Slight warning….LONG chapter! Enjoy XDXDXDXDXD

Chapter 19: Writers' and Editors' Celebration (part 2)

Mio admired the crowd as he stared at Shuichi Shindou in admiration…in his entire life, he did not expect to be in the same room as this legendary pop singer! He nearly fainted with shock at the sight of him, but then came Tukugo and Usugia with their famous rabbit…he smiled with all his might, but he did not remove himself far from Akihiko and Misaki. All these famous people…he felt a little conscious of himself and wondered if he should have stayed home. Most of the people here were adults except Noriko Ukai's daughter; she did the same thing that Mio did, and she stuck with her parents than wonder off.

Akihiko bumped into him for the third time and said, "Mio, go wander. I do not want to keep running into you all night."

Mio stared timidly at Tukugo and Usugia…they smiled at him. But he still did not move; he felt better in Akihiko's large shadow.

Aikawa looked at Mio and said, "Akihiko…did you have a kid with…a teenaged lover?"

Akihiko sighed and said, "No…he is my little brother. Mio, get in the front." He sounded annoyed and tired…not much a party goer since he complained the entire time getting ready for the party. Misaki was nervous, Goda was excited and Mio was…excited and nervous to the point of…he gasped at the newcomers.

Mio turned to the door and saw Nowaki, Hiroki, and Miyagi enter the hall in tuxedos. Hiroki stood close to Nowaki as Miyagi snickered at Hiroki. They came in and came closer to the food. He parted from his brother and went to the newcomers.

Hiroki saw Mio and sighed, "thank god! What was Akihiko thinking by inviting us? I do not like this kind of parties…it feels so…nerve racking…"

Mio smirked and said, "I am just glad you guys came!"

Miyagi snickered and hugged Hiroki. He said, "he asked me to come since he missed me at M, don't you Hiroki?"

Hiroki snarled, "think what you want….Akihiko wanted to see us for some darn reason. What about the college brat, Shinobu? Why didn't he…." He stalled when Miyagi removed his body off of Hiroki's.

Miyagi said, "I was hired at T University for a few weeks now, but Shinobu…has not been back yet from his trip. His other professors are not worried but…"

"You are." Mio said while he stared at Miyagi.

Miyagi stared at Mio and said, "As his professor, I am concerned. He has been keeping up with the homework and such. Just…he has not returned from his trip and his other professors are not perturbed by the absence."

Mio rolled his eyes and said, "Get real. You miss porking the guy, right?"

Nowaki laughed openly as Hiroki moaned, "he is just like Akihiko…save me!"

Miyagi gulped and breathed a snarl. He said, "Young people should not speak to their elders this way."

Bad Luck started to play their famous first CD's song, Blind Game Again:

"The light searching in the rustling breeze

Makes a noise, scattering my memory

A temptation I really should know

Don't let me down

I'm always just trying to please

Cry for the sun

I can't see anything

Who is it that cries out inside me?

Blind game again

A pretty classy doll

If it's a dream you can't reach, just toss it aside

Drastic game again

A pretty crazed doll

Demolish the never-changing night."

Shuichi sung, Hiro played the guitar and Suguru played the keyboard to remake this memorable song…they shared the chorus and ended the song with Shuichi yelling, "Blind Game AGAIN!" They sung the same song again.

Mio clapped and said to Miyagi, "get over yourself and tell the kid the truth. You miss him. Common, why deny your penis the pleasure of the—"

Miyagi growled, "Stop this now or…." He clenched his fists and glared at the kid.

Hiroki stepped in between Miyagi and Mio. He said, "Mio is only a teenager, so this does not need to escalate. Calm yourself and be a man, Miyagi. Also Mio, apologize."

Mio snarled, "Not to this asshole."

Miyagi posed in a karate starting position as he said, "you think you are tough…common. Show me your moves!"

Hiroki snarled, "Teenager! Miyagi…Mio! Do not—"

Mio came to Miyagi as Miyagi showed Mio some good karate moves…Mio dodged each one as he spun like a ballerina. He lowered his head and shoved forward to toss Miyagi onto the floor. Miyagi landed on his back with a thud and a shocked face on the floor.

