A/N: Wow, this story is getting popular already! I'm going to make the chapters longer than usual, so you might have to wait a bit longer.
IMPORATANT: At the end of each chapter, I will post a sneak peek of the next! So don't forget to check that!
Now, for the replies:
Justrockzyxxx: THANKS! Yay, you loved it! :D
Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye: THANKS! Yay, more people love it!
ghost83: THANKS! It kind of does tie with the actual storyline, as in the ending when we see Isaac and Napoleon. But not much.
StrikerDaisy: THANKS! Yes, love is in the air…Along with death, betrayal, and sadness, but mainly love!
CHAPTER 2: A Violinist in Venice, Part 1.
"So, what's the plan?" Phantom R asked.
"Like Emily said earlier, the first key is somewhere in northern Italy. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the exact location, so we'll have to go on foot." Angel said, looking out the window.
"I've always wanted to see a place other than France. To get a chance to see the world with my closest friends..." Marie said, sighing.
"Well, we'd better split up to cover more ground. Marie, Raphael, Galileo, and I can search the northern half, while Emily, Leo, and Charlie search the southern half. Will that work?" Angel asked, stretching.
"Yeah, that'll work." Phantom R said, adjusting his hat. "It's might be wiser for me to change costume, though..." He trailed off, and then snapped his fingers. There was a flash of light, and then Raphael appeared in Phantom R's place.
"You do realize that I now know your identity, and I could arrest you?" Charlie said, folding her arms.
"You wouldn't arrest me, Charlie. You love me too much." Raphael said, grinning.
Charlie turned a bright red, and everyone else started laughing.
"Come on, guys. Let's get that key BEFORE any chevalier's appear." Angel said, walking outside.
Marie looked around in awe at the city around her. It was around noon to evening time, and the city was still crowded with people and tourists. The sun lazily reflected of the water, its race giving the place a warm feeling.
"Welcome to Venice, Italy. Beautiful this time of year." Angel said, smiling.
"So, where do we go first? Raphael asked, looking around.
"Well, since we don't know where to look, how about some sightseeing?" Angel asked, scratching her hair. "The first key could be anywhere, and it'd best to search in the most obvious places first. Then we can go from there."
Everyone else nodded, and then started off. After some sightseeing, they arrived at the heart of the city.
"Wow! It's amazing here. To think all these people could fit here..." Galileo said, looking around.
"Want to get something to eat? My treat." Angel said, walking over to a less crowded shop, which the group entered.
The place was small but quaint, with a few couches here and there. The walls were illustrated with music notes, and violins. A young brown-haired teen sat near the fountain, playing violin.
"What a nice place. Why is it so...deserted?" Marie asked the brown haired teen, who looked at her.
The door then opened, the door bell ringing ominously. A black haired man walked in, with two men behind him. A large scar was on his face.
"Well, has it been a week yet, Vince?" One of the men asked, tapping their leader. The leader nodded, good eye narrowing.
"You heard Bruce. Now, where's our protection money?" He asked, cracking his knuckles.
The brown haired violinist faltered. "Well, business has been slow lately..." He said, sweating.
Vince swore, angry. "I don't care if this place is more deserted then the Sahara, we want our protection money. You know what happens if we don't..." He threw a table down, and slowly approached the brown haired boy.
"Hey! Back off, if you know what's good for you." Angel said, cracking her knuckles.
"Don't get involved, princess. Wouldn't want to wreck your pretty little face." Bruce said, grinning.
Angel smirked, and cracked her neck from side to side.
"Better stand back. This could get rough." Angel said, nodding to the group and the violinist. They obeyed, stepping a good distance away.
The unnamed brute ran at her first, but didn't anticipate too much. Angel smirked, grabbing his arm, twisting it backward, flipping him, and sending him to the ground. Vince frowned, and nodded at Bruce.
The two were at a standstill, each trying to anticipate the other's moves. Bruce struck first, almost catching Angel off guard.
Heavy emphasis on almost.
"Too slow!" Angel taunted, tripping him up. Before he could rise, Angel had already gotten some distance between herself and him.
"Well? Royalty can't wait." Angel said, smirking.
Vince nodded at the other two goons, and they fled the scene, the door slamming shut.
"Sorry if I caused any damage. What's your name?" Angel said, smiling at the violinist.
"Feli. Thank you so very much! Those goons have been bothering our place for months now..."
"Well, they'll think twice about that while Angel is around." Raphael said, smiling.
"Thank you, Angel. I am forever in your debt!" Feli said, smiling.
"Call me Ace." Angel said, smiling.
"How about a free meal? It's the least I can do to repay you..." Feli said, tuning his violin.
"Sure." Angel replied, sitting down.
"So, who were those guys, anyway?" Angel asked, slightly worried.
"The Blue Vipers. They're the local gang here." Feli said, sighing. "Every week they come here, looking for protection money. But this restaurant barely keeps itself going." Feli said, sighing.
"But the food was delicious! How is this place not popular?" Galileo asked.
