4. Introductions

Streaking stars we are,

Fleeting across a summer sky,

There is no time to wonder,

Just take it with you and walk,

The greatest gifts are those you can carry,

But I like to think they are best when they walk,

I am just cantering along your road with you.

Sora watched the sun slowly rise from the top of the building that housed many if not ninety-nine percent of Kaleido Stage's cast. It was an old habit to take in everything around her, to assess the situation and learn the layout. However, as the brand new day began and the same old sun rose it was like the story of Sora's life. There were always new beginnings and then the beginning became the same old existence, with the same old person. She was the sun unable to become any different than what she was but she always saw a new day. She thought all through the night about the experiences of last night and found so many bright and shining faces, Mia, Anna, and even Layla made her seem like there was a difference to this day. As she sighed again and watched the sunset shimmer slowly from periwinkle to pale orange she hoped that this time she could make it work, she hoped that this time she could find and keep a semblance of peace. She will try to live this new beginning as best as possible, as peacefully as possible, if not for her self then for Kalos. She could not bring it in her heart to give him such a gift as family and then rip it away from him but she too needed some one to lean on, to go to for help. She needed family, that six letter word she felt was lost fifteen years ago. Even though she needed her uncle she felt relieved that he would not tie her down her at Kaleido Stage and thankful for the freedom. She shook her long sheet of inky black hair out on the morning breeze and wondered if she will ever get used to sleeping in a bed. She got a few hours of sleep but was used to functioning on two to three hours of sleep a night for extended periods of time. Actually it never really bothered her and she grew accustomed to the hours of contemplation and loneliness. It became natural to climb buildings and watch everything come alive in the predawn hours, and sleeping outside under the stars seemed easier for her than beds and pillows. Things like these were luxuries she knew would take time to adapt to. She heard door close with her keen hearing and leaned forward and saw Lisa head toward her end of the building and reading Lisa's lips she was speaking to Kalos. Sora, suddenly alert, hefted her body over the ledge of the roof and swung into the window of her dorm room. She looked back at the rising sun hoping for a new beginning and then walked lightly to the living area and waited like a cat audibly stalking her prey. She waited for the foot steps on the landing to stop and then waited for the knock that immediately followed the traveling footsteps. But she listened briefly.

"Kalos she may not be up yet. You saw that show. Oh, fine, and yes I will tell Sarah to get there as soon as she can. You know I hate waking up stars."

"It's alright Lisa I was already awake and I am defiantly no star, just think of me as a measly clown," spoke a smiling Sora as she opened the door. Lisa's eyes were slightly round and then her brown eyes smiled back and she fulfilled her job as supervisor.

"The boss wants to talk to you, kiddo. Here you go. Just give it back when you are finished. Bye."

"Thanks," Sora sounded as Lisa was already down the stairs thumping on the door beneath her own. "Yes Kalos, how may help you this morning?" She asked as she closed the door.

"I wanted to tell you that I have your phone, and the contracts to sign. Just come by the office, but just to add a small bonus I tacked on a brand new Jeep Wrangler because you took a million and a half dollar pay cut. Like I said, call it a bonus."

"Fine, it sounds good but only if you insist. I told you once; you pay that boy too much money. Besides something with doors and a roof might be better than relying on the bike. Where will they be?"

"We have a private garage but I can have your Ducati and your Jeep relocated closer to the dorm for easier access."

Sora sighed, "Kalos just keep it low key. I don't want to call up too much attention. Last night was far too much as it is. I want to try and be normal."

"Sora, after last night you are anything but normal. However I do understand your request and I will be a covert as possible, Firecracker."

She had to smile, "I haven't heard that in years. I will be there shortly."

"Oh, Sora, there is someone I want you to meet. I have not had the chance to inform her of the situation but I don't keep things from her."

Sora exhaled, "Alright but what are you going to tell her?"

"You are my long lost niece retired at twenty and wanted to live her own life."

"Retired from what?"

"You call it."

Sora smiled, "I retired from the corporate world and insider trading but not after making a small fortune. How is that?"

"Hey, it is your call and it does explain and intensity about you that a few people have noticed. See you in ten?"

"Yeah, maybe sooner."

Sora pushed the end button on the phone and grabbed a small duffle bag next to the door. It had her wallet, keys, mat shoes, work out clothes, and sweats. She went down stairs right after brushing her teeth and put on a new t-shirt. From the look of the stair well she was the only one to really use it but it was right outside her door. Once she hit the first floor landing she saw Lisa coming out of another room shaking her head.

