CHAPTER 10: His Kataomoi

Cole woke up to the gentle warmth of the spring sun kissing his cheeks. The birds sung their songs to anyone who would listen. He took a single deep breath of all the scents out on the street by his house and stared out the window to the sights he once took for granted. Cole noticed the tickle of tears crawling down his cheek, wiping them off with a melancholy smile.

Angelos "Cole? Are you okay?"

Cole "I'm fine… Just a… uh… strange dream. Nothing to worry about. What is on the schedule today?"

Angelos "The schedule for today is as follows. Breakfast seven thirty AM, hygiene eight AM, shopping nine AM, lastly a return trip home at nine PM."

Deablos "Shopping list is 3lb of chicken, beef, pork. A variety of vegetables yada, yada… if anything changes then your mother will call."

Cole "It seems like a large portion of food, but it still wouldn't take till eight PM to get it done. Angelos? Why is the schedule so late?"

Angelos "Um…well, you see I was hoping to eat and go on a stroll in the park… sorry."

Cole "You should have put it on the schedule. Did you even ask Deablos if she wanted to do anything? Deablos… would you like to do anything while we are out?"

Deablos "Actually, now that you mention it, yea I do. I would like to go to the shopping district."

Cole "But that's so far."

Deablos "Yea, but Jody said she would take me one day and well…"

Angelos "I would like to go too! from the reviews, the scenery is absolutely stunning!"

Angelos & deablos "Please!"

Cole "Fine, fine…we will go, but no complaining if I leave early."

Cole head to the kitchen table where his mother set his plate down for him to eat. Seven strips of bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuits with gravy and to wash it all down a tall glass of apple juice. Cole finishes his routine breakfast quickly as he noticed his watch. rushing upstairs to quickly get ready, he splashes some water on his face and heads out the door tripping over a small brown box. It was plain only having his name and a smiley face on it. Upon arrival the bus closed its doors and drove off despite his pleas. Giving up on the thought of catching the bus Cole, tore open the package in frustration. Its contents falling to the floor. Scattered about was an orange pill bottle and a note.

"Hey Cole! This is your regular delivery, I'm gonna be out of town for a long while. So, I arranged a way for you to still receive your 'meds'. This batch is much stronger than the last one. I managed to make it last for a day or so. There are some side effects be careful.

-Jasmine"

Deablos "Stronger than before? Maybe this is good? She is looking after you!"

Angelos "Although she seemed kinda rushed."

Cole "Huh…strange girl… Angelos when is the next bus?"

Angelos "That was the last bus until tomorrow seven PM."

Cole "Come on guys the shopping district is a three hour walk from here. Can we please just go to the local market?"

Deablos "Hell no! Get the stepping lazy!"

Cole grumbled as he stepped off to the capitalistic bastion of Eden. Begrudgingly he started to enjoy the walk. The sun wrapping him up in it's warm locks, the wind singing it's refreshing songs, the laughter of the people enjoying the peaceful era they live in. Everything and everyone was perfect, these people will never know suffering in anyway or any burden or fear. They get to live without fear of being attacked however, Cole wasn't that lucky. While enjoying others happiness he noticed a black limo following his every step. Reality soon set in, of course he wouldn't have a time where a breath of peace was available for him.

Cole "Angelos, Deablos prepare for a fight. We have been followed for the past few blocks."

Angelos "Why? This street is completely empty."

Deablos "There are no signatures for jamming or magic in anyway."

Cole "You sure about that? I feel three souls following close by. They have been giving off pretty strong vibes too. They are really strong."

Angelos "So what do wish to do?"

Deablos "Let's kill'em till they die! Absolutely tear them apart!"

Cole "No, we won't do anything. I'm probably being paranoid. Just keep a watch, they could've been alarmed by my red AIE."

Deablos "Take one of those pills. You missed a few doses. I let it slide because we needed your full strength for the tournament but, right now it would be advised. Lest we cause more trouble."

Cole popped one of the tiny blue pills into his mouth, swallowing without a second thought. As it went down it instantly felt strange, but he gave it no second thought. Although he was being followed Cole didn't mind as much anymore, in fact he was happy. The world started to become light, fluffy, and warm as the clear blue sky on a summer day. All sorts of bright cozy colors appeared. Cole was so happy he could barely contain it. Each step was better than the last after a couple hours the drugs effects wore off, making him feel sick to his stomach. Kneeling over to the side of the road to throw up, the black limo suddenly pulls up in front of the retching Cole. Two large men in black suits jump out and surround him.

Cole "Hey guys. Look I understand that I'm the ish, but can you give me like two seconds!"

The men grab the weak Cole and throw him into the back of the car. He did his best to hide his shaking in the presence of the woman in front of him. She was powerful but unimposing, burning but yet cool, she was everything that Cole's father embodied as a being of absolute power. Cole knew in this moment there was no escape, he was too weak to put up a fight and even if he could there was no way this woman would let him out of her grasp. The inside of the limo was covered in red satin and pure silver accents all over the walls. The chairs made out of the best leather. Bottles of the finest wine money could buy sat on a table in the middle. For a moment Cole was in awe of how much money these people spent on a simple car. However, reality set in when the driver pulled off and once again Cole felt queasy.

Saitori "So are you the famous Cole Yankell? Car sick are we?"

Holding onto his puke in his mouth. Cole swallowed it, to the visible disgust of Saitori.

Cole "Maybe*burp* depends who's asking?"

Saitori "Are you Cole Yankell?"

Cole "Are you an amazingly beautiful woman who would possibly kill me if I answer differently?"

Saitori "Do you take me for a fool?"

Cole "No, nooo, I would never. *huugh* quite intelligent."

Saitori "I see you're not a fan of Edward G…"

Cole "Please don't say that name…sounds similar to this nasty food I had."

Saitori "Okay…I think we got off the wrong foot. Shall we start over? Introductions! My name is Saitori Nguyen. I am the owner and former matriarch of the Nguyen conglomerate. I am here because my daughter has taken a particular interest in you."

Cole "Cool…Well MS…Nguyen can you let me out? I have a lot of things to do today and…."

As Cole spoke an uneasy feeling overcame him. Saitori sat across from the young boy waiting for him to finish his sentence. Her presence imposing a force on Cole, beating him into submission like an aggressive dog. Saitori leaned in closer begging him to finish his sentence. Cole could see her soul grow to envelop his field of view with a vibrant beautiful rose gold.

Saitori "You have a lot of things to do and? Go on…finish! What else do you want to do?"

Cole "Oh…uh…nothing now…I guess."

Saitori "So your schedule is free then? Good, now introduce yourself."

Cole "My name is Cole Yankell and I am the son of Sondi Yankell. I just want to go run some errands in the shopping district."

Saitori "That's excellent! I would love to escort my son in law to the shopping district. You are dressed rather tacky though? You must be shopping for new clothes. Driver, to her favorite shopping district. Make haste please."

The driver sped off as Cole looked down at his brand new outfit and back at Saitori, confused by her statement.

Cole "I don't need new clothes. I just bought these, and it was like two hundred dollars!"

Saitori "Two hundred dollars…oh. I see…my baby girl is interested in a commoner, how adorable."

Cole "Your daughter has taken an interest in me? Well I regret to inform you that I'm not interested in getting into a relationship at the moment."

Saitori "She will not be pleased…"

Cole "I could care less about who it pleases."

Saitori "From what I understand, you and my daughter may have gotten off on the wrong foot. Please Cole I urge you to reconsider."

Cole "I do offer my apologies. If I go to school with this…female then I would tell her but, you have to stop playing the pronoun game and tell me her name please."

Saitori "Oh my! I can never understand how poverty makes people so rude. Did no one teach you any manners?"

Cole "Forgive me. You could see how strange people throwing me in the back of a strange car forcibly would place anyone on edge."

Saitori "Oh calm down. I'm sure as strong as you must be, those two should be little more than child's play. I would like to get to the point. That crystal sword, how did how you break it?"

Cole "Crystal sword…cryst… Naiomi's sword! Your daughter is Naiomi?"

Saitori "Yes, yes. How did you break the sword?"

Cole "Well she said if I could grab the sword she would fight me as an equal. So, I did and tried to use it to beat her and it shattered."

Saitori "Did it change colors? Was there a red string of some sort?"

