The next song was about to be played but it was halted which made the Singing Sensation wonder. Her actions earlier was not enough to delay the performance if she knew any better. Delaying her formation of theories, a few gasps and commentaries from the audience and dancers that surrounded her made the source known. Furthermore, his confidence does not wither upon the glares of her fans and co-workers. Actually, one of the male dancers and security were about to force the unwelcome audience off the stage but she intervened with simply facing him and gave a polite smile. Curious eyes gazed at the man that she had deemed to be a supernatural. It seemed the gentleman did not waste time when his interests were concerned.

"I think it is quite unfair for you to know my name while I do not know yours, Sir."

Even without singing, her voice was like an instrument playing a perfect note. Yet, it was not the point of the conversation rather it was a song of hers being familiar to him. Her interest was piqued by it, however she does have a job to do as of the moment. The crowd was not patient when the attention of their idol was being monopolized publicly. This what she believed to be called jealousy and envy. Emotions that she was not a stranger to. After all, she suffered so much from those kind of feelings that would empty the heart so easily. Passing by the gentleman that had the courage to climb on stage to speak to her, she faced the crowd and gave an apologetic smile to them.

"I am sorry for the delay of the show. It will begin in a few seconds. Please be a little patient and I will reward you all with an unforgettable night."

The crowd cheered happily as they heard what Calliope said. They were going to follow what the famous Siren had asked of them without fail. Inwardly, Calliope could help but sneered at the stupidity of mankind when faced before an object that they had accepted to be idolized or worshiped.Yet, this is how humanity had been since long time ago knowing how weak they truly are they dream for someone that would prove them wrong. A vision that they can transcend all the poor limitations that they have inherited. Once again, all of these thoughts were hidden inside her mask as she turned off her microphone and faced the supernatural that caused her delay. This was certainly an intriguing turn of events. She still have the feeling that her visit in Firefly city would be worthwhile.

"I do not like to keep the people waiting. It seemed that your interest is of urgency. So, I would like to know what song you mean? I did sang two songs earlier before you came before me, Sir."

Dahlia eventually got up and went to her home, a one room flat, and slept. She slept hard, not even an explosion would have woken her. When she was awake, the sun was beating in, in its full strength, and the heat of the day caused her to sweat profusely. She began to undress and started the tub. The water flooded in, brown and not perfectly clean, but at least it would clean her. She looked in the mirror. She was tall and slender and had pale skin that looked almost silver. She didn't have the golden palor and hair of the elves. After a lifetime of being told she was a freak, she felt she saw no beauty in her reflection, only a girl the gods had unfairly changed. She looked away and turned off the water, getting into the tub filled with brown water.

The elf leader, who had gone missing, had once told her to go away, go somewhere where no one knew her, pretend to be human, forget she was ever elf. She knew that if she did this, she would have a decent enough life, but there would always be a part of her that could never let go of who and what she is, and what if she left, and something terrible happened? Even though they hated her and mistrusted her, she would never forgive herself. She sighed and cleaned herself, cleaned her midnight black hair, and got out of the tub, putting her old clothes to soak and clean, and put on new and fresh clothes.

When she left the house and stopped somewhere to get food, she noticed all the elves staring at her. She looked down and sighed, so, they were wondering whose side she was on. Even after a lifetime of aiding them, they still expected her to show what they thought was her true colors. Dahlia took the pastry and thanked the man, paying him. The man didn't even acknowledge she was there. After quickly eating it, not even slowing to enjoy the taste, she stalked the back allies of Cein City. She was looking for signs of trouble, signs of something amiss, anything. But Dahlia had only heard legends of Neesha, so she wasn't sure she'd know one if she saw it. Dahlia made sure her sword were easily accessible.

Dahlia had never had any care for guns. It was too easy to miss, too easy for bystanders to get hurt. Plus, she had to admit, she loved the adrenaline rush of close combat. She moved from shadow to shadow as a leaf dances in the wind. She noticed the humans, but they didn't notice her. She said she wasn't going to use magic, but she didn't know the neesha, so she wanted to surprise it so she could observe it before killing it.

"I think it is quite unfair for you to know my name while I do not know yours, Sir." She said to him, Taro grinned, she was right of course. He paused for a bit before replying, even without the music to back her, her voice was melodic. Impressive, he thought.

“Taro Murakami…” He stated, dryly. At this, the siren proceeded to address her audience, he nearly forgot that all of this was taking place during a live performance, however, even at this realization, he didn’t seem to care much. “You certainly know how to work a crowd miss.” He said with an impressed whistle before hand. At this, she had to say the following;


"I do not like to keep the people waiting. It seemed that your interest is of urgency. So, I would like to know what song you mean? I did sang two songs earlier before you came before me, Sir.” Taro nodded, but before answering, he sauntered to the edge of the stage, only to turn his back to the entire crowd, gazing at her with evaluating violet irises.

“The first one the one about the lovelorn mermaid,” He looked away for a split second before looking back with a smirk, “Although the second one was just as enjoyable, don’t get me wrong.” He crossed his arms and nodded. “It’s a bit of a sad tale isn’t it? I’m sure I’ve never heard that tune, but yet when you sung it, I can’t help but think how familiar it was.” He let out a sigh, and shrugged with a playful grin.

“Maybe that’s just your game? You know, as an entertainer and all?” At this he rose only his left brow, very curious as to what her response would be

A flawless smile was upon her beautiful face as she heard his own form of compliment about her the last song she sang. After all, she is a still a being collecting praises along the way. Isn't that what makes all living creatures wanted to look for when they do something? No one truly wants to hear criticisms, they only pretend to hear that is all. The same could be said about her. This was all just one big game for her to pass time or maybe not. Who knows? It was only her and her "Mother" who knows what this path she had chosen would lead to. In any case, the gentleman now known as Taro Murakami who had kindly introduce himself finally answered her inquiry to what song he was referring to.

