Author's Note: I'm making this chapter early because a) I got the inspiration from both a song and a piece of art and b) I've gotten my beta reader! So everyone give hugs over to Dargon who is my new BR! Okay, let's have fun now, shall we?
The Grand Tournament
Chapter 12
Heath's violet eyes widened in fear watching his death fly at his face.
'So this is it...' he thought anxiously, taking in a breath. Everything seemed to slow down, even the arrows decreased in midair. The Mirage Mage felt numb to the fear of impending doom and let himself slip into sub-consciousness.
~*~
The boyish frame stood in the stairwell, looking below in horror. His mother's silver hair was streaked with blood, her pointed ears partially torn away and burnt. Her body was could scarcely be called Elfish anymore, tangled and broken like a child's doll discarded without thought. But what truly struck fear into his heart was the other man staring at the body as well, holding a dagger drenched in the crimson life of his mother.
His father.
All that came out of the boy's mouth was a scream before a gloved hand clamped over it and drugged him asleep.
And the next day, he was all alone.
~*~
Heath released his agony with an inhuman scream of pain, flying back into his reality. The warmth of anger seared through his body and focused at his tiara shard, which began to glow intensely. Suddenly, the arrows were gone and Heath had disappeared as well.
"Well! This is certainly a surprise! Heath has mysteriously vanished while evading Quinn's Trinity Flash! Where on earth did he go?" Shichi squeaked into her microphone, looking around wildly. Quinn was in shock, his bow dropped.
"How on earth did he do that?!?" he asked aloud angrily, slightly shaking. "Only one with access to a Mana Crystal can manage that!"
"Oh! Wow! Look above you people! There's our missing man!" Shichi cried, pointing up. Heath drifted above the arena, his aura a brilliant blue with the wings of an angel on his back, made of a holy light. Quinn could only gaze in fear as the Mirage Mage opened his eyes to reveal them as white as snow before putting his hands together and chanting.
"Born of evil, raised in light, banish all shadow from Goddess sight...I SUMMON THEE MARDUKE!!!" he called out, and threw and stream of golden light into the sky before it descended down and covered the arena floor. Quinn shut his eyes tightly and opened them again to find a winged knight standing before him, holding a glowing broadsword. The Elf had no time to scream before the mercenary brought his blade through his stomach. And just as it had begun, it ended, and Heath landed back on the ground, facing Quinn who was hunched over, covering his stomach in pain.
"So...so...this...is who you really are..." Quinn sputtered, and coughed up blood before Heath's feet. The Elf took a step forward and grabbed the dazed wizard by the neck of his cloak. "I truly understand...now...why you seemed so...heavenly...my...pri...pri..." Quinn fell motionless to the ground, dead before he landed. The blood spilled from his midsection and stained the arena floor.
"And the winner of this fight is, most obviously, Heath of the Mirage Palace!" Shichi announced ceremoniously, avoiding the spreading blood. She raised Heath's fist in glee and the crowd cheered, though most were silent and confused. Heath blinked and reflected the crowd's bemused gaze.
~*~
"There's our guy!" Duran cheered and patted Heath's shoulder cheekily. Heath looked at Duran in surprise.
"That was quick." Was all he said and bowed politely before heading upstairs to his room.
"...That's it? No gloating? No boasting?!?" Duran remarked angrily. "Doesn't he have pride for his battles?"
"You know, lunkhead, not everyone has as big of an ego as you do." Angela hissed sharply. "He can't concentrate, the fight's over and he needs to go check on Koren, that's all." Duran snorted.
"Still, a thanks would've been in order." The Swordmaster retorted, and then felt a heavy hand fall on his shoulder. He looked around to find the Darkshine Knight peering at him.
"You know how much the boy means to him. Must've been on his mind the whole fight." Duran shook his hand off angrily and glared at the Black Knight.
"Is that what you call him now? The boy? You're treating him like he's your son!" Duran growled, and was slightly surprised to see Darkshine's eyes fade slightly but didn't show it in his voice. "I mean," he laughed slightly, "Why do I care so much if he gets better from this illness or not?" Hawk stepped forward and narrowed his eyes at Duran.