Cole "Umm…oh it got all dark purple when I held it and it turned pink once it broke. I remember a red string being there and it wasn't after the sword broke."

Saitori "Oh no…I was really hoping she didn't perform the dance on you."

Cole "I answered your questions. Now answer mine. What is so important about this sword? What dance? We didn't dance."

Saitori "That sword is a crystal made from the concept of time. With it we can do anything from travel the infinite expanse of time to predicting our future in all outcomes of decisions. There are several charms for the colors of the rainbow. Red signifies love, orange is victory, yellow is healing, green is success, blue is intelligence, purple is status, black is death, and white is life."

Cole "Sword, dance. Not sure how the colors of ribbons means anything to me. Skip the exposition, the audience is getting bored!"

Saitori "When the red ribbon is placed on the sword and it's later broken after merging two people they have a higher possibility of falling in love. It's like a good luck charm that almost never fails. The dance of the love dragon is to sync your heart rates up, so you are on the same beat when the sword breaks. The female is dainty and submissive, and the male is powerful and dominant. The female is full of emotion and stoic and the male is passionate and empty. The last part is the male laying all of his burdens on his future wife and if she accepts the emotional turmoil he is in they are wed."

Cole "WIFE! What do you mean WIFE?"

Saitori "According to our traditions you do the dance, accept the burden associated with the partner, and the sword breaks signifying a proposal to marriage. It's common for the females to trick the males into proposing. That's why she gave you the sword."

Cole "I am sixteen! I can't be engaged! My parents will kill me."

Saitori "We already spoke to your father and he seemed fine with it. Accept the proposal or we will get you removed from the school!"

Cole "I'm sure I'll be fine. It's not like I want to go or even need school."

Saitori "If you don't accept they will kill everyone you know and love. Your mother, father, and Gavin will die because of you not being able to take responsibility."

Cole "I think I'll take my chances."

Saitori "DO you think my Naiomi is ugly or something? Is she too short? Too skinny or fat? What ever it is we can fix it to better accommodate your likings."

Cole "She said something like that when she offered to be my friend and I turned her down then. Why would you think that I want a slave? Its not a genuine connection."

Saitori "Here I thought demons like you would be jumping at the opportunity to claim your share of fame and riches. You would be the first outsider to marry into our family. I'm sure if Naiomi isn't to your likings then she would allow you to have a concubine or two."

Cole "See if I were a demon your offer would sound appealing to me, but I'm not. So, I see my stop coming up and I would like to leave now."

Saitori "Listen boy! What happened between you two in our family was the equivalent of taking her V-card. I personally don't mind, I think she is a bit prude anyway, but the elders are not having it. You either marry her or they will kill you both."

Cole "Damn, that sounds really unfortunate. Sounds like it works for everyone then."

Saitori "Boy, I am being reasonable with you. I beg you to reconsider because if my daughter dies because of you. I swear I will stop at nothing to make sure your life is nothing but suffering and when it reaches its peak I won't kill you. No…that would be too easy. I will place you in a time loop of all of your worst memories until you beg for me to kill you."

Cole "You think your threats scare me? You can't offer me anything that will change my mind, especially if you threaten me. I will not bargain or barter. If you keep threatening me I will protect myself. I will not let anything be a blockage in my path and if you touch a single hair on my families head, all shall know of nothing but pain and suffering."

In his sudden burst of anger Cole's AIEs glimmered royal purple. Saitori backed down a bit not wanting to anger him further and put her daughter life at risk. She racked her brain to figure out anything she could say or do that would convince Cole to at least think about it for more than a second. Saitori had almost given up hope when a deviously wonderful idea came to her mind, she kneeled before Cole and buried her face into the carpet while she started to cry.

Saitori "Cole Yankell, I humbly beg you…Please reconsider. I *whimper* will do *whimper* anything for my baby girl. Anything you ask and it's yours. Please give it some time, think it over. I understand that the plights of the rich have no bearing on you but if you aren't the demon you claim to not be, then please spare some human empathy for Naiomi. She put her life on the line just for the chance to be with you. Please don't toss the girls feelings aside like that. The elders gave me one year to convince you, so no rush in your decision. I just beg whatever you do make the right choice. Not just for you or me but, for Naiomi as well."

Cole "Fine! Fine…please raise your head its embarrassing. I will consider marrying Naiomi but when that year is up. I will not take her on as a bride. Naiomi, not you, the elders, or anyone but her will have to convince me to marry her."

Saitori "Really!? You will do it! That's great news! You have a date with Naiomi today. Get out we are at the sopping district. Thank you, I will start on the wedding arrangement immediately."

Cole "Wait a minute I didn't say I would marry her."

Saitori "Hush boy, get out we are here. Make sure you get Naiomi to buy you some better clothes. No son-in-law of mine will walk around looking like a hoodlum."

Cole was suddenly tossed out on to the street, the car door slamming behind him. Brushing off the dirt he heads off to the only bench he could see nearby with some shade.

Deablos "HAHAHAHA she played you like a fiddle. HAHAHAHAHA idiot!"

Angelos "I am inclined to side with our friend on this one. What were you thinking? Agreeing without consulting us first? Cole that was very stupid."

Cole "I have a plan. It's not like she would let me go if I didn't say something. That woman may not have shown it, but if she wanted to she could have killed me the instant I said no. Her soul was so bright I was not sure who was stronger her or my dad."

Deablos "Good. I'm glad you are using your brain for once."

Cole "Wasn't you just making fun of me."

Deablos "Yea, you got placed in a hilarious position. I thought you were going to cry when she gave you that sob story, but it seems I was wrong. You matured quite a bit. Must be because of my wonderful teaching hehe."

Cole "No, don't flatter yourself. I wanted to make sure I would guarantee my family wouldn't be harmed. From what I gathered, if I accept the engagement then I will be treated as her husband. So, they wouldn't kill my family because they know I will say no after and they need to save face."

Angelos "Ooo that was rather the power move. You made it seem like she was making the fool of you when you were making the fool of her."

Cole "Of course, I learned it from ed*puke*… I learned it from a poet I read about a while ago."

Angelos "The scenery is beautiful here! It way better than I even imagined."

Deablos "Yeah! Look at those marble pillars. That must have been super expensive!"

Cole "Expensive? The shopping district shouldn't be tha…We are not in the shopping district!"

The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, the way the buildings cut into the sky. The cars flew above him as well as on the streets. The streets were pristine, not even a single piece of gum stuck to the floor. The smell of the freshest foods wafted through the air, begging him to have a taste. All of this paled in comparison to the citizens. The people were beautiful, each one as if they were sculpted by gods. From head to toe each person was completely decked out in all sorts of jewelry, even the children glistened in the sun. It dawned on Cole, that he does not belong here.

Angelos "Don't tell me we are…Oh my goodness!!! EEEIII!!"

Deablos "It cannot be, I never thought I would live to see the day."

Cole "As much as I love the pronoun game can we not play it. Take defensive positions. We are in unknown territory. Be on alert!"

In the distance a sound broke the peaceful murmurs of the people shopping. A cry of a little girl rang out in a high pitched whine. Unable to turn his heart cold towards the young girl's distress, Cole went over to investigate. When he arrived, he saw that she was crying over a toy her and another child were fighting over.

Cole "Hey there young one…What is the problem?"

Myah "I was- I was playing with my TOY and then I tried to share cus' mommy said to share, and he broke it and now it don't work."

Jaden "Nooo! That's not what happened."

Myah "DID TOO! YOU BROKE MY TOY."

Cole "How about I do some magic?"

Jaden "Magic isn't real!"

Cole "OH? I wouldn't be so sure. You would be surprised."

Jaden "Prove it!"

Cole picked up the toy and studied it for a second. After a few seconds, it was apparent that the batteries died. Cole picked up a few pebbles turning them into batteries for the toy. To the amazement of the young children the toy lit up and made cheerful sounds.

Jaden "You didn't do magic."

Cole knelt down to be at eye level with Jaden. Holding his palm open Cole dropped some more pebbles into Jaden's hand and covered it with his own.

Cole "Ah! I see you are a nonbeliever. Okay close your eyes and take a deep breath. When I count down to one say one thing you really, really want. Okay three…two…one."

Jaden "A rocket ship!"

