Destiny (Ronin/Witchblade Crossover)
By: Yin-Yang & JanimeLee

~Chapter Twelve~

            It was another bright day as students made their way through the school gates and just stayed in the courtyard.  Naomi was already at school though but instead of with her friends she was leaning against the wall of the gym so that no one would bother her.  She had a lot to think about since her parents announced that that would soon be an addition to the family.

            "My dream is coming true…" she said to herself, brushing her high ponytail tail away from her face and didn't bother to finish button her blouse because her navel ring was being irritable again;  shifting her body so she was leaning against the wall on her side.  She couldn't help but smile some so didn't notice that someone was quietly approaching her.

            Cye smiled as he touched her shoulder, kissing her cheek before moving to stand before her. "Hi Naomi, you look thoughtful today."

            "Yeah well I got some good news. My parents are getting back together and mom found out she's pregnant." She smiled some, actually looking very happy about it. "Cye, we're gonna be a family again!"

            "Oh hey that's great! I'm really happy for you!" And with that he proved it by hugging her tightly. Naomi just hugged him back tightly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Everything just felt so right now and it just felt so nice hugging/being hugged by him she didn't want to go to class. Today was going so well to let it be spoiled by school.

            "Ready for class?" Cye asked as they moved apart.

            "I really don't want to go," Naomi confessed, "but right now I feel like I can take on anything."

            "Even our math test? You did study, didn't you?"

            "No worries; I am gonna ace this one."

            Holding hands, the two young loves walked passed the school gate.

            "I had a dream about you last night," said Naomi.

            "Oh?" Cye looked at her. "How was I?"

            "I didn't get the chance to find out--the stupid alarm clock went off." Naomi grinned. "You were Poseidon and you had this huge trident with a yin-yang symbol on it."

            "A trident?" Cye asked. She couldn't have seen it, could she? A premonition? "I hope you were one of my sea nymphs."

            "Seashell bra and all."

            "I hope you finish that dream, and please tell me how I was."

            "Oh believe me I will," she squeezed his hand, feeling so happy and at ease right now.

            "Hey Naomi!" Dini was waving at her direction, her bright pink hair done up into braided pigtails and Kento was smiling at her energetic antics this morning. She and the others were under the sakura tree, talking and pretty much enjoying themselves.

            "Dini I swear onna these day you'll get sick of candy and sugar," Lupia threaten.

            The young girl feigns shock as she held her hand over her heart. "Never! If that happens what'll I do to keep me energetic??"

            "Why don't you try a natural way to increase your energy?" Zenida asked.

            "This from the girl who took caffeine pills to stay awake for twenty-four hours."

            "I was taping the Sailor Moon Marathon and I wanted to cut out all the commercials."

            "One of my cousins did that," said Kento.

            "Wasn't it the adult channel?" asked Rowen. "Hot Hikaru and Libido Lee?"

            "Rowen!" Sage hissed. "The girls!"

            "Don't worry," Lupia smiled at the blonde boy, "we've seen it."

            Cye blinked. "What?"

            "Last year," said Naomi, "we went to a slumber party at our friend Saki's house and her parents were on vacation--they had left a couple days earlier. Where she got the tape from, I haven't a clue but you'll learn more from that than you ever will in health class."

            "And here we thought you were all innocent," Rowen smiled at Zenida.

            "Well some appearances can be deceiving," she smiled at him, blushing a bit when her friends began to tease her.

            "You ladies are something else."

            "Why thank you! We take that as a compliment." The slightly large group talked for a while, showing how close each of them were in their own way and looked up at the first bell for class went off.

            Lupia sighed softly, "Time to hit the books. Joy."

            "Yes! B+!"

            "See, I said you could do it."

            "That's because I have a great tutor." Naomi danced in the hallway then hugged Cye. "Thanks you so much!"

            "Anytime," he said and they kissed. "In celebration of passing your test, finish that dream tonight."

            Naomi smiled wickedly. "As long as you finish it with me."

            "Oh, I will," Cye promised. "I definitely will."

             So far everything was going all right she didn't think anything else could go wrong. "Hey Cye, um Lupia's sweet sixteen is in a  couple of days and I was wondering if you would like to come with me?"

