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Ok, I apologize for taking some time to come up with this chapter. I've been having a writer's block, but it's all good now! YAY! Thank you all for your reviews and support. I appreciate it.
A Mermaid's Tale - Ninyou no Iwaku
Chapter 2: I Hope You Dance
"Sakura…"
She turned in a hypnotic manner to face the source of her distraction.
Her eldest sister, crown princess of Elysium, had her brown tresses held together with strings of pearls in two similar buns on either side of her head. Her scales shimmered in comparable hue as her hair and she wore her deep brown clamshell bra beneath the translucent material of her cream coloured gown. The gown reached half the length of her tail; the same one that the princesses had to don on important occasions.
Sakura audibly gasped. She had completely forgotten that the queen was holding a party for her daughters to meet potential suitors.
It wasn't that she had accepted the fact that they, the princesses, had to marry mermen of royalty, but it was more of resignation to fate. She knew well enough that her mother's council would not have her associating herself with a random mer-peasant. Demonstrated once when she was five and had this minor crush on a fellow schoolmate, he and his family were sent to the farthest ridges of the Elysian Sea, never to be seen or heard from again. Her heart could not acquire forgiveness from herself, even now, and she determined to never again folly, lest the ones she love were sentenced to pay for 'crimes' they commit naught.
"Tenten-onee-sama, I'm sorry. It slipped my mind. I—."
"It's fine, but you have got to hurry. I've been informing the guests and the council members that you were getting yourself ready. Here, I'll help you."
With that, the mahogany eyed mermaid assisted her with her makeup and rosette locks, arranging it into a semi-messy chignon at the lower right of her head and pinning a white sea-lily to accentuate her features. When she was done, she directed Sakura before leaving the room that she will instruct Sakura's personal mer-guard to escort her to the ballroom where the party was held.
Sakura sighed, long and slow when she was once again left alone with the privacy she so treasured. Donning a façade during such appearances consumed her energy mentally, draining her of everything she felt was right in life. It wasn't that she was unhappy. She cherished her life and her friends and her family, although there were times she only wished she was born a commoner – where no one would judge her and that she may love the one she loved freely. She yearned to be 'normal'.
Pale snow chiffon fabric of her puffy-sleeved gown cascaded beautifully down to her mid-tail when she lifted off her chair to receive her said escort as the undeniable echo of his grumblings reached her ears from the hallway.
"Ne, Sa—." He stopped and stared just as his charge entered the scope of his vision, cerulean eyes scrutinizing the immaculate beauty of the mergirl, no, merwoman in his forefront.
Discomfort built up within her as his gaze traveled from the top of her head to the tip of her fin. She clenched her fists, appalled by his uncouth behaviour. It was amazing how Naruto having spent almost his entire life inhabiting the palace and having the utmost privilege of being taught etiquette by the best of the best alongside the princesses, would do something as stupid as gawk at a mergirl, much less the princess herself. With a hitch of her breath, she punched him smacked between the eyes and watched in sadistic glee as the blonde slammed against the wall and collected on the marble floor in a puddle of orange gunk.
"That's to teach you not to ogle at females, Naruto no baka!" She pointed an accusing finger at him while her other hand rested at her hip. Then with a huff, she swam off without him.
"Sakura-chan… Sakura-chan, wait, dattebayo!" He whined pursuing after her. When he finally caught up, he held his elbow out, allowing her to link her hand through as they continued at a decorously refined pace towards their destination.
With every inch that they progressed closer to the ballroom made her heart palpitate a beat faster in her chest and her hold around his arm tightened.
He felt the shiver of her hand and caught a glimpse of her biting her lower lip, a habit the princess had whenever anxiety enveloped her. The blonde halted, pulling her to a stop alongside him. His brows creased with worry and his sapphire eyes searched her emeralds for the unspoken cause of her distress. Taking both her hands in his, he assured, "Nothing will happen to you. I swear I will protect you with my life."
She laughed a nervous burst, snatching her hands from his grasp. "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."
"Don't act dumb with me, Sakura-chan! We both know the reason why this party is held for." He hissed almost irately, despising the idea that she was forced into this against her will. "I'll protect you, mentally, emotionally and yes, physically. So don't worry. I won't let them take you, if they ever dare try."
She parted her lips to voice a quick comeback, but none came to mind. Her disposition slumped in surrender as she struggled to repress tears that sought release. Taking a deep calming breath of the natural oxygenated bubbles, she nodded diminutively at her friend. "Thank you, Naruto."
