I want to state that I will not be writing a day by day catalog of events in this story, but I wanted to set up a decent background of interaction between characters. That's why this Day 1 Friday is so long in the beginning. Hopefully these first two chapters let you as a reader see whom is connected to whom, the dynamic of the different relationships, and a bit of the love and/or hostility that will be the basis for this story.

So here's part two of the prologue. I apologize for the wait, hope it's to your liking!

Special thanks to Anne Fatalism Dilettante, An1995616, and Cyberslayer128 for your reviews. I don't always reply but I definitely read your comments so thank you! It lets me know that people are interested and I should continue this :D.

Disclaimer: From now into the rest of this fic, I do NOT own GOO, though I wish I could. Certain things would have been rightfully done if I did. *coughFeldtxSetsunacough*

Enjoy~


The Colorful Calamity: High School

Prologue: Everything Starts with a Day

Part 2

"So who's taking you to practice, Ri?" The boyish Smirnov twin asks her sister as she laces her sneakers, getting ready for her track practice. Her sweet clone is swinging her sweat pant clad legs back and forth on the bench, putting her hair up in the girl's locker room so she wouldn't have to do it at the gym.

"Hallelujah. He's taking Feldt, so it's en route." Soma looks to her for a brief moment, but then lets her eyes focus on her shoes, scolding herself for thinking badly about her sister. Marie wouldn't hook up with Hallelujah even if she was interested in the 'bad boy' type of guy. She never told Marie, but she was sure her twin knew that Soma was somewhat attracted to the belligerent Noriega twin, if only for his no fear attitude.

"Alright, I'm off then. I hope practice goes well. If you see him after his meeting, will you tell Andrei I do NOT want pizza tonight? I got sick from that pepperoni last time, yuck. See you Sommie~!" The doppelganger calls out as she exit's the locker room, oblivious to Soma's head shaking. She liked pizza, but she didn't want a vomiting sister to deal with again. Perhaps they could order something like French or Thai?

She sighs and chooses not to think about food before practice, knowing that the consequences would not be worth it. She greets her teammates and they start practice, coach Colasour being a little more chipper than he was earlier during classes. Soma is stretching her muscles, getting ready for a good run similar to her morning jog, when something catches her eye. She looks up into the classrooms above the field to notice a figure watching, particularly the body of Ribbons Almark as he stares straight at her. It's a little unnerving, but he jumps a bit before waving down to her and then retreating from the window.

Soma doesn't really know too much about the strange boy who dyes his hair a very particular shade of green. Hallelujah always mocks it, calling him Minty or Toothpaste, and sometimes, just as today, it irritates her. That's not to say she likes the student council secretary any more than most of the students here at her high school, but Hallelujah often times took things too far.

The male was hot-blooded, fierce and practical, but he was rebellious and rude, even callous at times. She herself wasn't the nicest person on campus, but she wasn't near his level; Soma preferred to be left alone, minus the company of those she considered close to her, so she let people know that she wasn't to be crossed. The Noriega twin, on the other hand, sought conflict and chaos, adding to it with his own flavor. She didn't mind it as much as others, and perhaps that was one reason she took a liking to him, even though he did try to shove sand down her shirt the first time they met. It was also the first, and as she understands it only, time Hallelujah was on the receiving end of a face punch.

"Smirnov, get your head in the game! To your lane!" She snaps out of her thoughts to the sound of Coach's orders and hurries to her position. She needs to focus - thinking about Hallelujah always made her inattentive.


"So on today's agenda we have the following: discuss the budget for the class school trips, the events for the school festival happening in May-"

"And the school play, don't forget that. It's a very good option for-"

"Yes yes, Healing, we'll discuss it. We have the approval or disapproval of the newly formed science club by Dr. Eifman, who needs students for a research grant that the school wants-"

"I approve immediately for that decision."

"Noted, Hong Long. But among other things I want to discuss the issue of the school paper, Celestial Eyes." Here most of the crowd looks on in quiet company, no one sure of how to bring up their opinions without causing chaos and arguments. Then a brave soul speaks.

"Yes, what are we going to do Mr. Council President? It's quite clear they have been taking liberties not allotted to their silly little writings." The displeased voice of Healing is heard as she watches her fixation standing by the large windows. Johann too looks to the boy, waiting to hear the rant ready to cascade from his lips, but then a voice cuts him off.

"Personally, I see nothing wrong with the newspaper. They are expressive and unusual, but isn't that what sells? Intriguing news?" Liu Mei uncrosses her legs and leans into her school bag to pull out a copy of that week's paper and tosses it onto the table where any curious member could reach it. "The only thing that seems to bother people is the gossip blog kept."

