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| Ivy Dewshine: | Ryouko Hirosue |
| Adonis: | Ueda Yuuji |
| Randoruun: | Ryoutarou Okiayu |
| Arlen: | Yumi Touma |
The sun
had set, the heat of the summer day had died.
Ivy unpacked her bag, and opened her bed.
"Hey, Ivy! Time to eat!" Adonis stuck his head into the room.
"Wha--?" Ivy looked up from her unpacking.
"Time to eat," he repeated, "I’m not the best cook, but Randoruun couldn’t cook today because.."
" his stomach is troubling him, right?" Ivy finished for him, "That’s okay, I understand. Have you made his rice yet?"
"Uh, no. I was going to have you eat first," Adonis lead her through the hallway, "Come on. I’ll introduce you to him."
They walked through the kitchen doorway, and Ivy’s eyes widened when she looked at the table.
Five platters where lavishly decorated with greens and fruits, with small sandwiches on one platter, deviled eggs on another, and other nice dishes on the others.
A clean goblet was set down to the right of a plate. Ivy followed the hand and turned a bright red as she saw the face of a dark, tall, and handsome man.
He looked to Ivy and gently smiled, "Good evening."
Ivy blinked, blushing.
Adonis had an agitated look on his face, "Randoruun! You shouldn’t be cooking!"
Randoruun had a very soft voice, "I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it," he cracked a smile.
Ivy felt a smitten whine deep in her throat.
Adonis grabbed Ivy by her shoulders, pushing her into a chair, "Sit down, sit down!"
Randoruun sat down across from her, resting his chin on his fists. He stared at her, smiling.
Ivy stared back, blinking, Is there something on my face?
Adonis sat down next to Randoruun, angrily snatching food from platters. He stopped at looked at Ivy, "Go ahead."
"Hmm?" Ivy took her eyes off of Randoruun as she looked to the food. She took something off of every platter. She took a deviled egg and bit off half of it.
His expression not changing, Randoruun spoke, "You’re very cute."
Adonis slammed the table, and Ivy almost choked on the egg.
"Randoruun!!!" Adonis yelled at his best friend.
Ivy guzzled down the water in her goblet, her face as red as a grape.
Randoruun softly laughed, "Sorry, sorry "
Adonis sat back, sighing, "This is Ivy Dewshine. She’s being chased by some elf guy, so she’ll be staying with us," his voice lowered, "Don’t try anything, okay?"
Randoruun lifted his goblet, "I wouldn’t dream of it," he sipped his water, "I should say the same to you."
Ivy’s eyes widened as she remembered Adonis’s hand on her stomach .she blinked and went back to her food.
Randoruun looked at Ivy’s troubled expression, and muttered to Adonis, "What did you do to her?"
"What’s that mean?!" Adonis hissed back.
Randoruun changed the subject, "Well, Ivy. All fairies have special powers. Do you have any others besides turning into elf form?"
Ivy sweatdropped, He’s sharp "Well, yeah. I sing."
Randoruun nodded, "A singing fairy ."
"What? What?" Adonis was clueless.
"Can you sing in your current form?" Randoruun sipped some more water.
"Yeah," Ivy polished off her sandwich, "I know I can, but I haven’t tried "
"What? Try what?" Adonis asked again.
"Ivy is a singing fairy. Certain songs she sings can put the fiercest of beasts at rest. Different songs cast different spells. Her most powerful spell sounds like a chorus of tiny bells," Randoruun paused, "That’s what I’ve been told, anyway. I’ve never seen one until now," he looked to Ivy and smiled, "You should be proud. There aren’t many of you left, and you have the power to change into elf form as well."
Ivy smiled and politely said, "Thank you." She stood and took her plates, "Tell you what, since you cooked dinner for Adonis and I, I’ll fix up something for your stomach, okay?" she walked into the kitchen, "Hey Adonis, d’you have the packet?"
Adonis stacked his dishes, "Yeah, in a sec " he walked into the kitchen.
Ivy took out a pot and began to cook some rice, "The packet?"
"Oh, yeah!" Adonis handed her the packet she gave him earlier.
