Chapter 8: Waltz of the Flowers
I woke up the next day feeling like an elephant decided to stomp on my head. I tossed myself on my side and glanced at the clock, the red digits screamed, 6:01 am. I sighed and got out of bed to get ready for my day, I twisted my unruly brown hair into a bun, walked to my washroom sink and washed my face and brushed my teeth. Once I finished I went to pick out my clothes when I hear my door open.
"Don't you knock anymore?" I said without glancing around to know who the culprit was.
"What are you planning?"
I rolled my eyes and turned to face Green, he was discharged late last night because of paper work that needed to be approved by the doctor for him to travel today to Kyoto. They all vigorously refused until Green snapped and gave them hell.
"I'm not planning anything but to go back to my regular lifestyle. You made it very clear I was unwanted in this expedition," I replied bitterly.
"We talked about that, I agreed to let you come with us," Green said.
"I know, but that was 'Green being sweet' so it doesn't really count. Besides I have to keep up with my training to straighten out my career."
"Who's the idiot that decided to challenge Erika?" He mumbled underneath his breath.
My eyebrow twitched at that last remark. I glared at him and charged right at him, his eyes widen in surprise, I pushed him right out of the room. "GO! Go to Kyoto, and leave me alone!"
I don't know why Erika bothers me this much, she never did the last few months but now all of a sudden she's a trigger to my unhappy life, like a reminder that I was always number two.
Green put his hand on the door and his foot in front of him to stop the door from closing in on him. I didn't want to look at him right now; I need to straighten out my thoughts first.
"What about Silver?"
"What about him? I was planning to find him. After he disappeared on us, I'm sure he found something," I said, "Now let go."
Green stood there for a while, I guess he was trying to think on what to do, but I guess he decided I wasn't worth the time anymore, that he decided to let go. I sighed out a relief as I continued to finish getting ready. He wasted thirty minutes of my time, and I have to rush my way through the morning. I made it to the dance studio just in time, with a couple Starbucks coffees in one hand and my dance bag in the other.
Ruby was in the middle of his solo when Cynthia walked over to me, not leaving her eyes off him. "Your center is shit." Was what she said.
"You're looking like you had a good start of the day," I said while handing her a cup.
Cynthia gratefully took the coffee and said, "Thanks to the pressure you've put in to us."
"I thought you were looking for a good challenge?" I countered.
"Now I regret it all."
Ruby finished the piece with an exhausted huff, as he made his way over to us.
"We are almost done just a couple more choreography to go and then dress rehearsals," Ruby groaned, "I should've just taken the costume duty!"
After rehearsals, I went straight to my home, not Green's place; I went back to the place where I grew up. It was around an hour drive to get to my destination, it's been a while since I went to visit my foster parents. Yellow and I usually come over every holiday and spend the end of the month of December to January, so me coming over isn't much of a surprise, kind off, since it was still the beginning of December.
I finally made it to the house and parked the car on the large drive way. I took a glance around the area, the garden was no longer green, as it was covered in snow, and the porch was shovelled along with the driveway just like how dad likes to keep it clean. I walked to the entrance and rang the doorbell.
I heard some shuffling and Yellow's mom opened the door, her eyes lit up when she saw me. "Blue! How've you been? Come in!" She said excitedly gesturing me back inside.
"I'm fine, Ma," I said and hugged her.
"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that," She said cheerily and when we parted she went to look around, her smile replaced with a confused frown when she noticed it was just me.
"Where is Yellow, Red and Green? Did you come here alone?"
I nodded, "They went to Kyoto, and they have business there."
She sighed in disappointment, but regained her composure and hauled me into the living room where dad was sitting. He had his laptop open and when he saw me; he laughed as he got up from the couch and hugged me.
"It's a little too early for you to pick up your presents though," He laughed, "But I'm not complaining, we missed you."
"Sorry we couldn't visit as often," I replied, "We've all been busy."
"I can see that, your mother and I are proud of you and Yellow, and you're both still on your way to achieve your dreams, besides its finally quiet here."
