Author's Apologies, as usual...:
Hello again! I never said this story has ended, have I? Well, sorry if I
did...but placing the whole story in one chapter would really be too long and
dragging. So I decided to divide the whole story into three chapters!
Recently, my computer crashed so suddenly that I didn't even know why it
happened. That's the reason why I couldn't update this story sooner.
Luckily, I was able to retrieve my documents from the computer and I got a
chance to fix everything up. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. That's
all...now let's get to story shall we?
How It Came To Be
Chapter II
"From what I've heard, sis, I think Dota has a point."
Tira glared at Chocolate, but she then withdrew and looked at the direction of Marron's hay-bed. She pulled her eyes off Marron, as if she was reminded of something she didn't want to bring to mind. She suddenly flushed and faced the floor this time while childishly brushing her right foot through the ground.
"I should have healed him a while ago already," she finally spoke without looking at them, "but like I said, it seems his injuries surpass my healing abilities..."
"Huh? How could that be?"
"Don't you have great knack at healing?"
"Are you really telling the truth?"
"It appears," a familiar voice addressed the latter from the darkness, "that Marron has a very rare curse on his injuries."
Tira, Gateau, Chocolate, and Dota turned to see an image emerging from the darkness. Little by little, the image became clearer. And with her elegance and beauty—her magnificent blue attire, her silken azure hair, and her glistening eyes—the four recognized her. Big Mama.
"Oh, Big Mama," Tira gasped, "were you listening to us?"
"Actually, I was," Big Mama slightly giggled, "I was trying to wait for Dota to introduce me. But I suppose I was impatient."
Dota tried to laugh her way out, "Oh sorry...my bad..." Eheheheh...
"Uh...Big Mama," Gateau butted in the conversation, "what's this rare curse you were talking about?"
"You seem a little too interested Gateau." Big Mama gave a sly smile.
Gateau flushed at what she said which only heightened the curiosity of Big Mama and the incomprehension of the other three. But Big Mama was very restraint on her words and actions that she simply changed the subject of her scrutiny to other matters.
Marron still struggled to find peace in his ill-treated body while he slept. His raven black hair settled on the bed awkwardly, while his arms and legs were restless in their position. Still, his manly beauty was very evident even if he was in pain.
"The Sorcerer you vanquished," Big Mama began, "was also skilled in enchantment and curses. Such skills he mastered to be used with his dark magic. Hence, that great surge of dark magic Marron accepted upon himself must have been enchanted with a curse of undying abrasions."
"But wouldn't the curse be lifted after the death of the sorcerer?"
"Typically, it would. But Maedes' curses appear to last for a lifetime."
"Isn't there any cure for it? Or something to counter the curse?"
"Fortunately, there is...Dota, perhaps you should—"
Tira wasn't attentive to their discussion. She seemed to be absent-minded at what they were talking about. And she was that way since Big Mama's appearance. She fought herself not to remember it, but it was just too strong. Such memories as those were too unavoidable not to think of.
She had reasons for stopping Dota from continuing. She wasn't sure, but maybe Dota heard and saw everything that happened in the library a few days ago. So she didn't want to take chances, and she stopped her then and there. Yet with all her control, the visions on her mind were still too vivid to her. It was painstakingly lovely to her eyes. She swore silently to herself as it all came back to her.
"Really now..." Tira mustered herself while she glowered at Marron. He was still trying to read the book he took, ignoring her.
"What if I say I can change your mind right here...right now...?"
"Oh?" he closed the book lightly, and returned it to its place. He appeared to be interested in her proposal, "And how will you do that?"
"Simple, by convincing you." She smiled impishly.
"And how will you do that?" he reiterated.
She went a step closer to him, and her smile was dangerous this time—she had something up her sleeve. In a gentle manner, she removed the sticks that bound her hair. It bounced healthily with the sway of her head. Then she removed her glasses afterwards, exposing her naked eyes to her companion.