"Of course you would say that! We get harassed and insulted while you're unaffected because you're on the newspaper staff!" Healing calls out cattily, bristling with anger at the perfect princess sitting across from her. She merely looks at her without interest, used to others being jealous of her good fortune.

"It's not that at all, dear Healing. I just control myself and don't do questionable or gossip-worthy activities that would draw attention to myself. It's called being professional." Johann was getting annoyed from the fighting so he looks towards the windows where his secretary was gazing intently at something. At a particularly loud remark from Healing, he jumps to attention and waves to something outside before turning to them and inputting his hate. The blue eyed president was itching to see the cause of the selfish boy's interest, but he had other things to worry over so he silenced the crowd and opted to take a vote.

"Who feels we should elect to put restrictions on Celestial Eyes? And who feels we should allow the continued operation of the paper the way it is?" He takes count and both he and Hong Long see the vote is obviously for keeping the paper running as is. Though many don't admit it, they enjoy reading the gossip about their fellow classmates, almost getting a strange pleasure out of the staff's investigative ability. And being a meeting with class representatives from all classes present tipped the scale immensely.

"The paper stays in its current function then." They move onto other topics, where people throw in arguments and agreements, all the while Johann was trying to push back the last topic of concern. Then Andrei decides he's had enough stalling and suggests they plan the sponsored events for the school festival.

"I would suggest that we revisit the maid café and shish kebab booth. Both were major income drivers last year, and we have experienced volunteers who could easily run the proceedings." To this most nod in agreement and Ribbons is taking notes in their council log as Johann nods to events that are acceptable. Then when people were being thoughtful about what else could be present during their academic function, Ribbons spoke.

"I had an idea that may work to our advantage for the festival." He is looking straight to Johann, ignoring any other suggestions for the moment. "How about we incorporate the school play into our celebration? We'll have booths running until the evening, and then to end the event we can have the performance." Many people mumbled here in discussion, but Johann has to admit the idea is appealing. It would eliminate the need to take class time away from normal school hours to schedule the play, and it could also be used as a gathering for their large crowd that could easily be dispersed at the end of show. It was always a problem getting the assembly to collectively leave the school grounds after festival episodes.

"That is a very interesting idea. Who agrees that we will move the play to intersect with the festival?" Almost all hands consented. A certain boy with violet eyes and green hair smiles with conviction. Johann ignores it.


He takes a long steady puff on his cigarette as he waits outside for his sister to finish up. Today had been a harrowing day, to say the least. Preferring not think about his unpleasant events, he instead imagines what he's going to do with his gift from Marie. He'd have her snoop a bit and see what major events were going on from Andrei, and then he'd figure something out from there. He'd also ask for information on Toothpaste, so he could at least prank call the idiot repeatedly.

"Wow, that was so intense! Coach always makes us work out so much even though competition's ages away." He turns his head to the noise, seeing a group of petite girls exit the gymnasium. Sighing and tossing his finished smoke, he thinks about how much he hates teen girls. Well, most of them anyway. They were loud and bubbly, far too stupid for their own good, and had a nasty habit of picking on smaller or unpopular girls. He loathed that, especially because a certain pink haired teen often fell into the latter category and that worried him. The only relief he had was knowing that no one would disturb her for fear of displeasing him.

"You did really well Feldt. I wish I could nail that element, but it's just been throwing me off so much." The two he waited for exit the gym, moving toward the general vicinity of his car, where he was patiently leaning. His petite sister was nodding solemnly, unsure of how to help.

"Maybe you could take a yoga class? It's supposed to balance you." He sees Marie shake her head with a sad sigh.

"I can't. Papa can't afford to send me here and to yoga classes. He's going to be paying for Andrei's college in the fall, and then Soma and mine the year after that. Plus with the school paper, I wouldn't have time. At least, not if I wanted to retain some semblance of a social life." She giggles here, and Feldt smiles before turning and greeting him.

"Hey Big Brother. Thank you for waiting." She places her bags into the back seat before crawling in herself. Marie thanks him too before they both round into the front seats. He starts the car and then speeds off, glad to finally be able to relax when he'd get home.

"So did ya do all those twirls and jumps like ya were supposed to Feldt?" She nods minutely, still slightly flushed from her exercise. If he could, he'd pinch her cheeks and tease her about being so baby like, but driving didn't give him that option. "And ya, Princess Loli?"

"Most of them. What about you? Do anything productive while waiting for us?" He flipped his head in the direction of the truck.

