Moon's play
Moon-chan: Miko Tsuki
Syo: Koizumi Mamoru
Otoya: Tatsuya Yazawa

In two far away kingdoms, two princes exist. Two princes, who have yet to find a wife. Two princes, who are destined to be crowned kings of their respectful kingdoms. There is the brave Koizumi Mamoru of the Ember Kingdom, and the bright Tatsuya Yazawa of the Amia Kingdom.

Between these two kingdoms lies a deadly forest that blocks each other's paths known as the Black Cobra Forest where few have barely managed to escape alive. Why, you may ask? All sources of evil call the Black Cobra Forest their home. And it is in this ominous forest that the two princes will find their trouble that could possibly be their demise.

In this forest lies a girl trying to escape the strong menacing grip of the queen who ruled in that dark forest. She ran, her bare feet crashing down upon the damp soil. Her breathing was sharp and quick, her heart beating rapidly, almost rising up to and hitching her throat.

She was exhausted, but she knew that she had to keep running, or else the witch of a queen would capture her, and who knows what will become of her. She noticed with her heightened senses that the forest was thinning, and she had so far evaded most monsters that lurked in the forest. I'm almost free, the girl thought to herself, her hands trying to reach the exit of the blasted forest with every heave and ho.

Meanwhile, one of the princes was by the pond close to the dark forest. It was Prince Koizumi, and he was merely resting by the lake with his chestnut brown stallion. He was laying down, his arms crossed behind his head and serving as a pillow for his head as he lazed around and stared at the crystal clear sky. He hummed a sweet little melody, his eyes drooping, when all of a sudden a figure jumped out of the forest. His eyes widened as he descried the small figure that fell onto him. He discerned that it was a female who was tainted with the dirt from the malicious forest she appeared out of. She had leaves sticking out of her head, most likely from the trees she past by. She had a few cuts on her dirt covered cheeks. When she looked up at him, he noticed her soft delicate features, especially her bright eyes, and couldn't help but fall in love with her right then and there despite her current state.

Shaking out of his state, he noticed that the girl was panting. "Are you alright Miss?" The prince asked the young girl with concern.

"Um, actually I'm not. I'm trying to run away from this evil woman, and I just managed to escape, you see-"

Koizumi tried to listen intently to the girl, but started getting lost in her eyes. I think I've found the one, he mused to himself. Instantly, a series of cacophonous laughs emerged from the forest. "Miko, where oh where are you~! You shouldn't have escaped, come back before you get into more trouble~~"

The said girl flinched, and buried her face into the prince's shirt like a scared child. "Please, sir, please help me escape, I don't want to go back to her!!" Miko cried aloud. Koizumi felt a pang of lament for the poor girl, and instantly became mad with what that witch of a lady did to make the girl be this scared. He held the girl in his arms and tried to comfort her. "Don't worry, I'll take you away from her," he said softly in Miko's ear. "Just take a few deep breaths, and allow me to take you on my horse. Is that okay with you?"

Miko looked up with a tear stained face and nodded. Koizumi then took the initiative of carrying Miko bridal style and placed her in front of his horse. The horse whinnied, pawing at the dirt. The prince hoisted himself up on his horse, raised the reigns, and brought them down, telling Kumiko to hold on. The horse stood up on its hind legs, and galloped away from the Black Cobra Forest, leaving it far behind. Koizumi held Miko, feeling her still shiver. He had a feeling that he should say something. "Don't worry, I'll make sure that lady won't see you ever again. As long as you are with me, I'll protect you at all costs." Koizumi was slightly stunned himself with his words. They were truthful, and heartfelt. He wasn't sure what had gotten over him. He felt his cheeks burn, and had a strong urge to change the subject. "Anywho, I don't think we managed to get acquainted properly." The girl looked behind and met the gaze of her savior. She smiled a small smile. "Yeah, we really didn't. Sorry about that..." she paused for a moment. "Um, I'm Miko."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miko, I'm Koizumi Mamoru at your service." This made Miko giggle. Her laughter brought Koizumi to laugh as well, and far in the horizon, he could see his castle. "Looks like we're close to my home."

Miko fixed her gaze in the direction Koizumi was looking in and let a gasp escape from her mouth. "You live in that kingdom? It's so pretty!!"

Up ahead, a tall creamy kingdom was before them. The walls rose gradually as they grew closer to the enchanting kingdom. Soon audible voices could be heard as well as some soft playing music.