Ivy shook the herbs over the rice and poured a small bit of chicken broth over the rice as well. She mixed it and put some in a bowl with a spoon. She went out of the kitchen and handed the bowl to Randoruun, who was reclining in the living room.
"Thank you," Randoruun took the bowl and lifted the spoon. Without looking up, he queried, "What’s wrong?"
Ivy sighed, "I’m trying to remember what I did to have someone chase me down like a criminal."
Randoruun swallowed some of the rice, "Your cooking isn’t too shabby, Miss Dewshine."
"It was foolish of me to cook for you after you prepared that awesome meal ." Ivy said nervously.
Randoruun smiled, "I’ve been cooking for years. Don’t feel bad," he sat up, "Adonis told me of your predicament. Feel free to stay with us as long as you like."
"Thank you very much. I won’t burden you for too long," Ivy suddenly remembered Adonis’s hand on her stomach, and the ‘thud’ made when she kicked him, "Excuse me for asking, but you’re obviously an elf .but what is Adonis? He couldn’t be human or elf ."
Randoruun laughed, "His eyes make you nervous, am I correct?"
"It’s not just that "
"Adonis is a red dragon in human form," Randoruun rose an eyebrow, "An awfully handsome scoundrel for a red dragon, wouldn’t you agree?"
Ivy nodded half-heartedly. Most red dragons have grotesque humanly forms Adonis is lucky to be so handsome .Ivy rose both of her eyebrows, But knowing my luck, he and Rando over here are probably as gay as they come .
"You’re very lucky, too."
Ivy’s thoughts were interrupted by Randoruun.
"Most fairies that become larger have unproportioned features eyes too small, nose too big barely any hair you’re very nice looking," Randoruun forced an aloof expression across his face, "For a fairy, of course."
"Thanks," Ivy said flatly. Whatever.
Randoruun looked at the clock on the mantle, "It’s getting late. You should turn in for the night. I’ll take care of the dishes with Adonis."
Ivy didn’t argue. She stood up and bid him a good night, walking back to her room. She closed the door behind her, and sat down at the pillows on her bed, lightly touching the sheets.
Something big is going to happen. These events have happened for a reason Ivy starred at the full moon, I wonder what’s going to happen Ivy stood, and took off her ornamental articles of clothing, and climbed into her bed, But, why? I never did anything wrong .she sat up, And who’s that Pilot guy? And who’s wanting him to get me? Why?
Ivy remembered the voice telling Pilot to refrain from attacking. The voice was so mysterious you couldn’t determine anything by it.
Ivy closed her eyes, and it wasn’t long until she finally felt at peace.
It only seemed like minutes until Adonis and Randoruun barged into her room.
Ivy stirred in her sleep, "Wha--?"
Adonis pulled her out, "We gotta get out of here! C’mon!"
"Huh?" Ivy stood up, grabbing her bag and clothes. She attached the sword to her belt, and Adonis led her out.
"Hurry!" Adonis picked up Ivy and sped up.
Ivy was finally awake, "H-hey!" she started pounding on Adonis with her fists, "I can walk, y’know!"
"Shut up, and be still!" Adonis growled.
Ivy looked behind them, smoke was leaking through cracks in the doors. She only caught a glimpse of it before they ran outdoors.
Adonis set her down on the ground and she stomped on his foot, "Give me a warning, at least!!!"
Adonis’s eyes widened, and he grabbed his foot, and winced with pain.
Ivy gasped as she heard an explosion from the house. The trio stared in awe as the house’s roof collapsed. She took a step closer to Randoruun.
"What happened ?" she managed to murmur.
Randoruun remained silent as he stared at the burning house with a straight face.
I know you’re hurting Ivy thought as she stared at Randoruun, Why are you hiding it?
Ivy looked to Adonis, who looked grief-stricken, then furious. He clenched his fist and screamed towards the house, "YOU BASTARDS!!!!!!! You’ll never get us!! Just leave us ALONE!!!!!!!"
The glow of the flames lit the three’s faces. The fire flickered in Adonis’s angry, tear-brimmed eyes. He knees hit the ground, his hands following.
Ivy looked on Adonis with pity, and walked over to him, and put her hand on his shoulder, "I’m sor.."
