From: makoto_chan83@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I don't own the El Hazard series or its characters. I am merely writing a fic of the series so please, don't sue me.

Notice: This is a Makoto/Shayla fic



El Hazard: Unforseen consequences

By: -=|+|Makoto_chan|+|=-



Prologue:

Peace has returned and stayed once more in Floristica; it was a period of joy and serenity. It was after a war between Jinnai's allies and Makoto's. During the war with the Bugrom, Rune and Fatora actuated the Eye of God as a last resort and laid waste to the Kingdom of Bugrom casting everyone and everything present during the firing of the weapon into a cold and dark shroud spreading eternally outwards and absorbing all matter into itself.

The Eye of God was a Time and space weapon that produces black holes in the midst of its target and due to the tremendous force it takes in, everything, almost everything will disappear into it. Diva and Jinnai; after a crushing defeat from the hands of the Mizuhara-gumi then searched for a new means of taking revenge. They searched in the badlands and came across another of Ifurita's kind. She was a weapon too but with a different and darker purpose. Kalia was what she called herself, she had the image of an innocent little girl yet was created with a mind of vengeance. Jinnai with the guidance of Kalia, then sought after another weapon that was much stronger than the eye of God. The Trigger of Destruction. It was created together with Kalia by earlier inhabitants of El Hazard as a last form of vengeance to another race that annihilated them with the Eye of God. The trigger used the same principles of the Eye except that it was not used as a weapon but like a bomb that will surely most destroy anything that it comes across and in the end nothing will survive. In the area were the parts of the trigger were present there lived a hermit like man which they found out to be another one like Makoto, one from earth and came to El Hazard for a purpose similar to his. With him was another Ifurita whom Makoto thought was the one he knew and loved only to be told that there were many Ifurita's created also as weapons of destruction. Kalia activated the trigger from within the old man's hut synchronizing her body unto it and started rampaging about the area. With the help of Ifurita Makoto entered and destroyed the Trigger of Destruction with Kalia along with it. The Trigger imploded and fell into the ground breaking back to pieces again as it was before. Jinnai was still alive as usual and again scheming a new plan of revenge, contently with his bugrom companions they salvaged the Trigger in the hope of making it work again. Unknown only to him that it would only work with the aid of Kalia, who was already dead, still continued working in bringing the trigger back to the new Bugrom base. As the smoked cleared there stood along the sunrise Fuji, as he apologized to Mizu Mishtal for running out like that and told her that he was ready for her now. Fuji asked her to marry him as they all went back to Roshtaria for some rest and preparations for the wedding but only after Makoto talked with Ifurita once more and bid her farewell. Now begins a new chapter in the lives of our friends in another tale of El Hazard: The Magnificent World.

End of Prologue.

-=|+|Chapter 1: A Night of Dreams Fulfilled|+|=-

It was a day of happiness and celebration in the palace of Roshtaria, where the wedding of the Great priestess of water Mizu and her friend from Earth Sensei Fujisawa was held. Guests from all around Floristica flocked inside the great hall upon hearing the news of the wedding. Among the people walking along the palace corridors was Makoto who seems to be in deep thought again.

"They're finally pushing through with this... I sure hope sensei doesn't plan to run again..." sighed a nervous Makoto sweat dropping at the memory of what happened last time. "Ehe..." he scratched his head through his hat as he again pictured a water titan busting through the palace roof wreaking havoc around the palace because Mizu's would be husband ran away to train himself. "I understand your case sensei, but you shouldn't have run off like that! I almost drowned you know?" He grumbled as he walked along the hallways of the palace.

Somewhere ahead of him, "Omigosh! Makoto-chan!" Exclaimed a nervous Nanami hiding behind one of the columns of the palace. "I can't let him see me like this! She carefully dropped first all the food she was carrying and then, checked herself from top to bottom. She looked into a mirror beside her (Where'd the mirror come from???!!! It's a big palace, go figure.) glancing at herself from side to side. Nanami also fixed her hair up, then dusted her skirt and stood up. "Ok... I'm ready." Clenching her fist, she first took a deep breath then picked up her load and came out from behind the structure and walked calmly towards Makoto. "Makoto-chan!" Nanami greeted him as she walked up to him with a smile.

"Nanami-chan, are you okay? You look exhausted" Makoto said looking at her with eyes filled with concern.