"Because, my friend, if he recovers, he'll be all yours to fight. That is what you want, isn't it? To fight him and get revenge for your fellow soldiers who fell in battle to his spells?" Duran remained silent. Hawk's voice remained steady, "Perhaps, Duran, you still have a lot to learn about honor." The Nightblade walked off in haste towards his own quarters. Duran turned around slowly to look at the Darkshine Knight, who met his gaze with sad eyes. Duran suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, maybe even pity, maybe even seeing a little of himself in those eyes...but the Knight avoided the look and walked away. Everyone else left in silence except for Angela who placed a hand on Duran's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it." She said comfortingly, smiling gently. "I understand how you feel; I'm so angry at Koren for being so manipulative and suddenly changing...but he's been my best friend for too long for me to hate him forever."
"...You know, I think I know what I'm really angry about." Duran sat down on a nearby chair, Angela following the suit. "I think, that deep down inside, I really, really want him to get better. And maybe...I'm just...a little jealous of him." Angela raised her eyebrow, her ear tweaking up slightly as well. "The Darkshine Knight acts like his father, always taking care of him and singing his praises of him and..." Duran's voice faded away, then resurfaced, "I've never really had that."
"Neither have I." Angela said succinctly, twirling her hair. "Never knew my father, and my mother...well, you know how that goes." She sighed heavily and looked at Duran. "You going to be okay?"
"Yeah...I think I'll apologize to him tonight. You know...it's another weird thing but..." Duran paused, "...I swear, when I looked at Darkshine after Hawk talked to me...I swear I saw his eyes. I mean, not the glowing ones; his real eyes. They were honey brown...golden almost. Reminded me of my dad." Duran tried as hard as he could, but finally let out a sniffle. Angela's face fell, and she hesitated slightly before cupping the Swordmaster's chin in her hand and brushing her lips against his. At first, he only stood still, slightly dazed, and then slowly returned the kiss. It started slow, and then became more passionate as time went on.
"Oooooh!"
The two heads snapped in the direction of the cat call, finding Carlie smirking up at them from the entrance. Because of her small size, they didn't' even realize that she hadn't left with the others.
"Oooooooh, Carlie caught Duran and Angie kissssiiiiing!" she taunted, giggling insanely. "Angie and Duran, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S---"
"CARLIE YOU'RE GOING DOWN!" the pair screamed together and chased the now screaming girl through the hotel.
~*~
"So...that's all that happened?" Koren remarked, stroking Heath's hair as he lay next to him. Heath nodded slowly.
"It was like a dream...a wonderful dream. But, really confusing." Heath looked in Koren's ocean-blue eyes. "It was like waking up from a very long nightmare, but the dream ends so short and suddenly the nightmare is back..."
"What nightmare?" asked Koren softly, eyes turning concerned. Heath bit his lip and then moved in closer to the wizard.
"I saw it happen..." he whispered, causing Koren to lean in even more to hear properly. "I saw it all happen when it did. I heard the screams and the shouts and I rushed downstairs..."
"Heath..."
"And she was just lying there...not moving." Heath's gaze slipped away from his lover's eyes. "Dead. Covered in blood...and my...my...father..."
"Your father?" asked Koren, bewildered. "What...Heath...?"
"...My father killed my mother." Heath spoke plainly, setting his head down so close to Koren's their noses touched. "I remember it all now. I've always known but...I forgot...what had happened...exactly."
Koren remained silent, before gently running his hand through Heath's silver mane and resting it on his neck. Heath sighed and nudged Koren lovingly. Then, abruptly, he sobbed quietly in his boyfriend's arms.
"It's okay," whispered Koren, gripping Heath's robes and rubbing his back gently, "It's gone. It's over. It's going to be okay." Heath breathed deeply and after awhile, stopped crying. Koren continued to hold the mage until an idea struck his mind.
"Hey. Let's have a party tonight...you know, to celebrate your victory!" he exclaimed, rubbing Heath's arm. "Get us in a better mood."
"Are you sure?" asked Heath nervously. "Are you...are you well enough." Koren smiled and threw his head slightly to the left, directing Heath's eyes to two empty plates on the nightstand, each slightly smeared with food. "Lunch. Ate all of breakfast too." Heath turned to Koren, eyes wide with happiness. "Mind you, love, I got terribly sick after eating so much. Not used to it and all. But I'm up for a party."
"...You...you...do you know how happy you make me?!?" Heath cried in joy and kissed Koren in pure elation. "You make everything bad go away with just your touch and your lips and..." Heath paused, stroking back a lock of golden hair from Koren's face, "...and I love you."
