~***~
I am lying in a bed, in some castle, in some strange place, looking straight at the most beautiful, gorgeous guy I've ever seen, that seems to have stepped right out of my dreams. Yes, I've dreamed him, over and over, a million times. I've fallen in love with that face, but...only in dreams. How many times have I told myself, over and over, he's only a fiction of your imagination. And its true, isn't it? This is my imagination...right? This is way too freaky....
~***~
"Where...where am I?" Yukari's eyes were huge. He paced around the room, dressed in odd robes and armor. Like some medieval storybook knight. His long blonde hair was shining, long about his shoulders. He turned, his blue eyes kind.
"You're in Palas, capital of Asturia."
Yukaria narrowed her eyes, puzzled. As far she knew, there was no country on Earth named Asturia. Perhaps, he means Austria, she thought.
"You mean Austria?"
This time, it was his turn to look puzzled.
"Asturia." He repeated. Yukari looked at him, her head still buzzing from the alcohol. Did she really care where she was? As long as He was there.
"Who...who are you?" She asked softly, her eyes following him around the room. He was wringing clothes and all in all, just making himself busy.
"I am Allen Schezar, Knight of Asturia."
~***~
Okay, I know by this point, I should be convinced that I'm a nutcase. I mean, dreaming up this whole scenario, this is crazy! Okay, I have no clue where I got this 'Asturia' crap, probably from that class we had the other day in music, on Viennese composers of the 17th century..hmm. But its nice..dreamy he's really nice.....Allen Schezar..what a beautiful name...just like him..
~***~
Yukari leaned forward slightly. Allen looked at her, sitting at the edge of her bed, holding a bowl of water. Her head ached still, but in his presence, all aches and pains just seemed to diminish. Everything seemed unimportant next to Him. Him...he had a name now. Allen.
"Allen..." She whispered, tasting the name on her tongue. Allen looked at her.
"What is your name?" He asked. Yukari leaned back, her headache returning.
"Yukari...Yukari Uchida."
"Yukari," Allen spoke softly, he looked out the window. It was day, yet a large bright moon hung in the sky. "It sounds...like another name." He said softly. Yukari sighed, she could stay like this forever, in his presence. Who cared if she was dreaming? Dreams were often better than the real thing!
"Did you find me?" Yukari asked, memorizing his every feature. He looked at her.
"You were unconscious...The villagers said that you had fallen out of the sky."
"Really..Hmm.." Yukari's eyes fluttered close, she struggled to open them again. "That's nice.....really nice.." she smiled, and sleep overwhelmed her, but she fought it. Allen leaned closer. Yukari breathed deeply, he smelled like metal, metal and roses. A sweet combination.
"Sleep, Yukari Uchida." Allen said softly, as Yukari fell into the world of sleep.
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Allen drew the covers over her and stood. He watched her even breathing. She looked like a fallen angel, even in sleep, that peacefulness about her never broke. With her dark hair spread around her like a crown, her face, stained with tears, she looked so sad. So helpless. Allen turned, exiting the room quickly. Yukari, that name so similar to another name. The name of a girl from the Mystic Moon that had forever changed the lives of the few that had known her. Allen hardly dared hope where Yukari came from. Yet...everything fit, everything fit perfectly, perhaps too perfectly. Allen hurried down the hallway, his head in the clouds. He hardly noticed when he bumped into someone.
"Allen!" A voice exclaimed. Allen blinked, his thoughts interuppted. He looked at the voice and bowed.
"Princess Millerna," He bowed gallantly, as was only proper. Millerna, her golden hair bound by a single tiara, glowed, smiling at him. It was little secret, both to Allen as well to most in the castle, where Millerna's heart lay.
"I heard rumors about an odd child that had fallen out of the sky!" Millerna glanced at him for answers. Allen nodded. Hardly a child, he thought.
"Yes, the villagers found her, unconscious, near the outskirts of Palas."
"Is she Asturian?" Millerna asked.
Allen shook his head.
"I don't think so..."
"Fanelian then? Fried? Zaibach perhaps?"
Allen shook his head again.
"No...some..some faraway place I think." His eyes were hooded in though, his gaze far-away. "An odd place, I should think."
"Hmm.." Millerna studied his features, then shook her head. "Has she regained consciousness?"
"Yes, she just awoke."
