.
"Are you done shooting? Etoile sama dismissed the crew already, but our schoolmates seemed to be really working hard, guess they're really excited in this movie. "
I cringed inwardly, what would happen if I told them that I will not be performing in the movie and that the movie will be cancelled?
I will be grilled for sure.
"Where is Etoile sama? " I asked instead.
"She's in the Student Council Office, I saw her on the phone a lot while directing some scenes, I think she's booking a lot of appointments for the movie. "
"I see… "
She looked at me. "Did something happen? "
I shook my head. "Nope, just a little misunderstanding, I guess. "
"I don't think it's little, Etoile sama was very strict and demanding while shooting other scenes, seems like she was really disappointed and angry that everyone gave their best. "
I grimaced inwardly, I felt guilty and sorry for the people who experienced her wrath.
"I'll just tell you later, anyway, I've got to go. " I said as I ran away from Hotaru as quick as I could, I need to make it up to her or else, I might be too late.
I breathed as I reached the office of the student council. I was really scared of her now that I've calmed down, obviously, my temper had gotten ahold of my sanity earlier, my classmates and friends always advise me whenever my temper explodes, that it was a very unhealthy habit of mine.
I was about to knock when I heard her spoke.
"Come in. "
Breathing deeply, I opened the door, only to find her sitting on her swivel chair with a chessboard placed on her table.
"Well, if it isn't Miss Whiny. " She insulted as she moved one of her chess pieces on one square.
I bent my head, ignoring her insult. Without any word, I went on my knees and bowed at her.
"I'm sorry for my ugly display of behaviour, Etoile sama, I know that I should get ahold of my temper but I didn't do it, instead, I did the opposite, and for that, I'm sorry. " I apologized sincerely.
Silence fell after that, I didn't know how she reacted because my head is still bowed.
I shivered as I remember that things that she did last night. Maybe she's going to curse me or use me as a slave? Or maybe crucify me and burn me above the fire?
"Your apology is very tempting to accept, but I don't want to hear that, I want to hear if you really wanted to do this role that I have given you, just give me a straight yes or no before I kick you out of my office. "
Despite her sharp voice, I raised my head. While running towards here, I already made my decision.
"Yes. I want to play Alta May Shizuma, the sacrifice for the Raven King Movie. " I answered loud and clear.
I saw her lips tug upwards. "And how sure would I be that I won't hear any complaints from you?" She challenged. "Being a major actress in a movie can be very stressful, you've experienced it first hand, and that is just the start, there will be more to come, are you willing to endure it? "
I breathed. "I'm not perfect, and I may not be good at what I do most of the time, but… " I trailed as I look at her in the eye. "I will promise you that I will do my best to make this movie a reality. "
"I don't like promises. They are meant to be broken. " She said matter of fact as she put her attention back to her chessboard.
"Then what do you want me to say? "
She halfsmiled. "Just do your best will be enough, I'm not angry at your temper, it's a part of you, and I don't blame you for that, I was only angry and disappointed at the fact that you don't want to go at any risk and try different things, to not go and discover things that you didn't know you possess, not giving your all, and complaining a lot. " She said and sighed. "I'm not saying you should be perfect, perfection is good, but it can be very dangerous. " She said meaningfully as she moved a pawn across the board. "There are some people who keeps on pushing themselves to the limit, and that is good, it shows that they are really dedicated to the task that is given to them, but to give too much or devote themselves too much on that perfection is not healthy as well, and it will be too late to before they realize that they are destroying themselves already. "
"And your implying? "
"I'm just saying that that everyone has their own flaws. " She clarified. "You, your temper and complaining aspects are a part of your flaws. And it's good to improve them a bit, but to push it out to the extent of impossibility is ridiculous, if one is too perfect, then that person is boring. "
I blinked at her.
