Songs of Aurelius~ Spirit of the Millennium Mirror Chapter Five
This chapter is kind of unfinished but I decided to upload it anyway so here it is.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE SONGS OF AURELIUS! I do own Aurelius/ Hikari herself and Ailis Kainarous though.
Songs of Aurelius
"A rival… you mean a rival for fighting?" I asked as Hikari shook her head.
"No, it was something much more different... although, I don't remember. It feels like a large part of my memory is purposely hidden from me. Who could've caused it? All I know is that all the memories I have regained are about Yami, the archives, and me." Hikari and I walked through the archives of her soul room. Suddenly, there was another door and it appeared before us covered in what seemed to be flowers.
"Hikari, where did this door come from?" We stared at the door in silence wondering what could be behind it. If there's another door than there's definitely another room beyond it, although there's something odd… why are flowers covering it? What is beyond that door anyway and why are there flowers to cover it? Does Aurelius know what's beyond it or is it a sealed memory that she could not know?
"This door… it's definitely connected to an important part of my memory. Although I also do wonder why flowers are in my memory, could flowers have been able to survive the deserts of Egypt?" Hikari placed her hand against the flower covered door. The door was engraved in something that weren't hieroglyphs but something rather complicated looking and the flowers were pure white and sliver with a tint of blue.
"It's such a beautiful door… does it hold memories or my secrets even I don't know?" Hikari murmured and placed her hand on the silver knob. "Will it be able to open?" I ask as my eyes were fixed onto the door along with Hikari. "Might as well try, after all, it's not going to kill us… or at least I think so." Hikari opened the door.
"!" They didn't have time to blink as they fell to the ground and images were swiftly shown back to back.
FLASH
"Yami look!" Hikari finished stacking the books and formed a palace. Yami seemed amused at how proud she looked, "That's impressive." Both kids were around the age of eight and time seems to fly by fast. "It'd be nice to keep it as it is but it would make a mess if it were to fall." As if it were on cue the book palace was tumbling down and dust flew everywhere. "I think I cursed myself…" Both laughed it off and started picking up the books.
FLASH
"Hikari, if you want to stay by his side then you have to get this right." Hikari nodded to her magic instructor and she worked until she dropped. The instructor smiled at her determination as Hikari was trying to control her spells. Hikari was eight and worked all she could… just to stay by his side.
"One day, you'll see me in his Royal Court! I'm going to do whatever it takes!" Hikari enthusiastically exclaimed.
FLASH
"Hikari," Hikari shot up from her book and turned to the voice who spoke her name. It was Yami's father, the Pharaoh. "I would like to speak to you about something." Hikari slowly nodded and walked towards the Pharaoh. "Hikar-no- Aurelius, promise me that when my time ends you must stay by Yami's side." Hikari's eyes widen as the Pharaoh held a sincere expression on his face. To stay by Yami's side… it was what Hikari wanted. Hikari had grown attached to Yami in a short period of time and she wouldn't think of ever leaving him.
"Pharaoh, all my training I've done so far was for Yami and I promise I'll stay by his side… even if I were bleeding and only had few seconds to live." The Pharaoh smiled at Hikari's answer and then she asked, "What will be my position in the Royal Court?" The Pharaoh thought for a bit. Hikari wasn't suited for a magician or a warrior and the idea struck him in a flash.
"You will be… the Pharaoh's Songstress."
FLASH
"The Pharaoh's Songstress…" Hikari murmured as her head rested onto the desk and she nonchalantly flipped through pages. "Songstress…" She whispered as she closed her eyes. "The power of melodies…" Hikari was age nine at the time and flipped through more pages.
FLASH
"Legend of Melody." Hikari read the title of the book she picked up. It had a silver cover with a tint of blue and it was rather thick in size. She flipped to the first page and read,
"Some certain songs have a hidden power coded into them; these songs are used as weapons or used to express emotion with pictures. There are even songs that if they're sung the chances of survival are little to none since many of these legendary songs are simply too powerful to be sung. Although, some say there's a songstress that would be able to sing these songs freely for the peace of the world. For one to find the true songstress they must be able to sing the first song." Hikari flipped to next page eagerly and with all the excitement built up she began to recite the lyrics in the book.
"The First Song: Hartes Ciel Melenas Walasye. (Beloved world, beloved people.)"
Hikari's eyes widen at the lyrics placed on the paper. It was the exact same song she sang to Yami the first time she played with him. What could this mean? Is Hikari the songstress of the legend? She shook her head and decided to confirm it herself by singing the song entirely.
I walked alone, day after day. The world surrounding me kept existing the same way. The smiling faces of liars are reflected in the mirrors, reversing the clouds inside my heart. Many people wandering under the sky. To protect themselves, they live a life locked in. The "me" of the past is now known to happiness. Something I can touch if I reach out with my arms. At the other side of the gate, I don't need to overdo it. Let us talk with the words of truth. Thus, to this world, to the people I meet; let us express the song of love that tied flowers together.
