Chapter 67: Cooldown

|September 23rd|Furaha Household|18:30 pm|

After the events of the Divine Spark, the group had decided to take a week's break from the other world. If not for their sake, for Amara's. The prospect that her father and Tomas surviving the event and could be gathering demonic power was rather horrifying, to say the least. Now, Amara was at her father's house as usual for a Sunday, and was currently eating one of her favourite meals - a casserole that Rudo prepared at least once as month. Seeing him alive and well did bring some relief...yet it made her guilty, as well. How could she sit here, clinking wine glasses with her father, when her other self was facing the possibility of fighting her father in whatever evil form he may take?

"Amara, are you listening to me?" Rudo said, looking across the table. "You do still like this meal, don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Amara said, forcing a smile. "Don't worry, dad, I'm just savouring it. I always wolf it down too fast."

"Hmm." Rudo said, drinking from his glass. "I do worry, though. You always say how hard you work, and lately you seem tired. Are you unhappy with your job?"

"No!" Amara said. "Not at all. I'm just working hard!"

"Alright. Then I'll say no more about it." Rudo said. "You know, Tomas and I were having a little discussion the other day. Sometime next year, I want to return to Cairo. To visit your mother."

"...Mom." Amara said, looking at her necklace. Her father smiled.

"Not alone." Rudo said. "The two of us. You haven't been back there since your mother's funeral. I fear your mother may be lonely over there, with her family halfway across the world. So it's decided. Next summer, we're going home."

"I wonder if any of my old friends would remember me." Amara said. "It's been such a long time. I promised them all I'd write about the new city, and I did for a while, but..."

"I'm sure they still remember you fondly. You haven't changed since then, my sunshine. They would recognise you anywhere. Yet there are your new friends. Especially Zao. I see the way he brings joy to your life." Rudo said. "So why not take him with you to Cairo? If he means this much to you, show him where you were born."

"That sounds great. I'll talk to him later!" Amara said. "He's busy watching the soccer match tonight. Karl's team is playing. And..."

"I daresay you would have gone if things had turned out different." Rudo said. "Do not forget. If you were with Karl instead of Zao, I would be no less proud. So do not feel sorrowful over what has happened. What matters now is the future."

"You're right, dad. Thank you." Amara said. She soon began eating again, and piece by piece the casserole on her plate diminished.

"I detect you're done savouring it!" Rudo said, laughing.

|Saragel Park|19:13 pm|

"Kyle!" Lucas shouted. "You're doing great!"

"You think so?" Kyle said. "Check the stopwatch. It should be about 1.4 seconds less than before."

"Why 1.4? Oh, whatever." Lucas said. He looked at the stopwatch, and gasped. "92.4! Last time it was 93.8. So...oh! You're right!"

"I know. I brought my own." Kyle said, smugly, as he lifted up his own. "So, want to go again?"

"I think we're good to go." Lucas said. "Oh, we've got a fan in the audience! Serena, get over here!"

Serena ran down, and shook Lucas' hand. "You and Kyle have been working hard, I see! Good work!"

"I suppose. But Kyle did most of it by himself. I just watched him get better every time!" Lucas said. "Tomorrow, I think we'll do alright. But remember, winning isn't the important thing here. What matters is helping others. Especially people like Kyle who can't get wheelchairs like him. People who struggle to get anywhere."

"Wow." Serena said. "I'll be cheering Kyle on no matter what happens, then!"

"Of course you will!" Kyle said, smiling. "You always do. This is going to be awesome, I know it!"

"Alright then, I'm gonna hit home. But we're meeting up tomorrow after school. You better watch what you eat - you want to get the right amount of energy. So Serena, no pretzels for him. Think you can handle that?" Lucas said.

"What do you take me for?" Serena said, laughing. "He's in training!"

Lucas left, and Kyle and Serena started to leave the park. Their next destination was Digital Destiny Arcade, to see if Serena had perfected her character's combo. Sure enough, when the bus arrived, Dan was driving.

"Hey!" Dan said, grinning. "You just caught me on my last ride of the night, kids. Good thing you got on in time!"

"Dan, did you know about his track event tomorrow? He's going to raise a lot for charity!" Serena said.

