Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors by KOEI. If they did, I would let them live in my apartment for all eternity. All I own is the plot plus the romantic sap and teenage drama that comes with it. AND the wonderful Disney song Beautiful, the source of inspiration for this story, is created none other than the skillful Jim Brickman and the sweet, funny and so musically-talented, Wayne Brady, who we all know is a regular from Whose Line is it Anyway? who kicks ass in singing games. I also added in a reference to the Waltz of the Flowers number that is composed by the great Peter Tchaikovsky.
Main characters:
Da Qiao: Daikyou
Xiao Qiao: Shoukyou
Sun Ce: Son Saku
Zhou Yu: Shuu Yu
Other characters in Chapter 6 are as follows:
Cai Wenji: Sai Bunki
Xiahou Ba: Kakou Ha
Cao Cao: Sou Sou
Xiahou Yuan: Kakou En
Bao Sanniang: Hou Sanjou
Guan Suo: Kan Saku
Jiang Wei: Kyou Yi
Getsu Ei: Yue Ying
Tei Hou: Ding Feng
Author's notes: Ah...here we go...I originally wanted to write two chapters to prolong the interaction between Da Qiao and the masked stranger but I decided to combine the whole thing into one large chapter to encompass the time they spent together so this will by far be the longest chapter I had written. The end of 2012 draws near...how time goes by so quickly. This is where the interesting part comes in...Da Qiao finally meets the stranger mentioned at the end of the previous chapter. Who is this stranger? Could it be who you think it would be...what will the night hold for the couple. What sweet happenings and romance will be brewing for the night? Be careful of cavities for the romance will surely make your teeth rot! Let's find out shall we?
Chapter 6 - The Mysterious Masked Prince
I stilled at the soft touch and found myself face to face with a tall well-built boy dressed in a princely outfit with a dark crimson cape. He had a scarlet red mask over his face and was smiling shyly at me.
"I...who are you?" I managed to gasp out the words.
"Ah...forgive me for startling you...well...I'm a prince...can you tell?"
"Yes...yes, I can...you're...you're very distinguished..."
"I thank you for your sweet compliment, princess..."
His smile was so beautiful that I could help but reciprocate the gesture...but he looked quite familiar...his voice too…I was sure I saw him somewhere before…perhaps one of the other boys around school? In my class maybe?
"I was wondering whether you would like some company. A beautiful princess like yourself shouldn't be alone on a lovely night like this..."
I found myself blushing...he called me beautiful...
"Y-Yes…I'd like that…and uhm...you're welcome to share the treats with me if you like. It's far too much for me to eat alone..."
"That's very kind of you..." he found his place beside me on the stone bench. I watched as he took one of the mini cupcakes and placed it into his mouth. He smiled at me after eating it, "This is really good...I don't usually indulge in sweets but this is delicious...do you know who made this?"
"One of my good friends made it.." I felt my shyness slowly ebbing away, "She's a member of the Culinary Club."
"Oh? Tell me more, please."
And that's how the ice was broken between us...
As we shared the plate between us, we ended up talking about random things: hobbies, what we did in school and our friends and families. All the while, we could hear music and singing echoing from within the building.
His hobbies, other than sports, included video-games, listening to jazz and rock music, playing the guitar and watching movies. He was also a basketball player in the high school team but he wouldn't disclose which position he played in. Although he had a large circle of friends, he also had a best friend he knew from childhood who he saw as his brother and confidant. It made me smile because it reminded me of the strong bond I shared with Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan. I also learned that he was the oldest of three children, followed by his younger brother and sister. His widowed father taught basketball in the local sports club in the community centre, which I did recall was not far from school. My heart warmed even more when he told me that he sometimes went to the centre after school to volunteer teaching the younger children to play basketball and the importance of sportsmanship. I could imagine him swarmed by excited children, begging him to teach them a shot or a dribbling technique or to tell them stories of his matches. He explained that he wanted to pass on the love and excitement of the sport to the next generation just like his father did to him. What a wonderful role model. His siblings were currently studying in a different school but were expected to make a transfer to our school next year, making it easier to for the whole family to be together. The one question he avoided answering was telling me his name...
