A City Story Beginning: The Partay... Chapter 1

[Misty]

"Hold up there, ladies and gentlemen," Mr Rodriguez's boomed across the commotion the dance floor had become. "Show's not over," he called. "Not over till the time it stops. Now, grab yourself another set of snacks and settle down as I introduce you to our next performer. Welcome Quinn Tesler!"

Odette tilted her head slightly as she glanced at the next girl that her dad gestured to. She was a really tall girl with her long black hair falling around her face like obsidian ribbons gleaming in the light.

The typical ideallic celebrity... Odette sighed. She had the body of a model, the face of a dancer, and the look of a singer.

Jealous? Odette checked herself. Yeah, she supposed she was somewhat jealous. She was too short to ever be considered for modeling, and she could never muster up the confidence to want to perform in front of one other person much less a crowd. But what would she want a celebrity life for? Paparrazi pests. Fake fans. Exposed essence. Secret society. Inescapable idolatry. Webbed worship. She would hate it.

[Anwen]

Gil sighed as Mr. Rodriguez announced Quinn. "I guess I'll have to talk to you later." He said to Ri. He walked to another seat, this time as close to the door as possible. Prepared to leave if this was a singer, and sang other things than what she wrote.
He looked closely at the performer. Was that..? Yup, it was. It was that girl from that TV show, Uniformity. He would have never watched that show if he had known that the girl would die, of all things, in a car crash. That episode had brought back fresh memories of Maria's death.

Bringing his mind back to the present, he scanned the room. He saw Odette in a veritable corner, and Aaron sitting with his lacrosse buddies. He was sitting next to a girl with dark brown hair and a scarlet dress(Dara).

[Hwin]

Ada clapped just as loudly as the rest of the room, if not more so. Although she normally stuck to her painting, since she was neither coordinated nor flexible, this girl obviously worked as hard as she could to preform such an amazing show. As the dance floor had started to become crowded once again, Ada thought it might be a good time to leave. But before she could take a step towards the door a mans voice, the same loud one as before, rung out through the crowded room announcing the next preformer. "Quinn Tesler..." Ada hummed to herself. "Where have a I heard that name before?" But before she could go on with her thoughts some nearby girls shrieked with eagerness. Ada leaned closer to catch some of their conversation.
"Its THE Quinn Tesler! Famouse singer, dancer and model!"
"Like I know right! Its like-like totally awesome!"
"I am totally her biggest fan!"

After a minute of this Ada had realized who Quinn was, and remembered seeing her in some magazine somewhere. But Quinn really was a hard person to forget. From her perfect slim frame, to her long silky hair.

[Lithium]

Quinn smiled sweetly to Adam after she heard her name called, "Looks like I'm up. I'll let you think it over with Ri."

She sauntered up the stage and grabbed a microphone. She looked out over everyone. She no longer had stage fright, but she always got the feeling that... that if she.. well. She tried not to think about it.

"Hey, guys! Its Quinn! Are you ready?" She shouted, "'Caused we're gonna get it started and make this party Lucky!"

She pulled the microphone off the poll and tapped her toe as the music began to rumble and the beat began to be tapped out. She was proud she didn't lip sing. She had no respect for those "performers" who did.

"Lucky to be here.
Cause I could be gone.
Lucky chance I've got this far
Cause I might have been done
for. Forgotten.
But no, I can't be
Cause I'm too... Lucky."

She launched into the chorus. Personally, she disliked the song. But she hadn't been writing her own songs when this came out. Besides, it wasn't too bad.

As the beat wound down to a low thump like the beat of her heart, she smiled then said the last Lucky and looked to the audience. She didn't care if there was applause. She didn't care if they booed her off the stage. She was there doing what she loved to do with... well, not her favorite songs. But she was Quinn and they would never change her.

She hid those thoughts with a bubbly smile and blew an air kiss to the audience. She felt fake, but the crowd ate it up.

