Wavering Destiny

Chapter 15: Fall For You

"I'm sooo hungry," Usagi groaned. She felt pins and needles shooting through her legs from sitting on the ground for so long. She stood up, trying to shake off the prickly feeling.

"Don't worry Usagi, I bet they're looking for us right now," Minako assured her. But even she was starting to get impatient.

Usagi stretched. "Are you sure? How long have we been locked in here, anyway?"

"Beats me. I'd say at least two hours." Minako stood and brushed the bottom of her skirt. "Let's try yelling again."

Over and over, they began pounding their fists against the solid, thick wood.

"Is anybody out there!?" Usagi called. Her voice reverberated inside the closet.

"We're locked in here!" Minako shouted.

Usagi heaved a sigh after a minute. "It's useless. No one can hear us!"

"Are you sure there isn't another way out of here?" Minako stepped over the box of decorations, looking for a secret door of some sort. The only thing in the tiny closet were the shelves that ran along the back wall.

"I'm starting to get claustrophobic," Usagi said, hugging herself. "We're going to be in here all day, aren't we?"

Minako was afraid she was right. Nobody knew where they were except Princess Kakyuu. How long would it be until somebody told her they were missing?

Someone would come looking for them...Eventually.

***

"Yaten, just get that verse down, and it'll be perfect," Seiya said, shutting the music room door behind them. The songs they chose to perform were ones they wrote together a while ago.

"Yeah, yeah." Yaten waved Seiya's comment away like it was a pesky fly. Rehearsal was done, and they were making their way towards the outside entrance to check on the progress.

Taiki glanced toward the windows. "We should find the others before lunch. There's still plenty to finish before the party."

Seiya and Yaten nodded in unison. The trio approached the back doors and stepped outside onto the palace grounds.

The palace's enormous yard tretched out before them. Green trees and tall, manicured bushes lined the perimeter like a fence. Beyond that, the ground sloped off into the rocky shore that led to the ocean. Birds chirped and the sun beat down on them from high in the sky. There wasn't a cloud in sight after last night's vicious storm.

Workers scurried by, carrying various decor. Small speakers were being set up near the trees to play music outdoors during the party. Tables were being positioned by the center wishing fountain. A good portion of the town was invited and the Tankei palace was going to be packed.

"There they are." Taiki pointed at the large gazebo. Ami, Rei, and Makoto were helping the staff tie flowers to the entrance.

Seiya waved, catching their attention. "It's looking good so far."

"You think so?" Rei stepped back to admire their work. Ami tied one last flower in place while Makoto swooped in to adjust it.

"I like what you did with the arches," Taiki told Ami.

Ami ducked her head. "Well, it was Mako's idea, but..."

Makoto's head turned. "Don't give me all the credit."

Taiki's eyes twinkled. "She's right."

"Where's Minako?" Yaten muttered, peering around. There was something she wanted to talk to her about. The place was moving with workers, but that red bow was nowhere in sight. "And Usagi," she added quickly to avoid suspicion.