"Oh Mr. Murakami, the singer is the avenue of feelings that would be related to the people. It is only normal that the emotions wrapped in a song would be felt quite familiar after all, it is the main objective of one such as I. To awaken the sense of relations."

She spoke with such intellect that one would think that she was far different from the other idols that seemed to be all about fame and fortune. It seemed that even without her career as a singer she would prosper in any field that she would take without doubt. Another reason that could be the cause of her massive popularity to the people when she entered the music industry. In addition, she had always been amiable and proper to anyone who would approach her. There was no air of arrogance around her despite her certain advantages.

"The Little Mermaid is a story that had span many years. It would not be a surprised if one would feel a kind of sentiment over it. If I had made it familiar to you, I have done my job as a singer well. Or, is this just an agenda of yours to have a chance to talk to me? After all, I did already experienced such occurrences."

Her eyes that seemed to change from deep mauve to the gentle hue of aqua and to the color of the sea then gazed to the audience for a slight moment. The expression of proper manner dropped into a solemn and forlorn look. It was as if seeing a painting that depicted the feeling of melancholy with beauty to its perfection. Calliope remained in that way for a few seconds. It was not known whether it was intentional or not but her next words definitely meant something beyond the borders of normalcy. She was truly an enigma to everyone around her even including to the one before her named, "Taro Murakami".

"The feeling of a love that would be shown under the pretense of illusion is something that everyone obtains yet the food of the heart and soul is an object that remains unattainable by all just like the mermaid even by me. That is why..."

As if waking from her trance, she gave a simple smile and cued to the staff in the backstage to prepare for the next song. Time was wasting and she had spent much time in matters that would lead her in confusion. That is why this conversation must come to an end. She does not need distractions that would being forth memories so clear and blurry to her mind. Especially, the knowledge of her being a Neesha must be concealed at all costs now she was before a child of Oribelle.

"I am sorry Mr. Murakami for cutting this short. However, I still have a performance to finish. If you would kindly leave the stage now unless you would join me in my performance. In addition, I believe we will be seeing each other soon enough if the path you chose is the one that had been given to you the moment you were born. Anyways, see you around then."

With that, she turned on her microphone and waved cheerfully to the audience that had waited for her. It seemed that sad Calliope that was before Taro was nothing more but a dream as the melody of the next song played through the air. The Siren was definitely a being that had limitless of surprises under her sleeves.

"Oh Mr. Murakami, the singer is the avenue of feelings that would be related to the people. It is only normal that the emotions wrapped in a song would be felt quite familiar after all, it is the main objective of one such as I. To awaken the sense of relations."

This woman…was dangerous. That was at least one certainty he could conclude from this meeting. Whether a good or bad kind, or how dangerous she was he had yet to find out.
She spoke with a level of elegance unheard of from most in her position, yet, not so elegant that she came off being on a high horse, it all only served to add fire to his intrigue In Calliope. Taro listened on as she continued to speak to him, barely even moving.

"The Little Mermaid is a story that had span many years. It would not be a surprised if one would feel a kind of sentiment over it. If I had made it familiar to you, I have done my job as a singer well. Or, is this just an agenda of yours to have a chance to talk to me? After all, I did already experienced such occurrences."

Taro shrugged, he had to laugh a bit at the last part. Like he thought only seconds before, dangerous.

“Well, if it was an ‘agenda’,” Still with his arms crossed he leaned his upper body forward a bit before he resumed speech, “It worked didn’t it? But no, it was all honest curiosity I assure you miss.” Curiosity of a tune’s familiarity that still eluded him, but for now he put all of that to the side. “Hm?” He looked at the performer with a concerned gaze as her ‘proper’, practiced countenance melted away, revealing a very overcast one underneath. It seemed to him that there was a lot more underneath this beautiful face that stood in front of him, not that he hadn’t came to that conclusion when he first exchanged words with her.


"The feeling of a love that would be shown under the pretense of illusion is something that everyone obtains yet the food of the heart and soul is an object that remains unattainable by all just like the mermaid even by me. That is why..."

And just a suddenly as it had appeared, the melancholy visage of hers vanished, replaced with a small smile. He noticed her give a subtle cue to her staff, and once again he remembered the backdrop of their encounter.


"I am sorry Mr. Murakami for cutting this short. However, I still have a performance to finish. If you would kindly leave the stage now unless you would join me in my performance. In addition, I believe we will be seeing each other soon enough if the path you chose is the one that had been given to you the moment you were born. Anyways, see you around then."

“You know, if I didn’t think that was just you being smart, I’d take you up on that offer of joining your show.” He teased before turning back to the audience with a goofy grin. Rather than the smiles he had hoped for, they, as expected, gave him deaths stares. “Yeah, I only just got hear, I don’t really fancy the idea of being burned at the stake.” Taro shuddered and readied himself to jump down from the stage, but not without taking one last glance at the entertainer, and leaving her with his own set of words.

“The path that had been given to me?” He shook his head, “You know...I never really was one for fate and destiny, or paths or anything of the sort. You really are one interesting girl, but,” The traveler was scratching at the side of his nose with his index finger, “That’s kind of my thing. I’ll be in Firefly for a while…I’ll be in the big golden palace. I wonder if we’ll indeed cross paths again.” Violet eyes lit ablaze with a bit of passion, while a warm, sincere grin was sent her way just seconds before he hopped down into the crowd, they all instantly parted from his person as he landed, not wanted to start anything with a man who had a sword in his back belt loop.

As Taro headed towards the wooden bench where the rest of his party waited, he couldn’t help but chuckle to himself at his behavior.

“Imagine that…me, scheduling a date with a ‘superstar’.” Oh how much enjoyment he got from that one. The moon was only getting higher in the sky, the little pit stop served to put them extremely far off schedule.

