Bounded by Orenji Yume
An Umi/Clef fic
A/N: Alternate Universe, slight OOC, and besides Umi and Clef, some other characters are inside as well.
STORY: A short, simple Umi/Clef fic. Umi's a water angel, and Clef's a human she met. The first time, when she visited the human world for the first time. The second time, not long after she was sent down to the human world for that very mistake she made... I'm sorry if I didn't write well. Enjoy!
(Note: I feel lazy...XP Sorry if this chapter isn't good enough, I was really busy this week. Note about chapter 3: I hope you don't mind more speech in this chapter. Thanks. (responses to reviews below))
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth, CLAMP does.
"Are you okay?"
Umi mumbled a 'yes', taking the hand that was being offered to her. As she got up, she refused to exchange looks with him. 'This...this is too much like that dream...' One part of her told her to resign to fate, accept that she was in the wrong from the beginning and give up all hope. But that other part of her told her it was too early to give up, and that she must wait. Maybe, maybe she could make a difference in history.
"I've seen you somewhere before, haven't I?" His voice interrupted her conflict of thoughts. "...You were with your friend, weren't you? So, where is she? You two seemed very close."
'Hikaru...' The water angel pressed her right hand against her chest hard. 'That's right...I left her in the house. Ryuuii isn't in, or has she returned already? And I just ran out like that...I-' Her eyes met with those of his. 'Am I going to disappear...?'
Stretching out his hand, he smiled, "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Clef, and you?"
"Umi..." Automatically, she shook hands with him.
A kind of warmth entered her heart. 'This feeling...I like it...' Her cheeks flushed slightly. 'Who said...that angels can't love?' But at that moment, a familiar pain struck her. 'Not again!' Quickly, she pulled her hand away from Clef's, rubbing it gently. 'Why? Why is it that when I'm enjoying myself, this pain...this pain has to come in and spoil everything?'
Surprised by her sudden action, Clef blinked, "I...I'm sorry, I..." Clearing his throat, he smiled. "I was thinking maybe we could have a drink together but...I guess I should be on my way." Waving at her, he nodded. "Bye, Umi. Maybe we'll meet again some other time."
She said nothing in return, merely watching him walk away. 'I'm sorry...' An ache eased inside her heart. But this time, it was a different kind. It was a subtle kind, and did not ache as much as the previous one. But yet, it was more heart rendering in a way. Taking a few steps forward, she attempted to call him back, before he disappeared completely. She failed to. Sighing, she turned around, walking slowly. 'I hate myself...'
……Back at the house……
The guardian angel moaned, opening her eyes, "Hikaru..."
"You're awake! That's good! I was beginning to get worried," The fire angel removed the towel from Ryuuii's head, washing it in a small basin of water.. "So...what happened? Could you tell me? Or do you need more rest?" And then Hikaru placed the towel over Ryuuii's head once more.
Instead of answering, Ryuuii asked, "Where's Umi?"
"I'm not sure...when I woke up, she was already gone, and you were unconscious..."
'Umi...' Ryuuii clenched her fists. 'Please...don't be foolish anymore...I'm not exactly sure why you ran out, but I do know that you must realise reality before it's too late.' Sitting up, Ryuuii turned to face Hikaru, letting the towel fall from her forehead.
"Hikaru, could you use the fire mirror you have?"
Staring at Ryuuii, Hikaru replied, "But...why?"
"You'll see..."
……At Umi's side……
Twiddling her thumbs, Umi started staring at the numerous items being placed for display in the rows of shops along the street. A small smile spreaded across her face as her eyes caught something. Stopping in her tracks, she turned around and bent her knees slightly, bringing her eyes down to the same level where the item was standing. Placing both hands on her knees, she leaned forward to get a closer look.
"That's so cute..." Her smiled widened. Straightening herself, she entered the shop.
And then she began streaming through the many rows of items. As she reached the last rack, she was starting to worry. 'You mean that there's only one last piece?' Indeed, she was correct. Umi went towards the counter, and called for the assistant's attention.
"Excuse me, but do you know that piece in the display? Is it the only one left?"
The assistant took some time to register what she was told, before she broke out into a smile and brought Umi to the display, "Which one is it, miss? I'll take it out for you."
Smiling back, Umi pointed to the one standing in the very middle, "That one. Thank you."
