In a era long ago, there was a mysterious and unusual land.
It was so different, their neighbours could not accept it. It was too far apart from what they believed in.
Eventually, the other lands invaded, and razed everything there.
All records of that land have faded into nothing. The fear of that nation spread throughout the island.
Not only were they massacred, their land will not even be a footnote in the chronicles of time.
Could it really be that the souls of the fallen wish for the demise of reality itself?
Their fate was truly cruel, no one would deny that now.
Yet, I believe humans can change, and truly reach a perfect and harmonious existence.
The ones that I have shown the way to their true power will prove the potential of humanity.
The one that took the name of an ancient leader will have no choice but to see that potential.
When he does, will he put aside his sword and embrace humanity, or reject such an ideal?
Everything lies on humanity's shoulders. I shall watch, now and forever.
Arc V: Hope Is Reborn
Chapter 46: Unease
|7th August 2012|Albion Inc. Headquarters|8:15am|
Nathan was driving his new car, trying his hardest to focus on the road. It wasn't quite as stylish as his previous one, but it was far more realiable. However, the memory of last night was still fresh in his mind. Having fought Joe as an Ornatu Legion member before, he didn't think it'd be a big deal to do so again. Then, after what Carlos did to him, things went horribly wrong. Nathan had to destroy what was left of Joe's spirit, and after he did this, he heard his voice. It wasn't until he got home that he was able to think clearly about the things Joe said. Only Nathan seemed to hear them, but from what Amara said, she could hear Colette's.
Those memories were nothing but painful. Joe spoke of his father, at first sounding angry, almost hateful. Then they dropped to merely apathetic, and unfeeling. It seemed after Joe started working for Albion Incorporated, he barely talked to his father. It was only because of his girlfriend that he picked up the phone to call him once a week.
Then, something happened. Joe's father had to go to hospital, and he was severely ill. Joe's girlfriend practically dragged him to the hospital, and Joe still treated his father with disdain. From what Nathan could tell, his father had pushed him into becoming successful, and refused to let him do as he pleased most of his childhood. When the news came that his father couldn't be saved, and had months to live, something hit Joe. Sadness. Regret. Confusion.
Now Nathan knew the reason Joe missed work most mornings. It was the only time his father was well enough to speak and look at his son. Joe didn't say it outright, but he knew he loved his father. Every time he came to the hospital, however, the words didn't come. Time was running out, and Joe might never get a chance to thank his father. Because of this, he kept getting into arguments with his girlfriend.
"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Priscilla said, angrily, as they entered the building. "You've been avoiding your father, you're ruder than usual to Joe, and you got back so late last night!"
"I'm sorry, darling. There's something going on between me and father, but...it's a bit of a mess." Nathan said.
"Nathan, don't you know you can tell me anything? We've been dating for over a decade now! I can't say I'd understand whatever it is that's going on, but can you at least tell me later? I don't want you and Reginald fighting." Priscilla said. "And there's something else I wanted to talk to you about. You were too tired to speak last night, but I'll tell you when we go to Tara and Adrian's tonight."
"Oh yes, I forgot we were coming over. In that case, I'll get some champagne." Nathan said. "Well, it's not a special occasion, but-"
"Actually, it is. You'll just have to wait to find out." Priscilla said. "Now then, what are we doing for lunch? I'd love to try that potato salad bar the girls were talking about."
"Ah, Pommes De Terrace. That sounds great. It'd be my pleasure to escort you there, milady." Nathan said, smiling. Just then, he saw a text message from his father.
I'm sorry.
Nathan sighed, put his phone away, and began his day. Another six or so reports to go through...
|Lucille Valley High School|8:25am|
"Dammit. The subs for Gorgeous Goddess: I Wanna Kiss In The Dark are taking longer than they thought." Kyle said, checking his phone. "But at least Guardian Angel Setsuna is up tomorrow. You're coming over to watch it with me, right?"
"Of course! As long as we get the homework done, of course." Serena said. "I think we'll be hitting the library once again this lunchtime."
"Not a problem. Oh yeah, I heard they're going to pick the head girl for the year today." Kyle said. "You put your name down, right?"
"Yeah, I did. Just as a joke, really." Serena said. "Come on, it'd be such a pain. I'd have to give corny speeches to the school all the time, get involved in so many stupid events, and be all representing the school..."
