I'm finally on holidays! Thank Manyberries for your review! I don't have much to say after that so... oh! THERE'S A KISS SCENE!
Wish Upon A Wing
A Ball to Remember and to Forget
Mia quickly signed the last piece of parchment. She then neatly folded it and placed it into an envelope.
"That's the last one!" she exclaimed.
Masanori took the envelope from her.
"The last invitation?" he repeated.
Mia nodded, "We haven't had a special occasion for a while."
As Mia's birds swooped and flew through the early summer air, with little satchels around their necks, full of invitations, a stray invitation fluttered down. A hand snatched it. The hooded figure broke open the seal and his cold, ice blue eyes scanned the context. His eyes lit up momentarily.
"A ball?" he smirked, "Tonight?"
He turned over the envelope. His eyes lit up more. He carefully sealed the envelope back and walked in a certain direction. On the envelope it was addressed 'Hinamori'.
It's been a few days since Ikuto decided to stay with Amu. She gave him the spare room, which was next to hers. She was amazed at the amount of his luggage; one violin case.
"Is that your father's violin?" she had asked.
Ikuto had nodded. Now Amu was entering the kitchen where a tray of food was already waiting for her.
"Good morning, Ikuto!" greeted Amu.
Ikuto smiled, "Good morning."
Suddenly there was a chill down his spine.
Something sinister is lurking nearby.
"Eat your breakfast, Amu," he said, "I'll be right back."
Ikuto walked outside but the streets were empty. He noticed there was something sticking out of the letterbox. He took it out. The envelope was addressed to 'Hinamori'.
The invitation read; 'please attend the ball tonight! Wear formal dress. Masks are optional.'
Ikuto's sharp eyes immediately picked up something unusual.
It's been opened.
As Amu walked to school, she blinked at the paper in her hands that Ikuto had given to her.
"A ball?" she read out loud, "Never been to one of those before."
"Amu-chii!"
Amu turned around just to colloid with a running Yaya.
"Did you get it? Did you get it?" Yaya excitedly asked. Amu waved her invitation in Yaya's face.
"Yes, I did," she said, "So calm down, okay?"
Yaya burst into the air. "Yes!" she screamed. As she fell back to the ground, she landed on an unexpected, passing-by Kairi.
"Yaya-senpai!" he cried, "Get off of me, please!"
Yaya's cheeks become pink.
"Sorry!" she said and obeyed.
The bell rang and the students quickly scattered to homeroom. Amu sat behind her desk. She got a piece of paper and quickly scribbled a note and threw to Tadase. He opened the piece of paper and smiled.
Did you get the invitation?
He wrote a reply and threw the note back to Amu. She unfolded it and read.
Yes. I assume you have one too.
I can't wait to see you in a ball gown.
That was when it struck her.
I don't have a ball gown...
Ikuto was lazily lying on a couch while Utau was pacing up and down. They were in Utau's dressing room.
"I can't believe it!" she exclaimed, "We've been invited!"
"I know," Ikuto mumbled, "You've been saying that for the tenth time."
Utau continued to ramble on as if she didn't hear her brother.
"Oh, what should I wear? Who will escort me?"
Ikuto sat up, "That second question is easy. Isn't your 'friend' taking you?"
Utau stopped in her tracks and faced Ikuto, "He's just a kid!" she protested, her cheeks were red.
Ikuto chuckled at his sister's expression.
"A-Anyway, are you going to take her?" mumbled Utau.
Ikuto's smile dropped.
"Maybe," he sighed.
"You have to!" demanded Utau, "I mean, he is hanging around, anything can happen to her."
Ikuto nodded in agreement, "True."
Students walked out of the classroom and out through the school gates. The clock above the blackboard read; 3 o'clock. Amu sighed. The classroom was empty. She stared at the invitation on her desk.
"I really wanted to go," she whispered, "And dance with Tadase but... I don't have anything to wear." (A/N: Like Cinderella!)
She finally picked up her bag and walked out. To her surprise, Amu found Ikuto waiting at the gates.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I figured you needed something to wear," Ikuto smirked.
