Saxophone Girl

Third chapter. My my, am I having fun!!!

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It is common knowledge that when you live with someone, you make decisions with them. If you deiced to paint the walls of your living area a vibrant orange and your roomate loves blue, you must come up with a combination of blue and orange for you both to be happy.

For Youko, who had just walked in from the passage way leading off to the humans room, he knew that he had made a mistake.

But I didn't promise her that I would allow her to stay, he thought.

But he would think no more of it. The girl was asleep for now and would cause no harm.

In the main room of the fox's den, there was a long, elegantly carved table in its center. On the top were items of his last plunder. A sword with a long silver blade, a golden goblet with jewels at its brim, and a necklace adorned with opals and diamonds.

The walls still had the green moss on the wall, but it was brighter in here, almost as bright as daylight. The floor was barren and clean, with no rocks or dust.

At the table that I described just a moment ago, was a man looking down, perhaps asleep.

He had dark hair drawn up in a loose pony tail behind his head, which was partly covered by a hat. The man was dressed in a black shirt, leather vest, and black pants.

But like Youko, his beauty was not what made him different. It was the fat that he had wings. Leathery wings folded up behind him, but still looked ready for flight.

Is she staying with us? Asked the man, not looking up.

Answered Youko, walking with silent strides up to the table and sitting in a chair.

Looking up with cool gray eyes, Kuronue faced his partner.

She will just be another mouth to feed. With those bounty hunters on our tail.... The demon drifted off mumbling.

True. But there is something about her. Said Youko softly, lowering his golden eyes to look at the goblet, She said that she could cook or clean for us.

Humph. Bargaining with humans are we, Youko? A home for her and a companion' for you?

What are you implying? Asked Youko, looking up sharply.

Kuronue gave a soft laugh.

Nothing, I am implying nothing.

But, what are we going to do. I am almost tempted to let her stay here just to have a decent cook.

You are rather bad with food. Said the winged demon.

You're worse. Answered the fox.

That's because I don't cook.

There was a temporary silence from the two, before Kuronue spoke again.

She can stay, as far as my say goes. Who knows, we might be able to use her as a bargaining tool if the Bounty Hunters ever find us.

Youko nodded, She can stay.

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In the small room that she was resting in, Olivia knew naught that she would now stay with these two. She only knew her dreams. Turning over and mumbling, her face took on the look of slight distaste, then terror.

Who are you....? Whispered Olivia into her pillow. She was speaking to a dream that only she knew.

In her mind, a girl with sad eyes stared back. Sad eyes blinked.

Who are you? Asked Olivia again, rolling over.

The girl began to speak, but was silenced.

The dream was wiped away. Olivia woke suddenly, and for no reason. Her mind just ordered her to wake.

Sitting bolt upright in the bed, Olivia rubbed her eyes. How long had she been asleep? It felt like hours, but she knew it had only been minuets.

Remembering naught the girl, Olivia swung her feet over the side of the bed. She wondered if Youko had agreed to let her stay. And she also wondered what would happen if he did not.

She looked around. All weariness had fallen from her, and her mind was abuzz. She thought about finding Youko but decided against it. Her eyes settled on the saxophone and backpack laying on the floor.

Rummaging through the backpack, she found her notebooks and binders, her music book and pencils, her Kerry/Edwards pins, and at last, her books.

Reading carefully through Speak she followed the story but soon found no interest in it. Marking her page she began to read Lemony Snickets' The Grim Grotto. The adventures of the Baudelaire siblings was good, but soon she finished the book. With nothing to do, Olivia went about cleaning her saxophone.

Her instrument was a beautiful one. Its shiny bronze finishing and silver keypads shimmered in the green light. Although already heavily polished, Olivia ran her rag over it and rubbed away tiny dust particles and blew away dirt that no one else could see.

After going over the bell of the alto for the fourteenth time, she put it away. Over an hour had gone by, and Olivia was very, very, very bored.

Grumbling, and finally standing up, Olivia decided to find the silver haired fox. She made the bed and placed her two items gently on top and walked out the passage way that Youko had come.

The hallway was lit by the green moss. The eerie green light went everywhere, casting strange shadows into far corners and small alcoves. Olivia passed other passageways leading down and up, but did not take them. Once, she found a silver door with a bronze handle and thought weather it would be worth opening.

But soon she walked on, until she noticed that the hallway got wider and wider. A room was up ahead, and she heard voices talking.

Do you think it wise to leave the girl here while going out? Asked a voice.

Yes and no. She can't escape, I'll lock all out leading passages with gate plants. Said Youkos voice.

Yes, and now she knows that. Said the first voice, Come out now, human.

Olivia walked slowly into the room. She saw it was large, very large. In the middle was a table covered with several objects that looked of high value. And there, sitting at the table were Youko and a man that Olivia did not know.

What were you talking about? Asked the girl.

Nothing that concerns you. Said the man that Olivia did not know.

O... Kay then...

Why are you wandering, Naoko? Asked Youko.

Finding you. Are you gonna keep me or not? Asked Olivia bluntly.

Youko glanced sidelong at Kuronue, then looked at Olivia.

Yes. Reluctantly we are.

A sigh of relief is what Olivia mentally breathed. She bowed slightly to both of them.

Then what shall I do first? She asked.

We have no food. You can clean while your here, Naoko.

Olivia cocked her head.

Naoko? My name's Olivia.

And now your name is Naoko.

Olivia opened her mouth to speak out in protest.

It is a way of showing ownership. There are many Demons in this land that would gladly invade our domain to enslave you. Youko is only showing ownership. You should be grateful. Said the man from the table.

Naoko, meet Kuronue, my partner. Said Youko calmly.

Olivia looked at Kuronue, then at the golden eyed fox.

It was going to be a very long time in this cavern.

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It was. Olivia, or Naoko', went strait to work. First, the girl found a primitive broom, a bucket, a rag, and a mop.

Then, wandering about the system of caves, she found a small underground lake with lukewarm water. She filled with bucket and carried it off.

Washing the floors in the main room, her room, and several others, she was already tired. Then she set about sweeping down the cobwebs from the corners of the rooms. After that, she dusted. A few times she went over the large table in the main room, and even polished the goblet and sword.

It took about four hours to clean the entire cavern. And by the time Olivia was done, she was exhausted. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she put her cleaning gear away in the room with the lake. She washed her face in the cold clear water, and wondered what to do next.

She would have to stay here. Kuronue did mention the fact that demons of this world would enslave her, and most likely would not be as nice as Youko.

Youko...

He wasn't nice at all. He was cold, his eyes had no hint of warmth, just intelligence and craftiness. The only reason she could stay here was that she had promised to clean and cook.

Drawing her knees up to her chin and closing teal-grey eyes, Olivia sighed.

No more tears....

No more tears....

No more tears....

No more tears for young Naoko.

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Third chapter done!!! How do you like? Oh, and Naoko' means Obedient Child' in Japanese. It's fitting, isn't it?

Extra special thanks to...

A Lonely Howl

bowserjr

Kitsune Kit

Spatial Monkey