Hi! I'm back! That's for all your reviews. Time to reveal Ryuu's past~

Wish Upon A Wing

Songs for a Blind Life

Mia tapped her finger against the hand rest of her throne. She was pondering about the previous fire the Kingdom had experience the other day.

Fires don't occasionally occur during spring…so does that mean it's no ordinary fire?

Emerald flew in from the window along with Redwing.

"Emerald has worked her magic, Your Majesty," chirped Redwing, "All fauna are recovering from the blaze."

Mia nodded, "Thank you Redwing, and Emerald."

The two birds exited out of the room. Mia rested her head against hand.

Who would be responsible for the fire? Only one person comes to mind when treacherous events occur…

"Hey everyone!" cried Yaya, "Look at this!"

She held up some tickets. It was lunchtime in the school grounds. The friends were resting lazily; even energetic Kukai had his eyes half closed.

"What are those, Yaya?" asked Nagi.

"They're tickets to Hoshina Utau's new concert," declared Yaya proudly.

Kukai's eyes flew open when he heard the name.

"Hoshina Utau?" repeated Amu, "Whose that?"

"What?!" cried Yaya, "You don't know her, Amu-chii?!"

Amu shrunk back.

"Hoshina Utau is one of the best singers of all time!" continued Yaya, "She started her singing career when she was 15. Until then, she became famous all over the world! And also, she's one of the prettiest singer too," added Yaya.

Tadase nodded, "I've heard some of her songs. They're pretty good."

"How did you get those tickets, Yaya?" asked Rima.

Yaya wrapped her arm around Kairi.

"Kairi and I entered a competition," said Yaya proudly, "and we won!"

"Yaya won?" repeated Kuukai, "I never knew Yaya was smart."

A sharp glare caused Kukai to shut up.

"Actually," said Kairi, pushing his glasses up his nose, "Yaya-senpai pressed the button right after the question was asked and made me answer them."

Everyone stared at Yaya.

"Not surprising," they muttered.

"A-At least we won these tickets," argued Yaya, "Everyone can come. The concert is on the weekend. So? Can you guys go?"

The friends looked at each other and smiled.

"Of course."

"I'm free."

"This opportunity doesn't always come."

"Alright then!" cheered Yaya, "We'll meet at Central Park! That's where the concert is being held!"

Amu smiled to herself.

This is going to be my first concert...How exciting.

Word had spread, that the famous singer Hoshina Utau was going to sing this weekend. Two girls were walking through the bustling market place, chatting about the up-coming concert.

"Oh, how exciting!" squealed the first girl.

"Yeah!" added the second, "Hoshina Utau is the most prettiest and greatest singer!"

"Her voice is amazing!" said the first girl, flinging her arms up into the air.

"I'm her No.1 fan!" cried the second girl.

The first girl shot her a glare, "No, I am!"

Then an argument started.

In a little hut, a small figure had heard the conversation from her window. She carefully sat down on the cold floor.

"Hoshina Utau," she muttered, "is performing here? I'll like to see that…"

Ikuto walked through the empty streets. Bare trees stood over him. Their branches were bare from the fire but leaves were starting to grow back.

He walked pass a noticeboard and came to a halt. Pinned on the noticeboard was a poster depicting a young woman with long blonde ponytails and violet eyes. She held a microphone in her hand.

The poster read: 'Hoshina Utau! Performing this weekend!'

Ikuto stared at the young woman.

She came back…

Amu burst into the house. When she saw a pair of shoes on the floor, her smile grew wider.

"Onii-chan!" she called, "I'm home!"

"Welcome back, Monster," Shigeru's voice came from the living room.

Amu ran into living room where Shigeru was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper.

Shigeru looked up

. "Whoa," he said, "The Monster is on loose. Call the police."

Amu's smile didn't even falter.

"There's a concert on the weekend," she puffed, "Can I go? Please?"

"Sure," said Shigeru, not looking up from his papers, "I have a part-time job on the weekend, anyway."

"Thank you, Onii-chan!" said Amu as she bowed.

Then she rushed upside.

I can't wait for the weekend!

Shigeru lowered his newspaper and smiled.

It's good to see her so excited.

The school days, just as Amu had predicted, dragged on for what seemed like forever. Even her friends were excited, except for Kukai who was being strangely quiet.

