Chapter Three- Reunited Again

The castle looked as beautiful as ever. Unchanged in the five years. Snow fell lightly around them. Making the ground sparkle just as the palace did. Frederic had been kind enough to take her hand to prevent her from falling on the icy parts of the walkways.

She felt her cheeks heat at his touch, despite the white gloves that prevented her hand from feeling his. Thank goodness he had been looking away.

Inside was as quiet as ever. With a simple introduction they were led to the Prince's chamber.

"His majesty will be pleased that you have arrived,"

Polka frowned slightly. "He's not the king yet,"

Frederic glanced her way. "No, I guess not."

Stunning white clothes caught her eye. She stopped to see. There he was his dark blonde hair sitting so perfectly in place. He starred with a sad expression out one of the windows in the hall. She smiled happily tugging Fredric's arm so that he would follow her.

"Prince Crescendo" she cried happily running towards him.

He turned to the voice with a look of surprise. Before being tackled with a hug by the blonde girl.

Guards looked at their prince worried. His free hand waved them off and he returned the girl's hug.

"Polka," he said at last once she had released him. "It's so good to see you!"

Frederic appearing at her side only taking the Prince's hand.

"And Mr. Chopin as well. Now this is a surprise." He did look overjoyed at their presence. "You arrived at a perfect time. I was having a reunion with all of our old friends and I couldn't get a hold of you two. Yet here you are. If you can afford to stay a few days that's is. The others should be arriving very soon as well."

"What perfect timing," agreed Polka. Now she could see everyone.

"We of course can stay. There is no need for us to leave. If you'll have us we'll stay as long as you like," agreed Frederic.

The Prince looked ecstatic at the news. "Fantastic! I'll have rooms set up for you at once. Please make your selves at home."

Crescendo nodded at them. He left them to go get someone to prepare two more rooms.

"My goodness he was excited. Lets go find Serenade too," She led Frederic through the castle. Trying to remember where the young princess's room was. It wasn't difficult to find. The dark blue door stood out among the sea green ones. She knocked on the door happily.

To her disappointment no one answered.

"Is it locked?" as Frederic curiously after Polka's second knock.

She tried the door knob finding it turned easily. She opened the door stepping in carefully. It was clear at once that no one was inside. The room was empty. None of the Princess's things were inside. The curtains drawn shut allowing no light in the empty room.

"Where is she?" asked Polka sadly.

Frederic stepped out of the room. Pondering the situation.

Polka shut the door glancing at Fredric. "Do you know?"

He smiled at her. Keeping a positive attitude for her sake. "I have some ideas. But I'm sure Prince Crescendo will tell us, in time."

Polka nodded.

"The young Princess had lots to do in Forte. Perhaps she wasn't able to come back as soon as she liked." assured Frederic. That version of events seemed to cheer the blonde up a little. That may have been what happened to an extent. There was no need to go into the darker parts of what may have happened. He was sure that it would be brought up in due time.

The next to arrive was Claves. Later that evening they ran into the pink haired woman walking up the palace steps.

"Claves!" called the younger girl. Not running up and giving her a hug as she did to the prince.

The other woman smiled waving at the two.

"Strange that she's alone don't you think?" murmured Frederic.

Polka turned fearful eyes onto her traveling companion. "Do you think something happened to Falsetto and Jazz?"

"What?! No, no," he shook his hands assuring here that was not what he meant at all.

"But why else would she be alone?" wondered Polka sadly.

Before he could answer Claves was giving them hugs. "Frederic, Polka!" she smiled. "I've missed you guys."

They smiled back. Claves had returned just in time for the final battle. Needless to say she was the least familiar to them. Seeing so little of her when they split up when the bridge collapsed and then she had died. Only much later had they been able to piece her soul back together. By then it was fierce battles and then they all went there separate ways.

Frederic cleared his throat. "The feeling is mutual of course." he assured her.

"Wow Polka! Look how much you've grown!"

"Oh thank you." muttered the girl embarrassed.

"Come say hello to the Prince with me, please," she asked pulling them away from sight seeing.

