Me: Okay here's chapter 2, Yeah Me!!! Okay just to let you know Serez
belongs to me.
I would like to thank the following people for their reviews:
Crimson Snow
Gazingshadows
Yin
Goddess-of-da-Cheeseburgers
Bread 'N' Butter
Cheeky-bear007
Lomelindel
Morgana Magi Lady of Light
Schizoid Mouse
Shadow Ice Wolf
Okay that's the thanks now for the Disclaimer, DBFH if you could. DBFH: freezewind does not and never will own beyblade, she only owns the plot (though I think she stole that too) *SMACK* Ouch! I heard that. DBFH: hehehe. Just kidding sheesh!! Evil authoress and her evil ways. *SMACK* Stop hitting ME!! *SMASH* Savvy: Oh there goes the good china. While those two fight and I clean up after them as usual, on with the fic.
Chapter 2: Untitled
A 14-year-old girl with jaw length green hair and crimson red eyes, moved swiftly and silently through the crowded market place of Tokyo as her hands expertly dipped into a purse here and a pocket there. Her green cloak covered her too small tunic and breeches; her feet were clad simply with sandals. When she reached the edge of the crowd, she stuffed all here "purchases" into her own belt purse and slipped off toward the nearest exit.
She met up with her partner in crime a, 15-year-old boy with short, spiky, dirty blonde hair and dark blue eyes. He wore a long-sleeved white tunic with a light blue sleeveless vest, baggy breeches, and tan leather boots; his clothes were ragged and torn. A scar ran from just above his right eyebrow down to his collarbone. At his side was a small dirty, fuzz ball like puppy. Under all the filth you can make out odd colour of purple fur and crimson streaks.
Soon after they were joined by a girl who was about 13 with long waist length black hair, that she left to hang down her back, and piercing black eyes. Her scantly nourished body was clad in a deep purple sleeveless tunic, black breeches, and sandals. She glared at the boy, who winced under her cold stare, and nodded to the other girl.
"Let's go. They'll figure out they've been robbed soon enough." The green haired teen grumbled as she pushed herself off the stonewall she had been leaning against and walked further into the alley (a/n: I'm not sure if they had alleys back then, but that's what I'm calling the back roads.)
The other two followed her silently. As soon as they were far enough away the blonde-haired thief whirled around and glared at his green haired counterpart. "Since when are you the boss of this little operation, Serez?" He demanded jumping in front of her and halting her walk.
"I'm not, no one is. Just like we agreed. I just pointed out that we should get goin' before the townsfolk noticed that they had been robbed, again." She pointed out reasonably. Serez was a very patient person. He made this comment almost every other day, even if Serez was just voicing an opinion or idea.
"Musica will you drop it for once. You now Rez wasn't bossing anyone around." Growled the black haired girl irritably, turning her cold black eyes once again to the young thief.
"You do this every time."
"And every time you two gang up on me."
"Because you're being a baka." The girls shouted at him in unison.
Before the argument could get any farther a large dog with red eyes padded up to them and nudged the youngest girl with his nose. "Okay Wolfyena. I'm coming. I'll see you later, my foster parents are getting worried, again."
"And they should be. Hanging around with two rouges like us can't be could for you." Musica grumbled eyeing the wolf-like creature wearily, while the dirt covered beast growled warningly at the wolf.
"Watch it Musica, or I'll deck you so hard your crooked ancestors will feel it." Threatened the young girl, brandishing a fist in the older boy's face.
"Okay, okay. Sheesh Chrissie, you know I was kidding." Musica placated quickly, hoping to avoid another bruise from the scrappy girl.
"Hn."
"Ja ne Christina. See ya tomorrow. Meet us at Fountain Square. We're working that section of town." Serez called as girl and wolf walked off. Christina raised a hand in farewell then disappeared into the crowd beyond the exit of the alley.
"Why is she always threatening me?" Musica grumbled as he and Serez slipped through a hole in the building behind them.
"You know how she feels about men. " Serez reminded him as she started up a ladder that led to the loft of the old abandoned stable where she made her home. It was a huge open space. The planked floor had been swept up and all the old, musty hay was piled up in the farthest corner of the loft. On the other side was Serez' living space. It consisted of an old down bed mat, a thin blanket, a ragged old pillow, two chairs, a couch, and a wooden chest that she had managed to salvage from a burning home a few years ago. In here she kept all her personal belongings, among them was a single change of clothes, a sword, and 5 throwing knives.
"Well yeah, but I would never do something like that to her. She's known me long enough to have figured that out by now."
"Not to her, just every other girl in town. Besides she does know. it's just her mindset she can't help it. Besides you know she only tolerates your presence." She told him, poking him in the side teasingly.
"Yeah, yeah." He grumbled smacking her hand away. "Everyone just tolerates my presence." Sighing he flopped onto an old chair that had been there since god knows when.
"Ha-ha. That's not true, some people tolerate you for your smarts, what smarts you have." She ducked as he threw a clump of dirt at her. "So what did you get today?" She asked eagerly as she too flopped onto a cushioned lounge chair.
"Lets see. I got about $100, a necklace we can pawn off, and dagger. You?"
"I got $30, and a book filled with numbers and letters."
"You usually get the good stuff."
"Yeah, well my quarter of the crowd was slim pickings today. At least we got enough between us to buy food to last a week or so."
"That's true, once we add Christina's haul to it at least. Look Dimean and I got to get home, I still have to my family rounds to do." He told her as he ruffled the dirty head of the creature beside him. It growled up at Musica and swatted at his hand with its filth-covered paw.
"Right. We'll see what we get tomorrow and then buy some food."
"Got it. See you tomorrow Serez. What are you gonna do until then?"
"Probably go bug the hell out of Max and Tyson. I always have enjoyed a good laugh at their expense."
