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"1, 2, 3, LET'S GO!"
The sound thundered through the arena as the fans bellowed along with the shining idol. A wide grin was plastered to her face as she danced around, her wand twirling through the air. If Mika hadn't known better, he would've fallen for the same too-cheery, too-bright smile along with the thousands of fans. But, he did know better and he was well aware of the truth behind that snarky smile. Sometimes he wished he didn't.
The music pounded against Mika's eardrums but protocol forbade him from covering them. His hands remained at his side, one on the hilt of his sword. He stood completely still (as per protocol, again, although his back was beginning to hurt), back straight and gaze pointed forward. He wanted so badly for this night to be over. Concerts were not his thing.
Color flashed through the audience as they waved their glow sticks in time with the beat. On stage, Shinoa made a few ridiculous poses--why was she making all those hearts, and what is with that face?--as her song came to a close. For a moment, the only thing Mika could hear was the over zealous screams of the fans.
"Aha, did all of you have fun?" Shinoa shouted over them. The microphone forced her voice to drown out the audience and Mika winced with the sharp whine of the technology that, of course, was only heard by him. His hearing was far too sensitive.
Shinoa waved goodbye to her wonderfully lovable fans and spun on her heel. This earned a few more pathetic screams. It was the most awaited part of the show, oddly enough. Shinoa tossed the wand above her head just as a light burst from the heart at the top of it. The light radiated out and spun downward toward her, encasing her in a shell. Her gloves were the first to go, disappearing in a flash of brilliant violet light. Next were her ridiculous thigh-high boots (Mika never understood those. He knew she didn't exactly get to choose her outfit, but still, they were horrendous). The ribbon of light enveloped her frilly dress and it too, disappeared with a pop. Shinoa gave one last shout before the light covered her completely, and she vanished.
The metallic tang of magic went out like a light, rendering the arena completely black, except for the few visible stars above. The dark gray clouds had hung low all night and it was a miracle that it hadn't started pouring rain yet. Mika knew, from experience, that it would start immediately after the arena was cleared, like it always did. Shinoa's magic tended to draw the bad weather after her wherever she went. She was able to just barely hold it off to continue with these obnoxious concerts that Mika hated oh so very much.
The timer in Mika's pocket buzzed, signaling the end of his watch. Directly following it was Krul's voice coming through the earbud in his ear. "Alright, Mika dear, why don't you go and check on our favorite idol? She seemed rather distressed tonight."
Mika held back a snort. "Distressed" would be an understatement to the performance Shinoa had given just a few hours ago on the company's doorstep. He pressed his ear and replied, "Right away, Your Majesty."
Mika allowed himself a small smile at Krul's sarcastic huff of impatience. He turned away from the doors and walked briskly around the arena. It wouldn't be long before the fans were released back into the halls, and he wanted to be out of here before the swarm tried to trample him or something. He wasn't exactly sure how intimidating he'd look to a rabid fangirl trying to buy her favorite idol's merchandise before it was out of stock.
He slipped through an "Employee Only" door just as the back rows came storming out of the arena. He followed the corridors around the outer edge of the arena until they dumped him out just behind the stage. It was a bit disorienting at first; the only people he'd come across in the back halls were personal like him, swords at their hips waiting to strike at any intruder. Now, technicians were everywhere, shouting through headsets at each other while designers rolled costumes around. The crew screeched at anyone who came to close to the stage props and nearly murdered anyone who came within a foot of the far-too expensive instruments.
Mika kept to the outside edge, where he was less likely to collide with anyone. He followed the line of directors--they were easy to spot: nice suits, perfect hair, clipboards and a look that would wither anyone who happened to fall under it--to the door to the idol's rooms. It was quieter there, as few people were allowed there. Mika nodded to two of his fellow bodyguards, Lacus and Rene, who were stationed outside of Shinoa's room. Although he didn't exactly need to (they did know him, fairly well), Mika flashed his badge at them and they gestured for him to enter.
As he pushed open the door, Mika tensed, expecting for something, or, rather, /someone/, to come flying vigorously at him. However, nothing did.
Mika looked around the room, searching for the lilac haired girl. He spotted her strewn over a plush stool, her arms and legs sagging in exhaustion. That was unusual. He closed the door with a soft click at walked over to her, careful to avoid the mess tossed about the room.
"Oh, Mika-Mika-Mi, I must beg that you forgive me because I cannot continue on this arduous journey. Please, tell my sister that I love her, but that this is all her fault," Shinoa moaned, somehow still keeping her cheeky attitude despite her dying words.
Mika gently removed an extravagant dress from another stool and politely sat down, crossing his legs and folding his hands together. "You can't really blame Mahiru, Shinoa. You're the one who decided to become an idol. Do remember that time when I told you that you were going to regret this?"
Shinoa sighed, and Mika could already tell that this was just an overdramatic act. Just like the one earlier. She slid off the chair and onto her feet, swaying blearily for a moment, before collapsing in a pile on the floor. She stared up at Mika, who's expression remained neutral. She pouted. "Yes, I remember. But, do you remember just how cute I was during my debut concert?" she giggled. "You were certainly at a loss for words."
"That's because your outfit was rather questionable," Mika retorted. And it was--Shinoa's first level transformation left her virtually unprotected, and was a bit too showy for a 15 year old idol. The "corset" didn't have anything underneath, and there were too many goddamn bows.
