Chapter 10 Part II: New Sparks
"Kimi, are you done yet?" Hay Lin asked, her voice ringing cheerfully over the velvet curtains of the changing room.
Kimi sighed quietly. Taking another glance at her reflection in the mirror, she scrutinized over the clothes hand-picked by Hay Lin: a winter set consisted of warm leggings with fleeced covered high boots, and a one-size sweater that goes down to her knees, showing off the curves of her waist.
Kimi did not mind the outfits, but this is the tenth style her friends had asked her to try on!
I hate clothes shopping, she decided. How did I get into this situation?
Earlier that same day, Orube told everyone she was going back to Lusteria to search for their missing mentor.
"But Ngọc Long doesn't want to be found!" Will said. "We may have to face Seiryuu without her guidance this time."
"I'm know, and I don't feel at ease about this either," Orube said, donning her warrior outfit. "Still, I think I have to try and find her, and while I'm at it, I should gather some intel for our next battle."
"Orube's right," Taranee said. "Without the Jade Dragon to guide us, Orube's reconnaissance mission could prove useful."
"How long will you be gone?" Cornelia asked.
"I will be commuting between here and Lusteria for the next several days until we are called to battle."
Cornelia scoffed with indignation. "Seriously? What are we supposed to do in the meantime? We can't just sit and wait!"
"We could always go out into town and just hang out," Irma suggested. "There's the Winter Festival coming up! It's the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the holidays!"
"I think that's a great idea," Orube nodded. "After our last battle in Annam, I think a trip into town would be perfect to relax and enjoy your ordinary lives. Take Kimi with you. It would do her no good to just stay home all week."
Before Kimi could protest, Orube waved jumped into the portal hidden in the hallway closet.
The Guardians decided to take Orube's suggestion. For the rest of the day, they would go Christmas shopping and have some fun in town.
Along the way, they explained to Kimi the concept of Christmas, how the people of Heatherfield celebrates it every year with a Winter Festival, and what their own personal traditions consisted of.
"So this Christmas is a winter festival where Earthlings rejoice in the birth of a demigod named Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago?" Kimi asked.
Taranee laughed. It was refreshing to see how their own holiday is seen from an alien's perspective. "More or less," Taranee answered. "Actually, Jesus wasn't really born in winter. You see, a long time ago, those of the Christian faith decided to move and combine his birthday with this pagan holiday called Saturnalia, which also took place during the winter and—"
"We're here to shop and have fun, Taranee," Will teased, cutting her off. "If Kimi wants to be bored with my step-dad's history lecture on Christmas, then she'll have to wait until class tomorrow."
They stopped at a red light, waiting for the crossing light to turn green. A wide smile painted on Cornelia's face as she pointed to the Heather Dome, the biggest (and ugliest, according to Kimi) shopping mall in the city. "Time for Christmas shopping! C'mon, girls! I really want to find the perfect gift for Peter!"
Before Kimi knew it, they dragged her from one boutique to the next, trying on dozens of the latest winter fashion attires. For hours, they giggled and laughed, taking turns in the fitting room, exchanging opinions and criticisms over the outfits.
Kimi didn't mind the shopping itself, but she felt bored whenever her friends took turn in the fitting room.
They're so indecisive! Kimi thought. Honestly, they take more time trying to decide their clothes than it takes for a princess to put on her junihitoe with the aides of servants!
It was both Cornelia and Hay Lin who took the longest. Both into fashion, they just could not make up their minds on which pair of boots goes with which mini skirt and coat.
"Do you think Peter will like it if I wear this jacket to our next date? Maybe I could buy him a matching version from the men's department!" Cornelia asked.
"Yeah, who wouldn't want to be one of those couples who wear matching outfits?" Irma giggled. "Imagine! Peter wearing puffy pink down jacket!"
Cornelia shot her a withering look.
"Ignore the chatter box. You look good in anything," Taranee said.
Cornelia didn't seem convinced. Grabbing another jacket, she disappeared behind the velvet curtain. "Hmm…maybe I should try the light grey one? Black is too depressing."
Taranee leaned closer to Kimi and whispered. "Honestly, I don't think my brother would mind if she does show up in a skimpy Santa costume for their next date."
"I heard that!" cried Cornelia, flinging a flowery-laced bra that was left there by the previous client over the curtain. It missed Taranee's head, but it landed unceremoniously on Kimi's, causing Irma to burst into a fit of laughter.
"Is any of this necessary?" Kimi asked. She took the bra off her head and flung it at Irma to shut her up. "Would it not be more convenient to use magic and manifest new clothes from energy?"
Taranee and the others thought for a moment. "You do have a point, but don't you think it's nice to just get out of the house and do what girls our age usually do?"
"Some of us have parents who keep an eye on our spending during big holiday shopping spree," Will added. "If my mom doesn't see the bill for things in my room that she knows are brand new, she'll probably start assuming the worse. And the last thing I need is for her to ponder the idea of me shoplifting like some attention-seeking teenager."
Kimi thought about her life back on Lusteria where magic is as common as all the sand in the desert. Even those born without magic can see spirits and demons.
"It must be difficult to live in a world where you must hide your magic from your own families," Kimi said.
"We're used to it, but if you really want to know what's difficult, it's boys!" Irma said, looking up from her phone. "Honestly, sometimes I don't get Stephen! Why does he have to be so nice to that stupid Sonya! He knows that she's a fake!"
"Have you talked to him since your last argument?" Hay Lin asked.
"Yeah, I called to check up on him last night after I came home," Irma said, slumping back against her couch. "He doesn't seem too mad at me for acting the way I did. Even if I wasn't under Zhu Que's angry spell, can you really blame me for being jealous?"
"You know boys," Taranee shrugged. "Some of them just can't help themselves when they see a pretty face."
"Well, at least I know that Wesley isn't like that," said Hay Lin.
Irma rolled her eyes. "Listen to you two! Especially you, Tara! You had your mouth gaping wide open like a fish when you saw how cute Kyo—"
Taranee's cheeks flushed red as she quickly threw a sweater at Irma before Kimi could notice her embarrassment.
"Was that really necessary?" Irma huffed. "C'mon! Except for Will here, we all had fading luck with love with our ex-boyfriends. Cornelia had Caleb before she started dating Peter! Hay Lin, you used to be so close with Eric, but now you have Wesley! Even I thought I had something in common with Jay, but now I have Stephen."
