Hi everyone. Thank you for reviewing the last chapter. I was quite amuse to see some of your reactions. Anyway here's the next chapter. Can you hear wedding bells?
Wish Upon A Wing
The Dragon's Heart and the Fox's Love
Recap: Hydrin smirked, "I want you to marry me."
Amu stared at him in shock.
"I beg your pardon?" she said.
Hydrin continued to smirk, "Don't make me say it again," he replied.
Amu was taken back.
Why would he…? No, there must be a darker reason to this.
Then it struck her. She looked into those cold eyes.
"You want the Positive Wing, don't you?" she asked.
Hydrin clapped his hands. "Clever Hinamori," he remarked, "Very clever."
Amu bit her lip.
So he just wants me by his side so, when the opportunity comes, he'll kill me off and get the Positive Wing.
"What if I refuse?" she demanded.
Hydrin smirk didn't even falter.
"Then you have to kill Tsukiyomi for me," he smiled.
Amu gasped.
Kill Ikuto?!
"What if I can't?" she asked still standing strong.
"Oh, you will," smirked Hydrin, "But if you somehow fail, you still have to marry me. You don't want your friends' lives to end, do you? It's such a shame for Ito Masayoshi especially; he just got off the line of death."
"So you get both wings in the end," she frowned.
Hydrin smiled sweetly at her, "Exactly."
Amu hesitated.
I can just pretend to kill Ikuto and give him a plain black feather…
She suddenly felt something hard and cool in her hands.
Hydrin had placed a dagger in it.
"I've placed a spell on it," he explained, "Just to ensure you do your job properly."
The dagger dispersed into black sparks.
"When the clock strikes twelve, you shall plunge it deep into his heart," laughed Hydrin, "Now that's dramatic."
Suddenly the doors flew open. Ikuto was standing there, 10 minutes was up.
"That was a pleasant chat, wasn't Hinamori?" smiled Hydrin.
As he swept pass her, he hissed in her ear, "Don't breathe a word or else."
Hydrin then disappeared out of the room.
"What was that about?!" demanded Ikuto.
"Nothing!" replied Amu.
He grabbed her arm, "You're lying," he said.
"Ikuto! Let go!" Amu cried, "You're hurting me!"
Ikuto quickly let go and stepped back. "What did he say to you?" he asked more gently.
"I told you," insisted Amu, "Nothing. Now I got to go."
She quickly raced out of the door, past Ryuu and Kitsune who were listening from the door.
"Well?" asked Kitsune.
"She wouldn't tell me," replied Ikuto.
Ryuu stared worriedly after Amu.
Amu locked the door behind her and raced to her desk. She grabbed the journal and frantically flipped through the pages.
I thought he was already married! Didn't he go bend knee to the girl he loved?! Does it mention a wedding?!
Amu stopped at the page she was up to.
'I've moved into his castle. I could see he had taken a lot of time fitting everything so I feel comfortable. That's one of the things I love about him…'
Amu flipped to the next page and skimmed then something caught her eyes.
'Ever since he stumbled upon that old book, he seemed to have changed. I, myself, took a look at this book he's been rambling on about. It's about two giant wings that are said to grant any wish one desires. They're called the 'Tsubasas'. I asked him what his wish was.
'His reply surprised me; "To rule the entire kingdom!" It seems that the lure of omnipotence is slowly eating him away. I stay next to him, hoping he'll return back to normal.'
"Hydrin must have stumbled upon the book of the Tsubasas," muttered Amu.
She continued to read.
Oh, how I wish he didn't find that book! Those wings seem to be the only subject he thinks about! I grow more worried as each day passes. It's as if he had grown obsess with them.
'Sometimes, late at night, I see him in his study tracking the wings' course. I soon discovered he's planning to capture those wings and fulfil his wish! What happens if his wish comes true? I can't bear to think about it…
Amu flipped to the next page.
I'm packing. I have no choice. The lure of omnipotence has devoured him completely. I have a plan to stop him from fulfilling this terrible wish, no it's more like a curse.'
'The wings must have a lot of power, in order to grant any desire, so my plan will be risky. But I'm willing to do it, for him. I must admit, I'm scared that I might not see him again. Now, it's time to tell him I'm leaving…oh, how I hate goodbyes.
