Chapter 4: A night to Remember

It was quiet at the Kenway Manor. William was out for a Monday Business meeting as Ryan was staring blankly at the gate through the large window. Sasha watched over at Ryan from a distance before walking over to him.

"Young master you have been staring at the gate for a while now. Are you expecting someone?" Sasha asked, shaking Ryan with a bright blush.

"No! I just... love the... gate...?" Ryan responded as Sasha raised her right eyebrow with a teasing smirk.

"Oh? Are you waiting for someone? You're blushing. So adorable"

"... I'm waiting for a friend..."

"Hmm is she pretty?" Asked Sasha who was acting very well on pretending to ask who the person is.

"I never said she was a girl!"

"The face you're making makes everything Obvious, Young Master"

"... She is... a bit pretty"

"I see, so do you like this girl?"

"I do! She is cool. I want to be friends with her so much"

"Oh? Friends huh... interesting" She muttered with a cute giggle until Ryan heard a faint voice and immediately turned to look through the window to see the blue-haired girl, jumping up and down outside the gate, waving her hands high in the air as she yelled Ryan's name.

"She's here!" Ryan yelled out loud as he dashed towards the front door. The smile that Sasha had turned to a sad expression as she let out a sigh before walking towards the kitchen with an elegant posture, as a maid should have. Ryan ran out of the Manor and towards the gate where Salena was waiting for him.

"Yo Ryan! Sorry if I took so long. I got lost a bit, but I made it haha!" She said with a wide smile as Ryan opened the gate for her manually, despite that it often opens automatically.

"It's okay, it's not like I've been standing there for several hours, waiting for you" Ryan laughed nervously as he said that which made her giggle.

"I see, so you weren't waiting for me then? Alright. You have a huge house Ryan like wow!"

"Nah, it's not mine. Do you want to come inside? I can give you a tour if you like?"

"No, I like to explore the outside of the house, like the garden maybe?"

"Oh, sure! We have a very huge garden, there's even a maze at the back"

"Sweet let's go!" And with that, the two peculiar-looking children explored the huge garden of Kenway Manor. A variety of flowers was in view but the only thing that caught Selena's eyes was the patch of a blue rose, though it's just painted by blue paint.

"Your garden is beautiful, I have never seen so many flowers before" Selena complimented as she held one of the blue roses.

"Same goes for me, Ms. Sasha was the one who grew them"

"Is she your maid?"

"Yes, but I don't treat her like that, she's sort of my... caring sister figure."

"I see. You said that house is not yours... what do you mean by that?"

"Oh... Well, I'm not technically the son of the owner of this manor... My real parents are... dead and William picked me up from the Highway and offered me a place to stay."

"That must have been rough for you at first..."

"It was... But I'm thankful that I got to meet people who are as nice and caring as my parents... same goes for you, Selena. I'm thankful I met you at the park. Since back then, I never made any friends, they were all weird out by my appearance." Ryan gazed at the lavender flowers while he spoke those words.

"Do you still feel like you're weird or a freak?"

"Sometimes... That's why I should try to dye my hair black and wear some colored contacts to make myself less weird" Selena let out a sigh and shook her head sideways as if he failed to answer correctly.

"Do you see these Blue roses?" Salena asked as Ryan turned to face her, beside her was the patch of the blue rose. "What do you like most, the real one or this painted one?"

"But, a blue rose isn't real"

"That's my point. You see... you are like these painted blue roses. Just because others dislike your true colors, you have to change who you are on the outside so people would like you more. It may be true that blue roses aren't real but... I want to believe that they are. Because to me you are like a real blue rose... you stand out different from the crowd... in many ways than one, not just your appearance. Do you understand...?" Ryan didn't understand some of the words she spoke but he couldn't believe his eyes on what he was seeing, the sight of a beautiful girl, dazzling in the light of the morning with a miraculous view of roses behind her as she said those alluring words towards him.

"Y~Yeah..." Ryan responded that made her giggle even more after seeing the frozen face he's making. She smiled sweetly towards him and leaned forward to his face. The boy was too frozen to make any move as he closed his eyes shut until he felt... her finger touched his chest.

