Element Princess: Book Two: Book Two: Evolution

By Jenaia Williams

As the journey continues for the brave and beautiful Element
Princesses, they learn that their enemies numbers dont
diminish they evolve.
New members of the Docks take matters into their own hands
and intend to ruin the princesses and their allies at all cost. Some members team up while other simply follow their instincts.
Each princess experiences her own turmoil as the days pass.
They must fight these battles on their own. Their powers will not always assist them.
Will they be able to come to terms with more Demon Lords, the news of their titans waking up, and the introduction of their weapons - the Zygotes?
With the Docks on the move and more obstacles to overcome, the
princesses must conquer all and face their inner turmoil or else it will be the end.
Book Two: Evolution

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493104598

Jenaia Williams

Jenaia Williams was born and raised in Smyrna, Georgia, a suburb near Atlanta. She is a 2013 graduate of Campbell High School and is attending University of West Georgia where she is majoring in creative writing. Jenaia penned book one of Element Princess at the age of 17, inspired by her love of Japanese culture. Between studies and the promotion of her first book, Jenaia works on the subsequent books in the series. Jenaia resides with her mother, grandmother, and five dogs in the Atlanta area.

Book preview

ELEMENT PRINCESS

Book Two: Evolution

Jenaia Williams

Copyright © 2013 by Jenaia Williams.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2013917305

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-4931-0458-1

             Softcover     978-1-4931-0457-4

             Ebook          978-1-4931-0459-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 12/13/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

137518

Contents

Appreciations

Introduction

Glossary

Story 16: People Grow on You

Story 17: Trust is the key

Story 18: Look who crawled into town

Story 19: It’s all about skill

Story 20: Trepidation is an understatement

Story 21: Bands of Camaraderie

Story 22: Indefinite Depths

Story 23: Escalating

Story 24: Mental Punishment

Story 25: Simplicity

Story 26: The Final Straw

Story 27: Opening the doors

Story 28: My purpose is pleasure

Story 29: Lost Trust

Story 30: Advancement

Epilogue

About the Author

APPRECIATIONS

To the twins Kimberly and Kayla Sea for pretty much going crazy during early publication days—and are still having fan moments.

To my mom for spending her time and patience during this long process.

To my illustrator Jet Kimchrea for keeping up the awesome work again and again.

To Carol Thompson and the Element Princess Productions team for assisting me with this book series. I would not be where I am, and will be, if not for all of you.

To Abigail Bois for editing book two and speaking your mind about anything and everything. I appreciate your bluntness so much.

To the readers. Thanks so much for entering this interesting and witty world of mine.

INTRODUCTION

The adventure continues as the Element Princesses strive to further extend their powers and defeat the underworld group called the Demon Docks. With the help of the Spirit Being, Kenta Shiroyama, and his friend, also the Darkness and Death Princess Ayano Matsumoto, the group will train and battle new foes.

The Demon Queen Mayu has entered from the shadows along with some new enemies. Kouta Vulturine, the Lord of the Vampire Demons steps into the picture along with three of his ranked officers: Aiko Tanaka, Adriane Ward, and Bonnie Evergreen. Also arriving from the gloom of the underworld is Derek’s older sister, Casella, also known as the dark panther.

So far, Sazuma and Mary Kagami, the princesses of fire and water, were given a surprise entrance to the supernatural world thanks to Kenta and Ayano’s politeness. Soon, Sazuma’s test for power causes her to hurt the innocent, giving her a suffering guilt attack. Meanwhile, Stella Jayberry is welcomed to her powers of earth by hearing and feeling the pain of the tree Sazuma burned. The girls are then faced to Chikara Yamada, the demon ninja.

First, she aimed to capture Sazuma, but her chance failed. She then kidnaps Stella. When Kenta and his allies retrieve her, Hiroko Kotani and Reiko Takashima are now involved with this battle, along with their middle school friend Yumiko Honozoro. Later on, Kenta and Ayano have the remaining girls together. Their powers are then given, and the Element Princesses’ team is finally whole.

But the Demon Docks leader, Derek Southbound, takes drastic measures. Chikara takes matters into her own hands, but Kenta arrives ending Chikara’s continual quest to murder the Kagami twins. At this same time, the Element Angel Haru appears, taking Sazuma and strengthening her resolve for this battle. As time prospers, only one thing flows through the mind of this team: training.