"One of these days you're gonna have to let me in on one of your prank sessions. I've heard tales of how you've driven those two nuts for hours on end."
"Well, it serves them right. I only steal what I can't afford, it's not as if I steal every. oh wait, never mind." She laughed in embarrassment and rubbed the back of her head. "Any way, shouldn't you be going?"
"Nani? Oh right. See you around Serez. Come on Dimean." Musica climbed onto the window ledge and waited for Dimean to climb onto his back. With one last wave to Serez he jumped out the window and down to the street below.
"Ah, peace and quiet. I can't stand it. Let's go cause some havoc. Icezray are you coming?" Serez asked a small blue lump on her bed.
The lump stirred from its sleep and raised its head. It was a small ice blue dragon. Small jagged teeth lined its mouth; its gold eyes were like dark jewels against snow. In the middle of its forehead was a black opal. Its wings were at the moment hidden.
"Are you going to bug Dragoon's and Draciel's Masters again, mistress?" The small creature questioned, stretching its long body from its curled up position. Its wings sprouted from his back and he flew to his mistress's shoulder.
"Of course, who else could I harass?"
"Lets see. the town guards, farmers, other towns folk. shall I continue?"
"Okay I get the point jeez." Serez rolled her eyes at the ice dragon and made her way over to the ladder. She grabbed the sides and slid down the ladder not bothering to use the rungs.
She landed in a cloud of dust and hay, coughing she made her way to one of the many other entrances/exits that led to varying parts of the town.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Serez glided across the rooftops silently, her red eyes watching two boys as the talked companionably. One boy had dark blue hair that ran just past his shoulders and sapphire blue eyes that danced with mischief. He wore the uniform of an ironsmith's assistant, which consisted of brown leather pants that covered his legs and a sleeveless green top that showed off his muscular arms that had developed from working in his fathers forge over the years, and on his feet were well made boots.
His friend that was with him was the same height as he was but not of the same build. He had short blonde hair that stuck out in wild disarray; he wore simple clothing of a peasant, a hip length yellow tunic and long beige breeches that brushed the edge of his boots. His build wasn't strong, but he didn't give off a feeling of weakness either. He was a regular brawler and could hold his own against a man bigger than himself if need be.
Serez jumped down and hid behind a bunch of crates were the two boys had stopped to let a few caravans pass in front of them.
"So Tyson, what are you doing away from the forge anyways. I though it was your turn to turn iron today?" Asked the blonde blowing a few of his bangs from his blue eyes.
"Ha-ha. Well yeah, but when have you ever known me to stick around and do my work Max?" He questioned back, rubbing the back of his head and grinning at his friend.
"Never. Your father's going to catch you one of these days Tyson. Then you'll be in trouble."
"I'll worry about that when it happens. For now lets just get something to eat, I'm starved."
"When are you not starved Kinomiya?" Came an accusatory voice from somewhere to the boys right. They looked over to see Serez stand up from behind the boxes.
"What do you want Serez?" Demanded Tyson, his blue eyes snapping angrily at the green haired thief.
"What? No, "Hello Serez, how's it goin'?" Some man you are; doesn't even know how to greet a lady properly." Serez scoffed looking at the little dragon that was wrapped around her neck.
"HA! When we see a lady, we'll greet her properly, until then, go bug someone else." Max growled at her. He didn't mind her it was just that she was always bugging somebody. Usually it was he, Tyson, and Rei. But mostly Tyson; he had a short fuse and it didn't take much to get under his skin.
"Aww, what's wrong wittle Maxi? Are you having a bad day." She laughed pouting at the blonde.
"Grow up Serez." Sighed a new voice off to the left of the three arguing teens. They turned to see a boy, a year older than them selves, standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a white tunic, and baggy blue breeches, his long black hair was pulled back from his face to reveal golden cat like eyes.
"Huh, oh hey Rei. What's up?" Tyson asked glad to have a break from the bickering. Serez knew just how to get under his skin, and give him killer headaches.
"Nothin' much. I see you're in your daily argument with Serez."
"She started it this time, honest."
"Well I see you 'boys' are otherwise engaged. I'll bug you guys later. See ya 'round. Later Rei." She said walking past Tyson and Max. She went to sidestep around Rei when he put a hand out in front of him.
"What?" Serez questioned innocently, still trying to edge around the black- haired boy.
"Give them back Serez."
"Give what back?"
"Serez."
"Oh fine, here. You're no fun at all Rei. You know I would have given them back by tomorrow." She told him grudgingly handing two leather pouches that clinked with the money that was inside.
"Ah, but how full would they have been, Rez?"
"Hey, Musica. Finished your rounds already I see."
"Yup."
"Oh, great another one." Moaned Tyson as Musica leapt from the rooftop above to join his green-haired friend.
"Zip it Forge boy." Tyson growled angrily at the boy thief's comment, clenching his fist, and itching to hit Musica good and hard.
"Besides Rei," Serez said turning back to the golden-eyed boy. "I don't steal from people I've known most of my life, or people I consider friends. Even if you all deserve it once in awhile."
"When are you gonna stop stealing Rez?" Max asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I've told you Max. When I don't have to anymore. Which won't be for a while. so quit harping me about it all right?" She sighed slipping out from under his hand and then spinning around Rei, snagging back Tyson and Max's pouches as well as Rei's. "Well see you guy's later." She called as she and Musica took off.
The three friends watched the dual thieves run off. Serez never gave up on any chance to bug them. Rei shrugged, sighed and turned to go, but then realized that his belt was lighter than it usually was. He looked down and noticed that his belt purse* along with Tyson and Max's were gone.