Once they entered the gates, Miko couldn't help but allow her eyes to wander and try to take in all of her surroundings. The creamy kingdom had a strong sense of euphoria that came from the cacaphonous voices that encapsulated the pair. Miko smiled at the sound of two children laughing and playing together, and looked toward Koizumi and asked "What's the name of this kingdom you live in?"

The prince looked behind to catch sight of the mysterious and enchanting girl, and smiled at her. "It's called the Ember Kingdom. I hope you enjoy your stay here. I'd like to introduce you more to my home."

Miko's eyes lit up in excitement as she nodded quickly. The boy laughed at the girl's enthusiasm, a hint of pink appearing on his face.

Koizumi's horse galloped and naturally went to its stall, and lowered its head, allowing the two people to get off its back. The prince hopped off his horse's back, and then offered his hand to Miko, and said, "Allow me."

The girl tried to take the charming boy's hand and hop off in a swift manner like the prince, but ended up slipping from her seat and falling into the arms of the prince. Koizumi managed to hold her and keep himself from falling back, and held her gently. He smiled down at the girl whose face started to grow red from embarrassment. "I-I'm s-sorry, I didn't mean to," she tried to explain, fumbling over her words. Koizumi hushed her and said "It's alright, I've got you milady." In reality, the boy was enjoying the closeness. But, he noticed that he was holding her for a long moment and let go, feeling his face warm up. "O-Oh, um sorry." He coughed, and it dawned on him that they were still in the horse stalls. "Here, let me guide you through my home." Koizumi offered his hand, and Miko took it, her small, cold hands meeting the larger and warmer hands of the charming boy.

Taking the lead, Koizumi brought Miko out of the stall and led her to his large palace, leaving the girl to stare. Her eyes widened as she said, "Wait, so this is your home?!"

Koizumi chuckles and then smirks, saying "Yup~!"

"Then are you a prince?!"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean that you have to treat me any differently, so don't go getting any ideas on that. After all, I think we've gone through the formalities of who we are now. Well, I'd like to get to know you more."

"I doubt there's much to talk about me, nothing really interesting at least," Miko said in a soft voice. Koizumi only rose an eyebrow, and felt like breaking into song.

How is it that there's nothing
Nothing at all peculiar
When you're a human being
I call you a liar

Koizumi twirls Miko around and taps her nose with the tip of his finger. Miko shrugs while smiling and sang along with Koizumi.

You can easily read me like a book
There's probably more to me than meets the eye
That I guess I can't lie

Koizumi smirks, and sings:

Then how can I know if you stay silent
You need not words if you've the hands to write,
The legs to dance with all your might
Even in song you hint at your true meaning

Miko responds in return:

Then let's get to know each other
Through this song
With our voices we'll allure
the truth from each other's being

In that moment the couple erupted into a dance, both lightly gliding from the floor. Around and around they went, both having a similar rythm and beat in their hearts. Their laughter could be heard in the prince's castle as he danced with with the enchanting girl, passing by the corridors and catching the eyes of those watching the pair.

Koizumi gazed into the bright eyes of the enchanting girl in front of him. The beauty of them brought the boy to sing about them.

Here your eyes prove to me
That you hold an entire galaxy
Under those unique orbs
Which perturb me
Making me fall into an endless black hole
The only irony is that I don't want to escape them.

The prince's words moved the mysterious girl, bringing a nice rouge color to her face. She tried to divert her sight to some place other than the prince's light and kind orbs but found herself to be entranced. She could only sing while looking into his eyes:

I believe you're the enchanter here
Keeping me under your spell
With each word you utter
You captivate me with enchantments I could only dream of listening
How is it that you can spur such lyrics?
Teach me your tricks!

Miko eyed the prince with inquisitive eyes that held the curiosity of a child. Koizumi chuckled, amused by the wondrous girl's question.

You ask me where I get my ideas
I'm no wise man, that's for sure
You are the answer I gather
You see, you're my muse
There's not much else I use
To build my phrases
I just let myself be free
So I can depict a picture
Including my feelings and you
It's painted in yellow, red and blue

Koizumi smiled and started spinning Miko and brought her into his arms and he proceeded with the next heart felt words in song.

The only other fuel for my speech
Is this newly discovered emotion
A growing devotion
My head in circles
With all your wonders
I'd like to find for myself

Miko held her breath. She processed the vocable Koizumi had just presented to her. "What is it that you're trying to say, Koizumi?"

