*sniff* Thank you all for reviewing guys. *sniff* especially from 'Girl from the World that Ended'. You made me decide to post the next chapter.
Scarlet Curls/cpage47: One word for you; irksome (no offence intended)
Burakkurozu-Black Rose: You're nearly always the first person to review my chapters! Thank you!
MissXAmulet: It's nice to see someone so engross with your story~!
I'll just quickly quote something from Yuki "The Positive Wing have dreams of the future" Keep that in mind when reading the first 2 paragraphs. Enjoy.
Wish Upon A Wing
Until We Meet Again
A little girl with rose pink hair tied into piggy-tails was sitting on a bench. She watched as the sunlight danced on the tips of her shoes. Suddenly she looked up at the space beside. A smile spread across her face.
"We've met before!" she smiled.
But no one was sitting next to her.
"I'm so sorry for bumping into you before," she apologised.
There was silence, since there was no one to reply.
"My name is Amu!" she smiled, "Hinamori Amu! What's your…?"
Suddenly an older boy appeared. "Hey Amu!" he called, "It's time to go!"
"Okay!" she called.
The girl leapt off the bench.
"I hope to see you again!"
As she ran to her brother, she turned around and waved at the empty bench.
But there's no one there…
Sunlight shone on Amu's face, urging her to wake up. Amu's eyes fluttered open, revealing her golden eyes. She sat up to find herself in her own bed. Amu rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"What a strange dream," she muttered.
Amu then turned to her stuffed cat.
"Good morning Yoru," she whispered.
She threw her covers aside and drew back her curtains. Birds hopped from branch to branch, chirping. Amu went to the bathroom and refreshed herself. She then returned to her room and got out her gold-trimmed maroon uniform. As Amu buttoned her jacket, she smiled at Yoru.
"Wish me luck for my essay mark, Yoru," she beamed.
Yoru smiled at her with his sewn mouth.
"You know," said Amu, "I really wish could talk to me, at least."
As soon as those words left her mouth, Amu froze. Something didn't seem right. Yoru talking?
"Hurry up, Amu!" called Shigeru from downstairs.
"Coming!" Amu called back.
Shaking the strange feeling off, she quickly grabbed her bag. Giving the last glance at Yoru, Amu closed her bedroom door behind her.
"Good morning Onii-chan!" Amu greeted as she entered the kitchen.
Shigeru laid trays that contained a bowl of rice with an umeboshi (T/N: Umeboshi is the dried plum they put with rice), a plate of sunny-side eggs with vegetables and a bowl of miso soup. Amu sat down, picked up her chopsticks and started to dig in.
"I was clearing the spare room and found a futon in it," said Shigeru.
Amu looked up from her food. What's a futon doing in the spare room?
"Anyway," Shigeru continued, "I was planning to turn it into a storage room now."
"Onii-chan," Amu spoke up.
Shigeru stopped and looked at his sister.
"Is it alright if we keep the spare room empty?" asked Amu, "I can clean it once in a while, and air it as well."
Shigeru stared at her. Amu suddenly realized what she had just said.
"I-I'm sorry!" she stuttered, "For saying such a strange thing in the morning."
Shigeru chuckled. "It's alright," he smiled, "The monster is always strange."
But Amu didn't hear his reply. She was deep in thought. The strange feeling is creeping back.
It feels like…something's missing.
As she walked to school, Amu couldn't shake the strange feeling off, no matter how hard she tried.
"Good morning Amu," greeted a voice.
Amu jumped and spun around. Tadase was smiling at her.
"T-Tadase!" she cried, "Don't scare me like that!"
A worried expression came over Tadase. "I'm sorry," he apologised.
"It's alright," Amu smiled, "At least you apologise unlike…"
Her voice trailed off.
Tadase cocked his head. "Unlike who?" he asked.
Amu looked down, in thought. Who?
"It seems like my mind has gone blank," Amu admitted, "I'm sorry. I've been a bit strange lately."
"Its fine," Tadase replied, "Look there's Mashiro-san and Fujisaki-kun. Let's catch up with them."
Amu nodded and hurried after him. That name, it's on the tip of my tongue… but whose name?
"Feeling confidently about your essay mark?" Nagi asked.
"Kind of," Amu replied.
"Not me," Rima replied.
"Well, Yuiki-san wrote a fairytale instead of an essay," smiled Tadase.
The bell rang and they quickly hurried to homeroom. After the attendance was marked, the teacher started to hand out the essays. Amu bit her lip nervously. The teacher passed her and placed a sheet of paper on her desk.
"Quite good Hinamori," he said, "But please add more information next time."
Amu blinked in confusion, quickly picked up her paper and scanned it. A 'B-' was written in the corner in red. But what was stranger was there were a few blank spaces in between the sentences and paragraphs.
