Birdcage Chapter 2
Everyone was silently eating their breakfast. Only the sound of the spoon and forks clanking against the bowls created sounds in the room. The servants patiently stood and waited for any orders to be given.
“You have recovered a lot quicker than I thought you would, Rena.” Her father started the conversation. And Jurina gave an agreeing nod.
“I was shock to see you in the next three days as if you never had a fever, you sure your fever wasn’t a lie?” Jurina, who sat across from Rena, smirked and crosses her arms as she gave Rena a suspicious glare.
“What? Of course it wasn’t!” Rena furrowed her brows and glared back, “Falsity of my sickness? I wouldn’t do such a cruel joke unlike someone.”
Jurina scoffed as they went into a glare showdown for a few minutes, until their Mother broke them off. “Enough! As long Rena is back in full health that what matters.” Their mother picked up the napkin and whipped her mouth before adding something, “Also, we’ll be having guest from another family here tonight, so I expect you two be on your best behavior.” Rena and Jurina nodded. They shot an annoyed glance at each other before they dismissed themselves back to their room.
“When did Jurina gain such an attitude?” Rena muttered to herself, walking down the hallways to her room. “I wonder if she got it from mother.” She gave a heavy sigh as she stood in front of the door to her room.
She pushed the room to her door open, and stuck her head inside. “Yuki, are you there?” There was no answered, walking in she shut the door behind her. “Yuki?” She called again. Her eyes moved to the balcony door, the curtains were flowing from the slight breeze, indicating the door was still open, but, there was no one but a pile of black feathers on the balcony. Rena walked over to the balcony and saw the big pile of large feathers scattered everyone. Something snapped into her mind, something terrible as she hope nothing had happen to Yuki.
“Yu --” Something or someone suddenly grabbed Rena by the arm from behind, pulling her towards the person as she tumbled into the person. An arm wrapped around her and held her tight against the other body. She struggled in the person arms with all her energy, she was about to scream until cold hands covered her mouth, stopping her from doing so and only muffle scream came out. She tried to shaking the hand off by thrashing her head back and forth, but fails, as her head was forcefully pushed back against something, what seems to be the other person’s head. She tried to get a glimpse at the person, but before she could all of a sudden her sights become dark. Her eyes were still open but everything was pitch black as if there was something around her, covering her sight.
Oh my god! What’s happening! She started panic. Her heart racing, tears quickly began to build up as she continues struggling in the arms, digging her short nails deep into the other person’s arm, hoping the arms would loosen and she could take the chance to escape, but it didn’t. The arm on her remained strong, even if a pain of hiss escapes the other person mouth. I can’t believe this happening, someone help me!
“Rena, calm down.” A familiar voice hissed softly as Rena finally stopped struggling.
Yuki!? Rena eyes enlarge, tears rolling down her cheeks, from the familiar voice.
“Do you promise not to scream?” The voice kindly asked in concern. Rena gave a small nod; immediately she felt cold hands removed from her mouth, but the arms around her were still strong.
Even with her mouth was now free, she bit down on her tongue preventing herself from the urge to scream, she was still terrified, her heart was still racing in her chest, and her body trembled in the arms that held her. Her mind was in complete shambles, unsure about the voice she heard really belong to Yuki. She couldn’t believe the voice belongs to Yuki, after all Yuki is a bird, a human cursed into a bird. So there was no way Yuki was human… Right? Rena questioned herself.
“Y-yuki… I-Is that you?” Rena managed to muster up the courage to speak, she turned her head to see the face that held her, but everything was still pitch black.
“Yes.” Yuki simply answered as Rena felt a warm breath brushing against her cheeks.
“C-can I see you?”
“…” There was silence.
“Y-yuki?” Rena quietly called.
“If I remove them, would still look at me the same?” Yuki asked worryingly.
Immediately annoyance shot through Rena. She didn’t know why, but the fact that Yuki thinks Rena would look at her differently irked her. They are close friends, and nothing was going to change that. “Of course I would look at you the same! No matter what, you’ll be the Yuki I know!” She stated with pure and honest feelings. “…So, please?”