Koizumi blinked and shook his head, his face turning red by the second. "U-Ummmm, I g-guess I'm trying to say that I want to get to know you more, since I'd like to figure out this emotion I'm feeling. I just hope I don't make you feel uncomfortable in any way."

Miko felt her heart beat slow down, due to her initial thoughts being proven wrong. At least, that's what her mind is telling her. She held her hand to her heart, wondering the rush she felt being with the charming prince.

The prince waved in the girl's face, wondering why she was spacing off. "Oi, Miko, is everything alright?"

Miko blinked her bright orbs and nodded. "Y-Yeah, sorry for spacing out."

Koizumi cracked a grin and tugged softly at Miko's soft hand. "Come along then, my princess."

Miko giggled and replied with a rosy face, "Of course, lead the way my prince!"

The pair walked up a few flights of spiraling stairs and arrived to a large hall filled with many paintings. The hall was aligned with portraits of the prior kings next to their respective queens, and at the end there was an empty spot on the wall. Being a tad bit curious, Miko walked over to the empty spot and ran her fingers across the soft surface. A question was burning in her mind that she wants to fully settle with the prince's answer. "Is it alright if I asked why there's a missing slot?"

Koizumi strolled over to Miko's side and turned to face her. "I think you might already have an idea on what's this hall mainly for. Everyone's preparing for the next royal couple to rule the Ember Kingdom. I'm pretty much the only heir to the throne, and soon I'll be crowned king and my portrait will be hung in here."

"Then that means you have a betrothed," Miko concluded with a hint of sadness. She wasn't entirely sure why she felt sad, since she only met the prince a while ago. "Not quite," Koizumi answered while scratching his pink cheek with his index finger. "You see, since I'm almost reaching that age, I have to find a queen before I am crowned king of my kingdom. But I've been having trouble finding the one."

"Oh." This relieved Miko, knowing that the prince has yet to be engaged to someone. "Well seeing how you are, I know you'll have no trouble finding a queen."

This made Koizumi perk up. "Oh? How so?"

Miko blushed. "W-W-Well, I think you're very charming, and you've got a brave heart. That's the impression I get from you."

The young prince's heart fluttered at hearing the girl's compliments.

"So I'd like to wish you luck on finding your queen."

"To be honest, I think I'm close---"

"Prince Koizumi!" A low voice interrupted, resonating in the large hall. "Your highness, I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but I have some news for you."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, you have another princess arriving from a distant kingdom, and you have a visitor coming from the Amia Kingdom."

Koizumi sighed. "Alright, I'll be there." It was then that a light bulb lit up in his mind. "My sincerest apologies Miko, I haven't shown you to a room. Here, allow one of the servants to guide you one that is to your liking and fetch you some clothes as well."

"Alright, I thank you very much Prince Koizumi, I am ever grateful to you."

"Nu-uh-uh, drop the prince part, just call me Koizumi, or your prince if you'd like," Koizumi instructed with a wink. Miko blushed furiously, and stammered, "O-Okay, Koizumi." She couldn't help but feel herself being wooed by the prince's flirty behavior. She followed the prince who had gone to a lady and saw him speak to her. "Please show this young lady to a room that she desires, and allow her to choose which one she favors the most. And please pick out a fitting dress for her to wear." The woman smiled and bowed, saying "Yes your highness" and looked to Miko with a warm smile. "Follow me my lady."

And so the prince and young girl reluctantly parted ways. Miko followed the kind lady as she received a mini tour of the palace. She was in awe of the embellished palace and could only wonder what room she would choose. She finally decided to choose a cozy light pink room that held a Victorian canopy bed that had white lace curtains and a pastel pink bedcover embroidered with flower designs. It held a wonderful sight of the kingdom on the right in a large window that had a clean and large balcony. The balcony also showed on its left a beautiful, colorful and intricate garden.

"You have chosen a beautiful room my lady! Now please allow me to obtain you some clean garments, I have in mind a beautiful dress that is just waiting for you to wear it!"

"Thank you very much miss, and please, call me Miko."

"Alright, if you insist, and you may call me Candice," the lady called Candice replied with a smile. "Would you like for me to run you a bath?"

"I would very much appreciate that, thank you Mi- Candice," Miko said, smiling at the kindness she was receiving from the woman.