What?
Amu tapped her chin, trying to remember what she wrote.
The subject was of the Ruins… I wrote about its structure and mysterious symbols… We battled the ultimate Akuma with…
Her mind went blank again.
I battled with…Tadase, Rima, Nagi… Yaya, Kairi… Masayoshi, Chie… and who?
The memory was as clear as Amu could remember. All her friends were behind her, ready. Then there was an empty space next to her. Amu gently massaged her forehead.
What's going on?
Amu was relieved when lunchtime came. She couldn't concentrate properly during class. The strange feeling was bothering her and she started to fret that she's becoming forgetful. But that strange feeling is telling her something else. Something's definitely missing… but what?
"Look everyone!" cried Yaya.
She held out a leaflet.
"A new aquarium has opened up!" The friends crowded around.
"I've heard of it," Nagi said, "People say it's quite good."
"On the weekend," announced Yaya, "We'll go! With everyone!"
"That's nice," smiled Amu, "Being together with everyone."
She suddenly froze. It's like the world stopped moving.
Everyone?
Lunch soon started to progress. Nagi had made lunch for the friends. Shigeru had made an obento for Amu. She took it out and opened it. Amu stared at the food. She didn't feel hungry.
"Amu-chan?"
Amu looked up to Tadase, gazing worriedly at her.
"Are you alright?" he asked, "You've been quiet lately."
"I-I'm not sure…," Amu replied.
Tadase gave her a puzzled look. "Something's off about you," he said, "It's like… as if you lost all your energy or something along those lines."
"…Maybe," she mumbled.
Tadase looked down. "Well…," he began, "You did lose something important to you."
Amu looked up at him. Could it be? Tadase knows what I'm feeling? This strange empty feeling?
"I'm sorry about your parents' death," he finished.
Amu felt her heart sink. It's been a few weeks since she explained to the friends about her parents' true death.
"Oh…," she said quietly, "It's true that the fact they were killed was sad, but I mostly have gotten over that fact. It's just…"
Amu felt like there was someone who had comforted her through such hard times but who?
"Just what?" Tadase asked.
Amu shook her head, "It's nothing."
She looked down at her bento. For some reason, she felt like having omelette rice. (A/N: Remember who made omelette rice? Refer to chapter 21)
When school was finished, the sky was covered in black angry clouds.
"I've got an umbrella," Tadase offered.
"I'll be fine," Amu declined politely, "I'll make it before the rain starts."
Tadase nodded, "See you soon."
Amu waved and quickly hurried out. But when Amu was alone in the streets, she slowed to a walk.
"I don't understand," she muttered, "Why am I feeling this way?"
She sighed. Suddenly she felt something wet landed on her. Amu gazed up at the black sky. More large raindrops fell down. Suddenly Amu remembered the laundry Shigeru had hung out yesterday.
She quickly ran to home. By the time she reached home, it was pouring. Amu heaved the large basket of wet clothes into the lounge room. She unfolded a rank and started to hang the wet clothes there.
"A clothes rank, huh?" Amu whispered.
For some reason, that object's name bothered her. Amu took out a wet jacket of hers and shook it to rid the excess water. That was when something fell out. It fell onto the floor with a tinkle.
Its hard golden surface glistened in the dim room since Amu didn't turn on the lights. Curious, Amu crouched down to examine the object closer. It was a key with a jewelled clover pattern.
"What's this?" she whispered.
She reached out and grabbed. As soon as her hand came into contact with the object, a bright light burst out of it.
Voices filled her head; "Tsukiyomi Ikuto is my name."
"You can say you're my clothes rank."
"I'm your guardian after all."
"I see."
"Amu!"
"There's a place I have to go."
BOOM!
Thunder rumbled above the house. Amu stared at the key, her hands were shaking. She quickly grabbed her bag and fished out her essay.
"That's right," she gasped, "Ikuto… Ikuto was there all that time."
Suddenly she got up to her feet and rushed out of the door, with the key tightly clasped in her hand. Amu ran into the pouring rain, right past Shigeru who was just returning home.
"Amu?" he called.
She didn't reply.
What's exactly going on?!
Amu raced to Tadase's house and frantically knocked on the door. Tadase opened the door.
"Amu-chan!" he gasped, "You're soaking wet!"
"Tadase!" Amu gasped, "Do you remember Ikuto?! Tsukiyomi Ikuto!"
She held out the key.
Tadase blinked at her. "Is he your friend?" he asked, "Anyway, let's get you out of the rain. You look a bit feverish too."
Amu stared at him in disbelief.
She quickly bowed. "I'm so sorry!" she apologised and raced off again before Tadase could say another word.
