Firefly City

Quietly, Asher walked across one of the many bridges that Firefly city had. His amber-colored eyes gazed at the surroundings as he passed them, all the while remembering his childhood visits to such a bright city. It had been a very long time ago, & the feeling grew in distance with the of Hecate & the Neesha. That disastrous event seemed to have frozen time, the cold fingers not willing to let life continue until Hecate was completely gone.

"Goddess," he murmured to himself, in thought whilst looking up at the sky. He wondered what was going on up there & as he did that, he couldn't help but also feel… odd. He had been given a power that normal humans couldn't possibly obtain on their own, but the reason why was completely unknown to him. One thing he understood was that She had done it with a purpose, but he also knew that there were other people out there that could probably use his power better than himself… Asher shook his head sharply as to not let his mind get away from him, for he had other things to do such as return back home to Cien.

[my last post was all wrong, I got the firefly mixed up with Kishima, ugh sorry. I’m in the city where the nobles stay, just to make it clear if I screw up anymore >_<]

((Hong Kong


Taro, Jenga and his caretaker (whose name turned out to be Sayako), walked casually through the streets of Firefly City. The very atmosphere of the city made his clothes uncomfortably damp, what with the sea air and such but the scenery was enough for him to forgive it. It was only his second time in Firefly, and the city was still as gorgeous as he remembered it. The old wooden walkways, buildings crafted in styles of new, technologically advanced ways, they made for an interesting contrast, one that he enjoyed. And then there were the lanterns of which the city no doubt received its name for. Their size and make were truly something to behold.


Not to mention the fashion, and the women that wore them. The outfits that they donned were very flattering. Taro and the others stuck out like sore thumbs in their clothes, Taro with his plaid suit jacket and jeans, Jenga with his hoodie and shorts, and Sayako with her button down and slacks. Well, actually, Taro typically stuck out with his eccentric dress this day in age.


“Sayako-San…where do Jenga’s parents stay?” Tasked her as they passed over one particular bridge that was blessed with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon of town. He looked at the gray haired woman, she smiled warmly and stopped her walk, causing the other two to follow suit.

“Heh…” The small brown haired boy grinned cheekily, staring at Taro’s currently blank expression.

“Right there…” She stretched out her bony arm, a thin finger pointed to a tall, golden building that stuck out from all the others of it’s like, far into the distant mist, for it was one of, if not, the largest in the city. Taro’s mouth dropped—he remembered them saying that Jenga was from nobility…but he didn’t really think much of it, seeing how everybody in town was nobility. But to think that Jenga was of such high standing.

Taro looked at the child with a hopeful gaze, He’s got a long way to go. The white haired traveler laughed. Two young girls passed by, shopping bags filled with goodies as they gossiped amongst each other.

Didja hear?
Hm? What?
Maki got her fortune told, she’s gonna have bad luck!
Seriously?!
Yeah…it’s been happening to a lot of people lately…

“What’s with the luck craze?” Taro turned back to Sayako, she looked troubled at his question.

“Well…you’ve heard about the town right? Everyone is lucky. It’s always been like that for as long as this city was standing…but recently…” Her voice trailed off, looking to the waters below.

“People have been getting unlucky…” Taro concluded, crossing his arms. Sayako nodded.

“Yes. It shouldn’t be anything…maybe they’re all just too superstitious…” She spoke as if she were trying to reassure her own self.

“Sayako-san…” Taro didn’t know what to say, it all seemed fishy to him, but he didn’t want to worry her. The mood grew awkward quick. Thankfully, Jenga’s obnoxiousness broke the silence.

“Hey Sayako! Can we look in there?!” The little boy was pointing excitedly to a seedy looking bazaar. Both adults grimaced at the boy’s taste in shops, however, they couldn’t help but smile.

“Fine, fine! I forgot this is your first time here Young Master,” She giggled, crouching down to get eye level with him. “Oh, Master Taro, you won’t mind will you?” She looked up at Taro, who was leaned back onto the guardrails of the bridge.

“Not at all.” He waved at them, giving them pass to go into the shop, he was too busy staring at the cityscape.

“Bad luck?” The mocha-skinned, beauty marked fellow frowned, causing his brows to scrunch up, and his mouth to contort itself. His intense thinking face was quite unattractive. “Ugh…more mysteries…this all is proving to be way too troublesome.”

Jenga came running out of the seedy bazaar with a paper bag full of random, most likely useless knick-knacks. Taro chuckled at the sheer joy on the child’s face as he lugged his bag towards him.