"Oh it's nothing dear," Candice insisted, and looked to Miko with her practically smiling eyes. She hurried off into the bathroom and prepared the bath, and came back to the room. "You go on ahead, I'll go bring you that dress I have in mind."

With that, Candice scurried out of the room and Miko went into the bathroom to take her long awaited bath.

As soon as Miko finished and cleaned herself up, she plucked the towel from the counter and came out of the bathroom in a towel. On the bed she noticed a dazzling dress. She ran over to it quickly and took in all of its features. The dress was long and from the waist, the dress expanded and was significantly larger from the bottom compared to the top. The dress had two sleeves and the bodice area was covered in a lily flower design outlined in a golden color. From the waist there was a light pink fabric draped over the dress on both sides where the ends meet on the dress' left side. Underneath, the dress was pleated like an accordion and was a slightly darker shade of pink that was covered in golden sparkles.

Miko was left speechless. "Is this the dress Candice picked out for me?" She whispered to herself. Behind her she could hear a couple of footsteps.

"I take it that you like the dress, correct?" Candice asked. Miko turned around to see the said woman holding a pair of matching pink heels, each with a large lily on the topline of the shoe. "Please let me to help you get dressed."

While the young girl got dressed, Koizumi was walking slightly brusquely toward the entrance of the palace. "I can't believe my father is rushing me to choose a bride now. He doesn't understand my feelings, and I can't force myself to love someone just so I can get the throne. Why did I have to be the darn heir?"

Destiny, destiny
Why must you be so cruel to me
What does my father think of
When he looks at his only son?
What have I done wrong?

It's like he sees me as a white pawn
Useless and easily controlled
Ready to be used so mercilessly
How can it be?

Why do we as princes of a dynasty
Face the same gates of cruelty
How is this royalty
When society controls me entirely?

Destiny, destiny
Why must you be so cruel to me
What does my father think of
When he looks at his only son?
What have I done wrong?

Blast it!
I know I must obey
But is this the price I must pay?
I want to find the one
Despite that being what I love and hate up to date

It's this life I have to face
I have no more time to chase
I have little of my freedom to taste
Based on my father's patience
And mine, I shall bring the cadence

Destiny, destiny
Why must you be so cruel to me
What does my father think of
When he looks at his only son?
What have I done wrong?

If only I can find the answer
Will I ever find my betrothed
I doubt it
At least with the situation
It's a huge complication.

Destiny, destiny
You've denied me an opportunity
Of having a voice
To say I have a choice
You make me bleed internally
Can't I be free to be me
That is all I ask of thee

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't noticed that he had already reached the entrance hall. He slowed his pace down and noticed a cloaked figure speaking to his two guards.

The figure looked over and met the eyes of the prince. Underneath the hood a visible smile could be made. "Hey prince Koizumi! I've been wanting to meet ya!"

"Don't address the prince so easily boy," the larger guard spat at the obviously young man hidden by his garments. The figure removed his hood revealing a cheeky visage to go with his cheerful smile. "Actually I'm no mere boy. I'm a prince myself!"

The guards were flabbergasted and the guard who previously spoke lowered himself. "P-Pardon me, prince. Forgive me for my rude actions."

The prince laughed and patted the kneeling guard's back, saying "Don't worry about it! Just be kinder to everyone the next time you receive people. Then I'll consider you pardoned."

"Welcome to my palace. My name is Koizumi Mamoru. What brings you here, prince...?" Koizumi paused, waiting to hear the unnamed prince to introduce himself.

"I go by the name of Tatsuya Yazawa. It's a pleasure to meet you Prince Koizumi!" Tatsuya smiled at the shorter prince. Koizumi cleared his voice, and responded "It's nice meeting you too Prince Tatsuya, but allow me to question you once more, what brings you here to the Ember Kingdom?"

"Ah yes, I come from the Amia Kingdom. I heard that you've been looking for a princess to marry, and I've come with the same conflict. You see, I'm the next in line for the throne and-"

"Yes, Prince Tatsuya?"

"Well, I wanted to ask if you by any chance that you'd have any recommendations for me based on the princesses you've seen."

Koizumi sighed. "What do you look for in a princess?"

Tatsuya stood there with a pensive face. "My main criteria is that she should be a kind and humble princess. It doesn't matter to me if that princess is someone who doesn't have royal blood; as long as she is responsible and a friend among the people of my kingdom, that'd be my princess."