            "You mean a real date?" He smiled and gently tipped her face to his, seeing her lightly blush and kissed her once again. "I would love to."

            She smiled softly and leaned into his hand more. "I'm glad. This is all new to me but I can't but be careful in case I loose you."

            "Hey you'll never loose me Naomi, I swear this to you." He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly as she returned the gesture.

            In chemistry class Dini was taking notes covering their next lab and kept looking over at Kento. he was such a sweet guy and funny she quickly scribbled a note and passed it to him.

            'Kento, Lupia is having her 16th b-day at the end of the week. Wanna come with me? ~Dini'

            He quickly wrote his answer and slid the paper back.

            'Sure, I'd love to. Talk to me after class about it. ~Kento'

            Dini smiled and winked at him.

            Lupia slowly moved her right hand up to the back of Sage's neck and began to gently play with his hair.

            "Do you mind?" she whispered.

            "Not at all," he answered in the same low tone. Grinning, Lupia ran a finger across the hairline and watched him shudder. "Now it's getting distracting."

            "Good. Sage, my birthday is this weekend and I want to invite you."

            "Really? I'd love to come."

            "Great," Lupia smiled.

            "How old are you going to be?" Sage asked.

            "Sixteen."

            "I'll have to find something sweet then."

            The two giggled and caught a glance from their teacher. "Tell me about it after class," said Sage.

            "Better believe it." Smiling they returned their attention back to the teacher, ignoring the jealous glares from the girls.

            It was a free period in Literature so the students were paired off to work on a one-page paper. It could be on any topic to get to know your partner better. Zenida nervously tapped her pencil on the desk and sighed deeply.

            "Hey Zenida, you okay?" Rowen asked as he took his glasses off to look at her.

            "Well I wanted to ask you... would you like to come to Lupia sweet 16 this weekend?" she asked softly, looking over at him while worrying. Please say yes.

            "Sure," answered Rowen, "I'd love to go. What should I bring for her?"

            "I'm having a hard time myself getting her a gift," Zenida confessed. "Naomi is much worse to shop for, though."

            "How about after school, you and I go shopping and we both get her a gift," Rowen suggested.

            "Sounds great. Between the two of us we should be able to get her something nice."

            He chuckled softly. "We can pull off a passing grade for class but we can't get best friends a nice present."

            "Yeah life is funny like that." Zenida smiled at him, feeling so at ease with him sometimes she found it hard to be true that they were going out together. I love him, she thought to herself.

            Once class let out the couples meet up with each at the school gates, talking about the weekend and how much they were going to have.

            "I can't believe I'm finally gonna be 16!" Lupia said happily, practically dancing in place.

            "Just let us know when you get your driver's license so we can stay off the road," Dini joked and the other girl just made a face at her.

            "Oh that is very mature," Kento joked and earned another sour face from the girl.

            Sage chuckled softly as he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her close. "Well ladies just call us with the time just not too early. We have something to attend first."

            "Really?" Naomi said with a raised brow and looked at Cye. "And here we thought we knew you guys."

            Cye smiled and kissed her cheek softly. "That's why we have patience, love."

            She pointed her finger at him and said in a joking tone, "Patience tends to wear thin."

            "You never had any to begin with," said Dini and dodged the hand ready to slap her.

            "We'll see you this weekend," Sage kissed Lupia's cheek. "I'll call you tonight."

            "I'll keep the phone line cleared," she winked.

            "Same here," Rowen and hugged her girlfriend back tightly. As they each said good-bye they parted ways and the girls decided to walk to the soda shop and call on of their parents to pick them up. Everything looked so nice and happy as the girls joked but they didn't realize they were being watched.

            Reficul watched the girls separate from the boys and walk, laughing and smiling. It focused on Naomi though. He reached out with a hand to try and touch her but quickly drew it back and walked away from the crystal ball. He was still weak from with every passing moment the strength grew and he knew the spirit wouldn't let himself do anything foolish.

            "I can't do this..." he said softly, closing his hands in fists and watched them shake some. "I can't destroy their happiness..."

