As you may notice towards the end, there is no mention of this Hanna person. Sheena still remembers it but with other things in her way, it just doesn't come up yet.
Scarlet Kratos: ((calls an ambulance)) Don't die! ((calls security)) Stay back Zelos!
Je Mlle Vous: I will.
Suzu Fujibayashi: hmm…close, but kinda the other way around, a bit…okay, I don't make any sense. O.O
The Zelda Master: hmm, just not the same is it? To think I could have remembered something as simple as a capital letter.
Yukashi Tenshi: Will be Yuri? Heehee, you two remind me of a friend of mine. Yes, I'm pretty sure I once knew someone named Alison, it's a pretty common name.
lugiamania: Matchmaker? That thought actullay never crossed my mind. I would say more but I'd just give away the ending.
Up in a tree
"Stupid thing…stupid party…stupid Zelos…" I grumbled trying to pull on the burgundy dress.
I managed to zip up the back and began to scrutinize my unruly hair. I quickly pulled out the pink ribbon and replaced it with a red one to match the dress…maybe I should wrap it in a bun.
I grunted in disgust and pulled out the ribbon again…stupid Zelos making me rush…
A voice deep in my conscience weighed in…okay; maybe I shouldn't have taken that nap in the afternoon…but if I didn't I'd just be sleeping now…stupid Zelos. It's his fault I was so tired in the first place.
He was the one who told me to deliver some letter to the King, on my way some lady was causing this huge commotion…apparently; her cat was stuck in a tree.
I redid the ribbon and scowled as it popped back out…so much for that idea.
Hmm, wasn't that the same lady who was threatening to make Zelos her pet a few years back? She really does have a tendency for losing cats…though I don't blame the feisty little fur ball. Anyone in their right mind would run away from that lady.
...I tried to, but she grabbed me by the arm and pointed desperately at a lone branch sticking out from the tree she was standing under.
"You! Get my kitty down!"
I growled remembering the tone of her voice, I told her quickly that I had something else to do, but she refused to hear what I was saying. After a while of arguing and making random excuses I placed the letter I was holding in her hands. I told her to hang onto it until my little rescue mission was over.
Flinging down the ribbon I stepped on it in frustration…I hate dressing up…and I hate Zelos, I'm not sure which I despise more. I bent down and searched the bottom of the closet for shoes. Pretty maroon ones stuck out in the far end. Pulling them out I noticed there wasn't too much of a heel on them…perfect.
"No! My precious kitty!" I can still remember that shrill voice of hers.
I shuddered inwardly, I felt ridiculous sitting up in that tree. Calling out, "Here kitty, kitty, kitty."
I think I was up there for quite a while, I know that at one point I felt my legs go numb. That cat was giving me evil looks. I hate to admit it but I was a bit scared at the moment, it was baring it's tiny fangs and scratching viciously at the branch.
It took a lot of coaxing to just be able to get the kitten to let me touch it…so I was up there petting it's rough-from-rain fur and silently begging I wouldn't fall of the tree. In my mind I can still see the crowd of noble's that gathered down below, whispering and pointing…how humiliating.
I slipped on the dark shoes and searched for a longer ribbon.
I swear, I was so tried when I finally got down with the shivering kitten in my arms. I would have shaken the woman silly if it wasn't for that big smile she gave me.
"There…" I picked out a similar red ribbon, but longer this time and settled for trying to bundle my hair…it worked.
If Zelos hadn't given me that letter this all would never had happened and I wouldn't be in such a rush now. Still, I guess I shouldn't be blaming this all on him. It was just a coincidence that I would wind up in a tree for some few hours.
"Sheena! You almost done?" Zelos called from downstairs.
I felt my stomach twist at the sound of his voice. I couldn't help but be nervous. I bit my lip and turned towards the mirror.
The evening grown held a simple design, straight and fitting on the waist. The sides I think I'd probably cover up with my hands most of the time. The only thing keeping the front and back together for the top half were thin strings crossing over the other until my waist line…it revealed quite a bit. Hard to believe this was the most decent of the bunch.
I sighed and pushed back one half of my bangs with a thin black clip…finally done.
I had to be careful not to trip on the hem of the dress while walking down the stairs. I concentrated solely on that, I didn't want to embarrass myself by tumbling down.
When I reached the bottom I saw Zelos sitting on the couch with his back facing me, so he didn't realize I was staring. I could tell from the back that his black tusk was lined with gold and his hair had been neatly braided with part of his bangs hanging freely down one side of his face.
I cleared my throat to signal I was there, "Um…Zelos, we can leave now."
He got up and offered me his hand, "My, aren't we a pretty sight."
My cheeks flushed slightly and I shifted on my spot, "Let's just go."
Seeing as I didn't take his hand he placed it at his side and Sebastian opened the door for us, "Have a good evening Master Zelos and Miss Sheena."
"We will." Zelos turned to give me a sly grin before letting me walk out first.
I made no move to walk any faster; the place of the dinner party was right beside Zelos' mansion.