"BY..." she gazed straight at Marron viciously, "W-H-I-P-P-I-N-G YOU...UNTIL YOU SAY I'M YOUR TYPE!!" she stripped her red outfit showing her dominatrix costume.
At first Marron was startled, but then he slapped his palm to his face and began laughing. He continued this until she flailed her whip and silenced him instantly. But his smirk didn't waver. And this annoyed Tira a lot. She wanted him to kiss her boots, yet it seems that Marron was a tough nut to crack. He wasn't the little terrified zoanthropy who'd tremble just at the sound of her whip—like his brother. He was the intelligent and tactical sorcerer despite the elusive demeanor. It was very attractive...No! This isn't the right time, Marron deserves some whipping! Yes...that's exactly what he needed.
"Will you really use that on me, Tira?" he was calm and steady at his very words, and his smile was still there.
"Wipe that smirk off your face sorcerer!" she flailed the whip again, "Don't tempt me to use this! Just say it!"
"No...sorry, you haven't convinced me..."
"NO?!"
"No..."
He casually paced himself nearer to her, now they were inches apart. She didn't make a move though, not even to say a word. She had no idea what he was doing, so she tried to anticipate his every move. But she didn't expect what he did next.
He cupped her chin with his fingers—her nerves didn't seem to react. He pulled her closer—still, no reaction. Her legs were powerless; she didn't know what to do. It was beginning to be a little hot inside the library—a little too sensual.
"It would have convinced me," she felt him breathe his words, "If you did this."
She felt his lips touch his, brushing them against hers—he was uncertain. But soon she returned his kiss in the same way. She felt his tongue thrust into her mouth, reaching into the recess of her mouth—exploring it and striving to meet hers. And with little effort, it finds what it's looking for. She joins him in his tantalizing kiss, and they struggled to taste each other's sweetness. She moaned with such pleasure she had never felt before. She sought for more. But Marron pushed her gently away. She looked up to him in bewilderment, and his lips curled up again.
At the sight of him so seductively gorgeous, she wanted to kiss him again. But Marron seemed to restrict her from doing it.
"Too bad...you aren't my type, Tira."
She watched his back as he left the library, she was speechless. Just like that? She should have screamed and grabbed him by the neck. But she just stood there, bemused—as if she was used...
"Did you hear that?" Chocolate shook her out of her reverie, "We're getting a vacation!"
"Huh...?"
"Weren't you listening? Big Mama just gave us a vacation!"
Tira's eyes squinted briefly. She was still clinging to her reminiscences and her brain wasn't working. But realization finally struck her. A vacation...a vacation?! Why, in the world, is Big Mama giving them a vacation? Her senses blurred, blood rushed through her veins almost instantly that she nearly fainted with such delight. A VACATION!
"So Big Mama," she barely heard Gateau speak, "this is just for Marron's healing and some recreational activities, right?"
"Yes. As you all know now, Marron would have to rest while he recovers. And that would most probably last for three days. And rest of you, in the other hand; have become too stressed out since the last battles. So I decided that you all join Marron as he recuperates. Thus, you have a three-day vacation."
"So guys," Dota added, "enjoy your vacation! And Gateau, I entrust you to take care of Marron while he rests, okay? Don't forget to apply the herbal oil on his wounds so it could counter the curse."
"Why can't Tira do it?" Gateau grunted, "She's the one who has the knack for healing. Let her do it."
Dota sulked again and turned grimly to the girl clad in red, "Okay, Tira. You take care of Marron...I trust you do the right thing..."
Tira just sighed and nodded. And with the same way Dota and Big Mama appeared, they vanished into thin air. But the three Sorcerer Hunters were unconscious of their departure; they were still in the state of gladness. Who could blame them? For the first time of their Sorcerer Hunter life, they were given a vacation.
In the Stella Church...
"Uhm, Big Mama..." Dota feared to question her superior's judgment but she just had to ask, "how about the other sorcerers who just can't keep their hands at their pockets? Who would go to stop them?"
"You have no reason to worry dear Dota," she responded, "Milpheyu?"
