Shooting Star Act :4 "All Souls Night"



Light seemed to be all around him, and even inside him. So intense was it's light that he never dared to open his eyes. He could hear the sound of wind rushing past him, but felt non against his bare skin, the mirror always worked like this. The ground seemed to fall from beneath him, but he did not fall, instead he felt as if he were suspended in air. The sensation was amazing. And as quickly as it began, it ended. He felt a faint breeze lift his brown bangs a little and the white light faded and disappeared. Only when he felt his feet touch solid ground did he open his eyes.

The scenes of a green soft forest were replaced by that of a bustling castle hall. Excited voices filled the air, and the next thing Riou knew he was being embraced by many arms and the Bright Shield was awakend by the rush of emotions surrounding it. Riou could actually feel the rune pulse, as if enjoying it and seemed to amplify the feelings almost overwhelming the poor boy. Joy, relief, love, concern, Riou felt them all in one powerful wave, washing over him, threatening to drown him.

Amid the sea of voices and sentiments Riou could hear his name being repeated in many different voices.

"Lord Riou!!!"

"Lord Riou has returned!"

Some voices were different while others he faintly recognized. Finally, the mob seemed to retreat and Riou could get his bearings. He was a little disoriented and the side effects of the Bright shield left him on an emotional high.

He couldn't think straight and as his gaze sweeped around him his first thought was;

"Why are there so many people?"

He looked around and realized he was surrounded on all sides, his entourage having merged with the crowd. And he was alone. The thought unsettled him greatly. The noise suddenly began to die down but the excitement was still clearly felt. And he then realized two people were walking out of the sea of faces toward him.

"Flik, Victor."

Both lords of the mercenaries smiled and greeted him warmly.

"Lord Riou, we're glad you've returned safely." The Blue Lightning said. And his unruly companion clapped him upon the shoulder causing to Riou winced painfully.

"Riou, you gave us a scare there kid! But I knew you'd come through."

The young leader gave him a dismayed look. "I'm sorry Flik, Victor." He looked up to the crowd. "I'm sorry everyone for causing you all to worry about me like that."

"There's no need for that Lord Riou." Came a solomn voice he knew all too well. He looked to the grand stair well to find his strategist Shu, standing there. From behind two smaller figures appeared. Riou recoginized them as Nanami and Pilika.

"Riou?" Nanami asked and looked to meet the eyes of her younger sibling. She blinked clearly unbelieving before dashing forward at a neck breaking pace. People in the crowd dove out of her way or were plowed over and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck hugging him tightly. It took all his strength to keep from falling over.

"Riou, You're all right! I was so worried about you! What happened?! Are you hurt?! Is everyone all right! Don't ever, EVER, go on a mission like that with out your big sister again!" She scolded, Riou couldn't even respond and he felt his cheeks growing hot with embarrassment.

He hugged his sister trying to calm her and hid his face. It was then he felt a small tug at his pant leg. He released his sister and glanced down to find little Pilika silently staring up at him. Though she would not speak, he could clearly read her large innocent brown eyes. She had missed him too. He knelt down and picked up the girl in his arms and hugged her as well.

"See? Even Little Pilika was worried about you too." Nanami said. Riou smiled, his heart happy that so many people were concerned about him. The strategist moved in a cool and calm manner, the people making way for him to pass, till he stood before the young man.

"Your people have awaited your safe return My Lord." Shu bowed curtly.

Riou lowered his head. "I'm sorry Shu, but I.The reconnaissance mission was a complete failure, and it resulted in endangering the entire unit."

"But you should of seen Lord Riou!" Ellie suddenly jumped in once again and from the crowed she reemerged to stand beside her lord. This seemed to spur the rest and they followed suit. The unit stepped forward and stood beside their lord.

Captain of the Red knights, Camus, placed a hand upon Riou's shoulder. "Yes, Lord Riou and sir Gentaro launched an incredible rescue. That is why we are all here unharmed."