To help with the princess’s continuous quest, they meet the Wolf Demon Akira Suzuki and the Spirit Beings Damon Sasaki and Aurora Weatherly. With their help, along with more appearing comrades, the Element Princesses will attempt greatness and victory… if they can survive long enough.

GLOSSARY

Adriane Ward—The third seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Aiden Takashima—Brother to Reiko Takashima

Aiko Tanaka—The second seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Akira Suzuki—Wolf Demon

Alvin—The tenth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Annette—The seventh seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Aurora Weatherly—Spirit Being

Ayano Matsumoto—Darkness and Death Princess

Bat Demons—demons with the bodies of humans but have wings ranging in different colors. Their eyes are red and their skin is pale. Blood is necessary for their survival. Bat Demons are not Vampire Demons

Bonnie Evergreen—The fourth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Bryan—The sixth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Casella Southbound—Nicknamed ‘the dark panther’. Is Derek’s older half-sister

Cat Demons—Slim human figured creatures with ears and tails. These demons have accurate aim, are sly and barely have companionships. They are weak bodied, barely having any muscles and can be deceiving

Chikara Yamada—One of the Demonic Princesses, has the ability to sense the emotions of her opponents

Daisuke—The Element Angel of Healing

Damon Sasaki—Spirit Being, nicknamed ‘The Silver Haired Menace’

David Takahashi—A male sorcerer in the Demon Docks army

The Demon Docks—An underworld organization ran by Derek Southbound. This organization resides on Kyushu Island and contains millions of members

Demonic Princes—Men who possess a special ability and have a high rank in Derek’s army

Demonic Princesses—Women that possess a special ability and have a high rank in Derek’s army

Derek Southbound—Leader of the Demon Docks. Married to Diamond

Destiny—The middle child of the Three Death Daughters and is a Demonic Princess. She has the ability to possess the bodies of her victims

Diamond—The youngest of the Three Death Daughters and is a Demonic Princess. She has the ability to focus on a certain object/objects and explode them with a thought or physical motion. Married to Derek

Dylan Devider—One of Saki’s bodyguards

Element Angels—Angels of the Heavens that specialize in one of the seven elements the princesses wield

Element Princesses—Girls/women who possess Godly abilities and can control one of the seven elements: fire, water, earth, wind, ice, light or darkness

Emiko Yamada—Demonic Princess, has the ability to control time and space

Eric Takahashi—A male sorcerer in the Demon Docks army

Hades—Father to Ryosuke Devider

Haley—Kenta’s first crush

Haru—The Element Angel of Fire

Hiroko Faraway—A past princess that died in battle

Hiroko Kotani—Wind Princess

Honoka—The Element Angel of Earth

Imani—The eighth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Jared—One of Yumiko’s older brothers

Jeremy—Another one of Yumiko’s older brothers

Jezebel—The Element Angel of Wind

Joseph Booming—Hiroko’s stepfather

Jun—One of the Past Angels, is a member of the Demon Docks army

Kaito—One of the Past Angels, is a member of the Demon Docks army

Kazumi—The Element Angel of Ice

Keandre Veal—One of Saki’s bodyguards

Kenta Shiroyama—Spirit Being that brought the Element Princesses together

Kotare—Hiroko’s mother

Kouta Vulturine—The Vampire Demon Lord

Lavida—The eldest of the Three Death Daughters and is a Demonic Princess. Has the ability to shape shift into any animal and control animals as well

Lila—The Element Angel of Darkness and Death

Linda Kagami—Sazuma and Mary’s mother

Logan—The ninth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Lucifer—Father of the Three Death Daughters: Lavida, Destiny and Diamond

Mary Kagami—Water Princess

Mayu—the Demon Queen, married to Lucifer and is a member of the Demon Docks army

Miroku—The fifth seat in the Vampire Demon clan

Nao Nakamura—Demonic Prince has no supernatural abilities. Nicknamed ‘The Powerless Demon’

Past Angels—Angels of Heaven who went to the dark side: Either they made a deal with Hades and/or Lucifer or possess mass amounts of demon blood mixed in their system

Reiko Takashima—Ice Princess

Riku Nakamura—Demonic Prince, has the ability to cancel out other supernatural powers. Is nicknamed ‘The Canceller’

Ryosuke Devider—The Gate Keeper of Hell

Saki—the Mother Angel of Heaven, deals with the supernatural world as a whole

Sazuma Kagami—Fire Princess

Spirit Beings—Messengers of the Heavens who carry out missions for the Mother Angel

Stella Jayberry—Earth Princess

Tainted—a term used by the Vampire Demons stating that you are now nothing

Tammy Matsumoto—Ayano’s caretaker before Kenta’s appearance

Three Death Daughters—The daughters of Lucifer: Lavida, Destiny and Diamond

Tsukiko Saito—Princess of the Moon Dimension, apprentice under Yuina Zorro

Vampire Demons—creatures that are disgraced among the underworld. They are ruled by Kouta Vulturine. Blood is not a necessity for their survival but it is a nice treat.