"Practiced some of my songs, since we ain't gonna have a get together this weeken'. Ti 'n Alle are away at that smarty math thing." Then he shrugs, meaning nothing worth mentioning had occurred. Hallelujah turns the car off the main road and starts swirling down the side roads that would get them to Marie's house. He remembered the place from when he had picked the girls up along with Allelujah, Setsuna, and Saji to head to a concert. That and Allelujah had written it down for him neatly on a post-it note sitting in his glove compartment.

They were only a few minutes away when something jumps out in front of his car and the Noriega twin has to gun the brakes to stop before hitting it. Marie had seen it too and yells out a stop as the screeching of his breaks resounds in the neighborhood. Hallelujah manages not to hit anything, but was as angry as a taunted lion so he cranes his head out the open window and starts shouting.

"What the Hell ya piece of shit for brains! Who runs out inta the middle of the effin' road 'n then stops! Ya moronic self have a death wish or some- Setsuna? What the Hell?" Indeed, standing in front of the hood is Setsuna, his slightly pale face accented by his dark locks and something heaped in his arms. Hallelujah unbuckles his seatbelt and gets out of the car in a hurried fashion to check on the raven haired boy, one of his close companions.

"Shit, ya ok Setsuna? I didn't hit ya did I?" After a quick check with no damage visible, the brash Noriega twin lets his posture ease and revisits his earlier rant. "What were ya thinking', ya damn brat? I coulda killed ya if I my reflexes wasn't so amazin'!" The tanned teen was still a little shocked, but he answers in his perpetually calm voice.

"Hallelujah Noriega, I apologize. I was coming back from grocery shopping when Nena Colasour began following me. I was maneuvering through the cross streets to avoid her but she started chasing me down, and I had no choice but to proceed quickly to evade her." Hallelujah was utterly amused by the blankness in which Setsuna was accustomed to using even in dire situations, but the magic name threw off any jovial taunts he'd planned on casting.

"Get in the car. Ima drive ya home if that psycho is stalkin' ya for whatever damn reason she's got." Nena Colasour was a very disliked girl in Hallelujah's book. She was conniving, devious, and had a tendency to abuse her 'partners'. Once being on her hit list, Hallelujah knew the terrible nature bred within her innocent looking face, and made a good habit of keeping away from her by any means necessary. She was smart enough to corner someone like himself, but his pure rage and her mother's timely appearance were the only things that spared him from her tenacity.

Needing no further incentive, Setsuna hurries over to the back door, nearly flinging himself and the groceries inside with gale wind force next to a bewildered Feldt. The heterochromatic twin follows suit, not desiring an encounter with the demonic queen of pursuit. He hits the gas as soon as his door is shut, and silence surrounds the car's interior before Marie questions him on both Feldt and her own behalves.

"Hallelujah? What happened and why was Setsuna running into oncoming traffic?" She turns slightly in her seat to wave merrily, if not a tad wary, to the tanned teen before looking back to him with demanding eyes. Damn those golden orbs of sexiness. He had no defense against the Smirnovs' pretty features.

"Tonto back there got himself a hounder by the name of Nena. Was runnin' clear to save his skin. I ain't got not desire to see that monster rear her ugly head anywhere near us."

"Nena Colasour?" he hears his sister quietly ask. He sees her looking perplexed at him and the boy next to her in his rearview mirror, unsure of how to react to Setsuna cramped up next to her and obviously nervous at the mention of their classmate's name. He nods as he turns off on Marie's street, slowing down his racing pace to gently stop in front of her driveway.

"Yea, her. That witch can't beat the speed of a car, so ain't too much ya need to worry 'bout Feldt." Taking his eyes off the reflected image of his sister, his dual eyes look to the passenger seat. "We've arrived at the Princess's house, now outta my car." He viciously grins to the girl beside him, and she reciprocates with her own smile and a thank you. Turning to the two behind her, she tells Feldt she'll call her tomorrow and wishes Setsuna a good evening. Then she gets out of the vehicle and starts making her way to her door before turning her head to him and shouting cutely,

"Hallelujah. Come see me after school Monday. You know where~." Then she dashes inside, the door shutting with a reverberating click. The addressed teen huffs in knowing agreement before he's on his way once more, tearing through the streets toward his next destination.

"Big Brother. . .?"

When the twin looks to his sibling's reflection, he clearly sees the pink tinge to her face being cramped together with his band mate contacting her in many places. Setsuna is, contrastingly, utterly focused on the scenery without regard to his 'closer than normal' proximity to another human being; most likely he is scanning the neighborhood for any signs of his new fan girl. He doesn't know whether Feldt is questioning Marie's last comment or the teen's awkward position, but he feels himself well up with mischief at his sister's discomfort.

