DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Ema smiled with delight as she watched Wataru's party guests run around having fun in one of the palaces big rooms. The one she was in was currently. had bouncy castles. In some of the nearby rooms they had an indoor merry-go-round and the riding animals, along with a few other activities for the kids. Another room all the food preparations were set up for the kids to eat. They would be watching a movie later and would have some sort of performer as well.
In either case it looked like the children were having fun, including Wataru.
Ema could see him in one of the bouncy castles, with Luke Spallman. The minute the boy had arraived, both he and Wataru had took an instant likening to each other and spent the whole party so far playing together.
Ema figured Masaomi was happy about that as well, given how much he had bonded with Luke before.
She could see Masaomi observing the castle the two boys were in, acting as sort of gatekeeper, making kids get out after a certain time and then letting the next kids in line in.
Erica was minding another castle as well. All over the room in fact were parents or nannies of the different children running around having fun, trying to keep them in check.
Ema decided to excuse herself and go see how the other room's activities were doing before finally heading to the Wallflower to join the more grownup going away party.
She came to another room where many different foods were spread out. A few kids were already helping themselves to different treats.
As she came out of the room she heard a loud "Weeee!" in time to jump back as Candi came riding down the hallway on a riding animal.
"Candi slow down! You almost ran over the princess!" Candi's mom called out as she and Candi's dad followed close behind.
"Sorry!" Candi called back as she kept going.
"Oh she's fine," Ema insisted, "I'm just glad she's having such a fun time."
"Oh she most certainly is your highness," Candi's father said.
"Has she been able to do much?" Ema asked.
"Oh there's other things for her to do, but she just prefers the animals," Candi's dad replied.
Ema giggled as she watch Candi ride with her parents close behind her.
"I wonder if there's a way to get those animals at the children's hospital you're building, your highness," Heather suddenly said as she came and stood next to her.
"If it doesn't caused too much havoc, I could see maybe one or two for kids like Candi enjoying them," Ema agreed. She turned and looked at the kind woman.
"Are you here to help with the party Miss Cook?"
"Heather, please your highness," Heather insisted, "and in answer to your question, I'm here to help my father set up for his performance before joining you and the others at the Wallflower."
"Your father's performing?' Ema asked.
Heather led her down the hallway to another room.
"Yes, kind of," she explained as they walked. She opened the doors to show Dr. Cook seeting up what looked like a science lab, with all sorts of tubes and beakers.
"My father was a collage professor in the science department, but went on hiatus when my mother became more serious in her political career, especially running for Prime minister. Now he helps funding different science programs for schools to help keeps interested. And one of the ways he does that is he sometimes does special science demonstrations to help show how exciting science can be."
"Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything that'll risk blowing up half the palace your highness," Dr. Cook said, "I mainly do visual demonstrations." And with that, Dr. Cook poured the contents of one beakers into another. Immediately it started to bubble and turn red.
"Amazing, I'm sure Wataru and the other children will enjoy this, Dr. Cook," Ema said, "thank you for performing here tonight."
"Oh, thank Heather," said Dr. Cook, "when she heard about the party, she recommend me."
Ema smiled at Heather who returned the smile.
"Well have fun Dad," she said as she and Ema walked out.
"I hope I can always be on good terms with your family, especially as long as your mother's the prime minister," Ema said as they walked together.
"So do I," Heather agreed, "largely because I hope to continue to keep dating your brother!"
"Yes, I have to say, you and Hikaru are cute together and always happy," Ema mentioned kindly, "I remember seeing you two after you had bought those royal outfits...,"
"It was a charity donation, your highness," Heather corrected.
"Right, charity, but you two just looked so happy afterwards," Ema continued.
"Oh we were, we were!" Heather said with joy, "and we had so much fun dreessing up. I think your brother looked better in a lot of them."
"So he made out well with the whole thing?" Ema asked.
"Like a bandit!" Hikaru declared as he suddenly appeared in between the two women. He graced both with a kiss on the cheek. "I may have gone a little overboard of course, but with, mine, Heather's, mother's and even Rintaro's contributions, I think your aid with the building project will be a success!"
"Good, Erica will be happy too," Ema said looking into the room she saw Erica in.
"She is an amazing woman who is good at her job," Heather said.
"Masaomi sure seems to think so," Hikaru said, "are you ready to get going to the Wallflower, ladies?"
Before they could answer, they were interrupted by two young voices calling out, "Princess! Princess!"
"Oh hello," Ema said kindly as she turned around to greet two girls ahe didn't really recognized, who were wearing lazer-tag gear.
"Oh, girls, I see you found the princess," Mayor Stuart said as he came up behind them.
"Oh hello Mayor Stuart! These are your daughters?" Ema said.
"Oh yes, this is Rachel and Mia," Mayor Stuart introduced.
