Ni-hao! This is "Sparkling Star," part of the Death Rose Saga of Epsilon.
Renee Hunter has always wanted to feel special. She also swore not to let what happened to her at Delta ever happen again. But, when Kei starts plans into motion to help her ensnare Jake, it focuses her rage to the one she-kat that represents all special kats: Callie.
Author's notes: Whoo! This one's a doozy! I'm rather proud of this one myself.
Sorry for the delay. You may want to check out my Silent Justice series, too. It's new!
Special thanks to KS Claw, Renee Twist (with Timmy), and Alegna for the help. An extra hug to KS for being my sounding board for this and other fics recently.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
**********************
Epsilon: Death Rose Saga
Sparkling Star
**********************
"Hey, did you hear about Clawson and Hunter?"
"Yeah! Didn't the Major show up at her place?"
"Yep! The Executive Council rarely deals with Enforcers. Except for Feral."
"Uh, huh. I wonder if they're a couple?"
"I suppose so. They have been seen together a lot lately."
"But, isn't that a little weird? Isn't Hunter older than him?"
"I think they'll make a cute couple!"
"Maybe."
"Renee must be awfully special to catch the Major's eye."
****************************************************
"Good morning, Jake!"
"Good morning...Wha-"
It had only been a day since Renee had temporarily moved into Jake's dorm, but the she-kat was pulling out all the stops. Jake was greeted to a full course breakfast.
"What's with all the food?" Jake sits down at the table.
"For you. Didn't you say you're giving blood today?" Renee asks, moving around in the kitchen.
"Yeah..."
"You'll need a full breakfast. Giving blood can zap your strength...Didn't you know?"
"Well..." Jake pauses to eat a bit of a muffin. "This is the first time I'm doing this."
Renee smiles. "Major, what have told you about wording?"
Jake looks up from his food. "Huh?"
"It's nothing." Renee places a bag in front of Jake and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "That's your lunch since I won't be able to join you today. Have things to do with my officers. And, I have to go."
"Now? It's so early!"
"I know! Work before pleasure, Major." Renee continues to smile as she skips out the door. "See you tonight."
Jake watches her go, and then peeks in his lunch.
"Wow! Mongo peppers!"
********************************************************
"All right! You know what to do! Dispense all the invitations, and then meet me back at the President's House. We have a party to do!"
Aiko and her cronies listen attentively as Kei issues out instructions. The Lieutenant had a plan...and that meant the total humiliation of Renee Hunter.
"With this party, Renee will be forced to accept her low class position!" Aiko's eyes sparkle. "Your plan is marvelous, Kei-sama!"
Kei smiles. "With Renee gone, Jake will be all mine. He is much to good for her."
"Yes, Kei-sama!"
************************************************************
Later...
"Ulysses! This is my temporary address if you need me."
Feral, sitting in his office, looks at the slip of paper Renee hands him.
"Hmm..." Feral mulls. "Isn't this Major Clawson's..."
"Uh, huh. I'm staying with him."
Feral smiles at her, crossing his arms. "Don't corrupt him all at once, now."
"It's not corrupting him, Commander." Renee smiles back. "It's teaching him."
The clock tower's bells begin to ring, and Renee straightens up. "I have exercises with my officers now. See you!"
Renee bounds out of the office. Feral smiles again.
"She really does seem to sparkle, today..."
*************************************************************
Later...
Jake and Chance were at the Executive Council's meeting area, eating lunch. Jake looks at the forest while Chance just concentrates on his meal. After a while, Chance speaks up.
"Who fixed you the lunch?" Chance asks.
Jake pauses for a moment. "Renee."
"Ah..." Chance smiles. "So you two are getting quite comfortable."
Jake blushes a little, but returns to normal. "By the way...Today was my first time."
Chance nearly spits out his food. "What? Where did it happen?"
"In a car..."
"Unbelievable..."
"My heart was going a mile a minute, but I don't regret it!" Jake places his paws behind his head. "It did take a lot of courage, ...but if you think of it as proof of adulthood, it's not so bad..."
"...And besides," Jake continues, "You get juice and stuff when you leave."
Chance blinks. "Huh? What are we talking about here?"
"Isn't it obvious? I gave blood today." Jake shows off his bandage. He then looks at Chance. "What did you think I was saying?"
Chance slumps in his chair somewhat. "...Oh, nothing..."
**********************************************************
It had been a rather uneventful day after that. Invitations to Kei's party had been distributed, Jake and Chance prepared for the fencing competition that was coming up, and Feral worked on his troop's work. It was productive, as everyone seemed to gravitate to Renee, heeding her instructions and her leadership. She really seemed to shine.
After her shift was over, Renee leaves the campus grounds and heads to a nearby hobby shop. Jake's competition was tomorrow, and she wanted to make him a good luck charm. Looking around for a few minutes, she spots what she was looking for, pays for it, and leaves the store.
"Well, well...is it isn't little Renee Hunter."
Renee spins around to confront the voice. "Steele. What do you want?"
Steele emerges from the shadows. "Have you become one of 'them'? The special kats that made your life a living hell at Delta?"
"What are you talking about?" Renee bristles.
"You don't talk to me anymore. I thought we had an understanding..."
"I couldn't talk to you because *you* were kicked out, remember?" Renee crosses her arms. "Top Brass forbids it."
"So what? I thought we had a lot in common." Steele stands besides her. "Every one of them live in that world that we can't ever hope to get to. We will always be one face in the crowd."
"Says you."
"Ah...So have we found someone that makes you feel special, Hunter?" Steele smiles at her. "Remember, for every one that does, there are more that desire to keep you in your place."
Renee says nothing. Steele continues.
"Isn't that what happened at Delta, Renee? You had to work extra hard to gain and keep your position, while are that did nothing rose to the top effortlessly? Maybe you should..."
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Renee screams at him. "What happened at Delta will not ever happen to me again! I won't allow it!"
Renee runs off, clutching her purchases tightly. Steele just watches her go.
*************************************************************
Later...
"Hey! What are you making?"
"It's a surprise. You'll see it tomorrow."
Jake gets into bed while Renee settles down into herself. She was knitting, and Jake decides to pick up a book.
"You will be coming to the fencing competition, right?" Jake asks, opening his book.
"Of course! I have to go to my office first, but I'll be there as soon as I can." Renee pauses to glance at Jake's book. "Reading?"
"Yeah. I like to learn things."
Renee smiles at him. "Jake, you can't know everything. Even still, sometimes it's just better to experience it."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see." Renee leans over to give Jake a kiss.
*************************************************************
The next day...