That was the last page of the journal. Amu stared at the page with wide eyes.
She…never came back? What was her plan?
Amu looked at her bed. She recalled how the bed looked as if no one had slept in it for years.
She never really came back… did that mean her plan worked? ...What WAS her plan? Who is this woman?
There was a knock and Amu hurried to open it.
Ryuu stood in front of her with a smile. "Want to join me for a walk?" he asked.
Amu stared at him.
Ryuu's smile vanished, "Are you alright Amu?" he inquired, "You look as pale as a ghost."
She shook her head, clearing her swirling thoughts.
"I'm alright," she answered, "I'll come."
They walked in the hallways.
"What's on your mind?" Ryuu gently asked.
Amu stiffened, "Nothing…"
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" he asked.
Amu bit her lip.
Hydrin's words echoed in her mind; "Don't breathe a word or else."
Suddenly Ryuu took her hands. Amu looked up at him, in surprise.
"If you ever want to talk us," he smiled, "Then do. We all hate seeing you like this."
Amu stared at him than smiled.
"Thank you Ryuu," she whispered.
Suddenly he leaned forward and pecked her on the forehead. When he pulled back, Amu was pink and her golden eyes had widened.
Ryuu merely chuckled and walked away. Amu placed her hands on her cheeks, on conceal her blush. That was the first time anyone had laid their lips on her.
Amu paced back and forth in the long hallways. That was when she noticed some paintings handing on the walls. One was a portrait of a handsome man with pitch-black hair and blue eyes.
She immediately recognised who it was: Hydrin. Next to his portrait was another painting. But the draping shadows concealed most of the artwork. Amu could only make out that it was a portrait of a woman.
Could it be the woman who wrote the journal?
She passed another artwork. It was a painting of two silhouettes; a man and a woman, sitting on a bench looking out at a garden. Amu looked out to the window which was next to the painting.
That garden… could it be…?
She stared at the thorny garden outside where the stone bench stood. She turned back to the painting; the garden was flourishing.
The man is obliviously Hydrin and the woman must be his lover.
Soon evening descended on the castle.
"I'm getting worried," muttered Kitsune.
The three ministers were in Ryuu's room.
"She seems very distance," continued Kitsune, "Like she's avoiding us."
"Hydrin must have said something to her," stated Ikuto.
"Yes," nodded Ryuu, "I spoke to her earlier and she looked very pale and nervous."
"Then Hydrin must have threatened her," Ikuto concluded.
Kitsune turned to the clock. It read; 8 o'clock.
"Hey," she called to Ikuto, "It's time you go to her for the night."
Ikuto stood up.
"Be on your guard," warned Ryuu, "Hydrin must be lurking around."
Ikuto nodded and walked out.
Amu lay on her bed; her white blankets were up to her chest. She could see Ryuu's pink rose in the moonlight. The autumn wind blew outside, rustling the trees.
"You're being awfully quiet," whispered Ikuto.
Amu stiffened at his statement. She sighed.
"I…I just got a lot of things in mind," she answered carefully.
"Like what?" he continued to asked.
There was a pause.
"What happens if I give someone the Positive Wing?" Amu asked.
"Don't," replied Ikuto, "The wings are like your life and power source. You can say, they're your second heart. Beside, if you give someone the wings, they can misuse the powers and the results could be disastrous."
Amu remembered the line from the journal entry: 'What happens if his wish comes true? I can't bear to think about it…'
Amu closed her eyes. Silence then fell on the two.
She must be asleep thought Ikuto as he heard peaceful breathing.
Meanwhile, Hydrin was sitting in his throne, chuckling to himself. "Anything can happen when the clock strikes twelve," he smiled.
In the distance, Amu heard a clock strike twelve. Amu suddenly clutched her chest and her eyes flew open. She gasped. There was a burning and crawling sensation inside her heart. She quickly sat up, clawing at her chest.
Ikuto quickly reacted, "What's wrong?" he asked.
"It hurts," Amu gasped, "My chest."
