Misguided Bodies

Chapter 6

By

Midnight Siren

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A nervous feeling ran up Gwen's spine as she stood holding tightly onto the pole in the bus. The large vehicle bounced along the busy roads with over 50 people in it. The news reports had been getting more frequent about the missing people, and the number kept increasing. 'There have been reports of people disappearing from other cities near the Toyama area…all relatives and friends claiming they were visiting the city of Toyama' the words from the news anchor were still sinking in as she made her way through the city.

~ So many people….aren't they suppose to be showing up again…~ she looked up as she neared her stop. The bus rolled to a stop and she walked forward to the front of the bus along with 5 other people. She smiled kindly to the driver and stepped off the bus.

"Gwen!" she looked over, a surprising smile gracing her lips. Tess came jogging over, clad in jeans and a baggy black shirt. Gwen on the other hand looked completely different. She had on a white lacy tank top and a knee length teal skirt, her hip length leather jacket on over her bare arms.

"Tess, what a surprise. What are you doing here?" she was looking around for any sign of the others and noticed no one was around.

"Oh….I had to get out of the house. Every channel on the TV was about the missing people…" Gwen nodded and looked around frowning.

"The streets seem to be full of it too…" Tess and her exchanged glances, quickly looking down at the ground. Gwen cleared her throat and smiled widely. "I better be off…I have a long walk in store for me." Tess nodded with a half smile.

"Going to a friends?" Gwen nodded and Tess smiled a bit more. "Have fun, see you tonight okay?" Gwen nodded and they parted their separate ways.

Quickly running to catch the crowd of people that were crossing the street she busied herself thinking of reasons why she was showing up. Wanted to go to work together? 'Oh hey looky here! I have my costume too!' she shook her head, laughing at herself. ~ Get real Gwen. ~ entering the more woodsy area she took a deep breath.

"I love it here," she murmured and picked up her pace. Finally she reached a clearing and walked through a small pathway, coming out from the woods she smiled up at Mia's mansion. Walking up to the door she noticed no cars there. "Oh please be home Mia." Knocking she waited patiently. A few mumbles came from behind the door and after a few minutes the door was yanked open. Cye stood at the door, dressed in jeans and a light blue shirt. She smiled and he gave her a blank look. ~ Right you look different at the club dear….ask for Mia. ~

"Can I help you?" he asked, making her want to smile even wider. She shifted a bit before answering.

"Yes, I'm looking for Mia Koji, is she home at the moment?" Cye nodded and took a step back.

"Mia! Someone's at the door!" he walked away, taking Gwen's smile with him. Perking up as she saw Mia peak around the door she waved.

"Oh!! Come in! I'm so sorry, that was rather rude of Cye. You'll have to forgive him…he's wielding a major hang over," Mia laughed nervously and Gwen blushed.

"Oh yeah…sorry," she laughed a long with Mia as she shut the door behind her. "I just came by to see how you were doing. Last I heard from Eveon…" she trailed off as three pairs of eyes looked at her.

"Hello again," Sage said from the love seat. Ryo said nothing but looked away, almost angrily. Rowen gave her a polite wave and she sort of returned it. The nervous stage was kicking in, they wouldn't stop starring at her.

"Uh guys…this is my friend Gwen…I suppose you have already met?" Mia gave them a nice smile, her eyes looking over at Cye. He wasn't even looking remotely in their direction. He had an arm swung over his face as he lay on the sofa.

"Yes, we met last night, when we-"

"Ran into each other at the club," Gwen finished for Rowen, who gave her a questioning look, but she acted like she hadn't seen it. Mia smiled, half way forced and nodded. "Well I just came by to say hi really…I was in the mood for a walk, and I just love the woods out there." Mia grinned as Sage perked up.

"Sage was just about to go for a walk…" Gwen looked wide eyed and in shock. Sage had straightened up, yes Mia was volunteering him.

"Oh no, no that's okay, I really should be on my way," Gwen said trying to think of an excuse, "I saw Tess on the way here, I want to catch her and go to work together."

"Tess I heard the name Tess?" Gwen looked behind her as Kento walked in with a bag from a near fast food restaurant. Gwen nearly gagged at the smell and Mia sensed what she was thinking and laughed.

"We don't eat that healthy around here anymore Gwen," Mia giggled as Gwen took a step away from Kento.

"Um yeah I can tell…" she laughed nervously but then looked at Kento, "yeah, Tess, she's a umm friend and co worker of mine…you know her?"

"I'm not sure, I met a girl named Tess…I think…." He looked puzzled for a moment not able to recall, "last night…well I think her name was Tess…maybe it was Jess? Hmmm," he went and sat down next to Cye and shoved a cheeseburger in his face.

