Amu's P.O.V
I place a red rose on top of an empty, cherry wood casket. I was last in line. I turned to everyone, tears in my eyes and took a shaky breath. It looked like a sea of black, everyone coming to pay respects to a damn good Beta. She was more then that, though. She was a great person too. She affected so many people, and it was unfair that she had to die so young.
"Nade wasn't just a good person, and she sure doesn't deserve a sad, mopey funeral. She was amazing, gorgeous and powerful. She affected everyone she came in contact with. Without her, I might not be alive. She gave me hope…" I say. My head hurts as I try to remember what she gave me hope from… why was I so broken? I couldn't deal with these blanks in my memory. Its was driving me over the edge. I needed to continue. "She left behind friends, family, and a mate. Any of those people can tell you of things she have done, and the good she did for the world. Without her, this pack probably wouldn't exist. She was the glue that mended us together. Without her, I don't know what will happen, but I promise to do the best that I can. Its what she would want." I say, my voice cracks. I step down. I stand over by Yaya, who was clutching Kairi to keep herself from falling in a sobbing heap on the ground, and he was treating her gently, stroking her face or head with so much love. Rima and Nagi were huddled together, both in pain. Nagi's face was blank, so blank it almost scared me.
I couldn't imagine the pain he was going through.
Person after person come up, telling stories or testifying to what we all knew. Nade was amazing, and she didn't deserve to die. No one did, but especially not her. She was so good. Far too good to die.
Lastly, Tadase trudges up to the front. He puts a shaking hand on her empty casket, leaning down and kissing it, before standing tall again. It was good to see that he could pull himself together enough to come. I know he wouldn't miss it, but after a night of loud sobbing and objects flying and breaking, I didn't know what to expect.
"Nade was beauty and grace. She was the very morning sun and the air I breathed. She was everything to me. I didn't know I could feel so much for someone. To say that she will be missed would be an understatement. I will spend every second of the rest of my life missing her. My heart will break more with every beat. I can't be happy unless she is with me. Now that she is gone, the world is dark. Your hearts will feel a hole, but time will fix it and her death accepted, but not to me. She stole my heart, and I wont ever get it back, and that's just how I wanted it." he says, a heartbreaking smile on his face. He got down on one knee and looked up at the coffin, taking something out of my pocket that made a tear leak from my eyes.
"I was going to ask you to marry me today. The date had been set for some time. I wanted to have a life with you. I wanted to see your stomach big with our pups. I wanted to see you age beautifully, but still look so young. I wanted to spend hundreds of years together, because I knew the Moon Goddess would look down and never have the heart to let us be separated, not even for a moment. I wanted to look in your eyes every day and know that it couldn't get any better then this. Damn it, Nade, I wanted to marry you! Yet, I wasn't so fortunate. I don't get to take you to the cave and picnic behind the waterfall, I didn't get to tell you to go get something, and have you turn around to see me on one knee. I didn't get to kiss you. That was taken away from me. I don't want anyone to ever have to feel like this, so I swear on my life I will fight against those Rouges so no one gets hurt. I love you more then love itself…goodbye baby." he finished before falling into a sobbing heap.
Even those with the coldest of heart leaked at least a tear. I stepped to the front with a bottle of wine in my hand. I uncorked.
"To Nade," I say, holding it up. Everyone held up there already full glasses. I then pour it all over the casket, then light a single match and throw it, making it all burst into flames. We watched until there was nothing but small debris.
Everyone else left, but the group of us stayed, watching the wind blow the ashes to some far off place.
"She will never be forgotten, I will make sure of that," says Tadase.
"I just can't believe she is gone." says Yaya as she huddles closer to Kairi. He nods.
"I just wish that I had gotten to say goodbye. I left so…frustrated…she was like my sister." Rima says. I look at Nagi, but his face is blank and his lips stay sealed. I hoped he was really okay.
I see my family walking across the yard with Yoru close behind them.
My mother gives me a small smile, which I return. We were trying to mend our relationship just a little at a time.
"The Rouges want to talk to you, since they didn't get to last night. They were moved to the old hotel at the edge of the property. There are guards placed there." my father says as he puts a hand on my shoulder. I nod, walking away from them.
