Chapter Five: Fluff And Stuff
With Serge's support, the star-stealing girl stepped out to find that market stalls had been arranged around the empty field near the center of the village. There seemed to be more people than usual, showing that a few had traveled from other places, though they were mostly friends or relatives of the Arni residents, as well as the passengers of the two ships.
Serge did carry her at first, as he had promised, but she soon got sick of it and complained until her feet were on the ground. Leena accompanied them as well, and payed even more attention to Serge than usual. As the three traversed the fairground, a competition arose between them. First, Leena dragged Serge, and Kid with him, to a booth selling jewelry and pointed at a komodo scale necklace, for Serge had never got around to finishing the one he was supposed to make for her.
"Oh, it's so pretty. If only I hadn't spent all my money on that dress to wear for the contest..."
Falling into her manipulation, Serge payed for the necklace and handed it to her wordlessly.
"Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed, jumping forward to hug him. His innocent eyes widened, and Kid scowled, until she thought of a counter attack. She waited until she saw Serge examining an item with interest. It was a dangerously beautiful swallow weapon, just like the ones he specialized with, but it was expensive and Serge debated quietly whether or not to buy it. Hiding a sly smile, Kid produced a bag of coins and placed it in her companion's hand. "Buy it," she said simply, and reveled in his gratefullness.
Realizing that it would take more than generosity with money, the girls' minds worked rapidly to come up with ideas to win Serge's heart.
Again, Leena acted first, and she chose a subject which Kid was hardpressed to compete with, leading the way to a clothing shop and holding various fancy dresses up in front of her. "What do you think, Serge? Is purple my color, or should I wear green to contrast with my hair?"
"I like the purple one," Serge said without much interest, and then pointed out a slim blue dress with white flame patterns. "Hey Kid, that would look nice on you. You should wear dresses more oftan."
"Eh, they don't suit my personality... but if ya really want, I'll wear one for you some time," the blonde-haired girl offered. She did not like the idea much, but Leena's dissapointed look made up for it
The girls tried several other tactics without much success, and finally Kid got up the nerve to ask Serge the question that had started the whole thing. "Mate, how do you feel about me?"
Serge looked with uncertainty at the girl who was clinging to his arm for support. "What are you talking about, Kid?"
"I just wanted to know how I compare to Leena in your mind," she said boldly.
Serge, not acting at all as she had expected him to, laughed. "Oh, so that's what all this was about! I should have known. You are my two best friends who I'd give my life for, and I'd appreciate it if you would stop fighting over me."
Leena and Kid looked at eachother aghast, but obeyed the request of the boy who they both loved. Unknown to the other two, however, Leena had seen something in Serge's eyes when he spoke to Kid, and she finally accepted what she could not change.
After spending all morning outdoors, Serge took the exhausted Kid back to his house for lunch and to rest, but after a nap, Kid forced herself up again in time for the music contest.
Making herself comfortable on one of the benches circling the stage, she waited for Serge to join her, carrying sweet drinks and fruit-filled pies which were being sold at a booth nearby. Kid enjoyed the treat while the stage was readied for the coming contest.
"This food's great, Mate!" she said cheerfully, trying not to cough.
"I was hoping you'd like it. It's sort of a specialty for the fair. It is only sold here once a year," he explained before biting into his own pie with a smile on his face.
At the start of the contest, there were a few average performances, and one terrible one, and then a surprise flipped onto the stage out of nowhere in the form of a very familiar jester. It was only the second time Harle had been seen after saving Kid's life. The thief looked to the judges, but they seemed to have expected it. For some unknown reason, or maybe just for the fun of it, Harle had signed up for the contest. She did not sing, but instead pulled out a pair of pennywhistles and played them simultaneously, performing wild flips and spins without missing a beat. She probably would have won, if she had resisted the urge to spice up her show with a bit of clownish mischief, summoning three of the precious pies from out of thin air and juggling them before tossing them with deadly precission at the judges.
Leena's turn came right after Harle's, and she did all she could to sweep the crowd off their feet. Her long hair was braided and tied in an intricate design, and she had changed into a form-fitting red gown with flowers of black embroidered on it. The komodo scale necklace which Serge had given her that morning hung at her chest, shimmering brightly in the sunlight. Stepping onto the stage, she spun in a graceful whirl before raising her voice in song.
"The water is wide, I cannot cross o'er,
And neither have I wings to fly,
Build me a boat that will carry two,
And both shall go, my love and I.
There is a ship, and it sails the sea,
It's loaded deep as deep can be,
Yet not so deep as this love I am in,
I know not if I sink or swim."