"Yup, he told me all about it a while back. I think I'm working until the evening, though. But good luck! I'll be rooting for you! Sorry, we better get going. Don't want to hold up the other passengers. And the longer those screaming babies are upstairs, the better. Don't tell their moms I said that, of course." Dan said.

Kyle and Serena paid for their tickets, and sat down. Rain started to fall, and the sky grew darker.

"Serena, what's going on with that book you wanted to write?" Kyle asked. "About Personas?"

"Oh! That's still gonna happen. Trust me, I've had a lot of inspiration lately." Serena said, anxiously. Little did Kyle know where that inspiration came from. Kyle shrugged, and looked outside at the rain.

"The rain's nice." Kyle said. "Wish I'd brought an umbrella."

"Didn't Dan give you his?" Serena asked. "You should have used it!"

"I know, I just didn't think. Dan...he's a good guy. He must have been really good to Matthew. He really loved talking about his older brother." Kyle said. "I wish I'd had a brother. An older brother, one who'd look out for me, and stuff. Instead, I was always alone, with just my mom to talk to. But these days, I've got you as well."

"Aww." Serena said, smiling. "Ever since I met you, I've loved hanging out with you. So when you're on that track tomorrow, don't get scared. I'll be there."

"I know. That's the part I like." Kyle said. He started to blush, and Serena laughed. The bus continued to move down the street, getting closer to Takanawa.

|Albion Household|19:34 pm|

"Good of you to come round, son." Reginald said. On the living room table, he had retrieved a bottle of whisky, received on a business trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. He took out two glasses, and started to pour. "Visiting that brewery was surprisingly educational. Of course, the free sample was the real highlight. That whole trip was quite an adventure. Even when that man tried to steal my wallet when I went up Arthur's Seat...and I gave him quite a shock when I caught up with him. And quite a few bruises."

"You've got a lot of energy left in you, father." Nathan said. He took the glass, and drank. "Hmm...this is an acquired taste. Whisky tasting isn't something I've done often."

"Perhaps you should have gone to that brewery. Of course...you were in your final year of education then." Reginald said. "I did miss you quite a bit when you were away. It felt like something was missing. Even today, now that you're living with Priscilla, this place feels empty on my own."

"If only mother was still here..." Nathan said, sadly. "Perhaps it's just as well she never found out. You know how headstrong she could be."

"Yes, indeed. What a lady. She thumped me with her handbag on our first night out, actually. I had a nasty bruise on my arm for quite some time. That being said, I...wish I had told her. If I want my son to be an honest man, I have to be as well. And Daphne went before I had the chance to tell her about Josephine..." Reginald said.

"Father, what sort of woman was Josephine?" Nathan asked. I only know her as that foul scheming witch who manipulated Karen and murdered my father and mother...but that is another world. What of this Josephine? The one who stole my father's heart?

"Are you sure you want to know?" Reginald asked. Nathan nodded. "I see. She was a very passionate woman. Very loving. When she was married, she had a very happy life. Yet her husband was tragically taken from her, and she was crestfallen. Alone and broken, she decided to focus on her career, yet that was not enough. So one evening, I managed to converse with her. Then I realised just how much we had in common."

"I'm sorry. I always pictured Josephine, as well, somewhat...licentious." Nathan said.

Reginald frowned. "It takes two to tango, Nathan. I was just as guilty as her - perhaps more. I did make the first move, after all. She was an expert at her work, which I admired in her. Not only that, she was very proud of her home in Palermo. Her husband Arthur met her there when he was on a holiday...when they were teenagers. She told me all about him. They were...a perfect couple. So I was relieved I could fill the void in her heart, just as she gave me passion I hadn't felt in years."

"...I see." Nathan said. "What happened to her?"

"Josephine...ended our affair on the same day she left work. She told me she had applied for another position at Aeternus. She never wrote to me again after that. That day, I came home, told your mother I wanted to get our marriage on track...and that was that. The end of my betrayal. Then came that dreadful explosion..." Reginald said.

"Explosion? At the convention?" Nathan asked.

