The Dahlia Enlists a Knight [Closed]

"Ow!" Rayden brought his hand to his forehead trying to stop the stinging. When he opened his eyes he would see Mirai standing up and looking like her usual self which brought a smile to his face. He brought up one of his knees and bowed his head. Rayden down on one knee and Mirai standing before him, the princess and the knight were back to how they once were. "Of course milady." Rayden looked toward the sun trying remembering the sight of Mirai as she sung but it was already past sundown and the sun was nowhere to be seen when a thought struck Rayden. "Milady, the sun has set. Are we perhaps tardy for the ball?"

Mirai finally let of one of her usual proud smirks.

"Hm. It seems we are," Mirai said. "But then again, I like to be fashionably late."


***

As the sun set, the Queen Anne's ballroomwas lit bright with chandeliers. The ballroom was already filled with people and a waltz was playing. Rayden would be waiting at the edge of the stairs as Mirai was still getting ready. Wanyu, still strangely in his yukata, was next to him.

"She sure takes her time, doesn't she?" Wanyu said.

At the sight of Wanyu Rayden stood at attention like a soldier in the army. "Well milady did say she preferred to be 'fashionably late'." Rayden's eyes grew suspicious and he began to glance around the area while leaning close to Wanyu. "Lord Wanyu I did not want to inform milady but before I found her I had an encounter with a suspicious individual. I tried to subdue him but he had an odd semblance, it seemed like intangibility. He wore a black hood and held a black blade and seemed to know of milady. His presences concerns me." 

Wanyu looked at Rayden a bit confused, but upon hearing the last part, he nodded.

"It seems legends are trying to hold true," Wanyu said. "May I tell you a story while we wait for Little Miss? Alright then.

"Well, once upon a time, there were two children who loved each other very much. The girl was very rich, but the boy was nothing but a servant in her house. So on the girl's upcoming birthday, the boy decided he wanted to give her a present. He worked hard and collected enough money and told the girl to wait by the cliff near the sea, leaning on the tree with yellow roses. The boy as young as he was, was foolish to have gone in town to buy the gift alone. And soon he was attacked. Just minutes from dying, he cried in sorrow, knowing he would never see the girl again and wouldn't be able to give her the gift.

"It began to rain and soon a dark figure came over to him. It was Death himself. The boy begged to be spared. Death, knowing that the boy loved the girl truly, was touched, but he still had a job to do. Therefore, he rendered the boy life on one condition. The boy would reap souls for him and once he reaped a million souls would he be given life once again for the girl. Death also allowed him to see the girl every spring time and he would watch her, she who still waited by the cliff. However, the girl had locked herself in a tower there surrounded by books, waiting for him to return.

The boy would watch as the girl, now ageless, would swallow souls hoping to still be alive for when the boy would return. She was knowledgeable and wise and was known as the Golden Fairy due to her gold hair. So the two spent their time reaping souls, only longing for the souls of one another."

Wanyu turned to Rayden.

"I have been a watchful assistant and I have seen this stranger of yours. He claims to be the Reaper of the Spring Time. I cannot help but associate it with this story," he said. "I would like to believe he means her no harm, but yes, we should be cautious still if he is here."

"Oh, what are you two babbling about?" Mirai's steady voice came from above the stairwell.

As Rayden would look up, he would see Mirai in a bright yellow dress with long sleeves and black accents, a large intricate black rose on her sash.

"Ah, the Daughter of Evil dress," Wanyu said as she looked down on them. Mirai merely arched an eyebrow and looked at Rayden before crossing her arms.

"You're supposed to be my escort," she said with puffed cheeks. "I don't think I need to tell you that you have to lead me down the stairs, do I?"

Rayden looked up at Mirai in a dress that seemed to suit her so perfectly. The black of the rose contrasting against the brightness of the yellow, her rosy cheeks breaking the lightness of her face, and above all was the green of her eyes which seemed to pierce through all the other colors to stand out. "I-I-I" Rayden turns away and tries to adjusts his helm for comfort but quickly realizes it is not there hide his expression. He clears his throat attempting to say a  compliment, a yes, any word whatsoever but nothing comes out. Mirai has left him speechless. He simply nods his head and reaches his hand out towards hers. He turns his right palm upward and places his left hand behind his back. The distance between the two quickly diminishes as Rayden moves his hand towards her until finally their hands are only inches apart one second and touching the next. Rayden's cheeks flare up and he forces himself to not look away and stay calm. His lips open and a single word is heard. "Milady."

Though Mirai hadn't shown it, she had been surprised at how well the Yellow Rose Suit fit him. As if it had been made for him and not someone else. She had to admit, he didn't look anywhere near the idiotic, socially awkward buffoon she had met just hours ago. Keeping every part of her composed, her hand touched his and she walked alongside him, not looking at him.

"You look nice," she said as they headed towards the ballroom floor.

The people began turning heads to see the couple that was much younger than most of them. A tall young man with dark hair and a small beauty with golden hair. Their matching suits and the way they regally moved towards the center of the dance floor had the attention of many.

"What a charming little girl!"

