Hi guys! Thanks for all the reviews~! Now what's the figure planning?! Huh? Who's the figure? Can't tell, people! =)
Wish Upon A Wing
Deceiving Looks
"Anything else, Your Majesty?" asked Ebony.
She was writing a reply letter to Yuki, for Zina. Pearl was cleaning her already white feathers. Suddenly Zina sensed something. The water lapped at the edges of the pool, uneasily.
"Your Majesty?" chirped Ebony.
Pearl looked up.
Tell Yuki...to keep an eye on the movements of the Barrier. Or should I say the Veil.
Ebony's eyes widened, "Of course, Your Majesty."
Somewhere, deep in the forest, a shadowy patch was moving slowly through the forest path. When the patch passed through the forest, birds burst into the air. Their fear-filled screeches echoed throughout the forest.
Finally, the shadowy patch stopped outside the forest. Suddenly white eyes appeared on the patch. It was on a hill, overlooking the Kingdom of Light. Then a white mouth appeared, forming an evil smile.
"And then after he told me that Utau's his sister, he teased me that I was jealous!" pouted Amu.
She was at the back garden of Dream-Coloured Cafe.
"As if I was jealous!" Amu grumbled.
Masayoshi chuckled. He stood up from the flower beds.
"Well," he said, "Tsukiyomi-kun probably said that you were jealous because you seem to act jealous."
"I'm not jealous!" cried Amu, silently cursing that her cheeks were turning red.
"Um, Masayoshi? How did you come to know Ikuto?" asked Amu desperately trying to change the subject.
Masayoshi rubbed his chin, "Well...It was 3 years ago, we just opened the cafe but it wasn't as popular. One day, Tsukiyomi-kun happened to pass by. Chie and I invited him in and offered him chocolate-batter custard. He ate it and told us it was great. We explained to him that business was slow then...," Masayoshi smiled at the memory, "He played his violin and a crowd flocked to our place.
"Are you two done?" asked Chie.
She rubbed her mud covered hands on her jeans.
"Oh Chie," sighed Masayoshi, "How many times do I have to tell you?"
He walked over to her, pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and began to clean Chie's hands.
"Don't wipe your dirty hands on your clothes," Masayoshi gently scold.
"Y-You know I can clean it myself," blush Chie.
Amu crouched down to examine the beautiful flowers. A rose caught her eye.
"That's pretty," she whispered.
Amu reached out to touch but then yank her hand back. A thorn had stabbed her finger.
Masayoshi quickly turned around, "Hinamori-san! Are you alright?!"
"I-I'm fine," Amu replied.
Masayoshi whipped out another handkerchief and gently wrapped Amu's finger with it.
"How many handkerchiefs do you have?" muttered Chie.
"Next time be careful," said Masayoshi, "Although roses are very beautiful, their thorns can hurt you. Looks can be deceiving."
The sound of a door opening and the chime of bells echoed from the cafe.
"Hello? Amu-chan, are you here?" Amu stood up.
"Looks like your prince is here to pick you up," smiled Chie.
Amu blushed and rushed inside to meet Tadase. As the pair strolled out of the cafe, they weren't aware that a shadowy figure was watching them.
"What happened to your finger, Amu-chan?" asked Tadase when he gazed down at Amu's hand.
"Oh! It's just a rose thorn! I'm fine!" reassured Amu.
Woof! Woof!
Tadase and Amu looked straight ahead. A black dog was rushing towards them at high speed.
BAM!
The dog bawled Tadase over.
"Tadase!" cried Amu, "Are you alright?!" "
I'm fine," Tadase replied, "I just scrape my elbow."
He held up his bloody elbow.
Amu gasped, "That's not a scrape! Let me try and find a bandage."
She rummaged in her bag. Suddenly they heard a whine. The black dog padded over to Tadase and licked his wound.
Tadase laughed and patted it on the head, "Good boy."
Amu finally found a bandage and placed it on his elbow. She then turned to the mutt.