"Guess who's running for head boy?" Kyle asked.
"Lucas, yeah? I had a feeling he'd be doing that. He's always going on about improving the school." Serena said.
"Yeah, but his only ideas for that are damn marathons or other stupid meets. The school gets so damn excited when he finishes in first place as usual, his picture winds up in the paper, and it's the same every time!" Kyle said, looking annoyed.
"Kyle, he's right behind you!" Serena said.
"Ha! As if!" Kyle said. "Wait...please tell me that's a joke." he said, panicking.
"Actually, man, it isn't." Lucas said, and walked to the front of Kyle. Serena looked away, embarassed.
"Um...hi, Lucas!" Serena said. Lucas ignored her.
"Look, I don't like sports, okay? You can see why!" Kyle said, looking away.
"Kyle!" Serena shouted. "Lucas, I'm sorry about this-"
"It's fine. I think I get why Kyle never really liked me now, actually." Lucas said. "You wish you could take part in the running team, don't you?"
"W-what? That's a load of crap! Even if I wasn't stuck in this thing, I-"
"See what I mean? 'Stuck'? Kyle, you're only stuck if you think you are. You can find ways to take part if you really want, you know." Lucas said.
"How?" Kyle was getting madder with every word Lucas said. "I can't just get out of this thing and run like you can!"
"Kyle..." Serena said.
"Alright, I get it. But you don't have to spoil it for the rest of us. Maybe you could just sit and watch with us. It has to be more fun than sitting in the library the whole time." Lucas said, looking stern.
"...It's time for class." Kyle said angrily, leaving the area.
"You know, Kyle gets on my nerves. Just cause he's in a wheelchair, he thinks he can't do anything active! Pisses me off!" Lucas said.
"Well, it's not really my thing either. I'll try and get him to apologise -"
"No, Serena, don't bother. If he thinks he's trapped, let him be trapped. I'm off to talk to the coach. Oh, good luck for head girl!" Lucas said.
"Oh...thanks." Serena said, walking upstairs. She had been friends with Lucas for a while, but she realised she didn't understand him fully until yesterday. After beating the Shadow that was born from him, she felt some of his memories. She knew he had a pen pal in Africa who met him a couple of times, and both of them were keen runners. The pen pal one day was a victim of a riot, however, and Lucas was heartbroken. He promised himself he would run in his friend's memory, and to help the school his friend went to, he always entered for charity. Of course, there was no way she could let Lucas know she knew.
Lucas, don't be mad. I can make Kyle understand, somehow.
|Blaine and Dan's House|8:00 am|
"Blaine, come on, the house looks fine. Also, I don't think we even have a vacuum cleaner." Dan said.
"Yeah, but this is the first time we've had female company in ages! I don't want Lucy to think I live like a slob. Okay, I do, but...I'd prefer she didn't know how messy us men get." Blaine said. "I mean, there's a beer can behind the TV. How did that even get there?"
"I think it was that night we were out with that Karl guy. We went and got more beer and went home and you passed out in the back yard, then I took a picture and showed everyone online. I must have left it there. Might still have something in it, actually." Dan said. "...Yeah, you might want to get rid of it."
"See what I'm talking about? I don't the place to stink of booze tonight, Dan. I wanna make Lucy feel at home." Blaine said.
"Listen to you! You'd be the ideal house husband, you know. Look, just tidy up the place a little. And you might wanna get rid of those DVDs too, if you're so worried about your image!" Dan said, grinning. "Or does she know about our 'stash'"?
"Of course she doesn't, dude. That would be one fucked up pick up line. 'Want to see my porn collection?'" Blaine said, sighing. "I'll have to put those away, too. There's so much I have to get ready..."
"For god's sake, the girl's going to feel awkward if you're all about how clean the house is! Don't be that douche who always insists on taking shoes off. Just clean up and figure out what we're having to eat. You know I suck when it comes to cooking." Dan said.
"I guess you're right. I just wish I could impress her." Blaine said.
"Really? From what you were saying the other day, you already did that. Many times. In one night." Dan said, grinning. "Come on, Blaine, she's not that bothered about the house. It's you she's interested in. Damn, you are some kind of stud!"
"Well, you'd be one too if you shaved that goatee! You hurry up and get to work. I'll have this place looking clean even if it takes me all morning!" Blaine said. "Now, maybe if we had some feather dusters and some window cleaner..."
