Once in the Moonlight: XXIII: YOU JUST LOST THE GAME!!!!!

1

CHAPTER LXXXV2

I walked into school, a jump in my step. 3

I love you, Haruka chan 4

That’s what Akihiro last said to me. The words wouldn’t leave my mind, for they made my heart race in delight whenever they reeled through my head. It was so wonderful, like walking in a dream. It felt like every problem in the world melted into oblivion. If he was there, that was all that mattered. Love let me fly.5

But it was what broke my heart into pieces. I turned down the hall, towards my class to see Akihiro—my Akihiro. I smiled, until I saw him walk out with Britteni—Britteni Manson. I felt something in my chest crack open and die. A splitting pain surged through me. Something no amount of medicine could heal-even if the medicine was kisses. 6

He saw me, and his eyes flew wide with surprise. Britteni smirked and tilted her head onto his chest. It was too much. My feet flew down the corridor, trying to get to the bathroom as fast as I could. No one could see.7

God-8

Why did you let this happen?9

Did you want my heart to break into two?10

Are you laughing at my pain?11

I’m just a foolish human. 12

Isn’t that right?13

Am I still supposed to bless Your name now?14

I tried to breath in and out calmly. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. But I wasn’t the kind to cry. I didn’t show hurt. It was just my personality. I would show all the love, and help everyone out as best as I could, but when it came to me-my pain, my emotions-I didn’t want to trouble anyone. So I held my head high and pushed back the pain. 15

“Haruka chan?” I heard a voice outside. The mere sound made me jump. “Haruka chan, I know you’re there,” her peppy voice was enraged. 16

“T-topleaka chan?” I asked calmly. 17

“Haruka, please come out,” she pleaded. I gave in and swung the door open. To my surprise, no tears stained my cheeks, and my eyes were as white as normal. “Haruka!” she cried as she gave me a hug. Wow-how ironic. She was crying for my boyfriend. Or…was he ever my boyfriend? Did I let a dream captivate me?18

“Topleaka?” I asked in disbelief. “I-its ok. Really,” I tried to plaster on a smile. But I had never been the actress like her. She frowned, seeing right through. 19

“I can’t believe the jerk! Now, after two years, I’ve waited for you two to hook up. Then, when he confesses that he loves you, he goes out with Britteni!” she pouted. “I’ll never understand men,” she held me close again, “We’ll stand by you. I’ll be here if you need to talk. I really care, Haruka chan,” she said softly. 20

I held back the tears, crying to come out. “Th-thank you, Topleaka,” I smiled weakly, hugging her back, praying that normal life would return soon. 21

~22

Lunch that day went by painfully slow. It felt weird not sitting next to Akihiro. But how could I even talk to him right now? I began to pick at my taco rice with my chopsticks when I saw Sabrina coming closer. 23

“Sabrina!” my face lit up a bit, temporarily forgetting Akihiro, waving my arm like a madwoman. As she sat down, she smiled back weakly, a tired look in her expression. 24

Something was wrong. “Are you alright, Sabrina? Where have you been?”25

Her lips opened to mask an excuse, but seeing as it wouldn’t work, she sighed, “This isn’t the place. It involves Roxy and Eden.”26

“Eden?” I tried to whisper calmly, but worry made my voice shake. 27

Hoping she would say more, I was disappointed when she only nodded, muttering as she saw Roxy approach, “I’ll tell you later.”28

Once Sabrina, Topleaka and Roxy were all sitting together, only then did I notice how much had changed. What had once been a table of constant laughter and trust between friends now held awkward silence that surely held innumerable secrets. But as I went back to my food, Akihiro came to mind, making my smile fade once more. 29

Sabrina was the first to notice. “Haruka’s never like this…Is something wrong?” Sabrina whispered to Topleaka. 30

“Didn’t you hear?” Topleaka glared as she hoarsly whispered. “Akihiro outright dumped her by claiming to be dating Britteni. And he didn’t tell her or anything!” 31

“What?!” Sabrina’s crimson eyes grew wide with shock. Vinettes of Jack doing nearly the same thing to her rushed into her mind. She knew how much that hurt, and she had hardly liked Jack at all. Akihiro on the other hand—Haruka poured her heart out to Akihiro. For him to do this was…cruel. Sickeningly cruel. 32

“Haruka-“ Sabrina put her hand on her friend’s shoulder. “It’ll be fine. Really. God…God knows what He’s doing,” she smiled weakly. To be honest, everyone was doubting God at the moment. Life was utter chaos before this fiesco with Akihiro even began. 33

“Hanazaki…” Roxy clenched her fist. “He’ll pay for doing this!” her violet eyes flickered. “Haruka, he is not worth it. He’s a fool. From this day on, never think about him in the same light again.” Though her look appeared to be that of a concerned friend, her thoughts spoke differently. “Wonderful plan, Queen Aryelin. The Kitsunwarai will be out of the picture soon. I will make sure of it.”34

“W-why don’t we try to—talk about something else?” Sabrina suggested reluctantly, seeing the horror in my eyes at the bitter tone against Akihiro. “I’m sure Haruka would rather-“ she was interrupted as she saw everyone’s eyes go up to someone who walked up to their table. It was Akihiro Hanazaki. 35

“What do you want?” Roxy spat, daring to look into his umber eyes. 36

“I just wanted to talk to Haruka-“ he said seriously. Too serious for Akihiro. 37

Topleaka glared. “You think you can just talk to her after what you did? What do you take her for?!” 38

“Akihiro kun,” my eyes didn’t leave the table. “I’m not feeling well right now…” I put on a fake smile. “Do you think you could tell me later?” 39

“Haruka…” Topleaka watched in surprised sorrow. She’s really trying to hide how hurt she is by all this. 40

Akihiro’s eyes widened at my response. This is…way too complicated…how did I get into this again? “Um…sure, Haruka chan,” he said as he put his hand on my shoulder. My eyes wandered up surprised. “I’ll talk to you soon though,” he walked away. 41

The aqua blonde muttered angrily, taking a bite of her sandwich. “What does he take you for? He’s trying to play double! What a-”42

“Enough!” Sabrina glared at Roxy and Topleaka. The firm tone took us all off guard, considering it came from the gentle Sabrina. “Let’s just leave this alone! It’s not going to do anything, just shouting about Akihiro!” 43