Stretching out her hand, the lady took out that particular piece very carefully, and later placed it in Umi's hands, "It's the last piece left. If you want, I can sell it to you slightly cheaper, since it is in the display."
"Thank you..." Umi studied the piece in her hand. "What is it?"
Chuckling, the cashier went back to the counter, "It's a musical box, miss." In fact, the lady was slightly surprised that Umi was clueless about what it was. She could only wonder though, for she didn't dare ask in fear of offending her customer.
'That's right...a musical box...I wonder...why does it seem so familiar to me?' Going towards the counter, she placed it down. Digging deep inside her memories, Umi did her best to recall her past.
……Flashback……
The three of them were walking down the street. It was a weekend then, and they were meeting up together. And then, something caught Umi's eyes. Calling the other two, she brought their attention to a musical box standing in the middle of the display.
"Isn't it sweet?"
Hikaru nodded, "Shall we buy it?"
"But it says there 'not-"
Umi cut Fuu, "Never mind!"
The three of them went inside, crowding around the assistant. It was that same lady, but at that time, she rejected their offer. She told them that it was the last piece, but it wasn't for sale. Despite their persuasion, she wouldn't give in to them. In the end, they left the store in disappointment. It was then, they promised each other that if they could, they'd get that same musical box in the future if they could.
……End of flashback……
Suddenly, Umi asked, "Why do you want to sell it?"
"What?" The lady laughed. "This is a gift shop, after all. Why not?"
"I know, but..." Umi hesitated. 'Should she say?' "Before, you said that it wasn't for sale..."
The lady froze, "How did you know...?" Blinking a few times, she finally covered her shock with a forced laugh. "That was a long time ago, no point mentioning it now."
Umi persisted, "Please tell me why..."
"I..." She glanced around. "Alright...I don't know why you want to know this, it has nothing to do with you..."
Shaking her head, Umi smiled, "I feel that it does..."
"Okay...come..." Beckoning towards Umi, she led her into the room behind the counter, telling another woman to take care of the store for her. Sitting down, the woman looked over at Umi., "You sure you want to know?"
Nodding her head, Umi answered, "Yes, please."
Why was she agreeing to this? As the lady said, this had nothing to do with her, yet she still persisted. Inside her heart, Umi felt a tug when the lady replied her question, as to why she wanted to sell it. It was odd. She couldn't predict the future; she couldn't read anybody's mind, yet somehow she felt that this lady's past has something to do with her life. This may be madness...or...it may be fate.
……Flashback (in the lady's POV)……
It was just a normal Sunday. The store was doing better than usual, probably because it's nearing Christmas. On that day, it was my sister's birthday. I was planning to close the store early, so that I could go home earlier to celebrate her birthday, along with the rest of my family and friends. It was around 6pm, and I was already ready to close the store, when the telephone in the store rang. I immediately went to answer it. I told all whom I knew that I'd be closing early, so I couldn't guess whom it was on the line.
My mother. She told me that...my sister was dead. She died in an accident. At that time, I couldn't accept it, and before my mother explained everything, I slammed the telephone down and quickly closed the store. I remember racing down the roads, not caring any less for my own safety. My mind was in a whirl, I didn't hear the many honks sounded at me, nor saw the flashes of red, orange or green. I just kept on driving...I wasn't even aware of where I was going! All I knew was that, I wanted to vent my anger out. Why did she leave me like that? Why? Why?! It was around 8pm plus, when I finally reached home.
When I entered the house, everyone was gathered in the living room, silent. I know, I was late, but nobody questioned me. My mother approached me, but I couldn't control myself, and fled to my room. Inside, I finally let my tears out. I didn't know how long I stayed inside crying...one hour? Two? Or maybe more...nobody came to my door, or at least I didn't hear anybody. I only dared to step outside when it was coming to midnight.
As I went inside the kitchen to get a glass of water, I heard someone else enter. Turning around, I expected to see my mother. But to my surprise, I saw my niece, my sister's daughter. This little 7 year-old, with her blank eyes so wide and a flicker of curiousity in her lovely, blue eyes. I don't know, I think I was feeling sorry for her then. She's so young, and her mother is already gone. Whatsmore, her father is always travelling. But...she did something I never could've expected in my wildest dreams.
Hugging my knees, she said something. I couldn't hear her clearly, so I knelt down to her level, "What is it?"