Amu went to Nagi's place, where Rima and he were having a homework session. She asked them the same question and showed them the key but got the same reply and worried concerns.
She ran off to Dream-Coloured Café. Masayoshi and Chie both shook their heads and offered her a hot drink but Amu declined.
Amu raced around the village. She asked Kairi and Yaya but had the same answer.
She even went to Lulu's but she too shook her head.
Soon the pouring rain came to a mere drizzle. Amu walked in the empty wet streets. Her hair clung to her face and strands were dripping wet. Her hand still held the precious key.
"Why?" she whispered, "Why doesn't everyone remember?"
Amu paused at a noticeboard. There was a poster pinned to it. Amu's eyes widened when she saw an image of a certain person. She then took off again.
Utau held an umbrella in one hand while she took out some envelopes from the letterbox with other. Suddenly she heard the sound of wet running footsteps. She turned around to found Amu panting a couple of metres away from her.
Utau blinked her violet eyes, "Amu?"
Amu looked up at her. There was a determined expression on her flushed.
"Would you like to come in?" asked Utau.
Amu swallowed and weakly nodded.
Utau stared at the key that lay on the coffee table. Amu was sitting across her, waiting nervously.
Finally Utau replied.
"Yes. I do remember him."
Amu's eyes lit up.
"There's not a single person that remembers him," Amu explained, "Yet…how come you remember?"
Utau looked down. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "But I don't have the answers."
Amu's shoulders drooped in disappointment.
"But," Amu looked up as Utau smiled at her, "I do know someone who has the answers."
Amu watched as she stood up.
"Come," beckoned Utau, "Let's go."
Amu scrambled up to her feet, quickly grabbed the key and hurried after Utau. They walked in the light rain, underneath Utau's umbrella.
"Who are we going to?" Amu asked.
"The princess," Utau replied.
"What?!" Amu cried, "P-Princess Mia?!"
"No," Utau smiled, "Another princess."
Amu cocked her head, "So we're going out of the kingdom?"
Utau chuckled, "Wrong again. Just wait."
Soon they reached the golden gates of the palace. This time, the palace seems dull in the grey light. The guards allowed them to enter and the gates swung open with a loud creak. The two girls walked on and into the palace. The doors of the throne room opened for them.
Mia was sitting on the throne.
"Hoshina Utau," she smiled, "Or should I say Tsukiyomi Utau? What are you doing here?"
Suddenly Mia spotted Amu and her smile disappeared. Masanori stood next to Mia.
Mia cleared her throat, "What can I do for you?" she asked.
Utau stepped forward, "I'll like to see Princess Zina," she replied.
Mia's green eyes widened, "I have no idea what you're talking about," she huffed, "If that's all you want, I'm afraid I have to dismiss you."
Utau frowned, "You have to arrange a meeting!" she cried, "Amu would like to ask some questions!"
Mia's eyes flared. "I told you!" she snapped, "I have no idea what you're on about! Now please-"
Suddenly a calm voice cut them off, "That's enough Mia."
All heads turn to an opening next to the throne, in a corner. The sound of delicate steps could be heard, echoing. Suddenly a woman with long jet black hair stepped out. Her beautiful amethyst purple eyes twinkled in the light, full of wisdom and kindness.
Mia stiffened.
"O-Onee-chan!" she gasped.
Masanori bowed deeply to the woman. Amu stared at the woman. She's the one in the water!
The woman turned to Amu and Utau.
"Follow me," she smiled.
Utau obeyed and Amu decided to follow along.
The walkway leads back to the main part of the palace. Amu stared at the woman. Her dress was beautiful as it trailed behind the woman. They came to a stop at a certain door.
"Make yourself comfortable," the woman said and she opened the door.
Amu and Utau stared in awe. This room was bigger than the rooms they stayed in previously. Silk curtains hung on the sides of long glass doors that led to a balcony. On one side was a large four-posted bed. There was also a writing desk and a small table for having tea on.
The woman beckoned to the table. "Take a seat please," she smiled.
The girls did as they were told. The woman took a seat as well. She fixed her gentle gaze at Utau and Amu.
"If you haven't known, I'm Princess Zina," the woman said, "But please call me Zina."
"You're a princess?!" cried Amu.
Zina chuckled, "That's right. I wasn't able to introduce myself properly before to you, Hinamori."
Amu settled down. So if Princess Mia called her 'onee-chan' that means… Zina is her older sister?!
"I heard you wanted to ask me something Hinamori," said Zina.
Amu turned to Utau, who nodded, then back to Zina.
"It regards to Ikuto," she replied as politely as she could.
"No need for formality," laughed Zina, "So please begin."
She waved her hand to Amu, signalling her to begin.
