NOTICE: Ohayo… Before you read the story, I would just like to know if anybody plays on neopets, because I now have a guild dedicated to anime and manga. There are lots of contests, and I'm thinking of posting my brand new fanfiction there, too. Some other members want to post their stories as well, so it would give you a chance to read even more! Interactive, too! Arigatou, enjoy the story.
My Guild: http://www.neopets.com/guilds/guild.phtml?oid=elemental_ronin
Usagi peered at her reflection in the large, oval-shaped mirror. It was currently morning, and a while earlier she had been beckoned back into the Sparatian fortress to prepare for her performance.
She had been pampered for what seemed hours among Seer's waiting ladies, and Usagi herself was surprised at the fact the sun hadn't yet risen when they had finally finished.
She didn't look like the regular song elf she once was. Her lengthy blond hair had been pulled back into a braided ponytail, while she had been dressed into a long, flowing white gown that trailed beautifully behind her. 'It's like a wedding dress,' she mused.
Her long elven ears had been decorated with a considerable amount of gems and rings, which clinked delicately as she moved about. What was now imprinted on her forehead made her more puzzled then ever- a tiny, silver crescent moon, symbol of Sparati.
She heaved a dreary sigh. Of course she was excited about the performance, but on the other hand, Link hadn't even shown up the night before… Now there was absolutely nobody who could comfort the butterflies in her stomach.
"Miss. It's time."
Usagi straightened herself, patting down her dress. Incredible nervousness bit at her as maids led her down a few hallways. For the first time in her life, she was feeling lonely.
She was guided onto a small platform, and as she stepped out, into the dimness of morning, all the people of Sparati could now be seen before her very eyes. The anxiety increased.
The leader, Seer, sat regally to her right, smiling warmly back at her. "You may unleash the powers of your voice," he coaxed tenderly. With a wave of his hand, she was signaled to begin.
She took in a deep, raspy breath, and stepped into the center of the stage. The massive crowd hushed themselves into complete silence, and all attention was focused on her. She scanned the audience one final time, and then, through all her angst and lonesomeness, sang.
"I still can't believe that I'm not all alone"
Frustrated, Keiko squirmed past the rapidly growing crowds.
Either they weren't aware of her struggle, or they really didn't care. Seething
with annoyance, she cursed them under her breath and continued.
"I couldn't even see myself until I met you"
As she pushed past two more spectators, an excruciating shot
of pain overwhelmed her head, and she halted instantaneously. Caution quickly
replaced anger as a low chuckle rang through her ears, and slowly she pivoted
on her heel.
"I used to walk all by myself"
She felt her eyes widen with sudden fear. There, towering
over Keiko, was an elder man, his hand stubbornly clamped over a considerable
amount of her wild raven hair. His grin was sickening, and it broadened as she
shot a furious glare up at him.
"And I didn't even see this blinding light before me"
With a violent thrust, he jerked back his hand and forced
her forwards. With a yelp of surprise, Keiko's smaller body was urgently
crushed against his. He bent over and huskily whispered into her ear, "Don't
fight me…"
"I was scared to hold you all in my arms"
She clenched her teeth together, fighting the urge to snap
back at him. His chest heaved with ragged pants as he drew her even closer, and
the distinct smell of alcohol tainted his clothing. 'You smell revolting,'
she wanted to scream. 'I can't breath!' Instead, she found herself
struggling beneath him, wincing at the firm grip he had on her. "Let me go…"
she hissed, vexed, "you conceited pig…"
"I miss you… I can feel it"
With sudden wrath blazing in his dull eyes, he snarled, "I
told you not to fight me!" The man quickly lashed out at her, striking her
powerfully across the face. A pain filled cry escaped her lips as she felt the
impact take its effect, and she toppled backwards. 'Why are they all
ignoring? Why won't they help?'
"I'm going to fight my way through"
Keiko briefly stared up at him, and then scrambled through
the remainder of the crowd on her hands and knees. She threw herself into a far
corner, completely sure that the man was out of range. With a final attempt to
conceal her pain, she buried her face in her hands and wept. 'Pig… Pig! That
arrogant pig!'
"Life is about fighting and hurting..."
Through a choked sob, Keiko limply drew away one of her hands, now aware of the sticky liquid covering her upper lip. She stared at the dark substance coating her fingertips momentarily, turning her palm over in wonder, and hazily realized it was blood- hers. She tilted her head back, allowing the tears to flow freely down her cheeks.
"That's what I believed until the day I met you"
She closed her eyes, somewhat infuriated at herself, but too
exhausted to conceal her emotions. 'Damn my tears… Damn it!' Her free
hand balled into a tight fist, and she slammed it back against the ground. 'Stop
being weak, Keiko!'
"Even if we got hurt on the way, our love is still strong"
Keiko jumped slightly at the feel of a hand being rested
lightly across her head. She lolled her head forwards, catching the humoured
glance of Shinta. He was crouched before her, a hand stretched out. His grin
immediately faded at the sight of her condition.
"I want to keep on embracing this dream that's not going to end just yet"
She bent her head, suddenly embarrassed. An unusual blush
crept to her cheeks at the warmth his palm gave. She managed to choke out a few
words, which barely came out as a whisper. "Someone hit me… That's what happened.
But… I'm fine. I can take care of myself"
"I miss you… I know that someday"
He removed his hand carefully, and placed it on her
throbbing cheek. He stroked it gently, a small smile playing his lips. "Kei, it
looks really painful. You don't have to hide pain from me. It's not shameful to
cry…"
"Your wounds will heal"
Her breath caught in her throat, surprised at the peacefulness of his words and the gentleness of his hand. A new contentment swelled in the pit of her stomach, completely overpowering her soreness. 'Kei… It's what he used to call me when we were growing up… Whenever I hurt myself…'
"I love you… your eyes"
Nervously, she strained to meet his blue eyes. His
expression was almost impassive; calm. He stared at her with worry and yet reassurance.
