Tenshi: Hey people! Wow! I'm on Chapter 3! But I wouldn't have been able to write this without the help of the reviewers! I easily get encouraged and really hard to discourage. Hehe…I'd like to give a special thanks to my friend sapphi-chan for reviewing me. She's always been there for me. She is after all my adopted classmate. Anyways, since you asked for it, actually, The Shadow Trio did, here's the continuation to Tender Twist. Enjoy reading and please review! Thanks! ^^
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Disclaimer: I do not and will never own Threads of Fate. Squaresoft owns it and I can only wish that I did. I also do not own the song "Makin My Way." The song came from the 1st Pokemon Movie soundtrack and so, Billie owns it, along with the compiler of the songs for the soundtrack of the movie.
Pairing: Mint and Rue
Genre: Romance/Angst
Rating: PG - 13
Summary: Mint's fiery attitude and her heart's resolute will give her the strength to be invincible.
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"words"
thoughts
lyrics
(AN)
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~Unstoppable~
Written by: The Angel of Death, Tenshi Takai
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(Nothing's going to stop me this time)
Been on the losing side
This time I'll turn the tide
This I won't give up
No baby
"But dad, that's totally unfair! You never said that the person I had to pick had to be a prince. I mean, who cares anyways. I bet Rue'd make a better king than all of those snobs combined!" Mint protested to her dad.
Mint's dad was out for a walk in the garden when he found Mint and Rue in an awkward position. Rue was sitting on Mint's lap still tickling her while Mint was on her back, laughing and trying to stop Rue from tickling her. Mint's dad got infuriated with the scene in front of him that he immediately called for Mint for a meeting.
"You have no idea where he came from Mint. Who knows what he really wants from you? I only want what's best for you and the kingdom," Mint's dad said calmly.
"I know that dad! But he's my best friend. I may not exactly know where he came from but I know that his intentions are good. He always has had good intentions," Mint said slowly.
"But he just might be bad. You said it yourself. You don't know where he came from. He might have been putting up a front because he knows you're a princess," Mint's dad said.
"I already told you that he's not bad. He's saved me many times and he treated me like an equal even when he knew I was a princess. He loves me. He'll take care of me and the kingdom. I trust him fully," Mint said sitting down.
"How do you know that for sure?" Mint's father said.
"I know so," Mint said.
"Can you prove it?" Mint's father challenged.
This time I'm in control
I want the whole world to know
Ain't nothing to slow me down this time
This weird faith is on my side
And I'm giving it all I've got
Count every step straight to the top
"I can prove that. No. Together, we'll prove it," Mint said firmly.
"We'll see about that. You are dismissed for now," Mint's father said.
"We'll be waiting," Mint said smirking, leaving the room.
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"Mint! Why don't you just do what your father tells you? I care about you and I don't want to see you get hurt with whatever your dad will dish out. Mint I…" Rue said trailing off.
Mint had just told Rue what she and her dad had talked about and Rue was scared about Mint's well-being. Rue couldn't help but worry about the princess that he had realized he loved all this time.
"I can take it. Don't worry. And besides, I love you too much to give you up," Mint said smiling at Rue.
Rue looked at Mint and felt reassured by her bright smile.
"All right. I'll trust you. You seem pretty confident," Rue said smiling back at Mint.
Mint draped her arms around Rue's neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you," Mint whispered burying her head in Rue's chest.
"Anything for you, my angel," Rue said wrapping his arms around Mint's waist.
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"I've decided Mint that we'll have a contest. Whoever can defeat this Rue fellow will be your king. If no one can defeat him then he'll be your king. The contest shall consist of three parts in which throughout the first 2 rounds, you are allowed to help him. During the last round though, you must back off and let Rue take care of himself," Mint's dad said relaying his plan to Mint in a meeting along with Rue.
Mint looked at Rue who looked back at Mint with a worried expression on his face.
"What do you think Rue?" Mint asked coolly.