Renee fills out some paperwork in Feral's office. She was going as fast as she could: She wanted to get to the fencing competition. Feral just looks at her.
"Umm..."
Renee looks up. "What's wrong?"
"...Did something good happen to you recently?" Feral asks.
"Not really. Why?"
"It's just that you seem so full of life now." Feral says, looking away. "And, you've gotten really pretty."
Renee blinks at that, but then smiles. "Really, Commander! You shouldn't let Jake hear you say that!"
"But, it's true!"
"Lies! All lies!" Renee stands up, laughs.
"But, Renee..." Feral says, but Renee is already out the door.
"Bye, Ulysses!"
**********************************************************
Later...
A huge crowd had formed at Epsilon's gymnasium. The fencing competition was about to get underway.
The stands were filled with various fencer groupies, with Chance winning out (again). Chance didn't seem to care.
"This is it! The winner and the runners-up will represent Epsilon at the upcoming national championships!"
Chance addresses the competition's hopefuls. He didn't wear his fencing uniform, but rather his regular one. Being the reigning champion, he had earned a bye.
"I want everyone to do their best." Chance continues. "The pride of Epsilon is at stake!"
"Yes, sir!"
Jake begins to stretch. He wanted to better his position this year: He placed third last year. He begins to pick up his foil.
"Jake!"
Jake looks up to Renee pushing her way through the crowd. "Renee! You made it!"
"I wouldn't miss it!" Renee pulls out her gift. "I made you a good luck charm."
Jake looks on as Renee pulls out a kerchief. On it was embroidered miniature dragon. "What's this?"
"It's a kerchief, silly. Ladies gave them to their Knights long time ago."
"So...You think of me as your Knight?"
Renee smiles, placing the kerchief inside of Jake's fencing uniform. "Well, let's just say you're in training. You still have a lot to learn."
Jake blushes. An official walks up to him.
"Clawson! You're up!"
"Yes, sir." Jake turns back to Renee. "Well, here I go."
Renee looks around to make sure no one was looking, and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck! I'll be watching from the stands."
Renee pushes her way back through the crowd, and Jake squares himself.
**************************************************************
The competition progressed without a hitch. Jake progressed from the quarterfinals to the semi's without a problem. Chance was impressed. Never had he seen Jake fight with such vigor.
In the end, Jake not only improved his position, he smashed it. He won the competition.
Even though he was exhausted, and the crowd swarmed him, it was all worth it to see Renee's smiling face in the end.
**************************************************************
Later...
"Welcome home, Jake! Congratulations!"
"Thanks! Wow! What a feast!"
Jake comes home to see a miniature feast on the table. He eagerly sits down.
"I'd figured you'd be hungry." Renee sits down as well.
"You were right." Jake begins to eat. "I still can't believe I won!"
"I knew you could do it!"
Jake chews for a moment. "Say, why don't we celebrate by going to Kei's party later this week? Everyone will be there."
"I-I don't know." Renee begins to fidget. "Fancy parties aren't my style."
"Oh, come on!" Jake looks at her. "I thought we'd use it to present ourselves as a couple."
It was Renee's turn to blush. "Well! You certainly know what to say to a she-kat don't you?"
"So...Will you go as my date?"
"I...sure."
*************************************************************
"Major Furlong!"
Chance, who was walking to his dorms, stops to see an underling walking towards him. "Yes? What is it?"
"I've heard news that something terrible will happen to L.C. Hunter at Kei's party latter this week. Something humiliating."
Chance perks up at the mention of Kei's name. "Oh? Who will cause it?"
"The rumors say Kei and her underlings."
"I see...and why are you telling me this?"
The underling straightens up. "Because a lot of kats like Renee. She's nice and does her job. She doesn't deserve Kei's wrath just because she's friends with one of Kei's interests."
Chance nods. "Very well. Dismissed."
*****************************************************************
The next day...
"Uly-sama, don't forget you have tea with my mother today."
"Yes, I know."
Callie places some papers on Feral's desk. "Also, Major Furlong is here to see you."
"Really? *Him*? Send him in."
Callie disappears, and Chance enters the office. Feral motions for him to take a seat.
"Major...what brings you by?"
"Renee Hunter."
Feral looks sharply at Chance. "What about her?"
"Kei's on the move again. She's coming after her at the party. And you know what happened the last time she got involved with high command." Chance says, nonchalant.
"Yeah...I ended up with a bad injury." Feral sits back in his chair. "How did you find out this?"
"I have my ways." Chance shrugs. "The problem now is how to prevent it. I think I know how, but I need your help. You are her friend."
Feral nods. "But, why are you getting involved?"
"Because Jake is my best friend, and I want him to be happy. Besides, he has his paws full with Azure and Kei. He wouldn't know how to handle this situation."
"But, he's learning, right?"
**********************************************************
Later...
"Oh? Hunter-san...."
"Yeah. She's so different now."
Feral sips his tea while Camilla tinkers with her projector. "I don't know if it's because of Jake, but how did she become so pretty all of a sudden?"
Camilla smiles, finishing up her work and taking a seat across from Feral. "You really don't understand, do you Commander? You, living out your predestined fate..."
"Huh?"
"There are special kats in the world. And, they are always noticed...Like you?"
"...Me?" Feral sits his cup down.
Camilla laughs. "You're particularly self-conscious, right? That's the special quality you carry from birth."
"Oh..."
"Most kats are but a single kat among multitudes." Camilla looks up to her projector. "However, given the slightest chance, they will shine with a light that they have never shown before."
"...I just wanted Renee to be happy for the longest time..." Feral says quietly.
"It could even be said that for many kats, their special time lasts briefly. However, there are some cases where one could be reborn."
Feral looks at her.
"Reborn?"
*****************************************************************
That night...
"I have a package for Lieutenant Commander Hunter!"
Both Jake and Renee look at each other, startled. They had been looking over their piano music.
"Why would a package be delivered here?" Jake asks, heading for the door.
"I don't know. I only informed Ulysses..." Renee joins Jake, who had opened the door.
The officer salutes the both of them, handing Renee two packages. "The senders hope you like your packages. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
The officer leaves, and Renee opens the bigger box. It reveals a very beautiful, and expensive, gown.
"Wow..." Jake looks at it. "Is this something for the party?"
"I suppose." Renee proceeds to open the second box. She nearly drops it in shock. "Whoa!"
"What is it?" Jake looks over Renee's shoulder. "Whoa is right. Those must be very expensive."
"And far better than what I would have worn to the party."
"Maybe you have a fairy godmother." Jake smiles at her.
"I guess." Renee reaches into the box. "But, I'm not used to this."