"Correct. We were invited to attend, but I had to decline due to a prior engagement. Our company had supplied computer technology to Aeternus over the years, and they were to unveil a breathtaking new device at the show. And then the centre went up in smoke, just as Aeternus did. Josephine Johnson was present on stage that day. She didn't survive..." Reginald said, looking outside. The raindrops feel against the window, and he sighed. "Your mother wondered why I looked so depressed. I was about to tell her, and...I couldn't. I wasn't brave enough. If only I'd had the courage to tell her of my sins..."

"Father." Nathan said. "Mother loved you. I'm sure she would have forgiven you - you just would have a lot more bruises to deal with."

"Hehe. I miss her...waking up and seeing that empty pillow is the worst part. There's no one to wish me a good morning anymore."

"What are you talking about? I say that every morning!" Nathan said. "I'm still here, dad. And it's thanks to you my life is going the way it is! I hope me & Priscilla can be like you and mother."

"Hmm." Reginald said. "Despite my many faults, you have become a true man. Drink up, son. I want to hear about your wedding plans. You'll have the role of a husband to prepare for. And..."

"And what?" Nathan asked.

"Think about it. You'll want children of your own, at some point. And then it'll be your turn. The Albion clan follows tradition - but it's a good tradition, yes? Born of honour, success, love, and of course, the reddest hair on Motus Island." Reginald said.

"Me having children? I've never thought about that." Nathan said. "That'll have to wait. For now, I want to hear what you have to think about our venue ideas!"

The two of them discussed plenty of wedding ideas throughout the evening, whilst Nathan occasionally glanced at the framed photograph of his mother. Daphne Albion...she was still in her husband's heart. And her son's, for eternity.

|Lucy & Shirley's Apartment|20:10 pm|

Tonight, Lucy's cousin Edmond was arriving. He was only in the city for a short period to give guest lectures at various schools and universities, but Blaine was still excited. Lucy, Shirley and Blaine sat down in the living room, eagerly waiting for the doorbell to ring.

"About time I met some of your family!" Blaine said, smiling. "I just hope he likes me. Bigshot university lecturers sound pretty hard to impress."

"That's Edmond, alright. He always judges people by his high standards. When I moved to this city, we barely talked at all." Lucy said, sadly. "I'm just glad he's coming here before he goes to his hotel."

"Um...Blaine, don't you have any family? I'm sure they'd want to meet Lucy." Shirley said.

"My folks are gone...so that's that." Blaine said. "But I'm sure they'd love her anyway. I sure do."

Lucy blushed, and Shirley giggled happily. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Lucy practically bounded up to the front door.

"Look at her go!" Blaine said.

"I'm kind of nervous..." Shirley said.

"Edmond!" Lucy said. Standing outside the apartment, carrying an umbrella, was a man with sleeked back brown hair and a black jacket. His eyes were like Lucy's, and even his face was a little similar. Yet upon looking at her apartment, he sneered. Blaine already had a bad feeling.

"Is this the best place you could find, Lucy?" Edmond said, walking inside. "It's not particularly spacious..."

"It's not forever. Besides, I'm out so much these days, I never have time to think about it!" Lucy said. "Shirley, Blaine, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Edmond."

"It's nice to finally meet you." Shirley said, politely shaking Edmond's hand.

"Yeah, same here! Put it there, buddy!" Blaine said, raising his fist. Edmond stared at him in confusion, and Blaine sighed. "No fist bump? Okay, handshake. C'mon."

Edmond quickly shook Blaine's hand, and turned to Lucy. She looked to the floor, nervous.

"Is this the man you were raving about on the phone?" Edmond asked. "Your standards have slipped considerably."

"What?" Shirley asked, angry. "You've only just met him! You can't judge people that quickly!"

Edmond scoffed, and sat down. "Alright then, Blaine. Why not tell me about yourself?"

"Sure thing. I'm from Kanaloa! You can probably tell I'm older than your cousin. But I'm still young at heart! I know how to party with the best of them. Anyway, I'm a barman at the Motus Lounge. It's a pretty damn sweet place, you should swing by sometime. If I'm not there, then my boss Kaman will be. He's one heck of a bartender." Blaine said. "Anyway, I'm also really into motorcycle. Did you see the race on TV last night? Man, I was on the edge of my seat!"

"...I was busy rewriting the speech I'll be giving tomorrow." Edmond said, disdainfully. "I presume you've never set foot inside a higher educational facility, correct?"

