Hyrule Adventures 2

Aqua gripped Keychain's arm all too tightly. The red head tried tugging her arm away, but the vice grip on her was too strong. "For goodness sake!" she snapped, "I'm not going to run away! You can let go now."

She did. Instantly, Keychain yanked her arm away. Huffing, she pulled some hair away from her face. The hair continued to stay in her face. Tugging it back, she tied it up with a richly colored ribbon she brought along with her.

"Where is Zeze?" questioned Aqua. Keychain looked at her friend, then looked around the area to see that the companion of Sakiko was nowhere to be in sight. "Did we tell her the time?"

"Yes, we did." Keychain adjusted her baby blue dress, glancing around. "Maybe this was---"

"Say this was a bad idea and I'll drag you to Abel this instant." Aqua scowled at her scholar friend. The girl turned red, leaning against the nearest building. Aqua did the same thing, looking around again. "You think it's too early?"

"It's perfectly fine."

"I really want to go shopping."

Keychain sighed. "Yes, I know. The problem is, if you can fit into anything."

OoC: Here it is! The shopping topic.

"AHHHHHH!!!"

A shrill scream was heard in the distance, loud enough to wake the dead. Shoppers stared at the source with confusion and disgust, wondering who would cause such a bothersome annoyance. And the source happened to be a strange figure, holding too many bags to be considered an average shopper.

Zeze ran towards the two girls, a big smile spread across her tattooed face. She had precariously balanced a box on her head, and was holding about twenty bags in each arm, and one was even strapped across her hips. The Bard had on shiny tights, dangling with various chains and belts. Her shirt was almost hidden by the numerous bags, but one could slightly tell that she was showcasing a tight red tank top.

"Darlings! Sorry for making you wait you see, this stupid cashier at that stop shop I mean sorry there was so extremely slow and the line oh my goddesses the line you wouldn't believe it darlings it was--"

She said it all in one breath, a flush of color on her tan cheeks. Zeze waved her hand, laughing cheerily.

"But never mind that. We're here to shop, baby, shop!"

She glanced around, her eyes darting to and fro.

"But where in Hyrule is that Sakiko?!"

And as if on cue, a pale girl walked towards them, carrying an evil aura around her. She almost seemed to be glowing in black, her silvery eyes glaring at the three girls with annoyance.

Zeze beamed, and threw the bags at the Mage.

"Can you carry this? My arms are getting a bit weary."

The fifty bags of doom were tossed swiftly at Sakiko, but they didn't make it to her body. The shopping bags levitated around the Mage, floating side by side in a neat manner. All the while, no words or exclamations had been given by Sakiko...merely the dark glare.

Zeze disregarded this all, and winked her thanks. Taking the arm of both Aqua and Keychain, she squeezed herself in the middle of them.

"Now, we should look at the dresses first, then the accessories. Last stop would be doing the hair and makeup. AHHHH I am so thrilled!"

Keychain shrank against the wall. What she wanted that very moment was for the wall to open up and swallow her whole. Or the ground. Or anything in particular. The shop across the building she was leaning could suddenly start sucking her in like a black hole. Anything that could get her to not go along with them. Her white skin became even whiter as the color drained out of it.

Aqua saw this. She clicked her tongue. "Key, you make it seem like it's some kind of torture. And besides, you destroyed two dresses already this week. You might as well have some back up clothing. Besides, we should start getting some outfits that suite fighting and all that. You're becoming a little warrior!" Aqua nudged Keychain, a big, goofy grin on her face. "On the plus side, if we can pick out the best outfits, you'll catch a lot of attention."

"I get enough attention as it is," grumbled Keychain. Aqua suddenly yanked her from the little spot, getting a small squeak of surprise from the red head.

Aqua motioned to Zeze and Sakiko. "Come on, I know a pretty good shop. And the son of the owner isn't bad looking, either." She started down the street, pulling Keychain behind her. They got stares. It might have been for Keychain's strange red hair. A dark color that shouldn't be natural. But it is for her. Or her bright blue eyes that seemed to glow if you stared too long at her. Aqua could have been getting the stares. She was tall. Taller than anyone in Hyrule. She even towered over Kasei, by at least a foot more. (by the way, if you don't know, Aqua's seven foot six or seven, I can't remember. I don't know what that is in meters, so I can't say, if you run on the metric system)

It could have been them both. Seeing two people who are complete opposites going down the street together isn't something you see everyday.