"The Blue Vipers, for one thing. Everyone stays clear of them. That and our competition." Feli said, pointing at the bright and popular restaurant across the street.
"The painted lady? Their food tastes terrible." Angel said, sticking out her tongue.
"Yes, but their owner is a good pal of Vince, the leader of the Blue Vipers. That and it's in a lot better shape...That's why I'm entering the violinist competition."
"What competition?" Marie asked, interested.
"The arts and music museum down the road is having a violinist competition. Not only does the winner get a thousand euros, but they also get this weird green key." Feli said, sipping a soda.
"What does this green key look like, anyway?" Angel asked, interested.
"Here's a poster." Feli said, handing it to Angel. Angel stared at it, and then tapped into her watch quickly.
"Em, get over to where I am ASAP. I think we've found our first key."
"Yep. That's the grass key. How much do you want to bet Napoleon's seen this too?" Emily said, stuffing the sheet in her pocket.
"Nothing, since I like my wallet not empty. So, how are we going to get that key?" Angel asked, sipping a cup of coffee.
"Simple. Since most of the music is new to Marie, I decided to make a deal. Both Marie and Feli enter the contest, each helping the other. Feli knows the music better than Marie, and Marie can help bring some customers to boost the restaurant's popularity. The son of Painted Lady's owner, César, is also entering the competition. If we can beat him, it will definitely get us some attention." Emily said, arms folded.
"Also, I can keep any of those Blue Vipers that come around here at bay." Angel said, smirking.
"So, do we have a deal? If either of us wins, you can get the money, and we'll get the key." Emily finished.
"I would say yes... But I'd need to talk to my Grandpa first. After all, he is the owner of this place. Would you like to meet him?" Feli asked, beckoning to the group to the back.
An older man was sitting in the kitchen, stirring some sauce and singing to himself. Feli tapped his back, waiting.
"Hello, grandson. Have we had more customers yet?" The man asked, turning.
"Actually, this young lady helped chase the Blue Vipers away..." Feli said, beckoning to Angel.
The older man stared at Angel smiling.
"You've got spunk, lady. I like that." He said, shaking her hand. "My name is Roma. And your name is?"
"Ace. My sister would like to ask you a question." She said, beckoning to Emily.
"Ciao. My name is Emily. I have a favor to ask, one that could boost your restaurant's popularity and get rid of its competition at the same time." Emily said, starting to explain everything.
"So if my Feli helps your Marie win the competition...I will get the money and the popularity, and all you want is a key?" Roma asked.
"Yes. It is important to our line of work." Emily said, sitting up.
"Seems a bit odd... But I agree. Feli, get your violin. The competition is in three days, and if we want to win we'll need all the practice we can get." Roma said, standing up. Feli nodded to Marie, and the two went outside, to practice.
"This first piece is easy to learn, if you've played violin long enough. Now, how long have you played violin for, anyway?" Feli asked, tuning his.
"Ever since I could carry one." Marie said nodding.
Feli smiled. "Then we shall be good friends. Now, let's practice. Uno, due, tre, avviare!" (One, two, three, start!)
Raphael looked over at the two and sighed. They'd been practicing for the better half of two hours, and he'd wanted to take out Marie to see the sights.
Just then Marie walked up behind him, smiling.
"So, how did it go?" Raphael asked, sitting up.
"Fine. If we both keep it up, we should win that competition easily." Marie said, smiling.
"So...Would you like to go with me to see the sights of Italy?" Raphael asked.
"Actually...Feli asked me first...But you can come with us if you want." Marie said, smiling.
Raphael smiled, inwardly sighing. "Sure, I'll come with you guys." Marie then walked off to chat with Feli, and Raphael just sighed.
"He beat you to the cake, didn't he?" Angel asked, sitting next to Raphael.
"It's just that I wanted to take Marie out, just the two of us." Raphael said, sighing.
"Make new friends, keep the old. Besides, we need him if either of them are going to win the competition, and the key." Angel said, standing up.
"Later, R. I'm heading out with Charlie, Galileo, and Leo." She said, heading on the elevator.
"Bye, Angel." Raphael said, walking toward Feli and Marie.
"So, where do you want to go first?" Raphael asked.
"You can decide. There are boat rides, amusement parks..."
Somewhere not that far away, J.F was plotting. The man with the golden eye and tattoo sat next to him, silent.
"Emperor, we have located the first key and the book... We may have a problem obtaining them, though." J.F said, nervous. "But with the help of our painter, Isaac, we can change that. At the nearby carnival, the book is at a remote book stall, and the girl is there as well." He finished, smirking.
Isaac walked up behind him, silent.
"Isaac, take your group new and improved chevalier's to the carnival. Let's see how much that Phantom and his group like their surprise, courtesy of us. Get the book at all costs." J.F said, smiling evilly.
"Thanks for showing us this carnival, Feli. There're so many fun things to do here." Marie said, smiling.
"It's no problem, Marie. I always come here after a long day. It makes all your worries go away, yes?" Feli asked.