The leader of the Haaz Knights came from behind and knelt down to Big Mama, "Yes, Big Mama?"
"You know what to do."
"Of course, milady."
Back at the cottage..."
"What do you think should we do first?" Choco asked Tira almost breathlessly.
"To tell you the truth, I don't have a clue." Tira seemed dazed, "I want to do so many things that I don't know where to start!"
"Me too!" Choco gripped her sister's hands.
"I've got an idea. What if we write down everything we could thing of? Then we'll just plan which would go first then next, afterwards."
"Yeah! Why don't we?"
"Hey," Gateau grinned at them, "can I join in with your planning?"
The next day, the Sorcerer Hunters woke up with renewed excitement and enthusiasm. Tira and Chocolate finished their plan with some of Gateau's suggestions in it. They were in conflict with him earlier, but they learned to compromise. Soon, they were able to make a chronological plan on what they would do first at the first day of their vacation.
Since the Glace brothers were both asleep when they made the plan, they had no idea of what took place that night. When they woke up, they were completely stunned at the news. And Carrot grumbled silently since he couldn't add anything else in their plan. He wanted to use the whole day for some chick-hunting, but Choco and Tira influenced him—violently—to join them because they believed that their days-off should be spent together. Marron didn't voice out any complaints, but it was seen in his golden orbs that he also had personal plans. Yet he followed the others silently.
Their first place they ventured into was the...mall, naturally. Tira and Choco threaded through people as they went rushing into clothing shops. While the other three tagged along reluctantly. Tira found some clothing that attracted her, while Choco found some other sort of clothing that she thought would be attractive to her darling's eyes. Gateau found a pair of original cowboy hats that truly fits his "masculine" image. Carrot caught Chocolate off-guard and found his way to the lingerie section. His malicious intent only made the salesladies give him bumps and bruises. But of course, his spirits could never be tainted by simple bumps and bruises. And lastly, Marron found something that caught his attention immediately—a red hot cocktail dress.
Their next stop was the famous coffee shop in that city. Tira heard rumors of this brewed coffee that had such a taste it could make anyone turn into coffee addicts. And it seems that the rumors were true. They weren't disappointed about the place; in fact, they decided to hang out a bit in the coffee shop.
Villa Café—the coffee shop—had a great atmosphere. The smell of coffee flooded all senses. A handful of tables were transversely placed on the carpeted floor, and a billiard table was just beside the entrance—which was convenient for both Marron and Gateau who wanted to have a little game. There was also a stage farther in the west which caught Carrot's attention. What could that be for? Before he could of any idea, the sisters pulled their dear Carrot to a couch situated near the eastern wall. And with a little gesture, they ordered some of their infamous coffee.
"Wow!" Choco took a lungful, "it's just so good...!"
"I know," Tira sipped some of the coffee, "how do they make it this way?"
"You should tell me. You're the one who had heard of this place."
Tira sighed, "It's a good thing we placed this in our plan..."
"Yeah..."
Tira placed her legs on a cozy foot stool and relaxed. With another sip, her senses stilled and she began to lose herself in sleep. But her sister didn't want to sleep or at least relax. She wanted Tira to be perky and lively just like her.
"Do you think it was good that we brought Marron to our little trip to the city?"
Tira was caught immediately by the trap. Her eyes widened at Choco's question. "Not really," she said thickly, "Why do you ask?"
Choco rubbed her mug as if she was taking the heat into her hands, "Well, I don't mean he can't have or deserve some enjoyment of his own. But don't you think he needs some rest? He still seems weak since yesterday...what do you think?"
"He does needs some rest," she took a sip, "but I think it's unfair that we get some days off and he doesn't. And since he's having some medication, I decided to let him come and join us."
"Oh?" Choco was curious, "And when did you ever care about Marron? The last time I heard, Tira yearned to cleave Marron's head off. And now Tira thinks that it's unjust that Marron would stay and get well, while the rest of the Sorcerer Hunters would have a vacation. Now that's a mind-puzzler..."