"Oh, but it sure did draw in the crowds, didn't it?" Shinoa waved her hand and it took Mika a moment to realize that she was asking the the bottle of water sitting on the counter across from him. He quietly hands it to her.
The buzz of energy outside the room was starting to cool down and Mika wondered how much longer he'd have to wait until he could head home. While he supported Shinoa in her ventures, he really disliked being around so many people. It made him irritable, and he didn't exactly like leaving that impression on others.
Shinoa sat up and wrapped her arms around Mika's legs, resting her head on them and closing her eyes with a contented sigh. "Thank you for being here tonight. Doesn't it make you happy knowing that you're protecting the damsel in distress?"
Mika frowned at her. "You're perfectly capable of protecting yourself, so why did you come crying to the company begging for a guard?"
"I'm sure you've heard about that thief running around lately, correct?" Shinoa asks. Mika nods; there wasn't anyone who didn't know about the mysterious phantom thief that had appeared just a few weeks ago. They'd came out of nowhere, somehow completing an impossible crime on the first try. It was worrisome, and Krul had been spending a little too much time brooding over the stolen artifacts--to Mika, the crimes seemed sporadic and had no connection to each other, other than that the thief wanted to get rich fast.
"Well, I have reason to believe that they're going to target me next!" Shinoa cried, tightening her hold on Mika's leg. She was acting like the damsel in distress that she claimed to be, but Mika knew better. "And what is there that scary enough to keep away a daring phantom thief than a company of vampiric bodyguards, hm?"
"What gives you the idea that they'd come after you? No one even knows what this person looks like, or where they came from, much less where they're targeting next," Mika reasons. Sure, Shinoa was rich, but she didn't exactly have anything that would be worthy enough to warrant a robbery, except...
"Wait, you think they know about your wand?" Now Mika's worried, because he could that information have broken lose? There was only a handful of people who knew of Shinoa's true identity, including him, Krul, Mahiru, and... there was someone else, but Mika's memory tended to blur when he tried to remember who it was. He'd long ago realized that he'd forgotten something, someone, important, but no one bothered to tell him what, or who.
"My wand is the source of all my magical power," Shinoa brightly explained, not that she really needed to. "When Shi bestowed this power upon me, I knew I really was the chosen one, ahaha! I can't just let some wannabe phantom thief take it away, now can I?" Shinoa pushed herself up and threw her arms around Mika's neck. "But at least I have a big bad vampire guarding me."
Mika gently lifted her arms off, ignoring her pout. "If I am going to do my job properly, then I should make sure the perimeter is secure, shouldn't I?" he said, standing. "Besides, we wouldn't want Mahiru coming in at the wrong time, either."
Shinoa laughed, twirling around on her toes. She winked at Mika, sticking out her tongue in a playful manner. "Be careful out there, please? It wouldn't do me any good if my vampire in shinning armor were to die!"
Mika gave a her questionable look. Did she really believe he was that fragile? Did she forget that he was a vampire? Albeit, a newly minted vampire, but he could still take down a heavy weight champion without breaking a sweat if he wanted to. There was something behind Shinoa's facade, but Mika had yet to place what it was--it had always been there, just behind her silly smiles and sarcastic laughs; it was as though she was afraid Mika would disappear and leave her behind someday. But today, there was something else she was hiding, and Mika wasn't too keen on finding out whether it meant good news or bad news for him. Typically, When Shinoa began acting extra flirty, it meant bad news. Mika filed her uneasiness away as something to look forward to later, and focused his attention on the Shinoa in front of him.
He smiled reassuringly and patted her head. "I won't die that easily, so don't worry about it, okay?" Mika stuck his tongue out and mimicked her earlier wink. Shinoa blinked, surprise flaring in her eyes. It wasn't everyday that Mika showed off his childish side. Most had made him out to be a stony-faced bastard without any feelings in his shriveled up heart (it wasn't as if Mika had wanted to leave that impression; he just had a bit of... social anxiety).
Mika closed the door quietly behind him. Lacus and Rene were still standing guard, although Lacus was quickly beginning to lose interest in playing bodyguard for a spoilt idol. "Is your girlfriend still completely terrified of a stupid, showy phantom thief coming to steal her out of bed?" Lacus commented, his eyes focused lazily on Mika as he turned away.
"Oh, she's not my girlfriend," Mika said nonchalantly, not fazed in the slightest. It was a common question people asked once they saw how close Mika and Shinoa were. It was only natural; they'd been friends for as long as he can remember. Krul was a "good friend" (Mika isn't entirely sure what to call the relationship between the two) of Shinoa's older sister and manager, Mahiru Hiiragi, so when Krul adopted Mika from the orphanage 12 years ago, Shinoa was the first person around his age that he met.
Besides, even if there was something more going on between them, it'd be a scandal if anyone found out--idols were banned from any romantic ventures while being in the business. It was a crappy system, but Mika knew it was supposed to keep fans interested (especially the perverted ones).
Mika tugged at his white gloves as they started to slip off. His suit looked ready for an elegant ball, not a fight, but that was what was so alluring about it. It was designed to fight, and while keeping a clean image. Krul had a... thing about uniforms. There was a period of time where she had forced everyone to wear thigh high boots (she had said something about wanting to show off her gorgeous son's dazzling legs, but Mika never let her finish that sentence).
The loud buzz of workers had yet to die down. The hall--which was supposed to remain mildly empty--was bursting with a swarm of people looking too busy playing with their phones to actually pay attention to where they were going. A wave a violet hair, a few shades lighter than Shinoa's, caught Mika's attention.