Nowaki bit his lips from laughing, Hiroki stared blankly, and the crowd did not move to look at the little fight. They clapped and watched Bad Luck finish their song.

Miyagi sighed and said, "Damn kid…I have never been thrown by someone…in a long time. Damn, who is your karate sensei?"

Mio snickered and helped Miyagi up. Miyagi stood as Mio said, "I am self taught, besides, I do not use karate. I dance."

Miyagi snickered and said, "Well, you dance well. But, you do not understand…anything about…never mind."

Hiroki snarled and stiffened into a battle pose, "you never gave me respect! You harassed me all the time at M University! But one toss from a teenager and you like him! WHY?"

Bad Luck started to sing Glaring Dream:

"Quiet whispers that melt amidst the bustling crowd,

Reviving the memories that are scattered around footsteps.

Losing themselves in the sparking streets, glaring one way,

Numb from the cold, I am illuminated.

The dream pushes through the cold and shakes me by the hand.

Waking me from counting my hopes, I recall a shimmering image of you.

That vague silhouette that guides me."

Shuichi sang this song with a flushed face as his members played with smirks. They played with such a harmonious melody the mixing of voice, guitar and keyboard was hard to differentiate. They ended as Shuichi nodded at the quartet. The women started to play a song of speed but harmony.

The Bad Luck members stretched and talked to each other. Shuichi turned to Mio and went over to the warring party.

Shuichi said, "is there a problem, gentlemen?"

Mio stalled and reddened. He gulped three times and said in a shaky voice, "you…are… Shuichi…Shuichi….OMG! You are so HOT!" He ducked under the table and shrieked at his honesty.

Shuichi looked under the table and said, "thank you for your compliment. Would you like an autograph?"

Mio slowly turned and jumped onto Shuichi. He shrieked, "Autograph! REALLY! DAMN! Hell yeah!"

Shuichi smirked and stifled a laugh. He said, "I used to be just like you…a wild fan. Thank you for coming tonight. I rarely get to see a fan like this because of—"

"SHUICHI! Are you alright?" Sakano said in a panic and removed Mio off of Shuichi.

Shuichi smirked as Sakano helped him up. He said, "Do not fuss Sakano, and please get this…"

"Mio Izumi Allens." Mio said quickly and still very red.

Shuichi smirked and said, "Allens-san a photo of the band; we will sign it right now."

Sakano opened and closed his mouth. He did as told when he opened his messenger bag and pulled out a recent photo of the band. Sakano handed the photo and a marker to Shuichi.

Shuichi smirked at his band mates as they came over. Hiro looked at Mio and said, "What's up?" Suguru smirked and nodded in recognition of a fan. Shuichi signed first as he passed the picture around as his band mates signed. Hiro handed the picture to Mio as Mio took the picture and stared at the photo with his mouth hanging.

Hiro snickered and said, "We used to be like that…remember, Shuichi?"

"Fondly…common, we should sing some of our new songs for our fans." Shuichi said as Mio looked up, and Shuichi winked at him. Bad Luck returned to the stage as they drank water and relaxed until the quartet needed a break.

Mio hugged the photo and shrieked, "I can die happy now!" He looked at the photo again…all three members were dressed in funky clothing, but to their individual styles. Shuichi: his hair was tri-colored from black roots to lava red to flamingo pink tips. His clothing was a red tight tank top with a leather jacket that had no sleeves and only tied to his midriff. His pants were tight and covered in multicolored belts from neon pink to bloody red. His boots were hidden by his bell top pants. He posed with his microphone in his hands and smirked to the camera. Hiro: he was dressed in leather. A leather vest covered his top that did not hide his famous body or tattoos. His tattoo was a barbed wire fence and the Japanese symbol for his birthday. His jean pants were loose, but his leather chaps tightened them to show his wonderful body. His sneakers were barely seen, but shown slightly by his pose. He bent forward with his dark red guitar, his first one, and smirked devilishly into the camera. Suguru: he was the conservative one in the group, but this time…he dressed more like his partners. He wore a silk green top with some lightly colored stones that enclosed his neck and swirled down his front. His pants were tight on top but slowly loosen down to his hidden footwear. He posed with his keyboard and glared darkly at the camera with a huge smile. All three members were posed in odd angles and intercepted each other's bodies…like they were one person. A piece of each player could be seen into one, but their heads were separate from the main combined body. Their symbol was faded in the background as their band's name was written in bold letters on the side of the bodies.