"No one remembers Ikuto yet Utau remember, how?" Amu asked.
Zina took a breath before replying, "Utau isn't the only one," she replied, "Kaneko-san, Yuki-san, even Ryuu and Kitsune and…Hydrin remembers him."
Amu stared at her.
"The reason why they remember Tsukiyomi-kun," continued Zina, "Is because they know his last secret, the fact that he is dead."
Amu swallowed. She wasn't use to associating the word 'dead' with Ikuto's name.
"W-Why must our memories be erased?" Amu stammered.
Zina closed her eyes then opened them again. Amu was amazed at their shine.
"My sister, Mia, thinks the existence of a person who 'doesn't belong to a world' should not exist," Zina replied, "That why once Tsukiyomi-kun's time limit ended, she erased everyone's memories except for Kaneko's and Yuki's and Hydrin's for they already found out about his 'non-existence'."
Amu couldn't help but stare. P-Princess Mia was willing to do that? Amu took this new information in.
"At Ikuto's very last moment," she continued, "He mentions 'place he had to go'. What did he mean by that?"
Zina paused a moment. "Maybe it's best to tell his story first," she replied.
She turned to Utau, "Will you be able to handle it, Hoshina-san?"
Utau drew a breath. "I-I'll have to," she bravely replied.
Zina nodded, "Very well."
"B-But Ikuto already told me his story," Amu whispered. (A/N: Refer to chapter 11)
"True," Zina replied solemnly, "But he left out many parts of his story. It may take a while. Are you willing to hear it out?"
Amu nodded. Zina faced Utau who nodded as well.
"I'll begin then," Zina started, "Tsukiyomi-kun was born and the Negative Wing decided that he shall possess it. But if you remember Yuki's explanation, the Negative Wing isn't that… treasured as the Positive Wing. Tsukiyomi-kun's parents and Hosina-san accepted him the way he was born but all the people…did not."
Zina placed a small mirror on the table. A flicker of light came out of it. A picture began to play in the light. The picture showed a small boy with midnight blue hair sitting in a dark corner.
His arms shielded his head. There were silhouettes of children pointing at the boy laughing, whispering and even throwing rocks at the boy. Amu watched in horror.
"Unlike you Hinamori," Zina explained sadly, "Tsukiyomi-kun wasn't loved by much people. Holding the Negative Wing, Tsukiyomi-kun possesses the power of darkness, an element that is not welcome in this kingdom."
The picture changed, this time showing young Ikuto standing in darkness with a small spotlight shining on him. He had his hands clasped over his ears.
"Tsukiyomi-kun grew to be hated. He even became to be called 'The Black Cat', relating to the old superstition," Zina continued, "His mother's death worsened his reputation. Doctors stated his mother was slowly recovering from her illness…until Tsukiyomi-kun paid her a visit."
Amu stiffened when she remembered what Ikuto said when he was in the palace's prison.
"I…accidently took her soul. When a person is dying and their in pain, the Negative Wing would take their soul to end their pain."
"Many people blamed him for his mother's death," Zina sighed.
Voices came out from the light;
"You killed her!"
"Cursed boy."
"He really is a black cat."
The picture once again changed. It showed young Ikuto holding a little girl by the hand. The girl had blonde hair tied in short ponytails. Utau's violet eyes widened. The two children were standing in an empty town square where a violin lay in front of them.
"That was when Tsukiyomi-kun's and Hoshina-san's father disappeared," Zina said, "He was kidnapped and killed… by Hydrin."
Amu bit her trembling lips.
"And so they looked after each other and were raised as orphans," Zina uttered, "Then 3 years ago… Hydrin confronted the siblings."
Amu noticed Utau gripped her dress tightly.
Zina noticed as well. "Would you like to tell the tale Hoshina-san?" she asked gently, "You don't have to."
Utau opened her trembling mouth. "H-He wanted one of us to…work for him," sniffed Utau, "Ikuto-nii became protective. I can still remember it clearly… h-he told me, 'Go! Run!'"
Amu watched as tears spilled over Utau's eyes. She felt her own heart sink.
"I-I didn't know what to do," sobbed Utau, "S-So I obeyed but…" She wiped her tears away, "I-Ikuto got killed in the battle. I-If I haven't left him…maybe…maybe…"
Her voice trailed away. Amu clutched her skirt. That was when she felt something hard in her pocket. The picture now showed a limp and bloody body.
"Yes," Zina nodded, "Ikuto died but the Negative Wing decided to him him one more chance."
The picture changed again. Ikuto was lying on the side of the pool in the secret room. His sapphire eyes fluttered open and he sat up, looking confused.
"I explained everything to him," Zina said, "I asked him if he had a wish. He replied he wanted to go to the place where his parents were."
