A/N: For those of you reading this, I'm so sorry for the long wait but you'll find that this chapter is quite bulky so at least, I hope I made up for my tardiness! Wellit's theBig Nightand… as koppoi says, it's the "Fated Meeting"! Yes, Hitomi and Dilandau FINALLY meet! Besides that, there's not much else to say! Except, thank you to you wonderful people for reviewing, especially the ones who've stuck with me since Day 1,you know who you are! Hope you enjoy…
Warning: Strong language and Dilly-kun being cruel… just a heads up. And you'll notice that I have a fetish for suave entries… you'll see… *cackles evilly*
Disclaimer: *Sighs* None of these wonderful characters from Escaflowne belong to me. It will apply to every chapter of this fic… if I'm borrowing ideas of stuff from other shows well it shall be duly announced in the disclaimer… bastard… I want… Dilly-kun…
"…" Talking. Erm, DUH, right? Right.
'…' Thinking
Italics mean everything else including flashbacks and other weirdness.
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A Moment in Time
Chapter Three: Signs and Meetings Part II
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She counted the blue stones as she strolled down the path she often borrowed to clear her mind whenever she was in this city. It led her to her favourite place in all of Apollo. It was quiet, secluded and one could see the beautiful red beach that Gaea was so famous for---it reminded her a lot of home. She had come here once with her brother before their mother died. It was the last time she was close to him like that. She sighed, thinking about how much she missed those days that were now coiled away in some part of time with happier memories safely tucked inside.
She made her way through the thicket and ignored her progressively dirtying beige pants. Her long hair often tangled in the branches but she heedlessly pulled the strands free, ripping a few in the process and went on---she was almost there. She reached the clearing but met with a scene she wasn't expecting.
A pony-tailed girl was on her knees and uttering something---she hoped it wasn't what her ears caught hold of. At first, she thought the young woman was looking for a lost object so she decided to let her know of her presence---maybe she could offer a hand.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, closing the gap between them. "I didn't know there was someone here—" Oh. She all but ran to the kneeling girl when she realized what was really happening. "Are you okay?" she asked concernedly.
Hitomi turned her heavy head away and acknowledged her question with a weak nod. She really wanted to be alone right now and hated above anything else to be caught crying---even Yukari, in their many years of friendship seldom witnessed her friend in those instances.
"I'm fine," Hitomi said with bleary eyes. She wiped them hastily with her sleeves.
"Here." The stranger offered Hitomi a finely embroidered handkerchief. "I keep some with me, just in case." The girl smiled worriedly but Hitomi didn't see it.
"No, it's okay. I'll be fine." She wouldn't have been as reluctant were it a normal Kleenex but the cloth looked to be more expensive than her new track shoes---they cost her four whole months' pay check working at the library. She would have rolled her eyes if the girl weren't so considerate.
"Please, I insist. I've got more so don't worry."
Hitomi took the cloth with an uneasy conscience and turned to blow her nose as noiselessly and un-disgustingly as humanly possible---how embarrassing. She felt about as good as being given permission to throw up on someone's Versace dress---okay maybe not, but close enough.
Her green eyes finally rose up to meet with the kind stranger's. She had to suppress a whimper---the girl was stunning. 'What's up with all these gorgeous people all of a sudden?' her mind blurted. She felt so plain and boring next to this beautiful girl. Her wavy and natural platinum blond hair swayed in the wind for more dramatic effect. She was well-dressed, tall, blue-eyed and blonde.
Hitomi had to avert her eyes to prevent herself from outright gawking. She slowly got up and dusted off her hands and knees.
"Thanks. Sorry about your…" Hitomi made a gesture with her head, referring to the now soiled handkerchief she was hiding behind her back.
"No problem! I'm actually glad it had an actual purpose than just for show," the pretty girl laughed. Hitomi managed to crack a smile. Whatever social class, she liked the girl already. There was an authenticity about her that Hitomi felt comfortable with---she figured she owed the stranger an explanation.
"I came here to think but, I guess… the view really got to me," Hitomi said, chuckling sheepishly. Let's face it, she had to laugh at herself for it---she was interrupted from a bawling session in a "sunset scene" moment. The girl joined in on the humour.
"It's funny because my brother showed me this place years ago when we were visiting and since then, I like to come back. I guess the view got to me too," the platinum-haired girl laughed, putting a hand to her mouth.
In the name of casual conversation, Hitomi felt the need to ask. "You're visiting?"
"Yeah, I'm actually from Artha but I wanted to drop by to visit my brother who lives in Uptown." Hitomi inwardly grimaced at that. "He's quite busy and he doesn't get to visit very much so I thought it'd be nice to surprise him." Hitomi caught a wisp of a sad smile on her face for a fleeting moment before the girl turned away.
She waited.
"Well, I'm sure he'll be glad to see you," Hitomi reassured, not really knowing if her guess was helpful at all. After an awkward silence, she resumed the conversation with the good old change of subject. "Artha huh? That's pretty far. I was there once; can't say it was the best memory though," she somewhat lied. Hey, she had to say something to distract the girl.
"Oh, why's that?" And it worked!
"Well, we went there during the spring festival when I was a kid and I got separated from my mom during the celebration. I thought I'd never see her again but luckily some nice people went out of their way to help me find her."
"Wow, that's nice. They sound like wonderful people. Trust me; I know how crazy and dangerous it can get in Artha during that period."
Hitomi sighed. "Yeah," she replied, contemplating the sea. 'They were,' her mind finished. She had a look close to regret but the blue-eyed girl thought that maybe she was just looking too closely into her present companion's mannerisms.
Hitomi snapped out from her pointless nostalgia. "Oh hey, my name's Hitomi." She awkwardly held out her hand---she wasn't very good with introductions.
"I totally forgot about that," the girl playfully slapped her forehead and took Hitomi's hand. "Celena A-uhh," she hesitated. She was so used to formal presentations that she momentarily forgot that she didn't have to state her full name this time---well, it was too late now so she made a last minute correction. "Schezar, Celena Schezar. Pleased to meet you, Hitomi," she said, smiling radiantly.
A light switched off in Hitomi's head. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be related to Ana Sche—" she cut herself short before she sounded like some nosy old lady. "I'm so sorry," she said shamefully, shaking her head at her own foolishness.
Damn Mamoru for putting that into her head---she wouldn't even have remembered the name or the person were it not for him. "It's none of my business," she finished, looking down. She never caught sight of the blond girl's wide blue eyes.
"That's okay. I get that a lot." There was a double meaning to that sentence Hitomi was oblivious to. In her mind, it simply meant, 'No, why do you even ask?'
Hitomi sighed, "I had no right to ask you anyhow." How stupid she felt at this moment.
Celena looked at her watch and reluctantly spoke what was on her mind. "Hey Hitomi, I hate to end this so soon but I should probably get going. My driver's probably wondering where I ran off to. But I'd really like us to keep in touch." The girl fished in her purse and retrieved a business card with fancy gold letters inscribed. She took out a black fountain pen and jotted down some numbers. "This is where I'm staying and that's," pointing to the freshly poured blue ink, "my extension number."
Hitomi inspected the card. "You're staying at The Albatou Inn? I thought you said you were visiting your brother. How come you're not staying with him?" Hitomi was aware that she was probably prying too far much but she couldn't help it---it was strange, if her brother was staying in Uptown, then…
Celena averted her eyes from the questioning girl's. "Well, it's a little complicated. He's got a very… different lifestyle and I would only burden him so…" It was a polite request that the subject be dropped. Hitomi frowned slightly but got the message. 'What kind of brother does he call himself!'
"I understand. Well, it was nice talking to you. And thanks for, you know." She unconsciously waved the handkerchief behind her back.
Celena laughed. "Don't worry about it!" She took a few retreating steps. "I really like talking to you too. Anyway, I hope you call. I'd like to meet with you again." She started to walk away.
"Same here!" Hitomi waved. Celena turned around to face Hitomi, not halting her backwards movement.
"By the way, I don't think you're the worst at all," the blue-eyed girl said, throwing Hitomi a knowing smile. Oh, so she had said it out loud… Hitomi's face burned from embarrassment.
"Well, see you!" Celena shouted as she waved and ran off, disappearing through the thicket of bushes.
"Yeah." Hitomi closed her eyes and let the wind caress her damp cheeks. Where did all these people pop out from to totally throw off her set conceptions?
"Why now?" She let the inquisitive words dissolve and float away with the wind.
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~
"That's not very nice," the woman scolded for the third time. The boy snorted in response. "You shouldn't scare your sister like that." A cute little girl hid behind her mother's summer dress---poking her little tear-streaked blue face cautiously to observe her brother's mood. The messy boy only snickered. "And you know it's dangerous to throw powder on the face. If she inhales it, it could be dan—"
"She'll just cough it out, no big deal."
The woman looked at him with disapproving eyes. "Your father wouldn't be pleased with you," she said, frowning at his behaviour.
The last traces of the boy's playful countenance were immediately driven away by his mother's last stern remark. His lips tightened.
"When is father ever pleased with me?" He asked sarcastically as he kicked a rock. "Is he ever pleased with what I do? Is he ever pleased with who I talk to? Traditions and image, that's all he cares about! Well not me, I'm different! I'm just a mista—"
"That's enough!" the woman reprimanded him sternly.
The little girl had started to whimper into her mother's dress---she had known the moment her mother mentioned their father that it would get like this. Her mother rarely used that tone and the little child didn't like the seriousness it implied.
"Please try to understand. You're a very smart boy, I don't need to tell you," the woman pleaded with her stubborn son.
"Yeah, Oniichan," a little voice peeped out through raw silk and flower prints. Her mother spent part of her life in Apollo so she had proudly taught her daughter how to use titles for certain people---including the girl's brother---she normally wouldn't need to. "You should listen to Mommy. I don't want you to get into trouble."
"This is all your fault so stay out of this," the boy accused---this time the little girl cried.
The exasperated woman turned to a man standing not too far and instructed him to take her daughter home. She thought she heard her son mumbling, "Forget it, I'm leaving." She turned around and she realized her guess was correct. She called after his running form but the boy either chose to ignore it or hadn't heard.
*
"Stupid sister," he muttered approaching his secret spot. The small boy wanted solitude as his only company at the moment so it was no surprise that he was aggravated to find a girl crouching in the exact spot he usually sat.
She must have been his sister's age and had short cinnamon-colored hair. Apparently, she was lost---well that wasn't his problem. Couldn't she see he was upset? The worst part was that she had the nerve to get upset at him---with an attitude problem at that age; she was going to turn out to be a monster.
It just wasn't his night---he was supposed to be having fun with his friends. However, he did have to admit that she was somewhat unpredictable so worth his curiosity---for a girl. He knew she wouldn't understand half the things he said but he couldn't stop himself from talking to her---she strangely made him feel at ease.
