Hey guys! I know it's been over two weeks since I updated but exams are finally over and I should be able to update more often now :D

Chapter 12: Memories Remain Part 2

I opened my eyes and darkness encased me. Squinting, I reached out my hands to try and feel if there was anything around me. Just as I reached out, however, I suddenly felt the ground being pulled out from under me and the darkness melted away, replaced by bright, shining lights. Loud cheers filled my ears and I frowned. Where was I?

I grimaced and reflexively tried moved my hands up to shield my eyes from the bright light but found that I couldn't move a muscle. Panic started to fill me as I futilely tried to struggle against the invisible bonds that were holding me.

Then, the lights started fading away and the cheers dissipated into soft murmurs until the entire room was dead silent. With the glaring lights gone, I finally had the chance to look around the room.

I gasped (at least mentally) when the familiarity of the setting struck me and I realized exactly where I was.

I was on stage.

I would've smiled if I could've controlled my own muscles. It's been so long since I'd been up on a proper stage. I'd kind of miss the feeling.

But then, I frowned, what was I doing on stage?

Before I could question my whereabouts any longer, music started filling the room and I felt myself lift my arms to the microphone.

The familiarity of the music took over me and I stopped trying to fight against the bonds that were holding me as I began the song.

Suddenly, as I sung out the first note, the bonds came loose and I was free. But, I didn't try to sprint away. Nostalgia just washed over and I smiled, singing along to the song I'd forgotten about years ago.

I let the music guide me and didn't think twice as the lyrics came as easily to me as it did years prior.

As I sang, I glanced around the room, trying to figure out exactly why I was on stage. I spotted Amu not too far away, grinning up at me as she gave me a thumbs up, her pink hair sticking out like a sore thumb in the crowd.

I smiled back at her, but then frowned. She looked different. Her hair was curled and piled up on top of her head. And...what was she wearing? She had a long, white Grecian goddess style dress and her wings were spread out behind her. And they were pink. Pink. Not the inky black color they had taken on after she became a Fallen Angel.

Nevermind where I am. When am I?

My mind whirled giddily but I kept singing. And, surprisingly, my voice didn't quiver or falter.

I searched round the room and was surprised to find that Yaya along with Rima were there too. And...they were with someone. Each of them had a guy standing next to them.

Suddenly, I felt something tugging at me and my eyes scanned the place again. My eyes met with a familiar pair of dark green ones and a shock went through my body.

Kukai.

What was he doing here?

What was I doing here?

If I weren't on stage I would've probably screamed out in frustration already.

Just when I thought I would explode from all the unanswered questions, I suddenly felt myself being pulled away from my body and before I knew what was happening, I was floating on top of myself. Watching the other me sing.

I watched silently throughout the whole concert, surprisingly not really bothered by the fact that there was another me less than a meter below.

Throughout the entire duration, I noticed that Kukai and I almost always kept eye contact, him throwing a flirtatious/cheeky wink every now and then, which I responded with a subtle smirk.

I didn't even seem panicky. When I first started out performing (which judging by our outfits was around this time, give or take a few years), I was a nervous week on stage. I would stumble on the words and even go out of tune some times. It was a nightmare.

And yet, here I was, calm and composed, singing as how I usually sung.

I don't know why, but Kukai seemed to anchor me there, I could see myself look at him dependently, like he was what was keeping me from falling apart.

I frowned. I did feel an attachment towards him, that I wouldn't deny. But I don't remember anything. I wish I knew why I felt this way.

As soon as I thought that, I felt myself being pulled away from the scene again and suddenly I was standing in a brightly lit room. Before I could register anything else, memories came rushing back to me.

Hugs, kisses, hand holding, professions of love, everything that I ever experienced suddenly came rushing back and Kukai was in every single one of them. I saw how he supported me, took care of me, put up with me...and loved me.

And I loved him.

As soon as I came to that realization, I felt myself being brought back to earth and I gasped as I shot up from my lying down position. However, due to my quick movement, my forehead collided into someone else's and we both let out a sharp cry of pain.

"Itetete," Kukai muttered, "Ow popstar, you really have a hard head," he joked.

I blushed at that, "You're the one with a hard head," I scowled.

He grinned at me but then turned serious.

"Do you remember?" he asked tentatively.

I nodded in confirmation.

"Do...do you still...feel..." he stuttered awkwardly and I rolled my eyes before grabbing his collar and kissing him hard on the lips.

"I still love you kid," I muttered as I pull away.

As soon as the words registered, a goofy smile broke out on his face, "You called me 'kid'," he pointed out with a smirk, "Remember your punishment?" he whispered.

I smirked in return, "I guess I forgot," I teased, "Care to enlighten me?" I asked innocently and he laughed before swopping in and kissing me again.