"You're such a girl!" Dan said, laughing as he left.
"Says the guy who bought that pink shirt." Blaine said to himself. The house still didn't look right. To make it look good enough for Lucy to want to come back, he had to pull out all the stops. Her apartment was great, even if it was a little feminine for his tastes.
"The things I do for women, huh?"
Just then, he received a text message. It was from Dan. Upon reading it, Blaine chuckled.
It's purple, not pink, jackass!
|Motion Publishing Cafeteria|12:40 pm|
"What's the matter, Amara?" Stella asked. "What happened in the other world last night?"
"You knew I was there? Well...did I tell you about the Divine Sparks?" Amara said.
"You may have mentioned them, but you didn't go into much detail. Amara, tell me everything. What are these Divine Sparks?" Stella asked.
Amara briefly explained the Divine Sparks, or what she knew about them. It was a lot of information to go into, especially the mysterious place on the ground - Inanis. Stella looked rather panicked, however, at the mention of what happened to Colette, Joe, Lucas and Adrian.
"I see. Amara, there is something I should tell you about that. The Ater Vox have been attempting experiments for quite some time, regarding the fusion of humans and Shadows." Stella said. "That is what likely happened last night. Carlos must have used his power to perform the experiment himself."
"Colette...I heard some of her thoughts. I think I know why she's obsessed with clothes." Amara said. "Colette feels she has to dress up nice, look pretty, so no one has to worry about what she's like on the inside. She doesn't think she's smart, or interesting, so fashion is the only thing that matters to her."
"Okay, Amara? You can't do it all, at least not at once. I think we can worry about improving Colette's self-esteem later. Right now, I'm concerned about you and the Divine Sparks. There's not much time left, and if the Eternal Road is opened, there's no telling what will happen." Stella said.
"Isn't there a way to stop them at all? There has to be a way! Otherwise, we never would have been dragged into the other world in the first place!" Amara said.
"I do know something, Amara. The angels will return from the underworld and pave the way to a true resolution." Stella said. "Who the angels are, I don't know."
"Angels? Well, at this point, I'll try anything. Leave the other world in my hands, Stella. Of course, over there you're fighting with us anyway!" Amara said.
"That's right. I have a feeling both versions of myself will be a great help. Continue fighting, and be ready for anything." Stella said. "Now then, let's move on to less intense matters. How excited is Blaine about having Lucy come to his house for dinner tonight?"
"Well, you know how crazy he is about that girl. He's asked me tons of questions, like how to set the table, where to get a vacuum cleaner, a good place to hide his porn stash and if the recipe Zao gave him is any good." Amara said.
"Wait, porn stash?" Stella asked.
"That's the kind of guy he is, I suppose. Karl used to have a lot of dirty magazines lying around, but then he stopped buying them. Or maybe he just hid them so I wouldn't get upset!" Amara said.
"Men are perverts, I suppose. They're sweet, but they're perverts." Stella said, laughing. "Although Zao sure is crazy about you, as well!"
"He is. He keeps texting me pictures of fishes and talking about how romantic they look." Amara said. Zao was just so silly, she couldn't help but melt every time she saw him. "It doesn't even bother me if he and Karl are out all night at a club!" Amara said.
"Are you sure it's such a good idea to be friends with your ex?" Stella asked. "It may not be as idyllic as you claim it to be."
"Stella, don't talk like that! I loved Karl, I really did. But I love Zao now. It's just hard to forget how special the times I had with Karl really were." Amara said. "I'm even happy Zao's fighting with us. I don't have to hide the other world from him, and I can help him grow stronger too."
"You seem to know what you're doing. Still, if you're ever confused, talk to me. I know one thing - both men care for you very much." Stella said.
"Don't worry, I can handle this. Come on, let's get back to work before Lucy does." Amara said.
|Pommes De Terrace|13:09 pm|
As Nathan and Priscilla reached Pommes De Terrace, which served many delicious potato dishes, they recognised two people at a table. It was Joe Kowalski, and an unfamiliar lady was next to him.
"Joe, how much longer are you going to keep this up?" she said. "If you keep missing work in the mornings, you could lose your job! Then what would we do?"
"I've already spoken to my boss about it. He says he keeps getting hassled about it, though, so I need to stop doing it. But I can't. The doctor said it'll be another two months until...you know." Joe said, looking rather downcast.