She flushed, but Choco didn't notice it. She just curved her head and talked with a muffled voice, "'Cause that's exactly what I wanted...to see him suffer as he moves around painfully through the city."
"But he doesn't seem to be suffering...in truth, he's enjoying himself..."
"I know..." Tira tugged at her red clothing, "I hate it so much..."
Marron just struck the nine-ball in the side pocket of the billiard table. Gateau breathed heavily as he leaned his chin on the table. It was three losses in a row; he couldn't believe that Marron was a great billiard player and a hustler. But there were other things about Marron that were on his thoughts.
"So what's the dress for?" Gateau started.
"Hmm....?"
"You know...that cocktail dress you bought earlier..."
"Well, what about it?"
"Uhm, why'd you buy it?"
"Is it your business to know?" his orbs gleamed faintly.
"No...but—"
"Then, I don't have to tell you..."
"Oh come on," Gateau griped, "Pal to pal, come on...you got to trust somebody with this little secret of yours..."
"What secret?"
"That you're g—ga...!"
"Why else would I buy it?" he directly changed the subject when he in realized that Gateau wasn't beginning to make any sense at all.
"I don't know...maybe you're one of those cross-dressers that—!"
Marron simply groaned, "To give it to someone as a gift!"
"That someone is a she, right?"
Marron simply shook his head uselessly.
"Hmm...?" Marron saw something that attracted his attention. A karaoke was being heaved up the stage by two utility men. It seems though that Villa Café is a coffee shop in the morning, and turns into a karaoke bar later in the evening. Now the stage had a purpose in Villa Café—for those who wanted to sing.
Marron ran his hand over his hair in amazement. Did they stay that long in the mall? As a thought came to mind, a whim of excitement reached into his visage. He wanted to sing.
Without turning to his companion, he said, "How about another challenge, pal?"
Gateau shifted his eyes to what Marron was looking at, "What challenge? A Karaoke Challenge?" he held his chest with a light chuckle, "Do you know whom you're talking to? This is Gateau Mocha—renowned body-flexer...and King of Karaoke!"
Sweat trailed down Marron's neck—embarrassment.
With a grumpy manner, he grasped Gateau by the hand that made him flush.
"Now we'll see who the King of Karaoke really is," Marron said wickedly as he dragged Gateau.
How It Came To Be
Chapter II
"From what I've heard, sis, I think Dota has a point."
Tira glared at Chocolate, but she then withdrew and looked at the direction of Marron's hay-bed. She pulled her eyes off Marron, as if she was reminded of something she didn't want to bring to mind. She suddenly flushed and faced the floor this time while childishly brushing her right foot through the ground.
"I should have healed him a while ago already," she finally spoke without looking at them, "but like I said, it seems his injuries surpass my healing abilities..."
"Huh? How could that be?"
"Don't you have great knack at healing?"
"Are you really telling the truth?"
"It appears," a familiar voice addressed the latter from the darkness, "that Marron has a very rare curse on his injuries."
Tira, Gateau, Chocolate, and Dota turned to see an image emerging from the darkness. Little by little, the image became clearer. And with her elegance and beauty—her magnificent blue attire, her silken azure hair, and her glistening eyes—the four recognized her. Big Mama.
"Oh, Big Mama," Tira gasped, "were you listening to us?"
"Actually, I was," Big Mama slightly giggled, "I was trying to wait for Dota to introduce me. But I suppose I was impatient."
Dota tried to laugh her way out, "Oh sorry...my bad..." Eheheheh...
"Uh...Big Mama," Gateau butted in the conversation, "what's this rare curse you were talking about?"
"You seem a little too interested Gateau." Big Mama gave a sly smile.
Gateau flushed at what she said which only heightened the curiosity of Big Mama and the incomprehension of the other three. But Big Mama was very restraint on her words and actions that she simply changed the subject of her scrutiny to other matters.
Marron still struggled to find peace in his ill-treated body while he slept. His raven black hair settled on the bed awkwardly, while his arms and legs were restless in their position. Still, his manly beauty was very evident even if he was in pain.