Shu raised a brow. "Sir Gentaro?" And the only member still dressed in Highland soldier fatigues stepped forward. Riou set Pilika down and was at Gentaro's side.

"This person was a great help and he aided me during our botched mission." Riou explained. "I was most fortunate to run into him. To return the favor, I agreed that he may come back with us to see his family for a short while."

"I understand. And because he must return to Highland, his identity must stay conceled. That would explain the uniform." Shu surmised. "We thank you Gentaro for assisting our lord. Words cannot express our gratitude."

The silent guard only bowed lowly. Shu eyed him suspiciously and Riou swallowed nervously. But the strategist turned away from Gentaro to regard Riou.

"You all must be very exsuasted. Please rest up for today. Lord Miklitove, Lord Camus, I will be expecting a full report from you." Shu ordered. Both Captains snapped to attention and formally bowed.

"Yes sir." They said in unison, and that seem to end it. People once again spoke excitedly, and stars tried to speak with their lord, while others gave their thanks to the ever silent Gentaro. But as always, Nanami would come to the rescue shooing people away insisting that they were smothering him and could speak to Riou later. This drew enough attention away for him to make his escape. In the process he found little Pilika still near and picked her up.

She clung to his neck and buried her face in his yellow scarf as if hoping that all the people would just leave. He smiled kindly.

"I know how you feel." He said softly so only she could hear. "Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of leaving you behind." His gaze roamed around the room quickly, till he found the person of his search. Riou literally fought his way over to where Gentaro was, and took his hand.

"Sorry guys, but I need to speak with Gentaro for a second." He quickly apologized to the group and pulled the mobbed soldier through. "C'mon, Nanami can't hold them off forever." He told Gentaro. With Pilika in hand, they made their way up the grand stair well passing the Stone Keeper Luc, who didn't even pay them notice. "This way," And Riou led Gentaro over to the elevator shutting the door behind them. "Safe." He declared leaning against the elevator wall as it asended.

Gentaro looked slightly winded haunched over hands on knees. "My goodness, that felt as if we were escaping Highland all over again." The guard managed. He looked up to Riou then. "Do you always recive such a home coming?" He asked. Riou chuckled. "No, we don't wreck missions often." At this, the soft ping of a bell sounded, annouceing the arrival at the desired floor, and the door opend. "We're here, we shouldn't be bothered now." Riou said. And he led them out and into a room. It seemed to be some what of a common area, with a wooden table set in the middle. There was another hall that led to a door on the left, but Riou indicated to a door at the right atop a short flight of stairs. This led to a grand room, bigger than the common room outside. While not as expensive and flashy as the Highland palace rooms, It still had a certain natural elegance to it. Riou set pilika down, and the child ran to a chair set next to the window. Upon the chair was a teddy bear, obviously belonging to the girl. Riou smiled watching her. "Pilika, I didn't forget about Kuma, you left him here. I thought you'd miss him too." He turned to Gentaro then.

"It's safe here, no need to worry, you can take off your helmet now, Jillia."

Gentaro reached up and finally removed her helmet, long locks of raven black hair tumbled from beneath. And the Queen took in a deep breath. And she smiled at Riou gratefully.

"I did not believe that this was ever going to work. I still cannot believe it did."

"I can't either." Riou admitted. "But I'm impressed, you are quite the actor Jillia. Nobody suspected anything. You were a natural."

Jillia's emerald eyes went wide and a red blush spread across her cheeks, she turned away embarrassed by the praise.

"Lord Riou, you are too kind. Thank you." She bowed her head slightly.

Riou held up his hands defensivly. "Please Jillia, just Riou. You make me feel old or something. I mean, I'm not even old enough to drink!" Riou insisted. Jillia found this quite funny and tried to stifle a laugh, Riou couldn't help but join in. After the laughter subsided, Riou walked to the door. "Wait here Jillia, I'll be right back, but please make yourself at home. Pilika," Riou called the little girl and he held out a hand, the little girl immediately understood, her small hand holding on to his. Riou walked out speaking to the little girl, "I'll need your help with a few things Pilika.." And the door was shut, and Jillia was alone.