Finally, Friday had come but the time in the last lesson seems to have stopped. Most students were only half listening to the teacher. They were all eager to rush out of the classroom, into freedom. Amu was fidgeting in her seat. Her eyes were on the clock's hands, ticking painfully slow.

"Now class, your homework is-"

Ding-dong ding-dong!

Practically all the students gave a silent cheer, bid the teacher farewell and frantically rushed out of the door before the teacher could object.

"We're finally out," cried Tadase.

Amu nodded, "It's funny to see you impatient to leave class. Usually you're very practical about your lessons, Tadase."

"There you are!" cried Yaya, leaping in between them, "Remember, meet in front of Central Park!"

Rima rolled her eyes, "We will, Yaya. After all, you've reminded us a hundred times."

In the Central Park a stage was being set up. A young woman stood in the middle of the stage. She turned to face the small buds on the tree branches. Her violet eyes glistened in the sunlight. A wind blew, sending her long blonde ponytails gently flying in the air.

"I've come back," she whispered, "Ikuto."

Amu hitched her cream-coloured bag over her shoulder. She was getting ready to leave for the concert. Shigeru had already left for his part-time job.

After placing her phone in the bag, Amu left the house. When she approached the entrance of Central Park, she could already see her friends were already clustered near the entrance.

"There she is!" cried Yaya.

"Am I that late?" asked Amu.

Tadase shook his head, "No, you're just on time."

"Just," muttered Amu.

They all headed in, with Kukai looking very uncomfortable.

Ikuto stopped at the entrance of Central Park. He fished out a crumpled piece of paper. Ikuto looked up and he could hear the distant chatter from the people in the park.

"So this is where she's performing," he muttered.

Then he shoved the paper back in his pocket and walked in.

Central Park was completely transformed into a festival-like location. There were food stalls everywhere. In the far distance, Amu could see that the Dream-Coloured Café was very busy.

"Hey! Can we get some takoyaki?!" asked Yaya, her eyes were sparkling. (A/N: Takoyaki is Japanese ball-shaped snack. In the middle of the ball it usually contains a piece of octopus)

"Um, sure Yaya," said Nagi.

They headed to the takoyaki stall.

"What do you want?" asked the person at the front.

Then he added, "Especially you, Monster."

Amu's head snapped up. Shigeru looked down at her from the stall.

"Onii-chan?!" cried Amu, "What are you doing here?!"

"Part-time job," he replied.

"One set of takoyaki, please," spoke up Tadase.

While still glaring at Amu, Shigeru handed them a paper boat containing small round balls covered in sauce.

"Thank you," mumbled Amu.

"You're welcome," Shigeru mumbled back.

Her friends walked off with Amu, giving the last glare to her brother.

The friends found a nice spot under the trees.

"Come on!" urged Yaya "Let's go! The concert is about to begin!"

"Actually," said Kairi who was looking at his watch, "The concert won't be starting until-"

"Oh come on!" interrupted Yaya, "We'll be early!"

She dragged Kairi off. Nagi and Rima looked at each other then followed. Tadase went along. Amu was about to go when she noticed Kukai was lazily lying on the grass.

"Aren't you coming, Kukai?" she asked.

Kukai shook his head. "Nah," he said, "I'll listen from here."

Amu looked at him doubtfully, "Alright."

Is it me? Or is Kukai acting strange?

They were lucky. Yaya got them good seats, not too close and not too far away. After a few nagging minutes (from Yaya) the stage grew dark. The audience grew quiet.

A guitar started to play. Then drums joined in. A young woman suddenly appeared on the stage. The crowd cheered. Amu drew her breath. It was Hoshina Utau!

Her long ponytails were curled at the end and she was wearing a green and white dress with heels. Then, holding the microphone to her mouth, she sang out in a strong voice. (A/N: This song is called 'Taiyou ga Niau yo'.)

Even if you feel you're being crushed by sadness

Please stop making that face

Take that cheap pride you wear,

And just throw it away!

Keep on living under the sun, and don't turn away

Yes, that's right! I can feel it, when you're honest with yourself

You want to laugh out loud! Dazzling happiness!

Don't ever give up, don't give in to anyone! You have a dream!

Oh, right now! I need to tell you, I want to seize it!

Take a deep breath

Show me your superior smile, as bright as the sun

Amu watched in awe.

Hoshina Utau has a magnificent voice!

The audience was swaying to the rhythm of the song.

