Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Flint: The Time Detective or the captivating heavy metal song/ballad by Helloween called "If I could Fly." It is mostly focused on the lines "If I could…." representing Haruka's pain of being without freedom fully in his life. He's astrologically a free spirit, a Sagittarius (like me). Corey is a Scorpio, jealousy, and Miette is a Cancer, love. Those were hints. REVIEW! Oh yeah, and while write the next chapter, go and read Shadow Venom and Tenshi and Seth or whatever. I hope you'll enjoy them while you wait.
Author's Note: The reason Haruka is a guy is cause most fics I see for Merlock and Sara have daughters, as it seems to be popular with most Escaflowne, Slayers, Sailor Moon, and a few others. I've got nothing against these fics, most of them are pretty damn good, but I feel daughters are overused in fics. The boys don't get enough chances at life, so mostly in my series, boys are used. That and I could not find the name Haruka having any specific gender attached to it, only Sailor Uranus in Japan seemed to have it, and she dressed like guy. I feel it fits either gender.
Chapter 2
Beauty is Sin Deep
~ The World of Novas ~
- Dungeon -
Sara Holmes felt dizzy and weak, as she had been for so many years since Sapphron kidnapped the Holmes family. She didn't speak much anymore, her voice tired and overworked from screaming so often. She held no pity for herself, only fir her husband and suffering child. Haruka was so torn apart inside, blaming himself for their troubles, for the beatings and torture. Haruka was being mentally ruined, if it hadn't already gone too far. Haruka was a headstrong youth, his childhood halted by a jealous old classmate of mother's and a horrible and greedy ruler.
Her boy had barely begun to live and his childhood was wiped out in seconds of blood and screams. It was like Merlock's father's old rage against humans was coming through at full force through this terror, never knowing when they'd be separated again, which knife would cut first, and if the screaming started, they'd pray to the gods it wasn't their poor boy.
No fear, no pain,Nobody left to blame….
I'll try alone,
Make destiny my own!
She thanked the gods Luna Master needed Haruka to be pure and chaste for her plan, or she feared him being thrown for far worse torture of his shattered mind. He'd never stop stealing now, it was beaten hard into him to perfect his skill of thievery. It broke her heart to know Flint and the next generation of Time Detectives would be hunting her boy down, but he had no choice unless she or Merlock could get the strength to escape.
'Without proper feeding….we won't be able to break a sweat let along these bars.' She thought, stroking her husband's pale brow. They were slowly starving to death in here, only given slabs of meat and leftovers from Luna Master's lavish meals. Enough so they would stay alive, but not enough to gain more than that. Merlock looked as terrible as she did, split ends and lips, wounds that were making scars without proper feedings to repair it, bruises, and their clothes were nothing more than dirty rags.
She was glad Haruka was attended to, that he was healthy and clean, and wasn't yet attracted to blood. He would be, he was sixteen and getting closer to the time he'd need blood to stay alive. There was more vampire blood in him than in them, he needed that cloak to keep from overheating during the day. The sun seemed to be his only problem, of pain, but he was probably going to show more abilities closer to that of his grandfather.
Neither she nor Merlock really had any idea what powers their son would gain, only that his need for blood would be more….insistent, and if Luna Master got what she wanted, he might become an unstoppable servant to her. All that mattered was their son's safety, praying each day he wasn't made to hurt someone for their sake.
The door to their dark room opened with a loud metal whine, and she forced her tired head up to see who it was this time.
"Haruka….cough…."she let out weakly as her beautiful boy came in, rushing to the cage that held them quickly. He reached in, gripping her free hand tightly. "Mother, are you al right?" he asked, those darling red eyes of his so worried and scared. She gave a weak smile and nodded, gripping back as best she could. "As well as can be expected, baby. Don't worry so much….are you doing well?" she asked trying to be positive. He frowned a little, nodding partially.