But then again....

Keychain looked behind her, gazing at Sakiko and Zeze. "Evan, the boy's name is Evan. He's really sweet and--" She couldn't continue. Aqua yanked her into the store, shouting their appearance since there wasn't a bell over the door to signal that there were customers.

A young man came to the front. Strands of pitch black hair were falling into his face. Brown doe-like eyes matched the color of his skin. He dropped a basket of clothing, staring at the two. His eyes flickered to Keychain, and a playful sigh came from his throat.

"Again, Key?" he questioned. A grin was on his face, not showing the annoyance he had in his voice. Seeing such a happy face, Keychain grinned herself, shrugging her shoulders.

"One of her dresses is ripped, while the other one is damaged with mud. Plus, she has a hot date tonight. Think you can fix her up with anything nice, Evan?" Aqua jabbed Keychain with her thumb. "And it has to be something that makes her look sexy. None this clothing that she wears that doesn't even stay on her body. She's more like a coat rack rather than a person."

"I don't do female outfits, remember?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Aqua leaned against the counter. "Well, go ahead, Keychain. Better get going before Zeze starts making her way through things. You know me, unable to dress myself properly even in daylight."

"Make my way through things? What's that supposed to mean?"

Zeze looked around the store with an interested and amused face. Her catlike eyes turned towards Evan, and a small smile formed on her lips. Leaning towards Aqua, she muttered softly so that it was almost impossible for anyone else to hear,

"I hope our little Key-Key isn't two-timing?"

She chuckled, and began to walk away, humming. Zeze rushed through the dresses with a critical expression. She muttered,

"Nah, this is too blue. Needs some color... what is this? Red and sparkly? That was so two years ago...omigoddesses, will you look at this?!"

Her hand shot out like an arrow and grabbed hold of a shimmering emerald dress. It was simple, and had a weaved belt across the waist. The dress was made of a silky material, and it gave a sheen, sexy look. It had been cut to the knees, and small chains of emerald dangled from the edges. Zeze admired the work of art with a gape on her face, giving her almost a stupid look. She dangled it on her arm, intending to buy it. Immediately, she was satisfied with this small store, and began to search with renewed spirit.

Aqua laughed. "Oh, no worries, no worries. The dresses that are made here are amazing. Actually, the male clothing here is pretty good, too. Jasper is the one who found this shop. And then Evan found Keychain in the street, collapsed because she over worked herself." Keychain shot a scowl at Aqua. "Yes, alright."

She laughed at Zeze's comment. "Keychain and Evan!? They're like night and day. Well, night and day do go good together." A dress was hurled at Aqua, covering her head. She yanked it off, smiling widely. "You can do better, Key." A shoe hit her head. "Okay, ouch."

Keychain reached for a square necked dress. Evan kept watching her. She finally turned around and scowled at him. "Is there something interesting about me finding a dress?"

"You're being picky. You're never picky," he commented. He allowed his gaze to linger before landing his eyes on Sakiko. "Did you happen to get dragged along?"

Keychain rummaged around some more before finding the right dress. A rich, ruby red dress. Even though she liked the dress Zeze had gotten out, green was never her color. The color belonged in nature, not on a person. Instead of picking out a dress with a square neck like all the others Keychain had gotten, this one had a dipping V-neck. The waist was made to cling to the body while the rest was made to billow out if she spun around. It was shorter than normal dresses she wore, but it also seemed to be perfect.

"Why don't you get a nice tan dress, Keychain? Somehow, I think it would go good with your skin," commented Aqua. Lifting her eyebrows, while looking at her almost pale skin, Keychain shook her head from that suggestion.

"Zeze, what do you think?" she questioned, showing the dress to the girl, knowing that Aqua was a fashion reject, unable to dress herself properly even in the light.

Sakiko had been quietly leaning against the wall, almost a peaceful complexion on her face. She didn't feel annoyed; rather to the contrary, she felt tranquil in that little shop full of friends. Although she didn't show it as often as she should, she secretly enjoyed being in company, but annoyance and irritation were much easier emotions. Usually, being Zeze's constant companion put her in a foul mood, but today, she almost had to agree that it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. It was certainly a different change of atmosphere from the bloody battles she tended to put herself into.

"Did you happen to get dragged along?"