"Nani?... its nothing I'm just helping out in the wedding." She blushed as she looked away for a moment. She composed herself and took a look at Makoto upon seeing something amiss. Grabbing her chance; she came in closer. "Makoto, something's wrong. Your hat's a bit crooked." Nanami said as she pressed herself forward and fixed Makoto's hat.

"Really Nanami, I could do this by myself." He said waving both his hands in front of him.

Nanami took hold of his hat and slid it on top of his head from side to side while getting very close to Makoto. "What it needs is a woman's touch, hmm... there, perfect!" She said raising her hands in glee.

"Thanks Nanami-chan!" Makoto thanked his friend with a smile.

"Well, I have to be back in the kitchen in case you forgot, I'm helping out. Later Makoto!"

"Wait Nanami-chan!" Nanami stopped in her tracks as Makoto's hand caught hers and gently pulled her back. "You got something on your cheek, I think its grease or something." He explained as he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. Makoto approached her and with one hand cupped her chin and gently wiped out the spot on her cheek with the other.

"Makoto-chan" Nanami whispered staring into Makoto's eyes brown orbs while her heart was racing as his touch slowly caressed her face. His aroma filled her senses sending her up to the clouds. "Arigatou gozaimasu Makoto!" Nanami smiled as she walked past him carrying her load of food and into the ballroom.

"Now what was that all about?" Makoto asked himself as he continued treading around the halls. As usual he ends up in the garden and continued up into the railing. He recalled the days that have gone by, the other earthling in El Hazard, the tricks Jinnai was trying to pull. Seeing Kalia in his head brought chills down his spine. "I'm just glad that the matter with Kalia's over now..." Besides Kalia he saw another weapon created by the old inhabitants of El Hazard. Makoto saw her face once more coming across his mind and whispered her name. She was the most powerful demon goddess, heartless during the start yet she learned how to love through Makoto's clean soul.

"Ifurita.... It's so nice to see you again. But it was not you... she looks like you yet she doesn't have your essence… my Ifurita's essence." He paused, removing his hat and holding it in his right hand, as he wanted to feel the gentle breeze brush through his hair. "I sure hope you're safe wherever you are... but I promise I'll find a way to see you again... I promise" Makoto mused with a grim look on his face as he leaned on the garden's railings, looking out into the never-ending blue skies of El Hazard. He stayed alone for a while reminiscing about how things have come upon him, the responsibilities, and the people specially his friends from El Hazard that he have come to known and loved.

In another part of the Roshtarian palace was a dressing room where the closer of the three priestesses of Muldoon were found. Afura-mahn and Shayla-Shayla were talking and also getting ready for the wedding. Shayla looked up into the mirror she was sitting in front off to talk with the person behind her.

"Do you think it's time for me to act Afura?" Shayla asked her sister, who was perking up Shayla's red hair for the celebration. A brief piece of silence surrounded the two before Afura-mahn replied.

"It's your decision Shayla... both of you are my friends and I love you both... better be prepared though I'm afraid you may encounter some competition for Makoto's feelings." Afura smirked at the picture that came in her mind. "Makoto... in between a tug-o-war, hmm..." She mused, giggling a bit at the thought.

"Oh...I haven't thought about that." Shayla said to herself as she put on her dress' white gloves. Afura wrapped Shayla's hair with a white cloth that acted like a crown, it had a simple but elegant design and it made her hair stand on top of the cloth and fall back again at the back of her head. She stood up as soon as Afura was finished. She looked at herself at the tall mirror that stood beside the dresser. She spun around looking at her closely to make sure everything was perfect. Nervously she asked Afura,

"How do I look?" Her sister tilted her head to the right then to the left.

"Well, you certainly look more like a lady this time." Afura-Mahn laughed.

"Nani??? What does that suppose to mean?" Shayla crossed her arms in response to her sister's comment.

"Just kidding! You look like... a princess." Afura told Shayla hugging her sister, "Now, go to him." she commanded Shayla.

"Thanks Afura, wish me luck!" Smiling at the Maiden of the wind, Shayla walked outside for the search for Makoto. She walked and walked along the corridors of the palace desperately trying to reach him ahead of somebody else she had in mind. "Ugh! I'm ready to give up now! Makoto where are you?" She stopped seeing him in the garden looking out at the stars. "There he is now…" Shayla whispered to herself, with her back pressing against the wall she took a deep breath and started walking slowly towards Makoto.

