dis-claim'er, noun: a denial or disavowal of legal claim: relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate; b: a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer; c: a statement made to save one's own ass.

Author's Note: BE WARNED! This chapter will contain some rather "spicy" scenes. If you are uneasy reading about sexual content, I advise you to scroll past those scenes. This chapter will tell the events of October and will be broken down by the days. Scenes separated by a percentage sign take place on the same day. Thus, scenes separated by lines will be different days.

Thank you for reading!

The Blues of October

October 2nd:

"What are these things?!" Ryo shouted as he stabbed one of the creatures, effectively taking it down. He looked around the battlefield to see Rowen releasing arrow after arrow at the gargoyle like things that were flying in the air.

"I don't know, but they sure are ugly!" Kento shouted as he used his naginata to get high enough in the air to bring them down. He landed on the ground with ease.

Cye stabbed one of the winged creatures that Rowen shot down. Sage moved expertly as he swung his no-datchi and cut two of them in half. He stepped to the right as he took another one down. These things seemed like they were multiplying.

Rowen shared a look with Ryo. He notched an arrow in his bow, pulling the string back as energy gathered at the end, "Arrow Shock Wave!"

Ryo put his two katanas together, holding them up in the air, "Flare Up Now!"

The two attacks molded together to create a brilliant flash of light. All of the incoming creatures were destroyed. From the other side of the field, Cye released his ultimate attack as well. Water swirled in the air as it eliminated the remaining gargoyle-like monsters. Kento couldn't do much since he was an Earth element. Whenever one of them came to the ground he was able to take them out.

They had been fighting for at least an hour. Honestly, Ryo had lost track of the time. They were on the outskirts of Toriyama in a wooded area. He was appreciative that they were away from civilians. The last time the city was attacked Talpa had engulfed the city and sent all the people to The Dynasty. It was much easier to fight knowing that no civilians would be caught in the backlash of an attack.

Some sort of shriek resounded in the air. Readying his katanas, Ryo was thankful that Mia was safe at home and away from any danger.

%%%%

"Eight Way Storm!"

Mia's arrow landed in the middle of a group of the snake-like creatures. Winds of fury came in eight directions, which swirled and gathered the enemies together in a circle. The brunette smiled victoriously since this was truly the first time she had been able to use her ultimate attack in battle. She notched another ready, ready to send it flying.

"My turn!" Josephine twirled her naginata above her head. "Iron Stone Kinesis!" The ground broke apart as several boulders rose up from the ground. She sent the pieces of earth flying at the group still entangled in Mia's wind.

Off to the side, Rekino back flipped to dodge an attack from one of the snake creatures. She landed and twirled in a circle, cutting anyone who surrounded her in half. She growled in defiance.

"I don't know what these things are," she sheathed one of her katana's so that she could effectively fight better. Being in armor made her faster and stronger, but it was harder for her to use her martial arts. "But they remind me of the Naga from 'World of Warcraft'."

Amaya launched herself in the air using her trident as a pole vault. She brought it down on one of the creatures, slicing it in half, "I despise snakes!"

"Aren't you supposed to love all creatures?" Hana laughed. She sidestepped to avoid an attack as she weaved her no-datchi through several of the swiftly. Out of nowhere, one of the snake creatures appeared behind her. She grimaced and braced herself for the attack, but four golden arrows penetrated it.

"I got your six!" Mia shouted from across the battlefield.

"This," Rekino punched one of the creatures before stabbing it, "is," she pulled her katana as it made a sick squelching noise. She turned around to behead another one, "some," the slick sound of metal sounded as she unsheathed her other katana, "bullshit!" Rekino crossed her arms across her chest as her armor glowed with power.

"Tornado Fire Flare!" She swiped her arms out to the left and right as several fire beams criss-crossed towards a group of the snake creatures.

"Rekino!" Amaya berated as she turned around.

"Situational!" The kunoichi yelled back.

Hana looked around, "We got them gathered together. Amaya!"

The Catholic brunette understood as she nodded to her friend. She pointed her trident at the snake group, "Deep Fathom Sphere!" A torrent of water came down, wrapped around the rest of the serpentine entities. Amaya held out her hand as she squeezed her fist tightly. The pressure within the sphere of water was as intense as the deepest part of the ocean. Quickly, the serpent's were crushed as the sphere turned the color of red.

As the battle ended, Rekino twirled her swords as she returned them to her sheath. She looked around the battlefield taking in the damage. Trees had been uprooted, parts of the ground had holes, and some of the foliage was on fire from her attack. She ran over to the flames so that the Armor of Lady Wildfire absorbed them. She didn't want to be the cause of a forest fire.

Josephine willed her armor away, "Well, that's that." A triumphant smile was on her face.

Mia returned her bow to its resting place on the back of the armor, "I need to return home."

Rekino unarmored leaving her in the undergear, "HEY BALANCE!" She bellowed, that Southern accent coming out.

In a swoosh of light, a man with long silver hair, pointed ears, and dressed in blue and silver robes appeared. He was clapping his hands loudly.

