Ultimate Multi-Fangirl's Realm

As the title says, this is a work of Fanfiction from another Fanfiction. A Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle Fancfiction centered on the couple KuroFai. This fic is inspired by ALL THAT I AM by ROXIE ARCHER whose awesome fic made me all squeal and angsty. I suggest you to go straight to http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5385137/1/All-That-I-Am and read her brilliant work first. Or else this fic might not make any sense. I made this fic around chapter 1-3. Dunno if I want to make more of it yet. Roxie's work on ALL THAT I AM are just too amazing I can't help but feeling angsty myself while writing this. Kyuuun~

Well, disclaimer and all, you know I don't own TRC 'cause if I do, it will all be KuroFai-centric with angsty dejected Fai and the usually amazing Kuro-pon. Enjoy~ 

>>>>>*<<<<<

The first night we shared a room, I thought he would collect his ‘payment’ right away. After we dined, he said that I shouldn’t ask for the change because he would throw it for a motel room. Oh, of course, I thought. A man like him needs to be satisfied.

When we reached the room I hurried for the bathroom. I felt filthy and I guess he wouldn’t like it. I emerged from the bathroom and found him lying asleep on our single bed. I huffed, at least like this I can take control.

I straddled him and started the warm ups when his eyes suddenly opened wide and he shoved me away with a curse.

I was ready to bump onto the hard floor. Perhaps I did something he doesn’t like so he shoved me away. But I didn’t feel the pain from being thrown out of bed. Instead, pair of strong arms gripped mine, holding me secure.

I was dumbstruck for a moment and he started shouted at me, asking what the hell was I think I was doing. Of course I answered honestly, for I was still confused and didn’t understand a thing. He grunted and said that he didn’t want ‘that shit’. I was getting more and more confused, I asked him then why he ordered only one bed. He answered that it was the only one left so I have to go with it, like it or not.

I was really, genuinely, confused. I said that I don’t want to owe anyone anything. He said that I don’t. He told me to shut it and go to sleep. He rolled to the other side of the bed and tried to sleep. He did after a while.

But I, wide awake with face against the wall, could not find the luxury to doze off to sleep at all. I was tracking back to what he was saying, trying to figure out this man who was asleep next to me.

He was really like a dog, always barking and growling and never acts gentle. He said he didn’t want it and acted like it disgusts him. He shoved me off him then held my arms so I didn’t thrown off of the bed. He shouted curses to me then said that I don’t owe anything and that I have to go to sleep.

Slowly, a smile curled on my lips, “You... are so mean...”

I felt hollow.

>>>>>>>>>>>

The second night we shared a bed, he still didn’t touch me.

That time I knew for real that the motel only had one bed-one room for I was standing next to him when he almost declined the offer.

I assumed it was the box of luck doing.

I bathed again, this time for the sake of doing it and I enjoyed it.

My mind kept drifting towards the other man behind these walls doing soundless who-knows-what. Possibly sleeping again.

By impulse, I called him. To my surprise, he made a sound of acknowledgement. I blurted the first thing in my mind; I asked him to wash my back.

He growled some curses and I faked a laugh. Stupid, stupid, I scolded myself. Why would he wash my back? We’ve known each other for only a few days and he always looked so annoyed around me. I didn’t know why but it made me feel slightly more hopeless.

I shook my head and tried to clear the things in my head. I decided that drown it in the water for a few moments might help.

I didn’t know how long I was drifting between consciousness in the water when something strong pulled me out from the water and into consciousness. I gasped and tried to make out my surroundings. It was him.

He growled and shouted some things I couldn’t really hear. His grip on my arms was very strong and I complained softly to him. He snapped out from his rage and loosened his grip, but it stayed on my arms.

He asked what was I doing, and I said I was rinsing my hair. Smart me, always find excuses.

I tried to light up his anger again and told him that while he was here, he should wash my back nevertheless.

To my surprise, he really did. With a few grumbles he took the cloth from my hand started to wash my back in calming circles.

Again, I was dumbstruck.

