A Propostion

Chapter One

The ballroom was a swirl of colorful skirts and black coat tails. Waltz music filled the air as Alice entered through the over sized mahogany doors, and searched the crowd for the one she came for. He wasn't hard to find with his unassuming grace and dark wavy hair.

"Tyki Mikk... I've finally found you Noah."

He twitched at the mention of his name even though Alice was on the opposite side of the ballroom. He was dancing with a young blond in powder pink. Every time he looked at his partner her cheeks turned the color of her dress and this amused Alice enough that she decided to not wait to approach until the song ended.

Quickly moving through the crowd, Alice walked towards her find. Her crimson off -the-shoulder dress cost her a fortune but now that she was wearing it the cost didn't seem to matter as much. She could tell all of the guests where of the higher class and to come to a ball in something other than a ball gown would have been unappreciated. The taffeta swished with what seemed anticipation to get to the dancing couple before the song ended.

" Excuse me, Tyki Mikk I presume?"

He and his partner turned in surprise, then the young girl gave Alice such a cold stare she wondered whether it would have been better to wait until after the song. But manners where never something Alice could get down.

" Yes I am Mr. Mikk, may I help you?"

" Please forgive me for the intrusion. My name is Alice Walker, and I was wondering if I could have word with you."

Before she had arrived, Alice hadn't decided whether or not she should give herself a fake name but now it seemed she would need some leverage, for Tyki did not seem all that happy about the intrusion either.

" Alice... Walker you said?"

She nodded her head once in response, knowing what it would mean to him.

"Jessica, forgive my utter rudeness but I must see what Miss. Walker needs. Could you go and get us a drink, perhaps?"

At this the girl glared towards Alice, then down to the floor, and then took one more look at Tyki before promptly turning and swishing off into the crowd.

"I hope I haven't caused you any problems Mr. Mikk, but I do have something important to discuss with you. Your not all that easy to find."

"Well I hate waisting a song, so you may discuss as we dance."

This surprised her somewhat. She almost considered asking that they go and find a more comfortable place to talk but she did not want to press her luck. As they began Alice started to notice things about the Noah that she missed when she first came in. His amber eyes, and somewhat mysterious aura gave her strange feelings. She had to forcefully push all these thoughts back and focus on what she came here to do.

"Thank you, but now I feel even more horrible for taking that girls dancing partner." Alice said as she danced in the Noah's arms.

" Yes she did seem rather unhappy about the intrusion, but to tell you the truth I am more interested in you at the moment Miss. Walker."

Alice saw a glint in Tyki's eye when he said this and she couldn't help but be relieved her idea to say her true name didn't backfire. I can't lose this opportunity, she thought. Her brother needed her help, and she had a feeling she would be able to do it. She could not fail once again.

"You seem so quiet for one who steals dancing partners just to talk to them. Tell me what is it you want?"

"Sorry I got lost in my thoughts. The reason I actually needed to talk to you is because I believe you can help me. I have a proposition for the Earl, and would like to have an audience with him."

She wasn't too sure mentioning the Earl was a good idea but she didn't have much time, and figured Tyki was already curious enough that it wouldn't matter.

"Hmmm, the Earl you say? Well I don't know how much I can help you. Did you not know he is here right now?"

Wait a second, the Earl was here? How could she miss something like that? He must be cloaking himself. Tyki saw the surprise in her face and let out a small laugh.

"Well now I have been seriously offended, you only wanted to talk to me to get to the Earl. I guess it can't be helped, he is a more gentile man than I. Come then I will escort you to him and we can all listen to your proposition."

"Wait, what do you mean by all?"

"Why of course the family is here, we rarely go out alone anymore. You can thank your brother for that I am sure. He has caused us a great deal of trouble."

"I'm sorry Mr. Mikk but my brothers actions are his own, and I am sure he has a good reason for them."

" Yes, yes, I guess we all have reasons. Tell me something before I introduce you to the Earl. Why have I not seen or heard of you before Exorcist?"

"Well I would guess that is because I am not an exorcist of the Black Order, Noah. My own brother doesn't even know I exsist."

"I see... how sad not having family with you. Here we are."

With that the conversation ended, and the one she had been anticipating would begin. Tyki opened a dark very ornate door and ushered Alice in.

" Why Tyki-pet, what have you brought before us? I sense innocence on this girl."

"Dear Earl, let me introduce to you Alice... Walker."

Authors Note: This story comes from a dream I had of a continuation of the series after episode 103. Not sure yet how I like this first chapter, I feel I could have done better but lots will be happening in the next chapters so stay tuned! Please read n'review, Ja Ne!