Once in the Moonlight XX: Fun (or not) at the Beach.

Pegleg: So it be me birthday soon....Just in case you were wondering....1

Haruka: *le gasp!*2

Topleaka: Oh boi! Oh Boi! Do I have the gift for you!3

Pegleg: Holy crapp.....4

Topleaka : (pulls out--) Its a DEAD PONY!5

Pegleg: AHHHHH! Never mind! NEVER MIND!!!!!!!!6

~7

CHAPTER LXXII8

Spring fever melted into early summer dreaming. The entire population of Waterstone Academy was under its spell—blindly opening textbooks and starign out the windows with dreams of an early vacation. “You know what would be amazing?” Isabelle’s confidence rose with the heightening season. “A beach trip to Okinawa?”9

“Isn’t that a bit…common place?” Britteni didn’t even bother looking up from the magazine in her hands. 10

“Can you envision a lovelier, more romantic place though? Hawaii is too crowded, too commercial and gets dull quickly. Okinawa is common place, but it gives a nice…homely charm. And of course price has to be considered—“11

Insulted by such a conservative policy, Britteni dropped the magazine. “Our kind never has to consider price. Ever.”12

“Of course,” Isabelle shivered, then regained her composure. “But the others will.”13

“What others?”14

“A beach trip needs people! It should be a party to Okinawa; wouldn’t that be rather classy?” she smiled, trying to push back her timidity. “Their beaches are the loveliest in the world, with oceans of emerald…” the periwinkle head began to dream, envisioning walking down the stretches of sand with that handsome boy Emile...15

Britteni didn’t need to know of that, of course. 16

Oceans… The word made Britteni realize that her plans for Atlantis needed testing. Of course, there was the beach here on Nakajima, but if she could transport even a small object from these waters to Okinawa, and from Okinawa to Atlantis, perhaps she would be prepared to move on to her greater plans. It was perfect. 17

“Isabelle, I think you’re right,” Britteni picked up the magazine from the floor, noticing Isabelle’s grin of self-pride for apparently convincing her into this plan. “Let’s have a beach trip.”18

~19

In a school as small as Waterstone, where news was virtually non-existant, the plans of a luxurious summer beach party in Okinawa caught the ears of every student. Britteni, wanting only the “elite” (a term she used rather loosely on Earth) to be invited (of course), replied to any who asked, “You’ll know if you’re coming,”. Every girl in the high school grades quickly broke out into loud whispers, asking each other if they “knew yet”. But it was only a week before the actual trip that the first girl received a text message invitation. 20

I, being low on the social ladder, never even thought about seeing whether I was invited. As if I actually wanted to be invited. But a spark caught my curiousity on fire when I saw Britteni coming from the left hallway. “It’s a shame fate has kept you from Okinawa,” she grinned as she passed me, her eyes glistening with the taste of corruption. 21

Okinawa…I mused for a moment. Could she have something more in mind: something involving Atlantis—My steps paused in the hall, trying to put it together in my mind. Of course! A party would be a good way to hide any plans, for who would suspect anything? They’ll all be so distracted with the beauty of the island…22

She must know something that I don’t. 23

Rushing to find Topleaka, I panted, “Topleaka chan—you like parties so much, don’t you? Then why don’t you host an anti-party, in Okinawa as well? Beach parties are fun, aren’t they?”24

~25

Static is the loveliest sound in the world. That is, when you’re in an over-stuffed Hummer of 19 people (one of whom is tied to the roof), who all talk out of place and over each other, passing Poptarts and popcorn all across the seats. There would have been twenty, but Athena refused my invitation. True; I didn’t terribly care for the teacher’s pet, but I thought that it might give her a chance to change. Apparently, she didn’t want to change though. Anyways, the most horrific part of the trip was the fact that Roxy was driving. So, to keep away the head-throbbing sounds from the back and the visions of implosion on contact with trees, I focused my heart and soul on the sounds of static coming from the radio until we reached the airport. 26

Unpacking was a job that took seriously mad skills. Adair mad skills. And even he needed help pulling the massive DDR arcade machine out of the trunk. Now, how on earth Aelin managed to force feed the trunk a full sized DDR machine, I never dared to ask. How the airline people allowed us to bring a full sized DDR machine to Okinawa without questioning it or taking it apart to search for bombs, I decided to not ask as well. But that wasn’t the only oddity brought. The usual inexplicable necessities such as faerie wings, dead pony dolls, massive pocket knifes on steroids, and ten foot long pens were brought. But under my pillow on the airplane, I found a rubber chicken that mooed. I didn’t want to know why the heck it mooed, or how the heck it got under my pillow. And then there was—27

Wait. Perhaps it’s just best that I don’t even start.28

But laying all of the tons of luggage aside in our hotel rooms, we rushed out to discover the island. Of course, only Sabrina, Topleaka, Roxy and I knew why we were truly here. Everyone else thought it was simply to professionally own Britteni at her own game. For them, it was a vacation. But for us, it was yet another time we had to work to defend the world around us. 29

Before I could take three steps outside, there came Roxy, holding a giant purple box of Ube treats. Ube: the sweet potato of Okinawa, probably the most delicious and delightful taste the earth could hold. Besides Pineapple. 30

