This chapter is basically a big time skip to a few weeks later. It also focuses on Takimu and Kori's relationship a bit to et it moving along. I just know that I have a couple of stories that need my attentions so…as sad as it is (sniff) this one is probably going to end soon. Don't worry, I won't rush it though, its just I need to move on. I love writing this story though.
Disclaimer: I do not own crescent moon. or kelly clarkson's "Behind these hazel eyes."
Two weeks later Takimu and kori had gotten far with her training. Well, not really training I guess but more of to find more of her powers so she could use them before the next fight.
So far she had gained 3 of the 4 main phoenix powers she would need in her fight with her father. That included the ability to fly, her fire ball attack, and the ability to transform into a phoenix. She had definitely come a long way but the thought of the battle to come still gave her a queasy stomach.
"Kori! Could you give us a hand in the bar if you're not busy?" Akira called through the back kitchen window. At that moment kori and Takimu were both sparring outside the back of the store. Both decided to come in and help.
As for Takimu no one was aware of his secret crush on Kori because he kept it hidden most of the time. There were moments were the others would catch him blushing as kori patched him up after a sparring match. Actually they had come to like him as he spent more and more time with him. He would occasionally go back to the rebellion but he had promised to help kori with her powers so he would come back.
"Kori, could you take this order to table 5?" Mahiru asked as she handed her the wine glass. Nodding kori started to weave her way through the tables as she thought to herself.
It won't be long now…pretty soon I 'll have to go against my father. I can't hide in the moonshine forever…
Kori said a quick thank you to the people who ordered and jumped as someone at table 7 dropped their glass b accident. She sighed quietly as she cleaned it up.
One thing's for sure, when the time comes it's going to be tough…but…I won't be alone…right? Grandma?
"Kori!" she heard Misoka call her once again into the kitchen where everyone else was. They looked worried and Nozomu was drinking some hot coffee and coughed. They looked at kori like they were about to ask something she really wasn't going to like.
"Um…kori? Nozomu has a sore throat…he can't sing." Mahiru began gently. Kori felt her stomach drop, not liking where this was going.
Mitsuru sighed exasperatedly, "Look kid, we know your not gonna like it but you gotta sing this once."
Kori's jaw dropped, NO WAY, NO WAY ,NO WAY!!!! Her mind screamed at her.
"W- What?!" She exclaimed looking extremely flustered.
Misoka nodded, "Sorry kori, but I'm needed at the bar, Akira's cooing, and Mitsuru and Mahiru are our only waiters besides you and Takimu. Frankly I'm not even sure if Takimu can sing so…"
"Yer up!" Akira added shoving a microphone to kori.
"W-wait a second, M-Mahiru!" Kori called back as she was dragged out to the stage. Mahiru waved but smiled apologetically.
Akira positioned the poor girl on the stage and hooked her microphone up. Misoka took it for a moment.
"I'm sorry to report that our usual singer isn't feeling well and in his place, one of our other workers will be singing for you." His voice echoed off the speakers as everyone stared at kori. She blushed and stared at her feet. I cant do this! Help me!!
"KAWAIIIII!!!" all of the women squealed through the moonshine, making kori blush more.
"Any requests?" Misoka asked as several women raised their hands. Misoka chose one in the front and she told him the song.
He put the lyrics in front of kori (on one of those machines you see, you know like in a karaoke place?) It was "Behind these hazel eyes" by Kelly Clarkson.
Misoka and Akira got of stage and kori was alone to stare nervously out at the bar.
"U--uh…" she stammered into the mike, a few people chuckled which made her blush more and wince. It was painfully obvious this was her first time and she knew it. Desperately trying to find something to stare at, she found Takimu standing in the back, taking a break. He was watching her with an encouraging smile, which made her face flame up. However, his presence was comforting and as the music started up she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Seems like just yesterday
You were a part of me
I used to stand so tall,
I used to be so strong
Your arms around me tight
Everything it felt so right
Unbreakable, like nothing could go wrong…
Kori found the words coming out of her mouth much easier than she thought. It was soft, but she felt confidence flow through her as she sang like the first time she created a fire ball. Gradually her voice got a little louder.
Now I can't breath,
No I can't sleep,
I'm barely hanging on..
Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it Can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes.
Takimu stared in awe as kori sand beautifully on the stage. She put a whole new meaning to singing like a bird. He smiled as his friend continued and listened.
I told you everything
Opened up and let you in
You made me feel alright
For once in my life
Now all that's left of me
Is what I pretend to be
So together, but so broken up inside
'Cause I can't breathe
No I can't sleep
I'm barely hanging on
Here I am ,once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to se the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes
Swallow me then spit me out
For hating you I blame myself
Seeing you it kills me now
No, I don't cry on the outside anymore!!
Anymore…
Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes
Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes…
The music continued to play for a moment then ceased. Kori heard clapping and crack ed an eye open. Everyone in the bar, faculty included, was applauding.
Kori glanced at Takimu who was smiling and clapping for her.
