Chapter 3
"Argh! I don't know what to wear!" Maia complained, staring at the clothes in her closet. Finally she decided on a tight, knee-length black silk skirt with slits on either side, a pair of black, knee-high leather boots and a deep red corset. She left her hair to hang over her shoulders and forwent the makeup. Checking her reflection she decided she looked acceptable and went into the room she and her father had set aside as a music room to go through some of her songs.
She didn't have a really wide collection of self-composed songs so she decided on only bringing one of her own compositions. Any other songs she did would be by other artists. I wonder what song I should do? she thought to herself. After looking over them, she decided on her newest one, a song she hadn't performed yet titled "It Was." I think I want to get some feedback on this one before I bother any more, she said to herself as she grabbed the tape with the song's music on it and left the room.
Ryo pulled up to the large house that apparently belonged to Maia Rainsong and put the jeep in park while Rowen climbed out and went up to knock on the door. Like Sai, he was very surprised by his friend's behavior. Personally, he'd like to ask Maia out some time but he realized that it would only hurt Rowen's feelings. Besides, he thought, it's not like there aren't plenty of other girls I can take an interest in. I wouldn't appreciate it if the roles were reversed and Rowen tried to steal the girl I was interested in.
"So how, exactly, did Rowen end up asking this girl out?" Kento asked.
"He didn't really ask her out. He invited her to join us as a group," Sai said to his best friend.
Humility smiled, "I don't think little Rowen is quite ready to go so far as to ask a girl out on a date. I like her though and I hope something good happens between them."
The others nodded in agreement. Though Kento, Sage and Ryo hadn't met her; if Humility liked her, then she had to be a good person.
Maia jogged down the stairs to answer the door when the doorbell rang. She had put her music in her black leather shoulder bag, which she grabbed on the way to the door.
The door opened to reveal Rowen looking extremely handsome in navy slacks, a white dress shirt and a deep blue tie. The kanji for life was embroidered in silver on the tie. Maia smiled as she looked over him. Goddess! he looks good! she thought to herself.
Rowen was similarly shocked. She looks even better than she did earlier, he thought as she smiled at him. "Ready to go?" he asked, offering her his arm.
Maia's smile widened into a grin, "But of course." She took his arm and let him lead her down the driveway to the jeep. "Now, where are we going tonight? I want to know and you can't tell me with Humility there or it'll ruin the surprise."
Rowen smiled, "I'll tell you on the way. Humility's in the front and we're going to be in the back. It shouldn't be too difficult to keep her from hearing with Kento and Sai in between her and us. I should probably warn you about Kento and Sai. They are forever getting into arguments over the stupidest things." He laughed, continuing, "They tend to get very loud about it too."
Maia laughed as he opened the door of the jeep for her to climb in. "Hi everyone," she said as she got in.
A chorus of "Nice to meet you's" bombarded her as they pulled out of the driveway. Introductions were made and Maia soon found herself drawn into the friendly group of six like she had been a part of it for ages. After a short while, she leaned over to whisper in Rowen's ear, "So where are we going now?"
"We're going to the Black Rose but you already know that," he whispered back, "We're also going to Kento's parents' restaurant and to the park."
His breath was warm on her ear. She smiled when she replied, "Can't wait."
"Maia?" Humility called, waiting for the girl to meet her eyes in the mirror. "Are you gonna sing? I brought my guitar if you know how to use it...you could borrow it," she winked.
Maia smiled, "Thank you for the offer, I really appreciate it. I'm afraid I'm not a guitar-type chick, though. Give me the fiddle any day."
"You play the fiddle? I love the fiddle," she grinned, "Then again, I like music in any shape or form." She turned to look back at the girl, "What type of music do you play on it?"
"Nothing but Celtic-style music for my baby," Maia answered with an affectionate smile for her fiddle, "Do you play at all?"
"Do I ever!" Humility answered, "Along with just about any other instrument. "
"I didn't bring her tonight because I wasn't sure about the interest in Celtic style music here, I was going to ask you about that, but next time I will and you're welcome to play her."
Humility's eyes sparkled, "Really?" she giggled. "Cool. I'd truly be honored. Do you know the 'The Highwayman'?"
Maia hid a smile as she watched Sage stroke Humility's silvery white hair. A bit of attraction hmm? she thought to himself, Humility's completely oblivious to it. I wonder if she knows how much he's interested in her. She made a mental note to ask Rowen later. "Yeah, one of my favorites," she said, answering Humility's question, "I haven't done that one in a while."
Humility nodded, "A friend and I in Seattle put the lyrics to electric guitar and soft singing... it sounded awesome," her enthusiasm was evident in her soft voice. The car had quieted as the two girls spoke, all finding the conversation intriguing.
Ryo pulled up to a small building, a black rose was intricately painted on a crimson background. "Here we are, people. File out."
Humility slid out of the jeep, holding the coat tightly around her slender form. She smiled, taking each of her friends up in a hug. Sai blushed, as usual... but Sage tried to make the hug last for just a bit more. "This is it, Maia," she reached into the Jeep, grabbing the black case of her instrument and a black portfolio. "The Black Rose. Best place, by my opinion, in all of Toyama."
Maia studied the building for a moment. "I like it already." She walked beside Humility as they entered.
A slightly older man approached them as they stopped inside the doorway, "Ah, Humility dear. Would you like you're usual table near the front?"
Humility blushed as five pairs of male eyes rested on her, "Um, yes please Talos."
Maia laughed softly and leaned towards Humility, whispering, "I take it you come here more often than they knew?" Humility nodded, still blushing, as Talos lead them to a large circular table next to the stage. There was a girl of about fifteen on stage singing the country song "Strawberry Wine" in a soft voice.
Kento made a face at the song, taking a seat near Sai and Ryo. "She has a pretty voice, but I hate that song!"
Sage and Rowen laughed, each taking a seat near the girls. "I bet, Kento. Sai played that song so many times that the CD disappeared, huh?"
The auburn haired boy made a pouty face. "Indeed. And I still can't find it..."All eyes met Kento.
"What?! It wasn't me!!! Honest!"
"Please Ken, hon," Humility smiled as people stood up and began dancing. She loved to dance, too. "We all know you far too well... just admit it."
Sai glared at his friend, Kento blushed, even beneath his golden skin. "Wh- wha-what??? M...me???"
Every body laughed, knowing well. At that minute he was rescued by the waitress, a small Japanese girl with long hair.
"What can I get you all?" she smiled kindly. "And I'll also take the names of anyone singing. Oh! Hi Hugh!" she smiled widely at the girl, "Gonna do another for us??? Been a while..."