"Uh...nope. But I don't need them! I attend the school of life!" Blaine said. It was difficult to keep up his enthusiasm. If this was just another guy, Blaine would tell him where to go. Maybe even give him a few rude gestures. But this was Lucy's family. He had to find some way to get along with him. For her sake. Yet now he was thinking about the Divine Spark at Tachibana University...where he literally hit the books.

"School of life? Seriously? Lucy, while you may not attend the schools I recommended, you're smarter than this. Surely you can do better than this oaf!" Edmond said.

"Edmond, I..." Lucy said. "Don't talk like that..."

"Lucy, are you okay? Do you want this jerk to leave?" Shirley asked.

"Seems your friend isn't particularly well-mannered either." Edmond said. "Lucy, you deserve far more than this. Someone cultured and intelligent to converse with. An environment far more suited for knowledge and learning. These people, and this tiny apartment - did you expect me to approve of my little cousin living here?"

"Yeah, actually! I did!" Lucy shouted. "Guess what, Edmond? My life is my own! I'm no lecturer! I'm probably never going to be rich or 'cultured', but I don't care! I love life these days! Shirley and I have a lot of fun together. And Blaine...he's been there for me. When I'm upset about how my college work or job is going, he's there to listen! But you've just had your nose in a book the last ten years!"

"Perhaps. Yet it has gotten me places. Places higher than...this." Edmond said. He stood up, ignoring the glass of wine Blaine had poured earlier. "I'm going to my hotel room now. Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow, Lucy. Yet...Blaine, don't expect me to turn up at your bar. I wouldn't want to spoil your primitive environment."

Blaine, glaring at him, opened his mouth, but Lucy quickly hushed him. He gave Edmond daggers as he took his suitcase and umbrella, and left the room.

"Now that's one nasty cousin." Shirley said, shaking her head. Lucy nodded, but her eyes were tearful. She got up, and looked outside the window. She started to sob, as she watched Edmond leave the apartment building and head for the taxi arena.

"Lucy..." Blaine said. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and nuzzled against her. "I'm sorry. I should have tried harder to -"

"He hasn't changed at all!" Lucy wailed. "I thought he would have softened after all this time! But no! He's just like before! Here was me, thinking we could go back to the way things were...when I was little, he was so nice. He was like an older brother. But he was too smart to hang around me...he just had to get into an Ivy League school!"

"I suppose it would be difficult for us to impress him." Shirley said. "But...Lucy, maybe this is a sign. You can't go back to the way things were. Sure, we did, but it doesn't always work out."

"Nah..." Blaine said. "It's not too late. It never is. He's family, ain't he? Tomorrow, we can try again. Sure, the dude might insult me every time he opens his mouth, but I just wanna see you happy."

"...I am." Lucy said, smiling. She quickly kissed Blaine, and his face went red. "Let's...just enjoy tonight, the three of us."

"Am I always going to be the third wheel?" Shirley said, sighing.

"You could play us some romantic music...might set the mood." Blaine said, coyly.

"Uh..." Lucy mumbled, embarrassed. "It's fine! Shirley, just stay where you are. If Edmond doesn't want the food Blaine made, all the more for us!"

"Great. It would be a shame to see all the effort he put into making that beef stogonoff go to waste." Shirley said. "Come on, let's eat!"

"Okay then!" Blaine said, going into the kitchen. He gazed at the pots and pans he had been using, and grumbled. He had been working so hard just to get one meal right. All so Edmond would feel welcome. Yet that had completely failed. What if Lucy's parents felt the same way? If only he was more than just a barman. Perhaps then Edmond would accept him.

He started to serve the meal onto the plates. At least Lucy would be able to enjoy the fruits of his labour.

|Saragel Soccer Stadium|20:45 pm|

The rain was pouring down onto the grassy pitch, yet the fans of both teams were still cheering. The game was almost over, and it was tied. The ball was in the possession of the Lyeds team now, and everyone was screaming - some for them to score the goal, some for their rivals to stop them from scoring.

Zao was one of those cheering for Lyeds. He was standing tall, trying to make out what was happening. He saw someone with black hair, wearing a shirt with the number 4 on it, kick the ball to number 18. And that man with 18 was Karl.

