SS: * plucking petals from flowers* Delete it, discontinue, delete it, discontinue...
Yuki: What are you doing?
SS: Deciding whether to delete this story or discontinue it.
Yuki: ... Storm Skyress doesn't own any except for Hydrin
Wish Upon A Wing
Betrayal and Bonds
Recap: His first minister? The first rank. I bet it's a really evil, cold-hearted person.
Hydrin's eyes glimmered for a second before continuing.
"My first minister, Tsukiyomi Ikuto."
Amu sat there, stunned.
No. No, it can't be.
She could hear footsteps approaching the entrance.
He must have gotten the wrong name! Ikuto... Ikuto wouldn't...!
A familiar mid-night blue haired man stepped out of the shadows, wearing a black coat with the thorned crown on the collar. Amu felt as if she'd been shattered. She stared at Ikuto.
No! It can't be!
She looked at him in the eye, giving him a silent message; Ikuto, please! Tell me this is a joke! You're not a bad guy! You're a nice person! Ikuto!
But he simply looked away.
Hydrin was smiling and looked as if he was enjoying this, "I presume you know Tsukiyomi VERY well," he remarked.
"...Yes," mumbled Amu.
Hydrin continue to smile sweetly,"Good. Now that the introductions are out of the way," he turned to his ministers, "Will you do the honours to escort Miss Hinamori to her room. Treat her like a guest."
And with that he walked off, disappearing into the shadows.
Amu was walking ahead of the others in the dim corridors. She then suddenly stopped, her head hanging down.
"Please tell me this is a dream," she rasped then she looked up, "Tell me you're not his minister, Ikuto!"
Ikuto simply blinked at her.
"What about those times when you helped me?!" Amu cried, "And the times you comfort me! You can't be Hydrin's minister!"
Suddenly Ikuto stared at her. Amu flinched under his stare. Ikuto's eyes had gone hard and steely.
"You're so gullible," he said coldly, "I just done those things to fool you."
Those words were like a knife, stabbing into Amu's heart. She hung her head, with her bangs covering her eyes. Her shoulders started to shake and her fists trembled. Amu then looked up; tears were at the verge of falling.
"I hate you!" she screamed, "I hate you! I HATE YOU!"
Amu suddenly turned and ran away, in tears.
"Amu!" called Ryuu as he ran after her.
Ikuto dug his fingernails into his palms. Kitsune and Ikuto stood there watching the running figures of Ryuu and Amu disappear.
When they were gone, Kitsune finally spoke up.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" she said.
There was a pause.
"I don't know what you're talking about," replied Ikuto and he turned the opposite direction and walked off.
Kitsune continued to stand there.
When Ikuto had gone, she smiled, "Denial," she chuckled, "Is always the first sign."
Then she walked off.
"Amu!"
Ryuu called as he raced around the castle.
He would stop momentarily, scan the around before moving on. Soon Ryuu found himself running outside. He ran around a corner before coming to a halt. He was in the abandoned garden.
Amu was sitting on a stone bench, her face in her hands, sobbing. Ryuu could feel his heart sink. He didn't like the sight of Amu in tears. Ryuu quietly walked up to her and gently placed his hand on Amu's shoulder. She jumped and spun around then her shoulders relaxed.
"Oh it's you Ryuu," she said giving a sigh of relief.
Ryuu took his seat next to her, "Are... Are you alright?" he quietly asked.
Stupid! Stupid question! Of course, she's not alright!
"No I'm not," sniffed Amu, "I felt as if my heart is broken."
Ryuu looked up, "Why is that?" he asked.
Amu sighed before continuing, "All this time I thought Ikuto was a nice person," she replied, "I mean, he was always there for me. Sure, he teased me at times but... he can actually be really nice. When my brother... died, he was there to comfort me when I was felt sad. Then there was the time when he kept me company as a stuffed toy. But now..."
Amu could feel a sob forcing its way up her throat, "...Now I realise it's...its all fake!"