"Hey Setsuna. It's the weekend so why dontcha hang out with Feldt 'n me so I don't have to ferry ya around? We'll call yar dad to pick ya up together with our mom when she gets off work. 'Sides, we'll keep the bat-shit crazy girl away from ya, so come home with us. Yeah?" Feldt's eyes widen in shock, thrown by the invitation and the added realization that she'd be stuck sitting next to the raven haired boy until they reached home. The addressed teen merely shrugs in agreement and replies with an 'ah', set on keeping watch of the dangerous outdoors harboring a monster.

Hallelujah happily smirks, taking pleasure in the embarrassed pinkette and the opportunity to place babysitting duties on hold via distraction. If he could get the two freshmen to watch a movie or do something just as distracting, he'd be able to have the rest of the evening all to himself. He was terribly spoiled and used to being alone because his brother is the one who does all the goodwill caretaking and guarding. Yup, plan A: have those two keep each other busy so he could have 'Hallelujah' time.


"Good work, I'll take care of the rest. Thanks again." The phone is replaced to its stand as he takes a long steady breath. Why was it always the women he had to deal with when making department phone calls? Were his men really that terrified that he'd fire them on the spot if a phone call was for them? Sergei shakes his head as he takes a final cursory look towards the paper in his hand before adding it to the manila folder and shutting it.

"Everything okay Boss?" He lifts his scarred countenance to his questioner, finding a blonde haired detective leaning against the doorframe with a customary smile. Sergei returns the facial gesture before inclining into his rolling chair in a casual manner.

"Sure Aker. Everything is in order and the final paperwork will get dropped off to the D.A.'s office tomorrow. I suppose you're here to fish for compliments concerning your case closing?" He raises his eyebrow in an amused manner, happy to have at least one detective capable of completing his assignments.

"Never Boss. Whatever gave you that idea? I merely wished to inquire how your mental state was coming along with today's busyness." Sergei rolled his eyes at his detective, opting to pick up and glance at the photo sitting on his desk instead. It was a family portrait of himself and his beautiful wife, peace be with her soul, his eldest son and his two twin daughters happily enjoying a nice summer day.

"Don't worry yourself with needless concern. Everyone in the police force knows full moon nights are always busy from the crazies coming out. I've learned to handle demanding and bizarre events with my many years of experience." Here his companion laughs as he moves to settle in the open seat across from the chief's desk.

"Forgive my apprehension then Boss. The Virgo in me just gets passionately involved just as the crazies become active on full moon nights." The police chief sighs at the blonde's strangeness, having become accustomed to the man's belief that his actions and personality were somehow cosmically influenced by his astrological sign. Still, sometimes he wondered whether the detective was truly serious or taunting him for some of his own Russian superstitions.

"Actually Boss, I came to see if there was anything else I needed to do tonight before heading home. My daughter's out of town so Lichty and I are having a 'guys night in' together." His superior nods in understanding, and informs him that the day's work was all sorted.

Sergei understood Graham's desire to head home and spend some alone time with his son Lichtendahl. From the stories he was told, his daughter Louise was very intelligent, but very demanding of his attention so that left little availability for father-son bonding. Particularly, Lichty was a graduate and working out in the world so combined with his daughter's attention needs, Graham and his son often lacked the opportunity to be together.

"Shouldn't you be heading home too, Boss?" His companion motions to the photo still settled in his grip, to which Sergei shakes his head. He would love to return home for a pleasant Friday evening spent with his family, but he had other affairs to attend to this particular night.

"Business, Aker. When you become a police chief you'll understand the work required of you." Graham smirks at his elder as he rises and starts making his way backwards toward the exit.

"Nope, that's exactly why I'm not the Chief, Boss. I could never handle the pressures you go through and the surrender of your family you're forced to make. Maybe when my kids fly the coup I'll do it though." He comically bows before Sergei while wishing him goodnight and fleeing the office.

Replacing his precious photograph and gathering the required documents, the Russian gets to his feet and grabs his jacket off the back of his chair before shutting the lights and locking up his office. He's the only one left now that Graham had gone home, so he methodically checks all the offices for security. Satisfied, he acknowledges the night shift forces and takes his leave, intent on his next mission of the evening.

The vehicular journey is short with the familiarity of the route and Sergei finds himself outside the Division of Child Services office in the downtown of the city. He parks in his designated area and greets the night clerk with a silent nod. Being here as often as he was, admission checks and procedures were ignored for convenience's sake. He arrives and boards the waiting elevator to the eighth floor where he exits to the long hallway that leads to his destination. Knocking promptly three times, he enters at the call of the other present in the office.