"If it's all right with you, then I have no objections," Rue said, biting his lip after.
"All right then! It's a deal dad," Mint said brightly.
Rue looked at Mint's dad nervously as a smirk appeared on his lips.
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And if the river's too wide I'll get
through it
And if the mountain's too high,
That won't stop this dream of mine
I'm on my way, I've got a plan
I'm making my way anyway that I can
"Mint, what if I don't pass your dad's test?" Rue asked, his voice shaking.
"I know you'll pass it. Anyways, I'm sure the last one will be a tournament. You're sure to pass that one," Mint said grinning. "I'll be ashamed if you don't!" Mint continued with a slight laugh.
"I'm still scared Mint. I don't want to lose you," Rue said, his eyes glazed over.
Mint looked at Rue and her eyes softened as Rue looked at her.
"You won't lose me. I won't allow it," Mint said walking over to Rue and hugging him. "Don't you worry, ok? I'll be by your side the whole time," Mint said.
"Thank you Mint," Rue said kissing Mint on the forehead.
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"What do you think Maya?" Mint asked her younger sister. "Do you have any ideas?" Mint asked.
"Mint decided to go talk to Maya for some advice about her predicament.
"Sister dearest, the only way dad will approve of him is through this contest. Rue has to win it. Or, if you are willing to give up your position for queen which I know you will never do, then he might just agree to your wedding," Maya said, putting a bit of emphasis on the word might.
"So that means we're stuck, right?" Mint asked.
"Technically, yes. But why don't you try asking everyone else for help? I'm sure they'd help you out and this way, you can train Rue and be sure that he doesn't lose," Maya said.
"Ok. I'll ask Rod, Belle and Duke if they'd be willing to help train Rue. Thanks Maya," Mint said.
"You're welcome. I'll try my best to find out what dad is planning. Just ask for help if you need it, ok?" Maya said smiling at her sister.
"Sure! Thanks! I got to go! See you later Maya!" Mint said running out of Maya's room.
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So many times I've played
In someone else's game
This time the game is changed
Oh baby
"Of course I'll help you out Mint! I'll do anything for a person who has heart!" Rod said smiling at the princess in front of him.
"Sure we'll help you out Mint. We'd get you off our back if you're tied down," Belle said with a smirk.
"Thanks Rod and don't bet on that Belle," Mint said smiling.
"But I really don't see the reason why you still want our help. You can train Rue all by yourself," Duke said then receiving a big smack on the head from Belle.
"Are you saying we can't do anything to help?" Belle asked Duke forcefully.
"Of course not milady," Duke said looking down with a hand behind his head.
"Good," Belle said smiling causing Duke to blush as he looked up.
"Now Mint, we'll need to get our equipment first so you wait for us. Maybe we can start training Rue tomorrow," Rod said.
"I agree. You be the one to train him for now. We'll ask Klaus if there's anything they can do to help," Belle said.
"Thanks guys! See you later then!" Mint said leaving the room.
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"Mint! I've got it! I found out what's going to happen in dad's contest!" Maya said as she entered Mint's room and sat on the bed.
"Really? You're the best Maya! So? What is it?" Mint said sitting down on the bed.
"The first one is a treasure hunt. Dad's going to send you and the other contestants to an island where he is going to hide important treasures for you to find. Whoever finds the assigned treasure first, they win the round," Maya said smiling.
"That would be easy seeing as both of us has had experience before," Mint contemplated.
"Exactly. The second one is incorporated because it tests the endurance and strength of the competitor. On the island will be tons of beasts that you have to beat and a main beast before you can get to the assigned item," Maya said.
"Piece of cake!" Mint said, her smile growing.
"The third one is a contest between the top 10 challengers. It's a one-on-one," Maya said.
"I knew it! But that's no problem for Rue. He has defeated Valen," Mint said proudly.