Adonis shoved her hand away, "You witch!!"
Ivy backed away in shock.
"Just what the hell did you do to have these guys chasing you?! I should’ve let `em take you!" he stood up, and tightly held her shoulders.
Ivy could feel her bones trying to withstand the impact. She tried to tell him to stop, but all she could get out was a yelp of pain.
"Confess!!! What could you possibly have done?!" he gripped her tighter still, and Ivy let out a weak wail.
"Stop it!" Randoruun shook Adonis off of the girl, and Ivy collapsed to the ground, "You’re getting nowhere with that temper of yours!" Randoruun helped Ivy sit up, "Can’t you see that this girl has done no harm?!"
There was a moment of silence. Ivy stared at the two men staring at eachother.
Randoruun broke the silence as he spoke again, "We should leave this place. There’s a town not far from here. We should reach it in twenty minutes or so if we go quickly," he gently help Ivy up, "Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you," he softly whispered in her left ear.
Ivy blushed as she felt his warm breath on her face and neck.
"Let’s go," Randoruun held Ivy as he spoke. Adonis grudgingly lagged behind.
Ivy stayed silent, and stared at the ground as they walked towards a dimly lit town. After about then minutes of silence, Randoruun quietly spoke to Ivy.
"Don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine in a bit," he assured her.
Ivy folded her arms, and scoffed, "I’m not worried about it, okay?"
Randoruun looked ahead, "We should be there soon."
Ivy clutched her arms, Still no reaction! Cripes, doesn’t this guy have feelings?! "What are we going to do now?"
Adonis walked forward with a huff, "Rent a room, of course."
"So, the man in the shadows speaks infinite words of wisdom," Randoruun rose his tone, almost smiling.
"What’s that mean?!" Adonis roared, Randoruun laughing.
He’s cute when he laughs Ivy smiled. He sounds much younger than he acts when he laughs. Ivy observed how well the two men of opposite qualities got along. She suddenly noticed how much she felt like an outsider. She lightly knocked herself on the head, "Now’s not the time for pity trips " she whispered to herself.
"Hmm?" What’d you say?" Adonis turned to Ivy.
"Hmm? Ah! Nothing!" Ivy smiled nervously. She remained silent until they arrived at the first inn they saw.
They stood in front of it for a moment, and Adonis broke the silence as he opened the door to the inn and walked inside.
Randoruun smiled, amused by Adonis’s childishness, "Let’s go in, shall we?" he smooth voice suggested.
The two walked in, "Will we have enough money to pay for rooms?" Ivy whispered.
"I doubt it. We may have to share a room," Randoruun answered.
Ivy’s heart skipped a beat, but then calmed down to its steady beat. Randoruun would never try anything, I think .and Adonis .he’s too upset, I’m sure Ivy thought, "Alright " she took her pouch, "We’d like any vacant room, please," she told the desk manager.
Once through, she turned around with a key, "Alright, let’s go."
"Uhm, Miss?" the desk manager quietly peeped.
"Huh?" Ivy turned around.
"W-would you like this ?" he meekly lifted up a sign that read, ‘Do Not Disturb’.
Ivy turned a bright shade of red, "NO THANK YOU ." she managed to spit out.
"S-sorry about that !" the manager feebly squeaked.
Ivy spun on her heel, and urged both of the guys out, "Come on, come on!"
Adonis tried not to crack a smile, and it appeared that Randoruun didn’t hear any of the previous events.
Ivy stopped at a large wooden door, and stuck an old, tarnished key in the keyhole. She tried to open the door, and started putting her entire body’s weight on the door. Slamming against it a few times wouldn’t budge the door. She paused for a moment, catching her breath.
"Here, lemme try " Adonis pushed Ivy aside, and put his hand on the knob. He turned it, and at the last moment, both he and Ivy pushed against the door , and it burst open.
Ivy fell inside, and struggled to remain on her feet. The full moon’s light shined through the doorway, shedding some light on the full-sized bed to the right corner, and the leg of a chair next to a table on the opposite side.
There was silence for a moment. Adonis once again broke it.
