The Village: Season Two

[Liamane]

While Miyo was taking Kohana to bed, Vincent stood against the wall in silence, recalling all of the events that occurred earlier today. "I still can't believe I left the girls like that," the Turk said to himself as he closed his eyes and inhaled a sharp breath. "And Miss Skye.... why is she filling my mind with thoughts? It's as if my brain is playing games with me. I don't love her... I'm in love with Miyo and I always will be."

The man's expression lightened and a smile grew upon his face. "I love Miyo," he said in a soft whisper as he opened his eyes. "I love Miyo." Vincent grinned at his own words. "Even through the difficult times we've had together, we always find each other, and we overcome any obstacle."

It was true, for the love that both Vincent and Miyo shared even overcame death, and it seemed to be invincible. The Turk lowered his eyes and looked down at the floor as his lover's face appeared in his mind. "She's everything I've ever dreamed of," the man thought while his grin broadened. "Just being near her and holding her in my arms makes life worth living. Oh, Miyo... you'll never know how much I love you."

[Liamane]

As morning came through the windows the house, Miyo woke up just as the sun was about to rise. "I need to start on the garden or I'll never get it done." she told herself still drowsy from her slumber. She slowly opened her eyes and noticed she was alone in her room. "Where is my love?" she called out softly. "I was with him and we talked all night before I fell asleep. I guess he carried me to bed."

Getting up from her bed, Miyo washed up and got dressed careful not to wake anyone. "I wonder if Vincent can hear me." she thought as she stepped out of her bedroom and tried her best to not make a sound. She tiptoed past Vincent who was laying down on the couch in the living room area, made it outside, grabbing her tools and walked to where the garden was finally taking a sigh of relief. "Whew! I thought for sure he was going to wake up." the woman thought as a smile came upon her face. "Now to those growing tomatoes. They should be ripe any day now."

Just as Miyo began tending to the garden, Naomi and Tidus stepped outside into the morning light. The young woman in the garden smiled and wiped her brow as the couple came over to her. "Oh, going somewhere, you two?" she asked with a playful grin and Naomi began to blush. "Will you be around for breakfast?"

Tidus looked at Naomi and smiled. "We're going out for breakfast," he said proudly while gazing at Miyo. He lightly touched her hand and held it as Naomi's face continued to blush with color. "I mean, if that's alright with you, Miyo."

Vincent's fiancé grinned as she pulled a weed from the garden. "Oh, no, not at all," she replied while looking up at the couple again. "By all means, go ahead. Have a good time, you two!"

The two exchanged delighted expressions and held each other's hand before turning around and heading into town. Naomi waved at Miyo from the distance, and the woman responded with a parallel farewell. "Good for them," she murmured to herself with a wide smile before continuing with her garden work. Her smile broadened as she imagined Vincent and herself, and she pressed on with her work with merry thoughts of a bright future.
______________________________________

"Why did you wake me up so early dear sister?" Rian stated as he started to get dressed. "I know it upset you last night when Vincent left but don't we need to be fully rested for the day?"

"You shouldn't have stayed up so late, Rian." Skye replied with her arms folded. "You said you know where he lives at and now you can take me to him. I'm not sure of what we should do if we come across anyone else but I need you to make sure that Vincent Valentine drinks that potion."

"As you wish." Rian said with a lowered head. He gathered himself together and expressed a serious look on his face."But I have to tell you that you must be careful when you are around that man. If he senses anything that doesn't seem right, then it'll be even harder to move forward in plans."

"I'm not worried about that." Skye said with a devilish grin and a sly smile on her lips. "As long as I get him to drink the potion and I say the words, then all will be mine. Even if I have to force it down his throat!"

[Liamane]

While the day was beginning in Riyona, a weary Vincent Valentine stirred from his slumber as countless rays of sunlight peered into the room and cast its radiant light onto the man's face. The Turk winced as he groggily opened his intense red eyes and he sat up upon the couch. His body was bathed in the warmth of the sun, and his eyes glimmered and reflected the brilliant glow of the persistent light. "Morning, again," he said softly after he slowly inhaled of breath of air. "Looks like it's going to be another great day in Riyona."

---

As they traveled along the path, the two siblings slowly approached Miyo's house, where Rian had dined the previous morning. Skye's mind raced with countless thoughts of Vincent, and she quickly devised methods of captivating him. Her younger brother stopped in his tracks as his eyes scanned the form of the Turk's lover. "Skye, wait a moment," Rian whispered as the cloak he was wearing flapped about in the breeze and he lightly grabbed his sister's arm. The young man lifted his hand and then pointed his index finger to the woman tending to the garden. "That's her, in the garden. That's Miyo, Vincent Valentine's lover."

Skye pursued her lips and raised a brow. "Her?" the young woman responded as her eyes followed her sibling's direction. She let out a scoff and then thinned her stunning eyes. "That's the girl Vincent's in love with? What in the world does he see in her?"

Rian closed his eyes and smiled as he placed his hands behind his back. The young man let out a quick laugh while playing with fingers. "Well, she has a radiant heart, a wonderful smile and she cooks rather well," he replied as he opened his eyes and quickly glanced at his sister. "Although, my dearest sister, her beauty is nothing compared to yours. You're a spotless gem, a glistening pearl! You truly are the fairest of all women!"

A sneer crossed the woman's face while she intently watched Miyo attending to her plants. "Well said, Rian," Skye murmured as a thought entered her mind. Her devilish sneer curled and she offered her brother a twisted, delighted grin. "Perhaps she can be of some use to use, brother. Come, let's pay these people a visit."

Rian sported a glowing smile as he proceeded to walk behind his sister to the house. "As you wish, my dear Skye," he chirped while following suite. "As you wish."

[Liamane]

"Hello? Anyone here?" Rian said acting as if he didn't see Miyo at first. He looked over to the garden and saw a woman with her back turned holding gardening tools. "Miyo? Are you there?"

"That voice sounds familiar." Miyo thought before turning around. A small gust of wind blew her hair toward her face as she placed some strands behind her ear and showed off a friendly smile to the visitors that showed up unexpectedly. Noticing a recognizable face, Miyo placed her tools in the basket beside her and walked toward them. "Rian!? How nice to see you again!" she said with the same smile that never left her lips as she glanced up at the morning colors of the sunrise. "Looks like the weather is going to perfect isn't it?"

