Um...hi? Okay I'm bored so I've updated! This chapter explains a few things. Oh, I thank the people who created the Youtube videos who I used the lyrics to. And, yes. The song Amu sings is 'Ashita Kuru Hi' from Kobato. I don't own Shugo Chara or Kobato! I wish did...
Wish Upon A Wing
A Meeting with a Fox
Deep in the castle, in Zina's chamber, all was quiet. Suddenly a single ripple appeared on the still surface of the pool. Ebony and Pearl flew down and settled at the edge.
Ebony. Pearl.
Zina's voice came into their minds.
Call HIM to me.
"Yes, Your Highness," said Ebony as she bowed.
She flew up and rang a silver bell. The bell's chime rang throughout the room. An icy wind blew in. Snowflakes swirled around. Suddenly a figure dressed in a white hood, appeared.
The figure kneeled before the pool.
"You called, Your Highness?"
The figure's voice was of a male's.
I want you to inform the Positive Wing everything she needs to know. Time is running out.
The figure bowed, "Will do, Your Highness."
Amu opened her eyes.
Where am I?
Darkness surrounded her. Amu looked around. Suddenly a scream pierced the atmosphere. Amu jumped.
"What have you done?!"
Voices swirled around her.
"Hey, hey. Did you hear? He killed his own mother!"
"What?!"
"He brings bad luck like a black cat!"
The sound of a girl's cries echoed, "Mummy!"
What's going on? thought Amu.
"Go! Run!"
A male's voice interrupted Amu's thoughts.
Where have I heard that voice before?
"AMU!"
Amu's eyes flew open.
"Are you up?!" shouted Shigeru from downstairs.
Amu turned to her clock. Her eyes bulged.
"AHHHH!"
Her scream shook the house.
Ikuto sat up and stretched his arms.
"What a terrible dream," he muttered.
He ran his hand though his midnight blue hair. During his dream, Ikuto could have sworn he sensed another presence watching. He picked out pieces of grass out of his hair.
"Another day...," he yawned. I
kuto stood up and gaze at the kingdom from the hill.
Amu stared out of the window from her desk. Fluffy white clouds lazily drifted across the clear blue sky. She had her head resting in her hands.
What a strange dream I had Amu thought. I haven't had any dreams since I met Ikuto. The dream I had before meeting Ikuto...
"Hinamori-san"
...Now that I think of it...
"Hinamori-san"
...The boy in that dream was probably Ikuto...
"Hinamori-san"
...But what does the dream I had last night mean?
"HINAMORI-SAN!"
Amu jumped and quickly faced the front. Standing in front of her desk was the teacher, looking VERY annoyed.
"S-Sensei," stammered Amu.
"Now Hinamori-san, please repeat to the class what we were discussing," said the teacher.
Amu gulped, "Er...ahhh...ruins, Sensei?"
The teacher raised his eyebrows, "Yes, Hinamori-san. The Kingdom's Ruins is correct. Now please PAY ATTENTION."
Amu looked at the board. A large image of ruins, shaped of two giant wings, rose from the sandy ground. She gave a sigh of relief.
That was close... Too close...
Ikuto flipped through the pages of a book. He was in the Kingdom's library, leaning against a book shelf as he continued to flip. Ikuto stopped flipping when he came to a page illustrated with two wings.
"The Tsubasas," he muttered.
"Mummy! Mummy!"
A child's voice made Ikuto look up. A little boy ran to his mother with a book in hand.
"Can you read this to me? Can you? Please!" begged the child.
His mother smiled lovingly, "Of course my dear."
"Yay!"
Ikuto watched as the mother led her son to a comfortable chair. Suddenly a memory flashed in Ikuto's mind. A crying little boy and the voices returned again. Ikuto winced and clutched his head with his hand. He placed the book back and strolled out of the library.
Amu lied down on the picnic rug while her friends ate.
"You're lucky that you didn't get in trouble," said Rima as she took a bite of a biscuit.
Amu winced at the memory.
Nagi quickly changed the subject, "I bought some cake from Masayoshi and Chie's cafe so dig in!"
Yaya and Kukai were the first to chow down. Suddenly a chilling wind blew onto the friends.