"Tell her to take it easy. Good thing today is an off day."

"I will," said a woman with a smooth accent and hay blonde hair with deep soulful brown eyes. As Sora waited to hand the phone back to Lisa the blonde headed woman stopped and looked right at her. Looking at her made Sora's heart momentarily skip a beat in her chest.

"Oh my, I don't believe I have met you yet. I am Sarah, Kaleido Stage's physical therapist and kinisiologist."

Sora took her hand and smiled, "Sora, it's a pleasure to meet you madam." She turned to Lisa, "Here is your phone my lady and thank you very much for running it to me. You have gone through such trouble. It was a great pleasure to meet you Sarah and I hope you both have a great day." Sora bowed slightly at the waist. Some habits she actually clung too respectfully. Her Japanese culture shown through right there and her training also over ran her actions but this was a welcome slip of normality. She turned to walk away from the pair and was called back.

"Wait I have to get back there too just gimmie a second please. I have an important meeting. Give me just a moment to get my things?" called Sarah.

Lisa's eyes widened slightly and Sora gave her a quizzical look then Lisa laughed and patted her on the shoulder. Before Sora could say anything to Lisa the lithe brunette was half way down the hall to attend other business but she laughed all along the way. Sora turned and crossed the threshold to appear in a small entry way that spilled into a large living area and kitchen with a large bedroom off to the back left. It was exactly like Sora's but it was tidy, and more personable. It was like she stood in the middle of someone's inner sanctum and had not really known what she stumbled into but to her surprise she felt that she sort of new this place, if not the person that dwelled here. Sora watched as Sarah bound around the living quarters collecting a small bag with her things in it and as she flittered about Sora took in her surrounding in more depth and detail. There were pictures of the stage and some one was flying though the air. There was another photo of Sarah, Kalos, and Layla huddled together talking animatedly and laughing. Then, like a bolt from the blue it zapped Sora. She was standing in Layla's dorm room and her room was right on top of Layla's. Once more she rolled the thought over in her mind, 'This is Layla's room.' She took a quick once around the room gaze and finally noticed nice furniture, the kitchen table, everything had order as if it was afraid to be lost into chaos. Sora peered into the bedroom and saw a small lump in the bed and became still and quiet so as not to wake the young woman who was prone to snap her head off at a moments notice or be aa nice as a saint on other moments. Then Sarah popped out to the bathroom and looked better and refreshed. Sarah raised a finger to Sora.

"Just one more moment and then we can be off, I swear."

Sarah went to the bed and sat on the edge. She looked down at the sleeping blonde, and smiled. 'She is so cute,' she thought. She brushed errant hairs from her face and smiled again as Layla let out a small mew of sound struggling to stay in the land of dreams.

"Wake up sleeping beauty," Sarah said lightly as she brushed a knuckle across Layla's cheek. Layla whimpered and forced the offending hand away. Oh what would Sarah give to have a feather and some shaving cream right now. The Sarah smiled bigger as an idea hit her.

"Sora is in your living room," Sarah whispered in Layla's ear. Layla's eyes flew wide open but she did not move an inch.

"Oh Sarah please tell me you are lying?" Layla pleaded quietly trying not to let the woman in the living room know that she was not able to handle her or anything else right that instant. The simple thought of having Sora in her living room had her nervous and excited at the same time.

"Unfortunately I'm not lying, and it's all my fault. She is waiting on me and didn't want to have her wait outside. That's bad manners. She lives above you know."

"No I didn't," whispered Layla. "Please don't make me get up right now."

Sarah smiled warmly into anxious blue globes and caressed her forehead with her fingertips trying to push back more hair.

"Of course not baby girl but I have to go. I will be back later and make you a strong cup of tea. I also have Lisa checking on you later. I told her you were not feeling well."

"Thanks Sarah."

Sarah kissed Layla in that motherly way that Layla loved so much and pulled the covers up to Layla's chin remembering all the tears she cried last night. Across the room Sora found the entire interaction spellbinding. Layla, the Ice Princess, has people she actually lets in. WOW! But Sora wanted to know what was going on between the two. Then Sarah looked at her and then crossed the room taking her arm and then they left Layla's room.

Sora walked with Sarah and almost joined her in a verse of Queens 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and after laughing and singing bawdy verses to the popular song they made it to Kalos's office. Sora was about to knock when Sarah just let herself in not worrying about a thing in the world as she entered the room. Sora walked into the office after closing the door and confiscated the same large chair from the previous night. Sarah gave Kalos a good morning kiss then set off to make tea.

