An update! Finally haven't delayed the updates that much tee hee...
This chapter is not beta'd...i don't have one so if anyone's interested I'd be happy to have one!
Disclaimer: I'm just borrowing the characters from Yu Wo
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Chapter 5:
It was supposed to be easy to get to the band. But this crowd of people here are making it really hard to get to the backstage. And the guards aren't letting anyone through. I didn't what to get near that crowd in fear of being shoved around. The band has some rabid fans.
I glanced at Shui Han wondering what she was going to do with this crowd but found her trying to sneak out of the club. I sighed and questioned her in a sickly sweet voice that I usually use with specific clients.
"Shui Han, May Sun ask as to where you're heading to? Oh…silly me. Sun actually thinks you're going to be sneaking off and leave us here hanging. Of course Sun knows that Shui Han is actually not that kind of person. In fact Sun thinks-"
"Alright! Just stop guilt-tripping me already. And stop speaking, my head hurts already" she cut me off and resigned to abandoning her original plan. She looked longingly at the exit and Adair gave her a pat in the back.
I eyed the crowd and guards and then turned to look at Lesus who was beside me standing tall as ever. Maybe Lesus…. I smiled mischievously as I turned back to Shui Han who was mulling about what she has to do.
"Shui Han" she flinched as I called her name "You still have those VIP cards right?" She nodded but then protested about what she was thinking that I was to do
"But I doubt those guards will let us through even with the cards. The club highly regards that band. Even higher than VIPs" She reasoned still looking warily at the guards.
"Don't worry, Lesus will try right, Lesus?" I looked up at him (Damn him for being that tall) and used my oh-so-special puppy eyes to get him to cave in. "Please?" I added for good measure. His dark obsidian eyes bore into my bright azure ones. It took a good 1 minute and 27 seconds for him to cave in but who's counting.
"Fine" he resigned breaking away from my gaze. He took the card from Shui Han and started to tread towards the crowd with us following just behind. Facing the horde of people, he coughed and as with a domino effect people began making a path for us to go through. Hehe…I was right to use Lesus' intimidation.
We walked on the path, Shui Han a bit dumbfounded, and stopped in front of the big bulky guards. The crowd stared at us, not daring to breathe a sound at Lesus' menacing figure (at least, to them) causing thick awkward silence. Lesus showed them the card but the guards still stood at the entrance.
"No can do, the boss said to let no one through…even VIPs" one of the guards informed in a deep gruff voice. Lesus stared for a moment before asking something, it was incoherent to us on what he was saying because the fans thought it would be a nice time to continue screeching as a member of the band with the manager passed by in the backstage.
I tried my best to ignore the noise without clamping my ears and watched as the guard called on someone through an earpiece with Lesus still standing looking unperturbed. A few minutes and a lot of screams later, the guard moved away and let our group pass through earning groans from the fans who were blocked entrance.
I smiled my best at Lesus and made a note to up his pushover score. I walked to his side after the other guard gave us instructions and went back to reigning in the horde of fans. He looked straight ahead not even bothering a glance at me.
Hmph! You could have refused you know! Stupid Lesus. And here I was thinking of upping that pushover score of his, he's still in second place next to Demos. Although I do wonder what Lesus used to get us through. His looks say that if I ask one more favor, I'm done! Gulp! Nothing could go wrong with asking right?
I shook away my thoughts and continued to walk with him to see the band. I glanced behind to see Lolidragon gaping like a fish before smiling her devilish smile. I inwardly sighed and looked over to Adair who was at the back of the group. At least Adair looks normal.
"Lesus" I called out. No answer…
"How'd you get the guards to open up?" He finally met my eyes. He got something out from his pocket and showed it to me. "This" he replied casually. I looked at the object in his hands and then to him, but with disbelief present in my eyes.
That's his family's emblem right? I never thought Lesus was on to use his family's name to get around things! I've used mine a few times…but that's not the point. Lesus was the last person I could've thought of to do that! That bastard Georgo would be the first.
"That worked?!" Surprisingly, it wasn't me who asked but instead it was Shui Han who I didn't notice was just right behind us. "No way! I tried that the last time I was here but they still wouldn't let me in!" Shui Han eyed the crest with unconcealed contempt as if it offended her in anyway.