"What's going on?!" cried Yaya.
"Crazy weather?!" suggested Kukai over the wind.
"That's impossible!" shouted Kairi.
Suddenly the wind abruptly stopped giving the friends relief from the cold.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Yaya, "I got snowflakes in my hair!"
Amu brought her arms down from covering her eyes. That's when she realised that there was a scroll in the hand.
"What's this?"
Tadase turned to her, "Something wrong Amu-chan?"
Amu held up the scroll. "This appeared in my hand," she replied.
"Let's open it up and see what's in it," suggested Kairi.
Yaya nodded vigorously, "Yeah, yeah! Open it! Open it!"
Amu carefully unrolled it. There, delicately written on the parchment was this:
Meet me at the peak
Where both the sun and moon meet
There all your questions will be answered
The friends all crowed around the scroll.
"Peak?" repeated Yaya.
"Moon?" read Rima.
"And Sun," added Nagi.
"Questions?" said Tadase.
"Mmmm, this cake is good," said Kukai.
Yaya slapped him while Kairi shook his head.
Amu examined the scroll again. "Looks like I'm meeting up with someone," she said.
"Don't go!" cried Tadase, "It might be an enemy!"
"But this person will answer all my questions," said Amu, "Lots of strange things had been going on and I want to know why."
Tadase fell silent. He sighed, "Al...Alright. Just be careful. Promise?"
He held out his pinkie.
Amu looked at it and smiled, "Promise."
She linked her pinkie with Tadase's.
Kaneko was absorbed in her book when she heard the door open. She looked up to see a tired-looking Ikuto.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Ikuto flopped down on a comfortable chair and sighed.
"The memories...They're haunting me," he replied.
Kaneko blinked, "I must admit, I'm quite surprised that you still your memories from your..."
She stopped when Ikuto sharply glanced at her.
"Don't bring it up again," said Ikuto, his voice was firm.
Kaneko nodded, "Of course," she said, "Pardon me."
Ikuto leaned back against the chair. "I don't want to think about it... at all."
Ding-dong. Ding-dong.
Students spilled into the courtyard eager to leave the school building.
"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Tadase. He was referring to the note.
Amu shook her head. "No," she replied, "This person is going to expect myself only."
Tadase frowned uncertainly.
"Call us if anything happens," added Nagi.
Yaya nodded vigorously, "Good idea! I'll check my phone every minute!"
Amu smiled, "Thanks everyone."
Then she spotted a familiar person whizzing past the gates, on a bicycle.
"Onii-chan!" called Amu.
There was the sound of brakes and Shigeru quickly pedalled back.
"Hello Amu," he said when he saw his sister.
"What are you doing here?" asked Amu.
"I was on my way home. The people at work let me off early," answered Shigeru.
"Can I tag along?" pleaded Amu.
She secretly wanted to talk to her brother about the note.
Shigeru blinked, "Sure, if you really want to."
Amu turned to her friends. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
Shigeru pushed his bike while he walked beside his sister. She seemed to have something on her mind.
"So want do you want to talk about, Monster?" asked Shigeru, "You usually don't go to me and beg to 'tag along'"
Amu took a deep breath and explained everything that had happened at lunchtime. As Amu explained what had happened, Shigeru's expression became more and more perplexed. Then Amu took out the scroll and handed it to her brother. When Shigeru opened it, his eyes widened.
This is the same handwriting...That sums it up...It's time.
Shigeru looked at his sister.
"Amu, we're to take a carriage."
Amu stared in amazement. The carriage they were in was great! The windows were decorated with lace curtains and the seat was covered with soft velvet. Amu couldn't help but getting up and having a touch of everything, just to make sure this wasn't a dream. Shigeru sat there, staring at Amu who was gawking and giggling like a child.
At least it's good to know she's still young at heart he thought.
Shigeru kept his eyes on the scenery outside. They were approaching the outskirts of the kingdom. Finally the carriage came to a halt.
"We're here," announced Shigeru, getting up from his seat.
Amu jumped out and froze. They were at the foot of a mountain.
"Hope you had a good rest in the carriage," said Shigeru as he walked up behind her, "We need to walk to the top."
