Me: Welcome shadows to the new year and a brand new chapter of Day of a Heartless! This chapter has been a long time coming and I'm excited to finally post it!
Riku: What you've been excited about this? Really?
Kairi: Me too! This is the first time we see more people from Square Enix. Wouldn't you be excited too, Riku?
Riku: Yeah, but not as excited as you two.
Me: Well, we also got some more readers!
Riku: (shrugged) Welcome.
(Kairi hits him on the head)
Kairi: Just a welcome, how about a thank you!
Riku: Thanks. I guess.
(Kairi pouts a bit, before Riku boops her nose)
Me: Let's begin this shall we! Disclaimer: I own nothing of any Disney or Square Enix properties. I only own my OC and plot. Please enjoy the story!
Chapter 44 - A Heartless and a Demon
Entry 228
(November 11)
Today, Phoenix and I decided to enjoy the last summer-like day before autumn got even colder. After City Hall's invasion, a rainstorm engulfed our streets and kept Branden and me indoors. While Branden healed up, I kept to myself, trying to find something to do so I didn't focus on the past or the present.
Now that I'm writing it, all I want to think about is what Jade Mafia's next move is? Why the Mad Doctor is siding with them? How to stop him? Why Starlight was the next target?
I was one of the mafia's pawns, but I never learned anything about this plan. Every mission I did went to worlds like Prankster's Paradise, which is Pinocchio's world. A place full of light, yet once we invaded the light faded and… the world vanished into darkness. People were left stranded or dragged to darkness. I… I feel sorry for them. I did that to them. Now I have to leave with it.
Finally, I understand why Joker and Mare want vengeance for being puppets to the mafia, and, why they fight to stop them. However, I want to fight too! But, if I can't even face the Unkindness, how can I face the one called white raven?
My pin wavers at that sentence. Facing the one who used me… I wanted revenge. The White Raven used my kind like we didn't matter and forced us to bring down worlds, including our own! She needed to dethroned! While I want to stop her, I knew that I couldn't. Here and now, I've only mastered a few skills from The Book of Dark Arts. But, not enough to take on a keyblade master like Oswald. Mickey, or Aqua. I doubt I could even beat Riku in a battle.
I need to get stronger, so I can protect things that mattered to me!
"Nico, I brought you out to relax. Not to write in your book."
I peered up from my journal, meeting Phoenix's gaze. "Writing helps me think clearer. It also helps me remember stuff I've lost like the boy who's name or face draws a blank to me now. Things like that, I write down to remember what I've done or who've I've met."
"Diary of a Heartless. Sounds like a story people would pay money to read," he snickered, touching my journal.
I smacked his hand away. "N-No, way am I selling my private thoughts for money." I gave him a death glare, "And, don't you dare touch Pal 2.0 again, mutt!"
Phoenix gasped, falling back like he'd been shot. "That hurt. I thought we were friends. Brothers even. How could you call me a mutt? So, cruel!," Phoenix said, dramatically.
I roll my eyes but gave a slight smile. Is this what Ashley put up with? Or was Phoenix just a fox when she was there? Either way, Phoenix is/can be a drama queen.
"Anyway. Come on, let's have some fun!" The vulpine leaped from the bench to his feet, beginning to move and stretch around. "You know how to spell fun, right? Or has Branden sucked all the fun out of you?"
I put my journal in one of inside jacket pockets, "I know how to have fun."
"Good! So, let's find something fun to do," Phoenix said, beginning to caress his chin. "How about - No. What about - Nah! Let's see what's fun around here..."
Tuning him out, I began to watch ahead seeing the blue sky that I kinda missed during the storms. Not a cloud was in the sky. The sun watched up above us, providing a warm heat in the breezes coming through. At the harbor, many shops were on break or closed for the day. A lot of people were at the beach trying to windsurf or swimming, but mostly trying to recover from the tragic event. They didn't need to say it, I had already felt their fear.
I sighed.
"Oh, I know what we could do! You're going to love it -"
"Sure," I agreed. I didn't know what to do but didn't ask either. Suddenly I heard footsteps hitting the ground, gaining our way. Locking leftward, I found a young woman with blue hair running toward us and a dark-haired woman chasing after her!
Is that Aqua? I wondered.
"GIVE IT BACK!," the dark-haired woman yelled.