“Where…how…” I whispered, trying to grab for an ube cake. 31

Snatching the box from my range, Roxy replied, “Its Okinawa. There’s gift shops everywhere.”32

“Oh. Right.”33

“Well, this is a great party, considering everyone’s breaking off into different directions…” Adair muttered, pointing out into the street, where droves of Nakajimian natives were now frolicking (or just walking). 34

Considering this entire trip had been my idea (more or less), I went into panic mode, working hard to restrain myself from hyperventilating. But it wasn’t good enough. 35

“Breathe!” Both Adair and Roxy grabbed my shoulders, shaking me back into consciousness. As I tried to get a hold of myself, Adair continued, “Its easy. All you have to do is set a time for everyone to meet at the beach for a party. Though everyone’ll want to do their own thing, no one here can resist the beach.”36

”But that gives too much time! Don’t you know who’s on this trip?”37

“Total losers?” Roxy and Adair muttered under their breath simultaneously. 38

“Exactly!” I frantically waved my arms. “Who knows what trouble they could get into by now—they’re all insane!”39

Thoughfully chewing an ube treat, Roxy mused, “They’ve survived this long through life…I doubt a few hours alone will be a problem,”40

“Oh, but Roxy, it will!” I whimpered, looking to my watch. “I’m gonna go try to round up people. Whatever you two do, don’t leave this street!” And with that last remark, I dashed off, attempting to be the defender of peace and justice once more. Roxy and Adair, however, stood awkwardly, Adair stealing a purple ube treat. Shrugging off my command, the two aimlessly wandered down the streets of Naha, carrying an empty bag of ube. 41

CHAPTER LXXIII42

It was Hikari who assisted me in my honorable quest. Though we honestly had no clue how to round up fifteen teens spread across an island within a few hours, we were stupid enough to try. On our path, Hikari noticed a small ravine, filled with scattered fish. Full of nostalgia, she sniffled, “That one makes me think of Alfredo…”43

Remembering the orange fish from last summer, I comforted, “He c-could be Alfredo II,”44

“II?” I smiled, and I think she liked the idea. After many minutes, she looked down at a fish (they all looked the same to me) and declared, “Fish, your name is Alfredo II. You’re not as good as Alfredo I, but you will do.” So she leaned over the red bar, looking into the water, watching the golden fish flit around. 45

Looking to my watch in agony, I nudged, “Hikari—we need to keep moving…”46

“Farewell, Alfredo II!” she called out, waving to the fish who could not see her. Ten steps farther and she seemed to have nearly forgotten of the existence of Alfredo II. Perhaps that was just because we saw a familiar blue-dyed head bobbing through the crowds. 47

“Aspen, dear Aspen!” I cried, blumbering through crowds of innocent pedestrians. 48

The teen stopped in her steps, rolling her eyes. “What is it now?” she asked as calmly as she could. 49

“Aspen, our flock of people has diverged off all across Okinawa! Will you help us gather people up?” I nearly begged, despirate in the presence of Aspen.50

“Why…does it matter?” she replied at long last, letting the waves of strangers pass by. “Besides, they all congregated in Aelin’s room to play on her pro. DDR set. Even if they were spread across the island, it would be their problem, not ours. If they got left on this quiet world, too bad for them.”51

At the news, I’m sure my eyes lit up, my lungs allowing me to breathe for the first time in hours. “Alright,” The word barely left my lips as a smile of relief came over me. “Then I suppose we’re playing some DDR,”52

While Hikari’s woop of joy and delight could be heard by all within a twelve mile radius, Aspen’s eyes widened in laugh. “…We?”53

“You…don’t like DDR?” I frowned, wondering how anyone could commit such a vile sin.54

“I don’t feel able to tolerate socializing right now. I’ll see you all later though, I suppose. It’s a sort of fate I have,” she smirked slightly, finding her way through the street, leaving Hikari and I behind. 55

“You…you Misanthrope!” I muttered, knowing she couldn’t hear, let alone know what a misanthrope was. That sort of ruined the joke. But turning to my friend, I grinned, “So, ready for DDR?”56

~57

In the small hotel room, Aelin managed to cram a giant arcade style Dance Dance Revolution machine: equipped with the standard epilepcy-prone lights, standard ear bleeding speakers that surely rose about 150 decibals, and the standard obnoxious disembodied voice which shouted without command “Lets...DDR!” I myself was amazed that hotel staff hadn’t complained, nor that any nearby occupants hadn’t thrown things thought the wall. But this day was amazing me more and more as it continued on. 58

It didn’t take more than a few moments for me to find myself in front of the metal dance pad, being pushed up for the next game. The moment made me unable to resist. 59

To my complete surprise and shock, my opponent was none other than Miranda! I obviously let out a small gasp of revelation, for she replied in her monotone voice, “Yes, I love Dance Dance Revolution,” My mind almost spoke out You can love?! But I kept such thoughts to myself. 60

To make this day into even more of a juxtaposition, Miranda won. No, I’m sorry. She destroyed, pwned, and crushed every ounce of my Dance Dance Revolution skills, then trampled on the ashes of my remains, which earned her extra points. Though I really had little to none of those Dance Dance Revolution skills of which I spoke, I had enough stereotyping in my mind to give me the confidence that I would beat her. However, she walked off with her usual cool grace. “Yes, goths can play DDR,” she answered my mental question with a sort of smile. Well, it wasn’t a real smile since it was known fact that Miranda Singer did not smile. All the same, it made me even more surprised than I already was, if that was even possible. 61