Amu didn't take her eyes off the light.
"I told him if he wanted to grant that wish," spoke Zina, "He had to accept a trail. Tsukiyomi-kun agreed. His mission consisted of two tasks; stop Hydrin's plans and get the other part of the Tsubasas."
"Is that the reason why he worked for Hydrin?" Amu asked.
Zina nodded before continuing, "He fulfilled the first part thanks to you but…," she paused for a bit, "Ikuto didn't take the Positive Wing from you because if he did, you'll die."
Amu tenderly placed her hand on her chest.
"Truth be told," Zina said honestly, "He was planning to steal it off you at the beginning but since the Positive rejected him, he had no choice but to draw close to you then he…really did fall in love. But living as a short existence is not easy," Zina sighed "Tsukiyomi-kun had troubles while he was still 'alive' as well."
"What do you mean?" Amu blinked.
"Tsukiyomi-kun's body couldn't last forever," Zina explained, "At the end of each season, Tsukiyomi would cough up blood, due to his body…'fading away'."
Amu remembered the time when Ikuto was teaching her sword-fighting. She had found him unconscious on the floor with a dried river of blood running out of his mouth.
"So…did Ikuto arrive at his destination safely?" Amu whispered.
Zina eyes widened slightly. Utau closed her eyes.
"I'm sorry," Zina replied, "But I do not know."
Amu chocked back a gasp.
Zina smiled but her smile dropped when she saw tears in Amu's eyes.
"Hinamori-san, are you alright?" Zina asked worriedly.
Amu wiped her tears.
"Ikuto," she sniffed, "I never thought he experienced so many hardships. I thought he only dealt with his parents' deaths," her shoulders started to shake, "I was so horrible to him on his last day. I won't be surprise he was glad to leave."
Zina gave Amu a lace handkerchief. "That's not true Hinamori-san," she said gently, "Ikuto's wish changed. He wanted to stay here, with you."
Amu looked at Zina, shocked. Utau nodded.
"I'm quite surprise you shed tears when hearing Tsukiyomi-kun's story," Zina admitted, "Usually people would look down upon him. You really have opened your heart to him."
Amu bowed her head to Zina. "Thank you Zina," she said trying to stop her voice from shaking. Amu took the hard object out of her pocket. "I'll also like to return this to you," she smiled.
Zina stared at the object. It was the journal, along with Hydrin's as well. Zina just stared. Her calm and cool composure had just frozen.
"Go see him," Amu smiled, "He misses you too."
Zina opened her mouth but nothing came out so she clamped it shut again. Her cheeks were slightly pink.
Amu stood up and bowed again, "Thank you Zina."
Utau got up as well, smiled at Zina and followed Amu. Zina sat there. She reached out and took both journals. She ran her fingers along both of the emblems. Then Zina looked out of the glass doors, wistfully.
"How did you know she's Hydrin's lover?" Utau asked.
Amu smiled at Utau.
"It's the way how she spoke," she replied, "She was intellect and graceful at the same time, like a butterfly, just how Hdrin described his lover in his journal. His description of her physical looks fits as well; 'her amethyst purple eyes, jet black hair.' Also it was the way she said Hydrin's name."
Utau smiled at Amu. "You're quite clever in your own ways," she commented.
"Thank you," Amu sadly replied, "Ikuto…would have said the same thing."
Utau and Amu came to a stop with the path split into different ways. The wet pavement was shining in the dim light.
"Will you be alright?" Utau asked quietly.
Amu looked up at the grey sky. "I have to be strong," she replied. She then turned to Utau. "Thank you Utau," she smiled.
Utau just nodded and watched the pink-haired girl walk away.
Hydrin sat on his throne. He rested his head against his hand. Darkness swirled around him. A deathly silence hung in the air. Hydrin moved his hand and massaged his temples.
He had erased all his 'servants' and deposit of his Akumas. Now his castle was empty like it did when she left. Hydrin squeezed his eyes shut.
Images rapidly played in his mind; a smiling woman, her fleeing black hair, a determined Amu and her expression when she was falling. Hydrin clawed his head.
What have I done?
He was so in depth in his thoughts, that Hydrin didn't hear the soft rustle of fabric crossing the red carpet.
A soft voice woke him from his mind, "Hydrin?"
Hydrin's eyes flew open.
That voice… no… it can't be…
He slowly raised his head. Hydrin could feel his body freeze when he saw a beautiful woman with jet black hair and amethyst purple eyes; Zina.
Hydrin slowly rose from his throne and carefully walked to Zina. He stretched out his hand but before he could place it on her cheek, he hesitated.
"No, it has to be a dream," he muttered, "A fleeting dream…"
Zina softly laughed and placed her own hand on Hydrin's cheek which caused him to flinch.