"Don't forget Martin Tubbs and Andrew Hornby!" Cornelia reminded her. Pulling back the curtain of her fitting room, she showed them the dark wool winter coat she was trying on. At this point, no one was paying attention to it, much to her frustration.
"Hey, Martin is just a friend!" Irma corrected her.
"A friend that you kissed and then bonked him on the head!" Will teased.
"On the cheek! It was a friendly thank-you kiss!"
"More like sending him mixed messages!" Hay Lin laughed.
"And what about Andrew?" Cornelia smirked. "Remember when you turned him into a frog because he was getting too cozy with you in your Guardian form?"
That caught Kimi's attention. She leaned in closer to hear the rest.
"I didn't mean to! I panicked!" Irma said defensively.
"Well, if you asked me, maybe you should have kept him as a frog," Will laughed. "He looked cute with that little tuff of hair!"
Cornelia blanched in disgust. "Ew! Only you would find frogs cute, Will!"
Not about to let Irma off the hook, Hay Lin joined in on the fun. "And Irma, didn't you say you turned Stephen into a frog once? Remember? You were trying to convince him that you were magical?"
Irma winced. She had hoped no one would remember that. "What is this? Roasting-Irma-for-her-stupid-mistakes-day?" Irma huffed and pouted.
"Perhaps I should have turned Kishimoto-kun into a frog," Kimi said to herself. It certainly would have served him right for making me look like a fool during the Winter Tournament.
Kimi glanced up to see all eyes on her. "What?" she asked.
"That's right! You seemed to be getting on well with Koji," said Irma, slapping herself silly for forgetting such a thing. Kimi turned to look away, refusing to give her any satisfaction.
"Whatever happened between you two in that break room?" Cornelia pounced.
Hay Lin clapped her hands giddily. "Flowers! I remember seeing a bouquet of them! He gave you flowers, didn't he?"
"How romantic!" said Taranee.
"Details! We want details!" squealed Irma.
Kimi frowned, her grip on the armrests tightened. "I have nothing to say."
"Oh, don't think that you can get out of this one!" Will smiled mischievously. "Here on Earth, friends share and gossip about boys! Since you're one of us, you're going to sing like a canary!"
Kimi glared at them defiantly.
"C'mon, you have to admit that he's cute," Cornelia said, putting on her dreaming voice in hopes to coax a confession out of her.
"Super cute!" Taranee nodded.
"Off the scale cute!" added Will, laughing.
"Koji Kishimoto is NOT cute!" Kimi snapped. She blinked, surprised to see that she was starting to use Earth vocabularies. She has been hanging out with these girls for months and they were influencing her. Furiously, she got to her feet and paced back and forth. "He's arrogant and obnoxious! He thinks he knows more than I do, and he likes to think highly of himself!"
"Ooh, sounds like someone we all know. Right, girls?" Cornelia laughed, winking at Taranee. "I like this Koji already!"
"Who wouldn't?" Taranee nodded. "He plays a musical instrument, is a champion martial artist, he rides a motorcycle, and he attends one of best universities in Heatherfield for art and science majors!"
Irma sighed dreamily, "An athlete, a scholar, and a musician to boot! Sounds like you struck gold with this one, Kimi!"
"He's a charmer, all right!" Hay Lin laughed as Irma got up and pretended to play a tune on her imaginary violin.
"There is nothing charming about him!" Kimi huffed irritably. She continued her pacing.
"C'mon, Kimi. You must really like him, too," Irma said. She tapped the side of her nose as if to indicate an inside-knowledge. "Trust us, we can see all the signs. He's really getting under your skin."
Kimi glared at her. "What do you know of how I feel?!"
"If he doesn't mean anything to you, then you wouldn't be ranting like this," Taranee pointed out. "Admit it, he's all you're thinking of right now, and I don't have to read your mind to see that!"
Kimi's retort was lost in her throat, her cheeks turning a shade of pink, which was quite a sight indeed. This Koji must really be something if he could get her to express more openly and act like…well, a normal Earth girl, albeit an embarrassed teenager!
Kimi glanced around to see all five Guardians smiling and holding their laughter. Never had she been treated like this, and the strange feeling of embarrassment was making her uncomfortable. Not sure what to say, all Kimi could do was continue to pace back and forth, huffing and mumbling with great frustration. In a way, the other Guardians found this quite amusing to watch.
"Curse that Koji Kishimoto! I should have shoved those flowers down his throat when I had the chance! Who does he think he is to beat me and act as if we were of close relation! That arrogant fool! And to think he had the gall to suggest that he could be my guide around the city and—"
"WHAT A MINUTE! HE ASKED YOU OUT?!" Hay Lin gasped.
Kimi pressed a hand to her mouth, but it was too late. Her shocked silence was enough to confirm Hay Lin's suspicion.
Everyone's mouths dropped to the floor. The changing room burst into a cacophony of squeals of delight. The Guardians were so loud that an employee had to stick her head in to see if they were all right.
"OHMYGOSH! OHMYGOSH! OHMYGOSH!" Cornelia cried, flapping her hands as if to keep herself from fainting. "He did! Koji asked you out!"
"How?! When did this happen?!" asked Will.
Hay Lin couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped up and down, clapping and dancing around them. "You've got to tell us the details! Was it when he gave you those flowers?"
"I can't believe he's into you! One of the cutest college guys around here is actually into you!" said Taranee. "What were his exact words when he asked you out? Leave nothing out!"
Kimi frown indignantly. "You're acting as if he had just proposed! And why must you know everything? Is this another one of your Earth traditions amongst adolescents?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact!" Will replied.
"As your friends, we deserve to know the truth! It is your duty to tell us!" said Irma.
Kimi sighed with resignation. "Very well," she said and told them everything. She told them about constantly bumping into him, from the motorcycle ride Koji had given her to one of their conversations which eventually led to the wager.
"I could sense his intention and feelings were genuine," Kimi admitted, "Kishimoto-kun believed by helping me see more of your city, my mind and heart would be more willing to be opened to changes. In truth, I was very reluctant to take his offer, and so to amuse him, as well as myself, I agreed to his wager."
Irma nodded. "And being Lusterian, you didn't think you could ever lose to him!" The others exchanged giggles. "Yeah, your plan to turn his wager against him totally backfired!"