[Toph]

Adam frowned harder and began searching for Ri again with his eyes. "We're not..." he began, but then he spotted her. She was alone. She had slunk off to some corner and was now again unnoticed. She watched he and Quinn, innocently waiting for him to go collect her. Altogether, Adam thought, she made a sad picture.

Was it his to decide? Ri could be somebody. With him, Ri could still become someone, but it would be much faster to go with Quinn. And study at an academy? Ri would probably die for the chance.

He wouldn't take the manager job. He needed to remain an unknown, and managers of Quinn Tesler were not unknown. His salary was already enough to support both he and Ri, and, though it would be nice to have a little spending money, they got along fine as it was. Besides, he was sure he would hate the job.

Mr Smith's voice broke into Adam's thoughts, and suddenly Quinn was gone.

Yeah... We'll think about it. He would tell Ri later that night and get in touch with Quinn by the next morning. If Ri wanted the offer, that was. If not, they would just melt away into nonexistance to Quinn Tesler.

~~~

Ri smiled. "Hey, Gil," she replied. "I'm-"

The man's voice interrupted her, and suddenly, Gillean was gone.

Smiling comfortingly to herself, Ri returned her gaze to Adam, waiting for him to come for her.

And he did. "Let's go, Ri," he said, taking her hand to lead her through the crowd that was now swaying to Quinn's voice.

They were nearing the door. Something hard suddenly found its way under Adam's shoe. He knelt down and picked it up, causing Ri to pause with him. A garnet earring? He looked around, but had no idea whose it could be. I'll return it to Mr. Smith and he can find the owner, he decided, heading for the man.

[Hwin]

Although the music was catchy, Ada knew her dad had asked her to return early. For whatever reason, she really had no idea. Getting up, she started for the doors which she had entered.

[Tinuviel]

Dara was amazed. I could tell that Ri would be good, but that was stunning! She lost sight of the dancer. I really have a lot of planning to do back home...No. This is my last party. I'm going to stay and enjoy myself. She remained seated as Quinn took the stage and smiled politely at the boy who sat down next to her. Dara loved music, but she tended to listen to music a little more off the beaten path than Quinn's.

[Misty]

Odette cocked her head as she listened to the words of the song. They didn't really make much sense to her. It wasn't a bad tune, but it also wasn't something she would want to listen to often. She preferred to listen to things that made sense to her and that she could relate with.

"Thank you for your attention," her dad spoke into the microphone. "The show is ended, and feel free to return to dancing."

A thud sounded from the speakers as someone disconnected the microphone, and the DJ jumped to his station, putting on another song. It wasn't quite dance worthy in her opinion, being the kind of song people might jump around to instead of flowing with a partner. But the cheer leaders pounced on it, jumping back into another line dance.

"Come on, Odette!" Chase jumped up off the couch, turning to grin at her. Falconer glowered at him. "Warm up now, because the next dance you're doing with me."

"I can't," Odette yawned. "I'm tired. What fun would that be?"

"I have enough energy for both of us," Chase replied. "Leading, you know I accell in; there will be no effort on your part."

"Thanks for the offer, but I really must decline." Turning towards the wall with the door that opened up into her parlor, she began to walk towards it.

"Oh, no you don't," Felix grabbed her arm. "You gotta have at least one dance tonight."

"Ay! Just give me a minute," Odette pulled on her arm, her face twisted into annoyance at her brother. "I gotta go to the bathroom."

"Fine," he consented, letting go.

"But when this song ends..." Chase added, waving his hand in the air to gesture towards the song.

Opening the door to her parlor, Odette stepped into the shadowy room, closing the door behind her to block out the flow of light. The room fell into utter darkness, and she didn't bother to turn on the light. She walked through her parlor, stepping around the ottomon, the butterfly chairs, the little side table without any difficulty; she knew this room better than she knew her own face. She padded up the stairs to the inner hallway, turned to the left and walked out across the hallway which was like a bridge over the room beneath. She could see everyone below, some dancing to the music, some heading for the door, others talking in circles. Stepping back off of the bridge across the living room, she opened the door on the right at the next corner.

A soft growl rumbled from the darkness within.