"Well, the logical thing to do is let the guys share the bed "Adonis began to open it, "Luckily, Randoruun and I are gentlemen," he gestured towards the bed.
"Th-thank you " she sat on the edge of the bed, and took off her shoes. She climbed into the bed, and watched the two men settle themselves as she rested her head on the pillow.
Randoruun sat in the chair, and Adonis slept on the floor next to the bed.
Ivy closed her eyes, and it wasn’t long before she fell asleep.
Ivy’s nostrils twitched as she smelled a faint aroma of gardenias. Her eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, rubbing her eyes. She turned to her left, and saw Randoruun arranging the white blossoms.
Randoruun smiled, "Good morning."
"Morning " Ivy groggily set a foot out of bed, onto Adonis’s stomach.
Adonis grunted, waking up, and grabbed his stomach as Ivy stepped on the floor, and walked over to the window. Adonis glared over to Ivy. Randoruun was watching, and smiled, amused.
Ivy opened the shutters with little effort, and squinted as the bright sunlight penetrated the room.
"We need to leave soon," Randoruun said.
"You’re telling me," Adonis stretched, "I’m starving."
Ivy then noticed that she was starving too. Her stomach was in knots .or was that because she just spent the night with two men in the same room? It’s not like they tried anything Ivy found that point rather insulting.
"We should eat soon, but more importantly ." Randoruun sat down in the chair he slept in, " .we must remember, we are fleeing from whoever destroyed our home."
There was awkward silence for a moment. Ivy once again began to feel guilty for the destruction of that beautiful house.
Adonis stood, and broke the silence, "Well, we can find something to eat somewhere on the way. Let’s go."
Randoruun smiled at his friend’s immaturity, and agreed, "We should hurry."
Ivy messed with her hair a bit in the mirror, and took her bag, and the key, "Alright "
After they returned the room’s key, they started to walk through town. Adonis and Randoruun urged Ivy forward as she slowed down by attractive window arrangements.
" .what’s the next town?" Ivy asked after about two miles, " I’m starving."
"I think we’re all getting hungry ." Randoruun looked into the clear sky, cupping his hand over his eyes to block out the sunlight.
"So where’s the next town? We’ll eat there," Adonis stopped walking for a moment.
Ivy stopped next to Adonis, and watched Randoruun stop.
The elf looked over his shoulder, and plainly stated, "I don’t know."
"WHAT?!!!" Ivy blew up, "Whattaya mean you don’t know?!! It may be days before we get to another town!"
"Do you have a better idea?" Randoruun began to walk again.
" ." Ivy grudgingly continued to walk.
"I say the next place we come up to we stop and at least get a drink," Adonis began to walk again as well.
"Alright," Randoruun said, "Ivy, I’m sure that bag is getting heavy. Want me to carry it?"
Ivy took a tighter grip to her bag slung over her left shoulder, "I’m fine." She closed her eyes snobbishly as she refused his offer, and opened one eye to study his reaction.
Randoruun continued walking, looking in the distance for any building.
Still nothing! Ivy opened the other eye, and grimaced, Oy! What is this guy, a zombie?! Elves are usually so emotional!!
Adonis bent over to Ivy’s ear level, "Give it up, he’s not going to do anything," he quietly muttered.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about!" Ivy sighed and put her arms behind her head, and looked away.
"Ah! There!" Randoruun pointed ahead to see a small, nicely kept-up building.
"Hmm?" Adonis and Ivy looked to the building.
Ivy wrinkled her nose as she read the sign, "A bar? I doubt I’ll be able to have anything in there ."
"I’m sure they have something for those eighteen and under " Randoruun walked in, and Adonis and Ivy followed.
The bar was poorly lit, and grown men were everywhere. Ivy yelped and jumped towards Adonis when she felt a tug on her skirt. She didn’t dare to turn around, but heard laughter.
Adonis turned around and sent the jerks a silencing glare, "These sickos must’ve never seen a female before "
Ivy grimaced, insulted by that comment, but clung close to Adonis anyway.
Randoruun offered Ivy a stool, and she climbed up on it, her legs dangling about a foot off the floor. Adonis and Randoruun each sat on the outside of her.
" ." Ivy looked around nervously, "Um excuse me ?" she called over the counter.