Of course Mahiru would be at the center of the bee's hive. Her headset was on and she was giving calm directions to everyone, maintaining her perfect image of the cool, collected type. Her suit was neat, without a single speck of dust anywhere near it. How she managed to do that, Mika didn't have a clue. He wanted to know her secret, although if Krul couldn't get the info behind Mahiru's magic, then probably no one could.
Mika started to head toward her, but was stopped short when he noticed a man (detective?) standing casually beside her. Immediately, Mika felt pissed beyond reason. There was something off-putting about the man that had Mika grinding his teeth together. It was too late to flee, however, as Mahiru had noticed him and was giving him one of charming smiles.
Steeling his nerves (and tightening his grip on his sword), Mika wove through the stream of people toward the manager.
"Mika, it's good to see you," Mahiru greeted politely. She was distracted by the onslaught of questions blaring through her headset, so Mika gave her a bit of distance.
The man next to her smiled, although to Mika, it looked more like a condescending smirk, worthy of a top-notch asshole. "So you're the vamp's kid, huh?" he said, holding out a hand to shake. "I'm Inspector Ichinose."
Mika narrowed his eyes and warily accepted the handshake. "I am Mikaela Tepes, Krul's son, if that's what you're asking. Why are the police here? I wasn't aware a crime had been committed."
"Oh, I'm not here on assignment. I just decided that here would be the most likely candidate place to catch that pesky thief," Ichinose shrugged. "I have... a way of knowing when things are going to happen." He tapped his head. "Call it a sixth sense, if you will."
Mika took it as inside sources.
Mahiru turned back to the two men, rubbing her temples with a smile on her lips. "Please, let's drop the animosity here," she said. "Mika, Guren and I have been friends for a very long time. I asked him to come in and help. Guren, Mika is a childhood friend of Shinoa's, and one of the best fighters on Krul's team."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes. He could probably break you in half if he wanted to," Mahiru dead panned, to which Ichinose laughed.
Mika didn't allow himself to feel the slightest bit smug. He checked his watch, dully noting the time: 11:34 p.m.
"The past few incidents have occurred at midnight," Mika said. "Krul has already stationed guards around the perimeter, but if this phantom thief is as good as they're said to be, that won't be much of an obstacle."
"The kid might be good, but he's an idiot. He's bound to slip up sometime," Ichinose snorted.
Mika was caught off guard. There was very little information on the phantom thief, and there was nothing that gave away that they were in fact a "he." There was something off about this Ichinose man, something that made Mika want to put a few hundred feet between them. That, or to punch him in the face.
"I thought the identity of the phantom thief was still a mystery?" Mika inquired, the hostility in his voice obvious.
"Mika darling, Ichinose has been on the case far longer than anyone. He knows the most about it, even if the top brass on the force refuse to acknowledge him," Kurl's voice said from Mika's earpiece.
Mika bit his tongue to keep from snapping back. Krul, while seeming like she had an all-around, easy going personality, was actually quick to anger (especially if it involved anyone with the name Bathory). She tended to go easy on Mika, but he never really liked to see her get even the slightest bit angry. She was damn scary when she did.
"On another note, it doesn't seem like the paparazzi have any intention of dissipating for a while," Krul continued. "We might have to sneak our princess out the back."
Mahiru sighed. "Either that, or we could send some scary vampires to frighten them all away."
It occurred to Mika that Krul was tuned into the same frequency as the manager. "Both?"
Mahiru's smile returned. "I suppose both could work as well."
"Mika, I'll leave the little idol to you, since you know how to handle her best. Mahiru, since you're her sister and manager, you should go with Mika," Krul ordered, her voice keeping moderate, laid-back tone. Mika could imagine her slouching in her favorite chair back at the office, looking like a napping cat ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.
Mahiru nodded. "Guren, you'll come with us as well," she said. Ichinose smirked at Mika, who's blood felt like it was about to boil. He wasn't sure how well he'd be able to work with this man. "Krul, I'll leave the handling of the paparazzi to you."
"Of course."
"Ms. Hiiragi, ma'am!" a boy around Mika's age ran up to the three, huffing and slightly our of breath. Mika recognized him as one of Mahiru's apprentices, although he couldn't remember his name. "The handlers screwed up the order, and the transporter won't be here for another hour."
Mika could sense Mahiru's patience wearing thin. This concert was a last minute plan, something for a charity or other. And as usual, with rushed plans, nothing was where it needed to be. Mahiru was a miracle worker, but she couldn't do everything. "Thank you, Makoto. I'll take of it." She looked over her shoulder at Mika and Ichinose as she followed the boy--Makoto, Mika remembered. "Play nice you two, and please, don't let my sister go galavanting off with a phantom thief."
Mika stood quietly for a moment after she left. The stiffness in the air was growing tense under Ichinose's steady gaze. The man's violet eyes were focused on Mika, trying to decipher how he worked. Mika straightened his shoulders and held his head high. "I want to know everything about this thief," he demanded, turning to Ichinose. "You seem to know things about him that know one else does. I want to know how."
Ichinose laughed. It was an annoying laugh, in Mika's opinion; it carried the detective's egotism, and it grated on Mika's thin nerves. "Believe it or not, kid, but I'm here to help. We're on the same side, even if you haven't realized which side you belong on yet."
"I'm on Shinoa's side," Mika stated. He knew it sounded cheesy, but Shinoa was someone special, and not in the way that Krul is, or even what a close friend would be. He'd stay by her side, no matter what.