            ~We made a deal, Reficul,~ Talpa reminded in his mind. ~You will do as I tell you no matter what. Do not deny me.~

            "Yes, master Talpa..." he answered silently and glanced at the crystal ball and closed his eyes tightly but a lone tear roll down his cheek. "Forgive me..."

            "I accept you, Mia from the house of Koji, as my wife. I vow to love, honor and cherish you as long as I live."

            "I accept you, Ryo from the house of Sanada, as my husband. I vow to love, honor and cherish you as long as I live."

            Kayura held out the rings and Ryo and Mia placed the golden bands on the other's left hand ring finger. "I now pronounce you husband and wife," the Ancient woman said.

            Ryo stood up from where he knelt before the altar, and then helped Mia rise also. He paused for a moment, taking in her form. She looked beautiful, even thought they dressed simply, to Ryo, Mia was a goddess standing before him. They now married couple kissed, which was followed by clapping.

            "Way to go Ryo!" Kento shouted while grinning broadly. The guys smiled and went tot heir long time friends, congratulating them and saying how happy they were.

            Cye hugged Mia and smiled at her. "I always knew you two would someday get together," he said proudly.

            "Ryo, you take good care of her like she did for us," Sage said with a grin as he shook his hand.

            "You know I will," he said with a nod and smile. Mia was his life and he would do all he could to protect her.

            Rowen smiled at his friends as he stood next to Kayura, happy for them all and turned to the lady. "This has to be the most memorable day I have yet to witness," he said softly as he put his hands in his pockets.

            "As it also has been for me," Kayura smiled. The young-old woman looked a little better today, perhaps it was the wedding. Although, Rowen hoped that she would start getting better. Soon, the four of you will each have your own memorable day, Kayura thought.

            "Hey you two are gonna be great together," Kento said as he looped an arm about both Mia and Ryo.

            "That's the sweetest thing you ever said, Kento," the young woman smiled and looked at the sun before looking at the others. "You better head out, no sense getting late for your dates."

            "I don't think the girls would forgive us if we did," Cye joked and hugged Mia, Kayura and shook Ryo's hand, as did the others. "Well be back later."

            "Don't stay up too late."

            "Kento!!" the guys laughs and bided farewell as they headed out. The newly weds and the young ancient made their way inside, happy for this day and wished their friends much joy tonight as well.

            "How do we look?"

            Cale looked up as the girls came out from Lupia's bedroom and felt his jaw go slack. "You all look beautiful!"

            Lupia smiled as her hair was done in loose curls around her face, wearing a simple dress of black with glittering snowflakes as a design all over with spaghetti straps over her shoulders; the fabric stopped at her knees with a slit going up one side, revealing the black snug one piece body suit underneath. Naomi looked embarrassed as her hair was done in a high ponytail but with slight curls and dressed in a simple dress with a snake bracelet on her upper right arm and her matching earring. The outfit was similar to Lupia's only its color was hunter green with no straps and slightly flared on the bottom hem. Dini looked happy in her black, bell-bottom slacks with a hot pink type of shirt slightly darker than her hair--one shoulder was covered, the other bare, and the back of the shirt trailed a bit to her knees. It had opened some to show her navel and her hair was in a twist over her bare shoulder. Zenida was in a dark satin red dress slacks with a jacket-like top, half-sleeved and buttoned from the short collar to her waist covered with dark roses.

            "I gotta admit, Dini," Cale smiled, "your mother does one hell of a job."

            "Think she can fix my blue dress that's ripped in the back?" Liana asked.

            "You can ask her," Dini said.

            "What can we take outside?" Zenida offered.

            Liana pointed to the table and counter. "Right over there. Don't take too much at once."

            "We know, mom," Lupia said and picked up a large bowl filled with chips.

            "It's too bad your grandmother couldn't come," Zenida said to Naomi.

            "I know," Naomi sighed a little. "But how would we explain her to the guys? Besides, my dad and I can hear her in our minds. You know what's freaky--Grandmother knows what the baby is."

            The other three girls gawked at Naomi. "Your mother has only been pregnant for about two months," said Dini, "and she knows what it is already?"

            "You can't find out until at least the second trimester," Lupia said.