She smirked. "Flaws are what makes a human being beautiful and special, there's no such thing as perfect person, those are ideals, and people who makes ideal things are stupid since they themselves are not perfect, God didn't create people to be perfect, he wanted them to learn how to compete, how to struggle, and how to accept and live with those flaws as a part of their anatomy, and that's what makes a human being interesting, because they strive and look for ways on how to cope with those flaws. "
"I'm not saying that you should be perfecting your moves, or your acting, everyone has their own forte, but what I'm asking you is that you give your best in everything, think of it as the moment of the show or the moment between life and death, you only have one life, and you should accept whatever chances or opportunities given to you, it's your choice wether to accept it or not, but whatever your choice is, you know that it will always take you to things that you have never experienced or seen before. "
I smiled as I got the merit in her words. "So that means, I should kick my butt away her and start practicing? "
"If you know what I mean then yes, do so. "
I let out a short laugh. "You're persuasion technique is the weirdest, yet the most unique thing that I've ever heard. "
"I always wanted to stand out. "
I laughed again as I skipped towards the door of her office. "Then I'll be at my post, Etoile sama. "
She stared at me and looking pleased, seeing the smile on her face. "Good, then wait for me in there and I'll be with you in a few minutes. "
I smiled as I opened the door and got out of her office.
No wonder she was loved by the Academy. I can see it very clearly right now.
"What's happening? " I shouted as I looked around, finally, after 10 takes, I got ahold of this acting.
"The cruise is sinking, Alta! " One of my fellow actors replied as he held the bars of the ship tightly.
Let me explain to you, you see, there is this one person in the Cerulean clan who can create illusions. Or should I say he's got the Illusion Alice, I heard from Ruka that his name is Yuu Tobita, and that he was the class President in their class, he looked like a sweet shy boy at first glance, but he was a three star student, very bright and knows how to use his alice very well.
And I agree with him, the illusions where so real that I didn't feel safe despite that I know that I'm just standing on the moving steel veranda that was created by one of the props men.
I heard the sound of the thunder afterwards, followed by the rocking movement of the cruise.
"The pirates are coming! " One of my fellow actors shouted.
I shrieked and panicked in response.
Suddenly a group of males wearing feathers on their heads and with colourful paints covering their faces emerged. They are the village people or pirates according to the story, so I should act weak and helpless.
I gasped as the Pirates entered the scene and took people one by one and throwing them out in the water.
Suddenly, my cue came in, and one of the pirates found me and dragged me towards their boat while I shout endlessly, I feel sorry for the people who are dragging me, I must've broken their eardrums. But hey, I should act like I'm really scared and in the verge of being killed, right?
"Shut up! " One of the pirates said and punched me (lightly ) on the abdomen, then I lose consciousness.
"Aaaaannnnnndddddddddd…Cut! "
"That's enough! We can all go home now! " Etoile sama said and I stood up, with the help of one of the pirates. "I'm glad that you all did well today in your rehearsal, I'm confident that we can shoot the real scenes tomorrow! You can pack all the things now and don't leave anything on the floors! You're all dismissed! " She commanded.
I greeted my fellow actors goodnight and looked at my watch, it was late, already quarter to eleven, but we did our best, and I did my best, some of the extras went home, but me being one of the major actress must stay, anyway, Ruka offered that he will take me home so I've got no problem at all, and Etoile sama said that the next shooting will be held at noon again.
After helping the others clean up, Hotaru and I went to the dressing room to change, chatting about the movie, Hotaru said that she was asked by Etoile sama as part of the cameramen crew, and I told her about the misunderstanding that I had with Etoile sama.
"You're lucky she's a patient person. " She replied as she took her knapsack. "If it were others, they would've skin you alive, and I also would skin you alive if you turned your back on the role. "
I smiled. "You think I'm good to be the major actress?"
She rolled her eyes but nodded. "Despite you being slow in following instructions, yes, I believe that you are the best one to fit the role. "
Touched by her compliment, I hugged her.
"Thanks Hotaru! " I cried.
"Get your arms off of me, idiot, or I'll shoot you with my Baka gun. " She threatened.
But I just smiled in return, Hotaru is just like that, and I love her personality.
When I reached home, I found Uncle was still watching tv.
"Can't sleep? " I asked as I sat beside him on the couch.
"I've had too much coffee. " He answered but I know better, he was worried about me, that's why he couldn't sleep.
"Well, I'm home now. " I said and smiled.
He smiled. "Go and wash your face and change into your night gown, I don't want a dirt and sweat creeping on my mattress later on. "
I laughed as I took my bag and went upstairs.
"And don't forget to brush your teeth! " He reminded before I was able to enter in my room.
When I entered my room, I found a red light glowing under my pillow.
Mechanically, I reached for my pillow and put it aside, and I saw the feather that Vermilion had given me. And it was glowing furiously.