"But do you know which side she's on?" There was something in Ichinose's gaze that threw Mika off. The man was clearly hiding something, but Mika knew that he wasn't going to give that information up easily.
"I trust her judgement."
Shinoa's judgement... was questionable, but she typically made the right decisions. Most the time, it got her in trouble, but she always got out of punishment, and Mika wasn't entirely sure how she did it. She acted like a queen most of the time, so maybe that was part of the reason. That, and Mahiru was weak against her sister. Sometimes.
"Do you believe in magic?" Ichinose asked, breaking through Mika's lilac-haired thoughts.
Mika's already present frown deepened. "I'm a vampire. What do you think?"
Ichinose's chuckle was slightly more friendly than his laugh. "Well, there are people who refuse to believe what's right in front of them."
"My adoptive mother forced me to drink her blood and now all I ever get a craving for is fresh human blood. I really miss the days when all I had to worry about was whether or not I was getting curry for dinner. Now, there's vampires, magical girl idols, demon uncles, and a phantom thief," Mika said monotonously.
Ichinose raised an eyebrow. "Demon uncle?"
"Krul's brother Asuramaru. I haven't seen him in almost ten years."
"How tragic."
The conversation was shifting into a less icy area. The tension, however, remained high. Ichinose's hand remained near his belt, where Mika was sure that a gun rested. There weren't many humans comfortable being around vampires, not with all the myths and legends that've been around for centuries (none of them were true, but people tended to be a bit biased). Yet, Ichinose's inclination toward his gun didn't seem to have anything to do with the fact that Mika was a vampire, but rather that Mika was Mika.
"Shinoa poses a high amount of magic--which I'm certain you already know, given how close you two seem to be," Ichinose said, a mischievous gleam in his eye. Mika choose to ignore it. "The magic she has was given to her by a devil trickster. The devil trickster is a rare type of demon, and is very valuable. There aren't many people who know of the secret to Shinoa's tricks, but the phantom thief is one."
Mika nodded along. The information was nothing knew to him, but there was still one thing that wasn't clear. "How does the thief know?" he asked.
Ichinose pondered the question momentarily. "That's something even I'm not certain of. I interacted with him for a few minutes, but... it was clear that he wasn't human, and that he was looking for something."
"It makes senses that he's not human," Mika mused. "A demon, or a rogue vampire?"
"No. I don't entirely know what he was. The aura he had was like a vampires, but more, unearthly, like a demon," Ichinose's brow was furrowed as he spoke. Mika could see the gears in his mind turning, still trying to figure it out. "I have a theory, but there isn't anything that supports it."
"A theory is better than nothing," Mika prompted. As far as he knew, there were only three races: humans, vampires, and demons. Humans were the majority, since Vampires kept mostly to themselves and choose to live out their probably immortal lives scoffing at the absurdity of humans ("why should they be allowed to rule the world? We'd do a much better job," was the unanimous agreement of the entire race), and demons preferred to live in solitude, never interacting with anyone, even those of their own kind. Demons liked to make trouble, but humans had a way of handling them.
Ichinose met Mika's gaze. His eyes were narrowed and judgmental, clearly trying to decide whether or not he trusted Mika enough to tell him his secrets.
"I won't tell," Mika said plainly. He didn't have a reason to, or anyone to tell. There was Krul, but seeing as she was Krul, she probably knew already. He'd have trouble keeping it from Mika, but she knew when to stop prying.
Ichinose give in with a half-hearted shrug. "He's a seraph--an angel."
Mika gaped. There were plenty of theories out there contemplating the existence of a fourth, angelic race, but mostly they were based on the idea of "if there are demons, than angels must exist as well!"
"It seems... plausible," Mika said slowly. Although he knew it was ridiculous, something within him told him otherwise. He'd always been partial to the idea, but somehow he knew that if he was suddenly presented with the existence of an angel (like now), he wouldn't bat an eye. "Did he have wings, to help him fly away?" Mika couldn't help but add. Shinoa's snark-y-ness was rubbing off on him.
"Yes, he did, actually," Ichinose smirked. "Four, in fact."
"I'd hate to interrupt, but the rabid fans have been contained. For the most part. I'd say it's safe to move the princess to the castle," Krul cut in.
"Is the carriage in place?" Mika asked.
"Of course it is."
Mika moved past Ichinose, heading in the direction back to Shinoa's star room. "It's time to go," he said, not stopping to see if the detective choose to follow him or not.
That didn't stop him from catching Ichinose mutter under his breath, "Oh, it's long past the start."
*************
"The damn bastard lied," Yuuichiro growled.
"He doesn't seem like the type to lie," Asuramaru said off-handedly. He was perched on the edge of roof, balancing precariously on the font of his bare feet. His elbows rested on his knees, and his head lay on his hands. The wind whipped the small demons hair around him, bringing a slightly chilly breeze with a hint of snow.
The lights of the concert had died out some time ago, and the operation was supposed to have started ten minutes ago. It was already past midnight, and Yuu didn't like to be late... even if he usually was.
"Guren promised me that I'd be able to save Shinoa from those nasty humans tonight! But look at all those damn vampires everywhere! How am I supposed to sneak in now?!"
"Yuu, you've never actually learned how to sneak in anywhere. You're more of the charge in headfirst. I'm sure Shinoa had that in mind when sHe went crying to the Progenitor," Asura reprimanded. Yuu peered at his face, not entirely surprised to find a displeased grimace on the demon's face.
