'The world's light shines, shine as it will,
The world will love its darkness still.'
Terra signed his name over a large number of paperwork. He could barely see his office clearly anymore with the large stacks of folders heaped upon his desk. Slender fingers ran through his dark locks and sapphire-hued eyes searched for the time. He gasped lightly, noting that it was well past nine in the evening. He was meant to leave work over an hour ago. Aqua would kill him for this...
Loosening his maroon tie, Terra threw his blazer over his white shirt and dashed for the door, twirling his car keys on one finger. Students of the dojo bowed as he ran passed them and he held up a hand to acknowledge their respect. The cleaners were already making their way inside with their buckets and mops. He didn't know any of them since it was Master Eraqus who granted the lower jobs to other people with no qualifications.
Terra made it out to the car park and groaned in frustration when a downpour of rain ruined his pristine suit. He peered through the pitch black nightfall for his car, his vision blurry through the heavy shower. Luckily, his BMW was a silver colour so it wasn't too hard to notice its glow in the semi darkness.
He pulled one of its doors open and sat in the driver seat before adjusting his seatbelt. Sighing in relief, he switched the engine on only to find that the car was out of fuel.
"Oh, come on!" he grunted, banging his hands on the steering wheel.
Bad idea, the horn resonated through the car park, earning a few glares from passer bys. Terra stepped out of the car and kicked its door, not caring if it created a dent in his beloved automobile. At this moment, Aqua mattered more to him then the car. He remembered that the nearest taxi stand wasn't too far away so he hastened to reach his destination.
Unfortunately, the tall young man knocked into two teenagers. Cold sludge hit his blazer and he cried out in dismay.
"Sora, your ice-cream!" the female of the duo pointed out, a petite blonde who held an umbrella over her and the boy with unruly hair, while holding an ice-cream cone in her other hand. The spiky haired brunet beside her stammered an apology at Terra, who scowled darkly at them.
"Do you have any idea how much this suit cost, you brat? Beat it before I get other plans!" Terra yelled; eyes livid with anger.
This suit was bought by Aqua on his recently passed twenty-second birthday. Otherwise, he considered himself as a collected person but this was a different situation.
"I'm really, really sorry," the kid repeated, possibly not hearing Terra's threat due to the pounding rain. The brunet removed a tissue and proceeded to wipe the ice-cream from his blazer. Unfortunately, he only spread the stain.
"I appreciate your futile attempts at trying to help me but out of my way!"
Terra pushed the boy to the side and continued his run for the taxi stand. He removed his blazer in the process and held it under one arm before waving at the first taxi that came to his sight. He sat in the passenger seat at the back, uncomfortable that his clothes were dripping with water and his wet locks stuck to his face.
"To the Eraqus mansion," he told the driver who was a creepy man with an eye-patch across his left eye. A thick, coarse scar ran across the covered eye to his cheekbone. The man grinned widely and Terra didn't like the way he stared at him through the front mirror with amethyst eyes.
"Terra, the teacher at the dojo? You're filthy rich aren't ya?" he chuckled. Terra rolled his eyes and ordered the driver to get moving.
The man gulped at the roughness of his passenger's voice and pushed on his accelerator.
"By the way, my name's Braig," the driver said in a country voice.
"Terra but I'm guessing you know who I am?"
"Who wouldn't know Master Eraqus' adopted son?"
Terra winced at the mention of the word 'adopted'. Though Master Eraqus never married or had children of his own, he loved Terra very much. The latter recalled little of his life before getting adopted, only images of a toddler sleeping in the streets and begging people for morsels of food. He happened to stumble upon Eraqus one day who took a liking to him instantly and brought him home. Ever since, Terra's lived a luxurious life and repaid Eraqus' kindness by looking after his martial arts business company.
Terra wasn't the only child that Eraqus adopted. A girl with hair and eyes the colour of the azure sky entered their lives before he turned seven and she was the twinkle of Eraqus' eyes due to her astute mind and intelligence. She was named Aqua after her resemblance to the ocean and she rivalled Terra's moments for praise when they were younger. Aqua didn't take much interest in business or teaching martial arts so she became a police officer instead, having always strived to bring justice and peace to the population. Still, Terra had never seen a woman stronger than his foster sister. She was the ray of light that kept the Eraqus household intact.
"He'll always be a father to me," Terra replied insidiously.
Braig's grin faded from his face and they remained silent throughout the rest of the journey. Terra kept his focus on what happened around him. Braig appeared to him as a shady character so he had to take the benefit of the doubt in case the driver made any unwanted moves.