"I stole Aries for her. She'll stop with holding food from you two now," he said softly, letting go of her hand and pulling out some bread he'd hidden in his cloak. "Its all I could get for now, Mother, please eat it quickly with Father before her airhead of that….asshole Sapphron come to check on you." he added quietly.
He said it pleadingly, but Sappron's name always became associated with foul language. She slapped his hand, and all he did was look startled at her. "Well he is." Haruka countered angrily. That was another problem, their son was not only stronger due to his purer blood but he'd been trained to harm people. Luna Master did it by giving him an awful temper towards his opponents. It was terrible, to see a child forced into such anger by men bigger than him that he'd tear them apart. It was just unsettling, so much she hid the bread in Merlock's cloak, her appetite gone.
Haruka rolled his eyes a bit with heavy sigh, and patted his mother's hand. "I'll be leaving the World of Novas today, Mother. I came to say good-bye for now to you both." He said crisply.
Her heart went out to him for freedom, even if it was only to steal more stones for that greedy bitch. "The Time Detective's are probably going to follow me, one of them saw me at the museum job." He added, making Sara mentally freeze.
"Don't hurt them, Haruka please don't." she told him, pleading as possible. He only shrugged. "You're more important to me alive than the cops are. I might have to hurt them to get away….but, I won't kill them….Mother. I know Uncle Flint will be with them *sigh*. He'll prevent me from being made to do anything too violent, but I have to get those stones or she'll hurt you two again," he said, blushing a bit at a private thought," I hope he will."
I learn to free my mind!Myself I now must find,
Once more, once more!
Sara eyed the blushing, almost smirking. 'A girl, there's a girl in the Time Force he likes, that's probably who saw him. Just like his father, love at first sight.' She thought with a smile. He looked at her oddly, seeing it. She just nodded to him. "Then you take care of yourself and get done as soon as you can. Don't worry about us….just, do what you must and try not to hurt anyone too badly." She coaxed out, not willing to embarrass him about his hormones.
He smiled and hugged her warmly through the bars, pecking her cheek. "I love you, Mother. Take care of Father while I'm gone, I'll come back soon, then we can all go home….and be safe again." He whispered, then started out.
"HARUUUUKIIII!! Time to put on your pretty dressy!" Sara heard Ruby's loud voice shout through the halls. Haruka sweated and hunched over with a groan. "Dumb airhead….why does she even know how to breathe?" he mumbled.
When he was gone, Sara would normally be laughing at what just she heard, but with the circumstances, who had the right anymore? He son was being tortured still and she and Merlock were powerless against it.
~ Ruby's Chambers ~
"Hold still, you're gonna wrinkle it." Ruby chirped, sewing the final part of the lavender hem.
"And that would be bad how? Ow! Watch it with the damn needle!" Haruka groaned. This was beyond degrading, it was bad enough he was stealing big time treasure, but now he had to do it in a dress. The World of Beauty was composed only of females, beautiful ones. He was as naturally beautiful as his father, minus those swooping, skinny curled bangs.
He once looked like his father really, exactly like him when Haruka was still a child, only his hair was a touch longer in certain areas. It made almost classic mystical curls, one long past his shin on the right side and a short one halfway down his cheek. He had the face of an angel his mother had always said, but the hair of an animated magician*.
He simply liked to differ from his father's style a little. He didn't need to be mistaken for him, and he thought the wavy bang curls of his lavender hair was attractive, as he grew older. He wondered what that young lady would think or do if she ever saw his face. Sure, he looked more like his dad as a little kid, but his face was a bit thinner, cheekbones a bit higher, he almost felt like the magician his mother meant sometimes. 'I can do magic….I guess that's close enough. Now all I need is a fancy tuxedo with tails and a top hat. I already have Dad's wand.' He thought jokingly, yelping again when Ruby stuck him.
If I could fly,Like the king of the sky,
Could not tumble nor fall,
I would picture it all!
