"Your humor is so dry..."
"Oh come on, Little Seth."
"Need I remind you I am not little?"
"Well, guess not." She finally admitted as he cornered her to a wall with both his hands locking her within. Victor could only cover his yawn as he watched the two.
Seth was referring to Lea's strange statement after tasting a stranger's blood. He was looking rather closely at her, and he knew she didn't lick her finger at all. A small smile was revealed on her lips as she moved away from his imprisonment by bending her knee and sliding to the side.
Stopping in front at one of the room, and opening it, Lea nodded her head.
Seth took a peek to her choice and he could hear himself groan. The room behind the door was more than less presentable. The bed was broken in half, bed sheets bloody and tattered. The only set that weren't broken was a round table with three good chairs to seat.
"How will you manage to sleep tonight?"
"I won't be." She swiftly glanced to Seth's curious crimson eyes, and she gave him a small smile before turning around to take a seat. "You too, have a seat." She offered.
And he accepted the offer readily, while Victor took the third open seat.
The sun shone through the only window, reflecting the broken shadows of what might have appeared as bars to barricade entrance. Dust danced in the light, and sounds from the street could be heard faintly.
"Shouldn't we eat first?" Asked Seth worriedly, as he remembered Lea have yet to properly eat in days. She always seemed to prioritize the others, such as Nia who unusually have a huge appetite. He also noticed Liam trying to care for her health and would occasionally share a bit of his meal, which she would always refuse.
Shrugging off his suggestion, Lea brought her ruby eyes into her hands. "Can you find out what possible enemies we would face here?" She knew the task was very heavy and dangerous, but aside from Seth, she couldn't think of anyone to do the job. His skills were excellent, his essence manipulation astounding.
In a heartbeat, Seth brought his free hand to her head and patted it gently. "Of course. We can't make any move without knowing the unforeseeable elements at work." He replied, assuring her anxiousness that was being shown through her ruby eyes.
"Yes. I know you'll do excellent." Her voice steady, she flashed a proud smile. He gave a nod, expressing an amicable smile in return.
"Write your findings down and properly document them for me. I've taught you the proper pointers, yes?"
"Of course, Lea. You taught me very well." He scoffed. Memories of the days when Lea patiently shared her knowledge with him, providing him with more options to keep the data he would pick up daily. She would then criticize his writing and how unreadable they were before. It caused him quite some time before regaining his self-confidence once again. "How about Leron Godwind?"
"Ignore any associations with the man. But if you do hear anything about him, keep me informed." She replied, not revealing her other intentions.
Seth understood how Lea worked. She would only ever divulge useful information so as to avoid confusion when progress came into her hands. And when it did, she would skillfully make use of it to her advantage. Her opponents would never find it useful to search through her face as she would never change her expression, and neither will she spare a second to indecisive decisions.
He lasted so long by her side because his wit was able to keep up with her's. Otherwise, she would have left quite sooner. He believed that the only person who can tie her down must have outstanding qualities that she would find interesting and ever so curious. Someone she might never meet in life.
Maybe.
"With that done. What do you say about a visit to a famous restaurant in town?"
"You mean to eavesdrop?" Seth lightly retorted as he slowly got up from his chair, and swiftly offering his free hand for Lea to hold.
To his words, she simply smiled innocently as she reached for his hand to stand. Victor dutifully followed them as his droopy aquamarine eyes could handle. Lea did not mind as she knew Victor would have no reason to hurt her, and he was being a good bodyguard. Quiet and observant despite the insomniac facade.
----------♪ ♩ ♫ ♬
Together with a disguised Seth, Liam, Victor and Izaya, the five of them joined the busy restaurant of 'Xanadu Diner'. The four young men had to wear a disguise to keep unsuspecting individuals from recognizing them and relating them to Chlad, Mingzhe Dei, Shadows Organization or other troublesome issues.
On their way to the restaurant, they noticed there were portraits of Lea's previous appearance and Seth's. They are apparently famous in Sabio, and Liam has a huge bounty on his head. Something he didn't know until now.
Duran did not bother to come out of their temporary bloody home due to research purposes. He had found some useful books in one of the rooms, and he wanted to read them before anything popped up. Ashe remained idle with Nia as they didn't want to bother mingling with a crowd.
It was down to the enthusiastic Liam and the all-caring Izaya. While Seth and Victor would remain behind Lea, always.
As they entered the restaurant, they were welcomed with curious gazes, which they found quite common after spending some time in the streets. People in Sabio seemed to love gossips. Their favorite targets were always those who looked new to the place, and inexperienced to the ways of the world.
Unfortunately for those who planned to take advantage of them, the four out of five have sufficient life experiences. So when a group of roughly dressed men approached Lea for some fun time, they were immediately met with sharp blades that brought the whole venue a brief silence. The bustle returned once again after their immediate surrender. But the brief introduction earned the group of five a queer look, while others tried to remember their appearances for other purposes.
