Zene Oneshots

The Harp

The sky was the same powdery blue shade as white clouds were scattered about. In the town of Phoenix Drop, many things had changed.

For starters, a new species started inhabiting the village, known as Shadow Knights. Shad the Destroyer had been defeated once more, freeing all the mindless zombified Shadow Knights from the hex. Turns out Shadow Knights were always just as good with combat, but they weren't as bloodthirsty and cruel. As expected, most of the people of the Overworld were fearful towards the idea and concerned for their safety. Only a few Shadow Knights had come to live outside of the Nether Realm, but the majority of the species stayed inside the overheated dimension.

Among these Shadow Knights was Gene Charleston, the older brother of Phoenix Drop's head guard, Dante Charleston. Gene had always carried a love for his brother, but the influence of Shad the Destroyer kept him from showing it.

Another Shadow Knight was named Zane Ro'Meave.

Zane Ro'Meave was the younger brother of Garroth, a new Divine Warrior as well as a highly respected guard of the Dragon Ward and one of the protectors of Lady Irene herself. Zane was once the High Priest of he Faith of Lady Irene, and the practical leader of the Jury of Nine. He had started more than one war and killed over a thousand innocent people, and much worse. It was a wonder why he was allowed to live.

On the hilltop with the statue of Lady Irene, that very Zane Ro'Meave sat on his knees before it. In his arms he carried a harp, constructed of a sturdy and rare gold with the curves shaped like the heads of a Wyvern. Symbols of the Gods, Divine Warriors, and protection were carved into the musical instrument, along with exotic patterns and ancient ones. The strings were flexible and made of horsehair and silk, yet they would not snap so easily. The music that would be provided by such a symbolic and rare treasure was harmonic, soothing, and peaceful, to the point where it would be able to calm the rage of even Shad.

He took a deep breath, before started to sing a soft song, strumming his fingers along the flexible strings of the harp. Every day, whenever he was allowed off of the Phoenix Alliance Island, Zane would go to the statue of Lady Irene, and play three songs-- one for the morning, one for noon, and one for the nighttime.

"Zane?"

The raven haired male paused in the playing of his harp, to look over his shoulder at the person behind him.

The person wasn't a human, Meif'wa, or a Werewolf like a majority of the citizens of Phoenix Drop. It was a Shadow Knight, just like Zane was. He had black hair like he did, except it was a pitched jet shade. His eyes were a deep teal blue, and when you looked deep inside of them you would be in a hypnotic trance.

"Good morning, Gene." Zane greeted in a friendly way, hugging his harp close to his chest. "Did you sleep well?"

"Would you believe me if I told you I've slept better?" Gene asked in a joking manner, grinning smugly as he stepped up beside Zane.

"Considering the fact that we are both Shadow Knights and have been living in the overwhelming heat of the Nether for years.." He trailed off, turning his gaze to the crystal clear water that surrounded the statue.

"... It's best we don't talk about that..." The older sighed, looking to the harp in the other's hands. ".... Where did you get that?"

"Pardon?" The younger asked with a raised eyebrow, glancing up at the older.

"That harp." He clarified, kneeling down and extending one arm to brush his hard fingers against one of the golden curves.

Zane twisted himself, so that the harp was out of Gene's reach. The two locked eyes, staring at each other for a few silent moments. Gene's eyes were widened a bit out of shock, as his fingertips had just barely missed being cut by the sudden movement.

"...... Zane?" Gene whispered quietly, pulling his arm back.

"Sorry... this harp means a lot to me.." Zane apologized in a mumble, biting his lip gently.

"Is it the harp of Lady Irene?" He asked, noticing one of the symbols on the harp.

"Yeah..." He answered with a nod, looking up at the stone Angel wings on the statue.

"Why did Lady Irene give it to you of all people?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Not that there's anything wrong with you, but the past that you two have together.."

"I'll be honest... I'm not sure why." The raven haired male replied in a saddened voice. "She could have let me die. I was supposed to die. Right now... I should be dead... just like..."

"Don't say his name.." Gene cut him off, shuddering a bit with a bitter tone.

"Right...." Zane mumbled gently, before he felt the other wrap his arms around him. "Oh?"

"Zane... I'm just... really happy that you're still here..." He admitted, hugging the smaller male. "I may be the only one to tell you that..."

"Zane, it's time to go."

Both of the black haired Shadow Knights turned their heads, to see a black haired female standing there. Her eyes were a sweet caramel color, yet had a fierce hint to them.

"Yes, Lady Irene." Zane replied with a nod, standing up as Gene let go of him.

"Will I see you again?" Gene asked him, standing up as well.

"Of course you will." The raven haired male nodded with a soft smile, before frowning and standing on his toes. "Just a little higher..!!"

"You will never be taller than me, Zane." The silky black haired Shadow Knight chuckled, patting the other's head.

"The ship will be departing shortly." Aphmau, or Lady Irene, informed the two. "It would be best you waste no more time here, Zane."

"What, am I too low class for the High Priest?" Gene asked in a joking way, which made the Divine Goddess smile warmly.

"No, Gene." She giggled a bit, before she turned around. "I'll be waiting at the docks with the others."

"Yes, Lady Irene." Zane replied with a nod, before turning to face Gene.

Zane stood up on his toes just a bit, leaning in towards Gene. He grabbed onto the edge of his mask, pulling it down just enough. He closed his eye, and pressed his lips to what he thought was Gene's cheek.

Gene had turned his head at the wrong moment, and so their lips had connected.

Now, the smart thing to do would have been to tell Zane about the mixup. However, Gene had taken quite the liking to the raven haired male. He had been waiting for very long to have even the smallest bit of alone time with Zane, but he had never expected landing a kiss. He was about to kiss back, when the soft lips pulled away.

"I'm so sorry!" Zane apologized, before Gene kissed him again.

"Shut up and play your harp." Gene laughed, pulling away from the kiss.