"Sorry Caulfield, but there is no way I'm doing that!" Aqua(?) shouted back.
"WATCH OUT!"
"Huh?," She finally looked forward, only to knock into Phoenix.
"Oof!" Is all I hear as the vulpine hits the ground.
Quickly, I jumped to my feet, peering down at them. I didn't know what to do or who to help? The dark-haired woman was after Aqua, so I should capture her. However, Phoenix was dazed and needed help as well.
"Are you two okay?" Is all I could ask looking to him and the woman on top of him who wasn't Aqua at all.
The blue-haired woman wore a white tank top with a black skull outline, something black underneath it, light jeans, and black boots. She had a tattoo on her left arm reminiscent of a flower stems and red ribbons, that nested a golden skull in the middle. She had a black necklace and a few bracelets -
Not Aqua. She didn't have a tattoo. I'm sure of that.
Quickly, the woman started to get up to her feet, nearly dropping the camera in her left hand. "Don't you know to move out of the way during a chase!"
"Umm… w-we're so-sorry," I said, unsure whether to apologize or not. The stranger was hostile no doubt, yet I didn't understand why.
"Whatever. Meanwhile -"
The blue-haired woman was about to continue running before her chaser - a woman with short brown hair caught her hand. The woman was a bit shorter than her thief. She wore a gray jacket with hints of white on its hood and inside, a white shirt with a deer on the top, faded jeans, and black/white tennis shoes.
The blue-haired woman tried to break free as her friend tried desperately to get back the camera. There was a small shuffle between the two until the brown-haired one finally had the camera back.
"Chole, knock it off. I already told you it won't work for you," the brunette scolded her.
They're friends?
"But, imagine the possibilities of what we could do with it if I had your powers too!," the blue-haired woman, Chole exclaimed.
"No, we can't do that even if we wanted to. Doubling up the power would destroy the universe. We already destroyed our home, why take more lives in "its" wake?" the brunette told her, putting her camera's handle around her neck.
Chole averted her eyes, "I… I-I guess you're right."
Grunting and groaning, Phoenix began to get up from the pavement. Once he was standing, he glared at Chole, annoyed.
"Excuse me, but who are you two?," I asked.
"I'm Max Caulfield, and the one who ran into your friend over there is Chloe Price. My childhood friend," the brunette introduced. "We're apart of the survivors of Acadia Bay."
"We barely escaped or even survived that storm. Luckily my mom and I got out in time or else we'd have been goners if it wasn't for Max," Chole added.
"Lucky indeed. If I believe correctly, Arcadia Bay was a twilight world, right? I've heard a few things that happen with a large storm eclipsing the world, but I didn't think anyone got out of their alive until I saw Warren and your mother, Chloe," Phoenix said, then began to frown."I'm sorry that you lost your world."
Chole scoffed. "I don't want a damn apology from you! It's not your fault, to begin with." Marching off, she headed toward a clear area of the beach.
"Sorry about her outburst. It's just a lot going on right now in our lives," Max apologized, looking to her friend then back at us. I kept watching Chole as she sat down, taking a white box out of her pocket.
"It's alright. No one is happy when they lose their world. Not even my friend is over it, so I understand what Chole is going through," Phoenix says, sadly. He snaps his fingers, causing me to look toward him. "Oh, right. We're a little bit rude. I'm Phoenix and this is my bro, Nico." He ruffled my hair.
"Nice to meet you both," she smiled.
"If you don't mind me asking, but why did Chole steal your camera? And, what is this power you guys were speaking of?," I asked.
Instantly, her smile faded, replaced by a small frown. My body tensed as I felt an overwhelming amount of grief. I bit my tongue to keep myself calm.
Max exhaled, averting her eyes from us. "It's a long story, one I'd rather forget." She put her hand around her right arm, gripping it tightly. "But, the short version of everything, a few weeks ago I learned I could rewind time. It was great at first, I could save people and help others for once, however, every time I tried to save my world - I couldn't. Thanks to Oswald, all four of us ended up here, but we lost everything and one. For Chole, she thinks that if she gained powers like mine, she'd be able to change fate and rewind time. But, it won't work."
She looks away, causing Phoenix and I to follow her gaze to Chole, who was now smoking a cigarette. "But, to her, it doesn't matter the consequences or outcomes. If Chole obtained powers equivalent to mine, she believes she'll be able to rewind to the point and time before she lost someone dear to her."
