3) A Strange Group of Super-hero's

"What a b-e-a-U-tiful morning!"

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the clouds drifted lazily in the sky, trying to decide if it would be better to imitate a bunny rabbit or a pirate ship. At the park, couples took the opportunity to lounge outside, sprawled at interval spaces in the grass. Even the dogs were content to leave the stray cats alone, as the inviting sun drew them out of their alleys.

"Weather forecast was right." Cho said gloomily.

Raye shot Cho a side glance,

"Of course it was, that is one magnificent sky! I haven't seen weather like this in a long time."

"No, I meant the weather in Ulai. It's rainy and wet and cold. Perfect"

-Ok! Enough gloom and doom! We've faced hard times before, what is her problem? It's not like it's the end of the world. -

Inwardly, Raye sniggered.

-Although there have been quite a few cases of that before too. Well, we might as well get it over with.-

Although reluctant, Raye knew that what was happening was serious, and that Cho didn't cross the diasaal line at 3 o'clock in the morning for nothing. But that didn't stop her from feeling a twinge of guilt as they made their way down to Lita's restaurant. They had just started to settle into relatively normal lives.

 Although it had only been open for about a month, L's Café had already picked up some regulars; four of them presently sitting in the restaurant. Raye surveyed the party gathered around the counter. The little group consisted of three girls and one guy. A girl with black, medium length hair had her head buried in a rather thick book. The man looked uncomfortable on the three-legged stools provided at the counter; but the sparkle in his eyes indicated that he was enjoying his conversation too much to care.  The two other girls were blonde, tall and smiling; you could almost mistake them for twins by their features. One girl however, was wearing stylish sweats and had large bow tied in her hair, whiles the other girl…

"Chooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

-My eardrums are going to be gone forever!-

"Why do you have to scream?"

"I haven't seen her in a while!"

"So? I didn't scream when I saw her, my head is going to explode!"

"Well, just because you're a …"

"Smart person and you're a meatball head who has mush for brains?"

Hair style was one of the things that separated Serena and Mina. With Serena's long blonde hair twisted into the unmistakable odanga balls that were rightfully claimed as hers, Raye had coined the nickname "meatball head"; used only in cases of extreme irritation. Mostly the group used "Bunny" as a term of endearment for their energetic, lively, vivacious friend.

Even Cho had to chuckle at their antics, seeing Serena's pouting face.

"It's nice to see you Cho. May I ask as to why you're here?"

Husky and deep, Darien had a voice to match his handsome face. And although his question was brusque, Raye knew that Darien was just as glad to see Cho as everyone else. He however knew just as much about Ulai and its earthly factors as Raye knew about its stars and mystical aspects; understanding Cho's visit was more than it appeared at first glance.

Cho's face fell a little and she stammered.

"Umm, well…, umm... it started… well these dreams…and Seoak…"

-Truthful but blunt Darien. This is no way to get a rational explanation from her. She's already scared out of her wits. And we don't need Serena wailing.-

Raye took action.

"Where's Lita?"

"She's in the kitchen, as usual."

"Is Yuuri here?"

"Yup, he just got here 20 minutes ago."

"Good, can you go get her? We need to talk, and it might take a while."