If I could fly,
See the world through my eyes,
Would not stumble nor fail,
To the heavens I sail!
Brought back to reality, he frown at Ruby who had finally fixed the dress around to his slender size. He had an undershirt and his boxers on under it, and his sword and belt, he felt naked without them. Right now he wanted to laugh. It was one of the little bimbo's dresses, before, as she said, 'I lost the weight.' He doubted Ruby was ever pretty before she met Luna Master or that Sapphron was very special, she was using them all, and only he saw it. They were just little helpful roaches to her, she'd be the one with the power and he with the key, something she could not use of her lack of power to handle it and virginity.
He screwed his face up as Sapphron whistled at him, Ruby stuffing leather water sacks in the chest area, before pulling the sleeves on him and buttoning the dress up in the back. He felt like a woman, and that's not what he wanted to feel ever. "Looking good, baby….you'll make some fruitcake happy." Sapphron taunted.
Haruka glared daggers at him, then Ruby. "Why don't you just chop my nuts off while you're at it? Not like I'll ever be MADE to live this down….ack!" Haruka yelped at Ruby slapped facial make-up on his light blue skin. It felt like freezing slime, rubbed all over his face and neck to hide his skin color. He felt long gloves being slipped up his arms, to hide that skin. It took Ruby all of a half-hour to wipe out his true color, and he hated it. A dress and now makeup….it just got worse, he was convinced. Next thing he knew, Sapphron would probably hit on him.
Ruby did his face, eye shadow and waxy soft lipstick and blush before she was satisfied. Then he was shoved in front a mirror, the fancy high heels being shoed on as he stare at himself. "See, you're a queen! Aren't you pretty?" she chirped, hugging him a bit too hard. He held no joy in his features, his eyes slashing towards her angrily. "I look like a pretty drag queen, you dumb ass. Gah!" he said tersely, then felt something shoved on his head. His eyes opened again to see a Goldilock's-type lavender wig on his head. "Now you're fine, honey….-chuckle-" Sapphron laughed, giving Haruka's rear end a good tender slap.
'I really want to break his neck now….the jack ass, at least this wig isn't huge and towering, just like Goldilock's curls. Just one job, just one world that has just all girls…..just one world.' he repeated in his head, staring out of the room to get his other clothes and needs for this trip, and get as far from these two idiots as possible.
"Bring back my dress, Haruki….-giggle-I wanna wear it on my next date with Sapphy!" she called sweetly.
"All ten seconds of it, huh?" he shot back, making Sapphron's faced redden with rage. "I'm not doing anything for you two, I only answer to Luna Master. Hey Ruby, why don't you just get on all fours already and let Sappy fuck you like the dog you are, you're an open legs policy porker!" he snapped," And its Haruka, you moron!"
He smiled when he heard Ruby cry and Sapphron yelling at his back and trying to calm Ruby's noise down. "Least I don't have to ever be nice to them, ick….this dress makes me so slow." He grumbled, going to his room to prepare for his leave.
~ Throne Room ~
- One Hour Later -
Luna Master stared at her pair of underlings, Ruby still sniffling and Sapphron looking ready to strangle anything and anyone at any moment. She sighed, good, stupid help was so hard to find these days, but they were the dumbest and most gullible she'd met. To hear Haruka had yet again insulted them was no real cause for alarm, it was rather amusing to hear how evil his tongue had become with her unfeeling training.
"Stop simpering and sniffing like a sick dog, Ruby. I have a job for you two. Several of them." She commanded, and all noise stopped.
Sapphron seemed to focus again, standing at attention. What is it, my master?"
"Now that the Time Police are involved, Haruka's thefts won't go unnoticed. They are probably tailing him to the World of Beauty as we speak. They probably pinpointed that he entered that zone with their precious machines, but I know Haruka. As temperamental and angry as he gets, he wouldn't kill anything to save anyone, not if they were close with his family."