Koizumi looked at the perky prince in front of him and took in what he heard. "Then the problem you've been having is finding a girl of royal blood and finding an actually kind princess."

"The second part yes. My father is willing to allow me to take anyone I deem to be fit as a queen to be my bride. But so far, most of the women I've seen worry about their status and appearance, and I wouldn't see them as the perfect queen."

Koizumi sympathized with the other prince in front of him. He also couldn't find a princess who wasn't vain, and therefore has yet to find a princess to his liking. The one he does find fit to be his queen doesn't have royal blood, and he knows that his father will most likely forbid their marriage.

The fair haired prince was about to respond until he heard some footsteps coming down from the large staircase to his right. Koizumi and Tatsuya turned and spotted a beautiful girl who seemed to glow, her hair almost floating behind her. Koizumi smiled as he recognized the maiden he rescued back in the forest.

Tatsuya perked up, and stepped forward to meet the practically glowing girl. He bowed before Miko, and said, "Good day princess. I'm Tatsuya Yazawa."

Miko in return curtsied and responded, "Hello Mr. Yazawa, my name is Kumiko. I'm not a princess though."

Tatsuya looked up at the bright eyed girl and said, "Of course you are, every girl is a princess, especially you," and gingerly he took Miko's hand and rose it to his lips to kiss it softly.

"You really flatter me," Miko said while giggling, a noticeable blush on her face. Koizumi wasn't particularly as peppy, and felt a twinge of annoyance at Tatsuya's actions. He coughed to catch both their attention and Miko slightly shifted away from the taller prince who didn't budge one bit. Instead, he scratched his head and laughed it off, saying, "Sorry about that, I got carried away."

Koizumi lowered his glare and softened his gaze as he shifted his sight onto Miko, and smiled, saying, "You look beautiful, Miko, like the moon under a pink light. How are you feeling?"

"Thank you for your kindness Pri- Koizumi, I appreciate it, ever since you took me away from that forest, I've never been better!"

"That forest?" Tatsuya inquired, placing a hand on Miko's shoulder. Miko turned to Tatsuya and nodded.

"Yes, the Black Cobra Forest." Her voice's cheerful tone disappeared. Both princes went to Miko's side, and Koizumi spoke up. "Here, let's go sit by the diner. If you're willing to, please tell us your story. I'd like to know what happened there in that forest."

Miko nodded, not trusting herself to speak currently, and took Koizumi's hand, following him into what looked like a lounging hall, Tatsuya tailing the pair. By the couch a tea set was placed onto the small ornamented table, a nearly invicible string of steam flowing out of the kettle. The shorter prince poured his two guests a warm cup of tea, the invigorating scent soothing the tension they were all feeling. Each person took a seat, and the two males looked over to the girl, patiently waiting for her to begin. Miko sipped some of the delicious tea, and began her tale.

"I've been living in the Black Cobra Forest as far as I can remember. I don't think I recall my real parents. At least I don't consider that lady who "cared" for me to be my mother. Her name is Vigne, and she's always deceived me on what reality was. The reality I've ever known was cruel, and dark. I don't have a single joyful memory. I've always been told that I was simply apart of the witch's plans. She was waiting for me to reach my 19th birthday to supposedly rob me of my virtues, and continue to live. You see, this woman, Vigne, is not human. She was born from the darkness and chaos that infects this world, and lives by stealing the hearts and looks of girls, and is able to change her appearance by obtaining a single strand of hair of the person she wishes to turn into. She is the creator of the Black Cobra forest, having been born there. She's the reason most people disappear, turning them into the demons and monsters that plague the forest, except for the girls, since she eats their hearts. If she's unable to obtain their hearts, she will become weakened and perish. There is one way for her to end her need for human hearts. She has to find a girl born under a full moon who is able to keep a pure heart under torture and pressure for the first 19 years of her life. She then will be able to obtain unknown powers and will no longer have to devour a heart. That's why she's kept me imprisoned all these years, even as a baby. She told me this, thinking she would be able to fully get away with this plan. Fortunately I was able to escape, though it's very certain that she will come for me soon."

The two males gaped at the girl before them, unable to imagine the horrors she must have faced. Tatsuya felt himself want to burst, shout, or at least do something; So, he hugged the dark haired girl in front of him. Miko flinched initially, but started shivering until she felt her tears flow once more.

Koizumi felt a pang of envy, and anger; he couldn't decipher which was stronger. Nonetheless, he clenched his fist, his hand trembling.