Humility nodded, still clutching her coat to her form. "Yup. Got a couple new ones... one of them really deep. You'll like it, Teeliona," she nodded to Maia. "And our friend here, Maia, will be also. No other music needed, right?" she looked at her new friend.
Maia nodded, "Almost, all but one of my songs is a cappella. I have the music for it though." She pulled out her small black portfolio and laughed softly when she realized that Humility's was identical. "Great minds think alike eh?" she asked, handing the songs she had chosen to the white-haired girl and the music tape to Teeliona.
Humility smiled, taking the songs. As she read them, here eyes widened a bit, and they sparkled with pleasure. "You, my dear, are going first!" she giggled, "That's great work. And really complex too. I love anything with powerful words in it, those are the best."
"What are you singing, Hugh?" Rowen leaned on the table, grasping his soda.
"Umm..."she looked down a bit. "One of them is a harsh song... I just finished it. It's about... Ben. The other is a song I wrote about one of my dreams when I was back home, in Seattle."
Maia noticed Humility lower her head, so rather than ask her, she leaned over to Rowen. "Who's Ben, Rowen?" she whispered, not even bothering to deny to herself the fact that she enjoyed having Rowen whisper in her ear.
Rowen obliged, his warm breath tickling her ear, "That's her father. He's very cruel to her; that's why she's living with us."
She nodded, "I didn't know. That's why she went pale earlier at the mall when you mentioned stopping by her house then, too, isn't it?"
"She's terrified of the man," Rowen said and Maia could feel the anger in his voice, "He's done nothing but mistreat her."
"That's so horrible." Maia sat back again to listen to the girl onstage as she started another song.apparently her last song for the evening.
Humility sat, craving a cigarette. She stole a glance at Sage and Ryo as they spoke together about training for the next day, inwardly groaning. She would have to start training tomorrow, she was not looking forward to this. She was gonna get her ass kicked. She saw Teeliona bringing her drink, the only one that was late due to what it was.
"Here's your quadruple coconut latte, Hugh," she giggled, "I think we ran out of coffee for yours..."
Humility smiled her thanks as the waitress went to another table, not noticing all the eyes upon her from the boys.
"God, Hugh! Think that's enough caffeine?!" Sai blinked, astonished. "I don't think I've seen anyone drink that much coffee in my life!"
Maia smirked, "You haven't seen me in the mornings. Coffee's the only way I can keep from falling back asleep." She winked at Humility's grateful look, "I live on caffeine. I'm serious, if they had a way to link me up to an IV that pumped coffee right into my bloodstream, I'd do it."
"Well Rowen, you two ought to get along just fine then," Humility teased, hoping to clue the two in that they should spend more time together.
Maia's cerulean blue eyes met Rowen's sapphire ones, "You're not a morning person either, I take it?"
Rowen fought the urge to blush under her steady gaze, "I'm usually dragged out of bed kicking and screaming in the mornings."
Maia laughed, "Poor dear. Let me assure you I'd never do anything like that to ya. I have too much sympathy for the non-morning people of the world."
The girl finished her song, and the group applauded... the man, Talos, got up on the stage, adjusting the mike. "Hey-la all. Welcome to the Black Rose, for all of you new comers. Have a nice night. And for you regulars," he flicked off the audience, everyone laughed. "Anyways... we have a new lovely coming up here tonight, a friend of our beloved Hugh Black's, let's give a warm welcome to Maia Rainsong," he motioned for the girl to come on up, smiling warmly.
Maia blushed as she made her way onstage to the sound of a politely clapping audience. :Of course they're not applauding wildly,: she thought as she adjusted the height of the mike so she could sit comfortably on the tall stool while she sang, :For all they know I suck. I just hope I surprise them.:
The pre-recorded music started to the song she had just finished writing. Counting the beats, Maia waited until the right moment to begin. Her sweet, harmonic voice rang out clearly.
I guess we guess our way through life.
How many times do we really know for sure?
I was just hoping for the best.
Then I woke up in those loving arms of yours.
What I felt, was unmistakable, but I believe it's true.
It was real, it was magic.
It was calm, it was savage.
It was cool as a breeze, it was warm to the touch.
It was never enough, it was always too much.
It did all the things love does. That's how I knew it was..
Humility listened to Maia...liking her voice. It was a bit lower, but not by much, and very harmonious. It seemed to draw the patrons of the bar out to the dance floor to slowly move to the rhythms. Humility looked over to Rowen, and giggled. "Here's a napkin, quit drooling." She smiled, patting him on the arm as he gave a sheepish grin.
"Wow. She's talented. I wonder if she's taken classes," Ryo kept his voice hushed as she finished... everyone, actually, was quiet.
As the music faded, along with the soft voice, applause erupted. And clapping the loudest, were Rowen, Humility, and the rest of the table. Kento and Ryo had actually stood up, screaming and whooping their praise.
Maia opened her eyes when the thunderous applause erupted. She hadn't been expecting them to like the song that much. She felt herself blush when she saw Ryo and Kento on their feet. "Do you all want another song?"
A roar of approval sounded in response to her question and she waited for them to quiet down a bit. The next song would be a cappella so she needed them to quiet down first.
The first time I ever saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the night and the empty skies my love
To the night and the empty skies
The first time I ever kissed your mouth
I felt the earth turn in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command love
That was there at my command.
As the second song began, Sage quickly and skillfully grabbed Humility's hand, bringing her to the dance floor, her pale face red with a blush. "What the hell are you doing, Date?" her soft voice was but a whisper, being swiftly brought into a slow waltz.
"Just dancing. Is that a sin?" he looked down upon her, then felt her gasp and try to pull away. "What?" he stopped.
She stared into those usually lavender eyes. "Y-your eyes, Sage..."they were a deep violet. She had never seen such beautiful eyes. "They're dark."
"Dark?" he blinked then smiled...walking back to grasp her hand. "Really now?" he took her right hand with his left, rolling her into a "cuddle" (dance term). "Maybe it's because I'm in love with you." He felt her gasp, and slightly fall into him. He turned her out, beginning the waltz once more.
"W-what?" she shook her head, beginning to feel warm and lightheaded. "B- but... I'm... so..."
Rowen grinned as he watched them, then turned back to watch Maia, engrossed in her song. She had the most mesmerizing voice and, even though she was singing a cappella, she hadn't once lost her place or sang a flat note. It's decided, she thought, I'm going to get her to dance with me tonight for the last thing I do tonight.