"What?!" cried Amu.
Shigeru started to walk up the mountain track.
"The top of a mountain is called the peak," he explained.
Amu immediately caught on, "Where the sun and moon meet!"
Shigeru nodded, "When the sun sets, the moon rises and when the moon sets, the sun rises thus interacting for a brief moment."
They continued to climb up the rocky trek.
Amu was about to placed her foot on what seemed like a sturdy place when Shigeru's sharp voice spoke up.
"Don't place your foot there!"
But it was too late. The slight weight caused the edge to crumble.
Shigeru swiftly caught Amu's arm and pulled her back. "That was close," he commented.
Amu nodded, "You seem to know this mountain quite well Onii-chan," observed Amu.
Shigeru kept quiet.
Kaneko watched Ikuto as he slept in the chair. Every now and then, his face would show a flash of pain.
"A nightmare of the past huh?" whispered Kaneko.
A sudden chime rang through the quiet atmosphere. Kaneko got up and walked to the bell. She held out her hand and a deep purple star fell out and onto Kaneko's open palm. It shone brightly then disappeared. Kaneko's expression changed from calm to alarm.
"A time limit?" she muttered.
Kaneko turned to Ikuto, "It's best to tell him when he wakes up."
She grabbed the thin string connecting to the tiny bell.
"I will inform him, immediately, Your Highness," Kaneko whispered.
She gently shook the string and the bell gave another chime. Aqua stars drifted into the sky.
They've finally reached the peak of the mountain. At the top, tuck away in the corner was a little cottage. The door of the cottage swung open. A young man with snow white hair walked out. He was dressed in a white and blue Chinese robe. He had white ears and a white tail. His sky blue eyes lit up when he spotted Shigeru.
"Hello Hinamori Shigeru. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Then the man noticed Amu standing behind Shigeru.
"And is this who I think it is?" he asked.
Shigeru nodded, "My sister, Hinamori Amu," Shigeru turned to Amu, "This is Yuki, an Arctic Fox."
Yuki bowed, "A pleasure to meet you Hinamori. I've been expecting you."
Amu smiled.
He seems like a nice person.
Amu bowed, "The pleasure is mine."
Yuki turned to Shigeru, "I take that you'll be leaving her in my care for a bit?"
Shigeru nodded. "There's something I need to do," he turned to Amu, "Behave yourself."
Amu glared at him.
I'm not a child!
Shigeru turned to leave, "See you," then he mouthed 'Monster.'
Amu's fist trembled.
Yuki chuckled, "Come! It must be cold out here."
Yuki stood aside to allow Amu in. Before Yuki went in, he glanced at the nearby bushes. Then he walked inside. In the bushes, the hooded figure watched them with flaring yellow eyes.
Tadase closed the book he was reading and sighed. It was no use of reading. He was too worried. Tadase slide open his door and walked out. (A/N (Author's Notes) Tadase's house is olden Japanese style) It was early evening. The sakura trees seem glowed in the fading light. Tadase sat down at the edge of the wooden floor. He stared at the garden wall. Suddenly a figure raced past.
"Who's there?!" yelled Tadase.
The figure turned just for a second before disappearing but Tadase had caught the image. The figure was dressed in black and, when he turned around, glimmering midnight blue eyes. Tadase drew a breath.
Midnight blue eyes!
Only one person has midnight blue eyes; Tsukiyomi Ikuto!
"Here. Have a seat. Would you like some tea?" asked Yuki.
"Yes please," said Amu politely as she sat down on a wooden chair lined with red velvet.
Yuki's place was decorated with all kinds of Chinese decoration; beautiful hand-painted fans, bonsai trees, elaborate drawings on silk and lacquer objects. There was also a desk, standing in front of a window, complete with a quill and a reading lamp. Also the walls were decorated with splendid paintings.
"Wow. Those paintings are beautiful!" commented Amu.
Yuki brought a tray containing two Chinese cups and a tea pot. He gently placed a cup on the table and poured a golden liquid from the tea pot to the cup.
"Do you like the paintings? I did them myself," said Yuki pointing to a corner with a canvas.