Jillia walked to the wide window and looked out, very much in the same manner Riou had. The view was much different than that of Highland. She could see and feel it. White buildings boasting of the wealth and power of Highland, replaced by simple shops and houses. People could faintly be seen living out their lives. Kids ran with a rather large white dog. Certainly the atmosphere was different as well, Cold walls were replaced with a warmth as if the caslte wasn't a castle at all, but a home. The feeling was unexpected. Actually, she didn't know what to expect. All she had known was Highland, Highland ways, Highland life. She read much and often of other cultures, mingled amoung the people but nothing could prepare her for the real thing.

It was different. She had been preparing herself the moment Riou had agreed to take her along. Allowed her mind to be open, thought that she was ready, but nothing prepared her for how it would feel.

She was a little scared, true, but she was also very excited. Jillia felt as if she could do anything now. The thought made her heart race. She didn't understand.

"Am I.Free?" She said softly. A delicate hand rested against the clear glass over lapping a far stretching horizon.

Is this what freedom felt like? Real freedom? She wondered and thought back over the events of the day. Planning the escape with Riou, most of the ideas was what she came up with. Their escape, as she helped his companions escape the feeling that she felt as they were grateful, or when she rode along side them, as they escaped from the castle. Forcing the horse to run as fast as it could, it was her first time riding in such a manner as she was always taught to ride side saddle. Most proper for a lady. From the moment she donned the Soldier uniform, she felt as if she belonged. And that's when her thoughts wandered back to the conversation between her and Riou.

"That is why you'll never understand him Queen Jillia. Jowy's world is not the same as yours. Perhaps it was at one time. And sometimes I think he really didn't belong there. So he came to mine."

That was what he had said wasn't it?

"Then could it be possible for me as well?" Jillia thought aloud. She lowered her hand to rest over her heart. It raced and she felt that feeling she occasionally felt when she thought like this. It was as if something that had always exsisted with in her was awakend. And she loved, and feared this feeling, but wanted to know more. Her emerald eyes grew reflective as she continued to watch people far below, just like she had when she lived in Highland's great palace. Only now, she could join them, and share their lives.

The sound of a soft knock stopped her thoughts in that instant and she turned away wishing she could sit there a little longer, think a little longer. She stood resuming a delicate pose with her hands clasped together, forgetting entirely where she was.

"Y, yes?" She asked. And she stopped herself, then. "Lord Riou?" She began again. The door eased open and the youth poked his head through. She walked over opening the door more for him. "Lord Riou, why do you knock at your own door? This is your room is it not?"

Riou walked in with a bundle in his hands. Pilika stepped in behind him with something in her little arms as well.

"Well it is when I'm in it. But since you're in it, it's your room." He answered. Jillia turned abruptly and regarded him with a shocked expression. Had she heard him right? But before she could open her mouth to speak, he offered her the little bundle in his hands.

"Here, change into these." She took the bundle and held it out in front of her, it unfolded into a soft long crème dress, the sleeves were short and a little puffy. Near the bottom was small golden patters complimenting the dress. It wasn't at all like any of the dresses she's ever wore, this one was simple, but graceful.

"Lord R, I mean Riou, it's beautiful." She said catching herself. Riou smiled pleased.

"It belongs to my sister Nanami. She never wears it though, so I borrowed it for you. Pilika here actually picked it out, she has great taste. She knew it would look nice on you." A hand reached over to pat the girl upon the head affectionately. The little girl dressed in pink looked to her wearily before holding up the leather article of clothing she held. Jillia knelt and received it.

"Thank you sweetie." She said, and Pilika immeadietly with drew hiding behind Riou's leg.

"Pilika, don't be scared, this is Jillia, she's a nice lady." Riou assured her trying to coax her out of hiding. But the little girl held onto his red shirt tail and buried her face in the back of his leg. Riou stopped and looked to Jillia apologetically. "Sorry Jillia, she doesn't like strangers."