"Luck was his own reason!" Kimi scoffed. "If I hadn't exhausted myself against Zhu Que before the final match, I most certainly would have won."
Irma rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh. You keep convincing yourself of that."
Kimi shook her head and sat back down, her mind flashing back to last night. Losing to him irked her, yet Kimi couldn't help but think there was something more to it. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something about Koji's fighting skill that bothered her.
"It really was bad luck," Hay Lin said. "If only our last mission didn't coincide at the same time as the Winter Tournament."
"Still, you have to admit there's something very attracting about all of this," Will said. Kimi gave her an icy glare, but Will shrugged. "Oh, don't give me that look. I can tell you and Koji have chemistry."
"It's like the both of you are cuts from the same cloth," Taranee added.
Cornelia gasped, clasping her hands together. What Taranee said just reminded her of something. "Kimi, have you decided what you're going to wear on your date next week?"
Kimi shook her head. "I supposed one of my uniforms would—"
"Okay, I've heard enough," Cornelia cut her off and got to her feet. "Girls, we have got to help Kimi pick a new outfit! It's her very first date!"
The others exchanged glances and laughed.
"You just want another excuse to prolong this shopping spree!" Irma suggested.
Cornelia rolled her eyes, but she didn't deny it.
"Well, we're already here, might as well kill two birds with one stone," Taranee said.
Kimi opened her mouth to protest, but the smile on Hay Lin's face was more than enough to silence her. With trepidation, she allowed the Guardian of Air to nudge her behind the curtain.
For the next hour, the Guardians played fashion makeover. It was a game which Kimi found quite tiresome. She lost count after the umpteenth outfit her friend asked her to try on. Every time she stepped out from behind the curtain, the Guardians would give their critiques.
"Ew! She looks like my grandmother in that dress!"
"That outfit is so last winter!"
"Hmm, I don't think this one is flashy enough."
"Okay, that's way too many colors, Irma. I'm getting dizzy just starring at her."
"Kimi, you look like a sad penguin in that jacket."
"Sorry, but I don't think orange is really her color."
None were ever a unanimous one.
"Kimi, are you done?" Hay Lin's voice repeated over the curtain.
Kimi sighed with exasperation, taking one last look at herself in the mirror. Stepping out from the behind the curtain, she waited for their opinions.
"Hmm, not bad, but I'm not sure about the black jacket," Cornelia said. "Yes, it's elegant, but you're going on a date, not a funeral."
Kimi gritted her teeth. You might as well send me to my grave with this date!
Hay Lin pondered for a moment, her artistic mind for fashion kicking in gear. Having envisioned the look, she handed Kimi another set of winter wears. "Try these on."
Kimi placed her hands on her hip. She had had enough of this game and didn't want to suffer through it for their sakes.
"We've been at this for an hour! I am not trying on any more of these clothes! What's wrong with the ones I always wear?"
"Who goes on a date wearing their school uniform?" Cornelia huffed, insulted that Kimi wasn't taking this as seriously as she was. "Look, you're always going to school wearing different pleated mini-skirts and blazers! Would it kill you to express yourself more?"
"Sheffield Institute doesn't even have a uniform system!" Irma confirmed.
"Exactly! Kimi, you're going on a date, not an elite boarding school!" said Cornelia. "This is your chance to find your new style!"
"How can I when all you've been doing is dressing me in whatever garment you fancy on a mere whim?"
Sensing Kimi's growing irritation, Taranee decided to intervene. "Kimi's right, we have been at this for too long. Cornelia, didn't you say you were looking for a Christmas gift for Peter?"
Cornelia paused and nodded.
Will took a glance at her cellphone and saw it read: 14:45. Half the day was practically gone.
"Girls, it's almost three! Why don't we let Kimi pick the clothes, then we can continue with our Christmas shopping?" Will suggested.
Irma placed a hand to her stomach. "Yeah, I'm getting hungry, too."
Cornelia and Hay Lin seemed deflated, but the idea of a late lunch urged them to agree.
Relieved to see she would only have to try on one more outfit, Kimi took one look at the discarded pile and paused to think. She wanted to pick something quick, but the choices would also have to be fashionable enough to satisfy her friends or else she'll have to suffer through their criticism on the way home.
Kimi remembered seeing Orube watching one of those Korean dramas last week. The soap opera was ridiculously sappy, but the modern winter outfits the actresses wore were quite pleasing to look at and suddenly, the idea came to her. Kimi smiled, having made her choices. Swiftly, Kimi grabbed a pair of boots, black leggings, a plaid mini-skirt, a white turtleneck top complete with a snowflake pendant, and beige winter coat and scarf to top it off.
After another few minutes behind the curtain, Kimi stepped out of the fitting room to show everyone the outfits of her choice. The stunned expression on their faces, especially Cornelia's and Hay Lin's were enough to make Kimi smile with satisfaction. Good to know she wasn't completely ignorant of Earth's fashion.
"It's really nice," Cornelia said casually, trying to hide her approval. "At least it's not a school uniform."
"Modern Japanese pop culture! Of course!" Hay Lin said giddily. She grasped Kimi's hands in hers. "Kimi, it's so cute and it really suits you!"
Will, Irma, and Taranee all nodded approvingly. They had to admit, Kimi really does look like a girl who had just flown straight in from the streets of Tokyo's fashion district.
"Shibuya style! Why haven't I thought of it before?" Hay Lin continued, clearly still very enthusiastic. "Oh my gosh! I've just been struck with another inspiration! Kimi, you should come by my house and model for me! I want to try designing some Harajuku style outfits and I want you to be my muse!"
"I think this is enough for now," Kimi replied.
In the private tent of the Kinomoto clan, the atmosphere turned dark as soon as Isamu and his wife and brother entered. The servants suddenly stopped whatever they were doing and lowered their heads.
"Leave us," said Kazue darkly.
The servants quickly shuffled out, leaving the three elders alone. Osamu took a quick glance outside of the tent to ensure they wouldn't be overheard.
"Kyosuke knows something of our involvement with Shinrinkage," said Isamu.
Osamu's and Kazue's eyes widen in shock.
"How can you be certain, Nii-san?" Osamu asked. "Surely, he was trying to unnerve us during the summit."
Isamu nodded grimly. "I am certain. Our cousin knows something."