"Does this girl even know that I'm here?" Skye thought as she tried to keep the fake smile she was showing off. Rian's sibling gave a small cough before for all eyes were on her. "Ah, this is my older sister, Skye." Rian said introducing the woman to each other. "Skye this is the one I've been talking about, Miyo."

"So you're Rian's sister." Miyo said with a grin. She took off her gloves and held out a hand for a shake. "Rian didn't say much about you but it's really nice to me you Skye."

"Nice to meet you too, I guess." Skye turned her head away and gave a snobish look. Rian nudge her sister a little before she barely touched the woman's hand as if Miyo's hand was contaminated. Miyo gave Rian a curious look and he gave a shrug in reply before Skye turned her face looking at the other woman. "So you live here alone?" Skye asked already knowing the answer. "This house of yours means that you have lots of money and servants waiting on you hand and foot."

"Oh no I don't live alone and I don't have have any servants." Miyo replied looked off to the side. "I have quite a few people living with me so it's not like I'm all by myself. Please have a look around, I really need to get back to the garden and gather some fruits before I make breakfast."

"Did you need help with breakfast?" Rian thought with a sly smile. "Skye is a pretty decent cook."

"Wha- I... I mean I think I'm ok but I make really great tea." Skye said with a rather honest smile. "I have some really good herbs that'll give anyone lots of energy for the day."

"Shall we go inside and make some?" Miyo said noticing a small change it Skye's aura and smiled a little. "I'll have to come back for the fruits but that's ok everyone should be still sleep."

((BB NOTE: How can everyone sense their auras? o.o?))

[Liamane]

Inside the house, Vincent's ears perked as he walked toward the door that led outside. Hearing familiar voices he listened in to what was being talked about. "Actually, I can help you bring everything you need for your breakfast Miyo." a woman replied taking a few footsteps. "I can help you pick out some herbs too if you don't mind."

"That voice sounds like Skye." the Turk thought as he moved to a nearby window. Looking outside of it, he saw Miyo and a smile grew upon his face. He then saw her with Skye walking back to the garden and his smile instantly disappeared. Vincent then noticed a male standing off to the side and thinned his eyes. "Rian." he uttered with taking in a deep breath before going deep in thought. "What are they doing here so early in the morning?"



"Hey! What am I suppose to do?" Rian shouted as he watch the two woman walk away from him. Skye and Miyo turned around and looked at each other before looking at him. "Take a walk around or something!" Skye shouted back to her brother. "We shouldn't be that long!"

After watching Rian walk off toward the gazebo, the two woman arrived at the garden and Miyo bent down beginning to pick fresh fruit that was ripe. After a brief moment, a small gust of wind blew and Skye looked up and noticed a shadow in the window of the house. Her lips produced a sly smile as she turned back to Miyo who had a quarter of her basket full. "So I hear that you're engaged to Vincent Valentine." Skye said pretending to be happy for the woman in front of her. "I'm sure any woman would love to be his wife."

((BB NOTE: Okay, why wouldn't Miyo's reaction by shocked? Because not even 2 minutes ago, Skye was just asking if she lived alone and had servants. o.o?))

"I'm sure that they would." Miyo said with a smile. "Ever since I met him I've been attracted to everything about him. Even though he's from another world, it's like we've known each other for a long time."

"Well that's good to know." Skye replied as she rolled her eyes. "To be honest Miyo, I've been attracted to him too. Don't get me wrong but as you can clearly see I have more to offer him. I have beauty, wealth, and smarts."

"Miyo your looks are plain and you actually play around in dirt for a living." the woman continued. Miyo's body stiffened up as she stood from her position. Miyo felt a bad aura around Skye and tried to remain calm taking in the words of another woman. "Vincent needs someone like me." Skye said with an innocent look in her eyes. "You understand right? That's why he stayed longer than he should have yesterday. He knows that I'm perfect for him."

Another small gust of wind moved about as Miyo turned her head with an uneasy feeling and watched the flowers sway side to side. After the wind passed, she looked back at Skye and took in a sharp breath. "I understand that Vincent is a very attractive man and although I'm not completely sure of all the reasons why he says he loves me, I know in my heart that he does." Miyo stated whole-heartedly. "I learned a lot about myself by being with him, I learned how wonderful he is by really getting to know what kind of person he is inside. I really-"

"MIYO!" Rian shouted from the gazebo. He waved his hands about as if something was wrong. "Can you please come here?"

After taking a sigh, Miyo thinned her eyes at Skye before leaving to go over to Rian. In the house, watching everything from the window, Vincent debated whether he should come out. "I heard only a little but I wish I could have heard everything." he thought putting his shoes on. "Miyo looked as though she was hurting inside. I better go see what's going on."

Stepping outside, the great Vincent Valentine took in a slow deep breath, closing his eyes for a second. He heard footsteps coming toward him as he opened his eyes and saw Skye smiling walking toward him at a moderate pace. "Vincent! I'm so glad to see you!" she said playing her innocent act once more. An idea enter her mind as she faked like she tripped on something and began to fall on him. "Vincent!"

Hearing Skye call out her lover's name, Miyo who was with Rian at the gazebo turned around to see Vincent and Skye hugging each other. She noticed the look that they shared and felt her stomach sink. "Vincent... and Skye really together?" she thought replaying Skye's words in her head. Miyo lowered her head as her hair began to cover her face of emotions. "They almost look as though they are a couple. I shouldn't assume but I can't help but think about what Skye said."

"Miyo are you ok?" Rian said placing his hands on her shoulders. He noticed that the woman in front of him was trying to hold back her emotions and stepped closer to her. "Miyo it's going to be ok." he said with sympathy. "You don't have to worry about anything."