"Ahh..I see, well, do you mind if I go speak with her, perhaps we can bring her back to where she comes from." Millerna glanced at the door. Allen paused. Something washed over him, an odd feeling. A wave of protectiveness. He stopped Millerna with a hand on her arm.
"Wait, princess, she..she is resting."
Millerna stopped, gazing up at him in surprise.
"Shall I be able to see her then?" She asked finally. Allen shifted uncomfortable, shrinking under Millerna's gaze. He didn't know why he felt so protective, as if the girl could be broken. All he knew was that he wanted no on to speak to her, no one to know, until he himself was sure as to where she came from. He nodded. Opening the door slightly, he peered in. Yukari lay as he had left her, her head turned slightly towards the window, the sunshine glinting off her dark hair. Millerna regarded her. Both were silent for a long while.
"I daren't hope, Allen, as to where she comes."
"Neither do I, Millerna, neither do I."
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~***~
This is just a dream..its a dream...its a dream...its a dream..Don't wake up..dont' wake up..don't wake up..sighThis has got to be the best dream I've ever dreamt in my life, I mean, what can beat this? In all the dreams about HIm, up until now, I've never actually spoken to him before, and he's never spoken back! Do I want to wake up? Do I want to open my eyes, and return to my life, return to everything, probably end up in deep crap with my mom for getting drunk, and at worst, still lying in that damn alley, next to that creep. God...why can't I just stay asleep, forever...dreaming my life away......I wish...
~***~
Yukari's eyes opened slowly. The room was dark. Was she home? Had Agnes or Kiel found her and driven her home? She steeled herself against a long lecture from her mom. Sitting up quickly, she was greeted with a splitting headache.
"Hangover from hell..." She muttered, holding her head in her hands. SHe knew she had probably drunk a few too many.
"Head hurt?" A voice spoke from the corner of the room. Yukari's head snapped up. Her eyes tried to peirce the darkness, but the room was pitch black. She felt her way forward. Was she even in her room? Wehre was she?
"Who's there?" She called out, feeling forward. She bumped into something that felt like a small table. The table creaked against the wooden floor. Her room had carpet. A shiver went through her back. Was she still dreaming? BLinking rapidly, her eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness. She could make out a figure seated in the corner, watching her. His blue eyes were light in the darkness. She didn't even have to look twice to know it was Him. What was his name again?...Before she took another step forward, Yukari pinched herself, hard on the arm. If this was a dream, she wanted to know. It was getting way to freaky. THis dream was getting t.....
The figure in the corner made a sudden movement, and light flared through the room. Yukari gasped, shielding her eyes. When her eyes had adjusted, she looked around. She knew she wasn't at home. She was in a large room, wood panelling covered the walls as well as the ceiling. Large french doors stood to one side, curtains covered the windows, allowing little light in. The bed itself was large and luxurious, a canopy bed with red drapes. The figure stood, his armor rustling only softly. Yukari strained to remember his name, she remembered that he had told her..or, had she dreamed that part? What was real and what was not? It was hard to decipher real from dream.
"Where...where am I?" She asked again, although distinctly remembering having asked before. The figure approached, and Yukari couldn't breathe.
"You're in Palas, Asturia. Do you not remember having awaken once?" He spoke softly. Yukari tried to make out his face more distinctly, but only resulted in making her headache worse. She grimaced, perhaps this was the same dream.
"You are...." She looked up at him, "Allen...Allen Schezar" She said, tasting the name again and again.
He nodded.
"Yes, and you are Yukari. Tell me Yukari, where do you come from?" He asked. Yukari couldnt' think straight, he was standing so close. She backed up, to clear her mind, and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Ummm.." She clutched her head, a wave of pain rushing through her head. Allen crossed the distance between them quickly and placed an arm around her.
"Are you alright?" He asked, concern marring his perfect features. Yukari nodded,
"Yeah..yeah," She looked up, smiling thinly, "Just a hangover."
"Hangover?"
Yukari stared at him. Who didn't' know what a hangover was? What world was this?
"Yeah...you know, when you party too hardy," Her face twisted into a smile, an expression that Hitomi had often used. Allen looked at her oddly, then shrugged.
"I have never heard of such an infection, but perhaps, it is different from where you come."
Yukari nodded, in a daze. "Yes..yes." She agreed, trying to make her mind accept whatever was going on. "I...I come from..Earth." She said, not knowing any other way to describe it.
"Where is this Earth?"
