~***~
Only a week away, the Grand Ball has been on everybody's mind. A constant hum of excitement goes on around the castle, and everything is being decorated to glitter and shine on the night of the Ball. Everyday, more kings and queens and dukes and duchesses arrive here at the palace. I am allowed to go meet them all with Millerna, and it is so interesting to see all of them! All the kings look so handsome and gallant and majestic, the queens are always decked out in beautiful gowns. It would be nice to be a queen....sigh dreamily
One of the oddest little kings I have ever met was the king of Fried! He could not have been older than 7 years old! I could hardly believe that he was a real king! But he was the cutest thing, all blonde haired and blue-eyed, aww...what a sweetie. He came in, followed by his retinue, and despite his small stature and young appearance, he stood proud, and looked every inch the perfect king. He looked me straight in the eye as he passed, and I smiled at him, and then..he smiled back, dimples showing in his cheeks. The baby fat was hardly off him, but he spoke clearly, and his voice rang through the Great Hall, and everyone was hushed with respect. I, myself, was filled with respect, for this little boy who had to bear the weight of an entire kingdom on his shoulders..
~***~
Yukari knelt on the soft grass, the music was playing in the distance. Yet another garden party was being hosted in honour of the royalties that had arrived for the Grand Ball that was only a week away. It seemed that more and more of these little social gatherings were being put forth to entertain and keep the royalties busy. Although not required to attend, Yukari never missed attending, as each experience proved meeting more and more interesting people. Since their initial encounter, Yukari hadn't since seen the young King of Fanelia, Van Fanel. She had kept her eyes open for him though, something about him made something turn within her, something that clicked off an alarm in her mind. She wasn't sure whether it was a good alarm, or a bad one.
Her fingers plucked the little daisies that covered the grass. She had decided to escape the constant flow of dancers that were always present at the social garden parties. Taking a quiet moment for herself, Yukari leaned against a large tree, her eyes travelling far to the distant ocean that bordered the horizon. It had been just past a month, since she had been taken to this other world called Gaea. Yukari often felt guilty that she didnt' feel more homesick for her Earth, for her parents, for her best friend....but, it was odd, for when she looked up in the sky and saw her blue and green planet hanging there, she felt only a dull thud of her heart, something painless, something automatic.
"Hello, you were in the Great Hall when I arrived, what's your name?" A high, sweet voice rang out behind her. Yukari turned, and looked into the large, clear blue eyes. The little King of Fried looked up at her, his expression curious. Yukari was slightly taken back at the innocent expression on the young boy's face, yet something behind the innocence scared her. Something that shone through, that this little boy, despite his age, had seen too much in his young years. It was almost unnatural for someone so young, to bear so much. Yukari smiled,
"I'm Yukari, and you are the King of Fried."
The young boy nodded, his expression somber, and his expression was of one who had lived a great many years. "You may call me Chid." And he looked up at her, and Yukari felt a deep respect for this child who bore his duties so gravely.
"Alright Chid, what are you doing, so far from the festivities?"
Chid strugged, and his expression became that of a young child again. "It was boring, I just watch the dancing, and..." He strugged, trailing off, his eyes wandering to the distant ocean that Yukari had been looking at only moments before. "I love the ocean, its so beautiful, I like swimming a lot you know?" He looked up at her, his blue eyes serious.
Yukari smiled,
"So do I."
"I...can't really swim though." Chid looked down at his feet sadly. Yukari knelt down next to him, almost afraid of getting too close for fear of disrespect.
"I can teach you." Yukari offered. Chid smiled suddenly, and the smile reflected in his entire person.
"Would you?"
"Of course!"
Chid smiled gratefully up at her, and Yukari felt an overwhelming sense of warmth.