Amu got up and walked to the wall to have a closer look. One painting depicted all sorts of flying creatures; butterflies, birds, even flying horses. Another painting showed two foxes, a black one and a white one, merging together.
But the last painting caused Amu's eyes to widen. The painting was of a black cat walking away from the lights of a city. It was looking longingly at the lights. Amu tendering reached out her hand and ran her finger along the outline of the cat.
"Yuki, where do you get ideas for these paintings?" asked Amu.
"I get them from visions I have," replied Yuki.
Amu continues to stare at the black cat.
It seems so...sad.
The expression in its eyes was longing and sad.
It's like the cat wants to be in the light but it can't...
"Hinamori?"
Yuki's calm voice broke Amu's thoughts.
"Shall we begin?"
CRASH!
The guards of the palace quickly rushed over to the window, where the thief had just jumped out.
"Damn! He got away!" yelled one guard.
They were in the Royal Treasure Room.
"But," spoke another guard, "We clearly saw WHO it was it was. Tsukiyomi Ikuto."
Pearl and Ebony watched what had happened from the window above. Suddenly Pearl spread out her wings and took flight, out of the window.
"Hey! Where are you going?!" cried Ebony.
Pearl didn't look back.
"Pearl!"
Pearl swooped down until she caught up with Ikuto. The guards were advancing on them. Ikuto noticed Pearl.
Follow me, Tsukiyomi!
A voice appeared in Ikuto's mind.
"Pearl?" Ikuto muttered.
Suddenly a capture chain wrapped itself around Ikuto's arm. He managed to yank it off and continued to run off into the fading light.
"Now, Hinamori, you are aware that you possess the Positive Wing?" asked Yuki.
"Yes," answered Amu as she sipped her tea. It was delicious and sweet.
"The Positive Wing is only half of the Tsubasa," explained Yuki, "It's Power Element is Light."
Just like Tadase thought Amu.
"The possessor of the Positive Wing must be a caring person with a kind heart. The power of the Positive Wing is always pure. You may discover that one of the Positive Wing's powers is healing. Also the possessor of the Positive Wing can enter dreams of other people or have dreams, usually connected to the future."
Amu's eyes widened.
That explains those dreams I have!
"Now," Yuki continued, "Can you guess what the Negative Wing is, Hinamori?"
"Um...the other half of the Tsubasa?" answered Amu.
Yuki nodded, "Correct," he said, "The Negative Wing is almost the opposite of the Positive Wing. The possessor must be a strong person that can handle both physical and mental pain."
Hmm. I wonder who would possess the Negative Wing? Maybe Tadase? He's a strong person...
"Hinamori? May I continue?" asked Yuki.
"Huh? Oh! Of course," said Amu.
"The powers of the Negative Wing are harder to control. The Power Element of this wing is Dark. The possessor of the Negative Wing usually have dreams from the past and can see the past of a person either by coming in contact with them or even by looking at their photos! The Negative Wing can also heal but in a different way than the Positive Wing. The possessor can absorb the pain from the wound but that pain goes into the possessor's own body."
Amu thought for a moment.
Where have I heard that before? Oh well.
"Yuki, can either possessor fly? Since we do possess wings," she asked.
Yuki motioned to the painting with the flying creatures.
"Amu," he said, "See that painting? Do you notice anything that is the same with all those creatures?"
Amu cocked her head. "No Yuki. They're all different."
Yuki laughed, "Well their appearances are different. But what I'm saying is all creatures must have at least two wings or a pair of wings. Have you seen any creatures flying with only one wing?"
"No..." replied Amu, "I think I understand what you're saying Yuki."
Yuki smiled, "That's good. Would you like to go outside for a bit, Hinamori?"
Amu blinked, "Sure."
Kaneko looked up.
"Welcome back," she greeted as Ikuto walked in.
"What did SHE say?" asked Kaneko.
"The time limit is four seasons a.k.a one year," replied Ikuto.
Kaneko looked Ikuto, up and down, "You look... puffed out," she observed.
"Unfortunately after the meeting with HER, the guards caught me. They thought I was an intruder and gave a chase," explained Ikuto then he held up his arm with Pearl perched on it, "Luckily Pearl knew a quick route to your place."