"Ami wants to go!" Ami cries, tears welling up in her eyes. I turn back around, giving her a small smile.
"This is just some boring work, but I promise when I get back I can teach you how to kick some butt like a real Alpha!" I say with fake enthusiasm. She grins widely, running back to Papa. He rolls his eyes at me, and I give them a wave before heading towards the Eastern side of the land. I always forgot how big our territory was until I was forced to go to one side.
After a long walk, I reach the beat down building and nod at the guards who lower their heads in respect. I get inside and hear the sounds of laughter. Silently, I make my way into the living room to find them all watching TV and joking around. It made a small smile form on my face, reminding me of what it was like before all the commotion…the commotion that made Rima and Yaya leave. Well, they left with their mates, but why were their mates here in the first place… I let out a small groan of frustration, and all the attention snapped to me.
"Hello, I was wondering if I could speak to your leader," I say softly. They nod. A young man comes forward, and bows in respect. He leads me upstairs to an empty room.
"She didn't really mean to push you off the cliff; she was just confused and upset. I will be willing to take the full punishment if you just let them go." he says. I was surprised at his willingness to give up his life.
"You helped us, didn't you?" I ask.
He looks at me confused.
"When the rouges attacked. There was no one over here, and it would have taken them far to long to get there. No one get remotely close from this angle. Therefore, that leaves two options. Did you help us, or did they forget to attack from this side?" I ask. He is silent.
"We don't want people to get hurt. They were out for blood. We were just trying to make sure no lives were lost. We are sorry that we left the house." he says.
"Were any of you hurt?"
"Scrapes and bruises, nothing too bad," he lied, unconsciously holding his side and wincing at contact.
'Doctor, please come to the old hotel. We have some injured Rouges. Give them the best treatment you can.' I mind link.
'Yes, Alpha!'
"I am in your debt. You protected the lives of my pack members. How can I repay you?" I ask, giving him a small smile.
"But you got hurt!" he says, obviously surprised.
"I didn't die. You saved lives." I say, raising an eyebrow.
He is silent, obviously in shock.
"How about this? I restock your supplies, and you are allowed into our territory whenever you want. You can even join the pack if you want," I say. He looks into my eyes with his piercing ones, and I see gratefulness overflowing.
"We would like to restock, if that is alright. We do better traveling." he says, giving me a cute smile.
"Alright then. Thank you for your help and you can discuss that with the Pack Doctor. She will get you everything you need!" I say as I take one last look into his coffee colored eyes.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." he says, giving me a huge smile.
"Hey, the offer is always open. I would love a strapping young man like you in my pack," I say, giving him a wink. My wolf growled at this, but I ignored her as I turned and left. I had finished up with that, now I had time to think.
I was missing memory, but I knew that it was selective. I remember being an outcast in the Red Moon Pack, and I remember being beaten up a lot, but there were blanks when I was being bullied. Like I could see people around me, but here was a blank spot where I knew someone should be. Then I remember leaving, but I don't know why. I don't know why I left. I was fed up with everything, but I was also in pain. Not physical, but emotional. Who could do something like that to me? I remember being sick, I don't know why though. I remember being a Rouge with the rest of my group. I remember settling down. I remember an Alpha meeting, but then there is another blank. I remember going home, thoroughly upset and angry. Then the something happened and I got in a fight… there was a lot of fights. Who was I fighting though? Why didn't I remember?
And why did I feel so empty.
I had so many questions, and only two answers. I knew, whoever it was, their name was Ikuto. I think, at least. And the color Azure is important. Whether that had to do with this person or something else in my life, I didn't know.
Why was everything so hard?
I sit down at the edge of the boarder, wondering if things would get simpler.
'I am here for you no matter what. And im sure, in time, everything will work out,' my wolf says softly. I nod my head, a small smile on my lips. Nade wouldn't want me to be like this. I had a pack to lead and things to do. I didn't have time to sit around and do nothing.
I needed to do what Nade would want me to do.
Move on.
…
Ikuto's P.O.V
Time has passed quicker and quicker. I really haven't had time to think about anything besides how to make sure that the pack was running smoothly. Ever since Kairi, Yaya, Nagi, and Rima came back, there has been a boom in things to do. Rouges attacked us, but no damage was done. They managed to escape before we could catch them, but I knew that in time, they would be back and we would catch them for sure.