The pebbles glowed slightly before merging together, drawing the attention of the other children nearby. When Jaden opened his eyes, he was amazed. A few small pebbles turned into a bright red rocket ship.

Kids "Wow mister! I want one too. I want a dolly. I want an action figure."

Cole "Okay, okay one at a time. I swear I will get to as many of you as I can."

Woman "OH MY GOD. GET AWAY FROM THOSE CHILDREN YOU MONSTER!"

Cole "Excuse me? Miss are you okay?"

Woman "Are you trying to groom these children?"

Cole "WHAT NO!? I WOULD NEVER."

A crowd soon started to form around Cole whispering all sorts of evil things. What is he doing with those children? How is he doing that? Did you see his red aie? He must want to harm them. Look, look he is getting angry! It's like a wild animal. So, disgusting! How could they let one of them into the city? Each comment after comment were worse than the last. Cole tried to push his way out through the crowd to no avail. The more he attempted to leave, the more he was pushed into the center into the center of the circle until all of the kids were out of the area. When the last child left from his view, Cole stood up, unphased by the by the insults and attacks launched his way.

Deablos "Cole…darling…we should just eat them all. It would be easy. None of them would suspect anything."

Woman "Look its other aie is changing too!"

Man "It's finally starting to show its true colors!"

Cole "My true colors? You have no idea…"

As Cole prepared to rip and tear everyone that harassed him apart an officer broke the crowd up. Confidently walking up to Cole, the officer grabs him by the arm, jostling him around.

Officer "Alright Kid, you're coming in for questioning! Alright folks. I got him! get outta here! Get! Go about your day nothing to see here."

The flash mob dispersed, taking their children away from the threat.

Cole "I'm not going anywhere you take me! Get off of me."

Officer "Kid, stop struggling. You can't use magic here, you are no stronger than a normal person."

Deablos "RIP HIM TO SHREDS!"

Cole ripped his arm away from the officer, knocking him to the ground. A fire started to burn in Cole, soon he started to growl, his aie shifted completely red drawing the attention of more officers. They surrounded Cole and drew their weapons on him.

Cole "Oh…that's not good."

Angelos "Calm down. Think rationally Cole, if you act out now you will only make it worse."

Cole "I don't care, they are going to kill me regardless."

Angelos "Cole, I understand. Your adrenaline is really high right now. You need to calm down. Take a deep breath. One…two…one…two…one…two. Doesn't that feel better?"

Cole "Alright! Alright! Put your guns down. I am not a threat. Please, understand I didn't even want to be here. If you let me go, I promise I won't return."

Rose "This is police sargent Rose, fourth division, twenty fifth precinct in the tenth ward. You were witnessed preying on children, resisting arrest, and assaulting an officer. What makes you think we would let you go?"

Cole "I heard a little kid crying and I went to help. I am innocent!"

Rose "If you're innocent then you should have nothing to worry about. Put your hands up and come in peacefully."

Deablos "See, this is why you shouldn't listen to feathers. She never helps you. Listen to me. Get angry, let hatred fuel you, AND RIP. THEM. APART!"

In a nearby café Naiomi sat sipping tea staring out of the red silk curtains when the televisions in the shop all simultaneously cut on to the news. It wasn't unusual for the news channels to suddenly broadcast changes to the markets, so Naiomi sat and continued to sip her tea when an officer suddenly crashes through the glass in front of her. The people in the café went into a panic trying to evacuate the scene. Confused about what's going on Naiomi turned to the tv. The cameras were focused on a silhouette of a man holding what appears to be a small child.

Rupert "Ms. Nguyen the area has been put on alert red. It is advised we stay inside and away from the scene."

Naiomi "Rupert, put the order on my tab. I am going to investigate."

Rupert "Ms. Nguyen it is unsafe to go out right now. You heard Chet. There is a demon on the loose. Your mother would kill me if you got hurt."

Naiomi "I am the head of the Nguyen family. Who do you think you are to speak to me in such a manner? Did you forget who gave you the money for this shabby shop of yours? Did you forget who saved your family from financial ruin? I am going, put the order on my tab, and bid me a fare-well."

Rupert "As you wish ma'lady, I bid you my humblest fare-wells."

Naiomi rushes out to the area waving her security pass at every officer that tried to stop her. She arrived at the area shocked at what she witnessed. Naiomi took a deep breath and calmly walked up to Rose tapping her on the shoulder. Rose turned and raised a salute in a panic when she realized who was tapping her on the shoulder.

Rose "Ms. Nguyen! You shouldn't be here, it's dangerous. We can handle a small time demon like him."

Naiomi "At ease sergeant Rose, what is the meaning of this? One moment I'm enjoying my afternoon tea and the next I hear is there's a demon on the loose. I thought I told you this was your last time. To think a demotion to sergeant didn't teach you enough."

Rose "Not to worry Ms. Nguyen we are about to wrap everything up soon."

Naiomi "I would hope so."

Rose "Sniper one, fire when ready. What do you mean you don't have a clear shot!? I don't care. Take him out, do I make myself clear?"

Naiomi "It seems as if you don't have a handle on this situation at all."

Sniper one "This is sniper one. Shot missed. I repeat shot missed."

Naiomi "Fine. I will handle this myself. I am very disappointed in you sargent Roseline Suarez. Your future showed so much promise too."

Rose "No, Ms. Nguyen please. I will go and take care of him myself."

Naiomi "Make it quick. I am starting to lose patience with you."

Rose put on her tactical gear, donned a riot shield, and pushed her way through the blockade. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves so she wouldn't make any sudden moves that would set the monster in front of her off. Each step she took closer the more Rose started to feel a weight crush her. If she fails She will lose her status and the respect of her entire squad. No one would stand up for her in anyway.

Rose "Alright…RELEASE THE GIRL AND TURN YOURSELF IN."

Cole "TELL THEM TO PUT THEIR GUNS DOWN. SHE IS TERRIFIED!"

Rose "WE WON'T TAKE OUR GUNS OFF OF YOU UNTIL WE KNOW THE GIRL IS SAFE."

Cole "Hey there little one. What's your name?"

Myah "Mommy! I want my mommy!"

Cole "I Understand. There was a time I was so scared all I could think of is being in my daddy's arms, but right now I need you to be brave for me okay? What's your name?"

Myah "My name is…my name is Myah."

Cole "Myah? That's a really pretty name. Can you be brave for me Myah?"

Myah "* nods her head* Yea…but I'm really scared. They are going to kill you and...and…*crying*"

Cole "Shhh It's okay. I promise they won't hurt me. You see that nice policewoman? I need you to walk over there okay? I promise you will be okay."

Myah "You promise?"

Cole looked into the little girls aies as they started to turn red. He wiped the tears from her face and patted her on the head. As scared as he himself was, Cole put on a large smile for Myah watching her AIE shift into a viberant blue.

Cole "I promise. Now go, go, go. OKAY, SHE AGREED TO COME OUT! PUT YOUR WEAPONS DOWN!"

Rose "You heard him. Put your weapons away. Wait until the girl is in safety. Do not engage unless I give the order."

Cole let the little girl go, but before she left Myah gave Cole a hug and ran into Rose's arms.

Cole "Okay! Now, I duly regret to inform you that I will not be coming in. I have done nothing wrong."

Rose "You took a hostage, assaulted several officers, resisted arrest and are suspected of preying on children. You don't have a leg to stand on."

Cole "Sargent Rose, please I'm sixteen. I meant no harm. I didn't even want to be here. I just want to go home."

Angelos "I bet fighting doesn't seem like a good idea now does it?"

Cole "Is right now the time for an I told you so? Help me."

Angelos "Say you're sorry."

Cole "Are you serious? We are in the middle of a circle of people that want to kill me."

Angelos "I am not obligated to help unrepentant sinners. I don't care, Rip and tear remember?"

Cole "Fine, I'm sorry I chose to fight my way out instead of trying to calmly and rationally talk my way out."

Angelos "AND!"

Cole "And…I will listen more closely to what you say from now on."

Angelos "That's more like it. Naiomi is nearby. She arrived roughly five minuets ago. I bet she has some pull if she is able to be so close."

Cole "Rose, I want to speak with Naiomi."

Rose "You don't get to make demands. Put your hands up and come in peacefully and you can call whoever from the precinct."