Amu stared at him. "How did-"
"By the looks of your small wardrobe, you don't have any fancy gowns in there," Ikuto cut in, "That's what your friend here, told me."
He stepped aside, revealing a young girl with long lime green hair curled at the end. Her fringe was clipped with an exotic jewelled flower.
"Lulu!" cried Amu as she ran forward.
The two girls gave each other a warm embrace.
"I haven't seen you in such a long time!" cried Amu.
Lulu smiled sadly, "I heard about your brother and decided to see you."
She stepped back and looked at Amu up and down.
"Now, about this upcoming ball," she said, "I can help you to whip up a gorgeous gown"
Although she was Healer, Lulu had strong ties with clothes makers in town.
Lulu turned to face Ikuto, "You're coming too Tsukiyomi!"
Ryuu pulled on a long black coat trimmed with red.
Amrita listened carefully to the rustling.
"Where are you going, Onii-chan?" she asked.
He pulled on pearl-white gloves, "A ball," he replied.
"Oh!" cried Amrita, "That sounds exciting!"
Ryuu smiled lovingly at his sister and smoothed out his coat.
"Are you going to dance with Amu-chan?" Amrita asked.
Ryuu nearly dropped his time piece.
"W-Why would you ask that?' he stammered.
Amrita smiled, "Just because."
Ryuu could feel a blush coming to his cheeks as he looked down at a mask lying on the table.
Ikuto scowled at his time piece; 5 o'clock. The ball had already begun. He was dressed in a long black coat trimmed with gold. He had white ruffles under his neck. Lulu had taken the time to help him with his outfit but now she's taking her time with Amu.
He sighed.
Girls always take forever to dress.
Suddenly Ikuto heard a soft rustle and quiet steps.
"Um..."
He turned around and Ikuto's midnight blue eyes widened.
Amu had her long pink hair down and some strands were wavy. She had a black lace bow on her head. Amu wore a strapless pure white gown with a rose on her bodice. Its petals were different colours; pink, little blue, little green and yellow. White billowy sleeves started just under her shoulder and stopped at her wrist. The lock hung around her neck from its golden chain.
"G-Good evening," Amu said politely.
For some reason, she felt uneasy under Ikuto's gaze.
"H-How do I look?" she asked shyly.
There was a pause.
"Satisfactory," he replied.
Amu could imagine blocks of concrete falling onto her.
Satisfactory?! For all of Lulu's hard work?!
She then realised that Ikuto was holding out his hand towards her.
"Come," he said, "It's time to go."
Amu hesitated a bit but then took it. Lulu was smiling at them in the shadows.
The two walked on the streets in silence. Amu was wearing a thin shawl over her shoulders. Lights from the palace could be seen. The palace may seem like a glowing crown during the day but at night it's like the brightest star in the night sky.
"Ikuto, why do you insist that you escort me to the ball tonight?" asked Amu.
Ikuto remained silent for a while before answering, "I'm your guardian and it's my job to protect you. Anything can happen."
They both became silent when they neared the front gates which had guards stationed there.
"Your invitation, please, madam," said one guard holding his hand out.
Amu handed him her letter.
"And what about you sir?" asked the other guard looking at Ikuto.
"An invitation had been sent to my family member," Ikuto replied.
"Your family name?"
"Tsukiyomi."
A surprised expression came over the guard's face before he allowed them to past.
Two figures stood on top of the palace, unseen to the guards. Ryuu's black coat flapped in the wind.
Kitsune groaned, "Why do we have to come?" she complained.
"Stop complaining," Ryuu sighed.
Kitsune's ears twitched.
Ryuu quickly cleared his throat, "I mean we need to. We have to tell him."
Kitsune's ears drooped, "So boring," she pouted.
Ryuu smiled, "Who knows, he might be attending."
Kitsune's ears immediately perked up. She turned to face Ryuu.
"So, what do we do?"
The ballroom was enormous. Giant glass chandeliers hang on the ceiling of the large marble room. At the far end, an orchestra was playing and Mia was sitting on her throne, with Masanori by her side, watching everything. The dance floor was full of dancing couples. Amu stood there, gaping.
