Raine woke up the morning of her coronation with mixed feelings. She was excited and happy, for she had never thought she'd become a Rose, but there was some sense of dread in everything, as well. She was worried about the Blue Roses, about her love, about herself... what could be in store for them from now on? She didn't know.
She took a nice long bath to soothe herself a little and get ready. She had to be ready for her special day, and she wasn't allowed to be unhappy...
***
She stood behind the courtain, waiting patiently until the moment came. She was thrilled to know what team would become the First Constellation, but as always, Phantom Mask had to ruin the mood.
She kept herself quiet, a dreadful look in her face. Bu her side, little Kosuke tugged her skirt softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly.
Everything will be alright, the small hand seemed to say.
You have nothing to fear... In the distance, the fairies watched. They were ready to assist should something wrong happen. Specially Azure, the Sapphire Pixie, seemed to be ready for a battle. If she had to fuse with Shamrok to protect the new Rose, she'd do it.
However, the battle never came, in spite of the exits being locked and the Phantoms waiting, reclining on the walls. The Constellations were named, and the show had to go on. She took a deep breath as Professeur Toussaint announced the new Rose, and she opened her eyes, stepping forward with a soft smile on her face.
She felt Shamrok by her side, holding her. A soft blush on her cheeks appeared as he was named the Rose Lilas Groom. It was perfect... not even the Phantoms could ruin her moment now.
The Roses moved forward, each one giving her their blessings and a rose. Raine stared sweetly at them, at sweet Artemis, whom she'd be able to know better now; at Murasaki, her Captain and all-time heroine... and finally at Jeanne, who hugged her tightly, thanking her for making Shamrok happy. She placed a black rose on their hands, maybe as a farewell as well as the blessing... starting that night, Raine would stop being her Petite Rose... she's miss it so much.
There was, however, one more Rose she'd love to receive. But she knew Kain wouldn't get his recognition. For a moment, she scanned the crowd, looking for him and the Blue Roses. Her stare saddened for a moment, but she held her tears and smiled. It was her turn to give a speech.
"Thank you... I... I honestly never imagined I'd be standing here, with a bouquet of roses... in front of you all..." She paused. "Lady Sapphire is not gone. I promise you that... I haven't changed. But... to the people in Rose Blanche... and Rose Platine... I hope I don't disappoint you. I'll do my best to fill, once again, the gap that Lady Anubis and Lady Qilin have left. I'll prove I'm deserving of being called Rose, as much as the people who are with me and came before me." She smiled sweetly. "I'm so happy that I've got a garden of roses for myself! I promise I'll take care of you all... with all my heart."
_________________
mdlle. Saphir