I figured for being such a prat, might as well type up the whole story in this chapter, so enjoy!
Tomorrow's Light, TodayHe picked up his trunk and walked out his room, and down the stairs… he looked back at the castle once more, before he started walking down to the stables.
Right before he turned the corner, he felt a hand cover his mouth, and drag him. He was caught so unprepared that he couldn't even fight the captor off. Then, he noticed his surroundings, and saw that he was being dragged into the garden and near the lake. Finally his captor let go of him, and TK turned around to hurt the guy and he saw…
Chad.
He blinked a minute and then looked again and the same man was there. TK then asked shocked, "What did you do that for? Are you some kidnapper or something?"
Chad laughed and said, "Follow me. I'm not a kidnapper but we have a few things to discuss."
So the two walked into the woods, with TK blindly following the person in front of him. Finally, they reached a clearing right next the lake. Chad simply asked him to sit and TK obliged.
He then asked, "So where were we heading?" TK replied, "Kari hates me. So I'm leaving."
Chad said quietly, "So you're just going to give in like that?" TK looked at the sky and said, "What would you have me do?"
A girl approached them and said, "You know, I went through a lot of trouble trying to pacify her. Don't tell me he's adamant about leaving." The two looked behind them to see Reese approaching.
Chad smiled and replied, "Do your thing Reese-y I don't mind just watching."
She huffed and said, "You said you'd tell him. And it was your call, so hah."
Chad looked at the confused TK and said, "Reese is the Goddess of Love. Technically guardian. And I'm the Ex-God of Love. Anyways, the point of the matter is that you have to stay till the ball. For Kari's sake."
TK looked between the two of the suspiciously. He replied, "but why? What have you guys done to Kari?"
Reese rolled her eyes and muttered something that sounded like 'boys' but then she said, "See Mr. Takeru, your girlfriend is going through some denial right now. Stay till she realizes what her heart is telling her. Then you can leave. And no more 'but' questions. You see…"
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
I'd go through the retelling but it's too boring
The next day was interesting, to say the least. With about 2 hours of sleep, Takeru woke up to the sounds of screaming and yelling. He ventured out of his bedroom to find the castle in a chaotic state, and in the middle of it, stood Celene, trying to figure out different items. He didn't feel hungry and went back to his room, passing by hers, and noticing that the package that he set out for her was gone. Maybe Chad and Reese were right.
It was the shock of his life the night before, and he prayed silently that everything that they told him was not a lie.
But as the night rolled in, everyone and everything was calm and peaceful. Sure, there were the obvious tensions. But nothing that was too bad.
As dusk approached, people from all over the country started appearing, their carriages rolling in with the sound of the horses echoing through the young night. Even if their hearts weren't at peace, nature was, and it made things so much better.
TK got up from the bed, ready to get dressed. He hadn't talked to Kari all day, as things were going, it didn't seem like he would. On one hand he had to keep the promise to her, but on the other, he felt that Chad and that other girl, Reese, would make things much harder if they could. He took a quick shower, and walked out the door, reminding himself which door he walked in through.
On the other side of the bathroom, Kari sat very subdued at her table and brushed her already soft hair for the 50th time or so, thinking of what the night would be like.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Everyone piled into the ballroom, ready for the night. Spring colors and suit colors all blending together in harmony. She stood there ready, with her green gown, and said softly, "Here goes nothing." The king and queen were announced, and then the Princess. Following her were her 3 guests.
They hadn't really seen each other all day. And TK found Kari wearing the dress that he bought her. Even though he couldn't talk to her and compliment her on it, he still looked, or rather gaped, as every time she turned under the lights, she seemed to look, more heavenly.
Davis found his interest in Celene, seeing to the fact that both girls came to a truce for the night, and they talked comfortably. At least so far they did. But he found himself comparing the two, his best friend, and the girl he loved, now, suddenly, were switching places. He didn't want this to happen, whomever heard of falling in love again in a day. But, maybe he never was in love. Maybe Kari was an infatuation, and Celene the real thing.
But he would never know now. It was too late for that.
Or was it?
~^~^~^~^~^~
A/N: okay, everyone who's feeling bored raise his or her hand. *Everyone including author does* Ah, well, -_-' just a couple more seconds, and the fun starts. Sorta…
As the darkness covered the sky fully, the ball came to life. After all, something such as a Spring Festival needed life and happiness, with the laughter of many bouncing of the walls. The Royal quartet kept things slow and easy, at first, but then some folks came along, and immediately, the soft serenade of a waltz through the violin, became a fast and loud boisterous song of a fiddle. Everyone, young and old, joined in without any reservations. Even the King and Queen could be seen in a corner trying learn how to square dance.
The four split up, as many asked to be their dance partners for the songs. Thoughts of grief were pushed back, as everyone joined into the group of square dancers. In a large circle, girls twirled towards their next partner, and it was by this chance, that they ended up with each other again.
Celene laughed as she danced or went dizzily to her next partner, who turned out to be Davis. She didn't notice, she was having too much fun, and the twirling was making her vision a bit disoriented. So when she looked up to catch a glimpse of the man, someone she thought was her uncle from Trilli, She met his eyes, and they stayed there for a few seconds, staring, lost. The music faded away, but it came back with a blast as the next girl bumped into the two.