"Did you hear that?" Priscilla asked quietly, making sure neither Joe or the woman had heard her.
"Yes, I did. One of his relatives must be in a bad way." Nathan said.
"We shouldn't bother them. They don't look like they're in the mood to chat." Priscilla said, as they sat down. They were a few tables away, so Nathan didn't think they'd be easily seen. "Nothing's going on with Reginald, is there?"
"No, nothing like that! He's in good health." Nathan said. "Trust me, Priscilla, I wouldn't hide that from you."
"Oh, good. Anyway, this looks really good. Potatoes are more interesting than I thought." Priscilla said, in awe as she stared at the menu. "Maybe I'll have - oh, he's spotted us!" Sure enough, Joe had got up from his table, and was making his way to Nathan and Priscilla's.
"Hello, Nathan." Joe said. His girlfriend stared, but didn't follow. "Victoria, don't be shy! Come on over! These are friends from work!" Friends? But I've never been kind to him at all. I wish I could undo all those things, and do something to help, but...
"Oh, hello there. I'm Joe's fiancé." Victoria said. She had pale blonde hair in a sort of spiky long ponytail, and a trendy white coat. Fiancé? That's right, when I heard his thoughts, he was afraid she'd leave him and go off with someone else, and he'd be alone at his father's funeral. Oh my god. "You must be the son of the CEO, Reginald Albion, correct?"
"Yes, that's right. This is Priscilla, my partner." Nathan said.
"It's nice to meet you at last! Joe was telling me about you the last time we spoke, about getting a new jacket to cheer you up. Looks like he picked a good one." Priscilla said.
"Oh, thanks. Joe said. "Nathan, I'm sorry about being late yet again. Things haven't been great with my family. I might as well tell you, actually. My dad's sick. Really sick. I go to the hospital in the mornings, but I always stay a bit too long..."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Listen, maybe you should take tomorrow off. I could easily arrange that, if you want." Nathan said, looking at Priscilla. She gasped, impressed. This was the first time Nathan had been remotely civil to Joe.
"What? Seriously? I don't know what to say -"
"Take it, Joe. It'll give us one less thing to worry about! I need to go back to work, so you have a good afternoon." Victoria said. She and Joe kissed, and she left.
"I'm lucky the CEO's son is such a swell guy! You're a lucky lady, Priscilla." Joe said.
"So is Victoria! You take care, Joe." Priscilla said.
"Thanks! Well then, I'm going back now. See you two later." Joe said, walking away.
"I didn't know he was getting married. With his father's condition, it must be difficult to plan a wedding." Nathan said.
"It's awful. Weddings are usually so wonderful! What do you think ours would be like?" Priscilla asked, gazing into Nathan's eyes.
"I don't know, I haven't had time to think about it. I'd probably have Adrian as my best man, Tara would probably be your bridesmaid, Blaine would probably drag me out for the stag night and get me drunker than I've ever been. Then I'd get to see you in your wedding dress, and I'd feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I think I already am, though…" Nathan said, smiling. Would I really let Blaine take me out for a night on the town? No, probably not. I have the other world to deal with, before I can get married. Damn, if only I hadn't wound up in that place, I would probably have proposed by now…
"There's that Albion charisma again!" Priscilla said. "Well, I love weddings. It might not be long before there's another one, you know!"
"What do you mean?" Nathan said. "You haven't turned this lunch into a wedding, have you?"
"No, of course not! I'd never get married in my office skirt!" Priscilla said, laughing. "Just be patient, and you'll find out!"
|Lucille Valley High School|2:30pm|
Everyone was sitting in the assembly hall, waiting for the principal Mr Laidlaw to announce the head girl and head boy. Serena looked around, and saw Lucas looking a bit glum. She waved, but he didn't notice her. Oh well, just have to wait until this is over.
"Okay, everyone! You've all put in your votes for our new Head Boy and Head Girl, and for the boys, you had a hard time deciding a favourite. However, we are pleased to announce Lucas O'Neil is our Head Boy!" Mr Laidlaw bellowed.
The entire school cheered and cheered, their claps lasting as Lucas walked up to the stage. He took his badge, shook Mr Laidlaw's hand and smiled, looking at his fellow students.