He had a good laugh out of her. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Now, she was lecturing him---just great, another one. But the look she had halted him from lashing out at her---she was only trying to be helpful, he knew. So instead he offered to help her but he certainly didn't expect her to do that---hug him.
He froze and couldn't get his mind to work so he did the first thing that came impulsively, he shoved her away. Now she was fingering his chain and her little fingers were touching his skin. Again, his mind stopped working normally but this time he was entranced by the strangest green eyes he'd ever seen---it was an amalgam of different kinds of green. They were wide and filled with fascination; he couldn't tear his eyes away from them.
When he finally snapped out from the hypnotic pigment's spell, he pulled her around town to look for his mother. He didn't know what exactly drove him to grab hold of her hand but somehow, it felt right.
They met up with his mother and he was secretly glad the little girl would make her forget their earlier quarrel. And oddly enough, he was hoping the girl would stay just a little bit longer---was it mean of him to hope that her mother wouldn't come today? Probably. In any case, he told himself that he wished it so his mother would completely forget about their fight.
When the girl had to leave, he hadn't even noticed he was frowning but again she surprised him and came back to give him a kiss before running off to join her mother. Why did that stupid and pointless gesture have to trigger such funny feelings?
His eyes followed her disappearing silhouette. The golden-haired woman saw his hand stroke his cheek yearningly and sent a tender smile down at him.
"What a lovely little girl she was," the tall woman said, looking at her son knowingly. "Don't you think?"
"No! She was annoying and ugly! I'm glad she left!" he replied gruffly. But even his words sounded horribly wrong. The woman laughed and ruffled his powder-ridden hair. She took out her handkerchief and wiped her hand then her son's face.
"We have to go home and get you cleaned up." She suddenly stopped and realized something. "Oh dear, I'm afraid we forgot to ask her name."
The boy thought for a moment. She observed him.
"It's ok mom, I'm sure I'll see her again," he said, smiling and looking strangely confident.
"Is that so," the woman teased. "I'm sure you'd be quite happy if you did," she laughed.
"Whatever," he said a little irritated. He thought back on the innocent girl's words and turned to look at his mother---he softened, "Mom?"
"Yes, dear?"
"I'm sorry… for earlier," he said looking as though an inner battle was raging within him. He had his pride to salvage so he didn't want to look too forgiving. The woman's soft white hand delicately stroked his cheek.
"I already know that," she said softly. She was now fixing him with her calm blue eyes. "You have a good heart, don't you ever forget that."
~
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The bloody heap lay sprawled on the floor, accompanied by the delightful melody of Beethoven's 9th Symphony prancing in the air. Why? Just for the heck of it, the imposing man had said. The greatly weakened figure sputtered more blood as he tried to breathe normally without the relentless pain, he winced---it hadn't worked.
The fallen man had his first excruciating lesson never to judge a book by its cover, or in this case a man. He may not have looked it at first, but his tall opponent had insane strength in those long limbs he called arms.
The familiar dark-clothed figure circled the broken man menacingly and sneered at him---he was wiping his bloody fists with a small white towel.
"You're a worthless piece of shit," the towering man jeered brutally. "You deserve to die in the shittiest way possible so we can get rid of your stinking corpse," he ended contemptuously, spitting at the immobile lump as he did so.
He squinted playfully at the fallen candidate and analyzed him---processing everything he'd seen in the last three days. He had subjected the candidate to various methods of humiliation and physical abuse---torture---during the three-day initiation. The merciless aggressor then proceeded to light a cigarette with a flick of his thumb and allowed a taunting grin to pass his lips.
"So, you in?" the smoking man prodded. It wasn't a query but a verbal nudge to verify if the body was still conscious (or alive). The answer to the question was clear---he was expecting only one.
Usually, the candidates who stuck this far were the serious ones---countless had failed miserably. They had enough time to back out before being subjected to harsher trials---including the one at present. The leader only accepted the best and toughest of them as one of his---they proved to be the most devoted ones in the end. The man had shown such devotion. There was a lovely musical crescendo suiting the moment.
"Y-yess," the browbeaten---beaten---body managed to utter.
"Confirm," the man demanded with obvious authority. The previously inert body moved with a world of strained effort and pain, grunting and collapsing a few times before he stood as erect as his broken body would allow him to be.
"I, candidate number 2546, wish to serve under the command of Blaze, Leader of the Ryuugekitai," the bloody man said with unwavering determination. The Organization had been gaining much underground popularity as of late.
The tall man blew the smoke in the man's face. "Good, from now on, you will be known as," he said, inspecting him from head to toe and smirked, "Private Fat Ass. Does that suit you," he taunted.
"Yes Sir, Blaze Sir!" the candidate shouted with emotionless conviction.
"Dismissed," he paused and looked scornfully at the candidate's state, "and clean yourself up. You look and smell like shit." He threw his cigarette at the man and turned to leave the cluttered room. "I want this place spotless by the time I get back," he warned, not looking back.
"Yes Sir!"
*
Shesta was still biting his thumb nail when his leader emerged from the room. "How did it go?" he asked, hoping the leader hadn't been too severe with the new recruit.
"Rather well," the handsome tormentor replied with a wry smile that echoed daggers in the quiet atmosphere---Shesta flinched. "How are the preparations for Friday," he calmly demanded.
"Great Blaze Sir, they're almost complete," the blond young lad replied. No one called the leader by his real name in the Ryuugekitai---this was the world he created and he made sure everyone knew that. Having an alias was useful for preventive measures as well but truthfully, it was all just an elaborate game to him.
"Perfect." Red eyes danced.
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A caramel-haired young woman---fake---with blond highlights washed down some pills with her trusted bottle of Spray, her plant-based energy drink. Lately, her world was a chaotic papier mâché of excitement, anticipation, insomnia---keeping herself awake to savor the moment insomnia---, extreme agitation, elation, depression, dizziness and a certain red eyed God---her God.
She had lost all control over her mind and body since nearly two weeks ago: doing things, mixing things and thinking things that would sooner kill her. She placed herself in a self-induced state of trance to relish very second of this universal breakthrough---she was untouchable now. He had come to her, he finally came to her. If she were to be hit by a train right now, a smile would undoubtedly be plastered on her face but she told herself that she had to stay alive for the big day.
Stay alive.
She screamed a deafening release of the chaos and happiness boiling inside and dropped her exhausted body on her bed---she'd need her strength to prepare for the Grand Night.
On the balcony, her sister let out a sad yet satisfied sigh. Sure, she was jealous but she was mostly happy for her younger sibling---albeit a little concerned as to her mental state. After all, Eriya had been dreaming about this moment for what felt like an eternity, Naria told herself.
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"Ow, ow, OW. That hurts damn it!" Hitomi cried, rubbing the ache on her head. She was now very impatient---she had to endure the full makeover with those funny facial products that burned your face and others that felt like you were smearing it with gooey grains of sand.
"Stop being such a crybaby, Tomi," Yukari chided. "To look good, we've gotta flatten that poofy hair of yours. You can't go around walking with a blond afro! No wonder you always tie it up."
"What if I don't want to look good!" the golden-haired girl pouted. She was sitting on Yukari's bean bag couch with her arms crossed.
"That's not an option. Now stay still, or else you'll get burned."
"Well, like I was saying, she was really nice."
"She looks nice. I'd like to meet her too," Yukari said absently and suddenly stopped her task. "You know, I'm really gonna miss you… We're gonna be so far apart after this summer."
"Yeah, me too. But think of it this way, if we were able to stand each other for so long. I can safely say we'll be standing each other for many years to come," Hitomi smiled.
"Definitely true," she laughed. "At least I'm happy the university's paying for the traveling tickets, otherwise I'd never be able to go."
"Same here. You're lucky; that Law School's one of the best in America. I'm so proud of you, you dodo!" Hitomi said genuinely.
"Oh please! I'm not the one with a full scholarship to the prestigious University of Evendria in Asturia, you nerd!" Yukari teased with an official tone.
"I am not a nerd," the emerald-eyed girl corrected. "And will you please finish this? I'm sick of sitting here."
Yukari sighed. "Oh hush! It's almost done. Now, all that's left is the makeup and then you get to wear that dress and the heels and voilà!" she cried excitedly. "Oh my God! I can't wait! I wonder who's gonna be there," she wondered, letting out a high-pitched squeal.
Hitomi rolled her eyes and grunted to express her annoyance. "Who cares! We're not going to stay there for long---one hour tops."
"No way! Who the hell stays at a club for only an hour? We're going to dance and for that, we need to get warmed up… if you know what I mean," the brown-haired teen hinted.
Hitomi glared at her friend---she was pushing it. "Nuh-uhn, there's no way I'm dancing and I'm sure as hell not drinking. Just imagine how expensive the drinks must be!"
"Babe, trust me. We'll find a way," Yukari said doggedly. She oozed a strange sort of confidence that made Hitomi weary---the same kind she had when she got her in this mess in the first place.
Hitomi tried to object but Yukari spoke before she had the chance. "Done!" she said, looking at her friend's hair. "Perfect! Now, makeup time!"
*
When Yukari was satisfied with her work, she looked at her friend and marveled. "Wow Tomi, makeup really does suit you. You look different," she tried to find the words, "older, more mature. It totally brings out your eyes."
"Yeah, yeah," Hitomi said, unconvinced. "Let's go get changed, I wanna get this over with. The sooner we get there, the sooner we leave. Is your brother still dropping us off?"
"Yup! By the way, you have to wear those heels," she pointed to the black stiletto sandals, "and that's an order!"
An irritated groan was heard and Hitomi disappeared in the bathroom with the dress and cursed heels. She came out a few minutes later.
Yukari almost choked on her grape juice. "Christ Almighty! You're absolutely gorgeous, you bitch!" she cried, clasping her hands together in obvious happiness. Her mission to "girlify" Hitomi had finally borne fruit.
Hitomi tried to suppress her blush and put a hand to her hip---she looked as ungraceful as they came. "Spare me!" She raised an eyebrow at her friend. "You're looking pretty gorgeous yourself."
Yukari smiled, "Thanks! Now, shall we?"
"Let's go." They both grabbed their purses and left.
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"Thanks, Eichi!" the girls chorused happily---actually that feeling was solely emanated from Yukari, the other was just grateful not to be taking any form of public transportation in her current attire---as they got out of the car.
There was a huge line-up in front of an eye-pleasing edifice. A red carpet with golden separating poles on either side was strewn next to the line, where people on the guest list and others with VIP passes were effortlessly ushered in.