"Do you think it's lost?" she asked.
Tadase examined the dog.
"Well, it has no collar," he observed.
Suddenly, without warning, the black dog bolted off.
"That's unexpected," muttered Amu as she helped Tadase to his feet.
Tadase nodded. They walked off. Behind the nearby trees, the black dog watched them with a smirk.
After Tadase dropped Amu home, she flops onto her bed. She rolled onto her stomach to face her stuffed cat, Yoru.
"I guess it's time to go to bed," she said out loud, "Since we don't have school tomorrow, I wonder what we're going to do, Yoru. I mean me."
She stood up to get change. Amu glanced at the stuffed cat and smiled.
"If only you can talk then maybe you can give me some suggestions."
Yoru continued to smile at her with that sewn mouth. Amu was already fast asleep when Shigeru got home.
Shigeru quietly poked his head in Amu's room. He smiled when he saw his sister. When he closed the door, his smiled dropped. When Shigeru entered the house, he sensed there was something dark watching the house.
The next morning, Amu entered the kitchen where Shigeru was busy preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Onii-chan," Amu greeted cheerfully.
"Morning Monster," he replied.
"How long are you going to call me that?" grumbled Amu.
Shigeru walked over and placed plates of food on the table.
"Isn't it obvious?" asked Shigeru, "Until I die."
After they finished breakfast, there was a knock on the door. Shigeru immediately sensed a dark presence.
"I'll get it!" said Amu.
She opened the front door and there stood Tadase.
"T-Tadase!" cried Amu, her voice had suddenly gone high pitched, "G-Good morning!"
Tadase smiled back, "Good morning, Amu-chan. I-I have a request to ask you," He blushed profoundly, "W-Would you...like to...go on a date with me?"
Inside, Amu was dancing with joy and happiness.
Tadase asked me to on a date!
"Sure," she said coolly, "I don't mind. Just wait for a moment while I get ready."
Amu practically flew up the stairs. Shigeru stared at Tadase.
Tadase smiled warmly at him, "Good morning, Hinamori-san."
Shigeru nodded, "Morning," he mumbled back.
When Amu finished changing, she met Tadase outside the house and two walked towards the park with Shigeru staring after them.
"YOU'RE DATING HOSHINA UTAU?!" shrieked Yaya.
A sweat drop appeared on Kukai's head, "Y-You don't have to announce it to the whole world, Yaya," he croaked.
Luckily, the friends were in Masayoshi and Chie's cafe and it was closed for the day.
"I'm quite surprised Souma-kun," commented Nagi.
Rima nodded in agreement, "Since when do you take interest in girls?" she added.
Masayoshi and Chie were listening in the background.
Kuaki scratched his head. "Her real name is Tsukiyomi Utau. I met her...around 5 years ago. I was coming back from the movies when I spotted her sitting on the hillside. I immediately recognized her from TV ads and asked if she was alright."
"She replied she was just resting after eating some tonkatsu ramen. (T/N tonkatsu translate to 'pork cutlet'.) I laughed and said 'Idols eat tonkatsu ramen?' 'Is that a problem?' she shot back. I said 'Not at all! I love ramen too!' Then I added 'Have you heard about the new shop in front of the train station? If you take their super large ramen challenge and finish it all, it's free!'"
"She instantly took interest. I remember her challenging glare when she looked at me. 'Challenge? Are you challenging me, boy?' And we both took off to the store. I must say I was impressed that she could still eat!"
The friends stared at him, even Masayoshi and Chie.
"Y-You two met by a ramen-eating completion?" repeated Kairi.
Kukai rubbed his neck, "Pretty much."
Masayoshi sighed.
"How romantic," said Chie with sarcasm.
Kairi pushed his glasses further up his nose, "Tsukiyomi? Isn't that the last name of Hinamori's guardian?"
The friends snapped back to reality.
"That's true," said Nagi.
"Hoshina Utau, Hoshina Utau," muttered Kairi.