“Taro look!” The young noble-to-be began to pull out each of his spoils, and yes, they were all as useless as the last, but that was the beauty of being young, you never know how useless things are, you just pick them up because you want them. “Pretty cool huh?” Jenga held up another item, this time, one that actually caught his interest. A sparkling blue butterfly pendant. Taro bit his lip, he felt his heart drop a bit.

“You know, I got one just like that,” Taro dug into his pocket, revealing a piece of jewelry just like Jenga’s. “It belonged to my mother…” Sayako looked at the pendant with great interest, causing Taro to frown. “Something wrong?” He asked, a bit coldly.

“N-no, not at all. It’s just…nevermind.” She reached into her pants pocket, pulling out a small rusty gold pocket watch. “I-it’s getting late, we should continue at once.” Sayako seemed flustered, however, Taro decided not to pursue it.

The white haired young man let out a small yawn stretching his arms high into the air as he did, he asked, “So what is it that Jenga’s family does?”

“They’re~ information brokers.” Jenga recited, as if he had rehearsed the words.

“Anything that goes in all of Acadine, they know of. Information is very powerful, even in times of peace, that is why they are so wealthy.” Sayako nodded to herself.

"Hello, Master Asher."

Not even remotely startled, Asher's pace came to a complete stop upon hearing a feminine voice behind him. The tone was sweet & gentle, but also held the feeling of servitude. "Hello, Sarah," he replied whilst turning around to meet the woman that his father had obviously sent to meet him. "What does my father want now?" He knew that it probably wasn't is father sending the type of message that would need a woman, but the third woman he'd married.

"Ahem. I believe we both know that your father had nothing to do with this, Master Asher," the woman boldly announced. "Your step-mother wishes for you to stay in Firefly city & look into the nobles from here... Of course, in search for a future wife."

The look on Sarah's face easily told Asher that she believed the forty year old woman was absolutely insane. In turn, he couldn't help but laugh cutely. He was glad that they were on the same page. "Tell her that I'm simply here to make sure that Firefly city remains as tranquil as it has been. It's a miracle for it to be like such, so I plan on keeping it sane."

"Yes, of course, Master Asher," Sarah replied before bowing her head respectfully.

"Actually, take a few days off," he said with a kind look as he placed one of his credit cards on her hand. "In the end, tell her that I needed your assistance with... meeting women," he chuckled & walked off. It was only a few hours before Firefly city's view of the sun would set for another day. Night was close, the time for any Neesha that resided there to emerge.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present to you the famous Siren on stage! Calliope!"

The crowd was enthusiastic from the instant they had learned that the famous music sensation was going to perform here in Firefly City. It was truly a surprise and no one expected it. Hundreds of people that had managed to hear the news quickly arrived at the scene and joined in the multitude of people calling out one name. The night which was to be time for resting and danger became a moment where all the humans gathered in one place specifically the Plaza to witness the concert of the enchanting Calliope. Lights were turned on as all of it were pointed in one spot. Slowly, a familiar figure emerged from the smoke that hid the stage from the sight of the crowd.

"Good evening Firefly City!"

Her voice echoed as the people who finally recognized her as the smoke vanished screamed with much adoration. She waved at them cheerfully and even gave a few flying kisses to her fans. The scene was truly something to be proud of if she could say so herself. Humans adoring her almost blindly. They were truly imbeciles and she could not believe she was like them from long ago. How ignorant they were. Although, ignorance is bliss as they do say. Well, there was no point pondering about it. She was here to entertain them as their idol and she will do so without any hindrance and after that it would be her turn to play as a Neesha. Licking her lips in a seductive way, her audience shriek in glee at such an act.

"I am very happy for such an audience despite this concert being a surprise! Well, let us start this concert with my new song from my new album! Let us tone down the atmosphere a little bit!"

After that the lights dimmed to give emphasis onto Calliope's presence, the audience quiet down and the music began to play as a sad yet enchanting melody begin to fill the night air. Soon enough, the ethereal voice of Calliope was heard as the people relished in her sweet song that tells a tale of such sorrowful love. They do not know how befitting this was to the one who was singing it as of now.

"Even though I'm destined to become sea foam, I will always love you with all of my heart
Once I dissolve in the ocean and sky, Ill always watch over you

I want to be closer to the stay heaven at the surface of the sea
I longed for the day when that was no longer a dream
Under thick clouds and the ever cross waves
I saw you at the bottom of the sea on that day

First feeling of love in my life
How heartbreaking the feeling of love really is

Even though my new legs are aching
I love you with all of my heart
I cant dance but I don't care, Ill watch over you always

I realized Its not possible to obtain the star in the castle
Now matter how loud i scream my voice wont reach your ears
On the ship that night, I heard my sisters call, throwing me a silver knife
They suggested quickly to kill him I

Sing, oh sing on the ocean floor
Putting all my heart into a song
Even though you cant hear my voice, I wont stop with my singing
Hoping my voice wraps around you in the ever flowing wind

Even though I am destined to become sea foam, I will always love you with all of my heart
Once I dissolve in the ocean and sky, Ill always watch over you..."