"That will spoil the mystery of the night, princess," he explained, "I'm sure you wouldn't tell me your name if I asked you..."
I nodded, making sense of his logic, "You're right. I'm sorry for being intrusive."
"Don't be..." my blush deepened further as I realized that he hadn't once let go of my hand. His gloved fingers were gentle and protective as they wrapped around my own fingers. I sighed as he rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, "You're wonderful company and an amazing girl. You're sweet and caring to your younger sister and father. You're a talented musician and a well-read scholar. These friends of yours are so lucky to have you as you are lucky to have them. So...uh...are you here to see someone? Someone special to your heart?"
I faltered at the question. I turned away so that he couldn't see the tears brimming behind my mask.
"I...the boy I like...he...he's with another..." I said softly. I forced myself to calm down when I felt the lump in my throat. I didn't want to break down in front of the masked boy, "He's with a beautiful girl who made him laugh and smile...I gave him some handmade chocolates on Valentine's Day. He's accepted them but...I know now that he doesn't like me..."
"I'm...I'm sorry to hear that...don't cry, my princess..." I felt his other gloved hand on my cheek. I blushed in embarrassment when his thumb brushed on my cheek, wiping away a tear...I was so glad I wasn't wearing any eyeliner and mascara otherwise my eyes would be a mess... "But I still don't understand why a wondrous girl like you would go unnoticed by the other boys."
I lowered my eyes, "I'm...I...I'm not who you think I am...in school, I'm just one of the other girls who stay in the background. But you...you're so wonderful. You're a loving brother to your siblings and a dedicated son to your father. You're a great athlete to children who look up to you and you have such interesting hobbies compared to mine...any girl would've like to be with you..."
It was then I saw his eyes turn sad. I wished he would smile once again, "Many girls do...but I fear that the fair girl who stole my heart doesn't like me...you see, she gave me some chocolates on Valentine's Day and it was the nicest thing any other girl had done for me. I was going to tell her what I feel for her but we got rudely interrupted and she ran away before I could say anything else. I had a feeling that she must be really angry at me now..."
I gripped his hand tightly in assurance, "I hope she will come around and clear up the misunderstanding and like you for who you are..."
He smiled back and his gaze was strangely intense, "I hope so too..."
Just then, we could hear the grandfather clock toll 10 times. Ten o'clock already? Time really did fly fast...
"Hey...uhm...I think the waltz is going to start soon. Shall we head inside? It's still a bit chilly now."
"Yes, we should. I did promise my other friend that I would stay and listen to her play."
I allowed myself to be brought to my feet and we walked together back into the dance hall.
Upon entering to through the doors, I was about to leave in another direction as I was certain he would like to go off to be with his friends. But the grip on my hand didn't relinquish. I looked up at him questioningly.
"Aren't you going to find your friends?"
"No, most of my friends didn't come for the night save for my best friend but he's occupied at the moment. I don't want to leave you alone when you should be having the time of your life, I already had a wonderful time getting to know you...I'll be your prince for tonight."
I felt my heart melt into a puddle. How sweet and considerate he was...how could I say no to such a kind offer? I rubbed my thumb against his fingers and nodded with a smile.
"I'd like that very much..."
My mysterious prince smiled back, making him look more handsome than before...
"Now then everyone, please gather to the dance floor. The waltz is going to begin!" Tei Hou-sensei tapped his baton and the orchestra readied themselves before they began to play.
I smiled when I recognized the melody: Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers. It would be no surprise Sai Bunki-chan had many a fun day to practice for tonight. We momentarily stood at the edge of the dance floor to watch Sai Bunki-chan playing a marvelous cadenza on her harp. She looked so serene as her lithe fingers danced over each metal string, plucking with graceful finesse.