"Tag, you're it" Salena muttered before running off to the Hedge maze. Ryan let out a lot of stored breath in relief before shaking his head sideways and chasing after her. It was his first time entering the Hedge maze so he was lost, but he could hear her soft, faint laughter through the passageways and followed it until he reached the center of the maze, where Selena was sitting on the railings of the large fountain with a statue of a handsome looking person, with two daggers on his back and two cutlasses on his side. "Took you long enough"

"How did you make it to the center so fast?" Asked Ryan who was panting heavily after the long run.

"Beginners luck I guess?" Salena responded. "Who's this person on the statue?"

"This must be Autumn Kenway, the one William told me about. He is his Ancestor and the founder of this place"

"Oh I see, your foster parent has an interesting history. Listen, are you free tonight Ryan?" Asked the peculiar blue-haired girl in front of him.

"Why do you ask?"

"Well... there's going to be a Jazz Parade tonight, so I was hoping I could go with you and hang out. I never hung out with anyone before so I wanted to make you my first since we're friends"

"A jazz parade... Hmm, Sure I can go! I have never been to a jazz parade before. I'll tell Ronald to accompany us"

"Umm... I was hoping it would be just us.."

"But won't it be dangerous if it's just us?"

"Why would it be dangerous? The people in New Orleans are nice especially when it comes to a Jazz parade. I bet they will like your appearance as well."

"... Okay, I trust you. I'll come with you."

"Cool, well I should go now"

"So soon?"

"Why? do you want me to stay here or something?" Both of them lightly laughed at the small joke she made. After a while, Ryan escorted Selena out of the manor before walking back inside the Mansion where Ronald and Sasha were waiting for him at the Entrance Hall.

"Welcome back, young Master." Said Sasha with her usual pleasing smile.

"How was your... friend's visit?" Asked Ronald.

"It was fun. She was really fun to hang out with. When will William arrive?" Ryan asked.

"Master William will arrive late at night due to a very busy schedule at work, why do you ask?"

"Oh, I wanted to ask his permission to go out and see the Jazz parade tonight"

"Oh, well then I can accompany you. You don't need the Master's permission if I'm with you"

"Well... Selena told me that she and I should go alone..." His response shocked the two and made them feel uneasy for a bit.

"We can't let you~" Just as Ronald was about to finish his sentence, Sasha stopped him with a hard nudge on his arm.

"Of course, Young Master we understand. Ronald comes with me for a moment, Young Master you can head back to your room and prepare your clothes for tonight." Sasha pulled Ronald by the sleeve of his butler outfit towards the other room where they had a low conversation.

"Why would you let him go with her?! Did you forget who she is?!" yelled Ronald as Sasha kept her calm look towards him.

"Look, I saw them at the garden earlier... she was... boosting his self-confidence, she was not corrupting him like the prophecy was told. I know it's hard to believe but we must wait a little longer before we tell Master William... Follow them tonight, and tell me what you found out. If she did something to him... then we can execute our part in his future"

The Night arrived, the clouds disappeared making the bright full moonshine across the peaceful city of New Orleans. Ryan wore a nice black jacket and grey pants, along with shoes of red and black. Selena arrived who was dressed in an all-blue attire of sweater and pants as well where Ryan was waiting for at the gate. As they greeted each other for a short while, both of them started to walk towards the City where the Jazz parade will be held for their current year. Ronald wore an all-black attire as he followed them from the shadows... like a creep. The start of the Jazz parade commenced, smooth and loud music screamed across the crowded street as Parade performers marched down the straight road while the Crowd screamed in excitement. They raised their hands high in the air as they jumped up and down in joy along with Ryan and Selena. Ronald was caught up between the Roaring crowds as he gazed over at the kids but soon when the crowd started jumping, they were gone. Ronald became aware of that and rushed to find them. Meanwhile, Ryan and Selena were walking in City Park, which was near the Parade. They stopped at the small bridge where a perfect view of the moon was displayed.

"It was too hot in that crowd... why aren't you sweating?" Ryan asked as he used the sleeve of his jacket to wipe away the sweat on his forehead.

"I'm used to it. We should stay here for a while... It's so calm here and the wind feels nice"

"Oh alright then. Can I take off my Jacket?"

"Be my guest, silly." Ryan laughed at her response as he took off his jacket to feel the cold breeze of the night. "Hey, Ryan..."

"yes?" Selena suddenly became hesitant as if she was having trouble telling him something. "Nothing, how was your first parade experience?"

"Oh, it was great! The screams of the joy of the people were enlightening and the Jazz music of course. Thank you for inviting me, Selena."