Serez and Musica had stopped further up to talk to a friend of there's who worked in the market. "Serez! Musica! Get back here with our money!" Rei yelled as he set off after the two thieves with Max and Tyson right behind him.
"Uh-oh! See you later Marcus, we'll be back for the food tomorrow." Serez yelped out as Musica grabbed her arm and dragged her off before the there three enraged friends caught up with them.
"Why did you take the cash again?"
"To be annoying, and to see how long it would take for them to notice."
"Well you succeeded in annoying them. Sometimes I wonder why the gods let's you live."
"Because I'm just too damn cute to kill." She laughed as she leapfrogged over a town guard and continued running.
"Mistress slow down. I'm gonna fall off!!" Icezray cried from her shoulder as he held onto her tunic for dear life.
"Zray, you can fly." Dimean pointed out calmly as he clung to his master's back with the ease of practice.
"Oh, yeah."
"Get back here."
"Sorry guys. You'll just have to catch us!" Musica called back dodging a manure cart that was coming out of the stables as they passed.
"Gah!!"
"Hahahahahaha!" The two thieves continued to laugh at the outraged boys as they rounded a corner and disappeared into the crowd.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lord Mirklands arrived back at his castle in Britain late in the afternoon, about a week after his meeting in Moscow. His steward rushed forward to take his Master's cloak. "How was the business in Russia, My Lord?"
"Quite interesting actually, but this is something I will not discuss with you. Where is my daughter?" He demanded as he came to the foot of the stairs that led up towards the living quarters and down towards the kitchen's and store houses.
"I believe that Shura is out in the garden enjoying some time to herself, m' Lord."
"Bring her to me immediately, I have something I want her to do."
"Of course." The steward bowed and left the entry hall to go find the young lady of the house.
Shura sat on the lip of the fountain that was the centrepiece of the castle courtyard. The black skirts of her Victorian style dress arranged around her, so as not to get in her way. Her blood red hair flowed down her back, looking like spilled fire. She kept it tied up in a half ponytail. The hair that was tied back reached mid-back, while the hair left down reached her waist. Her blood-red eyes scanned the grounds around her with cold detachment.
She turned slightly to look behind her as someone approached her. It was her Father's chief steward and messenger. "My Lady, your Lord Father requests your presence in his study immediately." He said with a bow.
"Why does he wish to see me?" Shura inquired, turning a bit more so she was looking at him directly. Just as the steward was about to answer his eyes met with that of the young Lady. Her intense blood filled gaze sent shivers down his spine. He took a steadying breath and answered her with minimal nervousness. "I don't know, Lady. He just said it was urgent."
"Ugh, fine." She snorted and got to her feet abruptly, causing the steward to jump in surprise. Shura smirked at him in amusement and told him he could go. He bowed quickly then fled from her presence.
"Dusk, are you out here?" Shura called into the fading afternoon light. Her eyes raked across the horizon looking for any sign of her companion. She smiled when she heard a screech coming from the western side of the courtyard. She turned and held up her arm, a large black bat landed on her arm, its glowing red eyes peered at her curiously. "Hello my friend. How are you tonight?" She reached up and stroked the velvet black fur between his two large ears. It whistled at her and leaned into her hand. "That's good. Would you like to accompany me to my father's study? Or would you like to stay outside a bit longer and I could come visit you later?"
Dusk whistled and took off towards the door that led into the castle. "All right then, lets go see what Daddy Dearest wants."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In a small Kingdom, in England, which belonged to the Duke of Earl, two young girls helped looked after the homeless children that spent the night in the small church.
One of the girls looked to be about 13. She was around five feet tall, her wavy silver hair flowed down to her mid thighs and was streaked with gold, her eyes were the strangest thing about her, they were pure silver no pupil at all. She wore a short wrap around black skirt, small sleeveless black tunic, and on her feet she wore a pair of the churches sandals. All though she was dressed like most of the children in the church she was too clean and too well looked after to be homeless. She came to the church whenever she could to help out and play with the children.
The other girl looked about 15. She was fairly tall, just a few inches shy of six feet, her hair was jet black with midnight blue highlights and her bangs were a golden colour. It was pulled back in a braid to keep it out of her amethyst coloured eyes as she worked. She wore a sky blue kimono and a pair of sandals, and around her neck hung a wolf pendant on a silver chain.
They were just finishing cleaning up and putting the youngest children to bed for the evening, when the front door to the church was thrown open and two men with the uniform of the Duke's Guard strode in. "We are looking for Lilzo."
The young silver-haired girl's face paled. She was about to speak up when the older girl strode forward. "Who the hell do you think you are, barging in here like you own the place. This is a place of peace, you have no right."
"Silence you insult wench." Growled one of the guards levelling his spear in her face.
"Insolent. How dare you!! You cur!"
"Shikura, don't. You'll only get hurt." Said the young girl coming to stand beside her friend.
"But Lilzo.?"
"Don't worry about it. I'm sorry to have caused this. All right I'm coming. Ketsuna come on." She called as she walked towards the guards. A giant snow leopard trotted out of the shadows and headed for Lilzo. It had blue glow to it that was streaked with pink, its eyes were the same colour as those of the young girl, and spikes ran down its back starting from its shoulders and going all the way to the end of the tail. It snarled at the guards as it passed them and swung its deadly tail in their general direction.
The guards jumped back and followed the giant cat out of the church wearily.
"Lady Lilzo, what were you doing out here?"
"I was helping out at the church like I usually do, I don't understand what the problem is."
"Your father does not like you hanging around with such people."
"I don't care, it's not like he can stop me. He's tried before, I'll just keep going back." She told the two guards defiantly with an air of finality, ending the discussion.
"Your father wants to take with you when we arrive back at the citadel*."