I nodded slightly as I took a bite of steamed rice. Rice had always helped me forget my problems for a moment, and help me put on a smile. But now I could only pick at it thoughtlessly. Everything around me was so…irrelevant. I felt almost…empty. Yes, God was still there. But right now, He seemed silent. I didn’t understand any of this: Sabrina’s absence, Roxy’s distance, Musicana’s chaos, Akihiro’s stoic air. “Sabrina’s right,” I muttered with a grin, and everyone stopped, looking at me, “So—what are you guys planning to do this weekend?” 44

~45

After school, I fell onto my bed and pulled the covers over my head. It was 3:30, but I didn’t care. I wanted to be alone…and to think. I heard a pound on the door, but I ignored it, letting it blend in with the thudding of my heart in my ears.46

I tried to compare myself to Britteni: to see what she had that I didn’t. Why I wasn’t good enough for Akihiro. Why did Akihiro like her more? Could I become what it was that he liked in Britteni-so maybe, he could come back to me? I wondered. People say I’m pretty…I pulled an auburn curl. But…I don’t have that seducress’ smile, or a glint in my eye…I sighed. Is that what he likes about her? Her mystery-her---I couldn’t continue on. Tears began to fall down my cheeks, something I hadn’t really felt in a while. I tried to bar in all the emotion I felt, but it didn’t work. Breaking down, I cried, “I’m sorry I’m not good enough, Akihiro!” 47

What I didn’t realize was that it was Roxy pounding on my door. So Roxy stayed by the door and listened. She froze, completely surprised by what she heard. Haruka’s…crying? I don’t think I’ve ever heard her cry for anything about herself- Roxy’s eyes fell to the floor as she walked away, leaving me in my room, still unaware of anything beyond my walls. 48

~49

Sabrina noticed what others did not. It was like she had that sixth sense, able to see into people’s hearts, and unlock them as though they were doors. Somehow, she could see something or another about Akihiro as though he didn’t want to be doing this. She thought she would have a little chat with him, just to see if she was right. 50

“Hey, Akihiro san,” she greeted him one day after class, noticing his eyes glazed over, staring out a window. 51

“Oh, hey Sabrina chan,” he said dully. 52

“So-why is it that you did what you did to Haruka?” she asked softly, still wondering if he wasn’t as great as Haruka said. Maybe he really did play with her heart. But she wasn’t going to assume so—not take that chance. 53

After a few moments, he said nothing. But then, as Sabrina was about to leave, his eyes left the window pane as he replied gravely, “I did it for Musicana”.54

Turning her head back to him slowly, she asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”55

His eyes looked burdened, a look completely foreign to her. Since when had Akihiro looked so serious? “There’s a lot more at stake than Earthly romantic relations. I’ve tried to choose what was best for Eden…and for Haruka chan.” The way he said her name was with a sort of regret, one that Sabrina understood right away as true love. Nodding, she silently left him in the classroom, both wondering at the same time: what was best for Musicana now?56

~57

Time to kill the Kitsunwarai… Roxy smiled to herself, stepping across a path lined with Cherry blossoms. Now, how can I not win over Haruka and Topleaka? 58

“Akihiro—you demon!” she shouted. He turned surprised from the tree he was leaning against, only to see the raven head inches from him. She stuck her sharply manicured finger into his chest. “You heartless jerk! Do you even have any idea what you’ve done? Do you even think about Haruka chan at all?!”59

“It’s—it’s a long story,” he said with a quiet glare. 60

“Haruka isn’t one to show when she’s hurting. She’s so caring about others, she never thinks about herself. But for the past few days, she’s been crying. That may not mean anything to you, but Haruka doesn’t cry—at least not for herself. When she can’t hold her pain back, it means that everything within her has died. Her heart was crushed; it’s like you killed Haruka!” A defensive tear fell down her cheek. She didn’t even know she was such a good actress. Akihiro looked at her with disbelief. 61

“Haruka…” 62

“You’re pathetic!” she turned and walked away, catching just a glance of the horror in his face. The plan was working perfectly… But there it was again, the look in his eyes. She knew it would hurt him; that was the very point. Yet to see it right before her eyes, to see Haruka and Akihiro both broken, her chest hurt for a moment. Did she really wish to see those who had cared so much for her so broken? But now wasn’t the time to think of that. Atlantis’ victory was quickly approaching. 63

~64

Akihiro’s eyes followed Roxy, trying to process what she just said. You killed Haruka. 65

Did I really do the right thing? He thought to himself. But just then, Britteni came up from behind him, seductively wrapping her arms around him, dropping her soft cheek on his shoulder.66

“How’s it goin’, baby?” she said, a sensual note on her lips. 67

He glared at her. “You know I don’t love you,” 68

She pouted. “That’s not part of the deal,” her voice tempted. “I said I wouldn’t kill your precious ‘Haruka-chan’ if you were my boyfriend. And if you’re lucky, I might even save part of Eden. Just for you.”69

“And why do you care about Haruka?”70

She smirked evily, “To take her love is just as potent as killing her.” She walked around to face him. “When you figured out my plan of how to exploit the princess’ weakness, I thought it was the end. But then I realized—you wouldn’t know the difference between taking her life and taking her love. You know…” she grew closer. “Nothing of the heart,” 71

He glared aggressively, pushing her back roughly. “I know enough to know that this is ending now,” 72

A shimmer of Atlantean hatred gleamed in her eyes for a moment, but then she put on her smirk again. “Its…a bit late for that. You think you can get her heart back?” she added with an unearthly giggle. 73

“Watch me,” he said stoically, walking away. 74

~75

I stood underneath a sakura tree outside of the school. Watching all the petals fall and the shadows dance below was so…calming. It took my mind off of Akihiro as best as could be done, though every once in a while, his smiling face would flash into my mind.76

Why God Why? 77

“Love hurts…” I dropped my head, studying some grass blades. 78

“Tell me about it,” I spun my head around to see none other than Akihiro Hanazaki. The sudden realization of him standing there made my heart race like it did when we first met. 79

“A-Akihiro?” I stuttered. I think a tear began to build up in my eye, which I quickly tried to dry. 80

“Haruka chan,” he said sweetly as I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull me into him. “Please trust me when I say that ‘Its not what you think’.”81

