*pant pant* So tired. My aunty was pressuring me to finish this chapter (I started to read Wish Upon A Wing to her, now she's hooked). Anyway, I don't own anything from Tsubasa Tokyo Revelation or Shugo Chara, okay? Has anyone wondered why Kaneko, the witch, was banished?
Wish Upon A Wing
A Solitary Journey of Sacrifices and Prices
Lulu placed a blood-stained cotton ball, using tweezers, in a bowl full of other blood-stained cotton balls. She gave a loud sigh. She turned to Chie who was standing next to her. The friends were in a room in Mia's palace. Masayoshi was lying on the bed; his right eye was covered in bandages.
"I'm sorry," Lulu sighed, "There's nothing I can do. It's been hollowed out completely."
Chie nervously looked at Masayoshi.
"We can't do anything else," Lulu continued, "In a few days he'll…"
Suddenly Chie lunged at Lulu's dress.
"Please!" she pleaded, "You have to do something! You know all the remedies, Lulu! Please! You can't…you can't let him die."
Chie fell to her knees, tears flowing down her wisteria purple eyes.
"You just can't…"
The friends looked at each other worriedly.
Lulu looked at Chie with pity.
"I'm sorry," she replied.
In the branches of a nearby tree, Ikuto had heard the whole conversation. He turned then disappeared.
Amu stared at the empty seat beside her. She was in the dining, waiting for everyone else. When she heard footsteps, Amu looked up. Kitsune and Ikuto entered the dining room.
"How's Ryuu?" Amu asked with concern.
Kitsune sighed as she took her seat in front of Amu, "He's still unconscious," she replied.
They ate, while Ikuto stared out of the window in thought. As she ate, Amu stared at Ikuto's right leg. It was still wrapped in bandages that are stained.
"All ministers and guest," announced a butler, "Please go to the throne room. His Highness wants to see you."
They all looked at each other before heading out of the dining room.
They stood before Hydrin, who was sitting in his throne.
"It's nice to see you three were able to make it," he smiled, "I have a favour to ask one of you."
Kitsune bravely stepped forward, "What about Ryuu?" she asked, "Don't you care about him?"
Hydrin raised an eyebrow, "Why does he concern me?" he said.
Kitsune gave a low growl and Amu looked at him in shock.
How could he not care about his minister?
"Anyway," Hydrin continued, "I want one of you to get something for me so which one of you will oblige?"
Ikuto was about to step forward when Amu rushed in front of him.
"I will," she said, "But on one condition."
Hydrin straightened up, "Go on."
"I wish to have both Ryuu and Masayoshi healed," Amu replied.
Hydrin thought for a moment. "Well," he muttered, "If it's a wish…we'll see what she say."
Amu blinked as he fished out an old spiral communication device. He pressed on the centre and a small beam of light shot out. It took the shape of a young girl's face who had long greyish- black hair; Kaneko. Her pale aqua eyes narrowed when she spotted Hydrin.
"Hello Your Highness," she mumbled, "What can I do for you?"
Hydrin motioned to Amu, "This young lady has a wish she wants to fulfil," he replied.
Kaneko stared at Amu, "So you're Hinamori Amu," she said, "Ikuto has told me a lot about you."
Amu faced Ikuto who quickly looked away.
"So, what's your wish?" Kaneko asked.
Amu straightened up. "I want Ryuu and Masayoshi healed," she replied.
"Ah," pondered Kaneko, "The two knights who got severely injured during the game. Well, are you aware that you need to pay a price if you want your wish to be granted?"
Amu gasped in surprise, "What kind of price?" she asked.
"It depends on your wish," Kaneko explained, "The price of your wish is…"
Amu stood there, waiting.
"Is the object that Hydrin seeks," Kaneko finished.
Amu turned to Hydrin who was quite surprise himself.
"So?" said Kaneko, "Will you be willing to give the object you desire to this girl, Your Highness?"
Amu rushed forward to Hydrin and fell to her knees.
"Please!" she begged, "Please! I beg you! Please allow Ryuu and Masayoshi to have a second chance in life!"
Hydrin's eyes widened as a flashback came to him; a woman was on her knees and hands begging him.
There was a pause.
"Very well," he said.
Amu looked up in hope.
"The object that you need is in another world," Hydrin explained, "I'll open a portal for you, three."