I curled myself and tucked my chin on my knees.

He stayed in the same bed as me and he didn’t touch me. He harshly rejected my offer and then came to do it with such gentle touches. He disapproved almost everything of me and he came barging in because he is worried.

Was it all true, now, before? Was it only me?

Why do you have to be so hard to understand?

>>>>>>>>>>>

He didn’t sleep that night.

I was hardly asleep too so I noticed. I latched my arms around him so he wouldn’t go anywhere. So he couldn’t go anywhere.

I had a feeling that he would leave me soon and I didn’t want it.

I said to myself that that was because I was still had quite a long way to go.

I know I lied. It’s my job to pretend anyway. Even to myself.

I did make him stayed until morning. He tried to get off me a few times at night, but I guess he didn’t try too hard. Or maybe I was just stubborn.

At 6 in the morning however, I guess he had enough. He tried to pry me off, a little more with force then, but still not strong enough to actually hurt me. I could try harder, but then he would notice that I was awake all along.

I watched him slid off the bed and snatched his duffel bag from the slit of my eyes.

That’s it, I thought. He is going to leave me. Our journey ends here.

I didn’t know why but my chest ached.

When he left our room I stayed in my position on the bed. My eyes opened and I stared at the ceiling. I didn’t really understand what I was expecting. I know that this would happen eventually. It’s just the matter of time.

An hour later, when I already getting off the bed and finished my bath, the knop of the door moved. I thought that maybe the motel servant was going to clean up the room already. The words to ask the person to wait a moment were on the tip of my tongue.

When I saw that it was no servant.

It was him.

I must be looked shocked because he growled and threw me a paper bag. He said it was a proper meal for breakfast. He also brought me coffee and a bunch of creamer. He said he didn’t know what I like and I will just be bitching about it later if he doesn’t get it so he did.

I took the bag gratefully. He was so good to me and I couldn’t help it but feeling warm.

He was still grouchy and mean, but the thought of leaving him still made me unhappy.

Even though I know I would have to leave him. Even though I knew he wasn’t the one for me.

I couldn’t help it but drawing nearer to him.

>>>>>>>>>>>

I know he wanted to go straight to California. I know that he wouldn’t want any more delay. I know that he is annoyed by me that always whining around him. I know he hated it when I made him lose control and attracted other people’s attention. I know he could see right through me.

And yet, I still did. I still hung around him, clinging onto him, forcing him to do things he didn’t want to.

But it wasn’t entirely my fault. Really, it wasn’t.

It was also his fault that he gave up being dragged around by me. It was also his fault for not forcing me with his strength to go with his way. It was also his fault that he enjoyed the moment we walked into the Japanese culture section. It was his fault he showed me things he fond of and explained it with such seriousness. It was his fault he took my wrist and dragged it so gently to follow his lead to the next display. It was his fault that I paid more attention to his face, to the way he talked, to the different tones in his voice, rather than what he explained.

It was entirely his fault.

>>>>>>>>>>>

At first I like the cafe. It was nice, clean, and it has cosy outdoor tables. It lifted my dropping mood a little.

But not anymore.

Instead, the cafe then made my mood worsened.

I was babbling about the surroundings, and that this cafe might even be considered romantic and on and on and on, when I realized that he didn’t pay any attention.

Sure, he never looked at me whenever I talk. He was rarely even look at me.

But I always know that he listened to me, even if he hated it, even if he only half listening.

And now he didn’t listen. At all.

He was busy keeping his gaze on something besides us. I followed his gaze and spotted what, or more specifically; who, had caught his attention away from me.

I gritted my teeth and almost sure I could hear it clatter. But of course, said man didn’t even notice. His gaze was fixed to the wispy-platinum-blondie with glasses next to our table.

That guy is cute, awfully so. He also seemed good-mannered, and polite. A hundred percent different from me.

I took a breath and pressed my insignificant feelings away. I would not loose. I would not show weakness. I would not let him see what he can do to me.

After all, he was no one to me and I am no one to him.