"Let me guess, married?"

Kalos and Sarah laughed and nodded as Kalos tossed Sora the keys to her new Jeep and slid the phone across the top of the desk. Sarah watched intently as if missing something or trying to work something out. Kalos put the contract on the table and put to pen on the paper. Sora read each passage and then sighed satisfied. Kalos smiled and got up and helped Sarah with tea. Sarah was about to serve tea when Kalos stopped her and then told her to have a seat. As Kalos poured tea in a cup Sarah asked Sora if she could read the contract. Sora shrugged and nodded. As Sarah read the contract Sora knew she would know everything later from Kalos. After a few silent moments there was a sharp intake of breath as Kalos saw his wife nearly have a coronary and smile at the passage she just read.

"Are you sure this is all you want? This is like working for nothing when you are a lead for Kalos."

"Sarah I don't need much, and I don't want much. I am here to give something back to these people, and that is a smile. That's all I want to do."

Sarah was about to speak when Kalos stopped her, "Sarah there is more."

"How can there possibly be more? Kalos you are reaping all the benefits here."

"Sarah calm down, it's a little deeper than that." Sarah sat up intrigued. "Sarah please meet my niece, Sora Naegino."

Sarah's jaw dropped but only slightly, "I thought I have seen those eyes before. They are just like Kalos's," Sarah said to Sora who smiled then to Kalos, "I didn't know you had a niece."

"I wasn't there for my sister Shelly, but when I saw Sora last night everything came back. The last time I saw her she was five playing around on a trapeze like it was a mere jungle gym." Sarah absorbed all of this and noted the pride in his voice but also could not avoid the sadness etching the surface of Kalos's handsome face. Sora felt like a specimen after Sarah's appraisal and was about to bolt but she stood her ground.

"I knew something was familiar about you, as I have said before it is in the eyes baby. Welcome to Kaleido Stage yet again." She stood and hugged Sora in a fierce embrace. Even though she was confused out of her wits Sarah wanted to know more about this woman that made Layla feel anything after so long living in a world of ice. She also wanted to know about Kalos and his little niece. Sora was stumped to come up with anything but all she could do was smile trying to collect herself and then told as much of the truth as possible. Sora found she did not want to lie to this woman, when lying would have been much easier. She looked over to Kalos who smiled openly, proudly at her, and she felt like she was finally walking down the path she was meant to take.

About two hours later Sora got through the family encounter with laughs and jokes. Sora began to feel comfortable but said nothing about her previous employment by simply amending the previous plan by stating she studied abroad for many years after her parent's death and as the years went on she was accepted into collage over seas. Sarah was delightful and witty but Sora could not let this mornings events go. The lingering thought of Layla laid up for days plagued her.

"Sarah, I need to ask you a question," stated Sora as she put her cup down and pinned her with one of those, you better not lie to me or I will cut out your heart looks. Sarah waved over her tea cup for Sora to continue as she took a sip.

"Is Layla well?" Sora asked as she exhaled now bracing for the answer she knew was going to come.

"Oh honey, she is fine just a few things happened last night. It's nothing to worry your self about."

Sora cocked her head to the side and her eyes lowered like sad grey icicles. She was not sure how to ask because of so many things she saw between herself, the show and the physicality of it or the after math with Yuri. There were too many conflicting emotions also welling up with in her, she was not used to caring about people an then the thought struck her. She cared even slightly already for these people. The revelation was strange but warm. She continued with her icy grey eyes now looking directly at Sarah, pleading for the truth.

"Did I hurt her?" whispered Sora.

"Oh no, darling. Why on earth would you assume such a thing? She is fine," said Sarah but Layla's words flew back at her from last night and into the forefront of her mind.

"I wasn't sure if I hurt her because we were doing things she has never done before. I took her out of a comfort zone and I was just worried… I guess."

"It is just a family issue now babe, now she is just taking a rest today. I do have to say though that Kalos trained her and I don't think even he would have been able to move the day after a show like that when he was in his prime. She is actually my pride and joy, so if anything happens to her and I find the culprit they will have hell to pay, trust me on that."

Sora dropped her eyes and looked into her small hands trying to read the future like some gypsy but it's not supposed to work on your self. She slightly smiled at her thoughts and Sarah's words when there was a knock on the door. Mia flew into the room waving a newspaper around when she noticed Sora and then smiled so brightly Sora thought the sun had just risen again that morning.