“W-what is it then?” I asked softly. My heart was speeding in its pace. 82

I felt his hand in my hair. “I can’t explain now. Just trust me. You’re the only girl I’ll ever love.”83

My eyes widened in surprise. What was that supposed to mean? “I—I can trust you-” I spoke before I even thought. Surely they were foolish words; surely I never meant anything to him. Surely, and yet…84

I felt a shadow fall over us. I lifted my head to see an outraged young woman. Her honey locks and make up painted face looked at me with utter disgust and contempt. “You think that’s gonna work?” she practically spat. “Don’t you remember anything?” 85

I felt Akihiro’s arms loosen. “We both know that I only love Haruka.” 86

She smirked, trying to cover her outrage. “Have you forgotten our little deal?” 87

“Deal?” I whispered, looking up to Akihiro’s eyes in concern. His arms only tightened around me. 88

Britteni laughed, simply delighted in the moment. That only troubled me more. “You really are ignorant faerie, aren’t you? You haven’t seen yet?” Looking to Akihiro with satisfaction, she bluntly explained, “Your beloved Akihiro is also your knight in shining armor: the Kitsunwarai! All along, he’s been trying to save you from your worst nightmare: me. He even risked his love for you to see you safe. How sweet…its like a faerie tale.” At my look of complete shock, her smile only grew wider. “It’s a shame that faerie tales are only in books. If they were true, you and the Kitsunwarai might have a happy ending.” Linking arms with Akihiro, she whispered harshly. “If you want to see her live. Remember that.”89

“Akihiro kun—“ I couldn’t help but look up in admiration as the mask was “pulled off” at last. But Britteni cut off my words with an annoyed yip. 90

“It’s too late for lover’s regrets. The deal is this, faerie: any contact between you and the Kitsunwarai and I exploit you and Musicana’s greatest weakness. I shouldn’t need it in surfacing Atlantis, just as long as you two are apart. Oh, don’t give me that face, princess. Be grateful your worlds shall be protected…at least temporarily.” Tugging on a reluctant Akihiro’s arm, she continued on her way, only after giving me another devilish grin, one that delighted in the brokenness of my heart. 91

CHAPTER LXXXVI92

Sabrina was found staring out yet another window, her ruby eyes clearly in a world far from this one. When I found her after school, she quickly arose from that trance, yet the worry still shone through her eyes. “So Sabrina—what’s been bothering you?” I asked the question that had been tugging at my heart strings all day. 93

Clearly she had expected this question (it was her who told me to meet her here, right?), giving her reason to sigh before beginning. “You know how Roxy’s been acting a bit…distant lately, right?”94

I nodded, troubled about where this was going. Looking up to me with a sort of pity, she shook her emerald head, “Roxy’s not…with us anymore.”95

“What do you mean?” I couldn’t even hear my own voice.96

“I mean—she’s decided to work with Atlantis. She wants us to as well, but she doesn’t want to force us. However—“97

“How could she do this to us?” my fist shook in disbelief. “She was the one who encouraged us all! Why would she join Atlantis?”98

“She thinks she’s unwanted.” Sabrina replied instantly, afraid for the raven haired girl. “She thinks we don’t need her, but that Atlantis does. Its an extreme action, but she thinks she’s doing the right thing…”99

Feeling more bold than ever before, I nearly shouted. “We have to show her that she’s wrong!”100

“It’s not so easy. Once one has entangled themselves with an alliance like Atlantis, there’s no getting out. And the greatest problem is that while Roxy isn’t trying to recruit us for their kingdom, the rest of Atlantis wants our powers. They tried to get my power over the heavens,” she rolled her sleeve up to show a mark on her upper arm traced in blue. “Its said that if one has their yme tattooed on their arm by one who has discovered all of their names, he becomes a slave to that person. They tried to do it to me, but they only got to the S. It wasn’t easy to get away, and I know this was only a warning.” Her finger traced the blue S as I watched in horror. “They know our names. They have an advantage. We must always be vigilant.”101

“But…what about Roxy?” my voice trembled. 102

“She shall have to choose truth or sin. We can only encourage her in truth.” With a sighed smile, she added, “That is the reality of life.” When I said nothing, her eyes wandered to the clock. At seeing the hands read 1:56, she practically jumped, breaking off the serious conversation. “I’ve gotta get to class! But don’t worry Haruka; ‘all things work together for good for those who love God’. Remember that.”103

“I will.” I muttered, my heart still racing in fear. I could nearly feel the cold touch of Atlantis down my spine, trying to grasp the last bit of life I held close. But I was still alone in the classroom, hearing the ticking of the clock echo around me. Every muscle in my body wanted to fall to the ground, and every vein break down into tears. Yet there was something that held me up, saying, “I will fear no evil…”. God, the faces of Atlantis still frightened me so. 104

~105

“Me?” Adair’s eyebrow flew up at the idea. He wasn’t expecting that. It was true that the aqua blonde was far from predictable, but he wanted her to go find Roxy. Roxy was gone? How should he know? 106

According to Topleaka, Sabrina told her too about Roxy’s betrayal. Like me, she was determined to take action. But she, unlike me, had a quick thinking mind for half-brained schemes, which led her here, demanding that Adair find Roxy. She, being the matchmaker of Mihama, was determined to reveal to the world the love the two feuding teens had for each other. And what better way than in Adair’s chivalrous quest for finding the distant Roxy? Adair, however, didn’t see the matter in the same light. “Why bother? Why me?” he demanded. 107

“I’m worried about Roxy. She seems distant, alone, broken. I’ve tried talking to her, but she scares me. It’s like she’s going to beat me up, no matter what I say. Haruka’s tried as well, and she’s far better at this sort of thing. But I wonder if she’s changing for the worse…like she’s becoming dark and bitter,” Or choosing Atlantis over us, Topleaka mentally added, frowning at the last question of his, which seemed to have a terribly obvious answer. “Because you love her,” 108

“And whatever gave you that idea?” the Indian flung right back sharply. 109

“The smile in your eyes that you try to hide,” she reflected with a toothy grin, knowing she had hit a soft spot. But to keep her effect, she left without another word, leaving the not-so-tough Adair to think on what she had said. 110