After visiting the prince, Polka wished more then anything that Jazz was here. Without him Claves clung to the next man she saw. That man happened to be Frederic. It was nice that he seemed a little uncomfortable with her closeness. But being the gentleman he always was he never said anything about it.

She talked a lot too. Fast as well. She talked about what dying was like. And how her soul was in limbo. About Jazz and Falsetto. And on and on and on.

"Why didn't you come with Jazz and Falsetto?" Frederic asked quickly when a small pause appeared.

Claves frowned. "Well, he just wanted to go with Falsetto and pick up everyone else." she said the words a little angrily.

"Maybe he just wanted to spend time with Falsetto." answered Polka.

The pink haired girl huffed. "He spends plenty of time with her lately."

Polka and Frederic exchanged glances but said nothing.

Polka felt bad thinking it but she couldn't wait for Jazz and the others to get here so Claves would have Jazz to hang onto. Of course that meant seeing Allegretto. It had been five years. She felt extremely nervous. She hoped he hadn't been waiting for her. She could honestly say she didn't feel the same about him as she used to.

Viola liked the smell of the ocean. She enjoyed the boat ride to Baroque. Even more so that Jazz and her spent a lot of time together. Surprisingly Falsetto kept her distance. Maybe the girl had given up her silver medal?

Falsetto had taken her place being Beat and Salsa's playmate. A title she gave up almost immediately. "I don't know how you did it," muttered the other woman. "They give me a headache."

Viola laughed. "Well at least they don't call you an old lady,"

Falsetto shook her head. "If they ever called me that," she cracked her knuckles.

"Easy there, Falsetto, there just kids." laughed Jazz entering the small cabin on the boat.

The short haired girl quickly got up. "Yeah, whatever. Have you seen how tall those brats have gotten?" Without another word she left.

That's how it was with Falsetto now. Disappearing when ever Viola showed up with Jazz and her were alone. Or when Jazz came in when it was just the two of them. It was so strange. But she couldn't honestly complain.

Viola smiled happily at the city of Baroque became clearer the closer they got. It was almost time to get off. Beat and Salsa were anxious to get off. Falsetto was right. These kids had grown. The twins March and Salsa looked great in their teenage years, and Beat was almost as tall as her. Still growing too. Salsa and March had grown about a foot. Salsa still with her pirate hat. Allegretto, that boy was taller then her. About Jazz's height and as moody as ever. Still brooding over the fact that Polka wouldn't be there.

"Almost there," Jazz's familiar voice coming up beside her.

"You must be excited to see Prince Crescendo,"

The dark haired man nodded. "Yes. I haven't heard from him in some time. It's not like him to stay out of touch." Jazz's golden eyes turned dark. "I'm glad he's doing this, especially after the news I just heard."

"Oh? What news,"

"I don't want to repeat it if its not true. That's how unpleasant rumors are started. But it's about Serenade."

Viola didn't press for more.

"I should have come to see him sooner," Jazz sighed. "Shouldn't have waited for him to send an invitation."

Viola placed a hand on his arm. "It's okay. You were busy. So was he."

"I wasn't so busy that I couldn't visit a dear friend. I'm a better friend then that."

Moody Jazz was bumming her out. "Hey, I had nothing but goats to look after and I didn't visit anybody! A short walk to Agogo forest wouldn't have killed me and I didn't do it."

He chuckled his gloom fading away. "There is a good point. What kind of friend are you,"

"A terrible one it seems,"

They were both laughing now. She felt relived. Poor Jazz beating him self up over something stupid. According to Falsetto Jazz had hardly a moment to himself. There was no need for him to beat himself about it.

The boat docked at Baroque's harbor. She could almost see the excitement radiating off of him. It made her feel even better that it was to see his old friend then it was to see Claves.

"Hey," Falsetto called to her. Pulling on her arm.

"Yeah?" asked Viola.

The other girl's eyes darted to Jazz. "I love Claves. But, I like you too," her eyes locked onto Viola. "So fight for him. Fight hard. He'll be happier with you then her. And in the end that's what's the most important to me. His happiness. And I'm leaving it in your hands, so don't let me down."