I lowered my eyelids. I missed him, no doubt about that, I may not have known him for a long time but he was the first stranger that I have encountered in this place, and the first being who understood me (in a way ) and the first being who had given me the opportunity to touch the clouds and see the sky up close, something that I have always dreamed of doing.
I found myself looking at my window and I gasped. Outside my windowsill are countless of black feathers nesting upon it, without further ado, I raised up my window and looked outside, and it was filled with black feathers too, except that the tips where only lined up in a fiery red hue and are not glowing. I took it in my hand and held it close, filling me with warmth that I've always wanted.
He's been waiting for me…all this time…
I bit my lip as I slumped on my bed, how could I be so insensitive? Why didn't I check my bed before? I've been here to get my clothes but my why didn't I glance at the window or under the pillow?
Stupid, stupid me!
I decided that I will sleep in my room again, if he was waiting for me all this time, then I'm sure he will come again tonight.
After doing my nightly rituals, I went to Uncle's room.
"Yes? " He asked as he fixed the pillows on the bed.
"I'm sorry Uncle, but I decided to stay in my room again. " I told him directly.
He stopped fixing the bed and looked at me, he was obviously surprised when I changed my mind about sleeping in his room, so I quickly made an excuse.
"I- I have my period today. And I don't want to… stain your sheets in case I…well you know…" I said and blushed, not because I was lying, but because I was embarrassed to tell personal stuff like that to a man, let alone my Uncle.
"Oh, alright. " He said, understanding my predicament.
"Good night then, Uncle. " I said as I kissed him goodnight.
"Goodnight too, Sunshine. " He greeted back as he kissed my forehead. "Sleep well, alright? " He reminded.
"I will. " I replied then closed the door and went to my room, keeping the glowing feather tucked in my pocket.
The moment I closed my door, I felt a fiery presence on my window.
And the moment I looked up, I saw big crimson eyes glaring at me.
Before I could react, my window cracked and within a few seconds, it shattered in the air.
Quickly I crossed my arms over my face and waited for the shards of glass to prick my skin.
But after a few seconds, nothing came…
Slowly but surely, I peeked behind my arms and I widened my eyes.
Vermilion was standing inside my room now in his human bird hybrid form, his whole body bathed under the moonbeams, the shattered glass didn't land on the floor, it was floating in the air, floating like tiny shards of crystals around him slowly swirling in space while surrounding his dark, fiery form.
He looked magical, like the creature he is, and I couldn't help but be more amazed.
After making sure that the glass won't hit me, I unclasped my arms and stared at him.
Suddenly, I found myself floating in the air, and with a blink of an eye, I felt my back hitting a strong gust of wind, and before I knew it, I was already outside of the house, and everything in my vision was a blur, as I pass the road and the houses in a super fast speed, more specifically, it seems like I was travelling under the dark lit sky with Vermillion holding me and travelling 300 miles per hour like a red laser of light and passing the clouds faster than a jet plane, then bringing me somewhere outside that for God knows where.
I felt myself landing on a soft soil, and when I looked up, I saw that we were under a beautiful Sakura tree. And it was enchanting, and if I'm being more honest, the atmosphere around it is romantic, I didn't know that cherry blossoms looked so pretty at night.
But before I could enjoy the scenery, Vermillion quickly pinned me to the tree trunk.
"Why are you avoiding me these past few days? I keep visiting you every night and you weren't in your room. Did I do anything wrong? " He snarled as he held my wrists tighter.
"Y-you kissed me out of nowhere… " I croaked directly as I tried my best to be steady on my feet, the way he looked at me right now made him look like he wanted to eat me alive.
His eyes softened and he loosened his grip on me, but not letting me go.
"I don't think that kiss is an excuse for you to avoid me… " He replied as he turned his head to the side.
"Then why did you kiss me? " I asked.
Silence followed after that. I blankly watch as the Sakura petals fly through the wind and pass by us.
Since I'm the type to break the tense atmosphere, I spoke.
"Look, I know it's unexpected, but maybe we could just forget the kiss and still be friends, you're my first friend in this place and I don't want to lose a friend who introduced me to the skies. " I answered truthfully and sighed. "And maybe you regret kissing me, maybe we're just both out of our minds that time- "
I was surprised when he angled his head unto me again and his predatory eyes started blinking in rage, I thought I also saw a spark of fire burning under those irises.