This time I make the rules
I won't be nobody's fool
Ain't no one can hold me down this time
This one's gonna be mine
There's a brand new strength I've found
Ain't looking back, ain't backing up
"Now, Rue has to win all three rounds for dad to accept him. If any prince wins at least one round then it's goodbye Rue," Maya said.
"That's unfair! Why doesn't he give Rue the same conditions or at least give the same conditions to all the princes," Mint whined.
"The thing is you can help Rue on the first two rounds. Anyone can help any contestant. Same rule for all the princes. Last round as I've said is a one-on-one without any rules on combating. Any style and manner is all right," Maya said.
"I'm sure Klaus can help and I believe Rue can pass the last test," Mint said.
"The good thing here is the contest will be held in two weeks. That should give you enough time to train Rue," Maya said smiling at Mint.
"Thanks a lot Maya! You've been a great help!" Mint said hugging Maya.
"You're welcome Mint," Maya said hugging her sister back.
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"I've found us some help Rue! You're a sure winner now!" Mint said happily to Rue.
"Mint I…I'm sorry. I've…I've decided to back out. I don't want you to get hurt. Please just look for a prince who'll love you more than I do," Rue said refusing to look at Mint.
"What are you talking about Rue? You already said that you agree to this. Why are you changing your mind?" Mint asked nervously.
"It's just that, I don't want to risk you getting hurt. I know you can find someone better that me. I feel like a nobody compared to a prince," Rue said turning his head away from Mint.
"I told you! Rue, I don't want to lose you. I don't care about all those other princes. They're jerks! You'll be hurting me by leaving me," Mint said softly.
Rue kept silent and kept his eyes away from Mint. Mint looked at Rue as a few stray tears found their way down her cheeks. Mint turned around and let her tears flow.
"I understand Rue. I'm sorry. I'm sure you have a very good reason for backing out. I'll leave now," Mint said running out of Rue's room.
Mint stayed outside the door of Rue's room and leaned on it.
"I won't lose you Rue. I'll think of someway to get you back. I won't let anyone tell me what to do," Mint said determinedly.
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And if the river's too wide I'll get
through it
And if the mountain's too high,
That won't stop this dream of mine
I'm on my way, I've got a plan
I'm making my way anyway that I can
"Ok dad! I know you talked Rue into backing out of the contest! Do you think that can stop me? Well, you've got another thing coming," Mint said to her dad as they held another meeting.
"I don't know what you're talking about Mint. And if I did, what can you do about it? That boy has got very low spirit," Mint's father said innocently.
"I'm joining the contest. If I win, I get to pick the king," Mint said steadfastly.
"And if you lose?" Mint's dad asked.
"What makes you think I'll lose?" Mint said cockily.
"You'll marry whoever wins the contest if you lose. Got that? Rue's conditions will apply to you," Mint's father said.
"No problem. Just get the nurses ready. The other contestants will need to get help after I'm done with them," Mint said walking out the room confidently.
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"Hello Mint. I heard what just happened. I talked with Rue and I think I got him to change his mind. But I think you should do something just in case he doesn't change his mind. I know he loves you though. Maybe he's just scared to embarrass you," Claire said as Mint reached her room.
"Thanks a lot Claire," Mint said smiling at the older girl in front of her.
"No problem Mint. Besides, I can tell that Rue didn't want to do what he just did," Claire said.
"I don't know. I feel like he doesn't really love me. He gives up so easily," Mint said.
"He's just like that when he's intimidated," Claire said.
"But he wasn't like that when he was looking for you. He never gave up," Mint said.
"It was because you were always there for him, encouraging him to go on. So, don't give up on him," Claire said smiling.
"Thanks Claire. I really appreciate the help you're giving me," Mint said.
"So, have you decided what to do about Rue?" Claire asked.
"I'm joining the contest so I can pick who I'll marry," Mint said.
"That's good," Claire said, her smile seeming to have a hidden meaning behind it. "Well, I've got to leave. I heard Rod's back and he's brought tons of weapons," Claire said standing up.
"Thanks again Claire," Mint said sitting down on her bed.
