Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Lovely." Alastair smiled as they walked out of the restaurant, arm in arm once more. "Remember: after eating Sushi, you mustn't eat any chocolates or dairy products for at least an hour. Otherwise, the raw fish won't mix well with it in your stomach, causing a nasty problem." Alastair said with a 'you don't even want to know how bad it is' face.

Alastair sent a patronus to Raven, who appeared a moment later, by which time Alastair had shrunk the car again. "Pristine timing, as always." Alastair praised as Raven opened the carriage door for them.

"Thank you." Raven said, bowing her head.

"Park in a quiet area, away from the city." Alastair advised.

"Of course." Raven replied, as if it had been her original plan.

Once they were inside the carriage together, Alastair turned to Aislynn. " I wish you a pleasant sleep, and cannot wait to begin work tomorrow." he smiled, holding his hand out to shake in farewell.

When she took his hand, he shook normally, then pulled her in quickly yet elegantly for an embrace. "Good night, my lady." he whispered before letting her go with a warm smile on his face.

"Now when you mention it, I am hungry indeed," Elias chuckled.

"Lovely; I'll make whatever you can think of; I've been pressed for ideas the past few days." Luna said quietly. "Whatever you can think of." Luna repeated when it looked as though Elias may say he didn't have an idea.

"Very well." Luna said, and they set off together.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Sure..." Aislinn replied with confusing look. I have always eaten chocolate after meals before, even every time when I had fish for dinner...

She was surprised to see Alastair sending a Patronus to Raven. Does he not have a feather? I hope I did not forget my feather back home... or I must have forgot? Because I can only remember that I got my wand, pendant and vials of potions with me before boarding the carriage...

Once they were inside the carriage together, Alastair turned to Aislinn.

" I wish you a pleasant sleep and cannot wait to begin work tomorrow." he smiled, holding his hand out to shake in farewell.

"Thank you, Goo-…" She replied as she took his hand, finding it odd that he wanted to shake hands with her and was suddenly surprised when he pulled her in for an embrace.

"Good night, my lady." he whispered before letting her go with a warm smile on his face.

"Sweet dreams," She smiled, her cheeks glowing crimson red, and walked quickly to her room, closing the door firmly behind her. The reason why she had hurried away was because of the tights she was wearing. They had slid down her legs and hung annoyingly below her crotch since she had her first interview until she came back. Never again! This is the first and last time I wear tights! She thought irritably as she tore them of and tossed them on the floor.

"Well.... I would love to have something light, please," Elias replied modestly. "Creamy tomato basil soup with buttered bread and...." He was about to suggest the foreign salad tabbouleh, but he was unsure if Luna knew it, thus he said: "…and Greek salad..."

"Very well." Luna said, and they set off together.

"AAAHHHHHHHHH!" Faeryn was staring aghast at Adela who just had told almost her entire story about the small adventure she had in London today.

"Calm down, why do you have to yell?" Adela laughed.

"You are crazy indeed, how could you accept.... what if… what if... did he bite you?"

"No, hahah.... I had a goblet of wine and he had a goblet of blood at the pub..." The way Adela pronounced her words sounded as if she had had a normal drink date with a normal person, as if it was nothing at all that he had been drinking blood. "Then I told him that I was carving for ice cream and wished to go to the ice cream parlor. I bought him blood flavored ice cream and then we parted. He wished to see me again-"

"Oh you, crazy girl, you are not going to see him again!"

"I am! You are not my mother to tell me what or what not to do!"

"I will tell your brothers!"

"And what do you think they can do to hinder me? I am 23 years old."

"But that does not mean you should trust a vampire!"

"I do not believe that he will hurt me or anyone of us. Do you remember when he approached miss Wilkes because he wanted to lick of the blood from her face? She got scared, but I heard miss Monroe telling her that he won't eat her. And besides, when I ran into him earlier today, he remembered me from the torture party we had..."

"I only saw your failing attempts in trying to attract his attention."

"Oh, you did not see when I led him to my prisoner..."

"You did what?!"

"As you heard, Faeryn. Anyway, when I met him today, he-"

In that moment the door to staff room opened and Endewyne entered with a tray with delicious treats and tea, hovering midair in front of her.

"Good evening girls..." she greeted her friends and then frowned when she noticed how sick Faeryn was looking and how excited Adela was looking. "What's the matter?"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna prepared the entire meal with a smile. There were no words that could express how happy she was. By the time she had served the meal, her face had become sore because she hadn't smiled so much for so long in what seemed like an eternity. "Here we are." Luna nodded, taking a seat at the dining table where Elias was waiting. "I didn't put any dressing on the salad-" she said, gesturing to the salad, next to which was a small bowl of dressing "-so that you could put as much as you please. I myself like a bit more than the normal person." she admitted.

They dined, as always, in silence, savoring the meal. When they finished, Luna cast her usual clearing-up spell, and walked out of the dining room with Elias. "We both haven't slept well, correct?" Luna said, not really asking for she knew the answer. "Why not get to bed early tonight? I feel so tired I could sleep till noon." she sighed wearily.

"She hates the tights." Raven said quietly from behind Alastair, causing him to turn around abruptly.

"I told you it angers me when you read people's minds." Alastair said, a cold, disapproving look in his eyes.

"This was important. She doesn't have the courage to tell you." Raven insisted helpfully.

Alastair sighed; it was useful information, but not useful enough for Raven to spy on Aislynn.

"Good night." Raven said before Alastair could scorn her for spying again, promptly leaving the carriage.

Alastair went to his room, and thought as he undid his ascot. If Raven keeps telling me what Aislynn is too polite to share, this will never work out...I must tell her, tomorrow, that honesty is as important in a relationship than anything...Compassion...trust...fidelity...

Alastair awoke in the morning to shower and dress without checking the time. When he found Aislynn in the sitting room waiting for him, he smiled and approached her gently. "Good morning, my lady." he smiled, sitting next to her. "What have you in mind for this morning? Sightseeing? Shopping for more comfortable clothing? Or perhaps you are hungry?" he asked eagerly, like a waiter listing off the specials at a restaurant.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you, my dear," Elias smiled. He, on the contrary, preferred a little touch of dressing on his salad. For the first time since several days ago he was having a great appetite. And the food had never tasted so delicious as it did now.

"We both haven't slept well, correct?" Luna said when they had finished their meal. "Why not get to bed early tonight? I feel so tired I could sleep till noon." she sighed wearily.

He nodded smilingly. "You are right, my dear. A good sleep is what we both need and considering that I need to get up at seven tomorrow morning. Is there anything you need, before I retire for tonight?"

Endewyne was staring with wide eyes and open mouth at Adela when the latter one had finished her story without any interruption.

"I see.... cousins.... that explains..." Endewyne said after a thoughtful moment. "I understand now why he is obedient to her; it is not like that she has managed to tame a vampire to obey her orders and commands. It is interesting though that he sees you, Adela, as a friend of miss Monroe..."

"Isn't that weird?" Adela asked with a frown. "I can never recall that I have ever been friends with her."