Unknown to Makoto, a figure gazed upon him from behind a pillar in the garden, trying to figure out hows she going to approach him bothered her. She sneaked up behind him and with her hands clad in white gloves shrouded Makoto's eyes, as the figure asked cheerfully "Guess who Makoto-chan!"

"Ugh.... cut it out! Who is it?" Makoto held the hands that covered his eyes, as the lady in white blushed violently at his touch. He struggled to take out the hindrance to his sight but to no avail Makoto just gave up. "Ok... you win." He said as he slumped his arms to his side.

The figure removed her hands and wrapped them around Makoto's arm while standing beside him. "Makoto no-Baka! Why couldn't you even recognize my voice!" she replied with a light punch on the arm.

"Shayla? I was just... I mean... Gomen. I was thinking about something..." Makoto apologized thinking how mad Shayla would be now.

"Baka! There's nothing to be sorry about! Anyway I was only kidding! Even if I weren't, I'd understand... I've always had... Makoto." Said Shayla as she pressed herself tightly unto Makoto's side and rested her head on his shoulder.

Makoto surprised at Shayla's actions, looked down on his admirer and gazed at her stunning beauty, she was dressed really fine, for the wedding of her sister. She wore a white sleeveless gown with its skirt just above the thigh. Her hair was all made up too, making herself even more beautiful than usual.

"Shayla-chan... you're so beautiful...," he whispered into her ears.

The priestess of fire's eyes widened at the remark. Shayla-Shayla blushed a bright red color as his words tingled her feelings and hope sparked into her mind that Makoto maybe warming up to her. Getting herself back from the clouds and thinking about her true intentions Shayla asked,

"Makoto-chan....could you do me a favor?"

"What is it Shayla?" Makoto said looking unto her light green eyes almost reassuring Shayla of his approval.

"I.... Makoto...Would you... Would you...." Nervous as ever Shayla stuttered like crazy and could never find complete courage in asking Makoto.

"C'mon Shayla you could tell me. You could tell me anything you like..." Makoto said with a smile as he held unto her hand making her blush again and she looked at him once more.

Shayla looked at her hand being held by the only man he ever loved and she couldn't say a thing to him! Mustering up all the courage she had left she tried to ask once more,

"Would you be my escort for tonight? Please?" Shayla looked up with an eager expression on her face.

"I… ano… Oh my! Look at the time! Well gotta go! Don't want to be late for sensei's wedding! Ehehe…" The lad quickly side-stepped and started walking briskly away towards the door. "Wait a minute Makoto! I didn't go through all this trouble to be denied! Makoto!" Shayla started chasing after the boy who was starting to run frantically in escape. In one instant she pounced from behind making them both falter down on the floor. "Aha! I got you now! There's no escape!" Shayla pronounced with a triumphant smile. "C'mon Shayla! Get off me." She spun the lad around and pinned him by his shoulders. With her weight greatly attesting Makoto's strength, he couldn't do much to resist. When their eyes locked onto one another, green met brown orbs and the atmosphere changed unto that of a serious matter. "Makoto Onegai? Just this once?" Shayla asked with pleading eyes, with hope that her wish might be granted just for tonight.

"Why am I in this?" Makoto pondered, finding himself in this kind of position usually gets him in trouble in most situations where Nanami was present. Sighing deeply Makoto simply nodded his response with a small smile. Shayla closed her eyes in content for now. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck as she drew nearer towards Makoto's face, her heart racing every second as she came closer and closer. Makoto on the other hand, having the idea of what she wants to do awaits intently on what's going to happen next so that he can decide on a proper course of action which he was not sure if he can pull off as he is pinned on the ground, with Shayla resting on his midsection.

"Shayla-chan...." He said nervously as she drew even closer. Shayla closed her eyes as her passion grew even more each passing moment. Unknown to the both of them another lone figure watched behind them with deep envy in her eyes,

"Makoto!!! What are you two doing???!!!" A scream heard from behind the couple was heard making Shayla lose balance and miss her target by a few inches. She simply laid down on the ground together with him.

"That was close!" Makoto screamed inside his head in relief. "But she's still on top of me!!!" Shayla lay on top of Makoto for a while savoring the moment resting her head on top of his chest and hearing his heart beat softly. She dusted herself up and stood up together with Makoto who was fixing his hat.