The pale girl lifted her face, and noticed Evan for the first time. She scanned his black hair falling softly around his face and his gentle brown eyes. Sakiko couldn't help but blush; a breath of pink covered her cheeks. Frowning, the Mage diverted her silver eyes away from the young man; he reminded her of Aureliano too much. This dress shopping was already playing with her memories of the christmas party where she had donned on a red dress, similar to what Keychain was holding. And coupled with Evan...Sakiko immediately said with a sharp tone in her voice,

"Yes, I did. Do I happen to carry a burdensome aura about me?"

Right after the words had been said, Sakiko coughed slightly and looked at the floor. She didn't mean to sound so rude; but it was her nature and she couldn't help it. She almost considered apologizing when Zeze yelled across the room,

"Saki! Look at this! Doesn't it complement my eyes so fascinatingly well? Don't worry, darling, I'll find you one too!"

The Mage said nothing, focusing on holding the many bags about her.

Zeze turned around in response to Keychain's query. She beamed in pleasure, finding with great joy that her little Key-Key had sense in fashion after all. Zeze took the dress and scanned it from head to toe.

"Key-Key, hold still..."

She put up the dress in front of the girl, leaning back as if admiring a piece of art. She squinted her emerald eyes, sticking out her tongue slightly. She had to agree with Aqua; the last time Sakiko wore a red dress like this, she was unrecognizable. It had to be the pale skin.

"It has such bold contrast, Key-Key, with your skin. I would say that anyone who doesn't do a double take when you're out in the streets with this thing is blind. You should buy it..."

Zeze spun around, and began another frantic search. This time, her efforts were made evident by her loud, "AH HA!"

She held up two dresses - who knew she had such mad skills in finding clothes so fast? - one, which was a dark, purple color and the other, a silvery cocktail dress. The Bard held up the purple dress - it was a deep, soulful color. It was the color of a bright, crimson rose which had faded away to a graceful shade of dark purple. It was strapless, and the only decoration was a slash of gold across the chest and torso. Zeze squinted once again, holding up the dress with a critical eye.

"Although I absolutely adore that red dress of yours, what do you think of this? It would go so lovely with your unique hair color. And I love that hair color."

She winked, pointing at her own flame of hair. It was an angry shade of orange and red, blurred together to create an odd mix.

The other dress was much more conservative. It was a silky gray, and the sides where it hugged the hips and torso glittered with small diamond-like stones. It trailed all the way down to the ankles, giving it an almost waterfall look. It was a dress made for the tall and whose stature was erect. Zeze smiled, pleased at her two discoveries.

"I think I'll save this for Saki."

The Mage overheard this, and blurted,

"And where in all of Hyrule will I wear that?! Don't be ridiculous."

Zeze guffawed, and clapped her hands.

"Now let's find a dress for Aqua. We should all change into them to see how they fit. That includes you, m'dear Saki. And you, Keychain. Isn't it a brilliant idea? Evan, sweetheart, I just adore your shop and that wonderfully handsome face of yours."

She winked, and turned back to browsing for more.

Sakiko's comment didn't seem to faze Evan at all. In fact, he laughed. His head was thrown back, hair spilling away from his face, and a loud, cheery laugh came from deep in his throat. When he had finished, Evan gazed at Sakiko. His eyes twinkled and a smile was hidden on his face, even though he didn't have one currently slapped across his face.

"Okay, I get it. I know that you're enjoying it though. I was just asking, you're slightly hiding in the corner. And no, I can't tell auras apart, just the mood of what a person is sometimes. Sometimes, not all the time."

"Mmhm, sure," mocked Aqua. He glanced at her, slightly confused. The girl shook her head lightly. Straightening from leaning on the counter, she said, "Are you sure you're not a Sheikah?"

Evan sighed. "For the last time, Aqua, no, I'm not."

Keychain beamed. Usually she didn't do so well with picking out clothing that should be formal. Instead, she usually picked out plain clothing. She pushed some of her hair out of her face, some had slipped from her ribbon. Keychain then examined the dress that Zeze had gotten.

At Zeze's words, Keychain played with her hair while examining Zeze's. "My hair is barely something to be noticed."

Evan butted in. "Are you crazy? The first thing anyone will notice is your hair. Well, if they are looking at you from behind. If they are standing directly in front of you,they would notice your eyes then your hair."

"You're flattering the girl," commented Aqua.

"I am not. Just pointing out the truth."