~111

It must have been three in the morning when Roxy heard a sound at her window. Its probably some crack head bird running into the window… she muttered in her sleep, even as it continued on. After a few minutes of the banging, she got up, opening the window and shouting in a hoarse sleep deprived voice, “THIS IS GLASS, DUMB BIRD! YOU CAN’T FLY THROUGH IT!”112

“I wasn’t trying to,” The voice of none other than Adair came from below, a smirk surfacing over his lips. “Are you deaf? I’ve been here for a while,”113

“What are you doing here?! Don’t you know its night?!” Seeing him begin to climb a ladder leaning against the wall, her voice rose along with her eyebrow. “What do you think you’re doing, Romeo? Are you high? Drunk? Sleepwalking?!” But as she watched him climb up the unsteady ladder, her voice dropped into a soft whisper, her calloused heart revealed for what it truly was, “Be careful.”114

“Wow, you really do need your beauty sleep,” he laughed once he reached the top, grabbing onto the ledge of her window. Pulling himself in, she jumped back from the window, watching him half suspiciously and half with concern. 115

“Adair, what are you doing—“ She began, but was cut off by the taste of his lips against hers. At first, she wanted to stab him with the nearest implement (whether that’d be an alarm clock, a pillow, or a Swiss army pocket knife), but then she realized it wasn’t half bad, and kissed back. 116

“What are you-“ Roxy angrily asked, though far more softly than usual. 117

“Don’t talk,” he replied stiffly, pulling her into yet another kiss. Naturally, she complied. 118

Kisses worked wonders on Roxy. That’s why Adair used them. “What are you doing here?” Roxy asked lightly, half consciously. Drugged on love. 119

“Everyone’s worried about you,” he hovered close to her face. 120

“Hehe…” she giggled drowzily, “So?”121

“Just make life easy and go back with them,” she could feel his breath on her face. 122

Her smile evaporated. “…They don’t need me,” 123

“Baka,” he smirked, “IF they didn’t need you, they wouldn’t be searching everywhere for you. They wouldn’t ask me to try to change your mind,” 124

“They asked you to come here, at three in the morning, to tell me that they needed me?”125

“That’s part of it…”126

“…And?” her eyebrow rose in suspicion.127

“I had to tell you now…” he pulled her closer. “That I love you,”128

Clearly, she didn’t realize that she had grabbed the front of his shirt in her fingers. To hide her racing heart, scarlet cheeks and joy, she whispered, “And you couldn’t wait until daylight to tell me?”129

“Nope,” he chuckled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. 130

The Raven’s lips parted into a loose smile unfitting for her usual strictness. “Okay…” she paused, wanting to be sure, “As long as you really mean it…that there’s someone needs me. That I’m—” Stopped, she looked up to him, more open than she had ever been before him in the past. “That I’m not alone, that I’ve blossomed into something worthwhile. Something someone needs.” 131

Taking a stand that was surely not in his nature, he pulled her in and whispered almost gently into her ear, “I need you,” And with three such small words, it seemed that something within Roxy’s heart was re-awakened, something she had sworn to have misplaced long ago. But there it was, as though accidently stuffed in her pocket. 132

With something that made her snuggle very un-Roxy-like into his jacket, with a smile of being once more alive, she said, “I needed to hear that.” 133

CHAPTER LXXXVII134

It was days before I saw Akihiro again. In the hallways, his face was not to be found, and in class, his seat was empty, leaving this silent hole in every classroom. I tried not to think about it, honest. But there was something wrong with Akihiro not being anywhere…It was as if a piece of life was gone. 135

But that was when I went into the Ramen stand down the street. It was where he took me for our first “date”. The memory seemed so long ago, like some sepia vinette, crumbling between my fingers. But I thought perhaps a warm bowl of ramen would make me forget him, that its heat would replace the heat of his breath…I shouldn’t think about that.136

After an uneventful bowl of ramen, I decided to walk through the woods. The woods Akihiro and I would walk through. Everythign in this world reminded me so much of him…as if his spirit were everywhere…Why was reality so cruel?137

“Haruka chan,” the voice haunted me. I thought it wasn’t real until I felt an arm pull me from the right. I nearly screamed until I heard his voice again. “Haruka chan, its me,”138

“Akihiro kun?” It was a miracle. 139

“Listen Haruka, I don’t have much time—But you need to know…Britteni knows,” he whispered in my ear. 140

“What?”141

“She knows about your weakness,” he explained quickly. “About how to corrupt Musicana-“ 142

The night that I discovered Britteni in the lake flashed into my mind. “How-“143

“Just trust me. We’ve got to get her before she realizes you know-“144

“Does that mean-“145

He turned around quickly, letting go of my hand. From the doorway, I could see Britteni walk in. She looked rather put out. 146

“You broke the deal,” she muttered in a death whisper. Her eyes lifted, marked with the seal of Atlantis. They shimmered with bloodlust. “Its too late for your beloved Haruka chan…” she slowly rose a finger towards me. Before either of us could react, I saw Akihiro’s fist smash into her jaw. 147

“You’re right; it’s too late.” He smirked, fire rising from his fist.148

Her back hit against one of the trees, blood coming to her lips. A smirk wiped it away though. She threw an attack at me as she shouted, “Your little girlfriend’s dead: Vitaelia!” 149

With my Musicanian name said upon the Earth, I felt energy slowly seep from my body, my head spinning as I slowly fell to my knees. 150

“You’re probably wondering…” I saw Britteni’s shadow above me. “What’s happening. Well-“ she smirked. “I’ve figured Eden’s weakness! It was so simple that I almost missed it! Just the mere knowledge of your name…that’s all I needed, and then you were in my power! ” she groaned. “You of Eden are such fools,” she passed it off. My eyes opened wide, even though a pain like I had never felt pierced my side. She smirked at her own ingenuity. “And above all, it was then that I realized that there was an even greater power than knowing your ymes: the true weakness of Eden is Earth itself! 151

“There is a law written in the founding documents of Musicana, written by the ancient city of Paerasis which reads: There shall be no unions between the separated worlds of Earth and Musicana. But why is it that Eden says that? It is because their lands would be destroyed if they were brought back to Earth! Being the first colony on Musicana, their country would not survive the uniting of Musicana and Earth. In fear of their own wellbeing, they have frightened the rest of Musicana (the significantly younger rest of Musicana) into thinking it will destroy them all. Oh, how selfish is Eden…152