The girls ignored the appreciative glances and the catcalls they received as they took their place in the line-up. Hitomi masked her fury with a detached and somewhat irritated exterior but it was difficult to dismiss the hard stares they got---it didn't help that she felt naked and indecent at the moment.
Her teal "flowy" halter dress was the only one Yukari was able to convince her of wearing from her friend's wardrobe. The front was loose---Hitomi was one of those strange girls who didn't particularly like showing off her curves, much to Yukari's chagrin: "You're perfect," the brown-haired girl would often comment on Hitomi's figure but the latter would never budge---, showing off her upper back and the rest of the material tightened at the hip to flow down to her lower thighs in a semi-transparent twirl of blue and teal, reminiscent of peacock feathers. She looked exceptionally dazzling.
Yukari wore a highly flashy silver cowl neck and backless top that showed off her lovely cleavage. The ensemble was only toned down a notch by her black jagged-hemmed skirt---'Thank God for that!' Hitomi thought. At least, Yukari was able to pull the outfit off without looking crude---she had the innate gift of looking fashionable and elegant in anything she wore.
The girls noticed a few photographers snapping a few pictures at the people who seemed to think they were floating on the red carpet---how sickening, Hitomi quietly said to herself. 'They don't even look like real people,' she thought.
"Oh God, is that Princess Millerna of Asturia?" Yukari said, pointing a very indiscreet finger in the air. "And that, is that Brandon Knowles? I think I'm gonna faint," the excited girl exclaimed.
"I think I'm gonna be sick. Who are these people anyway? I don't know any of them!"
"That's because you never watch TV or read my magazines… you would know if you did."
Hitomi let out an irritated sigh. "Geez, how long do we have to wait?"
Right then, a man who was initially trying to pick them up, soon escorted them to the entrance---he acted as the plow. Good thing Yukari urged her friend to keep her fist tucked at her side otherwise they wouldn't have made it there so quickly. The man dropped them like a hot sack of potatoes as soon as he caught sight of some (sexier) women---Hitomi snorted, 'Stupid guy.'
The bouncer took a good look at the tickets and the girls and let them in with a teasing grin and a leer. Hitomi thought it strange that he didn't ask for any ID, but more importantly, why was he looking at them like that. It was obviously not the first time he'd seen women dressed like that before---'So, then why?' the suspicious girl wondered. What she didn't know was that the bouncer spoke to one of his private employer's assistants right after the girls had gone in.
While Hitomi was still pondering about the bouncer's strange behavior, as always Yukari distracted her from her suspicions---so did the place. Whoever had done the interior hall or was in charge of doing it, definitely had taste---even Hitomi had to admit to it. The place was obviously inspired by fairy tales and myths---every bit fitting for a club by the name of Mystic Moon.
The venue branched out into two floors which were accessible to the public; the upper floor accommodated the live band and the main floor was reserved for the actual party---and the show in honor of the one whose birthday was being celebrated. Both floors had a stage, the upper for obvious reasons and the lower for various spectacles featured during the night.
The main floor felt like a set straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie. The floor was immaculate and so well-polished, one could see their own reflection. A few flowery shrubs protruded from the ground and in the center stood a majestic umbrella tree whose greenery nearly shaded the entire dance floor---it shed beautiful blue and silver star-shaped flowers over the dancers' heads. Soft grey smoke arose from panels perpendicular to the floor and gave the place a dreamlike atmosphere.
The girls were absolutely awestruck as they stood on the balcony, gaping at the scene below. They unsteadily made their way down the steps, still marveling at the decorations and whispering praises to each other---yes, even Hitomi had momentarily forgotten her thoughts on the shady bouncer and her general weariness of being there.
She snapped out from her haze as one of the silver flowers kissed her face. They sat themselves down on some plush couches near the dance floor. Just a few steps down, people were socializing, dancing and looking like they were having the time of their lives. Waitresses in medieval inspired outifits---very scanty nonetheless---were delivering drinks to the guests of the party.
"I can't believe we're actually here! This place is amazing!" Yukari exclaimed.
"Unfortunately, I have to agree with you on the last bit." Hitomi unconsciously reached for her face. "Argh, this thing itches!"
"Don't touch! The makeup stays on, got it!" Yukari craned her neck to look over people's heads. "Please, do not tell me that's Ashton Kutcher!"
"Looks like him," Hitomi replied dryly.
Their conversation halted as one of the earlier mentioned waitresses made her way over to the girls and asked them what they would like to have.
Instead, Yukari interjected snootily, "Ha, how silly of me. I've actually forgotten my purse at home so can you just tell me how much for a plain Smirnoff Ice and I'll get daddy to come by later?"
"Oh, I'm afraid everything's free tonight, courtesy of the wonderful organizer of this event." At this, the waitress had a dreamy expression on her painted face while Yukari winked at her friend. "They decided to make it very big this year for Eriya's 24th birthday," the made-up waitress finished, smiling her fake---customers only---smile and displaying her too perfect teeth.
"Actually, we were invited by some close friends so unfortunately, we're not too familiar with the birthday girl. Is she here?" Yukari was so good at impersonating a snobby bitch, it was eerie.
"Oh, of course. She's right in that corner," the waitress said pointing to a luxuriously designed booth where a girl with some blond streaks sat being hugged and kissed by various people who took turns---they figured that was the birthday girl.
"Thank you," Yukari said, flipping her hair haughtily. "Well, in that case, I'll have a litchi martini." She looked at her friend who was very stealthily concealing a snicker. "Hit—I mean, Cherry, what will you have darling?" Thank goodness, she hadn't succumbed to the claws of familiarity and routine.
In a silent flash of epiphany, Hitomi suddenly remembered why the bouncer had snickered---their "names". 'I can't believe we have to pretend to be these people…'
"Um, I'll just have—" Hitomi sucked with names of drinks---and Yukari knew it better than anyone else.
"She'll have the same thing," her friend cut in.
"What? But that tastes like cr—," Hitomi stopped herself when she felt a pinch on her thigh. "Same thing's fine."
The waitress smiled at their antics---'Those eccentric rich people,' she thought stupidly---and turned to fetch them their drinks but Yukari halted her retreat with a quick query.
"By the way, may I ask who is responsible for organizing this party? I'd love to go and congratulate him," she said, figuring it was probably a guy from the waitresses' skimpy attire.
"Oh dear," the waitress replied, putting a hand to her bosom, "why, it's none other than Dilandau Albatou," she finished, biting her lower lip out of reflex---visions of the flirtatious glances the devilishly handsome man had given her earlier today sprung to mind.
Yukari gasped and swallowed back an "Are you fucking serious!" The girl normally didn't swear unless it was considered an extreme situation but in this occasion, she probably would have---this would classify in the "extreme" category. The only words she found the strength to say were, "No wonder this place is so amazing…"
Hitomi noticed her friend's sudden change and didn't wait for her to return from her "little trip to the moon". She mouthed a "thank you" in her friend's place and the waitress sashayed her way back to the bar.
"What's up with you?" Hitomi nudged her friend out of her daze.
"Do you have any idea who that is!" the brown-haired girl asked, incredulously.
"No. Does it look like I care?" Hitomi retorted. What did it matter if she didn't know who a certain Dilandau Al— Wait a minute, wasn't that the name of half of the things owned around Gaea and the world? "Does he have anything to do with Albatou Hotels and Adelphus?"
"Duh! He's the heir of the Albatou Empire. He's the elusive son of 'Dornkirk', only one of the richest people in the world," her friend said, wide-eyed and stating the obvious to annoy Hitomi purposely. "He's like known as one of the most beautiful men in the world and he's always in the news, but no one can actually get close to him coz he avoids everyone like the plague." Yukari was talking like a reporter; Hitomi looked on blankly as her friend rambled on.
"They say he's a genius with an IQ over 160. And he has all these female celebrities after him. He even dated that model there," she clicked her fingers, searching for the name, "yeah, Katie Malik but he dumped her right after."
"Geez, you know more about him than you do about your own brother!" Hitomi was clearly bothered about her friend's near-scientific analysis over such trivialities.
"I read up," Yukari said, matter-of-factly.
"On pointless things," she finished for her friend, who gave a slight frown at that.
"Oh my God… I can't believe he's actually here." She thought for a moment, "I hope he's here, then I'll be able to tell my kids I saw an Albatou. Whoa!" she said, looking as zoned out as a hippie would---Hitomi shook her head. "You know, he's the one who owns The Vionne. Surely, you know what that is, don't you?" she asked sarcastically.
Hitomi eyed her friend with a deadpan expression and sighed---why did Yukari have to take this so seriously. "Isn't that the club that refuses everyone?"
"Pretty much. He doesn't let just anybody in; you actually have to reserve a place at the club, that's if you're lucky enough to be accepted. I heard he checks the list of people who reserve so he only lets in the people he wants. He even refused Britney Spears because she didn't reflect the club's style and that… she was too ugly."
"What a freaking jerk!" Sure, Hitomi hated pop singers like her but genius or not, how arrogant and superficial does someone have to be to discriminate people based on looks?
"Well, that's nothing compared to what else they say about him. He's got the reputation of being a Bad Boy; picks fights whenever he wants and apparently he's pretty brutal." Hitomi was sure Yukari would turn out to be one of those old women who gossiped to pass the time---she had even rubbed off her bad habit on Hitomi.
"He sounds like a complete asshole!" the green-eyed teen remarked. "And Kari, stop believing everything you read," she added, a little exasperated at her friend's lack of restraint.
"Well, I know one thing's true. He is gorgeous; I saw a picture and let me tell you, I've never seen eyes like those."
Hitomi was curious now. "What do you mean?"
"You'll know when you see him," Yukari said strangely. "God, I really hope we get to have a glimpse of him!"
The waitress came back with their drinks in tow and the girls braced themselves.
"Cheers bitch!" they shouted in unison and let their glasses clink together. The curtains opened to reveal an elaborate show of faeries and nymphs in beautiful "party" costumes dancing to the music.
----------
Red eyes scanned the swaying and moving bodies below, behind a tinted window and let a satisfied grin swerve his beautiful features. Dilandau plumed himself over the success of the night. He had completely turned the place inside out---renovated the joint from scratch in the span of a week. The cunning man certainly didn't lack efficiency when he wanted something done. He gave those oblivious fools below a little glimpse of how it went down at The Vionne. He had closed the club for the night and even hired some of his employees for this exceptional event.
The room was occupied by the tall man and some of his Dragonslayers. Dilandau had sent Dallet to get warmed up before hosting tonight's show. He playfully slapped Gatti on the shoulder who smiled at him before exiting the room---he couldn't wait to see the look on Eriya's face when he would give her his thoughtful gift.