"Everyone, thank you for your support. I ran for Head Boy because I believe I can make a difference in this school. To make us rise above our limitations and pave the way for our future, whatever we want to do." Lucas said. Serena couldn't help but notice him looking in her direction, but then she realised who he was really talking about. Kyle.
"I'm sure you'll do your best, Lucas. Now, it's time for Head Girl. This is a surprise, actually. This time, there was only one girl you people really wanted to be in charge! Serena Agnethe, would you come on down!"
"Huh?!" Serena couldn't believe what she just heard. "People voted me? But why?"
"Stop fretting, just go down there and make another speech!" Kyle said, smiling. Serena sighed, and went down, and took the badge. She shook her principal's hand, and stood next to Lucas - who was at least a foot taller than her.
"Um…this is a surprise! I honestly never thought I had a shot at this. Um…but I'll do my best!" Serena said. "Thank you all, and good luck for the school year!" The audience applauded, but not as much as they did for Lucas. Damn, this is going to be so annoying. If I have to do my duties with Lucas, Kyle's going to be so angry...
The assembly eventually ended, and Serena and Kyle left school. Lucas walked past them, without saying hello.
"So, we going to the mall now?" Kyle asked. "We could go to Bar Seoul again. Maybe we'll see Blaine there!"
"Sounds nice, but he's not working tonight. He's having Lucy and Shirley over to his place." Serena said. "Kyle, we need to talk. Lucas and I are going to have to work together now, and I don't want things to be awkward if you're around. Why can't you just get along with him?"
"Serena, it's because...he's like Matthew." Kyle said. His eyes were already watering as he spoke. "Matthew said the same kind of thing, you know? Not to let being in a wheelchair limit me, trying to get me to take part more…"
"You wish you could?" Serena asked.
"Of course I do, dammit! If I could just run like the others, there'd be no problem! I could race Matthew to the store instead of him having to wait for me, not be too late to catch the bus…but I'll never be out of this thing, will I?" Kyle said. "Lucas was right…but without Matthew, I just can't get past it!"
"Isn't there anything I can do, Kyle?" Serena asked. "I know I'm not Matthew, but-"
"Yeah, you're not him. No one is. I'll never see him again..." Kyle said. He tried to stop, but it was futile. The tears came to him, and Serena hugged him close.
"I'm sorry, Kyle. Let's go to the mall. We'll worry about Lucas tomorrow." Serena said.
"Okay..." Kyle tearfully said. Serena sighed, and the two of them started making their way towards the mall.
|Dan and Blaine's House|5:30 pm|
Dan couldn't believe his eyes as he walked through the door. Just about every speck of dust and dirt had been cleaned away, and there was a strong smell of pine air freshener.
"This is the right house, right?" Dan asked.
"You bet it is!" Blaine said, walking into the hallway. He had changed into his best shirt and there was a faint smell of cologne. "You think Lucy will like it?"
"Dude, didn't you listen to what I said this morning at all?" Dan asked, bemused. "Think about it. If you're worried, she'll pick up on that and it'll just spoil everything. So just relax and enjoy having company for once!"
"Alright, alright. Oh yeah, I decided to cook some sea bass for dinner. I was asking some guys what I should make, and that Zao guy gave me a full recipe over text message. Without looking it up, either." Blaine said, chuckling.
"Fish, huh? That guy must be some kind of fanatic. Still, can't be worse than my cooking. And before you say anything, Mrs Spencer, I'm off to change clothes." Dan said, walking upstairs.
"Well hurry up, they'll be here soon!" Blaine said. Before he had a chance to go back into the kitchen, which he had spent nearly half an hour scrubbing up and down, the doorbell rang. "Oh crap!"
"Did you remember to dust the mantelpiece?" Dan shouted from upstairs, in a mock high pitched voice.
"That's enough out of you! Oh god..." Blaine said. Quickly, he ran and opened the door.
"Hey handsome!" Lucy said, giving Blaine a quick kiss.
"Hello! I have to say, I was surprised you let me come over." Shirley said.
"A friend of Lucy is a friend of mine. Besides, Dan's here, so you'll have someone to talk to!" Blaine said. "Well, come inside!"
The two ladies walked in, and from the looks on their faces, they were impressed. Lucy noticed the nearly empty pack of wipes on the table, however, and laughed.
"Since when did you know how to clean anything except your motorcycle?" Lucy teased.