"Panchito," Odette purred, "mi amor, c'm'ere" The chihuahua poked his little brown head out from around the bed, oversized ears perked as he blinked at her with bright black eyes. He leaped out and loped towards her, putting his little front paws up on her shins. Stopping, Odette picked him up and cradled him in her arms. "I missed you tambien, mi amorcito." Pancho licked her cheek, his tiny pink tongue flashing, nudging her with his moist black nose.

A growl vibrated in the back of his throat as he nudged her ear. "What is it, mi chicito?" Odette lifted her hand to her ear to feel that he favorite black raven feather, obsidian stone hanging earring was gone. "Ay no, it must've fallen off!" The growl intensified as the talking downstairs grew louder.

Pancho wriggled violently, and Odette lost her grip, letting him fall to the ground. He landed on all fours and began dashing down the hallway before his paws even hit the ground. "Pancho, no!" She kicked her high heels off as she followed him down the stairs. He stopped at the base where she stooped to grab him back up. Rushing forward, he slipped out of her fingers and ran across the floor, zig zagging in and out among people as he sniffed at the ground, people's feet, and their legs. He paused towards the other end of the floor and looked up, drawing his lips back to show his tiny white teeth as he growled at his target. "Oh no..." Odette moaned as she stumbled towards him, pushing to get through people. "Pancho..."

[Toph]

Adam stopped midstride. "What the-?!"

Ri made a small squealing sound and leapt back from him as a small dog attached itself by the teeth to his pant leg.

Before Adam could think better of the move, he kicked his leg. He regretted it as soon as his leg began to move. But, to his relief, the dog was still safely attacked to the cloth. Adam almost smiled. He had needed new pants anyway.

Ri shivered beside him as she cautiously approached. "Is this anyones' dog?" she asked, her voice almost trembling.

Adam knew she was afraid of dogs, no matter what their size, if they attacked. If they were friendly, she was completely fine, but at the first sign of viciousness Ri was usually frozen in fear. In this case she didn't seem as afraid as usual, probably because it was only a small dog. A chihuahua, Adam recognised. It was pretty cute, but its attacking him lessened its appeal just a bit in his mind...

[Misty]

Odette knelt and grabbed onto Pancho, wrapping a hand around his ribs. With the other she pinched his muzzle, shoving her fingers into the edges of his mouth as she disconnected his teeth from the guy's pants. She gave his muzzle a sharp squeeze of punishment as she stood. Pancho accepted the punishment soundlessly, and Odette could tell that he was aware she was dissatisfied with him and he was remorseful. Odette adjusted her hold so that she cradled him in her arms like a baby to keep him somewhat calm. He relaxed in her arms, though she didn't loosen her grip; he wouldn't be getting away from her again.

"Sorry," she said politely. "He... Tends to be a little demon sometimes, but he's really a good guy."

You should be ashamed of yourself, amorcito, she scolded him affectionately, as she pressed her lips to the top of his head, brushing them across his forehead. She wasn't really mad at him or ashamed of him. At least one thing legitly cared enough about her to put itself in harm's way to protect her without thought of gain for itself. She wasn't sure what it was Pancho was finding wrong with this guy, but there must've been something; Pancho typically didn't embark from his castle, journey down the corridor, and scurry through the house to get as someone for nothing.

[Anwen]

Gillean applauded with all the others as Quinn finished her song. It wasn't a great song, and he had never believed in luck, but he did believe in being polite. At least she didn't make him think of...
No! He thought to himself. I don't care if I do think about her! Thinking about her alive and happy is better than never thinking of her at all. I will dance and think about Maria! After this silent outburst in his head, Gillean got up and decided to finish his conversation with Ri. He looked around and saw her about to leave. He had begun to walk towards her when out of nowhere a little chihuahua latched onto her companion's pant leg. Gil paused as he watched the scene unfold.

The tiny dog held on with all its strength to the tall teen, even when kicked. Gil watched as Odette came after rushing though the crowd, and scooped the small dog up. So Odette has a dog... As she exchanged a few words with the young man, Gil returned his attention to Ri. Hurrying over, he immediately began apologizing. "Hey, Ri, sorry I didn't give you a chance to answer earlier. Will you forgive me for leaving you in the lurch?" He turned his deep blue gaze on her eyes.

[Toph]

Ri started with surprise, then smiled back at him. "Sure, don't mention it. It happens all the-"She stopped midsentence. What an embarrassing thing to say! "Don't mention it," she repeated with a solid smile.