Sighing, I look at the clock. Last time I check it was five in the evening, how could it already be two in the morning?
'It seems like an eternity since we have seen her.' my wolf says, and I agree.
'We are doing this for her. Nothing is clear right now, and you know I can just go barging over there and end up doing something stupid again. She needs to calm down. Plus, we don't know if the dream was real. What if she really forgot us?' I ask. He sighs.
'I don't really know right now.'
'Exactly. We need to focus on the pack. People are depending on us and our strength.' I say.
He chuckles.
'You have finally grown up, Ikuto. I'm proud of you.' he teases. I roll my eyes, before my smirk drops.
'We will get her back, I promise. I will fix what I did.' I say to him. He nods. He wasn't as strong as he used to be. Being away from Amu for so long had weakened him up considerably. At least we were on speaking conditions. Though he resents what I did to her, he does agree with my boost in maturity. I think we both are pretty proud of me.
I go back to working before he comes back to the surface of my thoughts again.
'How long has it been?'
'7 months. It's been 7 months. I don't feel any of her emotions or anything anymore, but I can still feel when she is in pain. That's the only link I have to her.' I say. He nods and he is gone again.
I head downstairs about 5 am. I know I should sleep, but I honestly don't have time. When I enter the kitchen, I find Rima sitting at the table, scarfing down food, while Nagi watches her adoringly. Things had been different since Nade's death, but healing was taking place. My heart burned when I saw how happy they were. I wish I could be that happy with Amu. My wolf sighed, but stayed silent, which I was grateful for.
"I made coffee, Ikuto, I figured you would want some," says Nagi, his eyes never leaving Rima.
"Thanks," I mumble, heading over to the coffee machine and filling up the biggest cup in the cupboard with the wonderful brown liquid. It reminded me of that time that I drank Amu's coffee and she attacked me…
I shook the thought out of my head. I sit at the table, facing Nagi. He finally looks at me.
"How is Yaya?" I ask. His face hardens, and Rima, who just finished her food, growls.
We thought that Nade's death had been a turn around in their relationship. Kairi had been so loving during that week. When Monday arrived, all that disappeared. Yaya was in pain from losing Nade. Nade was her family, the only family she had known for a long time. Losing her meant loosing a piece of herself. In Rima's case, she had Nagi to help her and support her, but after Kairi became a distant figure in Yaya's life, she changed. She couldn't force a smile on her face anymore. Her heart was slowly dying and no one but Kairi or Nade herself could fix it.
"She is getting thinner and thinner. It's not healthy. I doesn't matter what we say to Kairi, he won't listen. 'Mates are a nuisance' he states. Nothing will change until it's too late." says Rima, biting her lip. "And I don't think he will get a chance to fix it if it gets to that point."
My eyes widen in realization.
Yaya might be dead if Kairi doesn't change.
"I will talk to him," I offer weakly but Nagi just shakes his head.
"He won't listen to anyone. He is set in his way and he might lose everything because of it." he says, making me sigh. I felt helpless. I knew how much Amu loved her….
Wait. Amu.
"Do you think that Amu could help her? Yaya loves Amu, and no offense to you Rima, but Amu is a lot more open." I say, looking at her. Rima looks at me for a second, and I see Nagi stiff, thinking that I hurt her feelings and ready to defend her.
"That is perfect. Maybe Amu can help her. I will get in contact with her." she says, a small smile on her lips. "But Ikuto, this is about Yaya. You can't do something to make Amu leave. You have to promise you won't try to make it about you."
I give her a smile.
"I've learned a few things in these months by myself. I won't try anything, I promise. But I wont say I wont try to leave a positive impression," I say, smirking. Rima just rolls her eyes and Nagi laughs.
We hear the small shuffle of feet and turn to see Yaya entering the room. She greets us with a tiny smile and a wave before heading to the fridge to get some water. Her cheeks were sunken and her usually shiny hair limp and dull. She wore baggy clothes, so we didn't know how skinny she was, but from what Rima said, it was probably really bad. But the scariest part was her eyes. They were dead, no sparkle, and no hope.
