[hr][b][i][h3][color=#DDA512]F[/color][color=#DEA511]o[/color][color=#E0A510]r[/color] [color=#E4A50E]A[/color][color=#E5A50D]l[/color][color=#E7A50C]w[/color][color=#E9A50B]a[/color][color=#EBA50A]y[/color][color=#EDA509]s[/color][color=#EEA508],[/color] [color=#F2A506]F[/color][color=#F4A505]o[/color][color=#F6A504]r[/color][color=#F7A503]e[/color][color=#F9A502]v[/color][color=#FBA501]e[/color][color=#FDA500]r[/color][/h3][/i][/b] [sub]The next day…[/sub][hr] [youtube] https://youtu.be/Yu0fQhULDno?si=X-H_05g5xOLPtGqI [/youtube] Kassandra Keigwan had dealt with more than her share of difficulties in her life. Between losing her parents and being in prison twice, she liked to think she was well prepared for complications of all kinds. But as she clutched the paper in her hands and read it again, she knew that was completely untrue. [color=goldenrod]Kassy, Don't feel too bad about the outcome of our training session. I'm still trying to understand these spells of unconsciousness. I do, however, need your help with something else. A task I can only trust [i]you[/i] with. Please meet me on the beach at the furthest edge from the base this afternoon. -- Kila[/color] What was she going to do? Unfortunately, all of her courage had been spent battling the Red Beast. She hadn’t been able to look Kila in the eye afterwards, let alone talk to him. Not without her mind conjuring up memories. The warmth of him beneath her, the beat of his pulse just under her lips - even his scent, like a fresh summer storm, overwhelming her - She'd put the temperature of her pool as cold as it would go, and it hadn’t helped at all. A bolder girl would have simply moved her mouth two inches up and given Kila a proper kiss. But Kassandra was a coward. She knew the rest of the team had caught on to her feelings by now, so it was impossible that KJ was ignorant. The only explanation she could fathom for his silence was that he was too kind to hurt her feelings with a direct rejection. She had made things uncomfortable between them. But instead of lashing out, he was going to let her down gently. No one else went to the beach this early, so they wouldn't be overheard. Even now, he chose kindness first. She couldn't insult him by not showing up. Kassandra exhaled a sigh and began to dress. What did you wear to get your heart broken? [hr] Kilamanjaro watched the waves of the sea ebb and flow, rise and fall. Through its motion, one could see their power; overpoweringly tangible but something you could never hold in your hand. Emotions were like that, Kila had come to learn over the years. Much of his training was designed to dull or manipulate them to his will. For the most part, for most of them, he could. But there were these…waves that cycled within him, that drew strength over time. Kila had done what he humanly could to weather it. First he’d built a wall, but the waves knocked it down with a single blow. He’d built a barrier with supports, but with a smile the waves trampled his defenses. He attempted to dig a channel, but that only delayed momentarily before the waves washed it away. Ultimately, his last resort, as with any person, was to go to higher ground. Still, he knew that it was only a matter of time before they gained the power to reach him but by then, they would be too strong. The waves would overwhelm him and he’d drown. Humankind had only made one successful attempt to defend against the sea— One that wasn’t really a defense at all, but a mediator; a boat. Kila long ago decided that in order to avoid disaster, he was to build a boat to navigate the waves. It was a risk, as not all vessels built would survive the journey into the deep, so he had made his best attempt to build a strong one. With this latest occurrence, he’d seen signs of the sea receding, preparing to climb the high ground. Although his boat was prepared, the young lion stared out at the deep blue anxiously. He’d barely slept the night before. He’d done what he could to try to make the perfect ship. Though…would the method he chose be the right one in order to set sail? Would his ship sink? Would the waves crush the ship and him with it…? A piece of paper was held in his hands, the words he’d memorized many times. They had to be executed just right…Although fear welled up in him, it would not paralyze him. Kila stationed himself on a boulder a safe distance from where the literal oceanic waves decided to reach today. The sun was reclining on the mid-afternoon clouds. All that was left was to wait. He wouldn't have to wait much longer. Soon enough, Kassandra's familiar footsteps would sound behind him. [color=orange]"Hey."[/color] She tried to sound casual and calm, but her heart was beating so hard it hurt. She'd learned young how to anticipate pain and bear it. Knowing it was coming never once made it hurt less. Kila smiled, relieved to some extent to see her there. Yet in his eyes, it was still clear to see that he was somewhat nervous. [color=goldenrod]"Hey, Kass…Did you sleep well?"