"Kento! You big ape!" he snatched the burger and struggled to sit up.

"Well I'm going to go now…" Gwen said hinting at Mia, who finally gave up. She nodded and walked Gwen back towards the door. Gwen stopped and turned towards her. "Mia…I know you're trying to make amends between your friends and I but….I don't know. Maybe my 'kind' should stay away from them." Mia gave her a puzzled look and Gwen sighed. "I know they don't approve of what you do," Mia frowned this time, "but I wouldn't either if I didn't know what it was like. And I don't want them to feel as if you or myself are forcing the fact that you dance in their face."

"Gwen they need to under-" Gwen held up a hand and shook her head, her curls bouncing around.

"Don't Mia…it's for the best," Gwen turned and left, Mia staying silent as she closed the door behind her. 'it's for the best' her words echoed in her ears. ~ Maybe it is… ~

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Ryo sat outside on the ground, a dizzy feeling had overcome him suddenly. Leaning forward he placed his head in his hands, trying to regain control. A headache was forming in the front of his head, making him shake with pain. Suddenly a vision flashed before him.

( Mia was dancing wildly to music, her hair flying around as she swung her head about. She wasn't on a platform this time, she was dancing with the crowd. Ryo stood off to the side talking with Nova once again so he didn't notice a man approach Mia. The guy grabbed her arm, pulling her away grinning devilishly. Mia tried to pull free but he was to strong….)

"Ah, Mia," Ryo muttered looking up as a cold wind blew past him. ~ something isn't right….Mia I know you're in danger… ~

"Ryo?" he turned his head to fast and his vision blurred, but it was still good enough to make out the fiery red hair he loved so much. "Ryo…are you okay?"

"Mia I…" he tried to stand up but started to fall over. His whole body ached and he had no idea why.

"Ryo!" she fell to her knees beside him, catching him against her as he went to fall forward on his knees. Ryo pushed back a bit looking into her dazzling green eyes, there was only worry and concern. ~ How can she still have that look after how I acted last night? ~ "Ryo, Ryo what's wrong?" He tried to speak, but the pain in his head was to much. Closing his eyes he rested against Mia, settling for a groan for his reply. "Guys! Come quick, it's Ryo!"

"Mia? What the…" Sage and Kento came running out, kneeling besides them. Sage gently pushed Ryo back a bit to get a good look at him. He was sweaty and looked pale.

"What happened Mia?" Kento asked helping Sage pull Ryo to his feet. He had gone unconscious but he was still tense. Mia's eyes were clouded with tears as she trembled. Shaking her head she looked up at Kento.

"I don't know. I came out here and I found him sitting on the floor, he tried to get up when I asked what was wrong, that's when he went to fall….I-I-I don't know Kento," a tear slipped down her cheek. Surprisingly she swiped it away quickly. She had never cried about Ryo getting hurt or any of them for that fact during the Dynasty wars, that was usually Yulie's job. ~ Get a grip Mia, he always pulls through doesn't he? ~

"Come on Kento, lets get him inside," Sage gave Mia a look before leaving, one that didn't leave a good feeling inside her. Mia watched helplessly as they carried Ryo into the house, leaving her there alone and scared.

"Oh Ryo, please be okay," Mia whispered clasping her hands together.

' Ah, Mia' his voice echoed loudly in her ears. ~ why was he saying my name? He didn't even know I was there until I called him…. ~ Mia's thoughts fluttered around inside. From silly to wildly outrageous stories filled her mind, some gory and others simply not possible. They sent her to her knees shaking. Hunching over she started to cry, tears flowing freely as she thought more and more about what it used to be like with Ryo. The way he used to look at her, made her feel so safe and warm…it was almost the same soul searching look he had given her a minute ago. ~ please Ryo…I don't know what happened out here….but you have to pull through it…I couldn't handle being with out you ~

She sat straight up as a cold breath blew on her neck. Looking around she found herself alone, deserted from the rest of the world. A wind blew around her, sending her hair flying. Twisting around she looked everywhere, she didn't feel alone now, not like she had a few minutes ago. ~ who's there? ~

"Mia….." her name was whispered into the wind, carrying around her faintly, chilling her to the bone. Struggling some she got to her feet, jogging back to the house. She looked back out before she entered the house, her lips quivering. ~ Go away Dynasty, leave them alone for once. ~

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Rowen was in his room, laying on his stomach reading. It had become boring during the day now. It seemed as if they all had no life but clubbing and drinking, which really wasn't much of a life anyway. Besides, that life they were living was now hurting someone they all cared about so deeply…Mia. Rolling over he looked up at the ceiling, he hadn't been able to sleep that night. He had heard Kento come in and check, but hadn't said anything. He didn't want to alarm the large Ronin thinking they were up for the same reason.

