Groove Adventure Rave: No Way To Say
Groove Adventure Rave is copyright of Kodansha and Hiro Mashima. No infringement is intended.
Let awoke, as he usually did, quickly and always at precisely nine o'clock. Even the current peacetime was no excuse for breaking his usual routine. Doing a few quick stretches, he noticed that Julia was missing. She was normally a late sleeper, and had to rely on Let to get her up at all. It was unusual for her to be up early. Shrugging, Let pulled a robe on, and opened the door to leave.
"Gahh!" He jumped in surprise. Few things could shake Let. One of those things was the sight of his fiancée in a very tiny blue bikini.
"Let! Oh, I should have known you would be up."
Let composed himself, and cast an eye over Julia, and the vast acres of her skin exposed by the bikini. "By the great Dragon… what the devil are you wearing?!!"
"It's a bikini Let. And don't look so shocked. You've seen me in skimpy stuff before."
"Skimpy?" He snorted. "That is not skimpy. That is non-existant."
"It looks fine to me." Elie appeared, wearing a leopard-pattern bikini of similar size. "Come on Julia-chan, before the sun goes away!" She scampered off. Let looked at Julia in confusion.
She winked. "Me and Elie are going sunbathing. It's part of my master plan to get her and Elie together."
"What are you going to do? Gyrate in front of Haru to make Elie jealous?"
"I'll forget I heard that." Julia glared. "No, I'm simply just going to let Haru see Elie, and then they'll have a nice chat, which should lead to them spilling the beans."
"How will that happen?" Let asked, sneaking a glance at Julia's chest.
"She smirked. "There is not a man on this planet who can resist the charms of a girl in a tiny bikini. Once Haru sees her, he'll jump at the chance to date her."
"Uh huh…" Let murmured, distracted.
"See, even you are not immune, my dear." She coyly stroked his face. "Do come over and put some lotion on me later, okay?"
She walked off, and Let was left standing in a trance for several minutes, before he returned to himself.
"… Humph. She found my weak spot."
# # # # # # # # # #
If Elie and Julia had chosen a beach to sunbathe on, it was certain they would be mobbed by hundreds of lusty men. But on the deck of the airship, they had perfect peace, and only had to worry about the roving eyes of Griff.
Julia…" Elie spoke, rubbing some suncream on her arm. "I know he's your fiancée, but isn't it a bit creepy that Let is up there?"
She pointed at Let, who was sitting cross-legged on the upper deck, his eyes roving around.
"Relax. He's just watching to make sure we're not disturbed."
"Yeah well, I just hope he keeps his eyes on you, and only you."
She smirked. "If he knows what's good for him."
Both girls laughed, before settling back onto their towels to soak up the sun. Elie switched on a nearby portable radio, and music filled the air.
Let watched the girls relax, allowing himself a wonderful view of his lover, before returning to the task Julia had given him. After about ten minutes, he finally noticed him.
Haru, walking nearer to where the girls lay. Let relayed this to Julia with a loud wolf-whistle.
"Why Let, you charmer." Julia laughed, but knowing the signal. Haru was coming, and she needed to disappear. "Elie-chan, why don't I get us some cool drinks?"
"Sure." Elie stretched out lazily, as Julia ran into the ship… and then walked quietly upstairs and out onto the upper deck, joining Let.
"You're a talented actress koi…." He smirked.
"Now to see it pay off." Julia grinned, as they watched Haru approach Elie.
# # # # # # # # # #
Haru had been walking around the deck, for no reason in particular. It was a nice morning, the warmest in recent memory, and he just felt like enjoying the warmth of the sun. So he walked around, simple thoughts filling his head and a tune hummed from his mouth.
Then he turned a corner, and came across Elie, laying on the deck wearing a very flimsy bikini. Suddenly, the tune stopped, and all thought in his head stopped. He froze, his eyes locked on the woman in front of him.
Before him, Elie stretched out, her long legs straightening, her toes almost touching the edge of the towel she lay on. Then she bent them back, and crossed her arms behind her head. He stared in wonder at her, her slim body gleaming with a slight sheen, her golden hair tousled in the breeze.
Gods she was beautiful. He could watch her for ages, and never get tired.
She then noticed him, and sat up, raising her sunglasses over her nose. "Haru?"
He suddenly felt guilty for staring at her. "Ah Elie… I er… didn't mean to stare."
"It's okay Haru. I can't really blame you…" She smiled. "Why don't you join me? You could do with a tan."
"Nah, I'm cool."
Elie pouted, and Haru immediately thought she looked utterly adorable. "Oh come on Haru. Please? Julia's gone, and I want to talk with you."
He smiled. Oh okay then." He whipped his shirt off, and sat down on the towel next to Elie. Elie stared slack-jawed at Haru's chest.
"Oh…. Oh my…" She murmured, mesmerized by Haru's muscles.
"You okay Elie?"
She shook her head, laughing. "Um.. fine! Just fine." She settled back onto her towel, a blush on her face. Haru chuckled to himself. Elie could act very odd sometimes. But he always attributed to her happy-go lucky attitude. He lay back on his towel.
"I've been thinking…" Elie began.
"Heh, that's a first." Haru couldn't resist a jibe. Elie glared at him, but she looked so cute doing so, that it was obvious she wasn't really upset.
"Anyway.. those fortune cookies Julia gave us last night.. they were really odd."
"Tasted okay to me." Haru spoke. He winced, knowing he'd just said something stupid. Elie ignored him though, and he sighed in relief.
"No, I meant the fortunes.. I still can't figure out what they mean. When love shines brightest… I hate cryptic stuff."
"Me too." He recalled his fortune. "The most beautiful shape… is the one we keep our hearts?"
He looked at Elie, a smile appearing. "I think I get mine."
"You do?" She focused on him, her eyes gleaming in anticipation of his answer. She always got excited over the smallest things.
"Well.. I figure the things we hold dear to ourselves, like friends and family, no matter what happens… they always appear precious to us."
Elie mulled this over, allowing Haru to gaze at her. "Precious… you're always precious to me…"
"That's… that's a really good theory." Elie spoke again. "Wow. You're quite the philosopher Mr Glory."
"Thanks…." Haru felt giddy at getting praise from her. "But I guess we'll have to see what happens in the future."
Elie's expression then dissolved into a sad smile. "Yeah… the future…"
# # # # # # # # # #
"Elie-san is so wonderful…" Griff drooled as he took pictures of the couple.