He sighed as Shuichi called, "Allens-san?"

Mio stopped breathing as he looked up. Everyone was staring at him as Shuichi did as well. Shuichi smiled and said, "Would you like to sing with us? A tune or two?" Ryuichi Sakuma joined Shuichi on the stage.

He opened and closed his mouth in utter awe. Ryuichi Sakuma was definitely his second favorite to Bad Luck…he could not believe his ears. They were inviting him to sing with them! The famous singers of N G Productions…he turned so red that purple was considered a new shade of red.

Hiroki shook his head and tried to say something to Mio…Mio walked forward as the crowd watched him go to his idols…his Japanese favorite singers…Mio gulped and went to them.

Shuichi said, "Ryuichi, this is Mio. Mio, Mr. Sakuma."

Ryuichi patted Mio on the head and said, "Relax and sing. Show us some of the Sleepless Beauty!"

The crowd went wild and clapped. Three microphones were set up in front of the men as Suguru and Hiro prepared them for the song. Shuichi hummed a few bars as Ryuichi just gulped once. They turned to Mio who was staring at the microphone in awe…he dropped his picture and stared at the microphone.

He never dreamed this was possible…he always wanted to sing with other singers, but to become a professional…never. He would sing for fun and enjoyment of the crowd. Mio took a few deep breaths as his color returned to normal. He said, "Let's sing."

Shuichi nodded at Hiro and Suguru; they started to play the background music as Shuichi, Ryuichi and Mio sang Sleepless Beauty by Nettle Grasper:

"With eye glinting in the distance

Those about to awaken are waiting

Invited to the night castle

Into the empty shell of transient dwellers

Without an exit

If you mean to endure the shock

To the point of crumbling

Show me the lies

The light I still can't reach and where it's gone

Let's sketch out the brilliantly dancing thoughts

So that the guiding words do not spill over

Don't fear the changing times

Without even an exit

It crumbles apart

You've been reborn

Your eyes alone light up without a smile

Even if the world you want…

…suddenly turns to ashes

There will still be miracles

The light I can't reach and where it's gone

Let's sketch out the brilliantly dancing thoughts

So that the guiding words do not spill over

Don't fear the changing times

Embrace me gently, hole me forever

More, so you'll even break my soul."

They all ended the song as they stared at the crowd. Everyone just stared at them in awe even Tohma Seguchi just stared at them. Mio smiled and turned to Shuichi. Shuichi smirked and clapped.

A roar of clapping, hoots, compliments, and everyone smiled at the trio of singers. Even Ryuichi hugged Mio and said, "Damn! You have a voice! My body was shivering…you sound like me and Shuichi…you sing with your heart."

Mio flushed and gushed, "thank…thank…thank…you…sir…"

Ryuichi patted Mio on the head as he went to his fellow band mates. He smirked at Mio again as Tohma raised his brows in interest at Mio.

Shuichi said, "thank you for a wonderful trio, and—"

"Can I sing one of my songs…for fun, Mr. Shindou?" Mio asked close enough to the microphone that everyone heard.

Shuichi blinked and turned to Mio. He smiled with his entire heart and said, "Sure! But my members do not have your sheet music…how will you produce background music?"

Mio smiled and said, "If Fujisaki-san does not mind if I borrow his keyboard…I will sing and play at the same time."

Shuichi turned to the microphone and said, "everyone, we have ourselves a treat. Mio Izumi Allens wishes to sing us a song he produced and use our instruments. So if all of you could be so kind, show Allens-san the same courteous that you have given us tonight. Suguru, do you mind if Allens-san uses your keyboard for this song?"

Suguru leaned forward to his microphone and said, "I would be honored to allow Allens-san to use my instrument."

Bad Luck moved off the stage as the quartet moved as well. Mio went to Suguru's spot and rubbed the keys…Suguru's fingers…a professional keyboard player's fingers were just here! He felt like jumping for joy and clapping his knuckles. Mio took a few deep breaths and said, "I dedicate this song to my brother and his nuts…" He smirked at Akihiko who grimaced in confusion.