"Umm.." Yukari blinked, trying to find the words to describe it. "In..space. Its in space, maybe another universe, perhaps..." She struggled for words. Allen regarded her, then approached the windowed doors that led out onto the balcony. He motioned for her to follow.
The night air was soft and warm, a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the ocean. Yukari leaned over the railing, amazed.
"This...this is amazing." She whispered, the lights of the city were bright. But so different from her own city. The lights here seemed to glow with an effervescent glow, soft and subtle. So romantic.
"Yes..it is,isn't it" ALlen could hardly keep the pride out of his voice. Yukari then looked up into the night sky. Her heart stopped. She stared at the large green globe sitting in the sky. It couldn't be...its just couldn't' be.
~***~
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up. I know, I know, I'm being a hyprocrite. I mean, its great, just looking at Allen, he's so beautiful and gallant, just the epitome of everything a guy should be. But...I think, I 've had just about enough of this dream. I mean, its great being here in Palas, or wherever the hell I am, but, god, looking at my own planet from this balcony, just watching it hang there.. Its waaaay too freaky. I know, I've been saying how I want to see Him, Allen, to just...to just live out my dreams. But now that I am, I'm not sure that I want it anymore....Its too scarysighI'm not a coward...I'm just..not as strong as Hitomi, I'll never be...I just want to go back to things that are familiar.....
~***~
Yukari stared at Earth, her planet that hung in the sky. She blinked, trying to wake up, trying to wake herself up. Her pulse had quickened, she could hardly breathe. Her eyes flickered over to Allen, he was watching her, his hair shone even mroe brightly in the moonlight. Or...would it be..earthlight...Yukari shook her head, she had to think straight.
"That...that's where I come from." She whispered. Allen's expression looked pained.
"The mystic moon..."
"The what?"
"The mystic moon, its our name for..your Earth." Allen spoke haltingly, almost as if afraid to let something out, some hidden secret. He looked at her,
"You are on the planet Gaea." He explained from her puzzled expression. Yukari looked up at Earth once more, it looked so peaceful from this distance, an untouchable sphere in the sky. It was...so confusing.. A wave of nausea washed over her. Yukari's vision swam, and she fell forward. Allen held her up, preventing her from falling over the railing. She raised a hand to her head.
"God..." She muttered, "...I don't feel so..good.." She whispered, as she lost consciousness, yet again.
Allen supported her, carrying her inside and making her comfortable on the bed. He paused, he stood over her unconscious form. She really was from the Mystic Moon, just like....No, he shouldn't' even think about the name. Allen grimaced, the last month had been hard, trying not to mention of Her in Van's presence. She had affected everyone around her, with her easy smile and bright eyes, especially Van. If Van were to find out, that this Yukari had shown up, perhaps, he would never get over Her. Yes, I think its best, to keep her in secret, Allen thought. He turned, and exited the room quickly, with a purpose.
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Yukari opened her eyes, and blinked. The sun streaming into the room was bright. She sat up and looked out the window, her eyes suddenly going wide.
~***~
Okay...rapid breathing okay, just..just get a grip, k Yukari, just CALM. Spell CALM, C A L M...breathe..breathe...okay, I'm calm. I'm fine. I can handle this.....
suppressed scream NO! I'm not fine! Oh my god! I can see my planet in the sky! How fine is that? That is NOT FINE! Okay...okay..its okay, I'll...i'll just...find my way back. Its okay. breathing hard Okay, Yukari, now is not the time to panic. Get a grip...Okay...breathing relaxes
First, I've gotta think, I've..gotta take charge. Hitomi's not here, not here to lead the way, I've got to be the leader of myself, so...lead. C'mon brain, think! What am I gonna do!wails I'm stuck here! Wait! ....perhaps..there's a rocket ship, to take me back! Yes! Yes! Wait....no...how did I get here anyway? I..I don't even remember that. Hey....perhaps, Oh my god, what if I was abducted? Just like that X-Files show! Maybe this is some secret government base!...fearfulmaybe...they're gonna do experiments on me. Oh god, what I am I gonna do. But..Allensighsurely he's not an alien, I mean, if aliens look that good, hmm...beam me up, scotty! laughsOkay,stop it!, so, let's just gather the facts....so... god, my brains dead, this is not helping at allmutter.....