~62

Outside the hallway, Britteni and a group of her “people” heard a deep techno beat. Holding their ears to the wall, they heard what they could quickly identify as Dance Dance Revolution. Listening in further, they heard crowds of voices, one which Britteni found particularly familiar. “Everyone—“ it timidly fought to rise above the loud techno booms, but failed until a loud whistle made the room deathly silent. “I-I found that there are going to be fireworks tomarrow for the summer festival…It’s on the beach in the afternoon, and I thought it might be fun!” Cheers immediately erupted, but only after Britteni thought to herself, instantly thinking of the faerie girl with auburn hair and emerald eyes, Its her. 63

~64

Whenever there was a spare moment, I noticed that Miranda suddenly vanished. Though I didn’t know her very well, I had to wonder if she was alright. When I asked Aelin and Wef what was wrong with her, they shrugged it off as if she always did this. Or perhaps she did? Either way, I determined to discover what was troubling her. Through the loud beats of Dance Dance Revolution, I parted out of the doors, into the darkening sky. Wef and Aelin, watching me leave with widened eyes, but shrugged it off, determined to not let Miranda’s grim view dampen their optimism. 65

In the distance, I could define Miranda’s silhouette, leaning against a tree. For a moment, I wondered if she was about to break into tears, but as I got closer, I saw her face suddenly stiffen, watching me with surprised yet threatening eyes, looking not much different than the tree next to her. Unmoving. Cold. In silent pain. 66

“What are you doing here?” she whispered, her voice icy. 67

“I just w-wondered where you were…” my voice melded into the crashing of distant waves and the moaning of the wind. I wondered why I was still here talking, when everything from Miranda’s deathly glare to the falling darkness of night seemed to tell me otherwise. But something kept me there. “You seemed almost…happy for a while, but then—Are you alright?”68

Snickering slightly under her breath, she muttered, “Why should I tell you anything?”69

“Because,” Courage began to fill me. I think it was God. “I want to do what I can to help anyone. Everyone. Even if it makes me look like a fool,”70

She seemed slightly surprised by that response, but hid her eyes under her bangs. “You can’t help the damned,”71

“I can’t,” It was only then that I think I realized what I had tried to understand for so long. “Only God can,”72

A bit of humor coloured her face. “God! That’s why you’re always so happy: you want to spread your magical God everywhere. I’d be bright and perky if I was disillusioned by fantasies of Gods as well. But I know the difference between such things now,”73

“W-what such things?”74

“Like what we see and what is,” She crossed her leathered arms across her chest. “Do you know what makes colour? Its light, deflecting off of different surfaces. 75

In different lights, there are different colours: which one is right? No light, no colour—which leaves things as they really are: nothing. In the darkness, there are no illusions of colour: just what is scattered across the floor.”76

“But—then how do you explain your smile earlier?”77

“Illusions are nice at times,” she whispered, her eyes wanting to call out “I want a purpose!” but of course, she would never dare say it aloud. Keeping such wishes inside of her chest, she walked away back towards the hotel, leaving only her shadow next to the tree. 78

Finding all words left from my mouth, I looked up to the branches of the tree, rustling in the darkness. God…what did all of this mean? I asked at long last. Even if I don’t know her, I pray that she’ll see that there is colour in this world. 79

CHAPTER LXXIII80

Since I was never particularly good at getting new streams of thoughts, I repeated mentally, Why am I here? I don’t even like beaches all that much… Sand clung to every crevice in my toes, rubbing and itching like a thousand mosquitoes. This was the curse of flipflops. Sabrina had sand covering her feet as well, yet for her, it was one of the few things in life to giggle at. Or perhaps that was because Ashton was holding her hand. 81

As soon as they were gone, I slumped down onto the sandy floor, right where the oncoming tide would just barely nick my dark purple nails. … I had one of those impulses to just fall backwards, asleep, and hug myself tightly, but I didn’t. I just sat in silence. 82

Or really, as much silence as I could get, considering that there was a Topleaka shouting in my ear. Nothing unusual. “HARUKA CHAN!” I almost had gotten used to the loud frequency. “What are you doing sitting all alone?” yet her voice instantly dropped, sounding more like a naïve child. 83

“In case you haven’t noticed within the seven years you’ve known me,” I dully replied, “I enjoy being alone.” 84

Somehow, this seemed to be news to her. “You do? But why? Why are you here then?” My thoughts exactly. 85

But to avoid being rude, I simply smiled and said through clenched teeth. “I like beaches-“86

“…No you don’t”87

Well, so much for that. “I like sand,”88

“No you don’t” At least she knew that about me. 89

“I like boardwalks and food and fireworks and SKIES!” I declared with more enthusiasm than I could ever sincerely hold, throwing my arms up and closing my eyes in ecstasy. 90

Trying to take that moment in, it took her a while to respond. “You should like people too,” she pouted, turning over to the crowds of people frolicking into the waves.91

“…What if I don’t?” I almost wished that Topleaka would force me to socialize. Just because I didn’t have the courage to talk to people didn’t mean that I didn’t want to talk to people. It was as though inwardly I cried, MAKE ME TALK!!!!92