Rena felt the arm around her hesitating, but soon arm around her was disappeared and light suddenly invaded her vision, making her temporality blind. She blinked several times, allowing her eyes adjusted to the light. As black blob passed her sights, and when her eyes finally adjusted that black blob were large black wings. Then she looked at who was holding her as she quickly jumped back, away from the person, in shock.
Her mouth opened in a small ‘o’, her eyes widen in bewilderment, as she stared at a fully expose woman that stood about Rena’s height, fine pale skin, long black silk hair, her resembling almost like a doll, or maybe Rena was just exaggerating, but her features was dazzling. “Y-yuki…?” Rena’s whispered, her voice almost escaping.
The woman gazed away, avoiding eyes contact.
“Yuki… Is that…” The words choked out of Rena’s mouth. “…R-really you?” There was a small nod from the woman, her eyes still avoiding contact.
“Do I really look that strange?” Yuki asked under her breath. She silently watched somewhere else, but at the corner of her eyes she can see Rena questionable expression. She felt her body stiffen, she held her breathe, and her heart no longer in a steady rhythm of beats. She then couldn’t help keep her eyes away anymore; the silence between the two troubled her own thoughts. Brining her eyes back meeting to Rena’s face, her eyes quickly widen at Rena’s expression.
Rena’s cheek no longer had any blood running, looking pale as Yuki’s; her eyes were soulless, an empty shell staring at Yuki with her jawed dropped in a ‘o’. Rena was bewilder, she was so overwhelmed by the person in front of her that she couldn’t find her voice to speak.
Recollecting herself, Yuki gave a small shrug of disappointment, “You do -”
“No!” Rena shouted, cutting Yuki off as she blinked in surprise from the shout. “That’s not it… It just that…” Rena looked away as her cheeks became warm. “It you look… Beautiful than I image you would be… and… the fact you’re not wearing clothes just...” Her face became darker.
Yuki blinked, looked down at herself then up at Rena. “I was looking for some clothes, before you came in.”
“O-oh… I see.” Rena kept her eyes away from Yuki’s fully exposed body.
Yuki tilted her head a bit, finally noticed Rena’s red eyes and small tears at the corner of her eyes, while there was still a streak of tear, noticeable on her redden cheeks. “Were you crying? Did I scare you?” Yuki asked in a worried and apologetic tone.
“Huh?” Rena turned to face Yuki, as Yuki was suddenly close to her face. Rena’s eyes widen when her eyes made contact with those raven’s eyes, as Yuki’s cold hand cupped Rena’s right cheek. “W-wha…” Rena couldn’t move, she was petrified under Yuki’s eyes. Her head spun from Yuki’s sudden closeness. Never had she encounter someone so close to her so suddenly, especially when she is naked. “Y-yuki…”
“I did make you cry, I’m sorry.” Yuki apologized in a whisper, giving a small frown as she felt guilty making Rena scared. “I didn’t mean to scare you…” slide her hands up Rena cheeks, as her thumb brushes off the remaining tears from Rena’s eye.
“I-it’s fine. C-can y-you at least put some clothes on!” Rena finally broke the eye contact, and pulled away, her face completely red, and her head was still spinning.
Yuki gave a small chuckle, “Sure. Although, judging from your clothes size. I don’t think they’ll fit on me.”
“W-wha!?” Rena huffed, her face continuing to grow red, “O-okay.” Rena then walked to her wardrobe, “Come here for a moment.” She gesture Yuki over. Yuki walked over to her as she was ordered. She silently watched Rena moving the clothes around, curios what she was finding, until she pulled a white long robe. “W-w-w-wear this for now. I need to get your measurement...” She handed the robe to Yuki, without turning her head around. “I-is it possible to do something about the wings?”
Yuki took the robe from Rena’s hand as she stayed silent for a moment, “I believe I can.” She flexed her wings out as they soon disappeared like ashes. “Is that better?” Rena took a quick glance and nodded, as Yuki then pulled the robe over, as she was now completely covers. “Done.”