"So what do you suggest, my lady?" he asked. She grinned. "Follow Haruka to the next world, the World of Creativity. I know he'll get through Beauty without fail….once he arrives, guard his back, report anything out of the ordinary to me about him or the Time Police. If the cops get in the way….exterminate them. Is that….satisfactory to your grievances?" she smoothed out dangerously.
Sapphron grinned and grabbed Ruby's arm in an instant. "Yes, my master. It will be done….with pleasure." He let out before dragging the startled red-head out of the throne room.
She grinned as the chamber door shut with a boom, and rubbed her soft thigh with anticipation. "That's one way to get rid of the help. Soon, it will be just me and dear Haruka….ruling creation itself. Yes, Sapphron, let your jealousy destroy you both, I have no more need for either of you now that he's getting the stones….enjoy revenge, while it lasts, fools" she chuckled softly, then it became a wild cackle. That only echoed endlessly within the room.
~ The World of Beauty ~
As the Time Tunnel released the detective, they all had to cling on for dear life. The cycle was still the same as always, just upgraded like Merlock's old Time Cycle to reach other worlds. Beauty was the one he accidentally landed in so many years ago, nearly kept there by adoring women that he had no interest in. Flint knew to be on his guard and warned Corey about it. The World of Beauty contained mainly women, all beautiful and all craving rare male beauty, so the stories went.
He was eager to see these women. He was still looking for a girlfriend, but none seemed to be interested in anything but dull shopping and beauticians. Maybe looking for dates in beauty parlors wasn't very smart, but he knew women were there. He'd switch up eventually, but now wasn't the time to think about girls particularly, just whatever Zodiac stone was here.
There were many golden palaces here, though male beauty was rare here and hidden, most of them very young and others sent away to other world to continue beauty elsewhere. The women stayed, eternal parties in their palaces of beauty and grace and dignity. Merlock rarely talked about it, only saying none were as perfect as his beloved Sara, which was what Merlock always said, even now. Flint missed it a little.
"We'll be there in a moment to meet the queen of the palace and her ladies in waiting. This is where the flux in the Time Tunnel came from. The thief must be here."
Corey nodded stiffly. "Then we teach the creep a lesson and kick his butt…eh, I mean, arrest his ass." Corey let out.
Flint blinked at him, and sighed. Corey was annoyed the thief had thrown Miette and then given her that rose. Corey had a think about flirts, they made him feel the woman was being used and degraded, and the fact that it was Miette angered him all the more. Corey and the thief would probably not get along, whoever he was, if Miette was in the middle. 'Maybe he'll meet a girl down there who doesn't want to simply be friends….or this'll just get harder.' He thought.
The time cycle went on down to the castle of gold, the sounds of crystalline laughter and clinking of glasses filling his ears. This was called the Golden Heaven, one of many beautiful cities in this world of perfection. He hoped they would aid them in finding the culprit, then maybe feed them. 'I should'a eaten something before I left. I hope they have lots of good food….me and my stomach mood swings.' He thought harshly.
He brought the cycle down, some elegant horses coming into their sight. They were being led to a very fancy stable made of ivory and marble. Flint was a little surprised that even horses got special treatment and were made beautiful as well. He reached the ground, hovering a foot or so above it to come up alongside a very stately looking horse and its lady.
"Excuse me, Miss, but can we park our uh….steed cycle in your stables. We have to see your queen about an urgent matter." He told her, not seeing how bubbly eyed she looked. All he heard was his sleeping father snore on his back loudly. It didn't seem to alarm her, she just went on smiling
"Oh yes, handsome young men. Follow me, please." She purred out, fanning herself with her hand. She was dressed a bit too elegantly for her job, wearing a nice taffeta red dress and perfectly long wavy hair, almost like a princess. Flint said nothing about it, simply thrilled they could see the queen so soon. He followed her and her steed along to the stables, feeling very good about their chances.