She started to cry again. Ryuu bit his lip.
He gently patted her back, "Now, now," he hushed, "Please don't cry Amu. You're right, Ikuto is a nice person. It's just... in truth; when a situation present itself, he will push away the people he cares about in order to protect them."
Amu stopped crying and looked at Ryuu.
"Really?" she asked.
Ryuu nodded.
Amu's shoulders drooped.
"But...," she stammered, "He was really cold... and Hydrin appointed him as his first minister..."
Now doubt merged with the sadness in Amu's eyes. Suddenly Ryuu had an idea.
"Hang on," he said as he got up.
Amu watched him as he walked forward and crouched over the thorny bushes. She jumped when he gave a yelp of pain. Ryuu came back with his thumb in his mouth and his other hand behind his back.
"Are you alright Ryuu?" Amu asked worriedly.
He smiled, "I'm fine. Here. This is for you."
Ryuu held out the pink rose to Amu. She gasped.
"Oh! It's beautiful!" she breathed, "Thank you Ryuu!"
Pink was dusted on Ryuu's cheeks.
"A smile suits you rather than tears Amu," he blushed, "A-Anyway, let's take you to your room."
Unknown to them, Ikuto was watching from the window above.
Tadase was kneeling in front of Mia, along with the others (including Masayoshi, Chie and Utau).
"So you're the friends of the girl that vanished at the Ruins?" stated Mia.
"Yes Your Majesty," said Tadase, lowering his head.
Mia placed her finger on her chin, thoughtfully.
Tadase then looked up at her, pleadingly.
"Please Your Majesty," he pleaded, "I beg of you. Help us find our friend, Hinamori Amu."
Mia blinked then smiled. "Of course I will," she said, "Don't worry. I have a very good theory where she is." She scanned Tadase and the others.
Her eyes twinkled.
They all hold Amulets.
She then spoke up, "I have a proposal for all of you."
Amu sat on the four-posted princess bed. She had placed Ryuu's rose in a nice little glass vase. In her hand was Yuki's communication device. She pressed down the centre. A small beam of light shot out and took shape of Yuki's face.
"Why hello Hinamori," he greeted, "...You look a bit battered. Is everything alright?"
Amu took a deep breath.
"Yuki," she said, "Have you heard of the Prince of Darkness?"
Yuki stared at her with wide eyes. "No, you didn't...," he rasped.
"Yes," replied Amu, "Hydrin has taken me. Is there anything you know that might be of help for me?"
Yuki thought for a moment.
"Well, to be honest, I don't know much about him," Yuki murmured, "All I know is that he has been searching for the Tsubasas for a long period of time. And that he'll do anything to get his hands on them, even if it meant spilling blood."
Amu gulped.
I knew he was deadly.
"I'm not really sure what's his wish or his goal for achieving the Tsubasas," continued Yuki, "I'm sorry if I couldn't be much help."
"Its al-"
Suddenly the door opened.
"Hinamori," called Kitsune, "It's time to-"
She stopped when she saw Yuki's face. Her eyes widened.
Yuki blinked, "Kitsune?" he said.
"Yuki," Kitsune whispered.
Yuki turned to Amu, "I best be going Hinamori. It's nice to talk to you again," he then turned to Kitsune, "And it's good to see you are well, Kitsune."
Then the light faded away.
"So your name is Kitsune, right?" asked Amu.
Kitsune nodded.
"You're the person responsible for the fire in spring," Amu pointed out.
"Yes...," Kitsune said, "I'm sorry that I tried to hurt you."
"And you're a fox, just like Yuki. What kind of fox are you?" Amu continued to ask.
Then, just like a peacock unfolding its feathers, Kitsune unfolded nine long orange tails.
"I'm a nine-tailed fox," she replied.
Amu beckoned to her to sit next to her and Kitsune did.
"How did you know Yuki?"
Kitsune blushed, "We... we were...lovers," she replied.