"It's not a dream," she whispered, "I'm real."
Hydrin quickly turned away from her, hiding his face in his hand.
"No," he gasped, "Don't look at me. I've…I've shed so many blood with these wretched hands of mine."
"Hydrin," Zina softly called.
He turned around and Zina wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Z-Zina?" he stuttered.
"It's alright," she whispered, "It's true you've sinned many times but, if you truly repent, you are forgiven."
Tears spilled over Hydrin's eyes as he held Zina close.
"It's been too long," he sniffed, "Too long since I felt your warmth."
Zina embraced him warmly with tears in her own eyes as well.
Amu stared at the key in her hands. She then turned to her lock which lay beside her.
"The Positive Wing has dreams of the future," she quoted from Yuki, "While the Nagative Wing has dreams of the past."
Amu closed her eyes at the thought.
Dreams from the past… That must have pained you very much, Ikuto.
She remembered Zina's words.
To be hated for all your life… That's very sad indeed.
Suddenly there was a knock on her door.
Shigeru popped his head in. "Lights out Monster," he smiled, "Good night."
Amu smiled back at him, "Good night Onii-chan."
Shigeru flicked the light off. Amu carefully hung both the lock and the key around Yoru's neck. She then lay down and held the stuffed cat close. Amu closed her eyes.
Ikuto…I'll meet you in my dreams… Good night…
A few months later…
"Your Highness!" Masanori called.
Zina stopped walking and turned to face the flushed minister.
"Is there something wrong, Masanori-kun?" she asked worriedly.
"I've been looking for you all over!" he panted.
Zina bowed to him, "I'm so sorry for disappearing. I was visiting someone," she apologised, "It must have been hard for you."
Masanori looked flustered. "Y-Your Highness!" he spluttered, "A-A princess shouldn't be bowing to a m-minister!"
Zina smiled at him, "So what's the matter that has gotten you so flushed?"
Masanori quickly cleared his throat and put on his calm composure. "Five people have requested you for a discussion," he solemnly replied.
Zina nodded, "Bring my sister to the throne room as well."
Masanori bowed as she swept passed. Zina suddenly stopped.
"Oh Masanori," she called.
Masanori quickly straightened up, "Yes?"
Zina smiled, "Thank you for looking after my sister. I'm aware of your feelings. Don't worry. You can change her. I'm sure."
She then walked off leaving a blushing Masanori.
Zina had resumed her spot as ruler but she allowed Mia to rule alongside with her. Now both princesses sat beside each other. In front of them were Yuki, Amrita, Kaneko, Ryuu and Kitsune. Kukoi and Fang had also tagged along.
Mia's eyes widened at the sight of Kaneko.
"Kaneko!" she gasped, "You're not supposed to be here! I've banished you!"
"Mia," said Zina sharply.
Mia immediately clamped her mouth shut.
Zina smiled at the five companions, "Yuki! Kaneko! Ryuu and Kitsune! And you must be Amrita!" she exclaimed, "What is it you like to discuss?"
Yuki and Amrita shared look then they looked at Ryuu and Kitsune. Ryuu and Kitsune nodded.
They all turned to the princesses and said at once, "We'll like to discuss about Tsukiyomi Ikuto."
Mia narrowed her eyes. "Him?" she muttered.
"What about Tsukiyomi Ikuto?" Zina asked kindly.
"We'll like to revive him," Yuki replied.
"To relieve Amu of her…of her pain," Kaneko explained.
"Impossible!" objected Mia, "No matter how much that girl suffers, we can't do that. We must leave the matter of Fate linear!"
"Please your Highness!" Amrita begged, "For Amu-chan's sake!"
Mia turned to Zina. "Onee-chan!" she called, "You know very well it's our job to see through our duty! We can't define Fate!"
Everyone fell silent, waiting for Zina's decision. Masanori stood beside Zina as well. Zina turned to Mia then to the small group in front of her.
Mia watched her sister carefully. She's the kind of ruler that knows her duties. She'll understand me.
Yuki, Kaneko, Amrita, Ryuu and Kitsune waited. Princess Zina is a kind person. She'll understand us.
Zina's expression didn't give anything away. She smiled to herself. Let's test them first.
"Are you really sure you want to revive Tsukiyomi Ikuto?" she asked.
The group stared at her in shock. They weren't expecting that.
"W-What do you mean by that?" Ryuu asked.
Zina smiled at them. She turned to Yuki, "Why waste this chance to revive Tsukiyomi-kun, when you can revive your love, Kitsune?"
Both Yuki and Kitsune froze.
Zina then turned to Ryuu, "And you could take this chance to return to your sister and the one you love."
Ryuu looked down at his sister, who looked back up at him.