"Let's just say I was waiting for the right moment to clean the house. We don't get much company…" Blaine said, sheepishly.
"Don't look so embarrassed. This is a lot better than what I was expecting!" Lucy said. "I don't even see a can of beer on the floor…"
"Of course there isn't! Why would there be?" Blaine said, looking sideways. "Anyway, Dan should be ready in a second."
"Evening, girls!" Dan said as he entered the room, wearing a new blue shirt. "Ah, Lucy, the woman who stole Blaine away from me!"
"He is joking about that, right?" Lucy asked.
"Of course I am. I'm just glad someone took an interest in him. Gets him out of the house for more than just the darts night." Dan said, smirking. "You're Shirley, correct?"
"That's right! Remember, we met at the barbecue not long ago. It was quite a good night!" Shirley said, smiling. "We weren't sure if you wanted us to bring anything, so we didn't. Sorry!"
"Don't be silly! We're not high society like Nathan, are we? All you needed to do was show up!" Blaine said. "Now then, take a seat."
"It's not as bad as it looked on the outside." Shirley said. "It feels nice here."
"You sure it's not because Blaine used up all the air freshener?" Dan said.
"No, that's not it. Although it is pretty good." Shirley said. "Whoa! A piano!"
"Oh, that old thing?" Blaine said, just before he went to the kitchen. He pointed to the old piano in the living room, with a few photos and pieces of paper on it. "Yeah, that was here when we moved in. No idea why, so we just kinda went with it."
"It's beautiful! In fact, I've seen that style before. It was in an old book from the 1960's my father bought for me." Shirley said.
"Oh, here we go! Anything to do with the piano, Shirley jumps all over it! And I thought I'd finally escape another night of piano practice, too!" Lucy said.
"It's the best instrument in the world. I love it, every single thing about it. Would anyone mind if I played a few tunes before dinner?" Shirley asked.
"No, not at all. First time anyone's used it. So it might be dirty -"
"Actually, I took the time to dust it earlier." Blaine said.
"See Blaine, this is why I keep calling you a girl." Dan said, chuckling again. "Okay Shirley, tickle the ivories!"
"Gladly!" Shirley soon began playing a beautiful, emotional melody with her eyes closed. Her skill was incredible, but Blaine figured this was just her favourite song to play. Even so, it was one of the nicest tunes he had ever heard - of course, he'd still rather rock out to Sex Meteorite. This, however, was less awkward.
"Phew…first time I've played that with my eyes shut. On a piano I've never used before!" Shirley said. "Aria of the Soul is amazing."
"You know what else would be amazing? You not playing it when I'm trying to study!" Lucy said, groaning.
"Shirley, that was brilliant. You ever thought of performing professionally?" Dan asked.
"Who, me? As if! I'm not that great." Shirley said. "I keep going from hobby to hobby…piano's the one I keep coming back to, though."
"I can see why. You're incredible." Dan said, smiling.
"Thanks a lot." Shirley said, her face turning red. Well, this is working out nicely! Blaine grinned, and quickly gave Dan a thumb's up. However, he didn't notice, as he was staring at Shirley.
"Oh yeah, I better check on the sea bass!" Blaine said, running into the kitchen.
"Zao?" Lucy asked.
"Zao." Dan said.
"Who was Zao again?" Shirley asked. "He wasn't that weirdo who was talking about fish, was he?"
"The very same." Lucy said. "What Amara sees in him, I will never know."
|Legarte Harbour|6:00 pm|
"Amara!"
Zao quickly rushed over, and kissed Amara on the cheek. "Good to see ya! I have a bit of a surprise for you, actually."
"What?" Amara asked.
"Ta-da!" Zao produced vouchers from his pockets, that were a 10% off deal for the Mussel Inn. "Come on, how about it?"
"Sounds perfect." Amara said, smiling. "You will try not to make a mess this time, right?"
"You know I don't make promises I can't keep!" Zao said, laughing. "Don't worry about it. As long as we have enough napkins, it won't look that bad. Besides, the dry cleaners and I are on a first name basis by now."
"Zao, how are you feeling after last night?" Amara asked.
"Last night? It was...weird." Zao said. "We fought this weird shadow. I think I told you about it."
"Yeah, that's right. I've been thinking about Adrian and the others, really. Zao, you said it was a dark silhouette thing, right?" Amara said.