"Another great job, ladies!" He held out his hands. "How about some shawarma?"

Hana rolled her eyes, "Do you look like 'The Avengers' to you?"

"Fine. You're all no fun," he lifted his left hand, pulling down the sleeve of his robe. "We are in India and you don't want to have fun."

"India?!" Josephine screamed.

The Balance smirked, snapping his fingers. With a bright flash of light, all of them were transported back to their home in Shinjuku. He held out his arms as if presenting a prize.

Rekino raised an eyebrow, "Is that your Vanna White impression? If so, it needs some work."

Mia released her armor and undergear. She looked around, "Would you send me home, please? If you wish for our identity to remain unknown, that is."

"Yes, yes," the cosmic entity snapped his fingers.

The Strata Guardian waved to her friends as she disappeared. The room was silent for a moment. Rekino looked at the clock, grimacing.

"I have a third shift tonight," she grumbled. "I have to get ready for work." She briskly walked past The Balance to her room.

Amaya smiled at The Balance, holding out her hand, "Would you like something to eat?"

%%%%

When Ryo returned home he found Mia soaking in the garden tub with candles lit and smooth jazz playing on the Alexa. He smirked as he stealthy removed his clothes. He snuck up on his unknowing fiancee, licking his lips. Mia's green eyes snapped open in surprise when he lowered himself into the hot water.

"Ryo!" Mia called out in surprise, but was silenced by a swift, heated kiss. It ended in an instant, but his face was merely inches from hers. She could feel heat in her cheeks. She whispered, "What are you doing?"

The Wildfire Bearer kissed her again, "What do you think?" He rubbed himself against her, earning a moan from his lover.

"Oh!" The brunette wrapped her arms around him as he kissed and nipped at her chin and neck. When he caressed her left breast, she moaned louder. Her legs spread on their own when his hand trailed down her body to touch her most intimate region.

Ryo drug his teeth along her earlobe, then licked it lightly, "Do you want me to stop?"

Mia arched her chest up, her breasts appearing from under the water. She almost screamed when his mouth latched onto her nipple. She dug her nails into the skin of his back, "Oooo, Ryo! Please!"

The dark-haired warrior kissed his way back up to her neck, whispering in her ear seductively, "Please what?"

"Take me!"

It was almost as if she screamed. Ryo pushed himself up and caught Mia's lips in a fervent kiss. Their lips danced in passion as Ryo grabbed one of Mia's legs underneath her knee and entered her. Her cry of passion was muffled by his lips. Water sloshed out of the tub and onto the floor as Ryo moved against her. He steadied himself in a rhythm as he called on the power of the Armor of Wildfire for stamina.

The water began to heat up the faster and harder Ryo moved. Mia's screams bounced off the walls of the home they shared. She was brought to the edge once, then again, and again. Ryo's cries melded with hers as he felt himself losing control. He lost control when he felt Mia's insides wrapped around him for a fourth time. With a loud, guttural cry, he released himself inside her.

Ryo braced himself on his elbows despite the fact his whole body felt like jelly. Underneath him, Mia's eyes were half closed. She was panting. He didn't know if the moisture on her face was sweat or water from the bath. He chuckled, kissing her lips tenderly.

"Are you okay?" He whispered affectionately, moving some hair away from her face.

All Mia could do was smile, "I am fine, but that was s-so…"

"Intense?"

"That is the word," she laughed, delivering a quick kiss to his lips. "By the way, you're helping me clean up the water."

Ryo smiled softly, nodding in agreement. He stood up and helped Mia do the same. As they looked at the mess they made, a lingering thought was left in Ryo's mind.

They didn't use protection…

October 7:

"I'm so glad that you took a break from studying," Invidya smiled as she walked hand-in-hand with her boyfriend. "I haven't seen you in weeks."

Rowen gripped her hand tighter giving her a soft smile, "I'm almost finished with my dissertation. I've got a few more edits to make before I submit it tomorrow."

The lovers walked around the Books-A-Million going from section to section merely browsing at what they had on display. As they passed the New Age section, Rowen took notice of someone scanning through the books. He wouldn't have thought much, except he knew this girl. There weren't many people in Japan who had hair as long as they were tall.

He walked up to her tentatively, "Candace?"

When she turned around, he recoiled in shock. Those eyes. The first time they had met she had on a pair of sunglasses. Now, he was gazing into a pair of enchanting, amethyst eyes. She was wearing a sleeveless, flowing red top that stopped at her knees paired with black leggings. He was well over a foot taller than her. He felt like he was under some kind of spell as he looked at her. She was absolutely beautiful with that long hair, spell casting eyes, and petite form. He didn't know her; yet, looking into those amethyst orbs he swore he had seen her somewhere before.

"Rowen?"

He was jolted back to reality when his partner called his name. Wow. He felt like such a jerk looking at another female while he was with another. He cleared his throat, blushing a little.

"Sorry about that. I don't know what happened."