A huge, muscular man turned around, "What’ll it be?"
Intimidated by the bartender’s height, Ivy shifted in her seat, "Um "
"What beverages do you have for those underage?" Randoruun politely asked.
"Well, depends on your taste " the man replied.
"Anything sweet?" Ivy managed to peep.
"Ah, I have the perfect thing!" he snapped, "Just let me get the orders of your boys over here."
My boys ? Ivy flatly thought.
"Scotch with water, please," Randoruun tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.
The man nodded, and looked to Adonis.
Adonis thought for a moment, "A cup of your house wine, please."
"Sure thing," the man turned around to pour Adonis’s wine, and handed him the glass.
The man set a small napkin in front of Randoruun, and set a cup of scotch and water on it.
"Let’s see now ."the man got out a glass and a few bottles. Ivy watched him carefully as he mixed the drink. He cut a piece of fruit and stuck it on the rim of the glass, " Here you go!" he set it in front of Ivy, "Here’s Arlen’s latest creation---!" he trailed off, " I’ll think of something to call it later " he turned around.
Ivy looked at the drink, and picked up the glass. She brought it to her lips, and tasted it, "Wow!" she smiled, "This is really good!"
Randoruun and Adonis looked to Ivy.
"You think so?" the man turned around, smiling.
"What’s in it?" Randoruun asked.
"Oh, just a mix of tangerine and mango juice," Arlen wiped his hands, "And a small splash of apricot nectar."
"Mmm!" Ivy smiled, and took another sip.
"May I taste it?" Randoruun asked Ivy.
"Uh, sure!" Ivy handed him the glass, "Just a taste, though."
Randoruun sipped a small amount of the drink, "Very nice..."
"Let me taste! Let me!" Adonis reached over for the glass and took a gulp.
"Ah--!" Ivy gawked, "My drink! Don’t drink all of it!" she reached over to snatch it. She looked at the halfway-empty glass, and whined, "Now it’s almost gone "
Ivy’s grieving was interrupted by a glass being shattered on the floor, followed by yelling.
"Would you like to settle this the old-fashioned way?!!" a large man bellowed.
"If that’s what you want!" an equally large, but thinner man stood.
The bulkier of the two lunged across the table at the other.
"HEY!" Arlen rushed out from behind the bar, and picked up the two men having a brawl.
Adonis and Ivy’s mouths gaped open at the bartender’s strength. Randoruun polished off his scotch with water.
"I won’t allow any fighting in my bar, is that clear?" Arlen calmly said, the two men vigorously nodded.
Randoruun rose an eyebrow as the two men tripped over eachother getting out.
Arlen sighed as he walked back behind the bar, "What am I doing here? I’m too old for this "
Ivy suddenly noticed the light aging on the man’s face. There’s no way he’s over 38 .but not under 29 Ivy thought.
"Good question. You have the potential for a restaurant," Randoruun set down his cup, "Why don’t you come with us? We’ll be going through some major towns, and it just so happens we need someone of your strength to be this charming young lady’s bodyguard," he nodded towards Ivy.
Arlen smiled in disbelief, "What, and just abandon my bar?"
"Exactly."
" ." Arlen paused, "And if I had a wife?"
"What kind of a husband spends a Sunday afternoon working at a bar?" Randoruun replied with much confidence.
There was silence between the two.
"I hope he knows what he’s doing " Adonis whispered to Ivy.
Arlen cracked a smile, "Well, young man, you’ve got yourself a bodyguard!"
Randoruun calmly smiled, "I thought you’d agree."
"Hey, kid!" Arlen called across the table to a young man cleaning a table.
The kid looked up.
"The bar’s all yours. I quit!" Arlen led the other three out.
"Cool!" the kid squeaked.
As the four stood outside, Ivy turned around to look at the three men she’d be traveling with—a dragon, an elf, and a middle-aged bartender.
Mom would NOT like this .Ivy smugly thought to herself, as Randoruun and Adonis answered any questions Arlen had, Well, at least I can feel safe. I’m sure everything will be alright!
Ivy suddenly heard her stomach grumble.
But I’m starving---!!!
End Installment Two