But, my hopes were crushed. “Well, if that’s what you want,” she reluctantly replied, turning to the group of Volleyballers. So thus, I was left to fend for myself. 93

I nearly hit myself. If only I wasn’t so bland, so quiet, so shy, so introverted; was this all I could do—sitting here like an empty fool? What seemed more annoying was how quickly my emotions could tide from emotionless to tired to annoyed to infuriated. I wondered if everyone was like that. 94

It was as though I waited for someone to come to me, to help me out of my position of misery. But no one did. Was that only in fantasies that someone always came at the perfect time and made things right? I turned to watch them all play Volleyball and noticed Tien’s frown. 95

Pausing from the game, she walked over to me. So maybe it isn’t just in fantasies… I mused. 96

“Get up, emo butt,” she jestingly demanded. She, like her older sister Tuyet liked to sound tough. But she, unlike Tuyet, had a cute punk sound in her voice, more living with her name “fairy” than in the almost sincere cruelty and roughness of her sister, who was named in misnomer, “Snow white”. 97

“But…” My refutal was pathetic. 98

“We know you want to play Volleyball, so just get up and play! What’s the point of sitting in this forsaken corner alone?”99

“Because…” I had no plausible reason. 100

Her hands grasped my arms in a tight clench, pulling me up from the ground. “Besides, Akihiro won’t stop mentioning you,” My face must have burst into a thousand colours since I heard her laugh. “Come on!” 101

~102

Ahead, the beach’s waves of royal blue softly rolled on top of each other, sparkling in the moonlight. It was the perfect night, for the cresting waves, her life long companions, already set a beat for her as she gently began to hum the melody of the forbidden song. It sounded like a foolish nursery rhyme, but that was what was so frightening about it: what was thought to bee innocent on Earth held unimaginable power, the kind of power she needed right now. 103

Britteni bent low to the water’s edge, sweeping her fingers into the tides. The drops rippled back down her skin, her palm empty. Giving a soft frown, she reached into the dark waters again, this time feeling what she was looking for, pulling it through the veil of velvetine ripples. Her lips softly hummed, the tune fading off over the dunes. Perfect. It worked exactly as she planned, for in her hand she held a Musicanian Eninzil bloosom, delicate petals perfectly in place, as if it had just been picked from the ground. A bead of water dripped down its pale form, releasing a soft glow under the moonlit night. Keeping the blossom under her palm, she walked back over the sand, not caring if she was noticed. If she was, then she oculd simply improvise some passionate story about being unable to sleep, of terrifying nightmares, and needing to talk to someone about her romantic fantasies.104

Humans were so gullable. 105

She could tell them anything, that is, but no one could discover the eninzil blossom nestled neatly in her pocket. Besides, they would discover Atlantis soon enough. 106

CHAPTER LXXIV107

We all gathered on the shores of the nameless beach (It did have a name. It was just too insignificant to remember) as the horizon fell into a soft rainbow. I was amazed at how tranquil it made me feel, even in having the foreknowledge that within the next few minutes, there would be ear drum-impairing explosions and blinding colours, for tonight was the night of fireworks. 108

“Hey, Haruka chan!” Akihiro’s voice came from seemingly nowhere. “Wanna raid the icecream truck?” 109

“?!??!?!?!!” I obviously understood nothing of true worth. 110

“There’s an empty icecream truck over there!” he pointed across the boardwalk. Sure enough, across the vast emptiness of a parking lot, there rested a rusting jaded ice cream truck.It certainly looked suspicious enough. 111

Or is it empty? I had to ask, but said nothing, for I wasn’t smart enough to think. “I’d love to!” automatically fed through my lips. 112

“Great!” he grinned the Akihiro grin, his warm hand grabbing mine as he pulled me over towards the truck. 113

There was the peak of glory-in the manifestation of an icecream truck. I honestly saw nothing particularly amazing about the off white, paper clad FORD car, but Akihiro watched it as though it were an unlocked tomb in the middle of Egypt. The only difference was that there would be no icecream in the middle of Egypt. Without a word, he jumped into the front seat. On instinct, I followed quickly behind. 114

It didn’t take long for me to understand what Akihiro had been idolizing, for behind us, there was freezer after freezer of pure unadulterated icecream! My jaw dropped as I fell into incoherent syllables. It was so beautiful. 115

“Well…” he looked at me curiously. “What are we waiting for?” 116

“Ano-“ I blushed, “For you?” 117

Because it was me, I really meant no pun out of that. But if it had been anyone else, they would have purposefully said that to get a laugh. So I jumped when I heard Akihiro’s handsome laugh as he walked over to the back. As usual, I followed suite, rather confused over what I had said. 118

The next few minutes were in lactose paradise. The warm summer heat seemed nonexistent as we pulled open freezer door after freezer door, searching for only the finest of ice cream flavours. In his eyes, that was apparently Chocolate drenched in every form of sugar imaginable. Me, being more boring, was content with old fashioned Pistachio. 119

It took until we had made our perfected creations for me to suddenly consider that I had committed a heinous crime. “Akihiro kun…” I looked down to the floor, and could tell he was watching me, confused. “Isn’t this wrong? We’re stealing!” My tongue never knew when to shut up at the right time. “Think of all those poor children who’ll want ice cream but there’ll be no ice cream for them to have even if they’ve saved all of their allowances for weeks and weeks on end! Imagine their disappointment! And more importantly, WE’RE STEALING!” 120