"True, none of us have ever been or have become friends with her," Faeryn spoke. "But I think miss Monroe must have spoken to her cousin before the torture party. I won't be surprised if he sees us all as her friends, not only the three of us but everyone in the dark mistress' team, because he never hurt miss Wilkes back at the party and besides miss Monroe brought him when he was hungry so that he could feast on the prisoners. I also noticed that when she arrived with him, he shared a friendly greeting nod with Elias who replied him with equal greeting, you remember that Adela, don't you? Anyway, since the dark mistress introduced Elias, miss Monroe, Mr. Linden and miss Thorne as our superiors it must mean that these four are closer to the dark mistress, and all five of them could perhaps be friends which is why Mr. D'Arcy is friendly with Elias-"

"But Mr. D'arcy only greeted Elias. He never looked at Mr. Linden, miss Thorne or the dark mistress. No, I think that Mr. D'arcy is friendly with Elias because he was the old crush of miss Monroe"

"Crush? What?"

"Did you forget when miss Monroe asked Elias out for the Yule ball eleven years ago? I don't know who witnessed it when it happened, but that person made sure to make the story go viral at Hogwarts back then. Thus, I think she must have had a crush on him..."

"Oh...yes, now I remember, well I agree that the latter reason is more credible and reliable than the previous reason to why Mr. D'Arcy is so friendly with Elias...but what are we to miss Monroe that Mr. D'arcy won't hurt us?"

"Well, because we all are in the same team, we are the followers to the dark mistress..."

"But I am still bemused about it, I cannot believe that miss Monroe has told her cousin that we are her friends, I mean, who tells that you are friends with someone when you are not, is she sort of desperate to have friends because she is lonely? I mean, just look at her, she was the weirdest girl when we were students at Hogwarts. She refused to wear skirt as part of her school uniform and started to wear trousers when we started our fourth year at Hogwarts. She cut her hair so short that I almost did not recognize her when she was back after the summer holidays the same year. I almost mistook her for a boy. And that asymmetric dress with torn netted leggings, which she wore for the Yule Ball in our seventh year, made her look like trash....I wonder who asked the other one out for the ball that time, if it was the Durmstrang fellow who asked her or if it was the opposite way..."

"I have no doubts that she must have asked him, as you said, she was and still is a lonely girl. I do not think that anyone would be interested in a trashy girl like her, let alone a handsome man like Elias. We can confront her about it as soon as we get the chance to see her. I am really curious about why she has made her cousin think that we are her friends......anyway, what do you plan with the vampire?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if-"

"Oh, chill, he will never bite me, we have already discussed the reasons to why-"

"It is not that Adela, I, in contrast to Faeryn, believe that he won't bite you..." Here Faeryn snorted with dismay, but Endewyne ignored her and continued: "But if you become too friendly with him, well, it will lead to something else..." She looked at her friend with a -you know what- face.

Aislinn laughed. Alastair's eagerness and excitement always put her on good mood as it did now.

"Well, you said it, all three of them," She chuckled. "I am hungry, I would like to see and experience this city and of course I need clothes. I did not bring any exchange clothes with me, not even pajamas," Here she looked at him with a - I thought we were only going to stay here for three hours last night - look in her eyes, though there was a mischievous smile playing on her lips which was telling that she did not mind to remain in Osaka for the rest of the week. "By the way..." She fingered on her skirt. She was still wearing the same clothes from last night, though without the tights. "Do I have to keep wearing these clothes whenever I need to visit the agency?" She was referring to her dress shirt and flowy knee length skirt and ankle boots. "I do not mind wearing them, but...." Here she paused, blushing of embarrassment as she tried to search for the right words to explain her uncomfortable experience with tights. "You see, I....ehm...." Just be straight honest with him...there is nothing you need to be ashamed of when you are with him... "I hate the tights, because they slide down my hips and hang down a bit," She finally managed to say, her face redder than a tomato. "If I have to cover my legs while visiting the agency, fine, I can wear trousers with my skirt, but please do not make me to wear tights again...." He must think that I am very stupid suggesting such thing, because who wear trousers with a skirt?... well, no one but a certain miss Aislinn Monroe...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...Is there anything you need, before I retire for tonight?"

"I..." Luna said, about to say 'Yes, there is something I need.', before she had second thoughts. "No, there is nothing I need. Good night." Luna said, turning away. I barely kept the nerves out of my voice...I just hope he's too tired to notice...

"Well, you said it, all three of them," She chuckled. "I am hungry, I would like to see and experience this city and of course I need clothes. I did not bring any exchange clothes with me, not even pajamas," Here she looked at him with a - I thought we were only going to stay here for three hours last night - look in her eyes, though there was a mischievous smile playing on her lips which was telling that she did not mind to remain in Osaka for the rest of the week.

My fault...I should have had Raven offer her some pajamas...She must have been uncomfortable...Unless she slept....No, I must turn my mind away from these indecent thoughts!

"...Do I have to keep wearing these clothes whenever I need to visit the agency? I do not mind to wear them, but...." Here she paused. "You see, I....ehm....I hate the tights, because they slide down my hips and hanging down a bit. If I have to cover my legs while visiting the agency, fine, I can wear trousers with my skirt, but please do not make me to wear tights again....."

Alastair had been listening to her words the entire time, an understanding expression on his face. "I understand." He nodded "Next time there is something I suggest that makes you uncomfortable, alert me immediately so that we can remedy it promptly. For instance, I could have given you a longer skirt and taller boots. " He paused slightly, then continued "It is not necessary that you wear those clothes every time we visit the agency." I don't need to say that'anything trashy or torn is inappropriate, because she is not that kind of lady. Besides, it is certainly implied by what I asked her to wear the first time...

"Well, off to breakfast? Tell me;" he said, standing and offering her his arm "do you desire something sweet or savory?"

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Sleep well.."

I have to admit that I am glad that she did not need anything at the moment, since I am so tired that I barely can focus on anything... Elias thought as he walked over to the room he used to borrow whenever he was at Luna's manor.

As soon as he laid his head on the pillow and closed his eyes, he immediately fell asleep.

"Oh..." I could have told him before the interview last night, but I thought the exact clothing was a requirement... "Alright, from now on I'll always alert you if I feel uncomfortable about anything," Aislinn smiled.

"Well, off to breakfast? Tell me;" Alastair said, standing and offering her his arm "do you desire something sweet or savory?"

"Savory, please." She replied, taking his arm. Savory will keep me full for a longer time than a sweet breakfast, especially for sightseeing and shopping afterwards...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Elias and Luna both slept well that night. In the morning, Luna was up at six, washed and dressed by six fifteen. Downstairs she baked some light muffins for breakfast; vanilla with blueberries. When Elias came down she smiled as she greeted him "Good morning." She handed him a box of the muffins, containing four of the twelve she had made. "I'm off to Hogwarts after this." Luna explained. "I'll see you there at lunch?" she asked, wondering if the business he had mentioned last night would be done by then.



Alastair and Aislynn exited the carriage, cordially greeted by Raven before they left.

Appearing on ground-level, Alastair followed his usual procedure with the car before opening the door for Aislynn.

As they drove silently, Alastair explained about how the Japanese usually had breakfast. "...And they normally have something savory, and light. Steamed rice, grilled fish; salmon is my preference, steamed vegetables, and Miso soup, which you are certain to take a liking to." Alastair laughed excitedly "Rather than coffee, they have Green Tea, which soothes nerves rather than filling someone with an artificial boost of energy. " That's what mother taught me.

