A Song In The Night/How To Politely Kill Pirates
Takumi shot up from his bed, his heart pounding as he struggled to breathe. Panic welled in his chest as he coughed, his lungs feeling constricted.
Can't get enough air..
He knew it was all psychological, but he still couldn't chase away the feeling of suffocation that the nightmare gripped him with.
Mother..
A sob shook his shoulders as he stood up quickly, tying his hair up and throwing on his usual Hoshidan attire. He didn't know where he was going yet, but he knew he had to get far away from this room right now. Away from the dreams of his mother's death that haunted him night after night. As he fastened his fur wrap back into place, something outside the window caught his eyes and he squinted curiously. A lone figure outside was walking towards the gardens, her cloak trailing gently behind her.
The Summoner..? What's she doing outside at this hour..?
Impulsively, he decided to follow her as he opened the window and slipped out, careful not to dislodge any of the stones on the wall as he climbed down the thick vines. He began to silently follow her, careful not to make a sound. Where was she going?
Is she sneaking out to meet someone? he wondered with a flash of suspicion, and he quickened his pace, fully prepared to confront her.
"..Constant as the stars above.. Always know that you are loved.."
Takumi stopped dead in his tracks as the soft song reached his ears, and it took his woozy mind a moment to register that it was indeed the Summoner singing, an almost magical quality to her voice.
Azura..? his mind whispered in confusion.
..No. Azura's voice and songs were beautiful in their own right, but this? This was something entirely different.
"And my love shining in you, will help you make your dreams come true. Will help your dreams come true."
Spellbound, Takumi felt his guard slowly drop as he trailed quietly behind her, keeping a safe distance between them in case she turned around.
"The lamb lies down and rests its head, on its mother's downy bed.." Robyn sang, her inhumanely perfect voice washing over him as she reached to cup one of the wilted azelea flowers in the bushes as she passed.
When her fingers brushed across the petals, they suddenly unfurled, restored back to their previous state, swaying gently in the moonlight. Takumi stifled a gasp at the sight.
Her singing is truly enchanting, and she somehow used magic to restore those flowers.. I wonder what else Robyn is capable of?
The Summoner had paused in the middle of the garden, lost in her own song.
"Dolphin plays in the moonlight's glow, and butterflies dream of a violet rose. Dreams of a violet rose!"
"…"
Takumi leaned against the tree trunk, folding his arms across his chest as Robyn stopped to pick up an armful of petals and hurling them into the air as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"I'll cradle you in my arms tonight, as sun embraces the moonlight. The clouds will carry our song tonight.."
Takumi felt himself tear up slightly as remnants of his dream came flooding back. The lyrics reminded him of his gentle, late mother Mikoto. He missed her desperately, and having seen her killed in front of him, he was still haunted by her sudden passing.
"Our dreams will run deep like the sea.. Our dreams will run deep like the sea!"
Her face still concealed by her cloak, the Summoner's voice picked up and she began to dance amongst the falling petals.
"Constant as the stars above! Always know that you are loved!"
She's beautiful..
Takumi snapped back to reality as a sudden thought occurred to him. What was he doing, impulsively following the Summoner late at night? Although, it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen..
I was suspicious at first.. But I don't think she's doing anything wrong. I.. I should go back.
Cautiously, Takumi began to creep backwards.
"And my love shining in you-"
Crack!
Takumi froze as the stick crunched loudly under his foot, and the Summoner broke off her song with a startled gasp. Thinking fast, Takumi ducked behind the tree and prayed the shadows would conceal him. A long silence stretched between them, and Takumi held his breath as he heard Robyn's rapidly retreating footsteps heading back to the castle. He sagged against the tree and let his breath out slowly.
That was close..
His eyes drifted to the bush of glowing flowers, his curiosity piqued as he approached hesitantly and lifted one of the flowers gently to get a better look. Even through his gloves, just touching the petals filled him with a sleepy warmth that chased away the remainder of his nightmare that clung so stubbornly to his mind just moments before.
"Who are you..?" he whispered to himself.
Letting the flower go, he made his way back to the castle, climbing the vines back to his room. It was silent, broken by only the soft sound of the crickets in the night as Takumi let his long silver hair back down and changed out of his kimono. He didn't need to train just yet. He could sleep a little longer. As Takumi lay back down in his bed, the Summoner's song echoed through his mind.
Dreams of a violet rose, huh?
Humming the melody softly to himself, the prince drifted off into the first peaceful slumber he'd had in a long time.
"Are you okay? You seem kinda distracted today." Ricken asked as they exited the mess hall.
"I just have a lot on my mind." Robyn answered lightly.
She was still slightly shook up from the strange encounter last night. The gardens were her refuge, music being one of the few things keeping her sane in all of this. She was so sure she'd slipped out unnoticed but-
Was I the one who made that crunching sound? Maybe I'm just being paranoid.. If someone had followed me, they would have said something right? Besides, I doubt anyone else stays up that late.
And then there was the flowers, restored back to life just by her voice and the lightest touch of her fingertip. There was so much unexplained, and Robyn didn't have the slightest clue on how to answer them. Niles, Henry, Jakob, and Laslow were waiting by the gates, and a short distance away stood Takumi. The prince gave her a brief glance, and a half-smile as she approached. When she was about to pass, he cleared his throat.