"Miko, I'll definitely protect you. That Vigne will no longer be able to lay her hands on you ever again. I'm going to send an army, no, I will go find her myself and kill her."

"No Koizumi, I can't let you do that! She's too shrewd, she might catch you in one of her traps and kill you. I couldn't bear to be the reason you died."

Koizumi stared into Miko's back and thought hard about the situation. "If she's serious about you, then she's obviously going to try and find you. I won't go to her if you don't want me to. But I can't let you out of the kingdom for your safety."

Miko and Tatsuya ended the embrace and Miko went to hug Koizumi. "Thank you Koizumi, thank you."

"She could always come with me," Tatsuya suggested.

"I'd rather her stay here with me," Koizumi answered quite rapidly. He blushed slightly, and added, "it's best not to move her and bring her close to the forest again."

"Alright then, but you should expect visits from me," Tatsuya responded with a grin much to Koizumi's slight annoyance.

"I would enjoy both of your company," Miko said softly. "This is the most comfortable company I've ever had."

"Then it's settled," both boys shouted at the same time. They slightly glared at each other before hearing the girl's beautiful laughter, causing them to laugh with her. It appears as though both princes were falling for the single girl.

Time was passing quickly, and with it, it brought Miko's 19th birthday closer and closer. Time also brought the princes closer to the girl, their hearts asking for hers to sing with one of them. The childish Tatsuya always visited Miko and sung to her, while Koizumi frequently left roses by her room and brought her out with him on little adventures.

The two princes weren't the only ones having a conflict with each other; Miko was having an inner conflict with herself due to the fact that she also fell for both of the two princes. She was having a hard time trying to see who she loved more. But the more she thought about it, the more she thought about how she fell in love with both Tatsuya and Koizumi. She wasn't sure of what she could do.

On the day of her birthday, she looked out of her balcony to notice that Prince Koizumi was outside taking a walk by the garden. She observed him quietly. She saw him pluck a pink rose from one of the rose gardens and started plucking off the petals, mumbling incoherent words to himself. She figured he was trying to decide something.

Once he finished peeling the last petal off of the stem, Koizumi grinned to himself. "I'll ask her then," he whispered to himself. He looked over to Miko's balcony and rose both his eyebrows. He rubbed his head. He could have sworn that he saw Miko looking at him.

Miko held her breath. She just barely managed to duck and miss the prince's gaze. She placed her hand against her chest, feeling her heart thump strongly. She waited for a bit before she started crawling into her room and closing the door quietly.

When she finally let out a long sigh, she heard a knock on her door. She walked over to her door and opened it to find Tatsuya. He seemed to be holding something behind his back. With a cough, Tatsuya greeted the girl and opened his mouth to say something. "Miko, my dear Miko, I have an important question to ask you. I know we met not so long ago, but I just felt like I've known you all my life. Life seems meaningless without your bright aura and your kind personality. I've grown fond of you, fond enough to ask for your hand in marriage." Kneeling down, Tatsuya was about to show Miko the box he had behind his back before someone slapped it away, a familiar voice saying "You can't do that!!"

Miko and Tatsuya gasped as they turned to find Prince Koizumi. His hand remained extended from where he swatted the box away. Tatsuya's eyes glowered down at Koizumi. "Why's that?" Tatsuya questioned, his eyes still trained on the other prince.

"Because I fell in love with her," Koizumi answered while turning to look at Miko. "Miko, it seems like I had fallen in love with you from the moment we met by the lake outside of the Black Cobra forest," Koizumi explained while holding Miko's hand in both of his own. "Please, marry me instead of Tatsuya."

"You can't do that, I asked her first!"

"I was meaning to tell her right as I was walking up the steps," Koizumi said coolly while gritting his teeth. The two princes basically had a staring contest with each other while Miko simply watched. She was starting to feel light-head. "I-I don't know what to say," she said at last, making the two boys turn to look at her. They both extended their hand and said, "Choose me!" They looked back at each other and growled. Koizumi returned his gaze and softened it once he was glancing at Miko and sang

My dear princess, won't you choose me
I have been with thee
Through thick and thin
It was I who met you by the lake
As it was written by fate

Come with me and you shall see that I am the best choice for you.
I understand you, I know how to treat you right
You know that I would fight for you, yes, fight!

Tatsuya copied Koizumi and looked to Miko with pleading eyes and sang tenderly.