Yaya blinked, "What's wrong, Kairi?"
"Now that I think about, my sister is Hoshina's manager," he said.
"What?!" cried Yaya. Suddenly...
Beep! Beep!
Yaya whipped out her cell phone.
She looked a screen, "A text from Amu?"
Guess what? Tadase asked me out on a date! ^-^
Amu
The friends crowd around the tiny screen. Their reaction was all the same;
"?!"
Ikuto was lazily lying on the grass in the park. The spring sun was shining brightly. Suddenly a breeze blew through the park causing the flowers and trees to tremble. Ikuto's eyes flew open. There was an uneasy feeling in the atmosphere. Ikuto sat up and scan the park.
This presence...it's in this park.
Ikuto got to his feet and began to walk around the park. He sniffed the air.
This smell...
He continued to walk around, staying hidden behind the trees. The he saw it... Amu was sitting on a bench while Tadase handed her an ice-cream. His eyes widened.
That's...!
"Here you go," said Tadase as he handed Amu a strawberry-flavoured ice-cream cone.
Amu blushed, "Thank you, Tadase."
She was about to lick when...
"Don't eat it!"
Ikuto leapt into the air.
"Ikuto?!" Amu gasped.
Ikuto charged at Tadase.
"Wait!" cried Amu.
Ikuto swiftly swung his legs at Tadase but Tadase nimbly dodged it all. He took a step back.
"Tsukiyomi Ikuto, why are you attacking me?" he asked.
Ikuto landed in front of Amu.
"Don't give me any of your lame excuses," he growled.
Then Ikuto leapt into the air. As he was pulled down from gravity, Ikuto positioned his foot so it would land on Tadase. Tadase gasped.
"Stop it right now!"
Amu's voice cuts Ikuto's concentration and he misplaced his foot. Suddenly, in a split second there was an evil grin on Tadase's face. Then Tadase swiped his hand through the air. Ikuto jumped back.
Amu ran in between them. She turned to Ikuto. "Stop it, Ikuto!" she cried. Ikuto tucked his left arm behind him. His left arm was dripping with blood.
Tadase stepped out from behind Amu, "Exactly Tsukiyomi Ikuto. Leave us alone." Ikuto gulped. He clutched his left arm. Ikuto turned to Amu.
"I'm keeping an eye on you." Amu blinked. Then he disappeared.
"I wonder why Ikuto suddenly attacked you," Amu turned to Tadase, "Are you alright?"
Tadase nodded, "I'm just going to get a drink of water, ok?"
Amu nodded, "I'll wait here."
Tadase strolled away.
"I finally have his blood," he muttered.
Masayoshi and Chie were cleaning the cafe while the friends laze about. Yaya was half asleep, Kairi was reading, Kukai had challenged Nagi to an arm wrestle and Rima was enjoying a cup of coco. Suddenly the cafe door opened with a chime. Masayoshi looked up.
"I'm sorry but we're..." His voice trailed off.
Tadase stood in the doorway, blinking.
Yaya bolted up, "Tadase?!" she gasped, "Aren't you supposed to be with Amu on your date?!"
Tadase shocked his head, "I was busy. Wait. A date with Amu-chan?!"
Chie and Masayoshi looked at each other. The friends exchanged worried expressions.
"If Tadase is here," whispered Rima.
"Who is Amu with?" finished Nagi.
Amu patiently waited for Tadase.
I wonder why Ikuto attacked Tadase all of a sudden.
"Amu."
Amu looked up. It was Ikuto.
"I apologise for my earlier actions," he said.
Amu nodded, "It's ok although you did take me by surprise."
"Now," Ikuto continued, "Forgive me to abruptly change the subject, can you show me your lock?"
Amu blinked, "Sur-"
"Don't listen to him."
Amu flinched and turned around to see... another Ikuto?! Amu looked back and forth.
"Why are there two of you?!" she cried.