[Liamane]

Vincent's eyes widened as he felt the young woman draw closer to him. Beginning to feel uncomfortable with her actions, the Turk pried his way out of his embrace with her and he swallowed a lump in his throat. "I-it's... good to see you again too, Miss Skye," the man said a bit uneasy within the presence of Rian's sister. He took a small step backwards while drawing in a sharp breath. "Tell me, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

Following his movements by approaching him once more, Skye gave the man a smile and she began to play her innocent act. "Well, my brother and I decided to take a walk outside," she began to say as she brushed her hair off of her shoulder. "While we were walking, Rian pointed out the house, and we both decided to pay you a visit. Like I said, I'm glad to see you again."

As Skye's smile broadened, Vincent turned his head away from the young woman and he displayed a calm, emotionless face. "Of course," he said quickly while his eyes attempt to find a new point of interest. "So, your brother is here as well. Do you know where he is?"

The young woman, who was beginning to become annoyed as the Turk tried to ignore her presence, gave off another broad, fake smile and finally managed to catch his attention. "He's at the gazebo," Skye responded slyly as a sudden smirk crossed her face and another cunning idea hatched in her mind. "With... Miyo, I believe. I can only imagine what they're talking about."

Again, the Turk's eyes widened and he turned his full attention to the young woman. "Miyo and Rian?" he asked Skye as sudden thoughts raced about in his mind. Vincent turned his head over to the gazebo and he gazed upon Rian, who was close to his lover and was gently comforting her. "No... it can't be. But... Miyo and Rian...? Together?"

Skye's smirk curled as she placed a hand upon the man's arm. "There, there," she said in a soft voice as devious thoughts sprouted in her mind. "Everything will be alright, Vincent. Even if Miyo makes the foolish mistake of leaving you, I'll always be here for you."

The Turk closed his eyes and let out a sigh as his emotions began to overwhelm him. After he slowly opened his eyes, he looked over to Rian's sister and he gave her a cold, emotionless face once again. "There is only one woman I could ever love," Vincent replied as he began to walk toward the garden, away from the young woman. "And that woman is not you, Skye." With that, the man walked on, leaving a disappointed and angered Skye alone.

[Liamane]

Holding back her tears that were forcing its way out of her eyes, Miyo quickly wiped her eyes, inhaled a deep breath, and stepped back, letting Rian's hands fall to his sides. "I'm fine Rian thank you." Miyo said blushing a little from getting emotional. "I think I'm just overreacting."

"About Skye and Vincent together I suppose?" Rian said bluntly looking off to the side. He gave a small chuckle as he saw the Turk walk away from his sister. " It's obvious that there's some attraction to each other."

"Do you really think that they are perfect for each other?" Miyo asked a little desperate for answers. "I love him and I know he loves me but do you think I'm the only one he thinks about?"

After a brief second, Rian took a sigh and showed a blank expression. "I don't think it's my position to answer that Miyo." he said looking back at the woman in front of him offering a smile. "Vincent is his own person and he makes he's own decisions. You said you two love each other so what else is there to think about?"

Taking in the words of Rian, Miyo lowered her eyes for a moment before looking over to Vincent standing alone in the garden. She then looked back at the man in front of her and smile grew on her face. "You're right Rian. I can't let doubts control my mind. I barely know anything about you and I think that you're a wonderful person." Miyo stated as she started walking toward the garden. "I glad to have met you. Thank you!"

_______________________________________

Skye was fuming inside and tried to hold it back as hard as she could. "Why does he have to be so difficult!" she thought full of anger before relaxing a little. "He had his chance to be mine and now I have no choice but to force him to love me."

She watched as Miyo walked up to Vincent and instantly glared over to Rian who was walking toward her. Her brother gave a small shrug and expressed a dull and bored face. "What did you tell her you fool?" she said through her teeth. "You're suppose to be helping me out."

"I am helping." Rian said lowly with a grin. "I'm amused that you're still trying when all you have to do is what was on the note."

"Of course I was going to do what was on the note." Skye replied with a devilish giggle. "I wanted to give Vincent one more chance by his own will before he willingly commits to me by you know what. They think their love is strong now, just wait when Vincent Valentine becomes mine."



______________________________

"Miyo, Vincent!" Rian called out to them. "Mind if we stay for breakfast?"

"What do you think Miyo?" the Turk asked his lover. "I don't feel comfortable with Skye's presence here but it's all up to you, my love."

"I feel the same way but Rian has a good heart. I can't be rude to him especially since they just arrived at this village." Miyo replied as she watched her lover grabbing the basket of fruits beside him. "I'm positive they know no one here besides us."

As the couple walked up to the siblings, Miyo grew uncertain of what to do. Quickly thinking of all of commotion that Skye may cause, she knew she had to make a decision. "I would like it if you two would stay for a while."

"Thank you Miyo!" Skye said hugging her. "I'm sorry for causing a bit of trouble so early in the morning. I really don't mean anything I said."

"It's ok Skye I think I just misinterpreted what you said but it's not a problem anymore." Miyo replied sighing a little. "How about we all go inside and you teach me what you know about cooking?"

"I'd like that." Skye replied with another fake smile. "We'll have lots of fun cooking. Lots and lots of fun."

[Liamane]

As a small, shy smile crossed the Turk's face, he couldn't help but to look away from Rian's sister, for thoughts of her motives were filling his mind. "She wants me away from Miyo," the man thought while he closed his eyes and he winced at the idea. "I just know it. Something tells me that Skye will use all of her abilities to break the two of us apart. She has this terribly corrupt presence about her." Vincent then opened his eyes, and his small smile bloomed and widened as they became fixed upon his beloved. Although she always maintained a positive and pleasant aura, the man sensed a bit of pain and sadness in his lover which promptly caused him to frown, and he quickly absorbed her parallel feelings.

Skye lifted her eyes and gazed at the couple, and once again, jealousy and anger filled the young woman. "Honestly, what in the world does Vincent see in the girl?" she thought as she folded her arms in front of her chest. “Can’t he clearly see that I have more to offer him than her? Oh well, there’s no need to worry about this little problem, for I shall be the one that Vincent Valentine will love.”

Rian’s green eyes scanned about the scene, and the young man stroked his chin while he began to devise a way to aid her sister’s bright plan. Gently grasping his sister’s arm, the young man offered the two lovers a broad smile and he gently pulled his sister toward the house. “Skye, may I speak to you in private?” he inquired in a placid tone. The older sibling gave her brother a confused look, and Rian responded with an assuring nod, causing the young woman to smirk in reply. Without another word, he mildly led his sister into the house, leaving the couple alone in the garden.