Sitting there immersed in paperwork was Neil Dylandy, known more frequently by those with military affiliation as Major Lockon Stratos. The man used to be an exceptional gunman for the army with a shot that figuratively hit a mark in the stratosphere before some tragedy uprooted his life and cemented him in this specific field of occupation. Sergei, once being in the military himself, had acquainted himself with the Japanese-Irishman from his platoon prior to his retirement due to injury. Ironically, their lives were meant to interconnect for here in this place they again met as associates, though in vastly different occupations.

"Lockon Stratos." The reddish chestnut head shoots up in surprise at the remark before seeing his guest. He heaves a sigh and bobs his head in a negative as Sergei situates himself in one of the two free seats.

"I'm not that man anymore Chief Smirnov. What do I have to do to convince you to use my real name?" Here the burly man laughs in teasing amusement.

"Old habits die hard, Stratos. You'll forgive an old dog for his lack of learning new tricks."

"Dog? I always thought you were a bear. The 'Wild Bear of Russia'. I mean, wouldn't you have to be a teddy bear to raise some sweet children like yours?" They genuinely chortle in a chorus at the bantering chitchat, the first time today for both parties. When their entertainment tapers off, Sergei places the folders he brought atop some other opened files on the man's messy desk.

"The police reports on your kids. I did what I could, but that sixteen year old will be facing jail time if he's arrested again. His record is falling far too deep for even my string pulling. I think it'd be best if you transferred that case to the probation and rehabilitation office. They'd be more capable of monitoring behavior like that."

"Already did this afternoon. We'd talked about this before, the kid and I. I told him if he messed up one more time, I was done with his case. Barry's taking care of the transfer, but I appreciate your efforts Chief. And the others. . .?"

"All in order. I truly don't know how you put up with it Stratos. If those were my kids pulling such escapades, I would punish them to the point of no return." The younger man smiles ruefully at the commentary, most likely agreeing with the sentiment.

"If you'd raise all my problem cases, Chief, I could take a permanent vacation. The problem is we don't have nearly enough parental figures as proficient and competent as yourself. If we did, there'd be plenty of kids leading normal lives who grew up to be assets to society rather than hindrances." He exhale noisily again as he leans his chair as far back as it goes, mind wandering off from what Sergei can see in his distant expression.

"How are your boys doing? Causing mayhem at home?" He reasons that that may be an explanation for his associate's less than boisterous commentary.

"Tieria and Setsuna? Nah, they're fine, fantastic really. I mean Tieria's away for the weekend with Mannequin-sensei for the regional math competition so that tells you what kind of a great kid he is. And Setsuna? He's a little quieter than normal, but he's acing his classes and really taking to that robot strategy game I got him. I couldn't ask for better children." He glances to Sergei with a serious conviction, one rarely seen on parents his age. The police chief finds him commendable in his actions and resolve.

Returning somewhat from his rant, the Japanese-Irishman sits up and starts shuffling his documents in search of something. Finding it, he tugs the clipped collection from his disorderly counter and hands it to the older man.

"That file you requested concerning your psychotic mother? We've found her daughter's records in our department registration, so that should help with your warrant. It's not much but it's better than nothing right?" He shrugs his shoulders in nonchalance, happy to exchange information with the one man who he could rely on when it concerns his job.

"Thanks Stratos. I'll look over this tomorrow and do the follow up." He gets ready to stand, but something in the younger's expression keeps him there, staring intently at the forlorn looking green eyes. "Stratos, this is a little sudden, but I doubt you'll finish all this work up before sunrise. You should leave it for tomorrow's load and let me buy you a drink." He sees the former sniper grin, but the answer is not what he expects.

"Sorry Chief, I'm already taken for this evening. I actually just started this," gesturing to his paper covered desk, "as a means to kill time. My date's a little tardy." The child care worker laughs awkwardly as Sergei smiles.

"Good for you Stratos, good for you. You could use a woman's touch to organize your life. I thank every day that I had Holly in mine." The mood sobers, and his junior watches him alertly and ready to retort as Sergei stands with his material in hand.

"It seems trivial, but having someone in your life, to be by your side and support you, takes you to levels you cannot dream to reach on your own." The police chief feels the time is appropriate for his departure so he bids the Japanese-Irishman a goodnight and exit's the office to trek his way home.

The elevator dings and he's about to walk through when a figure departs the box and he is facing a curvy brunette wearing a fitted suit and dejectedly holding a overflowing briefcase. She looks up tiredly to him and gasps when realization hits her face.

"Police Chief Smirnov! Good evening sir, whatever are you doing here so late? Is everything alright?" He calms her anxious state and reassures her of his visit.