Turning away, I stared at Max again. Her emotions now had a tad bit of guilt. I wonder why?
"Who's this dear friend she lost? (If you don't mind me asking)," Phoenix asked.
"Rachel Amber," Max responded. "I was away when Chole began to hang out with her, but for Chole, Rachel was like her partner in crime. They had a big dream together, then, she just vanished without a trace. Chole learned of the truth of what happened, we both did and it shocked us more than anything. I know Chole is grieving even if she's denying it. Losing the person you care about the most, changes you... y'know."
"I know the feeling," I say, sadly. I look over at Chole, "I lost my best friend too a month ago, but even if I want her back - I know what's done is done."
Phoenix looked at me, opening his mouth to speak -
"Since I can't have your powers, how about we go partying instead!," Chole shouted, wrapping her one arm around Max and her cigarette in the other.
I perked up, "Party? What party!"
"Chole, you know full well we can't. We promised Joyce you'd turn a new leaf. Partying is the opposite of getting your life together," Max scolded her friend.
Chole pushed off of her, "Haven't I quit smoking?" she objected.
"But, you're smoking right now," Phoenix pointed out. The punk scoffs, as she dropped the cigarette and mashed it out.
"Fine, I'm still smoking a bit. It's.. habit okay," she says, before looking at Max. "However, that doesn't mean we can't have fun! Come on, Max! We've been good gals lately, but a party would be hella cool especially at a beach hut! Nothing too crazy, just go dancing for a bit! Y'know, have some actual fun like we used to."
Max sighed, "Something tells me you're not going to stop until I agree."
Chole only gave a winning smile, causing Max to groan."Fine, but could we take a picture in case something happens? I'm not going to jail again because of you. If something happens, I'll reset here before you get us in trouble."
"Killjoy," Chole huffed. "But, alright. Super Max should save us if anything bad happens. However, if we do something epic, you better tell me!"
"I promise I will," she said, taking off her camera and raising her arm. "Phoenix, Nico, get in the shot!"
"Really?" we say in unison.
We exchange a look at one another, then nodded. "Okay."
Getting in the picture, I stood next to Max and Phoenix stood behind all of us, since he was the tallest. "Everyone say, "Cheese!" Max tells us. Everyone says it and the flash goes off. The light blinds me for a second or two before it went away. Once the camera printed the image onto a card, Max showed it to me. Everyone is happy, but then I noticed the two fingers behind my head. I point it out to Max and she begins to laugh. I chuckle as well -
"Alright, picture taken!," Chole shouted, grabbing Max's hand. "Come on, let's go party!" The women took off heading toward the other side of the beach, where were huts were located.
I turn to Phoenix, "Can we go too?"
"Well…" Phoenix put his hands behind his head.
This was the first time I'd seen Phoenix iffy about anything.
"Please," I begged. "I wanna go too! Besides isn't that fun as well! Or has Brenden taken the fun out of you too?" I gave a small smirk, staring him right in the eyes. He chuckled.
"Using my own words against me, huh?" He gave out a long sigh. "Fine, kiddo. Ya wanna party. Let's party!"
I gasped. Quickly, I ran after Max and Chole -
"Max! Chole! Wait for us!"
~ X ~ X ~ X ~
Arriving at an orange-colored hut, Phoenix, Max, Chole, and I entered the double doors, stepping into a large room, with flashing white and blue lights and everything dimmed down. In the dimness, I could make out many people wearing casual clothes or swimwear, some stood around talking with one another, but most of them were dancing near the DJ. All of them were people I didn't know.
"Holy shit! This is going to be awesome!," Chole exclaimed. Without a second word, she raced into the crowd forgetting about us.
Max gasped, "Wait! Chole!" Her friend was already gone. She sighed deeply, shaking her head.
"She hears what she wants to hear huh?," Phoenix said, crossing his arms.
"Kinda," Max grumbled, then turned to us. "I'm going to go get her before she breaks a guy's nose. But, here's a heads up and please take them with seriousness. I'm not making any of this up."
"What do you mean?," Pheonix asked.
"I just rewound time, because Chole started a brawl with a gang, so I'll make this quick so that doesn't happen again." She looked into the crowd and then to us again. "Phoenix, you need to hide before Kally finds you. Meanwhile, Nico, stay away from the alcohol!"