"That's right. And I'm not sure how I even know that word, either." Zao said. "Okay, don't glare at me! I'm just trying to lighten the mood! I know last night sucked, but it's not over yet!"
"I know it's not. We're in the other world for a reason. We'll find a way to stop the Eternal Road and defeat the Ater Vox." Amara said.
"Exactly! And I'll finally figure out why that weird Shadow looks like - um -"
"Looks like what, Zao?" Amara asked.
"Never mind. Come with me!" Zao said, taking Amara's hand. The smell of freshly caught fish grew stronger and stronger, as they reached the Mussel Inn yet again.
I must be crazy about him if this is the third time we've been here together, huh?
|Tara and Adrian's House|6:21pm|
"So Priscilla, did you tell him the good news yet?" Tara asked, grinning.
"Tell me what?" Nathan already knew what their news was. He saw Adrian's other self propose, albeit to a Tara who had no idea who he was. Yet, she felt there was something familiar about him. His death hurt her more than he could have imagined.
"Well...I asked Tara to marry me, and she said yes!" Adrian said, excited.
"Really? That's fantastic!" Nathan said. He and Adrian hugged each other. "So what made you decide to propose?"
"You mean other than having such a talented fiancé who doesn't mind me singing in my sleep?" Adrian said.
"He sings opera, of all things." Tara said, smirking.
"You usually sing along to wake me up! Well, I just figured it was the right time. It's been years since we met, and it's been great. My life would be pretty crappy if I hadn't met you three, I think." Adrian said. "Hey, you two have been together before us. Isn't it about time you thought of tying the knot?"
"Oh, I already asked her about that." Tara said. "It was quite an interesting conversation, but she begged me to keep it secret. Draw your own conclusions."
"Well, I guess I'm happy with the way things are. Even if Nathan and his father aren't getting along at the minute." Priscilla said. "Now then, does this mean we get to help plan the wedding?"
"You bet!" Adrian said. "Especially the catering, I can never remember who's a vegetarian and who isn't. I nearly got fired when I gave my boss a ham sandwich for lunch."
"I remember that. Then you gave him a cheese sandwich, only to find out he was lactose intolerant..." Priscilla said, giggling. Adrian grimaced, but joined Priscilla in her laughter.
"Don't you worry, guys. Your wedding will be a beautiful day, I guarantee it." Nathan said. "Thought of a date yet?"
"We're thinking near the end of the year, so December sometime. Now then, Nathan, I'm sure this will be of absolutely no surprise to you, but there's someone I want to make best man already." Adrian said.
"Well, I wonder who that could be! Is it someone you've known for quite a while and see almost every day?" Adrian said.
"Of course it is. In case he can't make it, though, you're up!" Adrian said.
"Wow, thanks. Ah, I know you're kidding. There's no way I'd say no!" Nathan said.
December...will everything still be alright then? There are only two Divine Sparks to go, after all. I have to make sure both worlds are safe before the wedding. Then I can think about my own.
|Dan and Blaine's House|6:38pm|
"That was delicious!" Shirley said.
"Yeah, it was. I was afraid we'd just have another Chinese." Lucy said. "I'll say this about Zao, he knows his stuff. Although I think I've got the sexier chef by far."
"Amara would kill you if she heard you say that!" Blaine said, laughing. Of course, he was pleased by the compliment.
"Well then, we'll keep that between the four of us." Lucy said.
"So what is your work like, Lucy?" Dan asked.
"It's great. I never though such a small time magazine could be so much work. Although the other girls aren't working quite as hard as they could be, most of the time." Lucy said. "I'd love to work their full time once I'm done with college."
"So you can perform your coup d'etat?" Blaine said, and he and Lucy laughed.
"That's the idea!" Lucy said. "One thing's for sure though, I'm not going back home. Well, I might go back and visit, but this city's so much better!"
"Really? Even with Kanaloa on the map?" Dan said.
"It can't be all that bad, considering I'm here now..." Lucy said, gazing into Blaine's eyes.
"There she goes again, going for another romantic moment." Shirley said.
"It worked!" Blaine said. He and Lucy quickly kissed each other, and Dan and Shirley laughed.
"What about you, Shirley? You ever felt like going to college?" Dan asked.