Invidya had a look on her face that he couldn't read. The two lovers stood in silence when Candace cleared her throat.

"Uh…do you need something?"

Rowen really did feel like an idiot. He gave her a sheepish smile, "I just recognized you. You're one of Hana's friends?"

"Best friend, but yeah," she replied curtly.

Invidya cocked her head to the side, "Your hair is absolutely beautiful. How long did it take you to grow it out?"

"My whole life," she replied quickly, "but I'd rather have red hair like you. It's more distinctive."

His girlfriend laughed sweetly, "I wouldn't say that. Having hair as long as yours stands out more than my red hair."

"Mmm, not true," Candance put a book back on the shelf before turning back to them. "Redheads have a lot of history behind them. Queen Boudicca was the ultimate warrior queen. She took on the Romans after her daughters were raped. She lost, but abiding images of her sailing into battle in her chariot, eyes and hair blazing. People in the streets chanted her name for hours. It took three Roman legions to bring her down."

"Uhhh," Invidya said.

"King Author was a redhead. Queen Elizabeth the first. Brigit is the Irish Goddess of redheads. Thor also had red hair. Vikings believed redheads to hold power and many of them were shield maidens sent into battle first to instill fear in the enemy, 'cuz it looked like they were on fire," Candace tapped her chin. "Athena and Aphrodite were believed to be red heads."

"I get it!" Invidya almost sounded annoyed, yet she tried to cover it up with a laugh. "Thank you for that boost of confidence."

"No prob. It's what I do, yo."

"Heh," Rowen raised an eyebrow. "Last time we met we didn't talk much, but your accent is interesting. Your Japanese is perfect, however. Where are you from?"

"Rowen!" Invidya chastised him."That was rude."

Candace just shrugged, "I get that a lot. I was raised in the Southern part of the United States in a place called Alabama."

"I was born in Michigan. My family stayed there until I was five," the redhead said cheekily. "My parents were traveling journalists."

"I'm sorry."

Invidya looked confused, "Whatever for?"

Candace smirked, "That you've never tasted real food. Once you go above the Mason-Dixon line it's nuthin' but trash. No sweet tea. No fried okra and cornbread. If there is, it doesn't taste the same."

Rowen watched as the two females stared at one another. He began to feel uneasy. Did Candace just insult his girlfriend? He, of course, had no idea what they were talking about. How America worked was beyond his knowledge. Just when he thought he might have to intervene, the two girls laughed. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"You might be right," Invidya laughed. "I don't know about them butter beans and cornbread." She switched to English to say the last part with the same accent as the other girl.

Candace smacked her lips and retorted in English, "The fact you know about butter beans and cornbread and never had them is disturbing."

The two girls laughed again. Rowen's shoulders slouched in relief. He cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Yee haw, partners," he said in a rough, Southern English accent.

Both of the girls looked at him with a deadpan stare. He gulped, pulling on the collar of his shirt.

"Do yourself a favor," Candace said slowly, "and never, ever do that again."

"I'm not from the South and I was even insulted by that," Invidya's light green eyes were full of humor, though. She got on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Stick to Japanese, dear."

"But isn't that what all the cowboys say?"

"Yes, and no," the black haired girl put a hand on her hip. "There are certain degrees of Southern, but that's another conversation for another time. It will take some time."

That's when he heard another familiar voice. All of them turned to see a vivacious blonde walking towards them. The material of Hana's dark green dress moved around her like water. Her wavy, blonde hair was down and stopped past her shoulder blades. She was wearing a smile on her face.

"Fancy running into you here."

Rowen was slightly taken aback when Hana wrapped her arms around him in a friendly embrace. He lifted an arm, placed his hand on the middle of her back. He wasn't accustomed to this kind of affection from anyone except the fellow Ronin's and his lover.

"It's really not if you consider who you're talking to," the Strata Warrior laughed at his own joke.

"I guess not," Hana shrugged, also hugging Invidya. "I see you found my stray."

Candace grumbled, returning her attention to the books on the shelf. Rowen's dark blue eyes watched as the petite girl was scanning the reading material as Hana and Invidya made idle chat. He had never been the type of male to sit and stare at a woman, but when Candace squatted to look on a lower shelf he couldn't help but let his eyes move down her spine and to her backside. The way her back curved into a voluptuous ass. Heat built up in his loins. What was it with this girl?

"I'm invited to the party, right, Ro?" Hana asked him randomly.

"Huh?"

"Your party," Invidya replied. "We talked about this."

Candace stood up with a book in her hand, "You having a birthday?"

"It's in three days," he said almost in a whisper. He looked at the book in her hand. "Crystals?"

Hana took the material from her friend, "We use crystals in our meditation process."

"My other dictionary is outdated and falling apart. I needed a new one, so…" Candace trailed off as she looked at the ground. "We need to go, Hana. Work in three hours."

"Oh?" The redhead female piqued. "Where do you work?"

Candace stayed silent, but Hana didn't hesitate to answer, "The local hospital in the ER. We are phlebotomists and certified nurses assistants."