[/color] He asked, pulling open the clamps of his guitar case. Inside was a red ochre colored acoustic guitar with a glossy finish. It was one that he didn’t display on the wall of his room, as it was more expensive. He’d been saving it for an occasion like this. [color=orange]"Not particularly."[/color] She finally tore her gaze from the sand under her feet to look up at him. [color=orange]"I'm so so sorry, I know that's meaningless at this point, but…"[/color] Her train of thought jumped the tracks. [color=orange]"What… is with the guitar?"[/color] Pulling it out, he gently tapped his nails against each string to assure it was tuned. When asked about the instrument, Kila looked back up at her. [color=goldenrod]"Oh, this is what I needed your help with. Since performing with Zach in the music store that one day…I was curious about writing a song as I’ve never done it before. At least not one with words. So, I did…but I’m not sure about how good it is."[/color] Kassandra stared at him a moment before recovering. [color=orange]"Did you want me to listen?"[/color] She was still tense, her body prepared for pain. Kila shuffled in place, noticing her tension. [color=goldenrod]"I am…actually hoping you’d sing it for me. I remember your singing for the crowd at the circus. As well as here on the beach even…You’re good. You innately know how to carry your voice and how lyrics should properly flow to music. I trust that side of you to pick up any flaws with what I wrote…"[/color] Looking at the paper one more time, his lips pursed. He aimed it up for her to reach it. She plucked the paper from his fingertips, curious despite herself. [color=goldenrod]"I will play the tune in mind, and hum the singing melody initially, and…I’d guess that you can take it from there?"[/color] | Written Lyrics — [i]There was starlight in her eyes. My soul could feel their shine. Tell me, how would you describe Treasure you don’t search to find. A type of girl you can’t define by the way her clothes designed. Still, deep running wa-ters Is the story of her life. Alluring any ho-ur From morning through the night. I have this funny fe-eling, But it’s something that I like. Maybe it’s my heart. Maybe it’s my mind. No matter where we go, I’ll never waste your time. The things we do toge-ther These moments I’ll remember. I want to be with you, For always forever.[/i] | Kassy swayed almost imperceptibly to the beat as he intermittently percussed the strings. She'd heard Kila picking at melodies before, but this was much better than it had been before. And the lyrics… they were simple, but the emotions behind them made her heart ache. Whoever this girl was, she was utterly lucky. Without warning, she began to sing. There was a sort of pain in her voice that could only come from the heart. It wasn't her best performance by far. Her voice cracked on the last two lines. Suddenly she understood why he wanted her to look. [color=orange]"I'm sorry. I don't mean to- to ruin your poetry."[/color] Suddenly, the lines on the page began to blur. [color=orange]"It's okay, you know. I figured this would come sooner or later. Don't worry about me, I-"[/color] [color=goldenrod]"-I love the way you laugh."[/color] A voice picked up where her paper ended. [color=goldenrod]"I love the way you smile.~"[/color] He kept playing. His eyes were closed. His voice was initially shaky but gained strength the longer his fingers moved. [color=goldenrod]"The way you move your body No lie, it drives me wild.~"[/color] He broke it down. [color=goldenrod]"I know your past can bring you down That some things just ain’t right.~ But when you’re stuck inside the darkness Would you let me be your light? Maybe it’s your heart. Maybe it’s your mind. No matter where we go, You’re never wasting time. The things we do toge-ther Are moments I’ll remember. I want to be with you, girl For always forever. Maybe it’s your heart. Maybe it’s my mind. No matter where we go, It’s never wasted time. The things we do toge-ther This love that I’ll remember. I want to be with you, For always forever."[/color] He finally stopped playing, but dared not look up yet. [color=goldenrod]"If you’re mine then I’ll be yours…For always…"[/color] He looked past his curls, searching her expression. [color=goldenrod]"Forever…"[/color] Kassy stood motionless before him. Twin trails of wet marked the path of her tears. His voice was rich and sweet, and she could have gladly listened until the tides turned twice. [color=orange]"...It's beautiful. She will love it."[/color] She dabbed her eyes on the edge of her sleeve. [color=orange]"...she's lucky, to win your heart."