"We missed you at the party last night. Even that sleaze bag Yuri was there," said Mia and then Sora let out a chuckle as Kalos, who was buried in paper work and paying attention to everything heard Mia's Description and spit up coffee into his cup and coughed many times. He simply straightened his shirt and resumed his work, undisturbed by his uncontrollable outburst, but Sora could not miss the glance Kalos and Sarah shared. Sora was now assured that there was more to the situation than she was privy to, but who would share with a newcomer, so she sat back content to know that some people could keep secrets.

"Anyways," continued Mia, "Here is the review from last night and you are not going to believe it. You are a headliner in the Arts section of Cape Mary Press and the San Francisco Times. You and Layla, you two did it. The writer even went on to say that the 'Seduction of Sleeping Beauty' was so vibrant and mystifying that it over shadowed the prince's role and doesn't know why Killian was in such a lead role with this much talent in a minor role."

Sora took the paper and saw it in black and white, plain as day, her chances of being in the shadows plummeted. However she could not help but smile at the picture of her and Layla together. She was close to her trying to come to her and Layla was smiling, but not just any smile a real smile. Her thoughts were interrupted.

"It goes on to say that Layla Hamilton has never looked so at ease on the stage that the maneuvers she and the newcomer, Sora Naegino, were executing looked so simple a child could perform them," Mia finished then looked at Sora, "I have to say , Hot stuff, you rocked this house last night. So where are you staying so Anna and I can hunt you down and congratulate you in style?"

Sora looked at Kalos and he shrugged body language saying it was her call, "Mia, I wanted to make this quite but I trust you, especially since I auditioned yesterday. I will be staying here for awhile, a long while," she swallowed and paused and then heard Kalos clear his throat unnecessarily and urge her forward. "I am in room 2," Kalos gave her a look and a 'carry on with everything' gesture then she took a deep breath. "I am staying as a principal."

Mia jumped up and down and hugged Sora's neck, "If it were anyone else everybody would have a problem with it. But After last night people thought you were amazing, and were hoping something like this would happen."

Sora smiled but still remained serious, "Mia, keep it quiet. No one knows."

"No problem, cross my heart."

As Mia left Kalos's office in a flurry of bubbly energy, Sarah and Kalos watched the chipper Sora slip into a serious and walled off person.

"That goes for you too as well. The last thing I need is people thinking I got the job because you are my uncle," demanded as she pulled her eyes to the pair sitting in the room. Sora looked them down and then turned to leave as she slowly got to her feet. Once in the hall she took the duffle to the practice arena to watch and find Mia and Anna.

Sarah turned to Kalos and then kissed his lips and purred at the contact. She sat on the arm of his chair and he pulled her slight body into his lap making their contact closer relishing in the moment.

"Layla is right you know. She is always wearing a mask. It is like she has secrets and she is completely afraid to let any one in. You can see it in her eyes Kalos. She has such sadness hidden there." Sarah felt his arms tighten around her waist and she knew he could not say anything but he would not lie to her.

"Sarah, all I can say is that she went to school. When she wants to share more with us we will be here to listen. I am sorry love, but I made a promise."

"I know but even Layla in her state of chaos picked up on a lot, but I still want to get to the bottom of Yuri Killian. What are we going to do?"

"Well," Kalos sighed, "beating the shit out of the little bastard will only make me feel better, but I really don't know and I don't think we should let it out. Just let Sora run Yuri off the stage. Sooner or later he will do something stupid.
Sarah nodded in agreement for she knew Yuri well enough to be an idiot when it came to protecting what he thought was his territory. Her only concern was that he did not get any one hurt in the process.

Layla finally rolled out of bed much to her chagrin. She rolled out her shoulders and for the first time in as long as she could remember she was sore in places she completely forgot about. The last time she could ever guess being in such a state of physical discomfort was when Kalos began training her personally and then it was more like boot camp and not just a single show to strain her muscles. She smiled slightly at the reason why she was sore and she shook her head thinking the audience certainly got their moneys worth last night. She began doing some stretches and poses to strain and then loosen her tired muscles and got into a piping hot shower. Tipping her head forward to get the back of she shoulders she reached up and turned the nozzle to jet and then sighed heavily as the water blasted away the stress and pain of the evening. Thoughts of yesterday bombarded her and she felt the tension seep back into her shoulders.

