Starry Night

All night we wandered around Mooncrest and by dawn I had learned that this place was indeed a city, with large public gardens and numerous parks with fabulous artwork on display in the grassy knolls. At night, the parks and gardens were all alight by the floating orbs of light that illuminated all the paths for us. There was a river called the Dnerak, pronounced Dinner Rack, that ran through the northern end with rumors of ghosts hovering about it. Then there were the enormous buildings, not as big as the capitol but still large enough to impress me.

I was utterly caught off guard when I blinked and found myself back at the station. Looking around, the female officer was gone and I was left sitting there looking around like an idiot wondering what Oliver and Molly must be thinking when they find that I had suddenly vanished mysteriously on them.

As usual, I wasn’t tired and felt as though I had a full nights sleep, regardless of having been up the whole time. Yet, I didn’t have anything better to do so I lay back down and stared at the ceiling.

I began wondering about what had happened with the shadow before. It had said, or indicated, that I had a power inside me that I always had. And that I was responsible for bringing it here. But how is that possible? And why now?

As I mulled over these things I noticed something looming in the doorway. Naturally I assumed it was Carter and sat bolt up only to find that it was one of the other officers. He was round with an oval face and pudgy cheeks. His nose was bulbous and his eyes were tiny. The buttons on his uniform even looked as though they might fly off the way they were straining to keep his belly covered.

“Hello.” He grinned at me evilly. “Sorry to tell you, but Carter has taken the day off today.” He announced.

“Oh, okay.” I didn’t feel sorry about that at all and actually sighed in relief, glad I wasn’t going to have to put up with him for today.

The tubby officer slowly made his way to the back of the couch I was sitting on and lowered his head down to mine. “You know,” He whispered in his stuffy voice, “That mean’s you ‘guard’ is gone now.”

“What?” I turned towards him, confused. “Why would you call him my ‘guard’?”

“Because he basically is.” Before I knew it, he was poking my forehead with a fat little finger and smiling widely. “I heard of you’re situation.”

“What situation?”

“That you’re family actually dumped you in this town because of a fight you had with them. And that you have no money and no place to go. Isn’t that right?”

It sounded like his voice was getting deeper as he spoke.

“You know, I would pay anyone who looked like you handsomely for just one night.” He then offered.

“One night?” I asked. “What do you mean by ‘one night’?”

The fat little officer giggled and slowly dragged his sausage finger down from my forehead to the tip of my nose, then down to my lips. As soon as his finger touched them I turned my head quickly.

“I’m sure you know what I mean. Anyone with you’re looks couldn’t possibly not know.” He answered.

“My looks?” Thinking back, it was rather unrealistic how everyone was addressing me. I was so accustomed to everyone hating me that it was hard to grasp when someone was actually attracted to me. There had to be someone in this town who looked better than me. I know there’s a whole other world that does. So why does everyone keep saying I’m so good looking when I’m not?

“Look.” The officer stood upright. “Carter would kill me if he were around to hear this. But think about it. You could sell yourself for at least a couple hundred a night. With that kind of money making ability, you could afford a home of your own.”

“You mean…” My eyes widened as I came to fully understand. “But aren’t officers supposed to arrest people who take part in prostitution?”

“Only if they don’t got what it takes.” He smiled and licked his lips disgustingly.

“Sorry,” I stood and backed away, “But I don’t do that kind of thing.”

“Understood, but feel free to tell me when you change your mind. I’ve got five hundred stashed away that could help pay for an apartment.” He smiled and left.

What was with all the sexual harassment I’ve been getting lately? Are people here on earth getting hornier, or is it just me?

.....................................................................................


“So much for that idea.” I mumbled to myself as I stood in the center of the tower.

This time when the Unseelie came to take me away, it didn’t stop or hesitate, so I didn’t have a chance to question it. Looking over at the Lyriar, I wondered why I was alone up here once again.

I had spent my day out of the station wandering around. Since Carter had taken the day off, I had to eat what ever the other officers were willing to give me of their own, which turned out to be a lot. But now that I was back here alone again, I slightly felt as though I had been forgotten. Was everyone suddenly extremely busy with things I didn’t know of? Oh well. Tonight was the night I was supposed to meet up with that Oliver man and his little sister to watch the fair be put up. But first, I wanted to play the Lyriar.