I continued to smile as I sat down on the couch next to Dad, Ma went to the kitchen to prepare some snacks, even though I strongly opposed to it.
"So what brings you here, Blue?" my dad asked.
I fiddled with the edge of my hair, nervous habbit I suppose. "I'm looking for Silv," was my reply.
If dad was surprised he didn't show it. It has been a couple years since any one of us has ever thought about looking for Silver. The thought of me searching for him should have hit a nail.
"He's been in touch..." dad spoke slowly.
My eyes widened in surprise, after how many years and not a word from Silver...
My mind was working overtime, a clue that suddenly makes no sense whats so ever. However a clue is a clue and if it helps end this murder mystery I may as well bite.
I guess I just looked like I was staring in the air and so dad snapped his fingers in front of my face. "You still with me, Blue?"
I manage a nod, "He calls?" I asked and a slight frown made its way to my lips.
Dad nodded, "He told me not to tell you, until last night. He said you might come looking for him," he replied looking confused.
"Is there something going on?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but mom comes in with cheesecake and tea. She hums happily as she placed the dessert in front of me and poured us tea. I gently took the hot cup, and breathe in the scent of mint.
"What's with the tense atmosphere? Honey, have you been trying to scare Blue off dating again?" mom chastised.
Dad frowned, "I never chased off her boyfriends. That was you."
Dad wasn't lying, mom was over protective. She was close to making sure Red and Yellow could never get into a relationship by scaring the living crap out of Red; but Red being Red he didn't want to give up on Yellow just because mom was, figuratively and literally breathing down his neck. In the end Red won mom over and gave them her blessing. Matt wouldn't have survived, so I never introduced him or any past boyfriends.
"We were talking about Silvy, mom," I laughed a little.
"He called last night, it's like he knew you were coming!" she exclaimed.
My mouth formed a thin line as I set the tea down. "Which is weird. I haven't seen or heard from him."
Mom's blond hair had some streaks of white and for the first time since Silver left, she actually looks defeated, "He only started calling a year ago. He also said that something's stirring..."
Dad took her hand, "Silver said he's looking for her, and I guess we should assume it's Lyra."
I could hear my ringing noises, my heart pounded twice as fast feeding the adrenaline. "Did he say where he is?"
They both shook their heads, no.
"Blue, he wouldn't tell us what is going on. He just calls to say hi and he's alive," Mom snorts, "As if that makes me feel reassured."
I reached over and held both of their hands, "Silver is right, something is brewing. Whether it is from weird supernatural causes or just some crazy people out there..." I trailed off.
I didn't want my parents to worry too much, saying more than what needs to be said may also put them in danger. I gently squeezed my hand on top of theirs.
"Mom, Dad, I'll bring Silver back, and end this. It sounds bad and maybe it is, but maybe it's time I find my family tree," I said.
From the beginning after my parents have passed, I was told that I had no relatives. I don't understand why, but my gut tells me that there is someone out there that knows me and who I am. I vaguely remember my mother's face, but I do remember she had a pendant that had the sun. Maybe I am starting to loose it, but it can't be a coincidence now.
"Blue, honey, you will and always be our daughter," Mom sniffed, "but there is something your dad and I haven't been honest with you."
I blinked, these people raised me and have done nothing but care for me. Hearing mom say that she's hiding something puts me in an uncomfortable circumstance.
"What do you mean?"
As if they read my thoughts earlier, "your mother has a sister, your aunt."
"My aunt? Why did she not take me in?"
"She said that the fates oppose to it. Something about you have to face challenges and she cannot provide the assistance you need," Dad said just as bewildered as I was hearing what came from his mouth. He held his hands up in defence, "Honestly it sounds crazy, but maybe you should speak to her yourself, but uh, she may not be in her right mind."
I sighed. Great what else was new? More weird people to meet and just how unfortunate could my life be that one of them has to be related to me.
"Where can I find her?" I asked.
"She's in Japan."
