A bit late, but here's the next update. Enjoy!
In the house the mayor was suddenly abuzz. The woman had delivered the news and now the mayor couldn't sit still. He could barely think straight. "Are they coming yet?" He pointlessly asked the woman. like she knew. "Please say they'll be here soon – the heroes from Tiberoa!"
The woman stood silently. Her hands were clasped down at her waist. Her eyes were trained on the ground. He knew she didn't know. So there was nothing more for her to do or say.
"Oh!" The mayor made sounds in impatience. "I can't sit still!" He spoke the obvious as he paced endlessly back and forth. "I just can't wait!" His expression was full of life.
A little girl stood to the side. She stared meekly over at her father. She too didn't say a word. She was getting lost within her own mind. She wondered briefly in her state if the warriors would help, but her mind quickly moved on. She then sank back into memories of only days before, of an event which everyone misunderstood but which she could not clarify. She just couldn't speak. Poor Teo. If only he'd come back…
Dart and the others finally reached solid footing in the mayor's house. They didn't need to tie the boats to anything because there was no current. They just hopped out and walked up the winding staircase. Once they reached the top the area opened into a bowl shape. It wasn't very big though. There was a bench right by the stairs and a single round, orange table in the center and kitchen equipment lining the opposite wall. A small set of stairs carpeted red led to the only bed and another set went up to what Dart would guess was the roof. The view was probably captivating.
The mayor made a strange sound as he laid eyes on the group. "Oh, I was just pacing around waiting for you!" He clapped his hands almost childlike. "The story of your heroic deeds in Tiberoa has reached us here in Furni! It is wonderful what you did!" He showed the same enthusiasm and appreciation as the boat renter.
Their similar reactions made Dart wonder if it was a trait common to people in this city. He didn't comment on the fact though. "It was nothing." He felt like he was saying it for the millionth time. It really wasn't anything huge to him or any of them in his opinion.
The mayor waved Dart's modest words away. "But that was only a little thing." His eyes darkened with memories of only a few days ago. His mind went to the same place his daughter's lied. Only he spoke, "There is something much more personal going on here. And now I would like you to listen to my story."
Dart exchanged glances with each of his friends. None of them, not even Rose, seemed to care. In fact he'd say they were all interested in their own ways. "Sure," He agreed. "But what exactly are we talking about here?"
The mayor's gaze lightened, but only slightly in order to not scare them off. "I am talking about the sad situation in this village is in now. It started a month ago. And it's only gotten worse. No one can seem to do anything about it either. So I fear we are all doomed." A light of hope shone in his green eyes. "That is…until you showed up."
Dart didn't exactly believe an issue of a wolf could be this bad and make everyone so desperate. Yet he also couldn't say it was impossible. Stranger things had happened. So he inevitably allowed the man to tell his tale. "Okay. Tell us."
The mayor turned away from them in order to call to the girl across the room. "Honey, come here!" The little girl shuffled over to her father's side. She never once made eye contact with any of them. "This is," The mayor wrapped an arm around the child. "My daughter Fa."
"She's pretty." Shana commented. She smiled warmly down at the child.
The mayor nodded but mostly ignored Shana's kind words. Her mind was still in darker places. "A few days ago my daughter was attacked by a wolf." Anger flashed in his eyes. He tampered the occurrence with an ever even tone. "Fortunately, the injury was not bad."
Dart heard himself sighing in reaction.
"However," More bitterness entered the mayor's voice. "Since then, she hasn't talked at all." He grimaced. He also turned his face from them to hide the sadness spreading across his face. "Probably from the shock of the incident." He held Fa tighter.
Shana took a few steps toward Fa. Fa instantly took that many steps back. Shana expected as much and did not mind. She knelt down to the child's level and stared sadly into her eyes. "Poor thing."
The mayor watched his child carefully as he continued. "The wolf is becoming more savage every day too. It's so much worse today than even yesterday. It kills more and more" He shook his head angrily. "And now," He spat. "It has also been joined by monsters from the Evergreen Forest. It has even started killing people."
Albert bowed his head slightly. "I see." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "So the warriors we ran into outside are the group headed for battle." That had been pretty obvious from the start. Still, confirmation was always nice.
"It makes sense." Haschel agreed. "If they finish off the wolf then no one would be in danger anymore." His misty brown eyes wandered to Fa. "Your daughter may become better too." He smiled softly at the child.
The mayor could not be made happy by the mere thought of a happy end such as this. His frown remained ever present. "But it is more complicated than that." He crossed his arms firmly over his chest. "The wolf Kamuy that attacked Fa was kept by a boy of this village. That is, until recently."
"Why do think that is?" Rose's cool voice interjected. "Why did Kamuy suddenly become savage? Was it because of the other monsters of the forest?"
The mayor shook his head. "I wish I knew." He said sadly. The fire left his eyes and he untensed. He was still stressed, naturally, but being faced with the truth of being ultimately blind made him cool.
