Chapter 7: A friendship reborn (prt 1)
Author's note: Kelly Clarkson's:People like Us.
Yakuza status. Kumicho (supreme boss), wakagashira (Number two-man or regional boss)
Shatie (younger brother) Wakashu ( Junior leader) Shateigashira (leader beneath the regional boss)
We come into this world unknown.
But know we are not alone.
They try and knock us down.
But change is coming, it's our time now.
Walking the narrow familiar streets back in Minato ward, Serenity kept glancing nervously up to the faceless black sky. The moon was now strangely absent, hiding it's gentle light behind the thick, encroaching clouds. It looked like rain was once more amassing over the city. Filling her with dread and a nervous energy, that made her rather jumpy. She truly hated storms. They put her on edge in every way, with an unfocused fear that left her feeling rather helpless.
The brown stone towers, or steel and glass structures were flanking the dimly lit streets. Obscuring what stars could be seen through the red haze created by the city lights. Only furthering her ill feelings, was the fact that Darien was now leading her on some secret rendezvous. The cement of the boulevards was a damp inky black, that spoke of rain that had already fallen, but more was imminent. The pavement seemed to shimmer under the sharp glow of orange street lamps, like a slick oily ribbon. The way ahead holding an eerie gloom of the unknown.
Her flowing pink shirt with the droopy black bow, felt inadequate to protect her from the coming rain. Her loose golden hair falling over her shoulder's and down her back in a wild mess. The bursts of wind tossing it into disarray. Her grey and plaid shirt blowing in the breeze, as her tennis shoes made sharp noises against the quiet of the night.
Darien held her hand lightly, keeping a silent vigil over her and the way ahead. Dressed overly casual in his jeans and leather jacket only. The allure of his sexy broad chest hidden just out of view beneath the worn black leather was both a temptation and a distraction for her. She had to resist several times already of unzipping the jacket to run her fingers up and down the smooth taunt skin of his chest. She had enjoyed caressing every inch of him back at the hotel and was eager for more. Yet she had to keep her mind on task, to much was going on tonight. Beryl was out to get the crystal and take over the world. The sister's could only stay ahead of Hawk-eye for so long. She needed to get that crystal into safer hands, questioning if even her hands would be strong enough to keep it from Beryl. Shingo was in trouble some where, she could feel it. And she was dieing, she could already feel the burning in her veins. Like an itch she could never scratch, moving through her system, slowly killing her. It was like she could hear the ticking of a clock in the back of her head, urging her to move more quickly. She only had a pre-determined amount of time to find her brother, the crystal and take care of Beryl for good. It seemed a unobtainable goal, but she was determined have everything solved before she died.
Darien had been staring with a new found wonder at her, his mind clear and full of tender memories once again. His whole body felt alive, humming with energy as if she was the battery for his powers themselves. Passing her a knowing lopsided grin, his blue eyes sparkling with true happiness. Serenity giggled gripping his hand tighter, her cheeks burning as she was also happier and more content then she had been in years. Then the pleasant mood of the moment was abruptly broken by the loud gurgling disturbance of her empty stomach.
"Hungry?" Darien commented, knowing how much Sere's appetite guided her.
"Very." She sighed, rubbing her belly.
Darien glanced around at the empty side street, an expectant look crossing his features as if he knew something she didn't. Then he glanced down at his watch.
Serenity was curious now, something was up?
"Dare..." She started but fell silent, as a set of blinding head lights rounded the street up ahead. Bouncing down the
uneven cement, at a break neck speed.
"Right on time." Darien smirked.
"Who is?" Serenity spoke uncertainly.
"Raye and Mina." He nodded back, it was a forced encounter of his own making. Ready or not, he felt she had to set things right with her best friends as well. They also had a missing piece of their souls to reclaim, a void only her friendship and love could fill. They deserved to be whole again or at least re-start the friendship if regaining their memories wasn't an option. He still didn't understand how he was given the gift of reclaiming his past, but he hoped that by Serenity's pressence alone they too could remember their true past as well.
"Darien..." she gripped his hand tighter, hissing out his name angrily. Her eyes wide and filled with fear.
"You said you wanted to meet them?" He responded back innocently as he waved the approaching car down.
"On my own terms...you thoughtless baka!" She growled out, her eyes darting into the silent shops and alleys that backed them. Patheticly seeking a place to hide, to run from this encounter. She hated being thrust into situations out of her control.
Damn...him...this was not her idea of a comfortable, no strings attached first meeting.
Darien chuckled holding her hand firmly. "Sere...they miss you. " He stated, with not a hint of guilt in his tone.
But she felt it, that guilt of taking away something precious from her friends. Holding herself hostage for five years in a country far away. With a groan she resigned herself to this awkward encounter, she missed them very much as well. Would love to reclaim that close sisterly like friendship she had once shared with them. That they currently enjoyed with Darien.
A bright sun yellow, brand new model, Chevrolet Corvette. Pulled up to the curb beside them. The body gleamed in the street lights, like a beam of sunlight. With a low profile and flowing curves it moved with a powerful grace. The windows were all a mirrored black tint in which one couldn't see inside.
The engine rumbled with a low purring growl, the power restrained as it slowed to a stop before them.
Serenity blinked...how in the world did they get an American vehicle this expensive, this wild and outrageous, over to japan.
As if reading her mind, Darien nodded curtly towards the sports car. "Lita...Uber rich..." He murmured out of the corner of his mouth, seeing the confused frown upon her face. "She takes very good care of her friends." He nodded again, catching Serenity's disbelief and feeling he needed to explain.
"Wow..." She breathed. Ogling the pristine silver accents of the trim and handles of the two door sport car, almost drooling on her tennis shoes. She suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy and regret that her precious Shelby Cobra had been totalled so brutally. She would have loved to have showed it off to Mina. Perhaps entertain her with a drift race up the mountains near Osaka. The two cars would have been evenly matched and it would have been an epic show down of speed and precision driving. With a nervous chuckle, Serenity cleared her head. A rueful smile pulling upon her lips, she was as hopelessly obsessed with race cars, just like Haruka...and that was frightening.
Her affinity for fast cars came from her deep affection and close friendship with the fellow soldier. She wondered sometimes if it was more hero worship, or seeking to live up to an ideal of what she wished to become. A sort of little sister complex, trying to gain the older woman's approval. A way of mimicking her because she wished she could be more like her. The same way Rini always looked up to her, seeking her approval by wearing her hair in Odango and tails?
As the passenger side window rolled down, showing Raye attempting to be cool and collected. Sitting on the deep plush black leather seat inside, nervously twisting a strand of ebony hair. Dressed nicely in a wine red dress and black panty hose. Matching heels and gold bracelets on her wrists, with a fine gold necklace around her neck. Matching gold studs in her ears, looking ever the haughty and confident beauty she always was. The neckline plunged between her half bared breasts, sleeveless and flowing in cascades over her curving shoulder's. Her skin a pale milky white, luminous and flawless like a porcelain doll. Dark brown almost black eyes staring with the same soulful quality that drew the eye and made a person drown in her penetrating gaze. She looked as regal and elegant as always, even more so since she was an adult now. Her features having matured into a very strong allure that made her near unapproachable. That invisible barrier of high class arrogance still firmly in place even after all these years.
Yet Raye met her eyes with a meekness a few seconds later, swallowing nervously in her pressence.
"Fancy meeting you here!" Mina exclaimed, bowing into view beside Raye in the driver's seat.
The silent moment of reflection between Raye and Serenity shattered by the blondes naturally boisterous personality.
"Mina Anderson and this gorgeous black haired beauty here is Raye Hudson." Mina inclined the subtlety blushing Raye with a nod.
Serenity leaned down to get a better look at her other long lost friend. Finding without surprise, Mina grinning back at her with out any hint of nervousness. She was as always her high spirited and overly loud self. Never putting on any aires, she was who she was. You either had to love and accept her or move on. It was a strong quality Serenity herself wished she could lay claim to.
Mina's long honey blond hair was flowing over her shoulder's in a cascade of sunlight, with silver beads woven into the strands near her ears. Wearing a pair of tight acid wash jeans with several rips in the upper thighs. A skin tight black shirt with short sleeves that hugged her biceps. A rounded collar that dropped low over the crest of her shoulders, revealing much of her upper breasts. Giving her that sexy bombshell appeal, that she had seemed to have perfected over the years. Looking less like some rock star groupie and more like a rock star in her own right. With several silver studs and tiny hoop earrings in her ears and silver rings upon her finger's.
"Hey, Mina." Darien moved up to the open window, glancing over her two door ride with confusion.
"How the hell are we going to fit in this sardine can?" He stated in frustration.
"Lita's coming right behind us. Little miss eager beaver here." Raye smirked, the name caring a lewd double meaning that only Mina understood. "Didn't want to wait for you guys back at the hotel in Ropongii so she raced the Limo here." Raye commented with a broader smirk towards a now fiercely blushing Mina. Her sarcastic smile only goading Mina more, receiving a sharp pinch of retaliation on her side from Mina.
Raye yelped, but started laughing cheerfully.
"Hi...Sere." Mina gave her a small wave.
"Hi..." Serenity grinned back. Catching the loving back and forth between them, her eyes lighting up with a sweet warmth towards her friends. A look they all cherished, both Mina and Raye blinked at the strange sense of deja vu occurring upon that fond look.
"Can I call you that...it just seems right? " Mina remarked now suddenly nervous she was acting to familiar.
"That's fine...I like it." Serenity sighed, as Mamoru's hand slipped into hers once again. Intwining his finger's with hers for both comfort and strength. Reassuring her that everything was going to be alright, wanting her to relax.
"Great!" Mina glanced up to the rear view mirror, seeing the black limo turning the corner behind her.
"Meet you there Dare!" She called, feeling the conversation was at a good stalling point. She gunned the engine, tearing off down the shiny black tarmac and out of sight.
Serenity took a deep breath as the long elegant black limo pulled up beside them.
"Here we go." She stated, with a determined glint in her eye. As Mamoru pulled open the door and ushered her inside before him. She gave him a bitter, thin smile that he laughed off before disappearing inside.
Settling down along a side plush bench, casting her gaze around the opulent interior of black leather and mahogany wood accent panelling. Serenity was quickly amazed by how successful Lita had become in the business world. Small mood lighting glowing upon the plush pewter grey roof, the large sun roof just above the back bench was cracked open. Allowing a good portion of the damp summer breeze into the ample back cabin. Serenity noted the full bar along the other side of the car, and the long tinted windows. This was a luxury vehicle from the states, no doubt. Lita no doubt had an affinity of the state brands. She had no doubt that this car had been shipped over to Japan along with Mina's sports car.
After taking in the cabin, she smiled softly at Amy. Who was settled on the back bench next to Lita. Dressed in navy blue pants and white sleeveless form fitting shirt. The top buttons undone, showing off a black lace slip underneath. Her black hair pulled back in a white cloth band with large fat, blue polka dots gracing the fabric. Only a few stray strands of her bangs hanging low over the sides of her forehead. The naturally shy and reserved young woman merely smiled
warmly back at her. Unwilling to start a conversation, quietly watching her with a mild curiosity. Valiantly trying to understand how this stranger was connected to her unconscious mind. Ever the scientist seeking answers to her own greatest mystery.
While Lita, dressed to kill in a pair of tight black leather pants and an emerald green halter top, slightly concealed under a half zipped form fitted black leather jacket. Sat stiffly beside her, her cell phone firmly pressed to her ear. Her long, thick, curly brunette hair pulled up into a messy, sultry cascade from the top of her head. Falling down around her shoulder's in a sexy allure.
"Look, get it through your thick skull. Greg. I want that merger pushed through by Monday. I don't care what it takes, whine, dine and seduce them! I want those documents signed!" She growled into the device.
The mention of Greg's name creating a subtle blush upon Amy's cheeks.