"Don't cry...Mummy wouldn't have liked you to..." Her words...changed my outlook on her. Suddenly, those blank eyes were filled with understanding. I'm not sure if this little girl truly understood what was going on, or whether she was just acting mature.
Shaking my head, I merely replied, "I'm not crying anymore, see?"
"But you are inside," She pointed at me, pouting slightly. "I remember Mummy used to say you like to bottle your feelings up...I didn't quite understand what she meant, but she said that you would look like what you are now." Saying that, she made a face.
My heart lightened up, and I couldn't resist a laugh. Ruffling her hair, I stood up, and led her to the living room. We sat down on the sofa, side by side. And then, she started telling me all she knew about my sister. A new light shined onto my sister then. I didn't know much about her, after all. This is something I still regret till today, not spending more time with my sister and getting to know her better. Her daughter knew her better than me!
Leaning her head against me, she smiled, "You're supposed to take care of me now..."
"Yes..." Stroking her hair, I was touched by her act. I used to think that my sister wasn't a very good mother. She liked to smoke and drink, and I thought that this influenced her daughter badly. But behind her, was actually a caring mother. She taught her daughter so many things. I'm proud of them, both my sister and my niece.
"My mother used to say...'Carpe diem'...seize the day..." She mentioned to me. "Do you think that it's true...?"
I paused for a while before answering her, "Yes...then I can get to know you better too...as well as your mother..."
She didn't reply. Her eyes were closed, and I could hear her soft breathing. It was 2pm in the morning already. And then, I remembered, the promise I made to my sister. I was a fool not to suspect anything then. She told me...to give the musical box to the first person who offers you to buy it. And that person must be eager to buy it. But...it had to be after she died.
I didn't know then, that she had something up her sleeve. We made that musical box, it held a special meaning to us, but she wanted to give it away, not sell. It was odd, yet...I was too blind to see through the lines...
……End of flashback……
She had a soft look in her eyes as she ended off, staring into space, as if recalling those old memories. Umi blinked, her heart was heavy. 'Am I eager? Do I look...that eager?'
"I remember you," The lady spoke. "You were with your two other friends, weren't you?"
"Yes..."
Smiling, she stood up, "I think it's time I gave that musical box away then...come, follow me..."
"I..okay..." She didn't dare to say much, in case she said something wrong and the lady would break down. In the water angel's mind, she thought. 'Carpe diem...seize the day...' Her thoughts flew back to Clef. 'Carpe diem, seize the day...' These words kept haunting her mind. 'Is this...is this a sign of some sort? But...isn't this wrong? But then again...' She rubbed her forehead. 'It's just too much of a coincidence! Is...is someone manipulating with me or something?' Sighing, she went outside and leaned against the counter. 'What was I thinking just now? Why would someone bother with me? Argh! I-I don't know...just...just leave me alone!'
"Here..." The lady handed the small plastic bag over to Umi. "This is for you..."
"How much?"
Shaking her head, the lady told her, "No need for that."
"But I..." Umi's hand felt for her wallet. It wasn't there. 'Oh...okay...' Bowing, she thanked the lady. 'How careless can I get? Forgetting to bring my wallet along!'
Suddenly, the lady muttered, "Carpe diem...seize the day..."
"Huh?" Somehow, Umi felt that the lady sounded...abnormal. As if, as if someone was controlling her.
"Oh, nothing!" Embarrassed, the lady waved her hand. "But you do look troubled, can I help you?"
This time, Umi was clear about her answer, "No thanks." 'I can't possibly confide in a human! I would just get into trouble...' Once more, Umi thanked the lady, and went outside. She continued to walk along the street, trying to enjoy herself after that particular encounter she had, which felt almost as if she had stepped into the past, somehow...
……Back at the house……
Gritting her teeth, Ryuuii remarked, "Something is going on...and it's not good..." Turning towards Hikaru, she gestured towards the fire mirror. "Can you sense it?"
"Can't you?" Hikaru blinked back her tears.
"I'm too weak..."
Nodding, the fire angel focused on the image before her, "Something...dark. I don't know, but I don't like the feeling..."
Ryuuii urged, "Do you see anything?"
Pressing her lips together, Hikaru concentrated even harder, trying to see through the image, "A dark glow..."
The guardian angel mulled over Hikaru's words, "What...? Oh no!"
"What is it?" Hikaru's concentration level dropped and the image in the fire mirror disappeared. "Tell me, Ryuuii, quick!"