"I love you too." Koren whispered, and put his hand behind Heath's head to push his lips on his own. When they released Heath grinned.
"Let's have a huge party tonight!"
~*~
Music blared loudly as the fireflies drifted lazily in the background. The brightly colored lanterns floated magically against the walls of the balcony. The entire Mana team was out and laughing, enjoying fresh diceberry and applesock punch and delicious cake (compliments of the chef, after Heath bribed him). Angela, Duran, Lise, Kevin and Carlie were dancing on the stone floor, laughing as they twirled with each other. Hawk and the Darkshine Knight were deep in conversation about the latest weapon deals from the Black Market and Heath and Koren sat near them discussing Angela's way of dance. Mocking it, rather. Even though it had taken nearly half an hour, Koren had finished a small piece of cake and a glass of punch, his dessert for the night.
"I think I really missed desert, actually." He admitted to Heath when Darkshine and Hawk weren't listening. "I loved this one cake the castle chef always used to make...apripuppy cheesecake I think..."
"Really?" Heath whispered back, excited. "I have a great recipe for that." The two men laughed and the other two looked at them quizzically.
The music switched to a slow love song, and almost like magnets, Duran and Angela found themselves in each other's arms. Kevin bent down to lock hands with Carlie and they swayed back and forth, giggling. Koren slowly stood with Heath and they walked onto the stone floor, beginning to dance. Duran glanced over, and Angela followed his gaze.
"You know," she began, drawing herself closer. Duran's face heated, "It's quite a norm in Altena."
"Really? I guess that would make Forcena a really close-minded place then." Duran replied, slipping his hands to Angela's slim waist. "I don't really care, I mean, I do...but, I'm not really against it. It's just...I've never seen..."
"It's okay, it's just different to you. It's so common in Altena, everyone is just kinda peaceful with it. To us, it doesn't matter who you fall in love with." She looked into Duran's eyes. They stared at each other for a long moment before leaning in and kissing.
"Oh my...Heath!" whispered Koren and pointed over to Duran and Angela. Heath gasped quietly in delight.
"You know, I always had a feeling they were meant for each other." Heath replied, resting his head on Koren's shoulder. Smiling, Koren kissed the mage's ear gently before being interrupted by a poking at his leg. He looked down and saw Carlie looking up at him, holding out her hand.
"Can Carlie dance with Heath?" she asked innocently. Koren nodded and stepped away as Heath smiled and picked up Carlie. She giggled happily and kissed his cheek. Laughing, Koren leaned over and whispered into his ear: "You know, you're pretty good with kids. You'd make a good father." Heath blushed and stuck his tongue out playfully at the wizard. Still smiling, Koren turned back to Angela and Duran who had stopped kissing by continued to dance. Koren walked slowly over to them and tapped Duran on the shoulder.
"Mind if I cut in?" he asked and nodded to Angela to avoid confusion. Obviously relieved that he hadn't asked him, Duran laughed slightly and nodded, walking away. Koren smiled and put his arms around Angela's waist lightly as she put her arms around his neck.
"Well that was surprising, dear." Koren started, looking at Angela with intrigue. "Never saw that in you, actually. You're always hitting him around." Angela laughed.
"It's because he deserves it for being an idiot." She replied and then smiled. Koren looked back over at Heath to find him and Carlie rocking back and forth while Carlie told him how much she missed him.
"You and Heath, you two are like magic I swear." She giggled and hugged Koren just a little. "It's so cute."
"Oh hush up you," whispered Koren playfully. Angela smiled, almost cried; so happy to see Koren almost back to his normal self. Just almost.
"It's true. It's amazing between you two."
"I can't help it...I'm in love with him." Koren was surprised by how easily those words came out, and looked at Angela's amused expression. "What?"
"Aww..." she cooed and pinched his cheek.
"Ow!"
Lise stood quietly near Hawk's table, trying to convince herself to just walk over and ask for a dance. Finally, she stepped over and held her hand out.
"Hawk, would you like to dance with me?" she asked, her voice slightly squeaking. Hawk looked up and grinned wolfishly.
"With pleasure, m'dear." He replied and stood up and walked over with Lise onto the floor and began to dance with her. "Thought you'd never ask."