Wolf Demons—demons with sharp reflexes, agility and skill, better than most demons. Their irises turn sunrise orange when in an angered state. Most of these demons have muscles and are tanned skinned.

Yuina Zorro—Known as the Moon Dancer and is the Queen of the Moon Dimension, a realm between earth and the moon

Yumiko Honozoro—Light Princess

Zygotes—Celestial weapons made of angelic blood and steal of Heaven’s armories. Only the chosen Element Princess and the blood of a cherished one can activate it. This cherished one becomes the princess’s lifelong bodyguard.

STORY 16

People Grow on You

Three days passed. The rain had finally stopped. The chaos of the past stuck to the back of the minds of the princesses and Spirit Beings. As this journey continued, so did the willpower of the mighty and ever-growing Element Princesses.

The princess of Darkness and Death, Ayano, trained the girls in Lune Park, the luscious and green land that actually wasn’t even a park. Lune Park was nothing but a large area reaching two football fields. Thick and long trees surrounded the area at least a mile out of Kayta Plains, the home of the princesses. Also acting as their teachers were their allies.

Kenta, the Spirit Being, and the teacher of this seven-man—actually young women—group, focused in. He stood on Ayano’s left, hands locked behind his back, eyes watching their every move. He decided to wear a black long sleeved shirt with faded ripped jeans and black boots. This type of wardrobe wasn’t a surprise. He didn’t have much and black looked good on him. But who was looking in the mirror and observing themselves before they left the house anyway?

Standing to Ayano’s right was Damon. He too was a Spirit Being, but he stood two inches taller than Ayano with peach skin, hazel eyes and silver hair. Why he was here observing the girls with their training, Ayano didn’t know. As long as he didn’t bother them, she figured this would be acceptable.

To Damon’s right was Aurora, the navy blue haired, purple-eyed woman who clung to Damon as if she were trapped in space and Damon was the only oxygen tank she had. Even now, her arm linked around his and her head leaned against his bicep. Because he wore a white short-sleeved shirt, their skin touched; arm to cheek. Aurora could not have been happier.

Finally, yet importantly, there was Akira, the valiant Wolf Demon who had appeared at the most random of times. Long story short, she arrived at a good time and even stayed for kicks. She and Stella, the shy red headed Earth Princess, had bonded rather quickly. She and Ayano even proclaimed Akira as the family pet. The Wolf Demon considered it an honor.

Time to get to work, Kenta leaned whispered in Ayano’s ear. She nodded. The six princesses had been stretching, getting ready for another day of training. They had started two days ago, after a day of nothing but rest. Thanks to a fire at school-caused by Sazuma around seven days ago-their school had been canceled due to multiple repairs that could negatively affect the students.

Now, the girls were all theirs. Ayano grinned. She couldn’t wait for the run to begin. She grasped the silver whistle latched around her neck, brought it to her lips and pushed out two heady breaths, snatching their attention.

Let’s get started, the caramel skinned, charcoal black haired nineteen year old said, stepping to the girls and addressing their first exercise of the day.

The entire day, from eleven in the morning to eight in the evening, had been endurance pacing and defensive techniques. During those two days of training, they hadn’t touched on their elemental abilities. It would overwork them, Ayano knew. They could work on those abilities later on. Right now, physical build was the goal. They would achieve it in time. Ayano was sure of it.

On the other hand, Ayano had to admit, she was proud of them. She had personally fought each teenager and each had counterattacked and landed a hit on her.

She started with Yumiko, the most timid fighter and the youngest member of the princesses. She was a blonde haired twelve year old with a fragile body, although, that didn’t stop her from giving her all during training. Ayano had lashed out her black whip from the tip of her golden staff. The silky cloth strung out, aiming for Yumiko’s ankles to trip her. Yumiko jumped, dashed toward Ayano, bent her knee, swooshed down and locked her ankle with Ayano’s, tripping her. She had passed the test of the day; getting a hit on Ayano.