Amu looked at her in shock, "Really?!" she exclaimed, "But why are you here? Shouldn't you be with Yuki?"
Kitsune sighed, "It's a long story."
Amu edged a bit closer. "I got time," she smiled.
Kitsune rolled her eyes, "Fine. I might as well tell you."
"I come from a family that had a Chinese background. When I was young there was a gathering for the new Year."
Young Kitsune was dressed nicely in a traditional Chinese outfit. Her hair was tied into buns with long ribbons. She was sitting on a chair, swinging her legs back and fro.
"Argh! Mother and Father are taking an awful long time to say hello to their friends!" she groaned.
Just then Kitsune spotted a blooming tree outside.
"Wow!" she breathed, "Look at those pretty flowers! I'm gonna pick 'em!"
She then jumped off her chair and ran outside. Kitsune stared in awe at the tree's height.
"I'm not gonna back down!"
She rolled her long flowing sleeves back and began to climb. When she reached one of the branches, Kitsune stretched her hand out but couldn't pluck a flower.
"Argh! I can't reach it!" she exclaimed.
That was when she realised how high she was. (A/N: In truth Kitsune was just a few metres up but to a young child it may seem like they're up in the sky.)
"I was scared. But I didn't cry or scream for help. I was just stubborn and refused to give people the impression that I was weak so I sat there, wondering what to do."
Kitsune shifted uncomfortably. A gust of wind blew, causing the branch to sway a bit. Kitsune whimpered.
"How I met Yuki? Well, it all began with one question..."
Just then a voice came from below.
"Do you need some help, miss?"
Kitsune looked down. A young boy with snow white hair and kind blue eyes was looking up at her. He was also wearing a traditional Chinese outfit, signalling his also came for the gathering.
"N-No!" Kitsune hastily replied, "I don't need help!"
The boy cocked his head, "Are you sure?" he asked, "You look stuck to me."
The red on Kitsune's cheeks deepened.
"I-I'm not stuck!" she objected, "I'm...just looking at the view!"
The boy chuckled, "Well," he smiled, "You better hurry, the events are gonna start soon."
Kitsune stiffened.
"Fine!" she said proudly, "I'll climb down."
The boy then looked worrie,. "Will you be ok?" he asked.
"Of course, I will!" she said as she started to decease, "What? Think girls can't do anything?"
Suddenly another breeze blew, making the branches move and causing Kitsune to lose her footing. She screamed.
"Hold on, miss!"
Thump!
Kitsune slowly opened her eyes. She was sitting on the ground.
"I'm alive!" she cried.
Then she felt the 'ground' move underneath her. She looked down then screamed. She was sitting on the boy! Kitsune immediately jumped off him.
"Are you alright?! Are you hurt? Please don't die!"
The words just came out of Kitsune's mouth. The boy opened his eyes and grinned. He sat up.
"I'm fine!" he said cheerfully.
Kitsune gasped as her eyes saw his dirt-smeared clothes.
"Your garments!" she exclaimed, "They're all dirty..."
The boy looked down but kept smiling, "It's alright," he said.
He stood up and held out his hand to Kitsune. She shyly took it.
"My name is Yuki," smiled the boy, "What's yours?"
A pale shade of pink appeared on Kitsune's cheeks.
"K-Kitsune," she replied, "My name is Kitsune."
"Kitsune? What a pretty name!" Yuki commented.
They both walked back inside together.
"I best be going," Yuki said, "My parents are probably looking for me."
He started to walk off but came to a stop. He turned to Kitsune.
"I hope we'll meet again!"
Then he disappeared into the crowd.
"After the New Year gathering, I didn't see him. Many years passed, I almost forgotten about him but his image still lingered in a small corner of my mind. I started to doubt Fate. Maybe I won't ever see him again."
A seventeen year old Kitsune was walking through the marketplace, carrying a large paper bag. She was fishing something out of the bag, an apple. As she took a bite out of it, she wasn't watching where she was going and tripped. All the context of the bag spilled over the stone ground.