Miyo turned her head toward her beloved, and she offered him a small, indecisive smile. Her optimistic attitude persisted in her grin, but Vincent carefully read her eyes, which told him that uncertainty loomed about her. “Come on,” she said softly looking into her lover’s passionate eyes. “Let’s go inside and make some breakfast. I’m sure that we all need a little food in us to get us going.” The Turk nodded and lowered his eyes as the young woman slowly walked over to the front door of the house.

The man blinked and raised his head up while he quickly caught up with his love. “Miyo, wait,” Vincent interjected calmly, making the young woman stop to turn around. He gently set the basket of fruit down beside him, and he lightly placed his hands upon her shoulders. His beloved lifted her head and gazed into his eyes once more, and her smile grew wide. The Turk sported a corresponding grin, and he leaned in to kiss her lips tenderly, and he pulled her closer as she kissed him back. After a moment, the man pulled away from their kiss while he placed a hand upon the side of her face and he lightly stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “I... I would never intentionally try to hurt you, my love. I’m so sorry, Miyo. I... I just hope... that you can forgive me.”

[Liamane]

"What do you mean Vincent?" Miyo asked a little worried. "Did you do something last night.... with Skye?"

"No...no, I could never betray you intentionally. I love you with all of my heart and all I could think about is you." Vincent replied with a sincere heart. "I feel as though something is going to happen between us and it's not good."

"Hey you two!" Skye called out. "Everyone else will wake soon. Did you want to start now?"

"Sure." Miyo replied simply. The couple looked at each other before walking inside and noticed plates and utensils on the table. "I hope you didn't mind Miyo but I took the plates and stuff out of the cupboard." Rian said holding a few. "I'll gladly help set the table or anything else."

"Thank you Rian that would be a big help to us." Miyo said with a smile. More and more thoughts entered the woman's mind as she started moving her way toward the kitchen with Vincent following close behind. "Hey Vincent, let the woman do the cooking." Rian said. "I'm sure that they know more about what they're doing than we do. Besides, we'll be in the way."

"In the way?" Vincent asked with confused look. "I don't think they would mind-"

"Don't worry about us Vincent. You go relax or better yet you can wake up everyone." Skye said smiling while pulling Miyo with her to the kitchen. Miyo, rather startled by Skye's actions, looked at her with a alert expression. "By the time everyone else is up and ready for the day we should be done."

Vincent and Miyo gave each other glances before going about their tasks and both gave a sigh. Skye looked at the connection the couple shared and turned her face away. "Too bad for Miyo and everyone else." Skye thought. "I want them to feel pain. I want them to suffer. ((I want them to die of AIDS. xDD)) Vincent won't be able to turn me down any longer and I'll have control over him."


_______________________________

"Hey Miyo are you done with the other stuff yet?" Skye asked pouring tea in the cups. "I have the tea right here and I'm sure that everyone is waiting now."

"I'm done too." Miyo replied putting sausage and bacon ((<33 bacon for mama lol)) on the same plate. "Let's start taking everything out now."

"Did you need any help?" Kikyo asked walking into the kitchen. "I can take some stuff out."

"Oh thank you Kikyo. Here have this." Miyo replied giving Kikyo two plates of meat. She then grabbed plates of food and followed Kikyo out. "I guess I'll bring in these bowls of rice and bread. You can get the others right Skye?"

"Of course Miyo I'll be right there." Skye replied with a big grin across her face. "Just give me a second and I'll be right out."

After the two other woman left out the kitchen. Skye took out the potion that was given to her not too long ago. "With this potion Vincent Valentine will be mine." Skye thought with a devilish grin. "After he drinks his tea, I kiss him, and say I the words, he'll belong to me."

[Liamane]

Naomi slowly stirred her tea, pondering whether to reveal to Miyo about Kohana's gift. On the one hand, it would allow much more freedom in the training, which Naomi knew would be rigorous for both herself and Kohana. However, from the way Ms. Kiro sounded, along with what happened to her during the fight with Ryo, she didn't think informing the group of such dangers would be wise. She looked at Kohana, bouncing where she sat. "I'm not sure Kohana is even ready for this.", Naomi thought to herself, "At least maturity wise."

----------------------------------------------------------

Axel stood, leaning against a stone wall. His arms crossed, he looked around inside of the temple, with stone idols, benches, and an altar, set atop a set of stairs. His foot tapped against the wall and small pebbles began to chip off, showing the structure's age. He sighed, and looked at the sundial, located in the center of the chamber, which was lit by the sunlight shining through a glass pane in the ceiling. Soon after, a roar erupted from a fire that lit in the center of the altar.

Axel got up from his position and said, "Finally, that took forever."

He walked up each of the stone steps and came to a halt shortly before he reached the shrine. He reached into his coat, pulling out a small green crystal, and held it in the flame. The crystal began to burn. The fire began to turn to a hard glass-like substance. Axel removed the crystal, as a fire appeared to be lit inside it and the fire on the altar turned a glossy green color. Axel continued past the altar to the wall behind it, where a mirror hung. He held the crystal before it and oddly, no reflection was shown. Soon after, the crystal began to fade from Axel's hand and began to appear in the mirror. When the crystal was completely gone, the mirror began to widen and as if a fog were lifted, the mirror was gone and an archway was shown.

Axel continued into the new pathway, saying aloud, "God, is that all that really necessary? In world where magic is so disapproved of, I don't think there's much of a need for smoke and mirrors, no pun intended."

He stopped speaking when he arrived inside large, dark room. At the end of the antechamber, were six pedestal seats, one empty and the rest were filled with dark figures.

Axel knelt before them and said, as if he was answering to an unasked question, "Oh, just ignore my previous words, oh great ones." He gave a slight chuckle before continuing, "I'm sorry sir, but there's a slight problem....."