Maia looked over at Rowen through lowered eyes, both happy and nervous that he was watching her so closely. As she ended the song with a repetition of the first verse, she met his eyes and smiled shyly before he looked away, embarrassed at being caught. Oh, don't worry Rowen, I don't mind you watching me in the least, she thought to herself. "Thank you," she said, making her way offstage.
Talos stepped up onto the stage, "Let's hear another round of applause for Maia Rainsong everybody." The audience roared their delight, only quieting down after much shushing on Talos' part. "Okay, now it's time to welcome back everyone's favorite regular," he said, "Humility, make your way on up here!"
She blushed, frowning at Talos. "Dork..."she laughed as he helped her on stage and gently shoved him on his way down. With a grin, she walked up to the mike, to realize she had forgotten her guitar. Humility blushed again as Sage came to the stage with her instrument.
"I love you." He left for his seat, leaving her smiling oddly. She stood up once more then took her place on her stool.
"This is Daddy...I wrote it last week... you guys..."she nodded her head to her table, "know the meaning..." she tuned the guitar slightly, then adjusted her voice...
My bones are tired, Daddy...
I don't get enough sleep
I don't eat as good as I could, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
Ya know, sometimes I sleep past noon, Daddy.
I drink lots of black coffee...
And I smoke like a chimney.
And yes, I left the refrigerator door half open, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
You know, sometimes I wanna rip out your throat, Daddy.
for all those things you said that were mean.
I'm gonna make you just as vulnerable as I was, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
Ya know, sometimes I wanna bash in your teeth, Daddy.
I'm gonna use your tongue as a stamp
I'm gonna rip your heart out
the way that you did mine, Daddy.
Go ahead and psychoanalyze...
Cuz I'm your creation, I'm your love, Daddy.
Gonna grow up and do all those sick things you said I would do...
Well, last night,
I saw you, sneak out of your window
with your white hood, Daddy.
What's that say about you?
I'm talking!
What's that say about you?
My bones are tired, Daddy.
Her voice was soft and angelic, but became cruel and harsh whenever she spoke of the Daddy... tears lightened her eyes as her voice faded... softly and wounded sounding.
Maia fought the urge to cry as she sat next to Rowen and listened to her friend's song. I had no idea her life was like that, she thought sadly. She knew the song was a personal experience, it had too much genuine emotion in it to be otherwise. She glanced over at the others. They knew the situation and the song affected them.
Humility sighed as the audience gave a mixed response. She had known that it would be tough for them to understand the meaning of the song. But those that did were on the verge of tears. Hugh didn't know how to deal with that...she didn't want sympathy. This was just her way of releasing her emotions.
::Good job, Hugh...::
Her head jerked up as soon as she heard the voice, Sai? Her eyes met his, and she knew.
::The song... it's spirit helped you hear me... you no longer have all the pain to block me,:: he smiled with her. ::Play another? To make everyone else a little more on the cheerful side, aye love?::
Humility giggled slightly even as his English accent came through the Mindspeech. She nodded, strumming her guitar once more, in a happier tune...loving.
Electricity
Eye to eye
Hey do I know you?
I can't speak
Stripped my senses
On the spot
I've never been defenseless
I can't even make sense of this
You speak and I don't hear a word.
Rowen stood, Now's my chance, he thought as Maia looked up at him. He held out his hand with an eyebrow raised in question. Maia gave him a radiant smile and took his hand. He pulled her slowly to her feet and led her onto the dance floor. He spun her around when they reached the dance floor before pulling her close to him, loving the feel of her in his arms and pulling her closer as they swayed together to the music.
What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth.
Her voice became seductive, slow, as the musicians in behind her took up.
Lust to lust
Spontaneously combust
What would happen if we kissed?
Maia rested her head on Rowen's shoulder, allowing herself to get lost in the moment. She was surprised he had asked her to dance. Could it mean that you like me Rowen? she asked to herself. She found herself hoping that it was the case. She liked him a lot more than she was ready to though and it made her nervous.
I struggle with myself again
Quickly the walls are crumblin'
Don't know if I can turn away
What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
If we kissed...
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
If we kissed......oooooooo ahhhhh
If we kissed
Rowen couldn't help himself by the end of the song. Someone had lowered the lights in the room to add to the atmosphere, giving it a sultry feel. When Maia lifted her head off of his shoulder, he leaned down slowly to kiss her. Her lips were soft and sweet though he felt her body tense up when their lips met.
Without trying for anything more than a soft kiss on the lips, Rowen pulled away and smiled down at her. What he saw in her eyes was a flash of fear that faded so fast that he was almost convinced he had imagined it. Her tense body still pressed against his told him otherwise though. She had been afraid of something when he kissed her. Her eyes closed slowly and she sighed softly, relaxing as the air left her lungs. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I'm sorry Maia. I don't know what came over me. Forgive me?"
Maia had been terrified when Rowen's lips met hers in a soft, chaste kiss. All she could think of was what had happened with Kyle had kissed her that way. It had ended up in her being raped. She managed to clamp down her fear by telling herself that this wasn't Kyle; if Rowen had tried to deepen the kiss at all, she knew she would have broken down. He doesn't have a clue how close I was to freaking out, she thought, He doesn't know what happened.why I moved here. She was still tense when he broke off the kiss, though she tried to keep the fear she had felt from showing in her eyes. She had a feeling it wasn't successful though because he looked down at her in concern. Drawing in a deep breath, she forced her muscles to relax as he leaned down and apologized for his actions.
He is definitely not Kyle, she thought to herself. Kyle had never apologized for being too forward. He simply smiled that dazzling smile of his and started his plan all over again. Maia raised her eyes to meet Rowen's, now filled with warmth, "Forgiven." She smiled sweetly at him as they walked back to the table. What am I doing? she asked herself, I've only known him for less than a day. I couldn't possibly care about him that much already, could I? She pushed the thought out of her mind, determined to enjoy herself.
She hopped off the stage, letting another take the mike. She liked this kid, Sam, the new boy on stage, and she grinned as he and his band set up.
"Good job, Hugh," Sai gave her a hug, grinning.
"Yeah... totally great," Kento joined his bud, beaming.
"Well... uh... thanks... but Sam's fixing to play. You all wanna dance with me?" She giggled as five male heads shook the word 'no'... "Why not?"
"Can't..."
"Won't."
"We would kill ourselves."
She laughed... her eyes glimmering as the band took up a swing number... "Fine... be that way and sit in -awe-..."She grinned, walking out onto the floor. The music was perfect as she started the Charleston...alone. The audience clapped along with the music, as the pale girl expertly kicked her way over to the bar, taking a black fedora from a man with a grin. With the black fedora and black trench coat, she seemed perfect for the swing.