            "I took Health remember but she told her that it's going to be a boy," Naomi said with a slight shrug, taking the bowl of chips out. "Dad believes her and mom was just happy about having another baby."

            "Wow, so you're gonna be a big sister!" Dini said with a big smile, carrying out the soda outside. "Ooh this is too cool!"

            Zenida laughed softly as she helped Liana take out the large cake and set it on the table outside. "So Naomi, ready to help care for a baby?"

            "Actually... I am." She smiled a genuine one and nodded to her friends. "It'll be an adventure."

            "That it'll be," Cale said with a slight chuckled and brought the presents out, setting them on one end of the table. "Hey now!" he caught his young daughter around the waist as she made her way to the brightly wrapped boxes and carried her away as she pouted. "You know the rules, presents after the cake. Remember what happened when you were four?"

            "That chocolate stain never got out of Bunky," Lupia pouted, mourning her childhood stuffed bunny. "Or your shirt."

            "Right," Cale released his daughter. "You can wait until after you wash your hands."

            "Well, the sooner the guys arrive the sooner we eat," Dini grinned.

            "So when are these charming young men of yours arriving?" Megumi asked, a little anxious to meet her daughter's 'boyfriend' since she had only spoken to Kento briefly on the phone a few times.

            "He said they would get here after they finished with something else. Oh mom, you and dad are going to like him!" Dini beamed happily, almost hopping in place much to the amusement of everyone.

            "This time you'll be able to meet him," Delia smiled at Anubis. "He's a very nice young man."

            "Oh mom Sage is sooo cute!!" Lupia said as she was set on her feet and went about dancing all over the yard. "And he's fun to be with too!"

            "So you keep telling us."

            "Can't help it!"

            Everyone just smiled and laughed a bit; making sure all the food was out and had everything already when a red jeep pulled up to the curb before the house.

            "They're here!!" the girls practically screamed at once, their parents just looking at them.

            ~I hope everything goes well, ~ Sekhmet silently thought as he took a deep breathe to calm his own nerves.

            ~Just relax, ~ Ineisha's voice echoed in his mind.

            ~It's not going to be easy, ~ Sekhmet answered his mother. ~Cye--his soul is Trust, and it feels like Torrent is with him. ~

            ~Torrent's wearer died over twenty years ago, my son, when the four of you escaped the Dynasty. ~

            ~I remember. But Cye could be the next Chosen. Like our daughters. ~ Sekhmet frowned a little. The Five Ronin Warriors that had helped them escape died when they sealed off the Dynasty. Unfortunately, now that Reficul had broken the seal…

            Sekhmet shook his head. This was Lupia's Sweet Sixteen birthday; he shouldn't be brooding around and act like he knew something horrible was going to happen. So what if Cye's soul was Trust? That didn't mean he had Torrent with him.

            One by one the girls went to greet the guys and led them over to their parents. Dini looked happy as she was holding Kento's hand in both her own and they stood before her parents. "Mom, dad, this is Kento! Ken these are my parents."

            "Kento, it's so nice to finally meet you," Megumi said with a smile, bowing to him as did Dais.

            "You're Dini's mom! You look like her older sister!" The older lady blushed some and Dais shook his hand.

            "Dad, this is Rowen," Zenida said with a smile, hoping they would get along as her mother greeted the young man, saying it was nice to see him again.

            "Nice to meet you," he said with a bow and couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu.

            Lupia was grinning ear to ear as she introduced Sage to her parents. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sage," Liana smiled.

            "And you, too," Sage bowed respectively.

            "I could swear I've seen you before," Cale said. "Your picture, I mean. Is your father a police officer?"

            "As a matter of fact, yes; he is a lieutenant."

            "Carries a green rabbit's foot on his keys?"

            "Yes."

            "Your picture's on his desk," Cale snapped his fingers, "and your two sisters', too. I saw them when I was brought in for questioning about motorcycle parts being sold on the black market a few months ago."

            "Oh I remember! He mentioned something about you helping him catch the real thief in the end," he replied back after a moment of though.

            "Yeah well, now I know better than to buy parts from a guy in a warehouse." The young girl and older lady could only smile. So far, so good.