Mio started to play a twisted and warped music like gothic witches music. He snickered into the microphone and said, "Mixed Nuts…"

He sang:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

Mio gently switched the music to a romantic melody for this part of the song (he sang):

"The first nut must be strong,

Emotionally, mentally, and physically,

To endure the other two nuts,

He finds the weaknesses and strengths rather quickly,

For he is the strongest on the exterior…

But his interior is weak…

Because he needs his two little nuts to save him from intense yearning.

This is how the mixed nuts work."

He mixed back to the gothic music and sang:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

A different but romantic melody for this part of the song:

"The second nut is weak,

He has so many times his heart leads him astray,

But his inner drive and reasons make him worthy of praise,

His intelligence and vast kindness,

Makes him one of the best nuts of all…

But what about the third nut?"

Mio returned to a darker gothic melody:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

This melody had a gothic melody with wind chimes on the background:

"The third nut is completely unexpected,

For his mind and desires are hard to determine…

He begs for one thing but yearns for another.

What makes this nut tick?

This question is twisted in both the first two nuts.

For they do not know why they allowed a third nut into their relationship…

But all three now know,

These mixed nuts have…"

He returned to the original gothic music:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

Mio played a lonesome melody for this part:

"Will this last?

Will one break from the other?

Can trust, sex, kissing, or jealous win over one nut or two?

What will happen in this brew of desire?

For I have a few ideas to divulge about the mixed nuts…"

He played a gentle breeze of piano and techno for this part:

"The first and strongest idea is…

Parting of one nut from the three…

The mixed nuts will not last,

Since these men are not matching on soul or love wave lengths,

One wants sex,

Two wants passion and lasting trust,

Three wants…freedom from pain endured from so much torture.

How can three nuts stay together with so much…"

Mio returned to the gothic music:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

A xylophone was used for this part:

"The second idea…

Trust builds…after immense time is spent with therapists.

The therapists bring clearer interpretations,

No judgment or malice is built towards these professionals,

For these professionals are used for these issues,

But will the mixed nuts try this method?

For this relationship is…"

Return to the original gothic music:

"Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

A mix between wind, chimes and gothic music was in the background as Mio sang:

"The third idea is the worse but…

This must be stated,

What if the mixed nuts give up completely on love and move away?

Like the third did in the beginning?

The second nut will run away…

As the first nut stays behind…

Sobbing, longing, and watching the others run away from him.

How can this be stopped when…

Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…

For I am not magician or therapist,

I say what I see…

But this relationship will not last long,

With the fears and mistrust on each nut's face,

What can be done to make sure that none of my ideas come to fruition …

For I have this final gift of my knowledge to save the mixed nuts…

Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…

Trust is not built on sex,

Romance is not forced by kisses,

A lasting relationship is not given to silly mixed nuts…

But how, you ask me, can I know these secrets…

For I know this…

Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…

The way to save this relationship is continuous trials-and-errors,

Each nut will have a day that the end sounds so pleasurable…

Do not allow these feelings to happen.

Try finding a reason to love each other…

The simple mental, emotional, and physical attraction is not enough…

A need, want, desire, and a deep trust need to bloom in the middle of the pot of mixed nuts.

For I have a small feeling that the mixed nuts could live happily if…

Twisted, warped, and swirling desire…

Malice and anger brims in the pot of mixed nuts.

So many people say they trust one love is enough,

But who can truly say that three can be workable?

This is how it is possible…"

Mio looked at Akihiko, Misaki and Goda. The three men did the same; each man had a different reaction: Akihiko understood each part more as Mio sang, Misaki was clueless, and Goda removed himself from Misaki and paled. He sang this last part without background music as he used his voice to carry his message to these men:

"These feelings need to be addressed daily,

For once-in-a-while is not enough,

Love shall bloom,

I will say this if…

All remain united…

Not divided."

He stopped and looked at the crowd. Everyone stood there is stunned silence; not one person, was not looking at Mio with either their mouth open or enlarged eyes. Only two people in the room gave Mio different reactions; they were Misaki and Goda. Misaki looked very confused and tried to figure the message out. Goda was so pale…his eyes searched all over Mio as he backed away…Goda turned and ran out of the hall with a slammed door that wakened the crowd.