Kori blushed and bowed thanking them. The women squealed again and kori awkwardly walked off the stage.
She made a beeline for the kitchen and didn't stop until she was safely behind its door. Once she was she sighed relived and got out of the way when she felt someone wanting to get in. The others walked in and gave there compliments for kori. Takimu was there too.
"Way to go kori, that was beautiful." Mahiru said
"Good job kiddo." Nozomu said hoarsely, patting her on the back
Mitsuru nodded to her, with his usual frown.
"guess we have a back up singer incase Nozomu is sick again, thank you kori." Misoka added smirking
Takimu smiled, "Well done Miss Itikashi, you did very well up there." He sad politely as always.
Kori blushed, "t-thank you everyone…um...M-Mahiru?"
"Yes?"
"M-may I have an aspirin please…" Apparently everything was starting to take it's toll on Kori's nerves because she shakily held a hand to her head which was pounding hard. She shakily followed Mahiru away with those little anime swirls in her eyes, while Takimu was left with the boys.
They all smirked at him and stared, making him the slightest bit uncomfortable.
"Uh...sorry but…why are you all staring at me like that?" He asked taking a wary step backwards.
"Oh nothing.." Nozomu said grinning and looking elsewhere. Takimu's face flamed when he heard Akira sing softly, "Takimu and kori sitting in a tree…"
Takimu started blushing like mad and waving his arms around negatively, "N-No! It's not like that! I don't like kori in that way!! How would you get that idea?!!"
"Notice how you called her kori right now and not "Miss Itikashi"…and the fact that you're blushing…" Misoka finished with a smirk. Takimu could only stand there and breathe heavily as Akira continued,
"K-I-S-S-I-N-G…. "
Mitsuru snickered at the boys disgruntled expression. Not wanting to hear the rest of the song, Takimu made his way through the door to help close everything down….what he didn't expect is Akira to follow him. So for the next 20 minutes or so you could see Takimu trying to speed walk away from Akira as Akira just kept up, singing the song a little louder the more he tried to get away.
Later that night…
Kori went to bed after helping everyone clean up for the night. She quickly recovered from her stage fright after taking an aspirin and was able to go about her duties.
As kori fell asleep, she started to hear strange noises, but they were inside of her conscious. Deaf to anyon else but her.
Finally, a dream started to unravel itself inside her head
Kori was walking down a long pitch black hallway. The walls looked like they were made of metal and there were no doors or windows. After walking for what seemed like forever she jumped hearing glass shattering all around her.
She covered her head to block the shards but none came, but still hundreds crasheds could be heard.
Kori closed her eyes frighteningly still holding her arms over her head and she crouched down, what ws happening?
Suddenly her world was warm. Something bright was in front of her and she slowly opened her eyes. In front of kori was a giant and beautiful bird, maybe 5 times as big as a full grown man.
Wearily she put her arms down so she could stare at the bird in awe. It looked like it was on fire but clearly the flames were part of it. It was a phoenix.
"Y-you're…." Kori started nervously
The bird bowed it's head a little, resembling a nod.
"B-but…how…I thought…." Kori trailed off, the bird looked sad then turned so the room kori had been in lit up. Bottles were lined up on many cabinets but the crashing noises continued. I the middle of the room were crates.
Curiosity taking over, kori walked closer and knelt by one of the crates. They were dusty, so she had to wipe them off a bit before she could read them.
"Phoenix feathers…" Kori read bitterly. She was inside of her fathers organization building. Apparently she was in the storage room, where she was never allowed before in fear of sabotage.
Sadly she turned away from the crate, "you're a ghost then…huh?"
The phoenix bowed her head sadly before turning into vapor. Gliding over Kori's head, she disappeared into one of the bottles and one of the crates, returning to what was left of her corpse.
Kori felt a tear run down her cheek, "I'm so sorry…"
She clenched a fist, "that's it…" she muttered, some of the vapor returned and gently rested in her hand. She held it up to her eye level, from there it looked like the crates were on fire through the vapors flame.
Kori's eyes widened as she was struck with an epiphany.
"…That's the only way…alright…"
She smiled gently at the phoenix ghost, "It's time then…"
The vapor circled around happily and with a flash of light it phased into her. Kori looked surprised then smiled and held a hand to her heart.
"With your help…"
The next morning
Everyone was gathered in the middle of the moonshine. Kori had told them she needed to tell them something important.
"Kori, what is it you wanted to tell us?" Misoka asked calmly.
Kori closed her eyes and took a deep breathe, "I'm ready…to go…" She whispered.
"huh?" Akira asked.
Kori looked up at all of them, all of her friends stared back. Friends. She hadn't been able to have friends since…ever really. Now they had done their part, they had gotten her this far…it was time to show them what she could do.
"I'm ready to face my father."
OMFG!! O.O we're getting close to the climactic battle here people!! Thanks for reading!
Phoenix ghost: chirp..
Kisa: uhhh,
Looks in bird translation book.
Kisa: she said read and review.