It was on his trek towards the meeting place, that he finally remembered where he had heard that tune. It was one of the many songs his mother used to sing when he was a child. A look of nostalgia came over his visage as several memories played in his mind. The memories didn't stop until Jenga and Sayako called out to him. He shook it off, and went to join them.

Walking through the green halls of trees and grass, Moriko could feel the very pulse of life beneath her feet. This forest was so different in the light, no longer a dark world of mystery, it was open and inviting. She smiled as green dappled sunlight kissed her face, and the warm flower-scented winds fingered her hair, floating unbound about her face. Indeed, she was so at home in this setting it wouldn’t be surprising if she simply- disappeared.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a tiny noise- a footfall. Someone was behind her! Spinning, she drew a knife from her boot and threw it in a single motion, to end quivering in a tree, an inch away from the Neesha attempting to creep up on her.

With a savage grin, the creature waggled a finger at her. “Naughty, naughty- you should play with such dangerous objects, darling,” its voice hissed over the last word, caressing it and making Moriko shiver, “Someone might get hurt. Now be a good girl and don’t resist.” The…thing crouched down, ready to leap at her throat, but hesitated as Moriko snapped her fingers, summoning a flame.

“Careful, or you might get burned,” she snarled. “And unluckily for you, I’ve never been a good girl!” At the last, she flung herself at the creature, fires burning in both hands, and spun at the last second, snapping her foot out to catch him in the chest. He flew back, snarling, to hit the tree with her dagger in it. Throwing one handful of fire at him, she snatched the dagger from the tree, to kneel before him as he struggled with the flames eating up his shirt. Holding her dagger to his neck, she blew gently on the angry flames. They went out, silencing his shrieks. About to turn, he froze at the cold metal held gently along his jaw.

“Ah, now…tell me, you horrid creature, why you’re here,” she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. She leaned back an inch, and in a normal tone of voice, said again, “What do you want?”

He bared his fangs. “Just a little snack, my darling. A bit of breakfast…” His tongue licked his lips, as his eyes traveled to her neck. “It wouldn’t have hurt…much.” Her knife pressed down harder, and a trickle of blood snacked down his neck.

“You know that’s not what I meant. Why are you here! What do you want from this world! What is your…Mother’s…plan?”

“Now, now, darling. Easy on the metal, or you won’t get anything from me. How about I answer…for some of that delicious blood of yours? Just a nibble, my darli-” His voice cut out in a chocked gasp as her knife sliced deeply into his neck. As he slid down, she stood and glared. As she returned her knife to its sheath, she glared. His body burst into flames, releasing one last shriek until it was silent but for the crackle of the flames.

“And I’m not ‘your darling.’” She spat, turning to go after ensuring that the fire wouldn’t touch the grass around his body.

Asher surprised, widened eyes soon narrowed again as he studied the creature before him. Without question, she was definitely bizarre beyond reason; however, he did have many questions that needed answers, but asking them in a place filled with so many people, so much noise, wasn't ideal.

"Come," the word barely escaped his lips before he began to walk, his hand taking a hold of hers. His pace was quick & almost to the point of running as he weaved through crowds of people. Most of them whispered about some celebrity that had arrived unexpectedly but despite them being in a hurry, none of them proclaimed a single word at the noble, young man who appeared to be in a hurry. In turn, it was easy to reach the docks below. The light still reached there, although dim, & the noise wasn't as loud.

"Ok... First, what's your name?" Asher asked the female after letting go of her hand & standing a few feet in front of her.

Ann wasn't really surprised that they both paused after she said those things. But she WAS surprised from what happened next. Asher just said "Come.", and pulled her from her hand. She blushed a bit, but when he let go of her hand, she noticed they were all alone, in a quiet place. "...First, whats your name?" Asher asked. Ann smiled.

"Let me answer you in a song:
I've forgotten things like my name~
No one ever calls me, I can't remember it~
The only thing I could hear, is the sound of the wind bloowiiing~
I'm just...
Non-existent, Non-existent, Non-existent, Non-existent -
If you could...
Please try to call me by my name~

My name is... Ann Owen."

It was a jazz like song, yet with something behind it... Yet Ann was still with that small smile on her face.

"I forget things like names, but... What is... your name? It's the first time I ask this question since over 150 years, I can't believe I'm asking that..."