Kaneko nodded and she turned to Amu, "Hinamori," she called, "I'll give you the coordinates and location where the object is."
She pulled on some thick black boots. She then pulled on some leather black gloves. Finally she clipped on her hood to her long thick water-proof jacket.
Amu walked out. She was wearing a tight black shirt with short and a jacket over it. Her long pink hair was tied in a ponytail. (A/N: Sakura's outfit when she went on the journey in 'Tokyo Revelation')
She stared out to the desolated landscape. She was under a wrecked building. Tall buildings silently stood in the sky. Some had collapsed into ruins while others were slowly crumbling down to join them.
"Where is this?" she asked.
Kitsune walked up from behind, "I heard this was once called 'a city' full of people," she replied, "Now it's empty with some dangerous monsters roaming about."
Amu checked that her satchel was securely clipped to her hip and upper thigh. She then turned to a stone bed. Ryuu was lying there, still as a stature.
"Why did you bring him here?" she asked.
Kitsune glanced at him. Ikuto was standing next to Ryuu.
"Just in case he wakes up," she smiled, "I don't want to leave him with Hydrin back in our world."
She led Amu outside where a scooter-like machine waited.
"This will be your transportation," she said, "I've attached the compass the witch gave you on the handle."
Ikuto walked out and watched as Kitsune explained how to work the machine. As Kitsune explained, Amu gave a single glance to Ikuto. She remembered he was about to offer to get the object, even though his leg was still injured.
Why would he do that?
"Got it?" said Kitsune.
Amu nodded. Kitsune then walked over to Ikuto.
"We'll wait for you here," she smiled.
Amu nodded again and revved the engine. The scooter suddenly lurched into the air and hovered there.
"I'll be going," announced Amu and then she sped off in a cloud of dust.
Kitsune's smile faded, "You worried as well, huh?" she said.
Ikuto stared at the disappearing figure of Amu.
"Of course," he admitted, "This world is one of the most dangerous worlds to be wondering around."
"You were about to offer your assistance before Amu yet you know your leg is injured," Kitsune pointed out, "Then why?"
Ikuto kept looking out, "Because I know Hydrin will send us to this world but...it seems Amu beaten me to it."
Amu sped in between the towering buildings.
It's so quiet…
The only noise she heard was the motor of her scooter.
I wonder what happened to the people who once dwelled here.
She slowed down when she past a building with a long flight of steps in front of it. A faded stone sign stood at the front. She could only make out some faded letters; AST R.
(A/N: Can anyone figure out the word?)
As Amu rode along she spotted a few interesting things; a faded book entitled 'Kokoro no Tamago' in a pile of debris and a ripped cape.
(A/N: Anything familiar?)
Her jacket flapped in the wind behind her as she drove along a bridge, following the compass's arrow. Suddenly the bridge trembled; it started to break apart as a giant monster with multiple heads surfaced from the ground. Amu gasped as she served in and out, dodging the heads as they lunged at her. She made it out safely but only to gasp as another monster surfaced. It swiped its claws at her which sent Amu and her scooter flying through the air.
CRASH!
Kitsune bit her lip nervously as she looked out to the horizon. She was sitting on a rock while Ikuto still stood at the exact spot.
"Hey Ikuto," she spoke up.
"What is it?" he asked not taking his eyes off the horizon.
"Are you worried that Amu won't…," she paused for a second before continuing, "Are you worried that Amu won't come back?"
Ikuto inhaled and let out a sigh.
"Even if she doesn't come back," he replied, "I'll still wait, no matter what."
Kitsune stared at him then smiled.
Amu struggled to stand up. She had landed in an old building. The scooter had landed on one of her legs. She tried to tug it free when she heard another crash. Amu looked up and her eyes widened. The monster that attacked her before was making its way into the building; to her.
Amu frantically tried to free her leg. The monster now had ripped the wall apart and was growling at her. Amu gave her leg a few more tugs but it wouldn't budge. The monster suddenly lunged at her. Amu quickly pulled out her weapon; a pistol. She quickly took aim and fired three shots.
The gunshots echoed in the empty building. The monster stood there then collapsed onto the ground. When she managed to free her leg, Amu stood up and took the compass off the scooter's handle. She turned to the body of the monster then quickly looked away at the horrible sight. Amu looked down at the compass in her hand, the arrow was pointing north.