"The Progenitor is your sister, right?" Yuu asked. He didn't know much about the demon's past, except that he was related to the Vampire Queen (she was a famous leader among the vampire ranks, and had been nicknamed such by the demon and human races).
"Yes. I haven't spoken to her in quite a long time and I'm almost positive Shinoa is trying to mock me."
Yuu stood next to Asura, mask in hand. He had a sword at his side, which he was lucky to have remembered to bring because the vampires just had to come and mess everything up. He's had an insatiable hatred for vampires for as long as he can remember. They destroyed everything Yuu had ever loved. Shinoa was all he had left, and he was determined to get her back. Well, her and one other person...
"I think Shinoa... is trying to help," Yuu replied. "She can be annoying sometimes, but she knows what she's doing. I trust her."
"Because she's family?"
"Yes," Yuu said with a disturbingly bright grin. He tugged his onto his head and pulled down until it snugly hid his face. The mask was the shape of a crows beak, decorated with black feathers that seamlessly merged with his stark black hair. There was a hint of emeralds here and there, meant to "draw out the color of his eyes," as Akane had so graciously put it. She was convinced that he had the prettiest eyes of anyone else, but Yuu knew that there was someone with much prettier eyes than his.
Akane had designed his entire outfit, although Yuu wasn't sure why he needed a costume at all. It was annoying, and got caught on everything. The cape was in the way of his wings, even though it was there to hide them. He tugged at his shoulders, pulling the slipping cape back up. He couldn't tighten it any more; that would restrict his wings too much.
"Having issues?" Yuu could hear the smirk in Guren's voice as it shot through his mind.
"Idiot Guren, what the hell is going on? why the hell are the vamps here?" Yuu demanded, partially out loud, partially in his thoughts. Asuramaru sent him an odd look, but Yuu ignored it.
"You don't have to talk out loud, you damn brat. I can hear your thoughts just fine... and they prove that you're more of an idiot than I originally thought."
"Shut up! I haven't figured out how to use a wall yet! But dammit, tell me what's going to happen now, commander?"
"Haha, Shinoa's about to move. She'll be in the target spot in a few minutes. I've taken care of the guards, but you better hurry. Someone other than you might try to spirit away the little queen," Guren informed.
Yuu jumped up onto the roof edge, grinning widely behind his mask. "I was waiting for you to give me the order!"
"Well, that's new."
Asura stood and folded his hands behind his back. "I think... I'll stay behind this time. My presence might draw unwanted attention."
Yuu shrugged. "Suit yourself," he said, and jumped off the roof. The sudden rush of air flying past him felt good, Yuu decided. There wasn't anything that could give him this thrill of living, besides fighting. His wings snapped out behind him, instantly curving his fall forward. He reveled in the feeling of the wind rushing through his feathers, the lightness that lifted him up and carried him across the night sky. His wings were black, like raven wings, Asura once said. Like Lucifer, the fallen one.
Yuu angled higher up into the sky, a mere black shadow passing through a starless night. The bright lights of the city created a luminous haze that acted as shield for Yuu, guarding him from unwanted otherworldly eyes--human eyes were dull and unseeing, but vampires and demons were dangerously perceptive and Yuu was keen to keep his existence secret, for now.
The arena was glowing the brightest. Shinoa's concert was long over, but the die hard fans had yet to disperse. Glow sticks littered the ground, casting a rainbow glow into the darkening stage. Yuu circled around for a moment, his hawk-like eyes scanning the area for the target spot. According to the information Guren had given him, Shinoa was to be taken in a car to a plane, where she would depart to the other side of the country to start an international tour. If everything went well, the tour would never see its first city.
A sleek black car slipped out of the back of the arena, away from anyone's attention. The glint of a street light of the reflective roof of the car is what gave it away, as well as Guren's voice saying, "Idiot, we've already left."
"I can see that," Yuu grumbled.
The car took off down the freeway and Yuu followed it closely. Only three auras emanated from it as far as Yuu could tell: a red one, Guren's; Shinoa's vibrant violet one; and a pretty blue one. The blue aura sent shivers down Yuu's spine. It reminded him of days long ago, when he could enjoy the bright summer days without a care in the world, before the sky was forever darkened for him. Yuu couldn't remember the last time he'd seen a clear blue sky.
The drive the car took seemed longer than necessary. It turned down side streets, wove through quiet neighborhoods, arriving at the back of an elegant hotel. Yuu landed on a lamp across the street. He crouched down and kept his wide eyes focused on the car. The driver's side of the car opened and a vampire stepped out, dressed in the Progenitor's typical uniform. A low growl began in the back of Yuu's throat, but he quickly cut it off with shock.
It was Mika.
Yuu felt dizzy. Mika, the cheery boy that Yuu had loved when he was just a young kid, years and years ago. The boy that Yuu was certain he'd never be able to see again.
"Mika..." Yuu whispered, almost completely frozen. Mika looked the same as he did back then, except now he seemed even prettier than Yuu remembered. His hair had more of a white sheen to it, and his eyes were a vicious red, nothing like the elegant blue that Yuu loved. Mika was here, and he was a vampire, one of the things that Yuu hated most. But Yuu would love him no matter what. He was family, just like Shinoa was.