They parked on a street corner, where an older looking cafe stood. After shrinking the car, they entered the quiet place, which was decorated with paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling giving off a faint glow, and paper dividers for every room. Short tables sat with pillows at every side rather than chairs, and a quiet, relaxing Japanese instrumental piece played as the hostess greeted them in a traditional kimono.

"Ohio gozaimasu!Nihon no teiene yōkoso! (Good morning! Welcome to the Japanese Garden!)" She greeted formally, bowing her head with a pleasant smile on her face. It was clear from the look in her eyes that she recogniszd Alastair.

"Ohio gozaimasu. (Good morning.)" Alastair greeted, bowing his head in return. "Watashitachi wa kesa soto ni sawaritai. (We would like to dine outside this morning.)"

"Mochiron-dess. (Of course)" she nodded, gesturing to a door in the back of the restaurant.

Outside, the scenery was beautiful, with a traditional Japanese Garden set around the same short tables and pillows as the interior.

"Tanoshimimashou! (Enjoy!)" She smiled before walking back inside.

From the outside, you could hear her voice greeting more customers.

"There is no menu here; they serve exactly what I told you in the car." Alastair smiled as he took a seat at a table in the shade of a Cherry tree, kneeling on a pillow.

As soon as they took their seats, the food appeared, looking and tasting much better than expected.

"Here." Alastair said, pointing to Aislynn's chopsticks. "I hated eating rice with these as a child because they picked up very little with so much effort. "

He exchanged her beautiful bamboo chopsticks for an ornate fork, handing it back to her with a 'you'll be able to enjoy your meal now. ' face.

"What do you think?" Alastair asked about the food after Aislynn had tasted everything.

He had been silently eating with his chopsticks, taking in proper sized bites like an expert.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Thank you," Elias replied smilingly as he took the box with muffins. "Of course, I am off soon as well, because the final exams start after breakfast. I'll see you at lunch"

"What are you doing?" Clarissa looked up at Lily with a mixed look of confusion and questioning.

"I… ehm... have detention with the headmistress..." Lily replied, without feeling the slightest guilt about lying. She hovered her plate with breakfast, filled with all kinds of treats, that they threatened to fall of her plate, and let it float midair in front of her as she hurried out from the Great hall. Several flights of stairs up and she had arrived at the headmaster's tower. She knocked the door to the office and waited. When no one responded, she sat down on one step of the stairs, feasting on her breakfast with the thought that Luna would perhaps arrive soon.

"...And they normally have something savory, and light. Steamed rice, grilled fish; salmon is my preference, steamed vegetables, and Miso soup, which you are certain to take a liking to." Alastair laughed excitedly "Rather than coffee, they have Green Tea, which soothes nerves rather than filling someone with an artificial boost of energy. "

Rice, fish, vegetables and soup? I thought savory breakfast would consist of eggs and grilled sandwiches.... Aislinn thought with bewilderment and surprise. Anyway, it will be an interesting breakfast today...

"I do not like coffee, but tea," She replied modestly. "I feel excited about trying out the green tea..." I wonder how it tastes and smell... it is green... hmm... does it taste like grass perhaps…? Well, I'll try it out soon…

Aislinn could not help but stare a little at the hostess' attire when she entered the restaurant with Alastair. That's most weird clothes I have ever seen in my life...so many vivid colors in one entire attire, it hurts my eyes...

When they walked outside to sit in the garden, Aislinn was taken by amaze. Cherry blossom, oh... cherry blossom, how I have longed to see it... She was so bewitched by the beauty of the cherry blossom trees that she did not seem it to be weird that there were no chairs but pillows by the tables. She knelt down on the pillow in front of Alastair and folded her legs so that she was sitting comfortably. When the meal appeared on the table, he pointed at her chopsticks, transforming them into a fork. Why did he not do this last night, he could have transformed my chopsticks into fork and knife... or why did I not think of doing it myself before... she thought half amused.

"Thank you..." She grinned as she took the fork.

First, she tasted the rice. It was very tasteful, thick, a little sticky, white rice. Then, she picked up her bowl with the soup and drank from the bowl immediately since she had no spoon and since she was too lazy to transform her cutlery. The soup tasted of fish, soy and sea-salt. She could also taste the scallion in the soup and there was something green (wakame) in her soup which she of course mistook as scallion. The dice shaped white cubes tasted like cheese. The soup was lovely and delicious. The grilled salmon and steamed vegetables tasted as usual and were nothing new for her. Lastly, she picked up another smaller bowl -a cup without a handle- which she mentally understood was green tea from its color. It was not really green, but a transparent green color that leaned towards the yellow. She sipped it carefully because it was steaming hot. It had a subtle floral and grassy taste, which was the most delicious she ever had.

"What do you think?" Alastair asked.

"It is so good..." Aislinn exclaimed and then chuckled. "The rice, the soup... the tea... they taste like heaven..."

She tried to fold her legs differently to make herself comfortable while she continued to eat, but after several times -she was not used to sit on a pillow, let alone on the floor - she stood up with an excusing look at her face. She pointed her wand at her pillow and transformed it into a stool. If he transformed my chopsticks, I can do likewise with my pillow... She laughed as she sat down, feeling much more comfortable on the stool. The feeling of tingling needles in the muscles of her legs were still lingering but would cease as long as she did not exhaust her legs but resting them whilst sitting on the stool.

"You must be accustomed to sit on your legs," She commented. "My legs fall asleep within short time…" She laughed.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...they taste like heaven."

"I am pleased that you have an appreciation for this lovely meal." Alastair smiled, sipping his tea "It is surprising how such an odd assortment of foods complement each other so perfectly. "

"Yes, I am accustomed to sitting this way; I am accustomed to many unusual things." he finished quietly, gazing off into the high branches of one of the cherry trees as he reminisced.

A few minutes later, they had finished their meal, and they stood to leave.

"Watashi wa ima shiharau koto ga dekimasen. (I lack the proper funds to pay for the meal at the present time.)" Alastair said to the hostess on the way out. "Watashi wa ichi-shūkan de shiharau koto o yakusoku shimasu. Sayonara. (I will pay for it in one week. Goodbye.)" He said while handing her only a quarter of what was due.

"Simply expressing our thanks for the meal." Alastair replied convincingly to Aislynn's questioning look as they exited the building and he enlarged the car once more, opening the door for her.

"We're going shopping, now." he explained as they drove off. "What sort of clothing would you like? If you wish for traditional Japanese attire, you will find items similar to the hostess of the Japanese Garden. If you are perhaps feeling something more exciting, they have costume stores which sell the attire seen on Manga characters. " Alastair offered, waiting to understand her current mood.

"I understand." Luna nodded "The Cooking with Magic finals aren't till the end of today's school day. Crystal is the only one who will have to hurry, because her class test comes right after yours." Luna smiled, thoughtfully sending Crystal a wand-crystal reminder on the spot. "Farewell, Elias." Luna nodded before turning away from him.

Luna made her way to the school with the rest of the muffins, and found Lily waiting just outside her office. "Oh! Have you been waiting for long?" Luna asked, concerned she had left her waiting for too long.