Kazue reached out a hand to clasp her husband's. "Kyosuke would most certainly blame us, but remember he has no evidence, dear husband. We were cautious when we enacted the curse on that boy. He and the shadow-wielders of Shinrinkage were a threat to our standing! Purging them from the face of this world was our only option!"
"A shame our plan didn't kill them all," Osamu huffed. "Kimi and Kyochi found the survivors and sent them to live with the Watsuki clan. Not that it really matters. The old man would be dead in a few years and I doubt the girl would be willing to go back into the very place where her parents were killed."
"Osamu is right. You worry too much, husband," Kazue said soothingly. "No one but us knows the veracity of how that dark creature came to be. Komei and the Guardians have done us a great favor by omitting the truth of Seiji's curse."
"Even those fools are not aware of our play in the massacre," Osamu grinned wickedly.
Not amused, Isamu turned on him. "If that were true, why did Kyosuke insinuated our involvement earlier?" Osamu had no response. "And it is not just our cousin who concerns me."
"What do you mean?"
"Sora-sama is aware of the Sword's disappearance." Kazue and Osamu gasped. "For all we are certain, she and the other Watsuki elders may know we've lost one of the three Sacred Talismans."
Kazue's face was white as snow. "How is that possible?" she asked.
Osamu leaned against the table, his fingers crossed as he contemplated the possibility. "Our attempt to marry off Akihiro's granddaughters to the Emperor's brother had never been a secret all those years ago." The mention of the previous Guardian of Light and his granddaughters were enough to sour the couple's faces. Ignoring their expression, Osamu continued, "After their treacheries, we've made certain to keep knowledge of the Sword's disappearance a secret."
"We've punished Akihiro's family and forbid the rest of the clan from ever uttering his granddaughters' names," Kazue said, her long and immaculate nails scratching the table. "Their memories should have died when Akihiro and Takao passed away."
"Except for Kyosuke and Komei," Isamu said. "No doubt they would have told Kimi and Kyochi the truth during their ascension as Guardians. It was their right to know."
Kazue stared at her husband incredulously. "Are you suggesting that Kyosuke-san is the spy?" she asked.
"If he is, that would explain his behavior during the summit," said Osamu.
The two of them bickered back and forth on the matter. If it was Kyosuke, they have no proof. Kazue offered a plot to rid of him as they had with Seiji, but Osamu pointed out how powerful and keen Kyosuke is and if he suspected their attempt to assassinate him, there will be heavy repercussion on their parts. Osamu also pointed out the spy might as well be Komei or even General Katsumi.
"ENOUGH!" Isamu slammed his hand on the table to silence them both. "We cannot be certain Kyosuke is a spy for the Watsuki. Our plans to elevate our clan to the pinnacle of social hierarchy are being undermined as we speak! Sora-sama knows the Sword is missing and will no doubt use that knowledge to blackmail us in the future! Komei continues to foil our attempt to support Prince Katsura, and his niece continues to dissent against us with her insolence! Kimi has her father's spirit and her grandfather's fire more than I would like to admit! I did not spend half a century bringing the Kinomoto clan to where it is now only for them to bring it down, and I will be damn if I let them continue as they please!"
"Then what do you intend for us to do, Nii-san?" Osamu challenged.
The look his twin gave him was chilling. "Osamu, you will find the spies and when you do, gouge their eyes out before sending them back to Sora! We shall see if they've witnessed anything useful for her from now on." Isamu turned to his wife. "As for you, my dear, see if you can come up a suitable plan put Kimi in her place. I've had more than enough of her impudence."
Kazue nodded. "And if the arrange marriage doesn't reign her in?"
"Then deal with her as you have done with Seiji Minamoto. Any threat to our plans must be dealt with as one would handle a cancer."
A wicked smile curled on her lips. She grasped his hand with her own in support. "And what of you, husband?"
"I must seek a private audience with the shogun. Whether or not Komei knows it, this coup will take place during Crown Princess Kazu's surgery and I must make certain we come out of it unscathed."
Osamu and Kazue smiled and nodded. Power was within their reach, so close they could grasp it. As a sign of their unified commitment, they drank their tea and rose to leave.
Once all three Kinomoto elders left, a figure stepped out of the shadow. Osamu's magic may have been powerful, but they weren't enough to detect his presence.
"Interesting," the figure whispered to himself. "This could prove very useful in the near future." And with that, he disappeared in a curtain of mist and diamond dust.
Once Kimi made her purchase at the boutique, Taranee suggested they split into groups to get their Christmas shopping done more quickly. Another hour and a half passed before they all sat down at a table of a nearby bistro with countless bags filled with presents and tissue papers at their feet. Kimi took in their surroundings to see the city so crowded, it was remarkable how they were able to get their shopping down in such a short amount of time.
While waiting for their food to arrive, the girls chattered, showing off what they bought for their families and boyfriends. Cornelia proudly showed them a vintage record of a band from the 1980s that Peter has obsessed on for months, while Hay Lin showed them a new carrying case for Wesley's instrument.
At last, a waiter arrived and brought them their expressos and cinnamon hot chocolates. Kimi eyed her own cup of coffee suspiciously. Remembering how Orube warned her of the bitterness of Earth's hot beverage, she took a tentative sip. The bitterness latched onto her tongue, yet she couldn't find the urge to stop taking in another sip. The warm taste was growing on her.
As the others continued to share their Christmas goods, Kimi glanced around at their surroundings.
The city was completely transformed. Cords of colorful lights hung everywhere. Unlike the paper-screened lanterns Kimi was used to back home, these lights emitted their own special glow, bringing a warm sense that touches people's soul in this cold weather. Wreathes and garlands of green and red complimented the lights while the ringing of bells filled the air. They were soon followed by a soft humming and singing. Kimi turned her head to see a group of people dressed in Victorian attires. The men wore coats over their suits, their combed hair topped off with tall black hats. The women wore dresses made with dark-colored fabrics, trimmed with laces and ribbons, their hair coifed into curls, hidden underneath bonnets. Kimi watched as they came closer, their gloved hands clutching books filled with sheet music. Their songs were unlike anything Kimi had heard before. The melodious singing was so pleasing, she could not help but smile.
"Oh, cool! The carolers are here!" Irma said.
Kimi turned her head. "Carolers?"
"The group of singers over there," Taranee replied. "Around the holidays, you'll often see carolers going from place to place to sing Christmas songs."