"What a fine looking gentleman!"

"Such a lovely couple!"

Mirai resisted the urge to puff her cheeks and merely faced Rayden blankly as the music stopped.

A voice could be heard.

We shall now proceed to the next dance.

Waltz musicbegan playing to a lively tempo as everyone began taking their stances. Mirai waited patiently for Rayden, not saying a word.

Rayden put his hand over his heart and gave a Mirai a deep bow. "Milady if I may." Rayden took Mirai's hand in his left and placed his right hand on the small of her back. Normally in this situation the difference in height would have been a problem but after some careful positioning Rayden found a way for them both to be comfortable. With their positions settled Mirai and Rayden began to move to the tune of the song. As he had shown Mirai earlier, Rayden was a capable dancer whether in a room with only Mirai or in a ball such as this with so many others. Every so often they would come close to another couple but would avoid a collision. Just as in battle Rayden knew to keep wary of his surroundings and keep Mirai safe. There was something about the dancing that seemed to calm Rayden. It was likely the structure of dances such as these that appealed to him; everyone had a part to play, people needed to work together to avoid collisions, and there was so much happiness. The dance put Rayden at ease from his usual worries and seemed to change him. He looked down at Mirai, no longer blushing but simply smiling. "Mirai you look absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this honor."

When the waltz started, Mirai took Rayden's hand and they danced. They spun round and round, drifting across the room as the skirt of her dress twirled and the ballroom itself spiraled around them. The music was lighthearted and for a moment, Mirai forgot her troubles. Rayden seemed different, too. There was something about him that seemed less hesitant and more open. As if he was scared of just being himself for once and for not wearing his armor. Synchronizing movements with Rayden's, they gracefully swept across the ballroom. A part of Mirai almost smiled, but as the dance ended Rayden smiled at her and spoke.

Just for the glimpse of a second, she saw someone else in front of her. A young boy with flax-colored hair and amber eyes. The same warm gentle smile that had haunted her many nights and that she missed dearly. Before Mirai could speak, the music played again. This time it was a much slower, more intimate waltz. Following its movements, she and Rayden would have to draw nearer to one another and as they'd spin and spin, as they're hands would sway in the air just barely touching at most times, Mirai's mind would begin to race with different thoughts, past memories, present pains.

"Rayden..." she'd murmur as they'd dance, her eyes shaded by her bangs. "I am the one who should be thanking you for this honor."

The dance music would continue.

"I think you're still forgetting who I really am, after all."

Rayden continued to dance while Mirai spoke, a small smile on his face. While they danced he felt at peace despite her words. The movements continued with a pleasant rhythm and Rayden did not break his line of sight with Mirai. The music dropped in tempo and the two moved closer until Rayden lifted her into the air. While she was in the air he looked at her and smiled, "Mirai I haven't forgotten who you are." Rayden lowered her back down and the dance once again continued the two would would constantly change the distance between each other sometimes at arms length and sometimes only centimeters apart. Each time that they were at their closest he would speak. "You are the person I promised to protect. You are the one worth protecting. You are the one who's side I will not leave. You are my friend." After their last moment of closeness the music changed and would keep them at arms length for the remainder of the time until the song finished. Once it did Rayden would approach Mirai before the next began and gave a short bow. "That is who you are to me. Nothing different."

As the dance ended, Mirai's eyes still hid under the shadow of her bangs and she made a curtsy as low as she could, trying to show the slightest hint of humility and honor towards Rayden.

"Very well," Mirai said. The next dance was about to come up next and she and Rayden stood front and front once again. But instead of looking at Rayden, Mirai was looking behind him towards the sea. It was only then that she noticed something odd. "LOOK OUT!" she cried as she leaped over Rayden and pinned him down on the floor. Gunshots fired and people screamed as a submachine gun fired rapidly in the air.

"EVERYONE DOWN!" a voice said. As Rayden would look, men in full black suits and shades were at each corner, appearing from the balconies of the ballroom. One of them wore a hat and then looked at another man before pointing at Mirai. "Get her."


The men slowly inched towards her with guns in their hand but Mirai didn't seem aware of anything. Mirai's body was strangely shaking and there seemed to be something wrong with the expression of her face. She also looked paler and her gaze seemed unfocused. "Why is it cold all of a sudden?" she said.

Rayden didn't wait for the men to start their barrage again. He drew Chevalier and pressed the square button causing the blade to fan out into a sort of shield. He picks Mirai up in his arm and cover her body with his blade while shielding the rest of her with his own body. He looks around the room, they are clearly outnumbered and he does not have Obiettivo in order to keep his distance but he still refuses to let them take Mirai. He glances down at her and notices her blank expression. No they didn't...they couldn't have. Rayden gives her body a quick look over and is relieved to find there is no blood but her expression continues to worry him. "Mirai what's wrong? Don't worry I'm here to protect you." Rayden grew nervous he promised to protect her but he wasn't sure if they could both get out of this situation unhurt.

Mirai's body began to shiver furiously and her teeth began to chatter as she laid there in Rayden's arms.