[/color] Kila paused, placing the instrument back into its open case, and he stood up himself. A small hopeful smile graced his expression. One of his hands took hold of hers and he brought it close to his chest. His pupils shook as he looked between her two sunburst dipped. [color=goldenrod]"…But…what if…"[/color] For once, his expression bore it all — The waves of unaddressed emotion that had built from the moment he’d laid eyes on the sea daughter. Although they hadn’t known each other longer than several months, it felt as though it had been years. Through their best and worst, they stuck together. Even when at odds with their other friends, they were the first to the other’s side. He couldn’t imagine where he would be now without her support. Probably hitting something, as a young warrior would…But now the young warrior’s defenses laid bare — he was vulnerable. [color=goldenrod]"‘She’ was [b]you[/b]?"[/color] Kila was met with silence in return, but the struggle on Kassandra's face was all too clear. She wasn't looking at him, but through him, her orange eyes had gone glassy. He would be able to feel her pulse racing out of control. [color=orange]"...Kila, what…"[/color] She shook her head slightly, as if jarring herself back to the present time. [color=orange]"What are you saying? If this is some kind of… joke…"[/color] Her voice cracked, as she knew that was no explanation. Sure, he joked and teased, but the second it went too far, he stopped. Yet her mind would easily accept that explanation, instead of a truth that she couldn't quite accept as real. [color=orange]"I always thought you loved Daphne. Everyone loves Daphne! She's pretty, and kind, and gentle. I thought that's why you called me out. To tell me to back off-"[/color] She shook her head, curls bouncing. [color=orange]"There is nothing about [i]me[/i] that is worth loving."[/color] It was subtle, the way she spoke as if quoting someone else. As her head spun, Kila’s hold on her hand became more firm, going so far as taking her other one too. [color=goldenrod]"I found enough to write about the girl in this song; you. Don’t misunderstand, I do love Daphne, she is family. I learned that when she was lost to her power. But I also realized during that time, that I couldn’t be without you. That sort of love is different…and I suspect you feel it too."[/color] [color=orange]"You [i]suspect[/i]?"[/color] A soft, incredulous laugh. [color=orange]"Kila, you're the cutest one on the team. And I've liked you since you let me do your hair for the circus. I thought it was obvious."[/color] [color=goldenrod]"The first thing is subjective…The second…well…I didn’t think it too charming to ‘tell you’ what you feel…"[/color] His head tipped some from side to side as he spoke, eyes falling down to their joined hands. [color=goldenrod]"I…suspect,"[/color] Kila played with the word. [color=goldenrod]"that with us admitting all of this…that things are going to be different now…?"[/color] She, too, stared at their hands. And hers began to tremble. [color=orange]"I still don't get it. What you could possibly see in me."[/color] Her voice was quiet and cowed. [color=orange]"...are you sure I'm not deceiving you too?"[/color] He took advantage of her distracted state, closing the distance between their faces. For but a moment, the world around them disappeared into darkness, lost in their combined mess of black and white curls. His firm but gentle lips pressed against her soft and nubile. The kiss sent shivers through him and his heart raced at double time, but he pulled away to take a breath. [color=goldenrod]"I think…the only one you are deceiving…is yourself."[/color] Kassy stood still, eyes still closed. Savoring the warmth still lingering on her lips. His warmth. His love. Oh… This feeling, this indescribable light. Like a clean bath after a long swim. She would give everything, do anything to protect this feeling… She opened her eyes slowly, a dying voice within her screaming that this was just a dream. But Kila's soft voice drowned out the last of it. [color=orange]"It's true, then. You love… me."[/color] Kila smiled warmly, chuckling even. [color=goldenrod]"There might be hope for you yet."[/color] He teased while his heart throbbed in his chest. [color=goldenrod]"Yes. You have given me the courage to admit that."[/color] [color=orange]"I have? How did I manage that? I barely have enough for myself."[/color] But she smiled up at him, with eyes as bright as the sun itself. Her body was close enough that she could lean on him, if she wanted to. [color=goldenrod]"Through your actions, instead of your words."[/color] [color=orange]"My actions, huh?"[/color] She didn't quite understand his meaning. But questions could wait. She cupped his warm face in her soft, cool hands. [color=orange]"I will act just like I want, then."[/color] She raised up on her toes and kissed him. Shy and sweet, the second kiss of countless others yet to come. There was nothing more she could say, so her body would have to speak for her— and Kila mirrored her sentiment. Kila had finally reached his goal; his first love. The boat had been built and when introduced to the sea, it had managed to float and thrive. Although it was only one milestone on his journey of life, and the young sailor didn’t know what would come next, he looked forward unafraid. He was no longer alone. They would face whatever challenges that lay ahead, the same way they always had: Together.