"It's so nice to meet you!" Ema said as she excused herself from Hikaru and Heather. The two just walked on their own.
"Did your father tell you how he saved me?" Ema asked.
"Yeah!" said Rachel, "he also said he was going to become a real knight for it too!"
"That's right," Ema said as she smiled at at mayor. "I bet you two are really proud of your daddy huh?"
"Heck yeah!" Mia said, shooting off her laser gun in excitement.
"Calm down there dear," her dad scolded.
"How's your wound doing, by the way sir?" Ema asked.
"Oh, that thing? Barely even feel it now," Mayor tried to brush it off, "I did what to take this chance to thank you for the advancement for my town's library budget! Not only do we have enough to improve all the libraries within the tri-state area, but I can finally build my special advanced library I've always dreamed of!"
"That's great to hear!" Ema said happily.
"I think daddy should name it after you, Princess Ema!" Rachel mentioned.
"Really? Because I was thinking it should be named after your father, The Stuart Library, since it's his big project and it'll also commemorate his heroic actions when he saved me," Ema explained.
Both girls looked up at their dad excited about Ema's suggestion.
"Thank you, your highness," Mayor Stuart said.
"No, thank you for your help and service," Ema said, "will your daughters be able to attend your knighting ceremony?"
"Oh, yes, like I would let them miss that," Mayor Stuart said proudly, "I was a little surprised that I got a notice that the ceremony was being postponed until approximately you're officially crowned?"
"Yes, I asked for that," Ema explained, "I have decided to be officially crowned as princess and heir to my grandfather. And as such, I wanted the honor of knighting you and Mr. Alex Mayter myself personally."
"Oh, now that is understandable," Mayor Stuart said proudly.
"Um, excuse me, were you girls still using the lazer-tag gear?" Hannah suddenly asked as she came out of another room.
"Yes," both Stuart girls said.
"Oh, okay, sorry, it's just a few other kids were hoping for a turn," Hannah said timidly.
"Maybe you girls have had enough time with these and should let some of the other kids play," Mayor Stuart suggested.
"Ah, daddy!" the two girls whined.
"Come, there's plenty more to do," Mayor Stuart insisted as he usher the girls back into the room.
Ema noticed Hannah looked a little guilty over her actions. Not that she blamed the woman, Ema would have probably felt the same.
"Are you doing ok, Miss Hannah?" Ema asked.
"Oh yes, I like helping," Hannah insisted, "and plus I'm able to spend a little extra time with Ukyo." Both she and Ema glanced into the room where they saw Ukyo hard at work maning the merry-go-round.
"So are you also staying here instead of going to the Wallflower later?" Ema asked.
"That's not usually my thing," Hannah explained, "I'm just happy doing something like this."
"You're so sweet and caring," Ema said, "I'm so happy to have met you. You helped me a lot, you and Erica."
"Thank you, Princess Ema," Hannah said sounding bashful. "Oh, um speaking of Erica, did she talk you about the building project?"
"Not recently, why?" Ema asked.
"She said she had something for you," Hannah told her.
"Oh, thank you, I'll go see her right now!" Ema said as she hurried off.
She came back to the room Erica was working in, helping some kids in and out of the castle.
"Erica?" she called out.
"Yes, your highness?" Erica asked.
"Hannah said you had something to tell me in regards to your friend's building project?" Erica asked.
"Oh, right," Erica said as she pulled something out of her pocket, "Thanks to your family's little "charity drive" Howie was able to get the funds to refurbish Gardens House for the remaining residents and has promised to turn the whole building into a history museum once they've all passed on, as requested by the residents themselves. This letter is from Ms. Bubbly herself."
"Thank you," Ema said. She went a little off to the side of the room, and opened the letter up.
It read;
Your royal highness, Princess Ema,Thank you again for your help with our little snag with Mr. Holms' building project. He was able to get the funding to continue his project around our building and also fix our own up. We also workout an arrangement with him to turn our building into a history museum once the building has become completely vacant. I am sure there is a chance you would have learned all this before receiving my letter, but I also wanted to let you know personally that I have requested that my old residents be turned into an exhibit dedicated to you personally, as well as your brothers. I remember meeting some of them during your tour of Garden House. Such fine gentlemen, you're so fortunate to have such dedicated family.
Sincerely,
Lily Bubbly
Ema smiled and hugged her letter to her chest.
'Oh Ms. Bubbly, thank you so much. I hope your remaining years are peaceful and happy!' she thought.
"Hey here you are," Yusuke suddenly said as he suddenly came upon her, "you, uh ready to get going to that grown up party?"
"Sure," Ema agreed with a happy smile, taking Yusuke's hand and walked off with him.
"Excuse me," she said as she flagged down a servant walking past, "could you see this is placed in my room for safe keeping?"
"Yes, your highness," the servant as he took it with a bow and hurried off with the letter.