"Good lord, I can't believe I tried to kill him once." Iulius gaped at Haru. "I should have cloned him instead."
Julia scowled. "Will you two shut up? They'll hear us."
Musica, Shuda and Ruby spotted the group, and moved over. "So, how's operation Get Haru Laid going?"
"Shhhh!" Julia signalled. The three looked over, Musica giving a low whistle.
"Hoo boy. Look at Haru. Can't take his eyes off her."
"That's the plan." Julia smiled. "I just know he'll have to confess his love."
Shuda blinked. "Huh. If this does work… I'll eat my hat."
"Well then, I hope you're hungry."
"Poyo! They're sitting together." Ruby called.
Indeed, Haru had shifted over to sit next to Elie. The group watched with baited breath.
# # # # # # # # # #
Haru sat next to Elie watching her face. "You okay Elie? You look a bit down."
"Yeah… I guess…" She sighed. "It's nothing."
Haru touched her shoulder. "Please. Let me help you. If there's something wrong, I want to help you."
She smiled, and Haru felt slightly giddy. Her smile radiated such warmth.
"It's just… when you talk about the future… it scares me." She touched his hand. "So much stuff has happed already, good and bad. It scares me to think about what might happen next to us."
"Oh…" Haru blinked, his expression turning clueless as he thought of a response. Elie giggled.
"What's so funny?"
"Your face, whenever you think so hard."
He scowled. "I am trying to help you here."
"Sorry. Go on."
Haru smiled. "Well, the future is a scary thing to think about. But rather than think about what might happen, you should think about what you want to happen, and then work on it."
"Like what?"
He blinked. "Eh?"
"Well, what should I do in my future?" Elie asked. She sat up, resting her chin on her knees. "I mean, what should we do after Dark Bring is stopped?
Haru thought. "Well, after this, I'm gonna go back to Garage Island, and hold the biggest victory party ever. I'll invite all the people how helped us out. Then maybe I'll take a long vacation.."
"That… sounds nice." Elie spoke quietly.
"Then I'll have to figure out what to do with Symphonia, now I technically own it.." Haru mused. He still found in unbelievable that his late grandfather had actually been the King of Symphonia, and that he was of royal blood. "I could set up a new town there or something.."
The excitement in Haru's voice amused her. He was always happy about his crazy plans.
Then Haru grasped her hands, very tightly. She blinked in confusion, and noticed an odd stare in his eyes.
"There's something else I want…" His words sounded forced. "Something I would really like…" He went silent, his gaze never leaving her.
"What…?" Elie trembled for some reason, either from his touch, or anticipation.
"I… I…" Haru stumbled.
"Haru, what is it?" She gripped his hand tighter, wanting, needing to know.
Haru took his hands away. "Ah… nothing. Nothing."
"Nothing?" Elie was confused. "Your face is white."
He touched his face in surprise. "Hah… I guess I need a bit more sun." Stumbling, he reached back and grabbed his shirt, pulling it back on. "I… I have to go. You think about what I said…
Then he ran off. Elie stared as he left.
She shuddered, her eyes downcast.
The music on the radio continued. "And now, a golden oldie, from Ayumi Hamasaki. No Way to Say!"
A gentle theme played, but she paid no attention to it, her mind questioning what had just happened with Haru.
# # # # # # # # # #
Haru hadn't gone far. He'd jogged into a nearby bathroom, where he now leaned against the sink, staring at his face in the mirror. He was a gaunt white, and his hands trembled on the smooth surface of the sink.
"Damn it…" He breathed. He'd been so close. All he'd wanted to do was help her, and instead, he'd almost… He couldn't dare risk telling her. He didn't dare lose her.
He could just hear the words of a song from Elie's radio. He listened, the words seeming all too familiar to him…
The old wound left on me
Begins to ache
I hide my trembling heart again
And pretend to smile
Even in my age now, I'm the same as before
As timid as before
I only learn how to pretend to be strong
Though my heart is filled with feelings to convey
You see, I can't change them into words well
If I had not met you
I wouldn't even have such an embarrassing pain
Little by little, I've come to realize
That my past never heals
And that it's no use
Fearing the future I can't refuse
How much more courage do I need
To say with my head held high
This is the only important thing to me
Though I have firm feelings
You see, I can't change them into words as usual
Everyone is living this way
With feelings they can't express
Though my heart is filled with feelings to convey
You see, I can't change them into words well
If I had not met you
I wouldn't even have such an embarrassing pain…
"Damn it." He repeated. He banged the sink angrily with his foot.
She was there… but he would never have her.
Wiping his face, he walked back to his room.
# # # # # # # # # #
"What the hell is he doing?!!" Musica shouted. Only Julia clamping a hand over his mouth had prevented Elie from hearing him.
"Keep it down!" She dragged Musica away, and the others followed.
Musica got free of Julia's hold. "What the hell was that?!! I just saw him walk away from a half naked Elie. Half naked!! Is he insane?"
Iulius smiled. "Well, he's either insane, or…"
"Stop your train of thought there." Shuda commanded. "You know he isn't."
"Well, either way, it's a damn shame."
Julia frowned. "I don't understand. They were so close? Why wouldn't Haru just tell her? Or Elie? Hell, I could see they were attracted."
"Maybe they just don't actually feel that way.." Let began. He was swiftly silenced by Julia's stare.
"In any case, we'll have to come up with a better plan.."
"Count me in!" Musica blurted.
"Eh? Before, you couldn't care less."
Musica looked frantic. "I just saw my best friend walk away from a beautiful, bikini clad woman he's had a crush on for God knows how long. Clearly, Haru is wrong in the head, and needs our help."
"Good grief." Shuda shook his head. "Can't you people just leave this alone?"
"NO!!"
Julia turned back to Musica. "So, you got anything in mind."
Musica thought. "What we need… is a change of location. This ship ain't the most amorous place to get together. We really need a fancy restaurant…." He turned to Griff. "What's the nearest town from here?"
Griff pulled out his trusty travel map, and flipped some pages. "Lets see…. AH! In an hour or so, we reach Stanza Peak, a mountain town." He checked the guide. "Ohh.It's popular with tourists, has no Demon Card activity, has lots of restaurants and services, a scenic waterfall… wow, and the Stanza Caverns, the second largest cave network in the world! We gotta see that!"
Julia grabbed the book and looked it over. "This is perfect. There's loads of romance here.." She rubbed her chin, which worried Let. It indicated the gears in her head were working overtime.
"We could… set them up in a restaurant." She grinned. "Put them on a date."