"Everything is fine Ms. Noriega. I was just dropping off some documentation to your coworker, Dylandy. I think he's been waiting for you so best you don't keep him waiting too much longer or he'll drown in paperwork. Have a good evening." As he brushes passed her into the elevator, the Russian Chief can't help but think what a good match those two would make if they ever actually got together.

Then he shakes the thought, not bothering to pry and instead thinks about his family he'll be coming home to.


"Ms. Christina, Ms. Christina! Please do my hair, please please please! Mama just doesn't know how to like you can!" She loves having the eldest Noriega sibling over, almost like Anew never left. She loved her older sister, but being without her left Mileina feeling abandoned while the other worked aboard in Europe. And Christina was a great girl already experienced as an older sister herself so this shouldn't be too bad for the peridot eyed elder.

"Haha sure Mileina. You should go wash your hair so it can stay for longer." The perky brunette is all smiles as she bounces around the room collecting her pajamas and other knickknacks while her friend shakes her head in amusement. "I wish Feldt would be as happy about these things!" She hears footsteps enter her room so it's no surprise when her parents start addressing her.

"Now now Mileina, give Chris some space. She has to work over this weekend so don't go pushing her around just because she's staying over!" her father's authoritative voice rings out. Her mother dotes on Christina's comforts to which the girl replies in all affirmatives.

"I won't Papa! Now let me hang out! Mama, tell Papa that I want to have fun with Ms. Christina while she's here!" Mileina hated to whine and pull her 'Mama' card, but sometimes her father was far too demanding and intrusive. Her mother smiles gently as she tugs her husband's hand to coax him out of her teenager's room. When they two girls are alone, the pigtailed girl hops over to her bed where Chris is sitting comfortably checking her text messages.

"Are you talking to Mr. Lichty?" She knows about the relationship the two share, mooning over the romantic aspects of the Noriega's love life. Chris presents the screen for her eyes to see and she notes the sweet message her boyfriend sent her.

'Yea, Dad & I are watching this horror film tonight. Missing you Gorgeous. I'm taking you out to dinner on Monday. Sleep tight :D.' Mileina couldn't contain her giddiness.

"Wah, that's so romantic! I wish I had a boyfriend like Mr. Lichty who would fawn over me!" Her mental imagery travels to a prince charming carrying her away on a white steed before Christina giggles.

"You will Mileina. Your right guy is out there somewhere and when you meet him, it'll be like your world revolves around him." Her elder winks at her knowingly and Mileina blushes shyly. "In the meantime, you can tell me your preferences!" The younger teen couldn't contain herself as she starts prattling on about her tastes, and only when Christina hums in recognition does Mileina pause to stare at her.

"You know, I know someone just like your description; a friend of my brothers, only a year older than you. Maybe I should introduce you to him?"

"N-no no! If I'm going to meet my soul mate, I want it to happen without interference!" Christina smiles at the explanation, and Mileina couldn't help but feel foolish. She was younger than most of the people she interacted with, and all of her friends were experienced and perhaps more mature. But the young Vashti was set in her beliefs concerning romance and how it would happen to her.

"You're right. If it'll happen, it'll happen. Besides, you'll end up meeting him when you enter high school next semester! And then I want all the juicy details!" There is a repeat of laughter, and Mileina has to wonder if Christina is making a prediction or joking around unsubstantiated. Or better yet, would she mind if things turned out that way?

"B-but what if he's not the one? And I wouldn't even be able to tell him unless I knew him well enough! And that takes ages, oh no!" Her realization depresses her momentarily as she imagines how she would gain the attention of her fictional crush whom she doesn't even know to exist before becoming aware of such foolhardy thoughts. Would she really meet her dream guy? Why was being a teenager so difficult?


Why in the world didn't he think to bring his game disk with him to the Noriega household? Oh, that's right. He wasn't planning on spending the evening here tonight. After destiny dealt him a 'get out of jail free' card in the form of his friend Hallelujah, he wouldn't complain. Even if he was sitting on the crimson sunken-in couch staring at the moving pictures of a Lifetime movie next to the pink haired introvert sister of his band mates.

Hallelujah had said that his headache from dealing agreeably with people all day was unbearable and retreated to his personal space for the evening. This left two beings completely unsure of how to deal with these circumstances to stare up the stairs where the rambunctious twin retreated. When Feldt, being somewhat of the host, recommends they store his food in the fridge, munch on snacks, and watch some television until his Dad would pick him up, Setsuna readily agreed. After all, just because Setsuna wasn't personal with her didn't mean he would be rude.

