CHAPTER 10

The door to the pale green room opened and the brunette entered to find the place empty. Except the door to the balcony was opened, with the thin white curtains blown in. James made his way round the bed and towards the open door and stepped outside. There, leaning against the railing and looking at the icy street, was Rayne, her cheek sticky from dried tears, and her eyes dull and red.

"Rayne?" he whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder. The young girl looked at the hand then the owner. Nodding in greeting to him she turned back to the streets. James wrapped his arms around her from behind, giving her a bear hug.

"Come on, Rayne. I want to take you somewhere."

"I don't want to go anywhere," she whispered, into the air.

"It's no good for you to be like this. You'll get sick. You hardly came down for lunch, tea and dinner. I'm worried."

"You don't need to be,"

"Yes I do!" the brunette cried. "Come on Rayne, this is not like you." He held out his hand. "Please, come with me."

Rayne looked at the hand then back at her friend's face. For the sake of it, she took it, letting him lead her.

"Lead the way," she whispered.

-00-

The pub that was just round the corner from Tyson's dojo, the one Rayne had always visited from time to time two years ago, is where James had lead her to, entering the building.

The place inside was semi dark, not dark enough to make anyone squint, but not bright enough to let people see each other's faces more than a few feet away. The only place where there was a lot of light than the rest was the large dance floor, mixed with several colours of spotlights.

"I know the funeral, has shaken you up, but you can't live in the dark," James explained. "Not all the time. We've done all we can. Now we just have to move on."

Rayne smiled, her dull eyes returning its sparks. "Thank you,"

James smiled back and made his way to the stage where there were other instrumental players, picking up his guitar and playing the chords.

Feeling like herself, the FBI walked down the stairs and into the crowd, blending in. She looked around and noticed the others were also here and she was glad for that. At least she knows the people, as well as go to them for a talk and such.

A hand on her shoulder made her turn sharply, her FBI reflexes visible until she saw whom it was.

"Tala!"

"Wanna dance?" he held out his, asking the question.

Looking at the dance floor, it wasn't too empty nor crowd. Rayne liked that and she gave him a small nod, taking his hand.

Pulling her hand, the redhead made his way to the dance floor then rest his hands gently over her waist. Rayne had no choice but placed her own hands on his shoulders, welcoming the warmth she so long to crave.

Make me blind

Cover my eyes

You can do what you want

I'm paralysed by the perfect mood

When we're dancing with blindfolds on

Rayne let her eyes drift to a close, holding onto the warmth till the end of the song. At least let her have that.

You make it easy to love you and hate you

I can't explain it, I feel insecure

Say it simple: "You die just to live again."

You say we're waiting for the last waltz

Something glinted against the light as Tala observed the black headed girl in front of her, making him frown lightly. Gently, he lifted one hand reaching to her neck and taking the thin gold chain and lifting it to reveal a small locket as a pendant.

Another you and me

Another revolutionary heavenly romance

Waiting for the last waltz

And so it seems

We won't find the solution

Confusion leads the dance

We're waiting for the last waltz

Rayne snapped her grey orbs when she felt a familiar skin against her own and the coolness of the chain lifted. Her eyes widen slightly as she watched Tala open the locket, looking at the picture of her and him.

Praise the wine

So divine

And it stings like a rose

Allow the night to flow inside

Open the window and let the wind blow

"Come on Tala! Hurry up!" Boris called out.

"Hang on! Let me fix up my hair! I've got to look good for the picture you know."

Rayne rolled her eyes. "It's going to get ruined later on, anyway,"

The seven-year-old redhead made his appearance, wearing his black jeans and red top, his hair spiky with only two bangs covering his eyes.

"That's it?" Rayne quirked an eyebrow in amusement. Tala frowned in returned.

"Leave me alone."

"Awww, come on. Cheer up" she wrapped her arms around his neck, pecking his cheek. The motion made the young man smile and then there was a flash of light. Boris had taken a picture, with Rayne and Tala, in each other's arms in the middle and the demolition boys and Kai around them.

Highlight the night is the unhappy ending

You keep refusing to answer my calls

Drop the bending and stop the pretending

You say get ready for the last waltz.