"Doesn't he always?" Lilzo asked sarcastically, as she mounted the horse that the guards had brought for her. S soon as she was settled she kicked the horse into a quick trot and headed for the Citadel, not bothering to wait for her two escorts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lilzo sat in a high backed wooden chair in front of an oak desk in her father's map-room. She still wore the clothes she had been wearing at the church, which her father was not pleased with. "Why didn't you change before coming to see me?" He asked leaning forward on his desk and fixing his young daughter with the disappointed stare only a parent could accomplish.
"You said you wanted to see me as soon as I got to the citadel." She explained. "I was just doing what you'd asked."
\ "Ah, Lilzo. What have I told you about going out and playing with the peasant children?"
"Not to, but father."
"No buts Lilzo. I forbid you go to the church again. And from no one you will have an escort to bring you to and from the town.
"Father that's not fair!!" She cried in outrage jumping to her face. Her pure silver eyes dancing with righteous indignation. "I'm not a little anymore. I'm old enough to make my own decisions and decide who and who I cannot spend time with!"
"I am your father you will do as I say!"
Before Lilzo could argue the point someone knocked on the door to the map- room. "Who is it?" The duke called.
"There's someone here to see you my lord. A young man by the name of Ian."
"Send him in. Lilzo you stay as well. It's time you learn a few things about what I do for a living."
Lilzo fumed silently and scratched the large Snow Leopard behind the ears.
"Hello your grace." Ian said with a bow. Lilzo eyed him from under her silver bangs. He was about the same height as she was; he had purple hair that was in a total mess, and dark brown eyes above a too large nose.
"Hello Ian. This is my daughter Lilzo. She will be sitting in on our discussion."
Ian's eyes flashed once. 'This is the one of the girls I was supposed to find. She's just a kid!' He thought to himself. "That's okay. It's your daughter I'm her to discuss anyway."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What did you want father?" Shura asked as she poked her head into her father's study.
"Ah Shura, here you are. And I see you brought Dusk with you."
"Yes you did not request that I not bring her."
"I know. Now there is something I wish to discuss with you. Come sit." He told her as he gestured to a chair.
"What is it, father?"
Shura's Father looked at her steadily. Shura knew that something was up to something; her father was never this kind to her.
"I wish for you to go to Russia."
"What? Why?" She looked into his eyes to see if she could see what he was planning. What she saw there chilled her to her very soul. There was death, deceit, greed, and thoughts of power not yet known, in those eyes. "NO!! I will not go!" She shouted at him and stood up to leave.
"You will do what you're told you little wench."
"I don't think so. I will not go, and I will not help you with whatever plan you are scheming. So forget it!"
"You are going."
"You're right I am. Going away from this place. Good-bye father." Shura looked at the bat that was resting on the back of the chair and hissing at his mistress's father. "Dusk use Night. We're leaving."
The great bat screeched and a large cloud of darkness filled the room and the hallway beyond. Bat and Girl ran down the hallway towards the stairs that led to the front gate of the fortress.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Tokyo, a young man who's red-hair stood up on end in strange style (a/n: sorry I don't know how to describe his hair. It's just so weird) and his ice blue eyes pierced through even the thickest walls, sat in front of the emperor.
"I'm looking for six individual, whom I understand live in your kingdom." He crossed his arms over his midnight blue tunic and stretched his legs out in front of him causing the rough material of his brown breeches to scrap against the wood of the chair, making a slight scratching sound.
"And why are you seeking these individuals?"
"Well most of them have no work or are homeless. My master sent me and my friend here," He said nodding in the direction of the boy who stood behind him.
This boy was as tall as his red headed counterpart, but had spiked silver hair, narrow ice blue eyes with no pupil giving him the appearance of a blind man, skin as pale as ice, and two sharp fang like teeth poked out from beneath his upper lip. He wore a blue tunic with white pants, cut-off gloves, a purple hooded cloak, and strapped at his side was a blue bladed sword with a white hilt.
"To pick them up and offer them jobs at his castle. It's well paying and free room and board. So could you tell me where to find them or do I have to room your large kingdom looking for them?"
"Of course not. I can only tell you where the boys live, and one girl lives. However, this one," Said the emperor tapping a paper in front of him. " I can not help you with. She is an orphan and does not keep with policy of telling the town Officials were she lives."
"That's okay. Maybe one of these people will know her. Thank you for your time. Helet lets go. Wolborg."
"Deathren." They called looking to the corner of the room.
In the corner away from the emperor lay two wolves. One was an ice blue wolf, with white and silver wings straight out of hell coming out of his back; through his half lidded eyes you could see a sliver of blue, its claws were blue.
Beside him lay a silver wolf with wings made of ice coming out of his back and from above his paws, and a chest plate made of ice covered his front.
"We're leaving. Let's go." Helet said. As he walked out of the room, the ice blue wolf got to his feet and padded after the silver haired boy.
"Come, Wolborg. Lets go before our short tempered does anything rash." The redhead laughed as he too left the room with the white wolf right behind him.
Little did they now that another person had sat in on the meeting. The emperor turned and looked in that person's direction. "Yoko."
"Yes your highness?" The person stepped out of the shadows. Revealing her self. Her brown hair was pulled back into a spiky bun, uncovering a pair of bright purple eyes, she wore all black, on her upper left arm and on both wrists were small black leather belts, and on her feet were black flip flop sandals. At her sides were two half sized katana.
"I want you to follow those boys. Make sure they are to actually do what they say. If they are not report back here."
"What if the attack someone?"
"Stop them."
"Yes emperor."
Yeah chapter 2 is done. Yeah okay I've picked all the OC's I will need, so I am no longer accepting any more. I will reveal who they are next chapter. Thanks to everyone who submitted a character.
DBFH: (wrapped up in bandages) don't forget to review. Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, oooooooooooooowwwww!