Now I knew I had made a complete idiot out of myself. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be looking at me so blankly, a drop of chocolate syrup landing on his hand. “There’s…plenty more ice cream here…” When I didn’t look satisfied with that answer, he pulled out a five from his pocket and layed it on top fo the counter. “It’s like we bought it from him…is that better?” he asked, eyes sincere. 121

Clasping my mouth with my free hand in hopes of not making another foolish ramble, I nodded, amazed he wasn’t running for his life. A spark of excitement suddenly lit up his features. “You know, we could get a much better view of the fireworks on the roof of this truck,” 122

“Is it safe?” I had to be so paranoid. 123

“Of course it’s safe, Haruka chan,” he jokingly rolled his eyes as he grabbed my hand gently, “Do you want me to hold your hand?”124

Would you? Would you! Inner romanticist self pleaded, but, as to not look pathetically weak and vulnerable, I shook it off, “I’m fine,” 125

Akihiro was right. The view from the top of the ice cream truck was beautiful. Though in reality it was only a few feet higher, it felt as though we were on top of the world. Either that, or that I was five years old again. 126

I was amazed that this wasted away truck had the stability to hold both of our body weights on this crumpled roof. But of course, logic and physics played absolutely no role in my life, as I had forgotten once again. So my mind automatically redirected its thoughts onto Akihiro…127

That is, until the fireworks broke through any current thoughts. My startlement from the thundering blast almost shook the truck. Akihiro only laughed. 128

“Are you seriously nervous about sitting on the roof?” he asked, his face getting a little more serious. 129

“N-no! Of course not!” 130

“You don’t sound convincing.”131

“Well-ano—its just----what if this isn’t an abandoned icecream truck…”132

“?”133

“If—ano, the icecream man decides to come back…while we’re still here?” 134

Again, he laughed, “Don’t worry about things like that!” 135

~136

I hate fireworks, a graying man grumbled as he walked towards his truck. It was a falling apart FORD, but it was his falling apart FORD. That made a heck of a difference. He was even getting past the hideous pink and blue posters ripping from the sides. Lost in his thoughts, he took no notice to the roof when he climbed in and turned the key to the engine. 137

Over the soft noise of the engine, he heard chatter from the roof. They always like the roof, he groaned, ignoring the knowledge that there were two teenagers sitting on his roof. Two teenagers who could fly off once he got on the highway. 138

Darn kids, the middle aged ice cream man complained as he suddenly pressed the gas. He thought he heard a soft scream from the top, but his conscience had died long long ago, which brought him motivation to head for his home. 139

~140

The floor beneath us jolted hastily. My heart jumped in my throat at the irony. So it’s not abandoned…I hate being right. I looked to Akihiro, hoping beyond hope that he knew what to do. “A-akihiro kun?” 141

“?”142

“D-don’t you feel—that—under—the car—moving—“143

“?” The ford drove back in a sudden dash. We both were forced sliding to the left, Akihiro banging into my side. I would have blushed, but I was too fearful of falling off. “We should jump off, now,”144

“But—ano—“ I looked down.145

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of heights, Haruka chan,” he laughed with a smile. 146

“M-maybe…” Eight feet down looked very far. 147

“Hm…” he mused for a moment, until the truck turned a sharp 90. It was as though this driver wanted us to fly off at 60 mph and run into a telephone pole head first. That sounded…terribly painful…148

?!?! Before I could fully leave the idea of running head first into telephone poles, I felt Akihiro pull me suddenly closer to him. “Nani---“ I began, hardly able to speak, until I felt him jump off the truck onto the pavement several feet below. How he did that without breaking, twisting, or spraining anything was beyond my comprehention. It must have been magic, I tell you.149

Though we had rolled into the grass (the solid, firm, non-driving-off-in-random-directions ground!), I hardly noticed, only seeing Akihiro’s eyes, and how they were so very close to mine, and how I was somehow on his chest… Well, I wasn’t going to question it.150

“That wasn’t so bad, now was it?” Akihiro laughed, still holding me close.151

I could feel my heart beating, thudding in the deepest part of my chest. Yet surprisingly, out ofmy nervousness, I laughed back. Maybe that insanity was finally kicking in. “Somehow, that was the most fun I’ve had in a while!”152

“Really?”153

“Un!” Wow, what a life I had where sitting on top of an icecream truck made my week. Overhead, there was the sound of fireworks. Of course, these had been going on, but I was so distracted by the near-death incident on the ice cream truck that I forgot. 154

It was only then that Akihiro noticed that he was still holding me close. “Oh, Gomen!” his face turned a bit red as he got up. That felt nice… I mentally sighed, wondering why all wonderful things ended so quickly.155

Our gazes both turned to the night skies, filled with burst after burst of breathtaking lights. “Wow---It’s so…beautiful,” I said hardly louder than a whisper.156

“Yah,” Akihiro smiled, and though I did not notice, his glance was in my direction, not the fireworks. Well, that’s what Topleaka said, for she recalls seeing us in the short distance, and seeing Akihiro’s eyes clearly not watching the fireworks. And why would I argue? I certainly like that version of the story best. 157