"The Sorcerer you vanquished," Big Mama began, "was also skilled in enchantment and curses. Such skills he mastered to be used with his dark magic. Hence, that great surge of dark magic Marron accepted upon himself must have been enchanted with a curse of undying abrasions."
"But wouldn't the curse be lifted after the death of the sorcerer?"
"Typically, it would. But Maedes' curses appear to last for a lifetime."
"Isn't there any cure for it? Or something to counter the curse?"
"Fortunately, there is...Dota, perhaps you should—"
Tira wasn't attentive to their discussion. She seemed to be absent-minded at what they were talking about. And she was that way since Big Mama's appearance. She fought herself not to remember it, but it was just too strong. Such memories as those were too unavoidable not to think of.
She had reasons for stopping Dota from continuing. She wasn't sure, but maybe Dota heard and saw everything that happened in the library a few days ago. So she didn't want to take chances, and she stopped her then and there. Yet with all her control, the visions on her mind were still too vivid to her. It was painstakingly lovely to her eyes. She swore silently to herself as it all came back to her.
"Really now..." Tira mustered herself while she glowered at Marron. He was still trying to read the book he took, ignoring her.
"What if I say I can change your mind right here...right now...?"
"Oh?" he closed the book lightly, and returned it to its place. He appeared to be interested in her proposal, "And how will you do that?"
"Simple, by convincing you." She smiled impishly.
"And how will you do that?" he reiterated.
She went a step closer to him, and her smile was dangerous this time—she had something up her sleeve. In a gentle manner, she removed the sticks that bound her hair. It bounced healthily with the sway of her head. Then she removed her glasses afterwards, exposing her naked eyes to her companion.
"BY..." she gazed straight at Marron viciously, "W-H-I-P-P-I-N-G YOU...UNTIL YOU SAY I'M YOUR TYPE!!" she stripped her red outfit showing her dominatrix costume.
At first Marron was startled, but then he slapped his palm to his face and began laughing. He continued this until she flailed her whip and silenced him instantly. But his smirk didn't waver. And this annoyed Tira a lot. She wanted him to kiss her boots, yet it seems that Marron was a tough nut to crack. He wasn't the little terrified zoanthropy who'd tremble just at the sound of her whip—like his brother. He was the intelligent and tactical sorcerer despite the elusive demeanor. It was very attractive...No! This isn't the right time, Marron deserves some whipping! Yes...that's exactly what he needed.
"Will you really use that on me, Tira?" he was calm and steady at his very words, and his smile was still there.
"Wipe that smirk off your face sorcerer!" she flailed the whip again, "Don't tempt me to use this! Just say it!"
"No...sorry, you haven't convinced me..."
"NO?!"
"No..."
He casually paced himself nearer to her, now they were inches apart. She didn't make a move though, not even to say a word. She had no idea what he was doing, so she tried to anticipate his every move. But she didn't expect what he did next.
He cupped her chin with his fingers—her nerves didn't seem to react. He pulled her closer—still, no reaction. Her legs were powerless; she didn't know what to do. It was beginning to be a little hot inside the library—a little too sensual.
"It would have convinced me," she felt him breathe his words, "If you did this."
She felt his lips touch his, brushing them against hers—he was uncertain. But soon she returned his kiss in the same way. She felt his tongue thrust into her mouth, reaching into the recess of her mouth—exploring it and striving to meet hers. And with little effort, it finds what it's looking for. She joins him in his tantalizing kiss, and they struggled to taste each other's sweetness. She moaned with such pleasure she had never felt before. She sought for more. But Marron pushed her gently away. She looked up to him in bewilderment, and his lips curled up again.
At the sight of him so seductively gorgeous, she wanted to kiss him again. But Marron seemed to restrict her from doing it.
"Too bad...you aren't my type, Tira."
She watched his back as he left the library, she was speechless. Just like that? She should have screamed and grabbed him by the neck. But she just stood there, bemused—as if she was used...
"Did you hear that?" Chocolate shook her out of her reverie, "We're getting a vacation!"