“And in using your own ymes: you, the rulers of Eden, I force Eden into submitting to Atlantis’ plans to come to Earth! But once I had your yme name, your precious man discovered and tried to kill me: your Kitsunwarai! So I tricked him…and threatened him that ‘If you don’t want to see the princess dead, you’ll have to pretend to be my boyfriend,’ He had no idea that breaking your heart was as deadly as actually killing you-possibly even stronger,” 153

It all made sense. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I’m sorry Akihiro…I’m so sorry… I cried within. 154

“He tried to slip out of it, and tell you, but that would have been a nuisance.” She glared at me, yet her eyes danced. “You’ve got one who loves you very much…too much,” she clenched her fist, and I felt something else pierce me from within. “Now for you to die, Haru-“ she was cut off as something hit her from the side. In a moment, she was pinned against a tree, a hand on her throat. 155

“Don’t touch her,” Akihiro he spat out at the Atlantean queen. 156

Dissatified, her skin slowly grew to its metallic pale blue. “We shall see about that…”157

~158

Two tides pulled on Roxy’s heart: Eden and Atlantis. She thought over all that Britteni had said over the last few weeks: They think they don’t need you…they don’t want you…But Atlantis sees your power and will help you grow. Yet over the past few weeks, had her powers grown at all? In the distance, she saw Adair wave to her with a smirk of admiration. His words also rippled through her mind:159

They need you. I need you. 160

Only a few hours ago, Sabrina had pulled her aside, telling her of the lies of Atlantis, of the harm in bringing Musicana to Earth, of the sin in Atlantis’ heart. Were those lies as well? Who was truth?161

From the edge of the woods, she heard a fading shout, one hardly discernable against the talk of students on break from school. Stepping closer to the trees and bramble, she listened intently. There it was again. This time, she could discern one word: Musicana. Without a single thought, she jumped into the darkened woods, following the voices. Something Is not right… she determined, hopping over vines and bushes. I can feel that something is changing right now…162

~163

It took every ounce of energy to keep myself standing. And even then, my legs shook violently. Voices… I lifted my ears, hearing sounds from the distance. Someone’s coming! I wasn’t sure if the thought terrified or delighted me. 164

“You think you can tell me anything, you—a mere guardinan of the Royal House?” her crystalline laugh echoed as she flicked my cheek with her sharpened nails. A trickle of blood ran down the side of my face. Clearly, she was enjoying playing around with our hearts. 165

“I said don’t touch her!” his grip on her throat tightened as he hit her with a flaming fist. 166

The side of her Hollister shirt grew charred, but with a touch of water from her finger tips, she healed the burned skin below. “So the legends are true: that you are over the dominion of fire, right?” She said so casually, sending a strong hit his way. 167

Must…get up I begged my body, in agony over watching Akihiro fight her alone. Why was I always some weak little girl on the sidelines: watching, but never able to help? Now, when I had to fight, there was nothing to fight with. It made me so angry I could have-168

“Haruka?” I heard Roxy’s voice come from the backdrop of trees. “Haruka—are you alright?” Never had I been so happy to see the raven haired girl before, and never had I heard her so concerned. 169

“Britteni—and Akihiro—“ I sighed, wondering where to even begin. So I pointed before me, where the two fought hand-to-hand. 170

Now was the time to decide, Roxy concluded. Eden or Atlantis. Surprising herself, she found the decision not so hard after all. “Well, let’s go then,” Roxy gave me a determined eye and a smirk. “You’re not gonna let a man fight for you, are you?” 171

~172

From between the punches and kicks, a familiar nursery rhyme tune came from the air. Akihiro turned his head to see Britteni humming the melody of “London Bridge”. Trying to not laugh, he asked, “What are you doing?” while sending a lit punch her way. 173

Dodging the blow with a flick of her head, she replied quite calmly, “Oh, it is just one of the forbidden songs.”174

“The forbidden songs? You mean the—“175

“Yes, the melodies forgotten by Musicana that have hidden within their notes such great power…” If one listened close, there was a sound of rushing water from somewhere far away, growing louder by the moment. “A power Eden was foolish to abandon.”176

“In nursery rhymes.” The idea still stunned Akihiro. 177

“It is as they say: What is sought it right under one’s nose…” her laugh rippled through the air as she went back to humming the melody, only stretching each phrase louder and louder. The sound of water crescendoed as well. 178

Suddenly, from the silent shelter of the trees arose the three knights of atlantis, armed with gnarled blades. I blinked several times, wondering if they were but a figment of my imagination. From darkness they had sprung without any notice, and in silence they would strike as well. 179

Unable to just sit and watch, I found the energy to pull myself up, running towards them with a melody on my lips. As I sung, I felt the roots of the trees give way to my command, rising from the broken dirt to lash out at them. But before I could stretch out my arm, the tune of the forbidden song was drowning out my own voice, making my legs heavier and heavier. Within its staves, I heard my name Vitaelia…Vitaelia… muttered again and again, making my knees buckle and my body slowly fall to the ground.180

~181

Roxy sought the source of the sound of water. Looking for a small stream or river, she found nothing. The ocean, of course, was no where nearby either. …Very curious. Falling to the ground in exasperation, she noticed the sound was closer, louder. Bending her ear to the dirt, she heard the bubbling sound of rushing water. So the water of Atlantis was below them. 182

It was then, from behind that she felt the cool kiss of metal to her neck and felt the ironic hot ripple of blood run down the back of her shirt. “It’s nice to have found you, princess Aquitane,” the voice of “Emile” greeted her sickeningly. 183

“What are you doing? Hasn’t she converted to the Queen?” the brunet “Creed” asked when he saw the blade to the throat of the faerie. 184

“She is a traitor,” the blond pushed her to the ground. “She was summoned by the Queen to arrive in Atlantis hours ago, yet she came to the call of her faerie friend. I knew we should have killed her from the start.”185

Clawing at the dirt as she got up, the raven haired girl spat darkly, “I was never of your kind to betray!” From her hands, she lashed a whip of water across his cheek, sending a thin stream of blood to drip to the ground. The two knights looked at her in slight disbelief, but not for long until the frightful blade was spun between Emile’s fingers and swung in her direction.186