Serenity darted her eyes from one old friend to the other, seeking some kind of connection between the young girls they had been to the adults they had become.
"Greg..." Serenity mouthed out of the corner of her lips towards Darien. She had completely forgotten about the unassuming young man that had played football with him.
"He works for Lita out of her New York offices. He is her assistant, was her stock broker for many years. He's a shrewd, callus business man. Made his money on wall street just after high school. Lita butt heads a-lot with him over were to take the company." Darien sighed passing Lita a tired grimace. He had been pushing for her to take a much needed vacation for months now, she was tired, over worked and run down. He had hoped she would have left the running of the company in Greg's hands for a couple weeks. But the woman was more of a control freak then he was. Ever since getting over to Japan, her cell phone seemed to be perminately glued to her ear. At this point Darien felt that only an act of God would separate her from that damn phone.
Serenity merely nodded never gotten a chance to see this strong, stubborn, all most tyrannical part of Lita's personality. When she had known her as a teen. She had been more gentle, more maternal and protective. The Lita she was seeing now was a cold conqueror. Yelling into her phone like a commander, wanting things done her way, cursing and spouting epitaphs of financial ruin upon Greg if he did not succeed. She was down right scary.
As quickly as her ferocious dictator persona emerged it faded away as the phone call ended. Replaced with the kind, gentle smile Serenity had known in youth. Directed towards her along with warm emerald eyes that spoke of a forgotten grief concerning her.
She smiled back nervously.
"Sorry you had to witness all that. Money never sleeps you know. Thats what my grandfather taught me." Lita shrugged, leaning down then pulling open the shiny black door of the bar fridge. She gingerly retrieved a half drank bottle of vodka and a shot glass from the neighbouring wooden shelf. Pouring herself a quick drink and swigging it down effortlessly. It was her chosen drug to calm her nerves. And right now with a major deal tanking back home and Darien pulling their mystery girl in close. Finally getting a chance to reconnect with the remarkable woman from her dreams,]. Was putting all kinds of extra stress upon her. Her whole body was on edge, she could feel the residual build up of stored electricity humming along her skin. A sure sign she was under great anxiety, she needed a bit of alcohol to smooth out her worries. Or someone was going to accidentally get a shock of a life time if they touched her.
Serenity watched in disbelief as Lita downed two more shots, swigging back the burning alcohol like twin bullets down her throat. Amy merely cast her a look of thin lipped disapproval, that Lita effortlessly ignored.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Lita Kingston." The sultry looking brunette thrust out a hand, as if sealing a deal.
Serenity was feeling very unnerved by how polite and business like Lita was acting. It was just so strange to have her acting so formal, like a total stranger. That sense of distance between them hurt and she found herself fighting back tears.
"Serenity Durant." She quickly shook her hand, introducing herself with a shuttering breath. Rubbing her nervous, sweating palms against her grey plaid skirt soon after contact. Flicking her stinging eyes down to her shoes to quickly gather herself.
"Amy Monroe" Amy spoke, her voice as always mild and calm. Serenity slowly raised her eyes to greet her long lost friend. Amy was giving her a winning smile that instantly broke the awkward tension building in the cabin. Serenity beamed back at the short haired brunette, feeling slightly more confident but not all more relaxed. Then the limo pulled
away from the curb heading back toward Ropongii, the hunt for Shingo once more in full swing.
Darien understood her unease, draping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her in close to offer her support. She glared up at him, showing him without words her disapproval at his surprise. She had mentioned wanting to reconnect with the girls as a passing thought. She wasn't truly ready to have her total past thrust back into her present so quickly. She suddenly felt trapped and very uncertain in this forced confrontation. Darien's smile faltered at her dark angry look, confused.
She sighed and braced her arms over her lap, leaning heavily forward in the leather bench seat. Studying the carpeted floorboards of the limo, brooding. She had wanted to meet with them tonight but not all at once! It was all just so overwhelming. Darien just seemed to have an uncanny knack of making her wishes come true but in the wrong ways! She chuckled softly at that. That was just the way their relationship worked, an imperfect mess always in need of tweaking.
Hey...everyb ody loses it,
Everyb ody wants to throw it all away sometimes.
And hey...yeah. I know what your going through.
Don't let it get the b est of you, you will make it out alive.
The atmosphere in the limo was tense, filled with heavy pauses and forced conversation. Darien kept trying to smooth the reintroduction of Serenity into their lives as well as he could. But soon allowed the silence to reign, being trapped in a car pushing for conversation that wasn't happening naturally was a losing battle.
The girls kept staring strangely at her. Narrowing their eyes trying to understand why she looked and felt so familiar yet to their recollection had just been a figment of their dreams. Darien had wanted to just spill the truth but felt it would just be scoffed off. Amy was to logical and Lita to jaded to accept anything so fantastical as having died and been reborn with out their memories of Serenity. His memories seemed to have returned in time, her pressence sparking their emergence from forgotten depths in his mind. Perhaps that had to happen to the girls as well.
A small shift in the shadowed corner of the front section of the compartment caught Serenity's eye. She had been smiling mildly at Amy, sharing a silent kindred moment when the movement drew her attention. Sending a small shiver down her spine, as a timeless entity she knew well stepped smoothly into the confines of the moving car. A nude woman, whose skin was slightly tanned. With curves and ample breasts shimmering into view. Her long dark hair fluttering in a timeless wind only she could feel. Her deep lavender eyes glowing with power as she seated herself upon the black leather bench along the opposite side of the cabin. Resting an arm seemly upon the mini bar set before Amy, acting comfortable and dignified. As if she was truly a part of their little gathering, non-pulsed to the fact that she was totally naked and a ghost that only Serenity could perceive.
Serenity knew that only she could see her so a verbal conversation wasn't forthcoming. Knowing that if she started a conversation with thin air, Darien and the girls would think she had gone right off her nut! So she merely raised her eyebrows in silent acknowledgment that she saw her.
(Serenity...I have found Shingo.) Setsuna spoke softly, her voice calm and emotionless. That cold detachment in her tone towards how serious things were, always infuriating her.
Serenity cleared her throat impatiently wanting Setsuna to continue.
(He's at the Onii Arena. Laying bets on the cage matches...) She sighed heavily.
How in the hell did he even have the connections to get involved in that kind of high stakes, illegal gambling?
Serenity groaned, wondering briefly how he got into that seedy underground in the first place. What kind of crazy situations had landed him there tonight? Then remembered he had been rather proud of his fake id, that would have gotten him into the casinos earlier. Yet those fights were held in a circle of secrecy that only the rich and high profile families in Tokyo knew about. Shingo came from neither of the those. So how the hell did he get there?
Shaking her head in resignation it didn't matter, how he go there. He was not the worst trouble of his life. Schooling her features back into impassivity, she raised her head then nodding briefly to Setsuna. Shingo could be charming and very manipulative when he needed to be. Why was he getting himself involved in the crime syndicate here in Tokyo? Now her hackles were up about what really got him kicked out of his dorm in Osaka.
(Shall I gather the others?) Setsuna offered, deferring to Serenity's command. Respecting that Shingo may not
remember Serenity, but he was still Serenity's little brother and her responsibility.
Serenity shook her head imperceptibly, faking scratching an inch on her cheek. Telling Setsuna silently she wanted to try and handle it on her own first.
(I shall be watching then.) She nodded before merely fading away.
"I need to go to Ginza." Serenity stated out of the blue, her voice sharp and insistent. She needed to gather information about where the fights were being held, the fastest place to find the Yakuza Wakagashira she was looking for, would be in the Casino's in Ginza.
Darien blinked and frowned, while Amy was confused and Lita completely non-pulsed by the change of plans.
"Ginza it is then." The brunette nodded, then taped a button set into the arm of her plush leather seat.
"Driver, change of plans. I want to go to Ginza. " Lita began giving Serenity an inquiring look.
"Lets start at the Ginza crossing and work our way down the street. Their are tons of small and large casino's to choose from." Serenity admitted with a strained smile. "We can cover the Panchinko Parlours and back room poker tables at the local bars as well."
Her intimate knowledge of the more illegal gambling in Ginza, had Lita giving her a strange look. Serenity laughed it off, not wanting to give away to much information about the real reason she wanted to go to Ginza.
"I got a text that a friend found the kid we're looking for prowling around one of the casino's." She added, seeking to cover up further inquiry about needing to go scout out the local gambling tables.
When she got her hands on Shingo he was going to tell her everything. She hoped to lose the girls amid the chaos of the foot traffic when they hit the street, though. Dealing with the Yakuza was not for the unwary and her American girlfriends couldn't even speak the language. She doubted she could ditch Darien he would stick to her like glue, but at least he could somewhat figure out what the thugs would be planning when they got inside. Being a cage fighter, she trusted in him to protect her. If she got into a pinch, he would be more prepared to have her back then the girls.
"What's going on in Ginza?" Darien asked out of the corner of his mouth.
"Shingo's got into a bit of trouble." She responded with a frustrated grimace.
"Got a text?" He frowned with concern.
"Something like that." She smiled up at him thinly. This definitely was the beginning of a long...long night.
Moving into the bright lights of Ginza, Serenity sat unimpressed, glowering out of the expansive windows of the limo. Brooding over what she was going to do when she got to the Onii Arena. The most deadly and brutal fights in all of Tokyo. The place to start her hunt would be in the private gambling rooms of the Yakuza's Casino's. The city had tried to shut them down for years but they just kept moving locations every few months. The police could find only legitimate establishments so could not press charges. But the true gambler's knew where the rooms had been set up. So it was business as usual. For Serenity it was like going into the belly of the beast.
Ginza, The local Yakuza syndicate, it was were it all began for her. Her father got mixed up with them, uncovering their human trafficking to Tomoe in Korea. Which in turn put Takahashi's secrets into the light and the Senator couldn't have that. The old man had threatened her father to back off, but it was the Yakuza who took action. Killing the closest person she had to a mother, which in turn got the Agency involved. The third link in this chain of coverups and hidden agendas. The Agency had been formed the year she had decimated Caen in France. A special forces out of the U.N who's sole purpose was to keep the Genesis Soldier's in line and a secret. To stop both Tomoe and Takahashi from causing to much chaos and collateral damage with their secret war. Both parties were untouchable, protected by their respective governments. Both well respected in their fields, famous in their own rights that their deaths would be viewed poorly. The Agency did not want any publicity, they were a secret group unto themselves who's sole purpose was to control the Genesis Soldier's at all costs. To protect human life from their vast and wild out of control powers.
So they took it upon themselves to hide the most powerful soldier for years from both parties. Hoping to cripple the two waring groups enough to kill each other off.
Dragging her and her brother and father to America. Hoping that she would never awaken but that wasn't the case. Now the Agency was under new order's just to kill any Genesis Soldier on sight, they had no interest in containment or control anymore. Believing they were a scientific abomination and not some natural evaluation of mankind. A danger to all who
lived, that they were no longer human themselves.
Huge towers loomed over the night time traffic, the giant screens built high up on their surface. Strobbing and flashing their massive electronic visions upon the hapless population below. Advertisements and store lights shone in a blinding array up and down the strip. The limo moved at a snails pace through the throng of busses and cars along the wide avenue. Ginza was Tokyo's hub of commercial and gambling. Holding thousands of department stores and up scale restaurants for locals and tourists alike. Filled with cafe's, casino's, night clubs and shopping it shone like an exotic alien world. Filled with the fantastical, to the strange, holding both wonder and horror hidden just beyond the bright lights.
The night life in Ginza was an eclectic barrage of all manner of people and nationalities. A micro world onto itself, moving at it's own pace with it's own set of rules. The sidewalk was clogged with pedestrian's like the parade of a moving circus, ranging from the normal to the down right bizarre.