He just had no clue how to stop this awkwardness. Both he and Feldt were known to be compliant, but watching this strange depiction of a woman's love affair was making him extremely uncomfortable and in need of a channel change. He knew girls supposedly loved these sort of drama filled thrills, but listening to this character declare her love for a man that didn't reciprocate her feelings was testing his patience.

Trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, Setsuna lets his eyes peek to his neighbor to see how much convincing would be necessary to flip the station. He is pleasantly surprised to find his companion not even glancing at the television, but focusing on her hand doodling with a yellow pen. She seems nervous, eyes fixed straight into her lap where her fingers were sketching in ink.

A flower. Familiar yellow petals loosely gathered together around a stubby pistil, stemming into a small bushel of broad leaves. He turns his head toward her lap before reaching over and pulling the doodle scribbled on skin closer to his line of vision. Feldt yelps in response to his abrupt action and stutters in shock.

"S-Setsuna wh-what are y-you doing?" He stares at the drawn bloom a moment longer before looking up to her confused aquamarine orbs.

"Where did you see this?" This flower that his mother loved. . .

"S-see?" The pinked haired girl didn't seem to understand, probably doodling with mindless focus, before herself recognizing her tattooed art piece. "A-at the m-museum with A-Allelujah. The b-botany exhibit has a r-rare flowers d-display. . ." Trailing off, he sees her doe eyes blink in confusion at his question. Of course! She must be unnerved with his touches when they weren't that personal. Setsuna drops her hand and somewhat shifts over further on the couch, surprised by his lack of aloofness and space observation.

"Sorry." The raven haired boy blames it on her kind act today, saving him from embarrassment or punishment. That didn't give him any right to treat her with closer familiarity though, ugh what was he thinking? It's just that flower. . .

She shakes her head very slowly, accepting his apology. He plants his eyes firmly on the television now, intent on preventing anymore slip-ups.

The day hadn't been his best; to start, his brother was MIA and his father anxious because of work troubles, so the hectic morning rush threw many things askew. Because of the hustle, he had left his English homework and chemistry response questions on his desk, though he was fortunately saved in both conditions under different circumstances. Then he'd had his lunch knocked clear out of his hands and tramped by rowdy seniors, though this too was remedied by Hallelujah's angry threats and the kindness of the Smirnov twins, more so their father's overabundance of lunch packing.

Getting through the rest of the school day was decent, though he'd had to put up with Mr. Sarshes' catcall commentary when he helped Feldt's project spill after their last class. And everything finally seemed to be better on this late Friday afternoon until he went grocery shopping. His dad had left a list, one Tieria usually confiscated and fulfilled on his own, so he'd gone as the good son and retrieved what was a household necessity before running into a problem.

Nena Colasour, daughter of their teachers Mrs. Mannequin and Coach Colasour, was stalking him through the neighborhoods near the supermarket. At first Setsuna completely ignored her presence and calmly made his way homeward, but after the girl started coming closer and closer with very suggestive features and body motions, he did the first thing instinct screamed at him. He ran.

Right into Hallelujah's car. Which ultimately led him here, sitting on the Noriega communal couch with Feldt Grace Noriega whom he had thoroughly scared with his peculiar behavior. With a rapid glance to his left, he noted the teen girl was also awkwardly watching the ridiculous movie with a very squeamish expression. Yes, the shagging on the television was the cause this time.

". . .Can we change the movie?" he asks mildly, sick of the program. She nervously, and with a touch of relief, agrees as she switches the channel to something more suitable and somewhat up his alley. The Science Channel was doing a documentary on robotics advancement. It's quite a while before sound interrupts his enticement with the projected subject.

"My s-sister does this kind of w-work." Setsuna looks to her as she articulates. " I-I mean she works with computer p-programming, which is used for robotics e-engineering." He sees her blush, but he's intrigued by her words.

"Christina Noriega? She always was favored by Professor Eifman on that subject, so I suppose that makes sense." Apparently Feldt was intrigued with their common interest because she starts communicating her knowledge with her stutter slowly dissipating.

"S-she works with Mr. V-Vashti of VEDA corp. as an intern p-programmer in robotic e-engineering, particularly with artificial i-intelligence and assistance robots. I mean she does plenty of other things, I've also worked briefly with Mr. Vashti for fun, but it's the robotics that are the most fascinating. They're super neat; advanced response to verbal commands, mimicking human emotional affect, transmitting-" She turns to look at him straight in the eye and he can read her thoughts as she has them. "Sorry, I'm boring you with my talk, huh?"

Setsuna, quite contrarily, was very happy to hear someone else so well informed about this subject. After his father had introduced him to 'Gundam Wars', a strategy video game set during an era where the world's militaries fought each other with large human like robot weapons, the raven haired boy took it upon himself to immerse in the realm of robotics. Unfortunately, his closest friends generally weren't into the subject so he'd been left associate-less in his interest. At least until now.