Savvy: stop whining; it's so annoying.
DBFH: you try having a whole china cabinet worth of glass thrown at you.
He-he, sorry DBFH. Didn't mean to hurt you that badly.
DBFH: Sure you didn't.
Okay that's the thanks now for the Disclaimer, DBFH if you could. DBFH: freezewind does not and never will own beyblade, she only owns the plot (though I think she stole that too) *SMACK* Ouch! I heard that. DBFH: hehehe. Just kidding sheesh!! Evil authoress and her evil ways. *SMACK* Stop hitting ME!! *SMASH* Savvy: Oh there goes the good china. While those two fight and I clean up after them as usual, on with the fic.
Chapter 2: Untitled
A 14-year-old girl with jaw length green hair and crimson red eyes, moved swiftly and silently through the crowded market place of Tokyo as her hands expertly dipped into a purse here and a pocket there. Her green cloak covered her too small tunic and breeches; her feet were clad simply with sandals. When she reached the edge of the crowd, she stuffed all here "purchases" into her own belt purse and slipped off toward the nearest exit.
She met up with her partner in crime a, 15-year-old boy with short, spiky, dirty blonde hair and dark blue eyes. He wore a long-sleeved white tunic with a light blue sleeveless vest, baggy breeches, and tan leather boots; his clothes were ragged and torn. A scar ran from just above his right eyebrow down to his collarbone. At his side was a small dirty, fuzz ball like puppy. Under all the filth you can make out odd colour of purple fur and crimson streaks.
Soon after they were joined by a girl who was about 13 with long waist length black hair, that she left to hang down her back, and piercing black eyes. Her scantly nourished body was clad in a deep purple sleeveless tunic, black breeches, and sandals. She glared at the boy, who winced under her cold stare, and nodded to the other girl.
"Let's go. They'll figure out they've been robbed soon enough." The green haired teen grumbled as she pushed herself off the stonewall she had been leaning against and walked further into the alley (a/n: I'm not sure if they had alleys back then, but that's what I'm calling the back roads.)
The other two followed her silently. As soon as they were far enough away the blonde-haired thief whirled around and glared at his green haired counterpart. "Since when are you the boss of this little operation, Serez?" He demanded jumping in front of her and halting her walk.
"I'm not, no one is. Just like we agreed. I just pointed out that we should get goin' before the townsfolk noticed that they had been robbed, again." She pointed out reasonably. Serez was a very patient person. He made this comment almost every other day, even if Serez was just voicing an opinion or idea.
"Musica will you drop it for once. You now Rez wasn't bossing anyone around." Growled the black haired girl irritably, turning her cold black eyes once again to the young thief.
"You do this every time."
"And every time you two gang up on me."
"Because you're being a baka." The girls shouted at him in unison.
Before the argument could get any farther a large dog with red eyes padded up to them and nudged the youngest girl with his nose. "Okay Wolfyena. I'm coming. I'll see you later, my foster parents are getting worried, again."
"And they should be. Hanging around with two rouges like us can't be could for you." Musica grumbled eyeing the wolf-like creature wearily, while the dirt covered beast growled warningly at the wolf.
"Watch it Musica, or I'll deck you so hard your crooked ancestors will feel it." Threatened the young girl, brandishing a fist in the older boy's face.
"Okay, okay. Sheesh Chrissie, you know I was kidding." Musica placated quickly, hoping to avoid another bruise from the scrappy girl.
"Hn."
"Ja ne Christina. See ya tomorrow. Meet us at Fountain Square. We're working that section of town." Serez called as girl and wolf walked off. Christina raised a hand in farewell then disappeared into the crowd beyond the exit of the alley.
"Why is she always threatening me?" Musica grumbled as he and Serez slipped through a hole in the building behind them.
"You know how she feels about men. " Serez reminded him as she started up a ladder that led to the loft of the old abandoned stable where she made her home. It was a huge open space. The planked floor had been swept up and all the old, musty hay was piled up in the farthest corner of the loft. On the other side was Serez' living space. It consisted of an old down bed mat, a thin blanket, a ragged old pillow, two chairs, a couch, and a wooden chest that she had managed to salvage from a burning home a few years ago. In here she kept all her personal belongings, among them was a single change of clothes, a sword, and 5 throwing knives.
"Well yeah, but I would never do something like that to her. She's known me long enough to have figured that out by now."
"Not to her, just every other girl in town. Besides she does know. it's just her mindset she can't help it. Besides you know she only tolerates your presence." She told him, poking him in the side teasingly.
"Yeah, yeah." He grumbled smacking her hand away. "Everyone just tolerates my presence." Sighing he flopped onto an old chair that had been there since god knows when.
"Ha-ha. That's not true, some people tolerate you for your smarts, what smarts you have." She ducked as he threw a clump of dirt at her. "So what did you get today?" She asked eagerly as she too flopped onto a cushioned lounge chair.
"Lets see. I got about $100, a necklace we can pawn off, and dagger. You?"
"I got $30, and a book filled with numbers and letters."
"You usually get the good stuff."
"Yeah, well my quarter of the crowd was slim pickings today. At least we got enough between us to buy food to last a week or so."
"That's true, once we add Christina's haul to it at least. Look Dimean and I got to get home, I still have to my family rounds to do." He told her as he ruffled the dirty head of the creature beside him. It growled up at Musica and swatted at his hand with its filth-covered paw.
"Right. We'll see what we get tomorrow and then buy some food."
"Got it. See you tomorrow Serez. What are you gonna do until then?"
"Probably go bug the hell out of Max and Tyson. I always have enjoyed a good laugh at their expense."
"One of these days you're gonna have to let me in on one of your prank sessions. I've heard tales of how you've driven those two nuts for hours on end."
