Chapter 22

(Amu's pov)

As we left the air dragon's cave, I wasn't sure what to feel. I was angry over what the orb guardian did. How could he put any of my friends in danger? I understood that he wanted us to realize how we felt about each other, but no one does that to any of my friends. Especially when that someone is Ikuto, who happens to be my husband. At this thought, I smiled while my face turned bright red.

"You okay Amu?" Ikuto asked holding up my left hand and pointing to the orb holding cat. "You're a little red around the cat ears. You couldn't be thinking about what just happened right?

"Maybe, I'm just nervous. I don't know what you think will happen, but we are not going to be in a marriage relationship. We will be dating until I am ready to have a husband. I know that I care for you and I know that I love you, but I am not ready to display everything to the world" I replied.

"Amu, I know that I always tease you, but I do love you. You and I will continue to get closer. We will know what the other needs without talking or thinking to each other. We will be able to anticipate each other's needs more and more. So yes, I understand you don't want to become all huggy and kissy in front of everyone, but know this, I will kiss you when no one is around, this I can promise" Ikuto told me and I looked down and nodded. "I think that I would like that" I said quietly under my breath hoping that he didn't hear. But I guess he did because he grinned and kissed me as we walked back to the palace as both of cat ear glows a beautiful purple.

***Dinner table***

"So, did you find the orb Amu?" Nade asked. "Hai, we found it and the guardian is a jerk! I would greatly appreciate it if you and everyone else steered clear of him. I do not trust him. He may have had good intentions, but what he did was wrong!" I told her with my eyes flaring in anger. Calm down Ichigo-koi, you have a beautiful set of black ears on your kitty cat. If anyone is paying attention, they will see it and realize you and I have matching rings Ikuto thought towards me.

Everyone at the table kind of stared at me and then questioned Ikuto what happened because smoke started coming out of my ears. He told them that the final phase of the test caused him to be in extreme danger, but that Amu handled it. He told them about how my flame changed to a blue color and everyone wanted to see her blue flames. At the mention of blue flames my face turned red Don't tell them way I thought towards two him, I know I was just telling them what happened he thought back.

"Amu-chii, can you show yaya your pretty blue flames?" Yaya asked me. "Maybe when the time is right Yaya-chan" I told her.

"I have a question" Kukai asked, "What were the other phases? Ikuto said that in phase three he was almost hurt. Can you explain what went on today? Then maybe we can understand why you both looked to exhausted when you returned also why we shouldn't trust a guardian. You never said that about the other two.

"I- um- I guess I can tell you what had to be done. But I don't want anyone laughing. Do you all agree?" I asked them all and they all agreed.

"The first part of the test had to show gracefulness. I had to prove that I not only looked like my mother Aoi, I had to be able to dance. He made me perform the Fuji musume portion of the Kubuki dance." I began to explain.

Everyone but the Fujisaki twins started to ask how I knew how to dance and what that dance was about. Nade spoke up and explained the dance then looked at me and told me how proud she was that I got over my fear and showed that side of me to someone.

"The next phase was using samurai swords but not being allowed to use my singer magic. Ikuto was my sparring partner. Unfortunately, Ikuto ended up getting a bath before I was able to keep them under control and then I beat him since neither one of us were allowed to use our abilities." I explained the next part of my test.

Everyone burst out laughing at the mention of Ikuto getting a bath. Then they couldn't believe that I beat Ikuto using swords so easily when I only just began using them.

"Phase three was a trick. He told us that I had to defeat him alone that Ikuto could not help me in any way. This was when he made Ikuto put on a magic dampening bracelet, then used him as a human shield. The air dragon caused a tornado like windstorm to surround Ikuto that was timed. It would decrease the center of the circle with every attack and every few minutes. Ikuto was badly injured. He had burns, cuts and scratches all over his body. I defeated him turning my fire blue by using what he later explained as flames of emotion and then he trained us. I guess I should mention that the orbs combined and is now a beautiful rainbow color. No, I will not tell you how it was combined, but yes, I will show the orb itself later" I told them and started eating again.

The table burst out with questions, comments and conversation of their own.

As the dinner would down and we all went our own ways, Ikuto chose to go to bed and I went to the courtyard to think about how to tell them everything that was going on. I looked up and saw that Nagi had followed me outside. The look on his face said that he was worried about me and the battle that I had just endured.

"Amu, I hope that you don't mind my following you, but I was worried. You seem to have a lot on your mind. Can you tell me about it? You know that I am closed mouth and I will not tell anyone" Nagi said.