Then I felt a gentle kiss on the back of my hand.
"May I have this dance, my princess?"
"I couldn't say no to a gallant prince..."
My masked prince held me close as we went to the dance floor where the other couples already started dancing. It all looked so splendid. The couples swept across the dance floor in a graceful blur of colours like flowers and leaves flowing in the wind. He tenderly gripped my hand and cupped the small of my back. I looked up at him, uncertain what to do. He chuckled warmly and sweetly kissed my head.
"Don't worry, princess. Let me lead...don't think...just feel me..."
And led me he did. It felt as if time had literally stopped and there were just me and him. He held me like I was the rarest flower to ever blossom on Earth. I felt as if we were floating on air...among the clouds and the stars. With each twirl and step, all I could see were his mysterious eyes and his sweet smile. I couldn't help but giggle as he picked me up and twirled me around, his laughter ringing beautifully in the air. I was flying and he gave me wings...it was an exhilarating feeling that I never want to ever forget.
"I'm...I'm flying!" I whispered breathlessly.
"You're a beautiful angel, my princess. I will never let you fall," my prince said reassuringly.
"I trust you..." because even if I would fall, he would be there to catch me...
As the music progressed to a crescendo creating a grand finale, my mysterious prince and I and another couple were apparently the only ones who were still dancing before finishing with a flourish. I quickly glanced and found in pleasant surprise to see Shoukyou and her dance partner to be the second couple. She must had really enjoyed herself from the way she hugged back in the masked boy's embrace and the sweet soft smile on her masked face. My mysterious prince held me close as thunderous applause echoed throughout the dance floor. Shouts of 'Bravo!' and 'Encore!' were directed at us. I smiled up at him and my heart swelled. My first waltz...I couldn't believe what I just did...
"You're a wonderful dancer...I...I had fun!" I gasped, hardly containing my excitement at what we accomplished tonight.
"You too...you're a natural!" he exclaimed and I could hear sincere amazement in his voice, "I couldn't ask for a better dancing partner. You're amazing."
"Onechan?!" I smiled at Shoukyou, "Wow...you really took to the dance floor!"
"My compliments to you both...a truly commendable display of grace and dexterity," the other boy bowed deeply before locking eyes with my prince. He was dressed in a very regal princely outfit with a red rose in one of the lapels and wore a black mask trimmed in red and gold. I swore he looked like an ethereal elf prince in those clothes due to his slender build, "I see that you got your waltz dancing skills up to speed, my friend. I am very pleased with your progress."
"Heh, I told you not to worry when I said that I'd get my act together for tonight. But all the same, thanks for the advice."
I looked between the two boys. They seemed to know each other very well from the amiable tone of the conversation.
"That is the most wondrous round of waltz dancing I had ever seen!" we looked to see Sou Sou-sensei approaching us and the other couple, "I must applaud you four for your efforts. Very well done."
We thanked Sou Sou-sensei and nodded in acknowledgement as I felt the shyness creeping back. Sou Sou-sensei nodded back and stepped back into the crowd to join the other teachers. I then felt my mysterious prince clutching me tighter. I looked up to see him glaring at Sou Sou-sensei's back, "My prince?"
"He may be a good teacher that commands respect when it's due but I don't like the way he approached you, my princess...what a creep..."
I looked at Shoukyou and found the masked boy also holding my sister possessively with a guarded look in his dark eyes...how odd...
Just then, Kakou En-sensei, our gym teacher, stepped up on the first level of the grand staircase with Sou Sou-sensei, "Alright everyone! I hope you're all enjoying yourself!"
Cheers erupted from all over the dance hall.