Marie smiled at him, and he smiled back. Raphael sighed, not sure if he had been noticed for the last half hour the two were talking.
I know I shouldn't be jealous...But when Marie's with him, it's like I'm not even there... Raphael thought looking at the two laughing.
His bracelet flashed brightly, and Raphael looked at it.
Wait a minute...The last time this glowed, it was when me and Napoleon were fighting...Could he be here? Raphael thought, looking around, worried.
A few screams attracted everyone's attention. Some chevalier's had started to attack tourists, obviously searching for something.
"Uh-oh. Hang back, Marie, it's time to kick some devil knights!" A flash surrounded Raphael, and Phantom R appeared in his place.
"Phantom, we have trouble! Chevalier's at twelve 'o clock!" Charlie yelled, kicking one off with her soccer ball.
"No kidding. Feli, Marie, get out of here. I'll bet it's Marie those guys are after." Phantom R said, running off to follow Charlie.
"Back off!" Angel yelled, firing three arrows at once. Phantom R and Charlie ran up to her, eyes worried.
"These guys are tougher than usual! Help me out, guys!" Angel called, running ahead. Emily, Leo, and Galileo were nowhere in sight.
A little way farther, said three were in the middle of a mass melee. Emily's sword wasn't visible; all there was a flash of steel and black dust.
"Em, be careful!" Angel yelled, throwing a dagger at a chevalier approaching from behind. It caught the chevalier in the chest, but it still stood. Emily turned and slashed it, and it faded into nothing but dust.
"What are these things after?!" Leo yelled, crushing one into dust.
"I think I can guess. Phantom R, go after Marie and Feli!" Angel yelled, sniping
Feli and Marie were running through the crowds, trying to escape the chevalier's. The crowd was large, but chevalier's were tearing through, searching for something.
"There she is! Get her at all costs!" A chevalier yelled, pointing at Marie. The rest stared at the two, and then charged forward.
"Run for it!" Feli said, grabbing Marie's hand and sprinting. Phantom R ran up, kicking away any chevalier's that got close.
"We need to get rid of these guys! Feli, Marie, get back to the shop!" Phantom R yelled, the chevalier's gaining.
Isaac stared at the group from above, silent. He eyed the Ferris wheel silently then, a sphere of black flowed from his hands, creating a scythe. He then threw it, cutting the Ferris wheel off its hinges, and on a deadly crash course.
Marie tripped, landing straight in front of the Ferris wheel.
"Marie, grab my hand!" Feli yelled, pulling her out harm's way, and she hugged him tightly.
"I was so scared!" Marie said, crying into Feli's arms.
"Don't worry, you're safe now. Just relax..." Feli said, hugging her.
"Why! Won't! These! Things! DIE?!" Charlie said, kicking the same chevalier for the umpteenth time.
"They're obviously after something. Question is what?" Leo said, punching another chevalier into dust.
"Get the book! Get the book!" One chevalier yelled, before getting and arrow to the knee. (Courtesy of Angel.)
"What book are they talking about?" Angel asked, taking out a grenade, and yanking the pin out, tossing it a good distance away.
Emily was caught in a sword standoff with a chevalier's claws, and chopped it in half. She backed up, taking another sword in her left hand, before stumbling on something.
"What do we have here?" Emily picked up the book, the mark of Tiamat stamped on its cover, with nine symbols:
A green leaf, a yellow lightning bolt, a white wind gust, a red flame, a light blue fire, a dark blue water drop, a pink heart, and an orange sword. In the center of it was a great golden sword.
Emily opened the book, reading the first lines.
When the world is destined to be as black as night,
Ten heroes will rise to the fight.
A violinist whose mother used to be unknown,
A detective with powers yet to be shown,
A fighter with a heart of stone.
An archer with a heart of gold,
A gymnast with a story yet to be told,
A swordswoman whose feelings are hidden in cold,
A swordsman with a past filled with tears,
And his ally, who hides well his fears,
A psychic with power sealed for thousands of years.
Last, the leader of them all,
With the dragon's power, all evil will fall.
A bright glow shot from the sky, surrounding Angel, Emily, Charlie, Leo, Galileo, Phantom R, and Marie. And somewhere far away, three others were surrounded in the sacred light.
The hero's identities have now been revealed.
But when all else fails, the virtues summon the shield.
Emily turned to the next page, on it a faded map.
"Everyone, back to the airship! I think we found something very crucial to our quest." Emily said, putting the book under her arm and dashing away.
END CHAPTER 2
Sneak peek of Chapter Three!
"I did it! I'm made the qualifier!" Marie said, hugging Feli.
"I told you you'd make it." Feli said, smiling at her.
"But I never could have done it without you, Feli. I really owe you one." Marie said, smiling at him.
Jealousy is a bad thing, but I'd like to be remembered once in a while. Raphael thought, frowning.
"Well, there is this one thing...How about dinner tonight, you and me?" Feli asked.
Wait a second, WHAT? Raphael thought, surprised,
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