Chapter 10: Confusion
Waah! I feel bad for what I'm going to do now T_T Oh well…u.u If you want to know, or have an idea of what might happen, just keep reading to find out!
* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
One week.
Just one more week left, and everyone from both sides knew it. One week until the princess turned eighteen. One more week to live.
Everyone tried to act normal around Tintlet, but it was hard. They kept glancing over their shoulders and many couriers were coming in from Draqueen inquiring the Dragon Lord's daughter's health. Each time the faeries had told them all was well, but all was not well. Tintlet was now confined to her makeshift room located within the Water Realm. Only those who had permission from the Elder were allowed to visit her. This excluded the Dragons, Rune, Dealte, Cesia, and the water light trio that always hung around. Miyabi was usually with Rune, so she had no problems.
Ringleys sat on the top of a one of the bed poles, looking down at Tintlet. She was sitting in a large, cushioned chair. "Princess, are you hungry yet?"
Shian flew up and spin kicked him off the pole. "That's a rude thing to say, Ringleys!!!"
The water light quickly caught himself and flew back up, glaring at Shian. "That wasn't nice either, you know!!! That's a long drop from up there!!!"
"Please, please!!" Hana-Kusuku pleaded, hovering in front of them. "Fighting does not sol—"
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!" they yelled.
Hana-Kusuku hovered there, clenching her fists, a rather large vein popping on her head. She had had enough. "WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP!??!??!"
The two blinked and immediately
stopped. They stared at the irritated water light. "Hana…Kusuku…?"
"All you do is fight!!" she
continued. "Will you two just GROW UP???!?!" She blinked then looked down
embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell…it's just…"
"…" The two recently fighting water lights glanced at each other. "No, we're sorry, Hana-Kusuku," Shian said.
"Yeah, you're right," Ringleys piped in. "We'll try not to fight again…"
The water light looked at her friends teary-eyed. "Oooh!!" she cried as she hugged them.
Tintlet smiled and turned to Rune, who was sitting on the edge of the window seat, looking out with his head against the window. He had not been paying attention and looked deep in thought. He needs to relax some, she thought frowning and got up. She quietly walked over and poked him. "Rune?" No response. "…Rune…?" Again, no response. What is he thinking about? Tintlet thought a little annoyed. She poked him harder even though it wasn't going anywhere.
It was then that she suddenly realized that Rune was asleep. She smiled a little and looked at his peaceful, sleeping face. He must be so tired, trying to keep an eye on me every waking moment and all… She covered him with a blanket and returned to her seat and watched him. He looks…kinna cute… She blushed slightly at the thought and looked away before her little friends noticed her. To her relief they were still playing around in the air, their quarrels now at an end.
However, Miyabi had seen it all. The little water light had no idea what she was feeling at the moment, sitting on the end of the dresser. It seemed to be a mixture of happiness, anger, sadness, and pride. She was happy and proud that Rune had finally, if subtly, admitted his feelings for the Dragon princess back at the field. But she was also very upset because she knew that she could no longer keep Rune for herself. But that's selfish of me! She shook her head angrily. NO! I WANT Rune to be happy!!
But you aren't really happy, are you, Miyabi? The water light blinked as she stood up. She saw a mirror image of herself standing in front of her, everything else slowly disappearing. She did not notice the flames that were surrounding the image and the malicious grin that was on the image's face.
Who are you? She watched her other self walk around her.
I am you! The image giggled and wrapped her arms around Miyabi's waist. Teehee…I am part of you, Miyabi…
Part of…me…? Miyabi stood there, paralyzed with confusion.
That's right… the other Miyabi said, a sly smile on her lips. I'm the part that you have kept deep within yourself… You want to be happy don't you?
Deep…within myself… She was falling deeper and deeper into her subconscious, and the other Miyabi knew it. I want to be happy…
Flames started to surround both of them. Teehee…Miyabi…if you want to be happy…just get rid of the obstacle…
Obstacle? That didn't sound right.
That's right… The voice was now very close to Miyabi's ear and something was trying to warn her. Kill…Tintlet…
NO! Miyabi screamed and wrenched away from her other self's hold. I won't!! She whirled around and faced the image angrily. You're NOT me!!
The other Miyabi just gave a grin that made the real Miyabi's blood run cold. Oh, contraire, Miyabi… The flames blazed around them. I am…the real you. She laughed hysterically as the flames engulfed her and disappeared.
Miyabi gasped blinking and found herself back where she was. Everyone was still doing what he or she had been doing, though now Rune was awake. He was apologizing to Tintlet for falling asleep, and the persistent look on his face made the water light smile. Yet, her smile wasn't truly a happy one. It was more of a longing, sad one. She had never seen Rune like the way he was whenever he was with Tintlet.
Are you jealous? The voice returned, but this time her surroundings didn't change. She could still see Rune and Tintlet talking. You wish you were Tintlet don't you? The voice had a slight giggle.
"Yes…" Miyabi said softly then shook her head. "NO! GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!!" she screamed, covering her ears with her hands.