"Buy them new outfits!" Iulius cheered.
"Give Haru a gift to give for Elie, poyo!" Ruby hopped.
"Hey, great idea!" Musica spoke. "Excuse me while I pull all that out of my ass."
"Poyo! We've still got the money we won in the dancing contest."
Musica blinked. "Damn, I forgot all about that! Heh, that feels like a long time ago…" He smacked his fists together. "Okay, lets make plans. Operation Get Haru Laid is back on!!"
With that, he along with Julia, Ruby, Iulius, Griff and Plue strode off. Let and Shuda stared.
"To think I left Demon Card for this…" Shuda sighed.
"I wonder if she would be happy with us just living together.." Let spoke.
# # # # # # # # # #
Elie sat on the deck, fully clothed now the sun was gone. She tried to lift her spirits thinking about the fun they could have once they reached Stanza Peak. But Haru's conversation earlier kept tugging at her mind. He'd tried, in his usual clumsy way, to cheer her up when his talk about the future had affected her. Whenever thoughts about the future came up, she was always think back to the conversation she had had with Saga Pentragon, the famous oracle.
"Regretfully… when I look into the future… I do not see you with the others…."
That one statement was the most horrible thing she had ever heard. It pained her to think that she might never see her friends again once all this was over. That she would never see Haru again.
Haru… when had he turned into that odd, country boy with a big sword and big heart, into one of the most important people in her life? Every time she had a disaster or a triumph, Haru was there, cheering her on. The day she had almost died by Sieg Hart's hand. The day she had found that brief memory of her parents. The dancing contest. Every time she needed him, Haru was there. She could never understand just why he stayed by her, but he did. And the thought of being without him was too much to bear…
"Elie-chan." She looked back to see Julia approach. She sighed, wishing she could be alone.
"Hey Elie, why so sad?" The Dragon girl asked. "I thought you would be excited. Stanza Peak is a pretty good town. You could go shopping."
"I guess…" Elie murmured. Julia frowned.
"Elie, what the hell is wrong with you? I've known you long enough to know when you're worried. Now what the hell is it?"
Elie cast an apologetic look to her friend. "I'm sorry Julia-chan… It's just… You know about Saga Pentragon, right?"
Julai thought back to what Let had told her. Saga Pentragon, a strange flower shaped creature who lived on Acapella Island. He could predict the future, and had guided the group toward another piece of Rave. According to Let, he had predicted Let would find her again. Saga sometimes spoke to the group by speaking thought the Rave of Truth.
"Yeah. What about him?"
"A few days ago, before the dance contest, I spoke to him, on my own. I asked him if he could see me in the future…" She shivered. "… And he said he couldn't"
Julia gasped. "Oh Elie.." She grasped her friend's hand to comfort her.
"He said that the future is very uncertain, and… and that I might still appear…" She forced a smile. "But it still scares me. I sometimes think I might die if I have to use my Aetherion to restore Rave.."
"We won't let that happen." Julia affirmed. "We don't know what might happen. But I know you'll still be here."
"I wonder.." Elie shrugged. "But… maybe you're right." She hugged Julia. "Thanks for cheering me up Julia-chan."
And she bounced off, seemingly cheery again. Julia watched her, concern on her face.
"Poor girl… I've got to get her together with Haru soon. Maybe… he can ease her pain…"
# # # # # # # # # #
Stanza Peak was a fairly large, rustic town situated at the base of a large mountain, surrounded by forest. Houses littered the base and lower slopes of the mountain, with paths leading to the forest and a set of cliffs overlooking a large valley. A waterfall completed the picturesque scene, running down the side of the mountain.
"Oh… It's amazing." Elie cried, jumping in excitement. Haru watched her from nearby, a smile on his face.
"Careful you don't fall over." He laughed.
Twenty minutes later, after the airship had landed on the cliffs, and the gang had checked into a hotel, they stepped out onto the main street. "So, what do we do first?" Haru asked. "You never really told us why we landed here Musica."
"Er…." The Silver Claimer racked his brains. "Er… supplies!! Yeah, supplies. Ruby mentioned we were a bit low on er…. Lugnuts. Yeah. So, we'll relax a bit and get some more lugnuts."
Haru nodded. "Oh right, lugnuts."
Shuda shook his head. "However did you last this long?" He muttered to himself.
"So, we got some time to kill. What do you think we should do?"
"Casino!" Elie bellowed. "Where's the casino?"
"Over there." Haru pointed. "I'm gonna check out those caves. I hear they're pretty cool."
"Oh.." Elie jumped. "Well, I'm coming too."
Haru blinked. "I thought you were going to the casino."
"Later! Caves first!" She grabbed Haru's arm and dragged him off at high speed, Plue following close behind.
Julia watched them run off, and turned to the others. "Okay, Iulius, Ruby, Griff, you know what to do. And remember, it has to be a really fancy restaurant."
"Sir yes sir!" Iulius saluted, then they jogged off.
"You think this will work?" Let questioned his fiancée.
Julia grinned. "If a lunk like you can woo me with just a few simple words and a bracelet you made…" She touched the bracelet Let had given her when they has first dated. "… then Haru should have no trouble." She took his hand. "Come on koi, let's watch the lovers to be."
The couple walked off, Musica following them. He glanced back at Shuda. "Hey, if either of those two get up to mischief, I wanna be there. You coming Shuddy?"
Shuda wringed his metal fist. "I cannot believe I'm stuck with these morons. Thank you VERY much Gale!"
# # # # # # # # # #
In another hotel, not far from where the gang had set up, three figures had entered the hotel's bar. Two were tall and thin, the other short and stumpy. All three wore heavy, hooded coats, masking their faces. One of the tall people and the short one found a table in the far corner of the room, and looked around, as if awaiting danger. The leader walked to the bar, where the barkeep eyed him suspiciously.
"What's yer poison pal?"
"I would like two ales, and a bottle of milk."
"Sure thing…" The barkeep blinked. "A bottle of milk?"
"And a small bowl please." The stranger placed some money on the counter. Nodding, the barkeep fetched two bottles of ale, then slipped into the rear kitchen to get the milk and bowl. The cloaked man thanked him, and returned to his colleages.
"Yummy." The second tallest grasped the bottle and poured some milk into the bowl. The short one looked around. "Can we take these off now? I'm suffocating, and I don't think we'll be spotted."
The leader nodded, and all three removed their hoods and unfastened their coats. The leader was a young man, rail thin and with black hair crafted into a large quiff. He leaned back into his seat, glad to stretch out his long legs.