Rena gave a small nod; she then pulled out the measuring tape from mini drawer from the wardrobe, as she finally turned to face Yuki. “If you don’t mind…” Yuki gave a small nod and extended her arms out, as Rena started to get Yuki’s measurements. She memorized them all in her head, and gave a firm nod that she memorized them completely. “Alright, I’ll be right back. I see if the maid can get the right clothes for you… Etto.. Don’t open the door if someone knocks. I’m locking it, alright?” She looks at Yuki, who simply gave a nod. Then Rena walked pass by her and left the room, and locked the door as she said.
--
Rena found a maid walking around, as she stopped her. The maid tilted her head to the side wondering what Rena needed. When Rena told the maid about the clothing and their measurements, the maid suddenly became surprised and blushed, getting the wrong impression. Rena flails her arms around, telling her that she got the wrong idea, and told her it was a friend. The maid gave relief sigh, and agreed to bring it over when she gets them. Rena thanked the maid, as she then head towards the kitchen.
When she entered the kitchen, it was empty, not another single soul dwelled in the kitchen. She walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a cup, and filled it with water. She gulped the water down before giving a relief sigh, feeling relax. How is Yuki able to turn into a human? She asked herself as she stared into the cup, seeing her own reflection. Shrugging her shoulders she finishes the rest of her water, grabs a new cup of water for Yuki, and made her way back to her room.
Unlocking the door to her room, she pushed the door open and slipped in as she then closed the door behind her, locking it once more. She saw Yuki sitting on her bed, her back leaning against the pillow and headboard, as she was fiddling with a black feather between her slender fingers. “Hey, Yuki.” Rena greeted as Yuki turned her head to face Rena, and gave a soft smile. Uwaa…Her smile is even more beautiful. Rena started to call when she saw Yuki, nude, appreciating Yuki’s figure, her skin, her breast. Nothing compare too -- … … … W-wait! Why am I even thinking of this? Embarrassed by her own thoughts, her cheek became pink, as she roughly shook the thought off, before she walked over to the bed and handed Yuki the cup of water. “I got you some water. I was thinking you might be thirsty.”
Yuki set the black feather on the bed, and took the cup, “Thanks.” She said softly.
Rena gave a small nod and sat the edge of the bed, next to Yuki. She heard Yuki taking small sips of the water, Rena stated silence enjoying the silences as she stared down seeing the black feathers still scattered on the floor. Then it clicked to her. She remembers last night about her fever. “Yuki?” Yuki stopped sipping her water and stared at Rena, who fidgeted in her seat. “Last night… Was that you?” Yuki gave a small nod. “Thank you…”
Yuki raised a brow, wondering why she was thanking her. “For what?”
“For being there for me…” Rena whispered.
“That what a friend does, right?” Rena gave a small nod, agreeing to Yuki. “But… A friend shouldn’t leave feathers all over her friend’s bed.” Yuki murmured.
Rena gave a small giggle as a hint of blush appeared on Yuki’s pale cheeks. “Oh that reminds me. How are you able to turn into a human? I thought you were cursed…” She titled her head at, curious to know.
An exhale escapes Yuki’s lips, “Actually, I’ve been able to. The witch never ripped out my soul from my body, it’s more like she infused a raven’s spirit inside of my body.” Rena gave an understanding nod, “So I’m able to change back and forth when I want to.”
“Then, why did you choose to become human until yesterday?”
“I just never thought of being a human again, actually. It’s much easier to hide with the other flocks of raven. And… I thought you’ll find me different if I did.” Yuki glanced away, looking hurt from the thought.
“Of course not!” Rena exclaimed, brining Yuki’s attention back to Rena as she blinked. Rena furrowed her brow, angry at Yuki to even think of that. “I told you already, you’re still Yuki, no matter what form you’re in! And we’re friends, so you need to have a little faith in me!”