"C-cold..." she muttered. Upon hearing Rayden speak, she dug into one of her dress' ruffles and pulled out a metal ball. She made it roll to the floor as quick as she could and forced Rayden's shield up as a bright flash bang filled the room.

"Wanyu, now!" she cried.

As the men were surprised by light, there were sharp screams. When the light had cleared, there were men on the floor with shuriken embedded in their neck. More men were coming but Mirai tore a sash of her dress and let it touch the floor, ice trailing it and forming a wall as the fires shot. Some guests stood still while others began running in a frenzy.

"Get Little Miss out of here!" Wanyu yelled. "I'll distract them!"

Rayden would be confronted by a complicated series of hallways, running heard from every side as guards tried to pursue him.

"W-we can't head to my room," Mirai said with chattering teeth. "We should head to Wanyu's...I need my weapons..."

Mirai began to shiver even more.

Rayden ducked into every hallway he could to avoid fighting. "Mirai..." As much as he hated the thought of her fighting in such a condition Rayden knew it would be hopeless to try to reach her room without having to go through a number of guards. He changed his course and began to head toward Wanyu's room. Rayden began to feel the cold spread through his body but did not stop from holding Mirai, he continued to give her all the warmth and support he could manage. "Mirai please remember, a queen should not have to fight as long as her shield still stands." Rayden kept his head looking forward making sure they did not run into any unnecessary problems.

"Don't use that flowery language with me right now!" Mirai snapped as she turned to him. "We're not the only ones in danger here! A queen fights for her citizens regardless of there being a shield or not!"

Footsteps came from different corridors. Mirai pointed Rayden to the next hallway which would be a longer path, but would keep them from the others' eyes.

"Even if she is a monster..." she muttered.

Rayden would be led to a gray metal corridor and eventually to Wanyu's room. Once it would be locked, Mirai would push herself out of Rayden's arms and onto the floor, still shaking.

"Get me..." she said shaking. "...some warm tea..."

Rayden took one last look at the door hoping it was secure and disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later he would return with a cup, kettle, and a coaster. Rayden thought about what Mirai said about helping the "citizens" and knew she was right. There are still people in danger. I have to do something but I cannot leave Mirai's side. Rayden put the kettle on the coaster and served Mirai a cup of tea. As soon as he placed the cup in her hands Rayden lifted Mirai's bangs and touched her forehead to his in order to gauge how cold she had gotten. She's getting worse.

Mirai shakily took the cup shakily and gulped it despite being relatively hot. She winced at the burn in her throat but merely exhaled and handed the cup to Rayden.

"That should d-do..." she said chattering her teeth. "Something is obviously up. And it appears Mr. Allen's 'men' aren't doing a good job at it. Either that or they're behind it. I think our best option is to speak with the captain."

Rayden felt incredibly indecisive, something he was not quite familiar with. On one hand he knew he was not intelligent enough to solve this problem alone but on the other he did not want to expose Mirai to danger in such a state. After a quick mental debate Rayden decided to not fight Mirai on the subject and take her to see the captain. Rayden brought his hand to his chest and gave a short bow. "Yes milady we shall depart shortly." Taking the remaining tea in the kettle, he headed into the kitchen and poured it into a thermos and retrieved Mirai's weapons along with his armour. A few minutes later after donning his armour and gently folding his loaned outfit, Rayden set the items next to Mirai and knelt before her. "We can depart whenever milady feels fitting."

Mirai nodded and finally stood up.

"I can't go around in this, though," Mirai said seriously. "Excuse me for a bit."

Mirai moved over to a dressing screen with a suitcase. Her silhouette dark against the floral print on the board. When she appeared again, she came out in a plum-colored ensemble. The skirt seemed to fan out and it was much shorter than her dresses. She wore a plum coat and a small hat tied with a ribbon. White stockings sprouted from her long heeled black boots. She took Rosemary from Rayden and used it as a resting cane.

"Alright, I'm good to go," Mirai said. "Let's get to it."

Mirai took Rayden's hand and closed hers over it, even if it was covered with armor, it comforted her a bit. She opened the door as her scroll blipped. Reading a message, she turned to Rayden. "Wanyu is alright. Right now we need to get to the basement where the captain is being held."

Leading the way with Rosemary in hand, she and Rayden cautiously passed through the carpeted corridors. Upon turning to one corner, there were two men in black with their backs turned. Mirai fired two rounds from Rosemary in silence. The two fell down.

"They're not dead," she reassured. "Just knocked out. Non-lethal bullets that-"

Mirai winced as a sharp thing seemed to whistle past. Mirai grabbed at her neck and pulled at a dart. Her eyes widened. "What the..."

She grabbed her head and began to spin before falling down onto the floor. When Rayden would turn in the direction the dart had come from, the cloaked figure from before was there.

"She needs to leave," he said firmly.

Rayden draws Chevalier and charges toward the figure whom he battled once before. "I will not warn you this time. You dare attack Mirai and expect to leave her alive? I think not!" Moving as fast as his body could take him Rayden attack the man aiming to server his arm but while also keeping an eye on Mirai.