Looks like I have to walk…
Chie sat next to Masayoshi's bed. His skin had lost most of its colour and his breathing only came out as soft as a whisper.
She remembered Lulu's words; "We can't do anything else. In a few days he'll…"
"Die," Chie finished sadly.
She remembered the first time she met Masayoshi. Her parents had abandoned her in the forest and she stumbled on Masayoshi, who was half-dead. She nurtured him back. Chie found out Masayoshi's parents had also abandoned him.
She could remember his words back then; "How can I repay you for saving my life?"
"Oh, it's nothing!"
"Then I'll shall protect you and take care of you."
She smiled momentarily before letting it drop.
But now, I can't save you.
Amu reached up and grabbed a rocky ledge. She was climbing a rocky terrifying-looking mountain. According to Kaneko, the object is at the top in a cave. She was about to pulled her self up when the ground beneath gave way. Amu gasped as she found herself plundering down.
She dug her fingers into the rocky surface in hope to catch something. The sharp rock ripped the tips of her gloves and peeled the skin of her fingertips, causing her to leave bloody trails on the surface. Suddenly Amu's hand wrapped around a flimsy piece of wire but her grip didn't last and she was pulled down by gravity.
Suddenly she landed and Amu's scream was knocked out by pain. A piece of metal had skewered the area just above her ankle on her left leg. Amu broke off the metal from the rocks and she stood up. She didn't dare to pull out the metal piece, in fear that she'll loose blood. She faced the mountain again.
Ikuto looked up.
She got hurt…
Dark clouds were starting to roll in. Kitsune tapped her foot against the rock.
"It's been about an hour or more," she muttered, "I hope she's alright."
Ikuto didn't say anything.
Kitsune noticed the dark clouds. "I better get us some thick coats," she said jumping off the rock and heading inside of the building.
She just grabbed an armful of jackets when…
Ryuu's dark red eyes slid open. She immediately noticed and froze.
Ryuu slowly sat up and turned to Kitsune.
He blinked before smiling, "Good morning," he smiled.
Kitsune raised an eyebrow before replying, "Good afternoon."
Ryuu looked around, "Where are we?" he asked.
Kitsune threw a jacket at him before walking pass, "We're in the world of Tokyo or something like that," she replied.
"Where's Amu?" Ryuu asked, "Is she resting?"
Kitsune came to a halt. "No," she replied, "She's outside."
Ryuu's eyes widened.
Amu limped into the dim cave. There was a shallow lake and in the middle was a rock formation holding a glowing egg. She let out a sigh a relief.
I found it.
Suddenly she heard a hiss. A cobra with two heads slid out of the shadows towards her. Amu slowly back away.
Don't make any sudden movements or sound.
One of her foot stepped into the lake. She gave out a cry of pain. The lake wasn't full of water! It was acid! The cobra reacted to her scream and lunged forward. Amu was about to pull out her gun when the cobra whacked her away with its tail.
She crashed, head-first, into the rocky wall. As she slid down, she left a red smear on the wall. She collapsed onto the ground. The cobra quickly advanced towards her.
Amu felt around and she felt the cold steel surface of her pistol. She quickly sat up, pistol in hand. Amu took aim and pulled the trigger repetitively until…click, click.
She was out of bullets. The cobra fell into a bloody heap. Amu panted. Her heart was racing and her head was pounding. She could feel her life liquid running down her head. Amu got up to her feet and walked towards the lake.
She ignored the burning, stinging sensation as she walked through the acid. Amu then climbed onto the rock formation. She gently cupped her hands around the glowing egg.
"So this is the Embryo," Amu muttered.
She hung her head.
"I never thought that I'll suffer so much pain," she sighed, "At first everything was happy but then… Onii-chan's death seems to have triggered everything but the most painful thing that I experienced… is the betrayal of you, Ikuto."
She cried softly.
Amu climbed down. When she was just a few metres from the ground, Amu let herself fall into a dusty heap on the ground. Pain and exhaustion filled her body. She picked herself up and opened the satchel. The Embryo was safely tucked away. She pulled out the compass. Its glass surface was cracked and the arrow was spinning crazily.
"It's broken," she muttered.
Amu then noticed there was a trial of blood drops; it was her own blood when the scooter crushed her foot. Taking a deep breath, Amu followed it.
"Is it true?"