"I thought about it a couple of times, but I couldn't decide which one to go to. I'm happier teaching piano. Although there are a lot of other things I like doing. I've tried hairdressing, pottery, embroidery, gardening…the list goes on!" Shirley said, giggling. "There's also singing, too. I kind of liked that karaoke bar me and Lucy went to."
"Yeah, Shirley was easily the best out of all of us." Lucy said. "Which isn't saying a lot, really. I sounded like a cat being strangled by a radioactive spider."
"Interesting analogy, Lucy. Anyway, Dan, you like your job?" Shirley asked.
"After all this time, yeah. I can't imagine doing something different now." Dan said. "Actually, it's kind of rewarding, just to hear the passengers saying 'thanks' after they get off. It's not bad money, either. Better than what Blaine gets for serving dishes he can't pronounce!"
"Hey, my job's kind of rewarding too!" Blaine said. "Cause...uh...okay it isn't. But it's still kind of fun. I get on with the other guys, and I'm friends with some of the regulars. Anyway, what do you ladies want to do now?"
"Well, there's nothing good on TV. How about we look in the cupboard for some board games?" Dan said. "Let me guess, Blaine, you dusted those as well?"
"When you get started dusting, it's hard to stop…" Blaine said, a little perturbed at himself.
|Amara's Apartment|9:30 pm|
"That was really good tonight." Amara said. "I'm stuffed, though. Someone's going to have to carry me to my room!" She snuggled up to Zao, and the two of them giggled.
"Hey, Amara...have you ever thought about what the other me is doing?" Zao asked.
"A few times, yeah. Why?" Amara asked. "We can ask Seraphina to help find them, if you're worried!"
"...No. It's just me thinking. Besides, the other Zao probably isn't anything like me." Zao said.
"Maybe not, but he's still you! If he was in trouble, we'd help him. I don't want him to end up like the other me." Amara said.
"Yeah. That'd be horrible." Zao said. "I'll figure it out soon, I can feel it."
"Come on, don't talk about that tonight. Let's just watch the movie!" Amara said.
"Alright. Your movie collection is weird, though." Zao said. "Oh yeah, must ask Blaine how the fish went."
"I get the feeling it went down a treat! It did tonight..." Amara said, kissing Zao on the cheek.
"See? Fish makes for romantic meals every time!" Zao said. The two of them sat together, watching the movie (which seemed to be about a war, but it was hard to tell). It wasn't the movie either of them was worried about, however. It was each other.
|Dan and Blaine's House|9:46pm|
"Well, that was a lot of fun. Thanks for having us around." Shirley said. "It was nice seeing you again, Dan."
"Yeah…it was great seeing you as well. You will be alright for getting home, right?" Dan asked.
"Don't worry about that. Another hobby I picked up was tae kwon do." Shirley said, smiling.
"We have to do this again sometime, Blaine. Perhaps just the two of us. You know, you didn't have to clean the whole house top to bottom just for me. Even if you were trying to hide some of the dirty movies Amara told me about!" Lucy said.
"Well, why would I need those now?" Blaine said, with a sly smile.
"Blaine, that aspect of your life is one I don't need to hear about." Dan said. "Although if you can get her to do half of what those girls did in those movies, more power to ya."
"Relax, Blaine. The last thing I want is a guy changing themselves for me. Although it was nice of you to care so much…" Lucy said. She kissed him yet again, causing him to turn red.
"I'll see you tomorrow for lunch, right?" Blaine asked.
"Of course! Bye!" Lucy said, as the two of them left.
"Success, then?" Dan asked, as the two men went back indoors.
"Fuck yeah!" Blaine said, excited. "Dan, this was the best night I've had in ages! I have to ask her around again soon!"
"Easy there, cowboy. If she likes you that much, she'll be back. Though I'll have to make myself scarce..." Dan said.
"Don't worry about that. You were a great help. Also, you and Shirley seemed to be getting on well." Blaine said, nudging Dan with his elbow.
"Yeah, she's a nice lady. It'd be nice to see her again." Dan said, sitting down. "Come on, grab a beer. The night's not over yet. You'll see her soon enough, but for now, it's guy time."
"Sounds fun. I could use a break from...well, you know." Blaine said. Going back to the other world wasn't particularly fun, but he didn't have a choice. Two Divine Sparks were left of the Eternal Road. There had to be something he could do to help stop them. Shrugging it off, he returned to the kitchen once more.