The second was a girl of similar age, with long blonde hair in two ponytails. She looked normal enough, but then one could notice her eyes, which had narrow, slanted pupils like a cat. The girl then bent down and began to lap up her milk with her tongue.
The third was not human at all, but a creature which resembled a overgrown teddy bear. He ran a hand through his brown fur, rubbing his sore ears. Giant, round eyes glanced lazily around the bar.
The three were an odd looking group, but a few days ago, they had been people to fear. For they were all members of the Blue Guardians, the terrible warriors who ruled the skies. At least, that had been the way before the Rave Master had defeated the leader, Hardner, and destroyed their base. Now they were vagrants, living off the land and scrounging for scraps. At least, that was how Koala saw it.
The teddy bear creature looked at Giraffe, who was relaxing in his chair, and Leopard, who was engrossed in her milk. "So, how long are we going to stay in this fleapit?"
"It's not a fleapit." Leopard retorted.
Giraffe shrugged. "Well, after that trek through the mountains, we might as well relax here for a day or so. Then we can catch a train to Experiment City. I'm sure we can find some work that requires our services there."
Suddenly, Koala thumped the table with his fist. "This sucks!! This utterly sucks!"
Giraffe sighed. "Yes Koala I'm aware of that. You remind us in every bloody place we stop at."
Koala showed no signs of shutting up." We were legends once…"
"Not again…."
"We were the most feared warriors in the world. The crème de la crème. We had money, power, respect, everything! We were gonna rule the world!" He gritted his teeth. "And now look at us. Wandering from town to town like a bunch of bums. Working as short order chefs. And all because of that Goddamn Rave Master!! I swear, if I ever see him…
"Oh shut up!" The girl whapped Koala with a manicured hand. "Leopard wants some peace." She resumed her drinking, and Giraffe smiled. Leopard's simplistic attitude and cat-like imitation had irritated him at first, but now he found it rather endearing.
Leopard's strike had managed to calm Koala. "Alright alright." He slumped in his seat. "I'm just really hacked off, that's all."
"Oh right. I hadn't noticed." Giraffe rolled his eyes as he sipped his drink.
"That damn Rave Master.." Koala seethed, tearing a napkin in his paws.
"You must relax." Giraffe spoke. "In a few days, we'll be in Experiment City, and we'll get loads of contract work. Hell, we may even join the ranks of Demon Card." He pointed at the dark jewel hanging from his neck, his Dark Bring. "With our powers, we'll be a hot commodity."
"Yeah, so cheer up." Leopard swallowed the last of her milk. "But not right away. We deserve a quick break after that walk in the mountains, right Giraffe?" She looked adoringly at their leader.
"Or course." He stood up. "Why don't we get a room, then I'll sort out our dinner."
"Alright!"
Koala shrugged and hopped off his chair, fastening his coat. "Whatever. I'm gonna look around, find something to do in this craphole.." He walked off.
"He's so silly sometimes." Leopard grabbed Giraffe's arm. "Let's go already! Leopard wants a bath!"
# # # # # # # # # #
"These stalactites, formed from dripping sediments from the cave roof, have been continually growing since 0034, some as long as seven feet.." The tour guide droned on, Musica moaned and looked around. He and the others were in a large cavern, deep underneath the cliffs of the mountain. The place was flooded with light from large spotlights, illuminating the stalactites and crystals which formed the roof. It was very impressive, but the guide was beginning to get on his nerves.
He then spotted a female guide walk by, in a very short skirt. Musica glanced over to where the others where, then licked his lips. "Now the tour gets interesting."
As he followed the guide, Haru, Elie and Plue were looking down at an underground river. Haru's eyes wide as the water rushed down below them.
"Man… I've never seen a cavern like this." He gaped up at the ceiling. "Not even Akumu Hall was a s big as this."
Elie suppressed a giggle. She was always amused whenever got like this. Whenever he saw something new and exciting, he seemed to revert into a child, glee and innocence in his face. It was understandable, after all, he'd lived most of his life on an island. But it was refreshing to see someone take wonder in all the simple things of the world.
She sighed, watching him as he spotted crystals on the roof with Plue. He truly was exceptional. She could think of no one else who shared his adoration for life, his constantly positive attitude, and his boundless courage. She only had to think back, and a dozen situations arose where Haru would charge into a challenge head-on, be it fighting, or when he asked to dance in the contest, but Shuda politely told him he was crap at it. Everytime she needed him to help her, he was there. Everytime her spirits were low, and the frustration got to her, he always made her feel better Everytime they faced a difficulty, he would always say they would come out alright. And they always did. Even when he was tired and hurt, he fought for his friends. For her.
She frowned at that thought. He fought for her.
She hated that.
"Elie-chan?" Haru asked, wondering why she had spaced off. Elie blinked, noting his stare.
"Haru… ah, I was just…" She glanced up at some crystals. "Just admiring those."
He looked up." Yeah, they are nice. A bit like the ones in the Star Vestige."
"Yeah.." Her face fell. "Too bad that place got destroyed."
Haru nodded, recalling their visit to Star Vestige, a massive cave which was meant to be the entrance to the Stellar Memories. Within the cave, they had found massive crystals, which when touched, could reveal a person's past. Haru had seen his entire past, past his leaving Garage Island and beyond. The others had also seen their pasts.. but when Elie had tried, she had somehow been given a glimpse of a future terrorised by Dark Bring. Before she could get another chance to see her past, Lucia had attacked, and the battle between Haru and the Dark Bring Master had awoken the Endless, which had destroyed the cavern.
He had felt truly bad about that, even though it hadn't utterly been his fault. But he still felt guilty that he had denied her a chance to see her past.
He looked at her, her eyes shining a little as she studied the stone walls. Sometimes he wondered if this quest to find her past was worth all the trouble. So far, it had only seemed to get her in trouble with every power-mad loony who desired the magic within her. Sometimes, he doubted she needed to know her past to make her life complete.
Despite this troubled existence she had come into, she was always smiling. Everyday, she would wake the others up, fresh as a daisy and as hyper as ever. Nothing could ever stop her. No matter what situation they got into, she could life his spirits with just a smile. She could find happiness in anything, and she would spread it infectiously. In the year since he'd known her, his admiration for her had grown considerably. Not to mention he was steadily realising how beautiful she was…
He noticed she was still looking sad about his comment about the Star Vestige. He sided closer, and put an arm around her shoulder. She flinched, then turned to look at him.