"Well, I didn't know if you'd say yes." She answered, shrugging. "With Jessica and all..."
"Meh. Jessica." He shrugged back. "I've been thinking about her and all and I know it sounds crazy but I don't think it's meant to be." Lise gawked.
"What? You went on this whole quest for her and now you're saying that..."
"...It's not that I don't love her. I do, but just as a close friend. You know." Hawk interrupted. "I've just fallen in love with something other than the rose of the sand." Lise felt her cheeks burn and her heart quicken, and yet she still asked.
"...so...what would that be?"
"A flower of the mountains." They kissed.
"Is this just a huge make-out party or what tonight? God, this is supposed to be a party for Heath..." whispered Koren, chuckling. Angela giggled.
"Seems like you and Heath are no longer to two lovebirds in this hotel." She replied. Koren looked like he was trying hard not to burst out laughing. "Oh you! Quit it!"
"It's just so cute."
"Koren..."
"Well it is!" he replied, and laughed again. Angela laughed out loud as well and dropped her arms as the song ended. A fast paced song came back on and she smiled.
"Guess I should sit on this one. I don't want anything to happen." Koren said and before leaving kissed Angela's cheek gently. "Thanks Angel."
The princess could only stare after him as he walked back to Heath and sat down. Angel. His old nickname for her...
'Maybe...things will change. Maybe I'll have my old friend back soon enough.' She thought happily. Duran marched back over to her, smiling.
"Apology accepted by the Darkshine Knight!" he said triumphantly. Angela nodded and then noticed the hulking figure behind him. "Angela?"
Sploosh!
A barrel of water had been poured over Duran's head, causing all the party-goers to burst out laughing.
"NOW, I completely forgive you, Sir Duran." Spoke Darkshine and bowed before going back to his table. The Swordmaster spat out water and sighed.
"Guess I deserved that." Duran chuckled and Angela laughed and embraced him.
'Then again, I guess some things will never change.'
*~*
With peace returning to our heroes, the night ends happily. But what of the next day, when the fifth fight occurs between two members of the Mana Team?
*~*
I told ya I'd have your couples waiting for you. Sorry to be so brief with the Hawk/Lise one, but it develops more, you'll see.
REVIEW OR I'LL KILL YOUR FAMILIES!
...Kidding.
The Grand Tournament
Chapter 12
Heath's violet eyes widened in fear watching his death fly at his face.
'So this is it...' he thought anxiously, taking in a breath. Everything seemed to slow down, even the arrows decreased in midair. The Mirage Mage felt numb to the fear of impending doom and let himself slip into sub-consciousness.
~*~
The boyish frame stood in the stairwell, looking below in horror. His mother's silver hair was streaked with blood, her pointed ears partially torn away and burnt. Her body was could scarcely be called Elfish anymore, tangled and broken like a child's doll discarded without thought. But what truly struck fear into his heart was the other man staring at the body as well, holding a dagger drenched in the crimson life of his mother.
His father.
All that came out of the boy's mouth was a scream before a gloved hand clamped over it and drugged him asleep.
And the next day, he was all alone.
~*~
Heath released his agony with an inhuman scream of pain, flying back into his reality. The warmth of anger seared through his body and focused at his tiara shard, which began to glow intensely. Suddenly, the arrows were gone and Heath had disappeared as well.
"Well! This is certainly a surprise! Heath has mysteriously vanished while evading Quinn's Trinity Flash! Where on earth did he go?" Shichi squeaked into her microphone, looking around wildly. Quinn was in shock, his bow dropped.
"How on earth did he do that?!?" he asked aloud angrily, slightly shaking. "Only one with access to a Mana Crystal can manage that!"
"Oh! Wow! Look above you people! There's our missing man!" Shichi cried, pointing up. Heath drifted above the arena, his aura a brilliant blue with the wings of an angel on his back, made of a holy light. Quinn could only gaze in fear as the Mirage Mage opened his eyes to reveal them as white as snow before putting his hands together and chanting.
"Born of evil, raised in light, banish all shadow from Goddess sight...I SUMMON THEE MARDUKE!!!" he called out, and threw and stream of golden light into the sky before it descended down and covered the arena floor. Quinn shut his eyes tightly and opened them again to find a winged knight standing before him, holding a glowing broadsword. The Elf had no time to scream before the mercenary brought his blade through his stomach. And just as it had begun, it ended, and Heath landed back on the ground, facing Quinn who was hunched over, covering his stomach in pain.