The words that were left to her by the supernatural half-ling named Taro Murakami brought quite the jealousy fit from the multitude of people adoring her at the moment. The scene presented to her was enough for her to throw a fit of giggles yet she had hid it deep in her mask. It was clear to all that it sounded like inviting her to another meeting this time without the hindrance of her job. She would like to cause a little bit of trouble for him if she did not have an image to keep. Thus, she simply passed it off with a smile that did not implicate anything at all. Despite, Taro giving her a warm one earlier. After all, she did smell the blood of a Neesha upon his form. The conclusion, they would crossed paths as long as he fights for Oribelle without question and that would be a delight for her to witness his reaction. However for now, she has a concert to focus into as she began to sing once again.

~~~~~

The night passed on as it was nearing dawn and the concert of the famous idol Calliope had finally come to an end. It was such a fuss as she heard from her manager and other staff that it was hard to disperse the crowd. They all wanted to have an opportunity to speak with her in private and even devised various reasons or having similar topics like Taro had talked about. Fortunately, they had managed to get the people under control and everyone was looking forward for a few hours of rest before they return back to their busy itinerary. As for her, she had another appointment to attend to. Entering her dressing room, she asked for her so-called 'bodyguards' to wait for her outside. In this few moments, she had been given enough time to be alone.

"Now, it is time for a healthy snack."

With that said, she opened a window that was located at the back of the hotel she was staying in even though her room was located at the topmost floor of which was the 299th floor. Feeling the cool sea breeze, she climbed out of her window and stood at the ledge. The view was quite stunning as there were still a few hustles and bustles going around the city. Lights were flickering as if inviting guests of any kind. It was the perfect time to show that no one is actually safe from the hands of "Mother". Although, it is still early to begin such fun event. For now, she should satisfy herself with her own personal cravings. After thinking about that, she simply let herself fall from the ledge and felt the rush of wind the hitting her body. It was exhilarating in many words and before there would be a bloody piece of artwork upon the unknowing pavement. She stopped as if there were strings attached to her and slowly stepped upon the ground without harm.

"I wonder if I should suggest that as my next entrance for the concert."

Dusting herself, she gazed at the alleyway that she was in that was full of her posters and such. It was either for her new album or many product endorsements. Well, she did knew that fact she was famous. Leaving that topic, she used her keen senses as she discovered a nearby food that she could consume with great pleasure. Walking with much grace that was inherent within her, she turned around corners and finally found a man in a drunken stupor. The liquor smelled from the man slumped upon the ground. It seemed that horrors of life had visited this man. Furthermore, it seemed that his fortune was still not for the better. Approaching him, she lowered herself to level with the line of sight of her snack.

"Hello there. Shall I sing your troubles away?"

The man hearing her voice gently woke from his uncomfortable slumber and gazed at him with dreamy haze. It was clear what was in the mind of the human male. His lustful look and pushing her down to the ground meant for copulation. She really wondered why men and alcohol always lead to such acts. Was it truly an aphrodisiac? In any case, she would have her time with this one. Holding the face of the man in place as it was only a centimeter away from her own, she allowed the male to have the leisurely pace to have the chance to touch her body in the most intimate way despite his body odor reeked of sweat and liquor which was never a good combination. In return, she simply smiled with a dark intention.

"Tell me, what troubles you and I will take you to a euphoria you have never experienced."

After saying that, the man had the tenacity to kiss her yet, his face remained in place. Because of his drunken condition, he did not notice the impossibility of this and simply gave up and allowed his hands to ran across her body as he began to spill out his life's troubles to her. She could not help but laughed out loud of its silliness. He drunk himself to the point of insanity because of the fact his lover leaving him. Now, he was willing to do something impure to anyone as long as it is a female. Her sudden outburst must have surprised the drunkard as he stopped and looked at her weirdly. She noticed this and wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered upon his ear.

"Women would always come and go. However, your life is the only thing irreplaceable. Let me reward you a lesson you would never had the opportunity to ponder about."

At the end of her statement, she kissed him and the man seemed to be enjoying it for a few seconds but soon enough, his actions were of that pushing her away. However, he could not and did not even had the ability to scream for help since his mouth was blocked by hers. There was no one else around as the silence hanged over them. It was too late for him to realize that he had become the food of the Neesha Calliope. After the feeding, she stood stood up while licking her lips with utmost glee. The only thing left of the man was ashes as every bit of his life force was taken from him which included his blood and soul. The breeze blew with great force as the remains of the man was taken by it.

"At least, he become of use instead of a burden as he had thought. In any case, I do need to take a bath. His scent is suffocating me."

With that said, she vanished from sight as if she was mere illusion to begin with. She returned to her room without trouble and very certain that no one knew her true nature maybe except those people she had chosen to feast upon. Biting her lower lip in joy, she took one final look at the sky above her. The moon and sun was meeting as of now as the transition of day had come. It was quite refreshing that she would have a good start for the day. However, it is quite too bad for the man or should she say Henry Dwight since she had also acquired the memories of that man from her feeding.

The moon was still high in the sky and the trio had finally arrived at their destination, and Taro, with awe clearly plastered all over his face, immediately felt out of place, just standing out side the gigantic double doors of the ‘palace’. It was more of a huge skyscraper, a rough estimate of the floor count was easily in the greater 500’s. The traveler felt a bit of pity for the window washers, they must have had one hell of a job. Sayako, young Jenga’s caretaker stepped in front of them, waving her arm in a grand motion towards the double doors, an invigorated smile wide on her face.

“Young Master Jenga, welcome home.” She bowed respectfully to the child as the doors slowly opened to greet them. Several well dressed attendants, both male and female, ran towards the Young Master, showering him with warm greetings and praise and comments about how big he had gotten, all of this only served to fluster the child and turn his face a beat red. Taro laughed at him as he got swept away into his new home, probably to meet his father and mother for the first time.