CHAPTER LXXV158

The high rises of Naha were seemingly the only speck of modernity on the island of Okinawa. Mitsukoshi and Hollister bags swung from Isabelle’s arms as she and a pack of “friends” followed Britteni through the convoluted streets. One however stopped, turning her head to a familiar face on the opposite sidewalk. “What’s that girl doing here?” she pointed to the figure who happened to be Topleaka. “I thought this was an invitational party,”159

“Oh, I’m well aware,” Britteni continued forward, not the least bit surprised. 160

Her group, however, rebuked her quickly. “How can you say that? Are you just going to let her waltz around Okinawa as if she was worth something?”161

“The time has nearly come,” was all the leader replied with, her high heels ringing against the silent shock of her “friends”. “Tomarrow afternoon. You will see.”162

~163

We found our delight on the shores of the beach. Well, perhaps I should correct that. Everyone else could not part from the sand and salt and sun, while I was outvoted and had to begrudgingly follow. Every day was on the beach. 164

I couldn’t deny the beauty of the waters. It was as if God had thrown piles of emeralds on the bottom of the ocean, making it sparkle green in the day sun. It was worth staring at for hours, perhaps even more than staring at Akihiro’s face for as long. 165

But as I was tangled in a daydream, I felt an unnatural shadow fall over me. Turning around (it turned out that everyone else on our trip did as well at the same time), I discovered it to be none other than Britteni. Strapped in a slim bikini, she laughed once she lifted her sunglasses up. “Nice little party. How quaint.”166

At that moment, Roxy emerged from the waters, approaching Britteni and her followers. “You realize I could kill you right now if I wanted to,”167

The bikini clad preps giggled at the remark as a joke, especially Britteni. “You think too highly of yourself,”168

“You wanna see?” Roxy clenched her fist, about to punch when she felt Adair grab her wrist tightly. 169

“Of all the moments…” he snickered darkly through clenched teeth. “Now is not the time,”170

“Oh, but it is!” Britteni shook her dark curls with a smile. “But a fist fight would be worthless. Why not something more…stylish? A competition, a nice little competition. An easy way to remind you all where you belong,” her brow darkened. 171

Turning to Britteni’s ear, Isabelle whispered, “Doesn’t that make things far more difficult? Shouldn’t you just tell them to leave?”172

Chuckling, the girl replied, “Never does any person listen to mere words. It takes action, mental discipline,” Knocking them senseless may teach them a lesson temporarily, to have them knock themselves senseless teaches a far more painful lesson…and kills their hopes and souls. Besides, that’s half the fun: the slow kill. Britteni added mentally, turning back to her victims. 173

“What kind of competition?” I asked in a soft voice.174

“Why, the only good kind of competition: a music competition!” To play with my abilities a bit, of course, she mused to herself in satisfaction. 175

Though I had my suspicions, I never got to voice them, for Aspen, Topleaka and Roxy had already stood up with fists up, shouting “You’re on!” The guys among us, however, were hardly enthusiastic, trying to be as uninvolved as possible. 176

Another girl turned to Britteni, whispering in confusion. “Why are you giving them any chance to prove themselves?”177

“That’s just it: they have no chance,” Britteni smirked, turning to a beach pavilion ahead. Snapping her fingers, Britteni sent Isabelle to quickly pull out an iPod from her purse with speakers. But before she could, I noticed three familiar men coming from the beach. When Britteni noticed them, her eyes sparked in shock. “There you all are!” she disguised her anger well. “You have the piano, right?” 178

“Piano?!” All of us jumped but those she addressed, who nodded, carrying a small piano between them. Though it was shaped like a normal piano, its grains nearly glowed. My suspicions of the piano itself were quickly shaken off by the shimmering of Britteni’s eyes. 179

Sabrina, Topleaka, Roxy and I turned to each other, trying to understand what was happening. Watching the almost serene looks on Britteni, Creed, Emile and Jack’s faces, I knew they had a plan: one that certainly involved more than Earth, or trivial grade differences in school. 180

Looking back over to my other friends, through their determined looks and excitement, I remembered they couldn’t know anything about what was truly going on, or what powers they strode next to every day. Their naivety frightened me for a moment, but I felt helpless as to how to help them. 181

Setting the piano on the rough wooden floor, Emile stood in front of the keys, playing a rapid stream of arpeccios as if it were nothing. It was said he had been privately studying since he was four, but I knew it was truly because of his Musicanian blood. After he began the real melody, Britteni’s voice quickly rose around it. The result was so beautiful, so moving, so foreign, yet so frightening. It was as if every muscle in my body tremoured, as if I were about to fall to the ground and faint. I knew Sabrina felt it too, for her eyes were wide in fear, her hand shaking at the beat. Our “human” friends, however, felt no curious effect, only startled by the beauty of the song. 182

I felt something wet against my toes. It couldn’t be the tide, could it? We were yards away from the shoreline, and yet I felt the water pull back. Turning my head to the ocean, I jumped at the growing waves approaching. Topleaka noticed too, asking in a deathly whisper, “Is this Atlantis’ power?” When Roxy noticed, she hummed a soft melody to calm the waters, slowly pulling them back to their original place. 183