"Huh...?"
"Weren't you listening? Big Mama just gave us a vacation!"
Tira's eyes squinted briefly. She was still clinging to her reminiscences and her brain wasn't working. But realization finally struck her. A vacation...a vacation?! Why, in the world, is Big Mama giving them a vacation? Her senses blurred, blood rushed through her veins almost instantly that she nearly fainted with such delight. A VACATION!
"So Big Mama," she barely heard Gateau speak, "this is just for Marron's healing and some recreational activities, right?"
"Yes. As you all know now, Marron would have to rest while he recovers. And that would most probably last for three days. And rest of you, in the other hand; have become too stressed out since the last battles. So I decided that you all join Marron as he recuperates. Thus, you have a three-day vacation."
"So guys," Dota added, "enjoy your vacation! And Gateau, I entrust you to take care of Marron while he rests, okay? Don't forget to apply the herbal oil on his wounds so it could counter the curse."
"Why can't Tira do it?" Gateau grunted, "She's the one who has the knack for healing. Let her do it."
Dota sulked again and turned grimly to the girl clad in red, "Okay, Tira. You take care of Marron...I trust you do the right thing..."
Tira just sighed and nodded. And with the same way Dota and Big Mama appeared, they vanished into thin air. But the three Sorcerer Hunters were unconscious of their departure; they were still in the state of gladness. Who could blame them? For the first time of their Sorcerer Hunter life, they were given a vacation.
In the Stella Church...
"Uhm, Big Mama..." Dota feared to question her superior's judgment but she just had to ask, "how about the other sorcerers who just can't keep their hands at their pockets? Who would go to stop them?"
"You have no reason to worry dear Dota," she responded, "Milpheyu?"
The leader of the Haaz Knights came from behind and knelt down to Big Mama, "Yes, Big Mama?"
"You know what to do."
"Of course, milady."
Back at the cottage..."
"What do you think should we do first?" Choco asked Tira almost breathlessly.
"To tell you the truth, I don't have a clue." Tira seemed dazed, "I want to do so many things that I don't know where to start!"
"Me too!" Choco gripped her sister's hands.
"I've got an idea. What if we write down everything we could thing of? Then we'll just plan which would go first then next, afterwards."
"Yeah! Why don't we?"
"Hey," Gateau grinned at them, "can I join in with your planning?"
The next day, the Sorcerer Hunters woke up with renewed excitement and enthusiasm. Tira and Chocolate finished their plan with some of Gateau's suggestions in it. They were in conflict with him earlier, but they learned to compromise. Soon, they were able to make a chronological plan on what they would do first at the first day of their vacation.
Since the Glace brothers were both asleep when they made the plan, they had no idea of what took place that night. When they woke up, they were completely stunned at the news. And Carrot grumbled silently since he couldn't add anything else in their plan. He wanted to use the whole day for some chick-hunting, but Choco and Tira influenced him—violently—to join them because they believed that their days-off should be spent together. Marron didn't voice out any complaints, but it was seen in his golden orbs that he also had personal plans. Yet he followed the others silently.
Their first place they ventured into was the...mall, naturally. Tira and Choco threaded through people as they went rushing into clothing shops. While the other three tagged along reluctantly. Tira found some clothing that attracted her, while Choco found some other sort of clothing that she thought would be attractive to her darling's eyes. Gateau found a pair of original cowboy hats that truly fits his "masculine" image. Carrot caught Chocolate off-guard and found his way to the lingerie section. His malicious intent only made the salesladies give him bumps and bruises. But of course, his spirits could never be tainted by simple bumps and bruises. And lastly, Marron found something that caught his attention immediately—a red hot cocktail dress.
Their next stop was the famous coffee shop in that city. Tira heard rumors of this brewed coffee that had such a taste it could make anyone turn into coffee addicts. And it seems that the rumors were true. They weren't disappointed about the place; in fact, they decided to hang out a bit in the coffee shop.