Aqua clapped her hands together, overhearing Sakiko's remark. "Oh, live a little. One fantastic dress wouldn't kill a person. Even if you just stick it in the back of your closet, having it forgotten." Hearing the words directed to her by Zeze, Aqua shook her head.

"I'm too tall. With my body, I have to get measurements and have a dress personally made for me. No shop in the world will hold clothing that would fit me well."

"It's not my shop," mumbled Evan. "It's my uncle's, but he's away. He went traveling to see if there were any other fabric colors or designs that he could use for clothing. My aunt went with him, so I'm stuck here with my older sister." Waving his hand to the back where he had emerged from, he added, "There are changing rooms in the back. Sorry that they're not out here. We haven't gotten to the redecorating part of this shop." He didn't even comment about the little compliment that Zeze had said.

Ooc: I couldn't help it...Sakiko's weak and tender side...

IC: How could he be?

Sakiko dropped her bags on the ground, her mind losing focus. How could he even act the same way as Aureliano? That's exactly how he would've laughed, how he would've spoken... the Mage felt a pang of pain and fear. Fear, she didn't know why felt it. Sakiko muttered,

"I'm going home."

She glided out of the store, the hem of her robes creating whispering steps as she brushed across the floor. The shopping bags all scattered about on the ground, abandoned, Sakiko pushed the door open and met the fresh air of the outside with gladness. She sat down against the wall with a sigh, a bit embarrassed and angry at herself. Her gray eyes watched the pedestrians walk by, laughing and happy. Their steps were lighthearted, sharing some interesting conversation between themselves. She stared at the dirt, remembering the only time she had truly identified herself with these normal citizens. She had been in love, and was happy, was normal, was beautiful... and when it had left, she crashed down in the further depths of her abyss and hell, her heart had turned to coldness.

Zeze, meanwhile, didn't notice. She was too busy nodding at Evan's comment about Keychain's hair and eyes. The Bard said cheerily,

"Your hair is a shade that I have never seen before. I bet it's natural, too...maybe that's why it looks so great and unique! Mine is dyed, you see...its natural color is black!"

She grabbed Keychain's hand and beamed,

"Why don't we try the purple and red dress on you? I want to see which looks better, although the purple looks so lovely on you...and I want to try on mine. And this, Sakiko...Sakiko!"

She turned around to the wall where she had seen her a moment ago. The only things that greeted her gaze were the shopping bags strewn across the floor.

Evan watched Sakiko, alarmed. "Did I say something wrong?" He questioned more to Aqua, his companion for the moment while Zeze and Keychain chattered away. "Maybe I should go talk to her." He went to go around the counter, but Aqua stopped him by placing a hand on his chest.

"Save your energy. I'll go get her. You have to escort the girls to the back room. Keychain's been here before, but she still gets lost." Aqua made her exit quickly, meeting Sakiko right outside, leaning against the wall. Curious, Aqua wondered why she had just stopped there instead of taking off. She didn't speak the words, though. Shocking, but instead she sat next to Sakiko, staring at the people who walked by in silence. A few looks were shot to them, but Aqua scowled back at the people.

Back inside, Keychain was nodding her head. "Yes, my father's hair is--was--the same way. Black hair doesn't sound bad to have as a hair color. When my hair is wet, it actually looks black." She rubbed her head, thinking that she was rambling on. "Dressing rooms. Yes. Back room. Uh, Evan, could you--?"

"Already got the door unlocked. Sorry to say, but there's only one changing room. You girls will have to wait for one another, if that's not a problem." Evan gestured to the girls to round around the counter and go into the back.

Keychain rushed over but stopped in front of Evan. "Oh, you must help us out a bit, though. Just tell us if we look good in the dresses or not. How does that sound? Being our male point of view?"

He sighed. "I don't know, Key..."

"Please?"

Evan shrugged, a wide smile on his face. "Okay, okay, you got me."

Sakiko turned her head slightly, seeing Aqua sit next to her. Her face grew even more red, as she knew that she had come out of the store and all the fun to 'comfort' her in some way. But she didn't need comforting or company. She didn't want it. No one could understand her, and therefore it was pointless to talk. The Mage sighed softly, wondering how long Aqua's patience would last. If she wanted to sit here, that was not her business; it was public property after all.

Zeze frowned, disappointed at the lack of dressing rooms.