The blonde walked around the car and opened the door for Shinoa, who hopped out with a whimsical smile. The bow in her hair was a little large and bounced around as she jumped from foot to foot, twirling around. Her brown eyes scanned the dark street, settling momentarily on Yuu. She grinned mischievously and leaned over to wrap herself around Mika's arm. She said something to him that Yuu couldn't quite hear, and Mika looked a little annoyed.
Guren stepped out of the car and motioned for them to head into the hotel. Yuu tore his gaze away to look up. The hotel was expensively large and glowed a little to fashionably for Yuu. The top of it was hidden just by the sheer height, but Yuu was almost certain a helicopter was waiting at the top.
Guren lied again.
Yuu couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Mika was here. With Shinoa.
This was probably going to be the best night of Yuu's life.
*************
The elevator music was tasteless, Shinoa decided. This was supposed to be a top class hotel for the best and upcoming stars, and they couldn't have chosen something better?
She sighed and leaned against Mika. He looked on edge, as usual. It bother Shinoa, that she couldn't make him happy. She knew why, but she couldn't fix it alone.
Everything that had happened twelve years ago had taken it away.
She remembered it clearly, even if Mika had no memory of it.
Even if he had no memory of Yuu.
She would fix that, and that would be the first step to the happily ever after Shi had promised her when the devil had granted Shinoa her powers.
The hotel was Shinoa's first choice when it came to a magical kidnapping. It would be harder to chase Yuu if he flew away from the roof of a building, after all. And, there would be less of a need for guards. The only one who wasn't aware of what was about to happen was Mika, and Shinoa preferred it that way.
There was only one way to break the spell on Mika. Shinoa couldn't help but smile at her Prince Charming at the thought of it.
The elevator dinged as it passed each floor. The ride up was silent; the was clearly some tension between Guren and Mika, but Shinoa couldn't exactly blame them. Mika had trust issues, and Guren wasn't what she'd call "trustworthy."
Shinoa's arm was looped through Mika's. He distanced himself from her, trying to maintain the strictly professional relationship between them. It hurt Shinoa, to think that he'd try to deny his feelings so much. If only he could see just how much she loved him. That would fix a few things, she's sure. Not everything, but a few.
"Ahaha, what's with that face?" Shinoa laughed as she stood on her tiptoes to poke Mika's cheek. "Stop trying to look so scary~"
"It's my job to scare people away," he reminded her and sent a glare over at Guren, who was busy ignoring them.
Shinoa shrugged. "Well, you're going to scare me away!"
Mika's demeanor broke a little and a small smile slipped out before he could fix it. "I doubt that you'd ever leave me."
"You're right. I'd do anything to save my Prince Charming!"
"I'd never need to be saved. You, on the other hand, are a magnet for trouble," Mika pointed out.
Shinoa pouted. Sure, she got into tight situations often, but she had a way of getting out of them unscarred. It was her talent.
The elevator buzzed, signaling their arrival at the top floor. Guren motioned for Shinoa and Mika to go through first. "Try not to be too lovey dovey; it's sickening."
"Oh you're just jealous that you're an old man without any love in your dull life," Shinoa chided.
Mika frowned. "We're not 'lovey dovey.'"
"Oh, keep telling yourself that, and maybe someday it'll come true," Guren scoffed and Shinoa laughed.
Mika choose to ignore the banter and led the way to the stairs, which would take them to the roof where a helicopter--and hopefully Yuu--was waiting. Shinoa let go of Mika's arm and bounced forward, spinning on her toes. "Shall we?" she asked.
Mika nodded at her to continue. Guren hung back, knowing what Shinoa really meant. He shook his head, looking exasperated with her. She tilted her head to the side and stuck out her tongue playfully.
Mika herded Shinoa up the stairs. "You're not going to get any time to rest if you don't hurry," he stated.
Shinoa banged against the door to the roof. "Mika, do you remember when we were kids, and we made that promise? The one where we swore that we'd always protect each other?"
Mika paused, his gentle eyes wide with mild surprise. "I do. How could I forget something as important as that?"
Shinoa smiled softly. "Don't forget it, please," she whispered.
Guren came up behind them as Shinoa pushed the door open. Outside, the helicopter roared, ready for the idol and her guard. "Try not to destroy too much, alright?" Guren said, and shoved Mika forward into Shinoa. The two tumbled out onto the pad, Mika barely able to catch them before they fell completely.
He spun around, anger flaring in his eyes. "You damn bastard, what the hell are you doing?" he shouted over the helicopter's blades.
Guren wore his trademark grin. He waved at them. "Have fun!" he yelled, slamming the door shut. Mika dashed forward, slamming his foot into the door, but it didn't do so much as budge. Magic wards stung him and he backed away with a hiss.
"Damn it!"
Abruptly, a gust of wind shot down and Mika was forced to bend his knees to stay standing upright. He forced his head up and used his hands to shield against the wind. Shinoa followed his gaze up, although it was difficult to see straight into the wind. She already knew who it was, and the lovely feeling that had been building in her chest all day was about to burst.
He was barely visible against the sky, but Shinoa could make out the outline of the four ethereal wings spread out above her. As soon as she finally was able to focus on him, the wind let up, knocking Shinoa to her feet. She felt weightless without its pressure, like she could just fly away at any moment. It was a wonderful feeling, one that was gone too quickly.
Mika was down on one knee, holding his head in one hand. Shinoa stumbled to her feet, throwing a smile up at the /angel/ in the sky. "I always knew you'd come for me!" She cried extra dramatically and threw open her arms.