Villa Café—the coffee shop—had a great atmosphere. The smell of coffee flooded all senses. A handful of tables were transversely placed on the carpeted floor, and a billiard table was just beside the entrance—which was convenient for both Marron and Gateau who wanted to have a little game. There was also a stage farther in the west which caught Carrot's attention. What could that be for? Before he could of any idea, the sisters pulled their dear Carrot to a couch situated near the eastern wall. And with a little gesture, they ordered some of their infamous coffee.
"Wow!" Choco took a lungful, "it's just so good...!"
"I know," Tira sipped some of the coffee, "how do they make it this way?"
"You should tell me. You're the one who had heard of this place."
Tira sighed, "It's a good thing we placed this in our plan..."
"Yeah..."
Tira placed her legs on a cozy foot stool and relaxed. With another sip, her senses stilled and she began to lose herself in sleep. But her sister didn't want to sleep or at least relax. She wanted Tira to be perky and lively just like her.
"Do you think it was good that we brought Marron to our little trip to the city?"
Tira was caught immediately by the trap. Her eyes widened at Choco's question. "Not really," she said thickly, "Why do you ask?"
Choco rubbed her mug as if she was taking the heat into her hands, "Well, I don't mean he can't have or deserve some enjoyment of his own. But don't you think he needs some rest? He still seems weak since yesterday...what do you think?"
"He does needs some rest," she took a sip, "but I think it's unfair that we get some days off and he doesn't. And since he's having some medication, I decided to let him come and join us."
"Oh?" Choco was curious, "And when did you ever care about Marron? The last time I heard, Tira yearned to cleave Marron's head off. And now Tira thinks that it's unjust that Marron would stay and get well, while the rest of the Sorcerer Hunters would have a vacation. Now that's a mind-puzzler..."
She flushed, but Choco didn't notice it. She just curved her head and talked with a muffled voice, "'Cause that's exactly what I wanted...to see him suffer as he moves around painfully through the city."
"But he doesn't seem to be suffering...in truth, he's enjoying himself..."
"I know..." Tira tugged at her red clothing, "I hate it so much..."
Marron just struck the nine-ball in the side pocket of the billiard table. Gateau breathed heavily as he leaned his chin on the table. It was three losses in a row; he couldn't believe that Marron was a great billiard player and a hustler. But there were other things about Marron that were on his thoughts.
"So what's the dress for?" Gateau started.
"Hmm....?"
"You know...that cocktail dress you bought earlier..."
"Well, what about it?"
"Uhm, why'd you buy it?"
"Is it your business to know?" his orbs gleamed faintly.
"No...but—"
"Then, I don't have to tell you..."
"Oh come on," Gateau griped, "Pal to pal, come on...you got to trust somebody with this little secret of yours..."
"What secret?"
"That you're g—ga...!"
"Why else would I buy it?" he directly changed the subject when he in realized that Gateau wasn't beginning to make any sense at all.
"I don't know...maybe you're one of those cross-dressers that—!"
Marron simply groaned, "To give it to someone as a gift!"
"That someone is a she, right?"
Marron simply shook his head uselessly.
"Hmm...?" Marron saw something that attracted his attention. A karaoke was being heaved up the stage by two utility men. It seems though that Villa Café is a coffee shop in the morning, and turns into a karaoke bar later in the evening. Now the stage had a purpose in Villa Café—for those who wanted to sing.
Marron ran his hand over his hair in amazement. Did they stay that long in the mall? As a thought came to mind, a whim of excitement reached into his visage. He wanted to sing.
Without turning to his companion, he said, "How about another challenge, pal?"
Gateau shifted his eyes to what Marron was looking at, "What challenge? A Karaoke Challenge?" he held his chest with a light chuckle, "Do you know whom you're talking to? This is Gateau Mocha—renowned body-flexer...and King of Karaoke!"
Sweat trailed down Marron's neck—embarrassment.
With a grumpy manner, he grasped Gateau by the hand that made him flush.
"Now we'll see who the King of Karaoke really is," Marron said wickedly as he dragged Gateau.