"So...so...this...is who you really are..." Quinn sputtered, and coughed up blood before Heath's feet. The Elf took a step forward and grabbed the dazed wizard by the neck of his cloak. "I truly understand...now...why you seemed so...heavenly...my...pri...pri..." Quinn fell motionless to the ground, dead before he landed. The blood spilled from his midsection and stained the arena floor.
"And the winner of this fight is, most obviously, Heath of the Mirage Palace!" Shichi announced ceremoniously, avoiding the spreading blood. She raised Heath's fist in glee and the crowd cheered, though most were silent and confused. Heath blinked and reflected the crowd's bemused gaze.
~*~
"There's our guy!" Duran cheered and patted Heath's shoulder cheekily. Heath looked at Duran in surprise.
"That was quick." Was all he said and bowed politely before heading upstairs to his room.
"...That's it? No gloating? No boasting?!?" Duran remarked angrily. "Doesn't he have pride for his battles?"
"You know, lunkhead, not everyone has as big of an ego as you do." Angela hissed sharply. "He can't concentrate, the fight's over and he needs to go check on Koren, that's all." Duran snorted.
"Still, a thanks would've been in order." The Swordmaster retorted, and then felt a heavy hand fall on his shoulder. He looked around to find the Darkshine Knight peering at him.
"You know how much the boy means to him. Must've been on his mind the whole fight." Duran shook his hand off angrily and glared at the Black Knight.
"Is that what you call him now? The boy? You're treating him like he's your son!" Duran growled, and was slightly surprised to see Darkshine's eyes fade slightly but didn't show it in his voice. "I mean," he laughed slightly, "Why do I care so much if he gets better from this illness or not?" Hawk stepped forward and narrowed his eyes at Duran.
"Because, my friend, if he recovers, he'll be all yours to fight. That is what you want, isn't it? To fight him and get revenge for your fellow soldiers who fell in battle to his spells?" Duran remained silent. Hawk's voice remained steady, "Perhaps, Duran, you still have a lot to learn about honor." The Nightblade walked off in haste towards his own quarters. Duran turned around slowly to look at the Darkshine Knight, who met his gaze with sad eyes. Duran suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, maybe even pity, maybe even seeing a little of himself in those eyes...but the Knight avoided the look and walked away. Everyone else left in silence except for Angela who placed a hand on Duran's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it." She said comfortingly, smiling gently. "I understand how you feel; I'm so angry at Koren for being so manipulative and suddenly changing...but he's been my best friend for too long for me to hate him forever."
"...You know, I think I know what I'm really angry about." Duran sat down on a nearby chair, Angela following the suit. "I think, that deep down inside, I really, really want him to get better. And maybe...I'm just...a little jealous of him." Angela raised her eyebrow, her ear tweaking up slightly as well. "The Darkshine Knight acts like his father, always taking care of him and singing his praises of him and..." Duran's voice faded away, then resurfaced, "I've never really had that."
"Neither have I." Angela said succinctly, twirling her hair. "Never knew my father, and my mother...well, you know how that goes." She sighed heavily and looked at Duran. "You going to be okay?"
"Yeah...I think I'll apologize to him tonight. You know...it's another weird thing but..." Duran paused, "...I swear, when I looked at Darkshine after Hawk talked to me...I swear I saw his eyes. I mean, not the glowing ones; his real eyes. They were honey brown...golden almost. Reminded me of my dad." Duran tried as hard as he could, but finally let out a sniffle. Angela's face fell, and she hesitated slightly before cupping the Swordmaster's chin in her hand and brushing her lips against his. At first, he only stood still, slightly dazed, and then slowly returned the kiss. It started slow, and then became more passionate as time went on.
"Oooooh!"
The two heads snapped in the direction of the cat call, finding Carlie smirking up at them from the entrance. Because of her small size, they didn't' even realize that she hadn't left with the others.
"Oooooooh, Carlie caught Duran and Angie kissssiiiiing!" she taunted, giggling insanely. "Angie and Duran, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S---"
"CARLIE YOU'RE GOING DOWN!" the pair screamed together and chased the now screaming girl through the hotel.
