The Ballet of the Swans

Act Eleven

A week later, things at school turned out normal for the five friends. Akiro had finally become able to go to school with them, and the Annual Academy's Art Festival was going to be held in a month, the teachers of course, were trying to decide what to do for that year's play.

Ahiru sat next to the window during her free period, her mind somewhere else, as she recalled the conversation she had the previous day with Akiro.

"I'm sorry, I ran away like that before" Ahiru had apologized.

"No, Ahiru," he had answered "you had the right to run away. I shouldn't have even told you in the first place." The sapphire eyed shook her head, and sat next to him by the window.

"No, I'm glad you told me" she said "Now I know the truth, and somehow, will find a way to stop it."

Akiro gazed quickly at her. 'You never let anything drag you down' he thought 'still, the guilt within my heart won't let go. Do I dare tell her how to change the course of her fate? Would it be too much for her fragile heart to bear?' He wondered.

"Ahiru!" The girl snapped out of her daze, to the call, and turned to see Rue standing in the doorway. "Class is going to start soon, let's go change!" Encouraged the ruby eyed. Ahiru nodded, and ran down the hall with her friend.

They came into the dressing rooms, and changed quickly before the other girls came in, Rue grabbed Ahiru's wrist when she finished, without noticing Ahiru had yet to tie her point shoes. "Hang on a sec, Rue-chan!" Exclaimed Ahiru, as she tied them, and followed after Rue.

The two laughed loudly as they ran down the dimly lit hallway towards the ballet room. When they rushed into the class, they quickly spotted the three boys who practiced near the windows, a certain redhead, was bending his legs at the bar.

"Akiro!" Called the girls at a time. The amethyst eyed turned around to face them.

"Hey Rue, Ahiru." Said Mytho, quickly kissing his girlfriend, while Ahiru nodded at Fakir, and went towards Akiro.

"Are you feeling better?" Asked the girl, a few drops of concern swimming in her voice.

He lifted his leg off the bar, and gave her a warm smile. "Yes, Ahiru. I'm feeling much better now, but I feel better knowing that you are here." Ahiru blushed slightly, but returned the smile, even if through Akiro's smile, the guilt he still felt could be easily read.

'She's too pure' he thought 'telling her, would make her shatter like glass' the redhead closed his eyes for a moment, and opened them once again, as Neko-sensei walked in with the rest of the students.

"Ah! Akiro-san!" Said the teacher as he spotted Akiro "you have returned, splendid. It's good to see that you are back to health."

"Thank you, Sensei" Answered the redhead as Neko-sensei's eyes sparkled

"Akiro-san, would you like to show the others your dance, it must come from within your heart, your deepest feelings." Said the cat, Ahiru stiffened at Akiro's side, he patted her head, to calm her down.

"Of course, Sensei!" He said "it has been a while since I moved my legs, after all." Neko-sensei smiled, and clapped his paws. "Everyone please, stop practicing, and turn your eyes to Akiro-san. The feelings expressed into the dance, as we have been seeing this past week, he will represent, so please, pay your full attention, otherwise..." He began to sweat "YOU WILL HAVE TO MARRY ME!"

Everyone sighed or sweat-dropped as the teacher began to lick his face to calm his own nerves.

Akiro walked gracefully to the middle of the room, he glanced at the penguin piano player, Pejo-sensei, who nodded and began to play, a slow, lonely song on the piano.