Lita and Amy's eyes were darting from one window to the next feasting on the strangeness of humanity that lurked in the moving masses surrounding them. Serenity had to admit that Tokyo truly had the most unusual fashion sense. With K-pop style young men, dressed in their bright colours. Of orange or red striped polo's, vests and dress pants. With funky socks and loafer's. Looking like kids out of the fifties, all pristine and pop culture. With overly styled gelled hair that made them look like some kind of boy band on patrol. Or making them look more like living ken dolls then real people. The girls with them dressed in trendy outfits right out of some teen magazine. Well put together like walking barbie dolls themselves.
Yet only a few feet ahead of them down the sidewalk, mixing in with the regular foot traffic was yet another group of teens on the other extreme of fashion. Looking like rock stars with their leather pants and ripped t-shirts and combat boots. Accessorizing to the extreme with white belts and bangles. Their hair long and shaggy in a wolf-man like style. Known as Onii-kei, they attempted to mix American casual style clothing and brands with Italian casual brands. Creating something that resembled the grunge fashion of the early ninety's.
Lita and Amy's eyes shot wide when they caught a group of Lolita girls standing at the corner of the iconic Ginza crossing. Dressed in some strange mixture of gothic and cute, with frilly lace and bright pink skirts. Long stripped stockings and fish nets, sporting neon coloured hair done up in all manner of huge buns and braids. With overly layered accessories of crosses, spider webs and even fake fangs stuffed in their mouths. Looking like some kawaii nightmare, Tim Burton might have dreamed up.
Serenity laughed lightly at how shocked the girls were at the bold fashion trends that walked the streets of her home city. She had to admit the various fashions Tokyo's young people sported just to be different could be quiet loud and very strange. A uniqueness all their own that was famous world wide.
"So were to?" Lita reluctantly pulled her eyes away from the windows to regard her seriously. Forcing herself not to gawk at the human side show walking the streets of Ginza.
"He can drop us off at the corner, we'll start scowering the local casino's." She stated, pushing forward away from Darien preparing to leave the limo.
Lita nodded, activating the intercom and directing the driver to pull over.
Within minutes they were merging with the night traffic along the sidewalk, heading at a brisk pace towards the hidden gambling strip. Passing past several high class sushi bars and french restaurants that taunted poor Serenity's aching belly with delicious smells. She paused at the wide front window of a restaurant for only a moment in temptation.
Heaving a deep sigh, giving Darien a small regretful smile as he caught her look of longing. Chuckling softly to himself, happy that this small little weakness hadn't changed. She still loved to eat!
She seemed far more serious and perhaps jaded then she needed to be. Her sweet kind heart and childlike innocence long buried under the soil of an adult world thrust upon her to quickly. He hoped to see more of her tender side, to pull it forth slowly never giving up hope that it still existed.
The luxury hotels rose up around them, their outer tower's soaring in dull grey cement, like the looming modern castles that they were. Replacing the small shops and glowing icon's upon the massive screens with spartan monoliths. While their long elegant windows glowed a warm blue, speaking silently of a opulence hidden within.
Serenity moved with a grace and precision through the crowds of Ginza. Crossing the streets and weaving back into the current of human traffic with an ease alien to her american friends. Darien was taller then most of the occupants of the commercial mecca, so was able to keep a good eye on her over the masses. He wasn't graceful or polite in keeping pace with her, lightly shoving others out of his way as he sought to keep up. Lita and Amy were not as well off, falling behind quickly in the chase. Lita was left cursing and fighting the crowds, elbowing and bumping the people around her.
While Amy kept the peace by apologizing over and over for her in crude japanese.
"You think she is trying to lose us?" Amy questioned softly.
"You think!" Lita shot back angrily.
"Do you think it was something I said?" Amy moaned sadly, her eternal insecurities rising to the surface.
Lita rolled her eyes, the girl had no confidence in herself. Always thinking she was to blame for everything. She had barely said two words to Serenity.
Darien watched with determined eyes as a golden blonde head ducked down a narrow side street at least a block ahead. Disappearing down the night market like a pro, if she wanted to lose him and the girls she was doing a remarkable job. But Darien wasn't about to let her out of his sight, with a growl he decided to take the high road. Slipping out of traffic and into a dank alley, Darien used his Genesis strength and agility to leap up to the roof top. Soon he was a blur upon the black velvet night sky, using his inner sense of her to guide him.
Serenity moved through the commercial alley of stores and tiny cafe's, barely glancing around knowing exactly were she was going. The bright signs, poster boards and booths that littered the narrow street were merely obstacles she deftly avoided. Turning down a side alley of shady shops near the end, that sold more interesting things then t-shirts and novelties. Boasting dingy bars and strip clubs with less then desirable clients. Noodle shops that sold more then just meals, massage parlours that sold special services in the back rooms that only the locals knew about. Moving steadily towards the glowing line of casino's that flanked the hidden avenue deep within the maze of shops. The one she was aiming for was more subtle in stature but not invisible. The huge glowing eclectic sign hovering above their double steel and metal doors. Out shining the hotel tower's that loomed over head, with a strange mix of las vegas over the top decoration and a Chinese traditional icon. That of a huge red new years dragon, its elongated body writhing in strobbing relief. A pyro technic display of flame bursting from his gaping mouth every few minutes, with glowing electric blue Kanji letters set below it's body.
"This is Yakuza owned?" Darien landed with a light thump beside her. Having dropped from the roof of a near by building. He chucked a thumb at the tacky sign and raised his brows in disbelief.
Serenity never flinched at his sudden appearance, only rolled her eyes in annoyance. She knew losing Darien had been wishful thinkings. She had hoped she had managed to lose them and was grateful not to drag them into a deadly encounter. They may want to fight along side her, but she wasn't just going to throw them into her war and hope for the best. She vowed to keep them safe and out of as much danger as possible.
"It's a small world now, Shields. Anything can be Japanese." She intoned with a huff, not really wanting to argue semantics right now. There were many things that the States had taken from other countries and made their own. Unable to cover up her disgruntled attitude about him tagging along and her irritation her nagging hunger.
Her stomach was growling mercilessly at her, souring her humour. She couldn't remember the last time she ate and as she entered the bright lights of the main foyer even more delicious smells sought to tempt her.
Darien chuckled moving after her, shaking his head ruefully. "You weren't trying to lose me were you?" He inquired in a thick sarcastic tone.
"Would never dream of it." She threw him a charming smile over her shoulder, before disappearing once more into the crowds of the main gambling rooms.
Trying to lose him...
As both Lita and Amy burst from the crowds on the sidewalk, scrambling to keep up, dashing blindly into the open market.
Serenity had been driven on a singular mission since leaving the limo, weaving then ducking through the crowds with ease. She had been unable to shake Darien as she tore down the street, but left poor Lita and Amy lost out in the crowds. She was waiting for no one, urgently moving as swiftly as she could to scour this first Casino. Seeking to find leads as to the location of the Onii Arena. She doubted her luck was good enough to stumble upon Haruka's favourite snitch right out of the gate.
The large room beyond the foyer was a Pachinko Parlour. Row upon row of machines crowded the room with tacky white
stools, dressed in a bright rainbow design of a dragon similar to the one out front, set before the Japanese style VLT's. A game of chance in which a feather light pin pong ball was sent through a maze of tiny metal spokes. When it lands in certain area's of the maze even more balls are released. The players hovering over the games were busy sending ball after ball into the maze of pins, attempting to capture as many as they could. The more balls captured the bigger the prize that they could cash in for Yen.
Serenity passed through the wide middle row, barely glancing at the mixture and young and old engrossed in claiming their fortune. But most likely just throwing away their money on a false hope of riches. The room was brightly lit with neon lights along the walls that formed into the same red dragon. The machines beeped and twittered merrily behind her as she moved through the room, heading towards the plain back privacy curtain.
Darien glanced at the people playing and losing coin after coin to the machines. Grimacing as he caught the same looks of desperation and fear that had been so predominate in Las Vegas as well. They were hooked on the dream of big money, wanting so badly to magically find a way out of this cycle of poverty. To claim the life of the filthy rich that was idolized on television. They spent way more then they could afford, resulting in a vicious cycle of always coming back to recoup their loses and never succeeding. Always leaving disappointed, the lucky high only to fleeting, leaving only the guilt and crushing depression behind.
He tore his eyes away from the gambling junkies, quickening his pace as Serenity ducked away down a dingy corridor at the end of the room. His time in Las Vegas had opened his eyes to the true horror's of addiction and how it insidiously creeped into ones life and destroyed it from within. The levels of depravity people would reduce themselves to, to keep their chosen high alive was to tragic to contemplate. Not wanting to dwell on the desperation he saw, he focused on his hastening steps to stay on Serenity's tail.
She pushed a long midnight blue velvet curtain aside, that hung at the end of the hall. Slipping into a small room, set aside for private gambling. Darien's eyes had a hard time adjusting to the lack of light inside the room as he entered behind her. Having to widen his eyes for more light, his pupils adjusting slowly as a smoky haze enveloped him. Several poker tables were scattered through out the dingy room, with seedy looking young men huddled around them. Dressed in fine suits or satin shirts and jean's, to busy in their high stakes game to notice the little blonde now striding boldly into their midst.
The unassuming looking dealer's dressed in shiny black and white tuxedo's looked up from their cards to acknowledge her with mild eyes.
"Endo-kun." Serenity called with authority, flipping a errant lock of golden blonde hair back over her shoulder. Feeling very relieved to have found the cowardly young man so easily.
A smarmy looking japanese man in his late twenty's, glanced up from his cards. He had a long, dark, wild looking hair that hung low over his boney shoulder's and eyes, in greasy, bouncy ringlets. An attempt at some kind of sicilian Casanova type hair style. Dressed in a black satin shirt that sported tacky orange and red flames on the back. His torso was long and lanky, lacking in any kind of muscle. Tucked neatly into the waist of his tight, pristine white jeans. A sexy style of pants that only suited extremely skinny men. They hugged his narrow waist and cupped his ass, trailing down his long legs in a narrowing pencil thin cuff. His face well maintained, skin smooth and almost glowing. Having a very metro-sexual aura to his features and the style of clothes that covered his lanky frame. His dull brown, almond shaped eyes having a milky sheen of passivity that made Darien want to gag. He was so fake in every way, Darien instantly didn't like him. Growling under his breath as the man was giving Serenity a silky smile. As he brushed some on his long dark hair out of his eyes.
"Moon, my darling song bird. How are you?" He called in japanese, in a delighted sing song, rising from his seat. Approaching her in a slinking gate, hovering far to close to Serenity for his liking. Darien instantly despise him, narrowing his eyes threateningly. A acidic burn crawling up his throat from his stomach. As the man seemed far to familiar with Serenity. Endo's dull brown eyes began to rove up and down her supple frame in obvious appreciation. As if he was apprising a succulent piece of meat, he wished to devour. Darien had an ungodly urge to punch him right in that well quaffed face of his. Flexing then balling his hands into tight fists at his sides, reigning in the rage bubbling just under his skin. He reviled this man, promising that if that slimy bastard even tried to touch her. He would be eating his teeth in the next second.
Serenity seemed to ignore his obvious leering, crossing her arms in a guarding manner over her breasts, staring him down.
"You are looking as cute as ever, my dear." Endo lightly slipped his hand under the loose hem of the pink shirt, cupping her naked flanks lightly. A sudden agitated shifting caught her attention. She cut her gaze to the doorway, finding Darien
about to bear down upon Endo. Lips curled, baring his teeth in a fierce snarl. Fists raised, body coiled to strike. His blue eyes burning with indignation and wrath, at Endo taking liberties to Serenity's body.
Panic and fear spiked through her in that instant. Darien was furious, the promise of violence looming. If she didn't get control of this situation her interrogation would go to hell in a hand basket pretty damn fast!