Both Ikutos had a cut on their left arms. The Ikuto on the right side charged first. The Ikuto on the left quickly blocked the other Ikuto's attack. Amu stared at them, her head spinning.
What's going on?
Tadase and the others rushed to park.
Please, please let Amu be ok thought Tadase.
Kukai suddenly pointed in a direction, "Over here!" he called.
They quickly followed Kukai. There was Amu standing there while... two Ikutos were fighting?! The friends came to halt.
"Since when are there two Tsukiyomi Ikutos?" muttered Tadase.
Amu noticed her friends, "Tadase! There you are!"
One of the Ikutos fell to the ground while the other one quickly leapt into the air, positioning his foot so it would land on him. The Ikuto on the ground quickly rolled to one side in order to avoid the attack.
"What the heck is going on?!" spoke a voice which made the Ikutos stop and the friends turned around.
There, with her hands on her hips, was Hoshina Utau.
"Kah!" cried Yaya, "The famous Utau~" She whipped out her phone,"Can I take a picture of you?" she asked.
"Yaya-senpai, now's not the time," sighed Kairi.
"Encounters like this are a rare one," she pouted.
Utau turned to the two Ikutos, "Which one of you is my real brother?" she asked.
"I am!" they replied at the same time.
Amu stared.
"Yo! Utau!" called Kukai, "What are you doing here?"
Utau turned to face Kukai, "I was taking a walk when I hear the racket," she replied.
Then she turned to the Ikutos, "This seems complicated," she observed.
"Um," spoke Amu, "I'm Hinamori Amu. Please Utau, can help us out?"
Utau's eyes examined Amu for a sec, "So you're Hinamori Amu," Utau muttered under her breath.
She stared at Ikutos for a few seconds, "I have a plan," Utau finally spoke.
"Since when do you come up with good ideas?" added Kukai.
"Shut up!" snapped Utau. She faced Yaya, "You're the psychic girl Kukai told me about, right?" Yaya nodded. "Is it possible for you to magic up a ribbon about 3-4 metres long?" Utau kindly asked.
Yaya saluted, "Roger!"
Yaya clutched her hands together and a pink glow shone from inside. Kairi watch with amazement and admiration. Yaya parted her hands and a long ribbon was formed.
"Here you are, Utau-chan," said Yaya handing the ribbon to Utau.
Utau smiled, "Thank you."
Yaya suddenly got light-headed and Kairi had to catch her from fainting onto the ground. Utau gently wounded the long ribbon around Amu's arms and handed the ends to both Ikutos. She stood back.
Amu blinked, "What's going to happen?"
The friends watched in silent, waiting for Utau's reply.
Utau smirked, "It's a game called 'Tug of War'"
"Eh?!"
The friends stared at Utau like she was crazy.
Masayoshi rubbed his chin, "Interesting tactic," he observed.
Chie looked at him, "Do you know how this is going to work?"
Masayoshi stroked his chin, "Hmmm...I have no idea~"
Chie nearly fell over.
"I-I beg your pardon?!" cried Amu, "Tug of war?!"
Utau nodded, "Exactly. The Ikuto who pulls Amu to their side first wins, proving they're the real one."
Both Ikutos gave each other a challenging glare.
"Get ready," said Utau as she raised her arm up high, "Get set."
"W-Wait!" cried Amu.
Utau swung her arm down, "Go!"
Immediately the ribbon around both of Amu's arms tightens and both Ikutos pulled with all their might. Amu gnashed her teeth in pain. Tadase stared at Amu with concern. Utau stood back and watched.
Kukai walked up to her, "Is this really going to work?" he questioned.
"Trust me," she replied, "You just need to look for the right reaction."
Kukai stared at with confusion, "Reaction? What kind of reaction?"
Utau sighed, "There's a good reason you have a brain."
Both of Amu's arm ached.
I feel like a toy being fought over by two children!