"Go Utau!" screamed Yaya.

Utau sang some more songs; Heartful Song, Blue Moon, Akaneiro no Sora etc. (A/N: These are real Japanese songs!)

After the songs finished, Utau waved to the crowd, "Hello there!"

The audience roared back.

Utau smiled and continued to speak, "This song I dedicate it to someone very close to me."

The crowd fell silent. Suddenly a violin started to play a happy melody. Amu blinked.

A violin?

(A/N: This song is called 'Yume no Tsubomi'.)

The dream bud flourishes and looks up at the bright sky
filling our hearts with a tender fragrance.

I can hear the rhythm of love
it has transcended the seasons and came to see me.

If I whisper "I love you"
will the whole world hear it?
I lowered my head in embarrassment
but you took my hand and ran!

After the song, the crowd cheered and Utau curtseyed and the spotlight faded away, leaving the stage dark.

"See?" said Yaya, "She's great, right?"

Amu nodded. Then she caught sight of something in the crowd; a boy… with midnight blue hair.

"Isn't that…?

"What's wrong, Amu-chan?" asked Tadase.

"Oh, nothing," she replied, "I'm…just going to get a drink."

She slipped away from her friends, with her eyes focused on Ikuto. Ikuto turned and started to walk to the side of the stage.

Where is he going?

Amu quietly followed him. Ikuto was heading to the back of the stage.

Does he even have a backstage pass?

Ikuto stood there, waiting…for what?

"Ikuto-kun!" came a voice.

Amu quickly hid behind the nearby trees. Hoshina Utau rushed out to meet him.

What's going on?

Then, all of a sudden, Utau flung her arms around Ikuto's body into a warm embrace. Amu stared, in shock.

"I miss you," cooed Utau. Ikuto smiled.

He smiled?!

"Same," he said.

Could it be? Hoshina Utau is…Ikuto's girlfriend? I guess so. I mean, they're perfect with their musical talents; Ikuto's violin playing and Hoshina Utau's singing.

"Did you hear the song?" asked Utau looking up with her arms still wrapped around Ikuto.

Ikuto's smiled deepened, "Of course. I wouldn't miss our special song."

The pair laughed together. Amu silently walked away, leaving the two alone. She was surprised at the pang of disappointment.

Why? Why do I feel this way?

The concert continued but Amu was feeling down-hearted to even listen. Tadase noticed Amu's sad face and asked if there's something wrong but Amu declined and smiled sweetly. The concert finished at early afternoon. The friends met Kukai at their spot.

"Utau's song is great, huh?" chattered Yaya, "Although I haven't heard the one with the violin before. Maybe it's a new release."

Or a song to her boyfriend thought Amu.

Kukai grabbed one of the sandwiches Nagi had prepared earlier.

"Heard the whole thing," he said as he chewed.

Yaya pouted, "You should have seen it."

"A...friend will tell me all about it," replied Kukai.

Rima raised her eyebrows, "Since when does your sport friends take interest in concerts?"

"Er...," begun Kukai.

Both Rima and Yaya eyed him suspiciously.

"Come on you two," spoke up Tadase, "Stop teasing him, right Amu-chan? Amu-chan?"

But Amu was too far in thought to hear.

"Is something the matter, Amu-chan?" asked Tadase as they exited out the park.

"No," replied Amu. Then she spotted the market place.

"Oh gosh!" she exclaimed, "I need to get some grocery! See you, Tadase!"

She ran off. Although the sun was setting, there were still a lot of people bustling around. Amu looked around.

What did I need?

She drew near the edge of the market place, near the mountain's foot.

"Psst." Amu looked around her.

What was that?

"Psst!"

Then she noticed a figure in a white hood, standing behind a tree, beckoning to her. Amu cautiously edged closer. When she drew nearer, a smile spread across her faces. Yuki's kind blue eyes glistened in the fading light.

"Good evening, Hinamori-san," he greeted.

"To you too, Yuki," replied Amu.

"This is for you."

Yuki held out a crystal snowflake, about the size of a make-up compact. Amu blinked.

"It's a communication device," explained Yuki, "If you still have any questions, contact me using this instead climbing that tall mountain."

Amu smiled and took the snowflake, "Thank you Yuki but I think I prefer climbing the mountain."

Yuki stared at her.

"You're lonely at that mountain, right? Visiting you personally would be much better."