The martial artist stared out the window at the passing lights of cars, the only visibility in the gloomy darkness. The tail lights zoomed across the old taxi car much like shooting stars across a clear night. As the stony pavement behind began shrinking, a brightly lit mansion emerged out of the thick mist. Fairy lights sparkled on the rooftop and trees were crying puddles of water from their branches in the porch.
Braig brought the taxi to a halt outside large metal gates. Terra thanked him and handed the money before stepping out of the car.
"Yo kid!" the driver insisted.
"Huh?"
"Good luck in the future, alright? You're a good kid so wouldn't want the dark side taking advantage of you," Braig grinned. Terra's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and the driver's smile widened, revealing straight yellow teeth, evidence of a heavy smoker.
"Thanks?" Terra said more as a question then a statement. Braig chuckled mysteriously before reversing the car and heading off. He made a sharp turn around the corner causing the tyres to squeal and then there was a dull silence. The only sounds that reached the martial artist were the symphony of the orchestra escaping from the mansion and the eerie rhythm of the rain.
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Aqua kept a knife in her palm, its silver sheen reflecting her blue hair. She wished to just slice the knife through anything right now but she couldn't, because it was wrong. No matter how angry she could get, she could never let her anger erupt into a volcanic explosion. There was never any smog or ashes raining from her incensed feelings because she was a peaceful woman. She would rather be like the gentle waters that she was named after.
"I can't believe Terra is late for my twenty-first birthday," she grunted, gripping the knife even tighter while letting her eyes roam to the creamy ivory cake in front. Just staring at the pastry made her salivary glands pump furiously and her stomach churn in frustration. The cake was Master Eraqus' choice, complete with fluffy pink icing decorated like mini roses around the circular shape.
Guest roamed around the large, decorated hall that was blooming with soft blue tulips and hanging balloons. They chattered jovially among each other, not caring that the large cake was still standing on it's plate rather than being digested in their tummies.
"Aqua, I think Terra is possibly busy in his paper work. You may cut the cake," Eraqus uttered, running a hand through his greying ebony hair. Aqua sometimes wanted to hand him her G.H.D to help him straighten his frizzy locks but Eraqus refused to become a 'slave' to modern society.
The woman glared at the flickering flames that danced on top of sapphire candles. She sighed and held her knife over the icing when, suddenly, a cry echoed from the entrance. Her eyes met the ones of her dear childhood friend who was drenched in water, tanned skin soaked like the colour of dark wood.
"Sorry, I'm late," Terra said while brushing a few wet strands out of his view.
Aqua giggled and smiled warmly. Her friend was now the talk of the guests who pointed at his well toned muscles that were salient beneath his saturated, transparent blouse.
"Impeccable timing," she indicated and gave a nod towards the cake.
Terra returned the grin and walked to where she was. He told her that they'll cut the cake together while taking her hand in his and allowing the knife to slice through the tender pastry. The guests clapped enthusiastically and later grabbed their plates to have a bit of the cake to themselves. Aqua had never tasted anything so delicious before. It was like a bit of heaven, wrapped in creamy goodness and ethereal delight that melted as soon as it entered her mouth.
"Delicious," Eraqus chuckled, his almond shaped eyes squinting in glee. The older man convinced his adopted children to lead the guests into a dance. The duo was reluctant at first, especially Terra who protested that he was useless when it came to waltzing but they eventually agreed. The young man held Aqua's hands and they twirled onto the dance floor although Terra earned a few grimaces and glares from his best friend's side after stepping on her feet more than once.
The guests emulated them and the vast hall was soon bustling with flurry of couples that gyrated round and round the marbled platform but all Aqua could think of was the man who held her in his arms. Tonight, she will spill her feelings into his heart. She will place her heart into his hands and pray that he will give her his. When their eyes met, he gave her a crooked grin.
"Did you get my present?" he asked.
"A katana—come on Terra, couldn't you have thought something more..." she trailed off. What was she supposed to say? Something more romantic? That was unlike her. His habit of giving her weapons most of the time still enlightened her thoughts but she wanted to push their relationship into something worthy of a fairytale. Only Eraqus knew of her secret love for Terra.
"So you didn't like it as much as I thought you would?" Terra's lips curved into a frown. He was ever so practical and Aqua admired him of that but sometimes, she wished he could let go of his serious side and have a walk in the clouds instead.
"No, of course I do," she supplied, staring into his eyes that masked his emotions.
