Author's Note: It's been FRIGGIN FOREVER. I know. And I'm sorry :( I hate school.
But I promised an update around Thanksgiving. And here it is :) You can't say I didn't keep my word.

| ~ | ~ | B l u e . E r s a t z | ~ | ~ |

11

"Undiscovered"

-SuzieQuaKes-

"I'm not lost, I'm not lost. Just undiscovered."

It was sort of weird the way that despite all the strange and unusual happenings that were occurring, the first thing I thought about was my suitcase. Every item I would survive on for the next two-weeks was in that bag. Which meant I would go around smelling like a dump and that would really win these strangers over. Strangers. I finally snapped back to reality and my brain did a little recap for me, reminding me of what the important thing was. I was sitting on the floor of a helicopter that was whirring in the air at about the speed of freaking light. Surrounded by criminals. To rob a casino. I seriously must be dreaming.

I guess I must have been staring at Drew's face like a complete and utter idiot because I saw the corners of his mouth twitching. Oh no. He was absolutely not about to give me that horrible, annoying, good-for-nothing, sexy smirk! Immediately after having that thought, I back-pedeled. Sexy? Really, May? Oh, whatever. There was a little more serious situation going on here. Seriously. Andrew Hayden had just told me that we were going to rob a casino. Rob an 'effing casino.

"I see you're still confused." The smooth voice of Molly's cut into my thoughts and I diverted my attention to her. She spoke loudly, over the whir of the helicopter. She gave me a smile and pulled some of her hair away from her face. "No worries, Posy. I can tell that this is your first time—I remember my first time. It was scar-ree. But you'll get the gist of it."

Um. We are robbing a casino! I wanted to scream at her. Not losing a virginity! I mean—last time I checked, robbing was considered to be illegal. I instantly imagined myself sitting alone in a dark, gray jail cell and shuddered at the thought.

"Hey, isn't this George's daughter?" Somebody said and I turned towards row of couples that were sitting beside each other. The one who had just spoke was a man with thick brown hair in spikes. He flashed me a big grin.

"Yes, she is, Oak." I heard Drew answer with just the slightest hint of menace in his voice.

The guy's grin never left his face. He stared at me up and down and his eyes gleamed over as if satisfied by what he saw. I blushed a little, unable to control myself. I mean, you had to admit, it was a little boost to the female ego when somebody appreciates your image. "Posy Donahue, huh? You've been quite the talk for the past few years and finally we meet! You're every bit gorgeous as they say. Name's Gary Oak, pleased to meet ya!"

"T-thanks?" I stuttered out like a complete moron. Way to make a first impression.

But Gary didn't seem to mind it that much. He seemed like one of those smooth guys that were always surrounded by women. I had to admit, if I weren't so shaken up by everything that was happening, I would say that he was hot. Dressed in a leather black race jacket and denim cuffs—he looked like your typical bad boy. And well, he was your typical bad boy. "Why don't you sit?" His voice interrupted my thoughts as he motioned his hand over to the row of seats facing him. "It's a long ride, better get comfortable."

"I think I know very well how to make her feel comfortable, Oak." Drew looked annoyed as he came towards me and grabbing my waist, lifted me off the floor of the helicopter. I squeaked in surprise but Drew just flashed me a glare as he carried me towards the seats. Uh, okay, mood change much? Though it wasn't to say I wasn't amused. Watching Drew getting all mad because Gary was somewhat hitting on me. It could well be an act but the jealousy sure didn't look like it was pretend.

I tried not to get my hopes up. It was Drew after all. But it'd be a lie to say that I didn't blush while he carried me. Stupid me.

"Aw, isn't that cute?" Molly practically cooed into my face as she sat next to a man with graying brown hair. He smiled at me when our eyes met. It was sort-of strange, so to say. I mean—with all of these strangers facing you. Drew and I were the only ones on the other side of the helicopter.