The blonde said nothing but smiled and thunked his forehead against hers, in a gesture that exhibited his sibling-like affection towards her. He always had a way to dissolve the negative emotions that threatened to suffocate her, that was the reason why she loved being around him despite his ridiculous obliviousness. She chuckled, shoving him back playfully and once again clutched onto his arm as he led her towards the ballroom.
Gentle music carried its way down the winding corridor to their ears and the familiar decorations of the ballroom entrance came into view as they neared. The merguard positioned by the door spotted the two and brought the mouthpiece of the trumpet to his lips, blowing a quick tune, short and sweet. When the sounds of guests' chatter quietened down, he inhaled a deep breath and bellowed, loud and clear. "Announcing the arrival of Her Royal Highness, Sakura-hime-sama."
Sakura exhaled a mute sigh and composed herself as her escort guided her pass the arched doorway into the exorbitantly decorated ballroom. The sweet smile that adorned her lips was practiced as was the demure wave issued to the assemblage with her unoccupied hand.
She took the opportunity to survey the crowds of merpeople, all extravagantly dressed up to the nines - merwomen in a myriad of gloriously coloured ballgowns and mermen in their sleekly pressed suits. Every one of them bowed in respectful adoration to their princess as she drifted down the aisle towards the one merwoman who sat dignified upon a majestic clamshell throne at the furthest end of the colossal ballroom. Her blonde hair - neatly tied into two separate pigtails draped loosely on her shoulders and a circlet encrusted with unpolished raw diamonds amplified her matured yet beautiful features, while her hazel eyes emanated wisdom of a well-perceptive leader. The silk layers of her cream coloured gown that concealed her yellow tail swayed lightly in the gentle ocean flux.
As the rosette approached the throne, her sight affixed on the ground and weariness had almost crept it way into her disposition. Kneeling herself before the queen, her mother, she gathered power in her voice, one that was expected of a princess whenever she spoke; one that Sakura despised.
"Your Majesty. My tardiness is unforgivable." She paused. "I pray that your Majesty's perpetual mercy be granted unto me."
It was as though all time and space had halted while she waited for the queen's approval that successfully unnerved her and the sensation of every pair of eyes piercing into her back was not assuring. Finally, Queen Tsunade directed with a tone more authoritative, more learned than her daughter's, caused the mermaid at her fin to suppress a quiver. "Rise, Sakura-hime, and take your place at the table."
"Your compassion is infinite, dear mother. I shall take my place." She lifted from the ground with aid from the blonde and hovered back with her front still facing the queen before turning to take her designated position at the elongated royal dining table.
Refined coral bowls and plates that splayed neatly across the tabletop were filled with an abundance of food in amazing varieties, like purple sea-prunes, green seasoned seaweeds and brown anemone kababs. The cutleries, too, were beautifully carved from the skeletal remains of corals. Every usable resource within the ocean floor was made reusable whether in its original form or not, such was the innovational proficiency of the life under waters.
Her eyes remained glued to the blank spot on the table as her body reverted to its mechanical state, until the voice of her second sister came from beside her, breaking her from her reverie.
"Sa-Sakura-chan, wh-where have y-you been?"
Sakura paid notice to the slight furry of brows above the pair of gray eyes and the tiny curve of her lips. Her sister's cheeks flushed its perennial crimson hue that seemed all natural tonight in correspondence with the event; her long dark tresses tinged with a shade of blue gathered at the small of her back while her bangs framed her face, complimenting her smooth creamy skin.
Sakura nodded slowly in respect to her superior and answered with a smile plastered on her pink lips. "I have been busy, Hinata-onee-sama. Thank you for your kind apprehension."
Hinata blushed a little redder when her eyes met the ceruleans belonging to the young merman beside the pinkette. "Na-Na... Naruto-kun."
"Yo! Hinata-chan." said the blonde with a wave of his palm, beaming his farcical grin that caused his eyes to crunch tightly shut.
Sakura groaned and nudged him a hard one with her elbows, emeralds flashing a warning. How many times did she have to remind him to regard royalty with their appropriate titles? What more now in the presence of guests. And all the merman responded with was the widening his eyes and tilting of his chin in question before returning his attention to the seaweed-ramen that was placed in his forefront.