Maia laughed at the guys as they passed on the offer to dance. "You all are a bunch of chickens," she teased, hopping out of her seat and making her way onto the dance floor. She grinned at Humility when the girl looked at her, "Mind if I join you?"
Humility beamed, switching to English, "Of course." She shrugged off her trench coat, threw it at those at her table and revealed the lovely dress she wore of a black silk dress and a lavender sheer dress over that. Black, strapped, 2 inch dancing heels finished the outfit as she pulled the Maia into the Charleston, leading.
Maia laughed, keeping up quite well, with the other girl. To the audience, they appeared to be mirror images of each other. The only difference being, one was dark and one was light. Humility looped Maia out, grinning broadly, the dance floor quickly got crowded as both girls took the lead position.
~~
~...cross over! ~
All five men at the table watched in awe as the seven lines of dancers followed Humility and Maia, who danced in synch. Sage and Rowen stared the most, both wide-eyed.
~~
The pale girl giggled, impressed that her partner kept up so well. Not many knew the Shim Sham. and much less could do it so well. She considered seeing if Maia would be interested in coming with her again to the Black Rose. It would be nice to have a girlfriend to hang out with sometimes. and not always bore the guys to death with her presence.
The two girls left the dance floor, both grinning ear to ear. It wasn't till they got to the table that Humility noticed all the boys staring at her... especially Sage. "What?" she asked, her voice somewhat higher than usual... "Do I have toilet paper stuck to my heel or something?" she looked down, frowning when she found none.
"No, Hugh... we've... just... never seen you in -color-."
Humility blushed, remembering her dress. "Oh.. um..."she grabbed for her trench coat, placing it quickly over the black slip dress and lavender sheer. "Are we ready?" she tried to hide her blush with her white hair.
Sage and Ryo nodded as one, "Yup." Sage looked to Maia, smiling. "Ready?"
"Always," she replied, returning his smile, "Where are we going?"
"Well..."Kento and Rowen looked at each other and grinned, "We were going to let you decide. Shall we away to dinner first? Or to the Park?"
Hugh looked at them, "It doesn't matter to me boys... let the guest decide." she smiled at Maia. "The park is lovely at this time of night... but the restaurant will be more crowded later. Thanks to the Noh Theatre in town."
Rowen casually linked between both girls' arms, "Yup. So Maia shall decide."
"Well, if Kento can bear waiting to eat, I'd like to go to the park first," Maia said.
"What do you mean by that?" Kento asked, pretending to be offended.
Maia grinned mischievously, "Oh, I've already been told about your love for food." She winked across Rowen at Humility, who grinned then hid her smile behind her hair.
"Who told you??" he demanded.
Maia looked thoughtful for a moment, "You know, I don't really remember. That's strange, I usually have a pretty good memory for that type of thing. Hmm."
"Suuuuure...."Kento grinned, punching Rowen in the arm softly, "My man here told you. I know... He has too large of a mouth to keep stuff to himself."
"Excuse me?" Rowen raised a blue eyebrow at his friend, smirking, "If I recall correctly, you, my friend, have the largest mouth ever recorded."
"Now, now... ladies... lets try to stay civil. No crying and pulling hair until we get home." Hugh giggled softly and started tugging her friends towards the park, "Let's walk. It's too nice to drive 5 minutes down the road."
"Yeah. And it saves gas." Ryo spoke from behind.
Ryo grinned wickedly at Sage, "Bet you can't beat me there, Green boy." he took off running for the edge of the park.
"What did you call me?!" Sage raced after the dark haired boy, not able to drop a challenge of the sort, "Come back here!"
Humility laughed at the childish game, grinning as she caught sight of Kento and Sai behind her. Gently, and purposely keeping Rowen and Maia from noticing the boys behind them, she tugged them faster. "We can't let them get lost. They're too young to be left alone..."
Maia laughed with her, "I think you're right." She, too, had noticed Kento and Sai, though she had no intention of letting anyone else know it. She simply moved along with Hugh's pace. "So what type of restaurant are we going to?" she asked Rowen as they walked along after Sage and Ryo.
"We're going to the restaurant that Kento's parents own. They serve the best food in the city," he replied, "You do eat Japanese, don't you?"
"I live on it m'dear," she replied.
"Guys, do you hear that?" Hugh interrupted, looking in the direction that Ryo and Sage had disappeared in.
::Fight guys!:: Ryo's mind speech was thrown to the other warriors. Rowen, Kento, and Sai all looked at each other and dashed for the wood.
"This is not a good sign..."Maia's voice was soft, "Something's wrong."
"Yup." Humility watched after the boys, "And like hell I'm letting them get into trouble..."her heels didn't bother her, she ran nonetheless, mind whirled.
"So this is the one the King wishes..."A dark voice sneered behind the girls. "But they both are so lovely..."
The pale girl pulled to a stop, eyes widened. He was so familiar....
When she turned, she found Maia facing an armored man without a hint of fear.
"Who the hell are you?" the dark girl asked.
"I don't really think it matters my dark beauty, but you may call me Void," he replied, "And, though you are just as lovely as your friend, she is the one I am here for." He stepped closer, expecting the dark angel to back away from him. When she didn't, he arched a brow. "You would do well to simply allow me to take her with me," he warned her.
"Over my dead body," Maia replied, putting herself between Void and Hugh.
"That can easily be arranged."
Maia narrowed her eyes at him, "Don't count on it. I might surprise you." ::Hugh, listen to me. I'm going to make you invisible to anyone seeking you out with intentions of harming you.completely invisible. I want you to stay out of this fight no matter what happens.:: She summoned a shield of invisibility around her new-found friend and focused it on those that would seek the white-haired girl for the sole purpose of causing her harm.
::Maia, you can't!!:: Hugh tried to tell her, not even realizing that the young woman had spoken directly into her mind.
Maia didn't reply. She simply smiled sweetly Void, "Find her if you can."
Void scanned the area, looking for some sign of the girl he had been sent to capture. When he didn't find her, he cursed. ::Payne, the girl's gone. Her friend is some sort of witch and has made her disappear.::
::A magic user, hmm? Capture her instead. Our King will have use for the little witch and perhaps he will be a bit more forgiving than if we returned empty handed,:: his fellow warrior and lover replied.
::Okay m'love,:: Void sent back.
The warrior before Maia suddenly disappeared and she looked around, hoping to find him. She realized he had reappeared behind her, though too late to defend herself against the blow to the skull that rendered her unconscious. ::Be careful Hugh,:: she sent before the darkness closed in around her.