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Van, King of Fanelia, drew his long blade. It shimmered in the sunlight. A great pride welled up within him. Pride for his kingdom, a kingdom that had been rebuilt, seemingly almost overnight. Van thought back, it was almost a year ago, a year since that great war had ended and his heart had been broken into two, one half taken by the girl from the Mystic Moon. His eyes wandered briefly up to the shining moon, that even in broad daylight, hung in the sky. He quickly tore his eyes away. Van had learned, the painful way, that it was best just to let go, as quickly as possible. His sword arm hung limp by his side, the tip just barely touching the marble roof of the Asturian castle. A bitter expression crossed his young features. How many nights, had been spent, listlessly staring up at that moon, willing her to come back, just for one second, so that he could tell her, tell her that he loved her? Too many, and as he had been clouded by his grief, a year had passed. No, thought Van, I must be a good king. And he shook his head, his eyes staring at the floor.
"All alone up here?" A voice interrupted his thoughts. Van looked up to see Allen Schezar, arms crossed over his chest, looking thoughtful. Van turned to face him, and shook his head,
"Not anymore." Van smiled at his long-time friend. The Knight and the King had grown close over the past year. Only Allen understood Van's festering love for Hitomi, a love that was in vain. And only Van understood Allen's feelings of honor and valor. Allen nodded and approached Van.
Their eyes rested for a moment, and an agreement passing silently between them. Allen drew his long sword, and Van raised his.
Their swords met in a clash of metal that wrung through the still air. A light sweat broke out on Van's forehead as Allen blocked his thrust, and returned one of his own. Van grunted, his back pressed against a marble pillar as Allen leaned in with his thrust, putting his full weight in the attack. Van shouted something undecipherable, and pushed Allen back. They faced each other, Allen was grinning, Van was catching his breath. The younger longed for the day that he would overcome this knight in battle, so far, it had not happened.
"Argh!" Van shouted, his blade slicing through the air. The metal clashed, the sound loud in the still air. Allen blocked easily, and danced out of the way. Van, seeing an opening, charged, his blade glinting dangerously.
"Ah hah!" Van exclaimed, thinking he finally had the heavenly knight. But in a whirl of golden hair and robes, Allen dodged out of the way, and his sword point was at Van's throat.
"Very good, King of Fanelia, you almost had me this time."
Van shut his eye, taking deep breaths. Then, he grinned up at the knight. His whole face was alight.
"I did, didn't I."
Allen nodded, smiling. Van straightened, and resheathed his long blade. Allen did the same. Van turned, his hands placed on the balcony. They were standing on the palace roof, and the Asturian landscape stretched out for miles on all sides. Van's gaze flickered to the large crowd of dancing couples out on the lawn. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over their dancing forms. His eyes followed the people, the laughing lovers, the giggling ladies, the jovial kings and dukes. Two lone figures caught his eyes. They were apart, seated by a small pond.
"Chid is here." Van commented. Allen nodded, his expression a mask of emotions. It was a secret, that only few knew, that Chid was really Allen's son, the result of a secret love affair with Chid mother, Princess Marlene.
"Yes," Allen finally answered, "I saw him enter. He's quite the young man."
Van nodded in agreement. His eyes traveled from Chid to the figure next to him. It was that strange little lady, Yukari something or other. Something about her, something that he couldn't pinpoint struck a chord within him, something that he couldn't decipher. She was different, she was odd...everything she did, was so, so damn familiar, so similar to the someone else, someone that Van tried not to think about. But her memory came running back to him anyway. An overwhelming sense of nostalgia flooded him. Van's eyes traveled up to the large moon that hung in the sky, and the oh-so familiar wrenching pain within him gripped his heart so suddenly, and so painfully, that Van gasped with it. Oh god, not now, not now, Van thought, struggling to keep his face a mask. Allen heard his friend's choked gasp, and noticed Van's struggling expression to stay calm.
"Van..." Allen reached out his hand.
Van turned his head, ashamed to show his feelings so clearly. A king should be strong, should be firm, not crying. But Van felt the hot tears welling up in his eyes. He shook his head quickly.
"No!" He spoke sharply, "No..I'm fine."
Allen nodded, understanding Van's fierce pride. "Yes, everything is fine..." Allen muttered softly. Van's eyes were shut, and Allen crossed himself again, please, he prayed to the gods, never let me love so deep that I hurt so much. Allen issued the silent prayer to whatever god was out there.