"Yes! Go! Go! Go!" Zao chanted. Karl was being approached on all sides. If he lost even a tiny bit of concentration, the ball would be lost, and his dream of winning this tournament could end. Zao continued to chant, even as Karl almost lost his grip on the ball. Then...he kicked with full force. It happened in the space of seconds, yet it seemed like forever - the ball neared the goal, and the keeper jumped up, trying to get his hands on it. Yet it was too fast and too strong - before the keeper could reach it, it hit the back of the net, and the audience exploded with cheering.

The scoreboard across the pitch said it all. Lyeds had won 4-3, and would be progressing to the final match. Zao squealed with delight. This was just like his childhood days, where he, Aimee and Karl would cheer on the exact same team. Yet now he was cheering alone, and Karl was the one scoring the winning goal. The cameras were flashing, as Karl traded shirts with the captain of the opposition, and shook his hand. Despite the competitive spirit both teams had displayed...it seemed the losers were just proud to have given it their all in front of their supporters.

Zao waited outside the stadium, looking around. He knew Karl and his team would be busy celebrating tonight, but he wanted to give him his congratulations. So many fans went by, raving about Karl's talent. This was just what he had wanted since he learned the sport existed - fame. Fame that didn't come from being good with a fishing rod.

The rain was relentless, and by this point Zao's hair was soaking wet. Tomorrow, Karl's name would be all over the newspaper, and if he won, he would go down in the city's history. Zao tried to smile at the thought - Karl could get asked to advertise cologne or even underwear. But if Karl became famous...what if he got sought out by world-famous teams? Then he might have to leave the city forever...

"Hey! There he is!" Karl said. He looked to the rest of his team mates, and grabbed Zao's arm. "Guys! This dude's an old friend of mine. His name's Zao. So make him feel welcome tonight, okay boys?"

The others politely introduced themselves, except for Richard, who Zao had already met. Zao smiled - these guys seemed cool. One of them, Liam, was apparently Karl's soccer mentor, whilst a few others knew him in the under-21 club.

"So where are we going?" Richard asked. "Can we go to Skadi?"

"Sure...I could use a cooling down anyway." Karl said. "Amara would hate that place. She never did like the cold. I had to coerce her to come up Lucille Hill with me in the winter."

"...Then why did you?" Zao asked, confused.

"I just thought...it'd be romantic. A couple spending a day together in the snow. You just wait until the winter, man. Maybe not up the hill...maybe right by the harbour. You two seem to like meeting up there." Karl said, smiling. "Alright! Guys, we're going! Tonight, we party! Tomorrow, we're back in training! We're gonna win that cup!"

"Yeah!" everyone - including Zao - cheered.

|Another World|21:00 pm|

Another World had recently opened, after construction completed in August. This was the bar Amara had seen on the day she literally stumbled across the other world. The bar itself, however, had a strangely ethereal quality. Primarily decorated with black, glittery furniture, there was a beautiful mural of the cosmos on the ceiling. All the tables and chairs were built to look as futuristic as possible, as if it were on a Sci-Fi TV programme.

Now, Stella was here, sitting in the corner. Her usual teal wig had been replaced by a blonde one in the same style, and her purple contacts had been removed. The blue natural hue of her eyes were on display for the first time in months. Her garb had been discarded, replaced with a green shirt and black trousers. She drank from her glass, looking outside the star-shaped window.

"Excuse me, madam." A man said, standing by her table.

"...Can I help you?" Stella asked.

"Ah, it's nothing. It's just, you look like that girl that was on TV years ago -" The man said.

"I get that a lot." Stella said. "Awful story. It's why I approve so strongly of our city's anti-bullying campaigns."

"Oh, you're not her, then?" The man asked.

"No. I am Stella, not Sophie." Stella said, shaking her head. "Now then, if you don't mind, I'm waiting for someone."

The man walked up to the bar, and Stella gazed at the reflection on the table. If only she had remembered to take the red wig today. Recently, she had come close to revealing her true identity. Far too close.

When that email came, she was almost controllable. The rage, the bitterness, everything came rushing back. The incident that robbed her of a normal future. For...she was Sophie. And Amara had almost found out.