If I share my happiness with someone precious, the surrounding world will, before we know it, extend further. The smiling faces of truth are reflected in my eyes, if I open my heart. Many people with thousands of thoughts, I want to embrace the radiant in their eyes with my hands. Never am I just someone special, everyone certainly feels the same way. At the other side of the gate, I don't need to overdo it. We can understand each other with words of truth. Thus, with this world, with the people I meet; let us sing the song of love that tied flowers together.
Sometimes we may disagree; sometimes we may take different paths. While we turn our backs to others; while we try to hide our tears, we may quarrel; we may say bad things but… we always think about others; I always believe in you. The singing birds; the soaring birds, I want them to express my feeling; my true thoughts. So that our parted hands; our separated hearts, may be tied; may meet again tomorrow. There is no illusion in my dreams, if I continue to keep my wish…
At the other side of the gate, I don't need to overdo it. Let us meet and talk with my true self. Thus, to this world, to the people I meet; let us sing the song of love that tied flowers together.
La,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la, la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la ,la,la,la,la,la,la,la~
La~ LA~
The song had ended as many of the lyrics all danced around Hikari and she fell to the ground holding the book in her hands. "Does that mean I'm the songstress…?"
FLASH (BACK TO HIKARI'S SOUL ROOM)
I woke up back in Hikari's regular archive soul room and Hikari woke up as well. "Hikari… where do you think that book is now… the Legend of Melody?" I asked as she shook her head and I took that for an 'I don't know'.
"Songstress…" Hikari murmured as I recalled the song. I knew that song all too well, "Hikari, you know your Millennium Mirror was locked in a tomb right?" Hikari nodded. "For me to obtain your mirror… I had to sing that exact same song. Hartes Ciel Melenas Walasye, it was a song I knew since I was born."
"Could it mean that you're the modern songstress?" Hikari and I sighed. With some questions answered they just sparked more. "We should return to reality before the others notice something odd." Hikari nodded and I exited her soul room.
IN REALITY (Yugi's and Mako's duel ended)
I was now back in reality and Yugi's duel with Mako seemed to have already ended. Although, I got a quick glimpse of Yami, the man who was important in her past, before he reverted back to Yugi. What could be the relationship between Yami and Hikari? What is the songstress' destined future? I'm a songstress too like Hikari, though why would I be? Is it because I bear a striking resemblance to Hikari? Or maybe she's an ancestor of mine since after all, my birthplace, Egypt, was where Hikari resided in her time?
I shook my head to get rid of all the irritating thoughts that are appearing. We all said farewell to Aquarius and Mako as we continue our way somewhere. The others were conversing while I stayed silent; I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. What does it mean by 'peace of the world'? What is the songstress' destiny? If Hikari's soul is within the mirror and she was a songstress as well… does that mean our powers are combined? What is a songstress truly?
"Ailis, you don't look so good. Are you okay?" Tea asked as I snap back to reality. I see everyone's eyes on me, was I too absorbed in my thoughts to notice? "I'm fine Tea, I was just… thinking." The looks everyone gave me were incredulous, "If you say so…" Yugi trailed off as he glanced at me worriedly. I sighed and finished rearranging my deck. Suddenly, I hear a voice shout for help. It was a boy in the arms of what seemed to be a guard, the boy had a dueling glove on as well but… he didn't have any star chips. I watched the scene play out in front of me as Tristan threw the guard somewhere but the guard seemed to have changed his position midair to land safely. The guard quickly took the kid towards the dock where the other duelists who lost are.
The boy said that someone stole his star chips and also stole his deck; I wonder why anyone would go as low as that, though I can't exactly judge them without knowing their reason. Promising to bring his star chips back, we ran near a dueling arena and stopped there. I could hear rustling leaves as we stop, was that the thief?
I was correct but the boy…he looked oddly familiar somehow even though he had a bandana and a hat concealing most of his head. Anyway, he challenged Yugi to a duel and they both bet… five star chips. Why would Yugi bet so mu-
"Ailis, we're beginning to Mind Shuffle as well." Hikari spoke to me as we Mind Shuffled. I still had control over my body though."We haven't Mind Shuffled in a long time. I wonder why it stopped working manually. Why when every time Yugi Mind Shuffles we have to too?" I ask as I pout. Hikari shrugged and we watched the short duel. Although, it ended with the boy really being Mokuba Kaiba, Seto's little brother, I knew he seemed familiar. Though, why would he steal star chips and a deck for?
My question was already answered. Of course, it was for Seto, his big brother, and it seemed pretty accurate. I know Mokuba would do a lot of things for his brother and I find it quite admirable. Mokuba seemed to know his actions were charging in the wrong direction, so we ran back to the dock to find the boy who Mokuba stole star chips and his deck from.