She leaned forward so her head was resting against Ikuto's chest. Her breathing came out sharp and quick. Ikuto placed his hands on her shoulder, Amu was shaking uncontrollably.
Amu grasped at Ikuto shirt. Her head was pounding. Suddenly, as if it had its own mind, one of her hands left go of Ikuto's shirt and extended. Amu watched in horror, as it opened and the dagger appeared. She drew a breath.
No! No! Don't do it!
Ikuto was too busy trying to comfort her to notice. Amu's hand trembled as she tried fight against the force. The dagger was hovering above the area of Ikuto's back where his heart is located.
No!
Amu could feel her hand trying to thrust down as she struggled to pull it back. Suddenly Ikuto caught a glint in the moonlight. Out of the corner of his eye, Ikuto saw a dagger in the reflection in Amu's mirror that hung from the wall.
He quickly seized Amu's hand and pushed her down against the bed. He preyed open her trembling hands and grabbed the dagger. Ikuto gripped it hard and the dagger shattered into pieces. Amu sat up, panting.
"I-I so sorry!" she cried.
Tears spilt over her eyes.
"I-I didn't…I mean… It's just…," she didn't finish because Ikuto gently embraced her.
"It's alright," he whispered, "You were controlled by Hydrin. I understand."
But more tears fell. Amu buried her face in Ikuto's shirt as she sobbed. Ikuto gently rubbed her back. She sobbed even harder.
You don't understand, Ikuto! Now…I have to leave you, Ryuu and Kitsune. I have to marry Hydrin.
"She's distant?" repeated Ryuu.
They were now in Ryuu's hut, at the edge of the market place. Amrita was listening to them.
"Yes," said Ikuto, "After Hydrin forced her to kill me, she still remained distressed and distant."
"Maybe she's just guilty about nearly killing you," suggested Kitsune.
Ryuu then turned to his sister, "Have you heard anything, Amrita?" he asked.
Amrita thought for a moment, "Not that I know of…," she replied.
"Well I think we should still try to get it out of her," said Kitsune, "The poor thing seems quite worn down by it."
"But the problem," spoke Ikuto, "She's being cautious about what she's saying so 'getting it out of her' will be difficult."
The ministers fell silent in thought.
"Oh!" cried Amrita.
"What is Amrita?" asked Ryuu.
"I overheard some birds talking," explained Amrita, "Judging by their conversation, I think its Pearl and Ebony, Princess Zina's advisors. They were saying that Princess Zina seem to sense something's afoot. I remember they quoted something that Princess Zina said; 'Tragedy will fall if she accepted the vow. All hope will be lost.'"
"Vow?' Ikuto repeated.
"What could that mean?" muttered Ryuu.
"One thing for sure," pointed out Kitsune, "Whatever Hydrin has made Amu do, the results will be terrible."
Amu fidgeted in her seat while they had their dinner. The day of the wedding is coming up and Hydrin's smirks at her weren't helping. Amu could also sense the ministers' concern.
Each day they would make an effort to try and make Amu spill the beans. Ryuu would come in the mornings and invite her to a walk. In the afternoons, Kitsune would ask her if she want to tag along with her to the market. And in the evenings, Ikuto would guard her in her room and they would talk before she fell asleep. Secretly, Amu enjoyed the little routine.
At least I get to see them before I die.
After they finished, Hydrin made an announcement.
"I'll like all ministers to come to the throne room for a meeting," he said with a smile.
When they left, Amu had a hutch Hydrin is going to tell them. She rushed to her room and locked the door. She couldn't bear to see their reaction.
Hydrin is most unlikely to tell them his true desire to ask her hand in marriage. Amu slid down the door and cried.
"I can't believe it!" snapped Kitsune.
Her eyes had sharpened and irises slashed her pupil. They were back in Ryuu's room.
"He actually…he actually…," she trailed off, "I can't bear to say the word!"
"There must be a logical reason," spoke Ryuu, "Amu wouldn't just accept it, right Ikuto? Ikuto?"
Ikuto had gone silent and pale.
"She accepted his hand in marriage," he mumbled, "There's nothing we can do."
"You're just going to leave her?!" shrieked Kitsune, "What kind of guardian are you?!"