Mika snapped his head over to her, eyes wide with what she assumed was shock. And probably not the good kind, either.
"Of course you know; you planned this," Yuuichiro snapped. He reach up and tugged his mask back. His eyes (they were just as pretty as Mika's, she thought) glowed inhumanly. Shinoa allowed herself to scream inwardly when he focused them on Mika.
Mika stared up at Yuu. It was hard to guess what was going through his mind; his hand was next to his sheathed sword, but it was frozen and his body was shaking slightly. Shinoa felt a little bad; she knew what it was like when the spell began unwinding. But of course, Mika wasMika, and there wasn't much that could keep him down for long.
Shinoa laughed, and beckoned Yuu with her hands. He grinned at her, and she could see the overflowing happiness in him. He snapped his wings shut and fell to the landing pad with a soft thud. He took, one, two steps, and he was shopping Shinoa up into his arms and nuzzling her head with his cheek.
When was the last time that they'd been able to see each other like this? Shinoa couldn't recall, but right now she was more focused on the boy in front of her. They'd waiting and planning this moment for far too long, and only being able to use wayward messengers to talk with each other. There wasn't a need for words, but it felt nice to hear Yuu say, "I missed you."
"I missed you too," she said into his shoulder.
*************
Mika couldn't process what was happening. It was clear that he was missing something, but he wasn't sure what. The moment the bastard had shoved them through the door and the magic seal activated, Mika knew something was wrong. Of course, Ichinose was in league with the phantom thief. He did have a suspicious amount of information that no one else did.
That was clear. What wasn't, was Shinoa.
She knew the thief. And she was happy to see him.
And Mika... he didn't know how to feel about that.
The moment he saw the phantom thief, wings spread out above the roof, Mika knew that there was something wrong. Not in the way that there was danger, but that there was something wrong with him. When the thief took off his mask, something clicked in Mika's mind. The thief was about the same age as Mika with strikingly black hair that was a little messy, in a way that seemed to fit his somewhat round face. His eyes's pupils were a brilliant green, surrounded by black. There wasn't any white in his eyes, but that seemed to work. He was familiar. Wonderfully so.
When the thief dropped from the sky and tackled Shinoa, Mika couldn't do much more than to turn and stare at them. He stood and faced them, swaying ever so slightly. His mind wasn't forming the words he needed to speak, and something hurt; whether it was his head or his heart, he didn't know.
The thief pushed back from Shinoa, although he kept he close in his arms. "It's been years since we last saw each other and you're still short!" he laughed. Mika felt warm, and just like everything else about him, the thief's voice was too familiar.
Shinoa smiled, but it wasn't a friendly one. "Oh, Yuu, my other Prince Charming, you just know how to make a lady blush, don't you?"
Yuu? Mika's heard that name somewhere before.
"Of course I do," Yuu said. He tilted Shinoa's had back a bit and swooped down to kiss her.
That's when Mika's thoughts flew out the window and his sword was in his hands in less than a second. "Get away from her!" he demanded... well, shouted.
Yuu looked at Mika and grinned stupidly. Mika coudn't detect any ill intent behind it, but /he was too close to Shinoa/. "Is Mika feeling a little left out?" the thief asked, and Shinoa giggled.
Yuu bounced out of his embrace with Shinoa and turned to face Mika. Before Mika could so much as raise his sword, the thief was face to face with him. Yuu cupped Mika's face in his hands. "I think I know how to fix that."
And then Yuu was kissing him, the same way he'd been kissing Shinoa. Mika blinked rapidly, confused, as he really hadn't been expecting that.
And that's when it changed. There was a flash of searing light in Mika's mind, and he suddenly knew who was standing in front of him.
Mika wasn't one to cry, but right now, he knew he could. "Yuu," he said, half choking on a sob, against Yuu's lips. "Y-you're alive?"
"Mhm, I am. And you're a vampire," Yuu said softly.
"I thought--how? What happened? Why?" Mika stumbled out.
Yuu pulled back, and Mika noticed for the first time Yuu's eyes were a little watery too. "I didn't die. Sort of. I have Seraph blood, which is almost impossible to have, and it saved me. I sacrificed my fake humanity for my life, and that meant I wouldn't be able to continue living as I did. Seraphs exist on a different plane of reality. We're not supposed to interact with this world. I was the irregularity though, and was born here, instead of there. When my blood activated for the first time, it cast a spell that completely erased my existence in this world."
"Oh come on, if you start crying, then I'm going to cry!" Shinoa said, tackling the boys from the side. "What happened when we were little doesn't matter anymore. We got Mika back, didn't we?"
"Yes, we did!" Yuu beamed. He held out his arm to Mika. "I think it's time we ran away together, don't you?"
Mika sputtered. "Run away? From what?"
Shinoa shrugged. "Humans, vampires, demons--the ones who ruined our lives for twelve years."
"Come on Mika, let's go home?" Yuu asked. Shinoa was wrapped around his waist, smiling warmly. Together they opened their arms to Mika.
Mika was still confused and his memories were still blurry, and it felt like this was a dream, but he didn't think he'd ever felt like this before. Maybe he had, a long time ago. But he was here right now, and there was a kind of happiness waiting for him.
Mika had never been so warm, wrapped in the loving arms of the two loves of his life.
*************
The morning sunlight shifted across Mika's eyelids, but he really wasn't ready to open them. And from the groans on either side of him, neither did his two bed mates. It was cozy under the covers, legs and arms entangled in what was, for some unfathomable reason, a comfortable position, and while the smell of breakfast was intoxicating, Mika was content to stay where he was.