Viola was stunned. She was in the running for Jazz? Not for bronze not for silver. But for gold? "Thank you Falsetto!"

The other girl blinked at the thank you. "No, thank you! You make him happy, really happy! So keep it up. Don't let someone who doesn't make him happy have him. I mean it."

Viola smiled at Falsetto. She was so happy. She had a ally. Someone who was rooting for her.

"Falsetto! Old Lady! Let's get a move on!" called Salsa.

Her heart almost burst with happiness again when Jazz and Crescendo saw each other.

The prince had been talking to someone when they approached him. He glanced in their direction and then a double take.

"Jazz!"

Jazz smiled walking up to his old friend, embracing him.

Crescendo looked so happy. Jazz had been right there was something wrong with the prince. Something had happened.

"Viola," he said also hugging her.

"Hey you," she said, returning the hug. "How've you been holding up."

"Well enough." he admitted.

He then greeted the other members of the group.

"It's so good to see all of you. That means almost everyone's here. If you go down to the gardens I'm sure you'll find Polka."

"Polka!?" so many voices said it at once. Viola knew Jazz needed time alone with the prince. "I bet I remember how to get the gardens better then you all do!"

With that she took off down the hallway. Beat and the guardian twins right behind her. The others following after a moment of processing.

"Ah!" said Crescendo. "There all going the wrong way."

Jazz chuckled. "They'll find their way eventually I'm sure." He clasped the man's shoulder. "Now, tell me. What's wrong,"

The prince sighed sadly. "Do you know?"

"No. But you can't hide anything from me. I know there's something wrong with you. Come on. Let's talk."

Crescendo nodded leading the other man to his chambers.

Polka stood in the garden. She loved the way the flowers still bloomed somehow here. There beautiful petals covered in frost. Icicles forming on their leaves. Such a peaceful setting.

Frederic was beside her. Also admiring the flowers with her. "They are wonderful. Though." he smiled at the thought. "I think Heaven's Mirrors are far more beautiful then these ice covered things."

Polka smiled. "You choose to call them that?"

He turned to her. "I hadn't told you that? Oh, yes when you threw yourself off the cliff I choose to call them by their correct name. The name you call them."

She took his hand. "Really? That means so much to me! After all, the first time we met, I took you to see them."

"Yes, I remember," he chuckled. "Really Polka. Your far to easy to please. If calling flowers by their name is all it takes to make you happy."

She giggled. "Almost everything you do makes me happy Frederic."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Your so wise! Everything you say is filled with thought. It makes me think too. Your music comes from your very soul. You put everything into it. Your music truly comes from the other world you say you came from. I don't know how anyone could be unhappy around you."

Frederic looked at his feet.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I hope I didn't say anything thoughtless! I'm sorry-"

"No, it's not that." he looked back up at her. "You speak of me so highly. I am baffled after all I've done. It's not me that's radiating happiness. It's you. You give me inspiration to keep going on. To not fade away from this world. You are pure and honest. The brightest star in my sky. The sun breaking through on a cloudy day. The rainbow after a storm. It is you that is the purest light I have ever seen."

She looked at him. Her hand still holding onto his. She was his light. And he was hers. "I don't want to be your sister."

"I haven't thought that in the longest time."

"Frederic I-"

"Polka!"

Torn away from her thoughts she looked to see who had called her name.

"Oh! Beat!"

He was taller then her now. No longer in the boyish outfit. More of an Allegretto look now. He hugged her lifting her off her fear spinning in circles. "I've missed you sooooooo much!" "I have missed you too." she said relived to be put down. Frederic taking her hands to help her stand after the sudden wave of dizziness that came with the spinning.

"You never came back." he complained crossing his arms in mock anger.

"I was planning too. Frederic and I had plans on stopping here and coming back home."

Beat glanced at Frederic. "Retto's been waiting for you." His eyes drifted to their hands. Still locked together.

"Beat I-"

He waved his hand at her. "No I understand. It's been five years. I told him to chase after you when you first left. But he's so stubborn."