"It's quite all right Riou, really. I am a stranger after all."

Riou looked at her with an unreadable expression and said "Perhaps you are." But he didn't bother to explain his comment. He smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile, and some how she seemed to understand.

You are a stranger even to yourself. How can you hope to understand the man you love if you don't even understand yourself?

Riou gently tugged at Pilika's shoulder and the girl released his leg and he picked her up once more. "You should change." With that he and Pilika once more left the room closing the door behind.

Yes, perhaps it's time for a change. The door opend slowly and Jillia stepped out, Riou and Pilika were sitting at the table in the middle of the room, and both turned to look at her. She walked a little way, her bare foot made no noise as she walked out. Riou nodded his approval and stood.

"It's just as Pilika said, you look beautiful in it." He complimented. Jillia turned modeling it for him.

"Thank you, but are you sure it is okay?"

"Nanami won't mind." Riou said "She's a tomboy." He walked back to the table and picked up something from underneath. He walked back to Jillia and set the shoes down before her. "I hope you don't mind, but our castle doesn't sell any ladies shoes, but these should be very comfterbal though." Jillia hesitantly slipped her foot in and Riou said they were new. True to his word she found the boots to be very snug. Very different to the delicate heels and slippers she wore. She walked around the room and even did a hop, skip and a jump, before turning back to Riou and Pilika with a childish grin upon her face. For the first time, she didn't need to worry about being lady like or proper. It was such an alien feeling, but it was something she could get used to.

"These are wonderful, thank you Riou." She said grateful.

The boy crossed his arms obviously pleased with his handy work. "Don't think anything of it. Now you look like one of us. So how does it feel Jillia? Being abducted by the evil rebel army? Are you still scared?" He asked.

Jillia sat herself at the table and he did the same. "Actually, I found it quite fun, like one of those adventurous novels I read as a child. I used to pretend and take parts of the good guys and bad guys. It made my nanny crazy." Jillia laughed. Riou grinned.

"That would explain the good acting bit." Riou said.

Jillia tucked a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear, smiling shyly. "Yes. I would act out scenes all the time, I even tried to get my gardener to tie me up so I could try to escape.." She trailed off noticing that Riou seemed suddenly distracted, a far away gaze in his eyes. Jillia had seen that look before, in Jowy so many times. It meant that he wasn't listening anymore and was seeing something that was only in his mind, a memory. But as soon as she stopped talking he refoucused on her, a warm smile on his lips.

" I could not read when I was young. We could not afford such schooling. So Jowy used to read to me and my sister." Riou openly admitted. " We always pretended we were great explorers, traveling the world looking for treasure, discovering new lands. I do recall that was how I ended up getting lost in the back woods."

Jillia leaned forward resting her elbows on the table, clearly interested. "You and Lord Jowy go quite a way back."

Riou's eyes seem to cloud slightly and he said shortly; "yeah, we did."

There was a soft whimper and the little girl dressed in pink tugged at Riou's shirt and he leaned over and sat the girl in his lap strong arms holding her gently.

"Don't worry Pilika, I know, I know, but verything will be all right I promise." He cooed gently as he stroked her hair. Jillia watched Riou intently, dispelling all illusions and rumors she had heard about Lord Riou back at the palace.

The man that would dare to stand against the Highland forces, that conqured and was feared by many, was only this kind and gentle boy. It was amazing that one so young could hold so much power, and the one thing that was stronger than his power was his kindheartedness. It was no wonder why these people and the stars embraced and swore alligence to him.

After a while of silence, Jillia asked; "Is the child yours?" Riou's eyes went wide.

"N, no, It's not like that." He said quickly. "Pilika is the sole survivor of a villiage that was destroyed by Luca Blight." Riou frowned thoughtfully as if wondering how he should continue with out offending Jillia.