Before we could enter the front doors Zelos pulled me aside, "Okay Sheena, here's the thing, now as much as you won't like this you still need to cooperate with me."
I nodded slowly and waited for him to go on.
"You have to pretend you're madly in love with me."
I opened my mouth to protest but he placed a finger on my lips and I instantly fell silent.
"Refrain from slapping me."
Once more I tried to speak but I was hushed immediately.
"Go along with whatever I say."
I gave him a quizzical look…what exactly was he going to say?
"And try not to look too surprised if I do anything."
Before Zelos could stop me I pushed down his hands, "And what are you going to do?"
He gave me his trademark smile and took my hand, "Don't you worry your pretty little head about it."
Zelos pushed open the door and I reluctantly followed, it was too late to run away now.
The room was warm and well lit. A few women in puffy dresses lingered in one corner, talking about the latest gossip. Their husbands at the desk confirming their reservations.
The two doors at either side were held open by butlers who nodded as the couples passed by. As a hazy figure I could make out the King and his daughter at the farthest end of the room.
"Come on." Zelos gave a gentle tug at my hand, "The line's gone so we check in now."
"Sure." I mumbled and walked over to the desk.
"Good Sir and Madam." The receptionist nodded our way, "What name are you booked under?"
"Zelos Wilder." He stated and looked up at the clock on the wall.
"Yes…go on in." The man smiled curtly and moved onto the next person.
We walked in from the door on the left and since Zelos was walking towards the Princess I figured I should probably follow.
"Oh Zelos!" Hilda smiled as we approached, "So glad you could make it."
"I wouldn't miss such an important event, Princess." He declared running a quick hand through his hair.
Hilda giggled and beckoned a handsome brunette over to her side, "This is my fiancé, Alexander Demonte...Zelos, you've seen him before."
He held out his hand towards Zelos and then me, "Pleased to meet you, although I don't think we've met before. What's your name young lady?"
I shook his gloved hand, "No we haven't, I'm Sheena Fujibayashi."
"Oh!" Hilda suddenly spoke out, "Aren't you the summoner from Mizuho?"
Hearing that name made me flinch, "…Yes I am. We've met many times before."
"I remember now." She placed a hand on her cheek, "You really helped us out with Corrine."
…Corrine...
"Your father's calling me. Please excuse me." Alexander gave the Princess a quick kiss and left.
Hilda looked towards Zelos and then me, "You know Sheena, you're very lucky to have Zelos by your side."
I felt my cheeks heat up even though it was all fake, "T-thanks."
"Yup. She's so lucky to have me alright!" Zelos laughed and snaked an arm around my waist, "Aren't you, my…sweet little kitten?"
Kitten! Ugh…that brings back horrible memories. I simply smiled…for once I was at a loss for words…Zelos was going to get it the minute we reached back home.
Hilda gave us a lovesick sigh, "Now, this makes me want to have a chat with my dear Alex. All the best in your future."
With that she left, her fluffy dress bouncing down the room.
"Would you care for a dance?" Zelos asked with a deep, husky voice.
I highly doubt I can refuse in a place like this, "Fine." …or maybe it's just an excuse.
Zelos brought me closer and his arms circled my waist. I warily held onto his shoulders, not completely comfortable with my current position.
Zelos wasn't a bad dancer at all, his steps were fluid and refined. So far he hadn't tried anything lewd.
I found it hard to find my footing, I was stiff due the fact I was worried I'd step on someone's foot.
Zelos caught onto that, "Relax, let me guide you."
I nodded but it still took a while. I started to loosen up when I focused only on the soft melody of the music. It held a smooth, unwavering note for every five beats.
Just as I began to get used to the idea of being with Zelos for the rest of the evening someone had to go and ruin it.
"Zelos? Is that you?" A light voice broke us up, "Oh my! It's been so long, you're quite the young man I see. How are you doing?"
I looked up at Zelos, he was smiling broadly. I suppose his likes this old lady.
"Not too bad." Zelos shook her hand briefly.
It wasn't long before her wandering eyes fell on me, "Is this your partner Zelos?"
"Yes." His voice was steady, "Sheena, this is Roseanne. She used to take care of me when I was just a kid."
I gave the elderly woman a soft smile, "Pleased to meet you."
Roseanne returned the gesture and turned her attention back to Zelos, "Oh, she's a pretty one. I must say I'm very curious, where did you two meet? You were the Chosen; you must have been so busy."
"Originally it was when she used to come to Meltokio for the summon spirit research. We eventually ended up traveling together to regenerate the world."
At least it wasn't a lie, somehow it was still enough to make my stomach churn. Hearing Zelos talk so freely about something like this.
"How nice." Roseanne cooed, "What a wonderful time to build on friendship. Say, how long have you too been together?"
This time she had her head turned towards me. I started fidgeting with my fingers, "Um…about--"
Thankfully Zelos cut me off, "A little over four years."
…I'd expected him to say a couple months.
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There, finally done. I'm not sure whether I should carry it onto the next chapter or just start after the dinner party ended…hmm, I have much thinking to do.
Well, why don't you help me out and review? O.O hmm…?