Ikuto stood up, "A guardian that won't get in the way of her feelings!" he snapped.
"You actually think she loves that guy!" Kitsune yelled.
"What other reason would she accept his proposal?!" Ikuto argued back.
"You two calm down!" cried Ryuu, "Arguing isn't going to help Amu, isn't it?"
Ikuto and Kitsune fell silent.
"Leave me out of this," muttered Ikuto, "If she loves him I won't stand in the way."
SLAP!
Kitsune had swiftly whacked her hand across Ikuto's face. Ryuu winced.
"Baka!" she cried, "I thought you love her!"
Ikuto placed a hand on his red cheek.
"A true guardian would stop the person he's protecting from making the wrong decisions!" Kitsune continued.
Tears were visible in her eyes.
"I don't want to lose Amu to…him," she sniffed.
Ryuu placed a hand on Ikuto's shoulder, "She has a point," he gently said, "We, all care about Amu and we need to protect her."
"A wedding?" repeated Kaneko.
Yuki nodded.
"Yes," he replied, "Apparently Hydrin asked Hinamori-san a hand in marriage."
Kaneko closed her pale aqua eyes.
"I doubt it's out of love," she muttered.
Kaneko stroked Kukoi's back, who was lying in her lap.
"No," agreed Yuki, "He would never do that in a life time."
"When's the wedding?" Kaneko asked.
"Tomorrow," Yuki solemnly replied.
Kaneko thought for a moment then her eyes widened in realization.
"Isn't tomorrow the day…when she left him…?"
Amu stared at her reflection. She wore a black satin dress that had silk white roses pinned on her waist. She also wore black gloves that were spiked at the edges. Over Amu's head, was a black lace veil.
Why black? Isn't this supposed to be a wedding?
The maids did the last final touches and tucks. They stood up and silently left the room. Amu continued to stare at the full-length mirror. She could just make out her sad golden eyes through the black lace.
This is it.
Amu was about to exist her room when she noticed Ryuu's rose was wilting.
What's this?! Does this mean something bad is going to happen?!
She walked out of the room and through the hallways. Amu stopped when she saw Ikuto walking up. He stopped as well. They stared at each other for a while, not a word was breathed. Finally Ikuto bowed low.
"Congratulations," he mumbled.
Amu felt the stabbing feeling returning. She merely swept past him, grateful of the veil which concealed her tears. Amu stopped at a pair of oak doors. The doors would lead to a mini chapel.
No Onii-chan to walk me down.
She closed her eyes. The images of her friends flashed in her mind; Nagi, Rima, Yaya, Kairi, Kukai, Utau, Masayoshi, Chie, Lulu, Kaneko, Yuki, Kitsune, Ryuu, Amrita and finally…Tadase and Ikuto.
Sayanora minna. (T/N: Goodbye everyone)
She opened her eyes and pushed open the doors.
There were wooden benches on the side filled with the faceless servants and subjects. On the side of the platform, in the front, were vases of lilies. Kitsune stood at the side; Ikuto and Ryuu were no where in sight.
Amu walked down the aisle, which had was covered with a blood-red carpet. Hydrin was already on the platform, waiting. Amu glared at him from underneath the veil when she reached him.
"Smile my dear," he whispered, "It's going to be the last day of your life."
The priest stood before them, a high chance that it was Hydrin's creation as well.
"Do you, your Highness take this young woman as your wife?" the priest asked.
Hydrin merely smirked, "Of course."
Amu fidgeted with her glove.
"And you, Hinamori Amu, take this man as your husband?"
There was a pause.
I'm doing this for everyone.
She looked up at the priest.
"I d-"
CRASH!
The glass dome above them shattered as a figure dropped down. Both Hydrin and Amu took cover as glass shards rained down. The figure landed on the platform. He wore a cape and had a long hat that hid his face.
"I object," he smiled, "I'll be taking the bride."
Amu gasped as the mysterious person wrapped his arm around her waist. Then the figure produced a small purple glass ball, that's filled with dusty clouds. He threw it to the ground and the clouds disperse.
"A smoke orb," muttered Hydrin as the clouds covered the chapel.