"Why are you telling us? What happened?," I wondered.
She began to pale. "Trust me, you don't wanna know," she said, then took off. "See you later!"
Phoenix huffed. "Wow, she's -"
"Strange?," I interrupted.
"Yeah - Oh, wow deja vu. I had a feeling you'd say that," he said.
I gasped, "What! Really!"
"Nope!" Phoenix cracked a smile, then ruffled my hair. He began to walk off, into the crowd. "Have fun kiddo!"
Fun? What am I supposed to do at a party like this? I thought. I mean the parties in the past were with my kind, what do I do at a human's convention? I can't drink any alcoholic as Max told me, nor hang around Phoenix. The only people I'm acquainted with are these three. I'm friendless as a hybrid! Oh, what am I going to do!
"Nico!," a familiar shouted.
"Huh?" I turned around only to find myself in someone's chest as they hugged me. Letting go, I found myself soon greeted by a smiling Azula. Instead of her usual clothes, she wore a blue bikini, long lilac skirt with a side bow, and blue sandals. Even without heels, she towered over me. "Welcome, Nico."
"Azula? What are you doing here?," I asked.
"My bestie, Kally and I are the hosts of this glamorous party. It was originally going to be our Halloween Party, but since the storm hit last week and it got rained out, we reschedule it. Might not be Halloween themed, but it's never too late to party!" she exclaimed.
I nod. "I see."
"Meanwhile, why are you by your lonesome? You should be partying!" She grabbed my hand dragging me along, "Come on, party pooper!"
Flying pass everyone, Azula leads me further through the crowd until we ascend onto the stairway. On the second floor, tables had been set up along with a small bar at the edge of the hall. There weren't many people on this floor, but the few here sat at the tables in their little world or drinking.
My eyes forced on the bar. I wonder what the other me did that made Max tell me not to drink any alcohol.
"If you want, you can get something from the bar. It doesn't matter how old you are," She told me.
I shook my head, "I'm good."
"What can't hold yuh liquor?" She teased.
"Maybe," I smirk. "By the way, how old do you have to be to drink alcohol here?"
"Well, I'm 18, however, the drinking age is 19 or older," she replied. "I've drank alcohol since I was younger because my mother taught me when and when not to drink. For example, on certain occasions like New Year and Fashion Week, I could drink with adults. However, now I only drink at parties, doesn't mean I haven't drank today though." She winks.
So, Azula drinks on eventful occasions, while Merry drinks when her emotions are too high. I wonder what a drunk Azula acts like? I thought, thinking back to Merry's drunken behavior. Maybe, she's a happy drunk? I could see her like that.
Stopping at a table, Azula and I stood in front of a group of people - one girl, two guys. "These are my friends. Nico, this is Parker." She pointed to a boy, with ginger hair and a slight beard growing in. He dressed in a plaid jacket, partially open exposing his chest and black trunks. He must've been swimming earlier because his hair was still damp and flat.
Azula pointed to the girl sitting in a chair on the opposite side, "This is Yuri." The girl next to him had long, curly hair, covered by a yellow beanie. She wore a yellow half-hoodie showing off her stomach, black shorts, and black sneakers. She must have been a model or something for Azula because I'd never seen anyone else dressed like her.
Pointing to her last friend next to Parker, Azula introduced him. "And, lastly is Dustin." The boy had shaggy, black-haired and violet-eye. He wore a leather jacket, with a redshirt underneath, a silver necklace with a pendant in the shape of an M (A/N: Mark of Mastery symbol) and ripped jeans. I didn't know exactly what to think about him… But, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn in, unable to escape. Suddenly his eyes laid on me, I felt my heartbeat gain as quickly I averted my eyes.
"This is Nico. Branden's little brother," Azula told them.
"I-It's a pleasure to meet you all," I said, stammering over my words. I couldn't help it with Dustin's eyes on me. Something about him felt familiar…. Like I'd seen him before.
"It's our pleasure," Yuri said, giving a small smile.
"We've never seen you around here before. Where are you from?" Parker asked, yet it felt more like a demand.
"Traverse Town," I answered.
"So why did you come here?" Yuri asked. "No home? Are you lost? Are you a criminal in hiding!" She gasped.
"No. No. NO. I just wanted to come here. I used to adventure around, but I thought it'd be better to settle down," I clarified.