'That girl,' she thought in the steam that she began to breathe in like it was aroma therapy. She had no idea who she was but in the span of a day she became her protector and her partner which confused Layla to no end because at the end of the day she knew there was no one there to be there for her. Oh course she had Sarah and Kalos but she never did feel like she was completely protected. It was as if Sora grew wings in that moment and became a guardian angel, a fiercely intense guardian angel. Then no more than a few hours later she became her partner and the promise Sora made to Layla before the show rolled over and over in her mind. She had no doubt that Sora would watch out and take care of her but will she do it because she wanted to or because she was just watching out for the show. All of these thoughts and conflicting emotions made Layla feel selfish and conceited. The world did not revolve around Layla Hamilton, and she knew it but for once in her life she wanted to believe that a person could actually want to be around her because she was Layla, not the lead of a show. When she finally stepped out of the shower she reached for her towel and walked through the room shivering at the sudden change in temperature. Steam rose off her shoulders as she dried her self off and threw on a plain pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt. She dug out some socks from the top drawer of her dresser and then laced up her black Adidas Samba's. She never played indoor soccer but she loved the feel of those shoes on her feet. She looked in the mirror.

'God, am I slumming or what?'

With a shrug which made her hiss in pain as she forgot she was still a little tender in her shoulders, she went out the door and grabbed her wallet and keys as she passed the table. It was time to meet her new partner and she grew oddly nervous as she began she climb up the stairs. She was thankful however that the soreness had not traveled down to her legs and then told herself that she will pay a visit to Sarah's part of the building later to see of she cant loosen them up a bit before tomorrow's performance. Once she arrived at the door she found herself unable to raise her hand and knock. She kept thinking that Sora must think she is the vainest person on the face of the planet. She heard a thump and listened to the sounds coming from behind the door and fought to scuttle right back down the stairs and go right back to bed but she stole another breath of air and forced her hand to raise.

Sora ran into Mia and told her Layla was a little under the weather as she saw the strawberry headed girl about to bang on the door of Layla's room. Since she was out of commission she was going to get the layout of the town. However, she was actually going to San Francisco to get some of her training supplies that she needed to keep a decent performance up. After that she ran up the stairs and shot through her door without even breathing heavily. She tossed her small duffle on the bed and changed out of her black sweats and donned a black t-shirt and matching jeans. She tossed her 9mm in her bag and laced up a pair of black new balance cross trainers. She took one more glance around, grabbed her sunglasses and shot out of her door. She was in such an excited hurry that she nearly flattened a person on the landing in front of her door and she spun to avoid contact.

"I'm sorry, so sorry. Are you…" Sora trailed off as she noticed Layla standing surprised but yet grateful. Layla was just happy she didn't have to knock on the door.

"Hi, I hope it's not a bad time but I felt we need to talk, but it looks like you are on your way out. I'll come back later."

As Layla turned to leave to hide her embarrassment she felt a slight pressure on her shoulder. She jumped, her reflexes still flashed back to Yuri and her dressing room. Then she fought her way back from her memories and then to the present then blushed a deep shade almost purple at her foolishness.

"Sorry," Layla muttered.

"Its fine, I am heading to San Francisco to get some training supplies for myself. Would you like to join me, and talk on the way?"

"Alright," agreed Layla and she was interested in getting new training techniques from some one she can certainly learn a thing or two from. Sora smiled and her snowy grey eyes lit up. She motioned with her head to follow her and then she led the way to the garage behind the dorms. She was walking so fast that Layla was almost jogging to keep up. Layla never thought Sora's legs were that long, but then shook her head from those thoughts and watched Sora noticing that she seemed oddly out of sorts. She looked around as if trying to find something then she looked at the keys in her hand, smiled, and pushed a button. Just ahead of them on the other side of a large van sat the black Jeep that chirped as Sora hit the button again making sure she had the right automobile. Layla sensed Sora's urgency and a need to get the hell out of there or she would explode. Layla saw the doors unlock and wondered why Sora had no idea of its exact location and why it seemed as if she hadn't even owned the Jeep. Sora motioned her around and then gracefully jumped behind the wheel smiling like a kid in a candy store. Layla was mesmerized by the urgency of the situation and then Sora slipped the key into the ignition and it flared to life. Sora's grin grew wider than before and Layla could swear she just witnessed the perfect example of the Cheshire Cat's grin. Sora settled in her seat and seemed visibly to melt against the interior and then crooned as she ran her hands over the wheel and dashboard, looking in compartments and exploring for a few brief moments. Layla had never in her life witnessed such and interesting ritual in her entire life and the scene before her made her smile. Sora finally turned her head slightly to Layla.

"Black and beautiful, just the way I love my automobiles."