"What happened to Teo anyway?" Meru piped up. "Those goons out there said something about getting a bigger reward for finding him."
The mayor nodded. "Yes, that's a part of this whole mess being so complicated. The boy who kept Kamuy, Teo, has disappeared!" Worry swept over his face. "It was the night Fa was injured that he disappeared from his home." He shook his head. "Probably he feels responsible and ran away."
"Anyone would be." Dart agreed.
"No, it's not just simple guilt. Teo has been Fa's friend since they were little." He explained with ever increasing sadness. "They are best friends."
Rose's eyes flickered to Shana and Dart. It reminded her of them. "So…you want us to cooperate with you and stop the wolf. Also you want us to ensure Teo's safe return." She raised a brow. "Do you not trust the other's from your city?"
The mayor side glanced. "It's not like that." He insisted. "I just…I don't know if they'll be strong enough. Or…or they might hurt Teo on accident!" A deep frown formed on his lips. "I mean, I know they would never do it on purpose. I just want to be careful."
"We understand." Dart interposed. He looked down at Shana. She was still kneeling by Fa. "I'd feel the same about any of my friends." He didn't only include her in his words though. That was a sentiment from back when they were younger, when all she was was a baby sister.
The mayor nodded in appreciation. "Of course, I cannot force you." His voice was strained as he admitted it. "Besides, you saw them. We have a lot of warriors." He tried his best to smile genuinely. "Maybe they are enough." He shrugged.
"Either way, we'll definitely help you." Dart smiled in earnest. "It's kind of what we do." He half laughed. Ever since Shana had been taken it was something he'd been pushed toward. What was one more time?
"Oh, thank you!" The mayor made a deep bow. He clasped his hands as he did so. "You are very kind! I wish there was some way for me to thank you for it!" He popped back up straight, a new light coming to his eyes. "Oh! I know! Why don't you stay here for the night?" He looked out the window behind him. "It's getting late. And up here in the north it gets darker earlier."
"Well…" Dart looked out the window to see for himself. He'd lived here for five years, not Furni, but still in what was considered the north. He knew well enough how the phases of the day passed. He thought they could pretty easily make it through the forest before the dangerous part of the night hit.
Shana stood. She moved back to his side and looked quizzically at Dart. She wasn't about to alter his decision this time. He was the leader. He knew what was right.
As Dart was about to reject the offer the child moved suddenly. She rushed over to Shana's side and latched onto her leg. Her eyes were wide and almost pleading.
Dart stared with intrigue down at Fa's sweet, begging face. He bent down slowly to her level. "Do you like Shana?" He smiled softly. He didn't expect for her to respond. And she didn't. So he stood back up and faced the mayor. "Alright, for tonight only." He nodded. "And thank you."
"It's my pleasure!" The mayor assured. "Fa is happy too." He said tenderly. He reached out and ruffled the child's hair affectionately. "She has been lonely since her mother passed away." Again there was faint bitterness in his demeanor. But this time it quickly passed. "Anyway," He shook the gloom off. "I will prepare dinner with Fa." He took the child's hand. "You can do as you please until it's done." He then walked away to the opposite side. Fa followed without hesitation.
They all looked around with uncertainty. They exchanged nervous gazes and twiddled their thumbs as a way to give them something to do. They couldn't help but feel uncomfortable and out of place in this person's home. In fact, they didn't even know his name!
Finally the silence was broken by Rose. "Well, I'm gone." She waved her hand halfheartedly as a farewell. She then turned away and started to go down the stairs.
Dart started. "Rose!" He cried. "Where do you think you're going?" He thoughtlessly followed after her. He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "You can't go out in the woods alone."
Rose scoffed. "Please," She rolled her eyes. "I'm not weak. I can take care of myself." She twisted out of his loose hold. "Besides," She turned to face him. "That's not what I'm doing. I'm just going out." Her eyes fell on the mayor and his daughter. "I don't like it in here."
Before Dart could protest, Shana stepped forward. "I think I'll go too." She grinned shyly.
Dart stared blankly at her. "Shana?" He cocked his head.
Shana shrugged her shoulders. Her smile fell slightly despite her efforts. "After that story…" She dropped her eyes to the ground. "It feels damp and cold in here." She shrugged again, but this time it lacked the spirit and energy of the first action. "I just want to get some fresh air."
Dart didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell her she wasn't allowed to. He didn't want to sound controlling. Besides, nothing could really go wrong in the city. The wolf only attacked on the outer edges at the very least. As long as she stayed close she'd be fine. Still, "Shana…"
Rose took a hold of her wrist. She made sure it was gently. "Don't worry Dart. She'll be with me." Her gaze intensified. "And I would never let anything happen to her."
Dart heard the unspoken words that passed between them. What Rose really said was – I'd sooner die than let anyone even touch her. Her eyes said it all and more. So in the end all he could do was sigh. "Alright, go on." He nodded down the stairs.