With those three words my heart sank. Japan? How was I supposed to make it there? I quickly thought of Sapphire and asking her to go on a solo mission, while shes in Kyoto to look for my aunt, but that means I have to tell Yellow. Yellow would be offended that I didn't confide in her first before asking Sapphire.
"What about Silver? Did he mention where he is?" I asked, my last hope.
"He said he's still in the states, he mentions being only an hour away from home," Mom said.
I thanked mom and dad for the cheesecake and information as I left the house, promising to visit them this coming holiday. The winter air hit my face as soon as I stepped out and I welcomed the numbing sensation on my cheeks. I got in my car and made my hour journey home, completely lost in thought. How was I suppose to get answers from a nutjob aunt in Japan withouy risking my position in N.D.C.? I've made a big talk about being better than Nakamura and here I am looking for a way out.
I laughed bitterly at myself. Taking on a bigger task than I can handle myself was completely foolish. The only thing I can do now for sure was to find Silver. If he was also just an hour away, then there was a chance that he was living right under my nose. New York wasn't geographically huge by any means, but it was still pretty big.
My cell rang pulling me away from my thoughts as I did my best to keep my eye on the highway and one hand hit the green button.
"Hello? Blue Erindale here," I said.
"Hey Blue, you still up for the party tomorrow night?" Matt laughed.
"Hey Matt, and ya I'm down for it. Just let me know what time do I have to be at the club."
"How about 7? After your practice is over."
"Sounds good," I agreed.
I didn't get home until 10 last night but I was exhausted that I just passed out in the living room. I woke up at 5 in the morning due to my phone ringing. I groaned and waved my left arm around looking for the stupid thing. Once my hand felt the familiar shape of my smartphone, I held it to my ear.
"Melow?" my face still implanted on the pillow answered.
"Blue? Can you hear me?"
It's Red.
"Wa? Wa bu mu wamt?" I grumbled.
"Just letting you know we landed, and Green is saying to remember not to do anything stupid," Red spoke on the other line.
I pulled my face off the pillow and glowered at the phone, "If that's all you want to tell me Red, then you shouldn't have called. I am a grown woman and I can make my own choices so you can tell Green to take whatever he said up his ass."
I hanged up and slammed my phone on the coffee table that was across from me. I slowly sat up and pried my butt away from the sofa. I took a shower and got ready with my day, grabbed my keys and head straight out making my way to the dance studio.
I walked to studio A and began to warm up. I felt the surge of energy from that call, the energy was what I like to call, strangle Green energy, only accessible at times he pisses me off.
"Geez, I can feel the aura to kill all the way from down the hall," Ruby said warily.
I stopped dancing and dropped my head. "I guess I've been tense lately..."
"Was it from last night?" Ruby asked as he handed me a Caramel Latte.
I gratefully accepted the drink and curled my hands around it.
"I guess you could say that, it's been a shitstorm since Cam died," I said without looking at Ruby.
Ruby dropped his dance bag next to mine and took a sip of his drink.
"I don't want to pry, but is there something going on between you and Yellow?" Ruby asked, "I mean you guys are always close, but last night...there was this tension."
I looked up and met Ruby in the eye, "Yellow and I are going to fight, it's what sisters do. Last night is a little rough for me, more so because I cannot join them on this mission nor do I have their support for this wager I've made," I replied with such a cold tone, "They made it like it is my fault and I should give up this-" I waved my arms around the studio.
Ruby was a good listener, he always was. He stood there and lend me his ear.
"I can't just back down without a fight Ruby! I earned the solo first," I finished feeling like I've tap danced around the room.
"I'm glad you think that way, because it's time for practice," Cynthia said behind me. "There's only one more week before the Nutcracker. Tomorrow is a rehearsal that the director and her fellow ballet masters are attending. Tomorrow is the real test Erindale."
I looked at her and nodded, one step at a time. Get through this dancing landmine and then find Silver. The music flows within my system and the movements just became a muscle memory, responding to every tune. Cynthia and Ruby stood at the corner, I can tell that they were looking at my lines, looking for mistakes. After the solo of the sugar plum fairy, Ruby came behind me and got ready for the pas de deux portion of the Nutcracker.