Someone at the side of the stage played a lovely solo with a hammered dulcimer while Leena danced in slow and flowing steps for a moment before continuing. During her song and dance, her eyes always returned to Serge as if her words were directed at him, which he did not doubt.
"I leaned my back up against an oak,
I thought it was a trusty tree,
But first it bent and then it broke,
And so did my false love for thee.
Oh love is gentle and love is kind,
The fairest flower when first it's new,
But love grows old and then grows cold,
And fades away like morning dew.
The water is wide, I cannot cross o'er,
And neither have I wings to fly,
Build me a boat that will carry two,
And both shall go, my love and I."
Most of the audience clapped and cheered, but Serge remained silent, wondering why the girl who had always tried to get his attention had chosen that particular song. Had her words been serious? Kid's mind was centered on the same thoughts, and the admittedly selfish hope that one of her rivals had backed down.
"Serge, may I talk to you alone?" Leena whispered as she walked past him, and he obediantly followed her, looking back to see Kid's eyes on him.
Leena led Serge to the very edge of the village before speaking, "Sorry Serge, for being so selfish. I know you love Kid, and I can't compete with her no matter what I do, so I won't bother you two any more."
Serge had been expecting this, and, having nothing better to use, untied his bandana and wiped away the tears that were sparkling on Leena's cheeks. He could think of nothing appropriate to say, and once her eyes were dry, Leena left the way she had come, saying something to Kid which Serge could not hear.
When the boy sat back down beside the injured thief, she gave him a curious look. "What's up with Leena? She told me to take good care of you, but yer the one who's been takin' care of me. What did she mean?"
"I'll tell you later," said Serge, shyly wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
At the end of the contest, Leena was announced the winner, and she mounted the stage to accept her prize without looking at Serge and Kid. The sun was setting now, and once the stage was cleared, Radius stepped forward to address the crowd.
"Thank you all for coming, and I hope you have enjoyed this year's Arni Summer Solstice Festival. We have one final show that I am sure you have all been waiting for. Without further adu, I present to you the Magical Dreamers!"
Perfectly on cue, the band paraded onto the stage, lead vocalists Nikki and Miki in front, followed by Yu and Mi the backup singers, and then the instrument players.
Serge and Kid listened to the first couple of songs, but, despite the wonderful music, Kid was growing restless. Suppressing a cough, she shifted and fidgetted in her seat until Serge became concerned. Not wanting to disturb the concert, he helped Kid to her feet and they walked to the back of the audiance.
"What's wrong?"
she sighed, knowing that he had been wrapped up in the music, and sorry that she had spoiled his fun. "I don't know. Just uncomfortable."
"Do you want to go to bed?" he asked, his voice sounding more and more worried, but she shook her head.
"It's not that. I'm just tired of the crowd."
Serge understood and began to walk, taking her to the small beach beside the pier where the two ships were docked, but far enough away so that the sentries could not see them. Kid plopped down on the sand, the quick movement making her double over and cough up blood. Her blue-haired angel knelt at her side and massaged her back with one hand to sooth her. No words were spoken between them, even after Kid had caught her breath. Serge held her hand and looked deep into her eyes, and she returned the look, communicating through touch and sight. A multitude of warm emotions flooded Kid's mind and heart.
Serge pulled Kid's body into his lap, holding her as tightly as he could without causing her harm. Slowly, the boy leaned down, his gaze never leaving hers until the moment their lips met in a chaste kiss. They seperated by a mere inch, and Kid smiled before moving forward to answer the kiss with a much deeper one that seemed to last forever. Their moist tongues touched softly at first, as if to become acquainted, and then tangled together, causing the sweetest of sensations. Kid wondered how Serge had learned to be such a good kisser.
The demonstration of love did not end there, and now the Radical Dreamer took the initiative, tugging at Serge's shirt, but he stopped her, a flicker of worry returning to his face. "Are you sure you're not too weak?"
"I'll be fine. Please Serge... I need this," she said in a whisper before completing the task of ridding him of his shirt. She traced her hand over his narrow but well-muscled chest, wide-eyed in wonderment, and then, careful not to hurt her ribs, she pulled off her own vest and the skimpy little shirt under it. They kissed again, as if to ready themselves, and then shed the rest of their clothes impatiently. The last thing to go were the red ribbons that held Kid's hair, and the golden locks fell freely over her shoulders.
Under the stars and the two shining moons, they showed their love in the most passionate of forms, with Nikki's enchanting music still playing in the distance.