~***~
Chid is a little sweetheart! He's absolutely adorable! But he hates it when I treat him like a little boy, which he is. I sometimes feel so sad for him, I mean...he's just a little kid, who should be having fun, with no responsibilities you know? But..he's gotta run a country! and, I always thought that I had huge responsibilities.....
~***~
Yukari slowly climbed the stairs up to her chambers on the third floor. Her fingers gripped the little chain of daisies that hung around her neck. The chain of daisies that the little king of Fried had made for her. She had spent the afternoon, teaching Chid to weave daisies, and make grass balls. A part of her felt sorry for the young boy-king. How much would he miss out on? Entire years that were meant for fun and play, and carelessness, for Chid, they would never be. Yukari remembered the days when all that mattered was whether she'd get chips for lunch the next day, and what she'd bring for show-and-tell, days when she'd been free and worried about nothing. These things, Chid would never experience.
Yukari entered the antechambers of her bedroom and looked around. It was empty, where was everyone? She sighed and flopped down on a couch. She still couldn't believe this life she was leading. It was so...perfect, almost. Sure there were chores, and everything was so backward...but there was a simpleness to this lifestyle and world, a simpleness that seemed to have become lost in her own world. The outside sky was darkening to a purple, and the sun was low in the sky. She didn't' notice the figure standing in the doorway, watching her.
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Allen watched her, standing in the shadows of the doorway. She hadn't noticed him passing by. The sun glinting off her dark hair caught his eye, as he passed, and he had stopped to just watch her.
Van had decided to retire to his chambers, and Allen felt his heart go out to his friend's pain. Even now, so long after She had left, Van still hurt, and Allen still felt the sorrow so strong off his friend. Thinking about Her, Allen watched Yukari's slight movements as she gazed out the window, and realized how very similar they were. Of course, he thought to himself, they are from the same world. But..it was more than that. It was more than just a similarity..it was an essence within them both. Allen remembered, Hitomi had a light within her, and this Yukari had a light within her too. True, they were different, but both were equally captivating. Allen didn't want to think what would happen if Van found out where Yukari was from.
Yukari turned, and was a little surprised to find a figure standing silently in the doorway. She stood up, and peered into the darkness. Allen quickly stepped into the light. Yukari's face melted into a smile.
"Hello Allen."
Allen nodded an acknowledgment, and approached her. "I noticed you were away from the festivities?"
Yukari nodded, "Yes, I.. met a young boy-king. King Chid of Fried. He was quite charming." She smiled, "like his father perhaps?" Her eyes gazed at him, and Allen froze. How had she known? Most in Asturia didn't know... Allen stared at her, surprise and shame registering on his face at the same time. Yukari looked away, somewhat embarrassed,
"You two look very much alike." She explained.
Allen looked away. "Yes, we do, don't we?" He replied absently, his eyes going far away. Yukari nodded, blushing slightly. Allen shook his head, clearing the memories that haunted him. "Yes...well, come with me for a walk?" He offered his arm. Yukari smiled, looking up at him, her eyes shining. She smoothed out the dress, and took his arm.
Outside, the air was turning chilly. Allen noticed Yukari's slight trembling, and her chattering teeth. He wrapped his cloak around her thin form. She smiled gratefully up at him. They walked slowly, many attendants were about, cleaning up after the dancing and the food. The evening garden lights were on and lit, illuminating the pathway, making eerie shadows on everything. Yukari glanced up at the moon, which was only more prominent in the night-time sky.
"You feel sad?" Allen asked softly. Yukari shook her head slowly, the feeling of homesickness passing almost as quickly as it had come.
"No..I don't. It...looks so peaceful up there, just hanging in the sky. Like a painted picture..sort of."
Allen looked at her strangely, but didn't comment. It was her turn to talk. Yukari sighed.
"Its just that...its hard there."
Allen glanced sideways at her, "Hard?"