Finally Zina faced Kaneko, "You can also revive your friend and the person you had feelings for."
(A/N: If you didn't remember Kaneko had feelings for Hikaru. Refer to chapter 16)
Kaneko stared at the ground. Kukoi had his eyes fixed on her. Yuki, Kitsune, Amrita, Ryuu, Kaneko and her followers fell silent.
Mia glanced at her sister. Clever Zina, very clever.
Masanori watched the group carefully. What will they say?
They all turned to one another and nodded. Then they faced the princess.
All of them said at the once, "We'll revive Tsukiyomi Ikuto."
Zina's smile deepened. "I see," she smiled, "Very well. I shall grant your wish."
"But Onee-chan!" Mia cried, "This isn't right! If it's what Fate decided then it must be left alone!"
Zina closed her eyes and held up her hand for silent.
"Remember Mia," she replied, "The Tsubasas are made for one another."
She opened her eyes and fixed them on the group.
"Now," she announced, "For the price."
"T-There is a price?" Kitsune repeated.
Zina nodded, "The reason why Kaneko asks a price in exchange for wishes is because the scales of nature must remain balanced," Zina explained, "The same goes for reviving Tsukiyomi-kun. So who will pay the price?"
Yuki was about to step forward but Kaneko beated him.
"I will," she declared.
"Are you sure Kaneko-san?" Yuki asked.
Kaneko nodded, "You already paid your family's precious jade to me."
"For what?" Amrita asked.
Kaneko looked down at her. "In order to regain your sight while your brother paid his life," she replied.
Amrita stared at her.
Kaneko turned back to Zina. "Name the price," she said.
"The price is," Zina began, "…Ai." (T/N: 'ai' translated to 'love')
Kaneko's pale aqua eyes widened. "W-What do you mean?" she stammered.
"The price must be an object that represent love or…," she paused, "Someone's memories and romantic feelings for another person."
Kaneko stared at Zina, her mouth hanging open.
"I-I don't have anything that represent l-love…," she admitted.
Zina bit her lip, "Do…you want to forfeit your wish?" she asked slowly.
"But…Amu…," Kaneko sighed.
Kukoi still had his eyes fixed on Kaneko. He sighed and stepped forward. "I'll pay the price," he declared.
"Kukoi!" Fang hissed, "You're not doing what I think you're doing!"
Kukoi gave him a glare that quietened him.
"What will you are paying?" Zina asked gently.
Kukoi fixed his jade green eyes onto Zina's amethyst purple ones.
"My feelings," he replied.
Kaneko stared at him in shock, "To whom?" she asked.
Kukoi stiffened. "…y-…my…my feelings towards…towards you," he replied.
Surprise piled onto Kaneko.
"Are you really sure?" Zina inquired, "Remember paying your feelings also requires the memories of your special person."
"I'm sure," Kukoi firmly replied.
Zina extended her hand and a light glowed from within Kukoi's chest.
"Wait!" Kaneko cried.
She scrambled her mind for ideas. Suddenly she remembered something. Kaneko produced a small bag and opened it. A purplish-aqua light came from inside.
She rummaged in it for a bit before pulling out a teacup. The teacup was pink with a frill design around the rim. It also had bows painted on the sides. (A/N: Does anyone recognise the teacup's design? If you're stuck refer to the hints after the story)
"I'll be paying this," she announced.
Mia squinted at the teacup, "What's so special about a teacup?" she snorted.
Zina stared at it then had a vision of two silhouettes, a boy and a girl, standing before a small glittering amusement park. She smiled, "Alright, I'll take it."
Amrita leapt into the air with joy. "Yay! Amu-chan will be soooo happy~!" she cheered. She stopped when Amrita spotted her brother. "Will you be alright Onii-chan?" she asked carefully.
Ryuu had a wistful look in his eyes, "As long as Amu is happy," he replied, "I'll be happy as well. I think Tadase-kun feels the same way as well."
Kitsune hovered beside Yuki, "Thank goodness," she sighed.
Yuki nodded, "The main character will have her 'happy ending'."
"Kukoi, Fang," called Zina. The two followers stopped in their tracks and faced the princess. Zina crouched down so she was level to them, "Would you me to break your curse?" she whispered.
Kukoi and Fang looked surprised.
"Only a royal bloodline can break your curse," Zina quietly explained.
The two followers gave each other a look.
"Thank you," bowed Kukoi, "But no thank you. We'll protect Kaneko in any form."
Fang nodded in agreement.
"I understand," Zina beamed, "Come to me whenever you change your minds."
They bowed. The two followers quickly caught up with Kaneko.
"Why," Kukoi quietly asked, "Why did you stop me?"