Sora threw the car in reverse and thanked Kalos silently for it being an automatic. She loved stick shifts but she didn't want to fiddle with the mechanisms at the moment. Then, in fluid movements, Sora slipped the jeep in drive. Before she knew it Layla was zooming through the city streets of Cape Mary. The highway was eerily empty as she saw Sora nonchalantly enter the speed way. She sat half reclined and drove with her left hand but she continually checked her mirrors, as if making sure she wasn't being followed. Sora opened the windows and then shouted over to Layla to turn the radio on.

"Hey, Layla, start talking or become the D.J. I don't really care. I don't have a preference." Layla looked at Sora startled at her for calling her Layla and even more unsettled because she did not care. To be honest she quite liked it, it felt familiar. Layla decided to D.J., but once she found a decent station a phone rang. She could swear that it was not hers then she saw Sora wiggle in the front seat trying to dig into her pocket and hold the wheel with her knee at the same time.

"Let me take the wheel and you put it in cruise," Layla tried to help more out of the fact that she did not feel like dying in the Jeep that very moment.

"Good idea. Ok, now," Layla held the wheel and Sora was reclined digging into her jeans.

"Stupid deep pockets," she said coming back to grab the wheel, "Yeah hang on." Sora growled into the phone and rolled up the windows. "I thought this was used for emergencies." Layla was caught off guard at the sudden growl that grew from her throat. The change from Sora who sounded animalistic when she sounded sweet moments ago confused Layla. Sora had too many sides to her and that was what made Layla nervous last night.

"It is darling. Layla is missing."

"No worries, she is with me."

"That bloody girl should have left a note instead of having me hunt all over the complex for her. Thank you Sora honey."

"Bye Sarah," said Sora playfully into the phone as she snapped it shut.

Sora then placed the phone in between her legs instead of in her pockets. Layla watched all of this in astonishment. She was only here less than a day but she had Sarah's phone number and vise versa. Then a realization hit her like a baseball bat to a ball.

"Oh shit, I forgot to leave a note. She must have been mad, huh?"

For the first time in fifteen years Sora laughed a real true laugh and it felt great. It was like a weight she never knew was sitting upon she chest lifted somewhat and she could only hope that feeling would never go away again.

"No, I think they were just worried about you. I was there this morning when I saw Sarah taking care of you. She seems to care a great deal about you. You are quite lucky."

Layla blushed as she remembered her behavior this morning right before Sarah left but decided to change the subject.

"What is with the phone?"

"Well, I do not want a lot of people to know just yet but Kalos made me a principal and that was one of my stipulations for staying. I am to have a company phone for emergency purposes only. I like to know what is going on around me. I like the security of having contact."

Layla noticed Sora's eyes cloud over at that moment. It seemed that Sora lived a lot of her life in the past, and judging by the look she got sometimes it was not a good past. Sora felt Layla staring at her as if she were a bug under a microscope and changed the subject.

"What did you want to talk about? We have a lot of time and I am all yours until we get back."

"Oh, yeah. I just wanted to talk to you about Kalos's decision. He came to me last night before he talked to you. It looks like we will be working together for awhile."

Layla decided to leave being her partner out of it for now and concentrated on continuing on having a good time. Sora understood the silence and this was one that said there was more but she was not going to push. Sora exited the highway and headed for the art district. Sora found parking in an ally right around the corner of the building. Layla looked around and stopped on Sora then gave her a questioning gaze. Sora smiled and nodded her head toward Nicholas's Fine Arts Supply.

Once inside Sora grabbed a small basket and handed one to Layla and took another. Then she turned and inhaled the smell of paint and smiled. One of the many trades you can have while trying to infiltrate enemy lines was of course art, but once her instructors put a brush in her hand she was lost to the world of art. She could never get enough of putting her heart and soul on a canvas. Maybe it was because she knew she would never be able to show those emotions and she had too many things to say but found quickly that silence was a better companion than a therapist. Sora first led them to the paints where there she fought over acrylic or oils. She loved acrylic because they dried faster but she was in an oils mood. She picked up bottles of paint and just shoved them in their baskets. Once or twice she would ask Layla about a color which led to the discussion for their favorite colors.

"Right, let me see. Here is cerulean but I am a sucker for true blue."

"Yeah but what is your favorite color, Sora?" Sora paused and crossed her arms looking at paint colors.

"What's yours?" she asked still trying to find the color.

"I don't know I never really gave it much thought. I love this deep pine green, but right now this cloud color is beautiful, so in this case cloud is my favorite. I like it because it isn't grey or blue. It a mixture of both." Layla could not help but notice that the darkness of the color sometimes matched Sora's eyes.