Boris and Sylvia exchanged a kiss on each other's lips under the beautiful mistletoe one Christmas Day in the abbey. Boris had found a secret room, in which his wife and himself decorated just for the Demolition boys and the Hiwatari twins to enjoy. Even if they had to sneak out of their rooms. But it was all worth it.

Rayne stepped into view; half hidden in the shadows, looking at the warm room with awe, she was glad to feel the warm heat against her cold skin from training outside in the snow. She turned around to look at Tala who was beside her. He had a frown look on his face and following his gaze Rayne looked up to see the mistletoe Boris was under.

Tala and Rayne looked at each other in unison and blushing lightly, Rayne leaned forward and pecked his lips quickly and lightly. Giggling, she ran into the room and climb onto the couch and sitting down on the lap of her godfather. That was their very fist kiss they shared together.

Another you and me

Another revolutionary heavenly romance

Waiting for the last waltz

And so it seems

We won't find the solution

Confusion leads the dance

We're waiting for the last waltz

"What are you doing, sitting on my lap?" Boris blinked down at the young girl.

Said girl blinked back, confused.

"Shouldn't you be with the boys, opening your present?" chuckled the purple-haired man.

"Oh right," The FBI-to-be sweatdropped. Jumping down from his legs, the young girl joined her friends and the first present she opened was a small box wrapped in black wrappings with blue stripes. Excitement filled her heart and she opened the tender box, looking down at the jewel inside. It was a golden locket, with a thin golden chain.

"Merry Christmas," a young man's voice chirped out.

Rayne could do nothing but glomped the redhead, making the room filled with laughter as he turned bright red on the face.

I believe that no one in this world has the answers for me

But still I hope that someone has heard

"This necklace and photo," he whispered, snapping out his trance. "Now I remember where it was from," he looked into the scared grey orbs, looking back at him. "But I still don't understand."

"What do you mean," she was scared. Deep down she was scared, but she didn't show. Only her eyes, and now her voice gave that away.

"When I first met you, you were just a new girl, Kai's twin. But every time I saw you, you give me this look, every time you were sad, my head starts to hurt and I was transported into a different world."

"Just like moments ago?" she whispered.

"Just like moments ago. When I first had them, I didn't understand what was going on, why was it based upon you and me; why Ten and James weren't there. But I think I'm beginning to understand." He smiled, half soft, half cold. "It's my memories from the past, memories I've lost when I had amnesia."

Rayne stared at him, surprised. She didn't know what to say.

"Tala? Rayne?" someone called over the noise. Said teens looked over Ten who was making her way towards them. "Hey, having fun?"

"Yeah," smiled Tala. Rayne just nod, cracking a small smile.

"You don't mind if I join in?"

"No go right ahead. He's all yours," Rayne spoke before Tala could utter a word. "I'm done dancing. I'm going outside for a walk. Let the others know if they ask where I am."

"Sure thing." And with that, giving one last look to Tala, Rayne left the floor and the building. She didn't know where she was going, but she felt cold. She wrapped her arms around herself, as her legs lead her to the small beach nearby, glad she was the only one.

Ohhh you and me

Another revolutionary heavenly romance

Waiting for the last waltz

And so it seems

We won't find the solution

Confusion leads the dance

We're waiting for the last waltz

-00-

"Welcome back, James and Rayne. The studio is all set. We just need you to get change and get ready to make your own video clip," smiled the manager, his back to the teens as he looked over at the streets of Japan, that were all decorated for the Christmas carnival. "We've taken some of your ideas and some of our ideas to make this video as it is at least five minutes long, but the last part in which the Nightwish sang, we'll cut it off as it is inappropriate."

"What will you do with the video once it is completed?" asked Rayne.

"We will send a copy to Nightwish, and we will play it on TV."

-00-

The atmosphere in the school hall was beginning to get tense. Students were running all around the place with decorations in their hands getting the float ready in the last minute. After all it only needs the final touches.

The float was big. That was an understatement. It had dark blue at the bottom with white paint sprayed above it, giving a snowy-icy effect; Rayne's idea. There was a large Santa Clause at the back; James's idea. And with the people who were going to be sitting on the float, will be dressed up as Santa's elves; Ten's idea. And not everyone volunteered. Those who didn't were forced to wear it anyways.