She almost choked on her tongue when Naruto clapped his palms together and declared aloud, "Itadakimasu!" Every pair of eyes in the room turned in the direction of the clamour. Suppressing the pinkness rising to her cheeks, the princess emitted an awkward chuckle and waved a hand to indicate that there was nothing amusing to be seen.
After the guests returned their attention to each their own, Sakura observed as the oblivious merman who was undeterred by the mer-people's reaction, feasted on his dish as if he was never fed in his life, slurping the noodles and stock all in a go while signaling the waiter for another. To say that she was embarrassed was an understatement.
She was about to voice her dissent when the familiar sound of the mer-announcer's trumpet blew through the waters. The tune played was one that signified the arrival of foreign royalty.
Sitting herself straight in her chair, she conducted herself with poise and elegance that would make her etiquette teacher beam with utmost pride. She gazed at the main entrance in anticipation of the said royalty and her curiousity was soon rewarded when a merman drifted gradually into view.
Clad in a black tuxedo, sleek and sharp, it complimented the dark, dark midnight of his sturdy tail. With each powerful swipe, she could practically see the invisible molecules of liquid swirl behind him as he made his way forward. His posture, tall and proud, and the aura of aristocracy that peel off him wave after wave caused every mermaid in the ballroom to swoon. She swore she heard him utter a tiny grunt before that captivating smirk played on his lips. The prince proceeded to the throne, to offer greeting as a form of respect that was necessary in the presence of authority. The vital organ in her chest was racing at a thousand miles, so much that breathing alone was agonizing and when the merman completed his essential duty and advanced towards her, her heart almost gave out.
With the stretch of his hand as an invitation and the lilt of mesmerizing baritone, he asked, "May I have the honour of this dance, Sakura-hime?"
It was as though every muscle in her body tensed at the sound of her name, yet how her petite palm found its way into his firm clasps or when he glided her smoothly off her seat to center-stage was beyond her. The merpeople had cleared a path for the royal couple to take their place on the dance-floor.
The lavender of his eyes so pale yet deep, bored into her emeralds as his arm wound to rest on the small of her back, pressing her flush against his warmth. His other hand lifted hers in counterpart while they shifted into each their stance. With a sway, he commenced leading her in a graceful dance in tempo with the slow melodious tune. Her pupils affixed themselves on the curl at the side of his lips before timidly rising to meet with his.
She could see the tiny glimmer of a smile reflecting from his eyes as he spoke loud enough for only their ears. "Hyuuga Neji – Crown Prince of the Arcadian Seas."
The sensation of blood rushing though her veins that created that pink glow on her cheeks caused her to minutely shudder while she struggled to sound as impassive as royalty should. "Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Neji-ouji-sama."
A mute gasp escaped her as he abruptly twirled her around three-hundred and sixty degrees by her fingertips in three elegant circles, making her snow-white chiffon gown to flare slightly up with each turn, before drawing her back into his clutch with their hands reconnected. Sakura was sure at this very moment her face grew redder than the reddest sea slug that ever existed in the oceans and it took more than anticipated for her not to gape at the merman.
One human minute passed between them in complete silence. One minute that seemed longer than it should as he continued guiding her in their dance. Mer-people who had paired up among themselves and gradually poured onto the dance floor, every couple in absolutely flawless harmony with the significant pair in the center. When she turned, the females turned and when he pulled her back, they followed suit; everyone syncing perfectly with each other.
In the final bar of the Waltz, the Arcadian prince twirled her around a last time, slowly about by his hand and instead of stopping her mid-step like all the other couples were doing, he lightly lugged Sakura back to him and dipped her low as the musical instruments halted in a crisp ending.
Her chest heaved not from the vigorousness of the dance, but from catching the breath he stole away from her. He held her in position as the mer-people all who fastened their eyes on them applauded the rare and spectacular performance bestowed by two royalties. Though it did not matter to them. Nothing did, save for themselves.
She gazed up into his pale lilac eyes with his face so close, his long noir bangs grazing her cheek and their breaths mingled in what little proximity they had in between before he lifted her to her upright stature. With an offer, she daintily slipped her hand to link their arms together as they bowed to the spectators, signifying the conclusion of the number.
"You are an amazing partner, Sakura-hime." The merman returned her to her place at the table and bowed once before making his way to his seat.
If that dance was not the highlight of the night, then she don't know else what is. Sakura sighed and tossed herself onto her bed, coral tresses splayed out messily atop the sponge pillow. She could not resist the pull of facial muscles that formed the satisfied grin on her lips as the scene replayed itself over and over in her mind. Grabbing the pillow from under her head, she muffled her chuckles, lest a servant walked by her chambers and found her insanely laughing to herself. That would be awkward.