Shana squealed in pleasure. "Thanks Dart!" She wriggled out of Rose's grip to go to him. She leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "And please don't worry." She practically begged this of him. Her eyes locked with his as she turned slowly from him and walked just as slowly down the stairs.
Dart held her gaze until she disappeared around the corner. His eyes instantly snapped to Rose then. She too was about to vanish around the bend, but he managed to catch her gaze a moment before she was gone as well.
Rose offered the smallest of smiles as she went around the bend. She was glad at least some things never changed. Through it all, even as he chose Shana over her, their relationship was ever the same. It was nice – the feeling of security. She only hoped one horrible truth would not threaten it like everything else.
Meru had been antsy since the beginning of the dismissal. Once the two girls had left she finally couldn't hold it in anymore. "Ok!" She chirped. She flung an arm in the air. "I'm out!" She zipped toward the stairs leading to the roof.
"Hey!" Dart reached out after her.
"Relax." Albert shrugged. "The worst she could do is jump off into the water." He chuckled at the thought. He sat back on the couch and placed his hands behind his head as he leaned back. "All that'll do is stir up the fishes."
Dart frowned deeply. "Still," Dart watched Meru's form disappear like the other two women. He sat down next to Albert. "She's not dumb, but she is strange. I never really know what she's going to do. At least with Rose I know. I don't know why she does things, but at least I know."
Albert nodded. "It's so true." He smiled with familiarity. "She was gonna jump out of the boat, you know." He offhandedly mentioned.
Dart's eyes clouded slightly. "I know." He breathed. He let his head fall down in his hands. "I saw it as plain as I saw her fear when we fell from the ghost ship. I see everything she thinks, contemplates, and feels. We're that close. It's almost like a blood bond. I don't even know how."
Albert stared intently at Dart. Blood bond, huh? He wondered what his relationship with Rose could be classified as if not that deep. Because it wasn't that deep. As close as he was, Dart was always closer. "It's special." He commented. "It's one of those relationships that happens once in ten thousand years."
Dart smiled. "Why ten thousand?" He chortled. "Some kingly secret or something?" He cocked his head to the side.
Albert smirked. "Nah, nothing like that." He waved Dart's words away. "It's just a long time. That and it's the closest rounded number to the Dragon Campaign." He laughed lightly. "Eleven thousand just sounds odd. And I've always been fascinated with the Dragon Campaign. So ten thousand."
Dart nodded. "It is a long time." He wondered if their closeness might even transcend time.
Haschel contemplated joining in the conversation. It wouldn't be a bad time to just sit and relax with the guys. Then again, they were talking about Rose. It wasn't that he didn't like her. He just didn't know what to say about her, especially not when it was to the two people who held her highest.
Kongol's voice boomed out. "Kongol go out for air." He too headed up.
Haschel took this opportunity and swiftly followed. It would be much more carefree and fun up there with Meru than down with Dart. As much as he liked Dart and as close as he felt to him, Dart was just far too intense most of the time. In his old age Meru's energy and happiness made him feel young again. So he left the other two.
Dart watched as the last two of their group scattered. He didn't even bother protesting. Once they were gone he looked back to Albert. "I wonder what Shana's doing?" He offhandedly asked. God knows when she was with Rose. Those two were like night and day.
Albert shrugged. "Nothing on her own." He looked Dart dead in the eye then. "But with Rose, you're almost afraid to know." He could only imagine the possibilities.
Despite their worst imaginings it was nothing like that. Rose and Shana weren't even that far away. They sat just at the bottom of the house, at the edge of the water. They were so close that they could have listened in on Albert and Dart if they'd really wanted to.
They sat quietly. Shana had her shoes setting next to her. She dangled her feet in the water and swished them about. She watched the ripples created as if completely captivated by the phenomenon. "Rose," She spoke for the first time since coming down here.
Rose's intense eyes flickered up to her. She had been staring out as far as she could into the slowly fading day. She always did love the setting of the sun. Love – that's what many people saw in it. It was a moment that lover's could share and remember forever. Of course for her there were other reasons. But it was all because of the sunset all the same.
Shana felt Rose's eyes on her. So she continued, "Do you think this will end it?" She tentatively looked up to meet Rose's gaze.
There it was again. That question. Dart had asked her the same thing back in Tiberoa. Still she didn't know. She hoped so. She hoped beyond reason actually. She didn't hope on a regular basis either. Hoping was another form of a lie. Yet she hoped for this. "When we catch him," She murmured. "Yes." They would catch him. They had to. Otherwise the world could very well be in danger. It was the only thing the Moon objects could mean.
Shana smiled sadly. "You really think we will?" There was a sad laugh to her tone. "We've been chasing him so long." She swallowed hard. "Ever since Lavitz…" Tears inevitably welled in her eyes. "And even before then, actually. It's always been him."