Suddenly there was a painful jerk from her right side. A cry of pain escaped from her mouth. The Ikuto on the left side drew a breath. His grip loosened and the ribbon was snatched out of his hand. Utau's quick eyes caught the action. Amu fell to her right hand side.
The Ikuto on the right walked over and helped her up. He then faced the other Ikuto.
"There. I won," he said, "So get out of here or else."
The friends watched closely, wondering what's going to happen.
"Hold on," said Utau, stepping out.
She faced the Ikuto on the right, the one with Amu. Utau thrust her arm, pointing her index finger at him.
"You're the fake!"
'Ikuto' stared at the accusing finger.
"W-What are you saying, Utau?" he muttered.
Amu stared at 'Ikuto'. A single bead sweat trickled down from his forehead.
Utau crossed her arms, "That tug of war clearly proved that you're the fake Ikuto."
The friends stayed silent, waiting for more.
'Ikuto' forced a smiled, "I-Interesting. Please elaborate."
"This tug of war wasn't a game of strength but of feelings," explained Utau, "When you two pull Amu in opposite direction, she was clearly in pain. When Amu let out that cry of pain, she clearly showed that to everyone." Utau faced the Ikuto on the left and continued, "A guardian's job is to protect, not cause pain. The real Ikuto would immediately stop what he was doing that was inflicting pain. In this case, he let go of the rope."
Utau now turned to Amu.
"Amu," she said, "Please ask the Ikutos a question the real Ikuto would know, in case my theory is wrong."
Amu pondered for a moment.
"Um...," started Amu.
She shut her eyes.
This is going to be embarrassing.
"What did you call me when we were lost in the forest?!" she blurted.
There was a moment of silence. Both Ikutos looked at each other, nervously.
"I-I didn't called you anything," stammered the Ikuto on the right.
Amu gasped.
The Ikuto on the left laughed, "Wrong," he said then he faced Amu, "I called you a clothes rank."
The name crushed Amu (not literally) but she quickly regain her composure. Everyone stared at 'Ikuto'.
Amu frowned, "If you're not Ikuto then who are you?"
An evil grin spread across his face.
"That's an interesting question," he muttered.
Amu stepped back. The friends watched, nervously even Utau looked a bit nervous. Ikuto portioned himself, ready to fight even charge. The fake Ikuto straightened and placed his hand on his chest.
"Who am I?" he repeated, "Let's see."
Suddenly he begins to shrink, only a little. His midnight blue hair suddenly turned blonde and his blue eyes turned red. Amu gasped. Standing in front of her was someone who looked identical to Tadase!
The friends, especially Tadase, were shocked. Then 'Tadase' went onto all fours and started to grow smaller. His blonde hair become black and his ruby red eyes grew dark. Also, hair started to appear over his body. Now a black dog was standing in front of them.
"That black dog!" gasped Tadase and Amu.
The dog let out a chilling howl then its shape fell into the ground forming a shadowy patch.
"W-What is that?" whimpered Rima.
"It's an Akuma," replied Ikuto.
"Akuma?" repeated Kairi.
"Everyone, brace yourself!" cried Ikuto.
Suddenly the shadowy patch shifted then took shape of giant a human figure. White eyes and a white mouth appeared on the pitch black face. Yaya whimpered. Suddenly the Akuma raised its arms, claw-like fingers formed, and it swung it down.
"Everyone, take cover!" yelled Masayoshi.
A cloud of dust erupted as the Akuma's hand came into contact with the ground.
When the dust cleared, there were deep claw gnashes in the ground. Tadase had flung himself on top of Amu while the friends hundled together for cover. Ikuto had somehow conjured a shield of darkness. Masatoshi looked up and gasped. Chie had been too slow to avoid the attack, now she lay sprawled on the ground.
"Chie!" cried Masayoshi as he ran up to her.
He held her in his arms.
"Are you hurt?!" he asked.
Chie weakly smiled, "I think...I sprained my ankle. That's all," she rasped.
Masayoshi looked at the Akuma his kind brown eyes had gone cold and steely. He held out his hand and a dagger appeared.