It has been two hours since the ball ended and she was escorted back to her room by a fully sated Naruto. He was apparently too absorbed with his seaweed ramen that he had entirely missed out on the dance. Her dance. However, she being utterly mesmerized by the prince wasn't in the mood to admonish the blonde and allowed it to slide.
The princess rolled over to lie on her front, cuddling the cushion in her arms. Sleep was not what she needed at this point of time, not while the night is still young. She swam to the sole window in her private chambers and gazed over the Azure, the mer-village. The streetlamps still emanated a faint glow and it looked almost magical from where she stood. Maybe a stroll in the gardens will usher in sleep. She lifted from the sill and sped to her door.
It was past hours and if she were to be caught sneaking around palace grounds the consequences would be inconceivable, though lesser for a princess, yet the adrenaline that pumped through her veins encouraged her. Creaking open her door slightly, she peeped through the tiny crack. The lamps along the passageways were dimmed for the night, the perfect atmosphere for creeping to the gardens. Her heart palpitated in her chest as she slipped out between the gap and shut the door silently behind her. She smoothed her palms on her the gown she had not changed out from as she plotted out the preferred route. 'Move down south, turn right at the ballroom, then left to the main hall, down the secret stairway and freedom!'
The soft thud that echoed through the corridors broke her from her trail of thoughts, startling her and she raced down the path to the closest corner to conceal herself from whomsoever or whatsoever caused the noise. She raised a hand to rest on her chest as if to soothe her accelerated heartbeat, while she waited. Nothing or no one came round the corner and after a while, she peeped from the angle and exhaled the breath she wasn't aware she held back. Upon ascertaining that the coast was clear, she quietly slid out to continue the journey as planned.
As she approached the ballroom, she could still hear the sound of the servants deterging the place from behind the large closed doors. Inquisitiveness was always her flaw, but this time she managed to resist a peek and glided forward, making a left turn to the main hall. She halted just before the entrance into pitch darkness and pressed her back against the cold limestone sidewall. She vaguely remembered where the hidden lever that opened the trapdoor, but in the dark it made it a tad more difficult to locate.
Inhaling a long calming breath, the rosette swam into the vast shadows with her white gown tailing behind her, disappearing into the darkness. Forcing herself to recall the position of lever, she floated to the highest point in the hall, careful not to collide with the massive chandelier and felt her way around with aid of the ceiling. Jade eyes squinted to focus, discerning the well-disguised silhouette of the ten intricate and identical glass pieces that made the first tier of the chandelier. One of these was the key to freedom, which one though was her predicament. Why the number 'seven' kept repeatedly flashing in her mind's eye could be the answer. 'Seven from the left or was it seven from the right? Where am I to start in this complete circle?' Activating the wrong switch would alert the guards.
Reaching her finger forward, she hesitated as she counted and recounted, circling round the ten glass pieces before hovering over one that emitted a strange vibration. 'Kami be damn if I get this wrong.' Hitching her breath, she prodded the crystal gently and nothing happened. Increasing the pressure a little more on the glass earned her a sharp 'click'. She stiffened and anxiety coursed through every nerve ending.
A low grinding came from the bottom of the room and she hurried down to observe the trapdoor rising in a crawl to reveal the secret stairway. 'Mission is almost accomplished.' The smile on her features faded when she heard the swishing of liquid and clanking of armor approaching in her direction. Despite having found the correct lever the guards had been notified.
"Hurry!" She rasped at the inanimate object and dove into the secret stairway as soon as the gap was large enough for her to slip through before closing the trapdoor behind her. Cupping her hands over her mouth in attempt to silence herself, lest she gave an unexpected outburst, she crouched down as low as she could, listening intently to the chatter of guards as they scoured the main hall for signs of intrusion. The thumping of her heart resounded in her ears as her body, paralyzed by fear, remained rigid.
'Kami forbid that they should find me. Please, don't let them find me.'
A/N: Well, I know you guys were expecting our favourite Avenger. He will come! I promise! NEXT CHAPTER! PROMISE! CROSS MY HEART! *crosses heart*
I apologize if I failed you with this installment, I had a really hard time with the block. I'm sorry.
And thank you my dear Queen Laelia, for pointing me in the right direction. *bows*