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This time around
I'll stand my ground, I'll live my dreams
I realize the power lies deep in me
(Nothing's going to stop me this time
I'm on my way)
Yeah
"Thanks for helping me out Belle. You too Duke. I need as much help as I can for the contest," Mint said.
"No problem Mint," Belle said grinning.
"I'm wondering why Rod couldn't come and help me train too," Mint said.
"I'm sure he has some things he has to take care of. Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be able to help you tomorrow," Duke said smiling.
"I'm scared though. What if I lose? I don't want to marry just anyone," Mint said.
"Don't you worry Mint! We're sure you won't lose!" Belle said.
"But milady isn't…" Duke started but stopped as Belle gave him a smack on the head.
"Yes and don't say anything! You'll be giving too much away," Belle said.
"What are you too talking about?" Mint asked.
"Nothing!" the other two said simultaneously.
"Right. I'll believe that for now," Mint said slowly.
"We got to go. You keep on practicing ok?" Belle said dragging Duke along with her.
"Sure! Bye!" Mint said smiling.
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"Darn it! Why isn't anyone available to help me practice?" Mint asked annoyed that no one was there to train her.
Mint sat down and looked out the window.
"Ah! Heck! I'll train alone!" Mint said standing up and walking to her balcony.
Mint jumped out of the balcony and landed on the ground with ease. Mint walked to her favorite place never forgetting to look around if there were any people who could see where she was going. Once she reached her place, she took another turn and touched the part of a wall. An opening appeared and Mint went inside. Inside was a small ruin like place and a ball of fire was directed at Mint. Mint immediately jumped out of the way and did a jump kick.
"Much better!" Mint said smirking.
After a while, more monsters came out and Mint killed each of them.
"This is getting boring," Mint said hacking another monster dead.
Mint continued walking through the ruins and killed more monsters along the way. She stopped as she reached a place where there was a small portal like hole. Mint jumped in and she appeared behind a bush near the fountain in her garden.
"Ah! I love training!" Mint exclaimed twirling.
"Princess!" Mint heard someone call.
"Darn. I'm being called again," Mint complained looking at the sky.
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Been on the losing side
This time I'll turn the tide
This time I won't give up
I want the whole world to know
(Ain't nothing to slow me down this time)
This weird faith is on my side
And I'm giving it all I've got
Yeah, baby
Count every step straight to the top
"Mint, why don't you just back down from the contest?" Mint's father asked her as she was in another meeting once again.
"I already said that I'll join. You can't stop me," Mint said grinning.
"But Mint, a lot of the princes that will be joining are charming and kind. Why can't you just pick from them?" Mint's father asked.
"I've made up my mind," Mint said looking up.
"You are just like your mom," Mint's father said in thought.
"I'll take that as a compliment. I'm still joining," Mint said.
"Yes. Just like your mother. Stubborn," Mint's father said.
"If that's all you wanted, dad, I'm leaving," Mint said standing up.
Mint's father didn't say anything but just gave a nod. Mint smiled and left the room.
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"Hey Mint. Can I talk to you? I won't take long. I promise," Rue said as he poked his head inside Mint's room after knocking.
"Sure! C'mon in," Mint said smiling.
Rue opened the door and he bit his lip as he went inside. He stood in front of Mint.
"Um…Mint, I'm really sorry I won't join. Please don't think it's because I don't love you because I do," Rue said looking down at his feet.
"Heck! I'm ok. I'll live," Mint said with a small smile.
"I heard you'll be joining the contest," Rue said.
"Yup! Thing is, I have the same conditions you're supposed to have," Mint said.
"It's ok. I won't be able to help you out or watch you though," Rue said.
"I thought you didn't want me to get hurt? Isn't that the reason why you backed out of the contest?" Mint asked Rue who was obviously stunned by the question.
"I…um…I know you're really stubborn and I won't be able to stop you. Everybody says so. So, I…gave up," Rue said.