"You'll get a chance to see your past Elie." He smiled. "Just keep believing."
She smiled back. "I never stopped."
She leaned against him, and his arm tightened around her.
For now, this was enough.
"Oooooh, that is so cute!!" Julia gushed, as she, Let and Shuda watched Haru and Elie stand close together. "You see? It's so obvious they care for each other."
"Yes, delightful." Shuda deadpanned. "As much as I support your little matchmaking scheme, and that isn't a lot, may I remind you that Demon Card are still up to their tricks. You know, that whole world domination thing. How much longer do you intend to keep us here?"
Julia sighed. "Lighten up Shuda. After tonight, they'll be together and we can set off." She sniggered. "Though we might have to pry those two out of bed."
Shuda rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Just don't drag this out."
"You're a real prude, you know that Shuda? Why don't you do something decent and write a love letter to Haru's sister?"
Shuda snorted and walked away. Let watched him with a smirk. "Perhaps he could benefit from your matchmaking in the future."
Haru, Elie and Plue walked up. "Hey, you guys fancy checking out the gift shop. It would be nice to get some stuff for my sister."
"Sure thing… say, where's Musica?"
A loud slap was heard, and Musica joined them, a red mark on his face. He noticed them staring, looks of amusement of their faces. "What?"
# # # # # # # # # #
Koala had wandered into a gift shop, and was now busy fiddling with a small plastic puzzle box, the type made of interlocking pieces. He had difficulty connecting pieces, as his short arms were hidden within the sleeves of his coat, but he was determined to persevere. Then at least the day wouldn't be a total waste.
He sighed. "I can't take anymore of this. I don't wanna be a bum for the rest of my life!"
A loud voice sounded in the air. "Oooh, Love Believer t-shirts! Grab em!"
Koala blinked. "That voice…. Haven't I heard that voice before?"
"Come on Elie, you've got enough shirts already."
"But it's purple! I don't have any that colour."
Koala's blood froze, and he dropped the puzzle. "No way… it can't be…" Gathering himself, he hid behind a pile of soft toys and peered out at the clothing section of the shop.
His eyes turned to saucers. It was them. The Rave Master and the girl with Aetherion. He was handing her money for a t-shirt. Then they walked to the counter, still chatting away. Close by were the two dragon people, the Silver Claimer who had beaten Giraffe back on their base, and the red-haired swordsman. He glared, remembering how the red-haired fiend had defeated him.
He watched as the group paid for their items and left, then snuck out the shop and followed them, keeping out of sight in the crowds. They walked onto the main street, past Koala's hotel, and stopped in front of another one a few blocks away.
Koala, having seen enough, bolted back to his hotel. He had to tell Giraffe and Leopard.
# # # # # # # # # #
Giraffe entered their hotel room, a bag of groceries under his arm. He felt grateful that he'd saved a large amount of cash before the Blue Guardians dissolved, so they weren't too bad financially. Still, it could only last for so long…
"Leopard?" He called, wondering where the cat-girl was. Checking the bedroom, he ambled into the adjoining bathroom.. and jumped when he spotted her in the bath.
"EEEEEK!!" She screamed, hiding herself in the bubbles filling the bath. Giraffe adverted his eyes. "Ah, sorry. I was just looking for you."
She calmed down. "Leopard didn't hear you. You just surprised Leopard."
Sensing he was safe to do so, Giraffe turned his eyes back to her. He silently chuckled at the sight of Leopard, wet blond hair trailing behind her back, sitting beetroot red amist a load of foam. He'd never say it out loud, but he constantly found her cute. No one never really suspected she was a vicious warrior.
"Will you rub my back?" She asked. He was taken aback, a bit unsure of touching her.
"O.. okay then." Crouching next to the bath, he took a wet sponge, and ran it over her back. He felt the smooth warmth whenever his fingers touched skin, a pleasant tingle on his senses.
"Do you like this place Giraffe?" She asked.
"Well.. it's alright. Would probably be better without all these tourists."
"Leopard thinks it's the best place we've been to so far." She smiled at him. "Leopard hasn't seen many places outside of the Albatross."
That was true. Though he knew little of her past, Giraffe was aware that Leopard had lived and trained on the Albatross, the Blue Guardian's central base, since she was little. A lifetime of fighting had done little to dampen her cheery spirit though.
"Leopard likes this place. It's so much nicer than the Albatross." She sighed. " I wish we could live here."
He ran a hand through her hair. "It wouldn't be very convenient, but still, you could move here if you had the cash."
Unexpectedly, she grabbed his hand, and looked up at him. "But… it wouldn't be the same without Giraffe there."
Giraffe was silent. He and Leopard had been partners for a long time, but this was the first time she had touched him.. so tenderly. His wandering eye found itself trying to peek at her body, but he managed to focus on her eyes. Funny, he never noticed they were so bright….
"GUYS!! GUYS!! You won't believe it!! Koala ran in screaming. Leopard shrieked, hiding deeper in the water.
"EEEEEEK! Hentai!!"
Giraffe grasped Koala's neck in a fluid movement, and stared the bear in the eye. "I hope you have a good explanation, because I don't hurt you, she will."
Leopard glared at Koala, who freed himself from Giraffe's hold. "Guess who I just saw in town?"
"This isn't like the time you said you saw the inventor of the telephone, is it?"
"Better than that! I saw the Rave Master!"
That got their attention. Both Leopard and Giraffe leaned closer. "Are you joking?"
"It's no joke. I saw him and all his stupid friends. "He darted to the window. "They're in a hotel not far from ours… Look!! They're outside right now!!"
Giraffe crossed over to the window, and peered outside. His eyes widened as he saw the silver-haired Rave Master standing in the street, surrounded by his allies. Leopard moved up, wrapped in a towel.
"It's them…" She gasped. "Are they looking for us?"
"They don't appear to be." He assured. "I think they're just here the same reason we are. After all, they've beaten us. Why chase after us? In any case, we better get out of here as soon as we can…"
"What?" Koala screeched. "You want to run away? Don't you see what an opportunity this is? We could kill him off for good!"
Giraffe stared at the short bear incredulously. "Three of us against the Rave Master, not to mention all his friends? Why it's all too easy!" He glared. "Get a grip! There's no way we could beat them all. If Hardner couldn't beat the Rave Master, what chance have we got?"