Darling princess,
Don't listen to his words and think less,
Of me, your kindly prince who had wonderful adventures with you
Has thou forgotten of me??
Can't you see, I want to be with thee

My heart wrenches at the thought of your loss
Please choose me, I might not go on like this
This smile smiles for you, this voice sings for you, these lips exist to kiss you with bliss

Miko looked at both the princes, her heart torn between choosing only one of them. She had no idea who she could choose, who to make happy and who to break their heart. She felt her eyes tear up as she sung honestly.

My two kind princes
You leave me at a loss for words
If it were up to me, I'd choose both
But nonetheless it cannot be

It hurts me genuinely
Thinking of who I love the most
When I have to think of only one
Each a different story
There must be another path
A path where we would all smile
And listen to one glorious melody

"Yazawa, it seems like we're left with no other choice."

"I assume that you would like a duel, Mamoru?"

"Yes, and who ever wins gets to marry Miko."

"Oh I'll battle with you so we can end this."

"Please don't do this," Miko said while trying to grab the princes' arms but missed. They were walking too fast, and soon they parted ways.

Once they were outside they continued their song.
(Koizumi and Tatsuya):
As princes loving one girl
We're left with no other world
To pick and replenish the broken heart
We must fight we must fight

(Miko)
It doesn't seem right
Please don't do this or you'll regret
The battle that will leave one dead
For what is the cause
Of such an unnecessary event
Have my words been sent

(Koizumi)
Princess, you can't stop the inevitable

(Tatsuya)
For us a love triangle's unthinkable

(Both princes)
So don't fight against it
We'll be fighting it
One against the other
There's no way around that river

As princes loving one girl
We're left with no other world
To pick and replenish the broken heart
We must fight we must fight

With that the two princes brought out their swords, and began their duel. Miko felt her emotions well up inside her and she finally burst, and decided to run off. The two princes noticed her leave and paused their fight, shouting her name out. "Miko!!!!! Come back!!!"

Miko's sight was blinded by her tears, and she only ran quicker. Unknowingly she went deep into the Black Cobra forest and tripped over a branch. Her face was close to hitting the ground had her dress not been caught in one of the bushes. She got up and hastily removed the hem of her dress from the bush. She began running once more and finally found a lit place where she simply fell onto a rock to continue weeping.

She heard a twig crack behind her, yet she didn't bother to look behind her. "Please, go away, I'd rather cry and let out my feelings." At first there was silence, and then a gentle voice sang.

Silence those tears
Which cascade in their depression
And look up
To see your prince who's here to protect as long as thou wishes

The breeze shall take away your sadness
So quiet my little girl
Heed my pleas
For those tears poison me

They plague me as well as my foe
So please, don't go
If thou struggles, we shall pull through all

Miko turned around and met the gentle eyes of Prince Tatsuya. He approached her slowly and gently pulled her into a warm embrace. Miko continued her tears while Tatsuya whispered calming words into her ear. Miko hiccuped and sobbed, never letting go of Tatsuya.

They both released the hug, and Tatsuya looked to Miko, brushing her hair away from her face.

"How did you find me so quickly?" Miko asked while sniffing.

"My eyes never left you, even while battling Mr. Hot head who still is too slow to ever catch up with me," Tatsuya joked. Miko laughed softly. "I still love the both of you either way," she admitted while blushing.

"And how did that happen anyway if I can ask you, my darling princess?"

"I'm not sure myself," Miko confessed. "It pains me to just think of breaking your hearts by saying I love the other."

And the pair walked through the forest and enjoyed each other's company. They came by an apple tree, and Tatsuya jumped, trying trying to reach for a bright red apple from the lowest branch. His hand successfully caught the apple and came back down to the Earth with gravity. He offered the apple to the young girl next to him, who accepted it and took a big bite out of the red fruit. She chewed the fruit and swallowed it and smiled at the prince who smiled back.

Her eyes started to feel heavy and she noticed Tatsuya's smile widen. She felt weak and dropped to her knees, finally falling completely completely unto the ground. The apple rolled off to the side, suddenly turning pitch black. Tatsuya laughed sinisterly and picked up the unconscious girl. "I've finally done it, the girl is now ripe," the boy spoke with a completely different voice. There was a puff of smoke as a new feminine figure appeared in the place of Tatsuya.