"It's all right, Riou, it should be clear by now, that we share the same feelings about my older brother." Jillia said softly, watching the little girl begin to fall asleep.

Once again Riou smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile. "She had no other family, so Jowy adopted her. And because he isn't around anymore, I feel it is my job as her 'uncle' to protect her. But I love her like she's my own little sister. Maybe Jowy felt the same."

Jillia swallowed heavily unsure of what to say next. She wanted to offer her sympathy, but it seemed a little too late now. "You three are kindred spirits. She is strong just like you and my husband." She hesitated feeling that 'husband' was the wrong word for him in this conversation. "Just like you and Jowy." Jillia restated. "All orphaned by this meaningless war."

"And unwanted." Riou added softly, too softly that Jillia thought he hadn't ment to say it aloud. But he smiled and said; "We four are all kindred spirits."

The queen looked to Riou and found him staring at her quite intently. And for some stupid reason that made her want to cry.

Because he's listening to me, because he understands me.

She choked back the tears, and turned to look at the window behind them. The sun was setting, and evening shadows grew, spreading across the land. The castle began to take on a glow of it's own as it's residents prepared for the encroaching darkness with lighted torches. The Queen and Leader continued to speak attentively about many things, their lives, and the times that were upon them.

And Jillia enjoyed it, this companion ship she shared with Riou. It wasn't suffocating, nor was it a put-on. Riou spoke with his heart, and Jillia was happy for this simple fact. During their conversation Nanami stepped in. She was pretty surprised to find her little brother with a girl. At that point, Riou had to interrupt before she assumed too much, he introduced Jillia as Rosa. Nanami and Jillia spoke briefly before the tomboy decided to leave the two 'alone'.

"Wait Nanami, where will you go? It's already late." Riou asked his quickly retreating sister. To which, the young girl smiled in a very mischevious manner.

"Hey, Riou I'm a big girl I can take care of myself." Jillia watched as she leaned over and whispered non too softly. "Don't be so dense!" She straightend up and gave Jillia a winning smile, while Riou blushed profusely. Nanami made her way to the door but stopped there and added; "If you two aren't going to be TOO busy tonight, there's a small celebration in the town square."

"A celebration? What's the occasion?"

"Think of it as a home coming party." With that she left shutting the door gently behind her. The two sat there alone Riou still blushing and Jillia pondering.

"Your sisiter is a very nice." Jillia said after a while. "I wish I had as much energy."

"I like you just the way you are." Riou said just a little too quickly. A second later the thought finally registered. "Ah, ah, I mean, I think the way you are is fine." Riou stuttered blush returning to his face.

"Riou, it's okay. Thank you." Jillia said meekly. "It means a lot to me. Really." She couldn't believe Riou had said what he did. But did he mean it? Riou wansn't the type of person to lie, that much was clear.

A yawn from Pilika broke the uncomfterbal silence between the two, and reminded Riou of her precense. The young leader glanced to the little girl he still had cradled in his arms. Soon Pilika's tired eyes opend slowly to meet Riou's.

"I'm sorry Pilika, I woke you didn't I?" He said standing up. "It's way past your bed time." He turned to Jillia sheepishly. "Ah, Please excuse me Jillia, but I need to do this. I'll be just a moment."

But Jillia stood with him, "No, it's fine, but may I accompany you?" At this request, a gentle smile broke upon his face.

"The pleasure would be mine."

Jillia followed Riou down the hall to a room that was not as big nor as grand as Riou's room. Two twin beds sat, neatly made, quite a contrast to the dark shadows of various weapons hung from the walls, and there were a few things stewrn upon the ground. But Riou was careful and he did not stumble in the dimly lit room. Moon light from an outside window spilled to burn trackless upon the floor. Jillia stood at the door, head leaned against the frame. His form rocked back and forth, head lowered just bearly touching pilika's forehead. Soon to her surprise she could hear a soft song, hummed in a tender tune. some how, the song sounded strange and yet familiar at the same time. Where had she heard it before? Jillia stood a moment longer before deciding in her mind that she saw what she wanted to see. The Queen turned and left the surrogate 'uncle' and little child to be alone.