"No…I was up because of you Mia," Rowen mumbled to himself. She had started to worry him lately. The once shy, smart and affectionate Mia he once knew seemed to be blossoming, into something that wouldn't have a good outcome in the end. The people she had started to become friends with seemed like bad influences, yeah Gwen had seemed nice but she was a dancer…and a paid one at that. Mia's clothes had changed from being baggy to being a little tighter. She also was dressing younger now, well not really. She had been dressing older before, now she looked more her age. ~ It just doesn't fit you Mia ~

"Ro," he looked over at Sage, his face showing worry and distress. He got up, his eyes meeting Sage's visible one.

"What happened?" Sage just left, causing Rowen to follow him. They were in Ryo's room now, Rowen's eyes widened. Ryo was pale and sweaty, he was twitching every so often. "Do you think it's a seizure?" Sage shook his head, frowning deeper.

"I tried to heal him, nothing seems to work though," Sage's voice was shaky and filled with concern for their leader and then his face hardened. "Those disappearances…they are because of the Dynasty aren't they Rowen?" Rowen was taken off guard. The thought had crossed his mind but he didn't think it was true, but seeing Ryo now…it just seemed more possible.

"I don't know Sage…it's a possibility," they both looked back as Mia appeared in the doorway. It had been a half hour since she had called for them and she had already taken a shower waiting to be let in.

"Mia…now's not a good time," she looked at Sage half angrily. Sage almost smiled inwardly, she looked much younger wrapped up in a pink fuzzy robe and her wet hair combed back.

"Sage, everything that happens around here is never at a good time, please I need to…" Rowen stopped Sage from protesting and dragged him out of the door. Mia gently shut the door behind them, resting her forehead against it for a minute. Turning she looked at Ryo, he looked deathly sick and she felt helpless to do anything.

Walking over to his bed, she just stood there for a moment. She felt so uncomfortable in his room, she usually never came in their unless he was hurt or sick and none of the guys were willing to help. Taking a shaky breath she sat on the edge of his bed, taking one of his hands in hers. ~ His hand is so warm ~ she thought holding it between the both of hers. Tensing as he twitched again she fought the urge to just wrap him in her warms and hold him. Hold him and shield him from everything hurtful in the world. No matter how much she tried to shove the feelings away, she would always want to protect him and make everything a little less painful for him.

"Oh Ryo…" Mia whispered brushing hair away from his face. Resting her hand on his cheek she smiled down at him, no matter what he always looked innocent while he slept. Her eyes scanned his face over and over again, trying to memorize everything again…but then again she hadn't forgotten it at all. She had gotten so lost in thought it startled her when she felt his hand over hers. His eyes struggled to open but when they did they were as intense as ever.

"Mia…" he choked out, looking up into her greens. "You…you're in…d-d-d-"

"Shh Ryo," she hushed him, stroking his hair back like a mother did to her son. "Everything is going to be fine trust me, I'm here and safe, that's all that matters right now." Ryo tried to shake his head but groaned in pain. Mia's eyes instantly clouded over with worry. "Rest Ryo, that's what you need."

"M-"

"No, don't," she gave him her motherly look, causing one side of his mouth to curve a bit up into a lopsided smile. "Just rest," he nodded, closing his eyes again. Still stroking his hair she waited a while before she left, making sure he was asleep once more before she got up. ~ There is no danger Ryo…I won't let there be…things are to good to end now, it just won't happen ~ she looked up as Sage entered the room, nodded she left and went downstairs.

"Mia," she looked around, nobody was around. Chills ran up her spine, the voice wasn't tender or whispery anymore. It sounded mad and enraged. ~ Just leave who ever you are, you can't and won't hurt us anymore ~

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Sitting on her balcony Casside watched as the sun started to fall from the sky, plunging down into the horizon of trees. It was already 8:14 at night, meaning it was almost time for work…for more pain. She sighed and closed her eyes, by the time she had opened them the sun was almost gone. The slightest sliver of light peeked out from behind the line of trees, but soon faded away.

Ring Ring

She reached for her phone that was at her feet and clicked it on. Pressing it to her ear she frowned at the sound of techno music in the background.

"Hello?" she didn't have to ask who it was, she already knew. It was Johovan claiming to be losing business without her there, to come in early.

"Casside! Dear, I need an extra girl, I'm losing business down here, there's not enough girls in the Space Bar," Casside held back her irritated sigh and closed her eyes once more.