Yuki smiled.

That's the Positive Wing.

Suddenly Amu sensed something, from the nearby huts.

"Go by your sense," said Yuki.

Amu blinked.

How did he…?

Then Yuki disappeared into the shadows while Amu headed to one of the huts.

Ryuu walked along the long hallway. His hood flowed behind him. Then he spotted Kitsune, sitting glumly on a windowsill, looking out to the bleak landscape outside.

"I'm going out," he declared, "Do you want to come along?"

"Yes. I would like to," mumbled Kitsune with her eyes still looking out, "But he strictly told me to stay here. Apparently the Princess is on to us."

Ryuu said nothing.

"…Then I'll be going," he said and continued on his way.

Kitsune closed her eyes, in attempt to stop the tears. She was able to hold them in front of Ryuu but now…a tear trickled down.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "I'm sorry…"

Amu stopped in front of the door of one of the huts.

This is where the strange feeling is coming from.

She placed her hand on the door knob and turned. To her surprise it gave a soft click and swung open. The orange light from the sun filtered through a window.

The hut was pretty small. There's only one bed; tucked in the far wall, a simple desk, a table with a few chairs and… on the far right section of the hut, tall metal bars rosed out of the ground and connected onto the ceiling.

"Who's there?" spoke a soft voice.

Amu stiffened.

Someone's here!

A small figure was sitting behind the metal bars. It was a small girl with long, raven black wavy hair and blurry red eyes.

"Onii-chan? Is that you?" whispered the girl.

Amu didn't say anything. She carefully walked across the room to where the girl was.

"I don't hear Onii-chan's boots...," muttered the girl.

Amu slowly crouched in front of the girl and drew a breath.

This girl's eyes...

They're unlike other eyes Amu had seen. Suddenly the girl reached out her hand and placed it on Amu's cheek. She then started to feel Amu's face.

"It's a female!" cried the girl.

"D-Didn't you know?" asked Amu.

A smile appeared over the girl's face, "She spoke!"

The girl felt Amu's long pink locks.

"I bet she's really pretty," smiled the girl.

"C-Can't you see my face?" Amu asked.

The girl drew back her hand and sat down.

"Hello there," the girl said softly, "I'm Amrita. Who are you? You're definitely not Onii-chan."

"Um...," started Amu, "I'm Hinamori Amu. Couldn't you see me from the door, Amrita?"

Amrita laughed a soft laugh, "No, Amu-chan. I couldn't see you because I'm blind."

Amu started into those husky red eyes.

"I've been blind for most of my life," said Amrita.

Ikuto was lying on his back, on a hill, watching the orange-pink clouds. The sun was dipping further down the horizon. Ikuto smiled at the thought of seeing Utau this afternoon. But...

I swear someone was watching us that afternoon...

Amu sat and talked with Amrita. Despite, she couldn't see Amrita's other sense were very sharp.

"You've came from the park, haven't you, Amu-chan?" asked Amrita.

Amu stared at her in amazement, "How did you know?"

"I can smell the grass and flowers of the park from you," giggled Amrita, "Does that mean you were at Hoshina Utau's concert?"

"Yes," replied Amu.

"Did you record her singing?" Amrita eagerly asked.

"Sorry no," apologised Amu.

"Oh," Amrita's shoulders slumped down in disappointment. "Well then," she muttered, "Can you sing for me?"

"Huh?!" Amu stared at Amrita in shock,"B-But..."

"You can't sing, Amu-chan?" asked Amrita.

Amu rubbed the back of her neck, "Well...I'll try," replied Amu.

"Yay! I've never heard someone sing before."

Amu took a deep breath and sang out loud:

Flowers bloom in the spring time

They sway underneath the summer sky

In my heart their light won't fade

Even when Fall wither 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

Amrita listened in awe. Oh, how much she yearns to see Amu's face while she sings.

I bet she has a peaceful expression.

How true was Amrita!

Ryuu looked up to the sky. He was at the market place.

Do I hear a song in the wind? He thought.

A distant voice beckons to me

Leading me to a place I intend to reach

It's warm and inviting

Singing and smiling its soft lullaby in the wind

"Bravo!" applauded Amrita, "Encore!"

"What?! Encore?!" cried Amu.

"Yep! Encore!" smiled Amrita, "Again!"

Amu sighed.

What am I going to sing?