"If that monster comes near us, it'll wish it hadn't."
Suddenly the Akuma raised its arms again, claws extended.
"Everyone," cried Tadase, "Attack!"
Rima immediately produced a long rope while Nagi held out his hand and a long spear appeared. Kairi protectively stood in front of Yaya, armed with two blades, one in each hand.
Kukai gave a thumbs-up to Utau, "Don't worry Utau," he grinned, "I'll protect you!"
Utau raised her eyebrows, "Since when do I need you to protect me?" she snorted.
The Akuma swung its arms at the friends. Rima quickly reacted, cracking her whip at its arms. The Akuma withdraw its arms from her and opened its mouth instead. A large ball of darkness formed and was launched at Rima. Rima stood there, absolutely paralysed with fear. Suddenly Nagi was in front of her. He spun his spear, deflecting the attack.
He turned to face her, "Be careful next time," he said.
Rima's cheeks puffed out, "I-I could've of handle it," she pouted.
The Akuma then fired at Amu but Tadase was there to protect her.
"Stay with Masayoshi," he told her, "You'll be safer there."
Amu watched, helplessly as her friends fought. Kukai and Utau had made it into a game; the first to bring down the Akuma wins, as they sore through the sky (Utau had sprung white wings on her back).
What should I do?
"If you really want to help," spoke Masayoshi as he held Chie close, "Then go."
Amu smiled, "Thanks Masa!"
She ran forward.
The figure smirked.
"The Positive Wing seems to have found some courage. But courage can also be a down fall."
Tadase was too focused on the Akuma's shadow orbs that he didn't notice its arms until it was too late. But before it could land on him, a spray of star-shaped rays shot out. Tadase turned to see Amu standing behind him.
"I thought I told-," he started but Amu cut him off.
"I want to help!" she insisted.
Tadase smiled to himself, "If you insist," he said.
Kukai and Utau were still suspended in the air.
"Oi Utau!" called Kukai, "Watch this!"
Kukai's star-shaped earring glowed and a ball of golden energy appeared. Then Kukai gave it a hard kick. The ball landed smack on the Akuma's head.
"Show-off," snorted Utau.
Her white angelic wings suddenly changed into black bat wings.
"Take this!" she cried.
Utau moved her in a circular pattern and a hurricane of red energy shaped of butterflies flew out. The Akuma shrieked in fury.
Rima skilfully wrapped her long rope around the Akuma's arm while Yaya grabbed the white ribbon and, using her psychic powers, wrapped it around the Akuma's other arm. Nagi and Kairi helped them to hold on. They dug their feet into the ground as the Akuma struggled.
"How many attacks must we use to bring this down?!" said Yaya as she gnashed her teeth.
Kukai and Utau flew down to help them. Amu watched.
There must be something we can do to get rid of it!
"Amu."
Amu turned around to see Ikuto.
"You know what to do," he said nodding towards the Akuma.
She blinked.
"Remember what you did at Yuki's," he calmly said.
Amu immediately caught on. Of course! She ran forward until she was standing in front of the thrashing Akuma.
"Amu-chan!" cried Tadase, "Get away from there! It's dangerous!"
The Akuma screamed at Amu's face but she stood her ground and bravely faced it.
"It's time for you to face the light!" announced Amu.
The lock around Amu's neck glowed. The magic circle appeared underneath her. The lock shone with a blinding white light and transformed into the long staff. Small 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 Akuma. It screamed as white feathers covered it.
"This isn't over Positive Wing," it mourned as it slowly started to disappear.
Amu stepped back.
"The Positive Wing may be strong but it's nothing without the Negative Wing," the Akuma rasped then faded away.
Amu stood there. Her staff changed back into the lock.
The...Negative Wing?
Then Amu remembered Yuki's explanation about the other half of the Tsubasa.
Who could be holding the Negative Wing?