Serenity smiled politely, giving Endo's cheek a light slap before disentangling herself from his lewd touch. Taking a step backwards, passing Darien a glance of caution.
"Endo, I'm here on business, not for your pleasure." She explained, in japanese herself. "I need information." she stated in a clipped, irritated tone.
Darien caught her warning look and quickly tamped down on his rage. His jaw clenching and unclenching, watching that creep try and fondle her. Had him seeing red, he wanted to snap the creeps scrawny neck. But she had silently bid him to gain some control and stay in the background. That she could handle this and she needed him to stay put. She did not want him to intrude and spook her informant. He had been dutifully standing by the curtain and had been over looked, practically hidden by the deep shadows of the barely lit room.
He would have acquiesced to linger in the background, but that little prick wasn't taking a hint. He flashed Serenity a oblivious smile and reached for her again. Intending to grasp her bare shoulder's and brush his thumbs downward over the upper swells of her breasts. Now, Darien was storming over to Serenity a cold glare of threat clear on his face, the rest of the so call patron's noticed him instantly.
"Gaijin!" A bulky man, balding on top. Dressed in a flashy red suit with black silk shirt jumped to his feet from a hidden table. That was shoved into the other corner, drawing a concealed magnum from a hip holster. Which triggered his companion that lay in wait across the room. Concealed in the shadows, he pushed off from the wall he was leaning against and boxed them in. The thugs each moved in at Darien's sides, his companion a well muscled but short brute in black jeans and white muscle shirt. Who resembled a small wall more then a human being, with a impassive expression on his face and unfeeling brown eyes. A matt of black hair plastered to his head with to much gel. His hands hovering near his sides, flexing and twitching eager to unholster his own fire arm.
"Relax, he's with me." Serenity burst out in english, turning sharply from Endo, acknowledging Darien with a small pleading smile. For him to behave. She was used to doing this shake down with Haruka. She should have never led Darien into this back room full of vipers. His pressence was only riling up everyone, making the naturally distrustful thugs even more jumpy. Which wasn't going to lead anywhere good. The edgy, heated tension passing between Darien and Endo, who were glaring at each other, was only making things worse. She had two choices now, placate Endo or play the aggressor and get this nasty stand off over with before any blood was shed.
"I'm looking for the fights...Endo. The Onii Arena specificly. " She sighed, reversing back into japanese, crossing her arms over her chest in a no nonsense manner.
"What fights?" Endo smiled pedantically, raising his hands in a clueless gesture.
"Really..." Serenity was astonished he would try the oblivious game. This casino was the usual starting point when hunting down the real player's in the higher ranks of the Yakuza. Endo was just a lowly street thug and not much of a fighter. He had an instant in, to the family being a nephew to a honoured Shateigashria. Given a title and some low level position with Wakashu status. The title just under Shatei just to get on the payroll, when really he was just a token part of the gang. He had no real power or prestige. But he had knowledge, which made him very valuable and immunity from punishment, which made him a invulnerable resource to tap.
It helped that he was an easy target as well. A spineless coward, easily threatened. So he had become the perfect pigeon to pluck. Haruka's favourite prey when their mission's for Takahashi led them towards the Ginza District and dealings with any of the Yakuza clans. The young man had an aversion to violence, even just hinting at causing him physical pain. Usually got him to start cowering and sputtering information like a leaky pipe.
Serenity made a great deal of pulling out her cell phone from her pocket, faking placing a call. Endo looked at her curiously, a caution in his now defensive pose. Eyes darting nervously to his two guards and the flimsy curtain desperate to escape.
"Haruka..." She started, knowing that Endo was terrorfied of the woman. Who had used his body as a punching bag or pinata for several years now. He wasn't a truly evil man, just snivelling and opportunistic. A weak and easily manipulated parasite of a human being, who clung to the strongest and more powerful around him. Spineless and with out morals, he only looked out for himself. Avoiding any immediate threat at all costs, uncaring who he hurt in the process. Serenity pitied him, Haruka found him an utter embarrassment to human kind. He could be dead in a ditch sometime and the Wind Soldier wouldn't even bat an eye.
He instantly began to cringe and tremble at the mention of that cursed name. She had bullied and belittled the man with out mercy over the years, the trauma of her abuse so ingrained in his psyche. That the mere mention of her name created such an intense fear inside of him. He broke out in a heavy sweat, all blood draining from his face.
"Moon...darling. Please, lets just talk this out. Ok." he moaned, grasping the cell phone in her hand tentatively. His brown eyes moist with unshed tears barely restrained fear, staring down at her pleadingly and slowly pulling the device away from her ear.
Serenity felt she had gotten his attention. Pretending to end the call and tucking the phone away in her skirt.
"I can't promise you a lot of time, Endo. She is on her way." She smiled blandly.
Endo narrowed his eyes in a calculating manner, not liking how the young woman felt she was playing him like a instrument. He was quickly losing face among the moderately rich young men in the back room. He ground his teeth, figuring out his options of saving face.
"Were are the Underground matches be held...The Onii Arena...were is it?" Serenity raised an inquiring eyebrow, not wanting to fool around any longer. Endo brushed a hand through his greasy hair, sighing. Looking very much like a worried dog, who had just had his leash yanked. Confused, yet filled with the fear of further punishment. He was left trying to figure her out. This was so unlike this sweet young woman to be the aggressor, she would always be the quiet backup in these shake downs. With Haruka being the one to take the initiative to beat the living piss out of him. While she merely stood back watching him with regretful eyes.
Darien was nearly vibrating with violent tension at her back, his eyes roving over the dark room surveying the two looming guards and seated patrons. All looking at him with distrust, laying in wait for him to make a move. Sensing the simmering threat in the room, as if it was a living thing prowling around him. His body already humming with that tell-tale adrenaline that announced his Genesis state surging forth.
Endo's eyes darted from her to Darien and back swallowing hard. Before taking a step forward, his eyes hardening as he finally made his decsion. Snapping his finger's with a slow sly smile. There was a flurry of movement from the tables, as one guard moved like lightening to grapple Darien. The other now training his gun directly at Serenity's head.
The immediate threat to Serenity spiked his Genesis State through out his body. Every muscle was primed, jolting through every fibre of his being. Every sense on high alert, Darien noticed the movements of their attackers as if they were in slow motion. Ducking forward to avoid the tacky suited man's reaching arms. Seeing several more Yakuza men sitting at the poker table drawing pistols of their own. The clueless, yet frightened patrons accompany them at the table. Cowered in their seats trying to make themselves smaller targets.
With pride glowing in his dark blue eyes, he watched his girl respond effortlessly to the sudden attack. Finding she was just as fast, moving with a fighter's grace. She side stepped behind Endo, her golden hair flying and fanning out like a banner as she twisted her body out of the line of fire. Her left hand glowing to life. Bringing forth her Genesis weapon, a disc of light that she held in her hand like a chakram. Grabbing a fist full of Endo's heavily gelled curly hair and yanking the taller man's head back viciously, as she pressed her blade of light into his throat.
Darien was having his own fun at the moment, admiring how fluidly she had handled Endo and positioned herself behind him for protection. Proving her stories of being a soldier in a silent war for the last five years, true. She was well trained and very proficient with her powers.
He was even more trained in the art of hand to hand combat thanks to years of gruelling commitment to Sarge. Who used various tactics ranging from physical pain, competition, to simply enraging his so called recruits to preform better. So they learned the techniques quicker, just to be able to out do each other and avoid further ridicule. Darien had always been one of the smallest at the gym, after Zac and Jed quit. He was the last one standing, having to work even harder to gain an inch against Bane and Hollywood. In the last year he had finally won his life long goal of being able to beat Bane in a match. Taking the man out during the finals of the MMA Tournament back in the US to gain a shot at the Title in Las Vegas.
Now he was fully confident in his abilities to conquer any foe. With a smug smile he utilized one of the disarming techniques Sarge had taught him.
Having sized up the man with the gun earlier he knew he was far superior in strength and height. So the aikijujitzu method would be the fastest way to disarm him. After ducking the old man in the flashy red suit, as he tried to grab him. His younger counterpart in jeans and a muscle shirt had been shocked alert and was training his gun on him. Darien popped up right in front of the scruffy looking young man. An arrogantly knowing smile on his handsome face, that he had the upper hand. Instantly placing doubt in the young thugs mind about wether he could handle this wily Gaijin.
Darien waved his hands up, making the man even more jittery. He had expected a feint and a grapple to get his gun. But he was proving to be rather unpredictable, keeping the young thug on uncertain ground as to how to handle him. Standing fearless and unflinching in the face of his now trembling gun. With that smug, self assured smile plastered on his Gaijin face, silently mocking him. That he hadn't a hope in hell of ever touching him, which only fuelled the young man's insecurities.
"Com'on now guys, don't you think this is a bit much?" Darien questioned in fluent Japanese, with a mocking arrogance. His hand moving to fast for the boy to see. Side stepping to the right as he twisted the pistol in the young man's hands. The young man squealed in shock, as Darien spun in a counter-clock wise step. Moving in between the young man's feet twisting the gun even more from his grip. Turning the muzzle, pointing it at his astonished face, forcing him down to his knees with a grunt of pain. With the gun now pointed at his throat and falling to his knees in defeat. The young man bowed his head in shame. While Darien tore the gun fully out of his grasp, kicking the young man right in the face. Breaking his nose and sending blood splattering to the carpet.
"Now I think things have gotten a little carried away here." Darien offered amiably, training the gun on the second guard. Groaning in frustration as he found several other handguns now pointed at him from the Yakuza hidden at the tables. The dealer's had mysteriously disappeared through the back curtain, having gone through this dangerous situation countless times before. Not wanting to be a part of the shooting gallery they had swiftly taken their leave.
"I...I thought you didn't believe in killing humans..." Endo moaned, casting her a side long look of panic.
"At this point, anything goes. Endo." She admitted sadly, desperate to get to her brother's side before things got even worse. He was in a very dangerous situation and he was to young and fearless to understand why.
Endo swallowed a lump of anxiety, never expecting this cold, calculated violence from the mild even tempered girl.
Serenity had backed herself up against a wall with Endo in front like a shield, her chakram digging into his throat. A fine line of blood now trickling down the man's collar bone, as he darted his eyes about the room for salvation. Darien took note with a grimace of disgust, the weaselly man's crotch was slightly damp now. The cowardly blow hard had indeed pissed himself.
"Now...now...I do believe this has gotten a bit out of hand. " Endo agreed, lifting his hands in a warding gesture. As his so called armed guards began to wave their guns back and forth between Darien and Serenity unsure as to whom to shoot.
Serenity was glowering, her shake down had gone totally out of her control. Keeping a close eye on every shadow, every threat and every spectator to this stand off. She couldn't think of anyway to salvage this cluster fuck, it was only fuelling her impatience and anger.
"Just tell me were they are and I'll leave." She whispered against Endo's sweaty skin, her breath puffing against his shoulder blades. As she was a couple inches shorter then Endo. She was keeping her cool, under an impassive mask. Her features schooled into a stoney calm, but the worry and panic that someone was going to die in this encounter still simmered under it all.
"I don't know...my elder's don't tell me anything anymore. Thanks to Haruka I've been disgraced to many times, they don't trust me anymore!" he shouted franticly, seeking her mercy with a desperate excuse. Only getting her chakram pressed more urgently against the pulsing vein in his throat as her response.
"But...but I know who might..." He shuddered, his knees starting to buckle as he started to faint.
Serenity waited impatiently, licking her lips in agitation.
Endo was so shaken, Moon was acting so out of character, she was never this violent and never with a human. Her sudden reversal from sweet to deadly leaving Endo on very shaky ground as to how to handle her. If he even could.
