Fallen Rose

Prince Charming Part 1

"What are we going to do?" Valerie said dejectedly, warming up in the hotel's lobby. She looked to Chelsea, who eyed a phone by the hall.

"Since they purchased a room for the night, we can stay here. I can call up this lady who manages the club I go to a lot. I think she said there were some waitress positions open." Chelsea walked over, picking up the phone, dialing slowly.

"Where will we stay? We can't keep moving around." Valerie held her shoulders, looking to her.

"In time, we will be able to afford an apartment. I will see if she'll let us crash with her until we can get on our feet. It'll be okay, Val." She smiled at her. "It's time we grew up. We survived on the streets all these years. I think we'll be fine."

"Okay..." Valerie sighed, trusting in her childhood friend.

"While I call her, can you can check out the room." She lifted up the room keys, turning to the receiver."Maybe if she's fine with us coming in tonight, we can go on...I'm not sure I want to stay here after tonight." She gulped, waiting on the line to pick up.

"Zumm Zumm! Hey..."

Valerie strolled off, carefully looking for the room listed on the key. She jiggled the lock, turning the knob until she felt someone's arms wrap under her waist.

"Uh... Chelsea...I...?" She turned around, startled to find the tall, pale man from before. "You..."

"Hey, baby." He grinned, leaning into her face. "I see your friends fucked up the mission..." He began tracing her curves as she pushed him away, disgusted.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Our friends are dead thanks to you!" She kept her hands up in defense as he simply smirked, arms crossed.

"Don't hate me, I'm just a messenger. This all comes down to Billy, now doesn't it? I killed no one here... put your anger to him, doll."

Valerie looked to him with disgust as she clenched her fists, staring him down. She released tension as she heard footsteps trail down the hall.

"Good news, Val! We got the job, and we can spend the night if...we..." Chelsea paused as she made out the man's full figure. "Prince Charming..."

"The one and only!" He slid forward, a hand on her waist as he caressed her face.

"I...." She flustered, her heart broken. She looked up at the singer she idolized as a teen with disappointment as she shoved him away. "What the hell, dude..."

"What's wrong, baby?" He smirked, placing a hand on her shoulder. She smacked it away, bring out her dagger in defense as he looked in playful surprise. "Slow down, girl! We can settle this over a nice dinner, or something more..." He gave a wink as she held out her weapon. Valerie looked to her, then to Zerox's shoulders.

"Fuck off, sicko. I know about your history. Any fan has." She nudged the end of her dagger into his chest. Zerox smiled as he felt the presence of a small spirit on his shoulder.

"Oh, c'mon! I wouldn't hurt such pretty girls~" he cooed, wiggling his fingers towards her as Valerie peeked over. Chelsea exchanged looks with her, nodding. As she went to get a hold of Zerox with October Song, his shoulder went aflame. Valerie shrieked, bringing her stand back in as she bent over. Chelsea gasped, dashing to the girl behind him.

"V-VAL!" She grasped her, trying to keep her up. "Are you okay?"

"Hrrk... I guess... God-" She looked up to the man, wincing. "Chelsea..."

"Hey... she said we can stay the night, so let's just go now." She whispered to her friend as she stayed in a defensive pose. Chelsea brought her friend up slowly as they began to walk forward, Zerox's hands in his pockets.