The silver-haired man made his way down the steps---welcomed by gasps and longing sighs. Women suddenly started to fix their makeup, hitch their skirts higher, and send seductive glances his way. The bolder ones swayed their curvy bodies tantalizingly near him. One thing was clear: he owned every single one of them.
A bewitching and tall raven-haired woman immediately swooned over to Dilandau. Her catlike eyes beckoned him.
"What do you want," he asked with parched interest, hand in his pocket.
"Dance with me?" the woman half-pleaded.
He lowered his head slightly to lock eyes with hers and gently brushed his pink lips against her reddening cheeks---her breathing quickened.
"Lydia," he whispered agonizingly soft. Her knees nearly buckled beneath her. "Get lost," he breathed slowly and walked away with a mischievous grin---leaving the woman completely crestfallen.
The "intimate" scene left many jealous and fuming---they were all waiting for their chance to have him to themselves. Eriya had noticed the herd of women flocking to a far corner of the club and realized he had come to join the party.
Two men from his group told her to stay at the booth until they called for her again---they had said they planned something big for her. She obediently collaborated---only too eager to please him. As much as she wanted to run over to him, she decided not to meddle in his affairs so she would wait until he was alone to go thank him personally---she swallowed some more pills to nullify her jittered nerves.
----------
Yukari had gulped down nearly two thirds of her martini whereas Hitomi had barely touched hers---the stubborn idiot stuck to water so now she had to go to the bathroom.
"I'll be back," the honey brown-haired girl announced over her shoulder.
"Don't get lost now," Yukari teased.
Hitomi shot a cynical stare at her friend and left in search of the bathrooms. She walked around the large dance floor and couldn't help but notice for the umpteenth time how lovely the whole scene was---especially the flowers drifting down and meeting with the rising smoke. Hidden ventilators were well positioned around the club to create artificial wind---with the flowers being blown by it, it was quite a sight.
The faeries were dancing to the beats of "Promiscuous Girl"---gyrating hips and twirling their bodies in such ways that the mythical chaste creatures they represented were defiled a thousand times over. 'Wow, awesome dancers,' Hitomi commented inwardly, smiling at the irony.
Promiscuous girl Promiscuous boy
Wherever you are
I'm all alone
And it's you that I want
You already know
That I'm all yours
What you waiting for?
She took it all in and failed to notice the man who was making his way in her direction. The collision immediately startled Hitomi out from her reverie and she noticed that the man had spilled some of his beer over his clean shirt.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry," Hitomi said with a hand to her mouth.
The man frowned and slurred a "Fuck."---he really liked that shirt. He gave his wrist a jerk to shake off the excess alcohol from his hand, not paying any heed to the girl.
Hitomi's remorseful mood quickly vanished. She had said "sorry" and the man hadn't so much as even acknowledged her presence. 'Who the hell does he think he is?' she thought angrily. The man was still inspecting his (slightly) soiled shirt and shaking off the liquid from his hand---some of the said liquid flicked right onto Hitomi's face. She suddenly recalled never having promised Yukari to behave if one of them pissed her off.
"Hey, I said I was sorry!" she snapped impatiently. Enough was enough---he could just go out and buy another one for crying out loud.
The light brown-haired man finally looked up from his shirt with a raised eyebrow. Didn't she know who he was? In the dimness of the bluish light, he caught glints of a strange green radiating from the woman's eyes and in his state of alcohol induced haze, he acted on the sudden impulse to gently nudge her into the lighted area.
Hitomi was now outraged---first he ignores her and now he has the nerve to shove her aside.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? I was talking to you!"
He observed her from head to stiletto---stopping at certain areas that demanded more ocular attention---and came to the conclusion that she was a fine piece of woman. Especially alluring were those fascinating green orbs that exploded into different pigments of green. Her spunk only made her more desirable at the moment---were he not under the influence, he would have probably been a little more offended and not so lenient (but not that it mattered since he would have reached the same verdict anyway).
"I just wanted to move you into the light to see your eyes better," he said, smiling smugly. Her semi-shocked reaction amused him---it made her all the cuter.
"What about them?" she asked, narrowing her eyes alarmingly. 'I dare you to say something mean, asshole!' She was waiting for his reply and the opportune moment to sock him in the face. 'Geez, he ignores me, pushes me and now stares me down… he's gonna get a nice piece of my mind pretty soon!'
"They're nice," he finished. Her head involuntarily moved back and she blinked her eyes in amazement. She hadn't expected that one and she now was tongue-tied. Congrats!
Her involuntary physical response made him chuckle---she was definitely cute. Damn, he wanted her.
Promiscuous girl Promiscuous boy
You're teasing me
You know what I want
And I got what you need
Let's get to the point
Cause we're on a roll
Are you ready?
Oh yes, he wanted her. "Wanna dance?"
The change in his tone---conversation---and the way his eyes shone with a strange gleam, suddenly made Hitomi notice the fact that he was quite good-looking---his kissable lips and defined chest under his fitting shirt were elements that were by no means helping the matter. She shied away from his gaze and suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She spotted the glowing white sign over his head---great timing.
"I have to go. Sorry about your shirt," she said quickly as she nearly made a dash past him.
He grinned, taking a swig of his finely brewed German beer. Not many women refused his verbal advances---much less the way she did. There was a je ne sais quoi about her that attracted him and she was a mystery which made him want to decipher her even more.
That woman was something---totally different from the ones he was used to. And that fire in her eyes… He decided he'd track her down in the course of the night to "talk" to her. As he thought of the various ways he could approach her---she wasn't going to be easy---, he saw the familiar tall figure with the casual grin saunter over to him---red eyes looking pleasantly amused.
----------
A few minutes earlier...
----------
"Millerna," the Adonis drawled as he pushed the attractive blond woman against the wall. His large hands were planted on either side of her face and he chuckled as he watched her melt under his animalistic manhandling---his dominance aroused her to no end.
She had teased him all night, lifting her skirt to show off her newly tanned thighs and lowering her neckline to show off her plump breasts---now she was getting a piece of her own medicine. If only her parents knew what a naughty little princess she was around him---he smirked.
She panted as he nipped at her neck. "T-take m-m—"
A masculine voice interrupted the woman and passionate moment by clearing his throat and began, "Sorry to interrupt Dilandau-san but I have more news."
Miguel extracted the courage from the fact that his leader had told him to let him know when there were new developments in the course of the evening concerning tonight's event---so, of course, it came as a bit of a shock when he felt a powerful backhand connect with his face, only to slam against the wall from the impact. He spit out some blood and grabbed his loosened jaw in the hope of making the pain go away---good thing he was a sturdy young man otherwise he may not have been conscious right now. He gathered the papers that had flown out of the folder he was holding when he was struck.
The woman who was previously in Dilandau's company froze, unable to utter a single word or make any sound and stood immobile, leaning terrified against the wall.
"What is it," the handsome man barked as he lit his Silver Cut angrily---he'd teach Miguel a proper lesson some other time but now he had to make sure everything went down smoothly; one could never be too careful.
Miguel watched the leader march away heavy-footed---he gulped, bunched up the last remaining sheets and quickly stood up to follow him.
Dilandau stationed himself at a spot near the dance floor and ordered a strong drink. The waitress came back in such a flash that Miguel had hardly noticed that she was gone at all---well he was distracted by something else at the moment. As he saw Dilandau downing his drink in a few quick gulps he proceeded to explain the new developments he read from the notes.
Miguel stopped his more technical ramblings---all of which Dilandau comprehended with natural ease---as he remembered something. "Dilandau-san, what will you do about Darren?" Darren was an "applicant" and his interview was supposed to take place yesterday but things had come up and Dilandau had decided to leave it for another day but the man had been pestering the Slayers since then about his delayed appointment---he was eager to join the Organization.
"I'll deal with him tomorrow," he replied impatiently. "What else," the man demanded as he non-verbally gave the order to sum it up quickly before his impatience got the better of him.
"Oh yeah, the name of the kid who brought the girls in is Jared St-Germain. He's the only one Guimel found who knew any outsiders. That's pretty nifty, I had no idea what the tickets were for but—" Miguel stopped his casual chatter and quickly wiped the fond smile off his face as his leader shot him a deadly glare.
Guimel Valois was their last inclusion to the Dragonslayers as he joined just a few years ago and he was the only one who personally knew people from outside their large elitist circle. Dilandau had handed two tickets in an envelope to be discarded to outsiders over a week ago but Miguel had no idea why until the cunning leader explained the details of his devious plan. After all these years, Dilandau still managed to astound him over and over again with his genius and twisted mind.
Miguel rapidly resumed his fact stating, dreading another hit, "He's an ambassador's son and he wants to join the Organization too," the man said diplomatically.
The leader snorted with derision. 'All these wannabes,' he thought. "We'll see if he's worth the interview," he said wearily, looking away with disinterest and perusing over the crowd. He called over the waitress again---who was gaping at him from not too far---and ordered another drink.
Miguel went on, going over the remainder of the technical details.
The silver-haired Adonis' attention, however, was being diverted to something else. Not too far away, Gatti was talking to someone---a girl. It was funny from where he was standing---Gatti seemed enamored with the woman and the woman seemed to be fuming at him. Now that was a first.
He saw her scrunching up the material of her pretty dress at her side---obviously trying to stop herself from slapping him---and he couldn't help but notice her athletic long legs. What a desirable picture she made without even knowing it. He let his red eyes trail over her slender and curvy body. Her straight long honey brown hair fell over her back which he suspected was muscular yet feminine. Her naked arms were creamy and defined. He guessed she either trained regularly or did some sort of sport---she looked fit. He imagined the flat abdomen and firm buttocks she was hiding under her dress---he unconsciously licked his lips. He had to give it to him, Gatti definitely had taste.
It was strange, it wasn't her sex appeal that was particularly enticing, in fact, he was surprised to find that she wasn't all that sexy in the proper term---at least not compared to all the women he had been with---but she had something that made her different from all the women he'd met up till now. And that was what made her so damn appealing. He brought his attention to her face and noticed bright green orbs---'Hmm, interesting.'---behind impossibly long black eyelashes and a diamond-shaped face with high cheekbones.
Spying the unsuspecting woman with a tilted head and superior air, he blew the smoke amusedly as he watched her face redden from anger. 'So much pride,' he thought, pleased---females around him lacked that trait so it was very refreshing to see one who had plenty of it. He started to wonder if she'd have much of it if he were to make himself known to her---it would definitely be entertaining should he decide to play with her. He thought of going there---he was sure Gatti wouldn't mind if he borrowed his company for a while.