~187

I was able to open my eyes. I wasn’t sure that I quite had the heart to, hearing the clashing of metal to wood and hearing the rushing of water grow louder and louder. Pulling myself up to my knees with much struggle, I felt caked blood on my palms, not daring to ask where it came from. Every part of me wanted to resign, fall once more, and hope for the best. But I would not let that happen. 188

God…189

I prayed, pushing up my shaking limbs. 190

You’ve said you’d give strength to the weak…And right now, I am beyond weak. 191

My feet gripped the ground below, and a spark of strength caught me. 192

I need you. That’s what I’m finally understanding. I need you to fill me. 193

Just then, that familiar inner melody hummed through my mind. But unlike the other times I heard the inner voice, this song was complete, played with a strength I had never heard it play with. That strength filled me, as if everything I hadn’t fully understood before came together, and now I was ready to fight. It was a moment of revelation, I suppose, when God filled me with music. There’s no word to describe it but…beautiful. 194

Stepping forward, I saw Akihiro and Britteni, sparks and lashes of water interweaving in a deathly dance. “This is the end, Kitsunwarai,” the honey curled Atlantean smiled, raising an arm forward. But she hardly expected the slash of the wisened root to cut across her already singed back. Turning her head, she jumped at the sight of my face. “You’re supposed to be dying,” she frowned lightly, displeased. 195

“You won’t win…” I snarled, “You never could. You’re a coward, who fights from the shadows by using the shadows. But now the light has come.196

“I’ll KILL YOU for that!” Britteni shrieked, launching herself at me. In the meantime, Akihiro took on one of the knights of Atlantis. 197

“Have you forgotten those faerie tales?” I yelled as we met in midair, strength returning “We live in one after all, in Musicana. Remember how the light always conquers? How once one is in the Moonlight, he falls?”198

Our fists met. 199

The impact was so great that we were both flung backwards. Britteni stabbed her nails into the dirt and slid to a halt. I rolled against a tree, but leapt up again. We met again, teeth gritting and feet digging for a hold in the dirt as we strained to overcome the other. Breaking the silence, I heard Britteni suddenly laugh. 200

“I congradulate you for showing such power…you must be quite proud of yourself, no?”201

“Its not me, it’s the light of God!” I shouted, pulling vines from the ground to twine around her legs. But she broke free, still smiling darkly.202

A deep hum rose from the earth. That sound of water was coming closer, sending my heart racing in fear. In the distance, I saw the looks on Jack, Emile and Creed’s faces, all of knowing satisfaction. Roxy and Akihiro were clearly as confused as I was, but continued to fight, even over Jack’s smirk, “Death is here.”203

“It is time for you to see what true power is,” Britteni’s voice hummed with the rhythmic beat of the rushing water, and with a snap of her fingers and a whisper of an Atlantean word I couldn’t make out, the ground shook, cracking open like a dropped egg. Below my feet, I felt the rushing water try to pull me away from the ankles. Even though it was but an inch high, it was rising higher rather fast, pulling harder and harder to bring me down. 204

I saw Roxy sing a strong melody, waving her hands to pull the water back, but the four Atlanteans quickly drowned out her song, making the water even stronger. Above, a storm slowly gathered, sent surely by one of the knights. I felt soft raindrops on my head, but hardly noticed them as Britteni declared, “It’s a shame you will never see Atlantis’ rise. One day, the ground where you stand will be filled with the waters of Atlantis!”205

The air in my chest grew tight, and I wondered if I could breathe again. Water was rising higher and higher, taking over my very existence. I tried to reach out to Akihiro, yet he was so far away. God, save me from drowning… I begged, looking for any sort of strength still in me. 206

In the peripheral, I saw flickering flames. To my surprise, none of them died from the rising tides. Though all odds were against them, they continued to flicker in the darkness. I thought I could see Akihiro’s face in their light. That seemed to give me strength as well. 207

From amidst the chaos flooding me, I heard Akihiro’s voice clear, “Sing, Haruka,” he called. For a moment, the flames betrayed the look on Britteni’s face. It was a look of fear. From music, there is power, the words of Eron arose from my mind, and I understood. 208

Even in the darkest night209

Guide me, let me see your light210

The smallest flame in this world’s eyes211

You are all I need212

Every scrap of life in me I offered up, amazed I could still stand. The tune I could hardly hear, yet I continued on, trying to push down the waters.213

The ghosts of fears may come beside214

Blinded, frightened, surrounded am I215

Fill this broken heart I hide216

You are all I need217

As I cried out, I felt the water sink. Perhaps it was a half an inch, yet it too encouraged me to continue with the melody of my inner voice. 218

Though the moon may cease to glow219

The warmth of your hand and voice I know220

Falling, how much farther can I go?221

You are all I need222

Listening, I heard Akihiro’s voice as well. My vision became blurry and weak, yet inwardly, I knew I was growing stronger and stronger. It was no longer me, but the power of God. 223

Lift my worn down soles from ground224

In the rain, I am held down225

Yet never shall I die, fall out226

You are all I need227

The world was drier, I could tell. The sound of devouring flames grew, alongside the screams of the four Atlanteans. Confident that Roxy and Akihiro had this fight under their control, I could smile weakly and whisper, Thank you God. 228

When all was silent, the last thing I heard was Roxy muttering under her breath with an audible smirk of satisfaction, “Hehe…You just lost the game.”229

~230

I opened my eyes, and there was nothing.231

The horizon that once was dressed in trees was now a rolling valley. Any signs of Atlanteans were non-existant, as if these lands had never even heard the word evil before. Confused and slightly frightened, I jolted my head up, trying to figure out just where I was. But that’s when I realized Akihiro’s arms were around me, and that we were under a plum blossom tree. 232

Apparently we had both fallen asleep here, for his eyes were still closed, his chin resting on my shoulder. The closeness of his face nearly made me melt back into unconsciousness, but I found the courage to gently grab his shoulders and shake him lightly. “Akihiro kun?”233

After a few shakes, his night brown eyes flickered open, looking to me with slight embarrasement. “Gomen, Haruka chan! I must have fallen asleep!”234