Ikuto and Kitsune looked up to see Ryuu had stepped outside, his coat merely draped over his shoulders.
"Is it true that you let Amu go out there by herself?" Ryuu repeated.
Ikuto and Kitsune stayed quiet.
Anger flared in Ryuu's red eyes. "How could you?!" he cried.
Then he started to walk in the direction of the horizon.
"Where are you going?!" Kitsune called after him.
"I'm going after her," Ryuu replied not looking back.
Suddenly Ikuto grabbed Ryuu's arm.
"Don't," he said, "Wait here."
Ryuu scowled, "Aren't you worried about her?!" he cried, "She could be lying somewhere hurt! Or worse..."
Ryuu tried to pull his arm free but Ikuto's grip tightened.
"I know what you mean Ryuu," he said calmly, "But think about. What if Amu founds you hurt? She'll be even more hurt to see you injured."
Ryuu stiffened. Ikuto's grip then loosened and Ryuu's arm fell to his side.
Amu stopped in front of the building where she crashed. She could see the monster's lifeless body.
"Now what?" she sighed, "There are no more footprints and it looks all the same from here."
Behind her something ran pass then stopped and retraced its steps to her. Sensing a presence, Amu turned around. A girl, about 12 or 13 years old, stood in front of her. She had pink hair which was clipped with a 'X' clip and was wearing a uniform. Her body was glowing.
"Who are you?" Amu whispered.
The girl silently offered her hand. Amu stared at her. The mysterious girl then ran off a couple of metres in front then stopped. She beckoned to Amu. Amu stood there staggered after her.
Kitsune looked up. Rain fell heavily on the three ministers.
She sniffed the damp air and gave a cry, "Amu!"
The boys looked up at the horizon. They could see the limping figure Amu. The three ministers quickly ran towards her. Amu stopped when she spotted her friends. A weak smiled appeared on her face.
"Everyone," she whispered, "I'm...home."
Amu then collapsed to the ground. Ikuto and Kitsune slowed down. Ryuu had reached her first and he placed his jacket on Amu.
She was in a horrible state. Her pink hair was splattered with red and her clothes were ripped and torn. What's worse, a metal piece jagged out of her left leg. She slowly looked up to Ryuu. He drew a breath. A river of red ran down from her head.
"I'm so glad you're alive Ryuu," she smiled.
Ryuu tried to hold back the tears as he held Amu close.
Ryuu held Amu in his arms as he crouched before Hydrin. He had wrapped his jacket around her trembling body. Her breath came out as foggy clouds in the damp air. Ikuto and Kitsune stood behind him. Hydrin had given Kaneko the Embryo through the communication device.
Kaneko gave it a quick look before smiling.
"Of course I'll accept it," she smiled, "After all, you put in a lot of effort in retrieving it Hinamori."
Amu panted.
"I'll deliver something to Masayoshi for his health while for Ryuu; it seems you have recovered by yourself."
Ryuu nodded.
Kaneko smiled, "I hope you get better Hinamori," she said then disappeared.
Ryuu leaned forward at Amu. "We'll take you to your room," he said gently.
Amu could only nod. Her thoughts then drifted back to the mysterious girl she encountered.
I wonder who that was.
Was she a dream?
Was she an illusion?
Or perhaps...
Amu blacked out.
Ikuto walked briskly through the hallways. Hydrin had held him back while Ryuu and Kitsune carried Amu out.
He frowned at Hydrin's words; "What are pitiful girl. Risking her life for other people, how pitiful. Now, look at the results it produced."
He stopped in front of Amu's door. Ikuto knocked before entering. Ryuu was sitting beside the bed that held Amu. His eyes were closed and Amu was glowing red.
Kitsune held a finger to her mouth.
"He's healing her," she whispered.
Suddenly Amu stopped glowing.
Ryuu opened his eyes and sighed, "I can only heal her minor injuries," he said.
"What about her severe injuries?" Ikuto inquired.
Ryuu shook his head.
Kitsune sighed, "She's in a critical state," she explained to Ikuto.
She gestured to a blood-stained metal piece that lay on a cloth.
"We found that in her leg," Kitsune solemnly said, "She's lost a lot of blood... and she's in agonising pain. So much pain that we'll have to...," Kitsune's voice trailed off.
Ikuto's eyes widened. He brushed past Kitsune and kneeled beside Amu.