She wondered - why do people hate and fear the abnormal? Do they believe their normal lives can be destroyed by the 'weird' and 'bizarre'? Her abuse when she was that bald girl was horrendous. Even now, she would get hateful emails, far beyond internet trolling. Yet it wasn't her fault she had alopecia. It wasn't her fault she had genuine psychic abilities. So why do people think it is?

The folly of mankind, Stella told herself. If not for that, she would have been content to live as Sophie. Yet she took her mother's name, alongside the name of a magical heroine she loved as a child. And no one could tell.

"There you are!" Colette was there, with Sheila and Juan. "Looking good, Stella. But how come your hair keeps changing colour?"

"I have wigs for many occasions." Stella said, smirking. "After all, if I became known for my appearance, that could compromise my safety. There are some people out there who detest my accurate readings."

"Whatever." Sheila said. "I'm glad we finally came here. I'm exhausted, after all that happened today."

"Huh? What were you up to? Breaking the hearts of thousands?" Juan asked.

"No, Juan, that's my job during the week." Sheila said coldly. "If you must know, I was organising a protest."

"Protest?" Colette asked, surprised. "Against what? Fake furs? If so, I'm with you all the way! Great fashion shouldn't have to come from poor animals!"

"I'm glad you think that way." Sheila said, smirking. "But no. This protest is against the demolition of a certain building in Saragel."

"What do you mean?" Juan asked. "I didn't know any buildings in Saragel were getting demolished..."

"That's because they haven't reported it yet. They want to keep it hush hush so by the time people find out, it's too late!" Sheila said. "It's the Edwin Memorial Hospital. It's one of the oldest hospitals in the city, if not THE oldest. And if it's knocked down, there goes an important part of our heritage!"

"Okay, so you're upset about that hospital being knocked down. But what makes it that special?" Colette asked.

"Don't you understand? It's named after Edwin Rebeau! My great-grandfather! He could have died if he hadn't been admitted! Then where would I be?" Sheila shouted. "I can't let that place go! Even if they want to build a new hospital over it, it'll be as ugly and heartless as modern architecture!"

"I see..." Stella said. "I understand. You want to preserve history. If you feel this strongly, then I implore you to follow your heart."

"Huh?" Sheila asked. "You aren't going to tell me I'm wasting my time?"

"On the contrary. There are dreams I wish I could still follow. Yet unfortunately, some dreams are just that." Stella said. "Sheila, for the sake of those who can only wish, act."

"I will. But we're getting a little sentimental now. Let's have something to drink. What are you all having?" Sheila asked.

"Anything, as long as you look prettier after a few!" Juan said. After a few angry smacks from the girls, Juan went up to the bar. Stella laughed, harder than she had in a long while.

|Motus Lounge|21:21 pm|

Dan stepped inside, water dripping from his coat. He pulled off his hat, and looked around. It was rather busy, considering it was a Sunday evening. Kaman was there, talking with Maria. She and him were smiling, and just as Dan went up to the bar, they kissed rather passionately.

"Wow." Dan said. He let out a wolf-whistle, causing Kaman and Maria to leap with fright. "Don't stop on my account!"

"Who's this gentleman? Is he yet another of your friends?" Maria asked. "I swear, you have a new friend every single day."

"I'm a people person, darling!" Kaman said. "Evening, Dan. This is my gorgeous wife Maria. Gorgeous and smart, too. She's a high school teacher!"

"Ah, smart enough for the both of you then?" Dan joked. "Nice to meet ya. I'm Dan. Hey Kaman, instead of my usual, surprise me. I'm feeling spontaneous."

"Okay, sure. I'm good at surprises." Kaman said. "Maria, I swear I'll be home after 11. Okay?"

"Alright..." Maria said. "Please don't be late, alright? I have an early start tomorrow." With that, they kissed one more time, and left.

"Whoa." Dan said. "Late for...what, exactly?"

"Uh, never you mind!" Kaman said, laughing. "You know, she hasn't aged a bit since we got married. And she was 19 then..."

"Love at first sight, then?" Dan asked.

"Yup! I'll never forget the time before the wedding. When she introduced me to her dad, I was petrified. Little did I know I'd have to get used to it every second Friday...he's a scary man. So are her brothers." Kaman said, shuddering. "I try and get along with them, but they're not interested in having a drink with me. And these days, they won't stop teasing me for - um, never mind."