            Naomi was nervous before Cye got here and now she was even more worried as she introduced him to her parents. She felt reassured a bit as he squeezed her hand. Abigail was happy to finally meet him.

            "I heard so much about you from Naomi I feel as if I know you already," she said with a smile and bowed to him.

            "It's nice to meet you ma'am," he said with a smile and bowed, looking over at Sekhmet. "It's nice to meet you as well."

            "Likewise." For a moment he swore that Torrent was standing before him but pushed it aside and allowed himself to smile a bit. "I'm glad Naomi met someone like you."

            "Thank you, sir," Cye bowed.

            "Oh, I forgot about the potato salad in the fridge," Abigail said. "I'll be right back."

            "Wait, mom, I'll get it." Naomi followed her mother.

            "Naomi, I'm pregnant, not dying." The two women walked into the house.

            Sekhmet looked at Cye--the boy definitely seemed nervous and Sekhmet doubted that it was because of meeting Naomi's parents.

            Only one way to know for certain, Sekhmet thought. "Heiduschvei."

            "Khameirdeis." Cye paled after he realized that he had answered Sekhmet--he had caught him off guard.

            The older man nodded. "Just checking," Sekhmet walked over to the table.

            Cye swallowed hard and put his right hand over his left wrist. ~Torrent? ~

            ~I know, ~ the Guardian answered.

            ~What now? ~

            ~Be patient and relax, ~ the spirit soothed his charge. ~He won't say a word to the others. I know him all too well. ~

            The party was going on just great as everyone talked and ate, having fun as they all managed to sit around the large table. Just as the cake was just served and being served Lupia looked anxiously at the presents on the end of the table. She wished everyone would hurry up and was fidgeting a bit. Cale noticed and chuckled as he stood up, catching everyone's attention.

            "While some of us are still eating I think we better get to the unwrapping," he smiled as Lupia was happy and let it know. He reached over and gave it to her, after she moved her plate out of the way. "This is from me and your mom."

            "Thanks daddy!" she said with a smile and tore into it happily, Opening the box her smile grew and she held it up fro everyone to see. "Oh I love this! Thank you!!" she beamed and went over to hug both her parents tightly. What she had gotten was a new stereo with headphones and played up to five cds for her to listen to.

            Lupia quickly moved on to open the other gifts. A book on modern motorcycles from Zenida and parents; an outfit made out of black material designed for riding on a motorcycle, courtesy of Dini's mother; and silver jewelry from Naomi's family. The boys--who weren't entirely sure what kind of present to buy--had given Lupia gift certificates. Sage gave her one for the music store, and the others were for the local clothing stores.

            "You are the best!" Lupia kissed Sage right in front of everyone. "Thank you, everyone!"

            "Just as long as you don't kiss us," Naomi said.

            "Ha ha. You'd rather kiss Cye," she teased and smiled happily as the other girl blush a bit.

            "So Lupia, do you and the other have plans for later tonight?" Megumi asked her, smiling some.

            "Well… after you parent types could get to know the guys we were gonna go to a club downtown and have some more fun!" Lupia said with a big smile.
            Sage looked at her, blinking a bit.  "Night club?"
            Cale chuckled lightly and nodded to him some.  "Her hobby if you could call it that.  I think she gets it from both of us," he said while smiling at Liana.

            "Genetics are amazing," his wife smiled back.

            "Indeed," said Sekhmet, looking at Cye from his eye corner.

            They continued on with the party; soon everything was cleaned up and the gifts stacked in Lupia's bedroom.

            "Don't stay out too late, young lady," Sekhmet said to Naomi.

            "I won't," his daughter replied innocently, and then went inside to get her purse.

            "Sekhmet," Abigail put her arm around his waist, "she can take care of herself."

            He nodded then turned to her. "Ready to go home?"

            Abigail smiled. "I think I'll blame you for being tired at this hour."

            "Me? It's the baby making you tired."

            "And how did it get where it is?"

            "Sekhmet," Anubis warned, gesturing to the girls and their dates.

            "Oh daddy sometimes you can be so old fashion," Zenida said but smiled and hugged her parents.