Cole "NAIOMI! NAIOMI NGUYEN! IT'S COLE!"

Naiomi's face turned a bright red when she heard Cole call out to her. She couldn't believe it, he was here in the district just like her mother said. Naiomi calmed herself down and tied her hair up. She looked inside a cop car mirror one last time before psyching herself up and bursting through the blockade with her stoic nonchalant attitude.

Rose "Ms. Nguyen we got the girl. Everything is under control now. Please return to safety while we handle this."

Naiomi "Stand down."

Rose "St-st-stand down? Stand down? Miss this isn't the run of the mill thug that wandered in. That's a full on demon!"

Naiomi "He is also my fiancé. Sargent Rose, I do apologize for doubting you earlier, but I will take it from here on out."

Rose "Yes ma'am. Alright boys Ms. Nguyen said to stand down. I repeat stand down. Ms. Nguyen, I will be close by if you need assistance I will come."

Naiomi "That's quite alright. This should be over soon."

Naiomi put on a blank expression to stop the butterflies from bursting out. She took a step from behind the riot shield making sure to dust herself off before walking up to Cole and slapping him.

Cole "What the hell is that for!?"

Naiomi "First you're late and then you cause a commotion? Why don't you deserve to be slapped?"

Cole "Oho no. No, no. NO. I am not late for anything. I didn't ask to be here! All I wanted was to go shopping in MY section. This is way out of my way and I especially didn't want to see you."

Naiomi "OH? You didn't come to see me? I guess I should let them take you in? You are a lowly demon after all. Haha, you might get out in a few years if you're lucky."

Cole "Okay, okay hold up. A few years? What are we talking? Like four or five?"

Naiomi "The charges are pretty severe, not to mention trying to seduce the owner of the police force here. Four or five? HA try like sixty and that's if I don't testify against you."

Cole "I can't spend sixty years in prison! You're bluffing."

Naiomi "Am I? Rose..."

Cole "Okay, stop. Please help me."

Naiomi "So you were here to see me after all? Or was I mistaken by your words."

Cole "No, no… I don't know what I was saying. I am most definitely here to see you. Your mother mentioned something about a date? Haha…"

Deablos "Ah shucks. You got gamed by the daughter too! haha, its not to late to change your mind."

Angelos "You should be quiet. Haven't you done enough today? Leave him alone."

Deablos "Hey, hey I'm not the bad devil here. All I want is to make sure Cole knows his options."

Cole "Hush you two. Now is not the time. When we get home, we are going to have some words!"

Naiomi "Cole? Are you ready for our date then?"

Cole "Yes of course. Shall we get going?"

Naiomi "Rose, the matter is resolved. I want no reports of what happened here today. Tell the media it was a film production that went wrong. An on looker took an actor for an actual demon. The production has since been canceled and will not be released to the public."

Rose "Roger ma'am. I got my eye on you kid."

Naiomi "Rose?"

Rose "Yes ma'am?"

Naiomi "Did I just hear you threaten my future husband? You do realize that is like threatening me right?"

Rose "No ma'am! I would never threaten you. Please accept my humble apologies."

Naiomi "Don't make that mistake again. Cole let's get going."

Cole "Hehe I'm sorry."

Naiomi and Cole step through the barricade, all the soldiers saluting them on the way out. Once at a safe distance they got into a taxi and drove to a different part of the city. The car ride was quiet, neither of the two wanted to look at each other let alone talk to one another. Naiomi looked out the window to hide her embarrassment.

Naiomi "Oh no oh no oh no. I can't believe the he is right here with me. I can't have his see me like this."

Tomoe "Beautiful evening. A small, close fire touching. He the perfect Cole."

Cole "What'cha looking at?"

Naiomi turned to see Cole looking over her shoulder out of the window, for a split second she lost her composure and shoved Cole to the other side of the car. After she realized what she did Naiomi, put her hands down on her lap.

Cole "Come on. What's your problem?"

Naiomi "Don't stand so close. Has no one taught you manners?…"

Cole "Says the one who forced me on an outing."

Naiomi "That is true. As your future wife I must please my husband. What would you like to do?"

Cole "I just want to go shopping. I had errands to run before your mother kidnapped me."

Naiomi "Diver, shopping district one."

Cole "So…while we have time. Um…well why do you want to marry me?"

Naiomi "So am I not your type? How should I be better suited for you?"

Cole "See, it's not like you or I love each other. Marriage is between two people that love each other in similar status. You're rich, smart, strong, and really just nothing like me. I understand that you may have feelings for me based on similar pain but, that's no reason for us to be married."

Naiomi "I do apologize however, I can't just marry who ever I want. It has to be a noble, gentle warrior. I searched through time for one and I found you."

Cole "See, that's not right. you should marry who you want, not who your family wants for you. I don't know how to say this kindly so here goes…I do not love you in anyway. I don't want to be your friend. I barely tolerate you as a person."

Naiomi "Hmm…I see. Okay, how about a bet?"

Cole "I don't think you get it."

Naiomi "Entertain me? If I can't change your mind by the end of the day then I will no longer pursue you as a mate, but if you change your opinion even slightly then you will give me a chance. Deal?"

Cole "Only because I know you won't change my mind, sure."

Naiomi "Good, we arrived at the correct shopping district."

Cole looked around the area to his amazement it was even better than the last one he was in. The sunset gave the buildings a warm glow, the shops called out to the public with beautiful music and smells. The lights lit up the sidewalks as they stepped. The people we happy and carefree.

Deablos "Hey Cole...psst…Cole."

Cole "Yes?"

Deablos "I don't think you should trust that girl, her and her mother both manipulated you into really dumb things."

Angelos "Oh be quiet. There is nothing to worry about."

Deablos "There is a lot to worry about dumbass. What if she really is just using you Cole. Maybe she doesn't want to marry someone else. To be completely honest she could have easily killed you hundreds of times over in your fight. It just doesn't make any sense."

Angelos "Maybe that's just a way of showing affection."

Deablos "Is it though? Really think about it. It doesn't add up."

Angelos "Why must you always ruin a good thing? Can't you leave the boy alone."

Deablos "Oh fuck you feathers. What have you done for him? You never do anything for his best interest. Every single time I warn him, you try and see the good in people. Just like with Candi he is going to end up on a platter."

Angelos "Listen here, you demon filth. I have stopped at nothing to protect Cole with everything I've had. What have you done, but get high, tempt, and get Cole in trouble?"

Deablos "Wanna go bitch!"

Angelos "In the name of god, I will destroy you."

Cole "Will you two shut up! I am the one who has ultimate authority over my actions. It doesn't matter because she won't change my mind. Got it?"

Angelos & Deablos "Understood."

Naiomi "Are you okay? You look irritated."

Cole "I'm fine…"

Naiomi "ooo I think I see an arcade in the distance. Would you like to accompany me?"

Cole "Arcade? No way you're into games."

Naiomi "You would be surprised I'm actually really good."

Cole "Nah, I don't believe you."

Naiomi "Oh, you'd be surprised!"

Tomoe "Elegant sunset, A total destruction, laugh in spite of the Cole."

Naiomi "Trust me Tomoe, I fully intend to."

Naiomi and Cole were greeted at the front door by a rather handsome man. The man was very pristine from his glossy black hair to his lavish red tuxedo. Naiomi showed her ID and was allowed to enter. Cole was slightly reserved when getting his id, he wondering why a simple arcade had such high security? He shrugged and handed the man his id. The bouncer looked at it then back at Cole several times before handing it back to Cole while pointing his nose upward. Cole saw the man's actions as rude but thought nothing of it and tried to enter. The gentleman looked at Cole with a smug brow raise and pushed him back.

Bouncer "Excuse me sir, we have a strict curfew on demons."

Cole "As you can see on my ID I am not a demon. I am a human in recovery or a half demon if you prefer that."

Bouncer "My apologies, we have a strict curfew on half demons."

Naiomi "Mother they won't let Cole into the arcade…I showed them my ID…No, they still won't let him in…Oh really? So fast huh? Okay mother, I love you too."

Naiomi casually walks up to Cole and grasp his hand to escort him into the building. The bouncer sees this and yanks Cole's hand away from Naiomi's grip. Not being the one to be easily discouraged, Naiomi grabbed Cole's hand again to pull him into the building and again the bouncer separated their hands.