"Stop doing that," hissed Ikuto, "You look like a scaly fish in a ball gown."
Amu immediately shut her mouth. Instead she simply gazed at the couples, who were dancing gracefully across the floor, in awe. Ikuto held out his hand.
"Want... Want to dance?" he asked.
Amu blinked before waving her hands about.
"What? No! I'm terrible at dancing! I don't even know how to!"
Ikuto grabbed her arm and dragged her to the centre.
"I'll teach you," he bluntly replied.
Amu kept on protesting, she didn't want to make an embarrassing scene. Suddenly Ikuto stopped and Amu stepped on his foot, hard. He winced. Realising what she had done, Amu leapt back.
"See what I mean!" she cried.
Ikuto sighed, "Let's try again."
He pulled Amu closer to him. He wrapped one arm around her waist, Amu stiffly placed her hand on Ikuto's shoulder and their other hand closed in on each other. She could feel a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Follow my lead," he whispered in her ear.
Ikuto took a step back and Amu took a step forward. Soon Amu found herself gliding across the floor in Ikuto's arms. The lights merged into the background and the orchestra's music swirled around in her head. On top of that, Amu could smell Ikuto's shampoo.
What is this feeling? It feels like I'm in a dream...
Mia watched the couple in the middle of the dance floor; a young handsome man with midnight blue hair and a young girl with beautiful rose pink hair. Her emerald green eyes narrowed.
As they danced, Ikuto caught something or rather someone. A young man with blonde hair was glaring at them with his ruby red eyes. Ikuto spun Amu around so her back was facing him.
"Time to test your dancing skills," he whispered in her then Ikuto pushed Amu forward.
She stumbled forward but felt strong arms supporting her. Amu looked up and blushed. Tadase gave her a charming smile.
"You look beautiful tonight," he said as he pulled her up.
"T-Thank you," Amu gushed.
"Come," Tadase beckoned, "Everyone wants to see you."
As Tadase lead her away, Amu could see Ikuto, from the corner of her eye, turning and walking away.
"Yo! Hinamori!" called Kukai. He was wearing a un-botton jacket and a loose tie.
"At least use some formal language," Utau huffed. She was wearing a white dress with black frills with matching ribbons in her hair.
"Where did you get that dress?!" exclaimed Yaya.
"Lulu got it for me," Amu replied.
Yaya was wearing a pale pink dress with white frills and red ribbons.
"Yaya-senapi, please lower your voice. You're drawing unwanted attention," hissed Kairi. He was wearing a handsome black coat with a jade green shirt inside.
"Everyone looks really nice though," said Amu.
"Not that nice," said Rima. She had her long blonde hair tied up in a high ponytail. Rima wore a soft orange dress. Nagi placed his hand on Rima's shoulder.
"You look very pretty, Rima-chan," he smiled. Nagi wore tuxedo with a purple tie. Rima shrugged him off.
Tadase wore a white shirt with a black vest and a bow tie.
"Want to dance?" he asked.
Amu blushed and nodded. Tadase led her to the floor and danced.
"Good evening, Hinamori and Hotori-kun."
Tadase and Amu turned to where the voice came from. Masayoshi and Chie were dancing next to them. Masayoshi wore a gentlemen's coat and a hat while Chie wore a simple dress.
They danced for a while until Masayoshi spoke up, "Hotori-kun, do you mind if we swap?"
"Of course not," Tadase replied.
Chie and Amu spun past each other.
"You must be the 'Cinderella' of this ball, Hinamori," Masayoshi joked.
"Everyone looks splendid tonight;" Amu said modestly, "Even Chie looks beautiful in that simple dress of hers."
Masayoshi turned to see Chie dancing with Tadase and sighed, "If only she chosen a nicer dress than she would be more of a lady."
Amu blinked, "But Chie's looks nice even whether she's in skirts or pants!"
Masayoshi looked at her in surprise then chuckled, "Yes, you're right Hinamori-san."