Amu opened her mouth and words came to her: (This song is called 'Yuuki no Uta' meaning 'Song of Courage')

La la la singing a song

Lifting your head and following your head

Singing

I'll never give up

There's nothing I can't do

A song of courage

I won't lose to anyone because I have dreams

Start walking and puff out your chest

Do you believe that the truth is

that only my road is there?

We made a high mountain

So that you can try your best to overcome it

And if you can do that

You'll create a miracle

Ikuto stood up. The wind blew his midnight blue hair, making strands gently fly. A soft voice was also being carried. Ikuto immediately recognised it. He smiled.

A song of courage, huh?

"Good job Amu-chan!" complimented Amrita.

"Why thank you, I think," Amu said modestly.

"If only Onii-chan could hear your lovely voice," said Amrita.

Suddenly the door opened.

"I'm home," said a male's voice.

That voice...

Amu turned around. Her eyes widened.

"Aren't you...?!"

"Onii-chan!"

Amu's jaws fell to the floor.

"Onii-chan?!" she cried in shock.

Ryuu stared back; he was just as shocked as Amu was.

Mia had been pondering about the fire.

"If one of his ministers were able to cross into our borders that means..."

A bead of sweat appeared.

This isn't good!

"Redwing!" called Mia.

The scarlet red bird immediately flew and landed on Mia's knee.

"Yes Your Highness?" she chirped.

"I want you to send a patrol to the Veil right away!"

Amu sat quietly on one of the chairs. Ryuu removed his hood and hanged it the cloak hanger. He then walked over to Amu and lit a candle and placed on the table.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I don't have any refreshments for you."

Amu shook her head, "It's okay!" she said cheerfully.

Ryuu's smiled deepened. He then walked over to Amrita.

"Here," he said, handing her a paper bag, "It's your favourite."

Amrita's face brightened, "Ichigo!" she cried and carefully reached out to grab the paper bag, "Thank you Onii-chan!"

(T/N (translation note): 'ichigo' means 'strawberry')

Ryuu walked over to Amu and sat down while Amrita started nibbling the ruby-like fruits.

"Ryuu," said Amu, "How is Amrita dealing with her...blindness?"

Ryuu's smiled dropped, "I see. You've noticed huh?"

Ryuu's gaze drifted to Amrita.

"It's been a while since Amrita became blind. In fact, it's been 5 years," Ryuu replied.

"Wait. You mean Amrita wasn't born blind?" asked Amu.

"No," said Ryuu, "Not at all..."

"...Amrita and I were born into a normal yet happy family. Our parents owned a shop in the nearby market here. Everyone knows us and we knew them. They always greeted us warmly whenever they saw us. Amrita and I enjoyed helping our parents around the store."

Young Ryuu was carrying large heavy boxes for his father while little Amrita was dusting the shelves.

"Good job you two," complimented a young woman with long wavy black hair.

"Hey! Ryuu!" called a handsome with dark red eyes, "Come serve the customers while I get some things in the storage."

"Coming!" called Ryuu.

"We lived a happy life. Until one day..."

Amrita ran up to Ryuu. He just finished packing the store items away.

"Onii-chan!" cried Amrita, "I finished the cleaning!" Ryuu smiled and crouched down to eye level.

"That's good, Amrita," he said, "Mother and Father have gone to get the imported stocks. I'm nearly finished here. So why don't you go home by yourself. You do know the way home, right?"

Amrita nodded, "Yep! It's close by! See you at home!"

She then ran off.

"I regretted sending her home by herself..."

Ryuu opened the door of the hut.

"Amrita, I'm-"

He froze.

"Onii-chan!" cried Amrita.

A figure dressed in a black hood held Amrita, restraining her. Amrita struggled against his grip.

"Who are you?!" demanded Ryuu.

Icy cold blue eyes peeked from the hood.

"You're Ryuu, aren't you?" said the figure.

"Let go of my sister!" yelled Ryuu.

"Only if you agree to work for me," the figure replied.

"Never!" cried Ryuu.

A scythe appeared in his hand and Ryuu charged at the figure. In a flash, the figure blocked his attack with a sword.

"You're better than I thought," the figure muttered.

Ryuu leapt back. The figure's sword disappeared.

"If you refuse than," said the figure.

He produced a long white ribbon from his hood. Then he gently and loosely wrapped the ribbon around Amrita's eyes. Ryuu watched, horrified, not knowing what to do.