Kai grunted as Vivien wiped his triangles away with a cloth.

"Oh, stop grunting. It's only for tonight," she held back a chuckle but her voice was filled with amusement that Kai had noticed.

"Very funny. I look like a baby."

"Hey," a small kid chirped. "The only small kid around here is me" Sergei puffed out his chest, looking like a mini version of Link from Zelda.

"Uh huh. And you don't need to dress up, because you were born as an elf."

"Kai, watch it. That kid got some spunk in him," grinned Spencer. "He can kick you where it hurts, courtesy of your twin." Kai pouted. Running away from little kid is not like him. Little kid should be running away from him.

"Everything ready?" a voice called out.

The place had been cleared up and the place became pitch dark. Ten sat down on the float carefully, and push the switch button. Lights decorated on the float in white and blue lights flashed.

"Lets get the party started!"

-00-

Rayne was in the changing room. The filming will begin in about an hour and they need to sort out the hair.

FLASHBACK

As soon as the manager had spoken the duo, Rayne was immediately shifted to one end of the studio where there were several racks of clothes, all in different style and colour. But black and red are all she need; a simple bottom and tops. Unfortunately there were no trousers around.

"Excuse me," she had asked one of the designers. "But where are the trousers?"

"There are no trousers available," he had answered. Rayne raised an eyebrow.

"So are you telling me, I have to wear a skirt?"

"Whatever is comfortable," he responded.

"Have you got a size twelve trousers or jeans? Slightly flared from the knees to ankle?" she asked.

"I'll check,"

"Thank you," and the young man left, checking if there was a spare. Being a tomboy has all sorts of rules, but the number one rule of being a tomboy is no skirts allowed. And Rayne had never worn a skirt at all… until now.

"I can't believe this," the FBI muttered.

"Is everything alright?" the manager had come over to check on her. "Have you chosen your outfits?"

"About that. You see, I don't wear skirt, and I'm not planning on wearing one for a long time. I'm not complaining, I just… I'd rather wear something comfortable whether I'm with my friends or doing work or filming, etc. wearing a skirt, is the last thing I'll do," explained Rayne.

"OK. Have you asked any of the designers-"

"Here you go," the boy that Rayne had spoken to, returned with a handful of black trousers.

"Thank you," she smiled as the trousers were placed on the nearby table. Smiling and beaming, she looked through them, choosing one she liked. It was just plain black, but the material is denim-like.

"I was thinking for the beginning of the film, we would have you walking down a path in a forest, with the fan blowing towards you to give you the windy effect. We might have to do that several times, depending on how we want the wind and everything," the manager glanced behind him at a roaring sound before turning back to the girl. "And er… how afraid are you of bears?"

"Bears? How many?"

"Oh just one," he grinned lightly, pointing at a direction behind him.

Rayne made her way towards said bear and watched its movement, ignoring the small protest of the trainers around her. Confident, she raised her hair just above the creature's head and watched carefully at its sniffing. Feeling a good aura around the girl, the bear rubbed its head against her hand, enjoying the attetnin. People around them gasped and muttered and gossiped.

"OK, People!" cried the man. "Get to your position." He walked over to the cage. "Get changed. We will meet here in about an hour."

END OF FLASHBACK

Rayne sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in black skirt and top, her denim trousers under her skirt and was wearing a red cloak/jacket.

There was a knock on the door just as she was figuring out what to do with her hair.

"Come in."

Said door opened and J poked his head in. once he noticed that she was not nude nor half dressed, he entered completely, letting out a small whistle.

"Little, sexy," he grinned.

Rayne gave him a look. "You look like Tala and now you're sounding and speaking like Tala. I think you've been influenced by him too much,"

"Nope." James violet eyes, glaze over. "I've got something I desperately need to talk to you."

"OK."

Walking around the small changing room, James took a deep breath. "Ever since we became partners for this music project we were great friends. But as we developed this music project to this, every time you give me a hug when we greet, I felt something… more than just friendship."

He looked up at Rayne with hopeful eyes shining. Rayne could only stare, as it slowly dawn on her.

"You mean…" she whispered.