"Kitsune, get rid of the smoke now!" ordered Hydrin.
Kitsune stood there.
"Kitsune!"
Kitsune counted silently in her head; 3…2…1.
"KITSUNE!"
She quickly dispatched 9 fireballs which rounded up the smoke. But the wedding crasher and the bride had gone.
Hydrin growled. "Find them!" he yelled, "I don't care if they're alive or dead! Bring them to me!"
They had escaped to the garden. Realizing she was in the arms of someone, Amu quickly pulled away.
"Who are you?!" she demanded.
The man smiled.
That smile…
"No thank you? I'm not surprise," smiled the man, "Don't you recognise me?"
The man pulled off his hat, revealing midnight blue hair.
Amu gasped, "Ikuto!"
He stepped forward and drew back the veil causing Amu to blush. Ikuto stiffened when he saw tears in her eyes.
"What's wr-" Ikuto started but stopped when Amu ran forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm sorry!" she sobbed, "I didn't mean to worry all of you. It's just Hydrin would hurt everyone if I didn't…"
Ikuto hugged her back. "Now, now," he whispered, "It's alright."
He pulled away when there was a shout; "Check the gardens!"
"Guards," he muttered.
Ikuto then took Amu's hand.
"Come," he beckoned, "Ryuu and Kitsune are waiting."
Amu followed Ikuto as they ran around a corner. They stopped at a certain overhanging balcony. Ikuto then whistled a sound that can easily be mistaken as a bird call. A long piece of rope was hurled over the balcony. The two quickly climbed up.
"Amu!" called Ryuu as they clambered onto the balcony.
Ryuu gave Amu a warm embrace. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Amu nodded. Ryuu then took her by the waist.
"Quickly," he said, "Guards will check this room any minute."
They rushed out of the door where Kitsune joined them.
"Where are we going?" asked Amu as they ran.
"The library," Ikuto replied.
Soon they arrived at a pair of old doors.
"Kitsune, guard the doors!" ordered Ryuu, "Warn us if anyone comes!"
Kitsune nodded and twirled. As she did, her black hood appeared and she hid in the shadows. Ryuu quickly shut the doors. The library was old. Stacks of old books clustered here and there. The shelves were all dusty.
"Why are we here?" inquired Amu.
"You two are going to escape," Ryuu replied.
He beckoned Amu and Ikuto to follow him. On one side of the library, a wall had crumbled revealing a ledge that was facing the east.
"How do we escape?" gasped Amu as she looked down from the ledge.
"You two are going to fly," smiled Ryuu.
Ikuto and Amu blinked.
"Ikuto and you, Amu, hold the Tsubasas," Ryuu explained, "So if you two unfolded your wings, you can take to the sky."
"But-" started Amu then a warning flame flickered in the room.
The doors flew open and in burst an angry-looking Hydrin, sword in hand. Ryuu quickly turned to Ikuto and Amu.
"Go!" he demanded.
"What about you Ryuu?!" Amu cried.
"Just go!" he ordered.
Hydirn charged. Ryuu quickly blocked the attack with his scythe. Ikuto grabbed Amu by the arm and hurried her to the ledge.
"We can't leave Ryuu and Kitsune!" Amu cried.
"We'll be fine!" called Ryuu as he blocked another attack, "Just go!"
"We have to listen to him," said Ikuto as he unfolded a black wing. Amu looked back before unfolding a white wing. They jumped. Ryuu smiled to himself.
"Farewell," he whispered.
"How dare you ruin my plans?!" shrieked Hydrin.
Ryuu turned around and his eyes widened. Nearby books were then splattered with red.
"I'm scared," whimpered Amu.
"Hang onto me and you'll be fine," reassured Ikuto.
Suddenly strong wind blew. Amu panicked and her wing disappeared. A flying creature cannot fly with an old number of wings and soon Ikuto and Amu plummet to the ground. Ikuto quickly grabbed Amu and shield her before they landed on the ground.
"What was that?!" cried a voice.
"It's coming from there!" said another.
Ikuto gasped and quickly helped Amu to her feet.
"Run!" he ordered.
Amu obeyed. She picked up her skirts and ran. Luckily she was wearing boots underneath. They could hear hoofs thundering on the ground.