"Well, why can't you watch?" Mint asked.
"I have something important to do," Rue said with a smile.
"More important than me?" Mint asked with a pout.
"Nothing's more important than you, remember that," Rue said, putting his hand on Mint's shoulder.
"Alright," Mint whispered.
"I got to go Mint. Good luck on the contest, ok?" Rue said.
Mint nodded and just looked down sadly until she heard the door to her room close.
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And if the river's too wide I'll get through it
And if the mountain's too high,
That won't stop this dream of mine
I'm on my way, I've got a plan
I'm making my way anyway that I can
"Hello princess Mint. Good luck on the contest," Claire said to Mint as she was on her way to docking the boat on the way to the island.
"Thanks Claire. By the way, have you seen Rue?" Mint asked.
"Umm…he said he had to go but he told me to tell you good luck and take care," Claire said with a smile.
"Thanks," Mint said again.
"Hey Mint! Let's go?" Belle asked.
"Alright! Be there in a sec!" Mint shouted back.
"I'm sorry I can't help you out Mint," Klaus said.
"It's ok. I have Maya helping me," Mint said smiling.
"I'm sorry I can't come with you too," Rod said.
"It's ok. Belle and Duke are helping me. Just make sure you watch us, ok?" Mint said the last part in a threatening voice.
"Will do," Rod said.
"Good luck Mint," Mira said to Mint.
"Thanks Mira. Take care of your family that they don't get lost in the kingdom, all right?" Mint said.
"Don't worry about us," Mira said smiling.
"Well, I got to go. My team's boat is leaving," Mint said boarding the ship.
"Good luck!" everybody shouted simultaneously.
"Thanks! Take care everyone!" Mint shouted back.
"So Mint, feeling nervous?" Maya asked.
"Nope! I feel fine!" Mint said twirling to show her enthusiasm.
"That's great," Maya said.
"I hear someone mysterious joined at the last minute and didn't want his name to be announced. Sounds like he's pretty good too. We might have some tough competition," Duke said.
"Whatever! I'm going to take all of them down!" Mint said jump kicking nowhere in particular.
"That's the spirit Mint!" Belle said.
"I just hope Rue's going to be alright. Whatever he's taking care of," Mint whispered.
"Don't worry about him. We're sure he's going to be all right," Belle said, a small smirk gracing her lips.
"Milady's right. He's going to be fine," Duke said looking up at the sky.
"I agree," Maya said.
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(I'm on my way) I'll get through it
(I'm on my way)
(I'm on my way) Stop this dream of mine
(I'm on my way) I've got a plan
(I'm on my way) Baby I can
(I'm on my way)
"We're here! At last! I hate boat rides! They take too long!" Mint said complaining as soon as she got off the boat.
"Right. You always complain," Belle said.
"Whatever! Let's just go!" Mint said running to the front of the docks.
As soon as everyone was gathered in the entrance of the docks, Mint's father got on stage.
"Welcome everyone to the contest that will determine who the future king of the kingdom will be. The rules are simple. There will be no cheating and the fastest time will be the winner for the first two rounds. The first ten contestants who win the first two rounds still have a chance in the final round. I'm sure everyone is already acquainted with the tasks. You may all leave," Mint's father said going down the stage after that.
"Let's go! I'm not going to let anyone beat me!" Mint said running off in the direction that the map had specified with her team running close behind her.
I won't let anyone win. I'll get Rue if it's the last thing I do. I can't lose. I won't lose.
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~owari~
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Tenshi: Hey! It's done! Well, this
one is. Ok, obviously, there will be a chapter 4 which I will probably release
by next week. But don't get your hopes up too high. I'm a slow writer. Actually,
this chapter was not supposed to be written. I was supposed to stop at chapter
2 but since you people reviewed, I wrote this. Now, I might end this story at
chapter 4 so don't expect anything after I post that. Anyways, I hope you liked
this chapter. It was hard to make. Please review! Flames are welcome. Thank
you! ^^