[Liamane]

The Turk’s eyes intently darted about the food that was placed upon the table and a sudden grin crossed his face. Looking up to Miyo, who was placing a plentiful amount of rice upon the table, Vincent brightened and offered his beloved a delighted expression. “Everything looks wonderful, my love,” he said to his lover as Jiro entered the dining area. The man smirked and crossed his arms while the teenager promptly sat down at the table. “Glad you could join us. Would a ‘good morning’ be too much to ask from you?”

Jiro glanced at the man sitting across the table from him and he rubbed his eyes in reply. “G’morning,” the former spy grumbled after letting out a yawn. The teenager’s eyes widened after he looked at the food placed before him upon the table. “Heh, everything looks great, Miyo.” The young man then presented a small smile while his eyes wandered about the faces surrounding the table. Among the gathered people, Rian was seen sitting a few feet away from the Turk, which suddenly caused Jiro to raise a curious brow. His mind raced with several questions but he quickly shook them off as his appetite grew from the wondrous scents of Miyo’s cooking.

Vincent’s lover grinned as she sat down next to her beloved. “Why, thank you, Jiro,” the young woman replied while her smile broadened and Kikyo then took a seat next to the former Fuwa Spy. “I just hope everything tastes alright because I was in a bit of a rush.”

Kohana, who sat on the opposite side of Vincent, then let out a sigh and grabbed one of her utensils. “Can we eat now, Miyo?” the little girl asked, ready to take some of the ample bacon ((X3 heh heh heh)) that lie before her plate. “I’m starting to get huuungry.”

Peering over to her younger sister, Miyo gave the child a stern stare and she shook her head. “Not everyone is at the table yet, Kohana,” the young woman answered while turning her attention toward the kitchen. She looked over to Skye, who seemed to arranging the tea. “Miss Skye? Is there something wrong? Would you like some help?”

The young woman in the kitchen made note of the cup of tea at the far right side of the tray and she suddenly smirked. “Oh, no, everything is alright, Miyo,” Skye said timidly as she entered the dining area. Her devious smirk melted from her face and she offered everyone at the table a gentle, innocent smile. Jiro’s eyes widened while looking upon the young woman and he marveled at her striking features. Noticing him look at Rian’s sister, Kikyo then lightly smacked the young man’s arm, and he reluctantly looked away. Skye then began to distribute the tea to everyone, and she saved the special cup of tea for Vincent last. Beaming and holding out the particular drink, the young woman fluttered her eyelashes and widened her smile for the Turk. “Here, Vincent. I made this cup of tea just for you. I hope you like it.”

Rather hesitant and bemused by her actions, the man slowly took the cup of tea from Skye’s hands and set it next to his plate. “Thank you, Miss Skye,” he responded as Rian’s green eyes stared at him from across the table. The young woman grinned and then took a seat next to her brother. Rian’s sister then nudged her brother’s arm while nodding with a scheming smirk upon her face once more. Miyo, who was just as confused as Vincent, lowered her head as another thought of her lover and Skye’s relationship sprouted in her mind once more. Comforting her, the Turk lightly grasped his lover’s wrist, and as she turned her head toward him, he offered her a reassuring smile.

“Alright! Everyone’s at the table now!” Kohana rejoiced while placing food upon her plate. “Come on! We can all eat now!” Just seconds after speaking, everyone began to put food upon their dishes and they all began to eat. Both Skye and Rian looked at Vincent attentively during the meal, and the siblings were anxious to see the Turk drink his tea.

After a few minutes passed by, Miyo’s lover then placed his utensil down and he took his cup of tea. Widening her eyes, Rian’s sister was ready to say her words of enchantment, and her heart began to race from anticipation. Just as the cup was about to touch his lips, he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of Jiro’s voice. “So, Vincent!” the young man interjected as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Skye winced for a moment and her fists clenched in her lap. Jiro then continued. “Are we gonna do anything today? Y’know, any contests?”

Unknowingly delaying Skye’s plans, the Turk set his tea down and he looked over to the teenager. “Well, I was planning to spend the day with Miyo,” he replied while looking over to his beloved sitting next to him, which made Skye flare with even more jealousy. “If you don’t mind, Jiro, I would just like to be alone with my fiancé.” With a wide grin, Vincent Valentine winked at his beloved and then picked up his cup of tea once more.

After drinking a mouthful of his tea, Rian nudged his sister, and the young woman’s eyes grew. She then sprung from her seat and looked directly at the Turk. “'Stay with me, Mr. Valentine!” Skye shouted with a malevolent, delighted smirk, remembering the words described on the parchment. “Stay and love me as I will do the same!” Everyone at the table looked at her with both shock and surprise as the woman stared carefully at the man. Kikyo nearly choked on her tea. Jiro’s jaw dropped. Kohana's testicles descended. Miyo instantly looked over to her lover while her heart sank and she began to tremble. Vincent’s eyes widened and he instantly began to catch onto her idea.

Raging with annoyance, the Turk rose from his seat as well and his eyes thinned while they intensely glared at her with his red eyes. “Skye, I’ve had enough of your antics,” the man snapped as he tightened his fists. “I love Miyo, and I will always love her. There’s nothing you can do to change my mind, and there’s nothing you can do to make me love you. Do you understand me?” Letting out a sigh, Vincent lowered his head, and he gazed at his lover. His eyes lost their furious fire, and they become loving and passionate as they offered her his sincerity. He closed his eyelids and took a step backward before pushing in his chair. “Forgive me... I-I don’t know what came over me. Please, excuse me.” Without another word, the Turk turned around and walked to the door. After shutting the door behind him as he stepped outside, Vincent let out another sigh and began to walk over to the gazebo. It had been years since he was as angry as such, and he hated the terrible emotion that loomed about him.

Back inside the house, Skye finally settled down and sank back into her seat as a parallel anger to Vincent’s grew inside of her. “I don’t understand!” the young woman thought while lowering her head. “I did everything that the parchment said! I poured the potion in his tea! I said those words! Why isn’t he in love with me?!” Suddenly, a smirk then crossed the woman’s face as a thought passed through her mind. “But of course! I’ve yet to kiss him! Perhaps all isn’t lost yet. As soon as our lips touch, he will be mine. In the end, I will be the one that Vincent Valentine will hold dear.”