"Well, it serves them right. I only steal what I can't afford, it's not as if I steal every. oh wait, never mind." She laughed in embarrassment and rubbed the back of her head. "Any way, shouldn't you be going?"
"Nani? Oh right. See you around Serez. Come on Dimean." Musica climbed onto the window ledge and waited for Dimean to climb onto his back. With one last wave to Serez he jumped out the window and down to the street below.
"Ah, peace and quiet. I can't stand it. Let's go cause some havoc. Icezray are you coming?" Serez asked a small blue lump on her bed.
The lump stirred from its sleep and raised its head. It was a small ice blue dragon. Small jagged teeth lined its mouth; its gold eyes were like dark jewels against snow. In the middle of its forehead was a black opal. Its wings were at the moment hidden.
"Are you going to bug Dragoon's and Draciel's Masters again, mistress?" The small creature questioned, stretching its long body from its curled up position. Its wings sprouted from his back and he flew to his mistress's shoulder.
"Of course, who else could I harass?"
"Lets see. the town guards, farmers, other towns folk. shall I continue?"
"Okay I get the point jeez." Serez rolled her eyes at the ice dragon and made her way over to the ladder. She grabbed the sides and slid down the ladder not bothering to use the rungs.
She landed in a cloud of dust and hay, coughing she made her way to one of the many other entrances/exits that led to varying parts of the town.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Serez glided across the rooftops silently, her red eyes watching two boys as the talked companionably. One boy had dark blue hair that ran just past his shoulders and sapphire blue eyes that danced with mischief. He wore the uniform of an ironsmith's assistant, which consisted of brown leather pants that covered his legs and a sleeveless green top that showed off his muscular arms that had developed from working in his fathers forge over the years, and on his feet were well made boots.
His friend that was with him was the same height as he was but not of the same build. He had short blonde hair that stuck out in wild disarray; he wore simple clothing of a peasant, a hip length yellow tunic and long beige breeches that brushed the edge of his boots. His build wasn't strong, but he didn't give off a feeling of weakness either. He was a regular brawler and could hold his own against a man bigger than himself if need be.
Serez jumped down and hid behind a bunch of crates were the two boys had stopped to let a few caravans pass in front of them.
"So Tyson, what are you doing away from the forge anyways. I though it was your turn to turn iron today?" Asked the blonde blowing a few of his bangs from his blue eyes.
"Ha-ha. Well yeah, but when have you ever known me to stick around and do my work Max?" He questioned back, rubbing the back of his head and grinning at his friend.
"Never. Your father's going to catch you one of these days Tyson. Then you'll be in trouble."
"I'll worry about that when it happens. For now lets just get something to eat, I'm starved."
"When are you not starved Kinomiya?" Came an accusatory voice from somewhere to the boys right. They looked over to see Serez stand up from behind the boxes.
"What do you want Serez?" Demanded Tyson, his blue eyes snapping angrily at the green haired thief.
"What? No, "Hello Serez, how's it goin'?" Some man you are; doesn't even know how to greet a lady properly." Serez scoffed looking at the little dragon that was wrapped around her neck.
"HA! When we see a lady, we'll greet her properly, until then, go bug someone else." Max growled at her. He didn't mind her it was just that she was always bugging somebody. Usually it was he, Tyson, and Rei. But mostly Tyson; he had a short fuse and it didn't take much to get under his skin.
"Aww, what's wrong wittle Maxi? Are you having a bad day." She laughed pouting at the blonde.
"Grow up Serez." Sighed a new voice off to the left of the three arguing teens. They turned to see a boy, a year older than them selves, standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a white tunic, and baggy blue breeches, his long black hair was pulled back from his face to reveal golden cat like eyes.
"Huh, oh hey Rei. What's up?" Tyson asked glad to have a break from the bickering. Serez knew just how to get under his skin, and give him killer headaches.
"Nothin' much. I see you're in your daily argument with Serez."
"She started it this time, honest."
"Well I see you 'boys' are otherwise engaged. I'll bug you guys later. See ya 'round. Later Rei." She said walking past Tyson and Max. She went to sidestep around Rei when he put a hand out in front of him.
"What?" Serez questioned innocently, still trying to edge around the black- haired boy.
"Give them back Serez."
"Give what back?"
"Serez."
"Oh fine, here. You're no fun at all Rei. You know I would have given them back by tomorrow." She told him grudgingly handing two leather pouches that clinked with the money that was inside.
"Ah, but how full would they have been, Rez?"
"Hey, Musica. Finished your rounds already I see."
"Yup."
"Oh, great another one." Moaned Tyson as Musica leapt from the rooftop above to join his green-haired friend.
"Zip it Forge boy." Tyson growled angrily at the boy thief's comment, clenching his fist, and itching to hit Musica good and hard.
"Besides Rei," Serez said turning back to the golden-eyed boy. "I don't steal from people I've known most of my life, or people I consider friends. Even if you all deserve it once in awhile."
"When are you gonna stop stealing Rez?" Max asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I've told you Max. When I don't have to anymore. Which won't be for a while. so quit harping me about it all right?" She sighed slipping out from under his hand and then spinning around Rei, snagging back Tyson and Max's pouches as well as Rei's. "Well see you guy's later." She called as she and Musica took off.
The three friends watched the dual thieves run off. Serez never gave up on any chance to bug them. Rei shrugged, sighed and turned to go, but then realized that his belt was lighter than it usually was. He looked down and noticed that his belt purse* along with Tyson and Max's were gone.
Serez and Musica had stopped further up to talk to a friend of there's who worked in the market. "Serez! Musica! Get back here with our money!" Rei yelled as he set off after the two thieves with Max and Tyson right behind him.
"Uh-oh! See you later Marcus, we'll be back for the food tomorrow." Serez yelped out as Musica grabbed her arm and dragged her off before the there three enraged friends caught up with them.