The singer, turning her eyes subtly to the water’s edge, noticed its normal tide in outrage. But as usual, she did well hiding it. The only feature to give it away was the split second of a glowing gold iris. Singing louder than ever, she finished the last chorus, sending an awestriking wave to crash in the distance. A loud applause broke out as we noticed people gathering by the edges of the pavilioned platform.184

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one surprised by the masses of random onlookers. “Where?” Aspen mouthed as Britteni, through the applauses and cheers, beckoned me. 185

“Now its your turn, Haruka.” She called, smiling in such a seemingly innocent way. “You’re supposed to be a good singer, aren’t you, Vitälea?” The last name was only a whisper, a mouthed name only I could hear. But my eyes widened and my heart froze, knowing that my suspicions were true: she had plans greater than Earth in this little “competition”. And in calling my name (Yme it was called?), in such a subtle way especially, I knew that she had control over me. Feeling my feet pull forward towards the stage, the only comfort was the voice that shouted, “Go Haruka!” I think it was Akihiro’s. It was as if God was giving me an ounce of strength before facing my imminent downfall. 186

“Are you crazy, Britteni?” one prep girl dared to ask. “You know how that girl won the school talent competition. Why are you giving them any chance of survival?”187

“That’s the very point…” Britteni nearly laughed aloud, wondering how many fools would question her judgement in one day. And even now, as they spoke, this girl’s downfall was clear. Why, she was being controlled by Britteni’s thoughts as they spoke. No one heard the name but her. The higher they believe they are…the harder they fall. 188

Standing alone before the world (or all that could gather on the small beach of Okinawa) was a frightening feeling. Wondering what in the name of Tako the Taco® I was supposed to sing, or how I was supposed to belt out over the sea of heads, or what I would do if I failed miserably…(perhaps I should not dwell on the later), I was relieved when Roxy ran up the weary steps, standing before the glittering piano keys. In giving me a wink of reassurance, I had to silently whisper, “Thank you God for Roxy.” TO the surprise of Topleaka, Sabrina and I, she began to play the first song I had ever finished writing: the one I had feared to show anyone but a few days before, knowing that it must have been just about the most pathetic piece of inspiration to grace paper. But she played it anyway. It was called “Once in the Moonlight”.189

Feeling the long forgotten stream of lyrics come to memory, I opened my lips to find the melody of London Bridge is Falling Down to nearly come out. Frowning inwardly, I wondered Why would that of all songs come to mind? Looking over to Britteni’s head, I asked Is that all she’s trying to do? Humiliate me in front of all these people? Letting out a laugh of relief, I began to sing to Roxy’s piano part.190

The shadows conceil my footsteps191

They cover all my secrets 192

In the darkness of the night193

I felt it once again: that freedom in music. As I sang, the burden of Atlantis and Musicana seemed to peel away from me, a strength and power filling me alongside the melody. Here, in front of this crowd, I was Haruka Tsukizami: the girl who loved music. I didn’t care how generic it sounded: I felt like I was flying!194

I know I need to tell you someday195

But right now, I’m just not ready yet196

For now, I will have to hide…197

Claps to the beat began to rise up along with occasional cheers and whistles. Britteni, amid them all, had in her eyes the greatest look of shock imaginable. And yet no one saw it but I. Clearly, she had another plan, the invincible plan that failed. Little then did I realize the power of a simple rhyme of London Bridge. 198

Once in the moonlight199

I can't hold it in longer200

I love you yes I do201

And do you love me too?202

Sabrina and Topleaka both looked to the tide, seeing its waves more tranquil than before. Surely, Atlantis could do nothing. 203

Once in the moonlight204

It comes so clear to me205

And now I just can not see 206

Why I held it in so long207

[Oh, through the break of dawn208

I sing my lonely song]209

Screams, applauses and cheers suddenly erupted from the onlookers, making both Roxy and I jump. Bowing, we tried to make our way through the people, back to our friends. But it was then that I heard Aspen’s laugh. “That sounds like Miss Popularity just lost at her own competition!”210

Wordlessly, Britteni headed for the end of the beach, leaving her followers perplexed. Seeing Britteni leave, the masquerading Knights of Atlantis followed, all muttering to themselves “I knew it was better to just kill the faeries all off”. However, Britteni seemed unmoved from her plans. “I congratulate you, Vitaelia, for you have overcome a strong curse. You have shown me that it is time to be relentless…”211

As soon as we got down, I was grabbed in a giant group hug. Through the laughs, I wondered if I would be tackled to the ground, or simply collapse due to my lack of balance. But being held close by good friends, it didn’t really seem to matter. Of course, none of them knew the power I had struggled against: the power Britteni had had over me. It made me wonder: how did I break the curse of the Yme? No one ever told me, I suppose—that the only way to break the curse of the Yme was to sing back. 212

~213

“Haruka chan!” Topleaka called down the deserted shoreline, but Rei was quick to cover her mouth. The crowds had disperced, but among the chaos, so had Britteni, and more importantly, Akihiro and Haruka. 214

“Let them enjoy the moment alone,” he muttered, his smirk nearly a smile. Watching his cousin walk down the beach, Haruka by his side, he remarked, “Its funny. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Akihiro as happy as before he met Haruka.”215