~ Golden Heaven Ballroom ~
Flint and Corey were in goddess heaven as they walked through the sea of beauty to see the queen. Her throne was right in her ballroom, where they were currently having yet another party. Every single lady was dressed like royalty, perfect to the last detail. Miette found it a bit strange, but boys would be boys in such surroundings, they couldn't very well be girls. Her eyes flitted around the room, the many colors of eyes, hair, and dresses dancing by her.
Most were just simply standing there looking pretty and talking intelligently. There was a lovely and large fountain, a lovely white marble angel in its center. Her wings were gold and dripped crystal clear water into the knee-deep fountain. It was a lovely and large centerpiece for the golden and white room. Miette found it like a shrine to angels, beauty and wealth. Occasionally, a giggle was heard and a whisper, life being one big social event here in maintaining all aspects of beauty, the grace and beauty of life, freedoms, and objects, be they tangible or not. None approached them as of yet as the trio walked to the queen, but all eyes were on them after a while, all curious and enthralled with newcomers.
The queen watched them with light blue eyes, her dress to match and highlight the color of her eyes, her hair done up in its golden tresses like an 18th century noble. She had a cane, quite elegantly tipped with a heart and all made of gold and diamonds. She was staring deeply at the boys. Miette wanted to sigh, but held it back. They had a mission to perform, not socializing.
The queen smiled as they all stopped to stand before her. "Greetings, beautiful strangers. We are Queen Venusia, the mistress of the Golden Heaven castle. Our horse groomer tells us that you have an urgent matter to discuss with us on this joyous occasion." She said in her noble and sweet tone. Flint blushed a bit, so did Corey. Miette had to admit the woman was simply gorgeous, but as she knew already, this was a matter of time and space, not socializing.
"My Queen, we are here to protect something from a thief. He has stolen what is known as a Zodiac stone, and we tracked him to coming to this very palace. He may be after a similar stone in your castle, if you please." Miette let out, seeing Flint and Corey were too tongue-tied by all the beauty to say much of anything but "guh!"
The queen sniffed a bit at her, then her face fell slightly. "A Zodiac stone, you say? Would it have a zodiac symbol inside that glows on the dark on its own?" she asked, curious.
"Why yes, it had the symbol of Aries inside it, and yes, it did glow without help in the dark." Miette replied. The queen nodded a bit, then clapped her hands. A few ladies came past them, and were whispered to. They nodded and toddled off. "We were told that the stone we were given long, long ago was very important to time and space, and were to guard it with our very life. If evil is after it, we will relinquish it to those who serve the Old Timer from the Land of Time. But…." She said, still regal as ever.
Miette frowned. "But what?"
The queen smiled at Flint and Corey, who pinked substantially. "We insist you stay for our birthday celebration. The stone will be given to you prior, so you shall not worry or fret. We trust that you will enjoy yourselves until you must leave. The thief will have to leave and you can locate him with ease with the stone. Is that suitable, little girl?" the queen said, her tone a bit icy.
'Is she trying to pick a cat fight with me? Please….' She thought dryly, still frowning. "Fine, but only after we have the stone safely in our grasp."
"Then it is done, ah, and here comes out pride and joy. The stone of the virgin, Virgo. Hurry ladies, the sooner we give it to them, the sooner you all get to dance with the handsome young men."
Squeals and giggles echoed through the room. Miette felt a bit sick by the display, the only reason they were probably giving it up was to dance with the guys. It felt a bit degrading and waste of time. 'Yeah, and you have no one to dance with. Well my mystery man, I haven't even seen you face and I'd like to dance with you. Well, if you're here, you'll probably bolt when you see we have it. Besides, you're a guy, they'll be all over you for a dance before we could reach you.' She thought vainly.
She watched, still frowning at the hungry looks on every females' face as Flint was given the sapphire blue stone with the white symbol of Virgo within. No sooner had he pocketed it, a brunette with flowing curls grabbed him up and blonde yanked Corey off into the crowd. Ballroom music started, and the birthday party started up anew, leaving Miette to only watch. 'This is fun….not. At least I'm the only one not enjoying myself, Corey needs to find other girls of interest….well, from our world, this might give him some variety.' She thought with a heavy sigh.