"Of course. I had fun as well" They stared at each other in the eye before looking above them and gazing over at the bright moon.

"I am grateful that you became my friend... Every night, my mom and I would always look up at the moon and say "I won't be lonely, because no matter what comes... The moon will always be my friend" She told me that the moon has mystical powers that make any lonely person feel better just by staring at it, of course, it also makes others feel lonely but... it helps them realized that they aren't alone... because they are one of the million people who watch the same moon each night. Well, that's what my mom used to tell me..."

"I know..." Selena muttered which surprised Ryan.

"You know?"

"Oh umm I mean... I know how it feels. To feel so lonely that you wish you had someone to spend your life with... I was just like you Ryan... Back where I was born... People were weird out by me as well so I was left alone against the world. Until I met you... I felt that you and I have the same connection... and I was right. Thanks to you, I'm no longer lonely... Their False belief may haunt my dreams but like I said... It's me against the world" Said Selena with tears falling down her eyes as Ryan just stared at her with Empathy and Sympathy.

"Selena..." Ryan muttered before the Moon suddenly became blue. The people of New Orleans along with the world became amazed, fishing out their phones from their pockets in haste and taking a picture of the unique, once in lifetime Blue moon.

"Oh look, the moon became blue! Isn't it beautiful?" Selena asked, hoping to change the topic before Ryan suddenly hugged her. Pulling her close and tight on his chest. Her eyes became wide in shock from the unexpected warmth that Ryan had, making her feel like she is resting on a warm bed on a cold snowy night.

"It's not you against the world, it's us against the world..... I don't care if people hate what I look at, laugh at me, or mock me... all I need is you by my side, because... because... you are the most important person to me right now..." Ryan said under his breath with his eyes shut tightly. Selena slowly wrapped her arms around his back and hugged him tightly as well followed by a light sob on his chest as the Blue moon became the perfect background for them.

"Ryan... please don't leave my side... please..." Selena muttered onto his chest with a muffled voice

"I won't... I promise you" Selena cried the night away. After a while, they broke the hug and ended up with a smile on each other's faces before Ryan noticed the blue moon.

"Whoa! The moon is blue! Look, Selena!" Yelled Ryan with joy on his face. Selena stared at his expression before laughing hard.

"I just told you, you just noticed it now?" Said Selena as she kept laughing. Soon Ryan laughed as well before they both stared at the blue moon. "It's getting a bit chilly now" Selena muttered before Ryan covered her back and shoulders with his jacket.

"There... are you warm?"

"I am, thank you. Still, can you believe it? A blue moon just appeared out of nowhere"

"Yeah, what are the odds huh? It's really beautiful."

"Yeah... wait here, I need to go tinkle in the bush"

"Oh alright then, I'll just be here, be careful on your way" Ryan stated as Selena walked towards a distant bush. At the time, the same kids who mocked Ryan arrived and called out his name at the opposite end of the bridge.

"Hey, Freak!" Yelled one of the males that caught Ryan's attention.

"You still owe our friend an Apology!"

"Okay... I don't want any trouble... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for punching you the other day. I deserved getting beat up at that time, please just leave me alone..." Despite his sincere apology, they still walked towards him with anger in their eyes.

"I don't believe you mean your apology. Kneel then if you mean it" Ryan slowly knelt down without hesitation and vowed his head as if he was treating a Chinese emperor. At the same time, Selena was hiding behind a tree, silently watching over at them.

"No Ryan... fight back. You have to be strong... fight" Selena muttered.

The males started to laugh once more as the "Leader" Among them stepped on Ryan's head.

"He's like a puppy, how obedient"

"Please just leave me alone..."

"No, you hit me... and as the saying goes... You hit me, I hit back... harder" Said the boy before they started to kick him on the cold wooden bridge. They became more violent as they started to kick harder and harder. Ryan, despite his anger growing, kept it at bay and soaked all the damages. The pain grew unbearable as he started to fully lose conscience to the point he passed out. The males didn't stop on what they were doing until they felt a sudden chill riding up their spine from the other side of the Bridge. They were showered with fear to see a girl, levitating in mid-air with blue flames covering her head, arms, and legs. Her eyes flashing in bright yellow before speaking.

" Get away from Him!!!" Yelled the girl with a horrifying voice that immediately sent them on a run. The flames went out and so did the blue moon, it revealed to be Selena, with a look of concern and tears on her eyes. She rushed towards his aid but the wooden plank she stepped on suddenly liquefied and then solidified onto her feet, preventing her to move as Ronald appeared at the other end of the bridge, falling from the sky with a graceful landing.