"And they always dress in old fashion costumes to match their a capella style of singing," Hay Lin noted.
The Guardians watched as the carolers made a quick stop at their bistro to sing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". All the customers and staffs stopped to listen and applauded when the carolers finished. Even Kimi found herself clapping alongside her friends. The carolers thanked their audience, bowed before continued to the next restaurant, all the while singing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".
Not only has the city tried to look beautiful, but it sounded beautiful, Kimi thought.
"Looks like things are coming along nicely for the Winter Festival," Will said. Kimi turned to her. "Every year, Heatherfield celebrates Christmas and other end-of-the-year holidays by holding its own Winter Festival."
"It's really fun! Aside from the decorations and the music, shops and even schools would showcase their works," Hay Lin added. She turned to face Taranee. "Tara, is Jensen Academy holding a show this year?"
Taranee nodded. "The students and I are putting on our own modern interpretation of The Show Queen." Seeing Kimi's blank expression, Taranee added, "It's a fairy tale by a Danish author named Hans Christian Anderson. The story tells us of a girl named Gerda who journeys through the frozen mountain to save her childhood friend and sweetheart, Kai, who was corrupted and taken by the cold-hearted Snow Queen."
"Is this Snow Queen a sort of yuki-onna," Kimi asked, remembering the snow women under Xuan Wu's influences.
"I'm afraid I'm not well versed enough to say yes," Taranee turned back to face the others. "Anyway, Luke is going to play Kai, naturally, I'm playing Gerda while Sheila's playing the Snow Queen."
"I thought you would be the one to play Snow Queen, Taranee. Your dancing is really good," Will said.
Taranee sighed, unable to hide her disappointment. "The director said I have too much fire to play such a cold-hearted character. She said my fiery passion is more fitting a character like Gerda. Beside, it's nice to let someone play the titular role once in a while and Sheila had been really practicing." Her friends didn't seem convinced so Taranee decided to switch the subject. Turning to Hay Lin, she said, "Speaking of which, have you finished our costumes, Hay Lin? Sheila has been texting me to see if you were done."
"Almost. I just need to add in the faux fur trimmings," said Hay Lin, playing around with the froth of her hot chocolate. "With both school and our Lusterian missions, I've been having a hard time trying to finish up everything in time for the Winter Festival."
"Well, you shouldn't have taken on so many projects to begin with!" Cornelia said. "I've seen you in the school's art class working so late on your paintings that the janitor had to shoo you home!"
"But we really need the extra money for our library and the computer labs," Hay Lin protested. "Making sure our students' art gallery is a success as part of the Winter Festival would be worth it for me." Cornelia wanted to object further, but Hay Lin reassured her with a cheery smile, "Don't worry! It's not so bad. I know I look tired, but really, putting all my energy into these projects really helps me relax."
"I can't argue with that," Will said. "It doesn't feel as exhausting when we do the things we enjoy. I feel the same when I swam laps in the pool. It's so soothing and peaceful underwater. Down there, all I can hear is my breath and the beating of my heart."
"Welcome to my world," Irma mused.
Cornelia sighed and relented with a smile of her own. "Yeah, I guess it was the same with me when I ice-skate. Maybe I should take up on it again."
"You should!" Taranee nodded. "I'm glad you girls have taken an interest in my passion for dancing, but not at the expenses of your own hobbies. You always love ice-skating and didn't you dreamed of becoming a professional?"
Cornelia nodded. She twirled a strand of her hair. "It felt so long ago. I'm afraid of how rusty I am if I go back now."
Irma heard a group of girls giggling as they passed the bistro. She turned to see one of them clutching a pair of ice-skates over her shoulder. An idea popped into her mind.
"Well, why don't we find out?" Irma beamed. Point a finger at the girls who passed them, she said, "They're putting on a make-shift outdoor ice-rink in the square! Let's go have some fun!"
"Irma, that's a great idea!" Taranee said.
"I haven't ice-skated in a while myself!" Will smiled.
Cornelia blinked in surprised as Irma grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to her feet. "Don't chicken out on me now, Corny! Besides, this is the perfect chance for you to show Kimi some of your graceful moves!"
"Let's go, Kimi!" said Hay Lin. "Have you ever ice-skated before?"
"I'm afraid I have not—"
"Good, because it's time to show you another way of how we have fun!"
They quickly paid for their drinks, grabbed their shopping bags, and hopped on the next bus to the town square.
As part of the Winter Festival, the city has designated a spot in the town square as a makeshift outdoor ice rink. The mayor had hired an ice company to bring in their equipment and make it big enough to accommodate dozens of people at once.
Not wanting to be laden down by their shopping bags, the girls discreetly magic them back to their headquarters before lining up to get their rentals.
Cornelia's heart was in a flutter. As soon as she received her skates, she puts them on immediately and dashed towards the rink like a fish starving for water.
"I haven't seen Corny this excited since the shopping spree," Irma laughed.
The others giggled as they laced up their own skates. Kimi, on the other hand, hesitated as if completely at a loss.
"These footwears are not very practical," she commented as she wobbled towards edge of the rink.
"Don't you have ice-skating on Lusteria?" Taranee asked.
Kimi shook her head. "In northern kingdoms, perhaps. Edo was never cold enough to freeze nearby lakes."
"Well, now you can try something new," Hay Lin said encouragingly, nudging Kimi towards the ice.
"It's fun! And it will warm you right up!" Will smiled. She and Irma stepped onto the ice and glided toward Cornelia, followed by Taranee and Hay Lin.
"C'mon, Kimi! There's plenty of empty spaces over here for us!" said Taranee, waving her hand over.
Kimi took one last glance down at the ice in front of her before moving forward to follow the others. As soon as she stepped foot onto the slippery surface, she gasped and fell on her knees.
Irma burst out laughing. "At least you fell in style!"
Hay Lin skated over to help Kimi up. Kimi huffed indignantly, but accepted Hay Lin's helping hand. "Forgive me if I am not as adept at this as you are!"
Irma smile smugly. "Don't worry, they do offer lessons for beginners. If you sign up now, you'll probably will be as good as Corny in a few years and—OW!"
Taranee elbowed her gently in the side. Turning to Kimi she said, "Don't let Irma disparage you. Except for Cornelia here, the four of us are still novices ourselves."
"But we'll be happy to teach you the basics," Will offered.