"A nomad… figured as much. You must have a lot of grand stories. Can you tell us one?" Parker asked.
"Yeah! Let's hear it!" Yuri agreed.
Azula sat down right in front of me."This I want to hear," she said.
"Tell us about your adventurous. Give us every juicy detail and don't skip a thing!" Yuri shouted.
"Sorry, but I can't." If I do, my cover will be blown!
"Please," Everyone - minus Dustin - begged.
I stared back at them, expecting them to jump if I said another word. I really shouldn't tell them about my identity, not without exposing Branden and Merry's project. What do I do? If I don't tell them, they'll keep this up and if I do, my secret's out! I gulped.
"Can you guys stop hounding him? The dude isn't your storybook, y' know. If he doesn't want to tell, then he doesn't have to," Dustin said, finally speaking. He didn't need to shout to get the four to quiet down.
"Sorry for all the begging. We shouldn't have forced you to tell us," Parker said. "Whatever the case, it's nice to meet you. I hope you're enjoying Starlight, despite all the recent chaos. I promise you those vermin aren't always around."
I raised an eyebrow, "Vermin?"
"He means the monsters that attacked City Hall," Azula informed me.
I scowled. "I wouldn't call them vermin. Wouldn't it be better just to call them Heartless? They ARE in the same family as them," I argued. Unkindness are like my kind, just newer. They didn't need to be subjugated to any other name besides Heartless.
"That's what they are. I've heard from others who've lost their world, that those things are vicious monsters," Yuri said. "Those Heartless invaded countless worlds, now they attack here next! Why are they so hellbent on taking over our worlds!"
"I wish I knew," I muttered.
We - Heartless - didn't mean to do it, but those of high power like Maleficent and Jade Mafia use us to bring down worlds, but why is all I could ask? The one question that remained unanswered. Even after two months, the stars came back to the night sky, but many were blinking out again. The cycle was restarting and that boy from before, whoever he was, isn't here. Riku is gone as well. Keyblade wielders are fading, with only Oswald, Aqua, and Mickey left. No, only Oswald. Aqua and Mickey are still trapped in the Realm of Darkness. No one, but the Mushroom 13 and the Guardians can protect the Realm of Light and Twilight now. And, even now… things are falling into the White Raven's hands. What are we going to do?
"Yuri! Azula! Come here!" a high pitch girl's voice shouted, breaking me out of thought.
Everyone turned to see a golden-haired girl at the stairway, looking in our direction. She wore a long, blue and green feather dress, with her blond hair curled at the ends. She was completely stunning!
"Duty calls boys," Azula says, getting up from the table.
Yuri sighed deeply, getting to her feet as well. "So much for relaxing. Come on let's see what's gone wrong this time with your royal highness."
Both girls head off in the direction of the girl. Highness? Is she a princess? Maybe like Kairi? Maybe, I should ask -
I turned back to find Dustin, sitting where Azula was, and Parker not there anymore. My heart sped a bit. We were alone.
"So, you're from Traverse Town?" Dustin asked.
I nod. "I lived there ever since my world was taken, however, I have no recollection of which world it is. I suffer from amnesia, remembering only my name."
He frowned. "Lost your memory, huh? I'm sorry to hear that."
He looks sorry, yet his aura holds no pity for me. Why do his emotions and darkness not feel the same? Why does… My eyes widened. His heart is pure darkness... Wait, this scent he's the boy I ran into at City Hall. So… wait, he's a demon!
"I'm not really from around here either. My world fell a long time ago and never came back," He began. "I've always lived in different places, since then, but I love it here the most. No chaos. No thugs. Just freedom to be who you are with very little judgment. However, with the "Heartless" invading life has been eventful."
"I know…." I bowed my head, beginning to sit down. "But, from what I've found out in Traverse Town, Heartless never work alone. Someone's controlling them. They're very dangerous, even more than the Heartless."
"I agree." He begins to get up, stretching his arms. "But, while we're out of harm, let's enjoy it." He extends his hand, "Care to dance, Nico?"
"Huh? S-Sure," I stammered.
Taking his hand, I began to stand back up. Guiding me, we descended the stairs. Step by step, I felt my heart gaining. My hands sweating. This was the first time I'd been nervous about a boy. I had crushes before, yet now that I was a hybrid able to hear my heartbeat just made me all the more frightened that everyone heard it too. Looking around, all I could see was people chatting, dancing, or drinking - not looking at us at all.