Yuki stared at Rena, her spirit bewilder her had she never encounter someone such as her. Closing her eyes she gave a smile, “Thank you.”
“I can’t believe you actually think that way!” Then there was a knock. The two turned their head to the door, another knock. “Coming!” Rena shouted, getting up from the bed she walked over to the door. Unlock it and slightly cracked it open as it was the maid that knocked with clothes neatly folded in her hands.
“I have brought what you requested, Rena-sama.” The maid answered, and held the item up to Rena.
“Thank you.” Rena took the clothes from the maid’s hand. The maid dismissed herself as Rena close the door, and locked it once more. She then turned to face Yuki, “Looks like your clothes arrive.”
“That’s pretty quick.” Yuki watched as Rena walked back over with the clothes in her hand. “I’m surprise the family has the correct size for the undergarment.” Yuki took the clothes from Rena, and humbly bowed her head in gratitude.
“Well, we have… spare clothes for visitors and such.” Rena diverted her eyes away, and scratches her cheek with a small smile. “I also asked for a night gown.”
“Is that so? I appreciate it.” Yuki stared down at the clothes, “Now, if you please?” Rena tilted her head slightly, wondering what Yuki meant, until it clicked as her cheeks became red.
“R-right! I’ll be at the balcony.” Rena then fled out to the balcony.
--
Rena felt the cold wind brushing against her face as her hair flew in the wind. She fiddles with the black feathers that once used to be a pile, but now scattered all over the marble floor. The soft barb felt like silk as the downy barbs and the afterfeather felt like cobwebs between her fingers. The rachis was flexible enough that it wouldn’t be painful to lie on, but the calamus was very sturdy as it would likely be painful if someone was to be jabbed by it. Giving the thought of piling them as pillow, Rena kneeled down and started to collect the scattered feathers.
“What are you doing?” The sudden voice made Rena jumped, and shot her head up at voice, as her face flushed red of embarrassment. The voice belong no other than Yuki, who was now changed into a black summer dress that reached up to her knees, as they slightly clung Yuki’s body showing the form of her body, while her pale skin, and long black hair, contrast with the black dress making it look very fitting. Rena couldn’t help but sudden become mesmerize by Yuki’s image. “What are you doing?” Yuki asked again, giving a quizzical expression with a brow raise.
Snapping Rena back to reality, she blinked several time with a dumfounded expression. “N-n-nothing...” Rena stuttered, she quickly got up to her feet and brushed the dust off her dress. And try to act like she wasn’t doing anything of interest.
Seeing Rena’s action made even Yuki more curious. She knew what Rena was doing, but she wanted the girl say it to her straight out. Yuki decided she push her a little more, giving a small smirk, she folded her arms beneath her breast and leaned slightly forward. “Were you really doing nothing?” She crooned.
Rena forcefully glanced away, avoiding Yuki’s gaze, “Y-yes…” She squeaked, her face turning redder.
Yuki walked a little closer to Rena, as Rena body became stiff, but she didn’t move away. Yuki extended her arms out at her, taking several strands of Rena’s hair between her fingers, she admire Rena’s soft delicate hair as they slide off her fingers. “Are you sure about that?” Her eyes looking at Rena’s red face.
“Alright alright!” Rena slightly huffed, Yuki gave another smirk as she patiently waits for the answer, “I… I was thinking about piling the feathers together… and… Using them as pillows.” She hung her head down, feeling ashamed for thinking of such thought.
Yuki couldn’t help but chuckle. Rena looked at her annoyed, and puffed her cheeks. “Really, you could just admit it.” She taps Rena’s cheek with her index finger.
“Moou! It’s embarrassing! When did you become so different?”
“Different? Hmm...When I’m able to walk as a human once more.”
“I can’t believe you! You were a lot nicer as a raven! Turn back into a raven!”
“When you say that, it makes me want to stay as a human more.” Yuki said, walking back into the room. Rena huffed again and followed Yuki back into the room.
Rena plop onto the bed, her face in the pillow, hiding her red face. Yuki sat at the edge and patted her head. “C’mon stop being so pouty. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” She said with an amuse smirk.