"What? That's not fun; then, if you excuse me...save the best for the last, they always say..."

She slithered inside, and closed the door with a loud bang. Inside the dressing room, she began to peel off the way too tight tank top and the even tighter pants. She grunted in the effort, her face in a frown. How did she get these on in the first place? Sticking out her leg, she accidentally crashed into the wall, unbalanced. Her head hit the surface with a loud crack, immediately followed by a howl of pain.

"In the name of Din!"

OOC: Talked with Sakiko about this, but I hope you don't mind me joining either Pureinnocence. ^_^;

IC:
The roads were bustling as always in Rauru Town, with shops filled with all sorts of interesting items to look at and buy, and of course people ready and willing to buy them. But though many people walked the street merrily, enjoying the peace of the town, there were at least one person barreling through the streets as if death itself chased behind her. You wouldn't think that from the smile on her face, but the speeds she was running at belied a need to escape from something or someone.

Shada dodged through the crowds, Sheikah speed and reflexes in full display as she wove through the groups, eagerly glancing at the shops surrounding her. Oh, this was so exciting - it had been ages since she'd been here, especially for something as 'trivial' as shopping. Trivial . . . she barked a laugh. How could Keyru think of such a thing as trivial?! What good was life if you never stopped to smell the roses? The man had to learn to live a little every now and then!

Darting about, her eyes just happened to find their way to the side of a clothing store she had never entered. She probably would have passed it by, just like all the other stores she had seen thus far, if not for a familiar face sitting out in front of it. Nearly tripping over her own feet, she came to a screeching halt, then altered her direction of motion and rushed over to the entrance. "Sakiko, is that you?"

She didn't waste too much time with the conversation; she didn't have time to at this point. "Is this store any good? Oh, of course it is, otherwise a pretty girl like you wouldn't be here, right?" Without another thought, she rushed inside, never seeing Alpha watching her from the rooftop of a store a few doors down the road.

* * *

Alpha shook his head; she was going shopping?! 'Well, I guess I can't say I'm too surprised . . .'

He hopped down in a series of jumps that left him on the edge of an alleyway; his acrobatic maneuvers went unnoticed by the majority of the passersby. He emerged with his cape drawn tightly around him, walking forward without anyone else paying him a second glance. Soon he found himself nearing the store she had entered . . . beside which, he noticed, sat two women. One he didn't know, but the second was a face he had seen several times in the past few months.

He glanced their way as he approached the entrance, explaining his predicament with a single sentence. "Shada stole my wallet." His hand rested on the handle before he looked at the pair a second time, this time taking a good look at his fellow mage. Sakiko especially seemed somewhat . . . depressed, yes, that seemed the most apt word for her expression. He hesitated, then let his hand fall back to the side and strolled over to stand before the pair, scarred face and crimson eyes looking down at them with a face that seemed completely . . . impartial, actually.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked Sakiko, not even bothering to make his tone sound kind or comforting.

Sakiko stared as Shada carried out a conversation - amazingly enough - by herself. She hadn't even a chance to utter a syllable (although even if she had been given time to reply, it would've been a syllable worth) before the Sheikah sped into the small shop. Sakiko was almost about to recover from this sudden occurrence when she noticed Alpha standing before her. She was about to ask what tragedy had led him to this very unlikely place when he answered himself. Stole his wallet? That's probably why she was running as if her life depended on it...

Sakiko opened her mouth to mutter, "She's inside", but only got to the sound "Sh-" when Alpha abruptly asked,

"What's wrong with you?"

The Mage almost jumped. How did he notice? Did her face show it? She immediately felt a rush of anger against herself, wondering why she had let her guard down. That was dangerous; keep a barrier. Keep a safe distance. That way no one got hurt...right? She was silent, wondering what really was wrong with her. That was the question she asked to herself on a daily basis, but couldn't find an answer. Except when Alpha asked it...with such a cool and aloof tone, she couldn't help but shiver. Is this what it felt like for others when she talked to them in such a cold voice?

Sakiko muttered,

"Do I look strange? I just don't like being dragged around, especially to places like this."

She stood up and dusted her clothes briskly. She sighed,

"I don't want to go inside...they're going to do all matters of annoying trifles to me. I wouldn't recommend you go into the mayhem either."

((OOC: EDIT))

Zeze had quickly recovered from her accident and had zipped up the green article of silk with speed. She looked at herself in the mirror, a smile on her lips. The shade of green was exactly her shade of eye color, and contrasted with her flaming head nicely.