The friends gathered together, all slightly battered. Masayoshi walked over with Chie, who was slightly blushing, in his arms.
"Tadase, have you seen a pure black feather before?" whispered Amu.
There was a pause.
"Why may you ask?" he replied.
"Oh! Um…no reason!" spluttered Amu.
A flashback came to Tadase's mind; a small boy with blonde hair and ruby red eyes, holding a pure black feather.
"It looks like Chie's leg may take some time to heal," spoke up Masayoshi, "The café will be short on staff…"
He thought for a moment.
"Would you like to work for us for a part-time job?" he asked the group.
Yaya's eyes sparkled, "Can we have some treats after we finish?!" she asked.
Masayoshi chuckled, "Of course! Come. Let's go to the café," He turned to Ikuto, "You too, Tsukiyomi."
Suddenly Utau's eyes fixed onto Ikuto. He had suddenly started coughing…badly.
"Are you finished changing?" asked Masayohi.
He was sitting on at one of the tables with Chie across him. Her leg was wrapped with bandages.
"Kyaa~! It's so cute!"
Yaya's voice echoed through the café. The friends stepped out of the changing rooms. They were wearing waiters' and waitresses' outfits. On each of their sleeves there was a different symbol stitched onto the starched material. (A/N: If you want know what symbol each character has refer to the end of the story)
Tadase smiled at Amu, "You look beautiful, Amu-chan," he complimented.
Amu blushed profoundly. Yaya was twirling around, showing off her frilly waitress dress to Kairi.
"All of you look beautiful and handsome," smiled Masayoshi.
"Have any of you waited on customers before?" asked Chie.
Suddenly the chatter faded and everyone became silent.
Chie sighed, "I take that as a 'no'."
Masayoshi laughed, "It's alright! All you need to do is be friendly, take the customer's order, remember the table number and tell it to the chef! Which is me by the way."
Suddenly there was coughing.
"Are you alright, Ikuto-kun?" asked Utau worriedly.
Ikuto gave a few more coughs before replying.
"I'm fine," he mumbled from behind his hand.
Amu walked over to them, "Is everything ok?" she asked.
Utau shot her glare but stepped back.
"I said I'm fine," Ikuto replied quickly before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and shoved it behind his back.
Unknown to Utau and Amu, Ikuto's hand had come away slick with blood. He turned to Masayohsi.
"I'm sorry Masayoshi," he said, "I can't work for you... I have some important task to do."
He walked back into the changing rooms. Amu followed him with her eyes.
Too bad. Ikuto looked good in that uniform. Wait?! What I'm thinking?!
"Masayoshi," piped up Yaya, "How did you come up with these symbols? They suit our character perfectly!"
Masayoshi thought for a moment, "Well you see...," he began.
Everyone leaned forward.
"I just sewed them on randomly!" he finished.
Everyone fell over. Laughter filled the cafe. Meanwhile Ikuto leaned against the changing room door. He started at his blood covered hand then clenched it tight together.
Ikuto walked Utau home, since Kukai had to attend a soccer practice.
The two walked in silence until Utau spoke up, "So she's the one?" she asked.
Ikuto remained silent.
"That Amu girl seems nice. If she holds the Positive Wing," Utau continued then her voice became quieter, "She's the one meant for you... Ikuto."
Ikuto smiled a bit, "I thought you would burst in rage when you saw her."
"I-I didn't react at all," stuttered Utau.
Ikuto laughed, "Then what's with the glare at the cafe?"
Utau blushed slightly, "I-It's just happens ok?!"
"True," smiled Ikuto, "You've been like that since we were born!"
"What's so bad being protective of your older brother?!" cried Utau.
"At least you changed a little when you met him," said Ikuto.
Utau's cheeks changed to a brighter shade of red.
"K-Kukai's nothing to me!" she cried, "He's a...a...a kid! Yes! He acts like a kid. Definitely not my type!"
Ikuto was clearly amused, "Since when did you have a type?"