"So, if you ever break a leg," Candace chuckled as she spoke, "we will be there to draw your blood and help bandage you up."

"We also go to school at Shinjuku University," Hana added. "Both in the medical field. We graduate in a few months from nursing school. Then we'll-"

"Aaaaaalright, that's great," Candace interrupted, "but it's time to go." She turned to Invidya, "Nice to meet you." Then to Rowen, "Nice to see you again." And she walked off.

Hana sighed, looking at the pair apologetically, "Sorry about her. She can be rude sometimes, but she's really a good person."

Rowen gave her a half smile, "It's cool."

As he watched the blonde leave while Invidya took his hand, a thought wandered in his mind. The first encounter with Candace she wore sunglasses claiming that she had a medical condition making her sensitive to light.

Why didn't she have them this time?

%%%%

"That was fucking horrible," Rekino flopped down in the driver's seat of her red Tesla. "Of all the chances. Fuck, fuck, fuck."

Hana gracefully lowered herself into the passenger's seat, "I think you did a good job. You were able to complete sentences around him this time."

Rekino slammed her head on the steering wheel groaning in displeasure and pain, "I cannot believe that happened. I'm stupid. I wasn't prepared." She turned to her best friend, "This is why I don't go out to places!"

"Calm down. I'm sure he won't piece it together," the blonde gave her companion a reassuring pat on the thigh.

The kunoichi pulled her knees to her chest, resting her head against the seat. She let out a deep breath, her bangs moving around as she did so, "She's really pretty."

Hana could tell by the downcast look in her friend's eyes that she was talking about Invidya. She reached over, pulling Rekino towards her under their foreheads were touching. It was their signature best friend move of affection. Rekino closed her eyes, evening her breathing.

"She might be pretty, but you're prettier," the blonde said softly, "and you can kill someone with one hit."

They both laughed loudly.

October 10th:

The birthday party took place at Sage and Rowen's apartment. The blue hair genius had known about the party, but he was honestly surprised at the effort his friends and girlfriend had put into it.

The party started from the minute he woke up. His dreams for the past three days had been filled with a certain black haired female. As he had been attempting to get the thoughts of her out of his head, he had walked into a room filled with balloons and streamers, his friends jumping out and screaming at him.

Since he was a late sleeper and normally didn't wake up until around noon, the afternoon rolled in quickly. Kento and Cye urged him to go get dressed. Leaving the apartment, his first surprise was the limo that pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex. The party of ten climbed into the vehicle. No one would tell him where they were going, though. Inside the limo was a full bar and a karaoke machine. When they stopped, Rowen was greeted with the sight of his favorite sushi restaurant. His spirit was overflowing with joy when Ryo announced they were treating him to lunch.

Rowen didn't know how long they spent there, but he knew it had to have been hours. Time seemed irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. They immersed themselves in food, drink, and company. To his surprise, Mia and Amaya joined in on drinking sake. Before it was time to go, they got the wait staff to sing happy birthday to him. He even got a little crown, which he was sure was meant for children.

The ride back to the apartment was insane. Rowen could feel the heat in his cheeks from ingesting the alcohol. He probably laughed more on that limo ride than he had in years. Josephine and Kento's rendition of "Final Countdown" was absolute gold. Hana, despite her lack of sobriety, gave a beautiful version of Ariana Grande's "Focus". Invidya sat in his lap the entire time. He didn't know if she was doing it on purpose or if it was the alcohol, but she was grinding herself against his crotch the entire return home.

Now they were back at the apartment all sitting in the living room laughing at their recent exploits. Amaya stood up gracefully even though the redness in her cheeks was a sign that the alcohol had gotten to her.

"Please close your eyes, Rowen," her French accent had become deeper. It sounded rather melodic as she spoke in Japanese.

"I don't-wah!" He wasn't prepared when Invidya put her hands over his eyes.

"It's only for a second!" She giggled.

A few moments of silence passed before the lights were turned off and he heard singing. When his lover removed her hands, his own eyes filled with tears as Amaya walked in with a cake in the shape of a golden arrow with twenty candles on it. As his friends sang to him, he looked around the room at all of their faces. These people were his family, even the weird girls that had integrated into the group. He didn't believe in making wishes on candles, but he - truthfully - wasn't in his right mind. He blamed it on the alcohol. A quick thought passed through his consciousness as he blew out all of the candles in one go.

Amaya smiled, "I actually made this out of cupcakes. You mentioned once that you didn't like messy food."

"Wow," he was sure making the dessert hadn't been hard for someone of her talent, Rowen still couldn't help but be left in awe. "Thanks, guys. Really."

"Don't thank us just yet," Ryo smirked. "You haven't even gotten to the presents yet."

As they feasted on the cake, Rowen opened presents. He hadn't expected Kento and Cye to walk in with so many gifts. He sat on the floor in front of all of his friends surrounded by wrapped gifts. A warmth filled his chest. It was like all the birthdays that his parents missed were erased from his memory and replaced by this moment…this single moment of love and celebration he wasn't shown growing up.