"Oi! Hinmori and Ito!" called Kukai, "Wanna swap? Utau keeps stepping on my toes."
"It's you that is stepping on my toes!" protested Utau.
Masayoshi and Amu laughed and both girls spun past each other. Soon Amu danced with all the boys she knew and was back with Tadase.
"I'll get some punch for you," offered Tadase.
Amu nodded, "Thank you."
Amu stood there at the edge of the floor, waiting. She simply watched the other dancers brush past.
I wonder where Ikuto went. I haven't seen him since the start of the ball...
"Excuse me."
Amu snapped out of her thoughts and faced the direction where the voice came from. A man with a black coat trimmed with red was standing in front of her. He wore a red mask with a black dragon on the right corner. He was holding his hand out to her.
"Sure," smiled Amu and she took it.
As they danced, Amu couldn't help but stare at the man's mask. Deep red eyes stared at her back.
"Have we met before?" Amu asked.
The man smiled, "Don't you recognise me, Amu?"
Amu gasped, "You're…!"
Ikuto was walking along the edge of the ballroom. He walked past a woman who was sitting on chair. Ikuto stopped and retraced his steps back to the woman. She wore a black laced dress and black gloves. She had an orange mask with a black flame in the corner.
Ikuto laughed, "Well, Kitsune. I didn't expect you to attend this kind of event."
"Keep laughing and I might burn that nice coat of yours, Ikuto," she snapped.
Ikuto continued on, "Anyway, what are you doing here?"
"I can ask the same," shot back Kitsune.
"I was escorting someone here," replied Ikuto, "And you?"
Kitsune sighed and pointed in a certain direction, "We, Ryuu and I, are here to give you a message but someone decided to dance with the girl he had fallen head over heels with."
Ikuto followed Kitsune's finger, to see a man with a mask dancing with a familiar pink-haired girl.
"What is the message?" asked Ikuto, not taking his eyes off the dancing pair.
"He is coming," Kitsune answered, "At midnight in the gardens. Don't be late."
"Thank you, Kitsune," said Ikuto and giving the last glance to Amu and Ryuu, he walked off.
"Who were you dancing with?" asked Tadase.
He had seen everything. Amu was scanning the crowd.
Ryuu had suddenly disappeared when the music stopped, only uttering the last words to Amu; 'Be careful'.
"Someone I know," Amu replied. Suddenly the ballroom seemed stuffy and hot.
It must be all the dancing I did.
"Tadase," spoke Amu, "I'm going to head outside to get some fresh air."
Tadase nodded and watched her walk outside to the gardens.
"Hmph. He didn't come," Kitsune huffed.
She was trying to keep her disappointment down.
I was hoping he'll come. When will I be able to see him?
She clutched her chest.
My ice prince...
Ryuu walked up to her. Kitsune gave him a scowl.
"Well, I see you got swept up with the ball," she growled, "It was you're idea to tell the black cat!"
Ryuu merely smiled, "Sorry Kitsune." He sounded so far away and there was a dreamy look in his eyes. Kitsune glared at him but she felt a pang of sadness in her heart.
Lucky him...
Amu walked into the garden. The summer night air was cool against her skin. The moonlight made the dew-wet grass shine like a silver carpet. Stars silently twinkled above her. Crickets were playing their own soft tune while glowing fireflies. Amu breathed in the sweet night air.
"Beautiful," she whispered.
"I know, right?"
Amu jumped. She quickly looked up in the trees. Ikuto was comfortably sitting on one was the branches.
"W-What are you doing up there?!" gaped Amu.
"The same reason you're out here," Ikuto replied.
Not really...
Ikuto leapt down and landed on his feet, nimble as a cat.
"So you're here to get some fresh air?" said Amu
. Ikuto shrugged, "You can say that. Got tired from dancing?"
Amu shook her head, "It just got stuffy in there," she smiled.
Ikuto smirked, "Ok then," he said, "Let's tests how well you have improved. Are you sure you didn't step on anyone's foot?"