"Maybe you should be."
"Really?"
Jake looks at her. "*I* would give you things."
Renee blushes deeply, but smiles.
**********************************************************
Later that week...at the President's House.
It was a cool night, and Kei's party was in full swing.
Kei herself was dressed to impress.
"Wow, Kei-sama! What a beautiful dress!"
"My uncle bought this for me. It's no big deal."
Kei smiles as Aiko and her friends admire her evening attire. The rest of the partygoers ignored her.
"How cute!"
"Such a beautiful ring!"
"What lovely shoes!"
"Such beautiful earrings!"
"It's so you, Kei-sama!" Aiko says. "You are the best dresser!"
"Like I said, it's no big deal." Kei laughs. "Has Renee arrived yet?"
"No. Nor has Jake."
"It's of no consequence. Be on the lookout for them, alright?"
"Yes, Kei-sama!"
Kei's smile turns smug as she watches the group leave. "*If you're so impressed with that, then Renee will be crushed*!"
Kei pulls out a small box and opens it, revealing a diamond studded pendent. "*I will be unveiling my prized pendant made by Dior. Once Renee sees this, she will be running to get back in place, and...*"
"Oooh!"
"What is it?" Kei snaps out of her thoughts.
Kei watches as Renee enters with Jake. She was wearing a fabulous evening gown, and wore expressive diamond jewelry. It had more carats than Kei's pendant. All of the crowd's eyes turned to her.
"Wow! The Lieutenant Commander looks so lovely! So does the Major."
"They really make a cute couple!"
The excited murmurs continue as Jake leads to Chance.
"Hi, Jake. L.C." Chance says as they walk up to them.
"Please, Major. You can call me Renee." Renee laughs.
Chance nods. "You look lovely wearing that jewelry."
"Thank you."
"It's a funny thing, it was sent as a gift." Jake speaks up. "Totally unexpected."
"I see..." Chance nods. "Can I borrow Jake for a moment, ma'am? There are some things I need to discuss with him."
"Sure." Renee nods. "I'll just mingle."
*********************************************************
"She's...she's taking all the attention away from me!"
Aiko and the others look on as Kei rants in a separate room away from the gathering.
"The party, Jake...they were all going to be mine! And, I am not going to let some low class minx take it away from me!"
Kei grabs a drink. "Desperate times beget desperate measures."
*********************************************************
"She what?"
"She planned the whole thing to show up Renee."
Jake looks on in shock as Chance explains things.
"My...an informant told me. I told Feral, and we organized the gifts." Chance says.
"But...why?" Jake asks. "Renee hasn't done anything to Kei!"
"She has by being your girlfriend. You know how Kei is. She likes you."
"I know...but..."
"Aahh!"
Jake, Chance, and the partygoers turn to see Kei standing next to Renee. Renee was dripping wet, and Kei had a look of satisfaction on her face.
"Damn that Kei!" Chance mutters as he and Jake push through the crowd.
"Oh, I'm *so* sorry, ma'am." Kei says, trying to keep her smile in check. "Perhaps you need to go home and change?"
Renee takes one look at her dress, one look at Kei...and slaps her. Kei falls to the ground, holding her cheek. The crowd gasps.
"W-Why did you do that?" Kei cries, still holding her cheek.
"Please! That is the oldest trick in the book!" Renee crosses her arms. "And you had the audacity to do it to a superior officer! You should be ashamed."
"But, you're not a superior officer! You're nothing but a low class she-kat who can't afford her own room!"
The crowd goes silent. Renee closes her eyes, counts to ten, and slowly opens them.
"Low class, eh? I have done more than you have ever done in your pampered lifetime. And I will always be better than you."
Renee turns and walks away. Jake chases her. After awhile, the crowd begins to leave.
"Wait! Don't go!" Kei calls after them, but they had left, leaving on Aiko, her underlings, and Chance.
"You brat!" Chance crosses his arms. "Will you get it through your thick skull that Jake doesn't like you! He loves Renee!"
"But...she's..."
"It doesn't matter what she is. You need to grow up!"
Chance turns on his heel, and leaves with the last remnants of the group.
*************************************************************
"Renee! Renee, wait up!"
Renee pauses as Jake catches up to her. He takes a moment to catch his breath.
"I'm sorry about the party." Jake says. "If I hadn't made you go, that never would have happened!"
"It's not your fault, Jake. I was happy to go with you." Renee says quietly. "But, I guess other kats don't want me to be."
Jake looks at her. "Renee..."
Renee turns around, and runs a paw along Jake's face. "But, I'm still special to you, right?"
"Renee..."
Renee smiles. "I'm sorry, Jake...but can I be left alone for while? I'll be home soon."
Jake starts to protest, but nods. "I understand. I'll wait up for you."
"Good night."
Jake walks away, leaving Renee to her thoughts. She sighs.
"It's Delta all over again..."
********************************************************
Kagami plucks a black and white rose from the aquarium.
********************************************************
The next day...
"Another day... "
Steele paces in his small, cramped apartment on the outskirts of Epsilon. He stretches.
"I'll never be able to get back into Epsilon if I continue like this."
"What a bad position you are in, Ex-Lieutenant Commander Steele."
"Eh?" Steele turns around to see Suimin, sitting in one of his chairs. "Suimin! How did you...?"
"It's been awhile, Steele."
"I mean, how did you get in here?"
Suimin laughs. "There are no secrets that the Death Rose Society isn't privy to."
Steele gulps.
"But all that aside, Steele...Imagine you, who served as the Executive Council Vice President, is now subjected to being in such a sad state." Suimin crosses her legs.
"I don't intend to stay here. I plan to return to Epsilon."
"Really? How?"
"That's..." Steele looks down.
"What do you plan to do, since you've wasted your time?" Suimin asks.
"Well..."
"Well what?"
Steele doesn't say anything. Suimin smiles.
"You could return, if you had a bit of our power."
"What do you mean?" Steele looks at her.
"The Death Rose Society is distressed over the state of the campus." Suimin says. "Your talent is invaluable."
"I see...So, what do you want me to do?"
"There is an item that I want you procure..."
"A trifle, really...."
*************************************************************
Later...in a flower shop...
"That will be twenty dollars."
"Fine."
Jake pulls out his wallet to pay for the roses he was buying for Renee. While doing so, the kerchief Renee had made for falls out onto the counter. Jake hadn't noticed it.
Steele walks into the shop. Spotting the kerchief, he moves besides Jake.
"Hello, Major."
"What?" Jake whirls around. "Steele. What do you want?"
