Wavering Destiny

Chapter 21: The Photograph

"Mizuno Ami" means "Friend of Water"

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The preparations were coming along smoothly, right on schedule. Strings of lights and flowers hung everywhere, giving the palace a jubilant atmosphere. Kakyuu kept insisting their help wasn't necessary, and they may do as they wish for the next few days before the party.

"I want you all to enjoy your time on Kinmoku," she had said kindly, "you are our guests."

Yaten and Taiki decided to postpone their group rehearsals until Seiya recovered, leaving the two of them free time as well. Yaten dragged Minako back into the music room to practice her opening song.

Taiki spotted familiar blue hair in the hall ahead. "Ami," she called.

Ami turned around, a look of surprise crossing her face. She paused until the Starlight met her. "You called me by my name."

Taiki blinked. "Oh. Do you wish to be called 'Mizuno'?" she asked. She'd called her 'Mizuno' back on Earth.

Ami quickly shook her head. "No, no. 'Ami' is fine. More than fine." She brushed her bangs out of her matching eyes.

Taiki smiled. "Okay then, Ami. I was just wondering if you had a moment. I want to show you something, if you'd like."

"Sure."

The duo walked in a comfortable silence. Neither one of them mentioned where they were going, but their feet seemed to take them instinctively towards the library. They had to step around staff, who nodded as they passed.

The palace's library was the biggest library Ami had ever been to. Tokyo's many libraries didn't begin to compare to the Kinmokian palace's.

Stepping through the doors, the faint scent of old books drifted through the cool air. Rows of towering bookcases filled the room. The ceiling stretched up towards the heavens, the walls filled with books of all sizes, colors, and ages. The library was dimly lit, giving everything a soft yellow glow. Despite how busy the rest of the palace was, few people were occupying the library. It was quiet except for the sounds of pages turning and minds engrossing themselves into different worlds. An occasional scraping of a chair or the tall moving ladders at the walls dared to disturb the peace. Just standing in a place full of knowledge and wonder set the two of them at ease.

Taiki took Ami to the back of the library, weaving around tables and shelves to a secluded area near a crackling fireplace. The white curtains danced under an open window.

Taiki stopped before a wooden bookcase in the back corner. Stepping into an aisle, she traced her finger along the spines. Taiki pulled the book out with a small smile.

Ami tilted her head, eyeing the worn, violet cover. No title or author. It looked more like a journal than a novel.

"This is where I keep my poetry," Taiki explained. "This whole section is private. Only Seiya, Yaten, and I may come back here. Although, it's usually just me."

"Is that so? But you took me here. You're going to get in trouble," Ami teased.

Taiki smiled. "I suppose you're right," she agreed, narrowing her violet eyes in a playful manner. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her glasses. Slipping them to her nose, she flipped through the crisp pages.

"It's really nice here," Ami commented, looking around. The bookcases were packed with books so tightly, it was impossible to see through the cracks above each shelf into the next aisle.