~***~
Yukari stood up quickly, grabbing the table from a headrush. She exited the room quickly. Looking up and down the hallways, it seemed empty. Everything looked so..medieval. Like some fairy tale castle. She walked down the hall, the red carpet soft, her heels digging into the carpet. She started to wish that she'd been abducted wearing a more comfortable outfit. She wiggled in her skirt, pulling it down.
At the end of the hallway, she came to a door. It was ornate, covered in patterns carved into the wood. There seemed to be voices coming from the other side. Yukari opened the door quickly and stepped in. Perhaps, they could help her get home.
All conversations stopped. Yukari's eyes widened, she stood in the midst of a throne room. At the head, plump man sat on the throne, a crown on his head. Yukari imagined him to be the king. Beside the king, there were two girls, one with blonde curly hair and one with straight brown hair. Yukari straightened. The king looked at her, his eyebrows raised. He cleared his throat.
"Hmm..and..who may you be?" He spoke with a think accent. Yukari stared at him levelly,
"I'm...Yukari Uchida. And you?" She asked, looking around at all the pairs of eyes focused on her, feeling more than just a little self-conscious. The king chuckled.
"I'm King Aston, King of Asturia. And who, may I ask, do you think you are, barging into my court, disrupting everything? Hmm?" His voice held a hard edge. Yukari flinched. She guessed that she should've perhaps knocked first.
"Please, your Majesty, she's....she is not well."
Yukari looked to the new voice. It was Allen Schezar, the Knight that had taken care of her. She blinked. He looked so gallant, so brave, stepping out from his retinue. He glanced at her, then back to his King. Yukari frowned. She was fine.
"I'm feeling fine, I just want you to take me home." Yukari stated clearly, though inside she was trembling.
King Aston regarded Yukari,
"You found her Allen Schezar?" Ignoring Yukari's cold glare.
Allen flushed.
"And where, exactly, did you find her?"
"She was found in the villages, outside Palas, Father." The blonde princess spoke out. Her voice was loud, and firm.
"Millerna, you're in on this as well?"
Millerna looked at her father levelly. Aston rolled his eyes. With a wave of his hands, he spoke,
"Take her away, dress her properly, then bring her back. I would like to speak with her, find out more on who exactly, she is." Aston turned away to his councillors. Yukari clenched her fists. She hated it when people spoke as if she wasn't there. She stood firm.
"Hey! You listen to me! I'm not going anywhere, till someone explains stuff to me!"
Two guards stepped forward, each grabbing a hold of Yukari.
"Hey! Let go of me! Where are you taking me?" Yukari demanded, struggling against the guards. The guards paused, and looked to Aston.
"Take her...to my daughter's quarters. I'm sure Millerna can lend her some decent clothing."
Millerna nodded, following.
Yukari narrowed her eyes.
"What's wrong with my clothing?" She demanded, still struggling. "Hey! Stop! I want some answers! I wanna know how you brought me here! Hey!" She struggled, but the guards led her out the door, despite her struggles and her yells.
They left her in a beautiful chamber, with wide windows and couches everywhere. Yukari glanced warily at the princess, who was bustling about the room.
"Who..are you?" Yukari demanded. She was on a roll, and wasn't about to let it go. She was tired of sitting back and letting things take charge of her, she was going to take charge! The Princess pulled open a closet and pulled out a long lavender dress. She turned.
"I'm Princess Millerna, and you shall adress me as such." She replied tartly. Yukari seethed. Who gave a damn about princesses and kings? This was all too strange, and she just wanted to go home! This dream was getting old..
"Well..."
"Here, try this." Millerna handed the dress to Yukari. "Maybe a little big, but it'll do."
"No! I'm not changing into anything." Yukari stepped away from her. Millerna looked put off, but replied patiently enough.
"Look, don't be difficult, little girl, my father has a very short temper. You do not want to see him upset."
Yukari blanched only slightly, but stood firm.
"I just want to know, where I am." Yukari spoke slowly, holding her anger back. Millerna looked put off.
"You are in Palas, Asturia. Allen told me that he'd been through this with you."
"Oh my god..." Yukari sank down onto the soft couch. She gripped her coat firmly around her. Underneath, all she was wearing was a halter top. She had thought all of that dream...but, her mind wasn't making any sense at all. Everything was so jumbled, so confused. She was in some strange country, with people that dressed oddly, and she could see her planet in the sky...and worst of all, this wasn't a dream.
Beside her, Millerna sat down.