He was not my fairy tale.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Trent

Trent mengalihkan perhatian chimera selagi Alan memapah Lee menjauh. Di ujung matanya dia melihat si gadis kecil Arabella justru menjauhi Lee dan Alan.

Gawat, kalau dia sendirian seperti itu bisa bisa justru dia diincar lagi, pikir Trent.

Akhirnya, Trent memutuskan untuk mengambil pisau lemparnya yang terakhir dan, setelah membidik dengan seksama, melemparkannya ke wajah si chimera.

Lemparannya tepat. Si chimera meraung kesakitan dan memberikan waktu yang cukup bagi Trent untuk menyambar lengan Arabella dan separuh menyeretnya menuju daerah hutan kecil di taman.

Arabella memekik saat Trent menariknya.

“Diamlah kalau mau selamat.” geram Trent. Dia sering tak tahan dengan anak perempuan. Mereka terlalu banyak merengek.

Namun Arabella berhasil menahan mulutnya dan dengan terseok mengikuti kecepatan lari Trent.

“Apa kau bisa memanjat?” tanya Trent di sela napasnya.

Arabella mengangguk dengan susah payah. “Bagus, aku ingin kau memanjat setinggi tingginya dan apapun yang terjadi, jangan turun. Jangan turun kecuali kau melihat chimera itu hancur jadi debu atau salah satu dari kami menyuruhmu turun, mengerti?”

Arabella masih terseok dan terengah sembari mengikuti langkah Trent.

“Apa kau mengerti?!” Kali ini Trent mengencangkan pegangannya sedikit.

Arabella menggigit bibir dan berusaha mengangguk.

“Bagus. Sekarang, panjatlah gadis kecil, cepat.”

“B-Bagaimana denganmu?...” tanya Arabella pelan.

Ujung bibir Trent terangkat sedikit. “Aku akan memberi chimera sialan itu pelajaran.”

Trent lalu berlari lagi menuju ke arah sungai. Si chimera segera menyadari gerakannya dan berlari meraung ke arahnya.

Dengan gemetar Arabella memanjat, berdoa semoga anak lelaki tinggi itu baik baik saja.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Alan

Oh Hermes yang agung, Zeus, Apollo, siapapun kalian yang di atas sana kumohon bantulah kami, pikir Alan panik.

Alan membaringkan Lee di sofa rumah Arabella. Edith yang sudah cukup pulih dari shocknya membawakan kain dan batu es untuk mengompres Lee yang suhu tubuhnya naik dengan drastis.

Alan mengeluarkan belati kecilnya dan mulai menyobek kaus yang dipakai Lee. Sobekan kaus itu digunakannya untuk mengikat daerah sekitar gigitan agar racunnya tidak menyebar. Dilihatnya bahu Lee sudah mulai membengkak, efek samping dari tubuhnya yang melawan keberadaan racun itu.

Alan merogoh tasnya dengan panik, separuh mengutuki ayahnya yang merupakan dewa obat obatan namun tidak menurunkan kemampuan itu padanya sama sekali.

“Alan...?” gumam Lee, nafasnya tidak beraturan. “Kurasa aku akan muntah.”

“Kemarilah nak, ini, keluarkan saja semuanya.” Edith mengulurkan sebuah kantong pada Lee, mengusap usap belakang lehernya dengan lembut.

Alan akhirnya berhasil mengeluarkan ambrosia yang mereka simpan untuk keadaan keadaan genting saja. Karena biasanya Lee mampu menyembuhkan luka sehari hari mereka, ambrosia biasanya tidak dibutuhkan. Namun karena saat ini sang penyembuh yang terluka parah...

“Lee, cepat makan ini.” Alan berusaha memasukkan potongan potongan kecil ambrosia ke mulut Lee. Lee nampak kesulitan untuk memroses makanan para dewa itu ke dalam tubuhnya, namun dia berhasil.

Bahkan ambrosia pun membutuhkan waktu untuk mengeluarkan racun dari tubuh seorang demigod. Lee sementara ini harus bertahan dengan rasa sakit yang dideritanya.