She lowered her head, seeing someone in a lavender dress pass her by and a white glove slide past her hand. She looked up to see a tall lavender haired woman had been the one to pass her. 'My, she's lovely….must be one of those strong beauty's judging from her build….ah well, probably itching for a dance with the guys, like all these other repressed women. Boring.' She thought, waiting the party out again.
~
'Damn….stupid dress….slowly me the hell down. Now how am I going to get the Virgo stone? I'll have to fight Flint….if I fight him, I might kill him and hurt my parents' hearts. Damn Ruby, damn cross-dressing plans. Damn itchy crap. Why'd I agree only to wear my boxers under this junk?' he thought, keeping the fan moving so it obscured his eye color. He could see Flint and that boy dancing with a few young ladies off an on, being tossed around from arm to arm the dance. The music here was good at least, just the company was pushy.
These women were to man starved and eager for men of any type. They were all over Flint like cheap suits, pulling him from partner to partner. Flint looked very flustered, unhappy with the girls only grabbing at him cause he was available. He hated people like that, they reminded him of Ruby, who'd cheat in heartbeat on Sapphron if the blue-gray haired jack ass seemed to be unfaithful. Those were users and trollops. Even if the world of beauty, it was offensive to see men be fought over, then ignored after they got a quick feel.
So here I am,In solitude I stand….
I've got dreams inside,
I need to realize….
He frowned, debating on which one held the stone. He looked to the boy as he passed him by. The poor teenager was smiling for the first few minutes until he found out he was being shared at random. Haruka kept going, the pendant beneath the dress not reacting to him. 'Great, I have to beat Flint up after all….this is ridiculous.' He thought, moving forward.
He felt his body jerk, an arm looped about him- her turned with angry eyes, then they faltered, and he moved the fan a little higher, fanning himself rapidly. It was that boy. The jig was up, he knew it, the kid has seen his eyes and was going to arrest him, well try, and force Haruka to hurt him. He braced for it, ready to start fighting until the boy smiled at him shyly. 'What the hell?' he thought.
"Think I can steal you for a dance….I saw you pass me by, and I see you're not into this rag doll toss the others are." He said, and all eyes were on them. 'Dammit, now everyone is staring.' He thought, and faked a titter, raising his voice highly.
"Oh no, not me….tee, hee, I like my suitors nice and pretty and kind. I don't' share. Sure….let's dance." He said, gagging mentally. Haruka had no choice at the moment, it was either get stared at by everyone and not be able to make a move, or go with the flow. He held back an urge to heave as the young man started to dance with him, trying to keep the fan up and flipping.
He kept himself leaned back, trying to dance them near Flint. It was working, but in a slight look back, he frowned behind his fan. Flint was drooling at him by the fountain in another young lady's arms. 'I'll get you for this Ruby, your ass and my wand have an appointment, the flaming end.' He thought harshly. Then the boy pulled him close suddenly. Haruka looked back at him, just over the rim, seeing a soft smile on his face. "My, what a good dancer you are, but why so rough so suddenly?" he asked high pitched.
"I'm trying to show this girl I like….that I'm a good dancer, that I'm trying to find other interests. The girl we came in with, Miette. She just wants to be friends and all. My name's Corey by the way, pretty lady." He stuttered shyly.
'Oh lord, he's hitting on me. Eh, he tries to court me, he might find we have something in common in our pants.' he thought, stilling back the dance towards Flint, seeing the girl Miette out of the corner of his eye. She was radiant, he couldn't believe it'd taken him so long to see his lovely mermaid. 'Well, this means no competition, I hope. He's not going to be happy to find out I'm not some cute girl….like I planned it this way. Ah, Miette, what a beautiful name, my precious emerald dream….ah, she's even more lovely bored than surprised. Oh, so many emotions of you I wish to see, dearest Miette. Oh, I pray I can soon be free and woo you properly….oh, I sound like Dad now….ah who cares, she's a sea-borne maiden of bliss!' he mused happily.