"This ball couldn't have transpired if there weren't any hardworking people to make it happen! We must give credit where it's due! First off, we must thank all the members of the Student Council and the Drama Club for helping to organize this beauteous event and for decorating the venue for the night! You guys did a fantastic job!" all us watched as Kakou En-sensei gestured to the different parts of the hall as he continued to speak jovially, "Tei Hou-sensei! You and the rest of the guys in the school orchestra are absolute winners in musical entertainment! Take a bow! Thank you to Getsu Ei-sensei and the Culinary Club for their wonderful buffet for the evening! The food was delicious and the sweet treats excellent! A huge thank you to our fellow teachers and volunteers to make sure the queue ran smoothly and catch any unwanted party-crashers. But most of all, we must thank Sou Sou-sensei for helping to organize the funds to make this event possible to happen!"
At this, loud polite applause thundered as Sou Sou-sensei bowed in acknowledgement.
I observed Shoukyou. She looked really happy and a dreamy smile was present on her lips. The masked boy now had an arm wrapped around her waist in a tender grip. He certainly had a flair of elegance that was striking. As I took the time to examine his stature, I was sure I saw him somewhere before...I was brought back to reality as thunderous cheers and whistles filled the hall.
Kyou Yi-kun and Kakou Ha-kun were up on stage. The boys gave a deep bow before Kyou Yi-kun made himself comfortable at the grand piano while Kakou Ha-kun stood nearby. These best friends were often seen together in school and many girls had the hots for them. Kyou Yi-kun was the best piano player in school and always seemed to be happiest whenever he sat down to play. I inspired to be great at the piano as him one day. Kakou Ha-kun was highly praised as the star quarterback in our newly formed American football team and the proud son of Kakou En-sensei. He was also a very talented singer and would often sing to Kyou Yi-kun's music. The merest sound of his golden voice often made girls swoon. We watched Kakou En-sensei set up a microphone near the piano and heartily grasped Kakou-Ha's shoulder with him returning in kind as he handed him another a second one to use.
"Now then, we are going slow things down a bit with Kyou Yi-kun's special music and, I am most proud to say, my son's singing prowess to end this magical night. Upon midnight, we shall perform the unmasking," Kakou En-sensei smiled and turned in the direction of the boys as he stepped off the stage, "Whenever you're ready, boys."
"Thank you, Kakou En-sensei," Kyou Yi-kun nodded to the musicians handling the violins and percussion instruments who began in their playing positions. The rest of the orchestra followed Tei Hou-sensei off the stage, "Everyone, I am deeply honored to be playing on this wondrous night. Please allow my first melody to soothe your senses before Kakou Ha-kun presents our song...enjoy..."
We watched in trepidation as Kyou Yi-kun closed his eyes and began to play.
Kyou Yi-kun's melody wafted through the air like a pleasant perfume. This was how highly skilled he was at the piano. He could make your heart swell and burst the moment his fingers touched the keys. His face was filled with deep concentration yet a content smile graced his lips. Soon, his music was accompanied by the beautiful heart rending chords from the violins.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Shoukyou being pulled back into the embrace of her dancing partner. She looked so happy and content as he bent down to kiss her forehead and danced with her.
In another corner, I saw Sai Bunki-chan smiling at a tall masked boy with dark blonde hair as he helped her down from the stage and handed her a small bouquet of dark pink roses, which she accepted with grace. He led her to a bench whereupon they sat together and talked quietly. This boy had a flirty yet gentlemanly air around him. I was pretty sure I had seen him somewhere before.
Finally I saw Hou Sanjou-chan and Kan Saku-kun in the dark corner away from the buffet table. She was smiling sweetly at Kan Saku-kun as he pulled her close for a dance. Romance was really in the air tonight...all because of Kyou Yi-kun's magnificent music...
I was brought back to reality when my mysterious prince pulled me close to his body. The same shy smile graced his lips.
"Dance with me again, my princess?" my masked prince asked upon which I nodded in response.