Mia and Ryo got him a new external harddrive with two terabytes of storage. Sage and Hana got him an updated map of the universe. That was something he had been wanting. Amaya's gift was a book on empathy. He held it up, giving her an amused look. This was an inside joke spanning from their first meeting.

"I couldn't resist," Amaya said coyly. "There is even scientific evidence of my abilities."

"Uh huh," he laughed, "I'll enjoy reading this."

When he picked up the gift from Josephine he hadn't expected it to be so heavy. Inside it were two sets of hand weights. He looked at the Chinese girl in confusion.

"You got noodle arms, browski," she pointed at his biceps. "You need to get some gains."

Rowen rolled his eyes playfully, "I'm an archer; I'm toned in all the necessary places."

Kento handed him an envelope, "Sorry, bud, I didn't know what to get you."

Rowen opened the envelope. Inside was a gift card to the same sushi place they had just eaten at. He and Kento did agree on one thing: food. It was well known that he could out eat the Hardrock Warrior. Cye's gift was a machine that, when turned on, emitted a 3D image of everything the Earth knew about space. As he read the manual, Rowen was astounded that it could show the Milky Way along with other galaxies.

When it was over, all Rowen could do was sit in awe. He did his best to hold back tears.

"Guys, I don't know what to say," he smiled at his friends. "Thank you all. This is the best birthday I've ever had."

As everyone was cleaning up the plates and strewn paper, Hana snapped her fingers.

"Oh!" she moved a pile of torn wrapping paper to reveal another gift. "I guess it got hidden in the trash."

Rowen took it with a confused look on his face, "Who is this from?"

"Candace," Hana took a shot of sake. "She sends her regards. She had to work a double tonight."

A card was tapped on top of the perfectly wrapped package. The front of the card was printed with a festive "Happy Birthday" in sparkly rainbow text. Inside the card was immaculate handwriting in both Kanji and English. It read: "To the guy who knows everything. Happy birthday. - Candace (and Kitty)."

Holy shit. Even her handwriting was beautiful. He ran his fingers over the handwritten words. He wanted to feel her presence. I must be drunk. This is ridiculous.

"Who is Kitty?"

Josephine cackled, "That's her cat. More like a child, really. She babies that thing."

Rowen tore open the gift, trying to contain his excitement. He wasn't expecting a stack of magazines. The first one's cover read Mad Magazines Definitive Collection of Humor. Underneath were more of the same. What in the world was he going to do with these? He had never read anything like this in his life; however, he was intrigued as to why she would give him these. He stood up, putting the small stack of magazines on the kitchen table.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."

By the time he returned to the restroom the apartment was empty save Invidya standing in the hallway. Confusion was written all over his face.

"Where did everyone go?"

Invidya gave him a sultry smile, "They left because it's time for me to give you my present."

Despite being under the effects of alcohol, he could feel the sexual tension in the air. He approached her slowly, reaching out to run a hand down her bare arm.

"And what's that?"

"Go to your bedroom, strip, and sit on the bed. I'll be just a few minutes."

She poked the tip of his nose with her forefinger as she walked down the hallway to the restroom. He took no time in doing what she instructed him to do as he surmised he undressed in record time. Sitting in the middle of the bed, he waited patiently for his girlfriend to return. He reached behind him to grab a pillow to cover himself. It was odd to sit there in the nude even if it was his room.

The door made a slight creaking noise as it was pushed open. He looked up to see his lover in a long, fluffy black robe that reached the floor. Her curly, dark red hair was down, framing her face. An animalistic smirk was on her face as sexual heat radiated off of her.

Rowen could feel his cheeks fill with heat as well as other parts of his body. When she produced a long piece of silk material from the pocket of her robe his chest tightened with anticipation.

"Raise your arms above your head."

He did as she instructed. She shook her head, "Wider."

When he moved them apart a couple of inches, she nodded in approval. Using the material, Invidya restrained him by tying each of his wrists to the headboard. He attempted to move against the restraints, but was unable to do so. I have to admit, he mused, she can tie a good knot.

He watched without blinking as Invidya pulled the sash on her robe. The clothing opened to slowly fall off of her shoulders. Rowen couldn't help the pure, guttural sound that left his throat when that robe hit the floor. Invidya was wearing a spaghetti strapped, black lace nighty that left nothing to the imagination. Flower patterns were sewn into the stomach of the outfit. Her breast here left bare, a black bow resting between them. He could see the small patch of red hair where the crotch of the material would have been.

She held down his knees as she straddled him so that he wouldn't move them against her. She was a smart girl. Of course, everything he knew about sex was because of her. She was his first lover. One might even say she caused him to have a new addiction other than studying. He found the sensations during sex extraordinary from a scientific and pleasurable point of view.