"Oh." Luna said again, relieved. "Shall we?" she asked, opening the door to her office and politely gesturing for Lily to enter first. "You may be wondering why I have called you here?" Luna asked. "It is to discuss your graduation, and, of course, our lessons afterward. I have a few questions for you, and please answer them in all honesty. " Luna said seriously, sitting behind her desk and gesturing for Lily to sit on a chair in front of it. "Firstly, how are your studies going? I would hate for you to fail anything." The way she said it wasn't that she thought Lily had been slacking, but that she truly wished for Lily to get the very best grades that she could.

"Next, do you have everything you need for your graduation? Have you tried the hair serum I sent you?" she smiled.

"Crystal; don't forget that you have to give the Hogwarts seventh years their final exams tests!"

Crystal jumped in distress, getting ready in a hurry. She had been consoling Rosaleya again, and had lost track of time. She didn't know what she would have done if she hadn't seen her wand's crystal glowing to receive the reminder. "Thank you, Luna." she said quietly to herself, blessing the reminder as she hurriedly prepared for apparition. Taking a deep breath and trying to calm herself so as to avoid splinching, she disappeared with a small pop.

"Rosaleya? Are you alright?" Rosaleya's father asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You haven't been eating well these past few days...Are you on another one of your generation's silly diets again?" he asked.

"Yes...That's it..." Rosaleya replied quietly in a monotonous voice, looking out the store window with a distant look in her eyes.

"You know that I don't approve of those..." he started to lecture her on proper nutrition again, although it seemed that Rosaleya wasn't really listening.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Merlin's beard, Alastair seems to be so perfect, no flaws at all? Aislinn thought astonished for herself as she continued to enjoy the delicious meal.

When they finished, they walked back together, taking the same way as they had entered, to leave the restaurant. Alastair spoke a bit to the hostess, saying two sentences which for Aislinn were totally incomprehensible. She did not pay any attention when he paid for the meal, because she had no clue about how much the money, which she remembered the director naming it as yen, corresponded in galleons. Though she was curious what Alastair had said in Japanese and looked questioningly at him.

"Simply expressing our thanks for the meal." Alastair replied convincingly to her questioning look as they exited the building and he enlarged the car once more, opening the door for her.

"Ah..." She smiled, believing him.

"We're going shopping, now." he explained as they drove off. "What sort of clothing would you like? If you wish for traditional Japanese attire, you will find items similar to the hostess of the Japanese Garden. If you are perhaps feeling something more exciting, they have costume stores which sell the attire seen on Manga characters," he offered.

"Uhm...well eh..." Traditional Japanese attire? But the bloody hell not vibrant light colors, let alone a mixture of several of them like in that attire of the hostess... "I'm excited about trying out the traditional attire, but is it possible to get the clothes customized? I prefer dark colors, especially one colored garments where I only mix no more than two colors rather than crazy patterns or a mixture of to many colors.."

Lily had just finished her breakfast half away when Luna surprised her with her arrival.

"Oh! Have you been waiting for long?" Luna asked.

"No, I have not, do not worry about it, I have just been waiting here for some minutes, though it is alright, since I was eating," Lily chuckled.

"Oh." Luna said again, relieved. "Shall we?" she asked, opening the door to her office and politely gesturing for Lily to enter first.

"You may be wondering why I have called you here?" Luna asked.

Lily nodded excitingly.

"It is to discuss your graduation, and, of course, our lessons afterward. I have a few questions for you, and please answer them in all honesty." Luna said seriously, sitting behind her desk and gesturing for Lily to sit on a chair in front of it.

"Of course, I'll," Lily assured Luna as she made herself comfortable in the chair. She placed the plate with the remaining breakfast at the desk in front of her.

"Firstly, how are your studies going? I would hate for you to fail anything."

"Very well, I hope, I have been studying good enough," Lily laughed. "Thanks to my mother, who is very severe, I have done well throughout the previous years, because she always make sure that I study good enough, so these exams will be fine.."

"Next, do you have everything you need for your graduation? Have you tried the hair serum I sent you?" Luna smiled.

"Not yet, I have not got the time due to all studying," Lily sighed. "I need to find a picture of a hairstyle first. What I am also missing is a full attire, though we have three days to prepare for the graduation ball. My father promised me in the beginning of the school year that I shall have a new gown when I graduate, though I could not help to write to my mother two weeks ago. She got a little mad because I was wasting valuable time on writing letters instead for studying," Here Lily could not help but giggle and she continued to eat her remaining breakfast.

With his death eater mask covering his face and cloak shrouded around him, Edward strode through the Diagon Alley, ignoring that other witches and wizards were glancing horrified at him because of his mask, and then he continued further to Knockturn Alley, where no one seemed to care about how he looked or dressed like. He was looking for a clothing shop, in need of a new set of a wardrobe, and preferably something for his age and taste. He solely owned two attires, which were both worn out since he had been alternated between them for two decades. In Diagon Alley, there were no shops, which sold the clothes of his liking. There were only Madam Malkin's and a couple of shops with to modern clothing for his taste. He could have gone to Madam Malkin's but decided against it because Shadowwalker had advised him from exposing himself to much in the public due to his past and Madam Malkin's would perhaps recognize him.

He walked past Darkest Creatures hardly noticing it, he barely saw the displayed clothes in the corner of his eye. He suddenly stopped in his tracks when he walked past and returned back to the windows of the store. He looked at the displayed clothes, all of them so dark and elegant looking in the displayed windows. He took several steps backwards and looked up at the sign above the door.

"Darkest Creatures..." He quietly said for himself as he read the sign. Of all the times I have been throughout this alley, visiting Borgin and Burkes in the past, I never discovered Darkest Creatures until now...

He entered the shop curiously, wondering if it had anything that could meet his needs. When he entered, he took of his mask, but kept his hood on, shadowing his forehead and eyes. He took some careful steps further inside and looked around. No customers? Great, I have the entire store for myself and hopefully I won't run into her here... He thought with relief as he made his way to the men's section.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"I'm excited about trying out the traditional attire, but is it possible to get the clothes customized? I prefer dark colors, especially one colored garments where I only mix no more than two colors rather than crazy patterns or a mixture of too many colors..."

"There is no need to get them customized." Alastair laughed softly. "There will be plenty of kimonos, as they are called, without such vibrant colors. Some are plain black, and some have such wonderful dark designs that you would hardly remember that they were supposedly traditional, since they normally use brighter colors."

When they arrived at the shop, Aislynn saw what Alastair meant; there were kimonos of every color, organized in different categories; plain colors, marbled or mixed bright colors, and then beautiful dark mixes. "Have fun, and pick out whatever you like. I can help you if you wish." Alastair smiled to Aislynn after he had given a cordial greeting to the shop's owner. "I will be back within twelve minutes. Farewell, for now." Alastair said, bowing his head respectfully to Aislynn before leaving the store.

When he came back, ten minutes later, he was dressed like a Victorian prince. A black, floor-length coat with silver buttons and epaulettes. A white dress shirt, a black, lace jabot, and one if his Paisley Gothic vests, paired with black pants and tall Victorian boots that had a slight heel to them. To complete his look, he had purchased a dashing black wig which suited him rather well. It was similar to Elias's hair, except with bangs like Sebastian Michealis."Are you ready, my lady?" he said in all seriousness, as if it was normal.

"Lovely. I have some pictures for you." Luna smiled, taking three pictures out of her pocket.

One was of a Japanese lady in a suit, with her hair in an elegant side-bun. The next was of a Gothic girl who had her hair in two long, elegant pony tails. The third was of Luna, her hair done up in the world's most elegant ponytail on her graduation day.