He took my hand in his and we began waltzing again. This time, the pace was slow and leisurely and by then I was already accustomed to his movements and the gentle yet firm grip on my body. We were gliding together in perfect harmony and his face was so close to mine. I heard him whisper his praise to my ears, which made me blush harder. As the music reached the end, my mysterious prince picked me up and pirouetted me gracefully before setting me on the ground gently for a grand finish upon which polite applause echoed through the premises. This time, we were the only couple left on the dance floor. I could see Shoukyou and her prince among the spectators. I smiled as I was pretty sure she smiled brightly and clapped her hands the loudest among the crowd.
Some of the other party guests returned to the dance floor while others opted to remain and watch from the sidelines as they resumed their conversations before the waltz.
After a minute of silence, the slow melody began to morph into a different composition as the tempo changed and bells and drums accompanied in rhythm. Kakou Ha-kun stepped up with the microphone and was greeted with cheers. He looked a bit sheepish at first but he flashed his wide smile and held up his hands to quieten the excited party-goers.
"Hi everyone, we have chosen this song which we hope conveys the magic and romance that this night has brought to all the princes and princesses at this magnificent ball. This is for all you beautiful girls out there...and you guys better treasure them like no other...hey we go..."
The song was about to begin. I then began to hear Kakou Ha-kun singing into the microphone, his smooth baritone voice echoing in a pleasantly hypnotizing volume.
"From the moment I saw you
From the moment I looked into your eyes
There was something about you
I knew...I knew...
That you were once in a lifetime
A treasure near impossible to find
And I know how lucky I am to have you..."
I felt my prince's hands guiding my arms around his neck before placing his hands on my waist. I leaned my head against his chest as we swayed to and fro, feeling his heartbeat against my hot cheek. I briefly looked around to see some couples following our example. Shoukyou and her masked escort also joined the dance floor.
I looked up to my mysterious prince. His dark eyes had turned tender and possessed the same strange intense stare back in the school gardens.
"You're really beautiful...everything about you is beautiful...I really mean it..."
He called me beautiful again...if he kept on saying it that way...I could just actually believe his words that I really was beautiful...
"I...you're the first boy to ever call me beautiful...thank you..."
"And...I'm really happy to have spend this night with you..." he said quietly and I could see the blush covering his cheeks.
I was pretty sure my red cheeks matched his in intensity, "Me too...I...this has to be the most magical night I had ever experienced in my life..."
"'Cause I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away
The beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
And when it comes to shooting stars, I've seen a few
But I've never seen anything...as beautiful as you..."
The atmosphere around us had turned dreamy and surreal. The lights seemed to dim even more. All I could focus was my prince guiding us in a steady pace. This was what I often read in fairytales and saw in the princess movies my sister and I used to watch...it had to be a dream...yet it wasn't...oh God...I hope it wasn't...
It was happening in reality...my reality...for this one night, I was a beautiful princess who danced with a handsome and dashing prince...now I knew how Cinderella must have felt on this magical night to be dancing in the arms of a prince who loved her...I never want to let him go...and I never want him to let go of me...ever...I would crumble if I were to stray from the circle of his arms...
"Holding you in my arms
No one else has fit so perfectly
I could dance forever with you...with you...
And at the stroke of midnight
Please forgive me if I can't let go
'Cause I never dreamed that I'd find a Cinderella of my own..."
I shivered when his gloved hands tightened around my waist and his cheek brushed against the top of my head. I leaned my head back against his chest...I could hear his heartbeat...it was beating so fast...I guess I wasn't alone because I could feel my heart thundering as fast as his.
"I wish this night could go on forever..." I looked up at him. His Adam's apple bobbed as he took in a shaky breath, "I don't want this to end...if only I had the power to make time stop right here...right now..."
My eyes clouded in sadness. Yes, midnight would arrive and the magic would vanish into shadows and nothingness...come Monday, I would return to being a plain ordinary schoolgirl...a model student who wore glasses and plaited pigtails and would forever pine for the one boy who couldn't possibly reciprocate my feelings...Son Saku-kun...