As trained as Rose was in concealing her emotions she could not hide it all in that moment. Hints of sadness flashed in her eyes. "I know." She sighed with a startling amount of empathy. "We should have killed him by now." She turned her intensifying gaze down to the water. Her hands in her lap clenched tightly. "I should have killed him."
"Don't say that." She said in a strained whisper. "It's not through any fault of your own. He's smart. He's crafty. He's so very dangerous. He-"
"But he's not!" Rose said a bit harshly. When she saw Shana jump slightly she made sure her next words were toned down. "He's just a man." She shook her head irritably. "He's just one stupid man. Yet he's done so much. Two national treasures – gone. What's next?" She kicked the water, not caring that it splashed back at her and soaked her. "The world?"
"No." Shana shook her head slowly. Fear was written clearly across her face. "I won't let it be." Her voice wavered despite her best efforts. "I won't let everything fall apart!" Tears fought to fall free. "Lavitz died for this!" Anger flashed in her eyes to mingle with the sadness. "His death won't be in vain! It won't!"
Rose swallowed hard. "It won't be." She assured in the steadiest and surest voice ever. It came with an inner certainty that she had not realized she felt. She scooted closer, hesitating for only a fraction of a second. She then wrapped an arm tentatively around Shana's shoulders.
Shana stifled a sob. She leaned heavily into Rose, her head buried in the crook of her neck. Tears slowly trickled down her face and she hiccupped softly. She even managed to tell herself to move her arms around Rose's waist and hold on tightly.
Rose sighed softly. She pressed her face into Shana's brown, matted hair. "I swear." She whispered so quietly she wasn't sure Shana heard. But by the way the girl relaxed the slightest bit she was able to tell herself that Shana in fact did hear. "Lavitz will be avenged." She reached up and gently stroked Shana's hair. "Even if just for your sake."
Up on the roof of the house Meru was sitting rather peacefully. She gently tapped her foot to an inaudible beat. It was a tune she played only in her head. It was one from her childhood, back with Guaraha. She dropped her head in her hand. She sighed softly at the thought of him. She wondered if he was still waiting. She hadn't said goodbye after all.
Her eyes were trained on the horizon. The beautiful colors captivated her. The pink splayed across her vision as if someone had thrown a bucket of paint haphazardly at the sky. Blue, orange, and red were not as crazily arranged, but it was obvious all the same that no man could have ever created such a beauty. All this framed the sun.
Her eyes wandered from the setting sun down to the calm waters of the city. They stirred with the current and fish beneath it, but were mostly tranquil. She'd stared at these waters many times in the past. Now however they seemed different somehow. Was it because she had friends now? She stared harder, squinting. No, that wasn't it. Then what?
"Meru!" Haschel's gruff but ever cheerful voice reached her. "What are you doing?"
Meru spun around hastily. Her face lit up instantly. "Haschel!" The heavy contemplation that once marked her vanished into thin air. "And Kongol too!"
Kongol nodded solemnly to her. He walked close to the edge and then stopped. His arms were crossed heavily over his chest. He looked as if he were a guard on the watch.
Meru bounced to her feet. She twirled around to face Haschel. "I was just watching the sun set." She shrugged. Her smile never faded for an instant. She peeked back toward the amazing phenomenon. "It's really pretty."
Haschel nodded knowingly. "I used to watch the sun set every day." He walked over to her side. He settled himself down in a sitting position, crossing his legs and resting his elbows on each knee to create a place for his head to fall. "With my wife and then, when she was born, my daughter." He meant for it to be a lighthearted recollection of a fond memory. Still he knew it came off as bitter and tainted the pure scene.
Meru cringed as she felt the air become tense. The only thing that relaxed her was the soft touch of the wind as it caught her silver hair and rolled over her skin. It also carried with it the scent of the ocean. It was always what made her feel alright. "You talked about her before." She plopped down beside him. "She disappeared right?" She cocked her head to the side.
As much as the truth stung he found himself laughing at Meru's bluntness. "Yes. Ran away actually." He smiled wistfully. "It was twenty seven years ago. It was the one thing I never expected."
Meru frowned despite her best efforts. "You didn't stop her?" She couldn't help but ask.
Haschel couldn't help but laugh again. "She may have been soft, but she was no pushover. When she set her mind to something – that was that. So once she," He faltered, quickly picking up with a modified descriptor of the event. "She hurt one of her friends and I yelled at her, it was all over. I didn't know it then, I was too angry. But she was easily gone from me within the next twenty four hours."
Meru squirmed slightly. She didn't mean to be rude. She was kind of interested in his daughter even. She just couldn't take the tanking atmosphere. "Aw, come on!" Meru hit him on the shoulder. She hopped up on her feet. She put on an extra exuberant smile. "Don't be so down. The past is the past. We can't change our mistakes!" She stretched out each of her limbs. "But we can change the future!"