"Nothing. I just find it funny that you're buying roses." Steele smirks. "So, our little resident vir--"
"Goodbye, Steele." Jake gathers his roses and leaves.
Steele smiles as he picks up the kerchief.
************************************************************
Later...
"Another busy day."
Renee is walking to her office, by way of the commons. She notices Callie in greenhouse.
"She has it so easy. Another special she-kat who has the world handed to her on a silver platter." Renee sighs as Callie takes off her glasses and pulls out a kerchief. "Such is life...Huh?"
Callie moves into a better view, and Renee drops her briefcase in shock.
Callie was cleaning her glasses with Jake's kerchief.
"No..."
*************************************************************
"Renee Hunter. Lieutenant Commander of the Enforcers."
"Well, then. Please begin."
The elevator in Yozen Hall starts it's decent. Renee clutches her knees.
"That she-kat..."
"That she-kat who represents all special kats...who tries to take away the small bits of happiness in my life. Whose face alone is special." Renee says, tears running down her face. "All my life I've had to work so hard to get crumbs, others can just breeze by."
"It's not fair! Why must I be trampled all the time?"
"Go...deeper..." A voice says softly.
"I can't bring myself to forgive her!"
"Whether in love, or in my work, I am just another face in the crowd. My world is completely different than that of those special kats."
"But...when I'm with Jake...I am special..." Renee hugs herself. "Just a bit longer, and I would have been reborn."
"But, because of them..."
"Because of that she-kat..."
"...That she-kat!"
The elevator shudders to a stop, and Renee is shaking. Suimin appears behind her.
"I understand. I suppose you have no choice but to revolutionize the World."
Suimin walks out of the elevator and heads towards the tombs.
"The path before you has been prepared."
Renee stands up.
"So..."
************************************************************
At Steele's apartment, he was eagerly putting on his uniform.
"Who would think that little thing would grant me my wish?" Steele thinks aloud, buttoning his uniform jacket. "But, I wasn't going to stay here forever."
"Going somewhere?"
"What?" Steele turns to see Renee standing in front of the door, paws behind her back. "Renee...how did you get in here?"
Renee is silent for a moment. "...Are you returning to Epsilon to join the special kats you hate so much? Or, were you always special...but not special enough for your tastes?"
"Eh?"
Renee smiles. "Thank you for taking my kerchief, but I have something far better now."
Renee holds out her paw, which bears a black rose ring.
"That ring!"
Renee races towards him, and yanks out the sword that had barely emerged from Steele's chest.
**************************************************************
"Hey. A sunshower."
Feral opens up his locker. There, was the grim note.
"To the Engaged One: I await you at the Dueling Arena this evening."
Feral sighs. "Again..."
*************************************************************
That evening...
Feral arrives at the Dueling Arena. Callie is in her same place, clad in her regal gown. On the desks were kerchiefs with a dragon insignia. But, before him...
Feral couldn't believe his eyes. "It can't be!"
"I swear by this Death Rose..."
"Uly-sama..." Callie says, trying to gain Feral's attention.
"...to triumph in this Duel..."
"Draw the sword from me."
"...and bring death to the Rose Bride."
Callie looks at Feral. "The sword! Hurry!"
"Callie...I can't." Feral is frozen. "I can't draw the sword against my friend, Renee!"
Renee was standing before Feral, clad in a black and white version of her regular uniform. She smiles, and then begins to charge at Feral with her sword.
"Quickly! The sword!" Callie cries out.
Suddenly, Renee changes direction, and begins to charge at Callie. She gasps.
"That's right! I'm going to kill her!" Renee shouts. Feral places himself between Renee and Callie. "She who represents all special kats!"
Feral couldn't believe his ears. "What?"
The clock tower's bells begin to ring as Renee lunges with her sword. She barely misses Feral's shoulder and Callie's face.
"Why are you doing this?" Feral asks. "You've been so radiant, Renee!"
"You can't understand! You couldn't possibly understand!"
"The sword, Uly-sama! Hurry!" Callie grabs him.
Renee slashes with her sword once again, and Callie falls to the ground. Renee advances, and Feral again places himself between them.
"Stop it, Renee! Stop this right now!" Feral shouts, but Renee slashes at his face, barely missing him.
Renee slashes at him again, and Feral falls to the ground. Renee grabs him by the hair.
Callie gasps. "Uly-sama!"
"You...that she-kat...the Executive Council...all look down on me!" Renee holds her sword dangerously close to Feral's rose. "Without a care in the world, you flaunt the power you were born with! So how can you calmly..."
"Uly-sama!"
Renee draws the sword back. "...Just walk all over everyone else!"
Renee goes for Feral's rose, but he somehow manages to block it. He holds Renee's wrists with her paws.
"Renee..." Feral says softly as she struggles against him. " There are certainly things I don't know. But, I do know this..."
Feral looks at her and smiles. "That you are my dearest friend. Just wait, I'll save you."
Feral spins Renee around and wrenches the sword from her paws. Using it, he slices the rose from Renee's chest. She gasps.
The clock tower's bells begin to ring, but Feral didn't let go of her paw, and she didn't fall to the ground.
But, a single tear falls from Renee's eyes.
************************************************************
At Yozen Hall...
A tomb dumps itself into the incinerator.
"I could dismiss such useless kats." Suimin leans against the wall. "But, Steele's such an idiot. Leaving him there is much more fun."
************************************************************
A week later...
It was time for the piano competition. Steele was back on campus. Chance and Kei look on from their position from the South Tower.
"I suppose that Steele is just beaming with pride..." Chance crosses his arms.
"For someone who was expelled, he's might full of himself." Kei says.
"I wonder if he plans to return to Council, acting like that."
"The nerve...but, I wonder how he got reinstated?"
"I heard it was a recommendation of the Death Rose Society."
"Really?" Kei looks around. "I wonder where Jake is? He doesn't like to be around me here lately."
"He's preparing for the piano competition, and he's still mad at you." Chance explains.
"But, why?"
All Chance could do is shake his head.
************************************************************
"Hurry, Jake! We'll be late to the competition!"
"Coming!" Jake climbs down the stairs, still dressing as he goes.
"Honestly, Major. What were you doing up there?" Renee comes over to Jake's side to help him with his suit.
"Getting this out." Jake extracts the kerchief Renee had given him. "I want to wear it."
Renee smiles. "Why didn't you say so? Give it to me."
Renee tucks the kerchief into Jake's pocket. He looks at her. "Renee..."
"Yes?"
"...Do you feel special?"
"Special?" Renee blinks. "I..."
Without a word, Jake raises Renee's face to his...and kisses her. After a while, he releases her. "...Now?"
