TBTE

Into Shadows Unknown(v.2)

She couldn't tell whether it was day or night when they left the tavern. The only thing she could see was

the black inner folds of the trench coat surrounding her, until she felt the rush of a train passing. Finally she

was released from the nearly claustrophobic shield of her escape. Her vision suddenly returned, flooded

with myriads of lights, people, and things, and she still had yet to regain her mental stability. She was lost in thought as he tugged gently

on her left arm, his friend on her right, together they steered her onto a subway car, and she was gently

pushed into a seat between the two. Thinking nervously about how things would turn out, her anxiety

beginning to show. She had unconsciously removed a paperclip from one of the tears in her mini skirt and

proceeded to bend it into a contortionist.

A calloused slender hand stopped her fidgeting fingers. Stop, your giving that mother

a hard time controlling her son's attention. The thought intruded into her mind. She snuck a glance to her

left and was greeted with the curious gaze of the child watching her fingers work the piece of metal; he's not

the only one you've captivated. She blinked and glanced to her right at the man who had given her the

opportunity to be free, and realized that he had been following her flustered antics also.

Blushing profusely, she shifted in her seat. Finally taking a good look at the currently more mysterious of

the two, Clarice was shocked to find that her stare was returned by the bloody crimson orbs of….a

woman. Her eyes were just barely visible between her neon streaked bangs, yet so clear. She was tall and

muscular, her hair brown pulled back slightly, two neon green streaks on either side of a neon pink one

made up the bangs that covered half of her elegant face. The woman graced Clarice with a half-smile;

Clarice returned the gesture with a blink and a small sheepish smile. She sighed inwardly, multitudes of

questions assaulting her own thoughts. Do not worry so much, it'll be alright. He's not going to hurt

you, he's here to help keep you safe. And besides he IS the one who saved you. Clarice nodded a

fraction of an inch and shifted again as the train slowed dramatically, reaching their destination.

As they left the car He started to drift away into the crowd but Clarice wasted no time in latching onto his

arm before he could disappear. She tilted her head back to look up at him, her eyes distraught. He said

nothing but calmed her with a steady and reassuring gaze, as if dealing with a child awakening from a

nightmare. Say hello to 'Lure and Stowe for me. She relaxed considerably after a moment just from

hearing his thoughts, her eyes frantically confused, traveled to the other woman. Her gaze was gentle, and

after a shared nod Clarice released his arm being led in another direction, he had already disappeared into

the crowd.

By the way I know you've been wondering. My name is Armina. We're going to a café, its fairly

nice. We're to meet some friends there. Clarice nodded almost reflexively, but caught herself, her lips

parting. Armina shushed her before she could even form the question. He'll tell you when he feels the

need to. Or wants to. Was all she heard before she became entranced by an intriguing tarnished silver

moon with quicksilver and indigo script the read in scrawled lettering The Blue Midnight Café.

She snapped back into reality in just enough time to stop herself from tripping over her own feet as Armina

ushered her through the door under the aged sign. Say nothing until I say its safe, and keep your eyes

blank, don't look anyone in the eye.

Alright that's a wrap for the second chapter. Hope you enjoyed it, please review. Arigato for reading!

Ja mata, Chocolate-san