Rowen strained against his bonds when Invidya moved the pillow away from his lap. He cried out, his voice breaking as she took him into her mouth. His dark blue eyes rolled into the back of his head. Every time she did this particular act his body could do nothing but lay there and enjoy the sloppy, wet sounds she made. When her green eyes locked with his own as she bobbed her head up and down sent him spiraling. His body tensed; he could feel it happening. That mind blowing event called an orgasm that sent his mind into space, but just as he was there…she stopped.

The pop sound that came from her releasing his member from her mouth sounded like it was in surround sound, and it only reminded Rowen what he did not get to experience. He, however, knew her too well. She wasn't going to leave him like this. Suspicions confirmed when she crawled up his thigh and perched herself above his member, her weight on the balls of her feet.

"God," he moaned through gritted teeth. She was such an excellent tease. "'vidya…"

She leaned in to him. Her lips were a mere fraction from his, "Yes?"

He was surprised at how deep his voice sounded when he said, "Don't tease me." His body shook when she lowered herself mere inches to where his member barely pushed past her slick entrance. She wiggled her body, those supple breasts of hers moving with her. He wanted to take one of those taut nipples in between his teeth. His mouth watered at the thought.

Rowen knew she couldn't resist any longer when her eyes glazed over. They both cried out when she lowered herself onto him completely. Invidya made sure he was inside her completely before she settled on him. Rowen threw his head back against the headboard. He wanted to ravish her body with his hands as she took control of him. Damn the restraints. He could easily break free with the power of his armor, but that would probably break the headboard and frighten his lover.

And he damn sure didn't want her to stop…especially when she started moving herself up and down his length. She pressed her bare chest up against his own. It felt like her nipples were etching something into his skin, but it wasn't painful. It was straight euphoria–and he was addicted to it. He groaned when she pressed their lips together. When she opened her mouth for him, he bit her lip drawing out a moan of appreciation from her.

As Invidya rode him into submission, he closed his eyes. When he reopened them, it wasn't his lover that he saw, but a petite raven haired girl with spell casting eyes. Her almost five feet of hair lay around them like a pool of black water. He could hear her voice as clear as day, and it was like a melody from the Heavens.

And when he came, he suddenly remembered what the wish he subconsciously made was.

I wish Candace was here.

October 15:

Rekino didn't think she could be unlucky twice in one week, but the universe just apparently loved fucking with her because on this beautiful, sunny day while waiting in line at Starbucks she was greeted by none other than the blue haired genius she had unrequited desires for.

"Well, hello," he greeted pleasantly. "We meet again."

Rekino had on her sunglasses this time. She forced a smile, "Fancy that." She shifted the weight of her backpack and moved forward in line. When she saw he wasn't leaving, she cleared her throat, "Can I help you?"

When he smiled, she wanted to die in bliss.

"I saw you in line. I wanted to say hello."

She was really bad at this. She was what people called an introverted extrovert in which she could either be the life of the party or hidden away in a corner. The fact she was crushing hard on the blue haired archer amplified the introverted part of her. It would have been so much easier if someone else was here.

"Where," she cleared her throat, "where are you headed?"

He moved forward with her, "Back home. I had to go pick up my diploma from the school."

"Can't they just mail that to you? Saves you from having to get out."

"I wanted to pick mine up in person. It's my first doctorate."

Rekino smirked, "Doctor Hashiba, huh?" When they got to the register the counter girl already had her rung up, "Add whatever he wants. My treat for the doctor shit and all."

When the order was paid for, the two walked out of the coffee shop. Rekino was about to tell him she had to go when a woman across the street started yelling. A tattooed thug was running through traffic with a purse. She heard Rowen curse. Before he could do anything, Rekino - holding her coffee - shot forward and thrust her left arm out, causing the thief to run into it. She stepped behind him at the same time sweeping her left leg out. The thief turned two full circles before landing face first in the concrete. She stomped on the back of his neck, but not hard enough to kill him.

After the cops apprehended the male and the woman was returned her purse, Rekino nodded in approval and sipped her coffee. Looking around, she saw Rowen was still there waiting on her. Shit. What does he want?

"That was amazing," he said. "I was going to help."

"You were too slow," she shrugged. "At least I didn't lose my coffee. It would have been a bad day."

As they walked down the street, Rekino jumped up on a guardrail, walking across it with the grace of a cat. She saw that the blue haired archer was still by her side. She jumped down, "Are you following me?"

"Not particularly. I have to meet my friends down here," he raised an eyebrow. "You have exceptional balance."

"I'm a ninja; it's what I do," it was her automatic reply to everything.

He smiled, "Thank you for those magazines. I find them to be very intriguing, particularly the ones about politics."

"Hana said that you're a genius. I just figured you would want something other than research material. Pretty sure that's what the others got you."

"Except Josephine. She got me a set of arm weights."

"Typical, Jo," she laughed. "She just a gym rat like me."

They walked another two blocks when she heard someone calling out his name. She looked up to see Ryo, Mia, and the other Ronin Warriors waiting for him. Perfect. When he wasn't paying attention, she dropped her coffee cup in a recycling bin, disappearing into the crowd of people crossing the street.