Blushing, she looks away.
"...I am."
To be continued...
Renee Hunter has always wanted to feel special. She also swore not to let what happened to her at Delta ever happen again. But, when Kei starts plans into motion to help her ensnare Jake, it focuses her rage to the one she-kat that represents all special kats: Callie.
Author's notes: Whoo! This one's a doozy! I'm rather proud of this one myself.
Sorry for the delay. You may want to check out my Silent Justice series, too. It's new!
Special thanks to KS Claw, Renee Twist (with Timmy), and Alegna for the help. An extra hug to KS for being my sounding board for this and other fics recently.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
**********************
Epsilon: Death Rose Saga
Sparkling Star
**********************
"Hey, did you hear about Clawson and Hunter?"
"Yeah! Didn't the Major show up at her place?"
"Yep! The Executive Council rarely deals with Enforcers. Except for Feral."
"Uh, huh. I wonder if they're a couple?"
"I suppose so. They have been seen together a lot lately."
"But, isn't that a little weird? Isn't Hunter older than him?"
"I think they'll make a cute couple!"
"Maybe."
"Renee must be awfully special to catch the Major's eye."
****************************************************
"Good morning, Jake!"
"Good morning...Wha-"
It had only been a day since Renee had temporarily moved into Jake's dorm, but the she-kat was pulling out all the stops. Jake was greeted to a full course breakfast.
"What's with all the food?" Jake sits down at the table.
"For you. Didn't you say you're giving blood today?" Renee asks, moving around in the kitchen.
"Yeah..."
"You'll need a full breakfast. Giving blood can zap your strength...Didn't you know?"
"Well..." Jake pauses to eat a bit of a muffin. "This is the first time I'm doing this."
Renee smiles. "Major, what have told you about wording?"
Jake looks up from his food. "Huh?"
"It's nothing." Renee places a bag in front of Jake and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "That's your lunch since I won't be able to join you today. Have things to do with my officers. And, I have to go."
"Now? It's so early!"
"I know! Work before pleasure, Major." Renee continues to smile as she skips out the door. "See you tonight."
Jake watches her go, and then peeks in his lunch.
"Wow! Mongo peppers!"
********************************************************
"All right! You know what to do! Dispense all the invitations, and then meet me back at the President's House. We have a party to do!"
Aiko and her cronies listen attentively as Kei issues out instructions. The Lieutenant had a plan...and that meant the total humiliation of Renee Hunter.
"With this party, Renee will be forced to accept her low class position!" Aiko's eyes sparkle. "Your plan is marvelous, Kei-sama!"
Kei smiles. "With Renee gone, Jake will be all mine. He is much to good for her."
"Yes, Kei-sama!"
************************************************************
Later...
"Ulysses! This is my temporary address if you need me."
Feral, sitting in his office, looks at the slip of paper Renee hands him.
"Hmm..." Feral mulls. "Isn't this Major Clawson's..."
"Uh, huh. I'm staying with him."
Feral smiles at her, crossing his arms. "Don't corrupt him all at once, now."
"It's not corrupting him, Commander." Renee smiles back. "It's teaching him."
The clock tower's bells begin to ring, and Renee straightens up. "I have exercises with my officers now. See you!"
Renee bounds out of the office. Feral smiles again.
"She really does seem to sparkle, today..."
*************************************************************
Later...
Jake and Chance were at the Executive Council's meeting area, eating lunch. Jake looks at the forest while Chance just concentrates on his meal. After a while, Chance speaks up.
"Who fixed you the lunch?" Chance asks.
Jake pauses for a moment. "Renee."
"Ah..." Chance smiles. "So you two are getting quite comfortable."
Jake blushes a little, but returns to normal. "By the way...Today was my first time."
Chance nearly spits out his food. "What? Where did it happen?"
"In a car..."
"Unbelievable..."
"My heart was going a mile a minute, but I don't regret it!" Jake places his paws behind his head. "It did take a lot of courage, ...but if you think of it as proof of adulthood, it's not so bad..."
"...And besides," Jake continues, "You get juice and stuff when you leave."
Chance blinks. "Huh? What are we talking about here?"
"Isn't it obvious? I gave blood today." Jake shows off his bandage. He then looks at Chance. "What did you think I was saying?"
Chance slumps in his chair somewhat. "...Oh, nothing..."
**********************************************************
It had been a rather uneventful day after that. Invitations to Kei's party had been distributed, Jake and Chance prepared for the fencing competition that was coming up, and Feral worked on his troop's work. It was productive, as everyone seemed to gravitate to Renee, heeding her instructions and her leadership. She really seemed to shine.
After her shift was over, Renee leaves the campus grounds and heads to a nearby hobby shop. Jake's competition was tomorrow, and she wanted to make him a good luck charm. Looking around for a few minutes, she spots what she was looking for, pays for it, and leaves the store.
"Well, well...is it isn't little Renee Hunter."
Renee spins around to confront the voice. "Steele. What do you want?"
Steele emerges from the shadows. "Have you become one of 'them'? The special kats that made your life a living hell at Delta?"
"What are you talking about?" Renee bristles.
"You don't talk to me anymore. I thought we had an understanding..."
"I couldn't talk to you because *you* were kicked out, remember?" Renee crosses her arms. "Top Brass forbids it."
"So what? I thought we had a lot in common." Steele stands besides her. "Every one of them live in that world that we can't ever hope to get to. We will always be one face in the crowd."
"Says you."
"Ah...So have we found someone that makes you feel special, Hunter?" Steele smiles at her. "Remember, for every one that does, there are more that desire to keep you in your place."
Renee says nothing. Steele continues.
"Isn't that what happened at Delta, Renee? You had to work extra hard to gain and keep your position, while are that did nothing rose to the top effortlessly? Maybe you should..."
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Renee screams at him. "What happened at Delta will not ever happen to me again! I won't allow it!"
Renee runs off, clutching her purchases tightly. Steele just watches her go.
*************************************************************
Later...
"Hey! What are you making?"
"It's a surprise. You'll see it tomorrow."
Jake gets into bed while Renee settles down into herself. She was knitting, and Jake decides to pick up a book.
"You will be coming to the fencing competition, right?" Jake asks, opening his book.
"Of course! I have to go to my office first, but I'll be there as soon as I can." Renee pauses to glance at Jake's book. "Reading?"
"Yeah. I like to learn things."
Renee smiles at him. "Jake, you can't know everything. Even still, sometimes it's just better to experience it."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see." Renee leans over to give Jake a kiss.
*************************************************************
The next day...
Renee fills out some paperwork in Feral's office. She was going as fast as she could: She wanted to get to the fencing competition. Feral just looks at her.