"I suggest you try this one today, although think they'd all suit you beautifully." Luna smiled, conjuring the bottle from Lily's dorm as she pointed to the first picture.

 

[Hikari Chan]

"Oh...." Aislinn was amazed by the endless of various kimonos. If Alastair had not told her about it in beforehand she would have been surprised to see so many kinds.

"Have fun, and pick out whatever you like. I can help you if you wish." Alastair smiled to Aislinn.

"Thank you, but no, I'll be fine," She smiled gently, but she could not conceal the fact that his words had embarrassed her. Merlin's beard, I rather have some privacy while trying out clothes...

"I will be back within twelve minutes. Farewell, for now." he said, bowing his head respectfully to her before leaving the store.

"See you," was her only reply since she was not accustomed with wishing someone farewell when she was going to see the same person again after a short amount of time during the same day. Farewell sounds so old fashioned, I would only use it if I was not going to see the person for a year. And I have never bowed or curtsied for anyone during my lifetime, am I supposed to curtsy for him? The way he has been brought up is so different from how I have been brought up...

Aislinn browsed through the dark colored kimonos, until she found one to her liking. It was full black silky garment, with a corset, ribbon and wide sleeves which almost reached the floor. When she brought it with her to the fitting room, it suddenly crossed her mind that she had no idea on how to put it on. Well, I'll just try to be logic... She thought and sought advice in her pendant, which told her exactly how to put this foreign attire on. The kimono was feeling heavy as she dressed. The wide sleeves were the most annoying part which got in her way as she tried to keep the kimono around her body whilst putting on and fastening the corset. At last she managed. Her legs up to her knee were bare, even if the kimono was long that it reached the floor, though she had managed to cover her shoulders and chest decently that only her neck was visible. She had the ribbon left and no matter what her pendant told her to do with it, she still find it difficult to tie the ribbon properly thus she ended up with having the ribbon tied at her side front instead for at her back.

When she walked out from the fitting room with her previous clothes folded neatly under her arm, one of the salespersons noticed that one of their customers, seemingly Aislinn, was not wearing her kimono properly.

"Nanika tedasuke ga hitsuyōdesu ka? (Do you need help with anything?)"

Aislinn nearly jumped of fright when a Japanese woman touched her shoulder, speaking to her. She looked confusingly and questioning at her.

"Nanika tedasuke ga hitsuyōdesu ka?" The woman repeated her words.

Aislinn did not understand a syllable and just walked quickly away, almost running as if she had seen a dementor, ignoring the woman, who was shaking her head at the customer's lack of response and behavior.

Aislinn stirred around in the grand store, almost getting lost, as she ended up among a sea of bright colored kimonos. She tried not to panic but to stay calm and consult her pendant until she found her way out to the entrance where Alastair was waiting for her. She was very pale while her cheeks glowed crimson red because of the distress she had felt of getting astray in a shop.

When she saw him, she almost did not recognize him in his different and interesting attire. She stared at him for several seconds. Oh my, he is so handsome...but Merlin, what has he done to his hair…?

"Are you ready, my lady?" he said in all seriousness, as if it was normal.

She burst out laughing, not laughing at him, though laughing of joy because he had made her shopping experience amusing and enthralling in a way she never had expected.

"I am ready," she replied, giggling, as she walked closer to him. "Though I need to pay for my attire before I leave this store, but I have no yen. I only have galleons with me, do they take that?"

"Oh thank you," Lily expressed her gratitude very happily towards Luna. She stared at the third picture, not believing that it was Luna. I am going to frame this and put it in my photo album... She thought for herself. She opened the hair potion bottle and put on drop at the first picture, which Luna had suggested and then seven drops in her own hair. Her hair transformed into an elegant side bun within the matter of seconds. She touched her hair so carefully as if she was touching an ice crystal and fearing that it would suddenly break in her hand.

"Do you have a mirror, please?" Lily asked Luna. "Before I need to hurry to my first exam soon, I'd like to take a look at my own reflection..." She snickered.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"No, you must pay in Yen. I'll handle it." Alastair smiled. "However, you need some assistance with your Kimono first; here." he said, bending down to untie the ribbon and take it off, then tied it at the back for her, also adjusting the corset slightly before he tied it. Finally, he waved his wand at her sleeves, which suddenly became so light and no longer annoying. "Is that a bit better?" Alastair asked, facing her now.

"Very well. " he smiled, and headed toward the counter to pay.

"Sono josei wa hijō ni shitsureidesu! Watashi wa kanojo no tasuke o teian shitaga, watashi wa akuma no yō ni kanojo wa mitsumeteta! (That lady is very rude! I offered her help but she stared at me like I was a demon!" the lady of the store said. "Kanojo ni nani ga mondai no? Kanojo wa kimono o machigatte kiteita! (What is wrong with her? She was wearing her kimono all wrong!)"

"Kanojo wa nihongo o rikaidekinai. . . Kanojo no burei o ayamaru. (She cannot speak Japanese, and didn't know how to react. I apologize for her rudeness.)" Alastair said, using nearly the rest of his money on the kimono. Since he didn't know the shopkeeper, he could not ask to pay her back later; the fact that she was already angry would make it difficult to bargain.

"Omachi itadaite arigato gozaimasu. Sayonara. (Thank you for your patience. Goodbye.)" Alastair said before he walked over to Aislynn again.

"We will now proceed to our sight-seeing experience. " Alastair smiled as he opened the door for Aislynn.

They drove off in the direction of the famous temple. . .

"Yes. Here you are." Luna smiled, handing her a small hand-held mirror which was just big enough to see her reflection in.

"You don't have to be so delicate with it." Luna laughed. "Treat it normally. By the end of the day, it will have undone itself; it works for twelve hours; a temporary serum." Luna explained, handing the bottle back to Lily. "How do you like it?"

"Lovely. I recommend wearing it through you exams today." Luna smiled, taking the mirror back and opening the door for Lily with a ''best not be late' way.

"Goodbye. Your welcome." Luna smiled.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Even if Aislinn felt a little uncomfortable and her heart beat faster, she stood perfectly still as Alastair adjusted her kimono. Her sleeves were feeling lighter than a feather after he hand waved his wand at them.

"Thanks..." she mumbled, her face flushing red of embarrassment.

As he drove away from the store, she suddenly remembered that she was in need of pajamas. She had forgotten all about it when she had entered the kimono store.

I thought he was going to take me to buy some comfortable clothes, instead he suggested costumes and traditional Japanese clothing... She thought half amused and half sarcastically. He might have other views of what comfortable clothes are.... well never mind, it is actually my fault for not reminding him about it after the breakfast. I can live without pajamas during a week, my dress shirt may be a night shirt meanwhile and I can always smoother out the wrinkles afterwards. I will remind him about comfortable clothes at the end of this week, depending on if we will remain in Japan a longer time or if we will travel back to England. I will leave the subject for now because I do not want to spoil his excitement and the fun with the sightseeing...

"Aahh...." Lily almost fell in love in her own reflection when she viewed her new hairstyle.
"Twelve hours you say.... well that will be enough of time during a ball.... Like it…? I love it!! Thank you so much for this lovely idea..." Lily took the bottle, handed the mirror back to Luna and picked up the three pictures. She made sure that picture of Luna was put in between the two other pictures which were facing inwards, so that if anyone saw her carrying these, no one would see a glimpse of any picture but some piece of paper.