Hesitant, Ryuuii murmured, "Umi may be in danger..."
Agitated by this piece of news, Hikaru jumped from the edge of Ryuuii's bed and said, "I'm going to warn her!"
"No!!" Ryuuii called Hikaru back.
Sadness seeped inside those ruby red eyes, "But why...?" Clenching her fists, she controlled her anxiety. "Umi's in danger!" Enforcing those few words onto Ryuuii, she could feel a fire burning inside her. It was causing her to get more and more impatient with Ryuuii. She doesn't want to feel this way, but...the flames are just eating up her senses and causing her to lose her direction. It was growing inside her...
"We cannot jump to conclusions...yet..."
Looking down, Hikaru said, "Then I'll just go and buy lunch..." Grabbing her bag on the floor, she dashed outside.
"Hikaru!!" But it was too late, Hikaru was already out and running to where she felt Umi was. Ryuuii laid down, weary. 'You shouldn't have gone...both of us know that...you are hurt deeply...And when you are, you tend to be rash and wouldn't think before you leap.'
……At Umi's side……
As she walked along the street, Umi came across an overhead bridge. Without thinking, she went towards it and started making her way up. When she came to the top, she gazed down at the traffic as she walked along the bridge. Her hands clutched tight to the plastic bag, she still could not put down what the lady had told her. And then, she paused in the middle of the bridge, and went to the side. Leaning against the side, she stared down at the road. People whispered to each other about her odd action, but she couldn't be bothered. Now, all she wanted to know was: What could the lady have meant? Was there a secret message for her? To help her?
"Umi?" A familiar voice called her. She didn't move. 'That couldn't be...? No way...'
……At Hikaru's side……
"Umi?" Hikaru was on the top of the bridge, and she saw the blue- haired figure standing in a distance. "Umi-" The fire angel wanted to ran to her friend's side, but someone was in her way. "No...no, Umi." 'I'm late...'
In a distance, beside Umi, standing there was him. Hikaru took a few steps back. "No, Umi...I thought...I thought you said that...Why do you still allow yourself to-" And then she thought back to Ryuuii's words. 'Did you know? Or was it just a guess of yours? Then why didn't you tell me that...she still cannot give up?'
……Just before……
Hikaru raised both hands, as flames encircled her. A mirror appeared in her hand. Placing it on the bed, she asked Ryuuii what she would like the fire mirror to show them.
"Umi,"
"..." Facing the fire mirror, Hikaru spoke. "Show us Umi..." Very soon, they saw Umi standing there, speaking to a familiar-looking lady. "That is..." Flashes of her past flickered in her mind. She let out a small smile. 'Umi...you did it...you beat us all to it...'
And then Ryuuii commented, "Something is going on...and it's not good..." Turning towards Hikaru, she gestured towards the fire mirror. "Can you sense it?" At that time, Hikaru was near to tears already...
……Back to presenttime……
"What a surprise to see you again,"
Umi blushed slightly. 'He remembered my name...' She recalled how he called her just now.
Clef studied her face, "Is there something wrong?"
"No..."
"That's good then," Taking her hand, Clef asked her. "Do you mind if we have lunch together?"
The water angel's blush deepened as his hand took hers, "No..." 'I must take the time I have now...to...get to know him better...' "I'll be glad to have lunch together with you." She smiled brightly.
And then, Clef remarked, "Finally you're smiling."
But he didn't know, Umi was trying to suppress the pain inside her. That dreaded pain that who always bother her whenever her came close to her. She did her best to comfort herself, trying to convince herself that it was alright. And once she did, the pain eased slightly, but it was still there, nudging her heart softly every other minute.
Behind them, Hikaru was talking to herself, "Umi...what you had before...me, Fuu, Nakima and everyone else...our friendship...can it not be compared to what you feel for this human...?"
Bounded, bounded by what I love and hate. Bounded, bounded by destiny and fate
END
(Response to reviewers)
Shy-Lil-Dreamer: Somehow you're always the first the r&r my fic...cool! Thanks! I will continue to update as soon as possible!
hyper-health-critic: Thank you for the encouragement! It helped me lots (in not being too lazy XP)! Thanks again!
Mafaldyna: Yes, Umi has met Clef! And more times in this chapter! Thanks for the comment! Hope you liked this chapter!