[Liamane]

Shocked as ever, Miyo's mind went completely blank before thoughts of her lover filled her mind. She looked over to Skye who was smirking and thinned her eyes at the woman who she aloud in her home. Skye noticed Miyo's glare and smiled spread even wider. "What the hell was that?" Jiro asked standing up. Everyone turned to him as he pointed to Skye. "Who are you anyway? How you get involved with Vincent?"

"Don't worry about that little boy." Skye said standing up as well getting slightly annoyed. By this time everyone was standing with emotions that were starting to come out. "This is between Vincent and myself."

"No! It involves all of us if it involves Vincent." Kikyo said raising her voice. "Isn't that right, Miyo? ... Miyo?"

Looking around for Miyo, everyone turned around to see that she left out to go after the Turk. Skye gasped as her eyes widened. "No!" Skye cried out as she started going to the back door. "Vincent is mine!"

"He's not yours!" Kohana yelled angrily grabbing Skye's arm pulling her back. "He's my brother and I don't want him with you!"

"Get off of me!" Skye yelled at the girl as the woman pushed her down to the floor. "I have no time for this."

Jiro and Kikyo became furious at Skye's actions and with swift movements, the ex-spy held Skye back while Kikyo helped Kohana up. Outside, Miyo took in a deep breath as she saw Vincent at the gazebo gazing out at the pond and the plant life and started walking toward him. "I know that it's been hard, Vincent." Miyo said softly. "But I'll be here for you forever. I'll never leave you whatever may happen."

[Liamane]

Letting out a sigh, Vincent Valentine’s eyes shimmered and glistened in the morning sun that reflected from the pond. He then turned his head over his shoulder, and the man offered his lover a gentle gaze. “I’m sorry for what happened before,” the Turk muttered as he looked back toward the scenery once more. “I hate getting angry. Back in my world, rage and frustration destroyed almost everything in existence. Even when I discovered that Lucrecia had been working with my father and was even associated to his untimely death, I was never angry and I never blamed her, not once. That’s why I let go of my emotions a long time ago. All feelings eventually lead to hatred, and hatred then turns to suffering.”

The Turk let out a sigh, and he turned around to face his beloved. The man offered his lover a warm smile, and he slowly placed his arms around her as he lovingly embraced her. “I love you, Miyo,” Vincent whispered softly while lightly kissing her forehead and holding her close to his body. “I don’t know what I would do without you... You’ve given me so much, and I’ve given you nothing in return. I can only give you my heart and my love, and I feel as though that’s not nearly enough to give.”

---

“...Well, if you would call it a problem, that is,” Axel continued, standing up from his kneeling position. The mage’s green eyes stared about gathered figures seated upon their pedestals, and a smirk grew upon his face. “I realize that they were sent to fulfill their duties, but I had no idea that your offspring would cause this amount of damage in our plan. Her actions seem to be making ripples in the Riyona Village.”

Suddenly, a dark figure from the left side extended their index finger toward the red haired man, causing all concealed eyes to change their gaze. “Lady Skye and Lord Rian are completely obedient,” the dark figure’s voice snapped in a shrill tone as everyone’s eyes shifted back to Axel, their leers hidden beneath shadow. “Their loyalty has been tied to us since the moment of their birth. Do you challenge the final, vacant position with your irrational lies?”

Axel stared at the empty seat amongst the occupied pedestals where the shadows were perched. “I assure you, I was just as shocked as you are when I discovered this valuable information,” he replied slyly, toying with their sinister minds. “Perhaps you will let me share my information. I believe it will prove of some... significance.”

The shadows froze in their seats while they lent their ears to Axel. Just as the information was ready to pass through the mage’s lips, a hand from a silhouette, seated in the middle of room, extended forth, instructing the man to be silent. The gathered members of the Circuit immediately switched their gaze to the tall, dark hooded figure, which appeared to bask in their excessive and undying attention. Slowly removing his hood, a man, who appeared to be of middle age, was revealed. His beard was even and in proper proportion, and his dark, raven hair was neatly short and crisp while his sideburns came halfway to his jaw line. His eyes matched his son’s, and the leader’s glare was as cold as ice. “I am certain that you are aware that Skye has proven most effective of her endeavors thus far, Axel,” Takun, leader of the Circuit, uttered slowly, making sure he pronounced each word clearly. A majority of the shadows bobbed their heads to nod in agreement while Axel simply stared keenly at his leader. “My daughter has never failed me before in the past, and I highly doubt that she will ever disappoint me.”

The red haired man then crossed his arms and smirked at Takun’s statement. “You would be surprised, sir,” he responded with a quick scoff while his smirk curled cunningly. “You have no idea...”

[Liamane]

"Rian do something!" Skye screamed out to her brother. Rian remained seated and looked up at his older sibling before getting up. "Let my sister go Jiro." Rian demanded. "She hasn't done anything to hurt anyone."

"What!? Are you blind or crazy?" Jiro said looking at Rian strangely. Skye instantly stepped on Jiro's foot and a cry of pain filled the room. As Jiro yelled out in agony, Skye rushed outside to see the two lovers together and jealously grew more inside of her. She remained calm as she walked up to Miyo and Vincent, who were highly upset that she showed up in front of them but didn't show it. "I hope this works" Skye thought. "Here goes nothing."

"I want to make things right by first saying that I apologize to you two for my behavior." Skye stated. "I was totally out of line and I know I can't take it back. I don't care how you see me but I didn't want my first impression to be like this. This isn't who I am. I only followed what my brother told me to do."

Vincent and Miyo gave Skye curious looks while Skye showed the same expression. "I don't understand." Miyo asked. "You did only what Rian told you to do? This whole thing is really odd because Rian doesn't seem that way. It's like I have this feeling that he has something in him that would make him do things but I'm sure he wouldn't do that. What did he tell you?"

"He said that I should act like this because I would get to know you all better." Skye said. "To be honest, I thought it was rather bizarre myself, but he gets like that around new people."

"You're both absurd," Vincent said bluntly, releasing Miyo from his grasp. "I don't know if I should believe you or not."

"What if we shook on it?" Skye said with a smile. She held out her hand and as Vincent placed his in hers, she quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her and kissed him. As Vincent kissed another woman, Miyo's body felt weak and her eyes widened.