"Run!" cried Ikuto from behind, "And don't look back!"
Amu leapt over a fallen log. Ikuto was about to do the same when a capture chain wounded around his arm, pulling him back. Ikuto landed hard in the dirt.
"Go Amu!" he encouraged, "Go!"
Since Amu couldn't look back, she didn't know that Ikuto was being pulled away.
"Ryuu!" called Kitsune as she entered the library, "Where are you, dragon?"
The library was dark.
"You better not jump out on me," snapped Kitsune.
She came to a halt with a gasp. There was a hole in the ceiling and dim light shone in the centre of the library, revealing a limp body.
"Ryuu!" Kistune cried as she hurried over to the body.
Ryuu had his deep red eyes open and the life in them was quickly leaking away. His pale face was splattered with blood and there was a deep stab wound in his chest.
"Ryuu!" gasped Kitsune, "Hang on! I got some medical supplies with me!"
"Kit…sune…" Ryuu's voice was barely a whisper.
"Shush!" hushed Kitsune, "Don't talk!"
"…Amu…," he rasped.
"Yes. They escaped," Kitsune hurriedly replied.
"…She…changed us…right…?" He weakly smiled.
Kitsune froze. It's true. Kitsune wouldn't usually hurry to an injured person. She was about to bandage Ryuu's wound when he grabbed her hand.
Ryuu slowly shook his head. "Too…late," he whispered.
"It's not!" Kitsune snapped, "Why would you leave Amu and your sister?!"
"I got…someone to…look after…Amrita…," he gasped, "…I'm…happy…"
Kitsune stared at him.
He had a smile on his face. "I died…," he continued, "I died… protecting her… if only I could tell her… that…I love…her…"
His eyes closed.
"Ryuu?" called Kitsune, "Ryuu?! Ryuu!"
Ryuu's body disperse into shards and drifted into the dark sky.
Amrita straightened up.
"Onii-chan…," she whispered.
Suddenly she heard the door opened. She listened carefully. Satin slippers crossed the floor.
"Who's there?" she asked.
The visitor knelt down before. Amrita felt hands over her eyes.
"Don't worry," said a kind male voice, "I mean no harm."
Gentle warmth spread over her eyes. When the hands were removed Amrita gasped. She could see a man with snow white hair smiling at her.
"How did you…?" she began.
"Your brother and I paid a price to the young witch," the man replied, "I'm Yuki."
The metal bars suddenly disappeared.
"I'm here to adopt you," Yuki explained, "I'm afraid your brother…had passed away."
Amrita hung her head. "I had a feeling," she whispered.
She got up and quickly examined to hut.
"Do you want me to help you pack?" Yuki asked.
Amrita shook her head and quickly packed a 1 thing; the family photo. She held to her chest and walked to the cloak hanger. Ryuu's hood hung from it. She pulled it off and draped it over her shoulders. It was a bit big but Amrita didn't mind.
"That's all?" Yuki inquired.
Amrita nodded, "It's best to leave the things how they were."
The two left the little hut, hand in hand. A gentle breeze blew across the hut.
Amu stared. She was on a hill overlooking the Kingdom. But what worried her was that Ikuto wasn't with her. The same breeze blew her hair and dress. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, painting the sky orange-yellow mixed with hues of pink and purple.
Ikuto's voice echoed in her mind; "Run! Don't look back!"
"How could I be so stupid?" she muttered, "Ikuto… got captured."
Amu stayed at her house for a few days. She wasn't ready to approach the palace to see her friends, not yet. Amu lay on her bed with Yoru, staring at the ceiling. She shut her eyes.
What should I do? Ikuto saved me many times before…
Amu opened her eyes and sat up.
Yes. I should do it. I shall return to Hydrin's castle and rescue Ikuto.
"Well, well, well. Look what we got here," chuckled Hydrin.
Ikuto lay before him, bounded in chains.
"So you're the wedding crasher," Hydrin continued to smile.
Ikuto looked at Kitsune.
She gave him a look that said: 'What are you doing here?'
Ikuto shot her a look that read: 'Long story. Where's Ryuu?'