"I, Vigne will now become the most powerful woman in the world!!!" The elder woman looked at Miko's soft face and touched her forehead. Miko's expression immediately contorted into one in pain. Vigne let out a deranged cackle, and walked deeper into the forest with Miko, the trees moving away from the witch's path, thus creating a path.

"Koizumi, we have to find her," said Tatsuya while moving the branches blocking his path.

"I know, Tatsuya, I know," Koizumi responded with a hint of impatience. Tatsuya knew that Koizumi wanted to find their beloved Miko as soon as possible. The two found strips of clothing on some bushes. "This looks like it came from Miko's dress," Koizumi commented. He noticed some footprints walking in front of him, and promptly followed them, Tatsuya close behind.

They soon found themselves by a rock, and noticed a path that opened up from there.

"We have to follow this path," said Tatsuya while walking in front of Koizumi.

"Not so fast, we have to be careful," warned Koizumi. He held his sword tightly, ready to unsheathe it.

"It's alright, we're armed with swords, we have to be quick in order to reach Miko," Tatsuya spoke back, not bothering to turn his head around. Koizumi sighed and walked behind Tatsuya.

The two princes followed the path, finally reaching a dark looming castle. With no time to waste, they ran inside, hearing the cackles of the malicious witch.

"Hey, Vigne, do us a favor and show yourself," Koizumi spat, the laughs enraging him.

"How lovely, I see princess Miko has brought a little prince to save her," the witch taunted.

Koizumi's eye twitched; he didn't take being called out on his height too lightly.

"Stop with the games and tell us where Kumiko is," Tatsuya said. It was a rarity finding this young prince to be seething with anger.

"But I love playing games," Vigne teased, clearly pleased with having made the two princes angry.

"Come out here and fight us," Koizumi shouted, taking out his sword. He was ready to swing the weapon and plunge it into the witch's body in hopes of ending her life.

"Alright, if you insist."

Tatsuya and Koizumi looked to their right to see a large dragon come into the building. The beast flared its nostrils and let out a humongous roar. The princes covered their ears from the ear-splitting sound.

The creature took that as an advantage and lowered its head and opened its mouth, ready to eat the humans alive. The two princes managed to move away from the beast's head, and instead extended their arms and slashed at the monster with their swords. The dragon yelled, and swatted at the princes with its claws, succeeding in throwing Tatsuya all the way to the corner of the large room. While distracting Koizumi with its other claws, it lifted its tail and lurched it over to hit Koizumi from behind. Tatsuya reached for his dagger and threw it with all his might at the dragon.

The scaly beast noticed the sharp weapon and moved its tail to deflect it. Koizumi saw that the dragon had turned its attention to a running Tatsuya and took this chance to slice at the dragon's belly. He pierced its soft belly, earning a cry from the dragon. The dragon growled and was about to chomp Koizumi's head off before feeling an immense pain in its chest. The dragon roared once more. Tatsuya had managed to pierce his sword into the monster's chest, successfully impaling its heart.

The dragon started shrinking and its harsh cries turned into the shouts of Vigne as she slowly disintegrated. The princes gave each other a high five and looked at the spot where the witch had once laid on, for she was no longer there.

They both ran and searched the castle and quickly found Miko resting on a gloomy looking bed. They noticed that it was quickly nightfall. The moon was tinted pink, and shined over the sleeping girl. The princes walked closer to the girl and held her hands. They felt cold. They tried to feel her pulse, but they found none.

As the facts started falling into place, each prince knelt on both sides of the bed and wept, holding Miko's cold hands.

They were too sad to realize that the girl was waking up and started shifting in her bed. "Koizumi? Tatsuya?"

The said princes lifted their tear stained faces and gasped as they saw their love safe and alive. The both hugged her tightly, not worrying about anything other than the fact that Miko was alive and free from the curse that the witch had put on her.

It turns out that the girl was the princess of that castle and her real parents were killed by Vigne just as she was born. Her people were turned into the demons that lurked in the once dark forest. With the death of the witch, everyone was turned back to normal. The trio decided that they would never part from each other and expanded their kingdoms into the forest and joined them together, so that they could all be joined in three harmonious hearts.

7430 words. I have finally finished this play XD I apologize for taking so long,but my phone's keyboard at this point would slow down and not be able to type as fast as I wrote. Plus I didn't know where to exactly end this XD But the deed is done, and we shall now read the results in the next chapter. Yes, I finished this at 3:51 am XD I hope this was good, and apologize for any mistakes
~Musical