Haschel stared intently at her as she shook each leg and reached her arms out as far as she could. She sure was erratic. One minute listening and responding appropriately and the next bursting with energy. He might should have been offended he figured, but he really wasn't. A smile stretched clear across his face and his face lit up not unlike hers. "Indeed," was all he could say. "You have something in mind?"
"You know it!" She threw her hand in the air. She spun around and ran to the opposite side of the roof. She almost looked like she'd run right off. However she stopped just at the edge and turned back to face him and Kongol. "See down there?" She pointed energetically.
Haschel nodded. Through his pleasure he couldn't help but be a little wary. "You mean the water right?" He made absolutely sure.
Meru nodded with her whole body. "You bet!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "It's soothing and peaceful, right?" She didn't expect an answer. She continued speaking without his reply. "Well it's totally boring too! And I've always wanted to swim in the light of the setting sun."
Haschel blanched. "Sorry?" What was she implying? Or was his mind just in the gutter? He'd guess the latter. He just couldn't help but consider the first option. She was strange after all.
Meru cracked up. She grabbed her sides and nearly toppled over. "You creeper!" She wasn't in the least affected by the track of his mind. She knew she was beautiful. She knew she was young. And she knew he was a guy. What guy wouldn't let their mind wander every once and a while?
Haschel's face, as dark skinned as it was, could be seen turning a shade darker. "I am not!" He kind of was though. He remembered hitting on both Shana and Rose back in Lohan. He hadn't been at all ashamed either. Now however the memory made him cringe.
Meru struggled to calm down. "N-Nah!" She waved her hand dismissively "It's nothing!" She breathed deeply in and out in a final bid to regain calm. "We're friends!" She stood straight again. Her smile was bigger than ever.
Haschel smiled nervously. He was sure she meant it. She was always so sincere. Still, he couldn't help but remain embarrassed and a little less than his usual perky self.
"But about swimming." She quickly moved on. She glanced over her shoulder at the quiet water. "I was just thinking I could dive in from up here." She smirked mischievously. "It'd totally make a splash!"
A new wave of enthusiasm ran through him. It sounded pretty cool! There was nothing like a dive in freezing water to make you feel alive again. He chuckled to himself. He'd probably catch a cold though in his old age. "I don't think so." He managed to decline.
Meru's face fell into an over exaggerated sadness. "Aww, come on." She bounced over to him. "It'll be fun!" She elbowed him lightly. "I know ya wanna."
Haschel smiled in utter amusement. "I never said I didn't want to. I just said I wasn't going to." He looked at her intently for a moment before his face broke out into another smile. "As young as you are you probably shouldn't either. And you don't have any other clothes once those are wet."
"Pssh." She threw a hand in his face to completely shut out his wise observations. "Whatever." She stomped back to the edge of the roof. "Like you said," She spun around to look him in the eye. "I'm young. I can handle ten times what you can, old man." She snickered as she grinned devilishly.
Haschel scowled darkly yet at the same time playfully. "Don't make me push you in."
"Go for it." She dared. She was going to jump in an instant anyway. She was sure the intention showed clear in her eyes.
Kongol had remained still and silent through it all. It was now that he decided it was time to intervene. He reached out and grabbed ahold of her top so she couldn't act on her whims.
Meru started as she felt herself restrained. She tugged uselessly for a minute in her endeavor to dive before bothering to look for the problem. She looked up to see Kongol staring expressionlessly down at her. "Aw, come on." She huffed. "You too?"
Kongol nodded. "It's cold." He said simply. "You get sick."
Meru sighed heavily. "Fine." She let her head hang in her defeat. "You win. I won't do it. Are you happy now?" She frowned at the both of them.
"Yes." They said in unison.
Meru stood there a minute with an expectant look about her. She even started tapping her fingers against her arm to try and show she was waiting. When this too got her nowhere she finally let out a groan like sigh. "That means you can let me go now too." She finally said.
Kongol released her on command. "It almost dark now." He noted absently.
Meru shifted her scowl from one to the other. "Yeah," She crossed her arms in a huff. "Perfect time for swimming!" The tiniest of smiles crept onto her face despite her efforts.
"No." Kongol looked intently out at the darkening sky. "It dangerous at night. Night time for sleeping." Sleeping and guard duty. Night had been when his home was attacked. He never did feel content when it was dark anymore.
Meru rolled her eyes. "If you say so." She took one last glance over the edge at the water. Tiny ripples formed in places. The fish were moving. They made her jealous. But even if she had thought to make a run for it she wouldn't have had the time. In the next instant Dart's familiar voice reached them.
"Guys!" He walked to the bottom of the stairs leading to the roof. "Dinner's ready!" He then went back to the stairs Shana and Rose had went down and repeated it.