"That is as far as you go. I saw everything, you shall not lay a hand on him" Said Ronald with a prideful look.

"This magic.... you're a Fey, aren't you?"

"Dark Fey to be exact. I know I cannot defeat you, but I won't give up without a fight either. Leave Ryan and let him be"

"You don't understand..."

"You watched him get injured so you could save him at the last moment and make him Rely on you as you slowly corrupt him, Am I right?!"

"That's not it... Why do you people think of me like that...."

"Because that is who you are, Corrupt Follower"

As a Dark Fey you can tell whether I am lying or not, tell me if I am lying" Ronald remained silent as the wooden bridge glowed in light green as if Fireflies came out from inside the planks. "Okay... I wanted for Ryan to be strong. I wanted to make him stronger by letting him believe in what he is capable of... When you left him at the park... I waited for him to fight back but when he did, he suddenly stopped and became afraid... I only wanted him to be strong so he can be prepared for what he is about to face"

"What is he about to face then?"

"... The Dark One... All of us know that Ryan is the key to The Dark One's escape but I learned that he can also be the one to prevent this World's destruction"

"Why do you want to help us? Aren't you a follower of the Dark One, Salena? Or should I call you with formality... The Detestable Daughter of the Blue Phoenix"

"Because..." Selena muttered with Hesitation

"Because what?" Ronald asked as she failed to respond to his question which made him angry. "Let Nature's curse flow through me once more, nothing can surpass the Binds of Truth. I command you to tell me why are you helping us!?" The solidified planks engulf more of her feet as they glowed even brighter than before. Selena tried her best to refrain from speaking the truth but his magic was too powerful in her weakest state.

"Because I've fallen for him!!!" Ronald was indeed shocked at her response. The bridge became ablaze with red flames and burnt to a crisp in a second. Luckily Ronald saved Ryan before he was set on fire as well. Selena cried heavily before gazing over at the unconscious boy. "I don't know why or when but ever since my Flame Wolf chose him... I started to feel this... Unknown feeling deep in my chest... but I don't want him to fall for me as well, I want him to be strong! Strong enough to use Ignis!"

"The bridge is gone so I can't tell if you're lying or not... but... I believe you. You want Ryan to be strong then don't get involved in his life. If you are always beside him then he won't grow, he will learn to always count on you for help, he needs to move forward on his own."

"I know..."

"That means you are not allowed to see him"

"I know... but can I ask for a request...?"

Time skip

Ryan woke up with his head on Selena's lap. She gazed down to see him with a warm smile.

"Selena? What happened...?" Ryan asked.

"Those jerks came back and started kicking you then a Firework landed and exploded at the bridge, setting it on fire and making them run away. I dragged you to safety and here you are"

"I see..."

"Hey, Ryan... why didn't you fight back?"

"I cant... I promised Ms. Sasha I wouldn't hurt anyone"

"But by letting yourself get hurt, you hurt Ms. Sasha by making her worry that you were beaten up again... Ryan you have to fight, It's not the most sincere way to stop a problem but there are times you have to fight fire with fire" Ryan became silent as he thought hard on a proper answer to her response but failed.

"I'm sorry... are you angry at me?"

"Why would I? I am just so glad you're safe... but please promise me that you will fight so you won't get hurt as much as you are now"

"Alright... I promise... Selena?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you so much for tonight. I had so much fun with you" Selena smiled softly but deep inside she was upset about something.

"I too, come on... I'll accompany you home"

At the Manor

"So what did you find out?" Sasha asked Ronald who just arrived.

"I found out that you were right about her... and... she has fallen for the boy" Sasha was indeed shocked as she never expected that response.

"My word...! We, ll I shouldn't be surprised... Ryan is linked to the Dark One"

"No, the way she confessed was not because of Ryan's History... her love was pure... She also asked me for a request"

"What was it?"

"That we should give her more time with the boy... before we make a move... She wants to spend more time with him..." Sasha sighed before nodding.

"I see... alright then. I'll tell Master William about this so we could prepare... If The Daughter of the Blue Phoenix is doing this to help us... then we must do our part to help Ryan as well... Ronald, go back to our home town, Shooting Star... and tell Lucas that Ryan is still alive..."