~*~
"So...that's all that happened?" Koren remarked, stroking Heath's hair as he lay next to him. Heath nodded slowly.
"It was like a dream...a wonderful dream. But, really confusing." Heath looked in Koren's ocean-blue eyes. "It was like waking up from a very long nightmare, but the dream ends so short and suddenly the nightmare is back..."
"What nightmare?" asked Koren softly, eyes turning concerned. Heath bit his lip and then moved in closer to the wizard.
"I saw it happen..." he whispered, causing Koren to lean in even more to hear properly. "I saw it all happen when it did. I heard the screams and the shouts and I rushed downstairs..."
"Heath..."
"And she was just lying there...not moving." Heath's gaze slipped away from his lover's eyes. "Dead. Covered in blood...and my...my...father..."
"Your father?" asked Koren, bewildered. "What...Heath...?"
"...My father killed my mother." Heath spoke plainly, setting his head down so close to Koren's their noses touched. "I remember it all now. I've always known but...I forgot...what had happened...exactly."
Koren remained silent, before gently running his hand through Heath's silver mane and resting it on his neck. Heath sighed and nudged Koren lovingly. Then, abruptly, he sobbed quietly in his boyfriend's arms.
"It's okay," whispered Koren, gripping Heath's robes and rubbing his back gently, "It's gone. It's over. It's going to be okay." Heath breathed deeply and after awhile, stopped crying. Koren continued to hold the mage until an idea struck his mind.
"Hey. Let's have a party tonight...you know, to celebrate your victory!" he exclaimed, rubbing Heath's arm. "Get us in a better mood."
"Are you sure?" asked Heath nervously. "Are you...are you well enough." Koren smiled and threw his head slightly to the left, directing Heath's eyes to two empty plates on the nightstand, each slightly smeared with food. "Lunch. Ate all of breakfast too." Heath turned to Koren, eyes wide with happiness. "Mind you, love, I got terribly sick after eating so much. Not used to it and all. But I'm up for a party."
"...You...you...do you know how happy you make me?!?" Heath cried in joy and kissed Koren in pure elation. "You make everything bad go away with just your touch and your lips and..." Heath paused, stroking back a lock of golden hair from Koren's face, "...and I love you."
"I love you too." Koren whispered, and put his hand behind Heath's head to push his lips on his own. When they released Heath grinned.
"Let's have a huge party tonight!"
~*~
Music blared loudly as the fireflies drifted lazily in the background. The brightly colored lanterns floated magically against the walls of the balcony. The entire Mana team was out and laughing, enjoying fresh diceberry and applesock punch and delicious cake (compliments of the chef, after Heath bribed him). Angela, Duran, Lise, Kevin and Carlie were dancing on the stone floor, laughing as they twirled with each other. Hawk and the Darkshine Knight were deep in conversation about the latest weapon deals from the Black Market and Heath and Koren sat near them discussing Angela's way of dance. Mocking it, rather. Even though it had taken nearly half an hour, Koren had finished a small piece of cake and a glass of punch, his dessert for the night.
"I think I really missed desert, actually." He admitted to Heath when Darkshine and Hawk weren't listening. "I loved this one cake the castle chef always used to make...apripuppy cheesecake I think..."
"Really?" Heath whispered back, excited. "I have a great recipe for that." The two men laughed and the other two looked at them quizzically.
The music switched to a slow love song, and almost like magnets, Duran and Angela found themselves in each other's arms. Kevin bent down to lock hands with Carlie and they swayed back and forth, giggling. Koren slowly stood with Heath and they walked onto the stone floor, beginning to dance. Duran glanced over, and Angela followed his gaze.
"You know," she began, drawing herself closer. Duran's face heated, "It's quite a norm in Altena."
"Really? I guess that would make Forcena a really close-minded place then." Duran replied, slipping his hands to Angela's slim waist. "I don't really care, I mean, I do...but, I'm not really against it. It's just...I've never seen..."
"It's okay, it's just different to you. It's so common in Altena, everyone is just kinda peaceful with it. To us, it doesn't matter who you fall in love with." She looked into Duran's eyes. They stared at each other for a long moment before leaning in and kissing.
"Oh my...Heath!" whispered Koren and pointed over to Duran and Angela. Heath gasped quietly in delight.