No matter how hard she tried, searching for some form of greater love inside those sapphire depths of his, hoping to see her worth in his mind, she ended up with nothing. Terra was one to guard his emotions expertly and not even Aqua, the person he trusted the most, could decipher what musings bounced in his head.
Instantly, Aqua slipped and fell backwards, spraining her knee as she hit the ground. A few gasps rang threw the air. Aqua moaned and grasped her knee, turning from one side to the other in pure agony. Terra should have dried up before dancing with her...Water had dropped from his clothes, causing their feet to slip over the floor.
"Oh no! Aqua, are you okay?" he heard him say.
"G-great!" she stammered, scowling inwardly at his absurd question. Eraqus helped her up and led her to a couch. Terra followed anxiously.
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The party was over at midnight. Servants scurried across the mansion, picking up any unnecessary leftovers and confetti that was spread out across the stairs and floor. Aqua, having recovered from her earlier fall, was accompanied by Terra to the living room where Eraqus was enjoying a warm fire. The room was well lit with three crimson couches aligned in a circle; a glass coffee table stood in the middle of them. A bookshelf raved with all books imaginable in the counter and a plasma television hung on the mushroom coloured walls.
"Terra, I have to ask you something," Aqua started, mustering up all the courage that dwelled inside her. After dancing with him, she felt more confident in talking about her feelings.
"Go ahead."
"Do you...Did you-ever...Do you like anyone?" she asked.
Terra raised a brow as if her question was unexpected. "Of course, I do. I'll always love you and Master Eraqus. You two are my family."
"No! Not that kind of like...Do you like any girls? As in, are you attracted to anyone?" Aqua hissed heatedly. Sometimes, Terra's lack of tact was ludicrous. The latter stopped in his tracks and dismissed her question, stating that he didn't have the time to observe women and waste his time in trying to gain their attention. Aqua's heart dropped to her stomach upon hearing his words but she wouldn't restrain just yet.
"But if you happen to be attracted to a girl, then how would you like her to be? And don't give me blunt answers. Be poetic," she demanded, waving a finger at her companion.
"Why are you asking stupid questions?" was his response. She stamped her foot on the ground and narrowed her eyes at him. Terra shrugged and finally agreed to comply with her.
"If I happen to be attracted to a girl then...She'll have to have a smile brighter then the stars..." he droned and suddenly his eyes glazed over and stared into the distance, encompassed in a dreamy trance, "She'll have the power to right any wrongs just through her eyes...And believe in chasing her dreams no matter how dark times get."
Terra sighed and crossed his arms. Aqua felt the corner of her lips curl into a warm smile. His perception of a perfect woman was sweet but...Did she fit anywhere in the description? Did she have a smile that put the stars to shame? She was often told that she needed to smile more and that she was too serious and stubborn to pacify most fights. Did she really chase her dreams? Her life was always laid out by Eraqus. She never thought of following her own thoughts before.
"That's quite idealistic, Terra. You'll never find a woman that perfect," Eraqus' voice interrupted her musings.
"The time has come for your engagement."
"What?" Terra and Aqua said simultaneously.
"I do not trust anyone else outside this household. I was planning on getting you engaged a long time ago," Eraqus stated nonchalantly. Aqua placed a hand on where her heart was in an effort to ease its rapid rhythm. She was to be Terra's fiancée? Butterflies swarmed inside her stomach, threatening to spill out from her mouth and her throat constricted anxiously.
"This is crazy!" Terra blurted, his words pierced her heart like a clean knife. Aqua stared at him, confusion and sadness swarmed inside her. Why was he denying Master Eraqus? That was unlike him.
"The outside world is a cruel place, Terra and so are it's inhabitants. Aqua and I are the only ones you can trust," Eraqus retorted, his voice now strained in anger at Terra's sudden outburst. The boy took a step back, eyebrows furrowed to express his distaste with Eraqus' decision.
"I can't betray Aqua when I do not have any feelings for her apart from brotherly affection. Master, you cannot decide for me to suddenly love my sister! It's—it's atrocious!"
Aqua heard her heart rip apart to shreds. He should have just killed her for all she cared but now the pain in her chest was incredible. How should one fix a torn heart?
"Terra! You will obey what I say to you!" Eraqus yelled, his voice resonated in the large living room.
Terra pressed two fingers on the bridge of his nose before dashing up the stairs, not glancing back. Eraqus called after him before following him out of the room. Aqua fell into a couch and buried her face into her hands.
'I doubt though when the world's in hell,
It will not love its darkness half so well.'
'But Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light' by Richard Crashaw.