“Heheh, did you get a look at his face Sayako…?” Taro looked around the area, it looked like he was the only person left, Sayako must have gotten swept along with everyone else. “Guess I didn’t get the memo…” He sighed, well he did get invited by the heir himself, so it must have been okay to waltz on in—however, just as he began to take a step inside, a new figure appeared to greet him. The small old man came from apparently the gardens to the left of him, with a very eccentric gaze about him, he sort of glided over to Taro.

“You must be Master Murakami…welcome Iori Place my good man.” He was hunched over, which made him look a lot shorter than he was, his pale head was bald, save for a few small white strands on the sides. His nose, extremely elongated, it was like a bird’s beak, his black eyes tiny a beady, covered by a pair of circular specs. He was dressed similar to all of the other workers, a clean black suit and brown loafers. Aside from all of this, there was one thing in particular that struck Taro as different about the fellow—his ears, they were pointed.

Alistair Approaches

“I realize my appearance may strike you as odd…’an elf? Here?’” The attendant chuckled amused by his impression, “Sayako sends her apologizes about not being able to accompany you inside, it appears that she rather leave the dirty work to me, how charming.” He shrugged,

“Oh, my name is Alistair, by the way. Come, follow me inside…you came to firefly on business, did you not?” The man began a hurried walk into the golden skyscraper, not looking back at the one he was supposed to be leading at all.

Taro’s face scrunched up at the strange old man’s behavior, but he got the feeling that he was one of those types that rather show you than tell you. He was one of those types himself, so, rather than ask questions, he followed the man inside.

· * *

He gave Taro a basic tour, the lobby, his floor where his room would be, where Jenga and his parents room were, and then, Alistair and Taro finally arrived at a peculiar little room. A study, shelves of books lined the walls, a trio of chandeliers hung in a triangle above a large, extravagant black piano. At this, Alistair walked over, and ran his hand along each of the keys creating a distorted sound.

“Sayako tells me that you’ve had yourself quite the interaction with that idol, what’s her name?—“

“Calliope.” Taro answered abruptly. Sighing he walked over to the instrument as well, admiring its make. “It was only a conversation, nothing too interesting. Although I did invite her to a good time.” He shrugged, he meant good time in the most innocent sense if any of you were wondering. At this, Alistair looked at him very suspiciously, almost as if he were evaluating Taro.

“Oh really now?” Was all the old man said before breaking his gaze with the young man. “Master Murakami…are you aware of the Neesha?” Alistair asked him, turning to the wall of books behind them.

“When you travel as much as I do…you can’t help but run into a few. Why ask?” Taro was quickly growing wary of the old man’s cryptic behavior.

“No reason, as of now. Tell me, you took quite the interest in the singer…how do you fare in the musical department yourself Master Murakami?” He spoke to Taro, but he was really gazing hard at the piano, touching a few keys softly as he did.

“I dabble…my mother wouldn’t have it that her own son had no musical talent. She loved it, taught me a bit of every instrument.” He laughed a bit at the memories of his practice, he was all thumbs when he first started.

“Ah, you don’t say…your mother must have been quite the scholar. Do you think you could show me a bit of your practice on this instrument here?” He gestured to the piano in front of them, almost with a challenging air. Taro frowned.

Aria of the Soul, Piano- Taro’s Piece

“I’m really more of a strings man…but,” He looked at Alistair’s face, which was urging him to sit at the instrument. The white haired fellow sighed, “Fine…fine…” And so, Taro sat at the piano, like magic, a melancholy, ominous melody flowed from his fingertips, the notes overtook the piano, every inch of it was under his control now. When he said he only ‘dabbled’ in the musical craft, surely he was bluffing, because what he was doing now was nothing short of masterful.



At the moment his aria came to a close, there was a soft ‘click’ from the direction of the bookshelf.

“Hmhm, amazing that you knew just the right melody to play, Master Murakami.” Alistair teased, and just then, the entirety of the shelves on the wall in front of them slid open, revealing a long pair of ebony double doors.

{OOC: Combat is my weaker point, so I'm sorry if this isn't that good. I used dice to check myself so its fair combat, I rolled the necessary things at the end for her skill, but she failed con so she passes out :-( }

Dahlia had found what she was looking for, and she was horrified. She watched as a Neesha had its fill of an adolescent teenager. She shook her head, this was worse then any of the legends. Dahlia had to be careful, if one of her kind came here after that thing was dead, they would say that she attacked the teenager. So she waited until it moved on. She would have attacked if she thought the young man to be alive, but he didn't appear to be.

She followed it at a distance, moving from shadow to shadow. Her movement wasn't magic persay, but an ability, but it still sensed it and stopped. Dahlia ducked into the shadows, it looked around for some time, but heard no movement beyond what was normal, and continued again. Dahlia began to stalk closer, and it stopped again, this time growling. "Humans would be very foolish to follow me!". Dahlia couldn't help but be amused, its voice sounded like it sucked in too much helium. She appeared in shadows behind it and said, "I'm not human!" and raised her rapier and slashed it across the chest, very deeply. It wasn't enough to kill it but it would at least leave a scar. The thing growled and lunged at her, digging its fingers into the flesh of her chest and ripped her shirt, ripping her flesh deeply. Dahlia yelled out and brang out her parrying dagger.

In the struggle, neither Neesha nor Dahlia could get at each other. The neesha was thrown off her, and it smiled. As it came at her Dahlia slashed again, nicking its arm, causing it to miss her. Dahlia had enough of this game. She did a skill she never used, in fear of judgment, she ripped her corporeal body, becoming a shadow, reformed behind it, and she managed to impale it, ripping its organs. It would die eventually, she punched it far from her, and Dahlia couldn't stop the blackness from coming. The skill had taken so much strength from her, and there she passed out with her weapons still in hand.

Asher grinned a little as he listened to the mysterious female sing. It wasn't the type of music he often listened to, but she had a very lovely voice that couldn't be described as anything less than sweet. "Well, Ann Owen," he chuckled. "My name's Asher. It's a pleasure to finally know your name."

He felt a bit better being around her after a while, for the beginning had been a little odd for him. However, there was still something about her that screamed danger. Was she a Neesha or one of their own, a Supernatural?

{OOC; ; o ; I'm sorry... I've been really busy lately that I haven't found the time to get on...}