"What was that?" Yusuke asked.
"A letter from Ms. Bubbly from Garden House telling me how excited she was with the future plans for her old home. She that she hopes to see it be turned into. a history museum and, not to be conceited, but she wants her residents turned into an exhibit dedicated to us! All of us, our family."
"Cool, that'll be kind of interesting," Yusuke said.
"I'm sure they'll have plenty there on you, especially if we stay together," Ema said as she pulled Yusuke's arm around her shoulders.
"You really think so?" Yusuke asked.
Ema answered by snuggling up closer to him. It made Yusuke turn slight red.
"Big Sister!" Ema heard Wataru shout as she walked past a bouncy castle. She and Yusuke looked back to see him and Luke Spallman hurrying out.
"You're not leaving already are you?" Wataru asked.
"Well, I did promise I'd attend the going away party for the others that are going to Japan with you, remember?" Ema reminded him.
"Oh, yeah," Wararu said a little disappointed.
"I did have fun while I was here," Ema quickly assured her little brother.
"Really?" Wataru said happily.
"This has got to be one of the best parties I've ever been to!" Luke declared.
"Have you guys met my new friend Luke Spallman? He's the boy Masaomi asked me to invite," Wataru said, gesturing to the other boy.
"Yes I have met him, and I'm glad he and you are getting along so well!" Ema said.
"Yeah, he's awesome!" Wataru insisted, smiling at his buddy.
"You're awesome!" Luke said back.
"Come on, let's go ride the teacups again!" Wataru insisted.
"Yeah!" Luke agreed, and the two boys raced off.
"It's so nice Wataru took such a shine to Luke. I had a feeling they'd get along, and was eager to introduce them to each other," Masaomi said as he helped a few more kids into the bouncy castle he was maning.
"It is sweet to watch!" Ema agreed, "are you sure you won't be joing us at the Wallflower?"
"I'm fine right here," Masaomi assured her, "this is something I prefer."
"Well have fun then!" Ema said as she and Yusuke walked on.
Yusuke led her to where Richard was standing with the king, watching some of the children play.
"Richard, the princess says she's ready to go," Yusuke said.
"Oh, alright," Richard said as he started to speak on his radio, "Princess is ready to go. Repeat, Princess is ready to go."
"Roger," a voice replied back.
"Have fun my dear," King Stephon encouraged.
"Thank you Grandfather," Ema said back a she and Yusuke followed after Richard.
"And stay safe," Stephon also mentioned as he watched her walk away.
He was quickly distracted by the sound of a happy, "whee!" and managed to jump out in time.
"Candi! You almost ran over the king!" her mother scolded as she and her husband ran after their daughter.
"She must be quite the little hellion on wheels," King Stephon joked as he watched Candi ride off.
"Oh you have no idea, your highness!" Candi's father called back.
"It's good to see and feel the palace so alive again," King Stephon said happily, turning back to his observation of the party.
"Now before we go in your highness, I want you to promise me you'll at least stay within mine, Chrissy, or Bill's sight. Even though the clubs been rented out and had approved guests in attendance, I don't want to take any chances!" Richard warned Ema as her limo drove to the club.
"Yes of course," Ema promised.
As the limo stopped, Ema looked out to get a good look at the club. It was a big black building with a tinted bay window in the front. Outside was a long pink color carpet that stretched out from the door to the sidewalk with a long canopy covering it. And above the window was a big neon sigh of a rose who's colors changed from dark red to light pink and would light up in a way that looked like the rose was blooming.
It did look impressive at the very least.
"Here we go," Billy said as he opened the door and got out, followed by Chrissy. Yusuke got out, and offered Ema his hand to help her out. Ema happily took it. As she came out, she heard a snap and was blinded by a flash.
"Another good reason you arraived a little late for this," Richard said as he came out behind her and quickly moved to sheild her, "the paparazzi's hype's died down a little."
"Come on guys back up! Back up!" Billy ordered as he pushed the camera men back a little, giving Ema enough free space to get to the club door.
There stood an intimidating gaurd. He slowly looked down at Ema as she approached.
"Princess Ema?" he said in deep intimidating voice.
"Yes, hello," Ema said timidly.
"Welcome," the gaurd said as he opened the door for her, "the owner was excited to hear you would be here tonight."
"Thank you," Ema said as she walked in with Yusuke.
Inside was a huge open two floor room with many round tables and a bar on the top floor and few more on the bottom along with a dance floor and a stage where Futo was already performing.
"Yo! Ema!" she and Yusuke heard Tsubaki calling.
They looked over and saw him and Bea at their own table, waving them over.
"Hi," Ema said as she and Yusuke walked over to their table.
"Glad to see you made it," Tsubaki said, "how was the little kids' party?"
"They were all having fun at least," Ema replied, "I think Grandfather went a little overboard with the forms of entertainment he provided."