My faith has grown,No fear of the unknown,
No more, no more!
He was grinning like an idiot at Miette right now, and didn't notice. She seemed a bit angry looking, perhaps she thought Corey was trying to make her jealous, then he was pinched. "Miss?" Corey asked.
"Hmm?" he hummed dreamily, suddenly remembering halfway through it he had to sound like a female. He sounded more flustered doing so. Corey looked at Miette a bit, then back to Haruka. "Uh, you didn't have to grin at her like that. Now she thinks you're rubbing it in." he said.
Haruka wanted to die, but settled for paling. He had been grinning at her, damn, he nearly blew his cover, and he'd anger his sea-maiden. He wanted to apologize to her, then felt the pendant under his chest sacked react, thrumming rapidly. 'The stone is nearby? That means….oh no….' he thought, feeling himself bump hard into someone.
"Hiya, gorgeous." Flint rolled out pleasantly.
'What is it about me that attracts guys so badly….what the hell did I do, gods, huh? Why don't you just send all of Japan after my blue ass!?' his mind screamed as he was pulled from Corey's startled arms to Flint's tight embrace.
Mind if I cut in, Corey? I'll give her back….she's cute." Flint chuckled. Haruka wanted sorely to kick them both in the groin for this indignity, but then his red eyes lit up at the stone of Virgo, just shining in Flint's pocket. He had wanted to just work his way to Flint and pass him by, picking his pocket and escaping without notice, not be passed on from guy to guy and wind up near it. He was near it and all and that was good. Now he needed to grab it and keep what little dignity this dress had left him.
"I guess, tee hee, it wouldn't hurt for a few minutes, but then right back to my…shy little Corey." He tittered, making Corey smile. 'Boy, he's gonna hate me, well, I'm not in this for his feelings, I've got two lives in my hands.' He thought, keeping hid eyes low and hidden by the fluttering fan as he let Flint dance with him.
"You look a bit young for him….and I doubt you can leave Beauty without something happening. Don't get his hopes up." Flint smiled.
"Oh, titter, I don't doubt it." He pitched out, knowing he was quite right, reaching swiftly at Flint's pocket, but his hand slapped away as Flint twirled him, making him terribly dizzy. The room was spinning for a while so he had to lean on Flint so he wouldn't fall over and puke. It made them look a bit….ill-mannered to be hanging on each other like that, but Haruka felt sick from the spin, he couldn't help it. He could hear comments about how unladylike he was, but he could care less. He was no lady.
As his vision stopped twirling, he saw the stone and snatched it, pressing it to his stomach to keep it hidden. He bowed low, pulling out of Flint's arms with his natural strength. He had what he needed, he didn't need to dance anymore. "Oh, dear, I feel ill, that spin was a bit too much for me." He heaved in his high voice, the fan over his stomach now as he was now aiming his made-up face at the floor.
If I could fly,Like the king of the sky,
Could not tumble nor fall,
I would picture it all!
If I could fly,
See the world through my eyes,
Would not stumble nor fail,
I could revenge my jail!
Flint cleared his throat apologetically as Haruka backed off like that. He nearly made it past the fountain when his rear bumped into two women. He stopped and stood up twirling to face them and apologize, only to get slapped by them. "You harlot. How dare you hang all over him. He danced with me second." The redhead spat.
The other one shoved Haruka, right to the edge of the fountain. "And he danced with me 12th. You have a lot of nerve being drunk and being so improper." The blonde raged.