It was too late, the boat already left and the guard was standing there as if he were waiting for us. He probably was waiting for us just to smirk at our faces and laugh. When Mokuba offered the star chips I noticed that some of Yugi's star chips were in his hand as well. I was about to take action but then I realize I was only in spirit form and the star chips had fallen in the ocean. I watched helplessly as my friend's star chips fell into the dark and cold sea, we needed to save Grandpa Mutou with those star chips and… I can't do it alone and I know Yugi can't do it alone either.
"That's it; I challenge you to a duel." I heard myself slip out as both Hikari and I glared at the guard. "How would you like it if a family member of yours was taken from you and those star chips were an important part to save him? How would you feel, Mr. Guard?" I spoke menacingly. I knew what was happening, I snapped, and whenever I snap I can't control my own words or actions.
The guard glared at me and accepted my challenge and told me where to go for the duel. I watched him leave silently and I could feel Hikari sigh. "He's up to something… after all, no one would want to arrogantly duel the Diamond Duelist without knowing the probability of victory is a large percentage." I grit my teeth and tried to calm myself down. Walking towards the duel arena I sang softly,
I walked alone, day after day. The world surrounding me kept existing the same way. The smiling faces of liars are reflected in the mirrors, reversing the clouds inside my heart. Many people wandering under the sky. To protect themselves, they live a life locked in. The "me" of the past is now known to happiness. Something I can touch if I reach out with my arms. At the other side of the gate, I don't need to overdo it. Let us talk with the words of truth. Thus, to this world, to the people I meet; let us express the song of love that tied flowers together.
I could feel myself at peace and I relax as we had arrived. This song always had calmed me down even when I would be steaming with anger. Anyway, we had arrived to the arena with an unexpected and unpleasant surprise. My opponent was… Seto!
Impossible, why would Seto be here? He didn't enter the tournament, did he? Seto doesn't have a reason to and going against me won't solve anything would it? There are so many questions I have to ask but I know he might not answer them. Without a complaint, I stood in my respective place on the other side of the field. This was definitely not Seto; I don't think he would ask for a rematch with me at all.
"I'll go first then." I drew my card and scanned all of them. If I were to use the same strategy I used against Seto the first time I dueled him… will it truly work?
"You shouldn't use that strategy, Ailis. Even if this fake Seto was a trick I think they must've watched all his previous duels to find out the strategies he uses and the strategies of his previous opponents. Ailis, could it be time for… that strategy?" Hikari's voice echoed through my mind. She was right, if they somehow watched the duel the real Seto and I had then they would know my strategy. Then again, what if they're expecting me to develop a new strategy and have a card to counter it? Sometimes, it's just better to take risks. (A/N: Keep those words in mind for life!)
"I play Jimen of the Minerals (1400 ATK 1900 DEF) in defense mode!" Jimen materialized onto the field. He had a human structure with clothing that had earthly tones. "Now I place three cards facedown and end my turn." I laid my three cards facedown and eyed the fake Seto suspiciously.
"Alright then, I'll place three cards facedown and end my turn." Fake Seto smirked at me. This isn't right; normally Seto would have charged head first with a trap card or magic card. Unless, this is some strategy but I highly doubt it and since he placed three cards facedown then… I have to be alert!
"Hmm, taking long to make a move? You must be scared, here, go back to your pathetic friends so I can automatically claim victory." Fake Seto still kept his smirk on his face. I grit my teeth trying to not say something back. This… "You know," I started as the Fake Seto's expression seemed that he wanted me to go on.
"You're not the real Seto and I know it. You may have his deck but you don't have his heart!" I exclaimed while keeping a collected expression. "Deny it all you want but it won't change the fact that you'll be defeated by me, Seto Kaiba." Fake Seto still kept that irritating smirk on his face. I took a sharp inhale of oxygen and sighed, "You seem to be getting a little too carried away bursting your ego, Seto." This proves that he's not the real Seto and besides, he would never ask for a rematch… right?
"How odd, you seem to be obsessed with beating me. Why are you dueling, Seto? Wouldn't you care about Mokuba right now rather than having a duel with me?" I asked straightforwardly.
"I know Seto and I know that he would WORRY about his brother rather than dueling!" That's right, all the reasons why he's a fake are right. Although there's something I don't comprehend, how did he get his hands onto the real Seto's deck? Also what did happen to the real Seto? Is he injured or… no… I can't think like that. It's the time to be positive and optimistic, pessimism and cynicism is something we can't have! That's right, I'm not going to give up and no matter if his face looks like Seto! Besides, if I beat the original Seto then logically I have a significant chance to win against an imposter.
END OF CHAPTER FIVE
Yay! Sorry for not uploading for a bit. I had test prep this week and whenever I come back home I just pass out on my bed so yeah, so sorry! Anyway I might not be able to focus much since I have an exam to do for a whole school week next week. With all that said, I hope you will stick by Ailis and Hikari (plus me!) for their adventure.
(I'm not adding a preview because I'm too lazy! Sorry bout that!)