"Argh! I don't know what to wear!" Maia complained, staring at the clothes in her closet. Finally she decided on a tight, knee-length black silk skirt with slits on either side, a pair of black, knee-high leather boots and a deep red corset. She left her hair to hang over her shoulders and forwent the makeup. Checking her reflection she decided she looked acceptable and went into the room she and her father had set aside as a music room to go through some of her songs.
She didn't have a really wide collection of self-composed songs so she decided on only bringing one of her own compositions. Any other songs she did would be by other artists. I wonder what song I should do? she thought to herself. After looking over them, she decided on her newest one, a song she hadn't performed yet titled "It Was." I think I want to get some feedback on this one before I bother any more, she said to herself as she grabbed the tape with the song's music on it and left the room.
Ryo pulled up to the large house that apparently belonged to Maia Rainsong and put the jeep in park while Rowen climbed out and went up to knock on the door. Like Sai, he was very surprised by his friend's behavior. Personally, he'd like to ask Maia out some time but he realized that it would only hurt Rowen's feelings. Besides, he thought, it's not like there aren't plenty of other girls I can take an interest in. I wouldn't appreciate it if the roles were reversed and Rowen tried to steal the girl I was interested in.
"So how, exactly, did Rowen end up asking this girl out?" Kento asked.
"He didn't really ask her out. He invited her to join us as a group," Sai said to his best friend.
Humility smiled, "I don't think little Rowen is quite ready to go so far as to ask a girl out on a date. I like her though and I hope something good happens between them."
The others nodded in agreement. Though Kento, Sage and Ryo hadn't met her; if Humility liked her, then she had to be a good person.
Maia jogged down the stairs to answer the door when the doorbell rang. She had put her music in her black leather shoulder bag, which she grabbed on the way to the door.
The door opened to reveal Rowen looking extremely handsome in navy slacks, a white dress shirt and a deep blue tie. The kanji for life was embroidered in silver on the tie. Maia smiled as she looked over him. Goddess! he looks good! she thought to herself.
Rowen was similarly shocked. She looks even better than she did earlier, he thought as she smiled at him. "Ready to go?" he asked, offering her his arm.
Maia's smile widened into a grin, "But of course." She took his arm and let him lead her down the driveway to the jeep. "Now, where are we going tonight? I want to know and you can't tell me with Humility there or it'll ruin the surprise."
Rowen smiled, "I'll tell you on the way. Humility's in the front and we're going to be in the back. It shouldn't be too difficult to keep her from hearing with Kento and Sai in between her and us. I should probably warn you about Kento and Sai. They are forever getting into arguments over the stupidest things." He laughed, continuing, "They tend to get very loud about it too."
Maia laughed as he opened the door of the jeep for her to climb in. "Hi everyone," she said as she got in.
A chorus of "Nice to meet you's" bombarded her as they pulled out of the driveway. Introductions were made and Maia soon found herself drawn into the friendly group of six like she had been a part of it for ages. After a short while, she leaned over to whisper in Rowen's ear, "So where are we going now?"
"We're going to the Black Rose but you already know that," he whispered back, "We're also going to Kento's parents' restaurant and to the park."
His breath was warm on her ear. She smiled when she replied, "Can't wait."
"Maia?" Humility called, waiting for the girl to meet her eyes in the mirror. "Are you gonna sing? I brought my guitar if you know how to use it...you could borrow it," she winked.
Maia smiled, "Thank you for the offer, I really appreciate it. I'm afraid I'm not a guitar-type chick, though. Give me the fiddle any day."
"You play the fiddle? I love the fiddle," she grinned, "Then again, I like music in any shape or form." She turned to look back at the girl, "What type of music do you play on it?"
"Nothing but Celtic-style music for my baby," Maia answered with an affectionate smile for her fiddle, "Do you play at all?"
"Do I ever!" Humility answered, "Along with just about any other instrument. "
"I didn't bring her tonight because I wasn't sure about the interest in Celtic style music here, I was going to ask you about that, but next time I will and you're welcome to play her."
Humility's eyes sparkled, "Really?" she giggled. "Cool. I'd truly be honored. Do you know the 'The Highwayman'?"
Maia hid a smile as she watched Sage stroke Humility's silvery white hair. A bit of attraction hmm? she thought to himself, Humility's completely oblivious to it. I wonder if she knows how much he's interested in her. She made a mental note to ask Rowen later. "Yeah, one of my favorites," she said, answering Humility's question, "I haven't done that one in a while."
Humility nodded, "A friend and I in Seattle put the lyrics to electric guitar and soft singing... it sounded awesome," her enthusiasm was evident in her soft voice. The car had quieted as the two girls spoke, all finding the conversation intriguing.
Ryo pulled up to a small building, a black rose was intricately painted on a crimson background. "Here we are, people. File out."
Humility slid out of the jeep, holding the coat tightly around her slender form. She smiled, taking each of her friends up in a hug. Sai blushed, as usual... but Sage tried to make the hug last for just a bit more. "This is it, Maia," she reached into the Jeep, grabbing the black case of her instrument and a black portfolio. "The Black Rose. Best place, by my opinion, in all of Toyama."
Maia studied the building for a moment. "I like it already." She walked beside Humility as they entered.
A slightly older man approached them as they stopped inside the doorway, "Ah, Humility dear. Would you like you're usual table near the front?"
Humility blushed as five pairs of male eyes rested on her, "Um, yes please Talos."
Maia laughed softly and leaned towards Humility, whispering, "I take it you come here more often than they knew?" Humility nodded, still blushing, as Talos lead them to a large circular table next to the stage. There was a girl of about fifteen on stage singing the country song "Strawberry Wine" in a soft voice.
Kento made a face at the song, taking a seat near Sai and Ryo. "She has a pretty voice, but I hate that song!"
Sage and Rowen laughed, each taking a seat near the girls. "I bet, Kento. Sai played that song so many times that the CD disappeared, huh?"
The auburn haired boy made a pouty face. "Indeed. And I still can't find it..."All eyes met Kento.
"What?! It wasn't me!!! Honest!"
"Please Ken, hon," Humility smiled as people stood up and began dancing. She loved to dance, too. "We all know you far too well... just admit it."
Sai glared at his friend, Kento blushed, even beneath his golden skin. "Wh- wha-what??? M...me???"
Every body laughed, knowing well. At that minute he was rescued by the waitress, a small Japanese girl with long hair.
"What can I get you all?" she smiled kindly. "And I'll also take the names of anyone singing. Oh! Hi Hugh!" she smiled widely at the girl, "Gonna do another for us??? Been a while..."