Everyone clapped gently, but not too many hoots and compliments for the song. Mio expected this since he wrote this song for more of Akihiko's benefit of Mio's observation of the three of them…he felt their relationship was not going to last. Akihiko mostly allowed Goda to do whatever he wanted as Misaki kept complaining or did the house chores. Mio was tired of Goda just sitting in the background or kissing Misaki….he wanted truth, discussion and development of their romance than the standstill relationship they had now. Akihiko just told Mio to stay out of it, Misaki sighed and said very little, and Goda said the basics but never more. The silence drove Mio insane, so he made this song and hoped that some common sense will get in these men's heads…

Unfortunately, Goda was either frightened or mad…Misaki was clueless…but Akihiko. Akihiko got the entire message and lipped, "we will talk about this later."

Mio nodded and said, "sorry, just a present for my beloved brother. We need a humorous song! My mother and I wrote this song for a friend of mine…it's called Riddle This! There are actual riddles in the song, so if you know the answers…do not shout and wait for the end of the song to find out." He played a silly melody for the beginning as he sang:

"Let's play a game,

Unlike the board games of twisted fate,

This game plays with your mind,

Also you need to be prepared to listen to every word,

For every word is a clue to the bigger picture,

The riddles of this game are not simple.

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

To play Riddle This!

Let's play!

The first riddle:

I am always considered first,

Both in the alphabet and in introductions,

I am powerful, loyal, and true…

Most of the time.

I yet break trust, bonds, and become criminals.

Also death comes to my door too quickly…

For what reasons are still unknown to me.

My personality can be vast as the color of my skin,

Yet, I am one side of the two.

What am I?"

Mio played a clicking clock noise as the crowd kept silent. He smirked and continued singing without music:

"The second riddle:

I am always considered second,

Both in the alphabet and in introductions,

I am tender, loving, and respectable…

Most of the time.

I yet hurt trust, bonds, and become criminals.

Also death can come quickly with wrong chemicals…

My personality can be vast as the hormones in my flesh,

Yet I am one side of the two.

What am I?"

He stalled and played the ticking noises. Mio continued without music in between each riddle:

"The third riddle:

I am the mother, daughter, father, and son of the vast mass,

I can eat, sleep and destroy with a single emotion,

My emotions can be captured by electronic devices,

But my destruction cannot be fathomed until the end of my rage…

What do I look like?

I have hair that is rough,

My skin depends on the weather,

My eyes are never seen,

I have many pimples that both change with weather or water,

My body is consumed and needed by many,

I am sick…

My health is always monitored by scientists with worried looks,

I am the star of every magazine,

Because my health is always seen as a great fear.

For I am not a normal person,

Nor a normal thing…

My body changes my clothing so many times during the year,

But I also change my clothing due to my needs than others,

I am the mighty one for my support of many,

But I am also caged for my gifts to others…

I cannot be freed even with all the help from others.

The wounds in my skin are too deep…

Who and what can save the wounded?

What am I?"

Everyone was interested and spoke among themselves. Even Akihiko stared and talked to Aikawa, they chatted silently as Mio smirked and kept playing his ticking noises. He continued:

"Fourth riddle:

I am the beginning and end,

Power and fear is my strengths,

Yet I have many weaknesses…

I am compared to human emotions,

Also to animals' rage,

Twisted and showing my flowing hair,

I give food new tastes,

I can destroy hundreds of lives,

I am the only one turned to,

When darkness falls,

I am a toy for the circus,

For daredevils and silly fools.

I am the guide for a wonderful explorer or writer,

I can be sparked, struck, or forced to be made,

My favorite foods are very easy to find,

For many people misuse me…

Since I am not a toy…

For I am powerful with weaknesses like any other.

What am I?"

Mio just continued with a few stalls in between each riddle as he played the ticking noises when he needed to pause for a breath:

"Fifth riddle:

Gentle and peaceful,

Rough and turbulent,

I am always used for some need of animal or human,

For lifting, for pleasure, for health, or for cleaning.