            "Delia smiled and gave her a warm smile to her daughter and the young man. "You two have fun okay?"

            "And Dini, I don't want to pull any more pranks or such tonight," Dais warned his daughter.

            The young girl rolled her eyes but laughed as he hugged her tightly. "Okay I promise! No fake fly in the ice cube and rubber spiders."

            "Good." He looked up at Kento and nodded to him. "I'm trusting you to return her back home safely." Kento slowly nodded his head, suddenly feeling nervous.

            Naomi came back out with her purse and hugged her parents tightly but before letting go whispered to her dad, "I know grandma is listening but I still wish she could come."

            "I know." Perhaps another time…Sekhmet couldn't help thinking.

            "Naomi!" Lupia called from the driveway.

            "Bye!" Naomi jogged over to Cye, taking his hand in hers as they walked to his car.

            "They'll be fine," Abigail said, watching the cars drive away, unable to shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

            With Lupia giving Sage directions they soon arrived to one of the most happening places in Toyama.  A nightclub known as the Atrium.  Lucky for the large group tonight was teenage night and kids 16 and over could go order drinks.  As they paid to get in the bouncer immediately noticed Lupia and was introduced to her friends and such.

            "Okay Lupia you know the drill," he said with a grin and let them in, letting them get in with a cheaper price then everyone else. "For the birthday girl."

            "Arigato!" she said with a bright smile and led everyone inside. Immediately the sound of music and talking filled their ears. They entered a large lounge with a few love seats and chairs around and then had four paths leading to different dance rooms:  Rule of the Aztec, Tutankamen's Tomb, Karaoke Bar, and Funky Town.  Rule of the Aztec looked like something from South America with stone carved walls, plastic vines all over and a live Spanish band in the corner.  King Tut's Tomb was lively multicolored light hung from the ceiling casting pools of color over the dancers.  Along the far wall was a very large bust of a pharaoh's face with the eyes cut out to hold two light lasers that kept spinning in no true direction.  At the four corners of the room stood four narrow cages that were each occupied by a girl or guy trying to show off.  In the middle was a large dance floor that looked something from 'Saturday Night Fever' and a raised catwalk type thing along on side of it.  Some of the people were just standing there and talking (or shouting seeing how the music was deafening) and a few were even sitting on the railings.  A bar was on the other side of the face with some stools and two bartenders supplying drinks.  Karaoke Bar was just that, a large bar with a small stage where some people were singing songs and having mini-contests. And Funky Town was something directly from the past with neon painted walls, bright lights and floor that lit up like a giant, glow-in-the-dark checkerboard.  Lupia looked at her friends and smiled, edging them closer and spoke loudly what they wanted to do first. The music was blaring so loudly that a lot of people were shouting just to be heard.

            "I hope we're not going to be deaf after this," Naomi just about hollered over the blasting electronic music sounds.

            "Here," Lupia grabbed a bunch of earplugs from a bowl attached to the wall, passing a pair to each of her friends.

            "That's better," said Rowen after he placed the small foam pieces in his ears.

            "It's still loud," Zenida said.

            "Yeah, but your ears won't be ringing when you leave," Lupia grinned. She grabbed Sage's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor.

            The young blonde smiled at his friends and waved before getting pulled into a thick crowd. Zenida smiled and went with Rowen to the Karaoke Bar first to watch other sing. Cye smiled and took Naomi's hand in his and led her to the one called Rule of the Aztec. It wasn't as loud and the music was pleasant to listen to.  Dini smiled and looked at Kento excitedly as she pointed to the Funky Town. She gestured to come with her into that room and he just smiled and followed her in. They may have not been into it as Lupia was but it was good. This was a great time to be a teenager and a great place to have a party. What else could go wrong?

Still Naomi couldn't help but think about her grandfather. Being controlled by a dark spirit... she couldn't help but shuddered and smiled as she felt Cye's arms go around her. Right now nothing mattered except dancing with the one she loved.

            ~They are away from their parents, ~ Talpa's voice echoed within Reficul's mind.

            "I won't harm my family," Reficul said, "or anyone they care about."