Yaya was suffering, no doubt about that. She gets her water and immediately retreats to her room. I didn't want her to suffer under my care. I would get Amu here to help her, and I would try to win her heart again.
This time there would be no screwing up. I wouldn't be my father. I was going to treat my mate like I really should. No one was going to stop me from doing that.
My wolf bounced happily in my mind at the thought of Amu being here, being so close, getting to see her, getting to smell her, getting to touch her. He was being the happy pervert he was made to be. Nothing wrong with that.
I hoped that I could fix this, for good this time. I hoped I would get another chance, even if I didn't deserve it.
Because there was no happiness without Amu.
I turn to Rima and Nagi, and they had the same determination in their eyes to fix Yaya.
"Ill call her after breakfast, let's hope for the best." I say, they nod in agreement. I go back up to my office to finish the paperwork I have and find a break point. The sun streams through the windows, and when I look up, I realize breakfast is about to start. I go downstairs, making idle conversation with a few pack members and paying my respects to some of the elders.
Breakfast passes by uneventfully, and I quickly make my way back up to my office.
I thought calling her would be natural, an instinct I would have because it involved Amu. But I found myself hesitating, wondering if this was really the right thing. What if she didn't care about Yaya's state and wouldn't come here because of me? What if she really had forgotten me like in the dream?
'Oh, stop being such a teenage girl and call her already!' my wolf yells. He wants more then anything to hear her voice. It would be like bells in our ears, bells we hadn't heard in such a long time.
I pick up the phone and dial the number, the ringing steady in my ear.
"Hello?" I hear her soft voice say. I nearly melted and barely contained a moan at just hearing her voice. It felt like a spark had been ignited in my heart and I felt truly alive again.
"Hello, Amu?" I ask. I hear her gasp, and I know it's because of me saying her name. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
"Yes, who is this?" she asks, her voice filled with confusion. The dream was right. Amu would know my voice otherwise.
"Ikuto, its Ikuto. Alpha of the Red Moon Pack." I say.
"Oh, hello, is there anything I can do for you?" she asks, but it sounds forced. She was confused, and I didn't blame her. My voice had to have some affect on her wolf.
"I need a favor. I wouldn't be asking this if this absolutely wasn't necessary, but it's about Yaya-" I start.
"Is she okay? Oh god, did something happen to her?" she asks frantically.
"Calm down. Yaya is alive and unharmed…well, I wouldn't say unharmed. Kairi has informally rejected her. He has never said anything in words, but he has pushed her away and that has broken her. She doesn't interact with anyone, she doesn't eat, and I don't really even think she sleeps. We need you to come here and see if you can help her. I fear for her life if you don't." I say.
Amu is silent.
"I will be there before the end of the night if that is okay. Thank you so much for telling me this, Alpha Ikuto." she says formally. I smile. When she remembered this and we were (hopefully) living happily ever after I would mock her until the day I died for her ever calling me Alpha Ikuto.
"Just Ikuto," I say laughing. "I will see you tonight, goodbye strawberry." then I hang up the phone. I would leave her a little confused.
It would do her good.
My wolf was practically bouncing off the walls, and I wanted to too.
She would be here tonight.
Amu was coming home.
…
The usual apologies for the lateness. I thought I would have time during break but I really haven't! This chapter isn't my favorite, but it's okay. More of a filler chapter! Hope you liked it and feel free to tell me what you think, give me suggestions, and if you want me to read your stories, I would be glad too! Thanks again! Enjoy!
Riko Psycho- I literally laughed aloud when I read this. I love the dramatics in you! It is quite delightful! I didn't want to kill her off… but I did…. Whoops. I was thinking of doing that cliché of having Tadase die.. But as I said, its cliché. That's not my thing. Thank you! Im glad that you enjoyed Nade's character! I really tried to make sure that she wasn't just dead. I want to make it hurt when my characters die. I totally enjoyed your review and this chapter is dedicated to you! (Though it's not my favorite)
HanaLoid- You felt angry, sad, and murderous in one review…it's great! Keep being awesome!
Hitomi65- Thank you! Enjoy this one!