Ryuu got up and stood next Kitsune, "What are you doing?" he asked.
Ikuto placed his hand on Amu's ankle, "I'm going to rid her of her pain," he replied.
"But if you do that, you'll be putting that pain in your own body!" cried Kitsune.
"It's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make," Ikuto said.
Chie cried beside Masayoshi. Lulu had informed her it was Masayoshi's last day.
"You can't die...," she sobbed, "You can't leave me... because..."
"Mori Chie?" said a squeaky voice.
She looked up to see a small jade-green dragon on the window.
"Yes," she replied as she straightened up, "That's me."
The little dragon fluttered up in front of her.
"I'm Fang!" it squeaked, "I'm Kaneko's messenger! She's got a message for you!"
The horn on his head glowed and a beam of light shot out taking shape of the young witch.
"Hello Mori Chie," she said.
"Your Kaneko…," breathed Chie, "The witch."
Kaneko held her finger to her lips, "Hush. Princess Mia banished me so I'm not allowed here."
Chie blinked, "Then why are you here?"
Fang produced a small pouch from his wings.
"These are called Pearls of Life," Kaneko explained, "It'll help your friend."
Chie took the pouch and opened it. Creamy-yellow pearls winked at her.
"Give him that and he'll be revived…well, that depends on you," said Kaneko.
Chie looked up to her, "What do you mean?" she asked.
"The results of those pearls depend on your feelings," Kaneko explained, "They can be an antidote or a poison at the same time. It depends on your feelings to him."
Chie looked at the pearls then at Masayoshi.
"I'll do it," she said.
Chie popped one pearl in her mouth then filled it with water. She leaned over Masayoshi. Her heart thumped against her chest.
Please let this save him.
She gently placed her lips to his, transferring the pearl to his mouth.
Chie straightened up, "What price do I need to pay?" she asked
Kaneko blinked. "Your price…," she began.
Chie braced herself.
"…is already paid," Kaneko finished.
"W-Who paid it?" Chie asked.
"Hinamori Amu," she replied, "She risked her own life to pay it."
"When you see her," smiled Chie, "Tell her that I'm very grateful."
Masayoshi's body glowed momentarily.
"Congratulations," remarked Kaneko, "He's going to live."
Pain. That was all Amu felt. Every part of her body and limbs seem to be filled of pain.
How long do I have to endure?
Suddenly, as if a heavy load was lifted, all her pain faded away.
This feeling… I felt it before.
She struggled to open her eyes. She then felt a gentle hand being placed over her eyes.
"Just rest," said a voice.
Amu then let herself fall into sleep. Sunlight streamed through the balcony doors and onto Amu's face, waking her up. She opened her eyes. Amu slowly sat up. Her body ached all over.
She stared at her hands. They were wrapped in bandages and she could feel a large square bandage on her cheek. Her foot, that had been crushed was bounded tightly and her left leg, the one that been skewered, had bandages wrapped up to her knee.
"Good morning," greeted Kitsune as she walked in.
She then looked at the side of Amu's bed and smiled. Amu followed her gaze. Ikuto was leaning against the bed, asleep.
"How are you feeling?" Kitsune asked.
"Sore," Amu replied.
Kitsune then looked at Ikuto, "You know," she began, "You wouldn't be talking to me right now if it hadn't been for Ikuto."
Amu blinked and stared at Ikuto.
"Really?" she asked.
Kitsune nodded, "You were in a lot of pain," she explained, "So much pain that in fact we would had to…," she paused before continuing, "Then Ikuto insisted to take your pain away and placed it into his own body."
Amu continued to stare at him.
He really did that…for me?
"Anyway," Kitsune smiled, "Get ready. Ryuu's anxiously waiting for you."
Amu nodded and Kitsune left. She then turned to Ikuto.
"Thank you," she whispered.
A few days passed and Amu healed fully. One day, after breakfast, Amu approached Ryuu and Kitsune.
"I want to learn how to fight," she announced.
Ryuu and Kitsune blinked.
"Why?" Kitsune asked.
Amu sighed, "I don't want to be the 'damsel in distress'. Beside, you guys can't always be around to protect me."
Ryuu and Kitsune gave each other a look then turned back to Amu.
"I understand how you feel Amu," said Ryuu, "You want to be independent. But Kitsune and I both specialise in Power Element attacks and since you don't have the same Power Element as us…"
Amu slumped in disappointment.