Firefly City only seemed to get livelier as night fell, it was this aspect of the town that he loved the most--it was so...electric. The palace was still a ways away, and Taro’s attention was quickly shifting towards the cities nightlife. Clubs, casinos, bars, they all drew him in, it was as they neared the town square, and Taro caught ear of an infectious, familiar tune that he stopped in his tracks.

“Hm?” The traveler rose his brow, “That song…” Taro furrowed his brow in thought. “Where have I heard it before..?” He crossed his arms, bothered by his lack of recollection.

“Taro?” Jenga and Sayako were still walking, almost leaving him completely before they realized that young man wasn’t following suit.

“Master Taro?” Sayako tried to track his gaze, which was fixated on the large crowd down the way. “Oh, the show. Calliope’s voice is quite infectious.” She said, a bit disapprovingly however. “Master Taro?” The older woman asked him, his face was completely blank.

“Calliope? She’s the one singing?” He tapped his index finger against his temple and let out a deep sigh. “So troublesome…I can’t even remember where I heard her song before…” Taro scratched at his chin before he shrugged and shook his head.

“Oh well, guess there’s only one way to find out. I’m gonna go talk to the star!” The white haired, mocha skinned fellow grinned with confidence. “Yep. You guys wanna come too?” He spoke as if barging in on a star was an everyday task.

“Can we Sayako? I wanna meet Calliope too!” Jenga was yanking hard on his caretaker’s arm, causing her to adopt a sour visage.

“You two go on…I’ll just wait here.” She gave them an awkward smile before making her way towards a wooden bench, away from the crowd and music.

“Ah well. Come on Jenga, let’s go check out this Calliope.” He smirked, a twinkle in his violet eyes.

The traveler and young noble-to-be, forcefully pushed their way to the front of the crowd…
.

The first song ended with a melancholy note as it foretells a famous story for the children. It was of a lovelorn mermaid who had chosen to die instead to kill the one she loves. In her personal opinion, the mermaid was a fool to begin with. One should never hope for something improbable. The process would only be full of treachery and the result would be a tragedy. Most people would say that the mermaid showed true love. For her, it was what she would call idiocy. In any case, it was not her problem for she would only sing the song and act as if it was her own experience. Yet somehow, it does feel close to her heart in a way she never understood.

At the end of her singing, the crowd quickly clapped for her brilliant performance. She bowed to them graciously and thanked them for such a warm approval of her song. However, the night was still young and this was only the beginning. It was like what her savior had told her once. 'Sing them the sweetest songs for their deathbed', those words had always stayed within her. In addition, she is the most obedient child among the group of her Mother. No wonder she had been labeled by the other Neesha who knew about her as the representative of the Goddess Hecate. Although, it is still a secret not to be exposed anytime soon.

Taking a deep breath, she prepared for her next song as she listened to the request of the public for more. With a flick of her fingers, a new melody filled the entire plaza. It was more lively than the first as dancers entered the stage and joined Calliope. Along with it, the idol given the alias of Siren began to move her body with the tune as the crowd go wilder than before. She could not help but a smile upon her beautiful face that angels or even goddesses for that matter would have a say. This is the rondo for the demise and she would do her given role without doubt.

"No no too bad boy!

The words of crowds on monitor
Its just clouds in the blue sky
Why do you seem to be boring?
Alright the night is coming soon!

At the corner of her eyes, she noticed a presence of a supernatural in front of her. It ignited her curiosity as she did a pirouette and graceful faced that being that she had sensed. It was no doubt not human yet the features seemed of an elf and human. A trivia if she could say herself and furthermore, a child was beside the male half-ling in her assumption. Her trail of thinking did not reflect upon her actions and expressions as she continued singing. Instead, she used this to satisfy herself and maybe the man who looked at him with interest as well.

I fly over the Dimension
And then come close to you in Motion
Gonna invite you to the new world
All right, baby are you ready?

At that question, she reached out her hand towards that man and winked with such allure. The male fans all went wild and even envious as they glared at him. After doing so, she returned her focus in the choreography that was etched in her mind. Ignoring the plight she had delivered the half-ling she had seen in front of the crowd. However, she does have this intuition that this meeting was something that would lead to another event in the near future. So, it would not be a hassle to deviate from the practiced dance steps isn't it? When was it bad to have fun? With that thought, she turned her attention to the said man and the child he has with him as if talking to them more for the adult actually.