"And I found out" Lesus continued "Pink is one of the owners of this place."
Pink? Well that would've explained it. Our family's go way back. Pink is Big Sister Scarlet's cousin and supposed to be Roland's adoptive mother. Ah… No wonder they play here. That reminds me, I haven't visited Pink in a while….
I was brought out of my musings when we arrived in front of a door. I could hear some voices on the other side. Lesus wasn't making any move to knock and Shui Han seemed to be urging me to do it. Adair just looked at me casually but I could tell he was also telling me to knock at the door.
With no choice, I was the one who knocked and turn the knob to open the door. I was met with the sight of the band members relaxing with drinks in their hand except Roland. That fella never did like to drink. When the door opened they all looked at me and it took all my years of experience in dealing with people to not shy away from their stares. I smiled my usual smile at them and was about to introduce myself when someone beat me to it.
"Grisia!" Roland shot up from his seat and looked really surprised to see me. He already took off his mask and I could see a smile form his lips.
"I'm really sorry to intrude on you like this but my friends and I" I opened the door wider to let the others inside "Wanted to meet your band. And I recently heard that a friend of mine is already back. I would just like to catch up with him, with two months of his arrival and all." I beamed at one specific person who manage to give me a guilty look. The rest of the band members looked at Roland questioningly.
Lesus and Adair nodded their heads in a greeting while Shui Han smiled waving her hands and greeted them excitedly "Hi! I'm Shui Han and I'm a big fan of all of you"
After a moment or two, it was the Rosy haired guy who spoke up "Well, nice to meet you. Come, take a seat" he gestured to the love seat and armchairs. We followed his words and sat on the seats available; Lesus and I on the love seats and the rest on the surrounding chairs.
"You must be really…important, for the boss to allow you to go through. Excuse me, you might now me already but I'm Charles Anastas or by my stage name the Shadow Priest" the same man spoke up and I noticed that his eyes were a stunning amethyst. Shui Han and I smiled sheepishly.
"You may call me Ice Phoenix" The pretty blonde girl spoke up. "I'd rather not disclose my real name" She gave an apologizing smile
"Roland, Death Monarch" Typical Roland, precise and straight to the point.
"I'm Awaitsun, the Silent Eagle. Nice to meet you" The hottie from before spoke up and gave a dashing smile which almost made me lose my composure. I'm better off than Shui Hanwho was positively swooned by him.
We nodded at their introductions. I straightened myself and began the introduction of our group. "I'm Grisia Sun, It's a pleasure to meet you"
Lesus was next "Lesus Judgement" he then gave a curt nod.
"Guess I introduced myself earlier but I'm Long Shui Han"
Lastly it was Adair "Adair. Miss Grisia's Assistant" he smiled.
With the introduction out of the way, I went towards Roland to borrow him for a minute. "It's really a pleasure to meet you but may I ask to borrow Roland for a minute? I just have something to talk to him about" With an air of confidence, I pulled Roland by his hand and Lesus followed, I don't know why, to the next room I could find which, conveniently, was empty.
Now that we're here, I dropped my mask and glared at Roland with a pout. He even had the audacity to look guilty! "What do you have to say for yourself?" I asked my voice firm and stern He didn't even inform me when he got back and I'm supposed to be his best friend.
"I got caught up with a busy schedule and hadn't found the time to-" I cut him off of his excuse
"Shut it Roland! We both know that isn't why. You could've called, emailed, anything but you didn't" The pout on my lips grew "And I also know a certain someone who would be more furious at you"
His eyes widened and his face contorted into a guilty expression. Lesus put a hand on my shoulder to calm me down. "Grisia, I'm sure that he had something going on. Let him speak. Your emotions are getting the best of you" he chastised me quietly.
I calmed down a bit and looked at Roland waiting for an answer. I'm just upset that he didn't even bother to inform. "I'm sorry Grisia. It's just that I wanted to have a title for myself before meeting you again. Society has become a bit rough on you and I might just add to it" he explained.
So that's what it's all about? I couldn't give a fuck about society! But with Roland's personality it's understandable. My features softened and I gave him a hug. He relaxed at my hug and I saw Lesus giving him a pat on the back.