Humility nodded, still clutching her coat to her form. "Yup. Got a couple new ones... one of them really deep. You'll like it, Teeliona," she nodded to Maia. "And our friend here, Maia, will be also. No other music needed, right?" she looked at her new friend.
Maia nodded, "Almost, all but one of my songs is a cappella. I have the music for it though." She pulled out her small black portfolio and laughed softly when she realized that Humility's was identical. "Great minds think alike eh?" she asked, handing the songs she had chosen to the white-haired girl and the music tape to Teeliona.
Humility smiled, taking the songs. As she read them, here eyes widened a bit, and they sparkled with pleasure. "You, my dear, are going first!" she giggled, "That's great work. And really complex too. I love anything with powerful words in it, those are the best."
"What are you singing, Hugh?" Rowen leaned on the table, grasping his soda.
"Umm..."she looked down a bit. "One of them is a harsh song... I just finished it. It's about... Ben. The other is a song I wrote about one of my dreams when I was back home, in Seattle."
Maia noticed Humility lower her head, so rather than ask her, she leaned over to Rowen. "Who's Ben, Rowen?" she whispered, not even bothering to deny to herself the fact that she enjoyed having Rowen whisper in her ear.
Rowen obliged, his warm breath tickling her ear, "That's her father. He's very cruel to her; that's why she's living with us."
She nodded, "I didn't know. That's why she went pale earlier at the mall when you mentioned stopping by her house then, too, isn't it?"
"She's terrified of the man," Rowen said and Maia could feel the anger in his voice, "He's done nothing but mistreat her."
"That's so horrible." Maia sat back again to listen to the girl onstage as she started another song.apparently her last song for the evening.
Humility sat, craving a cigarette. She stole a glance at Sage and Ryo as they spoke together about training for the next day, inwardly groaning. She would have to start training tomorrow, she was not looking forward to this. She was gonna get her ass kicked. She saw Teeliona bringing her drink, the only one that was late due to what it was.
"Here's your quadruple coconut latte, Hugh," she giggled, "I think we ran out of coffee for yours..."
Humility smiled her thanks as the waitress went to another table, not noticing all the eyes upon her from the boys.
"God, Hugh! Think that's enough caffeine?!" Sai blinked, astonished. "I don't think I've seen anyone drink that much coffee in my life!"
Maia smirked, "You haven't seen me in the mornings. Coffee's the only way I can keep from falling back asleep." She winked at Humility's grateful look, "I live on caffeine. I'm serious, if they had a way to link me up to an IV that pumped coffee right into my bloodstream, I'd do it."
"Well Rowen, you two ought to get along just fine then," Humility teased, hoping to clue the two in that they should spend more time together.
Maia's cerulean blue eyes met Rowen's sapphire ones, "You're not a morning person either, I take it?"
Rowen fought the urge to blush under her steady gaze, "I'm usually dragged out of bed kicking and screaming in the mornings."
Maia laughed, "Poor dear. Let me assure you I'd never do anything like that to ya. I have too much sympathy for the non-morning people of the world."
The girl finished her song, and the group applauded... the man, Talos, got up on the stage, adjusting the mike. "Hey-la all. Welcome to the Black Rose, for all of you new comers. Have a nice night. And for you regulars," he flicked off the audience, everyone laughed. "Anyways... we have a new lovely coming up here tonight, a friend of our beloved Hugh Black's, let's give a warm welcome to Maia Rainsong," he motioned for the girl to come on up, smiling warmly.
Maia blushed as she made her way onstage to the sound of a politely clapping audience. :Of course they're not applauding wildly,: she thought as she adjusted the height of the mike so she could sit comfortably on the tall stool while she sang, :For all they know I suck. I just hope I surprise them.:
The pre-recorded music started to the song she had just finished writing. Counting the beats, Maia waited until the right moment to begin. Her sweet, harmonic voice rang out clearly.
I guess we guess our way through life.
How many times do we really know for sure?
I was just hoping for the best.
Then I woke up in those loving arms of yours.
What I felt, was unmistakable, but I believe it's true.
It was real, it was magic.
It was calm, it was savage.
It was cool as a breeze, it was warm to the touch.
It was never enough, it was always too much.
It did all the things love does. That's how I knew it was..
Humility listened to Maia...liking her voice. It was a bit lower, but not by much, and very harmonious. It seemed to draw the patrons of the bar out to the dance floor to slowly move to the rhythms. Humility looked over to Rowen, and giggled. "Here's a napkin, quit drooling." She smiled, patting him on the arm as he gave a sheepish grin.
"Wow. She's talented. I wonder if she's taken classes," Ryo kept his voice hushed as she finished... everyone, actually, was quiet.
As the music faded, along with the soft voice, applause erupted. And clapping the loudest, were Rowen, Humility, and the rest of the table. Kento and Ryo had actually stood up, screaming and whooping their praise.
Maia opened her eyes when the thunderous applause erupted. She hadn't been expecting them to like the song that much. She felt herself blush when she saw Ryo and Kento on their feet. "Do you all want another song?"
A roar of approval sounded in response to her question and she waited for them to quiet down a bit. The next song would be a cappella so she needed them to quiet down first.
The first time I ever saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the night and the empty skies my love
To the night and the empty skies
The first time I ever kissed your mouth
I felt the earth turn in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command love
That was there at my command.
As the second song began, Sage quickly and skillfully grabbed Humility's hand, bringing her to the dance floor, her pale face red with a blush. "What the hell are you doing, Date?" her soft voice was but a whisper, being swiftly brought into a slow waltz.
"Just dancing. Is that a sin?" he looked down upon her, then felt her gasp and try to pull away. "What?" he stopped.
She stared into those usually lavender eyes. "Y-your eyes, Sage..."they were a deep violet. She had never seen such beautiful eyes. "They're dark."
"Dark?" he blinked then smiled...walking back to grasp her hand. "Really now?" he took her right hand with his left, rolling her into a "cuddle" (dance term). "Maybe it's because I'm in love with you." He felt her gasp, and slightly fall into him. He turned her out, beginning the waltz once more.
"W-what?" she shook her head, beginning to feel warm and lightheaded. "B- but... I'm... so..."
Rowen grinned as he watched them, then turned back to watch Maia, engrossed in her song. She had the most mesmerizing voice and, even though she was singing a cappella, she hadn't once lost her place or sang a flat note. It's decided, she thought, I'm going to get her to dance with me tonight for the last thing I do tonight.
Maia looked over at Rowen through lowered eyes, both happy and nervous that he was watching her so closely. As she ended the song with a repetition of the first verse, she met his eyes and smiled shyly before he looked away, embarrassed at being caught. Oh, don't worry Rowen, I don't mind you watching me in the least, she thought to herself. "Thank you," she said, making her way offstage.