"Shoot!" muttered Kitsune as she hurried to retrieve her groceries.
People continued to walk past her, not even giving a glance to the young lady. Kitsune was clearly embarrassed and tried her best to collect all the things quickly but with so many people around it was difficult.
Suddenly a hand came in her view.
"Do you need some help, miss?"
Kitsune looked up. A smiling young man with snow white was holding out his hand.
"Yuki?" she rasped.
The man's smile faded and he looked at her in surprise.
"Kitsune?" he replied.
"After that, we spent a lot of time together. We were happy, since we got each other. But it didn't last forever. One night, while we were taking a night stroll, we were ambushed by Hydrin.
"At first, it seemed that he was targeting Yuki but in the end...he took me instead. Hydrin made me his second minister since I'm a nine-tailed fox. Hydrin monitored me with this collar I wear, so I couldn't see Yuki. Sometimes I stopped by at Yuki's place but we can't interact with each other..."
Amu stared at Kitsune.
"That's why you caused the fire," she said, "Because you thought my brother was introducing me to Yuki."
Kitsune blushed.
"I'm sorry," she apologised, "Yuki told me that I tend to jump to conclusions."
Amu smiled, "Its fine!"
Kitsune then stood up, "Anyway, get dressed. Hydrin is expecting you to attend dinner."
She then walked out of the room. Amu opened her large closet. All the clothes were all black with a just dash of red or white.
"Black... darkness," Amu muttered.
As she changed, Amu was thinking about Kitsune's story.
It's the same with Ryuu they were both torn away from the people they care about...
When she finished, Amu was wearing a black dress with white frills and red ribbons. She pulled on black elbow-length gloves and tied her hair in a high ponytail, which she clipped with a butterfly clip that had strings of beads.
Now that I think about it she thought there are lots of butterflies in this room.
There were cravings of butterflies in the bed post and pictures of the beautiful insect hanging on the wall.
Could it be? Someone used to stay in this room?
Amu looked at the lock in her hand.
I best put this in a safe place.
She walked over to a desk and opened one of its drawers. To her surprise there was a small book in it.
What's this? I better look at it later.
Amu quickly stashed the lock in the drawer and hurried off to dinner.
Gray moonlight streamed in through the tall windows. A long table stretched across the room, covered with white linen cloth. Candelabras with crystals were lit, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Ryuu stood up when Amu entered the dining room.
"You look beautiful tonight Amu," he complimented.
Amu smiled at looked around the room. Kitsune was sitting across Ryuu. She was wearing a red Chinese outfit trimmed with gold.
"Where are Ikuto and Hydrin?" Amu asked.
Ryuu pulled out a chair for Amu.
"Ikuto doesn't normally attend any of the meal times," he replied, "And Hydrin hasn't arrived yet."
Amu took her seat. She felt uneasy.
Having dinner with a person that has a heart of stone?
Suddenly the door flew open, Ikuto stepped in followed by a line of faceless maids and butlers. Hydrin was close behind them. Amu leaned closer to Ryuu.
Is it me or those…'People' don't have any faces?
Hydrin took his seat at the end of the table.
He smiled at Amu. "It's nice to see you were able to make it Hinamori," he said.
Amu decided it was best not to reply.
"Anyway, let's eat shall we?" Hydrin continued, "Where's the food?"
The maids and butlers quickly scattered, with plates of food in their hands. As one butler laid a plate in front of Amu, she stared at 'his' face.
It's just like staring at a mannequin.
Amu decided to tuck in. Although the food was delicious, she didn't really feel hungry. She found herself stealing glances at Ikuto, who was standing beside Hydrin. He simply stared back at her with a stone expression. Amu could feel the stabbing feeling creeping back. Hydrin held out his glass and a maid filled it with a red liquid, wine.
"Care for a glass, Hinamori?" asked Hydrin.
"Um, no thank you," Amu politely replied, "I prefer a cup of tea."
Ever since Amu met Masayoshi and Chie, she grew a taste for tea.