Deathly Jester- Im glad you liked the chapter and understand her death was for a reason! I hope im not rushing through time when I made the time skip…I just didn't want the sad to drag out too long! I hope that you liked Tadase's little speech! I hope that you and AmuxIkutoLover did well on your finals and are doing well going back from break! God Bless my little pandas'!
Nekogirl017- -hands tissue- There, there, little one, it is okay! Just think of puppies, rainbows and lots and lots of UPDATES!
Princessa Mia- I think that the new enemy on the good guys side is most definitely Kairi. No one likes his jerk attitude. Especially after he seemed to open up…sigh. Hopefully there will be some amuto in the upcoming chapters! If you cry, don't blame me! Thanks for reading hun, have a good one!
Dragongirl2319- I do my best work writing depressing things….its somewhat sad! I thought about making Tadase the bad guy, but then I was like, nahhh. That is too overused. The happiness will be back soon.
Souly- First off, I love you for all your reviews. You are a sweetheart.. I hope your heart doesn't break from having too much of the feel and you don't pass out from a fan girl attack! -Blows kiss- enjoy! -Rides away on unicorn while it's raining rose petals-
VocaloidNya- Im happy you found it again too! Ya! Glad you like it!
ImDiffrentSoWhat- I know it is sad that Nade died, but it was necessary! Im glad you like my version of Tadase more then other. He isn't evil, he just had a crush on Amu, and she did too! Not her fault or his! I wanted to make Ikuto's reaction more dramatic, but I didn't think it suited him. He is a naturally calm person and I don't think he would flip out. I hope I didn't crush your YayaXKairi dreams… I have crushed quite a few others. He was good for a while, but now…not so much. But hopefully it will work out (I haven't decided that yet…) I hope to put some of that family stuff in the next chapter! I think it would be nice to have a not-so-sad chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Enjoy!
Rock'N'RollTwins- Oh, how I love long reviews! That is a good guess, and you might be right, but the thing is, not even I know. I come up with this on a whim and that's how I execute it. That is a really good idea and I might have to ask you if I can use it. I hope I did the same thing with this chapter. I mean…I hope the funeral wasn't overly dramatic and doesn't drag on, I just wanted Tadase to release his feelings, because the rage part is a part of the story and the way he fight after this point. Hope you like this chapter and I can't wait to see what you think! Have fun going back to school and eat your vegetables!
- I can see how it can be confusing. Saaya is apart of Ikuto's pack and when Ikuto came to the Silver Nightshade Pack after he had forcefully marked Amu, she came a few weeks after because she is in love with Ikuto. Hope that clears it up for you and feel free to ask any other question you might have.
XoxAmuto4everxox-
Rebel-Well, dear Amu, I just so happen to have a tank full of bimbo eating piranhas that haven't been fed in a long time. I saw we cover her in meat, throw her in there, then save her, then put her in a freezer, then think of what to do next. Don't you agree?
Saaya- that is illegal
Rebel- -hitting her in the head with a roll of wrapping paper- I never said you could get out of your closet. Now scat.
Saaya- -runs back to closet in terror.-
Rebel- Rebel and Saaya 375032 Bimbos-0
JoeyPNg- Glad you like it! You stay awesome too, my friend. -Bro fist!- J
AmourApricot- You have no idea how amusing the reactions to this chapter have been for me. I am so sorry, dear friend, but I had to murder her. It was necessity. You still don't feel bad for Tadase? That is great. I love how you're sticking to it and hating him regardless. You stay stubborn. Yes, I think you should die a lot later. Like 2947 years later. Because living is nice! I refuse to make Amu weak. Girls are strong and we don't need a man to save us! I mean, im single and im still pretty awesome lololol! I love writing poetry. I mean, it's like my favorite thing. Im glad you like it! Love you too my little frosted flake! I really don't like to make decisions and so I refuse to decide who she ends up with. Just kidding, I already know. It will be a surprise….haahhahahha. Yoru is necessary for Ikuto to be Ikuto. So it's a bittersweet thing….I am so making Yoru kiss Amu. That would be great. He would flip out. Hope this chapter isn't as depressing! Things will look up next chapter for sure!
PrincessSkylar- I hope you like this and I hope I can update sooner!