"I turn my back from you two for just a minute and you're already making out!!!" Nanami cried out in jealousy.

"Nanami-chan it's not what you think! We were just..."

"Finishing off!!!" Shayla cutting of Makoto's statement, firing up Nanami, while tightening her wrap on Makoto's arm. On his face was a very worried look.

"Nani???" Nanami walked slowly raising the sleeves of her dress.

"We were just.... Nanami-chan, nothing happened!" Makoto explained raising his hands trying to prove his innocence. Nanami then pulled Makoto out of Shayla's power grip and started arguing with her.

"You know Shayla, you shouldn't stick to Makoto that much, he might get burned!" Pointing her finger accusatively at Shayla.

"Mind your own business we were doing fine until you came Nanami!" This time Shayla shook her fist at Nanami, almost igniting fire at her fingertips as her magical orbs began to light up.

"Nanami, Shayla.... couldn't we just talk this over? Ehe...." Makoto tried to interrupt.

"STAY OUT OF THIS!!!" Both replied in unison, glaring at the boy.

"Alright..." He sighed turning small before their eyes. The two women were getting fired up with sparks flying in the air as they glared at each other. Seeing his opportunity Makoto made a run for it leaving the two, squabbling in the garden.

"Come back here Makoto!!! We're not yet finished!!!" Shayla shouted at the fleeing figure.

Trying to reason out "Can't you see both of you? We're all going to be late, the wedding's going to start any minute now!" Makoto replied while he started running towards the wedding hall he stopped for a while; "Oh Shayla if I'm still going to be your escort for tonight we should go right now remember you're Miz's sister I guess she's expect you to be there already, we wouldn't want Miz exploding again wouldn't we? I mean…if it's still okay with you Shayla" Makoto voiced out.

"Nani??? You'd what MAKOTO??? With her???" Nanami cried

"Omigosh! He's right! We'll finish this later Nanami! Makoto-chan, wait up will'ya!" Shayla said as she glared at Nanami once more and started running towards Makoto. Catching up to him she wrapped her arm once more around his, and rested her head on his shoulder. Stupefied, Nanami just stared across the pathways looking at the couple walking towards the Nuptial's area.

"Arrgg!!! She beat me to him!" Making a fist, she cursed as she slapped herself from her sudden paralysis from the unfolding of events. Nanami was having the same idea as that of Shayla's, having Makoto escort her; unfortunately someone was first in line instead of her. She was so envious of the fire maiden she clenched her fists so hard that her palms turned white, but she took composure of herself and just walked briskly towards Makoto's direction and thought of a way to take her turn in having Makoto for the night after the wedding. (Not what you perverts are thinking of!!!!)



In the place of great gathering over a hundred people gathered in order to witness the ceremony for two heroes of Roshtaria, the Great priestess of water Mizu and the close companion of their hero Makoto, sensei Fujisawa. People conversed with each other as they waited patiently for the ceremony to start but also glancing intently once in a while at the huge door that led inside the great hall.

Nanami walked into her place inside and sat. She was very close to front part of the room, that was because Nanami's a very dear friend of the Priestess, Princess Rune, and that she was also a hero of the kingdom of Roshtaria together with her companions on all their adventures and quests. Next to her was an empty seat; it was Makoto's place in the hall but he seems nowhere to be found.

"Where is he?" She searched from left to right trying to catch a glimpse of the object of her affection. She stopped when the orchestra played the ceremony's march. Everybody in the area started cheering for the processional of the marriage as the great doors opened and the sequence started.

Up in front where the royal sisters themselves, Princess Rune and Fatora with flower bearers before them as to adorn the walkway with petals, the sisters also there to give their blessing to the will be newlyweds were anxious to attend the ceremony.

Came next were Mizu's two sisters; Afura-mahn walked gracefully towards the front. She to had a beautiful white dress, which seemed to be the color theme of the nuptial.

In agreement with Nanami's expectations along came Shayla with Makoto by her side, clutching her arms around Makoto's just as it was before in the garden. Nanami sighed as she heard people gasped and gossips immediately emerged as they saw the greatest hero of Roshtaria with the Priestess of Fire walking so very close to him.