How I miss my friends so much...
Amu leaned towards Ryuu.
"Ryuu, why are the servants here faceless?" she quietly asked.
Ryuu lowered his glass before replying, "Well you see, we're the only living people here in this castle. The servants here are merely creations of Hydrin's. Real humans are too afraid to work for him, in fear of their lives. But, at times, Hydrin's servants may do something that doesn't reach his expectations so... he eliminates them."
There was a knot forming in Amu's stomach.
Does that also go to his ministers?
Soon, dinner ended and Ryuu escorted Amu back to her room. Hydrin disappeared, leaving Ikuto and Kitsune. Kitsune picked up her napkin and wiped her mouth. Ikuto was looking out of the window. The gray light casted a long shadow behind him.
"When are you going to tell?" asked Kitsune breaking the silence.
Ikuto continued to stare out to the dull landscape.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied.
She sighed. "How long are you going to keep this up?" she snapped.
Ikuto looked at her in surprise. He merely blinked. Kitsune got up from her seat in frustration.
"You may be intelligent Ikuto," she said, "But sometimes you can be completely clueless with certain things!"
She then stomped out of the dining room and Ikuto turned back to the window. An image was lingering in his mind; a girl with pink hair smiling at him.
"Ikuto!" she called.
He closed his eyes, in hope to silent the voice.
Flashback
A little boy with midnight blue hair was sitting on the lap of a woman. The boy tugged on the woman's dress to get her attention.
"Mother?" he called.
The woman tucked her long blonde hair behind her ear before looking down at her son.
"What is it, Ikuto-kun?" she asked.
"Why do people hate me so much?" young Ikuto asked, "Is it because I hold the Negative Wing, the darker component of the Tsubasas?"
The woman held him close, "No silly," she softly said, "They just judge you from your appearances."
"Then about Utau-chan?" Ikuto continued to question, "They don't mind her. Nobody is going to love me, isn't it?"
The woman stroked his hair, "Of course not," she replied, "Your father, sister and I love you very much. And I bet you'll find your princess somewhere in the future."
Ikuto blinked, "My princess?" he repeated.
The woman nodded, "Yes. Every prince finds their princess and every princess will have their prince. Ikuto stared at his mother.
"So Father is your prince Mother?"
The woman blushed and smiled, "Yes he is," she said, "Don't worry you'll find your princess, someday, who will love you as well."
End of flashback
Ikuto opened his eyes. Amu's crying face flashed in his face.
"I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!"
"But that love has now turned into hatred," he muttered, "...Maybe it's for the best."
Amu was sitting on her bed, leaning against a pillow for support. She was wearing a black night gown that had white lace on the edges. In her hand was the book she had found in the drawers. Amu traced the complicated swirls that formed a butterfly crest.
What story does this book tells?
Taking a deep breath, Amu opened to a random page. The words on the pages were handwritten. Whoever wrote the words must have been a poet or something because each word was beautifully written with curves and swirls. Amu read the page.
'I attended a ball last night. It was just like any other ball but something magical happened. I met an intriguing boy. Usually these parties have nothing much interesting but his aura seemed to have changed that. He was handsome just like all the other men but... maybe it was his black hair... or kind smile that set him different.'
'When our eyes met it was if time stopped and everyone had disappeared. His warm blue eyes still linger in my mind. When he asked me for a dance, I felt my heart skip a beat and throughout the whole dance my heart was thumping against my chest. Is this what people call 'love'? I hope to see him again.'
Amu stared at the page she just read.
This isn't just a normal book, it's a journal!
She examined the page.
Whoever wrote this, didn't sign their name. I wonder who the man this girl was talking about is.
Amu reread the page.
Black hair... blue eyes...
She gasped in realisation.
C-Could it be...?! Is she talking about...Hydrin?!
Amu clasped her hand over her mouth.
Someone was in love with Hydrin?!
She remembered Hydrin's chilling smile and cold eyes. Her gold eyes quickly scanned the diary entry again.