"I love you," he also whispered. "I know you love Tala, but please… give me a chance. Give me a try."

Rayne's grey hues brimmed with tears. She felt strong arms around her as she leaned forward, crying softly on his shoulder.

"I know I can't be as good as Tala, and I know he's somehow your boyfriend, but while you wait to get him back, can I at least be a substitute? I'm willing to be your substitute."

"A substitute?" Rayne frowned, wiping her tears.

"Treat me like you normally do, but-"

But what, we didn't find out as Rayne placed her lips gently against his in a small kiss. A small quick kiss as she pulled away just as gently. James was breath taken by her sweet kiss, as he gasped for breath gently, opening his violet orbs, locking with silver.

"I hope… I'm doing the right thing," biting her lower lip, she pondered at her words she had spoken, hoping against hope she hasn't offended him.

James cracked a smile. "Even if it's for a day or two, at least the weight is off my shoulder," and with that, they both chuckled lightly.

-00-

"3… 2… 1… ACTION!"

The music slowly came into ear range and Rayne made her down the path between the trees that's meant to be a forest. Wind was blowing softly in her direction, making some thin pieces of the skirt fly about. That's the effect the fan gave out.

Slowly in her low heel boots, Rayne climbed over a big tree root and leaned against a tree, lip singing:

Soon I will be here no more

You'll here my tale

Through my blood

Through my people

And the eagle's cry

At that, she looked up in the air pretending to see an eagle flying by,

The bear within will never lay to rest.

The baby bear that was in the cage earlier on was let out and it made its way towards Rayne, rubbing its head under her hand like their greeting.

Wandering on Horizon Road

Following the trail of tears

White man came

Saw the blessed land.

Rayne began to do motions, matching it with the music.

We cared; you took

You fought; we lost

Not the war but an unfair fight

Sceneries painted beautiful in blood

Wandering on Horizon Road
Following the trail of tears
Once we were here
Where we have lived since the world began
Since time itself gave us this land

"OK, that's it. Well done. Back again same time tomorrow." The director yelled. Rayne got off the setting and waited for the manger.

"That was fantastic. See you tomorrow and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," the FBI beamed and quickly changed back into her jeans and top.

Running out of the studio, climbing up the side of a house and running across the roofs, Rayne made her way towards the carnival. She saw a glimpse of her friends float and knows that it would be heading where she would be and with that she wanted to surprise them. With a microphone in hand, she waited until they were almost opposite her.

In the count of three, she jumped of the roof and landed at the front of the float, surprising her friend and the spectators. Said spectators clapped as Rayne finished the song that was played.

Our souls will join again the wild

Our home in peace 'n war 'n death

Wandering on horizon road

Following the trail of tears

Once we were here

Where we have lived since the world began

Since time itself gave us this land

Singing the last note, Rayne took a deep breath and turned around, facing her friends, smiling.

"I'm back,"

"How was it?" asked Ten.

"Unusual. But it was ok." She took her seat beside James, holding his hand in the shadows between them.

-00-

"That was enjoyable," sighed Amber as she trudged into Ten's house.

"Ten and Rayne sang good together," yawned Alex.

Before anybody else could enter, Tala and Ten exchanged a kiss under the mistletoe that was placed under the doorframe before entering the living room. Kai and Vivien did the same followed by Rei and Anya. The rest of the gang entered with James and Rayne at the end. Just as they both were in the middle of the doorway, Ten stopped them.

"Nah uh," she pointed to the ceiling. A pair of violet eyes and grey eyes looked up to see a beautiful plant hanged above and they groaned.

"Do we have to?" the boy asked, looking at his sister. Said girl nodded, grinning deviously. He looked hopelessly at the girl and she shrugged.

"The sooner the better. Make it quick."

The both leaned forward and pecked each other's lips quickly, even though they were together. There are certain things that have to be kept quiet about.

Rayne flopped onto the couch beside her brother and let out a tired sigh. Not a moment later did her mobile ring furiously. Taking out as quick as a flash, Rayne began speaking in Russian to the phone. Worried features were written over her face and the conversation made the Russians worried. With a sigh, Rayne hung up.

"Everything ok?" James asked.

"There's trouble in Russia. I'm needed," she whispered.