"That should have been me! Arggh!" Screaming inside her head, and once more looking at Makoto closely "But still... he's still too cute!" Nanami sighed. As the processional continued Nanami's eyes were locked with Shayla's, trying to tell her that no hanky-panky's allowed while she's around. Grinning, Shayla-Shayla pressed herself even closer unto Makoto. Upon seeing that, the people whispered with each other once more as if having the idea that both of them are next in marriage on a separate ceremony; making the envious Nanami enraged on her place.

Makoto just threw a lopsided smile and scratched his head; Shayla on the other hand was smiling to her hearts content, with her heart pounding wildly at the thoughts that pierced her mind. Shayla was really in love with Makoto, a love that would be really hard to remove from her existence.

Nanami however was not a very happy camper with the things that are happening to her. The end of the long walk prompted the priestesses to be on their places in front while the bride approached the altar first. Makoto's place was beside Nanami's so he had to leave Shayla up on the stage. Shayla's hands were trying not to let go of the Makoto's as if urging him not to go, but she lets go anyway.

"It'll be only for a while anyway. I'll try to get him back again later." She said to herself. Hesitantly she released her grip on Makoto's hand, with a failed expression on her face, even for just a while she couldn't stand not being so close to him any longer.

Makoto then walked up beside Nanami; "You look so handsome tonight Makoto- chan" Nanami whispered into his ear with a smile.

"Really? Thanks Nanami-chan" He replied with a smile in his face as he watched the continuation of the long procession.

Nanami continued on looking at the boy she used to know from school but now a very close friend which she hopes that their friendship could bloom into something more. She looked at Shayla who was gazing at Makoto.

"I'm losing him..." Nanami thought to herself, feeling her heart almost crumble away.

The doors where once again quiet until the bride herself appeared. The crowd cheered loudly as Mizu marched up front as if in a hurry to get married.

"It's not really her fault anyway, I sure hope sensei's going to show up now." Makoto thought to himself as she stood before Nanami who was getting very nervous herself if Sensei Fujisawa would even show up.

Behind, the infamous sensei walked out proud that indeed tonight he was going to get married. He walked up next to Mizu-san who was waiting before the altar. Fujisawa gave her a small kiss, he held her hand and together they walked up the steps towards the celebrant of their wedding.

It was a solemn event that proved its importance to all. Everybody was silent and focused on the couple in front. But the people were not so quiet when Fuji-san and Mizu were asked, "Do you Mizu Mishtal, accept Sensei Fujisawa to be your husband not only in sickness and in health but also in soberness and being drunk?" Mizu blushed and just nodded out a response.

During that part of the wedding Shayla was gazing lovingly at Makoto, thinking about him; the way he talked to others, how he related with them and how he made her insides tingle. Shayla asked herself "Will it ever become you and me?" with that she breathed deeply trying to calm her racing heart. "I love you so much...."Shayla said, loud enough for Afura to hear her. Afura just smiled at her sister and focused back on Fuji and Mizu.

Nanami also perceived the companion beside her, looking at him and thought about him, the things they've done together and the problems they tackled on their many adventures. "Makoto-san...please choose me." She whispered holding onto his hand, with that Makoto's attention was diverted from the to be wed couple and focused her eyes on Nanami.

"Nanami... ano..." He blushed at the sensation that Nanami was holding onto his hand ever so gently. Makoto quickly understood what she wanted to say, but was somehow unsure how he would respond. She released his hand hesitantly and acted like nothing happened, feeling ever so guilty for not telling him at that what her true feelings are about him.

Makoto's eye looked up and saw Shayla this time looking at him with a melting gaze as if she was speaking to Makoto just by making eye contact with him. He read her lips that said his name, "Makoto..." He took one step back and was totally surprised of what was happening to him at the moment.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath and saw that both girls were again focused on Mizu and Fuji and so did he follow.

"You may kiss the bride," said the high priest as the people around Mr and Mrs Fujisawa cheered in great joy of the union of the two. The two sisters of the order of priestess' cheered also in great delight as their companion finally met her path for eternal happiness.

-=|+|=-

It was a night of rejoicing and splendor, the witnesses all left for their homes a bit early as to leave the friends in the palace of Roshtaria. Only the nobles, the priestesses and Makoto with Nanami were left with the couple to celebrate the wedding's success. Fujisawa was so happy that wine and liquor were present in the merrymaking adding one more thing good about them is that they were free. Sensei then scrambled and sat on the table and began drinking to his heart's content.

The night was filled with music as Lords and ladies danced with their spouses and other friends. They also danced with the newlywed Mizu, who was without a partner for her husband is on a table already drunk and can't even walk on a straight line.