Practice went by smoothly and I managed not to die from the extra push I had to give. Tomorrow was the day to prove myself. Ruby got a ride with me again tonight, I just realized how much time we've spent together.
"Thanks for the drive, Blue," Ruby said as he got out.
"No problem, Ruby, it's the least I can do," I laughed.
Once I got home I dropped my dance bag in my room took a quick shower, and then went to pick out clubbing clothes. I checked at my clock at my night stand and it was still 6:00 pm. I have a good hour to figure out what to wear, I looked back at my closet and picked out a long sleeved, low cut, velvet faux chocker bodysuit with a leather mini skirt to pair. I brushed my hair, grabbed my swarovski bella earings and put on light make up. I glanced at the clock again, 6:48 pm, I took my phone and checked for the address and got back out to the car with my purse at hand.
I got into my car and close the door when my phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Blue?" Yellow asked on the other end.
"Hey Yellow, how's Kyoto?" I asked as I started the car.
"It's good, we are just getting through the security and proper paperwork to interogate him," Yellow responded, "Sapphire says that it's strange how he is extrodited in Japan when his crimes were in U.S."
I shrugged, "maybe there's more to the story. It's technically why you guys are down there."
"That's true."
"I've got to go, meeting Matt and some other people at Pandemonium," I said.
Yellow was silent for a bit, and then I heard shuffling and an angry gruff. "Blue, what the hell, didn't I tell you to-"
"Bye." I cut him off and hanged up.
Once I got to the parking lot I pulled down the car mirror to check on my makeup. I did a quick touch up and smacked my newly applied lip gloss lips together. I got out and locked my car door.
"Hey Blue! Didn't think you'd make it!"
I turned towards the source of the voice and gave her a quick wave. "Hey Strea, it's been a while." I greeted.
Strea was one of my friends in highschool. We weren't super close but we were in good terms. Her black hair was pulled back to a ponytail and her bright brown eyes widen at the sight of seeing me. I guess I wasn't the only one thinking it's been a while.
"I wonder who else Matt invited," She hummed in wonder as she and I entered Pandemonium.
The music immediately blared at us, upon opening the doors. I scanned around and found the familiar mop of brown hair. Strea noticed and she and I made our way to Matt.
Matt had an entire group around him as they all joked and reminisce the good old days. I recognized some people, most of them were a part of Matt's crew, otheres were just acquaintances.
"You made it!" Matt laughed.
I nodded, "I have blessed you with my prescence."
"I didn't think Green would let you out of his sight," He continued as he ordered drinks.
I shrugged, "He doesn't control me. I can meet and be with whom I want."
Matt's brows hiked up, "You guys aren't dating?"
I wish.
"Nah, not really his type. Besides he's ink Kyoto right now, doing his detective magic."
Matt nodded, "The murder mystery you guys are doing."
"But it is good to see you, Blue!" Strea jumped in. "It has been a while, I'm glad to see that you're doing well."
I let out a good natured laugh. "Ditto! But lately it's been a rollercoaster ride."
Strea just looked at me while Matt was talking to other people. I placed my butt on the bar stool, despite the loud music and the energized atmosphere, I just don't have it in me to have fun. My mind just keeps wandering in and out about what my mother told me, and Silver...gods, I don't even know where to search, and tomorrow. I stared down at the cocktail Matt got me, he knew what I liked and I tried to enjoy myself, but it felt more like an effort to have fun.
After the club and saying hi to half of the people I sort of forgotten I made my way home.
The next day was me in a nervous wreck. I woke up earlier than planned. I got to the studio warming up and way too nervous.
"Blue, c'mon we have to get to the theatre," Cynthia said as she lightly pushed the door open.
I sighed and got my stuff, the theatre was connected to the company's many studio buildings. It wasn't a far walk, but it felt like an endless corridor of doom. I started to second guess myself, what if I wasn't as good as I thought I was? I would be blacklisted as a dancer and no company would take me in after this.