"Onii-chan, what's going on?" asked Amrita as the ribbon covered her eyes.

"Nothing to fear," said the figure with an evil smiled on his face.

Suddenly a dim light glowed from beneath the ribbon and Amrita screamed.

"Amrita!" yelled Ryuu.

She thrashed wildly but the figure's grip was like iron. The light faded and the figure's grip loosened. Amrita stumbled forward and fell. The ribbon unravelled. Ryuu rushed to his sister and crouched down before her.

"Amrita! Are you alright?!"

Amrita looked up.

Ryuu drew a breath. Her eyes were hazy.

"Onii-chan?" whispered Amrita and she felt Ryuu's legs, "Is that you? Why can't I see anything?"

Ryuu looked up to the figure, "What did you do to her?!" he demanded.

"If you work for me, I won't bring further harm to your sister," the figure said.

Ryuu gnashed his teeth. He looked down at trembling Amrita.

"Fine," he muttered.

The figure smiled, "Excellent."

He disappeared. Amrita then glowed. She was lifted away from Ryuu's arms and flew across the room.

"Amrita!"

"Onii-chan!"

She landed on the far right side of the hut. Suddenly tall metal bars rose from the ground and connected to the roof. Ryuu rushed the little prison. Amrita felt the cold metal bars and tears spring to her hazy red eyes. An evil laugh echoed around them...

"The next day I rushed to the store to tell our parents what had happened last night."

Ryuu ran through the bustling crowd, it was strange, no one said good morning nor smiled at him. Ryuu rushed in the store.

"Mother! Father!" he called.

Ryuu's mother and father looked up.

"Oh?"

"It's Amrita!" spluttered Ryuu, "This guy came last night and blinded her. He won't leave unless I-"

His mother's voice cut him off, "Are you lost, young lad?"

Ryuu stared at her.

"I-I beg your pardon?" he whispered.

"You lost, boy?" spoke his father, "It's easy to get lost in these bustling crowd. Would you like us to help you find your family?"

Ryuu stepped back, shaking his head.

"No," he muttered, "This can't be happening!"

He ran out of the shop.

"I returned and told Amrita everything and we wept. Our own parents had forgotten about us. I visited them everyday, to check is they regain any memories of us. They didn't. A few months later...they moved, taking their business along with them..."

Amu sniffed. Ryuu blinked.

"Are you alright?" he asked, worriedly.

"No," Amu sobbed, "It's just...so sad."

Ryuu smiled sadly.

"I'm sorry," sniffed Amu, "For thinking you're a bad guy when you're actually forced to do these things in order to protect your sister."

Ryuu stared at her.

This girl...

"It's okay," he said.

Amu glanced at Amrita, "Hey Ryuu," she said, "Can I try to heal Amrita?"

Ryuu followed Amu's gaze.

"You can" he replied, "I tried to heal Amrita with my own healing powers but," he turned to face Amu, "Maybe the Positive Wing can do something."

"Ikuto, Ikuto," called Utau as she shook Ikuto in order to wake him.

Ikuto opened his midnight blue eyes. He sat up and stretched.

"Utau? How did you know where to find me?" inquired Ikuto.

Utau laughed, "Who do think I am? I know everything about you, Ikuto!"

Ikuto ruffled his hair, "True," he yawned.

"Come," said Utau, "It's time to go."

Ikuto stood up and looked in the direction of the market place.

"You should've been here earlier Utau," smiled Ikuto.

Utau stopped.

"Why?" she asked.

"There was a song in the wind," said Ikuto as he turned to face her, "A song of courage."

Utau turned away, hiding an uncomfortable expression on her face.

"Was it good?"

Ikuto nodded, "Yes. It was beautiful."

Utau's expression became more perplexed.

Amu gently clasped her hand over Amrita's eyes. She closed her own eyes and concentrated. Ryuu stood back and watched his fingers crossed. A soft light glowed from beneath Amu's hand. Amu's brow creased. The light grew stronger.

Come on! She thought Please work!

Suddenly...

SNAP!

It was like a tight rope being snapped. Amu's concentration broke and she was flung back. Ryuu rushed forward and caught her.

"Are you alright, Amu-chan?!" cried Amrita.

Amu sat up. "I'm fine," she replied, "Unfortunately I can't break Amrita's curse. It's too powerful. I'm sorry."