“What happened, Akihiro kun?” 235

Scratching his head in thought, he replied, “I’m not fully sure. Once you stopped singing, the Queen and the Knights were nearly destroyed. It didn’t take much to take from them the forbidden song.”236

“You t-took the forbidden song from them?” I whispered in awe. “That’s p-possible?”237

He nodded, “They were so dependent on its power that they fell into the afterlife…Atlantis and its plans are dead now.” Seeing the look of relief and delight in my eyes, he kissed my forehead. “That’s when Roxy ran off to stop the last of the ideas in Atlantisand I carried you here—to Eden.”238

“To Eden?”239

“Just because Atlantis is dead doesn’t mean our work is over,” he grinned. “We must bring peace back between Atlantis and Eden. Keep Musicana separated from Earth for good.”240

Nodding in agreement, I subliminally examined his face. He seemed to notice, frowning, “What’s wrong?”241

“I always hoped to see who was behind the mask of the Kitsune…” My smile made him sigh at the untimely revelation by the Queen. “How…when…what happened?”242

Seeing a story coming, he took in a deep breath and began, “That time we both fell into Musicana, I discovered that I too had Musicanan blood. When the others of the royalty told me so, they gave me the task to guard you with my life.” 243

“You too have elven blood…” one researcher remarked. 244

“How-“ Akihiro began, confused by everything .245

“Only rescently did we discover the heirs to the Garden of Eden, but you too seem to have noble blood.” The man continued. 246

“What does that mean though?” Akihiro blinked, his dark brown eyes bearing into the man’s skulll. 247

“It means-you are not of Earth. You have abilities unknown to man,” another scientist replied. 248

“But-“ Akihiro protested, 249

“But what?” 250

“How would I have lived 17 years without knowing this?” 251

The scientist grinned. “ There has been lots of unintentional..ahem…intermarriage between the elven and the human. On earth, it is hard for the potential of your abilities to be realized.”252

“And because of your lineage, we have a task for you-“ another began. 253

“I’m guessing I have no choice, really,” Akihiro sighed. “What is it?”254

“Now with the four royalties of Eden discovered, the United Principalities of Musicana are at long last able to stand against Atlantis, the province that has fostered hopes of separating from this world.” He paused. “But the princesses are unable to defend the unity of this world on their own…” 255

“The four rulers of Musicana?” Akihiro blinked. “You mean-Haruka chan’s one of them?” 256

“H-haruka?” one scientist asked. “Is that one of the princess’ earth names?”257

Akihiro sighed, then remembered Patience calling her that other name… “Oh yah-you call her….Vitaelia here?” he scratched his head. 258

“Yes-besides Vitaelia, there is Hinata, Hoshié, and Aezurë. You see, in the kingdom of Eden, there are five inherited noble abilities: those over life, the emotions, the heavens, water, and fire. To maintain the balance of the elements, all five must be possessed by contemporary rulers. But as you see, there are only four princesses, which means…”259

“There must be a fifth?” Akihiro finished.260

Nodding, the scientist continued, “The elements evenly distribute themselves, there is just the problem of finding all five holders of the abilities. But—“ frowning with curiousity, he interrupted. “Would you hum a familiar song for a moment?”261

Finding the request rather odd, Akihiro at first refused. But unable to see any harm in complying, Akihiro hummed a song of Chaotic Distress, letting his fingers snap. With that snap, a small flame flickered in his palm. Shocked at the sudden fire, he tried to put it out, yet nothing happened. It just danced in between his fingers, not burning the flesh, nor making him feel any sort of pain. 262

Writing something on a notepad, the scientist almost smiled in satisfaction. “That proves it: you are the fifth holder. Because of this, it is your duty to protect the princesses and to fight Atlantis. But most importantly, you should keep your identity hidden from them. Simple task, is it not?”263

All Akihiro could do is blink back blankly. “Simple? What a good joke! How am I supposed to fight when I know nothing about these abilities? Why am I supposed to keep myself in cognito? What do you expect me to do? I know nothing about this Atlantis, the way of this world, nothing!”264

Didn’t it all sound so familiar. Nodding at the reasonable questions, the scientist replied, “That will all come in due time. It shall be done in the way all things are done here: through the power of music.”265

Once his story was over, there was silence until I whispered, “So…why was it that you were supposed to keep being the Kitsunwarai a secret?”266

Laughing, his hand tenderly grabbed my chin, pulling our faces even closer. “Eden clearly knows nothing about humans…they said it would prevent any ‘emotional ties’ between us.”267

CHAPTER LXXXVIII268

Britteni never returned to school. Well of course, it was convenient for her that she had been a senior last year, thus having no reason to return to school. But at the same time, current seniors who had known her found it curious that she was nowhere to be found, along with her “friends” Emile, Jack and Creed. Ran off with lovers, most assumed. 269

When asked, it was clear that the rest of Atlantis had little interest in risking the trip to Earth. But to be sure, Eron established an inter-province law that any contact with Earth (save those who were originally from Earth) would be punishable by death. The death sentence however, would not be from his own hand, but from the attempted trip between worlds. Though Britteni was never seen again, where we had fought in the woods, there rested a soft pile of dust, later discovered to be the eninzil she had brought through the gate of Moonlight. 270

However, seeing Atlantis’ threat as gone, it was agreed that a select few (A.K.A, Adair, Rei and Ashton) could know the secret never known to man before. I think all four of us smiled with relief inwardly, knowing that the burden of our secret was shared. 271

I opened my Bible again. It had become a more steady habit to actually read the pages, talking to God, and seeing a change in my life. From timidity, I was growing bolder and more open. From fear and worry, I was growing calmer, leaning more on the knowledge that God knew what he was doing, and I didn’t. From insecurity, I was growing in confidence and knowledge of what to do when I faced trouble and sin. From selfishness, I saw myself grow smaller and smaller as God’s greatness grew bigger and bigger. He was life, he was the one who filled me. 272

So I never really found a verse that talked about a half faerie fighting Atlantis with Music in a school of sugar high and homicidal teens. But I was pretty close, and as I flipped through the pages of my wearing Bible, I found some highlighted words:273