~~~

"I believe it," Adam replied, meeting her black eyes. He thought about giving the chihuahua a pat, but its bared teeth changed his mind.

He watched as the hispanic (/mexican/whatever she is, sorry) girl retreated. She was wearing a morbid black and the dress really wasn't much to look at for a royale, but she made it pretty, he thouht. He did really like her choice of jewelry. It was simple and appealing to him, with black feathers and garnet...

Adam looked down at the earring in his hand. She was missing one, but the one she did have looked exactly like his!

"Hey, wait a minute," he called after her, holding the earring out like an offering. "I think-well, is this yours?" He might have blushed, but thank goodness his body didn't seem to have the ability. He had stuttered! He looked in her black eyes again and felt even more embarrassed.

[Misty]

Peeps, technically, she never left. But it's all good. Just for future, please no controlling her outside of what I tell her to do.

Odette, paused when she heard his voice call after her, embarressed that she had so rudely started retreating in the first place. She had no idea what got into her; it was the guy!-the tall guy with the slick blond hair that had been secretly intermingling with her dad!

Estupido!She had so many questions for that mystery, so many things she wanted to figure out about him, yet she'd chickened out and blamed it on Pancho. Ay, Pancho... She loved him, but sometimes he did manage to be a little bit of an embarressment. Not very often, seeing as she seldom had anyone over at her house, but the one time he had an opportunity to, he had pounced on it.

Turning back around, Odette walked back towards him, vaguelly aware of the fact that she was barefoot and hated being barefoot around anyone even though most girls were out of their shoes within the first five minutes of a dance. She looked down at his hand, and her lips curved into a mild excited smile as her eyes shown with gratification. "It is!" She answered as reflexively fingered her earringless earlobe. "It's actually my favorite pair." Gently taking the earring back so as not to seem grabby, Odette slipped it back through the hole in her ear. Pancho's tense body relaxed, and he looked up at the newcomer now, nose twitching as his big black eyes joined Odette's to scrutinize the guy.

He was tall, though not quite as tall as Alex's friend Gillean, but he was more intimidating all the same. There was something about his countenance. He seemed so serious, so silent, so cool-headed, like he was some sort of leader or could easily become one. And there was something different about him... He was down to business. His focus wasn't on miniscule things and the enjoyment of the moment. He had... a mature countenance about him. That was strange to find, almost foreign.

Odette raised her eyes to meet his green-eyed gaze, looking as though there was something in there that she could search for, a mystery that she could figure out. It didn't offer much.

"I've never seen you around before," She stated the obvious fact that was tormenting her mind. "What position do you play?"

[Anwen]

It happens all the time? Is that what she was about to say? Gillean was pretty sure it was. How would it happen all the time? She seemed a nice enough girl. "Where do you live?"

[Tinuviel]

Dara glanced at the clock. 11. Well, the entertainment's over, and the only person I've spoken to all night has been whisked away. I don't see any reason not to head home. Adara weaved through the crowd towards Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez and thanked them for the party. She scanned the room one last time, as if she was giving it one last chance to welcome her. Nothing.

What more can I expect from a room of strangers? She took her wrap from the gracious attendant and began walking home on the safe streets of the Royale quarter.