Rose perked at the sound of his voice. She looked back down at Shana again. She was peaceful once more as she'd been at the start. At least her outward appearance said so. Who knew what she was really feeling. She was still leaning into the crook of her neck too. She hadn't made her move. She didn't have the heart to. "Come on." She said with the utmost softness. "It's time to eat."
Shana finally came away from Rose. She smiled faintly up at her. "I know. It's impossible not to hear Dart." She laughed softly. Despite this, one could see the lingering sadness at the edges of her expression.
Rose smiled in return. "No doubt." She stood smoothly. She was glad to see, or more precisely feel, that her clothes had dried. "So let's do our ears a favor and not let him scream again."
Shana nodded. "Alright." She too got to her feet.
They walked in stride with each other up the stairs. They were perfect mirrors of each other. Yet they were also nothing alike – one so light, the other so dark. It was amazing they could be so civil with each other based on looks. But appearances can often be deceiving. This was no exception.
"Dart." Shana cooed as they reached the top. She went to him eagerly and wrapped her arms around him. The sadness from the previous conversation was wiped away.
"Hey." He replied tenderly. He embraced her gently and pulled her close. "You ready to eat?"
Shana smiled coyly. She pushed herself up on her tiptoes in order to reach him and kissed him. Only as she lowered to her normal height did she respond. "Uh-huh."
"Oh yeah!" Came Meru's loud voice as she flew into view. "It's time to eat!" She did a little dance.
Haschel laughed at her. Yet he could not deny his own excitement. "I'm with you." His eyes zoomed over the food on the table. "It'll be a good one."
The mayor chuckled at their eagerness. "Ok. Now everyone sit." He signaled downward with his hands. "It's time to eat!"
They ate dinner joyfully. Shana sat close to Dart and spoke only when spoken to. She rather enjoyed the quiet peace of being near him. Dart took part in loud conversation with everyone else for the most part. It had been a while since their party in Tiberoa so it was nice. It was even better that Rose was smiling. She rarely did that.
Meru and Haschel dug into the food like starved wolves while participating just as vigorously in the conversation. Kongol listened and spoke sparingly, but always with a loud voice. Even Rose took part in the talking more than usual. She was unusually happy. She hadn't felt so at ease in forever. It was undeniably nice. Albert was the same as Dart. He was especially glad of Rose's continued peace of mind. He was sure it made him happy just as much as it made Dart happy.
And so they ate like this for an hour or so. After that span of time the vigor started to die and the food dwindled. Everyone was stuffed and ready to settle down if not go to bed. Fa however was the first to act on the notion. She stood and walked silently over to Shana.
Shana perked as she noticed a presence near her. She looked down to find little Fa staring up at her. She smiled softly. "Yes dear?"
Fa stared with wide eyes at Shana. She reached up for Shana's sleeve and gently tugged it. She still wouldn't speak. But she did want this. She just hoped this woman would understand her.
Shana grinned in amusement. "Are you sleepy?" It was late. It was completely dark outside and the moon was now shining brightly.
Fa simply nodded. This woman was so close. She almost had it. Just one more thing though.
Shana contemplated another thing she might be meaning. She laid her hand on Fa's head. "You want to go to bed together?" She tilted her head in question.
A smile broke out over Fa's face. She nodded fervently.
Haschel chuckled to himself. Aloud he said, "Probably she wants warmth." His daughter was the same way. For years she would timidly ask for his wife to sleep by her. She stopped at age seven, but then started up again shortly after his wife's death. Then it was he who held the position of cuddler, all the way until she was fourteen. Then he started to lose her before actually losing her.
Shana silently agreed with him. She had been the same with Dart. Now, however, their closeness was of a different kind. "Let's go to bed together." She held out her hand to the child as she stood up.
Fa reached out and let her hand fall into Shana's. She gripped it lightly to show she was ready.
The two girls walked off together. They ascended the stairs to the only bed to retire for the night. Once there Shana gingerly lifted Fa up onto the bed. She turned the covers back for Fa, waited for her to shuffle her body farther down, pulled them back up, and settled herself next to the child.
Fa rolled over closer to Shana so she fit perfectly into her. She curled up in a ball and scrunched the covers up around her. She hadn't slept with her mother for at least a year because she was dead. All she had was her father. Make no mistake, she loved him dearly, but she missed the gentle touch and soothing voice of a woman. This woman – Shana was it – was close enough.
Shana lifted a hand and gently stroked Fa's face. She then moved her touch over to the child's head. She smoothed her hair as tenderly as if it were her own baby. She loved the way it felt even to be just the giver. She so looked forward to being a mother. She would have a little girl and boy at least, maybe more. This experience only solidified her opinion.
Dart looked over in the direction of the bed. He wondered how long Shana would be up there. Surely as long as Fa was awake. That didn't really tell him much though. He sighed, digging his hands down into his pockets. "I'm going outside." He said to anyone who was listening before he went to the stairs leading to the roof and ascended.