Next had been Reiko, the drama queen. Ayano used her staff once more and attempted to take Reiko by the arm and have her fly in the air for kicks. That plan hadn’t worked. Reiko saw right through her-or maybe it was a lucky shot. Reiko jumped to her right, threw out her hands and shot out two ice crystals, shaped like narrow diamonds. One had graced Ayano’s shoulder, ripping her short-sleeved gray shirt. Oh well. She too completed the task.

Mary stepped up to the plate. Kenta stared with pride. He and Mary had a little Puppy Love going on. Ayano wasn’t supposed to notice of course, but the dude wasn’t even hiding it like he did with his past girlfriends. At least he was being honest with himself. The fight with Mary had been a brief quarrel of fists. She got Ayano on the right shoulder and the cheek. Mary apologized, thinking she would get her ass kicked-she would have if she was anyone else—but the task completed.

Sazuma, Mary’s older sister, also received the quarrel of fists. The determined princess of the flame fought hard. Sadly, she hadn’t accomplished the goal. Ayano might have overdone it with the flying of her fists and kicks. Sazuma took the defeat, giving herself a chance to calm and win another day.

The last battle of the day was a duo between Stella and Hiroko, the golden haired blonde of the group. This was a lesson to teach the girls about working together and having the same thought process in battle. The friends stood side by side, eyes locked on Ayano. She used her staff for this one. Dealing with two teens instead of one was a challenge and she needed to take precautions.

Together, the girls dashed opposite directions, circling her. This astonished Ayano. They had thought together, moving in formation with such speed. They were pretty good for amateurs.

Stella reached Ayano first, attempting to do Yumiko’s ankle move. Ayano jumped, dodging the attack. Just as she jumped, Hiroko, who stood behind her, clapped her hands together, creating a blasting wall on wind that pushed into Ayano. She swung her staff, releasing her black whip. It locked around Hiroko’s arm as Ayano skidded on the ground.

With a twist of her wrist, the whip curved midair in an arc. Ayano wasn’t finished with her though. She gripped her staff with both hands and spun on her heels. Hiroko swung to Ayano’s left in a full circle. Stella pushed into the mix. The whip had collided with her stomach, swinging her with them. Stella slid on the grass. The whip contracted. Hiroko released. They both landed with grunts and loud exhales.

Stella, are you okay? Akira’s concern was definite. The Wolf Demon only calmed slightly when the shocked red head nodded and gave a thumbs up.

Sensing the teens had had enough, Kenta shouted, That’s all for today. Hiroko reached out her hand. Stella took it, swaying as she stood. Akira was by her side the next second, inspecting her body for injuries.

Ayano slipped her staff in the black leather holder strapped to her back. That was a little present from Jezebel, the Wind Angel. She went back to Heaven, giving the team a break from her company. Plus she wanted to check on the Mother Angel. She must be having heart attacks because of these harassments. The animated angel said before leaving. Ayano couldn’t blame her. The Mother Angel cared for the Earth and its people. But did Jezebel have to check on her so much?

She supposed so. That thought hadn’t lasted long. Once the decision of resting at Reiko’s house was made, all thoughts of angels and demons faded.

What to eat? She wondered now as she traveled in the middle of this conversation group.

Man, I never thought training would be so hard. Reiko complained. As the most dramatic and laziest member, Ayano expected she would be the one to complain first.

This is nothing compared to what Ayano went through, Kenta said. He was the caboose with Mary at his side. They always walked in the back together, close enough where they could hear but far enough to flirt with each other. They weren’t sneaky. Ayano always knew what they said to each other.

Just a few minutes ago, while leaving Lune Park, they had a whisper session. Nice work out there, Kenta had said.

Thanks, but I must look sweaty now, huh?

Sweaty, maybe. Beautiful, always.

Ayano rolled her eyes on that one. How plushy was this guy going to get?

Ayano’s been through worse training? Yumiko asked, unbelieving Kenta’s words.

What did you do? Sazuma asked over her shoulder in suspicion.

I trained her, Kenta answered, all innocence, Whatever she’s doing to you, I did to her.

So you swung her around on a black rope? Hiroko said, still shocked of the fact she went flying through the air. She is the Wind Princess. She should like being in midair. Ayano chuckled.

Well, I didn’t exactly throw her in the air.