"Umm..."
Renee looks up. "What's wrong?"
"...Did something good happen to you recently?" Feral asks.
"Not really. Why?"
"It's just that you seem so full of life now." Feral says, looking away. "And, you've gotten really pretty."
Renee blinks at that, but then smiles. "Really, Commander! You shouldn't let Jake hear you say that!"
"But, it's true!"
"Lies! All lies!" Renee stands up, laughs.
"But, Renee..." Feral says, but Renee is already out the door.
"Bye, Ulysses!"
**********************************************************
Later...
A huge crowd had formed at Epsilon's gymnasium. The fencing competition was about to get underway.
The stands were filled with various fencer groupies, with Chance winning out (again). Chance didn't seem to care.
"This is it! The winner and the runners-up will represent Epsilon at the upcoming national championships!"
Chance addresses the competition's hopefuls. He didn't wear his fencing uniform, but rather his regular one. Being the reigning champion, he had earned a bye.
"I want everyone to do their best." Chance continues. "The pride of Epsilon is at stake!"
"Yes, sir!"
Jake begins to stretch. He wanted to better his position this year: He placed third last year. He begins to pick up his foil.
"Jake!"
Jake looks up to Renee pushing her way through the crowd. "Renee! You made it!"
"I wouldn't miss it!" Renee pulls out her gift. "I made you a good luck charm."
Jake looks on as Renee pulls out a kerchief. On it was embroidered miniature dragon. "What's this?"
"It's a kerchief, silly. Ladies gave them to their Knights long time ago."
"So...You think of me as your Knight?"
Renee smiles, placing the kerchief inside of Jake's fencing uniform. "Well, let's just say you're in training. You still have a lot to learn."
Jake blushes. An official walks up to him.
"Clawson! You're up!"
"Yes, sir." Jake turns back to Renee. "Well, here I go."
Renee looks around to make sure no one was looking, and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck! I'll be watching from the stands."
Renee pushes her way back through the crowd, and Jake squares himself.
**************************************************************
The competition progressed without a hitch. Jake progressed from the quarterfinals to the semi's without a problem. Chance was impressed. Never had he seen Jake fight with such vigor.
In the end, Jake not only improved his position, he smashed it. He won the competition.
Even though he was exhausted, and the crowd swarmed him, it was all worth it to see Renee's smiling face in the end.
**************************************************************
Later...
"Welcome home, Jake! Congratulations!"
"Thanks! Wow! What a feast!"
Jake comes home to see a miniature feast on the table. He eagerly sits down.
"I'd figured you'd be hungry." Renee sits down as well.
"You were right." Jake begins to eat. "I still can't believe I won!"
"I knew you could do it!"
Jake chews for a moment. "Say, why don't we celebrate by going to Kei's party later this week? Everyone will be there."
"I-I don't know." Renee begins to fidget. "Fancy parties aren't my style."
"Oh, come on!" Jake looks at her. "I thought we'd use it to present ourselves as a couple."
It was Renee's turn to blush. "Well! You certainly know what to say to a she-kat don't you?"
"So...Will you go as my date?"
"I...sure."
*************************************************************
"Major Furlong!"
Chance, who was walking to his dorms, stops to see an underling walking towards him. "Yes? What is it?"
"I've heard news that something terrible will happen to L.C. Hunter at Kei's party latter this week. Something humiliating."
Chance perks up at the mention of Kei's name. "Oh? Who will cause it?"
"The rumors say Kei and her underlings."
"I see...and why are you telling me this?"
The underling straightens up. "Because a lot of kats like Renee. She's nice and does her job. She doesn't deserve Kei's wrath just because she's friends with one of Kei's interests."
Chance nods. "Very well. Dismissed."
*****************************************************************
The next day...
"Uly-sama, don't forget you have tea with my mother today."
"Yes, I know."
Callie places some papers on Feral's desk. "Also, Major Furlong is here to see you."
"Really? *Him*? Send him in."
Callie disappears, and Chance enters the office. Feral motions for him to take a seat.
"Major...what brings you by?"
"Renee Hunter."
Feral looks sharply at Chance. "What about her?"
"Kei's on the move again. She's coming after her at the party. And you know what happened the last time she got involved with high command." Chance says, nonchalant.
"Yeah...I ended up with a bad injury." Feral sits back in his chair. "How did you find out this?"
"I have my ways." Chance shrugs. "The problem now is how to prevent it. I think I know how, but I need your help. You are her friend."
Feral nods. "But, why are you getting involved?"
"Because Jake is my best friend, and I want him to be happy. Besides, he has his paws full with Azure and Kei. He wouldn't know how to handle this situation."
"But, he's learning, right?"
**********************************************************
Later...
"Oh? Hunter-san...."
"Yeah. She's so different now."
Feral sips his tea while Camilla tinkers with her projector. "I don't know if it's because of Jake, but how did she become so pretty all of a sudden?"
Camilla smiles, finishing up her work and taking a seat across from Feral. "You really don't understand, do you Commander? You, living out your predestined fate..."
"Huh?"
"There are special kats in the world. And, they are always noticed...Like you?"
"...Me?" Feral sits his cup down.
Camilla laughs. "You're particularly self-conscious, right? That's the special quality you carry from birth."
"Oh..."
"Most kats are but a single kat among multitudes." Camilla looks up to her projector. "However, given the slightest chance, they will shine with a light that they have never shown before."
"...I just wanted Renee to be happy for the longest time..." Feral says quietly.
"It could even be said that for many kats, their special time lasts briefly. However, there are some cases where one could be reborn."
Feral looks at her.
"Reborn?"
*****************************************************************
That night...
"I have a package for Lieutenant Commander Hunter!"
Both Jake and Renee look at each other, startled. They had been looking over their piano music.
"Why would a package be delivered here?" Jake asks, heading for the door.
"I don't know. I only informed Ulysses..." Renee joins Jake, who had opened the door.
The officer salutes the both of them, handing Renee two packages. "The senders hope you like your packages. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
The officer leaves, and Renee opens the bigger box. It reveals a very beautiful, and expensive, gown.
"Wow..." Jake looks at it. "Is this something for the party?"
"I suppose." Renee proceeds to open the second box. She nearly drops it in shock. "Whoa!"
"What is it?" Jake looks over Renee's shoulder. "Whoa is right. Those must be very expensive."
"And far better than what I would have worn to the party."
"Maybe you have a fairy godmother." Jake smiles at her.
"I guess." Renee reaches into the box. "But, I'm not used to this."
"Maybe you should be."
"Really?"