Everyone watched him go, but no one said anything. Rose watched the longest before finally sinking down onto the couch. She didn't care to be out with it so cold. She'd stay here and perhaps tell Shana where Dart went when she came back.
Albert sat down beside her without a word. He figured he'd tell Shana too if Dart was still up there when she returned. He was sure he wouldn't have to though. Rose would surely be on it in an instant. He was mostly there just because he wanted some peace and quiet. Rose would surely give him that.
Meru sat on the floor away from them. She seemed to be playing a game with herself. Haschel wasn't really sure what it was but it involved a lot of rapid hand motions. Despite the speed at which her tasks were performed it was actually the most docile he'd seen Meru.
Kongol was just standing. He never did much. He wasn't a bad guy though. Just quiet.
Haschel shrugged to himself. Everyone was doing something. He contemplated going up where Dart was but quickly shot the idea down when he came to the conclusion Dart was probably thinking about something – the Black Monster most likely. He had no right to interrupt him.
His gaze wandered up to the bedroom. As he was about to look away he heard something. His ears perked and his gaze became more intense. What was that? It was a song. It was too faint to really hear from here though. So with his curiosity he went silently up the stairs.
With each step he took the song became clearer and clearer. It was a quiet soothing tune. Shana must be humming it to Fa to lull her to sleep. Then as he was only a few steps from the top he stopped suddenly. His breath caught in his throat and his heart sped up. "This lullaby…" He gasped in utter shock.
With this shock he was sent thirty years into the past. He was back in Rogue and everything was right with the world. His wife was still gone, but he had his daughter. In this moment in time his daughter was actually out sitting by herself.
He was looking for her and happened upon her then in the memory. She was humming. He smiled with familiarity at his darling. She didn't yet see him and continued humming for a while. The tune was gentle, soothing, and one he had never heard until he caught her singing it then.
Claire saw movement a little ways away and lifted her head to look. She smiled brightly back at him. "Oh, hello father." She greeted with a slight nod. "Were you listening?" She cocked her head to the side.
Haschel nodded.
Claire's smile broke out farther across her face. "Isn't it a lovely tune?" She stood and went toward him. "This tune is a lullaby that I am dedicating to my future baby." Her smile became slightly bashful. Thinking about such things always made her this way. "I made it up myself."
Haschel chuckled. "That might be better for her than mastering the martial arts." Even then he expected the family tradition to fade away. He wanted Claire to take over after he was gone, sure, but after that what was he really going to be able to do? She could pass it on if she so chose. He almost wished she wouldn't though. All good things had to end sometime. He just never realized it was meant to end before it even came to her.
The memory faded away. He didn't know how long he'd been standing there thinking about it. While the memory was just a flash he was sure his mind had lingered on it far longer. His point was proven when he heard someone sit up in bed and start toward him.
It was Shana. "Oh," She blinked a couple of times at him. Then she smiled. "She is sleeping now."
Haschel nodded. He too felt a little strange about being so close when she got up. He didn't mean to spy. But he couldn't deny he was glad he had. That tune. How could she know it?
As if reading his mind she commented on her song. "Isn't it a sweet tune?" She practically mimicked his daughter thirty years ago. She even had the same soft smile. "I learned this from Dart."
Haschel nearly fell over from shock. He quickly recovered and coughed quietly. "Dart," He licked his lips and tried to look at Shana with perfect nonchalance. He couldn't help it though, shock and eagerness shown clear. "Dart knew this tune?"
Fortunately Shana was getting sleepy herself and did not notice his out of character reaction. "Yeah," She nodded with a never dying smile. "He said that his late mother sang it to him. It's a special lullaby, just for him." For some reason she found herself giggling at this statement. Or perhaps she was just amused by the memory of Dart being a child.
Haschel sucked in a sharp breath. "I see." He murmured. His next words he said so softly he was sure only he would hear. "It was not a coincidence for me to be here." He nodded to her. He also offered her a small smile. "I'm going to get some air." He turned and headed down the stairs.
Shana blinked a couple of times. She watched curiously as he went. For a moment she wondered if it was because of her. Then she shrugged and moved on. She followed down the stairs, but she did not follow him. Instead she went to where Albert and Rose were.
Haschel promptly went down the next set of stairs. He needed to be alone. He didn't want anyone to know about his revelation. For now. Eventually he'd tell them, or at least Dart. But right now wasn't the right time. It would just create problems, and they had enough of those right now.
"Oh," Albert perked. "Dart has been outside on the roof for a while." He smiled up at Shana with warmth. "Why don't you join him?" He motioned in the right direction. His mind quickly flitted to Haschel. What was he doing go outside?
Shana nodded with her whole body. "Alright, thanks." She beamed. She looked briefly at Rose to see what she had to say. As expected, she said nothing. So Shana spun on her heel and headed up the stairs.
Albert grinned. "She still seeks your approval." He half laughed. "Even after so long she still won't just act. Dart's the same I think."