%%%%

One minute Candace had been at his right side and the next she had disappeared. It was like she had never been there. He looked around trying to spot her, but it was like she had literally disappeared. For all his intelligence, he was left standing there dumbfounded.

"What's up, Doctor Hashiba?" Ryo hugged him tightly. "What's the deal?"

"I was…" he shook his head, clearing his throat. "I was walking with someone. She just disappeared."

Mia looked like she knew what was going on, but said nothing, "I guess it's a good thing she left. Invidya is here waiting on you."

Rowen nodded in agreement. As he accepted congratulations from the others, he couldn't help but wonder why Candace would just disappear and if he would see her again.

October 31st:

The streets of Shibuya were filled with bodies on top of bodies as the techno dance music filled the air. It was the annual Halloween event that the city of Shibuya held every year. Shibuya and Shinjuku were sister cities, so the distance between them wasn't that great. With the streets crowded and cars parked everywhere, it was just as easy to take a bus into the city or even walk for people that were close by. Rekino felt like this night was made for her. She was a master of hensojutsu - the art of impersonation and disguise - and had honed her craft to be able to turn herself into a completely different person. Her excitement for the night was not only about being able to show off her skills, but for something else.

She was actually going to be able to talk to Ryo tonight. All of the girls were meeting up with the rest of the Ronin Warriors tonight at the annual party in the streets of Shibuya. She and Hana had been working for two hours straight getting everyone set up with the exception of Mia. They had been going thrift shopping for weeks.

Josephine had chosen to go as a member of a biker gang so her costume had not been hard to put together. Some leather pants and a jacket, a spiked choker, several pieces of silver jewelry, and some knee high boots. Rekino had done her makeup in very little time. Very dark, bold eyeliner and red lips. It was easy.

Amaya had decided to go as an angel. Naturally. She kept her hair brown and wore a plain, simple white gown, as she said that true angels didn't need to wear fancy things. Rekino and Hana had debated about her makeup, but decided that silver and gold would be great colors for her eyes. An ombre of gold for her eyelids with silver eyeliner. Since she had wonderful cheek bones, they didn't have to do much contouring. Highlighter on her cheeks. Amaya put on a halo and homemade wings.

Hana and Sage were going as elves. So, she and Rekino used a lot of browns and greens for her eyes. They drew foliage and leaves on her face. Her golden hair was braided with flowers placed in them like Rapunzel from "Tangled". She wore a crown of vines and leaves. The prosthetic ears were the hardest part about the whole damn costume. They based her costume between that of Legolas and Link.

Rekino was going as a fire fairy. She bought a Tinkerbell costume and spent weeks dying it red, some gold, shimmery stockings, ballerina shoes, and some red contacts. She and Hana decided to keep the color red for her makeup and added gold to it. Her eyes were lined with gold on top and bottom, they contoured her face to give her high cheekbones and used a gold highlighter, and finished with a bright red lipstick. Her over four feet of hair was left down and unbound.

So, here they were in the biggest party Rekino had ever been a part of. Street vendors were selling food and candy. There was someone on a stage blowing fire. A man and woman were shouting for people to sign up for a costume contest. Since the legal drinking age in Japan was eighteen, several stalls were selling alcohol. She saw some of the coolest costumes, but some that made herc cringe. It wasn't their fault no one helped with the designs.

Rekino was an introverted extrovert, which meant she was either the life of the party or hiding in a corner somewhere waiting to go home. The idea of parties were amazing, but she usually shied away from them. It wasn't that bad, however, but she looked at Amaya. She gave the girl a questioning look. The French girl smiled at her.

"I am fine," her voice was louder than normal. "I put up several mental wards before coming here."

The Wildfire Guardian took her hand, squeezing it, "If it gets to be too much I'll whisk us away to home."

"Jo and I were going to stay with Kento and Josephine tonight."

"I assume I'll be home by myself, then?" Why was she always the last to know about these things? She knew that if they were going then Hana would stay with Sage. Bah, being so close to people who suddenly found love sucked.

That's when she heard a familiar voice. She turned around and was greeted by Mia, who was dressed as Batgirl. Behind her, Ryo was wearing a Nightwing costume. Her instincts were to disappear with him this close, but she knew he would not recognize her with the contacts in. She stood off to the side as everyone greeted one another. Sage's elf costume was really good, but would have looked better if she had helped with it. Kento and Cye were dressed as Mario and Luigi. She had to admit it almost suited them. She laughed when she saw Rowen. That outfit was a wonderful pick.

She walked up to him, "He's my favorite incarnation, by the way. I love Tom Baker."

It was like it took him a second to realize who she was, "Oh yeah? He was the best."

"Matt Smith is second. His acting as The Doctor was phenomenal," Rekino put on a serious face. "'There is one thing you never, ever put in a trap. Me.'. Gah, I get chills."

Rowen laughed. She got chills on top of chills. She could hear that laughter every day for the rest of her life. If she died here, then it would be a happy death.

"I thought Invidya wasn't going to be here tonight," she heard a voice say behind her. "It's odd to see you chatting with a chick."