Naiomi "Excuse me, what seems to be the problem here? Do you not want our patronage?"

Bouncer "Yours yes, it would be an honor to serve you Ms. Nguyen however, demons aren't allowed here."

Naiomi "Hmm okay. You can go home now. Don't come back until you change your mind."

Bouncer "I'm sorry young lady, but I can't do that."

Naiomi "Okay, that's fine. Don't come back at all."

Bouncer "I'm sorry?"

Naiomi "Ugh, You. Are. Fired."

Bouncer "Fired? Hahaha you can't fire me young miss. I am the owner of this establishment."

Naiomi "False. According to the loan you took out with the Nguyen family bank, we actually own your business, the land it's built on, and the companies that make and repair everything in it. You aren't majority owner, you aren't even the co-owner. You shared fifty percent of your shares with your brother, which he sold for pennies on the thousand dollars. Now before I decide to completely shut this place down, move aside, let my fiancé in, and go. HOME."

Bouncer "You little bitch!"

The bouncer swung his hand to slap Naiomi, but instead he slapped Cole who stood in the way. Cole held his face from the stinging on his cheek. His eyes turning a bright scarlet red as he began to retaliate, noticing this Naiomi held Cole back pointing to a game on the inside that she pushed him to go play while she was outside to talk with the man. After realizing he can't afford to play any of the games he looked at, Cole turned to find Naiomi but ended up bumping into her on the way. Cole was slightly confused by her nervous appearance and seeing some bits of red and blue on her hands.

Cole "OH! I was just about to find you. Are you…okay? Your hand looks bruised."

Naiomi "Oh don't mind that. Why aren't you playing any of the games?"

Cole "They are like super expensive and I don't have any money to spare right now."

Naiomi "Hmm this is the cheapest arcade in the area."

Cole "It's twenty dollars per game! I can't afford that. Can we save this for another time? I really need to get going. it's getting late and I still didn't pick up any food."

Naiomi "Sure. Whatever you want."

Cole "Can you stop that? I seriously don't like that."

Naiomi "As you wish. Would you like to go shopping now?"

Cole "Can we get something to eat first?"

Naiomi "Yes, it would seem I'm quite famished. I will take you to the best restaurant in town. They have a really good steak."

Cole "I can't afford anything in this area."

Naiomi "Nonsense, you don't have to pay for anything. I will use my allowance. I may have to stop at an atm. I only have nine on me right now."

Cole "Nine? I understand you're rich but nine hundred isn't a whole lot here."

Naiomi "Nine hundred? Hahaha silly, nine ten thousand dollar bills."

Cole "That's Crazy!"

Naiomi "Yes, I can't believe I spent so much today. I'm going to get sixty thousand. 150 thousand should be enough."

Cole "That's a lot for some food."

Naiomi "Oh I forgot you're poor. To me that's like you having 150 dollars. In your terms, I have roughly twenty thousand dollars or twenty million dollars saved for a rainy day. It's a drop in the bucket of my families wealth."

Cole "What is your favorite food?"

Naiomi "I don't know about favorite but I've heard of this sandwich they used to make. They put things you wouldn't think go together on a plate that you eat?"

Cole "Tacos! Come with me."

Cole takes Naiomi by the hand and heads off to the commo-district stealing a nearby taxi from a couple who were about to enter. Naiomi couldn't keep here eyes off of the scenery. Soaking up the sights like a newborn baby. Every sight amazed her more and more, from the people dancing on the street for spare change to people yelling from stands in the street. Everything had it's own personality that she fell for instantly.

Naiomi "Cole…What are those paintings on the walls? Isn't that illegal?"

Cole "Yea I guess? The graffiti are works of art that people spend days on for everyone to enjoy their works for free. It doesn't hurt anyone and no one 'sees' them do it. Besides it's representative of a culture long forgotten."

Naiomi "Why is that person dancing for money? Does his A.I. not work? He shouldn't need to do that to make a living."

Cole "It was a popular art among our predecessors. We can't figure out why people paid them it just seemed like what you do to a street performer."

Naiomi "None of this is allowed in the aristo-district. I never thought the commoners had any culture."

Cole "Well that's rude."

Naiomi "I didn't mean any offenses. It's just…I can't wait until I see this everyday…*whispers* with you…"

Cole "Well…it's not all that, but I see what you are saying."

Driver "Alright love birds, you reached your stop."

Cole "We are not a thing!"

Driver "What ever pal, twenty five sixty."

Cole reluctantly gave the driver his money and walks into the restaurant, greeting everyone inside. The restaurant didn't have anything that stood out. The decorations draped from the ceiling wall to wall. The paint a pastel yellow, the floor was unpolished wood that would squeak when you stepped on it. The atmosphere was so warm and inviting, it felt like a second home and for Cole it was. Naiomi stood at the door deciding whether or not it was okay to enter. She took a breath and put on a dignified mask and stepped in. Instantly she regretted it from all the stares she got. Unlike the women inside, she was fragrant but not too fragrant. Her makeup pristinely painted on by the best artists in the world, everything from her contour lines to her cherry red lipstick. Her hair in a half-bun, topped off with an elegant pink flower hair pin hanging from her head. Her zori, made of a fine cherry blossom wood and the straps made of a fine leather strap. Naiomi's dress stood out the most to everyone, a pure white yukata with red accents and flowers of all sorts of colors around the bottom on the dress. Naiomi seeing she over dressed for the day hid her face behind her handbag as Cole pulled her into the store.

Maria "Okay…Sí…señor Rafael...no puedo pagarlo ahora mismo...Sólo necesito más tiempo...Por favor.

(…yes…mister Rafael…I cant afford it right now…I just need more time…please.)

Cole "Mari…is everything okay?"

Maria "Mijo everything is fine. What can I get you today?"

Cole "Mari I have this lovely lady who has never had a taco. So, I told myself, what would be better than Mari's famous tacos?"

Maria "Will it be the usual?"

Cole "For me yes, Absolutely! For the lady, I don't know? Naiomi…what do you like? They have all sorts of toppings."

Naiomi "Cole, I've never eaten here…there is too many choices."

Cole "Mari, four beef taco's with cheese and sour crème and two standard tacos."

Maria "coming right up. Sit wherever and I'll bring it to you."

Naiomi "Tacos seem to be very complicated. How do you know what to pick?"

Cole "Maria is a family friend of my dad's. they used to serve in the military at one point, so we eat here anytime when we get free time."

They sat at a nearby table and waited for their food. Naiomi smiled as Cole continued to go on about his family, from his baby brother to his stern father and adorable mother. Naiomi enjoyed learning everything she could about Cole. She chuckled at the funny stories and were shocked about the surprising things that happened in Cole's life. Although Naiomi saw most of the stories from his memories, something about seeing his emotions on display brought a slight warmth to her heart. Each story Cole told, the deeper Naiomi fell in love with the boy in front of her. After a while Naiomi's face had a melancholy look to it.

Cole "Oh, I must be talking about myself too much…What about your family?"

Naiomi "Well, my family is nothing like yours. I told you a chunk of it already, but if I do have one person in my family I love deeply is my mother. Whenever I was sick she would bring me a bowl of porridge she made herself. Hehe it was the weirdest thing too. It's not exactly encouraged for a parent to care for the offspring. 'It's the aides job to do it.' But my mother never cared, she was always there for me."

Maria "Foods ready! Wow look at you two love birds. Cole don't run this girl off, okay."

Cole "We aren…ow…"

Naiomi kicked Cole in the shin.

Naiomi "Thank you. Ms. um…my dearest apologies. Cole just told me about your relationship to him, but I never got your name. My name is Naiomi Nguyen. I am the head of the Nguyen conglomerate."

Maria "Oh mija, you don't have to be so polite. We are all family here."

Naiomi "I could never, it would bring shame on my fiancé for me to behave improperly."

Maria "Fiancé huh? Well Ms. Nguyen, my name is Maria Fergosa. You may call me auntie Mari."

Naiomi "Oh auntie, just call me Naiomi."

Maria "How did Cole get so lucky to find such a dignified woman?"

Cole "First of all I didn't find HER. SHE found ME."

Maria "Aye mijo, you are letting your ego get the better of you. Naiomi what do you see in him?"