"Where are you from?" She asked gently, seeing Yukari's pale face. Yukari swallowed,
"Earth." She whispered. At Millerna's confused look, Yukari pointed out the window. Millerna's face drained of colour.
"The mystic moon?"
Yukari shrugged. "I guess so..." She closed her eyes. She was the one that had wanted the dream to come true. And now, it was true. Why wasn't she happy? She should be happy...He was here. Allen Schezar was here. But still, Yukari trembled at the thought of never seeing her friends, her family again. How would she go back?
"Here, put this on. My father, he will find a way to sent you home." Millerna handed her the dress, reassurance in her voice. Yukari looked up at her, and was met with quiet confidence. A great weight lifted off Yukari. Here was someone, someone that would take charge, someone that would lead the way. And this Princess Millerna would get her home. Yukari clutched the dress, smiling gratefully.
"Thankyou." She smiled up at the Millerna. Millerna nodded, then left the room to let Yukari change.
Yukari emerged, more than a little shy, from the rooms. Dressed in the lavender gown, Yukari was afraid to move, lest she ruin the beautiful material. It was like nothing on earth. Millerna awaited her on the outer chambers. Yukari stepped out, closing the inner chamber doors behind her. She glanced shyly at the Princess.
"Well, you certainly look much better."
Yukari flushed. Even though she didn't want to admit her, her clothes before had been both dirty, as well as more than a little slutty.
"Ahem.." Someone spoke from behind her. Yukari turned, and saw Allen. Her blush turned an even darker shade of red. He looked at her, up and down, and smiled. "You look very nice in that dress."
Yukari stared at her feet, suddenly feeling very awkward and ugly standing next to the beautiful Millerna. Millerna smiled, a know-it-all smile,
"Yukari, why don't you step out for a moment. The cooks have set up a meal in the main hall, I'm sure you are hungry?" She smiled sweetly, but her eyes were sharp. Yukari nodded, realizing that she was hungry. She exited quickly ,doing all she could to keep from tripping on the long folds of the dress.
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Millerna closed the doors gently after Yukari left the room. She turned, and faced Allen. He regarded the closed doors, his expression thoughtful. Millerna approached him. Taking his hands, she wrapped her fingers through them, entwining hers between his. She smiled up at him, revelling in his aura, his presence. For truth, even his presence gave off a glory, a sensation that made everything brighter. He truly did deserve his title of Heavenly Knight.
"She is like Her." Millerna said softly. Allen, his eyes still on the closed door, nodded.
"Yes..."
"She is from the mystic moon, as well. A place she calls earth."
"Yes.." Allen was motionless, not moving at all. Millerna blinked, then sighed. Ever since the war had ended, she had hoped for an engagement from Allen. A sign, anything to show that he intended to make her his forever. But so far, almost a year since peace had returned, nothing. Not even a comment about marriage. It was like Allen, a knight that feared nothing, feared marriage. Millerna took a step back, looking down to the floor.
"What do you want to do about it?"
Allen finally shifted, his eyes moving to her. "We shall keep silent. She shall be a villager, from Freid."
Millerna's eyes widened.
"You mean lie? To father?"
Allen laughed, "Millerna, please. You have betrayed your country and run from your father once, don't play the good daughter on me now."
Millerna narrowed her eyes,
"That was for a cause! What is this for?"
"To save a friend some pain." Allen looked at Millerna, his eyes imploring, reminding her of a certain king. Millerna glanced away. Yes, she remembered. She didn't need the reminders. Van had not recovered from the loss of Hitomi. Even the fact that she was enjoying life, back at home, didn't seem to make him feel any better. In fact, it almost made it worse. Twice, Millerna had accompanied Allen to Fanelia, and both times, Van had been distant and almost robotic. It pained her to see the once-lively young king, so distant and withdrawn. Yes, it would only add pain if he should find out that another one had shown up. She nodded.
"Yes...yes, I think it is best if we keep it a secret."
Allen nodded.
"It is best."
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~***~
This dress is beautiful...everything in this city is beautiful, including the people.sigh dreamilyAllen Schezar, Knight of Asturia. He's so gallant...if only guys on earth could be sooo dreamy..But... then there's Princess Millerna. She's so beautiful, just like the princesses out of the story books. And, its obvious that she's in love with Allen. Maybe..they're engaged to be married, I mean, wouldn't it be just fitting? Princess and Knight, the perfect couple. Sigh And where does that leave me....stuck in this dream.
~***~
