The Third Princess: Shadow Star

           

Chapter 4

Shadow Star

 

           Over the next few weeks the seasons changed. Snow fell and temperatures dropped. Ranata started spending more and more time with Bunny and the others. The Azuma’s were pleased. They knew Ranata worked two jobs to help support them and because of that she didn’t socialize much. The Three Lights even got over their suspicions and were really starting to like Ranata. Ranata was changing instead of the quiet girl who read more than Amy, she was always laughing and smiling. Darien noticed, the Azuma’s noticed and they were all happy. Ranata had developed this quality of being able to make even the gloomiest situation turn into a happy atmosphere.

            One night the Three Lights were waiting in line for their favorite club to open when a girl started cutting the entire line. The collar of her coat was up and she was wearing a hat but she looked about their age. Suddenly an arm shot and the girl. The force of the action knocked off the girl’s hat and bright red hair spilled out, it was Ranata.

            “Listen Kid,” said the man holding Ranata’s arm, “You gotta wait at the end of the line. Understand?”

            “OW!” cried Ranata, “You’re hurting me!”

            Seiya was just about to step in but the bouncer beat him to it.

            “Let her go, now!” the bouncer growled, “And don’t bother coming back ‘cause I’ll remember you!”

            The man took off.

            “Are you alright, Ranata?” the bouncer asked as he picked Ranata’s hat out of the slush.

            “Yeah, thanks Joe.”

            “Well you better get inside and get ready.” Joe handed Ranata her hat and then she disappeared into the club, leaving the Three Lights very confused.

             They finally made it in and hung around looking for Ranata, when the music stopped and the announcer’s voice broke through the dance floor chaos. “And now, the lady you all really came here for……. Shadow Star!”

            The last person that the Three Lights expected to see burst through the curtains. Ranata’s hair was out of its pigtails and swerling around her as she danced. She was wear black knee-high lace-up platform boots; a flouncy, lacey, black skirt that hit just above her knees; and a sparkly silver halter top. What was most amazing was what she was singing though.

“The secret side of me, I never let you see

I keep it caged but I can't control it

So stay away from me, the beast is ugly

I feel the rage and I just can't hold it”

Ranata’s high soprano sang out desperately. Where the normal audience heard the words and the feelings, the Three Lights saw the pictures and felt the feelings.

“It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls

It comes awake and I can't control it

Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head

Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?”

            They saw planets dying accompanied by the feeling of guilt.

“I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster”

            There was a white light accompanied with love and safety.

My secret side I keep hid under lock and key

I keep it caged but I can't control it

'Cause if I let him out he'll tear me up, break me down

Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?

            There was a blackness accompanied with sadness and heart wrenching despair.

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

 

It's hiding in the dark, it's teeth are razor sharp

There's no escape for me, it wants my soul, it wants my heart

No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream

Maybe it's inside of me, stop this monster

            There was an icy rage and a longing desire.

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun

I must confess that I feel like a monster

 

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin

I must confess that I feel like a monster

I've gotta lose control, he something radical

I must confess that I feel like a monster

 

I, I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster

(A/N: This song belongs to Skillet, an awesome band, not me)

            Then the song was done, leaving the Three Lights drained and everyone else screaming for more. Ranata just gave a feral grin and walked off the stage. Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten looked at each other wondering what had just happened, then headed for the nearest bouncer, which just so happened to be Joe.

            “Could you direct us to Ranata’s dressing room please?” asked Taiki.

            “How do you know her name?” questioned Joe, “She was introduced as Shadow Star.”

            “We’re friends from school.” Stated Yaten

            “Her dressing room is backstage down the hall and to the left.” Said Joe.

            “Thank you very much.” replied Taiki.

            “Hey!” called Joe, “You better watch yourself around Ranata because none of us here really care all that much if you’re pop stars.”

            “Don’t worry; she’s safe.” Seiya reassured Joe who just grunted in response.

            As they walked down the hall they heard a crash and a scream that sounded like Ranata. They raced around the corner and yanked open the door to see Ranata standing upright with a large cylinder over her head. The Three Lights breathed a collective sigh of relief that scared Ranata into running into a wall and getting knocked into the ground. Seiya and Taiki pulled the cylinder off Ranata while Yaten helped her up. Ranata was covered from head to toe in a fine silvery powder that was also on the floor and what was most likely what was in the cylinder before it fell on Ranata.

            “What happened to you?” asked Yaten.

            “What are you guys doing here?” countered Ranata, trying to avoid the question.

            “We’d heard some amazing things about Shadow Star ad wanted to see if they were true.” smiled Taiki.

            Ranata blushed through all the silver stuff on her face.

            “What happened to you?” reiterated Yaten.

            “Oh, I opened the closet door and that thing fell on me.” laughed Ranata, “Pretty stupid, huh?”

            The Three Lights just looked at her and laughed. Ranata rummaged through her closet and let out a strangled noise.

            “What’s wrong?” asked Seiya.

            “All my stuff has glitter on it!” said Ranata, “Even the stuff I was planning on wearing home tonight.”

            Yaten looked through his backpack and pulled out his school uniform and gave it to Ranata. Even though Yaten was the smallest, Ranata was a lot more petite than he was so she was swimming in his uniform. Ranata sat down in front of her mirror and started pulling wads of her hair to the front to try to get the glitter out. She let out a cry of frustration because her hair was clumping together and she couldn’t get just a piece of it. Taiki walked over and plucked the brush from its precarious position between Ranata’s ring and middle finger.

            “What are you doing Taiki?” asked Ranata.

            “Look, it’ll go faster if I brush it from behind so don’t complain.” replied Taiki.

            “I’m not, I hate my hair,” complained Ranata, “I can’t bear to cut it though.”

            “Why?” queried Seiya.

            Ranata leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, a smiled played across her lips. “My normal hairstyle is similar to my step sister’s; it’s a reminder of what I did.”

            Ranata’s smile disappeared.

            “What did you do?” questioned Yaten.

            “Maybe I’ll tell you one day but not now.” Ranata’s voice faded into silence.

            All you could hear what four people breathing and the rhythmic sound of Taiki pulling a brush through Ranata’s hair. Taiki tried his best but he couldn’t get all the glitter out. The remaining flecks caught the dim light of the dressing room and reflected it like a stationary disco ball. The way Ranata looked, so peaceful, like an innocent child, struck a chord in the Three Lights memories but they couldn’t quite grasp ahold of it. Ranata opened her eyes breaking the spell of the moment.

            “Thanks Taiki,”said Ranata, “ I’m going home now but your welcome to stay the club doesn’t close for a few more hours still.”

            “Yeah, we’ll see you at school.” replied Yaten.

            Ranata smiled and walked down the hall.

            “Guys,” Taiki got the others attention softly, “Does she remind you of someone?”

            Yaten nodded.

            “I can’t remember who though.” admitted Seiya.