As usual, I did my best to do a happy song. Unfortunately, I had difficulty doing so and found that my song seemed rather sad. I suppose it had something to do with how things were going back home. I had to leave at some point, otherwise I was defiantly gonna get raped by someone. Aside from that, I still couldn’t figure out where to go. If I could, I would stay here where I felt safer, but I couldn’t. And now I think the Unseelie is mad at me for something I can’t control. Carter claimed to like me, but he was too forceful. Also, for the millionth time I had to remind myself that he would hate me if he knew my real name. What about here? Was there anyone here who didn’t like me? If not, then why did they like me? What if I told them the truth about me? That I was actually a thieving homeless pick pocket. Would they like me then? Or was it just my music they liked?

My voiced cracked as I sang and ended the song a little early. So many questions were running through my head I just couldn’t keep the rhythm and simply stood there with my head down and my eyes closed, holding back the negative emotions that seemed to suddenly swell up inside of me.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and jumped, spinning around to see who it was. There, in front of me stood Blake. He appeared utterly surprised at my reaction and gawked at me while I stood backed up against the Lyriar.

A stray tear then fell and his face became grave.

“What’s the matter Singer?” He asked.

Frustrated with myself, I began to rub my eyes furiously before looking back at him. “Nothing.” I answered. “Where were you yesterday anyway?” I asked in hopes of changing the subject.

His expression softened as he examined my state. Then he reached out to my face with his hand as though he were going to cup it, but hesitated.

“May I?” He asked.

For a moment, I considered allowing him, but shook my head. I had experienced enough strange behavior from other men for me to trust that kind of contact again so suddenly.

Blake appeared disappointed, then saddened as he dropped his hand. “Then may I at least ask what’s wrong?”

The strain in his voice made me feel bad for treating him like someone from earth, but I couldn’t help it. Blake was one of the last people I would want to have bad memories about.

“Nothing.” I answered, then smiled up at him weakly. “Now answer my question. Why weren’t you here?”

“I’m sorry. Fern had me sleep last night. He said I would need the rest before he would trust me completely, regardless of how well…you…healed me.”

“Oh…” I regretted being angry with him then. “I guess I can understand that.”

“Forgive me?” He asked.

“Yeah sure, why not?” Looking over to the balconies, I realized I was probably late for meeting Oliver and Molly. “Sorry, but I got somewhere I want to be right now.” I stated, then walked past an immediately dumbfounded Blake.

“Wh….Wait, What?” He stuttered and followed me.

“I’m meeting up with someone to watch the fair be prepared for tomorrow night.” I answered with a smile, doing my best to distract myself from anything negative.

“Who? A friend?”

“Kind of. I met him last night when I went out to explore the town.” I answered, then was suddenly grabbed by the shoulder and swung around to face Blake.

“What? You went out on your own at night?” He asked fearfully.

“Well yeah, you weren’t here and Fern seemed busy so I decided to-“

“Don’t ever do that again!” The man suddenly demanded.

It took me a minute to respond in my surprise. “What? Why?”

“It’s dangerous out there!” He answered, trying not to shout. “The southern half of my country is rebelling and the other princes are wondering about my capability to handle it. What’s more, Spyke might have someone out there looking for some way to hurt me. And right now the one thing that could possibly make an indirect fatal blow to me is harming you!”

“What? Me? Why?” I asked.

Blake paused, seemingly shocked at his own words. Then he began to blush deeply while still attempting a serious face. “B-Be-Because, that man knows I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Why not? I’m just a phantom singer right?” I asked scornfully. For some strange reason I felt bitter towards myself for what people were making me out to be. Especially since I was nothing like they all imagined.

Blake appeared appalled at my statement. “Why would you say something like that? You’re not ‘just’ a phantom singer. You’re much more than that.”

I looked him in the eye rebelliously and without a word, walked past him down the stairs where I found Chase waiting. He looked at me first, then up at Blake trying to figure out what was going on between us. “Singer? Is something wrong?”

“Nope!” I smiled brightly up at the blond. “Just going out to see a friend is all.”

Chase didn’t seem to know what to think at my sudden bright response. “Oh…”

“Not ‘oh’!” I heard Blake behind me, some what frustrated. “I want to know who this friend of yours is! For all you know they could be trying to hurt you!”

“For you’re information, I find it hard that a man and his little sister would be willing to do such a thing given their age.” I responded, trying not to snap at him.

Blake stopped in his tracks and Chase’s eyes widened.

“A man?” Blake asked aloud.

“And his little sister.” I finished for him. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to see the fairgrounds before everything goes up tomorrow.”

I began walking back down the hall to the front double doors past Ferns office. I only glanced back once to see that Blake was now sitting at the foot of the stairs staring off into space with Chase watching me, surprise evident on his face.

Honestly, these people were acting a bit strange. All I said was I was going to meet a friend tonight. Nothing too exciting. Was that bad?