Kimi watched Taranee and Will as they glided across the ice. Nervously, she tried to mimic their movements but found it difficult to perfect. Unused to balancing on blades, her legs wobbled, and she fell more than a few times.
Irma burst out laughing while Cornelia stifled a giggle. Kimi shot them an icy look. "How you found this activity amusing is beyond my understanding!" Kimi said.
Will smiled apologetically and helped Kimi to her feet. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it," she said. "It's a tricky sport."
"Shift your center of gravity as you move your body like this. Watch how I pivot and glide to move forward, Kimi," Hay Lin said, gliding forward. "To make a turn, tilt your legs gently like this."
"And if you want to stop, turn your feet like this. Use them as your breaks."
Kimi nodded. Cornelia came up to her and was about to add in some of her own professional tips, but then decided to let her friends handle Kimi's lesson. Determined to master the techniques, Kimi focused on their instructions intently. Hay Lin held out her hands and grabbed them onto Kimi's to keep her from falling. Gently, she guided her in a straight line.
"You got it! Just like that. Now move your legs like Irma's doing," Hay Lin said encouragingly.
Seeing her own progress, Kimi couldn't help but smile. Satisfied, Hay Lin let go and Kimi glided across the ice on her own. As they came to a corner, Kimi slowed down and managed an awkward turn. She stumbled and fell, but got up quickly, refusing to let it frustrate her. It took her a few more tries to get the hang of it. After several more rounds around the ring, Kimi was skating almost as well as the others, albeit a little slow.
Seeing that Kimi is now at least competent enough, Cornelia glided across the frozen surface. It has been forever since she felt this free. The feeling in her muscles was like a lost memory reemerging after so many years. The feel of the wind against her face and her hair, her body moving gracefully, from the tips of her fingers to the end of her toes—how she had missed it all.
Cornelia had never meant to stop ice-skating. When Taranee suggested they all try signing up for dance lessons at Jensen Academy, Cornelia had only been mildly interested to learn a few new moves that she could incorporate into her ice-skating routine. Before she realized it, Cornelia was caught in the excitement of organizing a musical with her friends.
Balancing her normal life as well as her duty as the Earth Guardian had never been easy. Cornelia had to ditch her training early more than once. Sometimes never showing up at all just to save Kandrakar from its own blunder. Naturally, her coach was less than pleased to see her best student bailing out one too many times.
Cornelia paused in the middle of the ice rink, the memory pouring back in. Devoting time for her passion, school, family, social life, and her secret duty as a Guardian became too much to juggle all at once. In the end, she knew she had to sacrifice a few things for the other. She tried to put off ice-skating for as long as she could. But in the end, she had gradually stopped it all the same.
The mere thought of it left her feeling hollow.
I want to ice-skate again, Cornelia thought bitterly. Be the version of myself that I was meant to be!
Cornelia clenched her fists, her face determined. Why shouldn't I take it up again?
Wanting to see if she could still do a few twirls in the air, she did a few quick small moves as a warm-up. She glided back and forth, moving her arms gracefully to the rhythm of the music that was being played on speakers. Her elegant dance caught the attention of the surrounding crowd. In awe, the other skaters made enough room for her to skate.
Noticing, her friends stopped to watch and cheer her on.
"GO, CORNELIA!" Will cheered.
"YEAH, SHOW US SOME MOVES!" Irma cried.
Kimi said nothing but paused to give Cornelia her undivided attention.
Cornelia smirked, taking Kimi's watchful eyes as a challenge. You may be a silver medalist last night, Kimi, but when it comes to dancing on ice, I take home the gold, Cornelia thought, sending Kimi a telepathic message from across the ice field.
Kimi placed her hands on her hips. By all means, be our guest.
Cornelia laughed and began to skate faster, getting enough momentum before she leaped into the air. Tucking in her arms and legs, she twirled and did a perfect quadruple jump combination, immediately followed by a quadruple toe loop, then a triple toe loop.
Yes! I still got it! Cornelia beamed.
The small crowd burst into an applaud, urging her for more. She obliged by showing a series of moves, getting more elaborate with each rhythm. The crowd continued to cheer, urging her for more. Determined, Cornelia turned and dashed across the ice as if it was a field of pure smooth glass. She pulled off a triple flip, followed by a single loop. But at the triple jump combo, she accidentally caught her blade against a small patch of shaved ice on the surface and tripped.
Cornelia gasped and braced herself for the ground, but someone caught her.
"Whoa there! Careful!" cried someone.
Cornelia looked up to thank the stranger, but then gasped in surprise. "Peter!"
"Are you all right, Cornelia?" Peter asked.
"Y-yes! I'm fine, thanks for the save," she said.
Peter flashed her with his pearly white smile, a contrast to his ebony skin. His dreadlocks were tied up in a ponytail, mostly obscured by a pair of blue earmuffs that went horribly with his sweater. Cornelia pushed away the urge to comment on his fashion choice, especially when she saw that he was wearing the scarf she bought for him last Christmas.
"What are you doing here?" Cornelia asked instead.
Peter laughed as he helped her to her feet. "Is that any way to greet your boyfriend? I haven't seen you in a while! I was beginning to think you found some other surfing hunk to hang out with. Should I be jealous?"
"Oh, stop it!" Cornelia punched him gently for teasing her. "Sorry, but yes, it's really a nice surprise to see you." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I see you still got some sweet moves there," Peter noted. Cornelia turned to see all the other skaters resuming their own activities once they realized she stopped performing.
"Were you practicing for a show? Is that why I haven't seen you around lately?"
Cornelia blinked. "What? Oh, no, it's not like that, Peter. My friends and I were just giving Kimi some ice-skating lesson. It's her first time."
Peter's eyebrows arched. "Kimi? Oh, that foreign exchanged student who helped Sheffield won the silver medal last night, right? Man, I heard that girl is fierce!"
"I'll consider that a compliment," said Kimi from behind. Peter gasped, recoiling back in surprise. When he slipped and fell on his bottom, Kimi gave him a bemused smile.
"Peter! Are you all right?" Cornelia asked. She didn't think it was possible for him to look both shocked and cringed.
"Yeah, I'm good," Peter laughed pathetically. To Cornelia's surprise, Kimi offered him a hand and managed to pull him up without falling. "Woah! Now that is a strong grip you got there, girl. No wonder you're a silver medalist. I'm Peter Cook. You're that exchange student from Japan, right? Nice to meet you."