"I have a lot on my mind and a lot has gone on. If I tell you it would help yes but it is also very embarrassing. Maybe it will help. I guess I'll start at the beginning" I said as I sat down on the bench. "Its been close to a month now, but Ikuto and I been able to read each other's thoughts. It is something that only his family can do. It's why Utau was so angry before she started to get close to Kukai. There's more than one level of this connection and so we are able to control each other's magical abilities as well. But the thing is, is that with each time we use it, our feelings and connection deepens. When I saw that Ikuto could die or be seriously hurt, I snapped. I saw him crying out in pain. The wind was whirling around him, and I couldn't help him! He could've been killed. I hated that dragon because he was hurting someone I loved" I explained as my heart raced. I was happy to get this out but nervous for the next part.

"From the beginning, I knew that my parents wanted us was to be married eventually. They betrothed us when I was born. I am grateful that he did not force anything. As time went on, for the connection to work, our feelings for each other started to grow. But the hardest hard came when I couldn't save him. I watched him suffering and that is when my flames turned from red to blue. I stopped the dragon, healed Ikuto with his own abilities and then healed that stupid dragon so that I could use the orb and not look like an idiot" I continued.

"Then my orbs, they started glowing and vibrating. My Humpty lock was glowing and Ikuto's Dumpty was doing the same thing. We learned from that stupid air dragon that the orbs would be combined, and I could choose what element to use with just thinking about it, but I had to open the lock with him. The catch was that if we opened the lock, we would be married. As you have probably figured out, we opened the lock and became legally married in the eyes of Theodora's law" I finished explaining with my eyes staring at my left hand. Then I showed Nagi my ring finger. "See? Ikuto has one too, only his is blue. The orbs and the ears change color with our emotions."

Nagi sat on the bench with me and listened to my story and looked at my hand as I showed him. "So, I guess Tadase is out of luck huh?" he said as he grinned. "First off, congratulations on your marriage. I knew you two were getting close, I just didn't know how close. As for the stress that the dragon caused. I can understand why he did it, but it was wrong. I will also explain this to my mother. She should know what is going on. Also, she wanted to talk to you about her and your parents so please go and talk to her tomorrow okay? I want you to know that I do love you Amu, but you are a sister to me, and I will protect my family no matter what. Being in war like situations can make strange bonds but please come to me anytime. Do you want me to keep this from Nade? He asked me.

"No, you can tell her when you tell your mother, but please allow Ikuto and I to tell the others. I know that you are close to Rima, but please do not tell her. She kinda scares me when she gets protective. I'm afraid she'll go after that dragon on her own" I responded and grinned. "Thanks, Nagi" then I hugged him and went to bed.

*"*The following morning**

Ikuto, I told Nagi, I explained to him what was going on and he understood why I was so stressed. He said congratulations on our marriage and that he will always be there for me as a brother." I told Ikuto. "You going to tell everyone else? He asked. "Hai, today, but first I am going to talk to the queen. Do you want to come with me? Or do you want to rest?" He responded by giving me a hug and kiss on the cheek then rolled back over on his bed "you got this."

**In the throne room**

"Queen Fujisaki, I know that you probably have plans, but I was hoping that we could talk. I guess I'll repeat what I told Nagi. Speaking of Nagi, aren't he and Nade coming to this pow wow?" I asked. As I asked the question, the twins walked in apologized for being late and sat down next to their mom. I explained the story and showed them my hand and Nade grinned especially happy with the fact that I was married to Ikuto.

The queen stood up, walked over to where I was and hugged me. She told me that Aoi was her best friend. She explained that they were sisters. She used to call me Ura short for Sakura. And you may do the same if you want to. She explained that Nagi, Nade and I were cousins. "This is why I was glad that you did not fall for Nagihiko. It seems a certain blonde girl has attracted his attention anyway" she said while grinning and affectionately hugging him.

"Oba-Ura, where is Ojji-san? I am confused. Nade said that he trained them as soon as their powers surfaced but I don't see him" I asked my aunt. She looked at the twins sadly and explained that when we had left Earth, Deava killed him. "I'm sorry Nade, Nagi, you two were his last thoughts. Deava made sure that it was known to whomever was guarding the Dreamer and that was Tsukasa. He didn't tell you because he wanted me to tell you. I'm sorry my children" she cried as she hugged the twins.