"Warm eyes"? "Kind smile"? I-I don't understand!
Amu fell back on the bed.
It seems that I've stumbled on something interesting...
"What do you mean I have to do it?" Ikuto crossly asked.
He and Ryuu were walking down the dark hallways. The moon was high indicting it was late.
"Because you're the perfect person to do so," Ryuu replied.
"Why can't you do it?" Ikuto shot back, "Since you have taken a liking to her."
Ryuu smiled, "I'm not the only one," he chuckled.
Ikuto stopped, "What do you mean? Are you saying Hydrin has taken an interest on her as well?"
Ryuu stopped as well and chuckled. "Don't you love her as well?" he said gently.
Ikuto looked shocked.
"I'm well aware of your hidden feelings Ikuto," Ryuu continued.
Ikuto frowned, "You know the rules Ryuu," he said sternly, "And you are also aware what state I am."
Ryuu sighed and continued walking with Ikuto at his side. They walked in silence until they reached a certain door, the door to Amu's room.
"I'll tell you something Ikuto," Ryuu spoke up, "After a few years, I'm intending to go bend knee to Amu."
Ikuto looked at him. In his eyes was a hint of surprise.
Ryuu then smiled. "But," he said, "I can't."
Ikuto stared at the door.
"Why?" he asked, "I only have a year time limit. I'll be gone by the end of this year."
Ryuu softly chuckled, "Because," he smiled, "The Tsubasas are made for each other, isn't that right?"
There was a pause.
"That's just how the legend goes," Ikuto replied, "It doesn't mean its true or has to be. Not every part of legend can be true."
"True, very true," Ryuu nodded, "Anyway, look after her."
Ikuto stood beside Amu's bed. She was breathing peacefully and softly, telling him she was fast asleep. Moonlight flooded through the framed glass doors that led to the balcony. Some beams shone on Amu's face, showing how angelic it is. He slowly crouched down, careful not to wake her.
"I'm sorry Amu," Ikuto whispered.
He reached out and brushed away Amu's fringe. Her eyes were perfectly shut, trimmed with long lashes. Suddenly Ikuto found himself slowly leaning forward.
He was so close that Ikuto could feel Amu's soft breath against his skin. Ikuto then froze. Their lips were inches apart. He quickly turned away. He covered his face with his hand.
What's going? Why does this keep happening? What's coming over me?
Ryuu sat outside the door, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. Suddenly he heard shuffling. Ryuu quickly got to his feet. He hand felt the hilt of his dagger. The shuffling was drawing closer and out stepped, from the shadows into the moonlight was… a half-awake Kitsune. She wore a simple nightgown and was rubbing her eyes.
Ryuu lowered his hand.
"What are you doing up this late?" he hissed.
Kitsune continued to rub her eyes sleepily, "I was just getting a glass of water," she yawned.
Ryuu smiled.
"Really?" he said, "I didn't think you even touch water, regarding that you control fire."
Kitsune was too exhausted to come up with a come back.
"So have you encountered anyone else?" she inquired.
The question seems to have waked her up. Ryuu's face became serious.
"No," he replied solemnly, "It seems Hydrin is keeping a low profile."
Kitsune's saffron eyes narrowed.
"This isn't like him," she muttered, "I bet his hutching a plan, and surely it's no good."
The soft sound of birds chirping woke Amu. Sunlight filtered through her balcony door. She blinked.
Where am I?
Then the events of yesterday hit her.
Oh… that's right. I was captured and Ikuto betrayed me…
She sleepily rolled over to her side with her eyes shut. Then she opened them and stiffened. Her face was about 30cm away from the sleeping face of Ikuto. Amu immediately sat up.
W-What is he doing here?!
After her heartbeat slowed down, Amu stared at him. Ikuto's head and arms were resting on the bed while his bottom half sat on the floor. She cautiously leaned forward and poked him in the cheek. He didn't stir. Amu then noticed there were shadows under his eyes.