"Just like in Cinderella...the magic will come to an end..." I whispered softly as I gripped him tighter. Unlike Cinderella, I didn't think I could get my happy ending, "I wish for the same thing..."
"You feel so right in my arms..." I gasped as I felt his lips softly caressing my forehead...why do I feel so hot...and dizzy, "I don't think I can let go of you...God...I need you here with me..."
"'Cause I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away
The beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
And when it comes to shooting stars, I've seen a few
But I've never seen anything...as beautiful as you..."
I felt one of his hands leaving my waist, feeling the soft gloved fingers stroking my cheek like silk and tilting my chin up to gaze up at him. That same intense stare...it stilled me to the core.
I couldn't look away...I couldn't even if I didn't want to...I felt like a deer caught in the headlights...
"My Cinderella..." he whispered to me as he placed his lips on my forehead once more. I breathed shakily at the contact, "My beautiful princess..."
I couldn't get enough of his deep voice...he called me beautiful again...over and over again...
"I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away
The beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
And when it comes to shooting stars, I've seen a few
But I've never seen anything...
Ooooh, no, I've never seen anything...
As beautiful as you..."
Oh God...my legs had turned to jelly...my head was hazy and colourful spots danced over my line of vision. I felt flushed all over. I had never felt anything like this before...if it weren't for the strong arms cradling me, I would've fainted on the spot.
I don't know when we stopped slow-dancing. We were still and kept on staring into each other's eyes, his fingers interlocked with mine. Our breaths danced across each other's red faces and our eyes behind the glittering masks bore into each other...his fingers returned to my cheek. He felt so warm...
"From the moment I saw you..."
I closed my eyes and nuzzled against that beautiful strong hand, trying to memorize the gentle touch...
But a tear escaped my eye before more followed...while I felt happy that I was having such a magical night, I also felt so terrible. This kind masked boy...my mysterious prince had been so gallant and stayed by my side throughout the entire night...yet in the back of my mind, I wished it was Son Saku-kun who would make me feel this way...to be the one talking to me in pleasant conversation...holding me...dancing with me...caressing my cheek...but he already had Shoukou-san...she could make him happy when I couldn't...
But me? I was a horrible person to make my mysterious prince do such wonderful things with me when he should be with the girl he liked...I must had made another girl unhappy because I took him away from her...I destroyed her dreams...
At that moment, I didn't feel like a beautiful pure-hearted princess anymore...I was a temptress with a selfish heart...
"From the moment I looked into your eyes..."
"My princess...don't cry..." I opened my wet eyes, feeling my tears wiped away from my cheeks. His face was filled with concern, "Your beautiful face will be all wet...why are you so sad?"
"I'm sorry...I'm having such a wonderful time with you but you must have been waiting for the girl you like before I came along...I'm so sorry..."
"No...don't ever be sorry..."
"I..."
"Shhhhh...no more words..."
I was hypnotized at the way his face leaned close. His lips looked so soft and wet... they were coming closer...I could feel mine trembling in anticipation...
Our lips were about a millimeter apart...
Barely touching...
So close...
BONG!
Midnight! The grandfather clock made its first toll...
Oh killjoy!
To be continued...
Author's notes: Oh I do love a good romance, especially when it's filled with angst and fluffiness that makes your heart go AWWWWWWW, just so you know, the clock is significant in the story and that's why the killjoy reference is in there. In the Disney version when Cinderella wakes up, she hears the chimes of the clock outside and calls it killjoy. But GASP! Midnight has struck and the unmasking is due...what will happen when the masks come away...how will the night end? Well, I'm afraid you will have to wait for the next chapter, my dears. Patience is a virtue and the new chapter will be up and running before you know it! Until then, I welcome reviews and feedback with open arms...flamers...not so much...for now I wish you all an early Happy New Year 2013!