"Why did you take the cash again?"
"To be annoying, and to see how long it would take for them to notice."
"Well you succeeded in annoying them. Sometimes I wonder why the gods let's you live."
"Because I'm just too damn cute to kill." She laughed as she leapfrogged over a town guard and continued running.
"Mistress slow down. I'm gonna fall off!!" Icezray cried from her shoulder as he held onto her tunic for dear life.
"Zray, you can fly." Dimean pointed out calmly as he clung to his master's back with the ease of practice.
"Oh, yeah."
"Get back here."
"Sorry guys. You'll just have to catch us!" Musica called back dodging a manure cart that was coming out of the stables as they passed.
"Gah!!"
"Hahahahahaha!" The two thieves continued to laugh at the outraged boys as they rounded a corner and disappeared into the crowd.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lord Mirklands arrived back at his castle in Britain late in the afternoon, about a week after his meeting in Moscow. His steward rushed forward to take his Master's cloak. "How was the business in Russia, My Lord?"
"Quite interesting actually, but this is something I will not discuss with you. Where is my daughter?" He demanded as he came to the foot of the stairs that led up towards the living quarters and down towards the kitchen's and store houses.
"I believe that Shura is out in the garden enjoying some time to herself, m' Lord."
"Bring her to me immediately, I have something I want her to do."
"Of course." The steward bowed and left the entry hall to go find the young lady of the house.
Shura sat on the lip of the fountain that was the centrepiece of the castle courtyard. The black skirts of her Victorian style dress arranged around her, so as not to get in her way. Her blood red hair flowed down her back, looking like spilled fire. She kept it tied up in a half ponytail. The hair that was tied back reached mid-back, while the hair left down reached her waist. Her blood-red eyes scanned the grounds around her with cold detachment.
She turned slightly to look behind her as someone approached her. It was her Father's chief steward and messenger. "My Lady, your Lord Father requests your presence in his study immediately." He said with a bow.
"Why does he wish to see me?" Shura inquired, turning a bit more so she was looking at him directly. Just as the steward was about to answer his eyes met with that of the young Lady. Her intense blood filled gaze sent shivers down his spine. He took a steadying breath and answered her with minimal nervousness. "I don't know, Lady. He just said it was urgent."
"Ugh, fine." She snorted and got to her feet abruptly, causing the steward to jump in surprise. Shura smirked at him in amusement and told him he could go. He bowed quickly then fled from her presence.
"Dusk, are you out here?" Shura called into the fading afternoon light. Her eyes raked across the horizon looking for any sign of her companion. She smiled when she heard a screech coming from the western side of the courtyard. She turned and held up her arm, a large black bat landed on her arm, its glowing red eyes peered at her curiously. "Hello my friend. How are you tonight?" She reached up and stroked the velvet black fur between his two large ears. It whistled at her and leaned into her hand. "That's good. Would you like to accompany me to my father's study? Or would you like to stay outside a bit longer and I could come visit you later?"
Dusk whistled and took off towards the door that led into the castle. "All right then, lets go see what Daddy Dearest wants."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In a small Kingdom, in England, which belonged to the Duke of Earl, two young girls helped looked after the homeless children that spent the night in the small church.
One of the girls looked to be about 13. She was around five feet tall, her wavy silver hair flowed down to her mid thighs and was streaked with gold, her eyes were the strangest thing about her, they were pure silver no pupil at all. She wore a short wrap around black skirt, small sleeveless black tunic, and on her feet she wore a pair of the churches sandals. All though she was dressed like most of the children in the church she was too clean and too well looked after to be homeless. She came to the church whenever she could to help out and play with the children.
The other girl looked about 15. She was fairly tall, just a few inches shy of six feet, her hair was jet black with midnight blue highlights and her bangs were a golden colour. It was pulled back in a braid to keep it out of her amethyst coloured eyes as she worked. She wore a sky blue kimono and a pair of sandals, and around her neck hung a wolf pendant on a silver chain.
They were just finishing cleaning up and putting the youngest children to bed for the evening, when the front door to the church was thrown open and two men with the uniform of the Duke's Guard strode in. "We are looking for Lilzo."
The young silver-haired girl's face paled. She was about to speak up when the older girl strode forward. "Who the hell do you think you are, barging in here like you own the place. This is a place of peace, you have no right."
"Silence you insult wench." Growled one of the guards levelling his spear in her face.
"Insolent. How dare you!! You cur!"
"Shikura, don't. You'll only get hurt." Said the young girl coming to stand beside her friend.
"But Lilzo.?"
"Don't worry about it. I'm sorry to have caused this. All right I'm coming. Ketsuna come on." She called as she walked towards the guards. A giant snow leopard trotted out of the shadows and headed for Lilzo. It had blue glow to it that was streaked with pink, its eyes were the same colour as those of the young girl, and spikes ran down its back starting from its shoulders and going all the way to the end of the tail. It snarled at the guards as it passed them and swung its deadly tail in their general direction.
The guards jumped back and followed the giant cat out of the church wearily.
"Lady Lilzo, what were you doing out here?"
"I was helping out at the church like I usually do, I don't understand what the problem is."
"Your father does not like you hanging around with such people."
"I don't care, it's not like he can stop me. He's tried before, I'll just keep going back." She told the two guards defiantly with an air of finality, ending the discussion.
"Your father wants to take with you when we arrive back at the citadel*."
"Doesn't he always?" Lilzo asked sarcastically, as she mounted the horse that the guards had brought for her. S soon as she was settled she kicked the horse into a quick trot and headed for the Citadel, not bothering to wait for her two escorts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lilzo sat in a high backed wooden chair in front of an oak desk in her father's map-room. She still wore the clothes she had been wearing at the church, which her father was not pleased with. "Why didn't you change before coming to see me?" He asked leaning forward on his desk and fixing his young daughter with the disappointed stare only a parent could accomplish.