"But there is someone," said Kitsune.
Amu perked up. "Who?" she asked.
Ryuu and Kitsune replied at the same time, "Ikuto."
Amu nervously approached Ikuto. He was in the desolated garden.
"Um, Ikuto?"
He turned around.
"C-Can you teach me some...fighting techniques?" she stuttered.
He stared at her, "Do you have a weapon in mind?" he asked.
Amu's gold eyes fell to his sword that hung from his belt. Ikuto had noticed and smiled.
"Very well then," he said.
He held out his hand and a plain sword appeared. He threw it to Amu and she caught it.
"Training begins right now," he announced.
Amu blinked before a determine expression came over her face.
"Tell me again, why are you blindfolding me?"
Ikuto was tying a thick cloth over Amu's eyes.
"First thing that comes to sword-fighting," Ikuto explains, "Is senses. I have attached various numbers of logs to ropes in the trees. Your task is to sense them approaching and dodge them."
Amu gulped.
"Ready?"
She nervously nodded.
"Don't worry," he reassured, "I'll be watching in case anything goes wrong. Start!"
Logs were released from the branches overhead. Amu stiffened before leaning to one side. She could feel the whoosh as the logs whizzed past her. Amu breathed in and leaned in the other way as another log whizzed by. It continued for a few minutes and eventually she got used to the flow.
"You're doing great," said Ikuto.
Amu straightened up with a smile, "Really?" she said.
"Baka!" he cried, "Don't stop!"
A sudden log lurched forward, straight at Amu. Ikuto lunged himself at her, pinning her to the ground. He opened his eyes to find Amu safe in his arms. Ikuto sat up and helped her up as well.
"Um Ikuto?" called Amu as she tugged at the blindfold, "Can you untie this?"
He smiled and did. Kitsune and Ryuu were watching.
"Aww," cooed Kitsune.
Ryuu laughed, "Since when do you take interest in this? Usually you only take interest in Yuki."
Kitsune coughed then continued, "Aren't you jealous? I mean, don't you love her as well?"
Ryuu smiled as he watched Ikuto helping Amu to her feet.
"I'm happy when she's happy," he replied.
Kitsune blinked at him, "That's not like you," she remarked, "Usually you would be thirsty for bloodshed."
Ryuu continued to smile, "I've changed ever since I met Amu," he replied, "You have changed too."
Kitsune flinched.
"You used to be more hot-tempered," Ryuu remarked, "And, if you're not watching Yuki, you would be complaining that you want to destroy something."
Kitsune flushed.
Ryuu stared at the pink-haired girl.
"It seems like we've changed after meeting that girl," he muttered, "Including Ikuto."
Unknown to Ikuto, Amu, Kitsune and Ryuu, Hydrin was watching the training session from his bedroom window. An image flashed in his mind; a woman wielding a sword.
"Just like her," he muttered.
The training lasted for weeks. Amu could feel her shattered bond with Ikuto was slowly rebuilding. Breakfast was finished and cleared away. Hydrin left with an unseen smirk on his face. Amu was reading the journal in the empty dining room.
'Oh, today is probably the happiest day in my life. The man whom I love had gone bend knee to me! I accepted. I'm starting to pack for I'll be moving into his castle. As I write this entry, I can't help but look at the white gold ring on my finger with a smile. It had an amethyst, my favourite jewel. How did he know? Although I'm brimming with happiness, my younger sister seems to be doubtful.'
"Amu?"
Amu looked up. Ryuu and Kitsune stood before her.
"I have something for you, well we," smiled Ryuu, "We got them at the market."
He held out a silver chain necklace with a dragon pendant.
"Wow!" breathed Amu, "It's beautiful!"
Kitsune then shoved a box in her face.
"If you don't like it, you can throw it away," she said.
Amu opened it and there was a brooch shaped of a flame.
"Thank you Kitsune!" she said, "Thank you Ryuu!"
She then looked up at the grandfather clock.
"It's time for my training," she announced, "See you around!"
Amu went to the garden but didn't see Ikuto.
Strange.
She hurried to his room.
"Ikuto?" she called as she knocked on his door, "Are you there?"
No answer.
"Ikuto?"
Silence.
"I'm coming in!" said Amu as she opened the door.
"Ikuto?"
Blood-stained cloths littered the floor and a limp body had collapsed.