She noticed Bea smirk at her comment.
"Not surprised, the king's an outgoing kind of guy. It's just he hasn't felt comfortable with doing more of that kind of thing, because of Robert," she said.
"There's a lot of things he's not felt comfortable with because of that man," Tsubaki said as he all but chugged his drink down. "Yo, Yusuke, let's go get us some more drinks!"
"Oh, sure," Yusuke said as he got up from the table, leaving Bea and Ema alone.
"So, are you ready for your big move, Miss Bea?" Ema asked.
"Bea, please, don't forget, we're technically family," Bea reminded her, "and in answer to your question, it's going good. Can't wait to go actually."
"Have your parents given you any trouble about the whole thing?" Ema asked.
"No, hardly saw them since the last time I went to the house one last time to claim the few things that they'd let me take. I'm done with them anyway. They're were grasping for something they just didn't need or deserve. All my ancestors have since the prince was kicked out of the line of succession. And I'm not going to waist my life chasing a pipe dream. This cycle has got to end!"
"Good for you Bea!" Ema praised.
"Nothing alcoholic for Ema, she wouldn't like it and Richard probably wouldn't approve," Yusuke instructed as he and Tsubaki came to the bar.
"Listen to you, all Mr. Protector," Tsubaki mocked.
"I'm just trying to help honor Ema's best interest," Yusuke said.
"I know, I know, you're her royal consort after all," Tsubaki continued to tease.
"Shut up, will you!" Yusuke snapped, "don't forget I've been trained by the royal gaurd!"
"Bare-minimum," Tsubaki shot back. He saw Yusuke shoot him a serious dead-glare. "Sorry, chill!"
Tsubaki looked back at the table Bea and Ema were at.
"You and her really are something huh?" he asked in a serious tone.
"Me and Ema?" Yusuke asked as he too looked back at the table with the ladies.
"Yeah, yeah we, we're happy together."
He suddenly felt a hand on his shirt as he was yanked away and practically pinned to a wall.
"Hey!" Yusuke shouted going into a defensive mode.
"Relax, chill," Tsubaki said, "save your special train skills for later. I just wanted to have a serious talk. You know how I've felt about Ema for the longest time! Ever since she moved in! I even went so far to threaten my own twin that I would never let another man have her!"
"And?!" Yusuke snapped as he grabbed his brother's arm.
Tsubaki took a deep breath, "I've learned to move on from my own selfish desiers and not raise hell over her choosing you. Okay then?"
"You mean it?" Yusuke asked.
"Yes, not only have I've grown as a person and learn to accept Ema has her own thoughts and desires she'd like to persue. But, I've also found someone else, somebody who fits me a little bit better. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, take good care of Ema and I'll promise to do my best to not harass you on the subject."
"Thanks," Yusuke said, "I appreciate that."
"No problem," Tsubaki said, going back into his cool, laidback attitude.
Suddenly a hand came down and smacked Tsubaki on the head.
"Oi, What are you up to now, Tsubaki?!" Azusa asked as he came next to his brother looking annoyed.
"Ah!" Tsubaki moaned as he rubbed his head, "You should train with the palace gaurd! You have the fist for it!"
"Why are you picking on Yusuke?" Azusa asked annoyed.
"I'm not, we're just talking, right?" Tsubaki said looking back at their little brother.
"Yeah," Yusuke insisted.
"About what exactly?" Azusa asked.
"Ema, really," Yusuke admitted, looking back towards her table.
"Oh, I see," Azusa said softly.
"Yeah, and we're done. So let's go get those drinks!" Tsubaki insisted as he walked back towards the bar.
"Is that really what was going on, Yusuke?" Azusa asked, once they were alone.
"Yeah, more or less," Yusuke assured him.
"What did he say about Ema?" Azusa asked, a little concerned.
"Well, just how he had always wanted her and that since she chose me, I bet treat her right."
"You're damn right about that!" Azusa said, looking back at Ema's table.
"I wanted her too. For a long time, even after Tsubaki's little threat. Not that I took it that seriously. But I'll settle for the fact that she seems happy with you and that I'm getting a little closer to Natasha now. So, congrats, I guess Yusuke."
"Thanks, I guess," Yusuke said.
"Azusa, here you are," Natasha said as she suddenly came upon them.
"Hey, you miss me that much?" Azusa asked, as he put his arm around her.
"Well, I heard your brother starting to sing that one song I really like and I know I can't dance that well with my leg," Natasha started to explain, "But...,"
"Sure, we'll make it work," Azusa promised as he led her off to the ramp, "see you later Yusuke."
"Yeah, sure, see you later," Yusuke muttered as he tried walking back to the bar only to suddenly see Natsume blocking his path with Emily at his side.