"Shinta… Thank you."
"So I'm never going to let you go"
Never ceasing his soothing caress, he blinked. "Heh?" A look
of humour soon replaced his puzzlement. He unwound his headband, and then held
it to her hand, nodding his head. "Kei, clean yourself up. You'll feel better."
"I want to keep on believing that I'm not all alone"
Hesitantly, she took the soft cloth from his outstretched palm. Her eyes widened. "Ah… But mercenaries need these! I couldn't possibly…"
"Even if we can't be together like before"
Shinta chuckled. "No worries. I'll simply retrieve one
later." He paused, running his fingers through his hair with a sigh. "Besides,
my hair is even better when I let it down."
"If you ever miss me, just gently hold this song to your heart."
Keiko rolled her eyes and silently decided to ignore him. 'He's
back to his old self again…' She smiled inwardly. 'But… I've always
known the gentle side.'
"I miss you… We'll make this dream happen again"
Unblinkingly, Shinta observed as Keiko cleansed her face with his headband. When she had finished, his mouth curved into a satisfied grin, and he ruffled her hair. "Well, stay out of trouble, dolt."
"I love you… someday"
Keiko felt her eyes narrow in an instant. 'Did he just
call me a dolt?' Swiftly, her hand struck the back of his head. "Don't tell
me what to do. Get back to your work and stop stalking me!" She
snorted loudly, averting any eye contact with the dumbfounded mercenary.
"So I want to deliver this Love Song to you"
"All right, I'll leave you, Kei." He clucked his tongue
thoughtfully as he got to his feet. "Don't let people push you around. Fight
back." He nodded his approval, and then retreated with his sword casually
draped over his shoulder.
"I want to be there by your side... Yes, I still love you"
Keiko watched his retreating form intently as he disappeared
through the crowds, cocking her head slightly to the side. 'Why does he
care…?' She glimpsed down at the now fully stained cloth in her palm. 'Why
do I care if he cares?' She clasped it tightly. 'I don't love him at
all! That stupid idiot!'
"And no, I will never forget you… Never forget me."
Usagi felt almost dizzy as her song came to a stop. The sun had just risen over the horizon, rapidly spilling its light into Sparati. She was brought out of the trance as the crowds erupted with cheers. Realizing her condition, her cheeks reddened and she bowed her head in gratitude.
"Ah, Usagi…"
She stiffened at the uneasy feeling of the Leader's presence as he groped her shoulders and turned herself to face him. A broad smile was plastered to his lips as he met her eyes. Hiding any signs of discomfort, she dipped her head in respect.
"You certainly live up to your title, my dear…" he paused momentarily. "You are quite beautiful… And such a talent should have a reward!"
Usagi blinked her confusion up at him, eyes narrowed with precaution. "Leader… With all due respect… I really do not request any sort of prize…"
He merely laughed and squeezed her shoulder tightly. "My dear elf, it has been an honour to hear your majestic voice, I confess, I have grown quite attached to it." His voice altered. "And your voice… It should be heard further in Sparati…" The Leader's expression brightened. "Ah! Perfect!"
"What?" Usagi grimaced under his firm grip.
"Your reward… Usagi of Hyrule, you are to marry me!"
The dumbfounded blonde felt the words echo through her mind as her eyes expanded. The most she could do at the moment was stare back up at the smug man with an expression of shock and disbelief. It had felt as though a huge tidal wave had crashed down on her, and breathing had become difficult. She mouthed the words repeatedly, almost with anger.
He nodded in conferment, obviously ignoring her reaction. "You are to marry me at dusk. It is an order."
She felt her eyes burning as he stared down at her impassively. Her lips were slightly agape as he slowly released her shoulders. Her knees felt incredibly weak without his support, and she stood limply, unmoving. He took one final glance at her, and then left her at the centre of the platform.
As the crowds gradually begun to clear, Usagi stumbled away blindly, frantically trying to rid herself of the rising grief she was currently feeling. If she were to disobey the order, she would, of course, be executed on the spot. And Link…
The final thought brought her to tears, which started to flow down her cheeks. She halted at once, and then slumped forcefully against the side of a nearby building, allowing herself to cry. 'Why do I feel this way…'
Her fists clenched and unclenched, so tightly that crescent moon imprints begun to sting against her palms. She felt her body rack with inward sobs, and finally her legs gave way and she collapsed backwards. 'I don't want to marry him!'
"Usagi!"
She ignored the hysterical cry, squeezing her eyes shut.
"Usagi! Hey! Wake up you stupid woman!"
'Go away…' Usagi thought silently. 'Leave me alone!' She choked out another sob, burying her head into her lap. 'I want to disappear… I want to be free of this pain…' She felt herself being shaken with a powerful clutch. She could hear the urgency of the cries. She didn't care.
Keiko was frantic. Usagi had huddled herself into a corner, painfully reminding the situation with herself. She scanned the retreating crowds with burning wrath. They didn't care at all. In panic, she knelt beside the trembling elf, eyeing at her fallen form with unusual sympathy. 'What should I do?'
Author's Notes: I'm sorry if that was disappointing, I rushed through it… I'm going to work on the next few chapters extra hard. Oh, And how do you like Shinta and Keiko? I like Keiko's attitude ^_~ Please read and review for next chapter