Nevertheless, they found a good spot away from the busy entrance.
After they've ordered their meal, Lea immediately got down to business. Once again.
"Can't we like, rest from all this seriousness at least for a dinner???" Liam complained, a feeling of foreboding creeping up on him. But he knew he would never win an argument against Lea.
"Fine." Which earned her his flabbergasted expression. She raised a brow at him inquiringly. "Yes?"
"I didn't expect that from you."
Relieving the days they traveled together, she noticed she was indeed acting very stern towards the men she gathered. She was in a haste to prevent a terrible catastrophe, but since they have arrived in Sabio now, she could take the chance to relax. Thus, in response to his surprised reaction, Lea revealed an amicable smile. "I understand." Leaving Liam even more questions.
Whenever he tried to understand Lea, he was always left with more questions. But it did not bother him. That mysterious aspect of her's could always put him on his toes.
"Hey, Lea? Do you plan to search for Raize and the others?"
"No."
"What?... Why?"
"I won't be the one to do it." And to her words, Izaya could only gasp in realization. "Do you plan on making me your errand boy too?" His eyes blinked in amusement.
"Why not. I brought you here to keep you safe. Pay your rent."
Her humor left Seth chuckling in the corner.
"I'd be glad to." Izaya replied genuinely. "I can't wait to meet them once again."
"Neither do I."
Seth and Liam had an idea of who they were referring to, so they let them reminisced at the memories. Then food disrupted their idle thoughts, and they forgot about everything else. One would think the lone female in the group would show grace, but much like the rest of her companions, she didn't hold back at stuffing her mouth with whatever her eyes fancied.
When it came down to it, she would eat everything if there was no negative consequences to her and to her surroundings. It was great she was finally able to happily gobble up delicacies after so long. She has traveled from one end of the continent to another. Many would have never lasted such a journey without proper preparations.
----------♪ ♩ ♫ ♬
One they were full, it was time for their side job: eavesdropping.
"Hey, did you see that very cute bunny last night?"
"Who never did??"
"Hahaha. I know right. I can't believe she was being chased after the Dorm Lady from that mysterious apartment...."
"I heard there was another explosion..."
"I betcha it was one of her tenants. She should seriously just kick them all out!"
"If she did, where would be the fun of that?"
"She is really amazing though."
"Can't deny that. If it was not for her famous demonic broom, I would have rented a place there too."
"Oh come on. You've gotta be kidding."
"No I am not."
"Yes, you are."
"I have already tried."
"Then what happened?"
"I saw heaven briefly...."
"Holy Jebus. I am so proud of you, man."
"I know. I am proud of myself too."
Ignoring the laughing dorks in a corner, Lea and co. decided to shift their attention to another conversation.
"So King Alfonso's finally showin' his chest eh..."
"Stop talkin' weird! He just bein' an idiot is all. Not news."
"I ain't no talkin' fool 'ere. This is serious, mate. We ain't gettin' out of this hell 'ole alive fer sure. 'verywhere ye go, people be threatenin' you with guns. My lassies scared to go outta' house now."
"Sorry, mate. Can't say I blame you lassies. When guys be chasin' after their skirts 'ere and there. Why not grab yer own gun and shoot 'em boys. Oughta' scare 'em away."
"Ye know de rules, mate. Can't. Can't afford'ta send me self to prison. I got me little lassies to earn a livin' for."
"That's what ye get for havin' too many with yer wife."
"You know I can't help it, mate."
"Can't say I do, mate."
Hearing quite enough of the duo's conversation, Lea and co. shifted their attention to another group once more, making it their last.
"Mom, I want a new slave...."
"What happened to the last one we just bought for you?"
"She broke... I tried to see how bones break by falling from our fourth floor..."
"Oh darling. You shouldn't be wasting too many of the slaves we send you. You know how hard it is to find a good slave nowadays. The King is buying them left and right."
"I don't know, Mom. Just buy me a new one, okay?"
"Ha... What do you think, Dear?"
"We don't have to deny what he wants. I'm sure he'll get bored of his experiments soon."
"Ha... Fine. Me and your Daddy will come by the Slave Market this week. So be a good boy until then, okay?"
"Yes, Mom. Thanks, Dad."
"Haha. You need to grow up strong to take my work out of my hands some day. Anything for you, boy."
At the table where Lea and her companions sat, a shroud of darkness loomed overhead. "Lea, calm down." Seth warned softly into her ears.
Glancing around her, her ruby eyes witnessed Izaya's pale complexion, while Liam sat rigid on his seat. "Sorry."
Hearing her voice, Izaya smiled amiably. "What happened there?"
"I don't know." Her voice once again steady, she replied with uncertainty. But Victor beside her observed her reactions carefully, his thoughts unfathomable. He leaned closer to Lea, and offered his tail to comfort her discomfort. "Lea, smile."
Her face expressionless, a small smile slowly crept on her lips, completely eradicating the mist of shadow shrouding their corner.