Everyone looked up at her startled then hurried over to Miyabi, who was now clutching herself shuddering. Her eyes were wide open as she stared at them.
Tintlet gently picked her up. "Miyabi? Are you okay…?"
"Yes…I just…had nightmare of sorts," she answered, smiling a little.
Rune leaned down so that he was eye level with her face. "Miyabi…are you sure?"
"Yes!" Her heart panged when she saw the concern in his light blue eyes. "I'm really okay, Rune…"
The elf looked at her a little harder and his eyes widened slightly. No…there can't be a…shadow? He shook his head and banished the thought from his mind. "…If you say so, Miyabi. You know you can always talk to me if you need anything," he added smiling.
The water light smiled back at him. "I know!"
There was a gentle knock on the door. "Lady Tintlet, I have your dinner," Cesia's voice came from outside.
"Come in," Tintlet said smiling as Cesia came in balancing two trays on each arm. She had another smaller plate on her head. "The door is always unlocked, you know," she added giggling.
"That is going to stop, as of today," Cesia said sternly as she placed the two trays down on the table and carefully placed the plate on next to them. "This is really not the time to slack off."
Ringleys flew down and saw that the plate that had been on Cesia's had four smaller plates with small meals on them. "YAY!! FOOD!!" he yelled as he shot down and started scarfing down the food.
"Ringleys!!" Shian yelled as she came up behind them. She caught Hana-Kusuku's glare from the corner of her eye and restrained herself from punching his face in. "Er…you shouldn't eat like that…" Man, she's scary when she's angry…
Ringleys blinked and looked up. "Oh…"
Tintlet giggled. "It's okay," she said as she sat down at the edge of her bed. "I'm not hungry at the moment…"
"OH NO IT'S STARTING!!!" Cesia yelled loudly, making Dealte and Rath and Thatz suddenly run in.
"Nani, nani?!" Thatz yelled looking around.
Dealte stood in front of the flabbergasted Tintlet, her hands on the princess' arms. "Are you okay?!"
"Um…" Rune started to say, a large sweat bead on his head.
"Any yokai around?!" Rath yelled, hand on hilt.
"No…uh…" Rune tried to say.
"OH SWEET FOOD!" Thatz exclaimed, only to be blocked off by Shian.
"That's for Lady Tintlet, Thatz!!" the water light said angrily.
"But it looks yummy…" Thatz sobbed.
"Uh…hello…" Rune twitched as everyone continued to create chaos within the small room. "EVERYONE CALM DOWN!!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, making everyone suddenly stop and look at him. He sighed and walked around a bit, hand on his forehead. "Okay…now Cesia…what does not being hungry have anything to do with anything?"
"I, uh," she stammered and sat down next to Tintlet. "I'm sorry…it's just that there's just a few days left…and…and…"
Rune softened a bit. "All right, I understand. But everything is fine," he said, stressing the word. "But overreacting over every little thing is not going to help things."
"I know…" Cesia felt like a little girl being talked to this way, and normally this would offend her, but her mind was too full with Tintlet's curse.
Tintlet smiled. "Everything is fine! And I have faith in Miyabi," she added, her eyes shining at the little water light who was still in her hands.
Miyabi smiled embarrassed. "Lady Tintlet…"
"You sacrificed so much," Tintlet added softly. "It has to work…" A sad look crossed her face. Yet what if…
Miyabi blinked and straightened. "It WILL work, Tintlet!" she said fiercely. "It was a pure wish and it WILL work!!!" Yes, it has to!
The Dragon princess blinked and gave her a small, gentle hug. "Thank you…Miyabi…"
When Miyabi looked back up at everyone, she saw the sad smiles on their faces and faltered for a moment. Do they…do they not trust my powers?
Miyabi…
She shook her head and looked back up defiantly. "Everything will be all right! I know it!!"
It will fail…
Dealte smiled, happy to see Miyabi so sure of herself. She gently picked up the water light from Tintlet's hands and placed her on a pillow. "Well, it's been a long day. Time for bed!"
"Awww! Already?" all four of the water lights said.
"Yes," Cesia said sternly and walked toward the door. "Come on…THATZ!" she barked as the Dragon Knight tried to steal some bread.
"Haha! Just checking for food poisoning!" he said, laughing nervously as he saw the glare in Cesia's eyes. Yeesh…what a grouch, he thought as he stalked out of the room.
Rath chuckled and followed the two out. "Night."
Dealte paused at the doorway and coughed. "Rune…"
The elf blinked. "Yes?"
She twitched. "You're not planning on staying here…are you?!"
Rune sweatdropped when he saw the flames in Dealte's eyes. "I'll be on my way in a little bit. I haven't had a chance to eat yet, and neither has the Lady Tintlet," he added hastily.
"…" Dealte sighed and turned. "Very well. Night." And with that she quietly shut the door.
Rune leaned against a wall sighing. "Yeesh, she's so uptight. It's not like I'm going to do anything!"
"Oh, I don't know about that, Rune" Shian said slyly as she flew around him. "I've been watching you and I saw that look in your eyes…"
"SHIAN!!" Rune yelled, grabbing her. "You know me better than that!!!"