It was Ayano’s turn to face him this time. Her eyes narrowed as she grinned, Yes you did. It wasn’t exactly a throw in the air but he could still be blamed. You threw me off of a building.

All eyes went to Kenta. Shocked saucers faced him. Only Damon turned to him with a smirk. You did what? Aurora asked, about to run over and slap Kenta’s cheek.

He brought his hands up. It was a training lesson.

The lesson was to find a way to land safely on the ground incase I’m in a high place and I end up pushed over by a demon. Ayano answered. The memory was scary back then. It was funny now.

That’s just terrible. Stella said.

Mary shrugged, She’s alive now though, right?

Sazuma glared, Of course, support your boyfriend.

Mary’s arms crossed. He’s not my boyfriend.

Based on the slug of Kenta’s shoulders and the drop of his eyes, that statement hurt. Poor guy, Ayano thought. This dude was made for doomed romance.

A chilling wind blew, causing most girls to shiver. Damon led the way to the house this time. Reiko stood to his right. Aurora was at his left, grabbing his arm and locking to him like hot glue.

Relatively, the walk to the house was silent. As night approached, the chills increased, causing everyone to keep their mouths closed and save their heat. Down the empty sidewalk they traveled down, entering the Marvel community, where Reiko’s house was located. The community was actually three houses placed like a triangle.

Each house stood at least four stories with more rooms than any single family needed. Reiko lived in the center and was the furthest house. The entire community was gated with black iron standing ten feet in the air with spears at the end and was customized with electricity after a certain time of night. They had to hurry, because the time for the electric fence was upon them and Reiko didn’t have her key-silly girl.

They reached the gate. There was an officer posted inside of a rectangular station surrounded by beige walls. A single rolling chair was what the officer sat on. A glass window stuck between him and the outside inhabitants. Reiko approached the silver bearded, gray haired man. Good evening.

The elder man’s scowl turned into a tired grin. Good evening, Ms. Takashima.

Reiko threw up her hand passively. No, no, good sir. Ms. Takashima is my mother’s name. Call me Ms. Reiko, she winked.

He winked back. Alright then, Ms. Reiko. She giggled as the officer pushed a red button on his touch screen computer, allowing the gates to begin their slow inward opening.

She waved, giving her thanks as the group entered. The gate closed behind them as they entered and made their way down the straight red-brick street that led to the Takashima house.

Ayano observed the area. The house on the left was the closest to the gates. Brown stone acted as its walls. There were only windows at the front of the house, which looked like the White House, except it was brown. A mother stood on the large porch, sweeping, paying no attention to the passing group.

They continued on, passing the house, and entered the view of yet another gorgeous home. This one had white bricks and a basketball court as a driveway. The house had windows in every single room, it looked like, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling in every room. A father and son, the kid probably being fifteen or sixteen, played basketball with laughs and tired puffs.

The shaggy brown haired father noticed the girls and was the first to acknowledge them. Good evening Reiko.

What’s up Mr. Tami? Reiko waved. The son playing stopped as well to greet the overly happy teen.

Playing with your friends? Mr. Tami asked.

It’s just a visit. Are my parents home? Shouldn’t she know whether her folks are home or not? Because this is a close community, Ayano guessed these people knew about each other more than they should.

Not yet, but Aiden came back a few minutes ago, actually. The son answered. He looked similar to his father, shaggy brown hair and lime green eyes. He was a stick figure while his father was tall and muscled.

Thanks Tiko. I’ll see you guys later. The group went on as the family began to play again. Reiko’s house came clearer into view. Unlike the other two homes, Reiko’s house stood out.

It was a castle; standing at least five stories with rooftops that came to a golden point with a flag swinging with the wind. The flag was sky blue. The large silver writing saying Takashima House shined vividly with the upcoming darkness.

The entrance to the house matched the red-bricked platform with a circular driveway. A fountain sat in the middle with a statue of an angel pouring water from a vase. It entered onto the small pond installed on the ground with gray stones locking the water inside. The angel was a woman in a long dress that reached her ankles. Her hair was the same length. Her eyes were closed and a sweet smile stretched on her lips.

Reiko’s porch was made of stone with a white sunroof overhead. Her house was white and her entry double doors were a dark wood. Two large windows, one on the right and one on the left, were shaded with dark blue curtains.

Home sweet home, Reiko smiled, picking up her pace.

House too big, Hiroko glared.

You have no right to talk, Sazuma said. However, she had no right to talk either. All of them lived in houses. Ayano and Stella were in an apartment.