Jake looks at her. "*I* would give you things."
Renee blushes deeply, but smiles.
**********************************************************
Later that week...at the President's House.
It was a cool night, and Kei's party was in full swing.
Kei herself was dressed to impress.
"Wow, Kei-sama! What a beautiful dress!"
"My uncle bought this for me. It's no big deal."
Kei smiles as Aiko and her friends admire her evening attire. The rest of the partygoers ignored her.
"How cute!"
"Such a beautiful ring!"
"What lovely shoes!"
"Such beautiful earrings!"
"It's so you, Kei-sama!" Aiko says. "You are the best dresser!"
"Like I said, it's no big deal." Kei laughs. "Has Renee arrived yet?"
"No. Nor has Jake."
"It's of no consequence. Be on the lookout for them, alright?"
"Yes, Kei-sama!"
Kei's smile turns smug as she watches the group leave. "*If you're so impressed with that, then Renee will be crushed*!"
Kei pulls out a small box and opens it, revealing a diamond studded pendent. "*I will be unveiling my prized pendant made by Dior. Once Renee sees this, she will be running to get back in place, and...*"
"Oooh!"
"What is it?" Kei snaps out of her thoughts.
Kei watches as Renee enters with Jake. She was wearing a fabulous evening gown, and wore expressive diamond jewelry. It had more carats than Kei's pendant. All of the crowd's eyes turned to her.
"Wow! The Lieutenant Commander looks so lovely! So does the Major."
"They really make a cute couple!"
The excited murmurs continue as Jake leads to Chance.
"Hi, Jake. L.C." Chance says as they walk up to them.
"Please, Major. You can call me Renee." Renee laughs.
Chance nods. "You look lovely wearing that jewelry."
"Thank you."
"It's a funny thing, it was sent as a gift." Jake speaks up. "Totally unexpected."
"I see..." Chance nods. "Can I borrow Jake for a moment, ma'am? There are some things I need to discuss with him."
"Sure." Renee nods. "I'll just mingle."
*********************************************************
"She's...she's taking all the attention away from me!"
Aiko and the others look on as Kei rants in a separate room away from the gathering.
"The party, Jake...they were all going to be mine! And, I am not going to let some low class minx take it away from me!"
Kei grabs a drink. "Desperate times beget desperate measures."
*********************************************************
"She what?"
"She planned the whole thing to show up Renee."
Jake looks on in shock as Chance explains things.
"My...an informant told me. I told Feral, and we organized the gifts." Chance says.
"But...why?" Jake asks. "Renee hasn't done anything to Kei!"
"She has by being your girlfriend. You know how Kei is. She likes you."
"I know...but..."
"Aahh!"
Jake, Chance, and the partygoers turn to see Kei standing next to Renee. Renee was dripping wet, and Kei had a look of satisfaction on her face.
"Damn that Kei!" Chance mutters as he and Jake push through the crowd.
"Oh, I'm *so* sorry, ma'am." Kei says, trying to keep her smile in check. "Perhaps you need to go home and change?"
Renee takes one look at her dress, one look at Kei...and slaps her. Kei falls to the ground, holding her cheek. The crowd gasps.
"W-Why did you do that?" Kei cries, still holding her cheek.
"Please! That is the oldest trick in the book!" Renee crosses her arms. "And you had the audacity to do it to a superior officer! You should be ashamed."
"But, you're not a superior officer! You're nothing but a low class she-kat who can't afford her own room!"
The crowd goes silent. Renee closes her eyes, counts to ten, and slowly opens them.
"Low class, eh? I have done more than you have ever done in your pampered lifetime. And I will always be better than you."
Renee turns and walks away. Jake chases her. After awhile, the crowd begins to leave.
"Wait! Don't go!" Kei calls after them, but they had left, leaving on Aiko, her underlings, and Chance.
"You brat!" Chance crosses his arms. "Will you get it through your thick skull that Jake doesn't like you! He loves Renee!"
"But...she's..."
"It doesn't matter what she is. You need to grow up!"
Chance turns on his heel, and leaves with the last remnants of the group.
*************************************************************
"Renee! Renee, wait up!"
Renee pauses as Jake catches up to her. He takes a moment to catch his breath.
"I'm sorry about the party." Jake says. "If I hadn't made you go, that never would have happened!"
"It's not your fault, Jake. I was happy to go with you." Renee says quietly. "But, I guess other kats don't want me to be."
Jake looks at her. "Renee..."
Renee turns around, and runs a paw along Jake's face. "But, I'm still special to you, right?"
"Renee..."
Renee smiles. "I'm sorry, Jake...but can I be left alone for while? I'll be home soon."
Jake starts to protest, but nods. "I understand. I'll wait up for you."
"Good night."
Jake walks away, leaving Renee to her thoughts. She sighs.
"It's Delta all over again..."
********************************************************
Kagami plucks a black and white rose from the aquarium.
********************************************************
The next day...
"Another day... "
Steele paces in his small, cramped apartment on the outskirts of Epsilon. He stretches.
"I'll never be able to get back into Epsilon if I continue like this."
"What a bad position you are in, Ex-Lieutenant Commander Steele."
"Eh?" Steele turns around to see Suimin, sitting in one of his chairs. "Suimin! How did you...?"
"It's been awhile, Steele."
"I mean, how did you get in here?"
Suimin laughs. "There are no secrets that the Death Rose Society isn't privy to."
Steele gulps.
"But all that aside, Steele...Imagine you, who served as the Executive Council Vice President, is now subjected to being in such a sad state." Suimin crosses her legs.
"I don't intend to stay here. I plan to return to Epsilon."
"Really? How?"
"That's..." Steele looks down.
"What do you plan to do, since you've wasted your time?" Suimin asks.
"Well..."
"Well what?"
Steele doesn't say anything. Suimin smiles.
"You could return, if you had a bit of our power."
"What do you mean?" Steele looks at her.
"The Death Rose Society is distressed over the state of the campus." Suimin says. "Your talent is invaluable."
"I see...So, what do you want me to do?"
"There is an item that I want you procure..."
"A trifle, really...."
*************************************************************
Later...in a flower shop...
"That will be twenty dollars."
"Fine."
Jake pulls out his wallet to pay for the roses he was buying for Renee. While doing so, the kerchief Renee had made for falls out onto the counter. Jake hadn't noticed it.
Steele walks into the shop. Spotting the kerchief, he moves besides Jake.
"Hello, Major."
"What?" Jake whirls around. "Steele. What do you want?"
"Nothing. I just find it funny that you're buying roses." Steele smirks. "So, our little resident vir--"
"Goodbye, Steele." Jake gathers his roses and leaves.