She smiled happy that she wasn't going to loose Beat as a friend over this. She had truly hoped that Allegretto had gotten over her. Seems one couldn't have everything they wanted.

"You cheated!" cried a voice. It was an angry exhausted Salsa. Breathing heavily from the running that she had clearing been doing.

"I didn't cheat short stuff," laughed Beat.

March came running up behind her sister. "It's not like we're last. Viola and Allegretto aren't here yet."

She was just as out of breath as her sister.

"Guess that's true." growled Salsa. "Guess that old lady can't run any faster,"

"Don't call her that," Falsetto defended flicking the girl in the back of the head. "It's not nice,"

"Hey," Salsa whined trying to take a flick at Falsetto.

Polka laughed at the antics. She had really missed everyone.

Viola appeared from the other direction. "Guess everyone noticed how I was going the wrong way and decided not to tell me." she sighed.

Polka giggled giving her friend a hug. "I've missed you, Viola."

"I've missed you too," Viola eyes darted to the young girls traveling companion. "So," she began. "dish, what is going on between you and Frederic."

Polka blushed pink. "Well, nothing." she admitted..

"Really?" frowned the blonde. "Do you want there to be something?"

More of a blush. "Yes." she practically mumbled.

Viola smiled triumphant. "Excellent!"

"What about you Viola?" asked Polka attempting to steer the conversation away from her. "Is there anyone special for you?"

It was Viola's turn to blush. Not as bright or as pink as Polka's but still noticeable.

This time Polka was triumphant. "Ha!" she laughed. "So there is! Tell me. Is it someone I know?"

"Oh! You're as bad as me," grumbled Viola.

Polka giggled at the sort of compliment. "So do I know him?"

"Yes," sighed Viola exasperated.

"Then it's Jazz,"

Viola looked at the little girl shocked.

Polka smiled. "I knew it." she giggled again. "Goodness that man has a lot a girls after him. I feel that I should switch my choice just to be part of the group." she teased.

"My you've gotten a lot of spunk since I left. I hope that Frederic hasn't been teaching you that."

Polka laughed at Viola. "Frederic is a perfect gentleman."

Viola sighed but smiled at her little blonde friend. Girl talk was most definitely needed. Since Polka had spent five years with Frederic and she had spent five years with goats. If that didn't constitute much needed girl talk then she didn't know what did.

"Hey you," she pulled on Frederic's hat. "I'm stealing her from you,"

He smiled at the girls. "Well, bring her back in one piece." "If I must," the older woman laughed.

Polka waved goodbye to her traveling companion and followed Viola.

Jazz hated that princess right now. That rotten no good nasty princess. How dare she do that to him. Her fiancé. How dare she do that. After all that she put Crescendo through with her spying against his country. And now this.

Jazz had his arm around Crescendo. Their positions reversed from five years ago. When Jazz blamed himself for Claves' death. Crescendo had sat beside him. His arm around him. Jazz had then promptly chewed out his friend for withdrawing from their cause. A ruined moment that's for sure.

Here he was now though. His friend in such a great deal of pain. He had loved that girl. Told him so countless amounts of time. In letters, in person. Now she had just up and left. Left him. No letter no explanation. Just gone. Had people from Forte take her things back to her new home.

"Ah, Crescendo," he murmured. The man's head was against his shoulder. His heart torn to shreds. Finally able to admit to someone what had happened. Instead of just saying the princess was still working in Forte.

"We're all here now." said Jazz. Resting his head against the prince's. He should have come sooner. It was to late for that now. The point that he was here now. He wasn't going to leave until his old friend was back to normal.

Judging by the prince's state, that was going to take some time. Time was one thing he was going to give him, whether he had it or not.

A/N

I love Crescendo and hate Serenade. Hate that girl. That poor Prince is so in love with her.

So I hope I'm still doing a good job. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers about Frederic's age. I was just trying to please readers. If I can change a little thing like age to make people happy I'll be happy to do so. But I was scolded a lot. ;_; So Mr. Chopin will stay his regular age. Sorry again. Just trying to please. I won't do it again. ^_^ I'll try and get the next chapter up quickly.