Kaneko shyly looked to the ground. "Because I," she blushed, "I didn't want you to lost your feelings…for me."
A light shade of pink dusted Kukoi's cheeks and he quickly looked away. Fang chortle inside. Zina and Mia watched as the group bowed gratefully and left.
"I don't understand Onee-chan," Mia said, "How can a teacup represent love?"
Zina looked down at the fragile piece in her hand. "Kaneko-san save it from being destroyed," she explained, "She obtained it from another world."
Mia blinked in confusion.
"This teacup," smiled Zina, "Connected two souls' feelings for one another."
4 years have passed…
"Here's your hazelnut crepe~!" Amu smiled as she placed a plate down onto a table. She then walked to the kitchen. "That's the last one!" she announced to Masayoshi.
Masayoshi chuckled. "Thank you very much for your help Hinamori-san," he smiled.
"I'm done with the last set of dishes!" called Chie as she ran up to Masayoshi while wiping her wet hands.
That was when Amu caught a glimmer of silver.
"Is that a ring around your finger Chie?" she gasped.
Chie looked down at her hand and a burning blush flooded to her face.
"Y-You noticed…," Chie mumbled.
"Eh?! Did I hear Chie's engaged to Masa?!" cried Yaya, poking her head into the kitchen.
Nagi, Rima, Kairi, Utau, Kukai and Tadase quickly rushed into the kitchen when they heard Yaya's cry. Questions and comments filled the air.
"Is it true?"
"Wow!"
"Congratulations!"
"Finally!"
"When's the wedding?" "
Hope you two have the best of luck!"
Chie's blush deepened. She was clearly not use to the attention. Masayoshi wrapped his arm around Chie's waist. The friends all smiled and laughed. Tadase's eyes catch Amu's direction and he smiled at her. Amu smiled back.
Kukai then raised a glass of water, "A toast!" he declared, "To the first engaged couple in our circle of friends!"
The others followed his example, raising cups and glasses of different refreshments. Chie looked extremely flustered and Masayoshi kept his arm around her, in order to comfort her. Amu's eyes twinkled in the lights and her smile deepened.
I'm so happy for those two.
Tadase offered to walk Amu home since it had already grown dark.
"Masayoshi and Chie haven't announced their wedding date yet," Tadase said.
Amu nodded. "Masa probably didn't want to stress Chie out," Amu suggested, "Since she still quite flustered about the whole thing."
Tadase nodded in agreement. They came to a point when the path split. Tadase started to head off in a different direction.
"I'll see you around Amu-chan," he waved.
Amu waved back, "See you!"
She continued on her way home. Amu's golden eyes wondered up into the night sky. A milky white moon gazed back at her.
"A beautiful moon tonight," she whispered. (A/N: That's what Ikuto had said as well. Refer to chapter 22)
Sakura petals floated in the night breeze.
It's been 4 years now…since Ikuto had gone. Tadase, Rima, Nagi and I are now 21.
Yaya is 20 but she still happy-go-lucky as ever yet I'm not sure about her other side.
Kairi is 19 and he's as mature as a fully grown man.
Kukai is 22 while Utau is 23 and those two still bicker and have competitions at times.
If Ikuto was here…he'll be about 24.
Whenever I go to sleep, I'll always hang the lock and the key around Yoru's neck so I'll dream of the past. It makes me happy seeing all those old adventures but I shed tears when the dreams come up to the time of Ikuto's last days.
Amu walked up to her front door and opened it.
"I'm home!" she called.
"Welcome Monster!" Shigeru called from the lounge room. Amu smiled as she took off her shoes.
Yes, Onii-chan still calls me that. He was kept his promise by calling me that until he dies.
"Have you have dinner?" Shigeru asked when Amu entered the lounge. She nodded.
"What are you doing?" she asked when she saw Shigeru holding a book.
"I'm looking through the photos," he replied.
Amu plopped herself down next to him. She watched as Shigeru flipped through the pages. She also noticed there were some group photos and there were a few blank spaces.
Even Ikuto's image in photos has been erased…
The siblings strolled down memory lane until it was late and Shigeru ordered Amu to go to bed. Making sure the lock and the key was fastened around Yoru's neck, Amu curled up under her blanket. As she closed her eyes, she dreamt of the soft melody of a violin in the wind. But it's just a dream, right?
To be continued…
I have to stop there when I realized I typed up 9 pages. So I thought to myself 'I'll leave it there'. I do apologize for ANY mistakes. I can't believe this story is coming to a close. *sniff, sniff* Gosh, I'm getting teary again... Please review~
Hints for teacup:
Look closely at the teacup design in Shugo Chara! epsiode 26 or refer to Shugo Chara! manga. Volume 3 Chapter 14 page 27 (on the mangafox website)