"Goodbye..." Lily smiled, waving at Luna while descending the stairs.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

A notice had been put up near the entrance to every house dormitory, announcing which band had been chosen to play at the Gradation Ball. It said that some of the staff, although it didn't say which members, would be performing classical and instrumental music together. A footnote explained that if certain songs were desired, the Headmistress was to be informed no later than tonight after eleven o' clock.

A notice was left on the door of the teacher's room, expressing that the Headmistress wished to see every professor who was capable of playing an instrument for the Graduation Ball during lunch.

Alastair and Aislynn stood before a Japanese temple on a high mountain top. The architecture was beautiful, and the temple was surrounded by cherry trees.

)

As they walked, Alastair smiled at the scenery, for he found it both relaxing and majestic.

"What do you think thus far, my lady?" Alastair asked once they had come to the entrance.

"Then you will love the inside of the temple." he smiled.

 

[Hikari Chan]

During the day as the students walked back and forth to their house dormitories, either on their way to the exams, lunch in the Great Hall or to their common rooms to rest a little, they noticed the new information on the board outside each house dormitory. Half of the students were surprised and curious about the news, while some were skeptical about the idea that staff would play music for them. Most of these students who were positive about the news, did not write any songs of their desire since they trusted that the staff would play suitable music though only a few of them scribbled some of their favorites: Silver Moonlight, Covered by Roses, Amaranth. The rest who were skeptical decided to play a prank and wrote silly songs that did not exist such as Unicorn Farts, my fat life, ride the cow. One very bold and stubborn Gryffindor student decided, instead for suggesting a song, to write Mr. Potter will always be our hero

At lunch time, Elias, Avery, Macnair, Selwyn, Persephone and her brother Flynn gathered together in the staff room. Melody entered as well and the trio: Endewyne, Faeryn and Adela followed inside, but Melody sat for herself, quiet, musing on her own thoughts while the rest were chattering gaily as they awaited their dark mistress' arrival.

"Oh...." Aislinn forget everything else as she looked around, trying to take in so much of the scenery as if she was feeling thirsty and not getting enough of water. She looked at the cherry trees and then she turned her attention towards the temple, the grass covered steps and then back to the trees. Her eyes were everywhere, taking in every detail of the surrounding over and over again. I wish I had a camera with me...then I would have beautiful moving pictures as memories to fill my photo album with... She thought with a sigh.

"It is beautiful, breathtaking, so serene and tranquil..." She almost whispered as if she was worried to disturb something so peacefully.

"Then you will love the inside of the temple." Alastair smiled.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"And don't worry; we can always visit this temple again." Alastair laughed. "It is my favorite one, so of course return-visits are assured." I remember I felt the same way when I visited this temple as a child; I never wanted to leave. The only way my parents could get me to leave was by telling me that we would be back the next month. When we returned the next month, I had the same reaction as the first time....and as I do now...Something so peaceful and breathtaking; it is always so difficult to leave...

They walked through the temple, looking at the many simply decorated rooms. Some had windows:

Some did not:

Most were separated by long, majestic hallways which were surrounded by several cherry trees :

On the upper floors, there were sliding doors that opened onto balconies:

It was one of these that Alastair opened, and they walked out and gazed at the stunning view...

"Let's stay here and watch the sun set..." Alastair breathed, conjuring two very comfortable chairs so that they could sit.

Seeing as they had spent a lot of time in the temple already, they only had a while to go before the sun would set; another unforgettable experience he wanted Aislynn to have.

"Are you hungry?" he asked as they looked out at the horizon, toward which the sun would set in a half-hour. "We spent so much time here we didn't even feel it."

"Good afternoon, everyone." Luna said formally, entering the office. "As I promised, it will only be a ten-minute meeting. So-" she set her wristwatch so that everyone could see for nine minutes. "-considering I was a minute late, we now have nine minutes. To make this short, I'd like everyone to tell me what sort of instrument they are able to play. "

After hearing the listing, Luna nodded. "I understand. I myself can play the violin, and my brother does the same. Considering that none of the students took my request seriously for musical requests, I'd love for you all to choose a song so that the music sheets can be printed promptly. Thank you all for your time." Luna nodded as her watch emitted a soft chime, like a music box, playing the first few notes to Scarborough Fair.

"Farewell, until dinner, where I will expect to see you all again to review your choice of music." Luna opened the door politely, holding it open in a polite 'you may enjoy your lunch now' gesture.

When they had all left the sat on her desk chair and contemplated the musical choices for the evening. I don't know what to do with these kinds of instruments, as they turn out to make the sorts of music that I have no interest in...Perhaps Alastair could give me advice. . ?

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn walked slowly through the hallways as if she was walking on ice, turning her head from left to right, to get most of the view at once. From the outside the architecture had looked grand and nobby. The inside of the temple looked simpler but yet beautiful with decorations at the walls. While walls covered one side of some corridors, grand windows decorated the other side, giving a good view of cherry trees. Some hallways had no windows or walls and revealed the garden of cherry trees on the both sides. The indoors seemed so open that Aislinn for a second wondered how the inhabitants of a such temple would endure the winter. Perhaps they never have winter here...

She followed Alastair to the upper floor, where he opened the doors, by simply sliding them aside, to a balcony with a breathtaking view over a sea of cherry trees. She sat down on the chair, which he conjured, thankfully that that they did not have to sit on pillows.

"Are you hungry?" he asked as they looked out at the horizon. "We spent so much time here we didn't even feel it."

"No..." She replied quietly, still on the edge of whispering as if she did not want to disturb something so peacefully. The sightseeing till now had made her forget that she actually was hungry. "We can have supper after the sunset..." She suggested smilingly and here she had to force herself to look away from the horizon and instead look at Alastair whilst speaking.

"The bloody hell!" Avery burst out when he walked to the Great Hall to get some lunch. "She wants us to decide what kind of songs we wish to play until dinner today?! She is stressing me-"

"Calm down..." Elias interrupted and spoke as if he had all the time in the world. "None of us is going to guard any exam today. I have already done mine this morning. And then History of Magic took place. Astronomy and Cooking with magic will be after lunch. And none of you are going to guard these..." He finished with the air of that he did not wish to hear more complaints. "We have plenty of time to decide until dinner time."

We all play different kind of music instruments... Elias thought when he was sitting by the professors' table, eating his lunch quietly. A piano with a violin or viola is enough for creating music for a waltz. The cello would add a nice touch to it. Mixing it with a harp, flute or lyra is not a bad idea either. All these music instruments should create perfect classical music. And to create a fiercer music, we have drums and guitars. I think we will be able to create music for everyone's taste...

He finished his lunch quickly, but before he left the Great Hall, he said a few words to his friends:

"I'll see you all in the grounds, where we will sit in the gazebo by the lake and discuss the choice of music and songs for the graduation ball."

And to Persephone he added: "And ensure that the rest come as well..." He nodded towards the trio who was laughing and chattering and miss Wilkes who seemed so lonely while eating quietly, even if she was sitting beside her friend miss Gibbon.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"...after the sunset."