It’s so beautiful! Yumiko’s eyes were big, taking in everything her friend’s house had to offer. She lived in a nice sized house, one filled with warmth and love. Still, nothing compared to Reiko’s house. She’d never met anyone who lived this large.

Finally, the group reached the front door. Reiko grabbed the golden handle on the left door and pushed open. Aiden! Reiko’s home!

No sound echoed back to her. Only her voice echoed, which surprised Ayano. Houses shouldn’t echo right?

Whoa, Yumiko’s smile stretched from ear to ear. She entered the house, turning in a complete circle, taking even more than she could handle.

But Whoa was right. This place looked huge outside, but inside… whoa.

First off, Reiko’s floor was also dark hardwood that spread throughout the main area. There was a living room on the left and a dining room with over twelve chairs and a glass table with silver, thick angled legs to the right.

Straight ahead, lead to the white double doors leading to the backyard that looked huge from where they were standing. A pale wall separated this section of the house from the living room, hiding what seemed to be another area further down. To the right, gray stone acted as the stairs. They were covered with a clear material, giving it a nice sheen. Silver railings were on both sides of the stairs. Falling must have been hella painful.

Aiden! Dude, where are you?

Shut up, will ya? A voice responded back. From the top of the stairs, behind the metal railing on the second floor, stood a kid looking around sixteen or seventeen. The tips of his hair were spiked, damp. His loose red shirt with a UGA logo on the front was wet near the collar. Faded jeans hugged his long legs. I heard you the first time.

Reiko jabbed her fists onto her hips. Don’t be rude Aiden. I just wanted to tell you I’m home. Jeez.

Well I got it. Is that all?

Yes, Aiden. That’s it. That fast, Reiko was pissed. The conversation hadn’t been long and the fact that her brother was in her presence seemed to increase her irritation.

Aiden on the other hand didn’t look so aggravated. His attention had gone from Reiko to her friends the moment the conversation ended. He jerked his head up in recognition, Hey Yumiko.

All eyes went to her. Her focus was on Aiden. She smiled sweetly, nervously. Hi, Aiden. He grinned then made his exit.

You communicate with my brother? Reiko asked, clearly the most shocked out of everyone. Personally, Ayano wasn’t too shocked. She didn’t know the group that well to begin with. To her, there was nothing to be shocked about.

Of course, she shrugged, as if talking to him was normal, He’s an upperclassman at my school. I thought it was normal to chat with him from time to time.

Now Ayano’s shock barged in. He’s in middle school?

Yumiko nodded. Yeah, he’s an eighth grader.

Shut up! Aurora gawked. He’s so tall and sexy. There’s no way.

Yes way, Aiden reappeared, leaning against the railing. His appearance hadn’t changed. I’m a sexy middle school student, whoop-de-do. Now will you please stop echoing your voices through the house?

There’s always the option of going to your room and locking the door.

Out of all of these floors, which one was his room? Was the entire floor considered his? Now that she thought about it, how many siblings did Reiko have?

So Yumiko, Aiden moved his attention to the grinning twelve year old. He also ignored his sister completely, I bought a new video game today. It’s got some good graphics. Want to play?

Why were they here again?

That will have to wait, Mary said, placing her hands on Yumiko’s slender shoulders and rubbing up and down. She grinned up to Aiden. Yumiko belongs to us tonight. It’s a little get together.

He crossed his arms with smug. That’s too bad. I wanted you to join too. He winked.

Kenta growled, sending the noise throughout the room. Ayano hid back a chuckle. She guessed, no matter how old a guy was, no one was going to wink or show flirtation with Mary.

Yeah, so let’s go into the kitchen. Goodbye Aiden. Reiko pushed the group forward as Aiden rolled his eyes, making his way further through the second floor.

As they entered the kitchen area, Ayano stopped mid-step and looked around.

The kitchen was large, of course, with many white painted cabinets and narrow handled knobs. In the center of the kitchen was a huge island. Granite acted as the counter top on the island, on the sides of the pitted black sink and the extra counter spaces near the stainless steel refrigerator on the far wall.

Ayano’s kitchen sucked compared to this. It didn’t upset her though. At least she had a kitchen.

You like? Reiko smiled, looking at Ayano.

Keeping her cool, she nodded. Real nice.

Can I live here? Stella asked, making Ayano feel a bit discouraged. She couldn’t provide for her like Reiko could. Heck, Reiko could have been able to provide for every single person in this kitchen, plus some… . but Ayano didn’t know Reiko’s money supply, so maybe this was all a mirage.