Kimi nodded. "Likewise. My name is Kimi Watsuki. I have heard of you from both Cornelia and Taranee. Quite plenty, mind you. It's becoming quite an earful."
Peter laughed wholeheartedly. "Well, if they're bad, don't believe any of them! They're not true!"
Cornelia couldn't believe it. Where they flirting in front of her? Cornelia gave Kimi a warning look. Without realizing it, her grip around Peter's arm tightened. Seeing the color of Cornelia's aura turning into a nasty apple green, Kimi shook her head and rolled her eyes.
"Big bro! What are you doing here?" Taranee said. They turned to see the others coming closer. "Dad said you were out hanging with your friends."
"Hey, lil' sis!" Peter replied, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, I am, actually. The guys are over there." He pointed over his shoulder. Behind him were a few of his classmates. Two were very familiar and as they came closer, Irma and Hay Lin squealed in delight as they made a beeline for their boyfriends.
"Stephen! I can't believe you're here!" Irma cried.
"Oh, come on now, Irma," Stephen replied, hugging her. "We just talked on the phone yesterday."
"But it felt like an eternity to me!" Irma said, faking a childish pouty face by quivering her lips and giving him her biggest puppy-eyed look. He laughed and kissed her. "Much better!" Irma smiled.
"Wesley!" Hay Lin cried happily, throwing herself into her boyfriend's open arms.
"Hi, Hay Lin—WHOA!" Wesley cried as they both slipped and fell. They exchanged amused glances and laughed.
Kimi narrowed her cold gaze. "Do kindly untangle yourselves. You're in public."
They both flushed furiously as they scrambled to their feet.
"I thought you said you would be going to your grandparents' for the holidays," Hay Lin said.
"Not until after school is finished. Until then, I still have another week with you," Wesley replied. They touched their noses and wiggled like two love-struck puppies.
"Oh, Wesley…" Hay Lin sighed.
"Oh, gag me!" said one of Peter's college friends.
"As if we didn't have enough lovebirds skating around in these parts," replied another.
"Later, Peter, my man. It's been cool. See you in class tomorrow." Having enough of the affectionate display, Peter's two friends clapped him on the back and left.
Will glanced around expectedly. To her disappointment, he was nowhere to be seen. "Um…where's Matt?"
The boys gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Will," Peter said. "I did call him earlier to shoot some hoops with us, but he sounded really bitter over the phone and didn't want to come."
"You two didn't have a fight, did you?" Stephen asked.
Will sighed heavily, clearly deflated. She sank onto a resting bench against the wall of the rink, her chin resting on her hands. "I guess we did…" The boys exchanged confused looks. Unsure what to say, the mood turned awkward.
Irma, on the other hand, refused to let it happen. She quickly glanced around, looking for something to help her turn the tide of the conversation. At last, she wrapped her arms around Stephen's, "Hey, c'mon! It's almost winter break! Are we really going to just stand here and mope while the city is enjoying Christmas? I, for one, would like to spend the evening with my boyfriend before going home for dinner."
Convinced by her words, the others smiled.
Stephen gripped Irma's hand in his. "You're right. Why don't we go skate a few rounds? There's even a beverage stand over there selling hot chocolate."
Irma beamed, "That sounds great! Stephen, would you buy me a cup so we could share?"
Stephen laughed. "Anything for you, sweetie. And how about some marshmallows to go with that?"
Irma snuggled against him as they glided away. "And some whipped cream!"
"None for us," said Peter. "Cornelia and I are going to catch up." Turning to his girlfriend, he held out an elbow for her to take. "Care to skate with me, my lady?"
Cornelia smirked, but nonetheless wrapped her arms and his. "Such a gentleman. As thanks, I'll show you a few advance ice-skating moves…for couples."
"Do you want to skate with me?" Wesley asked Hay Lin. "It's been a while, and I really would like to hear how you've been lately."
Hay Lin smiled, but then faltered. She glanced at Will, feeling a bit torn between wanting to stay and cheer her friend and hanging out with her boyfriend.
As if reading her mind, Taranee shooed her away. "Go on, Hay Lin. Don't worry, I will stay keep Will company."
Relieved, Hay Lin whispered a thank-you and skated off with Wesley, her expression lively and animated as he whispered something in her ears. Must be an inside joke.
Taranee turned to Kimi. "Why don't you join them on the fun, too?"
Kimi shook her head. "I think I fancy a drink after all that exercise. I will bring some hot beverages for the two of you as well."
"Do you need some help carrying them?"
"I believe I am proficient enough."
"If you say so," Taranee smiled, watching her skating off. She prayed that Kimi wouldn't trip again. Thankfully, she didn't.
Together, Will and Taranee watched silently as their friends skating merrily around the ice-rink, their arms linked with their boyfriends' and looking so happy and lovey-dovey that even Taranee thought it was getting a bit nauseous. She turned to glance at Will.
"Are you feeling all right, Will?" Taranee asked.
Will let out an exhausted sigh but smiled and nodded, nonetheless. "I'm happy for the others, but I have to admit that I'm a little jealous. I wish my relationship with Matt is like theirs. Look at Irma and Stephen! She practically told him her secret and he's so calm! He knows we are Guardians but never makes a deal about the danger that comes with the territory, let alone demand to tag along on missions. If Matt is as half as mellow as Stephen, then maybe Kimi would find less reasons to torture him."
Not to mention, you two might argue less, Taranee thought, but mentally kept it to herself.
Will let out another huge sigh as if the venting has finally given her some sense of relief. Will tilted her head towards Taranee and gave her a mischievous smile. "Well, enough of my boring and petty love problem, let's talk about yours. So, Taranee…got your eyes on Kyochi?"
Taranee blinked, the question caught her off guard. "Huh?"
"Don't try to deny it! I saw you, remember?"
"I don't know what you mean!" Taranee insisted.
Will rolled her eyes. "Oh, please! You were practically fawning over the memory ghost of Kyochi like a typical love-sick girl, I had to snap you out of it before Kimi noticed. I'm surprised she hasn't mentioned anything of it yet."
Tarane's eyes widened and she panicked. "You can't tell her! If Kimi finds out that I like her twin, she's going to—"
Will grinned, clapping her hands in delight. "So, you admit it! I knew it! You are crushing on Kyochi! You should see the look on your face!"