Steele smiles as he picks up the kerchief.
************************************************************
Later...
"Another busy day."
Renee is walking to her office, by way of the commons. She notices Callie in greenhouse.
"She has it so easy. Another special she-kat who has the world handed to her on a silver platter." Renee sighs as Callie takes off her glasses and pulls out a kerchief. "Such is life...Huh?"
Callie moves into a better view, and Renee drops her briefcase in shock.
Callie was cleaning her glasses with Jake's kerchief.
"No..."
*************************************************************
"Renee Hunter. Lieutenant Commander of the Enforcers."
"Well, then. Please begin."
The elevator in Yozen Hall starts it's decent. Renee clutches her knees.
"That she-kat..."
"That she-kat who represents all special kats...who tries to take away the small bits of happiness in my life. Whose face alone is special." Renee says, tears running down her face. "All my life I've had to work so hard to get crumbs, others can just breeze by."
"It's not fair! Why must I be trampled all the time?"
"Go...deeper..." A voice says softly.
"I can't bring myself to forgive her!"
"Whether in love, or in my work, I am just another face in the crowd. My world is completely different than that of those special kats."
"But...when I'm with Jake...I am special..." Renee hugs herself. "Just a bit longer, and I would have been reborn."
"But, because of them..."
"Because of that she-kat..."
"...That she-kat!"
The elevator shudders to a stop, and Renee is shaking. Suimin appears behind her.
"I understand. I suppose you have no choice but to revolutionize the World."
Suimin walks out of the elevator and heads towards the tombs.
"The path before you has been prepared."
Renee stands up.
"So..."
************************************************************
At Steele's apartment, he was eagerly putting on his uniform.
"Who would think that little thing would grant me my wish?" Steele thinks aloud, buttoning his uniform jacket. "But, I wasn't going to stay here forever."
"Going somewhere?"
"What?" Steele turns to see Renee standing in front of the door, paws behind her back. "Renee...how did you get in here?"
Renee is silent for a moment. "...Are you returning to Epsilon to join the special kats you hate so much? Or, were you always special...but not special enough for your tastes?"
"Eh?"
Renee smiles. "Thank you for taking my kerchief, but I have something far better now."
Renee holds out her paw, which bears a black rose ring.
"That ring!"
Renee races towards him, and yanks out the sword that had barely emerged from Steele's chest.
**************************************************************
"Hey. A sunshower."
Feral opens up his locker. There, was the grim note.
"To the Engaged One: I await you at the Dueling Arena this evening."
Feral sighs. "Again..."
*************************************************************
That evening...
Feral arrives at the Dueling Arena. Callie is in her same place, clad in her regal gown. On the desks were kerchiefs with a dragon insignia. But, before him...
Feral couldn't believe his eyes. "It can't be!"
"I swear by this Death Rose..."
"Uly-sama..." Callie says, trying to gain Feral's attention.
"...to triumph in this Duel..."
"Draw the sword from me."
"...and bring death to the Rose Bride."
Callie looks at Feral. "The sword! Hurry!"
"Callie...I can't." Feral is frozen. "I can't draw the sword against my friend, Renee!"
Renee was standing before Feral, clad in a black and white version of her regular uniform. She smiles, and then begins to charge at Feral with her sword.
"Quickly! The sword!" Callie cries out.
Suddenly, Renee changes direction, and begins to charge at Callie. She gasps.
"That's right! I'm going to kill her!" Renee shouts. Feral places himself between Renee and Callie. "She who represents all special kats!"
Feral couldn't believe his ears. "What?"
The clock tower's bells begin to ring as Renee lunges with her sword. She barely misses Feral's shoulder and Callie's face.
"Why are you doing this?" Feral asks. "You've been so radiant, Renee!"
"You can't understand! You couldn't possibly understand!"
"The sword, Uly-sama! Hurry!" Callie grabs him.
Renee slashes with her sword once again, and Callie falls to the ground. Renee advances, and Feral again places himself between them.
"Stop it, Renee! Stop this right now!" Feral shouts, but Renee slashes at his face, barely missing him.
Renee slashes at him again, and Feral falls to the ground. Renee grabs him by the hair.
Callie gasps. "Uly-sama!"
"You...that she-kat...the Executive Council...all look down on me!" Renee holds her sword dangerously close to Feral's rose. "Without a care in the world, you flaunt the power you were born with! So how can you calmly..."
"Uly-sama!"
Renee draws the sword back. "...Just walk all over everyone else!"
Renee goes for Feral's rose, but he somehow manages to block it. He holds Renee's wrists with her paws.
"Renee..." Feral says softly as she struggles against him. " There are certainly things I don't know. But, I do know this..."
Feral looks at her and smiles. "That you are my dearest friend. Just wait, I'll save you."
Feral spins Renee around and wrenches the sword from her paws. Using it, he slices the rose from Renee's chest. She gasps.
The clock tower's bells begin to ring, but Feral didn't let go of her paw, and she didn't fall to the ground.
But, a single tear falls from Renee's eyes.
************************************************************
At Yozen Hall...
A tomb dumps itself into the incinerator.
"I could dismiss such useless kats." Suimin leans against the wall. "But, Steele's such an idiot. Leaving him there is much more fun."
************************************************************
A week later...
It was time for the piano competition. Steele was back on campus. Chance and Kei look on from their position from the South Tower.
"I suppose that Steele is just beaming with pride..." Chance crosses his arms.
"For someone who was expelled, he's might full of himself." Kei says.
"I wonder if he plans to return to Council, acting like that."
"The nerve...but, I wonder how he got reinstated?"
"I heard it was a recommendation of the Death Rose Society."
"Really?" Kei looks around. "I wonder where Jake is? He doesn't like to be around me here lately."
"He's preparing for the piano competition, and he's still mad at you." Chance explains.
"But, why?"
All Chance could do is shake his head.
************************************************************
"Hurry, Jake! We'll be late to the competition!"
"Coming!" Jake climbs down the stairs, still dressing as he goes.
"Honestly, Major. What were you doing up there?" Renee comes over to Jake's side to help him with his suit.
"Getting this out." Jake extracts the kerchief Renee had given him. "I want to wear it."
Renee smiles. "Why didn't you say so? Give it to me."
Renee tucks the kerchief into Jake's pocket. He looks at her. "Renee..."
"Yes?"
"...Do you feel special?"
"Special?" Renee blinks. "I..."
Without a word, Jake raises Renee's face to his...and kisses her. After a while, he releases her. "...Now?"
Blushing, she looks away.
"...I am."
To be continued...