[Toph]

"I..." Ri thought about it for a moment. "You wouldn't recognize the neighborhood..." She offered.

~~~

Adam had expected the question, and he had rehearsed an answer, but now it was stubbornly avoiding his mind. "I don't play on your team." Adam mentally smacked himself. Now she would ask why he was here! And he had no idea what to say!

[Misty]

Odette cocked her head. He wasn't involved in lacrosse in any way, yet he was talking to her dad about something. Music? No! They wouldn't have had to leave the room! Wait a minute... He didn't play on "your" team. That meant that he didn't play on her team, but perhaps he played on a different team.

So, that answered that. Now came the next part. His name, of which she still didn't know. She opened her mouth to ask-

"Odette, come on!" Before Odette even realized what was happening Chase whisked her away. He pulled Pancho out of her arms, and a growl rose in his throat. "Uhh-Here!" He shoved her chihuahua at Felix. "You take it." Then he took her hand, put his other one on her waist, and began moving to the beat of the music.

Odette glanced back towards the door, her black eyes regretful. Then Chase swept her attention back to him as he skillfully whisked her around the floor. He twirled and guided her as he went, both with ease and a natural feel.

[Hwin]

Ada pulled her long party coat farther around her. A chilly breeze whisked her hair around her face and she fell silent. Only a few elderly couples walked along the wide walkways. Looking farther up ahead, Ada noticed a figure, what she desided must be that of a girl. Walking a bit faster, she quickly noticed it was one of the guest at the party. She, from what Ada could see in the dark, had curly hair and was wearing a party dress. Walking by her side, she smiled at the girl. "Hello, I believe I saw you at the party. I'm Ada Mightson." She held out her hand for a friendly shake.
(Forgot to mention that I was talking about Adara.)

[Tinuviel]

Dara heard footsteps behind her and jumped a bit. The Royale streets were usually quiet at such a late hour. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a blonde girl who looked like she was trying to catch up with her. I should probably slow down.

The girl introduced herself as Ada. Dara stopped and shook her hand, smiling that someone had noticed her at the party. "Nice to meet you Ada. My name is Adara Talaith...but call me Dara. You're right--I was at the party. I have to say I almost jumped out of my skin hearing footsteps behind me! I know the streets are safe enough, but I still get a bit nervous at night." She smiled warmly at Ada. "Do you want to walk together until we have to head in different directions? I always tell my parents that they shouldn't bother picking me up from parties, but I miss the company."

[Toph]

Adam was relieved to see Odette go. But, as he watched her for a moment as she danced with the Royale that had pulled her away, he found himself a bit disappointed as well. Stop that, his thoughts ordered and he pushed his feelings aside.

Where was Ri now? There she was, talking to another Royale! Why couldn't she just be as invisible as she was on the streets? No one ever noticed Ri on either Royale or Subterrean streets. It was part of the reason Adam was able to keep her. But that might all change soon, he remembered sulkily, thinking of Quinn.

"Excuse me," Adam cut in smoothly. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Ri and I gotta get going." He took Ri's hand and bowed slightly to the Royale. Would they ever get out of that party?

[Misty]

Odette decided to forget resisting to move and flowed easy with Chase, no longer making him put any pressure against her to move her. She had the ability to move fast, far, and easy; she couldn't be a cheer leader otherwise. She was just being stubborn, she supposed. But Chase was right; he made dancing easy on her. The song drew towards an end, and cleverly, Chase pulled her into a tight wound up twist against his chest, both their arms wrapped around her, and unwound her into an enjoyable spin.

Rewarding him with a smile, Odette turned away. He had been trained well with his charm and his conduct. Always end the dance in a spin to keep the girl on a good note and wanting more. He had it down like a school subject. Test? Odette judged, A+.

"See ya tomorrow," Chase said with a little habitual wave.

"Dude!"

"Man, she had fun," Chase's voice, no longer directed at her but hissing towards someone else. "Be jealous," he sang.

Odette sighed. 'Be jealous.' Because that was what it was all about wasn't it? Kindergarden. Elementary school. High school. Life. 'Be jealous...' Wasn't that all that ever mattered? Possessions. Money. People. 'Be jealous...' Wasn't that what made a difference in the world? Status. Success. Publicity. 'Be jealous...'