Kaneko shook her head, "That Mia suspects you too much."
"Wow!" breathed Amu.
The sun had already set and the stars twinkled in the inky blue sky.
"Beautiful, isn't?" asked Yuki.
"Yes!" agreed Amu.
The view was fantastic! Amu could see the village and the palace. But then a thought struck Amu.
"Isn't it lonely to live up here?" she asked.
A sad far-away look came over Yuki's face.
"A bit," he replied.
While Yuki and Amu admired the stars, unknown to them, their shadows started flicker and change shape.
Amu suddenly sensed danger. She swiftly turned around and a figure made of darkness emerged out of their shadows. Amu gasped. The body of the figure was all black except for the eyes and mouth which was white.
"Yuki!" cried Amu.
Yuki turned around and his eyes widened. The figure raised its long claw-like arm in the air, ready to strike down.
"Oh no you don't!" cried Amu.
She thrust both her arms in front and concentrated. A barrier made of light appeared. Sparks flew as the figure's claws came into contact with the barrier. The figure backed away.
Suddenly the lock around Amu's neck glowed. A magic circle appeared underneath her. The lock shone with a blinding white light and transformed into a long staff. White wings unfolded from Amu's back. She raised the staff high above her head.
"White Swirl Purification!" she cried.
Amu swung the staff down and swirls of white feathers rushed to the black figure. The figure screamed then dispersed into black stars. The staff transformed back into a lock and the magic circle faded away. Amu heard applause from behind. She turned around and saw Yuki clapping.
"Well done Hinamori," he complimented, "Just like I expected."
"Wait," she said, "You mean you knew that...that thing was going to attack?!"
Yuki held up his hand for silence, "That thing was an Akuma, a demon. You'll encounter some in the future but be careful; the real ones are more cunning and dangerous. And, yes, I created it but only to test your power and senses."
"Why didn't you tell then?" asked Amu.
Yuki smiled. "Because," he explained, "If I did tell you, you wouldn't give it your all."
Amu stared in disbelief.
Yuki is a really nice person... yet he can be evil...
Yuki motioned to the mountain track.
"Come Amu," he gestured, "I'll lead you down the mountain safely. It's time to leave."
Amu smiled, "Thank you Yuki."
As Yuki walked beside Amu, the hooded figure had observed enough. She turned and walked off. Her eyes blazing like flames.
Yuki walked Amu up to the outskirts of town.
"This is where we part," bowed Yuki, "Until we meet again."
Then he turned and left. Amu blinked.
I wonder why Yuki didn't want to go in town.
Amu shrugged it off and continued her way home. The streets were quieter than it was during day. Amu tried to avoid dark places; she didn't want to risk what had happened before to happen again. Amu stopped. She was in front of the entrance of a park.
Let's go through here. At least it's not dark.
She walked through the entrance and was greeted with the colour of green and different shades of pink. The sakura trees looked almost white in the full moon. Flower beds lay soft and silver in the moonlight. The grass was wet with dew and million dewdrops were sparkling and twinkling like diamonds around Amu's feet.
So peaceful...thought Amu.
Suddenly a soft melody filled the night air; a violin. Amu came to a halt.
This music... it's the same one from the Ohanami!
Amu walked off the footpath, following the melody.
She walked to the other side of the park. There was a clearing with an old, slightly overgrown path leading to a stone platform. From faraway, Amu could see someone, standing on the platform, playing. She picked up her pace, quickly yet quietly approached the platform. Her eyes widened.
There was Ikuto. When he played, it was as if the whole world has stopped moving. And all that mattered was this melody that poured out of his heart. The way he closed his eyes and just let everything loose, the feeling of doing the thing you love most, right? It was an overwhelming feeling. Amu even closed her eyes, savouring the wonderful music. Suddenly the music abruptly stopped. Amu opened her eyes, to see Ikuto looking down at her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"N-Nothing!" stuttered Amu.
How could a jerk play such beautiful music?
Ikuto turned away and began to place his violin back in its case. He hitched case up his shoulder
"You're leaving? Aren't you going to finish the song?" asked Amu.
She wanted to hear the magic that the instrument created.