Calm down, Nico…. I scolded myself, which helped a bit.
"Last song until we take a little break, dancers," the DJ shouted. "This song goes out to those who struggle in love, but wish to overcome fear."
Slowly, the music begins to play: (A/N: Song is underlined!)
Dustin wraps his hand around my waist, while I placed my hand on his shoulder. We both held each other's right hand. It was the opposite of how Ashley and I danced, but similar to how Roku taught me how to dance for the first time. However, the height difference was very much there! Dustin was a foot or more taller than me, so instead of looking face to face. I was looking upward, and his violet eyes made my heart skip a bit the more he looked at me.
"Would you love me less?"
"If you knew the places that I've been?"
Moving left, then right, we slowly feel in line with each other's movements. My breathing began to return to normal. My nervousness fading a bit like always when I danced.
"If you knew the damage that I did?"
"Would you love me less? No, no, no, no, no, no"
"I got too much dirt to come clean."
"Closet full of skeletons that you don't wanna see."
"Will you judge me? All my ugly?"
I avert my eyes. He'd never like me…
"I won't blame you if you do."
"No lines, don't wanna keep no secrets."
Who I am… what he is…
"Even if what I'ma say will you leave speechless."
"No secrets."
He'd never fall for a Heartless… would he? After everything, my kind has done! I swallowed my guilt, looking into his nonjudgemental eyes.
"If I introduce you to my demons, tell me, baby."
"Would you love me less"
"If you knew the places that I've been?"
"If you knew the damage that I did?"
He let go of my waist, twirling me with his right hand around mine.
"Would you love me less? No, no, no, no, no, no."
"Would you love me less."
Guiding me back, he wrapped his arms around my back, dipping me a little.
"If I had a dollar for my sins?"
He pulls me up, soon we fell back into the position we began in.
"If you knew the beds I've been in?"
"Would you love me less? No, no, no, no, no."
"Quite a dancer. I didn't think you'd be this good," I told him.
"Dancing and fighting are the same. Just dancing is a bit more simpler," Dustin answered.
My throat went dry. "Y-You're a fighter?"
"I've fought since I was a young boy. I used to hunt with my father back in the day," He reminisced. "I used to kill things to survive it's the same every day with the Heartless."
"...but what about people?," I said, sadly. My stomach twisted as I thought of everything I did while under Jade Mafia. All the people I slaughtered.
"If they plan to hurt me, yeah," he said, softly. "Protecting yourself is more important."
Before I could stop myself, my head jerked up. "But, what about people you didn't mean to hurt? B-But did!" My heart ached louder.
"I've never had anything like that." He frowned. "Did you have to go through something like that?"
I looked away, refusing to answer. More so, I didn't want to.
"Would you love me less (love me less)"
"If you knew the places that I've been? (yeah, yeah, yeah)"
"If you knew the damage that I did? (Damage that I did)"
"Would you love me less now? No, no, no, no, no, no"
"(Now, would you love me? Now, would you love me?)"
"Would you love me less? (would you love me less)
"Nico, it's okay to feel guilty for things you didn't mean to do or say. What matters is how you bounce back from all the wrongs," Dustin said, mid-spin.
"What if I can't… What if my wrongs are too high now?," I argued.
The demon pulled me back, holding both my hands. My back hit his chest. "Then, make it right? As long as you have the will to keep going, then who cares about a little lie, steal, or cheat. You can always mend a broken heart or bond," he whispered into my ear. Slowly, he unleashed one of my hands, giving me another twirl. "What matters most is if you're determined enough to do it."
I gasped. He's right…. I shouldn't let my sins rule me or my decisions.
"Or would you love me more?"
"Or would you love me more?"
"If you knew the person that I was, yeah, yeah,"
"If you knew the power of your love to change me,"
"And if I introduce you to my demons, tell me, baby"
He's probably the only one who could understand my pain. See me for more than a monster or a hybrid….
"You won't love me less (love me less)"
Dustin wrapped around my waist, lifting me a bit. I gasped before he set me back down, yet then found myself being rolled up into his arms. Then, spun out, I stepped out my foot just in time to stop myself. I felt a tad, dizzy. Roku had never taught me this, but if he did, I'd probably have wanted him to do it more. (Despite, the slight dizziness.)