“I’m not being pouty!” She lifted her head up and stuck a tongue at her childishly before burying her face back into the pillow. Yuki couldn’t help, but laugh and continue to pet Rena’s head. The silence was soothing for both of them; they absorbed the sounds of the day sky outside as it was calming and relaxing, until Rena broke the silence with a question, “Say… Why were you so big earlier?” She turned her head to the side to see Yuki, fiddling with strands of Rena’s hair.
Yuki pause her action as everything became silent once more. Yuki silently thought to herself, finding the correct words to phrase her answer, before she answered Rena’s question, “It the amount of energy I use to change from bird to human.” Yuki’s back straightened and placed her hands on her laps, looking out of the balcony door, now watching snow scenery outside while the sky was a clear blue with white specks, which were the clouds, floating in the sky. “And most of my energy was used to cure your fever.” She mumbled, almost hesitantly. “Magic isn’t something easy to use without it consuming a large amount of energy, even if it something small.”
“Wait… You cured my fever with magic…?” Rena’s eyes widen in surprised, disbelieving she heard. She quickly went into a sitting position with her legs crossed, eager to know more, her eyes gleaming with surprise and curiosity.
Yuki gave a small nod, she was about to answer Rena, but a sudden knock was heard from the door. Yuki and Rena head turned to the door as voice spoke from the other side. “Rena-sama, the guests has arrived.” The maid requested for Rena’s presence.
“Eeeh!?” Rena eyes widen in even more shock, “It hasn’t reach dawn yet. Does mother want me now?” Rena raised her voice so she could be heard. Yuki simply listened and blinked, getting the small idea of their conversation.
“Jou-sama, requested for your presence.”
Rena silently thought to herself, wondering if she should reject. Hesitating, she then felt a nudge on her arm, looking up at the person, she saw Yuki giving a soft smile. “Go. You don’t want your mother getting mad, right?” There was a hint of disturbance in Yuki’s voice as if she didn’t want Rena to leave, the words forced out of her mouth.
Rena gave a small pout, not wanting to leave Yuki and stay to talk to her mother. Then she heard the maid patients quickly growing thin, calling for Rena once more. Rena hesitated, glancing at the door then back the Yuki, she didn’t know who to choose. She wanted to spend more time being with Yuki, but she didn’t want to anger her mom. She lightly bit her lower lips as her eyes glints of hesitation between her choices.
Yuki, noticing Rena’s hesitation, leaned forward and cupped Rena’s cheek, feeling her warm cheeks in her palm, forcing Rena to make eye contact with her. Yuki took notice of Rena’s cheeks becoming pink as she found her reaction amusing, but she quickly brushed it off to get her point across. “I’ll still be here when you come back. Don’t worry. I don’t intend to fly anywhere today.” A reassuring smile curved on Yuki’s lips, they weren’t the previous soft smile where they appear to lonely. This time they were sweet and confident, which eased Rena a bit, quickly feeling a little more confident in her choices. Rena gave a small nod, returning the smile, before she jumped out of bed and quickly slipped out the door so the maid wouldn’t catch a glimpse of Yuki.
A click sound was heard at the door, indicating Rena has locked the door.
Yuki silently heard a pair of foot step slowly fading away. When there was complete silence Yuki gave a small sigh. Leaning against the headboard, she stared up at the ceiling examining every details of the ceiling while thoughts processed through her mind. A small frown curved down on her lips as the thoughts ran, feeling glummer every time the same thoughts repeated in her mind.
The thoughts of Rena being ill since she was young and was never allowed outside of the house. Or far away from the perimeter of the mansion, she was just like a bird trapped in a caged, even if she had wings to fly there was still something that chained her down.
“Just like a birdcage…”
She brought her head down to look down at the palm of her hand she used to hold Rena’s cheek. She felt as if the warmth of Rena’s cheeks was still there. The warmth lingering on her cold pale finger tips. The warmth of blood running through Rena’s cheeks, indicating she was still alive. And yet, cold shakes chaining her down.