Rays from the moon poured in through the windows and filled the dark common room. But it was a faint warm glow that came from out side that drew the girl to the window. She peered out to see the scource of the glow.

"It's a bon fire."

She turned quickly to find Riou standing behind her.

"Yes. It must be the one that Miss Nanami was talking about." Jillia said moving aside. Riou stood beside her and saw the large fire buring in the middle of the town square. Forms were seen and their shadows were casted against the buildings, dancing upon the walls. Voices and music were carried upon the wind and were pleasing to Jillia's ears. They were a beautiful music and the faint beating of the drums seemed to kindle a certain yearning in her heart that had been there for quite some time.

"Do you want to join them?"

Jillia looked to find Riou already watching her. His dark hazel eyes seemingly taking on a soft glow.

"Yes, ah, I mean, if it is alright, just to watch.." Jillia was having a hard time forming the words with out sounding too unlady like. But it was very difficult trying to speak what was on her mind, for it was unthinkable.

Riou was giving her an uncertain look, and she bit her lower lip as she looked away.

"I wish to."

"Take part?" Riou suddenly finished for her, and Jillia felt her heart skip a beat. Riou placed a gloved hand over hers. And emerald eyes looked hopefully into soft dark eyes. A boyish grin was upon his face. "Queen Jillia, if you wanted to join in, you need but to ask." He said in a gentlemanly manner. And with his hand still over hers, he led her out of the dark room, and in a short while, they were on ground floor. Though night had decended, voices and excitement were in the air, and numerous people walked about. The music was much more louder and the base thrummed with in her own body. Warm spices hung in the air as various food was brought from the castle's kitchen to the gathering of the occasion. Jillia even saw circus performers! On ground level, the bonfire was considerably larger, it's flames leaped reaching heaven wards, lighting the sky making it seem as if it were day. The singing got louder, the laughter deafeningly, the music more commanding, and soon Jillia felt as if she were at the heart of the music. Riou weaved through the crowds of people. He stopped at the edge, where the crowds of spectators stopped and where the dancers began. Jillia had never been so close to such a spectacle. Of course she had participated in many a royal ball, but those held no interest to her. The music too droll and the dance too controlled. But here, people danced, jumped and spun as if under a trance. And she felt herself also being drawn in as she stared.

"Well?" Riou's voice broke the trance.

"Well?" Jillia repeated not understanding. Riou laughed and gently tugged at her arm pulling her from the crowds into the moving mass. It was strange and Jillia felt a little awkward, but the music soon changed that, and with a little help from Riou, she soon found her rhythm, dancing along with the others. That wonderful feeling soon returned running through her veins and filled her with energy and spirit she never felt before. When she danced she felt as if she were about to cry or laugh. And she felt like she could do anything and everything she wanted. That every single wish she had could come true, or that they already had.



***

Riou danced with Jillia, and watched as an amazing transformation happened right before his eyes. Under the music's spell, Jillia began to dance, but her movements became less rigid and more fluent, and a once shy girl turned into a confidant and radiant woman. Her face glowed with such life, far different than before, sillouetted against the fire, she seemed like one of the gypsies. Skirt whisking everywhich way, and slender arms weaving an invisible spell. Jet black hair flowed behind gracefully. So close, that Riou almost wanted to reach out and run his fingers through it's delicate strands, just to see what it felt like. But he was afraid that doing so might break the trance, or that she would disappear like the apparitions in his dreams. He did begin to wonder that if this was all real as well.

Jillia had a wild soul and her heart was born free. He knew for a certainty then, that they were truly kindred spirits. Laughter surrounded the two and just for a moment, he forgot everything, the war, the sorrow, the pain, and only he, Jillia and the music exsisted. The fire continued to burn brightly into the night as figures danced around and around.