..................................................................................

“Where’s Molly?” I asked Oliver as I approached him.

He was standing right where we had met last night.

“Ah it’s you!” He smiled brightly at me. “After that little disappearance act of yours yesterday I wasn’t sure if you would come tonight.”

“Sorry, something came up. Why are you out here alone?” I asked.

“Look at what time it is. It’s too late for Molly to be out now. Yesterday was an exception but tonight she was too tired to stay up. She actually fell asleep halfway through the phantom’s song.”

“Oh…” Now that I thought about it, he never said he would bring Molly. It was one thing to hang out with a man and his little sister, but it was another to hang out with just a man I had met not too long ago. “So, how old are you?” I asked.

“Nineteen. Why?” He wondered.

“No reason. Just curious.” I answered smiling up at him nervously.

“You know, Molly was right for being so young, you are cute.” Oliver suddenly stated, making me blush.

“What?” I asked. “Molly said that?”

Oliver nodded and grinned. “Yep. Do you have a date?”

I didn’t expect a question like that. “A date? Why?”

The man combed through his hair with his fingers and smiled up at the starry night. “Well, It’s not often we see cute people. I mean, everyone’s beautiful here, even baby’s and kids, but none seem cute in the adorable way.” The then looked down at me. “But you, you’re like something huggable. Something one wouldn’t just want to look at. So naturally I figure you’ve already got a date.”

“Wait…” I stuttered, trying to figure out what he had said. “Are you saying there’s a difference between being cute and being beautiful?”

“Well yeah!” He giggled. “Here, it’s the cute ones that are irresistible. But I’m sure you already know that. If you were just beautiful, you’d probably just fit in like everyone else.”

“What about ugly people?” I asked before I could think.

“Ugly people?” He seemed surprised. “That’s a bit harsh don’t you think.”

“What do you mean?”

Oliver cocked his head at me trying to think of some way to understand. “What do you mean ‘what do you mean’? Calling someone ugly is rude. No matter what they look like.”

“You really think so?” I never met an actual person who would say something like that.

“Of course. I mean sure there are people that are unpleasant to look at, but calling them ugly isn’t going to make them any more appeasing. It’s better to actually do something to help them look better if you don’t like the way they look than to make fun of them for it. And if they don’t want to change their appearance, then that’s their decision.”

I was stunned. Never in my life had I heard anyone say something like that in real life. I had always assumed everyone believed that if you looked ugly, then you were treated that way, the way I was. But here, it was different. This man most likely had no idea how deeply I felt his statement and couldn’t help but stare at him admiringly.

“Don’t you think so?” He then asked me, snapping me out of my daze.

“Uh…Yeah.” I nodded robotically.

“Well, let’s talk about something more enjoyable and get headed to the fair grounds. Molly made be promise that if I didn’t go with here that I would explain everything in detail when I got back.”

“Aren’t you two going to the fair when it’s up and ready?” I asked.

“Yeah, but she wants to know what it looks like before there are people there.” Oliver smiled perfectly and began wandering down the sidewalk. “By the way, you never told me if you had a date or not.”

“I don’t.” I answered almost too quickly. I felt a little too eager to answer this mans questions.

Oliver looked back at me and winked. “Alright. How about you come with me and Molly tomorrow to the fair and we’ll find you a date then? That is if you want to.”

“Find me a date?” I repeated. “I don’t think I’d want to go hunting for someone in that way. I think it’d be better just to wait and see if they suddenly show up out of the blue or something like that.”

The man giggled and slapped me on the back gently. “You really are a strange one. But at least I know you’re patient.”

I did my best to giggle with him and made it through the town by his guidance. The fair grounds turned out to be in one of the biggest parks in Mooncrest. The one that was usually full of artwork was chosen and each piece of art was moved in order to make way for the stalls and concession stands. I gaped at the wooden plaques and fold out tables used to build all this. Regardless of being in another world, this looked an awful lot like something I’d have expecting from an earth fair. Then again, I had never been to one myself, so this stuff would probably be considered out dated.

We weren’t allowed to enter so we stayed by the drum shaped hedges to watch. Oliver would randomly point something out and explain what it was and how it worked. Or he would point to something he claimed was one of his sister’s favorite stall. Every now and then he would tell me a story out of the blue about when he was little and what it was like when he went to his first fair.

“What was you’re first time like?” He asked me.

“I don’t know.” I smiled, keeping my eyes on the men and women working to put everything up. “I’ve never actually been to one. In Cumberton, no one bothers to prepare for a fair.”

“That’s awful.”

I turned to look at him and he smiled. “I’ll just have to take you to the fair each day this week now won’t I?”