"So, its a pleasure to call my name huh~? Congratulations on being the first in 150 years to call out my name! I'm so happy I found you!" she smiled with her eyes closed. suddenly, she opened her eyes and her smile was gone, replaced with a curious expression. "Ah, by the way... Humans aren't supposed to look this young if they are over 80 years old, are they? Are you, by chance, not a human, but something else, like me?" She wondered, and her sychte wings twitched again. "I answered all your questions so far, so answer mine~" She sat on the dock.

Alistar & Sayako’s Theme

Needless to say, as the mysterious double doors revealed themselves, Taro was shocked, flabbergasted even. But Alistar simple walked through them, again, without explaining a word. Deciding not to pursue it, and just follow him silently, Taro rose from the piano on which he only moments earlier played a masterful tune.

As he walked through, there was a brief moment of complete darkness, and as soon as that subsided, a blinding flash of light, and with that, he opened his eyes (they were shut to shield the bright light), to reveal a room that seemed totally foreign to the Iori Place skyscraper where he was supposed to be located.

“What…the…hell?” The room was large, extremely large, men, dressed in very fine business suits scurried around holding tall stacks of paper as they reached their destination. There were two levels, the one he stood on, which had a beautiful, Persian like deep blue carpet underneath his feet, countless rows of bookshelves far off in one corner tempted him to do research, while the hundreds of computers that surrounded the room’s perimeter called him to check out. At each of the computer, women dressed in gothic lolita typed away on their computers, very emotionless and calculating. While some of the men, who were dressed neatly in their suits calmly peeped over their shoulder to make sure they were doing satisfactory.

The second floor, which was connected to the first by a set of deep blue spiraling steps, sat suspended, magically he guessed for there was nothing connecting it except for the staircase, above the little ‘library corner’ in the upper left one the room. That looked to be a lounge area, surrounding the square perimeter of that was a single, very long deep blue couch, with two circular glass tables, one filled with an assortment of drinks, the other with a few glasses. The lounge aria also had a TV, mounted on both of the walls that surrounded that corner.

Both areas were dimly lit, the ground floor, by one giant chandelier that cast a soft blue light, and the lounge area, also lit by a blue light chandelier, but a much smaller one.

Safe to say, Taro was bewildered.

“Alistair?” He asked, but the strange old man was nowhere to be found. Instead, a new face approached him, one of the men dressed in his black business suit.

“Master Murakami I presume? Please, this way, we have been preparing your audience with the Mistress for some time, may I say that it is a pleasure to see you again. Please, this way.” Taro looked at the fellow, very cautiously, just what was he talking about? Who was the mistress, and what did he mean when he said it was a pleasure to see him…again. However, he still followed, grasping tightly on the hilt of his blade behind him.

“You weren’t anything but a infant when we all saw you last. It is no wonder that you don’t remember us…” As the man spoke, Taro’s eyes narrowed, was this some trick?
As he studied the man’s features (well what he could from behind) he came to realize that this man was an elf. Infact, as he passed by more of the fellows in business suits, and cast glances at the women in lolita typing away at the computers, he realized that they were all elves.

“You all are---“ But before he could speak, the man was already bowing, waving his arms at the spiral staircase in front of them. He was standing dead in the middle of the ‘library corner’, the stairs would lead him to the lounge above.

“Please, the Mistress, and Alistair-sama are upstairs.” He was politely, verbally shoving him up the stairs. Taro nodded, and began up the staircase. Indeed, there was absolutely nothing holding the platform up. Something, or someone, must have been holding it up magically.

As he arrived, his eyes widened, she looked extremely different, but he never forgot an ‘aura’ of someone—it was Sayako. And Alistair, off to the side, grabbing a drink from one of the tables. The woman sat in the seat, directly across from him, below on of the large flat-screen televisions, , legs crossed, arms stretched along the top of the dark blue couch. Her hair, once going gray, was now silky and black. Her wrinkles were gone, her flawless, porcelain skin made her look like she wasn’t a day over thirty. She dressed in a long black dress and black heels, with short black silk gloves on her hand. On her lips was dark purple lipstick, matching her new pair of violet eyes, which were very reminiscent of his own.

“Taro…you’re just like your mother, no matter how much I changed my appearance back then, she could always tell it was me…” She sighed, annoyed by the thought, “It proved very troublesome in trying to find you all back then.” Sayako, in her new appearance fiddled with the pendant around her neck, only serving to further his amazement at this point, he noticed the pendant around her neck was of the same make as the one his mother had. Except the butterfly on Sayako’s was black.

“Sit down, , you came for information on the Neesha and their activity in this world right? Well, you’ve come to the right place, this is where all of the world’s information comes and goes.”

Somehow, Taro had at least triple the questions he entered Firefly City with now.

The sun had finally risen as it flooded the dark room with warm light. Slowly, it reaches a form slumbering upon the queen-sized bed. Hair of roses and a beauty that had been the envy of many, opened its aqua-colored eyes with much hidden sadness. Yet as fleeting as it had appeared, it had vanished with small yawn. Standing from her bed, she approached the said glass pane and gazed at the view of Firefly city. There was no doubt in her mind that this place had yet to suffer such horrifying events. People loitered the streets with smiles and useless chatter. It had made her more determined to have them wear such expressions of great pain just like she had a long time ago. She gazed at the clock located at her nightstand and saw there was still enough time for her to have a morning walk. Although, it would be not much if her bodyguards would be there. Well, there was no harm in causing a slight trouble. Thus, she prepared herself for the day.

Soon enough, she was walking out of her hotel without any escorts to alert the public that the singing sensation Calliope had left the building. In addition, she was wearing a simple hood shirt as she wanted to blend with the people. There were a few advantages of being a normal citizen once in awhile. No one would bother you, ask for autographs, and put up an image so their illusions would not break. If she had remembered correctly, she used not to worry walking along the streets and be seen. It was because she was nobody and now here she was walking alongside the walls filled with posters of her. Everyone knows who she was and it was all for 'Mother'. However, she would be liar if she does not admit that her current work was not something she had fun doing. Music was definitely her form of release and that would not change for many years to come.