Although, once Reiko opened both doors to her fridge, revealing the stocked racks of egg cartons, juice bottles and other assortments of foods, Ayano’s sense of parental pride dropped. She could barely afford packages of ramen in a month. Reiko had a packed fridge. She definitely could support everyone here.

Sorry Stella, can’t live here. We don’t have enough room.

Lies…

But right now I can feed you. Hungry?

Sazuma looked the fridge up and down. Do you have Pizza Hut in there?

Reiko pushed back several juice bottles-all opened by the way-until she pulled out a Ziploc bag filled with chilled pepperoni pizza. Anything else?

Pickles held in pineapple juice. All eyes turned to Hiroko. What the hell kind of food did she eat?

What was more surprising was that Reiko pulled out a jar of pickles in a tangy yellow juice, filled up to half of the container. Goodness gracious.

I don’t have any dog food Akira, sorry.

Stella released a hearty chuckle, making Akira smile. She was too busy looking at Stella to respond to Reiko’s statement. Seriously, what was up with her? Akira never acted so attracted by someone, or anyone for that matter.

Ayano wasn’t surprised why this connection had escalated. Akira was-is-a Wolf Demon, a creature of the Earth. Supernaturally, all of Earth’s creations-even humans although they don’t give a crap about their lineages-are said to connect and respect their homeland and bond to the bringer of their resources.

Based on Kenta’s teachings of the supernatural world, Wolf Demons took their religions seriously, loving the dirt they walked on. As the princess of Earth, Stella, in Akira’s perspective, was the bringer of resources. Because of this, all of Akira’s love and respect belonged to Stella.

Thus, the reason their connection escalated in the last few days.

So where are we sleeping? Stella asked, still observing the kitchen. Ayano understood why. This place was so shiny. Everything was spotless. How one single ceiling fan brought so much light, Ayano could only wonder.

My floor is the third floor, so we’ll be staying there. There are seven rooms on my floor so if you need to go to other floors then just let me know.

Seven rooms weren’t enough? There weren’t that many people here. They could share rooms just fine.

I call my own room, away from you. Damon spoke directly to Aurora.

She pouted. Where am I supposed to sleep?

On the floor in another room.

But… the floor is cold.

Reiko has blankets. Use them.

What if blankets aren’t enough?

Freeze to the point of hypothermia.

He truly meant it. If Aurora froze to death, he wouldn’t have given a care. Was Damon always that hostile?

"How about you freeze to death and tell us how that goes," Hiroko grumbled, chomping on her pineapple-juiced pickle. Her eyes turned away from him, looking somewhere, anywhere, else. Yumiko, who was sitting beside her on the white wooded stools near the island, looked in wonder.

Damon, who leaned against the island in front of her, smirked teasingly. If you join me then maybe I’ll take the idea into consideration.

Hiroko bit into her pickle again, ignoring him.

Mind if I look around?

Not at all, Reiko waved her hand to Ayano dismissively.

Curious about the house, she backed up and made her way to the stairs. Her flat boots thudded as she moved swiftly up the stairs, seeking to learn about Reiko’s house.

Seriously though, how loaded was she? She said her floor of the house had seven bedrooms. How could one house contain so many rooms? Were they small? Medium sized? Huge with tall ceilings? Ayano wanted to learn more. If this was being a snoop, then a snoop she was.

The second floor matched the first floor, dark hardwood and pale walls, but instead of leading to the kitchen, straight ahead was a game area with an arched entrance. There was another hallway to the left with a metal railing curving with the structure. Down this hall was another hall to the right. Ayano’s focus was on the game room, where currently a fighting game glittered and sparked with action.

She took one step and another, entering the narrow hallway with wonder. Shadows welcomed her first as she entered the straight space. Through the arched entryway she went, shadows leaving, light beaming. Her boots met carpet, beige carpet, she noticed. On top of the carpet was a burgundy rug with random symbols and designs, making her dizzy if she stared too long.

Aiden slouched on a faded black couch. His legs bent. His feet rested on the maple coffee table. The game on the 72-inch flat screen plastered into the wall was his main focus. His fingers darted from one button to another as the character of his choice jumped, kicked and slid on the ground, using his firm fists as his weapon.

Ayano was about to continue her observation of the room, but words stopped her. Got bored? Aiden asked.