Amu shot him a glare and challengingly took his hand. The orchestra, inside, started to play again and Amu found herself in the dream-like atmosphere. The fireflies even decided to join them.
Why am I feeling this when I'm dancing with Ikuto? Why is my heart beating so fast?
Ikuto had noticed Amu's dream-like trace. Could this be...?
Soon the music faded away, and the dance came to a stop. They stood there, staring into each other's eyes. Ikuto made the first movement by tucking a strand of hair behind Amu's ear, causing her heart to flutter. He moved his hand down and gently took her chin. Realising what might happen next, Amu quickly shut her eyes. Ikuto leaned forward...their nose were nearly touching...
Mia's emerald eyes flew open. She was just resting her eyes, from watching the ball, when she sensed something. Her head slowly turned to the direction of the garden. Mia muttered a few words under her breath that only Masanori could just hear;
"Remember what you are..."
...Ikuto stopped. Their lips were just inches away from each other. He quickly drew back.
What just came over me?
DING-DONG!
The clock strikes twelve. He nervously looked at Amu. She still had her eyes closed.
How am I going to get out of this?
Amu kept her closed, waiting. Suddenly...
"Ow!"
Ikuto had pinched her cheeks.
"Wet go of ve!" cried Amu.
Ikuto did. She rubbed her sore cheeks.
"Why did you do that for?!" she pouted.
Ikuto smirked at her, "What did you think I would do?"
She blushed.
Stupid me! Of course he wouldn't...k-kiss me.
"It's best you go back inside," Ikuto suggested.
Amu blinked, "Why?"
He gave her a sly smile, "Oh, you went to stay out here longer?"
Amu immediately got the point.
"Fine!" she said indigently and walked back to the palace.
When she disappeared out of sight, Ikuto gave a sigh of relief. A cold wind blew through the garden, upsetting the trees and drawing black clouds over the moon.
A voice came from behind, "Good evening, Tsukiyomi Ikuto."
Ikuto turned around to see the hooded figure smiling at him. His eyes narrowed.
"What do you want?" spat Ikuto.
"Now, that's the way to greet someone," replied the figure.
"Drop the corny personality," Ikuto said.
"If you say so," said the figure.
His voice has gone cold, "I want the Positive Wing."
Ikuto looked bored, "Why come to me?"
"Don't give me that," hissed the figure, "You were so close to her, you could have ripped it from her."
Ikuto took a step back. The figure's voice had gone dangerously soft.
"What if I don't want to?" questioned Ikuto. A hand blade flashed in the dim light on the figure's hand.
"Then I'll to do it the hard way," smirked the figure.
He charged. Ikuto quickly pulled out his dagger and deflected the attack. The figure swiftly shifted his hand upwards. Ikuto narrowly dodged it; strands of his midnight blue hair fell to the ground. He took a step back into the shadows, a mistake. Ropes of shadows wrapped around Ikuto's body, preventing him to move. The figure chuckled as Ikuto struggled. The steel of the hand blade gleamed as a small beam of moonlight peeped out.
"Well, well. Isn't this like de ja vu?" laughed the figure, "I might as well take the Negative Wing from you!"
The figure swiped the blade diagonally through the air. The sound of ripping fabric and a cry of pain split the air.
Tadase looked up.
A scream had just silenced the ball. He nodded to the others and quickly made their way outside.
Ikuto's wide eyes watched the drops of red flying through the air but what concerned him more was...pink hair flapping through the air as well.
Only one name came out of his mouth, "AMU!"
A bloody cut ran diagonally from Amu's neck to her waist. She had her arms spread out protectively. The ropes of shadows disappeared and Ikuto rushed forward and caught Amu. Already, her golden eyes were losing their glow.
"Why...?" Ikuto rasped.
Amu gave him a weak smile before passing out.
"Hmph, sacrificing yourself for another," said the figure with distaste, "How foolish."
The sound of people approaching could be heard. The figure quickly vanished and Tadase and the others burst into the scene.
Tadase stopped in his tracks, shock filled his face. The others peered over his shoulders and gasped. Ikuto was holding the limp, bloody body of Amu. His hand still clasped his dagger. Rage came over Tadase.