Talos stepped up onto the stage, "Let's hear another round of applause for Maia Rainsong everybody." The audience roared their delight, only quieting down after much shushing on Talos' part. "Okay, now it's time to welcome back everyone's favorite regular," he said, "Humility, make your way on up here!"
She blushed, frowning at Talos. "Dork..."she laughed as he helped her on stage and gently shoved him on his way down. With a grin, she walked up to the mike, to realize she had forgotten her guitar. Humility blushed again as Sage came to the stage with her instrument.
"I love you." He left for his seat, leaving her smiling oddly. She stood up once more then took her place on her stool.
"This is Daddy...I wrote it last week... you guys..."she nodded her head to her table, "know the meaning..." she tuned the guitar slightly, then adjusted her voice...
My bones are tired, Daddy...
I don't get enough sleep
I don't eat as good as I could, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
Ya know, sometimes I sleep past noon, Daddy.
I drink lots of black coffee...
And I smoke like a chimney.
And yes, I left the refrigerator door half open, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
You know, sometimes I wanna rip out your throat, Daddy.
for all those things you said that were mean.
I'm gonna make you just as vulnerable as I was, Daddy.
What's that say about me?
Ya know, sometimes I wanna bash in your teeth, Daddy.
I'm gonna use your tongue as a stamp
I'm gonna rip your heart out
the way that you did mine, Daddy.
Go ahead and psychoanalyze...
Cuz I'm your creation, I'm your love, Daddy.
Gonna grow up and do all those sick things you said I would do...
Well, last night,
I saw you, sneak out of your window
with your white hood, Daddy.
What's that say about you?
I'm talking!
What's that say about you?
My bones are tired, Daddy.
Her voice was soft and angelic, but became cruel and harsh whenever she spoke of the Daddy... tears lightened her eyes as her voice faded... softly and wounded sounding.
Maia fought the urge to cry as she sat next to Rowen and listened to her friend's song. I had no idea her life was like that, she thought sadly. She knew the song was a personal experience, it had too much genuine emotion in it to be otherwise. She glanced over at the others. They knew the situation and the song affected them.
Humility sighed as the audience gave a mixed response. She had known that it would be tough for them to understand the meaning of the song. But those that did were on the verge of tears. Hugh didn't know how to deal with that...she didn't want sympathy. This was just her way of releasing her emotions.
::Good job, Hugh...::
Her head jerked up as soon as she heard the voice, Sai? Her eyes met his, and she knew.
::The song... it's spirit helped you hear me... you no longer have all the pain to block me,:: he smiled with her. ::Play another? To make everyone else a little more on the cheerful side, aye love?::
Humility giggled slightly even as his English accent came through the Mindspeech. She nodded, strumming her guitar once more, in a happier tune...loving.
Electricity
Eye to eye
Hey do I know you?
I can't speak
Stripped my senses
On the spot
I've never been defenseless
I can't even make sense of this
You speak and I don't hear a word.
Rowen stood, Now's my chance, he thought as Maia looked up at him. He held out his hand with an eyebrow raised in question. Maia gave him a radiant smile and took his hand. He pulled her slowly to her feet and led her onto the dance floor. He spun her around when they reached the dance floor before pulling her close to him, loving the feel of her in his arms and pulling her closer as they swayed together to the music.
What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth.
Her voice became seductive, slow, as the musicians in behind her took up.
Lust to lust
Spontaneously combust
What would happen if we kissed?
Maia rested her head on Rowen's shoulder, allowing herself to get lost in the moment. She was surprised he had asked her to dance. Could it mean that you like me Rowen? she asked to herself. She found herself hoping that it was the case. She liked him a lot more than she was ready to though and it made her nervous.
I struggle with myself again
Quickly the walls are crumblin'
Don't know if I can turn away
What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
If we kissed...
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away?
Would you stay?
Or would I melt into you?
Mouth to mouth
If we kissed......oooooooo ahhhhh
If we kissed
Rowen couldn't help himself by the end of the song. Someone had lowered the lights in the room to add to the atmosphere, giving it a sultry feel. When Maia lifted her head off of his shoulder, he leaned down slowly to kiss her. Her lips were soft and sweet though he felt her body tense up when their lips met.
Without trying for anything more than a soft kiss on the lips, Rowen pulled away and smiled down at her. What he saw in her eyes was a flash of fear that faded so fast that he was almost convinced he had imagined it. Her tense body still pressed against his told him otherwise though. She had been afraid of something when he kissed her. Her eyes closed slowly and she sighed softly, relaxing as the air left her lungs. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I'm sorry Maia. I don't know what came over me. Forgive me?"
Maia had been terrified when Rowen's lips met hers in a soft, chaste kiss. All she could think of was what had happened with Kyle had kissed her that way. It had ended up in her being raped. She managed to clamp down her fear by telling herself that this wasn't Kyle; if Rowen had tried to deepen the kiss at all, she knew she would have broken down. He doesn't have a clue how close I was to freaking out, she thought, He doesn't know what happened.why I moved here. She was still tense when he broke off the kiss, though she tried to keep the fear she had felt from showing in her eyes. She had a feeling it wasn't successful though because he looked down at her in concern. Drawing in a deep breath, she forced her muscles to relax as he leaned down and apologized for his actions.
He is definitely not Kyle, she thought to herself. Kyle had never apologized for being too forward. He simply smiled that dazzling smile of his and started his plan all over again. Maia raised her eyes to meet Rowen's, now filled with warmth, "Forgiven." She smiled sweetly at him as they walked back to the table. What am I doing? she asked herself, I've only known him for less than a day. I couldn't possibly care about him that much already, could I? She pushed the thought out of her mind, determined to enjoy herself.
She hopped off the stage, letting another take the mike. She liked this kid, Sam, the new boy on stage, and she grinned as he and his band set up.
"Good job, Hugh," Sai gave her a hug, grinning.
"Yeah... totally great," Kento joined his bud, beaming.
"Well... uh... thanks... but Sam's fixing to play. You all wanna dance with me?" She giggled as five male heads shook the word 'no'... "Why not?"
"Can't..."
"Won't."
"We would kill ourselves."
She laughed... her eyes glimmering as the band took up a swing number... "Fine... be that way and sit in -awe-..."She grinned, walking out onto the floor. The music was perfect as she started the Charleston...alone. The audience clapped along with the music, as the pale girl expertly kicked her way over to the bar, taking a black fedora from a man with a grin. With the black fedora and black trench coat, she seemed perfect for the swing.