"I like robotics too." And Setsuna was never happier than when Feldt jumps up to run up the stairs into an unknown space and returns carrying a large box filled with mechanical and circuitry parts. Words weren't necessary as they slide to the floor and start taking different elements out of the box for examination and organizing. When they do start speaking, it's about how the different pieces could be utilized to make various creations. It's this way that time flies unnoticed between the two, only disturbed an hour later by a loud slam from the front door.

"Oh say I can't take it, I shan't not take it~! But only for your money honey~~!" Setsuna, first to stand an investigate the intrusion, is met with an awkward sight that the sing-song voice had given introduction. Sumeragi Lee Noriega was leaning quite heavily on his father, randomly conjuring phrases to an uncoordinated tune. Her face was tinted red and her normally pristine suit was wrinkled and unbuttoned while her hair was hanging free from her sophisticated up-do. His parental was temperately consoling, trying to keep his loopy friend standing.

"Sumeragi, hold still a sec, your shoes. . ." The woman lets out a haughty laugh in response and through his peripheral vision Setsuna notes Feldt scuttling over to assist with her mother's antics. When the two have successfully made her house ready, Setsuna's father heaves the woman into his arms in bridal fashion with little resistance and pads the familiar path up the stairs towards Sumeragi's room. Feldt ends up returning to his side as she watches her parent be whisked off for a dreamless sleep that will be ridiculed in the morning.

"My mom's drunk again." The very flat statement is accompanied with a sigh, and almost a wizened inflection to it. It's a typical occurrence from what his father told him, that difficult working days often led to self damaging nights for adults in their career field. The styles of collateral, however, were individually chosen and apparently this was Sumeragi Lee Noriega's method of coping. Setsuna doesn't know what she wants to hear in response to her claim so he slightly lifts and drops his shoulders.

"It could be worse." Yes, oh so much more horrid. At least the woman never dragged her children into her drinking fiasco, nor did she ever blame them for her unfortunate luck. At least he'd never once heard anything hateful from the Noriega twins, of whom he had known and been personal with far longer than memory served.

"You're right. I just wish she didn't need to do it. If she had a hobby or something to keep her mind off the bad ones. . ."

"A hobby? Like robots?" Setsuna pauses here, realizing that he'd just attempted a mood raiser for the forlorn pinkette he'd had a very unusual day with. And apparently it works seeing as Feldt lets her lips curve subtly only to be hidden by her fingers when a giggle flows out.

"Yes, that would be much preferred." She drops her hand to her side and looks to him with gratitude. "Thank you. For being my company this evening. It was. . . fun." The tanned teen was pleased with the turnout of the day's unpleasant beginnings, so he agrees with her words.

"Ah." He couldn't think of a proper response to the unconventional happenings, so he makes an awkward attempt at communication. "Join us more often. It'll be just as fun." She appears ready to reply contrary to her blushing reaction, but forgets her words.

"Join the fun? I'd love to, but I'm pooped for the evening. Rain check that invitation. Thanks for watching my dear little one Feldty, Halle's upstairs with your Mom. Please call me tomorrow and let me know things are alright?" Setsuna's chestnut haired father uncoordinatedly hops down the stairs where he left his son and his coworker's daughter. He catches Setsuna in a one armed bear hug and affectionately rubs Feldt's head as he interrupts the last part of their conversation.

The teenage girl replies with an affirmative and blushes furiously at the extroverted nature of Neil Dylandy. Setsuna was used to the odd 'in-your-face' closeness his father exhibited but he clearly understood his classmate's hesitation.

"Good girl. Setsuna, do you have your things? Get them and let's go, I'm so done for tonight I might just drop dead driving the car!" He laughs comfortingly, but the thought elicits a negative remark from Setsuna.

"Don't drive then. I think it'd be better if we lived to see another day." Another laugh erupts from Neil, but the teen boy ducks out from under his arm and rushes over to the kitchen to grab his groceries instead of angrily commenting. When he returns, he briskly avoids Neil's affectionate touches in favor of retreating out the door. He does spare a moment for Feldt though as he nods his head an wishes her a goodnight.

"See you . . . soon?" Her smiles followed with a minute nod leaves Setsuna feeling a bit strange on the inside. He banishes the train of thought as his father starts questioning his rejection in a wounded manner.

He can't wait to go to sleep tonight and dream away this abnormal day and these uncanny meetings and the curious feelings.

~End Prologue Part 2~


Yay, finally finished day 1 in the lives of our characters LOL. Now I shall really get moving xD.