I am the largest body anywhere seen.

My powers are changeable,

With my moods…

I can be calm, angry, or allow my passengers to move on.

I also change with temperature…

Cold, I am firm and my teeth can cut,

Interferences have been known to fall to my cold nature,

Also I can become air borne…

A whip, a confusing mask or a blur for travelers…

For my weaknesses are fewer than most…

My greatest weakness is not being enough for the needy.

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Sixth riddle:

I am weightless,

I am sightless,

I have no body or face,

My forceful, gentle, or gripping touch is always felt.

For many enjoy me on sunny days.

I can become small or large,

My anger can destroy anything in my path,

For my rage is at no one,

I just flow into opposition and crush it.

For my movements are hard to follow,

Many have try…yet many have fail.

I capture the weak as the strong try to abuse me,

I push, pull, and come whatever way I want.

For I am a great force to be had,

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Seventh riddle:

I am created,

I am crushed, crumbled and formed,

From earthly materials I am born,

I am not earthly at all.

Sometimes, I am created for the greater good…

Sometimes, my creation harms others…

Many desire my body,

I do not try to break…

But I do under pressure.

I am weak as I am strong.

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Eighth riddle:

People created me as well,

For they are lazy to use other means,

I constantly looked at and compared to fear,

I am a strong force for fear.

My hands point to the lasting moments,

My face show the power of money,

My body is sometimes shown or not,

Depending on my master.

I can be equaled to huge or small parts.

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Ninth riddle:

I am one piece of a mighty storm of emotions,

My flashy body is considered a beauty,

I can strike a pose,

Cameras always want me.

My positions are strange and unusual for my partner.

For my partner is always louder than I.

My flashy body will always be shown before my lover…

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Tenth riddle:

I am the second piece of a mighty storm of emotions,

My noise scares people to hide…

I scream my frustrations with showing my partner first,

For I need to scream…

The heat and cold bother me greatly.

My scream can be as loud as a trumpet,

Or I can scream loud enough to rumble a house,

Depending on my mood,

I will scream for my lover…

My lover will always signal the people,

As I sound my attack.

I can seem cruel…

But all I want to do is call my lover.

My lover just flashes the body and never responds back to me,

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Eleventh riddle:

I always seem to be dressed in black,

But not all the time my colors signify my true nature,

My plots, schemes and looks could seem dark,

For my personal gain is bigger than life.

I could kill,

I could destroy,

I could procreate,

I could…wait and make a bigger plan.

I can be larger than life,

I could be smaller than a flea,

For I am not easily identifiable,

Since I hide in the masses with masks,

For my plans may harm others…

And help others as well.

I am never going to disappear,

Even with all the interference and forceful blows.

For my disappearance will hurt the balance,

I am one piece of the greater whole of life…

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Twelfth riddle:

I always seemed to be dressed in white,

But not all the time my colors signify my true nature,

My freedom, chains and looks could seem light,

For my personal gain is lesser than life.

I could save,

I could create,

I could also harm…

For my mission is not always easy to identify.

I can be larger than the universe,

For I am always looked upon,

My nature is easy to adapt to…

But also effortless to ignore.

My peaceful nature cannot stop the other side…

We coincide to show a greater balance that is needed,

For I am too one piece of the greater whole of life,

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Thirteenth riddle:

The greatest gift given to one side of the whole,

Nine months must pass for this process to occur…

The power of me is life changing…

I can physically happen once,

But emotionally and mentally,

I can happen many times.

A powerful, turmoil, and changing emotions bring me about,

For I am one side of a greater fear…

What am I?

Stall (Mio stalls and plays the ticking music.)

Fourteenth riddle:

I am the greatest fear of many…

I stand at hell's doors,

With many standing beside me.

I call many as soon as my other half begins…

For each day is a time bomb to my process.

I can happen quickly,

I can happen slowly,

I can show many signs,

I can also show no signs…

I am always feared with one process and another,

Since I can never be stopped…

What am I?"

The crowd listened to the riddles as Mio stopped and played a gentle melody. He played wind chimes, piano combined with a techno blend. He played for a few minutes to catch his breath and watch the crowd. A few members of the crowd got the riddles, but many…were confused.