Walking along the streets, there was no specific heading she had in mind. Calliope simply wanted to walk where her feet would take her soon enough. She simply made sure that no one would recognize her. Moments passed, she had finally arrived at a destination and it was the park. There were people going about their business and she did not care for such trivial matters. Taking her seat upon one of blank benches, she gazed at the sky above her for a second and had a cold smile upon her beautiful face. It seemed she was in deep thought as nothing else matters. Her reverie was only broken when she heard children crying. It was truly annoying that if she was not hiding her identity. those children should be meeting their maker.

Calliope began to ignore it but it was to no avail as she finally gave up and located the children disturbing her peace of mind. There was a female that was looking out for them and from her conclusion due to his power of observation. The children would be from a daycare or an orphanage although, she was leaning on the last option. The female adult was not wearing a garment for being a teacher instead it seemed to be fine for practicality. Soon enough, her presence was noticed as the children silenced themselves for a now and then continued on. The female caretaker apologized for the children and she took the liberty to ask the reason for such weeping. The answer was not something she expected despite knowing how popular she had become.

"They are here for Calliope... Then, shall we cheer them up. I will sing for them."

The female who had introduced herself as Miranda agreed to such a proposition as she talked to the children. In response, the little ones gazed at her with such obvious reactions. They seemed to be a bit suspicious of her ability to sing. It made her angry although, she could not blame for she was trying so hard not to be recognized. Taking a good position in the front, she began to sing a song that had been etched in the corners of her mind. Calliope closed her eyes as she concentrates. In the moment, she began to sing the children listened with much amazement. Moreover, thoughts of a blurry past played within her mind as the seemingly familiar yet distant lyrics spilled from her lips. Ignoring it, she continued singing and listened as well to the calls of the audience, with much solid effort.

((whoa, Misdemeanor how did you get your character in the 'characters in this post' sidebar??))

Taro sat directly across from Sayako, still a bit wary of what was going on. This place, the people in it, the new appearance the woman whom he thought to be Jenga's caretaker adopted, it all seemed too...strange. He didn't even feel like he was in Firefly City anymore, let alone the skyscraper called Iori Place.

"You look worried. Let me explain a bit of just where we are right now, and what we do, just so you can---" Sayako began, but Taro cut in, a bit sharply.

"You said you were...tracking my mother and me...even one of the workers here, he said it was good to see me again, but I know I've never met him before..." Taro's violet eyes were narrow now, he couldn't help but feel a huge suspicion at all of these people.

"Right. Like I said, I will explain everything to you Taro. Give it some time though," The meek, respectful tone she had when he first met her on the airship was long gone now. She sunk a bit deeper into the couch, letting out a flat sigh.

“This room in which we are in, doesn’t lie in Iori Place, nor does it lie in Firefly City, in fact, it’s not even in Acadine. It’s very accurate to say that it doesn’t exist, at least not on the same plane as the regular world. That’s why it’s so convenient, no one but people like us, people who know the song can enter, even then, you have to have a certain trinket to pass through the warp.”

Taro’s head was struggling to wrap his head around it all. This room, was in a totally different dimension than any other place in Acadine.

“Do you know what trinket I’m talking about?” Sayako added, taking a look at his blank expression. As she spoke, Taro dug into his jacket pocket, pulling out the blue butterfly pendant. To his surprise, it was now glowing with a vigorous blue light, much like the blue light of the chandeliers in the room. “Exactly, although, our male members carry a much different form of the gatekey.” At that, she nodded towards Alistair, who until now had been sitting far off to the side, sipping away at his glass of wine. Without a word, the old elf pulled out a simple purple pin, with a strange black marking similar to a plume of flame.

“This pendant was my mom’s…so you mean to tell me she was a member of your ‘group’?” He used the word group loosely, he still didn’t know exactly what they were yet.

“Yes. For over three hundred years, your mother and I worked together here…but that’s another story for another time.—“ Taro chimed in, yet again.

“Three hundred years? Sayako…you’re a supernatural?” At his conclusion, Sayako simple smirked, nodding slightly to give him a yes. It didn’t appear that she was ready to answer fully to his question at this time.

“Anyways, like I said, we gather information, among other things. Each member here has well over three centuries of knowledge to lend us, I have nearly a millennia, Alistair even more than that. But these creatures of night, the Neesha. They are completely foreign even to the both of us.” She reached for a small black remote to the cushion to the left of her, and pressed the only button on it. The TV above her flickered on, showing a picture of a generic Neesha.

Alistair chimed in, “Are you aware of Hecate?” He asked the question to Taro, as he had turned his head (and his gigantic nose) his way. Taro scratched the back of his white locks, sighing.

“Yeah. A few of the Neesha said something about Hecate being their mother. I didn’t really think much of it though, every living thing has some kind of God they look towards right?” Taro shrugged, but Alistair and Sayako shook their heads, and she stood up, arms crossed, hips abit to the side.

“That’s true…but we believe this is very relevant to what’s going on here. It looks like the Godesses, Oribelle and Hecate are at war. These Neesha, are her, Hecate’s troops. Ever wonder why they seem to always find people like you?” Taro was slowly arriving to a conclusion, “We think they’re targeting super naturals, and human’s with supernatural abilities.” At Sayako’s words, Taro bit his lip.

“This whole war thing…it’s pretty farfetched. I can’t deny the fact that it looks like the Neesha are coming after people like us hard but…” His voice trailed off, he rubbed the back of his neck with an exhausted expression.

“Truth be told, I found it hard to believe myself. But Alistair has talked to many humans, all of them with powers that mimic some aspects of our own, and they’ve been having dreams. Oribelle spoke to them Taro.” Alistair nodded, only agreeing with her words.

“You don’t say…” The mocha-skinned fellow scratched at the side of his face, countenance contorted in a frown trying to come to terms with the situation at hand.
“Is that it?” he asked them, not rudely, but actually very curious.

Sayako shrugged a grimace crossed her face, “For now yes…complications have arose with my ability to investigate, and Alistair is confined to Firefly,”

“Complications? You mean Jenga coming home right?” She nodded at his deduction.