Naiomi "He is right I did find him. In our family, generally the females pick the males and he is a strong, noble, young man despite the off putting attitude he has."

Maria "Mija, don't give up on him."

Naiomi "I won't."

Cole "Are you guys done talking about me as if I'm not right in front of you?"

Maria "I will leave you two, for now but Cole I want to know the deets."

Naomi looked at the beautiful display of food before her. Everything was so simple and basic. The toppings were bought from the local markets, the beef was oily, the cheese, a regular store bought cheddar. Naiomi looked at Cole tear into his platter like it was the best thing in the world, but to her it was so plain and basic.

Cole "Hmm? You're not eating? This is the bomb right now."

Naiomi "Um well…it looks very questionable."

Cole "OH look at me. Too good for tacos made by the common folk. Questionable she says. We don't have the same luxury that you do, just try it. You just might like it."

Naiomi "If you say so."

Naiomi closed her eyes, reluctantly took a bite out of the taco. To her surprise she loved it, stuffing her face with everything she can get her hands on. Order after order Naiomi ate them all until only one was left. However, no matter how desperately she tried to finish that last taco it made her sick to even look at it. Cole laughed until he saw the bill.

Cole "Five hundred dollars! Jeez, your prices are going up more and more."

Maria "Well Cole, I have to keep this place afloat somehow? C'mon I know you can pay it."

Naiomi "D-don't worry. I-I will pay for it hehe."

Naiomi woke up from her food coma, handing maria a thousand dollar bill and instructing her to keep the change. Maria hugged Naiomi tight, thanking her repeatedly for what she done to the confusing of the sick girl. Naiomi pushed maria away with a very concerned look on her face.

Naiomi "Auntie Mari are you okay?"

Maria "Yes mija, yes. Very happy."

Cole "There is a difference. A five hundred dollar tip is a lot, especially around here."

Naiomi "Should I tip more? I feel bad if that's the case."

Cole "Nah, you did enough. Maria we are gonna go. I still have a bunch of shopping to do. Thank you for the lunch."

Maria "Aye, see you soon mijo. Bring your fiancé any time."

Cole shows Naiomi out the door and the two headed off to the shopping district to finally get to finishing Cole's errands. As they went to store after store Naiomi explored everything inside of the area. Even though the area was dirty and the people slightly rude, Naiomi saw past all of that and enjoyed the culture surrounding the city. Her district was sparse with very little people but here there were people all over going about their daily lives. Shopping, eating, taking funny pictures by all of the pretty lights, all of these things that she never experienced and was deprived from her entire life almost brought a tear to Naiomi's eyes.

Cole "Well that's everything on the list. Okay it's roughly eight o'clock, I'm going to head home. See you later."

Naiomi "Is the day over already? Hmm that's a shame, I wanted to spend more time with you."

Cole "Yea, today wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You're different than I thought at first."

Naiomi "I win!" *smooch*

Cole "You win? What? Why did you kiss me?"

Naiomi "We made a deal earlier in the morning. Don't you remember our bet? Oh no…my future fiancé is a liar."

Cole "I am not a liar, I just didn't think you were serious. Alright I guess, I'll give you a chance to steal my heart."

Naiomi "As I thought."

Cole "Alrighty then…see you at school."

Naiomi "Yup."

Not long after Cole took off he realized Naiomi was following him. When he took a step, she took a step. Thinking nothing of it he started to pick up a light jog and not to be out done Naiomi followed a few paces behind. Soon Cole bolted in a full sprint back home, every twist and turn, every road and street Naiomi followed him to his home. Cole stopped outside of his door, leaning up against it to take a breath.

Cole "Jeez *huff* I'm nowhere *huff* near where I was during the tournament."

Naiomi "Of course not silly, were you not listening? They hired my family to design the stadium to include a time field of five years. Right now, you are five years weaker."

Cole "Ah…okay…cool… go home."

Naiomi "I am."

Cole stared at Naiomi very confusedly as he put his key into the lock and opened the door. He stepped inside and closed it before Naiomi could follow him. As Cole brought the bags he was carrying into the kitchen there was a knock at the door. *knock knock*

Sondi "Jonah will you go see who it is?"

Jonah "I can't I'm taking the roast out of the oven. Cole, can you get the door."

Cole "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. If we ignore them they will leave."

After a few minuets a few more dainty knocks could be heard from the door and like before it stopped. *knock**knock* the door called to the people of the house. Cole's father annoyed with someone knocking so late at night got up and opened the door. Naiomi respectfully bowed and introduced herself.

Naiomi "Hello, my name is Naiomi Nguyen. Head of the Nguyen conglomerate and family. I am looking for a Cole Yankell. We have much to talk about."

Sondi "Oh you must be the one Mrs. Nguyen told us about? Yes, come in. Cole! You have a visitor."

Cole "No I don't it's late. She should be going HOME."

Sondi "Cole don't be rude. She should at least have dinner. Ms. Naiomi please come inside, my wife has just finished dinner. We are having pot roast. I hope that is okay, I understand you may want something a bit fancier."

Naiomi "No, it's quite alright. I've grown to like the food here. Today hehe I even had a taco."

Sondi "That's great have a seat anywhere."

Naiomi "Thank you for allowing me into your home."

The inside of Cole's house took Naiomi back a bit. It was so basic compared to hers, the couch covered in the families lives, the carpet had faded spills all over, the tv barely seventy inches. A mother gracefully picking up after her three playful children. Naiomi saw how Cole's family dynamic truly is and it was even weirder than what she heard from him. In a way she felt as if she needed to help out somehow.

Jonah "Oh baby you don't have to do anything."

Naiomi "I must refuse, please allow me to help out. Only if it isn't too much trouble."

Jonah "Such a polite young lady, can you help Cole set the table while I do the dishes? Without you I would be the only one that does any work around here."

Cole and his father turned towards each other and shrugged off Jonah's comments to continue to play with Gavin. Soon Naiomi finished setting the table and began to bring some of the food out to the table. When the aromas reached their noses Cole, his father, and little brother in toe took their seats at the table. Sondi at the head, Jonah at the other end, Gavin next to his mother, Cole in the middle, and Naiomi across from him. Everyone, where they were supposed to be when the food was passed around. As everyone ate the table grew quieter as the dinner went on, feeling frustrated, Jonah decided to break the ice.

Jonah "So…Naiomi, how long have you two known each other?"

Naiomi "I met him during the tournament, but I've had my eye on him for quite a while…since he started the year in fact."

Cole "Creepy…"

Jonah "Cole! Don't be rude. Naiomi, that's very sweet. I assume you understand our son is partially a demon?"

Naiomi "Yes, that's what made me interested in the first place."

Jonah "That's downright adorable. So, has he told you he loves you yet?"

Cole "MOM! I don't love her. Why would I fall in love with a stalker?"

Jonah "Cole this is the last time I'm going to tell you to stop being rude!"

Cole "She put my life on the line in the hopes I would find her attractive, why are you defending her!?"

Sondi "Cole, watch your mouth! That is your mother and I will not have you disrespect her, especially in front of a guest!"

Cole "Dad, how is that fair? She didn't even ask me what I wanted. Just like all of the other rich pricks, she thinks she can just buy what she wants, if not she will take it."

Sondi "Cole, we will discuss this when she leaves. For now, you need to mind your manners. Do I make myself clear?"

Cole "But dad!"

Sondi "Do I make myself clear!?"

Cole "Yes sir."

Sondi "Good, now sit down and eat your food."

Naiomi "Excuse me, may I use the restroom?"

Jonah "Now look at what you did boy. It's upstairs to the left."

Naiomi wiped her face with a napkin, tucked in her chair, and left. When she entered the bathroom, she grabbed the closest towel and screamed into it, making sure to be very careful not to let anyone hear her.

Tomoe "Unhappiness dark, A love struck Naiomi torture, in perfect pain."

Naiomi "Tomoe, I can't understand you."

Tomoe "You are hurting. Are you okay?"

Naiomi "Mother said if I behaved he would love me by the end of the day. I'm so stupid, of course he wouldn't love me. He doesn't even like me. I'm sure he would rather I be dead."

Tomoe "No, my lady you are an absolute catch. You are the beauty of your family. You shouldn't say such things."

