Then, they started to walk towards the inn, introducing themselves.
_You don't seem to know Paris very well...Said Kurando.
_No, actually, I went to hospital because I was sick and I was so used to that place that I forgot my own home !
_Ohh, you was sick? And are you feeling better? Asked Anastasia.
_Yes, don't worry !
_So the Scarlet Bird is where you live?
Alicia doubted, actually, she didn't know ! The doctor told her to go there, but was it for working or something else? Maybe she was now the relative of the owner of the inn.
_Do you know what is the name of the owner?
_What? Why do you want to know this?
_I forgot, sorry...Said Alicia, her face turned red.
_Oh I see, I think it's Gordon or something...Said Kurando, but he was not very confident.
_Gordon? My family name is Gordon too !
_Did you forget everything ? Asked Anastasia.
_Maybe...I am a bit lost...
Alice knew that the problem was that she didn't know anything about Alicia's life. Her family, her home, her work, her friends and what she likes...She even didn't know what was her physical appearance ! She had to find a mirror, quick...
_Excuse me, have you got a mirror?
_Yes, of course ! Said Anastasia, she picked a small mirror made of gold, in a shape of a heart (not very surprising from a feminine little girl), in her pocket and she gave it to Alicia, who immediately looked into it.
Alice gasped, she had changed so much ! She no longer had her silver hair that Yuri loved so much, but chocolate hair, and her blue eyes had disapeared as well, now, she had green eyes, a beautiful green though. She also had some features more mature, Alicia should be older than the ancient body of Alice. She was pretty, but she felt depressed, Yuri will never recognize her !
_Alicia, is something bothering you?
_No, I'm fine ! She gave the mirror back to Anastasia and they finally arrived in front of the inn.
Before entering into the building, Alicia thought of asking Kurando about Yuri. She had to be sure ! If Yuri were in this inn, she could have a chance to see him earlier than she had thought ! Kurando looked like Yuri, it was evident, he couldn't not know him, it was impossible !
_Sorry, may I ask you just one more thing Kurando?
_Yes, what's wrong?
_Do you know a man, who he's called Yuri?
_Yuri?
_Yes, I have a friend (Alicia didn't want to say that it was her lover), called Yuri and you look like him...
_Oh I see, then, I know a Yuri, my cousin...And he has the same crimson eyes than me...Maybe we have a friend in common then !
Oh my God ! So, Yuri was here too...
_Maybe ! I'd like to meet him then ! Said Alicia, smiling. She couldn't hide her joy.
_He'll be at the inn tomorrow morning...If you want to see him...
_And tonight?
_Oh sorry, he is with Karin now...
Alicia was stunned, Yuri with an another woman? At Valentine's day? That was impossible ! He could not forget her like that ! She wanted to know who Karin was, maybe a girl with a pretty smile who has fell in love with his good-looks, a girl who didn't deserve Yuri.
_Who is Karin?
_Her girlfriend ! Said Anastasia.
_What??
_No, forgive her, she'd like them to be together...And Karin would want to as well...But Yuri is still in love with his ancient lover...Explained Kurando.
_I see...What was her name?
_Alice...
_It's pretty funny, your name looks like the one of his lost love ! Said Anastasia.
Alicia felt her cheeks turned red, that girl was so perceptive. She started to feel embarrassed, and had to be alone. She said good night to her new friends and went to her room. Alicia stretched out on the bed and after several minutes of meditation, fell asleep. In her dream, she saw the four masks again. What did they want?
_You're doing well ! Said The Graal Mask.
_Your new body fits you well, a pure beauty ! Said the Gold Mask.
_Thank you, but why did you come into my dream?
_You don't seem to know that much about Alicia, is that right? Asked the Sword Mask.
_Yes...
_Well, I think we can help you ! Alicia works in that inn and she is the favorite daughter of the owner...She has a lover, called Simon who asked her to marry him not very long ago, she used to be a polite and smiling girl and everyone in this town know and like her...
_I see, she seems to have a pleasant...What, she has a lover???
_Yes, a handsome and nice man called..
_Simon, I know ! But what am I gonna do ? I did that for Yuri !
_It's true, but if Yuri falls in love with Alicia, then you can leave Simon and be with Yuri again!
_Yes, but it's not that simple! Plus, a girl is interested in him, I'm scared to loose him !
_You're a pretty woman, you can have Yuri if you really want to ! Now, have a nice sleep !
Then, everything went black until the next morning. Alicia awoke later than what she had expected with all the torments she has with her new life. She heard a voice calling her, but she didn't answer because she didn't know who was this person. Alicia rathers climbing down the stairs and she arrived in the main room, where all the customers were eating.
A woman with a radiant smile came to her, she looks like so much to Alicia, she might be her mother, thought Alice.
_Alicia, my dear, what are you doing here? She said, hugging her tenderly.
_I left the hospital, I'm healed...
_Oh, this is marvelous ! But how?
_A long rest and a very efficient treatment...
_I see, that doctor is a real magician ! Do you want to eat a bit?
_No, thanks, I'd rather help you !
_You haven't changed, always so nice with your old parents!
_You're not that old mum !
_Excuse me ! Said a masculine voice.
_Oh, Alicia, please, may you go serving these people? I'm busy now...
_Of course mum !
Alicia went happily to the man who has called her. She has a very nice mother, and the inn was really pretty and comfortable. Arrived at the table, Alicia recognized Kurando and Anastasia and she hurried to greet them. They answer with sympathy.
_How are you doing Alicia ? Asked the young samourai.
_I'm fine and you?
_Good...So, you work here?
_Yes, can I serve you something?
_Yeah, some fruits juice please...
_Ok...
Alicia looked the other members of the group : a white wolf, a weird oldster, a giant, a pretty woman who looks like a dancer or some fortune-teller, a woman with flamboyant hair , and next to her, the One. Yuri, he was there, with dark clothes and his crimson eyes which left her breathless. He was still so handsome ! He was talking with the red-haired woman, they were sharing some accomplices glances and tender smiles.
_Yuri, is it you? Alicia said.
Everyone looked at her, surprised, Yuri indeed.
_Do I know you miss? He said.
_Yeah...Alicia remembered at that moment what happened to her. He wouldn't believe her ! No, I mean, Kurando told me about you !
Yuri looked at Kurando, disconcerted.
_Yeah, she had a friend called Yuri, so I thought that you would recognize her ! He answered.
_I see, maybe I know you but I forgot sorry...I don't have a very good memory !
_Then, maybe we could discuss a bit...I could make you remember...Alicia felt her cheeks turning all red. Yuri smiled.
_Yeah, why not?
Abashed but happy, Alicia left the group and ran toward the bar, where she could hide from the piercing glance of Yuri, and the one full of jealousy of the red-haired woman who might be that Karin.
Then, a blond guy entered the inn and smiled, seeing Alicia. She heard her mother screaming :
_Oh Simon, it's you !
Oh no ! Thought Alice.