Chaining Rena down from the outer world, it may be small world, but there was so much one can see before death. And Yuki wanted Rena to see the small world they both lived in. Just once, just this once, Yuki wanted Rena to see a small glimpse of the world that she lived in.
Even though, her unknown illness was her shackles. The effect of the illness was her bruises. The mansion was her cage. Yuki was visitor who was once in the same situation as Rena, trapped in the witch’s lair, but is now free as she is merely watching the chained princess slowly dying. However, Yuki is able to do something. She was the key to cage; although, she was not the key to Rena’s shackles. Yuki was not able to remove Rena’s shackles that held her; the shackles were different from the cage. She couldn’t unlock the shackles. She was only able to extend the chains that bounded around Rena, and cure the bruises that the shackles gave her when she struggled against them. Such cruel reality Rena has to suffer through, and yet, she still carries a cheerful smile and bright as if everything was fine when it was not.
Yuki hated that, her heart feelings sour when Rena puts up a cheerful smile when an accident happen to her and then telling her everything was fine. The raven wanted Rena to allowed her to worry about her, she felt utterly powerless, she felt guilty for being powerless when she couldn’t do anything when she was a raven, she merely watch Rena struggle against her illness and not be able to speak her out worries for Rena.
Now, that Yuki was able to walk once more, she’ll give Rena her short sweet taste of freedom outside of her cage. She will sneak her out of this mansion, no matter what. She wanted Rena to experience seeing the world like Yuki from high above, in the sky. It was a risky chance, but, Yuki would take these chances as long Rena is able to witness the outer cage she’s was held captive in. She didn’t want to allow Rena to die without observing how it was like out of the cage, out of the mansion. It was just too cruel for one not being able to witness a small glimpse of the world which she lives in.
Yuki recalled the past, how Rena would always speak about wanted to leave the mansion with Yuki, when she was still a raven. And how she wanted to walk around, watching the people interact with one another, whether it was a pleasing sight and a horrifying sight, she wanted to see it all, but more pleasing than horrid. She wanted to see the brighter side of the world even if it was a short glimpse. Rena knew there wasn’t always a bright side, but, there was some. And she still wished to see it.
A childish and silly idea it maybe, but Yuki understood what Rena wanted and try to convey.
Yuki will make that wish come true. Even if she didn’t say those words, making Rena’s wish come true, in front of Rena. She will make it come true. Yuki will not make a promise to Rena because promises always end up being broken one way or another, so what Yuki had witness and experience in her past. So without promises, she will still make come true just for Rena. At any means possible.
“I’ll make it come true.” Yuki softly said before closing her eyes, relaxing her mind and body.
She didn’t understand why, was it the fact she felt pity for Rena? Was it because they were friends? Or was it because she carried mutual feelings for Rena? Yuki didn’t know her answer, but, one thing for sure she felt her heart beating at the thought of Rena being close to her, whether physically or mentally. Her heart would stir every time. How this feeling irked her. She never felt like this before. No, she had felt this way before. Only once, thousands of years ago before the witch held her captive. Now, this feeling has come again once more, however, it was different. Far different than thousands of years ago, this feeling she felt now was confusing. There was no straight path for this feeling.
Another thought ran through her mind, she wonders what her true feelings for Rena were. It only had been several years since she been with Rena, There couldn’t possibly be anything for me to have such feelings for her.
.. I wonder, why then… She hummed the thought silently before slowly dazing off, falling asleep within the soothing silence of Rena’s room.
To Be Continued in Chapter 3
Thanks for reading, bros! >3 Even if this is seriously a horrendous fics. </3 And hopefully you guys can wait for the third story I'm planning. ~ ;3
Hur hur. ~ See you guys around, kay? While I work on adding more comments to a few authors out there. And catching up with updates too. Haaa. ;;
Topic: Mint's Novellas: Forgotten Memories - Chap. 9 Preview (04/07/2012) (Read 34764 times)