Amidst the cheers and the music the orchestra played, in the balcony stood Shayla-Shayla, staring at the stars in the dark sky that seem so bright with the heavenly bodies present at that night.

"Huh... what's Shayla doing over there?" Makoto asked himself with concern seeing her from the corner of his eye. He wondered what is it about and decided to approach her slowly.

Upon reaching the balcony he sneaked up to her and..."They're beautiful aren't they?" he asked from behind the red haired priestess.

"Yeah..." she plainly said in response and continued on staring at the dark sky.

"Why aren't you dancing Shayla? You should be you know? Since your Mizu- san's sister you might as well dance with somebody there." He said cheerfully smiling at her.

"Makoto no-baka!" She turned around from her gaze at the stars and yelled. Makoto was taken back by how she reacted and mustered the courage to ask, "Daijobou Shayla-chan? Please tell me, I promise we'll make it better." He said with a smile holding her hand with his, then locking his gaze at Shayla as if asking trust from her. Shayla noticed this as she looked at her hand and blushed violently.

Seeing her react to his touch, Makoto averted his gaze... "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hold your hand like that." Embarrassed, Makoto hurriedly released her hand and turned around.

Silence enveloped the two as both looked at opposite directions. Shayla decided to break the silence and spoke, "Makoto...do you know what it feels to be lonely?" She asked apprehensively.

"I do..." he replied while thinking, "I've lost Ifurita to another dimension and I couldn't do something about it..." he mused thinking of Ifurita, giving herself up to save him and El Hazard from the Eye of God. Reality flashes back into Makoto's mind upon hearing Shayla's voice. Looking at his companion again looking very nervous this time,

"Makoto... then you must know what it means to be me. I've been trying to find someone to fill the gap in my heart. It was a very long wait, believe me; but now I've found someone..." Makoto guessing where this conversation is going to lead to, turned around, to foretell the statement Shayla was going to make. Shayla-Shayla, forseeing she might miss this opportunity embraced Makoto from behind and buried her soft face on Makoto's posterior. Makoto felt a prickling sensation climb up his spine as he felt the contours of her semblance along his back. His eyes widened as her face lined up behind him. Slowly she lifted her face, "Makoto, please dance with me." Hesitant in requesting, Shayla from behind held on to his hand, "It's alright if you wouldn't want to..." Silence struck the two as Makoto, surprised and getting very nervous kept his peace to think once more. Shayla released his hand and she unbound her arms from him and turned around almost losing to sadness after a pause that meant to her as a no in reply to the continuous dialogue. She started walking away from the lad when his words stopped her again.

"You jerk! Great I hurt her feelings now." Makoto kicked himself in his mind. In an effort to make it up to his friend he agreed. "Yes, I would like to dance with you Shayla… if it's what makes you happy I'd do it…I'd do it for you. But not every night, okay?" He replied facing her with a smile, sending shivers through Shayla's whole body.

She again fixed her eyes once more at him, "Makoto....you make me so happy!" Blissfuly, she wrapped her arms around his waist and looked at her eyes with happiness in her heart. Shayla slowly put her hand in his, and the other on his shoulders. She guided his free arm around her perfectly figured waist. As the music started to proceed they waltzed from side to side, trying to match the harmony of the music in the air. Thus began their first dance around the balcony. It was their first dance together so they were trying to get used to each other. Shayla pressed herself unto Makoto firmly as to never lose her balance, her eyes locked on to his as they continued on. The latter blushed because of her actions, and so did she. Shayla's mind had thoughts rushing in from all aspects of her feelings, from sheer bliss and almost to the point of lust, at points in her life she recalled, now was the time she was indeed really happy. She wanted everything to stop then and there and feel his lips on hers.

Hidden from the other's line of sight the curtain was closed down from plain view thus hiding their frolic in the balcony.

Waltzing across the surface, Shayla kept her light green eyes locked unto Makoto's brown orbs, smiling at him lovingly. He smiled back seeing he made her beam again, unknown only to himself her smile served a different purpose that she was indeed so much in love with him and that this very moment would be treasured forever. It was Shayla's dream but now, it was a reality.

The music's beat then slowed down, switching into a romantic mood after a waltz as people on the ballroom floor left, leaving the already sober Fujisawa with his wife Mizu-san for their prime dance as husband and wife. They both danced wonderfully because sensei was able to get himself under control once again.