"Is that what you think? That I regret kissing you? " He snarled.
"Who wouldn't? Why would a creature like you who only knew me for a few days and who didn't know my place in his life if I were a friend or a stranger suddenly kiss me? I know you're weird, but did it ever cross your mind about why did you do it? Or did you sniffed some kind of potion while you're traveling here that night that made my lips so appealing to you? "
"I didn't kiss you because I just felt like it! I kissed you because… "
"Because what? "
He sighed. "I think it's better if we just leave it at that, maybe you're right, we should just forget it and be friends. "
"No, why? " I persisted, I knew he had a reason, but I had to know why, something inside me is curious…
Moreover my heart is curious.
And I flinched at the thought.
He let go of me and shifted his form behind me.
"I need to go, I just wanted to see how you're doing. " He said as he lifted his wings to the side, stretching as far and wide as it could.
"You didn't visit my empty room every night just to see how I'm doing right? Because as you can see, I'm perfectly fine. " I said sarcastically but he ignored me and flapped his wings on the ground, making the Sakura petals tumble in the wind.
When I saw that he was going to leave me alone for real, I panicked. I don't want to be left in a place that I don't know, especially if it's night.
"No! Please don't leave! I missed you! I haven't seen you for so long! " I exclaimed as I ran towards him and hugged his back.
"Let go, you stupid girl! " He said rudely as he shook himself away from my thin arms.
"I'm won't unless you tell me what's going on and leave me in the shadows and leave me here! " I replied stubbornly. How can he be so mean? He was the one who pulled me out of my house and landed us here! Can't he see that I miss him after I avoided him for a short while?
I was about to grip him harder when I felt his back warming up, but I kept on holding him.
However, his back became warmer and warmer until it was too hot for me to hold that I have no choice but to jerk myself away from him.
But being my clumsy self, I felt my knees going weak, and I stumbled backwards.
"Ouch… " I muttered and bit my lip as tears started to form in my eyes.
No, don't be a crybaby Mikan, this is just a simple hit! You're a big girl and you've experienced pain in a much harder way.
"Tch…idiot… " I heard Vermilion say as he lifted my form and placed it on a sitting position and leaned me on the tree trunk. I winced as he slightly twisted my form, my hips seemed to be swelling.
"Whose fault is it anyway? " I barked at him.
"And who is the stubborn little girl who doesn't do what she was told anyway? " He countered back at me.
"It's because you won't answer me back! "
"Because you wouldn't believe it even if I tell you! "
"Try me! "
He sighed as he lifted my gown a little to expose my legs.
"What do you think you're doing, pervert! " I shrieked as I tried to cover as much skin as I could.
"Shut up and stay still. " He replied as he lifted my right leg and bent it.
I looked at my leg, only to see a semi big wound in there, maybe I hit a small pebble and was sharp enough to dug on my skin? It's so red and the blood was flowing through my shin, why didn't I notice it?
I stared at it, but what Vermilion did next made my breathe took a hike.
He angled his beak a bit to the side so he wouldn't bump me, suddenly, I felt a warm sensation licking my skin.
I gasped when I saw him licking the blood that flowed from my wound, he was doing it gently, slowly, and upwards towards the part where my wound is.
After he licked all the blood that flowed on my skin, he clashed his lips on my wound, I felt his tongue swirl around it and lapping it.
I knew that the mouth is one of the dirtiest part of the body, but at the moment, I couldn't care less, it's the first time that I have felt that I've been taking care of, I'm usually an independent woman, taking care of my own self and not relying on other people, I hate owing anything to people.
But he wasn't a person, he was a hybrid or some sort. What would it feel like to be with the likes of him? Will it be the same as humans?
I wonder what it would feel like to have a relationship with him…
I quickly shook my head and blushed, what I'm thinking is stupid, impossible, a complete nonsense!
Then I was startled when Vermilion looked up and stared at me in the eye.
"Next time, when I tell you to let go, let go, alright? " He scolded gently.
"Like I care about what you say. " I huffed as I crossed my arms.
He rolled his huge eyes. "You're a stubborn idiot. "
"And you're a bird with multiple personality disorder. " I shot back and breathed deeply.