Nowaki smiled at Mio and lipped, "can we talk when you need a break?"

Mio nodded and sang with his melody:

"Let's play a game,

Unlike the board games of twisted fate,

This game plays with your mind,

Also you need to be prepared to listen to every word,

For every word is a clue to the bigger picture,

The riddles of this game are not simple.

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

To play Riddle This!

Let's play!

Have you figured out the fourteen riddles?

Have you seen the bigger picture?

Need a few minutes?

Try and figure this riddle out."

He continued his melody with a smirk. Business men and women were seriously thinking about these riddles; Mio created this long song for a friend who adored riddles. Even his riddle-adoring friend had a hard time with a few riddles, Mio just smirked as he played the same tune. His friend slowly got a few, but she gave up after five minutes of trying figuring the riddles out.

His friend, Lily Utenop, was his only female friend. She was uncommonly kind and respectable towards Adam, Mio, and their relationship…the only problem was…she moved away when Mio came back from the training camp for homosexuals. Mio tried to find her on the internet and call her…she was gone…that is why he seeped into depression and loneness…he sang this song to heal his wounds, but nothing helped…But now, he felt the reemerging feelings and hoped Lily was okay. He missed her badly for her conversations and gentle encouragement…if it was not for her, Mio would not have kissed or went as far with Adam. She was his guardian angel…but he loved this song. His mother and he wanted to trump her riddle by making this song. Lily was so pleased that she got Mio and his mother to make a CD. Mio hoped the CD would always remind her of him…because this song reminded him of her….they were never even close to lovers. They were just best friends, and this bond was so useful for the pair of them because…Lily was a homosexual as well. Her lover…well, never showed her feelings to Lily, but Lily was patient compared to Mio.

Lily always said, "Love is complicated…I hope you can find someone that keeps torturing, complicating, adoring, and showing you that love is worth every second. I do not plan to stop loving her…yet. I only felt like this for her…I am not sure if another can take her place…"

Mio gulped and sang:

"Give up?

Surrender?

I have played this game well and won over most,

But here is the answers for the fourteen riddles and then,

I will tell you the final picture to this large riddle.

The answers are:

Man

Woman

Earth

Fire

Water

Air

Metal

Time

Lighting

Thunder

Yang

Yin

Birth

Death

Put these fourteen elements together and what is it?

One more riddle should help…"

He played another tune to the rambling crowd. His memories swirled from Lily's daisy yellow eyes to Adam's smile. When they (Adam, Mio and Lily) had met after school, they liked going to a local ice cream parlor. Lily always watched her crush from afar, but she never ruined the mood by being moody. She just kept a smile and told Mio everything about her unreturned feelings…to an emo Goth. Lily told him that her crush had a bad family life…since her family was rich, Catholic and wanted the best for their daughter…of course, Zoey, did not want the same things as her family did. Zoey fought by rebelling and learning actual magic…

Mio remembered the magic show that she gave the school during a school talent contest. Zoey had a simple pot filled with nothing, which she showed the crowd. She filled the cauldron with flicks and twisting of her hands…her pot crackled and showed swirling smoke…but the auditorium did not stink or cause the fire alarms to start. Zoey called Lily to come forward and said, "I dare you to drink my brew…"

Lily came forward, but her father (a gym teacher) tried to stop her. She went forward without listening to him and took a drink of the brew…everyone watched in fear. They expected something to happen…but nothing did…or, Mio did not know. He was transported to the homosexual camp right after this incident and found out little when he came back…even Zoey was gone from school. Everyone just kept silent about both girls…

Mio sighed at his incomplete memories and sang:

"Final riddle:

I am these fourteen elements combined,

Not many would think so,

For I am compared to each element frequently,

Since I am wanted and hated for these combination.

I can be bottled,

Brewed,

But I am not free…

Money cannot buy me.

Neither force nor abuse can keep me.

Gentle, respect, and returned feelings can keep me close…

Physical, emotional and mental feelings have also been compared to me...

What am I?

I am…love.

I am the love that lovers, families, and friends share.

I am the love that combines the fourteen elements into one riddle…

For love is a mysterious game and riddle…

Who is your love match?"