"Good color," stated Sora then shook her basket getting Layla's attention. Layla smiled and put the bottle in her basket then Sora led them on to another aisle. But not before realizing Sora did not answer her question.

"Hey that is not fair and you know it. Come one, what's your favorite color? Please." Sora looked into pleading brilliant blue eyes and paused for just a moment to long maybe. In front of her she scanned the shelf one more time and landed on one particular bottle and then picked it up.

"This one," said Sora dropping the bottle in Layla's basket. Then she turned away from the paints after loading her two baskets with acrylic and oils. The rest of the shopping experience was not hard because Sora hated oil pastel and chose the soft pastels instead. They swung by the charcoal sticks and tossed in a box. But the paper proved difficult but by the time Sora checked out she had over thirty bottles of acrylic paint, twenty-five tubes of oil pain, twenty-six different types of brushes, twenty different colors of pastels, fifteen sheets of professional grade arches paper, four tablets for just drawing, thirteen canvas boards of various sizes. On top of everything else she got a pencil sharpener; knead able eraser, and an art gun eraser. Once they finally got the total for the art supplies expedition the boy at the counter had eyes the size of footballs. Layla looked into her basket one more time and gave Sora the bottle of paint she put in Layla's basket.

"Don't forget this."

"Thanks."

"That will be seven hundred and eighty nine dollars even miss."

"Here you go."

Sora paid the boy in cash which shocked everyone around her. Layla grabbed some bags and Sora asked the boy for a cart to push all of the canvas to her car. The boy jumped and even offered to take the items out there for her himself. Unfortunately the back became full and Sora apologetically told Layla there was one more stop and if she would not mind holding one of her bags.

Sora pulled out from the ally and decided to drive about ten minuets in the opposite direction of the highway. Sora had been here once before and hoped that the shop remained open and lo and behold the shop loomed in front of her. It was a beautiful brick building from the early nineteen hundreds and as she parked the jeep in the small parking lot in front of the store she smiled at Layla. As they approached the glass doors Layla read the stencil work. Places In Limbo was the name of the store and once she stepped in side she saw why. There before her were three stories of books. Old books, new books, foreign books, all of it was like a monument to the written word. And she loved it. Sora looked at Layla for a moment and could not for the life of her understand that woman. She had so many sides that she was more dynamic than any person she could have imagined. She got closer to Layla and brushed her arm with her own which caused Layla to look into Sora's eyes.

"Have a look around. I would love to know what you like to read." The sincerity in Sora's voice moved Layla deep down in her core. She nodded but she was lost on where to start. She never had someone take her to a bookstore and then ask, as if truly interested, what she liked to read. Layla decided to start at the top and make her way down. Sora followed her up the stairs and lingered just behind her. Layla came to a poorly categorized philosophy and religion section and could not help but pick up Plato's Republic. She saw Sora smile.

"What? Why are you smiling?"

"Oh, nothing. I find Plato inspiring in his morality but too complicated in action. I understand truth and right, but to quote him and his teacher, "what is right?"

Layla thought that Plato was trite but admired the fact that the US constitution had taken a lot from his Republic. Layla put the book down and looked to the left to find buried beneath a stack of books The Secret Garden. The copy was old but well preserved and she ran her hands over the leather cover loving the feel of it under her finger tips. Sora stopped her looking for a second already finding a copy of Dante's Divine Comedy and A History of Pagan Europe. She walked up to Layla and noticed the smile trying to escape her lips.

"You alright, Layla?"

"Yes, it's just that… my mother read this to me when I was a child," Sora looked at Layla but did not know what to say and tried not to let her emotions filter through to the surface. How is it that Sora could face down armies and governments but being in the same place as this woman made her squirm from just the most innocent of phrases?

"Mine did to," was all Sora said as she turned her back away from Layla. She knew there was a pain etched across her face as she buried herself in search for literature. She finally suggested the lower deck and Layla nodded as she put down the book. Sora looked from retreating woman to the book and picked it up and put it in her stack. The middle floor was devoted to history and sciences and both women seemed to find the same likes and dislikes in books but both decided not to get anything from that floor. The bottom floor was general fiction and literature and just so happened to be the largest of the three floors. Sora was in a paradise as she came across Jane Austin novels but only settled on getting Persuasion and Northanger Abby. They checked out once again but Layla lingered over the table of mythology books as Sora paid. She was glad because Sora wanted to surprise her. As she grabbed the sack of books and both woman piled into the jeep they sat in silence. Sora pulled out into traffic and then onto the highway. She took the phone from the dashboard and scrolled the menu and found only two numbers and smiled because of the easy access of he numbers. Sora hit the second number, the other was Kalos but she decided to bother Sarah instead. On the third ring Sarah answered.