With Serge's support, the star-stealing girl stepped out to find that market stalls had been arranged around the empty field near the center of the village. There seemed to be more people than usual, showing that a few had traveled from other places, though they were mostly friends or relatives of the Arni residents, as well as the passengers of the two ships.
Serge did carry her at first, as he had promised, but she soon got sick of it and complained until her feet were on the ground. Leena accompanied them as well, and payed even more attention to Serge than usual. As the three traversed the fairground, a competition arose between them. First, Leena dragged Serge, and Kid with him, to a booth selling jewelry and pointed at a komodo scale necklace, for Serge had never got around to finishing the one he was supposed to make for her.
"Oh, it's so pretty. If only I hadn't spent all my money on that dress to wear for the contest..."
Falling into her manipulation, Serge payed for the necklace and handed it to her wordlessly.
"Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed, jumping forward to hug him. His innocent eyes widened, and Kid scowled, until she thought of a counter attack. She waited until she saw Serge examining an item with interest. It was a dangerously beautiful swallow weapon, just like the ones he specialized with, but it was expensive and Serge debated quietly whether or not to buy it. Hiding a sly smile, Kid produced a bag of coins and placed it in her companion's hand. "Buy it," she said simply, and reveled in his gratefullness.
Realizing that it would take more than generosity with money, the girls' minds worked rapidly to come up with ideas to win Serge's heart.
Again, Leena acted first, and she chose a subject which Kid was hardpressed to compete with, leading the way to a clothing shop and holding various fancy dresses up in front of her. "What do you think, Serge? Is purple my color, or should I wear green to contrast with my hair?"
"I like the purple one," Serge said without much interest, and then pointed out a slim blue dress with white flame patterns. "Hey Kid, that would look nice on you. You should wear dresses more oftan."
"Eh, they don't suit my personality... but if ya really want, I'll wear one for you some time," the blonde-haired girl offered. She did not like the idea much, but Leena's dissapointed look made up for it
The girls tried several other tactics without much success, and finally Kid got up the nerve to ask Serge the question that had started the whole thing. "Mate, how do you feel about me?"
Serge looked with uncertainty at the girl who was clinging to his arm for support. "What are you talking about, Kid?"
"I just wanted to know how I compare to Leena in your mind," she said boldly.
Serge, not acting at all as she had expected him to, laughed. "Oh, so that's what all this was about! I should have known. You are my two best friends who I'd give my life for, and I'd appreciate it if you would stop fighting over me."
Leena and Kid looked at eachother aghast, but obeyed the request of the boy who they both loved. Unknown to the other two, however, Leena had seen something in Serge's eyes when he spoke to Kid, and she finally accepted what she could not change.
After spending all morning outdoors, Serge took the exhausted Kid back to his house for lunch and to rest, but after a nap, Kid forced herself up again in time for the music contest.
Making herself comfortable on one of the benches circling the stage, she waited for Serge to join her, carrying sweet drinks and fruit-filled pies which were being sold at a booth nearby. Kid enjoyed the treat while the stage was readied for the coming contest.
"This food's great, Mate!" she said cheerfully, trying not to cough.
"I was hoping you'd like it. It's sort of a specialty for the fair. It is only sold here once a year," he explained before biting into his own pie with a smile on his face.
At the start of the contest, there were a few average performances, and one terrible one, and then a surprise flipped onto the stage out of nowhere in the form of a very familiar jester. It was only the second time Harle had been seen after saving Kid's life. The thief looked to the judges, but they seemed to have expected it. For some unknown reason, or maybe just for the fun of it, Harle had signed up for the contest. She did not sing, but instead pulled out a pair of pennywhistles and played them simultaneously, performing wild flips and spins without missing a beat. She probably would have won, if she had resisted the urge to spice up her show with a bit of clownish mischief, summoning three of the precious pies from out of thin air and juggling them before tossing them with deadly precission at the judges.
Leena's turn came right after Harle's, and she did all she could to sweep the crowd off their feet. Her long hair was braided and tied in an intricate design, and she had changed into a form-fitting red gown with flowers of black embroidered on it. The komodo scale necklace which Serge had given her that morning hung at her chest, shimmering brightly in the sunlight. Stepping onto the stage, she spun in a graceful whirl before raising her voice in song.
"The water is wide, I cannot cross o'er,
And neither have I wings to fly,
Build me a boat that will carry two,
And both shall go, my love and I.
There is a ship, and it sails the sea,
It's loaded deep as deep can be,
Yet not so deep as this love I am in,
I know not if I sink or swim."