My palms became sweaty, the bag that was shouldered on my right became heavier like something was weighing it down. Cynthia could tell I was a ball of nerves and she looked at me and said, "I wouldn't have went my way to choose you, if I didn't think you were good."
Ruby was already there, doing the prince's solo from the Nutcracker. A part that was normally given to male prima dancers or soloist, but since Ruby has just been promoted as a soloist (thank goodness) he worked twice as hard on the choreography. His leaps were stronger and his pirouettes were centered, steady. Seeing my friend give a wonderful performance made me remember why I wanted to dance.
The music ended and the small group of audience that made up the directore and chairmans as well as some ballet critiques aplaud. Obviously they all saw how amazing Ruby was.
"Gorgeos performance, Mr. Grey, just remember that on the end, after a series of chaines to a jete - the jete must look like you are suspended in air. Regardless the improvement has not gone unnoticed," Madame complimented.
Ruby was a little out of breath, bowed, "Thank you."
He lifted himself up and made eye contact with me and smiled. 'You can do it' he mouthed.
I gave him the thumbs up to let him know I will be fine.
"Blue Erindale, are you ready?" Madame sought me out and her face was blank. No emotion slipped from her face but her eyes held amusement.
The music of the sugar plum fairy cued in and I just let it take over. I guess after a the piques that means the end of the solo was when I felt something weird, and I just can't pin point where or why I have a weird feeling about this place.
"Well, what do you think Cynthia? This is your personal student," Madame spoke.
I stood on stage, out of breath, but held the director's gaze.
"She's danced like it's her last," Cynthia said slowly.
"Her turns and lines were excellent," a ballet master spoke, nodding his head. "The artistry is just as intregal part of your performance, not evem Ms. Nakamura can do."
The others in the room nodded and agreed. My confidence was slowly forming.
"Well Blue, a deal is a deal. You've proven and won us over. I will see you after the Nutcracker production for your official promotion. Congratulations," Madame said.
My heart pounded and my legs became jelly and I nearly collapsed. Ruby ran behind me and caught me. "You did it! Congratulations gorgeous," He whispered.
The lights just abruptly turned off. My skin tingled and my stomach felt queasy. I held onto Ruby and my arms trembled.
"Ruby. We have to get out," I said.
Ruby didn't let me go but I can feel his hesitation and confusion. "Blue it's just a temporary blackout, it's fine," he reassured.
I can vaguely hear the chairmans and critiques looking for the backup power. Madame was on the phone calling for someone to figure out the sudden outage.
"No, Ruby, we have to get out. Now!" I said and used my limited strength and hauled him off the stage.
The stage lights suddenly creaked and as Ruby and I made it down safely, the bars that held the lights snapped. The stage lights fell and crashed on the stage. Madame shrieked and the audience panicked asking to get out.
Ruby's mouth gaped open, "What?"
I shook my head in disbelief, I'm just as in shock.
"Blue- how did you know it was going to fall?" Ruby asked as he dragged me out of the theatre.
"I didn't, I just had a bad feeling!"
"Well thank goodness for women intuition!"
We ran down and I immediately thought of Green. Unfortunately he and Red weren't here to save me this time. We made it to the change room and I kicked off my ballet shoes as they were slowly untangling from my ankles.
"What now?" Ruby asked. He wore his jeans and plane blue shirt.
"I was thinking of going back. I need to see..." I trailed off.
"See what? Blue you can't go back out there. It's obvious by the way you acted that you know they're after you!" Ruby shook his head and paced around the room.
"I need to see if someone died."
Ruby stopped pacing and looked at me. "How are you so sure that someone died?"
"I just know."
We dragged ourselves back to the theatre. Ruby argued to come back with me even though I told him to go home. It was obvious our dance practice was cut short.
"Blue!" Cynthia ran over. "Are you ok?"
I nodded, I looked around and the lights around the theatre was operating again. The stage though, had a big hole where the lights sat, but there was something stuck between the bench where it held the stage light together and the brige where maintance workers would use to change the lights.
Dread filled me, "Ruby, call 911," I said.
A/N: Update long over due.
Aim high and dream big.