"Shinoda, Daiki...he runs the Ginza operation now! He's having a party at the Grand Hyatt Hotel...you can find him up in the penthouse." Endo's voice exploded in quaking fear. Never in his life dreaming the gentle hearted Serenity could be so forceful and cold as to threaten his life. His whole sweet concept of her had been rocked to the core.
"Endymion?..." She breathed, her heart skipping. It had been years since she had seen him. The dark prince of the Yamaguchi-gumi. The great grandson of the Kumicho boss of the Yakuza. Years ago they had worked together on a mission for Ido, he had worked his way up to a Shatei in status. She was not relishing having to deal with him again. They hadn't left on good terms last time.
"Thats all you had to say." She released him, allowing him to drop to the floor. Gagging and gasping for breath, staring at
his blood now coating his fingertips as he cradled his throat tenderly.
She backed out of the room with Darien guarding her retreat, dragging his hostage to the curtain. The young man stumbled awkwardly as Darien had his arm wrapped around his throat the gun pressed up against his temple.
As soon as they reached the curtain, Serenity broke into a sprint down the narrow corridor and back into the bright lights of the main casino. Darien tucked the gun into the waist of his jeans, under his leather coat on his back. Moving quickly at her heels, his mind spinning as to what was going on. Was she searching for the underground cage matches he participated in. He couldn't really help her either, never knowing where or when his own fights were happening till the last minute. Jed was the one who dealt with the Yakuza, got the inside info as to where their locations were. Perhaps he could help.
They dashed back outside into the neon glow of the market, finding Lita and Amy stalking towards them.
People like us, we have to stick together.
Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever.
Here's to the damned, the lost and forgotten.
It's hard to get high when you are living on the b ottom.
"What the hell! I thought we we're all in this together!" Lita shouted, with a crackling hiss from the florescent tubes in the casino's dragon shaped sign. Announcing how angry she was, her Genesis power drawing the electricity unconsciously as she was so furious.
"Lita...I am sorry. " Serenity called over her shoulder, not waiting for any of them yet again. "But I can't explain anything right now. If you want to help then you just need to keep up...ok." Her voice was strained, as she jogged off into the crowds.
"Damn it!" Lita exclaimed, taking off at sprint into the crowds, knocking people aside like a bull. With Amy and Darien bringing up the rear.
They literally chased Serenity down over six blocks, as she led them to an unassuming subway entrance. Descending into the underground and hoping onto a escalator. Dashing down the crowded platform and leaping over the turn style like a gazelle. Lita grimaced as she caught sight of the Tokyo Metro line security now screaming at her in angry japanese. Then hopped the turn style as well, Darien braced a hand on the metal casing that held the metal security bars in place. Swinging his legs over the gate like contraption like a gymnast. Leaving the nervous Amy floundering for a moment about breaking the law, before she scrambled over the metal casing itself. Yelping in fright as the guards were right on her heels, dashing into the slowly closing doors of the subway car. Her heart slamming in her chest with anxiety, she was going to jail for sure now! Oddly she wondered what the jail cells looked like in Tokyo?
"What is the god damn rush!" Darien roared, furious that he had nearly been left behind yet again. This cat and mouse game she had started was not cool. He had thought they were in this together now, but she seemed to be trying to shake them off. As if they were just holding her back. He was sweating badly under his heavy leather jacket, his bare chest beneath clammy and sticky. Flopping down beside Serenity on a side bench in the nearly empty car. He cast her disgruntled looks that she avoided by playing with her finger's in her lap. While Lita and Amy crowded before them, hanging onto the iron poles mounted by the doors.
"We have to get across the city, to the Grand Hyatt in Ropongii." She sighed, scrubbing her face with her hands trying to clear the tremendous amount of anxiety away. Her ever increasing worry over Shingo was clawing at her calm. Battering at her relentlessly, as they traveled to slowly for her liking into Ropongii.
"We could have taken the Limo." Lita offered, panting for breath.
"It's getting close to Midnight, with the club traffic we would be stuck on the main Dorrii forever. This is faster, never under estimate public transit in a huge city." She grinned, her eyes not sharing the emotion. Looking dull and tired, slumping back against her plastic bench. Slowly closing her eyes as she needed to settle her racing heart.
A soft touch of finger's brushing up and down her cheek made her open her eyes again. Turning her head weakly to confront Darien's concerned stare. His midnight blue eyes penetrating her in a soul soothing gaze that calmed her in so many ways.
"What is going on Sere?" He asked, his temper once more under control. Lightly brushing some of her damp golden blonde hair away from her face and tucking it behind an ear.
"Shingo's got himself into some real bad trouble with the Yakuza. He got kicked out of his dorm, that was why he was at my place. I think that has something to do with it. He's gambling at the most dangerous underground fighting arena in the city. " Serenity explained, just talking about it had her heart beating madly in her chest again.
"You are trying to find out where it is." Darien nodded pulling out his cell phone. "I think I can help you. "
Serenity leaned forward curious, as he sent a text.
"My buddy Jed's been getting us fights in the underground arenas here for the last six months. He would know were they are tonight." Darien stating confidently.
Serenity began to laugh bitterly, shaking her head. She should have figured that was why Darien was in the city, were would you go after you conquered the cage in America...to Japan to fight on. That was her Darien never able to bask in his laurels, moving from one goal to the next with out pause.
"Does he know you have powers?" Serenity inquired snidely, never liking Jed. Their first and last meeting as children had been less then polite.
"No. He would never be able to handle that." Darien cleared his throat, Jed was a decent enough guy. But he was an opportunist. If he knew he had some kind of super powers, he would be selling tickets and having him put on shows. Like some kind of circus act hoping to make millions.
"Well, then what he knows doesn't matter." She huffed, her slim hope of not having to face Endymion dashed away.
"What do you mean?" Amy stated, giving Serenity a cold look. She didn't like how bitchy and dissatisfied she was sounding. Darien was only trying to help and she was brushing him off as if his help was useless. So far Serenity was not living up to her ideal. She was failing quite miserably actually. She seemed nothing like the darling, sweet and kind image that lived in her dreams.
Darien looked hurt and kept his face averted. Tucking his phone away in his jeans pocket as he steeled his feature back in place. Not wanting to let on how Serenity's superior attitude was pissing him off. Her new found self assurance and fierce independence to handle things on her own. Was both irritating and admirable at the same time. He had to admit he was far to used to the old Sere. Who clung to him in every way, needing him to take the lead and grateful for it. She had been so passive and meek back then, that this bold change was rather startling and damn irritating at times. He took a deep breath needing to calm his temper, scrubbing a hand threw his hair as he worked through his frustrations.
Her lack of sharing vital information about her world as a Genesis Soldier, was aggravating. It was putting him in a position of inequality, churning feelings of insecurity and doubt about his own capabilities as a Soldier. He felt unwanted, like a clueless, bumbling sidekick! And that was pissing him the hell off!
It was as if she felt obliged to drag him around on her mission, but couldn't be bothered to prepare him for the hell that lay ahead. It was unsettling to him how easily she seemed able to make him feel useless and unneeded. He took a steadying breath, reminding himself that Sere wasn't the most organized person, that she didn't contemplate or plan. He knew she was just flying by the seat of her pants, reacting and not thinking anything out clearly. Understanding the somewhat flighty side of her personality, he was able to let her apparent disregard for him slide.
"About a year or so ago the Yakuza got a hold of the Genesis Serum. With it they were able to create a whole new breed of fighter's." Serenity began, condensing the tale to it simplest form. The true story more sordid and tragic then she wished to delve into. Filled with grim memories of betrayal and blood shed that held Endymion's ascension in the Yakuza at it's heart.
"They have made ungodly amounts of money on these inhuman gladiator fights to the death. Known as the Onii Arena. It moves all the time all over Tokyo and Osaka. In which Genesis soldier's are forced to fight to the death. " Her lips thinned to a fine line, keeping her revulsion in check.
"These fighter's?" Lita raised her eyebrows, feeling Serenity was leaving much unsaid.
"Some are willing participants wanting to pay off debts, other's wanting fame, most are kidnapped off the streets and forced to fight. " Her voice faltered as a deep sadness took hold. Her eyes distant and full of remorse. Taking a small breath, she cast her friends a bitter smile. "Not all human's are capable of becoming Soldier's. Some of them mutate into things unrecognizable. Or simply die in the process of ascension. The homicide rate in Japan has rocketed in the last few years." Serenity released a long breath. "What they are not told is that if they survive the ascension, they will ultimately lose their humanity in the ring."
"Like Tiger's- eye?" Darien asked, leaning forward on his knees.
"Not exactly, they are not cross bred with animal DNA." She paused and regarded him with a calculating eye. "How far have you gone into your Genesis state?" She asked them.
They all shrugged, they had been fooling around with their powers for years. None of them besides Darien had ever gone into combat with them.
Serenity released a tight lipped sigh, that half assed answer did not fill her with much confidence in their abilities. The fear and guilt she felt over dragging her friends back into her problems only compounding inside of her.
"The Genesis state is based on instinct, the instinct to preserve ones life. At some point if one is in combat for to long, the conscious mind is overcome. Leaving only instinct behind, the need to kill, or the need to escape, becoming the driving force. When that point is breached there is no turning back, your humanity is lost and you remain in your Genesis state forever. What ever it may be." She grimaced, they truly did not understand. They had never witnessed a Soldier breaking. Setsuna had saved her from that very same fate five years ago when she was destroying Cross Roads in her rage.
"So every time you go into battle you run the risk of losing yourself to the power?" Amy was nervous now, her stomach churning with acid. Never dreaming that this power of hers was a curse that was going to destroy her, always seeing it as a gift. She had been able to save a few lives over the years, by commanding the water. She had never attempted to use it as a weapon...
Serenity only nodded, her face lacking in emotion. A blank stare of inevitable fate mirrored in her wide cerulean eyes.
Lita rolled her shoulder's unsettling thoughts troubling her. She needed her control, yet her power was like a force of nature. Wild and unpredictable, capable of great destruction.
That had made her feel superior for all these years, understanding now that it was a viper in wait wanting to destroy her. Gave her a cold shiver of fear, that crawled over her skin and settled like a glacier in her throat taking her voice. With that realization she wondered if she would ever be able to trust in her power, if she would be able to call it forth again with out fear. She wasn't willing to give it control...not ever.
"So this Daiki guy?" Darien pushed on wanting to get as much information as he could before they were thrust into another tense situation. His tone holding an accusing tilt that she knew this man far better then she was letting on.
"He's the great grandson of the Yakuza's boss." She started, getting an odd look from Lita.
"He's the great grandson of the Mob's so called 'God Father'." She smiled fondly up at Lita, explaining in terms the brunette could understand.
Lita nodded then understanding.
"This Yakuza known as the Yamaguchi-gumi have ties to Korea and Japan. Over the years have become a financial force to be reckoned with. Bringing in billions of dollars though all kinds of underground dealings. They run the more seedy side of our country. Extortion, gambling, all aspects of the sex industry. " She blushed at that, having just supported them by paying for a love hotel not long ago. "They have their hands in gun and drug trafficking. Even real estate and kick backs from the construction agencies. Thanks to Daiki who calls himself Endymion, they are now into the stock market and Internet porn." She groaned, shaking her head. She knew the man on a personal level, he was an arrogant, self serving individual. Who enjoyed all the opulence and entitlement of the filthy rich since he was born. Detached to the economic struggle of the lower class, living in a bubble of immense privilege as he grew up. His world view was somewhat skewed and his moral compass was a bit off.
He loved power, raised to lead and conqueror. He had an iron will and a stern focus to achieve his lofty goals. His fierce discipline had gotten him far in the Yakuza. His business savvy had led him to great honour in their ranks, earning him a place as the Wakagashira of Ginza. His power went far beyond Tokyo though. She felt he would continue to succeed in everything he set his sights on, achieving even greater heights in his life. In many ways he reminded her of Darien, but he could never claim to have a kind heart. He was ruthless and cold, always looking for the next angle. She felt he was incapable of giving or receiving love.