"I'm sorry Roland, I didn't know it was that hard on you" I apologized for my actions after releasing him from the hug. Roland has had it rough on him since he was young. He was born an illegitimate child of an elite socialite which happened to be my mother's second cousin. Being an illegitimate child, he was shunned from society. When his father died, his other relatives didn't want him though he was passed around because his father was without an heir making him the heir to all the fortunes. He was abused for some time in one of his relative's houses and after a near death experience, he was taken in by one of my Aunts, Pink to be exact. And since that time, he's been doing good.
I met him in one of the parties and was appalled by the malicious stares given to him by the adults. We became friends then. We told each other everything. So when he was passed again in this new house and hasn't contacted me for a while, I pestered father to find him and with the help of Pink we were able to rescue him. So that's why our relationship is pretty close.
"Don't be. I didn't want to worry you." He smiled and I felt appeased at this. Lesus was too, judging by the slight relaxation of his facial features. Well that was a good enough reason to me. And I'll make sure to arrange things a bit in the elite society.
I schemed in my head and let out a mischievous smile.
Roland and Lesus both sighed. "As much as I don't want her to worry, this is also one of the reasons why I didn't contact her yet" Roland rested his face in his hand, gently massaging his temples.
"You know how she gets. This would've happened whether you contacted her or not. Although you should've chosen the former."
"Yeah."
"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" I finally snapped out of my musings and berated them. "And you Roland" I pointed a finger at him "You still have to inform a certain someone lest you want to suffer her kicks"
"Storm has been quite busy these days. You could lighten her up a bit" Lesus stated nonchalantly heading out the door. His statement earned a light hue of pink on Roland's cheek. I smiled knowingly and followed Lesus' steps and Roland followed not soon after.
While the three were in the next room, the others were left confused by their actions.
"Did Roland have a girlfriend?" Ice phoenix asked not only the other group but also her band members. She was astounded to say the least. Roland was the least likely to be persuaded by a girl but there he was following after that beauty, Grisia was it?
"You misunderstand. Miss Grisia and Roland are childhood friends" Adair informed helpfully hoping to clear up the misunderstanding.
"Oh. So is Grisia dating that other guy…Lesus?" This time it was Charles who had quite a disappointed look on his face.
"I don't think so, Grisia also said they're only friends." Shui Han spoke up then turned to Adair "Hey Adair, would you happen to know if they were doing things in there? For all we know they could end up in a threesome" She cackled
Adair visibly reddened, by embarrassment or anything, no one knows. "Miss would never do such a thing. She just had something to talk about with Roland. Sir Lesus keeps track of things" Even though he was as red as an apple, he still managed to answer calmly. Shui Han mentally applauded Adair.
"Oh. So she's the Grisia that Pink talks about" Ice phoenix suddenly exclaimed after forming the puzzle pieces in her mind. Her band members nodded knowingly remembering the, a bit eccentric, club owner/ Roland's guardian.
"That makes much more sense now" Awaitsun who has stayed silent, stated.
They then simultaneously turned their heads at the door when it creaked open revealing Lesus followed by Grisia then Roland.
Why's everyone staring at us? Well I did pull out one of their band members…
I smiled at them and went back to where I was seated before beside Lesus. I was surprised by the less amount of questioning looks but I suspect Adair had something to do with that already. As I settled down, I opted to strike a conversation with the band members.
"Adair may have already explained our situation to you guys so I would like to know how you met?" They stared at each other urging one to speak up. In the end it was Charles, the rosy haired guy who answered.
"It was mostly by coincidence really. We were in the same club back in our hometown. And we just hit it off I guess, finding out we play instruments and stuff. Ice phoenix though was met through one of our club members" He explained gazing at me. I did feel a bit uncomfortable under his stare but with years of experience I shrugged it off.
At the very least, I don't have to wink at them like Ceo does. I wonder how she manages not to get jumped with all her winking. Not that, I want something to happen to her. I'm just…curious.
"May I ask what kind of club it was?" I just can't think of Roland joining a music club or something, though I wouldn't put it past him.
"It was a fencing club" Awaitsun deadpanned.
Fencing club… You're telling me that these people who basically have perfected their instruments met through fencing club?! Damn, I knew Roland liked swordplay but to actually form his band from his club mates. What a coincidence it is! Roland does know how to pick people though.