"If you knew the places that I've been (if you knew the places, yeah, yeah, yeah)"
I slid my foot over, turning on twirling on my own, into his chest.
"If you knew the damage that I did? (The trouble that I'm in)"
He dipped me down once more, and I let my hand go down as well. Raising, we went back to normal dancing, now moving around in circles.
"Would you love me less? No, no, no, no."
I begin to smile. Maybe, he's the only one who'd see me for me, through what I've done. Could he love me the way I am?
"Now would you love me? No, no, no."
He pulled me closer. I breathed.
"Would you love me less (Would you love me less?)"
Falling into him, I began to feel my heartbeat return to normal.
"If I had a dollar for my sins? (A dollar for my sins, now)"
I wrapped my hands around him.
"If you knew the beds that I've been in?"
"Would you love me? No, no, no, no, no."
"Okay, dancers. That concludes our last song for right now. We'll be back with music in five," the DJ must have said, but I couldn't hear it. All I could hear was his heartbeat, how it sang like a hummingbird, in harmony with my own. Was this what it was like when I was human? Did my heart race and sound this loudly at times, then calm? I wish I could remember -
"Nico?"
I snapped out of my thought, "Y-Yeah?"
"The dance is over. You don't have to cling to me anymore," he told me.
I jolted off of him, beginning to feel a tad embarrassed. "Huh? Oh sorry!"
"No, don't apologize." He laughed. "I could tell you enjoyed dancing. Do you want to have another waltz later perhaps?"
"Y-Yeah, let's," I smile.
He raises my hand, kissing it softly. "Until our next, mon amour." I began to blush, my heart hammering once more. Dustin let go of my hand, then headed into the crowd and within seconds he was gone, leaving me there, heartstruck.
He kissed my hand! He kissed my hand! I know I was overreacting, but I was too far gone to care -
Suddenly, someone jerked me backward, leaving me confused. A hand wrapped around my shoulder, causing me to look back to see Phoenix with an ear to ear smile. The vulpine's eyes sparked with mischief.
"Someones got a crush," Phoenix sung.
"Can you blame me? He's hot!," I blurted out. "I've never seen a demon like him. The way we danced it felt like I was on air."
"Wait! Wait! WAIT! What! Did you just say demon? Oh no, does he know your -"
"No, I didn't tell him," I interrupted.
He sighed completely relieved. "Good, because if he or anybody found out about H.R.P, we'd be questioned and pinned as the ones who created Unkindness. Merry is already wanted, we don't need more people after her."
Wanted? For what?
I opened my mouth to ask -
"Phoenix! Nico! There you are!"
= Chapter End =
Kairi: First chapter of the new year and it ends on a cliffhanger. Really Oblivion!
Me: Sorry, but I had to.
Riku: Are you really surprised Kairi? Besides you already know what happens.
Kairi: Still I'd get annoyed like the readers if I was left hanger like that.
Me: I said I was sorry!
Riku: While they bicker, let's talk about the two new arrivals - Max and Chloe from Life is Strange 1. It's one of Oblivion's favorite games, with the squeal Life is Strange 2 just ending last month. The games are also made by Square Enix. That being said we will not be spoiling the games for those who haven't played/watched it. As -
(Kairi cuts in)
Kairi: As explained in the chapter, Max can rewind time, however, that doesn't mean she can continuously rewind. She has limits on how far back she can travel back in time. And, no, she cannot travel back to the era of Fairy Tales, so please don't think that. She's not a time traveler.
Me: The song used in this chapter is "Love me less" by MAX and Quinn XCII. A few parts were cut or shortened, however, the lyrics are very much theirs. We do not own the song.
Speaking of the song and Nico's thoughts, I want to clear up some confusion. One, Nico still considers himself guilty for not just Ashley's death, but everything to do with his time in Jade Mafia. Second, He thinks no one outside his "kidnappers" can understand him. And, lastly, the song is not chosen only for Nico, but also relates to Dustin who's past you'll find out later.
Riku: What's with you two? You're either fighting or talking over me!
Me (giggles): You better get used to it, because the year has just begun and I'm ready as ever!
Kairi: So, be sure to follow or favorite! It helps show support!
Me: And, have -
Riku: Have an awesome first or second day of January!
Everyone: Later!