            ~That is not what I want you to do, ~ Talpa sounded annoyed. ~I just want you to force the four boys to show their new ladies that they hold the same secret as they do. They are linked to Hariel's descendent and the last two members of the Ancients."

            Reficul snorted quietly and crossed his arms over his chest. "And just how do you expect me to do that? Sending out any demons will chaos a riot in which they could escape."

            The voice laughed, making him look tot eh side where a line of Dynasty soldiers was waiting. One by one they formed shifted so they resembled other people in the club in dark clothing. They only thing was they all wore sunglasses to hide their pupil-less eyes. ~That is what mindless minions are for.~

            The older man could do nothing to stop him so with a wave of his hand they scattered through the club, two soldiers each watching the young couples in different rooms.

            Zenida clapped as a girl about her age with his eyebrow and tongue pierced got off the stage after singing a pop song when she felt this icy chill race up her spine. She looked around cautiously but everything seemed normal. ~Something strange...~ she began to think but frowned and unconsciously touched her bracelet.

            "Something the matter?" Rowen asked, putting his arm around her.

            "Just a weird feeling," she smiled at him.

            He returned the smile then looked at the stage as another singer stepped up. But Rowen could feel the Nether Soldiers around the place, and two of them were too close for comfort.

            Cye was a good dancer.

            Naomi was a good dancer.

            Both of them were tearing up the floor as the music played, tuned in time with the background beat and never missed a step.

            She never thought she found ever find a guy like Cye but here he was, dancing with her and just looking hot! This was life! NO wonder Lupia always did this like every night, it was almost like an obsession! She was having too much fun she never noticed a warning the bracelet gave as the multi colored lights reflected over the silver metal. Two more soldiers moved closer, looking a bit out of place as they were the only two not dancing but watched the two teenagers intently. Almost time...

            Lupia sighed deeply and breathed in Sage's scent. right now they were taking a break from the hard pace dancing. Sage smiled as he held her closer, liking the way she curled against him and let the music guide them.

            "Sage," fingers played with his soft hair as she curled the strands around her fingers, "I'm so glad I meet you."

            "I'm glad I met you," he said, taking her hand and kissing her fingers, a gentleman's show of affection. A slow, romantic song began to play. Taking Lupia by the same hand he kissed, Sage led her back to the floor and took her into his arms.

            Lupia rested her cheek against his shoulder, wrapping her arms lightly around his neck. One had decided to be a little mischievous and slid down to the back pocket of Sage's pants. She heard him make a slight noise at the action. Lupia grinned up at him.

            Sage grinned back. It faded as he noticed the two men standing against the wall, looking straight at the dancing couple.

            ~Something bad is going to happen,~ he thought to himself quietly and instantly held the girl closer. she blinked at him but once more rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe in his arms.

            "What'll be kids?" the bartender asked his two customers.

            "Um... I think I'll settle for a coke now. Dad and mom would freak if drank," Dini said with a grin and tapped her fingers on the counter and smiled at her date.

            "Same here," he said and sat next to her, taking her hand in his own. "You're so energetic! Must be from all the sweets you eat."

            "Hee My body can store it and then I sue it." She giggled as his fingers danced along her sides and returned the gesture. "Eee! Kento I'm ticklish there!" She squirmed lightly in his arms but really didn't want to leave.

            She glanced at his left wrist, saw something metallic there, a bracelet. Dini frowned a little--it looked similar to hers. ~No way, ~ she thought and soon forgot it briefly as the sodas were placed in front of them.

            Kento picked up his glass. "To one heck of a relationship," he toasted.

            "To our relationship," she toasted and clicked his glass with hers. Taking a sip she watched as the bracelet became more visible and coupled make out a cat creature on it holding an orange stone. she looked at hers and grew alarmed when she saw the pinkish stone seem to shimmer. ~no not now!~

            "You okay?" Kento asked with concern in his eyes, setting his drink down.

            "Oh um yeah! You know me, can't stop for a second!" she said with a sheepish grin and smiled at her boyfriend. He was too good to be true. The remained soldiers watched them from either end of the bar and slowly moved in. Soon... very soon the proverbial cat would be let out of the bag.

~End of Chapter Twelve~