Naiomi "I know Tomoe, It's just so frustrating. Maybe dad was right. I should just pick one of those aristocrats sons. They seem to be more interested than he is. *muffled* Ahhhhhh god that boy is stupid! Stupid! Stupid! I don't even know why It has to be him. It's dumb, he is just some peasant boy who knows nothing, but yet I can't do it without him."

Tomoe "My lady, you've seen what he's been through. Something set a spark in you, a small fire that grew into something you don't have much experience in. I understand rejection can hurt but you have to keep at it. His walls will come down eventually, just be patient."

Naiomi "Tomoe, what if he really doesn't like me? seriously…I would just be wasting my time and his on something that will never be."

Tomoe "Don't worry princess, he will. The red string binds you two. It is the nature of katamoi that you feel this way. Maybe you are going about this wrong. Your mother told you to be submissive however, it would appear to be that Cole does not like submissive shy women. He does not seem like someone that would come around eventually, you have to really push and work for him to accept you."

Naiomi "Tomoe! You are a genius. I have to be forward with him. He is too dense to take a hint, why else would he not fall for my girlish charms?"

Tomoe "Absolutely princess, that's the spirit and I have the perfect plan for you to achieve your goals."

While Naiomi was upstairs finishing up her conversation with Tomoe, Jonah decided everyone was done with dinner and started cleaning up the table. Sondi turned to Cole with a slightly angry but disappointed look on his face.

Sondi "Cole, what is your problem? Why are you being like this? Can't you see the girl has real feelings for you."

Cole "Dad, she put my life in danger just so she could have me. I've seen the way other boys look at her, like she is all that. It must have gotten to her, she just thinks she can have anything she wants with no problem at all. I'm sure if Naiomi could, she would just buy my affections. What could we possibly have together? Besides, I don't want to be with anyone."

Sondi "I see…Cole you've placed your trust into many people and have been shown why you shouldn't every time. Because of that, you keep pushing people away, eventually you will be alone where no one can hurt you. you won't have to feel betrayed, alienation, the hatred of others, or any kind of pain but…You also won't know love. You won't know what's it like to be included in something more than yourself, what it's like for your trust to pay off."

Cole "You say that, but dad everyone in the school hates me. It doesn't make sense she would be any different. It just doesn't sit right that someone so high on the food chain want's me to be with them."

Sondi "Ya'know son, humans are strange. They often share similarities that aren't obvious. You two may seem to be opposites but when you are in a trench you can't see the pain of those on a pedestal even if they are feeling the same things as you. If you flip it, you are the one in the sky and they are stuck. Cole, you are a very lucky boy. You should be happy, you never know when this might happen again."

Cole "I don't feel so lucky…It's just a pain in my a…"

Naiomi "Oh is dinner done already? It's late I should get going, I wouldn't want to cause an inconvenience for you. Cole, I'm sorry I tried to make you do something you were unwilling. All I ask is that you find it in your heart that you give me a chance to prove myself to you. Anyway, off I go then…bye."

Jonah "Naiomi WAIT! I just got off the phone with your mother, apparently the aristo-district is closed off for the time being."

Naiomi "Oh…okay then, I will stay at a hotel. My family owns one nearby."

Sondi "Non-sense, you can stay here. We have extra toiletries for you."

Cole "Nah, you heard the lady! If she want's to stay in a hotel, who are we to stop her? Thank you for the visit, I will see you at school."

Naiomi "Cole is right. I wouldn't want to impose. I just have to check my account to…Oh dear. It seems like my father froze my account."

Cole "Well, good thing you have money on you. see ya."

Naiomi "I…uh…lost it while we were out."

Cole "You lost it! How could you lose so much money?"

Naiomi "Well I didn't think my father would do that and it's just money."

Sondi "So it's settled then. Cole take her up to your room and play your song game thingy while we get everything ready."

Cole "Dad that's redundant, It's not a simulated outer nexus game game."

Naiomi "You have a song too? What's your gamer tag?"

Cole "Jaynetta. First place on the leader board! What's yours?"

Naiomi "xXnainaiXx. Jaynetta, I believe I've saw that name when I beat all of its records."

Cole "So it was you! I have a bone to pick with you!"

Naiomi leaned in close to Cole, her mouth right up to his ear.

Naiomi "Bring it on bitch boy."

Cole "Oh it's on!"

Cole and Naiomi rushed upstairs to set the game up as quickly as possible. With an evil glare they mounted their headsets and began their battle. Back and forth the two played game after game. From fighters to first person shooters, from racing to party games the two played until they came they were tied fifty to fifty. Jonah heard Cole's room get really quiet after a while and decided to go to investigate. When Cole's mother entered she saw the two children on the floor trying to catch their breaths, so exhausted they couldn't finish their last match. Jonah shook her head as she turned the console off.

Cole "What *pant* the *pant* heck mom… *pant* I was *pant* about *pant* to win…"

Naiomi "*pant* In *pant* your *pant* dreams silly."

Jonah "That is enough video games and Naiomi I called your mother to let her know that you were here. She told me to tell you, to behave yourself, she knows how you get around your crushes."

Naiomi "Okay, thank you."

Jonah "I'm sure we won't have anything to worry about. You are a sweet girl Naiomi. Cole, you better be nice to her."

Cole "Mom!"

Jonah "Okay, I will bring some snacks for you two, so get ready for bed."

Jonah dropped off a few toiletries for Naiomi while Cole pulled a couple blankets out of the closet, plopping them on the floor and fashioning a bed out of them.

Cole "Ima go shower or if you want to you can go first."

Naiomi "I would like to, but I don't have any clothes…"

Cole "I will bring you some pajamas and a towel. In the meantime, go shower."

Naiomi silently nodded as she went to the bathroom. Inside wasn't big like hers at home, but it was larger than what she expected. The bathtub was average, the sink was standard porcelain, the toilet lid was oddly covered in a brown fuzzy shag carpet. After fully taking in the bathroom scenery, Naiomi turned on the water, undressed, and hopped inside the shower. The sting of the hot water caressing her skin made all of the stress of the day melt into nothing. It was peaceful and homey in the small bathroom. Soon a small dark feeling came over her as Naiomi washed her skin from all the make up she was wearing. Scars of distant pains reminded Naiomi of her past, battles won, battles lost, significant events, but most importantly it reminded her of a goal rather her ambition. just like that, sinking deeper into the shower, Naiomi was lost in her dark thoughts alone or so she thought. Cole just on the other side of the door knocked twice with no response, so he knocked again louder, again to no response. Figuring she is covered up in the shower, Cole opens the door and walks in to leave everything Naiomi needs on the toilet. That's when he saw her vigorously scrubbing herself off, muttering something he couldn't quite make out. Nervously he tried to leave but knocked over a bottle on his way out alarming Naiomi causing her to scream as Cole darted out of the bathroom. Naiomi quickly finished up, dried off, and left. When she came in the room Cole adverted his eyes away from her in embarrassment.

Naiomi "Aww are you flustered after seeing my naked body?"

Cole "It was by accident! Anyway, I'm going to take a shower now. Feel free to sleep whenever you want."

Naiomi "Hmm okay."

Cole left to go shower as Naiomi prepared to go to bed, but something felt off to him. Naiomi was a tad bit more open and bolder with him, at least more than usual. Thinking nothing of it he hopped in the shower getting embarrassed from thinking the scene over again. He couldn't get the image out of his mind. Cole saw every single scar she was trying to hide, for a split second his dads words echoed in his head "when you are in a trench you can't see the pain of those on a pedestal". Cole pondered over what that meant to him. It just didn't make sense to Cole and no matter how he tried to convince himself otherwise, he couldn't feel hatred towards Naiomi anymore instead replacing it with a sympathetic sadness.

Deablos "Woo did ya see the hooters on her! Rockin' bod I'm tell'en ya! She has a cute face, and did I mention rockin' bod? She's rich, powerful, confident but also humble. She has excellent manners. What more could you want out of a woman? She's perfect! Wouldn't you say huh Cole?"

Cole "Yea, but something ain't right."

Angelos "You are conflicted. That's normal for a boy your age. All that talk about marriage has seem to have stressed you out."

Cole "I guess maybe…"

Deablos "It isn't the marriage talk. It's something more isn't it? Cole, talk to us."

Cole "It just doesn't make sense ya'know. Why choose me? what good would I serve her? For some her trying so hard would make them fawn over her but it just seems like she is using me."