Someone at the side of the stage played a lovely solo with a hammered dulcimer while Leena danced in slow and flowing steps for a moment before continuing. During her song and dance, her eyes always returned to Serge as if her words were directed at him, which he did not doubt.
"I leaned my back up against an oak,
I thought it was a trusty tree,
But first it bent and then it broke,
And so did my false love for thee.
Oh love is gentle and love is kind,
The fairest flower when first it's new,
But love grows old and then grows cold,
And fades away like morning dew.
The water is wide, I cannot cross o'er,
And neither have I wings to fly,
Build me a boat that will carry two,
And both shall go, my love and I."
Most of the audience clapped and cheered, but Serge remained silent, wondering why the girl who had always tried to get his attention had chosen that particular song. Had her words been serious? Kid's mind was centered on the same thoughts, and the admittedly selfish hope that one of her rivals had backed down.
"Serge, may I talk to you alone?" Leena whispered as she walked past him, and he obediantly followed her, looking back to see Kid's eyes on him.
Leena led Serge to the very edge of the village before speaking, "Sorry Serge, for being so selfish. I know you love Kid, and I can't compete with her no matter what I do, so I won't bother you two any more."
Serge had been expecting this, and, having nothing better to use, untied his bandana and wiped away the tears that were sparkling on Leena's cheeks. He could think of nothing appropriate to say, and once her eyes were dry, Leena left the way she had come, saying something to Kid which Serge could not hear.
When the boy sat back down beside the injured thief, she gave him a curious look. "What's up with Leena? She told me to take good care of you, but yer the one who's been takin' care of me. What did she mean?"
"I'll tell you later," said Serge, shyly wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
At the end of the contest, Leena was announced the winner, and she mounted the stage to accept her prize without looking at Serge and Kid. The sun was setting now, and once the stage was cleared, Radius stepped forward to address the crowd.
"Thank you all for coming, and I hope you have enjoyed this year's Arni Summer Solstice Festival. We have one final show that I am sure you have all been waiting for. Without further adu, I present to you the Magical Dreamers!"
Perfectly on cue, the band paraded onto the stage, lead vocalists Nikki and Miki in front, followed by Yu and Mi the backup singers, and then the instrument players.
Serge and Kid listened to the first couple of songs, but, despite the wonderful music, Kid was growing restless. Suppressing a cough, she shifted and fidgetted in her seat until Serge became concerned. Not wanting to disturb the concert, he helped Kid to her feet and they walked to the back of the audiance.
"What's wrong?"
she sighed, knowing that he had been wrapped up in the music, and sorry that she had spoiled his fun. "I don't know. Just uncomfortable."
"Do you want to go to bed?" he asked, his voice sounding more and more worried, but she shook her head.
"It's not that. I'm just tired of the crowd."
Serge understood and began to walk, taking her to the small beach beside the pier where the two ships were docked, but far enough away so that the sentries could not see them. Kid plopped down on the sand, the quick movement making her double over and cough up blood. Her blue-haired angel knelt at her side and massaged her back with one hand to sooth her. No words were spoken between them, even after Kid had caught her breath. Serge held her hand and looked deep into her eyes, and she returned the look, communicating through touch and sight. A multitude of warm emotions flooded Kid's mind and heart.
Serge pulled Kid's body into his lap, holding her as tightly as he could without causing her harm. Slowly, the boy leaned down, his gaze never leaving hers until the moment their lips met in a chaste kiss. They seperated by a mere inch, and Kid smiled before moving forward to answer the kiss with a much deeper one that seemed to last forever. Their moist tongues touched softly at first, as if to become acquainted, and then tangled together, causing the sweetest of sensations. Kid wondered how Serge had learned to be such a good kisser.
The demonstration of love did not end there, and now the Radical Dreamer took the initiative, tugging at Serge's shirt, but he stopped her, a flicker of worry returning to his face. "Are you sure you're not too weak?"
"I'll be fine. Please Serge... I need this," she said in a whisper before completing the task of ridding him of his shirt. She traced her hand over his narrow but well-muscled chest, wide-eyed in wonderment, and then, careful not to hurt her ribs, she pulled off her own vest and the skimpy little shirt under it. They kissed again, as if to ready themselves, and then shed the rest of their clothes impatiently. The last thing to go were the red ribbons that held Kid's hair, and the golden locks fell freely over her shoulders.
Under the stars and the two shining moons, they showed their love in the most passionate of forms, with Nikki's enchanting music still playing in the distance.