"Hardner almost beat him, he just got overconfident." Koala's eyes gleamed. "They have no idea we're here. All we would have to do is get some weapons, and take them by surprise. They'll never see us coming! And we wouldn't have to fight them all. Once we killed off that damn Rave Master, they won't have the strength to continue. They'll be lost without their precious leader."
Giraffe had to admit, Koala's rantings had merit. But it still seemed impossible.
"Get real. Why should we risk our lives?"
"For payback man!" Koala flared. "Those bastards destroyed our base, wrecked our organisation, killed Hardner… he killed our boss man! I know you didn't like Hardner much, but I respected the guy. He put a roof over my head, made me part of a great army, and probably would have made me a general or something if his plans had followed through. I feel I owe him, and you two should too."
The words reverated in Giraffe's head. True, he had never liked Hardner. His maniacal approach to life, his obsession with power, plus the way he treated women, had not won him many popularity points. But he had respected the man as a great warrior and general. He'd given him the means to fight, the means to get people to respect him, and defeat anyone who got in his way. Under Hardner's rule, he had indeed gotten everything he wanted. Before the Rave Master took it all away.
A minute of silence passed, before he made his decision.
"Alright then. But we're doing this my way. No offence, but you're a terrible leader."
"Yes!! Wait what?…" Koala stared.
"Here's what we'll do. Leopard and I will follow the Rave Master, track his movements so we can take him unawares. Koala, your job is to get us some weapons. Our Dark Brings are powerful, but we'll need more in order to hold off his friends."
Koala nodded. "There's a scrapyard not far from here. I'll find loads to stuff to use there."
"Then get going. We'll meet later tonight, once we've got him pinned down."
"Alright! Oooh, he is so gonna get it…" Koala ran off, leaving Giraffe to turn to Leopard, who had remained silent through the whole exchange.
"Get dressed. He have to keep tracks on hero boy down there."
"Do we have to?" She asked. Giraffe blinked, confused. "Of course we have to. Now hurry up."
She frowned. "Leopard is coming."
Giraffe nodded and left, but couldn't help but notice Leopard was not her chipper self.
# # # # # # # # # #
Julia kept an eye on Haru and Elie as they bought hotdogs from a vendor. Hearing a call, she turned to see Griff and Ruby run up.
"Well, did you do it?"
"Sure did, poyo!" Ruby beamed with pride. "We got them the best table in the Waterfall Restaurant, right next to the waterfall. It's really nice, poyo! Plus, a posh dinner with all the works. I also got a table for all of us, so we can watch them, poyo."
Julia patted the penguin's head. "You're a marvel Ruby."
"Wait, we have to buy dinner for them now?" Shuda huffed. "You're taking this thing way too far."
"I'll go as far as it takes to get them together."
Let sighed. "I am still here you know…"
"Say, where's Iulius?"
"Poyo. He said he had a plan to give Haru and Elie the dinner reservations without them guessing it's us."
Musica snorted. "Him? The man is as subtle as… hellooo!" His eyes had locked on a slim woman with long dark hair, clad in a blue dress, who was walking up to them. Musica flashed his most charming grin at the woman.
"Well, hello. May I help you miss?"
"The girl laughed. "Why Musica, I thought you would never ask."
The voice sounded familiar. Musica peered at the girl closely… then jumped back in fright. "AGGGGGGHHHH!"
"iulius?!!" Julia gasped in surprise. Iulius lifted his long wig, the other staring in shock at his disguise.
"Indeed, it is I. sorry to startle you, but I figured this was the best way to give these to Haru and Elie." He held up the reservation tickets.
Shuda sighed. "It's the Demon Card Christmas party all over again…"
"I've it once, and I'll say it again. You're a complete freak man!" Musica ranted.
"Charming." Iulius put the wig back on. "Now excuse me, while I present the love birds with their gift." He walked off toward Haru and Elie, the others watching.
"Whose idea was it he come with us?" Musica asked.
"Damn I'm jealous… he's got better legs than me." Julia frowned.
"Mmmmmm!" Elie chomped down on her hotdog, sauce all over her face. "These are great. I could eat a hundred of these."
Haru laughed. "Too bad. You're only getting one."
"You're mean!"
"Haru Glory?" Haru spun around to see a woman with long dark hair standing behind him.
"Er.. yes?"
"Congratulations!!" The woman yelled. "You've won our fabulous prize draw, and I'm here to give you your prize!" She thrust an envelope into Haru's hand. "An exclusive dinner for two at the Waterfall Restaurant. Especially for you and your lovely girlfriend."
"Eh? I'm not his girlfriend." Elie replied.
"Yes, you and your girlfriend will have a wonderful evening. Ta Ta!" And the woman ran off into the crowd, leaving a baffled Haru and Elie.
"That was weird…"
"I'll say.." Haru opened the envelope and examined the contents. "I never entered any kind of prize draw. But these reservations… they're all real."
"Wow…" Elie gasped. "Dinner for two.."
"Why Haru, what's that you have there?" Julia asked innocently as she and the others moved up to them.
"It's really weird. Some odd woman gave me a dinner for two at some Waterfall Restaurant…"
"The Waterfall Restaurant?!" A familiar voice exclaimed. Iulius joined the group.
"Where were you Iulius?" Elie asked.
"Who cares? The Waterfall Restaurant is the best restaurant around here. Booking can go back for months. Haru, you lucky devil!"
"It's quite a prize bro." Musica smiled. "A nice dinner for two."
Haru looked at Elie for a few seconds, a worried expression on his face. Elie also looked nervous.
"Well…" He extended his hand towards Let. "You take it Let. You and Julia have a good time."
"What?" Julia frowned. "No. This is your prize. You and Elie should go."
"Me?" Elie blinked. "But.. why me and Haru?
Everyone froze as they thought of a good answer.
"Er… it's… your anniversary!" Musica snapped his fingers. "Yeah! You two have been friends for a year now. You should celebrate!"
Suddenly, time seemed to slow down for Haru. He looked at Elie, stared into her golden eyes. He could take her to dinner… he could be with her…
"Okay then…" He croaked. "Elie, would you like to have dinner with me?"
Elie blinked, looking like a frightened rabbit. "You mean… a date?" She blushed crimson.
"Well, yeah.. if you like."
She smiled. "Well… okay then."
The biggest grin he'd ever pulled appeared on his face. "Okay." He felt giddy. He was actually on a date… with her..
Suddenly, Musica, Ruby and Iulius grabbed his arms and dragged him off. "Come on then pal. We gotta get you a sharp suit."
"What?! Wait guys! Guyyyyss…" Haru wailed as they ran off.