"Teasing you for what?" Dan asked.

"I said never mind!" Kaman said, raising his voice. Dan gulped, surprised. "It's...not important. I guess it's just hard to make the in-laws take you seriously. Even if it has been 12 fucking years of trying. But back to your surprise. Just watch."

Dan watched with morbid curiosity as Kaman, with a crazed smile, started to combine ingredients into a glass. First came vodka, then scotch. Then came blackcurrant, mango and pomegranate juice, and finally came some gin. Kaman finished it off with some ice.

"...How about that?" Kaman asked. "I told you I liked surprises!"

Dan looked his glass up and down, nervous. "Yeah, I can see that. Is this safe?"

"Well, if it goes wrong, I could always carry you to the hospital." Kaman teased. "Come on, what are you waiting for?"

"...An ambulance." Dan said. He lifted up the drink gingerly, and took a sniff. It didn't have a particularly odd odour...but smell wasn't everything. Kaman stared at him, eagerly. He folded his arms, with excitement building up in his eyes. Finally, Dan couldn't bear being watched anymore. He started to sip.

Within seconds, Dan was wiping up what he had spat out over the bar with a paper towel.

|Takanawa - Fa Si Rung|21:24 pm|

Fa Si Rung - 'Rainbow Sky' - was a relatively new Thai restaurant, located on the outskirts of Takanawa. It had received incredible reviews, due to their polite and courteous staff, the bright yet subtle décor, the variety of the menu and of course, the delicious meals. While Takanawa was mostly dominated by Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants, Fa Si Rung demonstrated that Asian cuisine came in many flavours.

Priscilla was spending the evening with Adrian and Tara, whilst Nathan visited his father. They had enjoyed a fabulous Thai dinner, and despite Adrian mispronouncing the Thai for 'hello' and the subsequent laughter, everything was going just fine.

"I've never had Thai food before, so this was a lovely treat." Tara said. "I have to say, that nam pla sauce is rather delicious. I'll have to learn how to make it at home."

"It's made from fish, isn't it?" Priscilla asked.

"Whatever the case, this place is fantastic. Priscilla, it's such a pity Nathan couldn't come. But I suppose if he wants to spend time with his father, that's alright." Adrian said. "I'm so glad they made up. If they were still fighting by the time you two got married, then that would make for some awkward family gatherings."

"I'm grateful to have such a good relationship with my family." Priscilla said. "In fact, my mother gave me her best flute not long ago."

"What, really?" Tara asked. "You have to let me see it! Trust me, I know how to spot high-quality instruments."

"Settle down, mi'lady. She didn't bring it to a restaurant!" Adrian said. "Priscilla, it's just dawned on me. Your mother was a renowned flautist, and from the times I've heard you play, you're almost as talented."

"Almost?" Tara said. "Damned by faint praise, I see."

"Huh? No! I mean -"

"I get what you mean, Adrian." Priscilla said, giggling. "My mother was Lavender Lancaster, after all. Tough act to follow. And yet...I feel awful for saying this, but I wish I had followed in her footsteps."

"Well, what's stopping you?" Tara asked. "We're all still young, aren't we? And Adrian's right, you are quite good with your flute. Why not try making a go of it?"

Priscilla was quiet, and she looked at the table, deep in thought. She pushed aside the half-eaten passion fruit sorbet, ruminating. If she were to do as Tara suggested, what would Nathan think? She had went down the same career path as him, all in the name of love. Yet he chose that route so he could one day lead his company. Where would it lead her? She had loved working alongside him. Yet know she was starting to think...she wanted more. A chance to be her own person, not just his partner.

"You know what?" Priscilla said. "I think I will! Next week, I'm going to ask my mother for advice. Perhaps someday, you and I will be in the orchestra together!"

"Does that mean I get your old job?" Adrian asked. "Not sure I could wear your pencil skirts, though..."

"Not after all you ate tonight!" Tara teased. "Well then, I declare a toast. To Priscilla's inevitably successful new career, and our upcoming weddings!"

The three clinked the glasses, and upon leaving, Adrian finally managed to say 'sawatdee khrab' correctly. Unfortunately, this still prompted giggles from the two ladies, and from the two waitresses.