Whistling, Odette grabbed a chocolate chip cookie as she passed by the snack table and continued, walking up the stairs. Pancho's ears perked at the whistle, and he wriggled out of Felix's arms, came to her side, and accompanied her as she went. Back to her room. Back to the cave. Back to solitude where she belonged, alone with Pancho, her poetry, and her bed.

[Misty]

"You better be hyped for practice," Chase thudded Felix's back with mock seriousness to snag his attention. "Coach didn't look too happy after that last game." He tightened his lips as he gave Felix a stern look.

"Coach didn't look happy," Felix added, "He looked thrilled. See ya, man," Felix grabbed Chase's hand in a firm hand shake, pulled Chase into a chest bump, and thudded him in the back with his other hand as Chase returned the action.

"Ladies," Felix nodded in acknowledment with a charming half smile, practiced with perfection to the peek. "Thanks for coming." The link of cheer leaders grinned at him and tried to squeeze through the door, two and a half at a time, not breaking their link.

Jessica strutted up behind them, her mouth open and eyebrows furrowed in something Felix judged must be meant to mean, 'Whaaa? That's all you've got for the head cheerleader? I deserve more than that, and you know it.' "Goodnight, Jessica," Felix said, leaning over to give her a parting hug. He knew she actually wanted a kiss, but she would have to be happy with what she got because that was all she was getting.

"Goodnight, Felix," she purred, giving him a quick peck on the cheek and then ducking through the door.

"Man," Trent hissed as he came up beside Felix. "Put in a good word for me with your sister, would'ja."

"What?" Felix gave him a mock surprised look. "You don't think your excellent charm was working on its own? 'Quiero bailar con me?' Dude, here's my advice: don't speak to my sister in Spanish if you're gonna speak it wrong. Mistake number two: 'Get up! We're gonna dance whether you wanna or not!'" He was open to giving Trent, however spoiled and stupid he was, a little advice. He was open to giving anyone advice. But it was up to them to take that advice and work with it. They had to fix their own problems. If he spent his time fixing everyone else's, he would be overrun. Besides, Odette didn't like him at all; he might as well just give up.

Trent scowled in reply, black eyes burning with firey pits, and stomped out the door.

"Thanks for... coming..?" Felix said, mostly to himself.

"Don't pay attention to him," Falconer laughed as he came up to Felix, not that Felix needed anyone to say that. Trent was another droplet that fell on the glass of his windshield and either ran off and dried up and went right back where he came from.

"See ya at practice, man." Felix did the same with Falconer that he had done with Chase, an important symbolism of their brotherhood and comradeship. They were brothers in combat, comrades in war. This was their fight, and they faught it together.

Felix closed the door behind the last guest and turned back to look at the empty room. The giant floor, with all the couches back up against the walls, had seen too small earlier, but now it seemed too empty. There was nothing to break the emptiness and show that there had been life in this empty room except plates and cups left out of place, food, and decorations ascew.

The DJ's back moved behind the table as he came back into view while he bent over, messing with the sound system.

The maid finally came forth from the heart of the rest of the house to begin straightening up the room.

Bounding up the stairs two at a time, Felix left the lonely floor behind.

[Hwin]

"Yes, thanks. I'm the same way...usually my mom would come and walk back with me-." Ada found herself cutting short, unable to grasp what words to use. "Untill she died last year." She blinked away the tears that stung her blue eyes. Ever since her mother had died she had never ben fully able to express her feelings towards anyone, partly because her father seemed to stay away from the subject. "Anyways...I really miss her." she finished off, finding herself at the edge of her drive. "Well, I really must be going. It was nice to meet you, and I hope I might see you sometime later." Smiling back at Dara, she started up the steep walkway leading to the Mightson home.

[Anwen]

Boy was he brusque! Gil thought as he walked out to his car and drove home. I wonder if I'll have a chance to speak to Odette again...

(Just wrapping up here)

[Tinuviel]

(I'm sick and don't have the energy to write at the moment, but consider Dara to be safely at home, ready to start day 2.)