"You know, I always had a feeling they were meant for each other." Heath replied, resting his head on Koren's shoulder. Smiling, Koren kissed the mage's ear gently before being interrupted by a poking at his leg. He looked down and saw Carlie looking up at him, holding out her hand.
"Can Carlie dance with Heath?" she asked innocently. Koren nodded and stepped away as Heath smiled and picked up Carlie. She giggled happily and kissed his cheek. Laughing, Koren leaned over and whispered into his ear: "You know, you're pretty good with kids. You'd make a good father." Heath blushed and stuck his tongue out playfully at the wizard. Still smiling, Koren turned back to Angela and Duran who had stopped kissing by continued to dance. Koren walked slowly over to them and tapped Duran on the shoulder.
"Mind if I cut in?" he asked and nodded to Angela to avoid confusion. Obviously relieved that he hadn't asked him, Duran laughed slightly and nodded, walking away. Koren smiled and put his arms around Angela's waist lightly as she put her arms around his neck.
"Well that was surprising, dear." Koren started, looking at Angela with intrigue. "Never saw that in you, actually. You're always hitting him around." Angela laughed.
"It's because he deserves it for being an idiot." She replied and then smiled. Koren looked back over at Heath to find him and Carlie rocking back and forth while Carlie told him how much she missed him.
"You and Heath, you two are like magic I swear." She giggled and hugged Koren just a little. "It's so cute."
"Oh hush up you," whispered Koren playfully. Angela smiled, almost cried; so happy to see Koren almost back to his normal self. Just almost.
"It's true. It's amazing between you two."
"I can't help it...I'm in love with him." Koren was surprised by how easily those words came out, and looked at Angela's amused expression. "What?"
"Aww..." she cooed and pinched his cheek.
"Ow!"
Lise stood quietly near Hawk's table, trying to convince herself to just walk over and ask for a dance. Finally, she stepped over and held her hand out.
"Hawk, would you like to dance with me?" she asked, her voice slightly squeaking. Hawk looked up and grinned wolfishly.
"With pleasure, m'dear." He replied and stood up and walked over with Lise onto the floor and began to dance with her. "Thought you'd never ask."
"Well, I didn't know if you'd say yes." She answered, shrugging. "With Jessica and all..."
"Meh. Jessica." He shrugged back. "I've been thinking about her and all and I know it sounds crazy but I don't think it's meant to be." Lise gawked.
"What? You went on this whole quest for her and now you're saying that..."
"...It's not that I don't love her. I do, but just as a close friend. You know." Hawk interrupted. "I've just fallen in love with something other than the rose of the sand." Lise felt her cheeks burn and her heart quicken, and yet she still asked.
"...so...what would that be?"
"A flower of the mountains." They kissed.
"Is this just a huge make-out party or what tonight? God, this is supposed to be a party for Heath..." whispered Koren, chuckling. Angela giggled.
"Seems like you and Heath are no longer to two lovebirds in this hotel." She replied. Koren looked like he was trying hard not to burst out laughing. "Oh you! Quit it!"
"It's just so cute."
"Koren..."
"Well it is!" he replied, and laughed again. Angela laughed out loud as well and dropped her arms as the song ended. A fast paced song came back on and she smiled.
"Guess I should sit on this one. I don't want anything to happen." Koren said and before leaving kissed Angela's cheek gently. "Thanks Angel."
The princess could only stare after him as he walked back to Heath and sat down. Angel. His old nickname for her...
'Maybe...things will change. Maybe I'll have my old friend back soon enough.' She thought happily. Duran marched back over to her, smiling.
"Apology accepted by the Darkshine Knight!" he said triumphantly. Angela nodded and then noticed the hulking figure behind him. "Angela?"
Sploosh!
A barrel of water had been poured over Duran's head, causing all the party-goers to burst out laughing.
"NOW, I completely forgive you, Sir Duran." Spoke Darkshine and bowed before going back to his table. The Swordmaster spat out water and sighed.
"Guess I deserved that." Duran chuckled and Angela laughed and embraced him.
'Then again, I guess some things will never change.'
*~*
With peace returning to our heroes, the night ends happily. But what of the next day, when the fifth fight occurs between two members of the Mana Team?
*~*
I told ya I'd have your couples waiting for you. Sorry to be so brief with the Hawk/Lise one, but it develops more, you'll see.
REVIEW OR I'LL KILL YOUR FAMILIES!
...Kidding.