"What was that all about?" Natsume asked as his gaze followed Azusa and Natasha heading to the dance floor.
"Oh not you too!" Yusuke muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Natsume asked.
"Uh nothing," Yusuke quickly said.
"So where's the princess?" Emily asked.
"Over there," Yusuke pointed to her table.
"Oh, let's go say hi!" Emily insisted.
"Sure," Natsume agreed.
"Hey, you going to help carry these drinks back or not?" Tsubaki said as he came up to Yusuke, carrying two drinks in his hand.
"The other two are back at the bar!"
"Oh those look good," Emily mentioned.
"You want one too?" Natsume asked.
"Yeah!" Emily agreed.
"If you want to go head over to Ema's table, I'll get us some and meet you there," Natsume offered.
"Sure!" Emily said as she headed over to the table with Tsubaki.
Natsume and Yusuke meanwhile headed to the bar.
"So, everything cool with Azusa?" Natsume asked.
"Uh, yeah, why?" Yusuke insisted.
"Well, from a glance it looked as though he had you pinned to a wall in a dark corner," Natsume pointed out.
"Oh that, well, um, I," Yusuke sputtered but then finally gave in, "Azusa was just letting me know he's apparently ok with me dating Ema, after catching Tsubaki and me having the same discussion! Alright?!"
"Oh," Natsume said softly.
"And if you're hoping to give me the same f-ing lecture, just get it done and over with!" Yusuke demanded.
"Calm down, will you?" Natsume snapped, "Look, I will admit, I've had feelings for her for the longest time. I still do, but they're not so strong that I can't accept her choice in a partner or also move on with someone else I find compatible. So, you won't have to worry about me harassing you anytime in the future. Not that you would have worried too much about that to begin with."
"Thanks," Yusuke said as he grabbed his drinks and left Natsume to order his and Emily's.
He shook his head in frustration as he came back to the table.
"...and Elizabeth said I can just stay with her until I feel comfortable with getting my own place if need be," Emily was telling as he got closer and set the drinks down.
"You could just move in with Natsume," Tsubaki suggested with a smirk.
"Yeah, no, I don't think we're there yet," Emily said quickly.
"Are you and him going to see each in Japan?" Ema asked softly.
"Maybe, we'll at least be working together, I know that," Emily said looking around embarrassed.
"How's that?" Natsume asked as he came to the table with his and Emily's drinks.
"Uh, nothing," Ema said.
"Are you doing ok so far, Ema?" Natsume asked.
"Well, I just got here, so," Ema sputtered.
"How was Wataru's party?" Natsume asked.
"Oh it was great! The children were having so much fun when we left," said Ema happily, "and I think Wataru's made another friend with Mayor Spallman's son Luke."
"Good for him! More reasons to come back to Elence now and then," said Bea.
"Do you think you'll ever come back Bea?" Ema asked.
"Oh possibly, once in a while. Hopefully once I've made it on my own," Bea said.
"And you, Miss Smith?" Ema asked Emily.
"Oh definitely!" Emily said, "I still got family here after all. I'm just excited for the idea of studying abroad and helping Natsume develop your grandfather's game with my knowledge of Elence folklore."
Ema nodded, "do you have any copies of those books your father wrote? I'd like to read some of them."
"Oh sure, I'll make sure to get you some copies before I leave," Emily promised, "and if you find something you like, you can ask your brother to incorporate it into the game. I've made sure he included your mother's favorite fable."
"My mother's?" Ema asked surprised.
"According to my dad, she always like the story of the princess and the peach tree," Emily said.
"And I have an idea of how to include it in the game," Natsume said.
"Wonderful," Ema said.
Just then they all heard a new song starting, only this time it was girl singing.
"Oh is that Ami?" Ema asked eagerly. Nearly everyone moved out of her way so she could move out from the table and hurry over to look down at the stage where Ami was indeed singing her own song, a more fast beat song.
Ema actually found herself swaying to it.
"Is it alright if I go down there and dance?" she asked Richard who standing nearby.
Richard looked down himself to inspect the crowd.
"Sure, just try not to get too deep into the crowd," he allowed, "and Yusuke, you stay with her too."
"Oh sure," Yusuke agreed. He offered Ema his hand and led her down.
"I want to dance too!" Bea declared, "come on!" She grabbed Tsubaki by his shirt and pulled him up from the table.
"Okay, okay, not so rough!" Tsubaki complained.
"You weren't complaining about me being rough last night," Bea teased as they hurried along.
"Did you want to dance too?" Natsume asked Emily.
"Nah, I'm good, I'm not much of a dancer," Emily said.
Natsume then went and put his arm around her. "Guess that means we get the table to ourselves for a bit then huh?"
"Guess so," Emily said with a blush.
Ema walked down with Yusuke happily towards the dance floor until she accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm sorry...," the person started to say, "Oh hello Princess Ema."