Tintlet giggled, as well as Miyabi. "I don't think Rune would do anything, Shian," Tintlet laughed. "He's too much of a gentleman."
"Teehee, except he sometimes snores at night!" Miyabi burst out laughing.
Rune blinked. "I do not!" he said defiantly and turned away grumbling.
Tintlet giggled as she handed Rune his tray. "Come on, before it gets cold. They sat in silence as they ate the still warm food. When they were finished, Rune stacked them on the desk so that he would take them out later.
Ringleys yawned and flew over to one of the small seat pillows. "Boy…I'm really…tiiiiired," he yawned.
Tintlet got up and helped him settle in on the pillow and placed a small piece of cloth over him. Rune found Hana-Kusuku already asleep on the bed and he gently carried her over to another seat pillow, where Tintlet covered her up with another small piece of cloth. They had some trouble in trying to coax Shian into sleeping as well, but the water light's own sleepiness made her finally agree. When Rune went over to check on Miyabi lying on the small bed pillow, she was already asleep and he covered her with a small piece of cloth.
He walked back and sat on the window seat sighing. "Boy, water lights can sure be like little kids."
Tintlet sat on the edge of the bed, careful to not disturb the sleeping Miyabi. She smiled at him. "Yes, but they are so cute!"
He grinned. "Yeah, I guess you can say that…"
"Do you consider them your brothers and sisters?"
Rune looked up thoughtfully. "I guess I do," he said smiling. "I want to protect them, even if it costs my life. They mean so much to me…"
Tintlet looked down at Miyabi. "I've never really had brothers or sisters…just the Dragon Officers, Mother, Father, Rath, Thatz, Cernozura and of course Crewger," she added smiling a little. "But…I've never had anyone my age to play with when I was little…" she said softly.
Rune stared at her. I am still in a prison… The words from their first conversation echoed in his mind. She had always been alone, even when she wasn't. He wanted to reach out to her, to hug her, to hold her, to…comfort her. But he quickly stopped himself. He could feel the awkward silence against his skin and it made him shudder. What is it that I want to say? What is it that I feel? He coughed and stood up. "Well, um, it's getting late so I think I should get going before Dealte comes along."
Tintlet blinked and stood up. "Oh, okay." She smiled. "I always enjoy your company, Rune," she added. "It makes it feel…less lonely."
Rune blinked, his hand on the door handle. He kept his back turned so she wouldn't see the light red coloring that was beginning to spread all over this face. Why is it that I always feel like this when I'm with her? "No…problem…"
"Is something wrong, Rune?"
He blinked and glanced back at her smiling. "No, nothing at all!" he said hastily as he opened the door. "Well, night Tintlet!" he said quickly and went out, closing the door behind him.
Tintlet blinked. "Didn't call me 'Lady' this time…" she said thoughtfully. She turned back around and saw the trays on the desk. "Erk, he forgot to take out the trays!" she exclaimed and went to the door to call Rune back.
She was almost to the door when it suddenly flew open, Rune starting to say he had forgotten the trays. Caught off balance, she started to fall backwards. Rune quickly leaped forward and caught her in his arms so that he was now holding her off the ground, looking down at her.
"R-Rune," Tintlet stammered, blushing. "Um…"
Rune blinked and hastily brought her back down. "S-Sorry about that…"
"It's okay," Tintlet said looking down. She suddenly felt his hand tentatively run through her hair and looked at him. "Rune…?"
He just stared at her with a sad look on his face. He slowly ran his hand down through her hair and down to her cheek, and upon reaching it he kept it there. The feeling felt warm and comforting to Tintlet, but she looked at him questioningly. He stared at her for a moment then placed his other around her and held her to him. "You remember…what I had told you the other day don't you?"
Tintlet felt her heart pounding as her cheek rested on Rune's chest. "That…that you would protect me…no matter what the costs?" she stammered.
"Yes," he said softly. "So don't worry about anything, okay? I'll always be there for you."
She looked up and suddenly found his face very close to hers. Her heart seemed to jump and flutter around as she looked up into Rune's light blue eyes, which were filled with such a desire to protect. But was there something else in those blue orbs?
Rune blinked and pulled away hastily. "I'm, uh, sorry about that," he stammered as he quickly turned, picking up the trays. "It's getting late so I better let you rest." He opened the door and stepped through. "Night."
Tintlet stood there as he quietly closed the door. When it shut, she slowly placed her hand to where Rune's had once been and closed her eyes. What is it that I'm feeling…?
Miyabi had watched the whole scene from her pillow, tears now welling up in her eyes. Rune… she thought despairingly as she buried her face into the pillow so that Tintlet wouldn't notice.
* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
*sniff* T_T I'm feeling REALLY bad now for what I'm going to do…T.T I just get too emotional over things *sob* I'm starting to wonder if this is becoming more of Rune and Tintlet romance fic o.O; Stick to the story, stick to the story, stick to the story…*repeats that several times* Well stay tuned for Chapter 11…Deception. O.o Another anime preview sounding thing…R&R .;