Alastair smiled, his face relaxed as he gazed at the view. He placed his hand on top of hers gently, tilting his head back and closing his eyes with a sigh. It was as if it made him feel as lovely as the scenery did for Aislynn. I enjoy being around her to an extent which I never want to leave her side...I wonder if she only views me as a close friend...

When the sun reach the horizon, Alastair opened his eyes to view the sunset, which created a divine color on the sea, which was visible in the distance close to the horizon, and the cherry trees below. "At first, people wondered how the Japanese spent years inside these temples...Their reasons can only be understood by the visitors who can appreciate its subtle silence and peaceful energy..." Alastair said, speaking for both of them.

"Raven, can you play an instrument? " Luna asked. She sat behind her desk, and Raven stood before her.

"N - Yes...I do. I can play the harp." Raven said, deeply embarrassed.

"What's the matter? Is there something wrong with the harp?" Luna asked, slightly confused.

"Well...Nothing says you're an angel than playing the harp like a professional." Raven said quietly.

"Oh...You're ashamed of being an angel?" Luna said, genuinely concerned.

"Yes...They stand for purity and justice and innocence...I hate those things." Raven admitted. "It just reminds me that no matter how hard I try, I'll always have traits or talents reminiscent of being one of those." she said in disappointment, gesturing upwards to indicate angels.

"Raven. " Luna said, standing up to stand directly in front of her. "I despise my parents as well. I lived a lot of my life trying so hard not to be them, but I eventually gave up. I had to realize what it was that I didn't like about them. I wanted them to be supportive and understanding rather than impulsive and short-sighted. Murdering for a reason, not for pleasure. Revenge is fine, and so is blood-lust, if they are carried out correctly. Believe me; you will feel so much better once you just become what you wanted them to be. That dark elegance and power that gives evil its allure." Luna said passionately. "It is the only thing which can evoke passion in people like us; the only thing which can fill the void left by our predecessors..."

Raven was so touched that she nearly began tearing up. "Such a beautiful perspective." she sighed.

"It is the only perspective which equates to satisfaction." Luna finished.

"Thank you, my mistress. I should have come to you sooner." Raven bowed.

"Come to me anytime; I would love to help you in any way I can."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn gazed towards the horizon, she merely heard Alastair sigh though felt the soft touch of his hand. She watched the sun go down the horizon, the color of the sun changing from yellow to orange and red until it vanished behind the top of the cherry trees, creating the shades of orange, red, blue and purple, which merged through the line of the horizon with the sea which was barely seen behind the cherry trees, until the sun was gone and the darkness of the night sky fell. Many sunrises and sunsets had passed through her life, but this was the first time she had sat to watch it.

"At first, people wondered how the Japanese spent years inside these temples...Their reasons can only be understood by the visitors who can appreciate it's subtle silence and peaceful energy..." Alastair said.

"Aha......it is very peaceful and silent here indeed..." Aislinn commented. A great place to visit when seeking solitude sometimes but I won't be able to spend day in and day out in silence in a temple...

After a couple of seconds later she turned towards him, holding his both hands in hers.
"I do not know how much to thank you for this memorable moment in my life…" She said smilingly, her eyes glittering happily. "The sunset was so beautiful indeed..."

"Well, now I am very hungry," She laughed as she mentally counted how many hours it had passed since breakfast. "I'd like to try another Japanese dish for supper."

Several kinds of suits, ascots, a couple of cloaks, shirts and trousers, two night robes. some pair of shoes and even a mask covered almost the entire space of the cashier.

"Hello," Edward nodded politely and smilingly towards the girl behind the cashier. He was holding his death eater mask in his hand and his hood was down, revealing his black eyes, sallow face and grey streaked black hair. His eyebrows were to the contrary black and a few wrinkles could be seen in the corner of his eyes. "Excuse me one minute please," He walked away from the cashier and went towards the women's section this time.

I'd love to get her a gift...but what? He scratched his head. A piece of clothing would be a little difficult, since I do not know her size...hmm... He glanced at the masks and picked the one which immediately caught his eyes.

Hopefully, she will like this one... He smiled to himself and then walked back to the cashier.

"I'd like you to wrap this one-" He hold up the female mask in his hand. "-as a gift, please. And the rest-" He gestured towards the things he had picked for himself. "Just put them in different bags..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Holding his both hands in hers, Aislynn spoke. "I do not know how much to thank you for this memorable moment in my life..." She said smilingly, her eyes glittering happily. "The sunset was so beautiful indeed..."

"There is no need to thank me; I am pleased that you enjoyed it. That feeling of beauty and relaxation is what I feel when I am near you, my lady." Alastair said. His words were so elegantly spoken and heartfelt that it was stunning.

When they were walking back out of the temple, Alastair asked her if she would like to get some dinner.

"Well, now I am very hungry," She laughed, "I'd like to try another Japanese dish for supper."

"Hmm...I think I have a lovely meal in mind..." Alastair's eyes showed subtle excitement as he re-enlarged their car.

Once Aislynn was in the car, he sent a patronus message to the Agency telling them that they would be a bit late in arriving for their first mission, then entered the car himself. They arrived at the Japanese restaurant they had dined at the previous night, and Alastair laughed at the confusion he imagined Aislynn had. "A different Japanese meal, you said." he laughed. "This restaurant has two stories; the lower for Sushi, and the higher for other sorts of Japanese food. The decor is the same, but the view is even lovelier on the upper floor. " He smiled as they entered with their arms linked.

The hostess greeted Alastair cordially, just as she had done the previous night.

"Watashitachiha kon'ya-jō no kai de shokuji o suru koto o konomudarou. (We'd prefer to dine on the upper floor tonight.)" Alastair said.

The lady nodded, and led them up a flight of polished wooden steps, leading out to a lovely second floor.

"My favorite part-" Alastair smiled "-is that we can dine on the balcony." He led Aislynn to a wide balcony with a few tables and chairs. The moon was shining full and bright, and a subtly cold breeze blew, although the night was warm. "Order what you wish, and tell me if you become confused. " Alastair smiled, opening a menu to show her that each meal had a picture next to the Japanese words. "I can tell you what each meal is." he said helpfully.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn took the menu and stared confusingly at the Japanese text. She tried to only focus on the pictures, but the weird text was still there in the corner of her eyes, annoying her. All the letters seem to look the same... She frowned as she looked at the pictures of the dishes, wishing that she knew their names and their ingredients.

"Well....uhm........I'd like to try out this dish," She pointed at a picture of a dish, 'Fish Teriyaki', hopefully about that she had picked something delicious. Of all the pictures of the other dishes in the menu, Teriyaki seemed to be the tastiest dish.

"We do not have the time to compose any songs now, do we?" Avery almost whined.

"Of course, we do not have time," Elias replied with a calm expression. "But we have about twenty days for rehearsal-"

"But we need to guard the exams for the subjects we teach-" Faeryn interrupted.

"I know, I am fully aware of that..."

"What are you exactly planning? Did you not hear her earlier today? She wants to have songs by dinner time!" Macnair exclaimed.

"Chill, the dark mistress won't execute us if we have not prepared any songs today. We will just simply tell her what we have agreed on. It is a bit complicated to prepare full songs and music that will be enough for a graduation ball within the matter of four hours before dinner. Instead we will practice playing together during these days. The exams only take part between breakfast and lunch respectively between lunch and dinner, so we have plenty of time to practice after dinner time. Four hours practice every evening should suffice...We could actually start practicing right now, since we still have plenty of time instead for wasting it by doing nothing..."