Celene went away, the thoughts back. Surprisingly, the group seemed to get smaller, after a few minutes. The royal musicians were given their instruments back, and though they felt that they had been greatly insulted, they continued by playing fairly fast and upbeat songs, giving those who needed the rest some time, and those who wanted to continue a chance to catch their breath.
Hikari walked towards the table with the punch, careful enough, not to spoil her dress. She had no idea who it was from, but she had a clue as to who it could be. But, she had to admit one thing; it was beautiful. For a girl who wasn't too fond of dresses, she loved it. Loved the soft feel, the way it shined, it almost made everything worthwhile, just to be wearing such a treasure.
She walked out, into the courtyard, where she could see some young couples resorting to bushes, for their activities. She sat down on the top step, not bothering to walk all the way down to the yard. Her glass of punch was half full. She swirled the glass, remembering the days of the war. The days when her father would sit worried at a table, wondering if someone he sent out there would survive. She remembered her brother, insisting that he was old enough to fight in a battle, yet her father refusing. It was bloody, and the only way they came out, was through the help of Davis' kingdom. So, she did owe something. In a way…
But it wasn't her fault that she couldn't fall in love with him, was it? She knew Davis longer, but only as a friend, and that's only what she saw him as. On the other hand TK…
What about TK? He never said anything about falling in love with her. He didn't really say anything about any subject, for that matter. Maybe it was wrong to interfere, but maybe it was right. So many maybes and no right answer. Kari sighed softly.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
He walked out to the courtyard, and rested his hands on the railing. She was sitting on the steps with a glass in her hand. He looked at her nervously, but decided to approach her anyways. It was true that they were outside the ballroom, but she wasn't a bad person, and according to Chad, she wouldn't mind talking to him. Hopefully she doesn't.
He sat next to her, slowly and quietly, and she kept staring forward, and sighed softly again. He looked up, the night sky illuminated by the crescent moon, and the stars twinkling. He tried to start a conversation by saying, "Beautiful night isn't it?" But, somehow it came out to be, "You look beautiful tonight." She didn't notice him, but didn't get startled by his presence. Having only seen him once, through the night, laughing and dancing with a tall gorgeous girl, she didn't think much on it. She said softly, "Thanks."
Status of Conversation: not so good.
He sighed softly and said, "I know I shouldn't be here, I'll get going." She still didn't look at him, but replied, "No, it's alright. It's pretty lonely out here anyways…" He sat back down and they looked up at the stars, quietly.
One star, twinkled in the distance, and it almost seemed like it winked at them. Impossible. Right? Maybe…
He said, "Did you know that we―"
"Yes."
"Oh, when did you find out?" She finally looked at him and said, "Last night." He sighed and now couldn't look at her. Her eyes held pain and sadness. He said, "Yeah, I found out last night too."
And that was it, the conversation ended, and silence reigned once again. Then she asked, "Who was Reese's partner?" He stated simply, "Chad." She replied, "Oh."
Then he asked, "How did you know what I was about to ask?" She smiled softly and said, "I have telepathic powers." He blinked and said slowly, "You do?"
She giggled, and said, "Of course…not. I don't know exactly, but I had a pretty good idea. It seemed like the right start of the a conversation at the time." He nodded. Things, as a whole, were getting better.
Then he said softly, "Dance with me?" He looked up at her, and their eyes met. She nodded slowly, setting the glass aside. The got up, yet didn't walk in. The music filtered out into the courtyard, and that's where they stood, nervously edging closer, till they were in the right position. It was strange, dancing there, in the moonlight, with little or no words to exchange, even when their situation didn't really make them anything more than acquaintances. But it was perfect just the same.
Kari slowly let her hand go from his, as she wrapped that one around his neck as well, and his trailed down to her waist, and held her, as she leaned her head into his shoulder. They danced there, oblivious to all, except the music, which had surprisingly, gone to the original slow waltzes.
One person, sat inside the ballroom, in the corner, looking at them, with happiness and regret at the same time.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Davis walked towards Celene, and followed her gaze to where TK and Kari danced. It was perfect; they were perfect. He looked down at Celene, as she sighed. He said, "Hey." She looked up startled and replied, "Hi." He said, "It's your party, and you're just sitting here in the corner?" She sighed and just replied, "I'm tired." He stood in front of her, and lifter her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes as he said softly, "Are you sure it's the only reason?" She smiled softly and said, "Well, not the only reason. But the most liable one." He then stuck his hand out and said, "So, come on." She said, "Where?" He said, "We can't let Kari and TK have all the fun. Let's dance."
She murmured something softly and he said, "Pardon?" She repeated, "Are you letting go of Kari?" He looked through the glass once more, where his fiancée and the boy she loved danced and then looked at her and said, "Not really. I don't think I ever really loved her."