Unknown to the people in the ballroom another couple was dancing in the terrace of the palace ballroom, "Huh, that music… its for…" Makoto was puzzled at the sudden switch almost stopping the dance, but Shayla cut him off placing her finger on her lips.

"Then I guess we better switch to a more appropriate stance." She said, smiling at him again. She then raised her hands and dropped her arms on his shoulders, getting herself locked unto Makoto. "Shayla-chan..." He whispered as his hands where led to wrap completely around Shayla's waist. After guiding her partner's arms, Shayla wrap her arms around Makoto's neck, showing a tight embrace. Shayla's essence filled Makoto's senses as their closeness was essential for her to finally capture his feelings. Makoto didn't stop dancing; he had to admit this hasn't happened to him ever, so he just did what she asked him to do. They continued in that station for longer moments dancing in a close manner as how lovers would usually do. Slowing the pace but never stopping.

Still in each other's arms. "Makoto..." she paused resting her head on his chest. "Thank you..." Shayla whispered.

"It was nothing Shayla I was just..." Makoto's eyes widened as his lips felt a different sensation he hasn't felt before. Shayla put her arms around his head and pulled it slowly to her as she closed her eyes and her lips crushed his, releasing the passion of her love unto Makoto, which has been holding back since she realized she was falling for him. "Shayla- chan..." He thought, as his mind was in a swirl of mixed emotions. "What's happening here?" Makoto asked himself as her honey sweet lips invaded his senses. As if his life flashed back before his eyes starting from how they first met which was not a very befriending experience, seeing a vengeful priestess running after you with a lamp of fire, and casting fire spells down your way. But now Makoto sees a new lady in front of him and doing more than just standing there, she's becoming passionate with him. A lady she truly is now, sweet and precious. An even more beautiful side of Shayla- Shayla stood before Makoto; a side he has never seen before of her, but was always present for him.

Precious moments for Shayla ticked away as they both remained in close of the other. "Oh my God... what am I doing? I love him! That's why!" Shayla told herself while her lips are still locked up with Makoto's. Her heart was racing, as every moment spent in that buss was like a lifetime for her. "Makoto... please... respond to my love." She thought as she tapered off and finally broke of the kiss. Looking at him once more in the eye, she brushed her hand on his left cheek affectionately as she walked away by herself leaving Makoto in the Balcony still awestruck and puzzled as ever, who was looking at her as she trotted along the aisle and out of the ballroom. Still with a startled look on his face it was his turn to slump his thoughts on the balcony railway. "What just happened? One moment we were dancing and then…" He paused as he replayed the scene in his mind while looking at the stars in the dark sky.

"Makoto-chan!" said a small voice from behind him. He turned around once more and saw that it was Nanami, putting up a happier face rather than that of Shayla's before asking him to dance. "Makoto, please dance with me!" She said tugging his arm and pulling him inside the ballroom.

"Here we go again." He sighed as he followed his arm or wherever it is being dragged into. Makoto smiled again as his thoughts showed him another girl he has just made happy as he danced with Nanami inside, along with the nobles and the newlyweds.

Makoto finished the night barely being able to stand up after all those dancing, yet he was so tired that he immediately went straight to his room without even the thought of changing his clothes. He glanced outside the window and looked back at how the night went.

"Shayla-chan…" He whispered to himself as he saw her face staring at him with love in her eyes just like the way she looked into his eyes up in the balcony. "Gomen…I would need more time to think about it…and… I'm also sorry because I promised Ifurita that I'd be back for her." Makoto thought as though she was talking to Shayla. Once more seeing in his mind the way they kissed on the ballroom terrace, sending strange sensations up his skin.

"Why… why am I feeling this way?" He once more asked himself. Confused as ever he decided to look at the Eye of God. Somehow tired from all the reflecting he'd been doing, Makoto slumped onto his bed whispering his first love's name, "Ifurita…I'll bring you back…" overtaken by tiredness he fell fast asleep face first into a pillow.

-=|+|End of Chapter 1|+|=-

Author's notes:

Well??? Sorry if you support the Nanami X Makoto pairing or the Afura X Makoto pairing or the Fatora X Makoto pairing or the Qawool X Makoto pairing… well you get the picture.

Comments? Flames? Suggestions? All are welcome. Please Review!