"Ikuto!" screamed Amu as she hurried to his side.
A dried river of red ran from his mouth.
"Ikuto!" cried Amu as she gently shook him, "Wake up!"
Ikuto opened his eyes and quickly sat up.
"Careful!" exclaimed Amu, "Don't get up too quick!"
"I'm sorry," he mumbled.
Ikuto stared at his blood-stained hand.
Half of my time limit is gone…
"S-So what's the training today?" Amu asked carefully.
Ikuto smiled, "You've completed your training. It's time to get your own sword."
"Why are we in the woods?" Amu asked.
"You'll see," replied Ikuto.
As the trees cleared, Amu spotted a cottage. Ikuto opened the door. A young girl with long greyish-black hair looked up.
"Hello Ikuto," she greeted, "And you must be Hinamori Amu."
Amu stared, "Y-You're the witch."
The girl nodded, "I'm Kaneko, a witch who Princess Mia had banished. It's a pleasure to meet you. What can I do for you?"
Ikuto stepped forward, "I'll like a sword for Amu," he replied.
Kuroi sniffed the air. "He smells of blood," Kuroi whispered.
Kaneko said nothing. Half of his time limit is gone.
"I got just the one," she smiled.
Kaneko walked into a room with curtains hanging down. She then came out with a sword in hand.
"Here."
Amu took it. The sword's handle was gold and had a ruby, sapphire, emerald and topaz in it.
"Thank you," she said, "Do I have to pay anything for it?"
Kaneko kindly shook her head.
Amu straightened up, "Then can you tell me why you got banished?" she asked.
Kaneko stared at her.
"H-Hey!" cried Ikuto, "Don't-"
"It's alright," smiled Kaneko, "I can tell you. Please, take a seat."
"Well, I'm 15 years old. Many people, including my parents, claim I was one of the most talented witches of time for such age."
"Really?" breathed Amu, "I thought you were at least 16 or 17 because you seem mature!"
Ikuto rolled his eyes, "Don't flatter her too much."
"Anyway," continued Kaneko, "My talent soon spread throughout the village and soon it reached the ears of the Royals. Princess Mia then appointed me as her mage when I was just 11 years old. When I was her mage, I met two special people in her palace…"
Young Kaneko was carrying scrolls in her arms when she heard footsteps approaching her, fast.
"There she is!" cried a voice.
Kaneko turned around to see a girl with cherry red hair, tied in buns, and hazelnut brown eyes. A boy stood next to her. He had neat blonde hair and marine blue eyes. The girl stuck her hand out.
"Welcome!" she grinned, "I'm Hiiragi Rikka! This is…um, my friend Ichinomiya Hikaru!"
Hikaru nodded and Kaneko felt a light blush come to her cheeks.
"I soon made friends with Rikka and Hikaru. I also found out they were the same age as me. Rikka was the happy-go-lucky person in the group and she's a talented archer. Hikaru was the hard-working person and he's a talented swordsman. We always stuck together."
"Soon I realized I was in love with Hikaru but I was aware of Rikka's feelings to Hikaru and his feelings to Rikka so I allowed them to be together. But then the call of war ripped us apart…"
"A war?" a 13 year old Kaneko repeated.
Mia nodded, "I'll be needing you three assistance. Are you sure you're prepared for this?"
Rikka, Hikaru and Kaneko shared a look before nodding.
"Wait!" cried Amu, "If this war took place 2 years ago, how come I didn't hear anything?!"
"It's because it took place in another dimension," replied Kaneko, "As soon we arrived in this dimension, I immediately sensed something was afoot."
Kaneko turned to Mia. "Your Majesty!" she cried, "I don't think we should fight in this area! Something's not right!"
Mia didn't glance at her. "Nothing is wrong," she replied, "Continue with the war."
"I followed her orders but I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in my mind. As we fought, I tried to calm myself and clear my mind but that feeling still lingered. Soon, I realized what it was."
"The battlefield was slowly disappearing. Our enemies had led us into a trap; a dimension that's destroying itself. Prince Mia realized too late, the battlefield was rapidly disappearing and she quickly evacuated the troops. Then I realize something, or rather, someone was missing…"
"Your Majesty!" Kaneko called, "Where's Hiigari and Ichinomiya?!"
She feverishly scanned the area. There at least 1 kilometre away, was Rikka and Hikaru. Rikka was helping Hikaru up, he must have been injured.