Promiscuous Girl
Wherever you are Promiscuous Boy Promiscuous Girl Promiscuous Boy
I'm all alone
And its you that I want
I'm calling your name
But you're driving me crazy
The way you're making me wait
You're teasing me
You know what I want
And I got what you need
We're one in the same
So we don't gotta play games no more
He was suddenly curious to know how she would look like dancing and losing herself to the music. The handsome man waltzed over to them---completely ignoring Miguel's protests. But the girl had left in a flash and he chortled---did she have any idea that that only increased his desire for her? Little did she know, he'd find her easily and make her beg for him---like all the others. Anyone who was worth Dilandau Albatou's attention would know of it.
Gatti was still off in his own little world by the time he had reached him---what an impression that woman had made on him. Gatti finally noticed his leader and greeted him with a lopsided grin.
"Who was that," Dilandau queried with an obvious interest which he concealed beneath layers and layers of controlled indifference. Gatti was too distracted anyway.
"I didn't get her name but she sure is something," he smiled. Gatti didn't know what force made him turn to Dilandau at that precise moment but as he did, he swore he saw a look on his face he'd never witnessed before---a look akin to longing. No way, not Dilandau.
Gatti blinked his smoke stung eyes and expressed relief when his leader had his customary look of superiority, the one he had to get what he wanted. Either way, Gatti would lose this one too… oh well, it wasn't anything new. Maybe he'd have fun watching Dilandau work his irresistible charm over the woman and watch her fall hopelessly and madly in love with him---like all the others. Why did it have to matter anyway? There were plenty other women for him. The good-looking young man sighed.
"This is going to be fun," the Adonis breathed ambiguously, twirling his tobacco stick between his fingers.
----------
As Hitomi made her way back to Yukari, she walked past a stunned Jared who ogled her as if he had seen a human for the first time in his life. Hitomi "haha-ed" him in the face as she passed by---'Take that! Hope the cat chewed your tongue, bastard!' Yukari was irritable by the time she got back.
"What took you so long?" she asked, sulking. "I wanted to dance, you know! And there were all these weird guys harassing me."
"Sorry but I had to get rid of some weirdoes on my side too," Hitomi said apologetically. She would die before admitting that she bumped into a cute guy---even if he was a tad strange.
A few electronic droplets of sound leaked from the massive speakers and Yukari squealed in excitement as she recognized the familiar sonance---it was their song. Hitomi was happy they put something she could finally relate to. In an instant, Yukari wildly tugged Hitomi and lead them to the dance floor---much to the pleasure of a few men who had been scrutinizing their every move from a nearby table---before she could resist and the synthetic beats to Depeche Mode's "John the Revelator" dropped as they reached the mist-filled atmosphere.
John the Revelator
Put him in an elevator
Take him up to the highest high
Take him up to the top where the mountains stop
Let him tell his book of lies
Yukari got into the groove straight away and encouraged Hitomi to "get into it" as well, smiling and bopping her with her hips. As Hitomi looked around the mass of swaying bodies, she watched as they parted to let through a few people. She recognized the man she had bumped into and he nodded a smile in her direction. 'Is he important or something?' A few other people---all respectively very good-looking in their own rights---whirled out of the mist one by one. The last of them stepped out of the brume and she thought for a moment that she was witness to a vision---a ghostly appearance.
John the Revelator
He's a smooth operator
It's time we cut him down to size
Take him by the hand
And put him on the stand
Let us hear his alibis
How was it possible for a man to have hair like that? It wasn't grey or white but silver---the shiniest and healthiest silver she'd ever seen. The soft argent strands undulated and fell near his eyes---orbs that scorched a crimson storm and swirled into an inviting trance. Never had she seen anything like it. They birthed feelings of primal needs and instinctive wants---"Act first, think later," they incited. His curled eyelashes slanted slightly at the corners and gave his sanguine orbs a sort of sad expression that made them all the more intriguing. His skin was perfectly white and glowing with youth. Egads, he was sinfully beautiful---it was otherworldly.
The last of the misty residue licked his stately frame---she gave him around 6"2---as he materialized completely. He gracefully walked past her and gave her a mockingly seductive sidelong glance that screamed, "I saw you watching."
Her green eyes widened---how long had she been staring? She mentally slapped herself for her uncharacteristic carelessness. 'What was I thinking?' she scolded herself. It was probably just the timing with the song that enhanced his spectacular entrance---'Yeah, that's it, it was just the song.'
The tall man was now leaning against a white column where he was smoking and drinking from his beer bottle---he was still eyeing her with an amused expression and furthermore, he looked devastatingly handsome. She felt drained by his violating red eyes. Was it the blaring speakers resonating in her chest or something else?
Her eyes quickly searched for a distraction and found Yukari totally engrossed in the song---no help there. Hitomi did the only thing she could to keep herself from squirming away from the man's probing rubies---she joined Yukari and willed her mind and body to disappear into the music. Thankfully her body complied and she moved in sync with the beats.
Seven lies, multiplied by seven, multiplied by seven again
Seven angels with seven trumpets
Send them home on the morning train
Hitomi stole a sideways glance and found a woman wrapping her arms around the red-eyed man and shamelessly rub her "assets" against him but the man never tore his intense gaze away from her and simply shoved the woman off nonchalantly. He tipped his head back and took a swig, grinning sensually through the rim of his bottle. Her pulsating chest seemed uncontainable now and there was a strange knot in her stomach---she kept dancing.
----------
Dilandau watched the attractive woman thread her fingers into her soft long hair as she danced under the falling petals and flowers. She kept her eyes closed as she twisted and turned her body sexily---what a show. There were a variety of girls scattered on the dance floor who did much cruder things to win his attention but he discarded every one of them. That woman with the strange green eyes and honey-brown hair drew him in like no other---much of his growing curiosity pertained from her earlier uncommon behavior---and he wanted to unravel her mystery.
He wasn't oblivious to the fact that she knew he was watching---it made it all the more exciting to know that she was doing this for his pleasure---, luring him to watch her body's poetry. He smirked, blowing out the smoke into her direction. He knew she was under his spell the moment she saw him but he decided to keep his distance to observe her. He'd move in at the right moment---it was all about timing.
----------
Gatti watched back and forth between his leader and the woman who was the object of his current want---the sexual tension was so thick, it was palpable. He saw the beautiful woman move her body at the song's command, unaware of his teal eyes regarding her and he smiled---she was now officially out of his grasp. He quickly gulped down the remainder of his beer.
Well who's that shouting?
"John the Revelator!" the enthusiastic crowd screamed.
All he ever gives us is pain
Well who's that shouting?
"John the Revelator!" they screamed again.
He should bow his head in shame
Hitomi was surprised the people even knew this song collectively but she enjoyed screaming out the words with everyone---so had her friend who was now busy dancing with a random guy who had appeared. Hitomi was about to shoo him away until she saw the "OK" sign her friend gave her---great, now she was dancing alone.
Of course that freedom was short-lived as one of the 'male vultures' who were surrounding them decided to go for the plunge. The huge alcohol-reeking man cheaply caught her from behind---placing his humongous hands on her hips and thighs.
She whirled around in anger, ready to tell the obscene man off when she was unexpectedly submerged in an alcoholic embrace. She tried untangling herself from his vice-like grip and gave him a half-assed punch in the ribs---damn, he was either too sedated by the alcohol to feel the impact or so strong it hadn't affected him.
In any case, her arms were more or less pinned at her sides so it wasn't much of a hit anyway. The way he was holding her made it impossible to even knee him in the groin. "Damn it!" she spat through clenched teeth. The other men loitering around were too afraid by the man's impressive build to attempt helping her. 'Cowards!'
She looked to Yukari for help but the girl was too far away. She cursed loudly and turned toward the red-eyed man. He was giving her a mocking smile---she couldn't believe it. 'That asshole!' She wanted to throttle the life out of that arrogant demon-eyed freak right now and failed to notice the huge man's slimy hands slithering their way up her thighs.
----------
Gatti was infuriated by the classless man's lowly behavior and as he came to stomp his way over to them, he was stopped dead in his tracks by the coldest red stare.
"Wait," Dilandau commanded lowly, still leaning against the column. She was his business now---Gatti had no say in the matter anymore.
----------
"Stop it, you asshole! That's disgusting, get off me!" she cried, outraged. Hitomi tried to push him off with all her might but he was immobile and still examining her with his offensive hands. She had to think of something quickly to scare him away before he did more foul things---'Think, use your head.'
"Stop it or else… I'll call my boyfriend and he'll beat the shit out of you," she warned dangerously---'Please, please let this work,' she prayed. Nope---was she that transparent? The man only let out a sloppy laugh through hiccups of foul smell. "Urgh." She moved her head as far away from his disgusting hot breath and vaguely saw the silhouette of a tall man approaching.
"Sorry I'm late," the figure said teasingly. "Babe," he finished with a smirk. He had a velvety voice that could quell a raging sea---that's the impression Hitomi got from the tone it possessed. Despite the loud music, he didn't need to scream to be heard---it was a voice that was used to projecting naturally. She knew before looking that it was him. He was standing tall with his head tilted to one side to demonstrate his authority.
"Psst," the silver-haired man susurrated playfully and tapped the intoxicated man on the shoulder.
"What the fu—" The perpetrator stopped short of telling the man off as he turned around---his face glaciated in terror. He definitely recognized those trademark demon red eyes and immediately shrunk away in defeat, uttering a quick, "I'm very sorry. I didn't know she was with you."
Before the man could scamper away the red-eyed man caught him violently by the collar of his shirt and whispered some words into his ear, looking straight at Hitomi as he did and she saw the sorry man blanch in fear. He threw the terrified goliath savagely onto the hard floor---the poor man crawled away whimpering incoherencies. He smiled and turned to face her.
"Better, wouldn't you say?" the handsome man baited. Now that he was at close proximity, she got a better look at him. He was wearing a nice grey dress shirt with dark pants. He had the sort of body type that made anything look good on him without even trying to---like now.
He was tall, lean and she noticed that his shirt fit snuggly---but loose enough to make you wonder---over his muscular chest. The top buttons were undone and a thin chain was visible---so was his collarbone. There was a small ring piercing through his left earlobe. God, he was even more breathtaking up close---Hitomi was thankful that the earlier struggle with the drunken man left her flushed otherwise it wouldn't have been so easily excusable. He let a self-satisfied grin make its way to his cheeks.
'Argh, not again!' she screamed internally. Hitomi looked away and assumed an irritated stance.
"You didn't have to go that far. I was handling it just fine," she said irascibly.
"Were you? I could have sworn you were asking for my help."
How highly did he think of himself to give that kind of shameless answer---Hitomi was now genuinely annoyed. Apparently, she hadn't caught on to the subtle humor.
"Well I wasn't. I was waiting for the right opportunity to shove him off and beat the crap out of him if you must know," she said noncommittally. Why did she have to act like a 7 year-old? Why couldn't she say something more mature and poignant? She held back a nervous giggle.