“Why?” I asked.

“The fair is only gonna be in town for a week so naturally I want you’re first time at the fair to be memorable. To go to a fair each day it’s here would be incredible right?”

“I guess so. Don’t really know until I do it.”

Oliver seemed to smile a lot. On top of that, he seemed extremely kind, not only in reference to his sister, but also when it came to appearances and how people should be treated. I liked him, Even enough to brave going to a crowded area with him.

“Alright, see you here tomorrow then. Right now, I got to head back and get some shut eye if I’m gonna be awake to come back.” He stood and stretched. “By the way, where are you staying? You got a house?”

“No.” I answered, then regretted it. “I mean, I do, it’s just I’m not used to it yet. Err….I.. Um….”

Oliver laughed out loud at my response. “You really are adorable. If you didn’t seem so touchy I’d pick you up and carry you like a tremuse!”

“Tremuse?”

“What, you’ve never seen one?”

I shook my head. “I’m from a ways out of town.”

“Their little fuzzy balled up things. They have four legs but walk on their hind ones and like to roll around. Their ears are bigger than their head and their eyes are huge.”

“Oh, okay.” I stated confused.

“You really are an out of Towner huh?” Oliver more stated than asked.

“Yeah, guess so.” I smiled widely at him.

“Well, want to meet up in the same spot tomorrow around noon?” He asked me then.

I froze. “Noon?”

“Yeah. I’m pretty sure the fair is gonna be closed this time of night tomorrow and I don’t want Molly to fall asleep on me again.”

I couldn’t help but sigh in frustration. “I’m sorry, but I can’t go at that time. I have things I’m doing and won’t be out till dark.”

“Oh…” Oliver appeared a little disappointed. “Well, I guess we’ll meet you there if we don’t leave early.”

“Yeah, guess so.” I shrugged. “Anyway, I got to get back. See you later.”

“Oh. Okay, bye.” He waved and began walking down the opposite way from the capitol. Once he was out of sight, I began heading back towards the tower.

Strangely, before I even made it to the gate some men came and stood in front of me. “Are you Singer?” One of the three dark haired men asked. They were all wearing something similar to what Chase wore, only they had vests on with blue seals across their hearts.

I remembered what Blake had said about how dangerous it could be out here with people willing to do anything to hurt him, so I attempted to change the subject.

“Why? Who want’s to know? Isn’t he just a phantom from the tower?”

“Well, err, um…”The middle man scratched his head. “We were ordered to look for…”

The man paused and looked to his comrades.

“It’s alright. That’s him.” Came a familiar voice and Chase appeared. “I’ll take him in.”

“Yes sir!” The men all suddenly stood at attention and I was escorted back into the capitol by Chase in a brisk pace.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“No.” He lied, or so I assumed.

We entered the capitol and walked down the hall past Fern’s office and the stairway that lead up to the tower. I had never been in this part of the capitol before and was wondering exactly where we were going when we took a sudden left turn and headed down a hall with purple cloth hanging down in rows on the walls. The carpet here was a purple shade of velvet but the same gold vines still embraces each column that held up the ceiling of the hall. We walked down a ways then went up a set of stairs and approached a large set of red double doors.

Chase knocked on it and waited. A moment passed before the left door finally opened and Blake glanced out rather miserable looking. Then he got a look at me and his bleary eyes sharpened.

Standing erect he smoothed over his black disgruntled hair with his hands and stuttered at us. “What, what are you doing here?” He scolded Chase. “You know I wasn’t in any proper state!”

“You were not too long ago.” Chase smiled.

Blake looked down at me embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I assumed that when you left for you…friends…That you wouldn’t be coming back tonight.”

“Well he did, as a matter of fact I sent out for him. Now, you two need to talk quite desperately.” Chase announced and shoved me at Blake who caught me full body, wrapping his arms around me to prevent me from falling.

“Toodaloo!” The blond waved with his finger tips and strutted off down the hallway.

Quickly I backed away from Blake’s embrace which seem to resist my efforts for a moment before actually allowing me to be released. It was at this point which I realized his suit was open, revealing the white buttoned shirt underneath with the top three undone, revealing the upper half of his chest.

“I’m sorry, I, Um…” Blake was at a loss for words.

I looked behind him and saw a long glass table set in the center of the room with a beautiful red couch sitting behind it. Two fire places were set on either side of the enormous window that over looked the lower courtyard where numerous exotic flowers bloomed.

“What room is this?” I asked.

The man blushed a little. “These are my private quarters.”