"It's already over," said Ikuto, beginning to walk away.
Amu hastily followed him. "Shouldn't you play on the streets or open area? I've seen really talented musicians," said Amu, "Lots of people come to listen to them."
"I didn't come here to make them listen to me," said Ikuto.
"Then why do you play?" asked Amu.
"Why do you use a musical instrument?" Ikuto turned around and smirked. Amu blushed slightly.
Ikuto... what kind of person are you?
"So...will you play again?" asked Amu.
"No way." The reply was short and quick.
"Come on! Please!" plead Amu.
Ikuto stopped and thought for a moment. "...I'll play if you sing..."
"Really?! Okay!"
That wasn't the answer he was expecting. He sighed, took out the violin, placed it under his chin and started to play a different melody.
Oh no! Realized Amu I don't know this song!
Panicking, Amu opened her mouth and, without knowing it, words came out.
Flowers bloom in the springtime
They sway underneath the summer sky
In my heart their light won't fade
Even if fall withers them away
In the rain they shine so bright
Whether or not my window's shut tight
I can feel their warmth and rays
Breaking through the clouds to save the day
A distant voice beckons to me
It leads me to the place I intend to reach...
Ikuto opened his eyes while playing. This song...it's almost describing...
Amu's voice continued to sing, loud and clear.
It's warm and inviting
Singing and smiling its soft lullaby in the wind
Amu slowly let out her breath and looked at Ikuto. He gently took the violin off his chin and glanced at her.
"Not bad at all," he said, "...Come. I'll take you home."
Amu smiled and nodded.
What is this light and fluttering feeling?
Yuki settled down at his desk and looked out of the window. The stars decorated the night sky with the full moon watching over them. Yuki leaned back and closed his eyes. All was quiet except for the soft ticking of a clock.
Yuki remembered Amu's question; isn't it lonely to live up here?
He could hear the voices of the past coming to his mind;
Promise we'll be together forever?
Promise.
Yuki!
Yuki opened his eyes and straighten up. He had suddenly remembered something.
Oh gosh. I forgot to Amu another thing; in order to obtain one of the wings you must be close to the possessor, not in distance, but in feelings. Each wing attracts one another. In other words, if the possessors are opposite genders, they're made for one another.
Amu flopped down on her bed.
"What a day," she sighed.
She turned onto her stomach and faced Yoru. The stuff cat greeted her with his sewn smile.
"I can't believe Ikuto was the one playing at the Ohanami. He's such a horrible person yet he plays such beautiful music," said Amu.
Yoru said nothing.
"Now that I mention it," continued Amu, "the music was beautiful but...it also sounded sad. I wonder why."
Ryuu yanked his hand back in pain. He had pricked his finger with a thorn. Ryuu stared at the blooming pink rose in the middle of the sea of thorns. He was in the desolated neglected garden by the old castle. The pinkness of the rose reminded Ryuu of a certain pink-hair girl. The sound of a twig snapping made Ryuu looked up. The hooded figure stomped through the garden. Ryuu could see the blazing yellow eyes peeking out of the hood.
Yikes. She's in a bad mood.
"What's wrong?" asked Ryuu.
"None of your business!" snarled the figure.
"Is it about HIM?" asked Ryuu.
"Shut up!" the figure barked.
Ryuu winced.
Ouch, should have stayed quiet.
"If Master doesn't allow me to make a move, then I'll do it myself!" the figure muttered.
"It's best to listen to the-"
Ryuu was cut off.
"If someone hasn't been falling head over heels for their victims, I wouldn't be this fired up!" shouted the figure.
Ryuu blushed but quickly covered it.
"I don't think that's the reason you're angry, right?" said Ryuu.
A sharp glare from the figure caused Ryuu to shrink back, slightly. Then she turned and started to walk away.
"Where you going?" called Ryuu.
"Taking matters in my own hands," replied the figure.
Oh no...
Ikuto looked at the west. The Ruins of the Kingdom rose out of the sandy ground. Beyond the ruins were barren plains. That's where he sensed something; danger. A west wind blew into Ikuto's face.
"Fire is coming," he muttered.
To be continued...
R&R! Oh, I own Yuki.