I know you more than anyone in this
wonderful world I'm for real
will you leave all to me.
You don't need to mind being afraid of all
so let’s dance with me

Cali Cali night fever
feel the groove and have a special time yeah
just now throw away the negative thoughts
why not think only to dance?

The dancers were not showing their confusion at the change in the singer's moves. Yet, they know how to improvise and continued with what they were doing. Calliope reached out her hand towards the young boy and if he would grab her hand, she would brought him on stage and danced with him while her eyes were upon the adult supernatural that was with him. This night was turning into an excitement she would be pondering about later on.

Cali Cali night fever
Whats up? baby, anytime I'm here
I'm always waiting for you please keep
Looking at me,

NO NO TOO BAD BOY!!!

When ever sights are too heavy
Or if you were shocked by "Billy"
Call me, Want me
I'm gonna save you
Alright I will come right away

I teach you tonight what you don't learn by
the class come on, you know why
Will you let it all do to me!??
Lets open the gates of awesome night with me
EASY GO LUCKY!!!

Cali Cali Night fever!
Give all love and many smiles for you
Life is very short for every body
therefore you can't hesitate!

Cali Cali night Fever!
"Bye-Bye Lover" it is almost day break
You are missing me, so I am, but keep
Looking at me

Dummy Dummy Boy!!!

I know you more than any one in this
Wonderful world, I'm for real
will you show all to me?
Lets find the meaning of life tonight with me
Work a Miracle!

Cali Cali Night Fever
Feel my heart beat
stand up and take my hand
Are you ready for changing yourself?
Count down to the departure!

Cali Cali Night Fever
Eager Beaver, so baby, I love you!
Just now is the time to break through with
All your power
Sweety Sweety boy!

Cali Cali Night Fever!
Feel the groove and Have a special time YEAH!
Just now throw away the negative thoughts
Why not think only to dance

Cali Cali night Fever!
What's up baby, anytime I'm here
I'm always waiting for you please keep
Looking at me

No No Too Bad Boy!!!

No No Too Bad Boy!!!"

At the end of the song, a barrage of fireworks launched into the sky along with brilliant lights filling the stage as it was all focused upon the star of the Firefly City. The Angelic seductress Calliope and the audience going into a fit of amazement and praises for her whether it to be a man, a female, an adult, or a child. Nothing matters, they all adore her to their wits end and she could not be so glad about the ignorance of the humans. Maybe even a few supernaturals as well. After all they do say, if there is a job to do, it is worth doing well.

Asher watched the female through slightly narrowed eyes, which held a glint of curiosity but over all, confusion. She seemed to sincere about her words, but he was so surprised & so unsure that he couldn't bring himself to returning her loving words. He needed to know more.

"I remember you... You were the one that kissed me that day," Asher murmured with an apologetic smile. "I hardly consider that time beautiful on my end. I mean, you left soon afterwards... I don't understand how you could love someone you just kissed."

Taro watched the entire scene with an extreme interest, not necessarily the scene, but the performer. Even as the torrent of fireworks shot into the sky, his gaze didn’t shift. The only thing that did break the siren’s spell, was young Jenga as he hopped down from the stage with a giddy grin on his face.

“Taro, Taro! Didja see me Calliope brought me on stage!” Jenga was radiating excitement. “Taro…?” The youngster was standing on his tip-toes trying to get into his view. “Tarooooooo!”

“Eh?” The white haired young man had a blank expression on his face, “Sorry, sorry…Jenga, why don’t you go get Sayako? I’m gonna go have a chat with the entertainment.” Taro smirked, glancing back at the stage.

“Huh? You can’t just go…” But before the boy could protest, Taro was already atop the stage, a devilish grin across his face. “Wow…he’s really dedicated.

When Taro arrived on stage, he could feel eyes burning hundreds of holes in his back from the crowd, he paid them no mind though, he was on a mission. The siren, as they called her, she managed to spark his interest, what that interest was, he didn’t quite know at the moment. Was it her looks? Sure she was a beautiful face, but he had seen those before. The singer’s voice though, that was what immediately drew him in. A creative soul was the best kind.

He took a boastful look around the stage, “Nice view…” He smiled a bit, “That song you sing…Calliope right? I can’t help but think about how familiar it sounds…” He slid through a wall of dancers to get closer to her, she was even prettier up close.

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."

"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.

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.

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...}

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.