"A-Anyway!" said Utau, desperate to change the subject, "Even if you two are meant are...meant to be, you can't fall in love because of the rules and..."
There was a pause. Ikuto's smile vanished.
"...and because of what you are," finished Utau, quietly and sadly.
"Good night Amu," called Shigeru from across the hall.
"Good night!" Amu called back.
She then flopped down onto her bed. She turned onto her stomach to face Yoru.
"Guess what Yoru?" she said, "Today I encountered an Akuma."
Amu paused for a moment, "What is an Akuma?" she wondered out loud.
Amu hugged Yoru to her chest, "If only I could ask Yuki..."
Then she remembered the communication device. She quickly jumped out of her bed and fished out a crystal snowflake, about the size of a make-up compact, out of her bag. She pressed the centre of the snowflake and a small beam of light shot out. The light quickly took shape of Yuki's face.
"Good evening Hinamori-san," smiled Yuki.
"Hi Yuki," whispered Amu, "Um...something happened to me today."
"Yes?"
"I encountered an Akuam today," stated Amu.
Yuki's smiled fell and there was silent.
So she had a reason to warn to me...thought Yuki.
"Yuki? Are you there?" asked Amu.
"Hm? Oh. Yes. So what's wrong Hinamori-san?" asked Yuki, snapping back to earth.
"Well, I want to know what is an Akuma?" Amu replied.
Yuki thought for a moment before answering, "Well, an Akuma is an essence of darkness that is brought to life by magic,"
"So how do they shape-shift?" Amu asked.
"You encountered a shape-shifting one?" asked Yuki.
"Yes."
A worried expression came over Yuki's face, "Are you alright?"
Amu smiled, "I'm fine~"
"Well an Akuma has an natural ability to shape-shift from an object to an animal. Its true form is a shadowy patch or a basic human shape. But in order to take one's identity it needs that person's blood. Even one drop is enough."
Amu remembered when Tadase was bawled over the dog licked his bleeding elbow. Then when the fake Tadase fought Ikuto, he must have received a cut during the fight.
That explains everything!
Amu thanked Yuki.
Yuki tipped his head, "My pleasure. Have sweet dreams Hinamoru-san."
"You too."
The beam of light faded away. Amu placed the snowflake on her bedside table. She crawled over her covers, held Yoru close to her and fell asleep.
Yuki leaned back against his chair. He looked out of his window and stood up. The lights from the village twinkled in the distant.
"You were right Your Majesty," Yuki muttered, "He has indeed started to take action."
"Your Highness!" chirped Redwing as soar to Mia.
"What it is, Redwing?" asked Mia as she straightened up in her throne.
Redwing handed her a scroll.
"Here's the report regarding the Veil's condition."
"Thank you," said Mia as she took the scroll.
She unrolled the scroll and her eyes widened.
"What?!"
"It looks like the Akuma plan has failed, sir," announced Ryuu.
He was standing beside the figure while Kitsune sat at his feet.
"What now?" asked Kitsune in a bored tone.
"Continue with the Akuma plan," replied the figure, his eyes fixed to the fuzzy mirror, "Until we have found and capture HIM."
Somewhere, on a grassy hill, Ikuto was lying on his side. He had his eyes closed and beads of sweat glistened in the moonlight, on his head. A river of red ran down from Ikuto's mouth forming a large red puddle beside him.
To be continued...
Drats! Tadase didn't actually asked Amu out! Don't worry guys! I'm going with the pairing made by the manga (and I'm an Amuto fan). Looks like Ikuto's not in a good shape. What will happen?! Something very funny is going to happen! R&R!
Stitched symbols on characters' sleeves:
Amu- heart, spade, clover, diamond
Ikuto- paw print
Tadase- crown
Yaya- rabbit
Kairi- bamboo
Rima- star, droplet
Nagihiko- small flower, wing
Utau- angelic wing, bat wing
Kukai- star
Masayoshi- eight-pointed star
Chie- crescent moon