Kitsune gave him a sad expression: 'Long story.'
Hydrin shook his head, "It's so sad that you ruined the ceremony," he sighed, "My plans would've worked if it wasn't for you."
"Plans?" Ikuto repeated.
"Yes," Hydrin smirked, "I was planning to kill the little darling to get the Positive wing. But now that I got you…"
His cold eyes glistened. "I'll kill you after some torture," he laughed.
Long grass and fallen logs rushed past Amu as she ran through the forest. The towers of Hydrin's castle were just peering over the trees. She then stopped. Amu was in the courtyard. She cautiously entered the cast through the back. The castle was deathly quiet. Amu ran into her room and rummaged through the draws. She pulled out the lock.
Thank goodness it's safe.
Amu then noticed the journal.
I guess I'll bring that as well.
Luckily the book was small and it fitted in her dress pocket.
"What are you doing here?"
Amu jumped. Kitsune was at the door.
Amu gave a sigh of relief before replying, "I'm here to save Ikuto."
Kitsune stared at her, "That's very brave."
"Where's Ryuu?" asked Amu.
Kitsune jumped then looked at the wilted rose. "He…got killed," she replied.
Amu froze.
"Hydrin killed him," finished Kitsune.
"Why that…," began Amu as she was about to stomp out the room when Kitsune stopped her.
"Let me deal with it," she offered, "Stay in this room. You'll be safe. I'll come back for you."
Kitsune then closed the door behind her.
"If I come back," she muttered.
The doors of the throne room flew up. Hydrin smiled when he saw Kitsune. She had unfolded her tails and her eyes had become fox-like.
"Why so angry?" smiled Hydrin.
Kitsune hurled a fireball at him. Hydrin cocked his head on one side to dodge.
"I can't believe you killed your minister!" she cried.
"Oh Ryuu?" said Hydrin as he stood up, "He's nothing."
Kitsune hurled another fireball, which Hydrin dodged.
"Nothing?!" she snapped, "He was a loving brother and a loyal friend to us!"
"Oh a fight is it?" Hydrin smirked.
Kitsune sent a scorching fire at him and Hydrin countered it with a beam of darkness. There was an explosion. Kitsune coughed. Just then ropes of shadows wrapped around her.
"Isn't this how you got captured?" asked Hydrin.
His sword was in hand.
Kitsune struggled. "You'll never grant your selfish wish!" she growled.
Hydrin frowned, "Oh I will," he muttered, "Any last words?"
Her eyes widened, reflecting a sword being thrown at her.
"Yuki…"
Thunder clapped as a paint brush clattered onto the floor. Yuki stared at his painting. It showed a lifeless fox on the ground while another fox was mourning over it. Amrita was having a nap on the crouch. Yuki had been taking great care of her. He treated her like an older brother, or even a father.
Yuki wondered to his desk. There was Amrita's family photo. Next to it was another photo; of a young man with snow white hair and a young woman with flame orange hair, which had her arms wrapped around him lovingly. Yuki placed his hands on the desk, teardrops fell on the desk.
Amrita kept sleeping unaware that another life had been lost.
Amu was patiently waiting for Kitsune. But she never came back. Amu soon got worried and poked her head out in the hallways. Not a single sound was heard except the falling rain.
She carefully walked in the hallway, careful not to make a sound. Amu pushed open the throne room's door. It opened with a creak. The room was empty and silent like a grave. She gasped when she saw blood on the floor. Flames flickered at the edges of the pool.
"No…Kitsune," sniffed Amu.
Suddenly the flames took flight and flew to a door that was hidden behind a curtain. Amu bravely walked towards it and opened the door.
Flights of stone steps led down into the castle. She took a deep breath and walked in, darkness swallowed her up. Amu followed the flames through the stone labyrinth. Her lock glowed around her neck, providing her more light.
Is Kitsune leading me to Ikuto?
After hours of wondering, Amu was exhausted. She sat down on the cold stone floor and fell asleep. A light, gentle hand shook her awake. Amu opened her eyes and looked up. A glowing Ryuu smiled at her.
"Ryuu!" exclaimed Amu.