As the twins sat trying to come to grips with the death of their father, Queen Fujisaki hugged Amu and said, "Amu, the air dragon can be trusted, he just trains in harsh manners. He would not have allowed Ikuto to die. He also would've called off the fight if you were unable to win. If that had happened you have never received the orb, so I am grateful you passed. Now the guardian can go live his life with his family and we will all be happy. Speaking of which your ring is changing color again. It looks rather gray. I know you are sad. You never knew your uncle and I know your sad for Nade Nagi and I, but we will be okay. You beat the air dragon and now we will celebrate your victory.

(Utau's pov)

I watched Kukai sleep, I knew that in my lifetime I would never be able to find anyone else that I would love. I guess I would have to tell him and get rejected. I knew he has a fiancée, but I did not want him to go without knowing how I felt. As I thought how I was going to tell him, my cheeks turned red and I woke up Kukai with a shake of his shoulders.

"Kukai, I need to talk to you, please wake up" I asked him. "Utau, what's wrong?" he said.

"Nothing, I just have to tell you something before it's too late. Kukai, I know that you have a betrothed at home. I am not going to stand in her way, but I had to let you know something" I began as my face turned even more red and I turned away. "I'm in love with you Kukai. I wake up every morning and think that I will lose you, but I will cherish the time I got to have with you. Thank you. I also wanted to tell you that I am releasing you" I said as I turned back to him and kissed him. I went to get up and walk away when his hand grabbed my arm and brought me back down to the floor.

"Utau, I can't let you do that. I can't allow you to release me to my betrothed. Since you have accepted your feelings; I can tell you who my betrothed is Utau. It's you. Your father and mother never told you that we were engaged so that you could decide. I didn't want to make you anyone marry you didn't know either" I told her as I hugged her. "Please accept my feelings as well. I love you and I have no intention of letting you go"

"Kukai, if we have chosen each other then I chose you to connect with, please accept me" I asked. I kissed him while I said the spell in my mind, and we were connected mentally.

You and I now have the ability to talk to each other where no one else can hear us." I explained to him. "How? He said out loud. "Just think it towards me." I replied. "Cool!" he replied in my mind.

We spent the next two hours figuring out how to make sense of our newfound abilities and eating ramen.

*** Midday ***

(Amu's pov)

I had everyone gather in the dining hall stood in front of them. Then called Ikuto up to the front with me.

"Queen Fujisaki has graciously planned a party for us tomorrow for finding all the orbs needed to defeat Deava. Now onto the other reasons I have called you here and after I tell you them, we will have an early dinner and do our own thing until tomorrow" I explained to everyone.

Ikuto walked up beside me and I reached for his hand. "When I was born, my parents seemed to think that it was a good idea for Ikuto and I to be a couple. They betrothed us. Then my kingdom was attacked. My uncle King Fujisaki took my cousins Nade and Nagi, and Tsukasa took Tadase out of Theodora and fled to Earth. Apparently, this was the safe realm where everyone was sent. Rima, Yaya, Kairi, Kukai you were included in the set of children that needed to be kept safe. They kept saying that the prophecy was one person, when in reality the princess in the prophecy cannot defeat Deava without the help of all her friends."

"Nagi, Nade, I haven't known you long, but you're my cousins and I never got to grow up with family. Please stay with me.

Tadase, I know that before you were brainwashed, you would have never done what you did. I am angry yes, but not at you anymore. I am furious at Deava. I forgive you but him.

Rima, you're my sister in my eyes. You always know how to make me laugh and you're scary of someone hurts any of your friends. You may be small but that is your strength.

Kairi, your sense of duty will always be your strong point. Therefore, I hope you will always know we will always be there for you.

Yaya, you always show us the fun side of every situation.

Kukai, thank you for choosing me as your sister. I couldn't ask for a better brother.

Utau, you are fiercely loyal. I know that you and I may not see eye to eye on some things, but you know I love your brother and I know you will always have his back. I thank you for that.

Now onto the other important thing I have to tell you all. For the orbs were combined, my Humpty lock had to be opened and Ikuto had the key. When the lock was opened, and orbs combined, we were legally married."

Everyone exclaimed shock over the announcement of our marriage, and Tadase while he looked sad accepted that he would not be able to court me in anyway.

The next day went by quickly and the celebration went on through long into the night. As a group, we stayed in Fuji no Hana for a few more days then got ready go to Theodora to face Deava.

Author's notes:

I only intent to have 2 to 3 chapters left. This will include an epilogue. I hope that the way the story is going makes sense and that you all like it.

Sam

Oba: Aunt

Sakura: Cherry Blossom

Amu and Ikuto thought speak will remain in italics

Utau and Kukai thought speak will be in italics and underlined