Ryuu looked down at Amu.

"It's alright," reassured Ryuu, "You did your best."

Amu smiled at him. A bright shade of red appeared on his cheeks.

"Anyway," said Amu, standing up, "I need to get home," she bowed, "Thank you for having me and I do apologise that I couldn't do any more."

Ryuu chuckled, "I told you its fine."

"See you, Amu-chan!" piped up Amrita, "I hope to see you soon!"

Amu bid her farewell and walked out. Ryuu watched her go. Silence fell onto the hut.

"I have a feeling you're blushing, Onii-chan," said Amrita, slyly.

Ryuu's face grew redder and he quickly told her it was time for bed.

Amu walked in the brightly lit street. The sun had long gone disappeared and the moon is high in the sky.

"What a beautiful moon," she said to herself.

"There you are," called a familiar voice.

Amu stopped and looked to her left. There, standing in front of a ramen shop was...

Hoshina Utau?!

(A/N: Ramen is Japanese noodle soup) She was wearing a plain T-shirt with a jacket over it and black tights underneath.

"You stand out like a sore thumb, as usual," spoke another familiar voice.

Amu drew a breath.

Kukai?!

"These are just my practice clothes," replied Utau.

"Nah," said Kukai, "Maybe it's this actor's aura coming off you..." he then gave her a challenging smile, "So what's the menu for the showdown?" he asked.

Utau met his challenging gaze without any fear.

"The gigantic special, hard noodles, onions and pork."

"You're on!" cried Kukai.

Then they walked into the ramen shop, holding hands. Amu stared after them.

Kukai and Utau?! Utau and Kukai?! But I thought...

She gasped.

...Hoshina Utau is cheating on Ikuto!

Ikuto was walking along the streets. Suddenly he heard footsteps approaching towards him, fast. He spun around and saw Amu running towards him.

"Well, well," he said, "Why isn't it the person who always gets in my way."

Amu's eyebrows twitched.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I saw you walking by yourself and thought you needed some company," she replied.

Ikuto smirked and turned to continue walking.

"Too bad," he said out loud, "I was enjoying the peace and quiet."

Amu quickly caught up with Ikuto and walked in silence.

How am I going to bring this up?

She cleared her throat.

"I-I saw you and girlfriend today," she said, trying not to stammer.

Ikuto froze.

"You did?" he asked.

Amu stepped in front of him.

"Yep," she continued, "at Hoshina Utau's concert. I'm not surprise that your girlfriend is Utau. Both of you have great music talent."

"You sound funny," pointed out Ikuto.

Amu's cheeks grew a bit pink.

"A-Anyway," she stammered, "I have bad news about your girlfriend."

"Really?" said Ikuto, starting to walk again.

Amu scrambled to catch up.

"Yes! She's...she's cheating on you!" Amu chocked the words out.

Ikuto came to a halt, once more, causing Amu to crash into him.

"Who's she with?" he asked, his voice was steely.

"I saw her, a few minutes ago, with my friend Soma Kukai," said Amu quietly.

There was silence. Ikuto slowly turned around and stared at Amu. Suddenly, Amu heard the most unexpected sound; laughter. She stared as Ikuto cracked up.

Why is he laughing? Wait a minute...

Ikuto looked up, "Sorry," he chuckled, "I couldn't pass this moment to tease you."

Amu froze.

I knew it!

"B-But the hug... and Utau," she spluttered.

"Utau is actually my younger sister," explained Ikuto, "The reason for the hugs and the rest is because she's very close to me."

"But her surname is different to yours!" cried Amu.

Ikuto held up his hand, "She changed it," he said plainly.

"Why?" Amu asked.

"...It sounds better than Tsukiyomi Utau, doesn't it?" Ikuto asked.

He added silently to himself; she changed it for a good reason...

"Anyway, I'll walk you home," offered Ikuto.

Amu smiled, "Sure! Thank you."

Why do I feel so happy?

In the mirror room, the figure stood up. His icy cold blue eyes glimmered impatiently. He flicked a black pebble onto the floor. It shaped into a black shadowy human-shape.

"Akuma," spoke the figure, "It's up to you. Don't fail me."

The shadowy shape silently nodded and vanished into the ground.

To be continued...

So that's that. Looks like, whoever that figure is, had caused lots of pain of Ryuu. I own Amrita. R&R!