Molly proceeded to introduce me to all of the couples that were facing me. "That's Vanya Mokronosov. Gary's partner." Molly grinned, motioning her hand towards the woman seated at the very top of the row of seats. She was around my age with an attractive facial-structure. I guessed that she was Russian. A gorgeous blonde criminal who was Russian—now that was certainly cliche. "Vanya, that's Posy. George's daughter."

She only arched her perfectly done eyebrows and murmured: "I see." Her voice was thick with an accent. I felt flustered, little and underpowered under the gaze of cold and blue eyes. There was a certain element in Vanya that chilled me. So I was relieved when Molly's voice rang out again.

"That's Jonathan, my husband and partner." The purple-haired woman wore a smile on her face as she looked at the man beside her. He was the one with the graying brown hair that smiled at me earlier on. He looked really friendly, flashing a big grin. Much friendlier than Vanya, that was for sure.

"Hey Posy, nice to meet you! Just call me Jonno. I know you're all very new to this entire experience, but don't worry, Mol and I will make sure that you're at ease and comfortable with what you're doing." Jonathan had a nice voice, I found myself noting. A little bit on the high side, but it dripped with charm and . . . diplomacy. He smiled some more. "We're so sorry that your honeymoon with Drew has to be something like this but I promise you, once we're done, you two can celebrate your honeymoon anywhere you want—as long as you want."

I tried to smile in sheer politeness, but it came out as a weird grimace. Jonno was a little bit close to jumping off the border of kindness and go towards smothering. "It's no problem, don't worry about it. I mean—this job's far more important, right? And thanks for the support!"

I tried to stay in character. From what I'd seen, Posy Donahue was a confident, gorgeous woman who was bursting with energy. She was also familiar with the entire 'criminal' scene and wouldn't be so terrified to death at the thought of robbing a casino. I knew that I should probably be freaking out, but somehow, although I was nervous, I knew that everything was going to turn out okay. I had Drew after all and he promised that nothing bad was going to happen to me . . .

"And the final two are Allie and David." Molly smiled at me, and pointed towards the final two that I hadn't met yet. They looked quite plain and similar, with dark brown hair and glasses over tiny eyes. They nodded a 'hello' to me and I smiled back. "But they're going to be working with the technical side of things, so you won't be seeing them often." The purple-haired woman grinned, finishing off her introductions. "Well, that's it! Basically, you and Drew, Jonno and I and Vanya and Gary will be working along side each other to carry out this thing successfully. You'll be with us the most."

"That sounds fantastic," I had to pretend and add a little bit of enthusiasm in my voice. "It's good to meet everyone."

A little murmur arose from everyone facing me, something along the lines of "it's nice to meet you too". I pressed a little smile onto my face, leaned back to the cool walls of the thundering helicopter and let my thoughts run wild. Drew glanced at me with a little smirk a few times, and I flashed him death-glares each and every time. He seriously had some explaining to do once we were alone. I closed my eyes, tired by all of the commotion that took place. And within a few minutes, I managed to fall asleep, despite how loud the chopper was rumbling.

"May." I awoke to a familiar, soft voice calling name. "C'mon, we're here."

I let a low groan escape my mouth. I realized that my back was aching and my shoulders felt like they were being pressed down by ten million pounds. I squinted my eyes open, to stare into the deepest, darkest shade of emerald. A tiny gasp made its way out of my throat. Drew's face . . . so close to mine. Well that certainly woke me up.

I sat up straight, to notice that the helicopter had stopped whirring. Everything was still and behind Drew, the front door to the chopper was open and everyone was outside already. Sunlight streamed inside the copter. It was early morning and we had arrived. We were in La Rousse. I couldn't help but wonder whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Drew outstretched his palm towards me and I grasped it, using it to lever myself off of the seat. My entire body was aching and I just wanted a nice, soft bed to rest myself. The ride was long and uncomfortable. It was to my surprise that Drew didn't utter a single arrogant word as he guided me towards the entrance of the helicopter. Usually he'd be saying how horrible I looked or something. I guess I probably should enjoy the moment. Drew being quiet was a rarity.

