Kakyuu’s Big Day

I awoke to the fragrance of black smoke pouring through the crevices of my door. Distantly, in my sleep fogged state, the realization that something was burning floated through my brain. In a silent jolt I sprang from my bed and wrapped a robe around my nightly attired form. It was then that I opened my door to the pandemonium beyond.

Servants rushed like ants to the kitchen to douse the flames that caused the murk. Whispers and speculative glances were sent my way as I walked towards the offending room.

Just as I was to open the door three befuddled forms emerged from the darkness to block my way. Sheepish looks from three pairs of eyes told me that they were the cause the disarray. Smiles plastered across their beautiful features as they looked to each other for support. My beloved Fighter, Healer, and Maker were up to something.

"You have awoken, Princess." Fighter was the first to move from her cornered state. The smiled remained as she ushered me away from the kitchen. "It is a wonderful day do you not think so?"

"Yes, it is quite a remarkable day. Perhaps you would enjoy a stroll later in the day. I think that the fresh air would do wonders." Maker found the voice to join in on the distraction. "It would be wondrous to see the flowers today."

"Princess?" Healer finally spoke. "Could I help you dress?" The silver haired girl turned a shade of red at the look her companions gave her. "Perhaps it would be best to allow the maid to do that."

Having successfully deterred me from seeing what lay beyond the kitchen door, the three ladies went off to finish whatever they were conspiring. With an exasperated sigh I returned to my room to find that the same said maid had taken the liberty to make the thickly covered, plush bed. Neatly on top she had lain a fresh pair of clothing patiently awaiting the moment when I rang for her assistance. Breakfast of fruits, bread, and milk rested next to the bed on a tray tempting me to sample its bounty.

With a relish that was quite unbecoming of a lady of my status I ate all that lay in sight of me. It was after that with a satisfied stomach that it became my desire to seek refreshment from the night of sleep. Therefore, I found myself floating in a fragrant bath still dreaming of the days when it was once a bubbling stream and fresh spring flowers. Unfortunately, the water grew cold before another fanciful thought could be birthed. With haste I cleansed my hair and body, rising from the bath before it chilled farther.

With a wistful sigh I dried myself and returned to my room to find that the tray had been removed. Fresh flowers were placed in the many vases that littered my room. Olive flowers. Always olive flowers. The candles had been lit giving the chamber a radiant glow. As if by magic, soft music floated in the air, a graceful melody that was designed to sooth the nerves. A moment of thought was all that was allowed before the maid answered my summons.

With a cheerful "Good morning, Princess" the girl move forth to rid me of the robe that wrapped around my form.

Chattering endlessly the girl moved restlessly, tying me up in the bodice and skirts that she had chosen for me. Inwardly I sighed, reminded that today was the day that was to be the change of me. I wanted nothing to do with it. I plastered a smile on my face as I thanked the girl and rushed to the temple where I knew everyone awaited me.

Perhaps it was an hour later that I dazedly walked from the hallowed halls of the temple. A small smile remained plastered on my face, but my heart remained heavy and melancholy. Even when all gathered in celebration it was I that remained somber within the revelry.

At this celebration, it had at last became clear of the doings of dear Fighter, Healer, and Maker. Lying in splendid, unassuming glory rested a cake. It was the crowning achievement of the banquet in its mint green frosting and lopsidedness. Charcoal black biscuits stared uneaten upon their china plates, a sad testament to the fact of my Starlights lack of domestic skills.

Even at the party, the three gentle soldiers lingered to revel in the festivities that evoked from my name. They were not to see the sadness that lingered like a mist around me as I eyed the mountain of gifts received from the well-wishers. They remained immersed in the gaily of the festivity, flirting with every woman that would look their direction. I knew that task alone would keep them occupied for the remainder of the evening.

Disgust filled me at my own jealousy as I moved farther from the distraction of the party, excusing myself briefly from all attempt at the inclusion of me into the various conversation. It was with relief that I found myself in the fresh air that the balcony offered and at the same time I cursed myself for being such a fool.

A small sound jolted me from my revere, like the sound of a breeze. Startled I turned around to meet the deep blue eyes of Fighter. A serious expression lay on her features as she stared at me wordlessly. It was as if she wished to commit this moment in memory for all time. If I knew then what I know now the irony of it would have brought tears to my eyes. It was as if she knew the disaster that was steadily coming forth to my planet.

"Princess," was the entire introduction she allowed before she allowed herself to bending into a graceful bow. She only straightened after I drew myself up from my formal curtsy. It was that, like magic, she produced for me a perfect red rose. "Perhaps you would like to dance, Princess?"

Of course, I consented. How could I not when she looked at me that way? It was that heartbreaking familiarity that drew me into the dance that night, despite the gossiping glances that were sent our way.

Even now, in the darkness pit of my despair, I can look upon that moment and see the joy that I could have had were it not assumed I belonged to another. It was my fault to resume that fatal charade, leading to the moment of a broken heart. I told myself, like a fool, that it was best this way never knowing that all was to be shattered.

Despite the pain that would come, that moment remains. Indeed, that moment was the best birthday present I could ever have.