Angelos "Get that out of your mind. Cole, you have suffered enough. It's time to let it go. If you keep holding onto that pain, it will only cause more pain."

Deablos "What does it matter if she is using you? Don't you think you deserve to live in the lap of luxury in the meantime? You aren't any worse for wear than she is, so enjoy yourself.

Cole "…But she's perfect. She has wealth beyond anything I could ever achieve on my best years, she's pretty and could have any man she desired. Not to mention…"

Deablos "She's hurting too?"

Cole "Yeah…I guess…I just feel as though it would be wrong to do the same thing everyone else has done to me."

Angelos "You feel a kindred spirit in her."

Cole "But it doesn't matter what I feel. If she can't be honest with me then I don't want her around. Even if it's the wrong choice, I refuse to be taken advantage of."

Angelos "Sometimes you have to extend a handout for people to be honest. If you truly desire to do away with her, then so be it, however, give her a chance to at least prove her feelings are genuine."

Deablos "Screw that. If she is going to use you, use her instead. Naiomi has connections in all sorts of things. Things that will help you find out what happened to Jody, get stronger, and bring that person to justice!"

The thought of treating someone who may have actual feelings for him as just a tool for his needs made Cole feel gross on the inside. It reminded him of how he treated Jody as a tool to stop people bullying him or how he uses jasmine to fit in with society. He couldn't bring himself to add Naiomi onto that list. Cole sighed resigning himself to accept there was no easy answer for this. If Naiomi is using him and he lets his walls down then he would be a fool, but if he uses her and she really does have feelings for him then he is the monster that everyone outside his family believes him to be. One thing was clear to Cole, Naiomi was in pain. The kind of pain no one could understand unless they lived through it themselves. In that regard Cole understood Naiomi's feelings. Cole dried himself off, got dressed, and headed off to his bed. When he entered the room all of the lights were off, allowing a single beam of moonlight to illuminate the girl leaning on the window staring off to space. He saw the burden of what she had to bear in her face. She gambled with their lives, but would he have done any different if he was in her shoes? What would have he done had the roles been reversed and he was the one who had to bear his entire families burden on his shoulders? It wasn't fair that she was in such a position, no one should bear that responsibility especially at such a young age. So, Cole took a deep breath and in a moment of compassion he decided that marriage may be a step too far, but he could extend a hand out as a friend. Cole quietly closed the door behind him as he walked into the room not taking his eyes off of Naiomi. As he approached he felt a warm but somber feeling. He sat next to Naiomi and peered out the window to the tiny lights from tall buildings painted on the starry canvas. After a small while of the two staring off into the city lights, Naiomi spoke in a voice as soft as the moonlight that shone on them.

Naiomi "Your mom left some snacks for us. She said to take the plate down in the morning so she can clean it."

Cole "Yea? I'm not too hungry right now.

Naiomi "Me either…You know, you gave me quite the scare back there."

Cole "Did I? I'm sorry about that. I swear I wasn't peeping on you or anything."

Naiomi "It's okay. A husband should be able to look at his wife whenever."

Cole "No, it's not okay. I invaded your privacy. I will try to not to do it again."

Naiomi "You must think I'm gross."

Cole "Whatever gave you that impression?"

Naiomi "Well, I saw the way you looked at me when I walked in and the way you're talking now. It's like…you don't want anything to do with me."

Cole "It's not like that…I was…embarrassed and I did something I shouldn't have."

Naiomi "I told you already…"

Cole "Yes, yes a husband should be able to look at his wife whenever he wants but Naiomi I'm not your husband and you are not my wife. It was a mistake and I will not do it again."

Naiomi "A mistake huh…I guess so. When you put it like that, what else could it have been? I should have gone home…"

Cole "Yea, you could've enjoyed a delicious meal by a master chef instead of my mom's food. But that's in the past, there's nothing you can do about it now. Besides you would have been turned away at the aristo-district, so at least now you have somewhere homey to sleep."

Naiomi "Cole if I'm honest with you, will you be honest with me?."

Cole "Hmm? yea sure…I guess?"

Naiomi "Well, my mother and I sort of planned the entire day out together to include me being 'stuck' with nowhere to go."

Cole "Well, I can't say I didn't see it coming. Seemed weird they closed the district down suddenly. What is it you want me to be honest about?"

Naiomi "Is there any chance for you and I to be an us?"

Cole "Naiomi, you want something I can't provide right now. I'm sorry but you are placing those feelings in the wrong place."

Naiomi "I get it…I must be disgusting to you. If my body is a problem I will fix it. if that still isn't enough you can take any woman to bed with you instead of me. I don't care so long as I get to be with you."

Deablos "She's right there for the taking. Use this girl until she has nothing left to give."

Angelos "Cole let her down easy. If you are going to reject her you must stand firm."

Cole hugged Naiomi and held her tightly, shortly after tears began to fall on the clothes Naiomi was wearing Confusing her deeply. That one act was so warm and nice Naiomi started to cry herself having never felt something close to it from anyone but her own mother. She embraced Cole and let everything out in his arms.

Cole "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you feel as though you aren't good enough. I'm sorry you feel any part of you is disgusting. Naiomi, you are good enough. Scars or no scars you are beautiful and don't let anyone, not even yourself tell you any different."

Naiomi "I'm sorry I'm so pushy. I'm sorry I'm so selfish to not even consider your feelings in the matter. I just saw how warm and bright your heart was and I wanted that for myself. No one has ever thought of treating me the way you do. I'm always the perfect, unemotional, quiet daughter but I'm not. I'm flawed, I cry, and all I want to do is scream when I get excited. It's not fair."

Cole "you deserve better."

Naiomi "Then give me better. Stay by my side so I'm not alone."

Cole held Naiomi by her shoulders, gazing deep into her eyes with a painful smile and tears on his face. Naiomi waited for what felt like an eternity for Cole to respond. The longer she waited the more tears began to run down her face. Cole wiped the tears from her eyes and hugged her again before facing her one last time.

Cole "I will, not as a lover but as a friend."

Naiomi "So…*sniff*sniff* you are willing to be friends with me? Funny, you said that you didn't need friends."

Cole "Well maybe I was wrong. Naiomi, will you be my friend?"

Naiomi "hehe you lose…I will be your friend. However, I won't stop trying to get you to love me."

Cole "Fine, but it's gonna be a waste of time but I guess It'd be weird if you didn't."

Naiomi "I'm glad you understand..."

Cole "…So…um since we are…friends now. Tell me more about yourself. I want to get to know you a bit better."

Naiomi blushed and began laughing at the awkward young man in front of her. Cole nervously started laughing from the embarrassment, but he was happy that she took it so well. The situation was far from ideal, with the one year deadline still looming over him Cole felt as though everything he just did was pointless. It's not like he wants to be with Naiomi in anyway, he wasn't ready for that commitment just yet. Dozens of thoughts flooded his mind, but one stood out among the rest. What does it matter anyway? That one thought that carried the ultimate truth amidst the thunderclouds of the anxious predictions of the future. What did it matter? It's not like worrying about it would change anything. All that matters is the here and now, and right now he was talking to his friend. Sondi and Jonah went up to Cole's room to check up on the two children. When they walked in they found the pair sleeping under the moonlight together. Sondi silently put two pillows under their head as Jonah put a blanket over them, being really careful to not wake them up. As they leave Jonah kisses her son on the forehead one last time before closing the door for the night.

That night Cole had a strange dream once like the one before but not quite the same. This time it was from a third person point of view. He was trapped inside of a room with the man that cried out to his father now crying tears that flowed like rivers. Each one hitting the earth and causing a different calamity. Cole came closer for a better look at the mans face. Once he was about a foot away the man suddenly turned around and smiled at Cole surprising him and making him stumble. The man walked towards Cole scaring him the closer he came until he was face to face with him. The man drew closer and whispered into Cole's ear.

The man "We will be reunited soon Mal'ak. Until then wait for me."

Before Cole could say anything in response he was thrust into an empty void where he stayed until he woke up.

Chapter 10: CHAPTER 10: His Kataomoi

CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Patt_toon07

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Chapter 10: CHAPTER 10: His Kataomoi

CREATORS' THOUGHTS Patt_toon07

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CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Patt_toon07