Sure enough, Taranee's face flushed an even more vibrant shade of red. Sometimes she really hates it when Will can trick her into admitting something she doesn't want to share. "Will, I'm serious, you can't tell Kimi! Who knows what she'll do if she finds out?!"
Will held up two hands to calm her down. "Take it easy, Tara. Of course, I'm not going to tell her. But you better control your thoughts and your emotions whenever you're around her. Being an auraseer, Kimi could probably tell just by being near you." A moment of silence fell between them. "So…" Will began again, "Kyochi, huh? I gotta admit he's really cute."
Taranee shook her head but smiled at the image of him still fresh in her memory. "No, he's gorgeous! I've never seen anyone as handsome as him! His face and that hair? It's like they were sculpted by the hands of the divines! And did you see the sparkles in his blue eyes? It was like starring into a field of crystals! They're nothing like Kimi's eyes, which are piercing and ice-cold and they make you feel so exposed. But his are dazzling like the perfect cut crystals. No! Like moonlight! Yes, the moon!" Taranee sighed dreamily again. "I could stare at his face forever and never get hurt. Just one smile from him could bring me so much inspiration! Not only is his face perfectly sculpted, but I bet his I.Q. level must be off the chart! Kimi said he's a medical student! Can you believe it, Will? He was already studying to be a doctor at our age!"
Will rolled her eyes in amusement. "Of course, what girl wouldn't want to date a future doctor?"
"And coming from a powerful and well-respected family, Kyochi must be very cultured, too. And so kind and honorable! Did you see that dark crystal flower he made for that little girl? And how he came back to save Kimi from Seiji at the end? He—"
"Taranee, Kyochi sounds like a dream, but you do realize that you only saw him through Kimi's memory, right?" Will interrupted.
Taranee's mouth gaped, unsure what to say. Then she furrowed her eyebrows, annoyed at her friend for snapping her daydream. "What are you trying to say, Will?"
Will sat up straighter. Not wanting to give Taranee the wrong impression, she tried to put on her best encouraging facial expression she could muster. "Taranee, it's great that you like him, but don't you think you're just falling for the illusion from a memory?" Taranee frowned at her. "I mean, think about it! How well do you know Kyochi other than the glimpses of him from Kimi's memory? She probably only showed us parts of who he really is out of necessity. What if there's something about him that you may not like? I mean, what if he already has a girlfriend back on Lusteria?"
That shattered Taranee's hopes and she crashed back down into reality. What Will said made sense and it hurts at her core. She was so stupid! Of course, someone as handsome and intelligent as Kyochi wouldn't be left single! The Kinomoto elders must have a long list of potential brides to choose from for him for years! Whoever the lucky girl is, no doubt she'll be more beautiful, cultured, intelligent, and have all the necessary pedigree to back it all up. How can Taranee compete with all of that?
"I'm so stupid!" Taranee said. "I should have known it's all too good to be true!" Tilting her head down, Taranee slumped against the backrest of the bench. She waved half-heartedly as Irma, Cornelia, Hay Lin, and their boyfriends skated by. "You're wrong about something, Will. If there is anyone who should be jealous of our friends, it should be me. Each of them managed to move on and find someone new to make them happy." Will opened her mouth but then closed it. "Even I'm jealous of you and Kimi."
Will blinked. "How so?"
"Because you're still with Matt, even after all your fights and disagreements! Magic or no, I can tell the two of you still care for one another and will manage to work things out. Even Kimi has someone who seems interested in her! Everywhere I look, I am reminded of what I don't have, and I don't have a boyfriend."
"Taranee…" Will said. She wanted to cheer her up, but nothing came to her mind.
"It's not from lack of trying, Will. Every time I think I find someone new, there are obstacles. Either its distance and the passage of time, or we're just not compatible."
"Taranee, you're being too hard on yourself!" Will said. "You're smart, talented, and hot-tempered sometimes, but you're a great dancer and a great friend. Nigel was a fool for not realizing that. I'm certain you'll find someone who'll appreciate and enjoys your company."
Taranee sighed and got up. "You know what, I think Kimi needs my help carrying all those drinks! I'll be back!" Taranee said quickly and got to her feet before Will could stop her.
She knew Will meant well, but she didn't want to have to talk about Nigel next. She'd never told her friends the real reason why she dropped him. She did tell Peter, but her brother was furious and ashamed of her. Never had she seen her brother so angry. After enduring Peter's stinging words, she couldn't bear to hear the same thing from her friends, so she never explained her reason. Seeing how much it pained her, the others decided to drop it. She tried to search for new love, someone to fill in the void but none ever came as close to him.
Taranee clutched her gloved hands, a part of her wishing that Nigel was here with her. She misses him.
"Watch out!" said a couple coming in from behind.
Taranee leaned to the side to let them pass, but suddenly bump into someone else.
"Hey, watch where you're going, you klutz!" he said. Before Taranee could apologize, he shoved her hard.
Someone caught her and glared at the rude skater. "Ignore them, miss. Are you all right?"
Taranee blinked at the familiar voice. She quickly straightened herself and turned to face her savior. Her eyes widen and her heart felt heavy as if it were made of lead. When he saw her, his mouth dropped to the floor, unable to believe his own eyes.
"Taranee?" he gasped, his voice barely a whisper.
She didn't think she would see this person again and wonder what kind of cruel and sick joke the universe was playing on her.
"Nigel."
To be continued…
Author's note: I'm sorry for not writing much. I fear that I will never finish this story at this pace. Life has become exceedingly difficult and frustrating, as many of you may know. 2020 and COVID-19 has been a bitch.
I have been thinking about uploading an outline of this story. That way, if for some reason I have to drop this project or am unable to finish it due to…unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances in life…at least you guys won't be on a cliffhanger. It will be filled with spoilers, but at least you'll know how I plan to end this story. Please leave your thoughts in the review.
Cultural references:
Saturnalia – the ancient Roman festival for their god, Saturn (Kronos in Greek mythology) in December. This was a period of merrymaking and celebration of the end of the harvest season. Basically, this was the pre-Christmas holiday.
Junihitoe – A formal and very elaborated kimono style worn by noble ladies of the imperial court during the Heian period. They are famously known to be consisted of having several layers of kimono, worn over one another.