Julia rolled her eyes. "Giving his prize to us. Sometimes I wonder if Haru is the nicest man alive, or a complete dimwit."
"Hey! Don't talk about Haru like that! Elie glared at the older girl. Then she facefaulted. "Uh… I mean…"
Julia laughed. "Come on Elie. We need to get you a dress for your date."
"A dress.." Elie smiled at being in familiar territory. "Alright!"
"Allow me to help you in the changing room…" Griff began, before being stamped underfoot by the two women.
Shuda sighed. "Come on. I expect Julia will want us to wear suits for our dinner."
"Suits? She never mentioned suits.." Let trailed off as he followed Shuda.
Behind them, two figures stepped out of the shadows, and chased after Elie and Julia.
# # # # # # # # # #
"Lookin' sharp!" Musica commented as Haru stepped out the changing room of the clothes shop, dressed in a light purple shirt, and dark jacket and trousers.
"If you say so." He shrugged.
"Be a bit more enthusiastic Haru, poyo." Ruby spoke. "Do you want a different shirt?"
"No…" He sounded distracted.
"What's wrong Haru? You don't exactly seem to be looking forward to this."
"I guess I'm a bit nervous. I've…" He seemed ashamed. "I've never really been on a date before."
"Get out! You must have gone out with some girls on your home island."
"Nope. Never even thought about it."
Musica mouth dropped. "You're telling the… geez Haru. What is it with you and girls? You get loads of them falling in love with you, but you never even chat them up."
"I don't know…." Haru gave a sad smile. "They scare me a little. I never really know what to say… I want to but…"
He swallowed "Could you give me some hints? You're the expert. What should I do?"
Musica laughed. "You don't need my help pal. You've got enough charm for the both of us. Just use that old Haru confidence, be yourself, and you'll be fine."
"I hope so." Haru shivered. "I… I don't want to disappoint her."
An idea clicked in Musica's head. "But… if you really want to impress her, you should get her a gift."
"Like what?"
"Like…" He grabbed Haru's arm and led him into the women's wear section. He pointed at the lingerie counter. "That."
Haru turned a shade of red. "That? No way!"
"Ah come on. You bought her that skimpy costume for the dance contest."
"Only for the dance contest!" This… is just way too much. It's only a little date!"
Musica shook his head. "Haru, women love to be fussed upon. Even on small dates, they love us guys to empty our wallets and splash out on them."
He moved to the counter, and held up a silk nightgown. "See, decent enough, but very fancy. She'll love it!"
"If you say so…" Haru still felt unsure about all this.
But when would he ever get another chance to be with her?
# # # # # # # # # #
"Do you like this one?" Elie left the gown shop's changing room wearing a lilac dress. "Tell me you like it, cause I'm undecided between this or the red one."
Julia sighed. "Elie, we've been here for an hour now. Even I can't window shopping for that long. Just pick a dress and lets go!"
"But it needs to be perfect!" She wailed. "You want me to go out with Haru not looking my best?"
"Haru won't care."
"Yes he will."
"No he won't." Jullia smiled. "In case you haven't noticed, Haru is always looking at you."
She blinked. "He is?"
"He can't take his eyes off you. So trust me. He will think you look great no matter what."
"You really mean that…" She smiled. "Yeah… Haru's a great guy like that."
Elie darted back into the changing room. "I'll go with the white one."
"I'll go pay for it then." Julia called. She walked to the counter, a smile on her face. Everything was going to plan…
"Woman! We need to talk."
She spun round to see an angry Let, clad in a smart tuxedo. She grinned in approval.
"Well, don't you look nice."
"This isn't funny. Must I really wear this ridiculous suit to the dinner? I'm willing to help you in this scheme of yours, but even I have my limits."
"Now now… don't be like that…" She adjusted his bowtie, pressing her body to his. "I think you look very handsome."
"Yes well… I don't feel it." Let's cheeks had a slight tinge. "But for you.. I'm willing to tolerate it."
"Thank you." She kissed his nose. "Behave tonight, and I promise two couples will get lucky tonight."
As the three left the shop, Giraffe and Leopard stepped out from the changing room, where they had hidden, and heard everything.
"So, the Rave Master is having a dinner party tonight?" Giraffe mused. "We can catch him afterwards…"
"We should go to that restaurant too!" Leopard spoke. "They may be plotting something. We should be there to watch." She grasped his arm. "Can we go? Pleeeesse?!
Giraffe tried to avoid Leopard's teary eyes, but was unable to resist. "Oh I suppose so."
"Yay! Leopard needs a dress!"
# # # # # # # # # #
Night fell, and the town was ablaze with light, the brightest of all situated behind the waterfall, which illuminated the crashing water for the enjoyment of the Waterfall Restaurant patrons. Haru looked around as he walked toward the outside terrace, amazed at the opulent surroundings. The most extravagant place he'd ever been in was Ruby's casino, and this place beat it out for sheer splendour. He stepped onto the terrace, situated next to the waterfall. He watched the waterfall for a bit, impressed by the lights and noise, and enjoying the cool air. He felt a bit calmer now. Sitting down, he placed Elie's gift under his seat.
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he'd be on an actual date with Elie. He'd thought about it many times, but had never worked up the courage, for personal reasons… now, thanks to some twist of fate, he was here, and she would be here too.
Haru!" He turned to the sound of her voice, and was caught breathless. Elie wore a white, spaghetti strapped gown, which seemed to shimmer as she moved. Her hair shone gold from the light, her infamous smile gleaming.
"Haru, did you see the waterfall? Beautiful, isn't it?" She spoke while sitting down.
He smiled. "Beautiful. Definitely."
From a distant table, Let, Julia, Ruby and Musica watched the couple, while Plue and Griff hid under the table.
"Poyo. These are really good seats. Good job I booked them in time."
"Indeed…" Let was fidgeting with his collar. "They better not take too long."
Julia frowned. "Behave, will you? I'm missing out."
"Don't worry. I'm getting it all on tape." Griff called, holding up a video camera. "Say, where's Shuda and Iulius?"
"I am a plastic surgeon's worst nightmare!" Iulius called as he appeared, wearing a purple suit with ruffles on the sleeves. "Throw away the scalpel. Improvements are impossible!"
"Keep it down you fool." Shuda huffed. "You want to be found out?"
"Why are you even here? I thought you didn't care?"
"Mere curiousity." The two sat down, and Shuda rolled his eyes at Julia's stare. "And stop looking at me like that. I am not a romantic."