"Why won't you answer me? Isn't it only natural for friends to be open on each other- "
He let out a short laugh. "Are you? " He taunted.
I froze.
"Are you sure you're being open to me? " He taunted even more as he neared his face to me, his lips curving in a smirk.
I blushed harder and looked to my side. "Well, not really, not unless you wanted to know girly stuffs- "
"I have a feeling that you're hiding something from me. "
"Well, of course! There are a lot of things that shouldn't be explained- "
"Same here…there are things that are better be left unsaid. " He retorted as he caressed my hair and neared his face to me. A string of blood is still apparent on the side of his lip and made me blush. For other people, it would look disgusting, but not on him, on him…it made him look…sexier…
"But some things should be said, some things should be unleashed, ands since you have forced it out on me, I might as well say it. " He added as he locked my orbs with his crimson one, his eyes looked like glowing red rubies at night.
"W-what do you mean? " I asked, fidgeting on my place. I have a bad feeling about this.
"Let's just say, it may be an inadequate relationship, it might look impossible, it might be weird, it might be out of this world and will be documented in Ripley's believe it or not or be a part of monster hunters episode… " He trailed as I felt his hands crawling towards the back of my head and pushed my face towards him.
"I…I don't know what you're talking about… " I stammered.
His lips curved upward, amused. "I thought you said that you wanted to know why I kissed you? "
"Of course! "
In an instant, he stood up away from me and I pouted, disappointed at his multiple personality attitude.
"Vermillion, are you playing games with me? " I questioned while narrowing my eyes.
Instead, he just stood in front of me, with Sakura petals now swirling and dancing around him, the petals suddenly developed a red hue from it lower end, then going up, tainting the pink blossom with a bright, crimson colour, making the petals red in the process.
I felt something warm started to move on my pocket, and in a blink of an eye, the feather that was tucked in my pocket started to uplift itself in the air and being flown towards him.
He raised his left hand, and after a second, the glowing feather with 5 red petals stationed themselves on his palm, then it swirled around, the petals wrapping themselves around the glowing feather, as they all went together, all of them curled upward before showering the air with red sparkles filling the atmosphere with warm, flowery fragrance. That I sat there in awe while watching them move.
He straightened his palm, then the petals and the feather swirled again, this time it startled to curl inwards, and after a few seconds, it bloomed again, and with the help of the wind, it went rigid and rigid before hardening to resemble that of a diamond.
This time, he swirled his hand, making the hardened petals turn around in a swift circle, then it started to flay, but the things that were dropped weren't petals, it was speckles of red crystals, obviously shaping itself or polishing itself, or maybe both.
After a few minutes, the newly shaped flower emerged. It looked so beautiful, so fiery, a red Sakura blossom gem, with a glowing red, black diamond placed at the centre, it started to shine under the moonlight, topping a diamond that you can buy in the most expensive stores.
Using his free hand, he then took a plain, golden ring, he then melted the top of it and took the newly formed crystal flower and put it on the ring, effectively putting it on place, forming a dazzling ring that is worth billions of yen.
The ring rotated in the air for a few times, then slowly, it landed on his palm.
I found myself dumbstruck, as if I was seeing him the first time again, as if he had put a spell upon me, did he became even more magical or it was just me being insane? It's as if he was some kind of a dazzling, hypnotizing creature that had been given specifically to me for this night.
My emotions are mixed now and I don't know what to do.
He was still standing there, with the red tainted petals dancing around him and with a ring in his hand.
I had a bad feeling, but my heart felt excited for some reason, and I hated it.
Truth is, I wanted to run away, run away to the farthest place that I could go to and hibernate in there until I can finally convince myself that what I'm seeing now isn't real that everything that happened to me within these past few days wasn't real at all.
But…
This is real, the creature standing in front of me, staring at me intently with his crimson eyes.
I can't look away from him, I can't move a muscle despite the protests in my brain that I should kick my butt and get away from him as far as possible.
But for some reason, I couldn't…
I watched him blankly as he strode towards me again. I looked at him, his tanned body is muscular and looked very strong, with black wings sticking up on his back, while fine black feathers were sticking on his lower arms and lower legs, His feet ended up as claws, like a crow, yet, it didn't diminish his beauty, fact is, it even enhanced his rarity, and his naked body added more to his appeal.