'Great….they're damn jealous of me. Just back out and run…I don't need this.' He thought, starting to back off when they stuck him again, the other clawing at his fake hair. He clawed back and stuck out at them, hearing his dress rip as the blonde tore at him with her nails. The back of his knees rammed into the found as they tried tackling him, and all three, sadly hit the water. 'I hate my life….so much for sneaking out.' He thought as his head went under, the cream color of the make-up streaming through the water.
~
Flint and Corey rushed to the fountain to fish the beauty out, both pushing each other to get her first. Flint smiled and pulled up on what he got hold of. Up she came, and he frowned- It was the blonde woman, sputtered as he r eye-shadow and mascara ran down her wet cheeks.
He looked to Corey, expecting him to have the fair girl, but it was the red-head. "Where is she?!" Flint yelped, looking around. He saw Miette a ways behind them shrugging, the others looking at the cream colored water for the other girl.
Then he saw a tuft of her shining lavender hair a ways off. He dropped the girl he was holding up and sloshed to it, and lifted. The body came up quickly, and Flint's eyes snapped wide enough to crack.
In his hand, he was holding the hair of a young man, with light blue skin in his undershirt and boxers, watery, streaming make-up dripping off of his face like crazy. Angry red eyes flared at Flint seconds before his drenched fist rammed into Flint's groin.
"Mer….lock?" he croaked in a high voice as he grabbed himself in pain.
He fell back into the water on his rear and the young man scrambled back. Flint's eyes widened with horror when he saw the youth had the Virgo stone in his hand as well, and a sword in the other. The young man looked miffed at the name, and almost hurt. He shook his soaked hair out, the bangs back to normal, not Merlock's at all, coiled handsomely on both sides of his face, and angel's face, and a slender build to be jealous of.
"No….he's not well enough. Sorry, Uncle Flint, I have to do this….it's the only way to save my parents' lives." The slightly similar voice told him as the body hopped out of the fountain, his wet hair sending droplets all over with his movements, the hair that hung shimmering on the back of his head swishing wetly between his shoulder blades.
'Haruka??? Little Haruka!! Oh my…' Flint thought, his eyes bugging out of his head.
Flint prayed Haruka wouldn't get away, trying to get to his feet. Thuds filled the room the moment he did. Flint blinked, watching every young lady in the room stared at the drenched young men, mostly the half-naked azure vampire, and faint.
If I could, if I could, fly!If I could, if I could, fly!
If I could, If I could fly,
Like the king of the sky,
Could not tumble nor fall,
I would picture it all!
If I could fly,
See the world through my eyes,
Would not stumble or fail,
I could revenge my jail!!
Haruka seemed a bit stunned, but shook it off as he raised his blade. The dragon that Miette had described appeared above him and in seconds Haruka hoped on it, still soaked. "I don't have the time for a reunion, Flint. Stay out of my way, you'll just get them killed," he said, hurt trying to stay out of his voice, then the red eyes looked to Miette softly," Till next time, emerald mermaid, Miette…."
He smiled at her softly, then the dragon cycle rocketed out the door, leaving them behind. Corey was still in the fountain, looking appalled. Miette was pinking, the pink seeping out slowly, still surprised. Flint just stared at the door. "Haruka…. We can't let this be….we have to stop this before it's too late. I'm sorry….I'm so sorry…." He uttered softly, his father, still snoozing on his back, feeling heavier than ever.
If I could fly….!!
To Be Continued….
*Haruka's hair is sort of like the bishounen dark wizard Epros, the former Phantom Evil King of Okage: Shadow King, without those double-winding curls in the back, just the front and sides. I chose that style for now so Haruka would differ a little from his father and I love the way Epros looks. He's the best looking guy in the game. Come on girls, someone make a page for dear Epros!! Please!
Teaser: Now the culprit is exposed and Flint and the others must chase Haruka down before he gets another stone. The World of Creativity is next, and creation takes on an insane life of its own once Sapphron and Ruby mess with it. Can Haruka do his job and save the lives of the time detectives without getting caught? Blood alert! Time will tell.