She stepped outside the dressing room, ready to do a twirl, when she noticed a newcomer.

"Shada?"

Zeze's face brightened - the more the merrier! And she had met this beauty at Kasei's Christmas festivity as well as the party. (Ooc: Let's say that the party at Ruto was before this event.) She did a whirl and smiled,

"I am glad you're here, darling! What do you think?"

She turned to Keychain and handed her the purple gown.

"Your turn..."

OoC: That's a lot to take in. XD And it's fine! I don't care.

IC: Aqua went to speak, but closed her mouth when a woman zipped by, making her way into the store. Not knowing her, Aqua glanced shortly inside, confused. She never knew the small shop to be popular. Poor Evan, he was the only one who was working there today. If too many people started popping up, he might be major trouble. Though, once, Keychain did help him out one day when that did happen.

Seeing a man, Aqua realized who the woman was. So, her name is Shada, she thought. Drawing her legs up close to her chest, Aqua allowed people to walk by without them tripping on her feet.

When Sakiko got up, Aqua quickly spoke of what she was going to say, "Memories are painful at times. Mostly when you lose someone so dear, and you know they'll never be there again. At your side. But the past can get in the way of the future. No matter how someone can remind you of that one person, just remember that there's always going to be painful times, but a bright future is ahead."

She shook her head. "I don't even know when I decided to become the one person who wanted to help out." Aqua waved her hand lightly another one resting on her forehead. "Don't even listen to me if you don't want to." She stood up. Brushing off any dirt that clung to her outfit, she nodded politely before going inside.

"Hey! I heard a bang, what happened?" she shouted.

Keychain glanced at her friend from where she stood. "I think Zeze fell. Are you okay?" she questioned before she stepped to the dressing room. Pausing, she thought. Of course Zeze was okay! The girl was outside the small cubical with her energetic aura dancing around her. Nothing seemed to harm the girl. She eyed the purple dress before grabbing it. "Okay. . . I'll go try it on."

She went into the dressing room. Locking it before she stripped of her current clothing, the dress fell off of her easily. Keychain, normally, wore clothing that didn't attach itself to her. She wore kinds of outfits that were more square than anything. When she placed the gown on, she frowned at the mirror.

Thinking of the reactions that she would get from both Evan and Aqua, her face turned red. Deciding to get it over with, she unlocked the door and stepped out.

"Oh my Goddess! Keychain, you have--"

"Finish that sentence and you will wish you knew how to sleep with your eyes open," snapped Keychain before Evan could finish speaking. Her hands wouldn't stop rubbing the dress, trying to straighten out any creases that didn't exist. Not looking at anyone, she didn't want to see their faces at the sight of her curves and feminine features sticking out like a Zora in a crowd of Gorons.

"Probably smart," Alpha conceded to Sakiko's suggestion; there was no way Shada could blow all that money in a single store, and there was no way he would be going inside a place like that. Eventually she'd have to leave, and he'd add whatever amount Shada spent on clothing to her tab - one which was growing increasingly larger by the month as she refused to pay him back for the grocery money she always needed.

Alpha glanced over in the second girl's direction as she quickly spoke her mind, apparently expecting Sakiko to depart any second and wanting to fight the mage's depression with whatever words she could while she had the chance. After she'd said it, she disappeared along the same path Shada had followed inside a few minutes earlier, leaving the two mages alone on the streets.

The Sheikah stared after Aqua for a few seconds, replaying her words in his head. They sounded so promising . . . so full of hope . . .

A smile broke out on his face, though not one of happiness or joy. He didn't seem upset, certainly, but his expression . . . bespoke something more along the lines of regret. He held it there for a little while before turning his back to the building and leaning his caped form against the side of the wall. "I envy people like that," he muttered softly . . . wistfully . . . longingly.

"People who believe the future will be bright . . . how fortunate they are. Living in their ignorance, stopping to smell the roses and enjoy the supposedly peaceful times we've been given." He paused, lowered his head to look at the ground. "And who knows, they might actually be able to lead bright and happy lives for the rest of their days . . ."