Didn't he get enough sleep?
She continued to stare at Ikuto.
For some reason, he looks younger than his is when he's asleep.
Realising what she was thinking, Amu quickly shook her head to clear her thoughts.
No, no! What am I thinking?! Should I wake him? But he seems tired… No! He did horrible things to you so you don't need to consider for him!
She grabbed her pillow and raised it up then brought it down…gently. When Amu lifted it off Ikuto's head, her cheeks became pink and her body froze. Ikuto's head was still resting on the bed but his blue eyes were open, staring at her.
"What a nice good morning," he said with sarcasm.
Amu folded her arms across her chest, "You don't need a proper good morning!" she huffed.
Ikuto sat up, stretched his arms and yawned. "What's wrong with you?" he sleepily asked.
"I'm the one who is suppose to ask questions!" snapped Amu, "What are you doing here in my bedroom?!"
Ikuto flopped back down on the bed. His eyes were locked on Amu. "I was watching you," he replied.
The red on Amu's cheeks deepened.
W-Watching me?
Ikuto stared at Amu's flushed face then burst into laughter. Anger marks dotted Amu's head.
"You should see your face!" he laughed.
"The truth!" shrieked Amu whose face was fully red.
Ikuto quickly calmed down, "I was guarding you," he said.
Amu blinked, "Why?"
"We heard some nasty rumours here," Ikuto continued, "The rumours are; when Hydrin allows guests to stay for a night, in the morning their beds would be empty… and blood-stained."
Amu gasped.
"That's why Ryuu wanted me to guard you while he kept watch at the door," Ikuto finished.
He stood up.
"Anyway," he said, "I'll leave you to change. Come down to the dining room for breakfast."
And with that, he walked out of the door, closing it behind him.
"We're going to the market today," Ryuu announced after breakfast.
"What for?" Amu asked.
"We need to get some supplies," Kitsune replied as she slipped on her hood.
Amu watched as Ryuu, Kitsune and Ikuto put on their own individual hoods.
Kitsune walked up to her and handed her a plain black hood.
"This yours Hinamori," she said.
Amu gratefully took it, "Thank you," she smiled, "And, please, call me Amu."
Kitsune stared at her in shock.
"We're friends now, aren't we?" Amu innocently asked.
Kitsune slowly nodded, "Of course… Amu."
The marketplace was crowded as always. Amu stuck close to the group, particularly Ryuu since she still had a grudge against Ikuto. Ryuu and she were walking at the front while Ikuto and Kitsune followed behind.
"Ryuu?" hissed Amu, "Why do we need to wear hoods when we go out?"
"We need to conceal our identities," he replied, "People know we're ministers or guests of Hydrin and we don't want to cause fear in this happy atmosphere, do we?"
Suddenly someone bumped into Amu, causing her to stumble backwards into Ryuu. He quickly wrapped his arms around her to support her. A light blush came over Ryuu's face as he quickly returned his arms to his sides.
"Thank you," said Amu.
"I-It's alright," he replied.
Ikuto and Kitsune were watching them.
Amu looked around then smiled.
"Ryuu! Come look!" she called as she grabbed his arms and pulled him along.
Kitsune leaned closer to Ikuto, "I'll get the medical supplies," she whispered, "You watch them, okay?"
"Sure," he mumbled.
Amu pulled Ryuu down as she crouched in front of some crates that held pale pink peaches.
"Don't they look delicious?" she beamed.
Ryuu smiled, "Yes, they do."
He then stood up.
"One peach please," he said as he handed a coin to the stall holder.
Ryuu then held a peach towards Amu. Amu looked at it then smiled.
"Thank you Ryuu!" she said as she took the peach.
Amu bit into the flesh of the peach. Juice erupted all over her mouth. Embarrassed, she quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Ryuu chuckled softly. Ikuto stood at a safe distance. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
Kitsune was looking through the supplies in the paper bag.