"This can't be happening!" Miyo thought to herself as someone came behind her and covered her nose with a cloth. Her sight faded as she continued to watch her lover kiss another woman. "Vincent..." she whispered before blacking out. "don't..."

[Liamane]

As the potion began to affect Vincent Valentine and his thoughts, a sudden, captivating feeling overwhelmed the Turk. Kissing her lips in reply and wrapping his arms around the young woman before him, he felt his heart flood with love and desire while their bodies pressed against each other. Watching his sister and her newfound lover share their first kiss, Rian stood over Miyo’s unconscious body, and he smirked in delight, realizing that his older sibling was content. The new couple pulled away from their kiss after a moment, and, just as she had planned, Vincent felt himself fall deeper in love with Skye with each passing second.

He then brought his hand to her face, and the man began to gently stroke her cheek with affection. “Oh, Skye,” the Turk whispered to her as he looked deeply into her eyes, “my... my love.” Before Rian’s sister could utter a word, Vincent’s lips latched onto hers and he passionately kissed her once more. Placing her arms around his shoulders, the young woman was experiencing pleasure and enjoyment with her new lover, and she placed everything else in existence, including Miyo and her pesky family, at the back of her mind.

Reluctantly, Skye and her lover parted from their kiss, and the older sibling looked over to her brother. “Rian, take us home,” she said before gazing at her beloved and touching his face. “It’s about time that Vincent becomes acquainted to our new house. Don’t you agree, my darling?”

The Turk grinned and tightened his hold around his lover’s waist. “Certainly, my love,” he replied while his intensely passionate red eyes gleamed in the morning sunlight. “I’ll do whatever you want.” Turning his attention to Rian for a moment, Vincent looked down at the woman lying at the young man’s feet, causing his smile to melt into a frown. Sensing something disturbing him, Skye turned his chin toward her face, and he instantly regained his seductively pleasant smile.

The young man carefully stepped over Miyo and grinned as he came over to the couple. “Of course, my dear sister,” Rian answered while his beam broadened. “I would be glad to do anything for my exquisite sister and her lover. Come, the house is waiting for our return.” Snapping his right hand, a sudden aura of dark energy appeared and consumed the three adults, leaving the former, motionless lover of Vincent Valentine at the gazebo alone.

[Liamane]

"Miyo!" Kohana yelled at her older sibling. "Wake up Miyo please!"

"Wha-what?" Miyo responded in a groggy voice. Opening her eyes and blinking them a few times, the woman who passed out by the hands of Rian finally woke up. She sat up in her bed with Kohana standing in front of her and Jiro by the door. "What's wrong Kohana? How did I get in my bed?"

"You've been asleep for almost two days." Jiro spoke with sadness in his voice. "We're not sure about what happened but we found you at the gazebo unconscious and no sign of Vincent and the others."

"Vincent?" Miyo asked confused rubbing her temples. She tried to remember the events that happened a few days ago as she stood up but feeling uneasy she flopped back onto her bed. Regaining her memory Miyo, lowered her eyes and began to space out a little. Kohana sat down beside her sister as Kikyo came in holding a tray with tea and fruit. "So she finally woke up." Kikyo said placing the tray on the nightstand looking at Miyo. She then gave Miyo the cup of tea and smiled. "Miyo, this will make you feel a little better."

"Thank you." Miyo replied as she took a sip of tea. "What time is it now? Where's Vincent?"

"We were hoping that you would tell us." Jiro said as he balled a fist up. "We think that he left with Skye. Do you remember anything?"

"Well the last thing I remember was Skye saying that she loved Vincent." Miyo said as she regained her memory and tried to organize her thoughts. "No.. wait. I remember being outside with him but Skye pulled him away and kissed him!"

"What!?" Kikyo, Kohana, and Jiro said in unison. All three looked at Miyo who was near tears. As the girls comforted Miyo, Jiro left the room walking toward the front door. "Wait Jiro! Where are you going?" Kikyo asked as everyone left the room. "Don't do anything ridiculous! We need to take some time to figure this out."

"No we need to go get them now." Jiro said with anger in his voice. He opened the door and turned back to the girls. "I'll go see what's going on and then-"

"Kikyo's right." Miyo said cutting off Jiro. "I know you're doing your part to help but right now I'm sure Skye and Rian know that you are out there looking for him."

"But shouldn't we do that?" Kohana asked sadly. "I don't want Vincent with them. I want him with us!"

"Kohana we don't even know where he is now." Miyo said bending down to her level. "And we don't know where to start either so we need a plan to get him back somehow."

_________________________

"So what are our plans today?" Rian said sitting down in front of the new couple. "I was thinking that we go see father and update him about our current situation."

"No. We won't see father for a while." Skye replied as she brushed her hair. "His plans interfere with mine so his is on hold for now."

"I understand dear sister." Rian stated as he got up from his seat and walked to the window. He looked outside through the windows of the inn and saw the lively citzens being busy. "I made arrangements to have housing in this area so we need to gather our belongings."

"That's fine." Skye said as she nodded with approval. "Vincent you'll need some things as well."

Vincent looked down at his clothing, then looked around to see none of his belongings. "Whatever you bought to this world is now at the house." Rian said looking at him. "Your gun, your cape, everything."

"Thank you." the Turk replied staring at Rian with intense eyes. He then looked over to Skye and smiled. "I'll be looking forward to spend the rest of my life with the one I love, which is you Skye. I'll go where ever you go."

[Liamane]

Naomi looked at Tidus, eagerly awaiting his response. She wasn't sure what kind of reaction he would give after she revealed all of what she considered to be her darkest secrets to him. After all, it wasn't everyday that your love found out that you were a Magen; at least not in Riyona. Normally, she would never tell anyone her secret unless she could completely trust them with her life. Even though she loved Tidus with all of her heart, she knew that some of the feelings were someone else's. She didn't know how she knew, but she did. And no matter how strongly she believed she felt for Tidus, she knew that something wasn't right between the two of them and she couldn't completely trust him, in case he was involved. She hated that she felt this way, but she wasn't going to lie to herself about it. She wasn't a normally trusting person to begin with, but she felt Tidus needed to know. She had decided to tell him after pondering all morning during breakfast. She knew he would be more accepting than anyone else. And she felt she needed to tell someone. She considered it all to be practice for the main event, in her mind.