We stepped outside to the cool breeze and it instantly refreshed me. I had a chance to take a look around and La Rousse wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. But that was explainable, as we were in a deserted clearing in the middle of nowhere, really. The real city appeared far from here. I looked in confusion at all the people I had met a few hours ago. Vanya had her arms crossed over her chest, her blue eyes set straight in front of her, looking determined. Jonno and Molly were standing together, whispering. David and Allie were merely just standing there. Gary was beside Vanya, but looked over towards me to smile. I had to return it.

Drew noticed. He rolled his eyes and grumbled: "So Oak is making moves towards you. Well he surely has bad taste. With somebody like Vanya by his side, he still gawks at May Maple? Psh."

I casted a sideways glare at him. His little absence of arrogance before was instantly missed. "Well I'm sorry if he finds me attractive and can appreciate real beauty. Unlike some people I know of."

"Oh, seriously now?" Drew smirked at me. "Real beauty? He probably finds your name attractive. He thinks you're a Donahue. And that's why he's trying to get close to you."

It was my turn to roll my eyes. "Whatever, Drew." I stretched a little and yawned. "Why are we standing here anyway?"

Before Drew could answer, four black limousines roared in through a little curve of the road. My mouth dropped. What more surprises could there possibly be? Everybody around me looked completely at ease and I could tell that all of this wasn't new to them. Drew elbowed my slightly with a smirk on his face. "Never seen a limo before?"

I closed my mouth and narrowed my eyes at him with a 'hmmph!' Stupid annoying Drew.

The limos roared over to us, stopping at each of the individual couples. The chauffeurs stepped out of the driver seat and elegantly walked around to escort us inside. I was ushered in with Drew right on my heels. He heaved himself onto the leather cushion seat beside me and the door was slammed shut. A second later, the car started and drove smoothly out of the clearing, leaving the helicopter behind. My mouth dropped slightly again as I had a chance to marvel at the inside of the limo. It was true that I had never been inside one before—or see one outside of television for that matter. I sniffed slightly. It smelled of leather seats and expensive polish. My eyes rolled back to my head—this was serious luxury.

"Oh . . . my God." I whispered, reaching out to touch the smooth mahogany of the little bar table. There were drinks—lots of drinks. A tiny refrigerator sat in the compartment underneath the table. Stereo speakers that were on the walls blasted some loud music. Purple lights flashed from above. It was like a mobile dance-floor.

"Yeah, it's all pretty divine for a barbarian, isn't it?"

I gritted my teeth and tore my gaze away from the extravagance. Drew. Almost forgot that that bastard was here. He gave me one of his trademark flick of the hair and the deep emerald eyes twinkled in amusement. "Drew, now that we're alone, mind explaining what the hell I'm doing here?"

"Come on, May. Relax. You're in good hands." He smirked at me and dragged his bottom towards the bar. "Want a drink?"

"You promised you would explain!" I protested and crossed my arms over my chest. My mouth was dry, despite of myself, and I had to murmur: "Yeah, I wouldn't mind one."

The next couple of minutes were filled by the sound of glasses tinkling as Drew proceeded to mix things together. With a final squeeze of a lime, he poured the mixture into two cocktail glasses and handed one over to me. "We're here to rob a casino."

"I think I got that fact!" I exclaimed and sipped the green-ish liquid with a bit of reluctance. My eyes went straight open with the burst of flavors that it produced. My tongue went on fire with the acidity of the lime, the vodka and this incomprehensible flavor that reminded me of ponies galloping across an open land. Man, that tasted good.

"You think you can let me finish?" Drew rolled his eyes. "This isn't as bad as you think it is though. I own the casino."

"What?" I tore myself away from that heavenly tasting liquid long enough to stare at Drew as if he were an idiot. Thought that day would never come. "Um . . . pardon me for asking, Drew. But what exactly is the logic in robbing your own casino?"

He rolled his eyes a second time. "I was getting towards that . . ." Drew drank a little of the cocktail and continued to speak. "It's supposed to be owned by me. It's a family business that was my Dad's before he died. But I was underaged and not yet legible to inherit it. So my Dad's brother got a hold of it. He's an evil man, lives off of rigging people off at the casino. There's a very few chance that somebody actually wins the jackpot at the casino—and when they do, his men are always ready to beat to crap out of the poor person who thought it was their lucky day and get all his money back."