"Oh, Hi Rose, Hi Subaru," Ema replied as she realized Rose was whom she bumped into and Subaru was behind her.
"Were you guys heading to the dance floor too?" Rose asked.
"Yeah, this song was just so catchy!" Ema said, as she and Rose walked out to the dance floor together, Subaru and Yusuke right behind them.
"I thought you don't dance," Yusuke said to his big brother.
"Rose just asked me to go with her to the dance floor," Subaru explained. "What about you? You don't dance either."
"Normally, but again, Ema wanted to, plus it's easier to act as Richard's eyes while she's out there. I'm still getting trained don't forget."
"Right," Subaru said. He and Yusuke just stood there watching Ema and Rose freestyle dancing themselves while talking.
"Are you and Rose getting serious then?" Yusuke asked.
"I guess," Subaru said with a shrug, "I like hanging out with her. And I feel a little at ease around her."
Yusuke nodded, "so are you over Ema then?"
"I guess," Subaru said again, with a shrug. "I do still kind of have feelings for her, but that also includes being ok with her picking you over me. You two seem rather happy together."
"Thanks," Yusuke said, "I hope you are just as happy with Rose."
Subaru nodded.
Suddenly the two boys were shoved aside.
"Out of the way, you two!" Tsubaki shouted as he made his way through the two, with Bea.
Bea made sure to shoot them a smirk as she passed.
"Thanks!" Yusuke snapped after them. He glanced towards where he last saw Ema and realized she was slightly obscured.
"Damn it!" Yusuke muttered as he tried getting around to see her better.
Ema was having a fun dancing with Rose.
"If Futo's determined to make Ami a star, it doesn't look like he'll have to try too hard," Rose said. "I didn't even know she could sing like that!"
"I hope it works out for her too! Especially since I've known her the longest from when I first came here. I kind of liked her from the start."
"You do seem to drawn in some good people around you," Rose said.
Suddenly, Ema found herself being yanked back by a hard force.
"Ema?!" Rose called out as Ema suddenly seemed to disappear from sight into the crowd.
"Where'd she go?!" Yusuke asked as he came up behind Rose.
"Someone pulled her further into the crowd!" Rose said.
"Ah damnit!" Yusuke muttered as he tried going further in himself.
Ema gave a small shriek as she was pulled back away from Rose and suddenly felt a pair of arms all around her.
"Relax, it's just me," a smooth voice whispered into her ear.
"Futo?" Ema said in surprised, feeling him start to move her, dancing with her.
"What are you doing here on the dance floor?"
"My girlfriend was signing, I didn't want to just stand in the wings watching. I wanted to enjoy her song. And what better way than to dance with my all around loving sister," Futo whispered seductively.
Ema could feel his hands moving around her body.
"Uh, Futo, are you sure you should be doing this if you're so involved with Ami?" Ema asked timidly.
"What's wrong with wanting to share a dance with my sister before we part ways?" Futo whispered.
"No, what I meant," Ema tried to say.
"What?" Futo whispered. Ema could feel his breath against her neck.
"Futo!" Ema tried to protest.
"Hey! Here you are! Get your hands off her!" Yusuke suddenly shouted as he suddenly appeared, looking like he was going to punch Futo.
"What? We're just dancing," Futo said.
"The hell you are!" Yusuke snapped.
"Aren't we?" Futo asked Ema.
"Futo, come on," Ema pleaded as she tried pushing his arms off her.
Yusuke glared at Futo. "Don't ever do something like that again, you little punk!"
"Do what? Pull my sweet sister into a dance?" Futo asked smug.
"No, pull her out my sight! I'm supposed to be watching her!" Yusuke shouted.
"Must not be doing too good of a job than if you lose her so easily when another man comes along," Futo mocked.
"You!" Yusuke looked like he was going to punch Futo.
"Yusuke!" Ema pleaded.
"Sorry," Yusuke said calming down.
He noticed that Futo was still smirking.
"Relax," he said nonchalantly, "I may like messing with her from time to time. But now my heart is fully dedicated to a far more superior woman."
He looked up at Ami on stage.
"Of course, if you ever get board with the idiot sent her to "gaurd" you, you know where I am," he added with a wink as he walked off towards the stage.
Yusuke groaned mad, but cooled down when Ema touched his arm.
"Don't let him get to you," she insisted.
"She's right, he's not worth it," Subaru said as he and Rose came back up behind them.
"Yeah, yeah," Yusuke muttered.
"Come on Yusuke, dance with me!" Ema insisted, distracting him.
"Well, ok," Yusuke started to agree, only for Ami to finish her song.
"Isn't she amazing, folks?!" Futo shouted as he ran back on stage. He still sent a wink towards Ema.
"I tell you, I'm so thrilled I found her, both for her voice, and a few other perks." He slid his arm around Ami's waist.