“You mean—“ Topleaka’s cupid ears rose, but Rei interrupted. 216

“This might be the time at last,” 217

“You think?” Topleaka’s eyes lit up with excitement, now watching the movements of the young lovers with sparked interest. Turning back to her boyfriend, she grinned, “That’s so sweet of you!”218

“…Just give them five minutes,” he frowned, not liking the direction where this was going. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to leave anyways. The sunburn across his body was burning like heck, not to mention that this “spend a full day at the beach” concept was very tiring and troublesome. No matter; if Akihiro was happy, it would all be good. 219

“I didn’t know you could be so thoughtful!” the marine-blonde teased, touching his arm sweetly. His sunburned arm, unbeknownst to her.220

He jumped even more than usual, turning back to the car. “Five minutes!” he repeated, getting into the driver seat. 221

~222

We sat on the shores of Okinawa, letting the aqua waves brush our feet. It was like living in some sort of dream: letting the foamed waters sweep our troubles away… He had said I sounded very good, and I wondered if it was a comment of meare courtesy, or if he meant anything by it. Oh, how I hoped it was the later. 223

“I don’t think I want to go back…” I said, hardly above a whisper. Akihiro looked at me surprised. 224

“But…wouldn’t you miss our home?” he asked questioningly.225

My eyes drifted to the sand. “Its so wonderful here though…I feel like I’ve found…what my heart has been searching for for a while…” I smiled softly. 226

Akihiro’s eyes glazed over the horizon. “Well then-“ he said in a serious tone. “I guess I’m leaving you here...” 227

My eyes grew wide. “What?” I turned to face his jesting face. He laughed at my naivety; he played with it all the time. And yet I still fell for it every time. 228

“Haruka chan—I can’t believe that—“ He laughed and I playfully pouted at him. A warm silence fell, salt water reaching our noses. 229

“Haruka…” he said softly. I blushed at the sound of his voice…his handsome voice…I perked my head up to face him. “You didn’t honestly think I’d leave you…ever, right?” This time he was serious. 230

My cheeks rose in hue. “I…” 231

“You know that I want you with me always, right?” he gave me a penetrating look. 232

My eyes averted his gaze. My face was probably redder than ever. “You-you…really mean that, Akihiro kun?” I asked hardly above a whisper. 233

Silence fell for a moment. His blushed face melted into the sunset. It was like one of those Korean soap operas…I could almost hear the love ballads playing…Oh glorious. My life was so pathetic that I have to compare it to Korean soap operas. 234

I felt his arm around my waist, the way I had dreamed it would wrap around me…during who knows how many English classes… “Of course,” he smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back. 235

But the perfect moment was broken when I heard Topleaka in the distance. “HARUKA CHAN!” she shouted. “We’ve gotta go! Come on!” 236

Akihiro and I suddenly realized that we were in reality, and his arm quickly left. My inner self felt a depression coming.237

“Gomen,” Akihiro’s eyes fell to the sand. 238

I blushed. “Arigato, Akihiro kun!” I managed to squeak. He blinked, a bit surprised. 239

“Haruka, I know you love Akihiro san, but we’ve gotta go!” Topleaka belted out again. My eyes grew wide. 240

“Topleaka?!” I melted. Akihiro was…taken off guard with that comment, thinking about it for a moment. Knowing Topleaka’s ability to exaggerate and dramatize, he shrugged it off.241

“Well, let’s go then,” Akihiro’s hand found mine, as he headed for the car atop the hill, where Topleaka stood smiling. 242

When we reached the top, Topleaka laughed sweetly as she said, “I’m sorry I had to ruin that moment, but Rei kun’s—“she turned to face her boyfriend, who spoke for himself. 243

“There you are,” He glared at Akihiro. Considering the sunburn on his back, the lipstick marks on his cheek, and the sand clinging to his feet, not to mention the exhausted “I WILL KILL YOU ALL” look, I would have to say that hurrying seemed like a good option. Muttering under his breath, he asked himself, “Why did I even bother saying five minutes? Half an hour later…”244

With a blush, we both got into the car, afraid to face the wrath of Rei. But as we began to drive away from the beach, in horror, I realized that this was our last day on Okinawa. Akihiro clearly noticed that something was wrong with me, for my expression was one of complete and utter mortification and/or horror. “…Haruka?” he finally asked when I didn’t blink. 245

“This is our last day on Okinawa!” I remarked, half whimpering. Of course, there was a lot more to that, including that Atlantis was a more imminent threat, that summer break was dwindling, and that there would be no more romantic strolls around the beach…246

“…Or is it?” he replied, still looking out the window. 247

“Ano…I think the tickets are for tomarrow’s flight…” I corrected literally.248

“But I have…fifteen boxes of ube candy!” Topleaka grinned, pulling out a grocery bag from next to her seat. “Its like—a piece of Okinawa on Nakajima!” When I still looked unconvinced, she added. “Well, at least Okinawa’s not that far away. It just means we’ll have to have another beach trip, and invite more people!” 249

The very concept of having yet another trip, and inviting more than nineteen people this time sounded rather horrific. And more importantly, I began to realize that there had to be a time to return to reality: that while this was fun, there was a time to move forward. If I stayed in the dream of Okinawa forever, what would happen? There was much to be done in the future, much that had to be done in Nakajima. Keeping that in mind, the rest of the trip back was not nearly as painful, for I knew that there was something beautiful yet to happen. 250