"I'll keep that in mind next time," he humored her. No one ever spoke to him like that and he found that he quite liked it coming from her. She was cute when she pretended to be offended---what an unpredictable creature she was. He was half expecting her to shower him with gratitude or play into his wanton game and the fact that she didn't do either only augmented his interest---as well as his desire. He had the insatiable urge to dissect her (enigmatic nature).
What was that supposed to mean? Did he mean— "Are you saying that I can't take care of myself?" she said, somewhat insulted and grumpily blew away the irritating honey-colored strands that fell over her face.
"Me," he threw his hands up in the air in mock hurt, "I would never insinuate such thing." He watched her narrowing her eyes warningly. This was fun---the look on her face was priceless. He decided he'd carry on with the charade a little longer---no one amused him quite the way she did. "But you know," he paused, "the right opportunity might not come up again," he said cryptically.
Hitomi was stumped---why was he talking in parables? She couldn't grasp his ambiguous way of communicating. To top it off, he was eloquent when he spoke and she suddenly felt very stupid. So that was his goal. 'How dare he make me feel inferior!' Who cares if he was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen---she couldn't get over the fact that he actually beat Folken and that in itself spoke volumes---, he would get a piece of her mind just like everyone else. She planted a slender finger to his chest.
"Listen buster, I don't know what you're implying but I'm not playing into your game, got that!" Now there was her good old spunk! She felt more in control now that she had that out of her system.
He looked down at her audacious hand and raised a silver brow at her. Luckily for her, she didn't know the half it yet. She was unpredictable alright---but so was he. He wrapped his long fingers around her small hand and grinned charmingly down at her, never losing his smug countenance.
"I was only trying to give you a friendly piece of advice."
Her heart was thumping erratically in her chest. His hand was warm and he smelled so good---and why was he looking at her like that. That red penetrating gaze of his---she felt woozy.
"W-well don't!" she said a little too breathily for her taste. It was intended to be spoken strongly and full of confidence but instead, it came out weak and languid.
He contemplated her for a moment, squinting his eyes analytically. 'Such a tough exterior,' he thought. She was still putting up a fight. What was she defending? Why wouldn't she just give in like everyone else? No wonder Gatti was so smitten by her.
Her eyes held specks of jade and beryl and there was a persistent fire blazing in them---they were large, mesmerizing. And for a split second he would have admitted to being lost in them---maybe even disarmed---but then again he'd met many a beautiful and exotic woman whom he had effortlessly possessed and the way things were going down, she was possibly just another one to add to his string of conquests. And yet still…
He shrugged, "Fine by me."
He stumped her again. What was wrong with him? Why was he so inconsistent? She even thought she saw a flickering waver of genuineness behind his mocking eyes. Maybe she shouldn't be such an ungrateful bastard. He was still holding her hand firmly against his hard chest. She gulped and stepped over her pride before she changed her mind.
"Thanks… for cutting in," she looked away embarrassed. "Rescue" and "save" were not in her vocabulary.
"You're welcome," he replied smugly. He lowered his face to hers, earning him a small gasp and breathed on her ear for a few excrutiating moments---an eternity all its own. He inhaled the sweet scent of vanilla and lavenders.
"But, you do realize that implies that you have to let me dance with you now," he paused, "don't you?" he whispered suggestively.
Those green orbs were softening, the fire was waning---she was losing. He watched her flutter her shimmering eyelids shut from the corner of his eye.
He was so close his soft silver hair was grazing her cheek---why were her insides doing funny flips? Her body was an automaton now; it was operating on its own without consulting Hitomi. He was a total flirt but damn he was good at it. It was just sheer willpower that prevented her legs from giving way---there was no way… (Oh God,) she'd let… (he was stroking…) him… (her hand.) win. 'Stop panting, you idiot girl,' she commanded herself.
At that moment, Hitomi recognized a familiar shriek---Yukari. She lifted her head abruptly and saw her friend with chestnut eyes as wide as saucers and an open mouth---Yukari's partner nearly did the same.
"What happened?" Hitomi mouthed to the stupefied girl but Yukari suddenly jutted out a careless 'thumbs up' at her---she was probably tipsy from being bought drinks by the guy she was with. 'Oh no she didn't!' Why did she have to purposely embarrass her like that?
His silky laughter permeated portentously and she instantly flushed from deeper embarrassment. She hastily broke away from his grasp and stalked toward her friend---she would have a "word" with Yukari---when she was unexpectedly whisked back by a strong hand binding her wrist.
"I wasn't finished with you," he called, feigning disapproval at her unannounced departure. He was eager to cut to the chase and he hated delays and interruptions---especially now.
Shock etched her pretty features. Where were his earlier manners? "How dare y—" she didn't get to conclude her tongue-lashing as a blond-haired man---one of the men he had come with---appeared and cupped his hand to the tall man's ear, reporting something quickly before disappearing amidst the crowd.
Dilandau raised his eyebrow at the girl and gave her a good look over. If what Shesta said was true, then… 'That's too bad,' he thought. 'Just when it was starting to get interesting.' Oh well, he'd just have to sit back and enjoy the show for now. He would just find himself another playmate somewhere else because in all honesty, that's all she was, wasn't it. At least, it had been ages since he'd been this amused and perplexed by the opposite sex---he gave her that much. It was fun while it lasted.
He let go of her wrist without warning, stood to his full height and assumed a detached and indifferent air. He smirked down at her.
"Nice talking to you, Cherry," he said dispassionately. "See you around." He walked away coolly; hand in his pocket and seeming as though nothing had ever transpired between them.
'What just happened?' she asked herself, clearly bewildered by his sudden change in disposition. A chill involuntarily ran down her spine---he was so different, so distant and… cold. She hadn't even had time to let the words sink in when Yukari ditched her partner and rushed over to her bemused friend.
"Oh my fucking God Hitomi, do you have any idea who that was?" Yukari was cradling her head between her hands and trying to show the gravity of the situation with contriving pants.
But Hitomi was still under the daze of trying to figure out what had happened. 'How stupid could I be to let my guard down like that! I knew there was something fishy about him!' "I…"
"Babe, look around you." She turned her friend to face the crowd degree by degree. "See all those girls? Well they probably hate your guts. Wanna know why? You're probably the luckiest girl tonight. Wanna know why? Because, you babe, were approached by—"
"That cheap BASTARD!" the suddenly infuriated girl screamed, shaking with frustration. Much of the nearby crowd looked at her, puzzled. How could he have dismissed her so cheaply? Did he think she was a disposable rag doll or something! 'To think that I even found him attractive---okay gorgeous!' Her blood positively simmered.
"Uh no, actually that was—"
"That's it! Call Eichi, we're leaving NOW!" The green-eyed girl grabbed her best friend's arm and pulled her, heading for the exit.
Unfortunately, the crowd started to precipitate near the stage---where the faeries had previously made their performance---, blocking the exit. They turned their heads to the stage area and found a very confident man in a tuxedo holding the microphone. The background was kept from the faeries' show---there were beautifully carved pillars of stone and everything. It was breathtaking; grandiose to the very last minute detail. It was obvious where much of the money went to.
Next to him was a woman with caramel hair and blond streaks wearing a gorgeous and revealing outfit that embraced her perfect curves---she looked very "made-up". She was waving excitedly to her friends. The music gradually came to a stop.
The man looked like he was about to laugh. As he spoke, the speakers suddenly boomed his boisterous voice.
"Well, good evening ladies and gentlemen. Rather, good night. Oh and do tell your partners I say good morning too," he bantered artfully. The ones who got the joke laughed, the others looked on curiously.
"My, what beautiful people you are! You all know why you're gathered here tonight, don't you? Alright, alright so you're here to party," he laughed.
"YEAH!" the crowd hollered in unison.
"But you're also here to celebrate this lovely young woman's 24th birthday," he said gesturing to the woman next to him. "Am I right?" He tucked his longish brown locks behind his ears.
"YEAH!"
"Now, now. Settle down folks, you don't want to scare the Birthday Girl off even before her tribute, now do you?"
"NO!"
The man cracked a few jokes before handing the microphone to Eriya who thanked everyone for coming. She didn't fail to throw heartfelt praises in adoration of the man who made all of this possible. Somewhere in the large hall, a man snickered maliciously.
The girls looked on, curious to see what they had planned. Hitomi scanned around her---she didn't want to admit to herself that she was searching for someone in particular. 'I'm just looking around,' she convinced herself.
"Alright, before we start, we have two very special guests who'd personally like to wish Miss Eriya a Happy Birthday. They also have a special surprise for you Miss Eriya," he said smiling at the excited woman.
Suddenly, a white spotlight shone over Hitomi and Yukari's heads---they blanched. They simultaneously turned to each other, hoping to God it wasn't them. As they looked around for confirmation, two hefty looking men in black showed up next to them and wordlessly escorted them to the stage.
Hitomi broke into a nervous sweat, heart racing frantically as she climbed the steps while Yukari convinced herself that perhaps it wouldn't be as bad as they were anticipating---she decided to make the most of it and plastered on a smile.
As the girls stood awkwardly on the stage, Eriya regarded them curiously but the excitement was still clear in her eyes.
The host continued after giving them an appreciative once over. "Go ahead girls, now's not the time to get shy. In fact, "shy" is probably not in your vocabulary, is it girls?" he laughed.
Not having time to bear close examination into his strange question, the girls were each handed a microphone and wished Eriya "happy birthday" albeit very clumsily. 'I bet we look so stupid up here!' Hitomi thought exasperated and eager to leave this cursed place as soon as possible.
The disorganization and awkwardness left Eriya little perplexed but she scolded herself quickly for momentarily losing faith in Dilandau. It was probably all part of an act.
"Girls, I think it's time you properly introduced yourselves," he said in a mock expression of seriousness. "Can't leave the Birthday Girl guessing, now can we?" He reminded Hitomi a little of Mamoru except this man seemed two-faced, not genuine in the least bit.
They dreaded this moment since they'd gotten on stage. Hitomi absently reached for her pendant but her hand met with the soft material of her dress---it was hidden behind the dress' top. 'Great.'
"Umm, I'm Alexa," Yukari said nervously. Hitomi stayed silent, deciding whether or not she should make a dash for the exit. Her face and neck were noticeably flushed even from far away. 'I want to crawl in a hole and die.'
"Well? Come on girl. Don't leave the audience hanging."
Enter a long pregnant pause.
"I-I'm Ch-Cherry," she stuttered apprehensively.