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

"Hmm...Teriyaki Fish..." Alastair said. "Personally, I prefer it with chicken, but if you wish to try it with fish...Would you like noodles or rice as a side? You know-" he said before she could answer "-I think you should try both." he smiled.

Alastair ordered the Teriyaki Fish for Aislynn, and the Teriyaki Chicken for himself. To share, he ordered the steamed rice and the noodles. He also ordered a small plate of Karaage sea flood for them to sample, and tall glasses of chilled water.

"I have never met someone who dislikes Teriyaki; enjoy your meal." he smiled, holding his glass of water up to toast to a lovely meal.

Like before, he exchanged her chopsticks for an ornate fork, and they began eating.

"How do you like the food?" he asked after she had tried everything.

"Lovely." he smiled.

After they ate, they stood, and Alastair led Aislynn back to the car, bidding farewell to the hostess on the way. He gave her the last of his yen, which just barely covered the meal.

"We will now proceed to the Shiki Agency." Alastair said as he opened the door for Aislynn. "Would you like to stop by a normal clothing store on the way?" he offered, seeing as they still had a little time before the deadline that he had asked to be extended.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Noodles and rice at the same time? Aislinn thought amusingly.

"I have never met someone who dislikes Teriyaki; enjoy your meal." Alastair smiled, holding his glass of water up to toast to a lovely meal.

She toasted with the hope that she would like the Teriyaki. Gratefully that he transformed her chopsticks into a fork, she picked it up and took the first bite of her meal. The fish had a sweet taste of the soy marinade. It was as if the cook had put sugar or honey in her dish. It did not taste bad; on the contrary she liked the mixture of something sweet with the fish. She was unsure about rice and noodles and tried first the former and then the latter until she came to conclusion that she preferred rice with Teriyaki. Then she tried out the deep-fried sea food and frowned at the faint taste of garlic.

"How do you like the food?" he asked after she had tried everything.

"I love the Teriyaki with rice," She smiled without mentioning that she detested garlic. This is something I should tell him before any meal, not during a meal...

"Lovely." he smiled.

She continued to eat her meal and let him have all the deep-fried sea food and the noodles. When they finished, they walked back to the car.

"We will now proceed to the Shiki Agency." Alastair said as he opened the door for Aislinn. "Would you like to stop by a normal clothing store on the way?" he offered, seeing as they still had a little time before the deadline that he had asked to be extended.

"Thank you, but no thank you," She smiled. "I'll be fine..." She was feeling a little bad about that he had to pay for everything she bought. I have the formal clothes left in the backseat of the car in case I wish to change...

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Alastair nodded, and before long they arrived at the Agency.

"Now, don't worry about what anyone is saying; when they get to the important information of the mission, they always offer to give a written briefing. When this happens-" he said as they walked up the front steps to the Agency "-I will ask them to translate yours. If they do a slide show with pictures, I shall translate for you." he smiled helpfully as he opened one of the tall glass front doors for her. "You look charming in your kimono." he smiled. "Don't worry about what anyone thinks of your clothes now; look at how I'm dressed!" he laughed, speaking to her now that they were inside the elevator "They are used to my constantly ...unique...choices of clothing."

They arrived at the tenth floor, where a Japanese man in his mid-twenties greeted them. Although he wore a suit, he had a humorous nature about him, and smiled the entire time they talked to him. "Alastair-San!" The man laughed, coming over to greet him not with a handshake, but with a pat on the back as if they knew each other well. "Konbanwa! Osoidesu! Naze -
Ā, anata wa isogashikatta! (Good evening! You're late! Why - oh, you were busy.)" the man said with a 'how did you like it' look toward Aislynn.

Alastair's eyes showed subtle embarrassment for a moment, before the man continued.

"Jōdandesu! (I'm joking!)" he laughed. "Anata wa amarini mo shinkoku desu. Akaruku! (You're too serious sometimes! Lighten up!)"

"Watashi wa kono yō ni konomu. (Actually, I prefer it this way.)" Alastair said calmly, his face clearly stating that he didn't find it funny at all.

"Hontoni? Kanojo ga mitsuketa toki, kanojo wa omoshiroi to omou darou! (Really? I bet she will find it funny when she finds out!)" The man laughed.

"Aislynn, this is Reiji Tachibana." Alastair said, gesturing to the man whilst facing Aislynn. Then, he turned to the man, and introduced Aislynn in Japanese.

"Hajimeimashte. (Nice to meet you.)" The man smiled, first shaking hands with Aislynn, then attempting to bow and kiss her hand like a gentleman, except that he was trying to mimic Alastair.

Before Reiji could carry out his joke, Alastair firmly pulled Aislynn's hand away from him in a 'don't joke like that' way.

Reiji stood with an 'alright' face, although he still was joking, and gestured for them to come over to a door to the left of the room. "Īkagen'ni shite! Misshonburīfingu o teba shimashou! (Come on! Let's get your mission briefing out of the way!)"

"He likes to joke that I'm...nevermind." Alastair said, shaking his head as they followed him, as if he was disturbed about something Reiji had been hinting at.

"Ima, (Now,)" Reiji said once he had unlocked the door to the room and turned on the lights. They stood in a large room with three normal walls and one wall made entirely out of frame-less glass windows, from floor to ceiling. Reiji waved his wand at the windows, which became a moving screen at once, showing the picture of their villain. "-kore wa Maou Li-dess. (This is Maou Li.)" he said as a picture of a rich-looking Chinese man showed on the window-screen. "(He will be your target for tonight. Found guilty of drugging several young Chinese women, they were found days later quite...disoriented.)" He said, struggling to find the right word as the next picture flashed. The young-looking Chinese women were all unconscious, each covered in blood and showing some sort of monstrous wounds on different parts of their bodies. Each one was different; some were knife wounds, some cigarettes, and some bullet-wounds, all of them hung by their necks from the ceiling of a dark room. "Karera wa dairinin no hitori ga Ri-shi no teitaku no chikashitsu de mitsukatta. Kanojo wa kaeru mae ni korosareta... (They were found in the basement of Mr. Li's mansion by one of our agents. She was, unfortunately, killed before she could return)..." Reiji said, looking deeply saddened.

This whole time, Alastair had been translating Reiji's information to Aislynn.

"Kare o korose." he said seriously.

"Our orders are to kill him." Alastair said darkly.

"Tada itsu no mondai ga arimasu...(There is just one problem...)" Reiji said apologetically. "Kare wa doko ni sunde iru no ka wakarimasen. Kare wa Pekin no kajino de hotondo no jikan o sugoshite imasu. (We don't know where he lives. Just that he spends most of his time at a large casino in Beijing.)" At this, a picture of a large casino appeared on the screen, as Mr. Li was walking up the front steps with a smile on his face.

Alastair face was determined as he stared at the smiling face of Mr. Li, angered by his crimes. I cannot ask Aislynn to accompany me if she does not wish it; especially considering what that man loves to do to innocent... Turning to Aislynn, he spoke clearly and seriously. "My lady; if you wish it, you need not accompany me on such a treacherous journey. You could watch while I handle it on my own; this doesn't have to be your first mission." he attempted to reason.