Yuu mumbled something incoherent and snuggled closer to Mika.
"What?" Mika asked groggily.
He felt Yuu smile against his shoulder. "Merry Christmas, Mika, Shinoa," he said.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you," Shinoa muttered as she pushed herself up. Mika shivered as the covers slipped down, letting in the cool air. Shinoa apologized by flopping across both him and Yuu.
Someone shuffled by the door to their room--probably Mahiru or Akane, preparing breakfast, or taking a sneak peak at the presents.
"Happy birthday, Shinoa, and a Merry Christmas," Yuu wheezed out.
"I hope I got double presents~" she sang.
"It's too early for presents," Mika moaned and threw an arm over his eyes.
Shinoa giggled. Mika was planning on ignoring it, until he felt the static of magic rising rapidly in the room. Immediately, his eyes shot open, just in time to see Shinoa's magic wand materialize in her hand.
Yuu took the opportunity to dive under the covers, leaving Mika exposed to the frilly, explosive magic. Yuu's strategic retreat didn't last long, however, as Shinoa waved her wand, and sent the mattress of the bed to an early grave in an explosion of downy feathers.
The screams and laughter that followed were interrupted by Akane, slamming open the door with a ladle in her hand. Her eye twitched as she saw the mess in the room, Shinoa, Mika, and Yuu frozen in the middle, white feathers sticking out from their hair and pajamas. "I hope you realize that today is a day of giving, not destroying."
"If the world was ever going to end, I bet it would be on Christmas," Shinoa said, pondering it. "Just imagine, the world burning as snow falls mockingly from the heavens!"
"Oh, I'm sure that would make such a wonderful story," Yuu muttered.
Mika smiled apologetically at Akane. "I'll go buy a new bed later."
"I know you will," Mahiru said, appearing behind Akane.
Shinoa laughed and dashed over to her older sister, throwing her arms around Mahiru's shoulder. "Merry Christmas!" she cried cheerily.
Mahiru wrapped her arms around Shinoa and squeezed her lightly. "And happy birthday."
Breakfast was set on the table by the time Mika, Shinoa, and Yuu were done cleaning up. Mika was dressed and sitting down, while Shinoa choose to stay in her nightgown. Yuu was still disheveled, the occasional white feather appearing in his hair. His yellow pajama shirt was buttoned up incorrectly, although he was too sleepy to try and fix it.
Chatter filled the table once Mahiru and Akane had joined in. Mika helped pass out food, while Shinoa prepared him a glass of tablet blood--the alternative food source for vampires, and the only thing Mika would allow himself to drink. Yuu had tried to coax him into drinking his blood, but Mika downright refused, mostly because Yuu was a seraph, and who knew what that kind of blood would do to Mika.
Breakfast was over fast, and Mika was certain that the tree in the corner of the living room with presents piled underneath it was the main reason. Shinoa was the first to fling herself at the presents, as usual. "It's my birthday, I get to do whatever I want!" she defended her feels when Mahiru scolded her.
Mika smiled. It was something he'd started to do more lately. Two years ago, he'd remembered that he had a home, somewhere that he belonged. Two years ago, they'd ran away, although it wasn't long before Mahiru found them. Shinoa had managed to convince her sister to let them remain hidden, and the only other person that learned of their location was Akane, by Yuu's request--he couldn't leave his sister in the dark, either.
Shinoa used her magical girl transformation to create a secret identity and help Yuu in his phantom thief adventures, but after the police started chasing them, they switched their activities from robbery to heroics. Mika ran the home base--the Hyakuya, a hero office disguised as a bakery. Akane was master chef, and Mahiru was the acting manager. Mika regulated the requests that were mailed in, which, of course, Shinoa and Yuu tended to ignore to do their own jobs, most of which ended up with Mika coming in a cleaning up their mess.
Wrapping paper decorated the floor, walls, and Mika. Shinoa stood behind him, sticking bows to his head, while Yuu was busy tying Mika's legs up with ribbons. Mahiru had her nose Ina new book, given to her by Shinoa, and Akane was going around with a trash bag, attempting to clean up little by little.
Shinoa sighed loudly and flung her arms around Mika's back. "Merry Christmas," she said quietly, contentedly.
Yuu flicked away a piece of wrapping that was stuck to the side of his face. "I vote we go back to bed. That'd be the best Christmas present anyone could give me."
"We don't have a bed any more," Mika reminded him, and Shinoa bowed her head, embarrassed.
"I'd say I'm sorry but I'm really not," she said.
Mika tilted his head back and hummed. "It was a good way to start the day," he told her. She smiled, and pecked his lips lightly. "Why don't we steal Mahiru's bed?" Mika offered.
Yuu smirked diabolically. "And what would you like to do in Mahiru's bed?"
"Oh, you naughty boy," Shinoa chided, but there was a gleam in her eye. She tugged at Mika's shoulders, coaxing him to stand. Yuu followed, tripping over the wrapping paper. Shinoa took each of the boy's hands and tugged them down the hall to Mahiru's room.
"Why don't you try and make this magical girl's day, hmm?"
Her laughter was muffled by the closing door.
Mahiru raised her head from her book, a look of mild annoyance flitting across her face. "Akane, let's go shopping for the bakery. There's a list of things we need."
Akane stuck her head out from the kitchen, a spoon in her mouth.
"And I think I'll need some new bed sheets."