At that, Eriya was inwardly taken aback. 'Cherry and Alexa? It can't be…'
"Well let me tell you folks what makes this so special. You see, these lovely ladies you see here are aspiring actresses and they named themselves in honor of two women they greatly admire. Two women who made a big splash in the entertainment industry. A great duo they were," he pretended to reminisce. "And one of those women happened to be our wonderful Eriya's mother. Isn't that great?"
'Oh shit, what is he talking about!' Hitomi dug in the recesses of her mind to remember if she had ever said such thing to anyone in the course of the night. 'FUCK no!' She felt faint. What was going on here? She was seriously going to be sick if this went on much longer. Wait. Maybe it was Yukari. She might have blurted out some lies to cover them up while she was in a state of alcoholic stupor but she dismissed that idea as soon as she saw her friend---Yukari was in much the same predicament.
Eriya's eyes widened in horror. 'No, no, no this can't be happening… This is not real. It's all an illusion. An illusion.'
"Yes, that's right. Their names were none other than Cherry Glitz and Alexa Steels. You young folks probably don't remember them but they were the most sought after actresses of the underground scene."
Eriya was sculpted in place with the same horrified expression she had a few minutes ago. But the girls were frantically searching for a way out.
"Let's grace the curious audience with an excerpt from one of her more famous works."
None of the girls had time to make sense of what was going on when noises were projected by the speakers---female pants and moans stood out from a scratchy vinyl-like background. The audience looked bewildered.
"Yes, yes…Mmm that feels so good, Johnny. Ooh yes, Alexa don't stop… oh g-o-d right there…" a female voice panted erotically.
"Oh yeah," a male voice grunted, accompanied by the echo of a slap.
Hitomi's legs nearly crumbled beneath her. 'Why? Why?' She never had time to offer herself an answer when a large high definition television screen slowly descended to their right and showed a very crude image of a dark-haired leather-clad---in all the wrong places---woman performing shameless sexual acts with an artificially tanned and bulky man and another blond woman. They were all covered in mud.
Eriya cried. Yukari gagged. Hitomi crumbled. The audience gasped. Garnet eyes gleamed in merriment. He just killed two birds with one stone---metaphorically speaking. In reality, he'd done better… he got three people. Why get actresses and real pornstars when he could degrade and strip three 'real' people of their pride and watch them play out their life's drama.
"Yes ladies and gentlemen, that's our Birthday Girl's mother taken from a famous scene in her 1970 classic called "The Way of Muddy Waters". If you want a copy of this rare gem, they're upstairs. But here's one for the road," he said throwing a DVD randomly at the crowd of men who had sneaked closer. "You guys sure are lucky tonight because our lovely girls here wanted to perform it right on stage… along with Eriya. What a touching request."
As those words were said, the man stepped away. A hatch in the ceiling above the stage opened and they were splashed with watery mud from head to toe.
"Wow, that's pretty messy. But, like they say "whatever turns you on", right?" he laughed.
Eriya was stuck in a state of utter shock. Her brain stopped functioning since her well-respected mother's body was defamed by the moving images of her mother's greatest and most reckless mistake. It had happened when her mother was still just a teen and incredibly insecure about herself and her place. It was a thoughtless show of rebellion against her family's social dictatorship and now Eriya was paying full price for her major slip.
It had taken years for her mother to rebuild a proper reputation for herself and allow her family to come to terms with her past. Eriya had never forgiven her mother but she knew that she kept herself in complete---almost saintly---isolation from human contact to punish herself and atone for her mistakes.
It wasn't possible. No one should have known about this---at least not now. Eriya's influential family had taken immeasurable precaution to dispose of any evidence pertaining to that disgraceful time. No one would be able to get their hands on the copies. They had even bribed newspapers and tabloids to shut them up. 'No one was meant to know.'
Then, her mind whizzed out of control, trying to place the blame on someone, something, to hang onto a concrete block of solace lest she should be forever lost to the void that constantly coaxed her---it was her body's call for survival. 'Those girls… they were the ones who wanted this… they wanted to humiliate me. Those heartless bitches, how could they!'
"How could you do this to me!" the hysteric woman cried and lunged for them.
"And the excitement begins!"
The distraught woman got to Yukari first, pulling her hair savagely. Hitomi tried to stop the crazed woman, struggling to tear away the hands that latched on to her friend's hair. Yukari cried out a few times in pain. This was worse than a freak show.
Most people silently watched on in morbid interest and others---the male chunk of the audience---cheered the unfortunate girls on with chauvinistic enthusiasm. In the chaos of mud and screams the two guards from before finally came to break up the fight.
"What a show! And now, for th—"
"YOU!" cried an outraged voice. Hitomi seethed with anger so dark and visceral bellowing from deep within that it was just gnawing to be let free. "I'll kill you!" She bolted for the host, whose complicity in the matter was as clear to her as water. She wanted to scratch his eyes out, tear him limb from limb and bleed his joker's smile dry.
One of the guards ran after her and stopped her just in time. He carried the mud-drenched girl back while she thrashed and sputtered death threats.
"You fucking prick, wait till I get my hands on you! I'll rip your head off. Let me go!"
It was in that delirious moment of anger that Hitomi's eyes met with ruby ones. Their gazes locked onto each other. He was stationed further away but was slowly making his way closer when she noticed him. He was… smiling. Just like when she was hounded by that disgusting drunk but this time, only more brutal. 'How could he?' Why was it that only he made her feel worthless when he looked at her like that? She deflected her gaze from his to stop herself from being sucked dry by that unblinking stare.
And her eyes found the culprit of her misfortune.
Jared.
He was standing on the left side of the stage and giving her a most inappropriately apologetic look---she cast him a psychotic grin. 'That won't save you tonight. Oh no.' That lying, conniving, spineless, moronic bastard! No, words were much too sophisticated to describe what she felt for him in that instant. She slipped off her stilettos and jumped down the stage so fast the spectators had a hard time keeping her in their visual.
Jared had what was coming to him. He hadn't known any of this would happen. He had wanted so much to join the elusive Organization that was claiming new followers everyday. He had heard it through a friend who trusted him enough to let him know of it. And when Guimel approached him with the promise of being considered as a likely candidate for the Organization, he was only too eager to follow. All he had to do was find two female commoners. Piece of cake, right? How he regretted it now.
Hitomi punched him so hard, he reeled backwards from the blow---decidedly she had done this before. Mud flew everywhere and creamed his nose and cheeks. If he were any more of a man, he'd put her back in her place but he wasn't. He was a coward and a cheat. He nursed his wound. She spat dirt-mixed saliva at his face.
"Don't think I'm through with you, you spineless excuse for a human."
Red eyes looked rather pleased---and thoroughly impressed. 'Not bad at all.'
The host cleared his throat. "Well that was somewhat unexpected! You're packing some serious missiles there, girl. But it's all in the name of fun! Now as we all know, this is a special day for Eriya and it's just not fair for us to be putting the spotlight on her mother. So, in honor of our beloved Birthday Girl, here is the real tribute especially for her."
"Please… no more," rasped an infinitely tired and broken voice, devoid of life.
It was too late. A few dozen meters in front of the stage, behind where the audience gathered, an innocent large white screen slowly rolled down. Soft and pleasant classical music followed the screen's path downward which promised a great deal of suffering.
The host assumed a narrator's voice and began, "Eriya was born Eriya Gail Nadir-Smithsonian to the proud parents of Sonya Kempley (aka Cherry Glitz) and Ezra Nadir-Smithsonian on June 6th 1982. Youngest of three, she was cherished by her whole family including her sister Naria and brother Aaron. She excelled academically and proved to be a gifted violinist." Now the narrator painted on a more solemn face.
"But despite her natural talents, not all was perfect for Eriya. The poor girl went through years of humiliation for her not-so-gifted physical appearance. She suffered many years of depression but remained resilient nonetheless and decided to take matters into her own hands to become the lovely woman she is today. Let's give her a round of applause," the tactless man said, applauding. Some people applauded---especially the ones who were disoriented from substance abuse as well as the accomplices to the set up.
"Stop it… please." They had officially pillaged the only source of pride the young woman had left. Eriya wanted to slip away into oblivion and never return.
"Let's take a look at her transformation from ugly duckling to the swan of all swans, shall we?"
On the white screen entered a projection of Eriya many years back. Her awkwardly unfeminine and chubby body slumped from shame as she accepted a trophy at a violin competition. Her dark hair hid most of her face yet her prominent nose and acne-infested forehead nearly gave one the impression of leaping out from the screen and calling for humiliation.
What followed that were possibly the most horrifying visions of oneself one would never wish to see, let alone have it be shown to the public. A slideshow of pictures displayed on the screen of a naked Eriya right before her various cosmetic surgeries.
One of her physical anomalies included a mild case of hirsutism---but serious enough to cripple one's self-esteem. The excess hair on her body spread to places that normally shouldn't on a woman. Slides of a close-up shot of her face showed thick dark hair under her nose and in the vicinity of her chin and jaw. Others showed full frontal of an excessively hairy pubic, stomach and leg area. She also had acute acne problems all over her body which accompanied her abnormal pilosity.
Frame after frame the woman was grotesquely displayed in the most treacherous violation of her privacy. The sterile environment of pastels and greys from the private hospitals and clinics served as background scenery. It was mind numbingly distasteful. Those photographs were supposed to be highly confidential and kept for the records.
The ensemble of public reaction melted down to an average of unbridled disgust and repulsion. Most of them gagged, many retched and some felt the need to physically cleanse themselves of the visions and expulsed their earlier dinners onto the waxed floor.
Hitomi and Yukari looked away out of respect for the woman and admitted to feeling a twinge of pity---they felt ashamed for the disgust biting at their conscience.
In the midst of the chaos and confusion, if one paid close enough attention, one could hear a crescendo of symphonic malicious laughter echoing in the hall. It glided on the surface of the disorder it created.
Suddenly a deafening scream sounded and all turned to Eriya who then collapsed into a fit of convulsions and sobs. Her lips quivered as she repeated a sentence over and over again.
"Why would he do this? Why would he do this? Why?"
She rocked back and forth.
Yukari rushed to the devastated girl and supported her weight, wiping the dried mud as best she could off her face and hair. A greyish brown-haired woman---she was previously blocked by one of the few security men nearby but forced her way through shouting, "She's my sister. She needs help."---arrived at the scene and shushed her sister soothingly, crying for her sibling's imploding agony.
Hitomi clambered back onstage---the mud made it slippery---and went for the host's throat. It seemed everyone but her was too busy to notice his apparent enjoyment at the mercy of innocent people. The guard once again immobilized her but this time she thrashed so violently, yelling obscenities that another guard had to be called in.
Had she not given in to her sudden impulse, she would have noticed what was happening in the meantime. Yukari was too busy tending to the entranced girl still chanting her question like a mantra.