"You must have seduced Cattleya somehow." Musica laughed.
"Poyo! They've ordered their meal." Ruby called. All eyes turned to Haru and Elie.
"Now let the magic begin." Musica smiled.
At another table, Giraffe and Leopard watched the couple, and the other group. "Very odd…" he mused. "Why are they watching the other two?"
"Should I try the fish or the chicken?" Leopard asked. Giraffe ignored her, prompting her to whack him with the menu. "Giraffe! What should we have?"
"Do you mind? I am trying to spy on them. That was the point of coming here, remember?"
"Leopard doesn't think they're up to something." She said earnestly. "They're just enjoying a meal, like we should do."
"I didn't buy that dress for you just so we could have dinner. We have to keep tabs on them."
Leopard's eyes watered. "You… you're right. Leopard is sorry. I just thought.. you would like dinner with Leopard, before we fight them. But if you want to leave…"
Giraffe looked at her, looking stunning in the black number he'd bought for her, her blonde hair pulled back into a bob. It was funny, he'd never thought of her as really attractive. They were just partners. But now she had tricked him into taking her on a date… and the really funny thing was, he felt he might enjoy it.
He touched her hand. "Alright then. Let's enjoy ourselves."
"Really?!!" She squealed.
"Yes. But keep an eye on them." He glanced at the group again. "There is something going on…"
She usually ate her food with great gusto, but tonight, Elie restrained herself from scoffing down her meal as she usually did. As daintily as she could, she cut her steak and chewed gently. She didn't want to look greedy in front of Haru.
She looked at Haru, who had never taken his eyes off her, as he chatted about his old day job. She partly listened, but was more captivated by his appearance. She'd never seen him in a smart suit, apart from their adventure in Ruby's casino, and was amazed at how dashing the usually scruffy Rave Master looked. Dashing was not a word associated with Haru. Headstrong and reckless were.
She sighed, wishing it could always be like this. No Dark Bring or evil to fight. Just her and Haru, living in peace. She admired him when he was Haru the courageous warrior. But she felt better with Haru the boy. The boy… no man… the nice, compassionate, friendly, reliable, and rather buff man.
Why did it have to be like this? Her always putting him in danger…
"Say Elie… where would you go for a holiday?"
She blinked, realising he'd spoken to her. "Eh? Sorry?"
Haru smiled. "I was thinking…. After all this is over, I'd like to take a holiday. You know, a nice relaxing vacation."
She tittered. "Haven't you travelled enough since we started this quest?"
"Nope, and I'm not going to stop." He grinned, and she felt warm inside. Haru, so childish, and yet more mature than she could ever hope to be. No wonder he was so lovable.
"Well… I'd like to go to Ruby's Casino again.. but have the whole thing hover over Sazanberk, so I can go to the beach whenever I want."
"Yeah that sounds nice…" I'd just like to get as far away from civilisation as possible."
"Huh?"
"Well… I dunno…" He shrugged. "I'd just like to go somewhere where no one else could bother me. Just me on my own, so I could relax without someone trying to kill me. Like a desert island."
He laughed again, but then she reached over and touched his hand. He froze.
"But…" She looked at him tenderly. "Wouldn't you be lonely?"
He blushed. "Umm… I guess…"
A moment of silence passed, and the two looked in each other's eyes. Elie nearly swooned… his eyes were so deep… She wanted to get closer.
But realised she couldn't. Not ever.
Julia gasped. "Look! Ooh, this reminds me of our first date."
"Yes, except I didn't have my friends pushing me along and buying me dinner…" Let deadpanned.
"You first date with Cattleya like that Shuddy, or was it just a few glasses of wine and…"
"Don't make me hurt you Silver Rhythm."
Musica sweated, then looked back to Haru. "Alright! He's getting the gift for her."
"Gift?" Julia looked sceptical. "You got something decent, right."
"Oh yeah. Totally."
Haru reached under his seat, and produced a small box. "Elie… I er… got this for you."
"You did? But why?"
"Well…" He seemed nervous now. "We've been… friends for over a year now, and in all that time, I've never really bought you a present. You gave me stuff for my birthday, but I've never gotten anything for you. So… here you go."
Elie beamed with happiness as she took the box and unwrapped it. A nice date and a gift. This was shaping up to be a good night.
She gasped when she saw the contents. She lifted out a thin, silk nightgown. She stared in amazement, then looked at Haru, who looked anxious.
She felt herself trembling. This gift… why give something like this to her? Was he implying… no he would never do that, he had too much respect. It was another of those reasons she..
No. She couldn't. Her mind was in a frenzy. She had to stop this, before it went any further. And to do that, she had to do something horrible.
"Haru…." Her brows crossed. "YOU PERVERT!!"
"Jigga wha?!" Musica muttered, as Elie's shout was heard throughout the room.
Julia gasped in shock. Let and Shuda's eyebrows raised in surprise. Iulius and Ruby blinked in confusion
Giraffe and Leopard focused on the two, equally confused.
"How… how dare you give me this!! You buy me a nightie, and expect me to sleep with you?!" Elie raged.
"Elie.. I never meant it like…"
"So what is it meant to be? You want me to strip for you? Be your party girl?!"
"No I….
"Shut up!" She gave Haru a fierce slap in the face. "You men are all the same! I never want to see you again!"
She ran off, leaving a desolate Haru in his chair. After a moment of silence, he got to his feet, and plodded out another exit.
The group stared in shock, Julia gaping like a fish. "What… what just happened?"
"I think they broke up." Let commented.
"NO!" It wasn't meant to be like this! I was so sure they would be happy! I don't understand…"
"Some things just aren't to be…"
"You!" She grabbed Musica shirt. "This is all your fault! You and your stupid gift! You couldn't just buy her something practical, could you?!"
Musica pulled himself free. "Hey, you're to blame for this as well. You put pressure on them."
"No I didn't!"
"Just a second." Shuda voiced. "She took the nightie with her."
"Eh?"
"I saw her taking the nightgown with her as she ran out."
"You sure?"
"I'm not totally blind Silver Rhythm. I know what I saw. Look, it would still be on the table otherwise, and it isn't."
Julia blinked. "But… she hated it. Why take it with her?"
In her hotel room, Elie sat on the bed, holding the straps of the silk nightgown, admiring the colours.
"No one's ever bought me something like this…" She whispered. "This is the best gift ever…"
Tears fell from her eyes, and she sobbed into the silk as despair took over.
"Forgive me Haru…."