“Yes, I’m still his caretaker after all, our organization is bound to servitude of the Iori family, however, only the head of the household knows of our existence. Jenga will learn soon enough.” She smiled at the thought, it appeared she truly did care for the child. “That is where you come in, we’ll let you use our resources, in exchange for sharing any information you gain in your pursuit with us.” She sat back down on the couch, arms crossing again. “After all, it’s only right that you follow in your mother’s footsteps right?” Sayako said the last bit almost teasingly towards the young man.

“Tch. What resources? I don’t like the idea of being tied to a group…” Taro gazed at the glowing pendant in his lap, remembering how much pride she wore it with back when he was a child.

“Well, aside from the funds you’ve been using for so long, we have countless safehouses, informants, and items that you can use to your hearts content.” She smirked impishly, “You’ll only be an temporary member of course, you technically wouldn’t be bound to us in anyway, so, will you accept?” Taro clinched his fists, thinking hard about the offer…after a period of silence, he rose from his seat, stuffing his mother’s memento back into it’s home in his jacket.

“Fine. Like you said, I’m not a member. I’m just allying with you all. Looks like my inheritance wasn’t my own huh…” He smiled though it was only to hide some disappointment at the revelation. Sayako grinned, satisfied, and she nodded at Alistair as he rose to hand Taro something. It was the pin that he had showed him earlier at Sayako’s command.

“The gatekey not only serves as your way back here, but also as a way to communicate with us no matter where you are. Simple play that song at any piano and you will be warped to this very room. Make use of it, and do not lose it.” Taro nodded at Alistair’s words of caution and instruction. And then, Sayako stood up, walking towards him as well.

“You look a lot like your father, only your eyes match ours…that must have been what threw me off when we first met, I couldn’t be sure of who you were, but I still took you with Jenga and I. Then I saw that you had that pendant…” She put her hands on his shoulder, smiling very warmly, almost motherly. “It’s good to see you again Taro…” A tiny lump was forming in the boy’s throat, she was probably the closest thing to family he had left in the world.

“H-how…do I get back?” He asked, trying to change the subject quickly. Both of them laughed.

“You’ll wake up in your room at Iori Place…”

And with that…the world all around him melted away, replaced by the darkness of his own eyelids.

Dahlia woke up with a blinding headache. It felt as if a thousand knives were floating around endlessly in her brain. As her eyes began to clear and she gained the ability to raise her head, she looked up, to see the creature dead. She sat up, which took every ounce of strength, and sat there for a long time staring at it. So, the dark times had come. She wish she had someone she could trust to talk to, to tell her what was going to happen, what to expect. She wanted so badly to lay back down and sleep but she was in a back alley, not far from a dead teenager. She groaned as every muscle screamed in agony as she got up, picking up her sword. Dahlia stood over the creature for a short moment. She would need to train harder if bad times were coming.

She slowly made her way through the back allies, avoiding the main roads and streets as she was covered in blood and dirt, and looked like she had attacked a giant. Her feet shuffled, too tired to stride like she normally did. Dahlia looked like a woman about to collapse, and she felt that way too. The few who noticed her going by stopped and stared, wondering if she was victim, or a murderer.

As she walked down the elven ally, all things stopped. The elves recognized the smell, the smell of neesha . They didn't say anything to her as she walked past them, and she said nothing to them. If they had any doubts, Dahlia was showing them the truth. To ones who could tell the difference between elf blood and neesha blood, it was quite clear Dahlia had not attacked a good creature.

She barely managed to get up the stairs, barely managed to open the door. She fell hard on her mattress of a bed and looked at the last rays of sunlight streaming in. "I think......I think I need help" she managed to stammer out before exhaustion took her over again. Dahlia didn't dream, she couldn't her mind was just simply too exhausted.

Striding through the forest, Moriko saw everything through a flame-colored haze. Disgust at the Neesha trembled through her body. That such an abomination could intrude upon her peaceful sanctuary made her feel as though the world was spiraling down into its final moments. Pausing for a moment, she prayed to the Goddess for strength, stability, and the end of the Neesha.

In a flash of regret, she realized she couldn’t do this on her own. She need help, but more importantly, she needed information. Turning, she looked up at the sun, judging her position. With a sigh, she mentally bid farewell to her peaceful retreat and set out for the closest city, Cein City, in the hope of finding anyone who knew more about these creatures.

Keeping a knife handy and her ears pricked, Moriko drew ever closer to the edges of the forest and the confines of the city. She thought despairingly of the crush of humanity and hum of technology. How much had the world changed in the many- how many? How many years had slipped by as she hid in the deep forests, avoiding others. Although she had occasionally spoken to clueless humans who could no more comprehend the concept of time as it meant to an elf than they could sprout wings and fly.

Casting her mind back, her brows drew closer as she thought. The last time she had stepped into the confines of a city- always avoiding Firefly City, the place of her birth and the rejection of her family- had been 28 years ago, according to the lunar cycle. That meant she had turned 231 a month ago.

“How much has changed in the world…” she mussed. “What events have I missed? How much progress can happen in a year?” To many, she knew, the idea of spending so much time alone in the forest would have been incomprehensible. She, however, had barely noticed the passing time, content to lay in the same spot for days, watching the years flow by oh so quickly, not even registering that life continued outside the forests and valleys.

The last time she had stepped back into time (as she thought of the rare times she became conscious of the passing of time) she had been horribly confused by the differences in the world. Bewildered by the fast-paced lifestyle of so many, she had escaped back into her forests after only three days. Since then, she had only spoken to lone travelers.

With a sigh, Moriko resolved herself to find someone who could understand the concept of, well, stepping out of time. That meant she’d either have to find a vampire, which was unlikely, or, heavens forbid, another elf. The thought of seeing one of her own kind was unwelcoming, to say the least, since the last time she had so much as set eyes on one they had been commanding her to leave her home of a hundred years. Those cold, accusing eyes still made her feel sick inside.

The smell of burning grass brought her back to herself, and she spun around. The grass at her feet was burning, as waves of flame trailed her, leaving scorch marks on several trees and a clear trail of blackened footprints. Freezing in place, she closed her eyes and forced herself into deep, soothing meditation.

After a minute, she snapped back into reality and resolved herself to getting as far away as possible before she had to sleep, so that any who chanced upon her trail would be unable to find her.