"That's doesn't really answer my question." Darien sighed, staring sombrely at her. She was holding back, he was coming to understand that he had barely scratched the surface of her life. It was far more deep and complicated then he would ever know.
She smiled weakly, taking his hand in her's and squeezing tight. Reassuring him that she was his, that he had nothing to worry about when it came to Endymion.
"He's nothing, just someone I used to know is all. " She answered, even though her eyes were unfocused. Lost to sad thoughts over a man who had everything and nothing at the same time.
The hotel was a modern construct of curves and angles, a epitome of harmony between glass and steel. That spoke of unfathomable opulence and visual elegance that guided the eye from it's grand central building up to it's huge flanking tower's. That reached upward to such incredible heights they seemed to touch the very tip of the night sky. Rising out of the red haze of the cities light pollution to offer the richest guests, a breathtaking view the great city of Tokyo.
"Do you think they ditched us?" Mina grumbled, tearing off a chunk of baguette from the wicker basket set between them.
Raye sat in front of her at the white linen table, glancing absently around the high class Italian restaurant 'Fiorantina' that they were to meet the others at, nearly two hours ago. A richly decorated eatery of mahogany walls and yellow painted accent walls. With faint mood lighting hanging from an obscenely high ceiling, creating a somber almost romantic atmosphere. Shelves filled with wine flutes and baskets of fake grapes adorned small bookcases embedded in the wall between the back tables. Along with tiny paintings that spoke of the quaint grandeur of the Italian country side.
From their table they could watch the finely dressed waiter's coming and goings from the kitchen hidden behind the long glass bar. Beside them was large cut outs in the wall to view the lobby of the luxury hotel the restaurant resided in. With the huge mahogany desk and more black suited staff manning the computer. Behind the young men was the gold lettering of the hotel. 'The Grand Hyatt-Tokyo'.
Returning her gaze to Mina with a incredulous half smile. Not offering her any kind of answer, allowing her to fume silently.
"Yep, most defiantly ditched us..." Mina groused, while Raye ignored her. Unwilling to watch her annihilate any more of the bread sticks. Listening with fraying patiences the angry sounds of her mastication of the sweet baked dough.
Raye had just finished her dull sweep of the crowded restaurant, feeling slightly embarrassed at how under dressed Mina was. While she seemed to fit right in with the well dressed patrons, in her wine red dress. Mina looked ready to attend a rock concert. The people paid them no mind which she was grateful for, understanding bitterly that they must think they were just clueless American's. Slowly pulling her gaze towards the large viewing gap in the wall beside them. Her eyes flying wide as Serenity burst through the glass front doors as if shot from a cannon. Dashing past the front desk and heading for the guest elevator's, with the rest of gang flying behind her.
"I think perhaps they have just forgotten about us. " Her lips thinning angrily, tossing her napkin upon the table and standing up.
Mina stumbled after her, as she stormed out of the restaurant after them.
Raye darted into the elevator with the rest of the gang, just as the doors were closing, with Mina slipping in sideways beside her.
"Damn!" Serenity cried, looking in frustration at the security panel beside the floor buttons. That required an actual hotel key to activate the panel. She was frantic and scared, no longer thinking straight. She shivered, bathed in a cold sweat. Her heart pounding against her ribs in panic, as she confronted yet another road block slowing down her momentum to get to her brother's side.
"Good thing I am a guest here." Lita intoned smugly, pulling her card out of a pocket in her jacket.
Serenity paid her a thankful smile, before watching the light on the security panel turn from red to green. The buttons of number's on the pad lighting up a dull yellow.
Serenity punched the top most button on the panel that would carry them up to the highest floor of the hotel and the penthouse suite.
"Hello...remember us?" Mina cued, raising her eyebrows in aggravation. As she leaned against the side of the elevator.
Raye stood before her, blocking her view of Serenity.
Raye was frowning, picking up on the agitation flowing off Serenity like rough waves in the ocean. The little blonde was strung tight, holding herself stiffly against the back wall. Arms straight at her sides, hands fisted tight against her frayed skirt. Rolling her fingers impatiently, digging her nails into the palms of her hands. Her blue eyes locked on the floor
panel, watching the lights blink and fade as they ascended.
"It's been a crazy night so far, just shut up and keep up." Lita snapped back, stuffed between Amy and Darien against the back wall. As the elevator slowed, the tension rose higher. Refusing to move past the eighth floor. This was the floor Lita's room was on so it would go no further.
"Kuso!" Serenity swore firmly, balling her hands into fists and slamming them upon her hips in frustration.
"I guess this is as far as it's going to take us, this place has some great security." Amy nodded, approving of the fail safe.
"Well now what?" Darien sighed, brushing a hand through his hair, thinking oddly of climbing the outside of the hotel up to the penthouse. If anyone had the stamina and agility to accomplish that feat it would be him.
"We go back down...Endymion's most definitely having his party down in the ballrooms. Maybe I'll get lucky and track him down there. If he is hiding up in his rooms, I'll just have to find another way up there." Serenity sighed, slamming her finger down on the lobby button in resignation.
Darien prepared himself for when the door opened, coiling his muscles to lunge forward. Knowing damn well Serenity was going to burst out first and dart away at a sprint. She had been moving as if the fires of hell where on her tail for the last hour. He was understanding the urgency, worrying about the kid himself. Who was so much like a little brother to him. He had been wondering how Shingo got himself involved in all this?
Once back on the first floor they tore through the main area, past the front desk. Down a short corridor that held the huge gift shop along one side. Into a cavernous lobby that held walls of windows that over looked the street beyond. Darien couldn't help but admire the sheer brilliance of such an open atmosphere. With mirrors and glass adorning every corner of the lobby, that seemed to stretch to the heavens above. A down escalator stood along the back wall, attached to a red velvet balcony hanging from the second floor. A massive circular stair case took up a great deal of the main area. Glowing underneath with a soft white light. A silver column like a futuristic shaft was the central pillar to the staircase, that held the elevator's up to the banquet hall above.
A part of him wanted to cry out. 'Beam me up Scotty!' but he kept the quip to himself. Now was not the time for such jokes.
Not wanting to be trapped in an elevator to nowhere again. Serenity took to the stairs, dashing up the winding stairwell up to the third floor. Her friends in pursuit, stampeding up the carpeted staircase. She raced up past the second floor up to the third, never losing her focus to the luxury boutiques that lay within the second floor landing. While her girlfriends slowed for a moment taking in the shops, Darien pushed past them uncaring for such things.
As Serenity burst onto the third floor she was confronted by the open, brightly lit foyer filled with guests, all dressed in fine formal wear sporting harlequin masks of shimmering beads and jewels.
"Crap." She stood frozen at the top of the stairs, staring darkly at the rich and influential citizens milling around the simple bar. Manned by a young woman dressed in barely nothing. A black see through lace and silk piece of baby doll style lingerie, that just covered her hips. The hem floating around her thighs like a sexy cloud. With a heart shaped face and long flame red hair that hung in full, thick waves down her back. A pair of black velvet bunny ear's on her head. Her face cast in mystery by a black half mask accented with silver accents to look like a rabbits face.
"Perfect...Endymion. Still the eager playboy I see. " She moaned weakly. Noticing a few other sexy bunnies in various other colours parading in and out of the ballroom behind the bar. Along with several guards dressed all in black suits with discrete mics and headset's on their heads. Endymion was not fooling around only the people he invited were allowed into this private soiree of his.
As she turned she found Darien barely able to hide his admiring, his eyes wide and hungry, looking very much like a dog eager to claim a delicious bone. Which seemed to be the smorgasbord of barely dressed young women parading around the lobby.
She rolled her eyes ruefully, men...they all came from the same damn mold. He quickly averted his eyes and coughed nervously as he caught the heated glare she shot him next.
Noticing the cloak room hidden away in the corner of the foyer, she made for the empty desk. Glancing around nervously, not wanting to be noticed by the occupants of the party. She slipped into the room through the unlocked door, her friends retreating inside after her.
"What now?" Mina hissed, crouching low under the greeting counter, unable to comfortably fit in the close quarters of the cloak room. Already filled to the brim with boxes and hanging coats, ranging from extravagant furs to leather long coats.
"I need to get in there..." Was all Serenity said, the top of her head crowded within the hems of expensive coats. While Amy busied herself opening boxes near the back of the tiny room behind the coats.
"Eureka!" Amy exclaimed excitedly.
"Who says Eureka now a days...really?" Mina commented mockingly, giving the giggling Serenity a cocky half smile.
"Our Amy says, Eureka, along with several other out dated phrases. Such as Balderdash, and Great Oggily Moogily..." Raye sent Mina a disproving scowl. "That we all deem as rather eccentric yet incredibly cute. " Raye cuffed Mina upside the head, not liking how her girlfriend was trying to act all cool around Serenity. By subtly putting down one of their close friends in an attempt to bolster herself, in a shallow attempt to make herself more likeable. Mina was very fickle and very self conscious some times, she wanted Serenity to like her at all costs. Her loyalty to the perfect image of the young woman in their dreams. Trumping any loyalty to their little mild mannered, pathologically shy, nerdy friend.
Serenity stopped laughing, casting Amy a shamed blush, feeling horrible for finding humour at Amy's expense. Humbled by Raye's words of defence, towards their some what socially awkward Amy. Finding the short dark haired girl was to intent in her treasure find, to notice the impolite moment. Regretting her moment of laughter, Serenity bowed her head. She could have inadvertently hurt Amy's feelings, knowing how sensitive the girl was about not fitting in. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her, Amy had been her first real friend in America. She was kind and sweet, with a gentle soul. Which in the end she found out had an iron will and resolve to protect her unto death. Serenity loved her...truly and dearly.
When Serenity looked up she found Raye staring at her with dissatisfaction, her deep brown eyes searching hers trying to understand. Confused and perplexed by her shallow, somewhat mean behaviour so far. She seemed nothing like the sweet, kind hearted girl in her dreams?
"Gomen..." Serenity muttered to Raye, crawling away to Amy's side to find out what the prize was. Needing to save face and amend her less then appealing behaviour. The last few years, of constant battles, distrust and betrayal had hardened her. Not wanting to get close to anyone, always keeping herself apart from others. She had become detached to people, to their needs, to their feelings.
She had unintentionally become a bit of a bitch. She had never intended to become this way. But she had a chance now to repair the damage she had done to herself. To heal and reclaim a friendship that meant more to her then anything else.
Amy raised her eyes from the box as she neared. Her soft blue eyes holding her's in a fond, warm and welcoming gaze. Serenity's eyes were alight with sweet remembrance. Wanting desperately to reach over and envelope her in a very meaningful hug. She needed each one of these girls so much, missed them more then she could ever describe. It was like a piece of her soul had been torn away during those long years. With them all back in her life, she felt whole again. She was fortified by their steady presence, her heart felt stronger even. A sense of hope alight once more inside her. As if the struggle ahead would be more manageable as long as they were at her side.
She reluctantly broke the stare, glancing down into the box. A huge grin spreading on her face as she was presented with what lay within.
"This is perfect! Your so smart, Amy." She patted Amy's back, as she complimented her honestly.
Amy chuckled, "Not smart, I can just read Kanji." She stated humbly, flipping the top up so Serenity could get a look at the symbols. Laughing softly along with her as she read, Waiter and Waitress uniforms.
With the bathrooms right next door, the girls and Darien filed out of the cloak room with uniforms draped over their arms.
No one looked twice at them then, accepting they were just young people reporting for work.
Serenity and the girls each took a stall in the luxurious restrooms, of white tile, silver sinks and red velvet benches. The room looking more like a roman bath than a modern bathroom.
"Ugh...If this thing was any more see through I'd be wearing saran wrap!" Raye growled out from her stall in disgust.