Rose shrugged. "It's instinct." She supposed anyway. "They've been doing it for so long they can't help it, even if they know they don't need to." In all honesty she enjoyed the constancy. At least some things never changed.
Albert read her perfectly. "You like it, don't you?" He smiled knowingly at her.
Rose smiled faintly. She liked the feel of it on her lips. "Of course." She turned her head to better see her face. "I least I know what to expect. It makes me more at ease."
Albert opened his mouth to mention her altered attitude, but quickly snapped it shut. Instead he simply smiled wider. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable by bringing her attention to her shift. Simply having her so happy and peaceful was enough.
As they watched each other Meru snapped her head in the direction of the stairs. She watched as Shana disappeared up them. Then her eye slipped back to Albert and Rose before she jumped up. There was no stealth to it, but her movements gave the illusion that she was truly trying to be stealthy.
She slipped over to the stairs. She kept just behind Shana. Her steps were without sound. She stopped, however, before she reached the top. She crouched down in the darkness, unable to see anything. All she wanted was to hear.
Shana walked silently over to Dart's side. She snuck a glance at him, but after that she did not look at him. She lifted her gaze to the Moon that Never Sets. She is content just being by his side.
Dart noticed her immediately. He smiled to himself. He launched into a song mere seconds later. It is the tune Shana sang to Fa. He hums it contentedly, his smile growing by the second. Only as the tune faded away did he speak, "It's a tune from my memory." He said softly.
Shana smiled softly in return. "Do you remember – when you first came to Seles?" She tilted her head slightly as she waited for the briefest of moments. When he nodded she continued, "I was little and you used to sing this song to me." Her smile grew. The memory still made her warm inside.
Dart nodded again. "I remember that." He turned his head to look directly at her. "Back then I used to take care of you," He grinned in great amusement. "As if you were my baby sister." He nudged her gently.
Shana laughed softly. "Like a 'baby sister'." She shook her head in disbelief. That was so far away. "But many things have changed since then." She turned to fully face him. She reached out and took his hands. "You and I too, Dart." She stepped forward, looking deep in his eyes.
Dart chuckled. He was still a bit nervous about all this. "Yeah," He pulled her closer. "You and I too, Shana." He moved his hands around her waist.
Shana chuckled just like him. "Yes we have." She leaned up on her tiptoes. Her eyes fell closed.
Dart bent down to meet her halfway. Their lips met and there was a spark. He kissed her softly. She was as fragile as a flower. He didn't want to be rough.
Meru was still below them, listening intently. "Childhood friend, hmm?" A familiar smile graced her lips. She was taken back to when she was younger, before she left her hometown. Most prominent of all was a boy's face. "I wonder how my childhood friend is doing." She tapped her chin. Her smile fell into a frown at the imaginings that came to mind.
Dart broke the kiss. He smiled warmly down at her. After a moment, however, his eyes wandered. They went back to the moon. "The Moon That Never Sets," He breathed, pulling away from Shana to face it. "I hadn't noticed, but the Moon has been involving itself in our journey."
Shana turned to face it as well. Only as she stared a deep frown set in on her face. Her brows knitted together and a faint pain crept up on her. "Yes," She said through gritted teeth. She didn't want to raise alarm. She wanted to enjoy this.
Dart didn't notice. He kept right on staring at the Moon. It was unusually bright tonight. The only thing dampening the glow was the mist of clouds in front of it.
As if on command the clouds suddenly cleared. Everything brightened tenfold. Then it happened. Shana couldn't take it anymore. She grasped at her head and bent over, shaking. "Dart…" She squeezed out. "My…my head hurts!" She practically screamed in her agony.
Dart started. He spun around quickly. "Shana!?" He gasped.
Shana's body suddenly burst with light. It was not unlike the time with the Virage. Her screams tampered off, but only because her consciousness was fading. She bent further over. Everything was getting hazy. Dart's voice was a distant echo. "Da…rt." Then she fell over backwards, limp.
Meru dashed up the stairs. Her eyes were wide with fear. She could only find air enough to say, "What happened!?" She dropped to her knees by Shana, almost afraid to touch her. She trembled faintly all the while.
Dart was down at Shana's side just as quickly. "Shana!" He cried. He lifted her into his lap, cradling her carefully. "Are you all right!?" His eyes darted across her face for any sign of registration. When there was none he shot to his feet.
Shana's eyes opened a sliver with the sudden movement. She saw a blur of red – Dart's armor. She could feel his arms around her. She wanted to tell him how much it hurt, how badly it made every inch of her being ache, but she could not find the words. All that came out was a faint moan. Then she once more blacked out.
A panic gripped Dart. "Hang on!" He shot down the stairs. He was reminded so much of the time with Feyrbrand. Only this was so much scarier. This had no rhyme or reason. There was no enemy, there was no poison. There was only the Moon. And in that moment it was the last thing on his mind.
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