He glanced back up, as if realizing abruptly that Sakiko was still within earshot of him. No, wait . . . it was more like he had suddenly realized that Sakiko was still even present in the area, as though he had completely forgotten about her as thoughts corresponding to Aqua's words took hold and forced him down a wishful path he knew he could never obtain. He was silent for several seconds before he looked back to the ground, shutting his crimson eyes closed, a sad look even though the smile never left his face.

"I suppose I'm a bit jealous . . . wouldn't mind being able to go back to believing that kind of thing."

* * *

Shada barreled into the store, all but collapsing as she came to a screeching halt in the center of the building's entryway. She supported herself by her knees for a few moments, catching her breath after her near life-or-death sprint through the town's streets, stopping her pants only when a voice she knew entered her ears. "Shada? I am glad you're here, darling! What do you think?"

"Zez-?"

She looked up and found the words leave her as she finally realized exactly what kind of store she'd happened into. Eyes lighting up in delight, she regained her composure before hurrying forward to where her friend sported an amazing green outfit. "Zeze, you look absolutely amazing!" she cried as she stepped in for a closer look.

"Oh my Goddess! Keychain, you have--"

"Finish that sentence and you will wish you knew how to sleep with your eyes open."

The voices interrupted her inspection and drew her gaze over to where Keychain was just stepping out of the changing area. "Oh my, that looks so good on you!" Shada called as she looked upon the purple outfit the girls had found for their companion. She turned back to Zeze. "What on earth is Sakiko doing outside at a time like this?! I'm going to go drag her back inside and see -"

She stopped as her gaze fell upon the entrance, and the sight of a black robed man standing outside. Suddenly much more hesitant, she gave off a nervous chuckle. "On second thought, why don't I look around for something for myself?"

Sakiko turned around abruptly at Aqua's rather rushed advice. Bright future ahead? A smirk rose up on her thin lips, her gray eyes turning darker. What right had anyone to tell her this? The truth, everyone spoke of the truth as if they knew what they were talking about. She clenched her fists, trying to control her anger. She knew that Aqua had only tried to comfort her, to say something to cheer her up. But it was too late. She was beyond being touched by words.

"People who believe the future will be bright . . . how fortunate they are. Living in their ignorance, stopping to smell the roses and enjoy the supposedly peaceful times we've been given."

In their ignorance. Yes. Sakiko raised her head slowly, wondering what was going through in Alpha's mind. Peace, as anyone could describe it, was a temperamental and fragile thing. A mere whimsical wish of some fool could shatter the dreams of another, push one into the depths of darkness. She leaned against the wall, carefully examining Alpha's features. His scars. His sorrowful eyes. She realized that she knew practically nothing about him, and he of her history.

When the Sheikah said something about being jealous, Sakiko didn't know how to reply. Some part of her wanted to agree; yes, when she looked at those innocent beings living in their own definition of happiness, she felt a pang of envy. But to live in such a state of ignorance - she didn't know if she wanted that. Sakiko said quietly,

"I think that you can't be happy and be aware of the world at the same time. Give up your happiness....and lose your ignorance? How can you live in a state of joy and tender love for others when you see the darker side of things? Once you see it...the evil...you can never go back to the way it had been. But that's half of the world, isn't it? Evil. Maybe to relish one's curiosity, to live one's life as to fulfill it, you need to see it. But then, how can you define the fullness of life?"

She gazed beyond Alpha's face, wondering what had caused her to say so much. She didn't open up to anyone like this - she believed people would ridicule her for such pessimistic philosophy. But hearing the pain in his voice, seeing the regretful smile, she wondered if he could truly understand.

Zeze, on the other hand, had quickly linked arms with Shada.

"Thank you, Shada! Oh, you will be so surprised to see how many wonderful dresses there are! It's amazing. And you're so tall...you'll look good in just about anything!"

She was about to dig up another gown when she followed Shada's line of gaze. Squinting, she thought she saw Alpha and Sakiko standing together. Were they in some kind of plot to ruin their day? They both looked deep in thought... She narrowed her eyes, nodding to herself that that was probably what was going on. Zeze whispered,

"Why in the world is Alpha standing there? Don't tell me he wants to admire you in a fab dress?"

She was about to suggest a way to distract Alpha and Sakiko when she heard the clack of the dressing room being opened. Zeze turned around, a semi gape and smile plastered on her tattooed face.

"Key-Key!!!! You look so great! Now we should get Shada a dress...and go get accessories and all those sparkly things. If only they had some device that could capture the moment...why can't any of those smart people invent such machinery?"