"Um.."
"..Yes?"
Robyn stopped and waited for him to speak. There was a brief pause, and she noticed he seemed almost.. embarrassed as he finally mumbled an awkward "good morning" before whipping around and joining the others.
"That was weird.." Robyn whispered to Ricken, who shrugged.
"Maybe he's just shy and wants to make friends." he whispered back.
There was no time to ponder the Hoshidan prince's odd behavior as she briefed the group on the world they were about to enter.
"This realm is water based." she explained. "So when we arrive through the gate, don't be surprised if we end up on a moving ship. This realm is inhabited mainly by pirates, so if we take them out we should find plenty of orbs on their ships. Any questions?"
Heads shook, and Niles's usual smirk seemed to deepen as she lifted the Briedablik to open the portal. Although she'd done it countless times, it was still awe inspiring how the book seemed to act on its own accord, opening itself as soon as she undid the clasps and opening the portal to their desired location.
"Yay, let's go kill some pirates!" Henry cheered.
"You're way too cheerful about this.." Laslow mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I should be in bed dreaming of some pretty young lass right about now."
"Relaaaaaax." Niles drawled as they emerged onto the ship. "This'll be fun."
Robyn and Ricken both exchanged glances, having given up on understanding Niles ages ago.
"At least there's no storm today." Jakob observed while Takumi gave the boat a once over.
"So where are these orbs at anyways?" Takumi called from across the deck.
His arms were crossed, and his eyes narrowed disapprovingly at the wind that was pulling at his tied up hair, the silver glinting in the sunlight.
"Incoming ship!" Ricken called, and Niles seemed to be practically licking his chops as he sneered
"Oh-ho.. we've got company."
The ship pulled up next to the Askrian ship, led by a burly, scruffy looking man. The other men were just as similar, some bearing the eye patch of a stereotypical pirate.
"Look what we've got here lads." the captain sneered. "A fine group of well dressed foreigners lost at sea. You know what I think about that, don'tcha lads?"
A low, menacing laugh vibrated through the crew, the other pirate's eyes glittering with malice as one of them called out
"Let's pillage them!"
"They look kinda scary." Ricken whispered to Robyn. "But I'm not letting that stop me."
"I wouldn't waste your breath."
The pair started as Niles appeared beside them, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
"Just leave this to the experts. I've got this."
"Hopefully he doesn't embarrass us.." Jakob muttered as Niles brandished a pirate hat from under his cloak and waltzed up to the front of the ship.
The pirate's eyes narrowed as Niles tipped his hat in greeting, grinning ear to ear.
"Ahoy mateys." he purred seductively, and in a single swift motion, his hand darted down to give the rope attached to the cannon a good, hard yank.
The cannonball shot out with precision, striking the captain on the face, sending him toppling into the sea.
"…"
Silence fell over the waters as both sides gaped at each other in equal amounts of shock.
"Nya-ha-ha, that was AWESOME! Hey, if his corpse floats to the surface do ya think he'll be headless?! Or maybe half-eaten by sharks!" Henry cackled, breaking the silence.
"W-what the hell is wrong with both of you?!"
Ricken's voice came out like a squeak while the enemy crew began to seethe with anger.
"W-why you!" one of the pirates snarled, then turned to the rest of the crew. "G-GET THEM!!"
"Aweee, are you angwy?" Niles batted his eye innocently, his tone laced with mock sympathy. "You're soooo scawy, why I'm just shaking in my boots!"
The playful look on NIles's face shifted as a dangerous glint appeared in his eye and his lip curled into a smirk.
"Let's kill them all~"
"Fine by me!" Takumi growled, brandishing his Fujin Yumi.
Between Niles wit and Takumi's frightening accuracy, the fight seemed to only last mere minutes as the last pirate toppled over into the water with a loud splash. Niles, still donning the pirate hat, led the way onto the now empty ship.
"Let's see what we've got here." he said with a devious smile as he popped open the treasure chest, producing several orbs. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Robyn replied, reaching for the orbs, only for the white haired man to retract his hand slyly.
"Nuh-uh young lady, what's the magic word?"
Before Robyn could answer, a voice cut in.
"The magic word is give them to her or I'll throw you overboard too."
The entire group turned in surprise to see Takumi, who was leaning against the railing with his hazel eyes narrowed in annoyance. Mischief glittered in Niles's gaze, but he complied and handed over the orbs, but not without a smug
"And what are you so worked up about, hm? Got a soft spot for the Summoner here?"
"No, you're just insufferable." the Hoshidan prince snapped.
"Ooo.. feisty." Niles snickered, but sauntered through the portal with the others following.
"..Hey."
As Robyn went to follow, Takumi's sharp voice stopped her in her tracks. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, and he wouldn't meet her eyes.
"Ah.. yes?" Robyn stammered.
"If.."
He was silent for a moment, his jaw clenching and unclenching before he blurted out
"..If that guy bothers you again, let me know. I'll sort him out."
Before Robyn had a chance to reply, Takumi marched through the portal.
What..
Robyn stared after him, her lips slightly parted and her hood concealing the stunned stupor that was probably written on her face as she hesitantly walked through the portal.
I need miso soup..