"You said you wanted to see me as soon as I got to the citadel." She explained. "I was just doing what you'd asked."
\ "Ah, Lilzo. What have I told you about going out and playing with the peasant children?"
"Not to, but father."
"No buts Lilzo. I forbid you go to the church again. And from no one you will have an escort to bring you to and from the town.
"Father that's not fair!!" She cried in outrage jumping to her face. Her pure silver eyes dancing with righteous indignation. "I'm not a little anymore. I'm old enough to make my own decisions and decide who and who I cannot spend time with!"
"I am your father you will do as I say!"
Before Lilzo could argue the point someone knocked on the door to the map- room. "Who is it?" The duke called.
"There's someone here to see you my lord. A young man by the name of Ian."
"Send him in. Lilzo you stay as well. It's time you learn a few things about what I do for a living."
Lilzo fumed silently and scratched the large Snow Leopard behind the ears.
"Hello your grace." Ian said with a bow. Lilzo eyed him from under her silver bangs. He was about the same height as she was; he had purple hair that was in a total mess, and dark brown eyes above a too large nose.
"Hello Ian. This is my daughter Lilzo. She will be sitting in on our discussion."
Ian's eyes flashed once. 'This is the one of the girls I was supposed to find. She's just a kid!' He thought to himself. "That's okay. It's your daughter I'm her to discuss anyway."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What did you want father?" Shura asked as she poked her head into her father's study.
"Ah Shura, here you are. And I see you brought Dusk with you."
"Yes you did not request that I not bring her."
"I know. Now there is something I wish to discuss with you. Come sit." He told her as he gestured to a chair.
"What is it, father?"
Shura's Father looked at her steadily. Shura knew that something was up to something; her father was never this kind to her.
"I wish for you to go to Russia."
"What? Why?" She looked into his eyes to see if she could see what he was planning. What she saw there chilled her to her very soul. There was death, deceit, greed, and thoughts of power not yet known, in those eyes. "NO!! I will not go!" She shouted at him and stood up to leave.
"You will do what you're told you little wench."
"I don't think so. I will not go, and I will not help you with whatever plan you are scheming. So forget it!"
"You are going."
"You're right I am. Going away from this place. Good-bye father." Shura looked at the bat that was resting on the back of the chair and hissing at his mistress's father. "Dusk use Night. We're leaving."
The great bat screeched and a large cloud of darkness filled the room and the hallway beyond. Bat and Girl ran down the hallway towards the stairs that led to the front gate of the fortress.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Tokyo, a young man who's red-hair stood up on end in strange style (a/n: sorry I don't know how to describe his hair. It's just so weird) and his ice blue eyes pierced through even the thickest walls, sat in front of the emperor.
"I'm looking for six individual, whom I understand live in your kingdom." He crossed his arms over his midnight blue tunic and stretched his legs out in front of him causing the rough material of his brown breeches to scrap against the wood of the chair, making a slight scratching sound.
"And why are you seeking these individuals?"
"Well most of them have no work or are homeless. My master sent me and my friend here," He said nodding in the direction of the boy who stood behind him.
This boy was as tall as his red headed counterpart, but had spiked silver hair, narrow ice blue eyes with no pupil giving him the appearance of a blind man, skin as pale as ice, and two sharp fang like teeth poked out from beneath his upper lip. He wore a blue tunic with white pants, cut-off gloves, a purple hooded cloak, and strapped at his side was a blue bladed sword with a white hilt.
"To pick them up and offer them jobs at his castle. It's well paying and free room and board. So could you tell me where to find them or do I have to room your large kingdom looking for them?"
"Of course not. I can only tell you where the boys live, and one girl lives. However, this one," Said the emperor tapping a paper in front of him. " I can not help you with. She is an orphan and does not keep with policy of telling the town Officials were she lives."
"That's okay. Maybe one of these people will know her. Thank you for your time. Helet lets go. Wolborg."
"Deathren." They called looking to the corner of the room.
In the corner away from the emperor lay two wolves. One was an ice blue wolf, with white and silver wings straight out of hell coming out of his back; through his half lidded eyes you could see a sliver of blue, its claws were blue.
Beside him lay a silver wolf with wings made of ice coming out of his back and from above his paws, and a chest plate made of ice covered his front.
"We're leaving. Let's go." Helet said. As he walked out of the room, the ice blue wolf got to his feet and padded after the silver haired boy.
"Come, Wolborg. Lets go before our short tempered does anything rash." The redhead laughed as he too left the room with the white wolf right behind him.
Little did they now that another person had sat in on the meeting. The emperor turned and looked in that person's direction. "Yoko."
"Yes your highness?" The person stepped out of the shadows. Revealing her self. Her brown hair was pulled back into a spiky bun, uncovering a pair of bright purple eyes, she wore all black, on her upper left arm and on both wrists were small black leather belts, and on her feet were black flip flop sandals. At her sides were two half sized katana.
"I want you to follow those boys. Make sure they are to actually do what they say. If they are not report back here."
"What if the attack someone?"
"Stop them."
"Yes emperor."
Yeah chapter 2 is done. Yeah okay I've picked all the OC's I will need, so I am no longer accepting any more. I will reveal who they are next chapter. Thanks to everyone who submitted a character.
DBFH: (wrapped up in bandages) don't forget to review. Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, oooooooooooooowwwww!
Savvy: stop whining; it's so annoying.
DBFH: you try having a whole china cabinet worth of glass thrown at you.
He-he, sorry DBFH. Didn't mean to hurt you that badly.
DBFH: Sure you didn't.