"Oh, Baby. I would love see you in nothing but saran wrap." Mina responded, her voice wistful and full of hope.
"Not happening!" Raye responded back hotly.
"Then I would unwrap you like a tasty treat and lick every inch of your..." Mina kept on, her voice dreamy as her further erotic intentions faded and became intelligible as she was consumed by her wet fantasy.
"Mina!" Raye chastised, her voice high pitched with both humiliation and arousal. She couldn't help but picture everything Mina was now describing, her imagined seduction making her whole body hot and eager.
Lita rolled her eyes and chuckled softly at their banter from inside her stall. Mina was absolutely incorrigible. She could already envision how embarrassed Raye was, her naturally pale skin would be glowing with a full body blush right now. She was far to prudish to handle having her sex life flaunted so boldly in the pressence of others. While Mina was the biggest exhibitionist there was. She would be the first in line for a wet t-shirt contest, just to show off how amazing her tits were. They said opposites attract and Mina and Raye's relationship was a personification of that statement.
In the seclusion of her own stall, Serenity was beaming. So very happy that Mina and Raye had found love. Laughing softly as Mina stubbornly refused to stop describing all the erotic things she was going to do to Raye. Until Raye snapped and tossed a roll of toilet paper over her stall, with the metal spoke still inside. Beaning Mina in the head viciously.
"Stuff it! Or I will leave your raging libido starving for the next two weeks!" She snarled, so embarrassed and turned on her skin felt like it was on fire.
Mina laughed happily, knowing full well what she was doing to her lover. Rubbing her head tenderly, with a knowing smile. Finally falling silent to give her fiery girl time to calm down.
"ohhh, so soft. You think they will let us keep the lingerie?" Mina asked a few minutes later.
"Why in the hell would you want to keep this trashy, slut costume anyway..." Lita groused then fell quiet for a moment to contemplate her statement. "Never mind, this thing is right up your alley, Princess Promiscuity."
"Damn straight!" Mina shouted back, whipping the toilet roll over her stall at Lita's head. "And your one to talk! You own more sexy leather outfits then a Dominatrix."
Lita popped her head over the stall next to Mina's and cocked a sarcastic eyebrow. "When and at any point have you ever been straight?" She quipped.
Mina shot her a mutinous glare, flipping her the bird before stuffing her D-cups into the A sized bra built into the lingerie.
"Oh, god...your way smaller then I am. You can barely squeeze those girls into that thing." Lita was aghast, as she stared down at Mina's plumped and nearly overflowing cleavage.
Mina merely plumped her breasts, highly satisfied with how they were defying gravity and were pressed together. The to small brazier making her boobs look every larger.
"Flaunt'em if you got 'em!" Mina flashed Lita a winning smile.
The brunette rolled her eyes, as Amy moaned pitifully.
Serenity couldn't help but giggle, tucking her own more modest sized breasts into her bodice. Admiring how the bra pushed them up and made them larger. She felt she could use all the help she could get! When she heard Amy's sad moan, she glanced curious to her left. Amy was in the stall next door, and she was shuffling around nervously.
"Relax, girl!" Raye exclaimed. "Everything with fit alright?"
"Why, because I don't' have a whole lot to stuff in this thing?" Amy snapped back defensively.
"That's not what I meant." Raye shot back, sounding flustered and hurt. "I thought you were worried about how the outfit was going to fit?"
"I have no worries about not fitting into this flimsy thing, I am a card carrying member of the Tiny Titty Committee here." Amy ground out. Adjusting and readjusting the lingerie, in a desperate hope that perhaps she was pulling off some kind of feminine allure. When in fact she figured she flat chest and lack of curves made her look more like a young boy in drag...
Serenity's smile faltered into a sad frown as she heard the rest of Amy's personal critique that she muttered self consciously under the breath.
"This sucks...I look like a god damn boy...I hate my body."
Serenity pressed a hand against Amy's side of her stall, wishing to offer her comfort and support. But the words caught
in her throat, scared of rejection or perhaps distain at acting far to familiar. She was a stranger to Amy. It wasn't like she could go back to the way things were, when they were close friends.
A bloated silence hung over the bathroom for a few minutes before the girls began chatting amiably again. Tossing humorous quips about the barely there uniforms. Serenity remained conspicuously quiet in the beginning, absorbing the conversations between them that were easy and warm hearted. Basking silently in feeling connected to them again. She would answer any questions directed her way, giggling and engaging in the banter happily. Pretending to be a part of their close knit group. Holding the laughter, the quick witted comments and words of reassurance so reminiscent to their once dear friendships close to her heart. The ice was broken and the friendship seemed to be picking up were it left off.
Amy wasn't morose for long, the girls having bolstered up her poor self image with encouragement and honest praise. It was a band-aid on her ego, but enough to make her feel more at ease. She was soon giggling nervously, this outfit was so far outside her comfort zone.
"Amy, dear. Just imagine your going to seduce the man of your dreams." Mina called out cheerfully from her stall.
"That's what I am afraid of." Amy responded in a weak quivering voice. "I don't want to seduce anybody...I have trouble wearing short shorts...I don't think I can pull this off." She cried out uncertainly. Her mind now spinning in awkward circles of having to fend off unwanted hands of strange men. Swallowing hard, staring down at the skimpy dark blue dress in horror.
"Amy you can stay here. You don't need to come in there. " Serenity comforted her, donning the last of her lingerie. A white baby doll version of what the woman behind the bar was wearing. With matching bra and panties, long white silk stocking hugged her slender dancer's legs. A white pair of strap heels adorned her dainty feet. Moving out of the stall with her silk bunny ears in her hand, she found Mina in a yellow version leaning against the line of sinks. Regarding herself with a serious glower.
"Tell me the truth..." A coy smile playing across her face. "Doesn't this outfit just scream...Playboy Bunny!" She adjusted her yellow ears in place, then cast Serenity an amazed look.
"Eat your heart out, Hef!" Mina exclaimed, "Your quite the sex doll, aren't you, Sere." She smirked, a strange deja vu coming over her at the shortened version of the woman's name yet again.
"Thanks, Mina." Serenity smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to take Mina's admiring gaze since she was gay. Nervously pulling at the short, frothy hemline of her dress.
Just as she approached the wall of mirrors, placing her white ears in place over their long golden hair. Raye appeared in her wine red version, giving her a death glare through the reflection in the mirror. Serenity swallowed hard, never having been on the receiving end of such a look of hate before from her. Raye had always been a dear confidant, the rock she had relied on when Mamoru had been absent from her life. That dark, threatening look, sent an unwanted tremble through her gut. She was near tears, by the jealous aggression she felt from Raye. Averting her stinging eyes, to shield the pain she felt. Raye turned to give Mina an inquiring, impatient look. Receiving a breathless stare from her partner.
"My god...I so want to ravish you right now." Mina breathed, her light blue eyes growing wide. "You think we have time for a light snack?" She asked innocently.
Raye's accusing look turned into a deep blush, Mina was a major flirt but she was loyal. She loved her heart and soul, she just wished she could stop getting so jealous all the time. When she showed interest, or appreciation towards other girls. Her insecurities only caused friction between them. She just needed to relax, Mina would never stray.
Serenity was with Darien, as it should be. Darien's world was finally put right and their friendship with Serenity was blooming all on it's own. In time all their dreams would be realized, yet Raye had this nagging feeling that Serenity wasn't who she proclaimed she was. There was hidden layers to the woman that needed to be uncovered before she would trust her fully. Her dreams and the reality of this young woman wasn't adding up right. Raye was never one to accept people at face value, she was naturally cautious. She wasn't an idealist or an optimist, so friendship, true friendship was something that happened slowly for her. She was to easy to mistrust or misunderstand, having a very fiery, ill tempered personality that took some getting use to. One really had to have patience and an open heart to accept her. An unbiased, naturally kind personality that could be understanding and accepting of her many faults.
Lita was the last to arrive at the sinks in a deep emerald green ensemble.
Mina gave her a sharp, whistle of appreciation. Who was scowling at her reflection, " Oh, my God! I look like a stripper, in need of a pole!" She ranted vehemently, twisting the turning in a panic. Then her eyes widened in pure terror. Her ample bosom looked absolutely absurd! The massive swells barely staying contained in the flimsy bodice. Resembling two
huge melons. The upper swells of her breasts overflowing the material, looking about ready to pop out and show themselves. All she had to do was bend over...or move to quickly and her girls would break free. The thought of being on display, creating an acidic burn in her gut. The trauma of what happened to her in high school, swarming upon her composure. Reducing her into a state of panic and overwhelming anger. Scared and nervous about the same horrible outcome happening again in a room of strangers.
She cried out in frustration. "Oh...hell no!" She began to re-tuck her girls into the bra, adjusting and obsessively trying to bind them more securely. "They look huge! I could give Dolly Parton a run for her money...There is no way that they are going to stay contained in this tiny brazier!" She ranted, pulling on the thin lacey material, with rough, angry tugs.
"Stop...Lita..." Mina grabbed Lita's hands, staring up with concern at the inner rage she saw burning in the taller woman's eyes. "You are going to tear the fabric. You need to relax, you look just fine and the girls will stay put...trust me." She sought to calm her down, with a reassuring smile. Adjusting the bodice with much gentler hands.
"I refuse to make a spectacle of myself..." Lita growled under her breath. Her emerald green eyes growing wet with fear and haunted by cruel memories.
Serenity bit down on her lower lip, the hurt and fear she saw in Lita's eyes break her heart. She was asking to much of her, after what happened to her so long ago. She wanted to rush to her side and console her, to tell her that it would be alright if she wanted to back out. She would never ask any of them to do anything they were uncomfortable with. But Mina and Raye were taking on the role of best friends so easily, she found herself caste aside.
Watching sadly from the sidelines as Ray and Mina took Lita in hand. Speaking softly, calming her down, assuring her with confident words that her worst fears were unfounded. Coming to her emotional rescue in all the ways she used to be included in. She suddenly felt like an outsider again. The feeling of not belonging anymore, of looking in on such a unconditionally deep friendship that she wasn't included in was harsh.
She swallowed back the pain of loss, casting her face away unable to bare seeing any more. She had made her choice years ago, had wished for them to forget she had ever existed. She needed to accept the consequences of her wish. She didn't belong within their inner circle any longer. And no amount of wishing or pretending would every make it so, ever again.
"I do not trust this flimsy piece of polyester." Lita snarled, "It's going to peel right off of me in like, five freaking minutes." She began to tug at the seem between her large breasts in disgust.
"You've worn much more revealing get ups at the clubs back in New York." Mina scoffed, impatiently batting her hands away again. "If you keep pulling at it, it's is going to fall off!" She cautioned angrily.
Lita gave her a dark scowl. "I trusted the sexy outfits I wore to those clubs, they were well made, this thing is total crap!" Lita began to twist and fumble with the ties at the back of the bodice. "I bet they got these things in bulk discount, at some seedy sex shop instead of a reputable designer." She spouted her opinion in a snooty high society pout.
Raye rolled her eyes. About to retort when Amy's logical, calm voice filtered out from behind her stall.
"Your freak out, has nothing to do with the quality of that outfit." She began, "Its because you feel you have lost control of the situation. So your lashing out like a spoiled, debutant. Pull up your big girl panties and get your priorities in place. We are here to support Serenity in any way she needs us. As her friends we have a responsibility...a duty, to her. There is a lost young man out there, that means a lot to her. Who needs us to find him before he gets into serious trouble. Or worse, killed! " Her voice was strong and commanding, reducing Raye and Mina to slack jawed awe and Lita into silent humility. The deep level of affection and loyalty Amy held for Serenity, ringing clear in every passionate word.
Even though they had all died and were reborn anew with out any memory or her. That profound and unbreakable bond of friendship had never died...