"And now to fully demonstrate her talent and skills, the two of us are going to perform together," Futo added. A slow soft beat started up and Futo and Ami started to sing together. It was a moving love song that many on the dance floor started to pair up and dance slowly.
Ema looked up at Yusuke. Yusuke sighed.
"Do you still want to dance?" he asked embarrassed.
"Please?" Ema begged.
Yusuke gave off another sigh as he pulled Ema close and started to slow dance with her.
"Subaru, where are you going?" Rose asked as she noticed him trying to sneak away off the dance floor.
"Oh, I was just was trying to get out of the way," Subaru sputtered.
"But I still want to dance," Rose begged, please!"
"Well," Subaru tried to think of a good excuse.
"Oh just do it!" he thought he heard Tsubaki say right before he was pushed back towards Rose.
Subaru stumbled before stopping right in front of her and looked around embarrassed.
"Alright, I'll give it a try," he reluctantly allowed as he took Rose's hands and began to dance with her.
"Thank you," Rose said softly, with a smile.
Subaru managed to smile too, pulling Rose just a little closer.
From their table, Emily suddenly seemed to look a little more interested in tge new song playing.
"Now that's a nice song," she said softly.
"You like it?" Natsume asked.
"Yes, it's beautiful," Emily said.
"Did you want to dance now?" Natsume asked.
"Sure," Emily agreed to. She and Natsume quickly hurried down to the dance floor.
As they did, they noticed Elizabeth and Kaname heading there as well.
"Emily, you're going to dance? Never took you for a dancer," Elizabeth said, sounding like she was trying to tease her sister.
"And you Natsume? Going to show off your twinkle toes?" Kaname teased for real.
Natsume just ignored him as he went to the floor and he and Emily starting to dance.
"They do look cute together," Elizabeth admitted as she and Kaname started to dance as well.
"Shall we give them a run for their money, my dear?" Kaname asked, even dipping Elizabeth a little.
"Let me guess, the gods blessed you with great dancing feet?" Elizabeth said.
"Oh no, just guide me to the best dancing partners," said Kaname.
Ema heard Kaname's voice and looked over to see him dancing with Elizabeth. Nearby she saw Natsume and Emily dancing. She could also see Natsume and Bea dancing, and Azusa and Natasha, even though Natasha was a little awkward with her leg.
She stole a glance back and saw Subaru and Rose dancing as well.
Ema looked back at Yusuke and as she did, she happened to see Louis, Iori, Sophie and Jane also coming to the dance floor. Along with Hikaru and Heather.
"I got to admit, the dumb idol found a nice song to perform," Yusuke muttered.
"Glad you agreed to dance with me to it," Ema said. She surprised Yusuke by resting her head against his chest. Yusuke could feel a few goosebumps scurry through his body. He could only hope his brothers didn't notice his state as they danced.
"Oh dear, looks like dear Yusuke's getting slightly overwhelmed," Hikaru mentioned.
"Not that I blame him. I'm sure I'd be feeling that way if I was his age while dancing with the girl of my dreams."
"And now?" Heather asked a little sternly.
"Now I have a little more self-control when she's in my arms," Hikaru said kindly.
"Nice save," Heather replied before kissing him.
Hikaru smiled as he managed to rest his head on her shoulder. He cast a glance around the dancers, seeing his brothers mixed within the crowd, dancing with their significant others.
'What a splendid evening,' he thought, 'a fine sendoff to those who are leaving us behind for Japan.' Suddenly Hikaru started to feel a little tense.
"What's wrong?" Heather asked as she pulled a little away from him.
"Just a thought I had in regards to dear Ema's crowing ceremony," Hikaru mentioned.
"Chi, Chi?" Louis called out to Ema as he danced his way over to Ema and Yusuke with Sophie.
"Hi Louis," Ema said kindly.
"Glad to see you made it," Louis said.
"Was Wataru enjoying his party?" Sophie asked.
"Oh yes, all the kids were, especially his new friend Luke Spallman," Ema said, "his father is the mayor of the main town we're hoping to build the main hospital for the outer region."
"Good for Wataru," Louis said, "oh by the way Chi, guess what? Grandfather Stephon said that during your ceremony, he's decided to officially hand me my own father's former title as Earl of Peraton."
"Oh Louis that's wonderful! I'll proud to share my ceremony that day!" Ema said happily.
"Thank you Chi," Louis said, gracing her with small kiss on the cheek.
Ema blushed.
Just then the song ended.
"Amazing, aren't we?" Futo said, "but now the two of us will be taking a break and letting the house band take a turn."
Soon another band and singer came on to perform as Futo and Ami came down off the stage.
"Ami! You were wonderful!" Jane said as she ran over to her friend and hugged her, "I swear, I'm going to buy your first album once it comes out!"