He helped her up then beckoned her to follow him. As Amu followed Ryuu, she noticed he didn't make a sound as he walked. Ryuu suddenly stopped. Amu peeked over him. Kitsune stood before them. She silently waved at Amu then joined them.
Are these the spirits of Ryuu and Kitsune?
Finally they came to a door. Kitsune gave Amu a hug before disappearing. Ryuu gave Amu a kiss on the forehead, just like he did before, then he too disappeared. Amu opened the door. She was in a dark room.
Moonlight shone down on the centre from a hole in the ceiling. It shone on a figure that hung from chains that are strapped on his arms. The figure weakly looked up as he did, strands of his midnight blue hair feel in his face.
"Ikuto!" Amu cried.
She ran over him.
"…Amu?" Ikuto rasped.
"Hang on!" she cried as she unclasped the cuffs around his wrists.
Ikuto collapsed to the ground. Amu struggled to hold him up.
"Ikuto, are you alright?" she gasped.
He looked up at her. She drew a breath. His face had gone pale and there were bags under his eyes. Also, his wrists were rubbed raw from the cuffs. Amu shifted her arms under him.
"Let's get you out of here," she smiled.
Ikuto nodded. Ryuu and Kitsune appeared to aid Amu with Ikuto as well as guiding them out.
As they walked pass the library, Amu stopped.
"Ikuto wait here," she said, "I want to look at something."
She placed Ikuto in the shadows and quickly walked in the library.
"Where was it?" she muttered.
Amu scanned the area when her eyes caught something.
"Aha!"
She picked up a small book from a pile. It had a thorned crown emblem. Amu opened and wasn't surprise to found the text was handwritten.
"This must be Hydrin's," she whispered.
Amu quickly tucked it away and returned to Ikuto.
"Let's go," she announced.
She turned to Ryuu and Kitsune.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Kitsune gave her a wink while Ryuu smiled warmly at her. The two spirits then vanished leaving Amu and Ikuto.
"Will you be alright?" asked Amu, her eyes filled with concern.
Ikuto nodded. They were on the hill overlooking the Kingdom of Light.
"Don't worry about me," he replied, "I'll be fine."
He then noticed Amu was gazing at the palace.
He smiled, "Go to the palace," he said, "Your friends are probably waiting for you. You haven't seen them since the Chess Game, huh?"
Amu nodded. "I'll go there tomorrow," she said, "Are you sure you don't want to stay over? I'm staying at my house tonight."
Ikuto shook his head. "I'll be fine," he reassured, "Thank you and good night."
"Yuki?" called Amrita.
He was sitting at his desk, his head in his hands. Amrita had been worried about Yuki for a while. He's been silent lately. Also, he seems to be forgetful, inattentive and Yuki has also been sleeping in. He's always up when the sun rises.
Amrita quietly approached him. Her Chinese satin slippers made no sound. Ever since Yuki adopt her, Amrita wore Chinese garments but of course she sometimes wore her usual wear; her red skirt, Ryuu's old black sweater, Ryuu's old white shirt and her knee-high black boots.
Amrita tried again, "Yuki?"
He slowly rise his head up and turned to her. "Yes Amrita?" he whispered.
"A-Are you alright?" she shyly.
Yuki smiled, "Yes. I am."
Amrita shook her head, "I sense you feeling very sad."
Yuki's smile disappeared. He patted her on the head. "You're right," he sighed, "I can't hide my emotion from you, can I? I…I lost someone whom I love very much."
Amrita placed her hand on Yuki's.
"Don't worry," she smiled, "As long as you remember them in your heart, they'll always be by your side."
Yuki chuckled, "I told you that didn't I?"
Amrita vigorously nodded. The white fox laughed as he patted the little girl.
Amu sat in her bed, leaning against her pillow. Yoru was snuggling close at her side. She held the journal in her hand.
I've read his lover's side now…
She opened the journal…
Time to see Hydrin's side.
To be continued…
So Ryuu and Kitsune was killed...I'm sorry for those who had grown fond of the two ministers. Does anyone have a hutch, theory, guess of who's Hydrin's lover? P.S school is starting soon so I might be able to write as quickly! Please review, I love reading reviews~!