Leaving Serenity in a state of shocked clarity so profound, so awe inspiring she was left near tears. Blinking rapidly to clear away the gathering moisture and taking one calming breath after another, desperate not to break down in front of them.
Everyone swallowed a few times, poleaxed and completely struck dumb. Listening to Amy, curse under her breath as she struggled to adjust her own lingerie. While the three girls all acted like shamed children who had just been berated for poor behaviour. Staring at their slippered feet or scrutinizing their finger nails, gathering their dignity again. With Serenity now adrift in a sea of emotions. Ranging from hope, heart felt gratitude and deep, unfathomable love for the unquestionable loyalty these girls still felt towards her. To fear, loathing and most of all guilt. Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the wrong she had done her friends. By tearing herself out their lives, she had ripped a vital piece of their
souls away from them. And like Darien their souls had rebelled against her selfish wish and resurrected her in their dreams. She may feel like a stranger to them, but they never felt the same. Deep inside their hearts was were she would always live. They would never forget her, her memory would remain safe, vibrant and always loved.
The realization lightened her heart and gave her hope that one day, perhaps things would be as they once were. A longing to repair all the damage she had done them swelled inside of her. She wanted to leave this life, with a clear conscience. She vowed that before this night was through, each one of them would know with out a doubt how much they meant to her. How much she loved each and every one of them.
Her commitment to confessing her love, wilting instantly. When confronted by the grim reality that awaited her by dawn. Unsure as to how to proceed after Amy's tirade. Resulting in her giving each of them a hesitant, smile. A large part of her wanting to break down and cry, longing to wrap each and every one of them up in her arms. To hug them tight, plead for forgiveness and desperately try to reclaim that lost friendship she missed so much. But in the end such courage failed her. She remained frozen, arguing with herself. Nervous and uncertain as to how to fix things between them. The unknown abyss of five years of separation lay before her. She had no idea how to bridge that gap of time. The reality of what they once were could never be reclaimed. She had to build anew, forge ahead into a new, different friendship. Yet she was struggling to let go of the past...
She couldn't find the words, to make things ok again. So remained still, staring bleakly at her three long lost best friends. Tongue tied and incredibly anxious, the fragile ground she had claimed in the last few hours with them feeling shaky and untrustworthy. Wishing she knew the answer's to fix her wretched mess of a life.
Seeking to find that same state of normalcy, the three girls focused on adjusting their outfits. In time they all felt confident in their appearance, placing their matching half masks on their faces. While Serenity retreated to safer ground, returning to the topic at hand. Giving them a brief explanation as to what Shinoda, Daiki looked like.
"He's about six feet tall, with thick black hair that has a kinda curl around the nape of his neck. Most of the guests will call him Endymion. " she began, adjusting her glittery white silk mask in place, snapping the elastic band under her long hair.
Lita noted that her voice was soft, as she described him. A fondness in her tone, of a long held affection. As if this man had once been a dear friend or even perhaps a lover at one time.
"Why does he call himself Endymion?" Lita inquired, picking at the green sequence on her mask, leaning her hip into the counter of the vanity.
"He fancies himself as the Prince of Earth. Hating his true name, feeling it isn't regal sounding enough." Serenity laughed, Daiki truly was an arrogant and conceited elitist. But it was well founded, he had an unearthly quality. A charisma and inner power that commanded the masses easily, like he truly was descended from royalty.
"He has a strong build, with a thick, sturdy chest. Very well muscled..." she breathed, then sucked in a great breath of air. Back tracking nervously, knowing she was swooning and needed to reclaim her composure. "Not nearly as strongly built as Darien mind. " She amended, wanting the girls to not get the wrong impression.
"He's Korean, so look for fine boned features. A strong yet pointed chin, with a long regal looking nose. His eyes will have a gentle tilt, of a very striking light brown that seems almost golden." She went on, his handsome exotic face committed to memory long ago. A sudden pang of guilt striking her, she winced and cast her head down. Avoiding the curious gazes of her old girl friends. The minute details she offered over his appearance not going unnoticed. It was very apparent that she had spent a great deal of time studying him. Her intimate connection to this man very obvious to her girlfriends. Mina, Raye and Lita kept their peace, each staring at her curiously. Wondering silently what her relationship had been to this enigmatic man. Filing out a few moments later when she had nothing else to say.
Amy on the other hand, had not issues with being bluntly honest. She hung back, needing to clarify a few things. Her hackles were raised and her loyalty was just as fierce towards Darien. He had been hurt far to many times in the past, she wasn't sure he was strong enough to handle another loss. She needed to be certain what Serenity's intentions were towards this Endymion.
"Do you still love him?" Amy's voice called out to her softly. A protective lilt to her tone, wondering if Darien should be worried. If Serenity was devout to their relationship. Amy left the dressing room stall, in her light blue lingerie. Walking briskly towards the mirrors at the vanity to continue putting on her slutty costume.
"I don't fool myself thinking it's something so powerful as love. I know that I love Darien, that I have felt that way since childhood. No, this feeling, its not love, it's more shallow then that." Serenity glanced up, her soft blue eyes staring sombrely back at the reflection of Amy. Leaning her hip against the beige plastic door of Amy's old stall, dressed in her
white lingerie with her arms folded over her breasts. Greeting Amy's serious frown in the mirror with a pensive, self reflective stare. In truth Endymion was savagely gorgeous. The man was enigmatic and dangerous. His eyes were striking, shrewd and assessing. He was able to control everything he surveyed, most importantly himself. His features always schooled into a state of impassivity. His passion always simmering under the surface, like a geyser hidden and awaiting the proper time to bubble forth.
She had felt drawn to him the instant they had met two years ago, when Ido had thrust her into his life. Forcing them to work rather close for many, many months infiltrating his grandfather's crime syndicate. The attraction between them had been immediate and intense. There was no denying that she had it bad for him during that time. He would drive her wild with his seductive kisses and smouldering looks. But now...now she was happily and completely in love with Darien. Endymion would have no power of her...at least she hoped...
Daiki was a part of her past, if she had loved him? That too was a lifetime ago. She never allowed her past to dictate her present. What she had endured, what she had suffered could still affect her. But it didn't rule her. Not anymore.
Endymion would no longer have any power over her...a vow she intended to keep.
"He's just so untouchable, like a god banished here to the mortal plane. He carries himself so regally, with such an inner wealth of confidence. He can't help but draw admiration and awe from others. He seems destined for such great things. With out a single weakness to undo him, to break his unwavering resolve." She breathed, understanding how frighteningly enthralling Endymion could be. Trying to clear her mind of his strikingly handsome face. She was very nervous about actually confronting him after such a long time. His powerful personality could completely over come her, casting her will power and emotional equilibrium into a total tail spin.
"No, it's not love." She stated firmly, an edgy, dangerous feeling creeping up her spine. As she sought to explain away her profound attraction to him. "I admire him is all, he is far stronger then I will ever be." She cast Amy's confused, yet worried reflection a ghost of a smile. "Meet you in there." Then she left, taking one long breath after another. Suddenly feeling quite jittering and uncertain, her confidence in presenting a strong front against Endymion faltering. His presence so easily made her feel so overwhelmed, helpless and confused. There had always been a inexplicable pull between them. That beckoned for more then just heated kisses, an unconscious push from deep inside of her to reclaim an intimacy she had no memory of. An awareness of the other that went beyond the limitations of this reality. A connection so powerful, so all consuming that if given sway it would completely obliterate her.
So terrified of losing herself to him, she had fiercely maintained her distance. Again, she would have to find the strength and perseverance to fight against that pull. The man truly was awe inspiring, he could so easily draw her under his spell. A single kind word, or a piercing look from his golden eyes and she would be frozen. Unable to speak or formulate reasonable thought, he was just that spell binding. Able to inspire and control how others viewed things with only a few well chosen words. He was a true leader, if only he had a moral compass to guide him. He might actually be capable of great things for humanity, instead of only increasing his own wealth and power.
Serenity sighed, casting her head down needing a moment to organize herself. She felt like a prisoner about to face the gallows.
"Wow." A rough, husky voice echoed through her troubled thoughts.
She looked up with a dreamy smile of memory. Finding Darien dressed in a full Tuxedo and tails, with a white harlequin mask in place over his eyes. Filling out the glamourous outfit well, as he was far more handsome and mysterious looking now. His fathomless dark blue eyes staring out from behind the mask, at her with such wonder and adoration it took her breath.
"You like, Mamo-chan?" She stated finally finding her voice. Her smile was shy, hesitant. Then she twirled in place, raising her arms over her head. The see through baby doll dress flouncing around her hips merrily.
He was watching her unblinkingly, totally captivated by her. His eyes riveted to her sexy as hell body in that sheer, frothy piece of lingerie. His eyes roving hungrily. Taking in every alluring curve of her hourglass hips. The flat toned stomach and perfect breasts, bouncing sensually. The soft flawless cream coloured skin hinting beneath the sheer white fabric. Her long slender legs prancing in a circle, nearly hoping on her toes. In the sexiest stockings and high heels he had ever seen. She was gorgeous, and innocent, like an angel dancing before him. Her golden hair floating around her slender shoulder's like silk. A soft demure blush anointing her rounded cheeks, making his heart tremble at the sight of her.
"I love..." he whispered, the slow sensuous smile he gave her had her knees going weak. Giving flight to a whole flock of butterflies now swirling deep in her belly. He moved with a cats grace, gripping her by the wrists and pressing her bodily up against the wall in the small corridor that held the restrooms. Unable to resist his urges, his lust for her roaring in his ears. A possessive gleam shone in his eyes as he caged her against the wall. The need to have her, claim her crashing
upon him like an unrelenting tide. To show her, to prove his love and desire for her in that moment. Ever since the mention of this man, Endymion. He had felt threatened by him, by the history she shared with him. He wasn't stupid, he knew by the distant, yet troubled look the fell over her eyes when she thought of him. That they had been far more then just friends and it hadn't ended well. He wanted nothing more then to confront the bastard for hurting her and beat the living shit out of him. Knowing this Endymion had touched her, kissed her, held her in the same ways he had. Made his blood boil. It left him feeling nervous about allowing her anywhere near that man. But another part of him, one less jealous and possessive, stated he need to trust her. That she would not stray, that she loved him and he needed to relax. But as of right now, he was intent on making sure she knew whom she belonged too!
She moaned with longing, as his lips crashed down upon hers. Hot and demanding. Claiming what was his, as he kissed her breathless. His strong frame pushing her smaller body up tight against the unyielding wall. It was such a possessive kiss, such a powerful act of claim. That her heart was thundering in her chest with sudden passion, her skin tingling with the heat of arousal. She felt completely overwhelmed by his body, trapped and at his mercy. Yet never did she feel threatened or assaulted, but protected. As even in this more aggressive act of sexual passion, the tenderness of their love blanketed the action. Softened it and made it palatable as a wild, raw desire.
"I..." She panted, unable to finish her statement as his tongue delved far to deeply into her mouth. Taking her words away on a current of rising pleasure, as he ground his stiffness into her core. Smothering her against the wall for a few more minutes, enjoying the taste of her, the subtle touch of her flawless skin beneath the silk. Holding her wrists up high over her head as he ravished her mouth with his own. In this moment she was his, her body willing and wanton beneath his. No one could contest how deeply, truly, and totally absolute her love for him was.
Finally he pulled away with a satisfied smile, finding her breathing hard and giggling. Receiving a playful bat against the arm for his antics.
"Mamo-chan...control yourself!" She chastised, with a huge beaming grin.
"You make it so hard...though." He commented in a playful pout, pinching her butt as she sauntered ahead of him.
Casting him a mocking scowl over she shoulder as she swayed her hips a bit more sassily, disappearing into the softly lit ballroom.
Leaving him adjusting himself for a minute, clearing his throat and smiling contentedly. Before heading in after her.