The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. 274

The waves of Atlantis fought against me.275

I am an alien in their sight.276

Alien…faerie, I never belonged in this world.277

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.278

I sang out, with the inner voice of Musicana, and called for Him to save me…279

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 280

And He did. 281

That’s one other thing I learned about the Bible (I think it was Sabrina who said it): it doesn’t always say something directly and bluntly. Sometimes, one has to look deep, ask God to reveal a new meaning, wait, and the pages will speak just for you. They did for me. 282

~283

There was once again a sort of normalcy in my life: a normalcy I could only thank God for. Laughing with Sabrina, Topleaka and Roxy, who all had matured their own way as well, I turned at the sound of Akihiro’s voice. My closest friends smiled knowingly, Roxy daring to call out to Akihiro, “You know you’re lucky to have a girl like Haruka chan!”284

Though my face turned red at the remark as I reached his hand, he replied naturally, “I know,” grabbing my hand in his. The three, giving a short wave, continued on down the path towards home, but I knew I would see them again soon. 285

I noticed we were walking down an empty dirt path, under an umbrella of pear blossoms, petals of light flickering back and forth across our faces. Looking up to him in slight confusion, he grinned his signature grin, “I just wanted to talk to you alone.”286

Not quite sure how to take that remark, I nodded silently as he continued. “I suppose it’s an odd thing to ask you privately, but I wanted to know: would you consider recording a single with me?”287

With those words, I’m certain my feet stopped moving forward, my heart’s racing beat flooding my senses. Was I in a dream? No; I pinched myself to make sure. A single with Akihiro, singing beside him in a place beyond my dreams…Did he realize he had just given me the wings I had prayed for for years? “You mean it?” I whispered, my eyes looking forward, examining the green dressed branches.288

“Do I mean it?” he laughed, squeezing my hand. “Of course I mean it! Why would I—“ he stopped, noticing the glass tear running down my cheek. Worried, he grabbed my other hand, pulling me to face him. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? If you don’t want to, I don’t want you to think you have to—“289

Wordlessly, I fell into his arms, hiding my face in his shirt. It was too beautiful of a moment in my eyes, but Akihiro wouldn’t be able to understand. It wasn’t him who sung alone, crying for someone to join him. Or at least, that’s what I believed. Shaking my auburn hair shortly, I replied, “Of course I want to. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for the past four years.” 290

Relieved, I felt his arms tighten around me. Chuckling lightly, he noted, “And to think I didn’t want to ask in fear you wouldn’t want to! But I’m glad. If you don’t mind, I thought we could use some of your own lyrics.”291

Could it get any better? Smiling through the tears, I whispered “Thank you Akihiro…you’ve let me fly.”292

Under the warmth of the sun, he smiled, leading me farther down the path. “Perfect! Recording starts on Monday.”293

EPILOGUE294

“There is peace at last! And joy! And delightful goodness to spread across the seas of Musicana!” the crimson panda-creature Patience squeaked, taking another glass of wine. In the grande hall of the palace of Paraesis, the nobles of all of Musicana gathered, rejoicing over the newly found peace in their lands. 295

Centarius, seeing the eyes of the creature glow with just a sip, subtly took the glass from the red paw. “For now, there is peace. But how long will it last?”296

“You’ve always had such a pessimistic look, centarius,” Eron shrugged with glass of purest of Eden’s wine: The Fruit of the Garden. “Today is a day of celebration for the unificiation of Musicana, a day of hope for the future! Why must you ruin our fun?” his arm wrapped around the shoulders of a blushing Manuel. Turning to her, he laughed, “We have much to thank you for, Miss Manuel. It has been said that you have assisted the princesses much over the passed two years and protected their names when Atlantis came…” At the mention of the later, Centarius threw a sharp glare at the Guardian of Time, who jumped with thousands of apologies for his slipping tongue. 297

“Oh I assure you, your highness, it was an honor to be of any use!” the words rushed out of the shy baker’s lips. Never had she been in the council of such nobility. She was a mere peasant from Paraesis, for pity’s sake!298

“But surely, there must be a way I may repay you for your help,” Eron insisted. Manuel would have sworn his face was closer than it was but a moment ago.299

Oh look what she had done now! “No! Please, I have been already blessed above and beyond! It is I that must repay you for your kindness in inviting me to this celebration—“300

Annoyed at where this conversation was going, Centarius bluntly intervened, “Please Miss Manuel—grant his wish. I believe he’s trying to find an excuse to court you.” The notion made Patience gasp in half delight and half shock.301

If her face could grow any brighter a hue of red, it did at that moment. “What a notion! I am but a peasant—“302

“Centarius Augustus!” the look on Eron’s face betrayed him. “How could you make such a remark—“303

“I was only hoping to prevent an awkward exchange and vague misunderstandings. Your intention’s rather clear. Please spare us the agony of watching you try to ask the poor lady out on your own!” the Roman laughed, laying down his glass. 304

“I never—“305

“Please don’t make any excuses or lies either.” Turning to the flustered Manuel, Centarius continued with a rather straight face. “I also doubt that you would not be against the notion of courting Prince Eron, am I right?”306

Eyes of saffire widened as the blonde tried to gain her composure. “It is not my place to have any sort of opinion on the matter…” she muttered, though the soft smile tugging on her lips gave her away. 307

Clasping his hands together, the Roman declared. “And there you have it!” The sudden loud sound turned a few curious heads, along with making Patience jump, startled. “The Prince Eron shall court the Fair Pastry Maiden Manuel.” Rubbing his palms together, he commented, “Well, that was rather simple business.”308

It should be noted that Eron’s arm still had not left Manuel’s shoulders. “I never quite saw you as a match maker, Centarius.” Eron remarked. 309

“Quite the opposite. I can’t stand to see young couples in love, flittering around like awkward geese…” Centarius sighed, leaning against a conveniently placed pillar. Imported from the NSPQR, he observed. 310

“You mean like that Kitsunwarai and Princess Vitaelia?” the Prince laughed, Manuel looking to him in shock at the revelation.311

”The Kitsunwarai and Princess Vitaelia?” she whispered with widened eyes. 312

“Precisely.” The Roman sighed. “If this trouble did any good on this planet, it put an end to the little soap operas of the royalty of Eden.”313

Patience at this point looked to those so much taller than him, a thought occurring to him. “Does that mean—that the princesses will never return?”314

Laughing once more, Eron replied, “Of course they shall return! Centarius was right when he said that this is not over. Never does any story truly end.”315