Yukari nodded, "Yes, " she laughed, and it sounded harsh, even to her own ears, "very hard indeed. Its, very modern there." She laughed again, lookign at Allen. He always loved hearing about her Earth, about her life. He was always fascinated by the modern technology that she described to him, painted for him in his imagination.
"So I heard." Allen said. Yukari smiled,
"But life here is simple, it is enjoyable."
"I would comment, if I knew life there." Allen said softly. Yukari paused, then stopped, and turned to face the knight.
"Why is it, Allen Schezar, that you are not happy? You continually ask me, if I am happy, yet, you yourself, are not."
"I am happy." Allen said, avoiding her gaze.
"You are not! And, what's more, it is so obvious to me, and to others, that....you should not even bother hiding it!" Yukari exclaimed, her eyes wide, "You should just, tell someone what the hell is making you sad, and perhaps, that would make you feel better than penting it all up inside! Do you have any idea how frustrating and annoying it is to see you there, all absorbed in self-pity!?!" Yukari took a deep breath. Allen was wide-eyed and speechless with surprise.
"Uhhhh.." He faltered. "Umm.." He wasn't sure of what to say.
Yukari blinked, then looked away, looking somewhat surprised herself.
~***~
Oh my god...what did I just do!?! I just yelled at a heavenly knight! He could just freaking run me through with his sword! ....but what's more, I just yelled at the person that has been the kindest, most understanding person that I've ever encountered. He's been nothing but nice since I landed under, even I have to admit, odd circumstances. I mean.....it is hard to accept some person that insists she's from the moon, and he just..accepts it and moves on. I am SO grateful to Allen for everything he's done for me....and I show my thanks by poking my nose into business that probably doesn't even concern me! What right do I have to yell at him?
~***~
"I'm so sorry Allen, really...I really don't have any right..." Yukari mumbled, her face turning a bright shade of red.
"No!...no.." Allen started toward her, a hand placed on her shoulder. "No." He said softly. His hand reached under her chin, and he lifted her face up to look into her eyes. "You have every right. I did not think anyone noticed."
Yukari shook her head ever so slightly, "I noticed." She whispered.
Allen gulped, his heart beating rapidly. What was she doing to him? She had known him only a few weeks, yet...how did she read him so well? Everything within him was so jumbled, how did she know everything he was thinking and feeling? He nodded, now it was him avoiding her gaze. A fear crept into him, a fear that she was reawakening something within him that he had thought lost, and had accepted as lost.
"Ummm..." Allen couldn't remember the last time he had been so at a loss for words. "I just remember, umm..I had to..go, do something..." Allen looked back at the suddenly-inviting privacy of the castle chambers. Yukari nodded,
"yeah, umm, me too." She nodded, backing away slightly. She ran into a rosebush, the thorn pricking her sharply. She felt numb to the pain but she exclaimed anyway. Tumbling backwards, she landed, sprawled on her back, horrified at what had just happened. Allen rushed forward, only to trip over her exposed legs and land practically on top of Yukari. He could not believe his clumsiness, that he, a knight, had tripped. He scrambled to his feet, awkward and struck dumb. He turned two shades of red, only to switch to blue. Breathe, he instructed himself.
"umm.." He turned slightly towards the castle. Her eyes were like two glowing lamps in the darkness, and they regarded him with wide-eyed wonder. "I'm..gonna go..uh..yeah." He stumbled away, shoving the leaves off him as he hurried away, feeling like a complete fool, hating that his image of the perfect heavenly knight had, for the moment, left him, and most of all, confused at the feelings that made his stomach turn circles and his heart beat wildly.
Yukari stared after Allen's stumbling, retreating form. What had just happened?
~***~
What just happened there? I just made a complete fool of myself, god, I'm SUCH an IDIOT! Why did I have to go and trip over that damn bush, god I hate myself! I wish I was more coordinated!, god....what the hell am I thinking!? I'm thinking in circles again, I'm being stupid again!blushing furiously god, I just made a complete ass of myself..I probably should've just kept my huge mouth shut and just walked, probably would've turned out better.
~***~