They started to dance and he continued by saying, "She's beautiful and has a nice personality, but I think we'd be like fire and fire. Never agreeing, always arguing. It wouldn't be fun." She looked down and thought, 'So Kari's love story will end well. But, what of mine?' He interrupted her from continuing by saying softly, "Did anyone tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" She blushed and said, "Some." He said, "Well, you really are. And―"
~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Kari sighed audibly and TK said, "What's wrong?" She looked up and him and said, "This, all of this. First, I fall in love. Then I push you away. After that - I don't know what to do! It's all wrong." He said something barely above a whisper but she heard him. She said, "Yes. Well, now you know. Go on, say something."
He said, "When's the wedding?" She looked up and met his eyes. They were hiding something and she said, "What wedding?" He said softly, "The wedding between you and Davis?"
Her eyes widened and she asked shocked, "Why?" He smiled and said, "well I have to have a plan of action to kidnap you from there don't I?" She smiled back and said, "you'd do that for me?" He shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "Why not? If you agreed, I would have nothing to really lose."
Kari felt the flutter in her heart. This was the real way she wished life to be, happy, humorous and full of love. But whether or not she could do that nagged at her and scared her. As the song ended, TK took her hand and lead her towards the stairs. He stopped her and took hold of both her hands. She could feel his hands making circles on her palms and she ended up relaxing to his touch. He looked at her and their eyes met. He whispered softly, "After all of this, I know I have to say this now before it becomes too late. I love you Kari. I love you a lot, and I promise you everything in the world, if you'll be mine."
She felt the tears sliding down her face as she wrapped her hands around his neck. She sobbed out, "Oh I love you too, but all I need is you TK. Promise to stay with me forever?" TK patted her hair and laughed. He swung her around and replied, "I don't think I have much of a choice. Not many out there who can stay with our fiery persona are there?" She giggled.
He eyes darkened as he put his hand on her cheek. They inched closer and closer unconsciously and before they knew it, they shared their first sweet kiss, bringing together their two parallel lives.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Before he could say another word, Davis watched TK and Kari kiss outside. He willed himself to pull away, and as he did, he realized something that he'd been trying to fight for days. He didn't care. He didn't care that the girl outside was his fiancée because he didn't love her. The only one he truly loved was Celene.
He looked down at the girl who was smiling happily and conversing with her father across the hall and he decided something then and there. He said softly, "Celene?" She looked up to meet the eyes that she had grown so accustomed to and said, "Hmm?" He sighed and continued. 'Someone be on my side now,' he thought, and said, "I have to tell you something."
She stepped back from him slightly and stayed frozen, afraid of what he might say. Maybe it would be better not said, that he still had something for Kari, or that he didn't have anything for herself, his other childhood best friend. But he caught her hand and said softly, "There were times I know I was acting like an idiot, and I know there will be ones in the future as well, but-oh gosh darn it, I can't say long speeches." He brought her closer by the waist and kissed her.
They broke apart breathing hard and he put his forehead against hers and whispered, "I love you." She still looked dazed but replied, "Well, I guess that's one way of saying it." He cleared his throat and she giggled. She said, "Oh of course, since you're too dense to realize it, I love you too Davis."
Both laughed happily, oblivious to the many pairs of eyes twinkling at them with approval.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Much was to be said about the night, as Kari and TK watched Davis and Celene, and later met up with them to make everlasting friendships.
Over on a tree however, sat a girl swinging her legs happily and acting much younger than her age. A boy climbed up beside and sat looking at the same scenes as her. She smiled and said, "It's so beautiful isn't it?" He looked at her and replied, "Yes it is." She sighed and said softly, "Is that why you stayed back?" He replied softly, "Love is truly wonderful Reese. Many humans may never realize it or find it, but those who do, cherish it. I guess it's that quality that brings out the beauty of this world."
She looked at him and said, "But don't you ever feel like coming back?" He looked at the well-lit night sky and said, "I do. But what's the point? Banished once means banished forever." She said, "But you could always try." He smiled and jumped off the branch. He then caught her as she jumped down.
Never had she noticed such pure qualities in her partner, but as she looked up at him, what with him still carrying her, she realized that maybe love was the determining factor. And maybe, it could happen to anyone.
She smiled at him and said, "I have to get going now." He looked vulnerable right then, as he set her down, and said, "Alright. Leave." He turned away from her and started walking away. She looked at his hunched shoulders and ran up to him and said, "What's wrong Chad?" He said, "Nothing, just, I wish you didn't have to leave me again." She smiled sadly and said, "I know. I wish that too. But you know what? We have the memories of each other to hang on to, until we make new ones. And just because you can't ask, doesn't mean I can't ask them to call you back." She hugged him and whispered, "You'll always be the God of Love. They'll never appoint a new one. I'll make sure of at least that."
He smiled at her as she set off into the sky. He didn't even get to tell her this time around. But somehow, he had a feeling he'd see more of her.
~ Fin
Wowser, I finished it. Completely! Yay ^_^
There's still an epilogue to go. So, I guess, watch for that. And it's all typed up so it'll be up in a couple days.
Thanks goes out to those who reviewed despite my lack of response:
Mandi
EXV_ASIA
Story Weaver
Aya-chan
Firehottie
Jolt242
Neofilly
Hellspawn
If it weren't for you guys, I think caving into my inner turmoils sounded really really good.
So Thanks.