Dilandau had casually made his way near the stage in apathetic indifference and rested his elbows on the platform. He faked concern.
"What a pity. Such a sweet girl too." He shook his head and turned to Shesta. "Shes, call an ambulance will you. I think it might be serious." He lifted his head and smiled at Naria who was now staring at him with horror-filled navy eyes.
Naria desperately crawled to him.
"Did you?" Her voice broke into a squeak.
"Hey, I'm just offering my help. Take it or leave it," he said shrugging playfully.
He was a demon. Those read eyes weren't just for show---he was devoid of a heart.
"Why?" She reached a cautious hand to his face. How could such a beautiful creature be so nefarious? It wasn't possible.
Dilandau avoided her touch with disgusted ease. "Don't you dare touch me with your filthy paws, got that." He made a face and resumed his good humor.
"And your sister could probably answer that question better than me. Well, the party's over and I'm tired." He stretched half-assedly and pretended to yawn. "I've had my fun. Time for me to go," he sighed out the words, showing his disinterest.
He turned to leave. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot, tell your sister I say "don't mention it"," he threw over his shoulder with an impish grin and walked away.
He nearly made it to the exit.
"WAIT!" a voice screeched. He halted and turned around.
Hitomi who was now panting heavily from her struggle with the guards had finally noticed it. A woman closely resembling Eriya---her current self---looked in anguish at a man's retreating form. It was that man's. She was repeating the same blasted question Eriya was. "Why?" Looking between the woman and the man's figures, she wondered why something didn't fit.
It had dawned on her.
'He called me Cherry. I didn't even tell him my name. He left when that guy whispered something in his ear. Those smiles, that cold look. That means he's th—'
Hitomi ran up to him. She ignored his towering height. "You did this didn't you? You planned this all out?"
"And what gives you that impression," he asked, clearly enjoying this. 'Bravo if she figures it out.'
"Don't get smart with me! I know you did this and I'm not even gonna ask why. But all I gotta say to you is you've got a twisted mind to enjoy humiliating people like this!"
Many people gasped and narrowed their eyes angrily at her. 'That classless bitch! How dare she speak to him like that!' thought the female population of the club. It also hadn't helped that most of those women were now her sworn enemies from the earlier intimate happenings between the two antipodes. Whether the accusations were true or not wasn't an issue to those people.
He regarded her curiously---she was a lot more than what he gave her. It was the second time that night that she thwarted his game plan. And those eyes with that blazing emerald fire. How he longed to extinguish it with his own. How long had it been since he last longed for something so much?
His throat rumbled with soft velvety laughter. She exceeded his expectations---women were nothing like that in front of him.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Isn't it obvious, you're covered in mud. Isn't that supposed to be humorous?" he teased.
"I can't believe how heartless you are!"
He laughed harder.
"How could you be so wicked!"
"With a lot of practice," he responded mockingly.
This was too much for her to handle. His taunts and the humiliation she suffered took its toll on her.
"You're nothing but a sick, perverted bastard!" She swung her hand to slap him.
He caught her wrist effortlessly---as if he had anticipated it all along. Unfortunately some mud flicked on his cheek as he had stopped her arm's forward motion.
His grip around her wrist tightened reflexively. "I won't be so nice next time," he warned dangerously. "I'll give you five seconds to wipe the mud off."
"Let go of my hand." He tightened some more.
"Four."
"I said, let go of my hand." It was hurting now.
"Three."
"Let go or I'll call the cops on you." It would leave a bruise.
"Two," he continued with unblinking red eyes and a twitching jaw.
"You ASS—"
"Don't do it!" yelled a man's voice. It was Gatti. He approached his leader and regarded the courageous girl. "That little bitch isn't even worth your time, Dilandau-san." He had been watching from the sidelines, unsure of what to do.
Shesta wasn't too far behind his friend in the matter---he knew this could have gotten totally out of hand. He didn't think Dilandau's father was ready for yet another scandal involving his disobedient son---the last one was bad enough.
Dilandau inadvertently loosened his grip, giving Hitomi enough space to wiggle free. She rubbed her sore wrist, still glaring defiantly at him.
Yukari ran to her friend when she saw that Hitomi was at the center of the commotion far away. She pushed her friend closer to the exit.
"Let's just go home," she said tired.
Meanwhile, Gatti and Shesta were distracting Dilandau momentarily, or so they thought. Dilandau approached the retreating girls, much to the horror of both and caught Hitomi by the shoulder squeezing it painfully.
"Remember, I'm not finished with you," he whispered menacingly. His trademark arrogance returned. "By the way, I think it's best if you got cleaned up. It's not appropriate for you to walk around like that," he announced.
People laughed. Hitomi simply stomped out the door---her rage was getting the best of her but she couldn't afford to take the bait, that's what he wanted after all and she'd die before losing to him---, pulling her friend along. 'I'm not finished with you either,' she thought.
When she left, Dilandau's repressed rage took hold of him as he angrily wiped off the mud from his jaw. 'See what I do to her for humiliating me publicly!' he promised. How could she be so goddamn tough and fearless in front of him. No one had ever dared talk back or defy him the way she did. He was far too permissive with her. The tables would have to turn; he'd have to change that. Why the hell had he let that bitch go so freely? It wasn't in his nature.
Worst part of the whole thing was that he of all people was getting riled up over such a triviality; such nonsense. He had better things to do than to get worked up over some little commoner bitch. Dilandau passed an agitated hand through his silver locks in frustration.
He violently snatched away a full glass from a bystander and people observed him with fearful interest. They feared his unstable mood greatly.
Everyone there worshipped Dilandau one way or another and they had never thought anyone could talk to him like that. And now they were curious as to what he would do.
The man in question glared scorching flames indiscriminately at the crowd, consuming them completely in fear. They hastily looked away and busied themselves with other things. They knew he was capable of anything.
Miguel neared his leader with extreme caution---he was a time bomb waiting to explode. Never had any of the Slayers had ever seen Dilandau lose control over himself like that. Sure, he was reckless and psychotic but it had always served a purpose. Now it seemed that woman had actually affected him.
"What will you do about her, Dilandau-san?"
Seeing something of interest, the agitated leader gulped down the last traces of alcohol, suddenly springing to his feet and stalked to his destination.
"You," he called. Jared turned around realizing his friends had backed away from him---he froze. Dilandau had remembered the red spikes as Hitomi attacked him and figured right away that he must have been the one.
"Were you the one in charge of handing out the tickets," the fearsome man demanded. The boy trembled under his demon red gaze.
"Y-yes. I'm s-sor—"
The boy didn't have time to stutter out his last word. The shock was so sudden; he didn't realize he was on the floor until his jaw ached badly and he tasted the metallic substance that trickled down his mouth. He probably had some form of whiplash---he couldn't even focus properly. His burning cheek throbbed so violently it threatened to burst. He felt a deep scorching pain. A gash had been felt where Dilandau's ring had been. Hitomi's punch was fruitcake compared to this.
An idea struck him and the silver-haired Adonis grinned. Oh this was good.
"You're quite familiar with her," he stated. He regarded the parasitic creature with a superior air, chin lifted up, mouth downturned and eyes cast down.
"I k-know a few things." God it hurt.
"Good. You can still be useful to me."
"Y-yes Dilandau-san! Of course!" He nearly kissed the man's feet.
'Pathetic,' the handsome man thought. After everything that just happened he was still as low as ever---acting like a beggar in his position; no backbone whatsoever. She was right---curse her!
Appeased, he strode his way back to the bar where Miguel was drinking and talking to a barmaid---probably trying to pick her up. He ordered a drink and sipped it contentedly.
Miguel was concerned---why was he acting so carefree? Hadn't he just been gravely insulted by some no-name girl? She should be taught a lesson. He wasn't intrinsically mean but an insult to Dilandau was worse than insulting his mother.
"You're not letting her off the hook that easily, are you Dilandau-san?"
"Nope." He lit his Silver Cut and drank his whiskey leisurely.
"What will you do then?"
The leader took another gulp and smiled at the empty bottom. "I'll just break her from the inside," he answered with malicious glee.
Miguel suddenly regretted ever wanting to do the girl harm. True, she had insulted Dilandau in the utmost fashion but never did he wish to play out whatever sinister idea that his leader was contriving. He sighed.
It was too late, it was already done.
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A/N: Wah! That was a frightfully long third chapter! I hope you're still alive, readers. See? Didn't I promise they would meet? The last chapter made me cringe. It was full of errors and repetitive words! By the way, I meant to write "emerge" not "immerge" on the second to last paragraph of the third flashback sequence; it was a completely careless mistake. That's what happens when you don't have a beta-er.
Any of you guys figured out what the glossed papers in chapter two were, by any chance? Limonchik this question especially goes to you.
If you guys have any questions regarding this fic and anything else you're curious about, don't be afraid to PM me! I don't bite, I swear!
Anyway, the next chapters will be much much shorter… or so I hope.
In answer to the anonymous reviews:
To rina*: Thanks! Well as you can see, they've met! And boy do I have so much in store for them! I hope it met with your expectations!
To ChRoMeWaVe: Well, you've said it! Enough of a clash for ya? I mean, let's face it, it couldn't have happened any other way for those two stubborn mules! I love your analysis, they make me happy!
To iron.rose: Thanks! I'm a girl who keeps her word! Well… most of the time… but see? I kept it this time! In any case, this is just the beginning…
To skinnycow: Gee thanks a lot! Well, I hope you liked this part too! And thanks again for encouraging me!
To Litschi: Thank you for sticking with me!
To Limonchik: You know, I'm really happy to have reviewers like you because you ask me questions about the fic and that shows me that you pay close interest in it which makes me squeal with glee. In answer to your question, I hope this chapter gave you more insight. I feel stupid not to just go ahead and say it outright even when it's obvious but I'd still prefer to keep you guessing. I'm positive you know who it is though!
To Alana M.: Why thank you! I'll keep updating and please keep reviewing. Does that sound like a fair deal? LOL… don't worry, I'm not that mean! But I still hope you do.
To Hitomi Reitsuki: Gee thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the flash backs. Poor Hitomi though, she always pays the price for them! It feels nice to know you like the way I describe since it's one of my fears. Anyway, I hope you keep reviewing!
To dementia: Ahh! I'm sorry! Gomen times infinity. I hope I appeased you with this long chapter. looks expectant But thanks anyway!
I hope you all keep reviewing and I hope to "meet" new reviewers as well. You guys make my story come to life so thank you!
*Assumes publicity face with feigned sadness* Please give generously. Donate one review for each chapter and it gives a poor writer like Renleek food for the soul, something to cherish. It's only a few minutes of your time. Please donate now and give her a chance at fanfiction. Thank you in advance.