"Hikaru! Rikka!" cried Kaneko.
She was just about to run towards them when she felt strong arms grabbed. A guard was holding her back.
"Let go of me!" she cried.
"No," said Mia, "We must leave them. We can't save everyone."
"Then leave me too!" begged Kaneko.
Mia looked down on her. "You're too important," she replied, "Those two could be easily replaced."
Kaneko stared at her in shock.
"No!" she shrieked as the guard dragged her to the portal, "RIKKA! HIKARU!"
"The last thing I saw was their shocked faces as the portal closed…"
Kaneko closed her eyes.
"No one can survive a destruction of a dimension. I tried by using my powers to search for them but…no success. I soon rebelled against Princess Mia along with my other human friends; Kukoi and Fang. Mia wasn't very happy so she banished all of us; stripping me off my rank and turning my friends into animals. And that's the end of my tale."
Suddenly Kaneko found herself in the arms of Amu.
"I feel so sorry for you," sobbed Amu, "You lost your precious friends. And they died at such a young age."
Kaneko pulled away with a sad smiled, "Thank you for you sympathy."
Amu looked down at the large grey cat and little jade green dragon.
"It's hard to believe they were once human," she muttered.
"Amu," called Ikuto, "It's time to go."
Amu nodded and got up. Ikuto then noticed Kaneko was watching. She gave a slight nod and Ikuto immediately understood.
"Amu," he said, "Can you wait for me outside?"
Amu merely blinked and exist the cottage.
"I see you've been bleeding," said Kaneko once Amu was gone.
Ikuto said nothing.
"Autumn is here. Half your time limit is gone."
"I'm well aware of that," Ikuto mumbled.
"But," Kaneko continued, "Can you really complete your mission in the remaining time?"
Ikuto clenched his fist. "I have to," he said determinedly, "Or else…"
Fang watched as Ikuto and Amu left.
"I can't believe you were able to tell her without shedding any tears," he squeaked, "…Kaneko?"
Kukoi shot him a glare.
Kaneko was staring at a photo. It showed three people. A blonde boy with marine blue eyes was standing in the middle with a small. A girl with cherry red hair was flinging her arms around him. A girl with greyish-black hair stood beside them, holding a victory sign with her fingers.
Tears leaked from her pale aqua eyes. Kukoi turned to her with a pained expression.
"Don't cry Kaneko," reassured Fang, "You still got Kukoi."
Kukoi gave Fang a quick slap with his tail. Kukoi then leapt onto Kaneko's lap. He placed his paw on her hands. Kaneko wrapped her arms around him and Kukoi nuzzled her.
Amu wiped her mouth with her napkin.
Poor Kaneko…
"I've heard that Ito Masayoshi had fully healed from his eye injury," spoke up Ryuu.
"That's great!" exclaimed Amu.
Kitsune poked her food with her fork.
"Why so glum?" asked Ryuu.
"I'm not glum!" Kitsune snapped, "I'm just thinking!"
"Thinking about what?" asked Amu.
Kitsune shivered slightly. "Haven't you noticed Hydrin has gone quiet?"
Ryuu and Amu fell silent. Ikuto looked up.
Suddenly the dining doors flew open and Hydrin stepped in, "Hinamori Amu," he called, "Come and see me in the throne room when you're ready."
Amu and Ryuu stared a look before she got up and headed out. Ikuto appeared beside Kitsune and Ryuu.
"I'm going to give him 10 minutes," Ikuto growled.
Kitsune narrowed her eyes, "If she doesn't come back, I'm going to scorch that prince."
"What does he want from her?" muttered Ryuu.
Amu pushed the throne room's door and stepped in.
"Ah Hinamori Amu," smiled Hydrin, "Glad you can make it."
Amu closed the door behind her and stood in front of Hydrin. She fixed her dress and straightened up.
"What do you want from me?" she cautiously.
Hydrin smirked, "I want you to marry me."
To be continued…
*gasp* A hand in marriage?! Does the world Amu ventured in sound...familiar? *wink wink* And has anyone figured out that word? Read the discription of the building carefully, and you might figure it out. Also, does anyone think Kukoi might like Kaneko? I'm just saying. I apologize for any mistakes. Once again, I don't own Tsubasa or Shugo Chara. Please review if you can, thank you.