"Mushi, Mushi."

"Haha, not a bad accent, we are on our way back."

"Oh good I was going to check on Layla anyways. I will meet you out back and greet you so I can catch Layla and give that girl a piece of my mind."

"That's great because we need your help unloading."

"What do you mean by unloading?"

"Hey I am giving you to Layla. I hit a snag in traffic. We are moving at a safe clip but I want to be safe, you know." Sora gave Layla the phone.

"Hello Sarah."

"Oh, girl I have to rip you a new one when you get back. But more importantly, what is going on? Getting a little friendly aren't you? Hooray!"

"Oh stop. It's not like that. She just decided to buy out an entire art supply store. Here I thought it was training materials."

"Dear, training for Sora does not always mean honing skills but sharpening the mind. She probably uses art as an outlet to clear away all of that mental trash so she can focus on what she needs to get done up there in the air. Or so I gather."

"Thanks Freud. We should be back in about an hour plus or minus some change. I will talk to you later."

Layla closed the phone, put it on the consol, and looked noticed Sora was much calmer since she went shopping. The day was incredibly fun and she could not figure out where she could cough up eight hundred dollars as if it were lunch money. She craned around to look at the damage Sora inflicted and shook her head.

"This is training?"

"For me it is, for you maybe not. You and I are completely different types of people. We have different things we have to do to maintain our composure on the stage. It will be interesting working with you because of our differences." Sora paused and realized Layla's face dropped into a stony mask of indifference. What Sora did not know what was that she had the same concerns as her partner.

"You seem to love to paint."

"Yes I do. It helps me say things I normally can not. I need to keep things around me that I love to do for that reason. I escape in to them, especially books but painting and drawing are my passions. I can not get caught up in work or it will not flow. I need the things I love just and the things I love need me. Creations need to be created. I will create them therefore I am needed. Books give me such great ideas and the worlds in those pages… It's like stepping in to a portal to another universe. I love books too."

Layla absorbed what Sora said and found an odd logic behind the statements. She has always done everything she could for the stage but she never did anything for herself. She did not have hobbies or the reason to create, but she found that she wanted something new. Her eyes slid to her hands and then saw the tube of paint Sora picked up. She turned it in her hands and noticed Sora's posture shift and watched Layla from the corner of her eye.

"Coastal Blue, it's very beautiful. Why do you love this color?"

Sora's brow furrowed then felt Layla nudge her with her elbow across the small consol. Sora slightly shook her head then glanced into Layla's eyes then back to the road.

"Did you know what Coastal Blue is the same color as your eyes?" Layla thought about it and replied.

"No, I did not know that and I don't see…" then Layla saw how the tips of Sora's ears became a deep pink hue. She thought to her self that Sora could be blushing but she just could not tell. Sora only turned and looked at Layla's eyes and lingered until she had to return her piercing grey eyes back to the road.

"Yes, I believe I am quite fond of coastal blue."

The rest of the drive home sped by and then they were by the dorms spotting a happy Sarah waving them down.

"You were right, she did buy out an art store," Sarah said as she opened the back door. Sora laughed as the three of them toted all of the art supplies up stairs. Once everything was stored in their appropriate places Sora finally put the easel in the corner. Layla and Sarah lingered in the living room when Sora dug in the brown paper bag and brought out an item. Once she moved over to where the two woman stood she tentatively tugged on Layla's t-shirt sleeve like a first grader showing her teacher her first art project.

"Here, I thought it meant a lot to you and when you put it down I picked it up." Sora was more nervous than a teenage boy on prom night but how that analogy crept into her head was beyond her, but she thought the scenario was appropriate. Layla stood there with the book in her hands and then smiled brightly at Sora. She did not know what to say.

"No one has ever given me something like this before. Thank you very much." Layla merely whispered the words but Sarah and Sora heard them loud and clear. Sarah was standing back giving the two woman space but not wanting to miss a moment between the two. Sarah was uncertain of what went on with the girls but she knew for a fact that Layla needed it. She had not seen her smile like that in years and the sight almost sent tears to her eyes.

"Thanks for going with me Layla."

"I had fun. Thanks for taking me."

They both said their good nights and Sarah watched the entire thing with a raised eyebrow. Things were certainly not going to be boring around here.