Still a bit bothered by that fact, I continued the conversation we were having and eventually the others joined in too. They were actually easy to get along with! Even Lesus joined in once in a while. We eventually noticed how late it was and promised to come again in their next gig. After, making sure Roland was going to be okay and reminding him on what to do, we all went our separate ways.
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I returned back to my bedroom, slamming down on my bed after doing my nightly rituals. This day was very…very tiring. Appointments here…appointments there and the thing about Roland. I'm stumped! I sighed burying my face in my pillow. Well at least, things could have been worse.
I need to vent out. That's why I grabbed my helmet and logged on to second life.
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I fluttered my eyes open and saw a wooden ceiling. I sat up and observed the room I was in. Fairly normal. I must be at an inn. I'm at second life. Straightening myself, I proceed to go out and train. Of course because of my character I earned a few stares…okay maybe not so few.
I'm still in the newbie village and I'm finding my way on how to become a mage. The requirements are to gather 10 golden fruits from the forest. I already have 7 myself and it would have been easier if the forest wasn't surrounded by slimes, wolves and what not.
With the help of my newfound elf friend, I manage to level myself up to level 4 and raise my strength up to 10! That's because we killed a lot of slime. However, through some tragic events we got separated while I was buying potions and he wandered off to elsewhere. Sigh. I sure hope the girls don't catch him. I didn't even manage to add him as a buddy yet.
So with the handsome elf gone, I was left with no more eyecandy…I mean training partner. I was alone to fend for myself and had to resort to my womanly charms to accomplish my goals. These are such times when I am proud to be a woman.
Passing the NPC by the reception, I went into town to prepare to continue gathering the golden fruits. I bought some potions and set off to the forest, keeping an eye out to people who look like they're either going to jump me or to kill me. A few days here and it seems half the population loves me, while the other half hates me. It's not my fault I'm born with these looks! Not that I'm complaining of course.
I arrived at the forest in a nick of time and spotted a bunch of golden fruit hanging off a tree surrounded by slimes. Look at my luck! Just three of those and I'll be a mage! I picked up stones (sadly it's the only technique I have) and positioned myself in a good distance to hit the slimes.
Thank goodness, I certainly wouldn't want a repeat of last time. I don't want to get another guy to help me defeat a bunch of wolves. I do wonder where he went, I lost my aim at the slime just as he was killing the last wolf and hit him as the wolf disappeared. I apparently drained the last bit of his hp and he died. Tsk tsk. He was a bit good looking too.
I managed to kill all of the slimes and get back the golden fruits after 20 or so stones were used. I sighed in relief and pocketed my knife (given to newbies), which I used to cut off the golden fruits. I headed back to the village to find the little workshop to become a mage.
On my way there, I spotted a child being pushed around by the crowd. She was crying yet no one even stopped to help her. Feeling a pang of pity, I walked towards the child and picked her up. I went to the town square and sat the girl down at the fountain. She still wouldn't stop crying so I called her attention.
"Little girl…" she still wouldn't stop crying
I bent on my knees so we saw each other eye to eye. I took out a blueberry lollipop that I bought earlier hoping to eat something sweet and showed it to her. She noticed the lollipop and her crying was reduced to sobs.
I smiled "If you stop crying, I'll give you this lollipop" She nodded and I gave her the lollipop to eat. She happily accepted it and began licking the treat. I thought this was a great opportunity to ask her what's wrong.
"Why were you crying? A pretty little girl like you shouldn't cry" I asked
She looked at me, paused eating her treat momentarily and responded in a timid voice "I lost my mama"
"Do you know where you last saw her? What is she?"
I wasn't prepared for the girl's next answer.
"She lives in this village and makes all these sticks" she describes
If the mother works in the village, then this child is an NPC? Come to think of it, who on earth would let their child, who's looks barely 5 play this game? So maybe that's why people were ignoring this child. We are in a tiny village after all probably people are more focused leaving here than observe things.
"Don't worry, I'll help you find your mama"
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Here's a new chapter hope you like it! I put a bit of an explanation on Roland's part. What do you think about me posting side chapters about the twelve knight's childhood in this AU? Like how the animosity between Sun and Earth...basically my modern uptake on the side stories of the knights.
Anyways, reviews are much appreciated! They give me the drive needed for a new chappy!