"Wow that sounds horrible." I commented. "But you're legible now, right? Why don't you take it back?"

"I would if I could," Drew's head fell to his hands and he sighed. "I work with George, doing criminal business—but trust me, it's all supposed to be for the good of people. I rob off these criminals, taking all of the money that don't deserve, back to the rigged victims. It's still considered to be a crime for God knows what reason." He pressed his lips and with a nod of encouragement from me, he continued to talk. "My uncle knows that I'm a 'criminal'. He's refusing to give me back the company and threatens that if I take him to court, all of my crimes will be revealed."

"Oh . . ." I found difficulty in knowing what to respond. I set the empty cocktail cup down on the bar table and looked at Drew. "Well, in that case, I'm happy to help you."

Drew lifted his face and looked at me with a little hint of a smile. "Really?"

I nodded and returned the smile. "Really. It's for the good of the public anyway."

"Thanks, May." He showed real gratitude in his eyes. "This job is really important for me. And I know I don't say this often, but I owe you one."

I giggled. "I'll hold you to that."

And then we looked into each other's eyes. It was probably about a quarter of a second, but I felt the tiniest spark set itself off in my stomach. It was like the first time we met, over four years ago when he paid for my meal at a restaurant. The waiter coming to tell me with a smile on his face that a certain "gentleman" had covered my bill and then motioned his hand towards the green-haired man. That . . . connection I felt through that gaze, even though it was through a room full of strangers . . .

It was like that time when he looked at me from beside Posy at my boutique, his eyes sparkling.

That intensity, that spark, that connection.

It was all right there.

"Oh, um, before I forget." Drew tore his eyes away from mine and a little bit of disappointment shot through me. I didn't want that moment to end. But I ignored it as I watched in curiosity at him digging through his pocket. Finally Drew pulled out two little plastic-covered cards and handed one to me. "Our new identities for two weeks."

"You mean new, new identity." I smiled wryly at him and looked down at the card. It was an ID. According to the card, I had become from May Maple to Posy Donahue to Sierra Ersatz from Saffron City. I glanced at the picture and noticed that it was me—but with black hair. Seriously? I elbowed Drew slightly and pointed to the hair. "Um, what is this?"

He smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "Completely new identities, May. And that means a disguise."

"You're kidding me! I have to . . ."

"Dye your hair." Drew finished off for me and smirked some more. "Not that it'll change your ugly face."

"Drew!"

He laughed and flicked some hair away from his eyes. "Just a semi-permament dye, nothing you can't wash off."

I curled my lip but I had to admit, I was relieved. I loved my shade of brown hair and some disgusting black dye was not about to cover it all up. "What are you going to look like?"

Without saying a word, Drew handed his ID card to me. I looked down at it and had to laugh. Apparently he was Nathaniel Blue from Lavender City. With brown hair and brown eyes. Drew Hayden without his signature green hair and emerald eyes. Now that was a sight to see.

"I can't wait until you become Nathaniel Blue." I told Drew, sticking my tongue out. He rolled his eyes, flicking his hair.

"I'll still look hot. Hotter than Sierra Ersatz."

"Oh, please. In your dreams!"

I stuck my tongue out at him again and then smiled to myself as the limousine began to enter downtown La Rousse. There were so many people, so many lights, so many buildings . . . I could hardly wait to go exploring. I had to admit, it was a little bit exciting to be arriving in a completely metropolitan city like La Rousse . . . especially with the new identities. I felt like a brand new person.

Blue and Ersatz . . . hmm. We would make good partners in crime.

Author's Note: Now you get where the title is from! :)

I know this chapter was probably crappy and everything but I'd appreciate nothing more than a little review! Feel free to point out my areas of weaknesses and give some constructive criticism because I know this was not the best. :)

But I updated! Yay!

-Suzie x