He laughed again. Rekino turned around, her heart fell in her stomach. At least that's what it felt like. Her brother was standing there in his costume, but she knew it was him. Those Tiger Blue eyes haunted her dreams; yet, brought comfort knowing he was alive.

"This," Rowen patted the top of her head, "is the elusive Candace."

Mia appeared beside him, "Sorry. I meant to introduce you sooner."

The two stared at one another for probably too long. It was like they were both assessing the other. Rekino didn't foresee him throwing a punch, but she dodged efficiently. Rowen and Mia both gasped in shock, but the two didn't stop. Another punch and another all of which she avoided with little effort. On the third, she dodged to the outside of his left punch and swept her left hand up, grabbing his wrist. She gently hit his elbow - gentle enough as not to hurt him or break it - as she used her right foot to make him lose his balance then took him to the ground.

All of their friends stood around in shock. They didn't know what to make of the two and their display, but they all relaxed when Ryo laughed loudly. Rekino smiled. She stood up, offering him a hand. He picked up his mask before taking the hand and standing.

"That was fun," he wiped the dirt off of his costume. "You really pulled your punches."

Rekino cleared her throat, stifling a laugh, "I didn't want to break any bones. No one wants to go to the hospital tonight."

%%%%

She's amazing, Rowen thought. He had already seen her fight when she stopped that robber, but that hadn't been much. To see her exchange blows with Ryo was something else. He had sparred with Ryo many, many times over the years. It was a sight to behold, and it was just a mere seconds of intense moves. He would hate to see what it looked like if they went all out.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Ryo said to her. "Your friends say good things about you."

Candace laughed amusingly, "Then I don't know why you are happy to meet me. I'm a terrible person."

"Adding comedian to the list," the black haired male said. "I have to ask-"

"I am four foot eleven and my hair is four feet ten inches. It's real," she turned around to show it off. It was the first time he had ever seen it not in a braid. "I don't tend to wear it down like this. I keep it in a bun or braid normally with weapons hidden inside."

"They weren't kidding when they said you were a ninja."

"You know what else?" Hana suddenly appeared between them. "She keeps the damn house rigged with weapons. Everywhere. Shuriken, katanas, staves, kunai…it's so annoying."

Candace flipped her off, "When a rapist knocks on the door and you don't have anything to defend yourself except my hidden weapons, you'll thank me."

Mia raised her hand, "Statistically, that is very unlikely to happen."

"I bet you ten bucks she has at least one weapon on her right now," Josephine suddenly spoke up. "She always does."

Candace reached inside her top and produced a small knife. "Oh," and reached into the pouch on her side and pulled out a little metal thing that turned into a staff when she hit a button. "And!" She pulled out one of the pins that was in the tiara she wore on her head. It was a very tiny blade.

Hana threw her hands up in the air, "One night. Just one normal night."

"I'm a ninja; I'll never be normal," she returned all of her hidden weapons.

The night progressed without any hiccups. The group of ten walked around the several city block parties while laughing, drinking, and having a great time. Normally when Rowen was separated from Invidya there was great sadness and a hole in his heart, but when Candace was around he felt nothing of the sort. It was even that way when his girlfriend was present. Candace brought something that he couldn't quite place. Should he feel bad? He found himself thinking of her more often than not even in instances he really shouldn't.

When he made love to his girlfriend, it was Candace's face he saw. When he buried his face in Invidya's breasts, it was Candace's he was doing it to. It was Candace's body he imagined spilling his seed into. It happened in his dreams and in reality. He knew it was bad. To have such thoughts and dreams of another woman, but that was all he dreamed about.

When had he turned into such a sex addicted, lying, dishonorable person?

To keep from reminding himself he was a real piece of shit, he started drinking. Everytime Candace laughed, he bought a shot. Everytime she bent over and he could see her panties underneath the thin stockings, she took a shot. Basically, whenever he interacted with the girl, he drank.

Rowen eventually lost count of how much liquor he had consumed…and where his friends had gone off to, or was it that he had wandered off. Even the time eluded him. Lines blurred, people's faces all started to look the same. Soon, he couldn't see any lights. Everything got darker with the exception of the streetlamps.

He put a hand on a building to steady himself. Gods, how much had he actually drunk?

He heard a voice behind him, then another to his left and right. Naturally, he was going to get jumped on a night when he couldn't defend himself. He turned around, bracing his back against the building wall, to face his opponents. He couldn't understand what they were saying. It was like there were three of everyone.

This was bad.

That's when a red blur appeared. The three men started shouting, but were soon silenced by the arrival of the unknown force. Rowen's body slid down the brick wall until he hit the floor. When he was able to focus, the red blur knelt down in front of him, but he was unable to understand the person.

It was a female.

"Candace?"

Then darkness took him.

Author's Note: Hope you all tune in for the next chapter. As a warning, it's going to focus solely on Rowen and Rekino. Maybe a few appearances by other characters.

Next Chapter: Halloween Aftermath