"Thank you Jane!" Ami said sounding like she was fighting tears, "it was fun! I could get use to that!"
"Right?" Futo said confidently.
"I like it too Ami!" Ema said as she came over to her.
"Thank you Princess!" Ami said as she gave her a hug too, "in a way I owe it to you! If you never came, Futo wouldn't have come either and never show me how much fun it is to perform like that."
"Well, I'm glad you found your calling!" Ema praised, "I can't wait to buy one of your albums or see you in a movie or TV show!"
"I bet people here tonight are going to be all like 'I heard her perform before she was famous!' or something like that," Yusuke added.
"Well, let's not get carried away, I don't know if I'll make it," Ami tried to humble herself.
"You damn well better, I'm counting on it, and I don't like looking like a fool!" Futo said, pulling her close.
"Oh, yes that is her! That is her!" they all suddenly heard a weird voice shouting.
Ema turned and sae a short bald man with sunglasses running towards her excited.
Yusuke went and put himself in front of her, while Richard and Billy also seem to appear to block his path.
"Hello Princess!" The man shouted, seemingly not phased by the three men guarding her, "It is so wonderful to see you! Here in my club! I am Mr. Tammos, thee owner of thee Wallflower! I am so honored to have you in my club like this!"
"Thank you," Ema said politely, "I appreciate you letting us rent it for the night to throw this party."
"Of course! Of course! Anything for my princess!" Mr. Tammos said happily. "Oh and we also have Lord Louis! And Idol Futo here all at once! How splendid! May a request, your highness?!"
"I suppose," Ema allowed.
"May I have your opinion to get a picture of you, Lord Louis, Idol Futo and the upcoming Miss Ami for my wall? It would mean so much to me!"
Ema looked at Richard for guidance. He nodded.
Then she looked at Louis and Futo.
"I don't mind," Louis said.
"I suppose," Futo allowed like it was nothing, "How about you Ami?"
"Sure," Ami agreed.
"Can I have Yusuke and Sophie in the picture too?" Ema asked.
"Of course! Of course!" Mr. Tammos agreed excited as he ushered them over to a more secluded area and line them all up.
"And of course, smile!"
A man quickly snapped a picture.
"Ho-ho! Thank you my princess! Thank you!" Mr. Tammos exclaimed happily.
"Of course," Ema said kindly.
"Would it be too much to ask for another picture?" This time with all your brothers here in attendance? I would love to show how many Asahina brothers visited my club!"
"Sure, if they want to," Ema agreed.
"Chrissy, can you help round up some of the Asahina men and get them to our location?" Richard asked through his communicator.
"Roger," Chrissy replied.
"Go help her," Richard told Billy.
Billy took off and soon he and Chrissy came back with all the boys.
"Thanks for doing this guys," Ema said to her brothers.
"Eh, it's the least we can do for the owner," Azusa said as everyone started to gather around Ema.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Mr. Tammos said excited, "and now, thee picture!"
The cameraman snapped his camera again.
"Perfect! Perfect!" Mr. Tammos said excited. "These pictures will look amazing on my wall! Oh the memories! Thank you again, your highness!" He hurried off with his cameraman.
"He was, interesting," Iori mentioned.
"Yes, but he was right, the memories of tonight and the whole time we've been here are going to be wonderful!" Ema said.
A few days later, Ema found her in a large room looking over a few dresses to consider wearing for her ceremony.
She wondered around the gowns pondering what she should chose.
"If you can't find one you like Ema, we can arrange for some different ones," King Stephon mentioned as he stood off to the side watching her brows.
"Yes, Grandfather, thank you," Ema said still examing the gowns.
"If I may Grandfather?" Hikaru asked as he suddenly came into the room holding a big box, "I have something Ema might like to try."
"Oh?" King Stephon asked.
"I hope you're not mad, but I made some calls and with some help from Ms. Hattie ordered a potential dress for Ema to wear at her ceremony," Hikaru explained.
"Oh, by all means, let's see it," King Stephon insisted, "Ema, come see the dress Hikaru brought for you."
Ema hurried over as Hikaru put the box down and pulled out the dress. It was a long gold ball gown that a unique flower pattern all along the skirt.
"Oh Hikaru, it's beautiful!" Ema praised.
"It sort of reminds me of a kimono, from Japan," King Stephon mentioned as he examined the dress himself.
"That was kind of my intent," Hikaru explained, "to let little Ema show some respect to her father's homeland while agreeing to serve her mother's homeland."
"Not a bad idea," King Stephon agreed.
"I like it!" Ema said excited.
"Do we have a winner than dear?" King Stephon asked.
"I think so Grandfather," Ema said. She held her dress close. It felt wonderful to think she could represent both her parents' country on her big day.
'I just wish you two could be attending in person, but I know you'll be watching me in spirit! I love you mom and dad!' Ema thought.