Tidus waited a moment, letting the information soak in. He began to reply, but halted his words, to nervous that his first question wasn't good enough. Finally, he asked the most reasonable question he could think of. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Naomi frowned, asking herself the same question. Why hadn't she told him? She had no reason to be ashamed, since he too, could use some form of magic. If anything she should had been excited to discuss her interests with another person, which was rare for her. She knew that part of the reason was because the fear she felt, thinking that her love towards him could indeed be false. "I guess...it's because I was scared. I mean, I hardly use my magic...it's very frowned upon here. There are witch hunters and people who seek our powers...I just thought you might react how anyone else would. Are you mad?"

"Never," Tidus announced proudly, comforting Naomi the most he could with mere words, "I completely understand why you hesitated. In a world such as this, if it is how you describe it, I would be scared as well. I think you did the right thing in telling me, but I also believe you weren't wrong in keeping it from me the way you did. But we have to promise to be honest about everything from now on. We don't want to feel like we have no idea who we are in love with, if that makes sense."

Naomi nodded, as Tidus continued, straining to form the right words, "When-- what will you tell Kohana?"

Another question Naomi didn't know how to answer. She finally just said what she thought was right, even if she didn't know if she would do it. "The truth..."

[Liamane]

As spring days slowly turned into weeks of summer in the Riyona Village, the flow of time seemed to slowly drift by as sunrise and sunset appeared to be an eternity. For the locals, every day was just as normal as the rest, but for one particular household, the situation was entirely different. Nothing was quite the same without the presence of Vincent Valentine. Even though an entire month had passed them by, Miyo, Kohana, Kikyo, and Jiro still felt the emotional scars of the Turk’s sudden disappearance. To their dismay, they had not gained any intelligence that led to his desertion, and while it seems that the others have almost given up, Vincent’s fiancé, Miyo, had not lost a single streak of faith, and she constantly prayed for his return. However, as time continually pressed on, her prayers seemed to be in vain.

Meanwhile, as Miyo and others grieve his disappearance, Vincent Valentine slowly opened his eyes to a new morning, totally unaware and oblivious to his former family. He drew in a long, quiet breath as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Although he looked the same, the Turk now sported noticeably shorter hair and he no longer wore his clothes he donned in Kalm. The man blinked and adjusted his blurred vision before gazing at Skye, his lover, his entire world, sleeping in the bed next to his body. He smiled and leaned over to kiss her lips lightly before sitting up on the side of their bed.

Vincent stood from the bed and walked over to the window of their bedroom to draw the curtains. Rays of sunlight penetrated the dark bedroom and cast a single beam upon Skye’s sleeping figure. The young woman stirred and let out a soft sigh as the Turk’s grin broadened. The man crept back onto the bed, and he then crawled on top of his lover. As she leisurely opened her eyes and smiled while gazing at his face, Vincent beamed in reply and affectionately kissed her upon her lips once more. “Good morning, my love,” he murmured softly while looking at her with his deeply ardent eyes. He lowered his head and kissed her lips with passion and desire as she kissed him back with equally intense love.

The couple detached from their kiss, and Skye ran her hands up and down her lover’s bare chest as a seductive grin grew upon her gorgeous face. Vincent let out a quick snicker before kissing her chin and moving onto her jaw line. “My, my, it’s barely morning and you’re all over me, Mr. Valentine,” the woman said with a laugh. She took her hand and ran it through his pleasantly short hair. “But then again, I can’t help but enjoy all of this wonderful attention.”

The Turk grinned and leaned in to speak into her ear. “Well, naturally, my love, you deserve all of this attention,” he whispered gently to her. “You’re a beautiful, loving, and amazing woman whom I’m madly in love with.” Vincent smiled and kissed her cheek affectionately. “Skye, you’re utterly perfect on the inside and out, and I’m lucky to spend the rest of my life with you.”

[Beebs]

As Naomi stood in the kitchen, she saw everyone but Kohana and Tidus were out in the garden. Apparently Tidus noticed this too, because he looked to Naomi, gave a smile, nodded, then left outside. Naomi knew this was the perfect time to talk with Kohana about the Academy and what it meant for her...even if it might not be the right thing to do, it had to be done.

((If we plan on making the story lasting 20 summtin pages, we need to be making shorter posts. xDDD))

[Siani]

Miyo looked up and around as she saw a clear sky and beautiful scenery of green forest. "Seems like today is perfect to do anything but I can't help but feel empty." Miyo thought as she gave a depressing sigh. "My love, where could you be? I hope you are doing ok."

"Perfect day, no?" a male voice said from a small distance behind Miyo. The woman turned behind to see Jiro with a half eaten apple. "I bet you want to get some real fresh air instead of staying in the house all day."

"But I do get fresh air." Miyo said with a tiny smirk. "I get it when I'm out here tending to the garden."

"Ah so you think you're smart now." the young man replied with a chuckle. The ex-spy took a bite of his apple and started to chew with his mouth open. "I don't mean here. I mean outside of the house and the garden completely."

"How about we go to the market today?" Kikyo asked grabbing Jiro's apple and taking a bite. "I heard that they have a new shipment of exotic items and food there. I'm sure that you'll love to go see what they have."

"No, I don't mind staying here." Miyo said looking back at the scenery again. Jiro and Kikyo looked at each other before grabbing Miyo's hands and pulling her toward out of the backyard to the front of the house. "Wait!" Miyo said trying to hold back. "What if I miss Vincent? He might come back!"

"Seriously, Miyo it's time that you realize that you don't live in a fairly tale." Jiro joked. Kikyo frowned as she hit him in the arm. "Don't listen to him Miyo." she said. "But you do need to get away from here. You haven't shown any real feelings ever since Vincent disappeared but getting out of the house will make you feel better."

"Alright! Just let go of my hands. " Miyo said giving up and showing a smile. The couple released the woman's hands as they smiled as well. "The weather is amazing so let's make the most out of it, ok?"