"Hmm, did I get everything?" she muttered, "Looks like it…"
Suddenly she tripped over an unlevelled stone.
"Whoa!" she cried.
All the context of the bag spilled over the stone ground. Kitsune quickly secured her hood, got up and hurried over to retrieve the supplies. People merely walked pass her.
Wait. Doesn't this feel…?
"Do you need some help, miss?"
Kitsune flinched and looked up. A figure wearing a pure white hood held out his hand.
Could it be…?
She reached out but then hesitated.
My collar it's tightening…
The figure's smile fell and he crouched down and picked up the last of the supplies.
"Yuki, I know it's you," Kitsune whispered.
She didn't dare to glance at him.
"Hasn't this happened before?" Yuki asked with a smile.
Kitsune blushed. A lump was forming in her throat.
"T-Thank you," she said after they finished. She hung her head down, trying to hold back the tears.
I want to reach out and touch your cheek so badly… I miss you…
Suddenly she felt Yuki soft hands on her cheek. Kitsune stiffened.
"I'll write to you soon," Yuki whispered in her ear.
Then he walked pass her, leaving Kitsune with a bounding heart.
While Ryuu was looking at a stall, Amu stood in the middle of the walkway, waiting for him. Ikuto was standing nearby. She looked down at the simple black dress she wore underneath her hood.
How long will I be drifting through this darkness?
"You lost miss?" came a snickering voice.
Amu looked up. A man with pricking hairs on his chin and an evil glint in his eyes was sneering at her. A smoky odour was drifting from him.
"I'm not lost," Amu said with a hard look in her eyes, "I'm waiting for someone."
Suddenly the man grabbed her arm.
"Then come with me," he snickered, "We'll have some fun while you wait."
Ryuu was coming out of the stall when he spotted Amu. A man had his grip on her arm and she was struggling.
"Let go of me!" she shrieked.
"Amu!" he cried.
Ryuu was about to pull out his dagger when...
"Ack!" The man gave a yell of pain. Ikuto had twisted his arm into a painful position. The man let go off Amu and she fell to her knees.
"Pick on her again," said Ikuto, "And you'll regret it."
There was a deathly look in his eyes. The man cowered and ran off. Ryuu gave a sigh of relief and smiled. Amu bit her lip while grasping her arm. The man's grip was like iron. Suddenly a hand came in her view. Ikuto was crouching in front of her.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
Amu stared at his hand then coldly pushed it away.
"No," she said as she stood up, "I don't."
Ryuu hurried over to them.
"Are you alright Amu?" he asked.
Amu nodded.
Kitsune suddenly appeared by Ikuto's side, looking a little flushed.
"I'm here," she gasped, "Let's go."
Amu nodded. She stole a single glance at Ikuto before looking away with guilt.
That night, Amu lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She sighed and clutched the lock to her chest.
"Why does my heart feel so heavy? It's almost as if... I feel guilty when I act cold towards...him. Why?"
Beside her pillow lies the journal.
"My lady! My lady!" shrieked a maid as she burst into a room.
She immediately fell silent when she saw Masanori holding his finger to his lips. He was crouching beside a bed with a sleeping Mia in it. He slowly stood up and beckoned the maid to come over.
"What is it?" he hissed.
The maid nervously gave him an envelope and hurried away. Masanori broke the seal and read it.
"What does it say Masanori?"
He whipped around to see Mia sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"I'm sorry princess," apologised Masanori, "Did I wake you?"
Mia shook her head.
"No. The maid did," she smiled, "So what's the letter?"
Masanori turned to face her, "It's an invitation… to a game of chess… from the Prince of Darkness."
To be continued…
Masanori: *looking at growing pile of petal-less flowers* ...
Ryuu: I'm getting worried about her...
Chie: You're not the only one
Masayoshi: Please, ladies and gentleman, post your reviews~
SS: *still sounds depressed* Hydrin is NOT in love with Amu. Ikuto THOUGHT he was but he had a misunderstanding. Ryuu meant Ikuto himself...