"Amu-chan!" he screamed.
He ran over and knelt beside her. His trembling hands reached over and took her in his arms.
Tadase glared at Ikuto, "You...," he cried, "You killed her!"
Something inside Ikuto shattered.
Voices from the past filled his head;
"You killed her!"
"Cursed boy."
"Don't go near him. He might breathe death onto you."
Ikuto hung his head in guilt.
Tadase continued to glare at Amu when Yaya's worried voice brought him back.
"Tadase...We need to take Amu-chii to the health centre. She's losing blood."
He nodded. Kukai, Kairi and Masayoshi helped Tadase carried Amu off. Utau lingered behind for a bit, giving her brother a sad gaze before following the others.
Ikuto watched as they took Amu away. Ikuto turned his back towards them and looked up to the sky. The moon was peering from the dark clouds, as his only witness.
White. That was all that surrounded Amu. She also felt pain. Amu clutched her chest.
"It hurts...The pain is unbearable."
Suddenly she felt the pain being lifted until she was no longer in pain. It felt like a heavy burden has been lifted.
Please...Please don't die...
Amu looked around.
"Who's there?"
She struggled to open her eyes. A bright light was bearing down on her and she could feel someone holding her hand.
"Who are you?" Amu asked weakly.
Her vision was blurry.
...I'm your guardian angel.
"My guardian angel?" Amu repeated.
She didn't notice that her hand is now left empty. Amu turned to face beside. Just then a pair of hands reached down and grasped Amu's. Her vision finally cleared and she saw, beside her was... Tadase. Amu blinked.
"Tadase?" she whispered.
Tadase gently squeezed her hand, "I'm here," he said.
"You're my guardian angel?" said Amu.
Tadase blinked then smiled, "I'm not sure what you mean but I'll always protect you."
"She's awake!"
Yaya burst into the room with a ruffled-up Kairi. The other friends quickly followed.
Rima sat beside Amu, "You haven't opened your eyes for two days," she remarked.
"Really?" said Amu.
"For Tadase, it seems like two years," added Nagi.
"I curse that Tsukiyomi Ikuto," muttered Tadase, "He's the reason why you ended up here. He's like a black cat." Amu stared at him then gasped as memories flooded back to her.
That's right. I was heading back to the palace... when I happen to turn around to see Ikuto in trouble then...
"You're wrong Tadase!" Amu exclaimed, "A hooded figure attacked Ikuto so I..."
Masayoshi perked up, "A hooded figure?" he repeated.
Amu nodded.
He turned to Chie who nodded.
"Hinamori-san," said Masayoshi, "On the day you went to the amusement park, a hooded figure approached Chie and I."
Amu remember that Ryuu and the lady who appeared in her dreams, on the day of the fire, wore hoods that were trimmed in a certain colour.
"Was the hood trimmed with any colours?" she asked. Masayoshi shook his head.
"It was just a plain hood," replied Chie.
Amu took this information. She then looked down at her hand.
I wonder who was holding my hand.
She clutched her chest.
Whoever it was, they were holding gently and tenderly.
Unknown to the friends, a midnight blue haired man was standing by the door. Ikuto then walked away.
Yuki stared out of his window. On his desk was the invitation.
"History repeats itself," he muttered, "The weakness of the black cat is not a physical thing or fear, it's his memories, dark ones."
Yuki looked down at the invitation and traced its outline.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come, my dear," he whispered.
The figure tapped thoughtfully on a bronze birdcage. It was empty. He then smiled.
"I guess it's time," he smiled then stood up, "Time to capture some wings."
To be continued...
Ok, ok! Don't throw tomatoes at me! They didn't actually kiss, alright! Thank you for reading this far of the story whoever you are! So sorry if there's missing words, mistakes etc. Please review though! P.S Does anyone know where I got the idea of Ikuto pinching Amu's cheeks instead of kissing her? =)
The answer is *drum roll* I got the idea from the lyrics 'Secret Princess'!