a/n: well, now that I think about it, technically, I'm the narrator so I guess it's my job to give the preview… : )
…ahem…
Fourscore and two hundred sixty-five years ago… (you do the math ,)
…the empire of middle earth was divided into four great kingdoms…
…Kita, Minami, Higashi, and Nishi…
…these kingdoms coexisted in perfect harmony and peace… preserved by the guidance of four exceptional leaders…
…Tetsushi Kaji, was one of them…
…he was the firstborn prince of Kita; the rightful heir to the throne…
…he was kind and just, loved by his subjects… skilled in warfare, and unparalleled in wisdom…
…people used to say that he was destined for great things…
…then one day, he just disappeared…
…plunging his kingdom into a state of eternal unrest…
Disclaimer: If I owned Ultra Maniac, I wouldn't be altering the story (through fanfiction) now would I... : )
-o-
Chapter 1 – Deception
-o-
Memories…
The brunette sighed as she flipped through the pages of her past, her mind reeling back to the event that had changed her life forever…
Ayu...
It was a chilly autumn day; the cold wind blowing harshly against her skin, hinting that winter was on its way. She leaned back against the maple tree, oblivious to the red-gold leaves falling gently around her melancholy figure. She was waiting there for about three hours when a familiar figure quietly approached.
"Ayu, what are you doing here?"
She opened her eyes almost eagerly, slightly disappointed to see the figure of her best friend smiling cheerfully at her.
"Hi Nina." she smiled weakly, "Kaji was supposed to meet me here three hours ago but he hasn't shown up. I'm afraid something bad might have happened."
Nina pondered a bit, "I think I just saw him talking to someone on my way here, he must have simply forgotten. Don't worry, why don't we go over there right now and surprise him!"
"I guess you're right. Sure why not"
Kaji...
"Here they come. Remember what I've taught you…"
The front doors of the great hall creaked open and a girl took a peek inside.
"Kaji? Oh there you are!" Nina chirped, "Ayu wants to see you."
"Where is she?"
At this, Ayu slowly entered the room and looked at Kaji thoughtfully, studying his blank expression. "Kaji, is there something wrong?"
"Ayu", he started, "We need to talk."
Nina took this as a signal to leave and closed the doors behind her. "I wonder what he's going to tell her", she thought as she pressed an ear against the door.
Ayu took a few steps closer, trying to make out what was troubling him. "Kaji, what's wrong?"
He simply dropped his gaze to the floor. "Its you", he stated in a clear crisp voice, "You're what's wrong. You bore me. I'm sorry but I just can't take much more of this torture. You have to leave."
Somewhere outside, Nina's jaw had dropped in shock.
Ayu tried her best to gather herself, desperately attempting to make sense of everything that was happening. "I…I don't understand." she stuttered, "Why are you doing this Kaji?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you? I don't love you anymore."
"This can't be happening." Ayu collapsed onto the floor, feeling the first of her tears trickle down her cheeks.
He grabbed her roughly by the wrist and pulled her up, meeting her gaze. "What are you still doing here?" he hissed, "I told you to get out."
She glared at him one last time, before breaking free of his grasp and bolting through the doors, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Ayu! Wait!" Nina cried out, catching up.
Ayu stumbled, her whole being an emotional wreck. "How could he do this to me?" she sobbed hysterically, "I…I thought he loved me."
Nina tried to comfort her best friend, watching in horror as Ayu passed out in her arms.
Within the great hall of the palace, an eerie voice echoed its way towards the prince…
"Well done Kaji." she smirked, "That was the best performance yet."
"Ayu…" Kaji faltered, "What have I done?"
Nina...
The sun was beginning to set. She cradled her best friend in her arms, tears streaming down her own cheeks. Ayu did not deserve this.
"He will pay."
The palace doors flew open as the young mage stormed her way into the great hall. She fixed her emerald eyes on the prince, who was now trembling with fright.
"Nina!" Kaji shouted, "Don't do this! Please, I can explain. I had to do –"
His words were almost cruelly cut off by her lifeless voice, laced with dread and sorrow.
"How could you!" she screamed, her eyes ablaze. "Ayu loved you, and this is how you repay her! Look at her right now! She cried herself unconscious, and it's all because of you!"
His face blanked out.
"You don't deserve her", she muttered in a deadly monotone. "You will never deserve her…"
She lifted her hand, gathering a dazzling sphere of pink energy.
"This is for Ayu…"
The blast struck the prince with full force, instantly transforming him into a hideous creature. His hair grew to cover his entire body, his eyes glowed red, and horns had begun to sprout on either side of his head.
The sorceress emotionlessly watched the scene unfolding in front of her. The transformation was complete, and Kaji was backed up against the wall, unconscious.
"You will remain that way forever", she whispered, "until you discover love in its truest form…which will never happen."
She strode out into the dark night, her auburn hair billowing behind her.
"You have three years."
To be continued...
Read & Review: comments, suggestions, criticisms, even flames…as long as they're constructive : )
Castellar