He walked towards me, his face fierce and unwavering, his eyes was intent on me, not letting me go as if I'm his only prey…
Finally when he was near me, he reached out one of those feathered arms on me and caressed my cheek.
"Mikan Yukihara… " His voice, husky, low, alluring and seductive.
My blood rushed towards my face when he harshly took my chin and pulled me closer to his.
"Do you know why I kissed you? Why I gave you a privilege to experience things that a normal human shouldn't? I should be eating your flesh in a feast, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to do so… " He said as his hand went towards my locks and put it behind my ear.
"An outsider, a beautiful creature…moreover a human... shouldn't make me feel this way…and yet…I couldn't help but be drawn into you, just like a lost bird… "
I gulped.
"I wanted to eat you, but I couldn't do you know why? " He said hotly as he grabbed my hair.
He locked my orbs with his crimson ones and spoke the words that I never knew I would hear in my life.
"Because the moment I saw you, I knew… "
My heart quickened it's pace, almost breaking my ribcage.
"That you are mine, you will be mine. Because You and I, are one… for eternity… "
I shivered at his words, it sounded like a vow.
I felt his hand descend to my waist and pulled me closer, crashing my body to his strong and firm ones.
"Now that I found you, I'll never let you go, my Raven Bride. " He breathed as he took my chin with his free hand, and gave me a rough, ferocious kiss.
I clenched my fist, scratching his chest on the process. I wanted to push him away, to slap him, and to pound his chest continuously until I leave a red flaming detail on it and for making me confused, and then confessing to me suddenly while we only knew each other for a short time…
But for some reason…I don't have the strength to do so…
Because like him…
I never wanted to let go…
I looked up, and saw that my left hand, more specifically, my left ring finger houses the ring that he just made awhile ago.
He had inserted it without me even noticing that he slipped it on my ring finger.
The beautiful crimson tainted Sakura petal blossom.
I know it was different, I know this is strange…
I know I was enchanted, and I know I shouldn't be involving myself with these creatures, the nuns warned us about them taking human preys to become mates and sex slaves…
And yet, despite knowing the fact, I don't want to go and be released away from his arms.
He had me from the very beginning, I realized that now, he had my attention and my feelings from the very first time we have met each other…all those thrills, all those things that he did to me that no human female or male could provide…
All the simple wishes that I have like touching the clouds and the skies…
He gave them to me, I'm always happy when I'm with him despite of our arguments…
He may look different, he may not be a human…
But I don't care…
He had caged me from the very beginning, caged me and destined to be with him.
I don't know what's happening to my brain as I closed my eyes and let me sunk deeper in this wild passion, and I kissed him in return.
I fell under his spell…
I fell in love with a Raven…
Preview of Chapter 10: Natsume or Vermillion?
"Okay, Mikan, stand up on the ledge, and Natsume, reach Mikan's hand from the ground!" I heard Etoile sama instructed and looked above the crew. "Now, lights, camera, ACTION! "
I stretched up my hand and found Hyuuga looking at me, his eyes locked on my hazel ones…
As I stared at him, my heart began to pound.
The same way when Vermilion and I go on a walk yesterday in the Cherry blossom glade…
But…
It couldn't be him right? They may have the same eyes, but Hyuuga is a human being with an Alice…
Without any warning, I stretched my hand to him, he pulled me gently and I jumped lightly towards him, he caught my waist and I found myself staring into his eyes.
The same eyes that Vermilion have…
Passionate and devoted crimson red…
I shook my head, there is no way that he will be Vermillion…
Yet, as I look at him, I felt uneasy, like there's something I'm missing, something about him that I can't put my finger on…
Are they different from each other?
But what if I'm wrong?
Please review!
Thank for reading!
I'm SO SORRY, I wasn't able to update for a long time. I was about to update a week before the start of July but my laptop caught a virus. A REALLY strong one that my anti virus gave up and no matter how much the technician tried his best, he couldn't remove it unless he formats the whole thing! Format my laptop! Where all of my chapters and my stories were treasured securely! I almost cried when he said that he can't make a back up file for me! To make matters worst, my usb got wet and destroyed after our trip from Niagara falls. So these past few days, I did nothing but to search the net again and again and regain all of my references and the pictures that I lost.
So I have no choice but to recall all the events in the story, and type it again.
Thank you for all your support!
I love you all!