"I can't come until my shift, I'm not even a third ready, you'll just have to wait, sorry," without waiting for a reply she hung up the phone. Looking down at her costume she stifled a scream at she smothered a pillow over her face. Throwing it out and over her balcony she stood up, she needed to get away from here, it was to close to the club. Looking over at her keys and long brown jacket she decided it was time to leave. Grabbing her belongings she tugged the jacket on and over her costume, hiding everything under it's bagginess, minus half of her white boots.

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Casside looked up at the big doors of the Koji Mansion. She didn't really want to be here…because of the guys that she lived with. She had heard from Eveon that things hadn't gone to well last night. Letting out a soft sigh she knocked three times on the door then waited patiently. The door was pulled open by a distraught looking blue haired guy. His midnight blue eyes widened but returned to normal.

"Can I help you?"

"I was looking for Mia," Casside gave a faint smile, he nodded and disappeared for a moment. ~ He looks familiar ~ she thought bouncing a bit. For some reason it had been getting colder and it was still half way through summer. She looked up as Mia appeared in the doorway. "Hey Mia,"

"Casside…what are you doing here?" a smile graced her lips, which looked grim when she came to the door.

"I just wanted to come by, say hi before I went to work…is everything okay?" Mia hesitated, which gave Casside her answer right there but Mia forced a smile and nodded.

"Yeah, everything is fine!" Casside frowned and shook her head but didn't push Mia. "Do you want to come in?"

"uh…no that's okay. I have a feeling something personal is going on in there…wouldn't wanna intrude," Mia nodded looking down at her hands. Casside rested a hand on her shoulder and smiled, "Hope things get better, I have to go, bye Mia."

"Bye Cass," she walked away, holding her coat tightly around her. She looked up at the sky and smiled. The fake solar system in the Space Bar was nothing compared to the real thing….no matter how hard Johovan and his sister's tried…they couldn't trap the real beauty.

"You can't trap something so real and innocent," she mumbled resting her back against the car door. Sighing she yanked open the door and got into her car. ~ back to work ~

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Eveon was up on top of the lit up table, her body moving wildly as the music blared in the Light Cavern. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, it was now stick straight and shining in the bright lights. The butterflies were fluttering about, the steam rising around her. Her black cat suit hugged her every curve, the vibrant green vines that wrapped around her arms, abdomen and legs made her look exotic.

A young man with sandy blonde hair had been watching her all night, a devilish smile plastered across his face. His round brown eyes was taking in her every move, thoughts of them together twisting around in his mind. It was already 10:30 that night, time was wasting. Getting up he walked up towards her table, stopping right in front of her. Her movements slowed as she looked down at him, not saying a word.

"Are you free for some fun miss?" she glanced at her partner and they nodded. Eveon stepped down, slowly smiling. The guy started to lead her towards the stairs, holding her hairs in his own. The bouncer stopped them, but allowed them entrance when he saw Eveon.

"Careful," he whispered as they both past him, walking up the stone steps he started to pull her harder. ~ watch it buddy ~ she growled to herself as they went into one of the nearest rooms. He pulled her into the room and shut the door, hearing the click Eveon knew there was no turning back this time, not like there was any other time. The guy seemed eager as he jumped onto the bed, settling himself on his back. Eveon went over, grabbing her ropes and tying his arms to the bed. "Ohhh kinky, I like it," he laughed as she went and stood on the other side of the room. "What the…"

The bed beneath him started to glow a bright prism color, turning into a water bed feeling. He started to scream as he began to sink into the bed, his voice was muffled by the wind that had picked up in the room until he was completely gone. The bed returned to normal and with one bright flash everything was cleaned.

"Good job," a voice echoed in the empty room causing shivers to run up Eveon's spine. She turned her head and left the room to hide her tears from who ever was watching her.

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Tess was siting in one of the rooms, watching as the bright blinding light sucked in a screaming 20-year-old boy. His father was off with Angie…her dance partner, both suffering the same fate. Her eyes closed as the final flash took place. When she opened the back up she was starring at an empty bed that didn't look touched. Her brown waves were resting over her shoulders, falling into her silk covered lap. She tightened her yellow robe trying to push away the guilt she was suddenly feeling.

~ Stop it Tess! There's nothing wrong with this…they said they would release them after they were done… ~ she still didn't feel convinced, she never did. No matter how reassuring her motives sounded there was always something wrong.

"Because it is wrong," she whispered looking away from the bed. Wishing the chair would suddenly get the power and swallow her along with her victims, she sank back further. A nauseous feeling was over coming her, making her wish things were back to normal. Back to the way they used to be. "Before I met Kento and Mia. I never ever felt this way before until Mia came to the club…she doesn't have a clue…"

"Tess….good job…go back to the club," she nodded as the voice whispered through the room, causing a cold wind to blow in the windowless room. Standing up she walked towards the door. Taking one last disgusted look at the bed she left.