Sakura

Chapter 4

"What was it exactly that you saw, Lulu?" Lux said, her voice showing how tired she was. The group of girls had been sitting in the classroom for several hours now, each guardian trying to get some form of answer from the small, crazed yordle girl.

 Nami had taken up residency in the back of the room where Janna had formerly occupied, the siren studying the books stacked along the shelves. She didn't need to press her case anymore, Lulu had secured her what she wanted. But none of it mattered if Lux didn't accept what Lulu had prophesied.

 "I'm hungry," Lulu said, ignoring Lux completely as she flicked one of Poppy's ears. "Let's go eat, Pops. I'm thinkingggggg-"

 "No, Lulu," Poppy spoke up for the first time. "You're going to finish with this first."

 Lower lip sticking out, Lulu's expression soured as her eyes turned to Lux fiercely.

 "I shouldn't have to explain anything," Lulu said bitterly, her normal happy demeanor evaporating. "It's not my fault you're in denial. You should be so lucky as to have the Tide Caller for a Star Guardian."

 Confused looks were exchanged around the room, and Nami wasn't surprised by this. Her people lived at the bottomless expanse of the ocean. They kept evils at bay that the living world above the water didn't dare dream about even in their darkest of nightmares. This is why the Marai siren had hopes of becoming a Star Guardian. She would give her people a protection and warrior needed for the growing darkness beneath the sea.

 "Very well," Lux said, her teeth gritting as she gave another look towards the drawing scrawled beneath the nearby desk. "It seems that you may very well have your wish, siren. But first, there is something you must do."

Perspiration began to bead on Nami's forehead as she began down the dark, quiet hall of the upper theater. Her eyes darting around, the siren knew this level was laden with hidden traps by the Golden Demon. As she approached a corner, Nami could feel her feet sinking in the plush carpet beneath her, drifting up the molded smell of rot and dust. Keeping herself pressed against the wall, the siren kept moving, never daring to stop quicker than a moment to observe a trip wire. Finally the wall across gave way from smooth wall to arches, torn curtains hanging from them to show the start of the upper balconies of the theater.

 In the darkness soft music drifted up to meet the siren's ears and Nami froze, her hands smoothing the curled wallpaper along the wall beside her. Smiling, Nami crouched, sliding skillfully across the hall and under a curtain taking care to not jostle the fabric. Keeping low, the siren weaved through the balcony seats and stole a peek over the edge to the stage below.

 Seated at a once glorious, grand piano Nami saw the Demon seated, hunched over and playing in a fervor. Almost entranced, Nami stared as the music sank inside her, threatening to pull her down to the raging sea the song began to unravel into. Hands flying across the keys, Nami watched the Demon played on, undeterred and almost rocking to the chaotic melody.

 Now, Nami thought and yet, she was frozen in place.

 "It's so nice to finally meet you," a whisper came from behind her, but before the girl could move the telltale sound of a round being chambered inside the Golden Demon's gun clinked into place. The music continued from below, but a key was incorrectly struck and the Demon turned his head towards the stage, letting out a disgusted noise.

 "No, no, no," he spat angrily, "keep time!"

 Seizing the the split moment of distraction Nami's leg swept out, feeling it collide with the Demon standing behind her. Magic surging within her, she placed her hands together and a staff appeared.

 Chuckling, the demon rolled away with a fluidity that Nami had become accustomed to seeing. Sending out a spell wildly, the siren attempted to gather her temporarily thrown wits but the Demon seemed prepared for that, spinning from her capturing bubble that splintered the wooden frame behind him.

 Eye's finally focusing on the sleek frame that moved towards her with unnatural speed, Nami began to conjure another spell but froze as the Demon leveled a full length rifle at her face.

 "Tsk, tsk," the Demon spoke softly, giving his head a slight shake. From below music had reached a crescendo and Nami could hear the Demon humming along to it. Again a note rang out incorrect and Nami could see as a glossy brown eye darted from her to the stage below then back to her.

 The Demon took a step forward and Nami closed her eyes. This was it, this was the end for the Marai warrior. She had failed.

 A shot rang out, echoing in the dilapidated theater. Nami's eyes opened, certain she would be faced with the abyss of death, instead she saw the smoking end of the Demon's rifle, which had been moved slightly to her right. The music that had reached a roar around them but stopped abruptly.

 Nami blinked, her ears ringing as she looked up at the Golden Demon.

 "I said to keep time," the Demon spoke softly, amusement apparent in his voice.

 Nami looked at the Demon, no fear, only surprise which was quickly extinguished as the figure took another step and brought the butt of his rifle down on her, leaving her head to swim in dark unconsciousness.