Mio finished the song with a gentle ending as he stopped and moved away from Suguru's keyboard. He went to a microphone and said, "I…I am stepping out for a bit…I am sorry."

He quickly ran out…the memories were too much for him…his tears were threatening to come out as he ran to the empty hall and down the hall for an empty room. Mio stiffened as he shivered and sobbed slowly; he entered an empty room where the extra food supplies were.

Singing that song…it always made him sad to remember singing this to Lily, his mother and Adam…they all smiled and clapped. The memory was so happy…but Mio lost all three; he lost Adam to death, he lost Lily to unknown causes and his mother…abandoned him with his brother. He felt at home here but…sometimes, he would miss America and his mother deeply. He would never admit it to Akihiko, but he would sometimes sob at night for all that he lost…across the ocean and months ago. So much has changed….he sometimes could not handle crowds. Mio felt arms wrap around him and cooed, "I am here…do not stop crying…let it all out…"

Mio gulped and whimpered, "Hiroki…."

Hiroki gulped and squeezed tighter. He said, "Your school counselor…she told me about your…problem. Mio…god…you were being trained to become a heterosexual and…lost your lover in the process…god, you poor thing…seeing all these men close together…I am so sorry…" His voice sounded cracked and gulped back the tears.

Mio turned and hugged Hiroki tighter. He whimpered, "I survived with so much pain…I still hurt…at times. But Tanko helped a little…but…I miss my mommy!" He sobbed onto Hiroki's shirt as he shivered in Hiroki's arms.

Nowaki came to them and hugged them both. He said, "Never hesitate to call, come, or ask for our help, Mio-chan. We will always be there for you."

Mio hugged Nowaki and whimpered while looking into Nowaki's eyes, "thank you…thank you so much…I really…do not know what to say…"

Nowaki smiled and kissed Mio's forehead. He said, "Nothing…just cry, Mio-chan. I will hold you until the hurt passes enough to go back to the party, or we will take you to our place."

Hiroki nodded and said, "Either way…we will stay with you."

Mio bawled openly as both men hugged the crying teen. They did not say anything like: "It is not your fault." "Get over it." "Homosexuality….is not worth the pain…"

They cooed: "Just cry…just cry and let us help you through the pain…we understand. We understand the pain…" Nowaki let a few tears fall as Hiroki gulped and tried very hard not to cry…Hiroki crushed Mio against him as Nowaki held them both. Hiroki sobbed silently as everyone just held each other in the knowledge of their pain can be seen as one…being homosexual had its perks and…downsides, which every man in the room knew very well.

TBC…

A/N 1: OMG! WTF! DUDE! This is a long chapter…sorry! The songs are the reason, so…Mio's songs…what do you think?

A/N 2: Also, a personal note…I am not homosexual in any shape or form. I respect and fully believe homosexuals deserve a place on this earth than what poor Mio has faced. I just wanted to show a side to yaoi has slightly touched…the pain of change. This pain that some people get paid to "teach, revert and change" homosexual men into heterosexuals. This is so wrong….but it is true in America and many other places…who has the right to change people? It angers me greatly to think that one movie, Save Me (2008), talks about this very issue….the guy needed help (druggie and sex with new guy every weekend), but the forced "devotion to god and to change into a heterosexual" made this movie was good but painful to watch…Christianity used as a ploy to force these men from "god's issues" to "god's children." Do not get me wrong….I respect Christianity, but this worship….is wrong and hurts people. Just like the homosexuals in this movie…some did "revert", but two walked away still loving men. Really good movie for yaoi fans; this shows the American side of homosexuality and the pains that some people go through to change themselves based on others. I really want to see the movie again myself since this movie is sort of the influence for Mio and Adam. No one dies in the movie…but could you imagine the pain of being told your lovers need to be a different sex than you? For heterosexuals, easy. But for homosexuals…they feel different, alienated, hurt, and keep insulting themselves for being sexually attracted to the same sex….why does this happen? I wish I knew the answer…but I truly hope that homosexuals will not stop pushing for their rights and appearing in media.

"For a fear to end…constant reminders will help to lessen the fear" (a little quote I just made up XD).

Thank you for reading this extremely long chapter…..there might be more like it in the future, but thank you again!