To the left of the room I noticed a smaller single red door that was ajar. What ever was inside of it was hidden in darkness.

“Oh…” The table had a plate with crackers and cheese on it with a bottle of something next to an empty glass.

“You were drinking?” I asked.

“No!” He nearly shouted. “I mean, no. Would you like a snack?” He invited me carefully.

“I don’t drink…” I answered, leaving out that I was too young to anyways.

“That’s alright, neither do I.” He answered. “That bottle just has milk in it. You can see for your self if you want to.”

I considered his offer, fully aware of how tense he was. “Okay…” I finally replied.

If he were a balloon he would have deflated at that point. He calmed down visibly and closed the door behind me as I willingly walked all the way inside and headed towards the couch. Seated, Blake rested beside me and poured a glass of milk, then offered it to me. I tried it and was surprised at how rich it was. It wasn’t thick or anything, but silky like crème and even had the silky aftertaste. Maybe it was crème?

“Do you like it?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I answered after finishing off the glass. “It’s better than what I get at home.”

“Would you like more?”

I was about to answer, but noticed his voice seemed a little off. He was looking at the floor and twirling his thumbs together.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He smiled. “I was the one to ask that and you wouldn’t answer me.”

I guess what goes around comes around. “Sorry, I’ve just been having a hard time at home.”

Blake looked up at me with a small glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Will you tell me?” He asked.

“Why would you want to know?”

“…Because it’ll be about you…”

His answer seemed really corny to me and I laughed. “Alright.”

“Really?” His back straightened and his gaze grew strong. “Would you honestly confide in me enough to tell me about yourself?”

Thinking about it, I would never have looked at it in that way. “Sure.”

Blake smiled. “Alright, tell me what it was that happened to make you’re song seem so sad tonight.”

I contemplated lying, but in the end decided to tell him select details. “It’s nothing much, just some people giving me a hard time.”

“How?” He asked.

I didn’t really feel like admitting that I was so pathetic as to be subjected to sexual harassment. “They just are.”

Blake leaned closer to me and took a hold of my right hand. He held it between his palms and looked me in the eye. “Tell me what they did.”

I didn’t say anything for a moment.

“Please!”

I haven’t had anyone to tell things to in a long time. I used to with my parents, but that was back when nothing like this ever happened to me. Now, I felt a little happy when I thought about having someone to confide in.

“They…” I started hesitantly, “They, sort of, just did things…” My face was already beat red at saying just that and I pulled my hand out from his.

I didn’t want to look, but I knew he had a steel-like glare on his face. Not aimed at me of course, but at people he had never met.

“Are they the people who hurt you before?” He asked. “The ones that hurt you bad enough to nearly kill you?”

I shook my head. “They’re different people, doing different things.”

“Like what.” He leaned closer. “Tell me. Please, I want to know.”

I suddenly had a vision pop in my head of when I cried on Carter one night and shook my head dangerously.

Blake blinked in surprise. “Why not?”

My breath began to hitch and I continued to shake my head. The man sat there for a moment and watched me. I closed my eyes tightly. I wasn’t crying, just in severe denial. Then I felt his arms around my shoulders and he pulled me closer. “It’s all right.”

That did it. This was going far too similar to what had happened with Carter and I shoved him away rather roughly. Blake actually fell back against the back side of the couch and stared at me. “Why…”

The pain in his eyes made me feel horrible. “I’m sorry, I have issues.” I finally admitted and stood. “I have to leave.” I announced and bolted to the door.

I tripped at first on the edge of the table, spilling over the bottle of milk, but I continued to run for the door until I was stopped half way by a pair of strong arms enveloping me.

“Don’t leave!” Blake commanded. “Stay here, if there are people hurting you back home then stay here!”

“Let me go!” I feebly ordered as I struggled to get free. All I managed to do was loose my footing. Blake caught me and kneeled down with me in his arms. “I…” It did make sense. Why did I want to go back? Back on earth was where all my troubles were. Was I so much of a coward that I would go to what ever other world there was just to avoid an immediate conflict that I didn’t want to deal with? He was right…But I couldn’t stay here even if I wanted to. I could only stay till sun up…

Blake’s face was buried in my neck now, his strong arms wrapped around my waist and pinning my own arms to my sides. “Don’t leave any more…”

His voice was weak and desperate. “Stay here with me.”

“…I can’t…” I finally admitted. “No matter what, I’ll always disappear at dawn…”



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Authors Note: Sorry about how long it took, I won't let this story die. I just got caught up with life stuff. -.- I'll keep uploading chapters, it'll just take some time. Thanks for all the support!

Please read and review! Reviews are greatly apprecieated!