Maia laughed at the guys as they passed on the offer to dance. "You all are a bunch of chickens," she teased, hopping out of her seat and making her way onto the dance floor. She grinned at Humility when the girl looked at her, "Mind if I join you?"
Humility beamed, switching to English, "Of course." She shrugged off her trench coat, threw it at those at her table and revealed the lovely dress she wore of a black silk dress and a lavender sheer dress over that. Black, strapped, 2 inch dancing heels finished the outfit as she pulled the Maia into the Charleston, leading.
Maia laughed, keeping up quite well, with the other girl. To the audience, they appeared to be mirror images of each other. The only difference being, one was dark and one was light. Humility looped Maia out, grinning broadly, the dance floor quickly got crowded as both girls took the lead position.
~~
~...cross over! ~
All five men at the table watched in awe as the seven lines of dancers followed Humility and Maia, who danced in synch. Sage and Rowen stared the most, both wide-eyed.
~~
The pale girl giggled, impressed that her partner kept up so well. Not many knew the Shim Sham. and much less could do it so well. She considered seeing if Maia would be interested in coming with her again to the Black Rose. It would be nice to have a girlfriend to hang out with sometimes. and not always bore the guys to death with her presence.
The two girls left the dance floor, both grinning ear to ear. It wasn't till they got to the table that Humility noticed all the boys staring at her... especially Sage. "What?" she asked, her voice somewhat higher than usual... "Do I have toilet paper stuck to my heel or something?" she looked down, frowning when she found none.
"No, Hugh... we've... just... never seen you in -color-."
Humility blushed, remembering her dress. "Oh.. um..."she grabbed for her trench coat, placing it quickly over the black slip dress and lavender sheer. "Are we ready?" she tried to hide her blush with her white hair.
Sage and Ryo nodded as one, "Yup." Sage looked to Maia, smiling. "Ready?"
"Always," she replied, returning his smile, "Where are we going?"
"Well..."Kento and Rowen looked at each other and grinned, "We were going to let you decide. Shall we away to dinner first? Or to the Park?"
Hugh looked at them, "It doesn't matter to me boys... let the guest decide." she smiled at Maia. "The park is lovely at this time of night... but the restaurant will be more crowded later. Thanks to the Noh Theatre in town."
Rowen casually linked between both girls' arms, "Yup. So Maia shall decide."
"Well, if Kento can bear waiting to eat, I'd like to go to the park first," Maia said.
"What do you mean by that?" Kento asked, pretending to be offended.
Maia grinned mischievously, "Oh, I've already been told about your love for food." She winked across Rowen at Humility, who grinned then hid her smile behind her hair.
"Who told you??" he demanded.
Maia looked thoughtful for a moment, "You know, I don't really remember. That's strange, I usually have a pretty good memory for that type of thing. Hmm."
"Suuuuure...."Kento grinned, punching Rowen in the arm softly, "My man here told you. I know... He has too large of a mouth to keep stuff to himself."
"Excuse me?" Rowen raised a blue eyebrow at his friend, smirking, "If I recall correctly, you, my friend, have the largest mouth ever recorded."
"Now, now... ladies... lets try to stay civil. No crying and pulling hair until we get home." Hugh giggled softly and started tugging her friends towards the park, "Let's walk. It's too nice to drive 5 minutes down the road."
"Yeah. And it saves gas." Ryo spoke from behind.
Ryo grinned wickedly at Sage, "Bet you can't beat me there, Green boy." he took off running for the edge of the park.
"What did you call me?!" Sage raced after the dark haired boy, not able to drop a challenge of the sort, "Come back here!"
Humility laughed at the childish game, grinning as she caught sight of Kento and Sai behind her. Gently, and purposely keeping Rowen and Maia from noticing the boys behind them, she tugged them faster. "We can't let them get lost. They're too young to be left alone..."
Maia laughed with her, "I think you're right." She, too, had noticed Kento and Sai, though she had no intention of letting anyone else know it. She simply moved along with Hugh's pace. "So what type of restaurant are we going to?" she asked Rowen as they walked along after Sage and Ryo.
"We're going to the restaurant that Kento's parents own. They serve the best food in the city," he replied, "You do eat Japanese, don't you?"
"I live on it m'dear," she replied.
"Guys, do you hear that?" Hugh interrupted, looking in the direction that Ryo and Sage had disappeared in.
::Fight guys!:: Ryo's mind speech was thrown to the other warriors. Rowen, Kento, and Sai all looked at each other and dashed for the wood.
"This is not a good sign..."Maia's voice was soft, "Something's wrong."
"Yup." Humility watched after the boys, "And like hell I'm letting them get into trouble..."her heels didn't bother her, she ran nonetheless, mind whirled.
"So this is the one the King wishes..."A dark voice sneered behind the girls. "But they both are so lovely..."
The pale girl pulled to a stop, eyes widened. He was so familiar....
When she turned, she found Maia facing an armored man without a hint of fear.
"Who the hell are you?" the dark girl asked.
"I don't really think it matters my dark beauty, but you may call me Void," he replied, "And, though you are just as lovely as your friend, she is the one I am here for." He stepped closer, expecting the dark angel to back away from him. When she didn't, he arched a brow. "You would do well to simply allow me to take her with me," he warned her.
"Over my dead body," Maia replied, putting herself between Void and Hugh.
"That can easily be arranged."
Maia narrowed her eyes at him, "Don't count on it. I might surprise you." ::Hugh, listen to me. I'm going to make you invisible to anyone seeking you out with intentions of harming you.completely invisible. I want you to stay out of this fight no matter what happens.:: She summoned a shield of invisibility around her new-found friend and focused it on those that would seek the white-haired girl for the sole purpose of causing her harm.
::Maia, you can't!!:: Hugh tried to tell her, not even realizing that the young woman had spoken directly into her mind.
Maia didn't reply. She simply smiled sweetly Void, "Find her if you can."
Void scanned the area, looking for some sign of the girl he had been sent to capture. When he didn't find her, he cursed. ::Payne, the girl's gone. Her friend is some sort of witch and has made her disappear.::
::A magic user, hmm? Capture her instead. Our King will have use for the little witch and perhaps he will be a bit more forgiving than if we returned empty handed,:: his fellow warrior and lover replied.
::Okay m'love,:: Void sent back.
The warrior before Maia suddenly disappeared and she looked around, hoping to find him. She realized he had reappeared behind her, though too late to defend herself against the blow to the skull that rendered her unconscious. ::Be careful Hugh,:: she sent before the darkness closed in around her.