Alan tergoda untuk memberikan lebih banyak ambrosia, namun dia memutuskan bahwa itu bukan pilihan yang bijak. Dia tak ingin Lee secara harfiah terbakar karena memakan terlalu banyak ambrosia.

Alan mengecek nadi Lee dan mendesah lega. Setidaknya detak jantungnya sudah mulai normal. Ambrosianya sudah mulai bekerja ke di tubuh Lee.

“Apa dia akan baik baik saja?” bisik Edith dengan khawatir.

“Ambrosianya sudah mulai bekerja, dia harus bertahan selama beberapa jam dalam keadaan yang tidak menyenangkan, tapi dia akan baik baik saja. Dia kuat.” Ujar Alan, separuh meyakinkan dirinya sendiri.

Di saat keadaan Lee sudah mulai menunjukkan kestabilan seperti ini, pikiran Alan melayang pada Trent. Bagaimana keadaan pemimpinnya itu sekarang? Bisakah dia mengatasi chimera itu sendiri? Alan tahu Trent tangguh, bagaimanapun juga dia putra dewa perang. Namun, apakah Trent cukup tangguh untuk menghadapi chimera itu sendirian...?

>>>>>>>>>

Trent

Baiklah, pikir Trent. Pikirkan kemampuan yang sudah hilang dari chimera; dia sudah tidak punya ekor ular berarti minus gigitan beracun, aku melempar pisau dengan tepat ke mulutnya jadi mustahil dia bisa mengeluarkan api, dan aku juga sudah menggores wajahnya sedikit sedikit. Jadi bisa dikaakan kalau aku hanya berhadapan dengan singa biasa saja saat ini. Yup, singa biasa sebesar bison dengan bokong kambing.

Seberapa sulit sih mengalahkannya?

Trent tidak tahu. Ini pertama kalinya dia menghadapi seekor chimera. Dia juga belum pernah mendengar kisah para pahlawan yang mengalahkan chimera. Tentu saja dia bisa mengenali chimera, tapi cara mengalahkannya, itu yang jadi pertanyaannya.

Senjata yang dipegangnya saat ini hanya sebuah tombak. Dia bisa saja melemparkannya dari jauh, namun kemungkinan dirinya bisa menghabisi chimera itu dengan satu serangan... nyaris mustahil. Dan saat tombaknya terlempar dan berada di luar jangkauannya, habislah kesempatannya menyerang.

Itu artinya dia harus mengambil resiko menyerang dari dekat. Dengan konsekuensi taring taring besar si chimera akan berada sangat dekat dengan lehernya.

“Yah, sekarang atau tidak sama sekali.” Gumam Trent. Dia tak punya banyak pilihan. Jika dia ingin melindungi kedua demigod yang sudah dianggapnya sebagai adiknya sendiri itu, dia harus melakukan ini. Bagaimanapun hal ini terlihat seperti serangan bunuh diri.

Trent memutar mutar tombak di tangannya dengan lihai. Mengamati monster yang nampaknya sudah dapat mencium bau demigod-nya dan berderap ke arahnya.

Monster itu cepat, meskipun ukurannya raksasa, piker Trent. Satu lagi keuntungan untuk si monster.

Trent tahu bahwa dia hanya punya satu kesempatan. Hanya ada satu jalan untuk mengalahkan monster ini. Dan untuk itu, dia berdoa pada ayahnya, sang dewa perang.

-----

Sang chimera sudah berada di dalam jangkauan lempar tombaknya, namun Trent tahu bahwa chimera itu terlalu cekatan dan pintar untuk bisa dilukai dengan satu lemparan tombak saja. Dia harus menggunakan taktik. Dan hanya ada satu taktik yang dapat dipikirkannya untuk mengalahkan sang chimera.

Trent menyiagakan tombaknya saat chimera makin mendekat. Makhluk itu seolah menyeringai saat mencermati Trent.

‘Demigod tolol.’ Terdengar suara sengau dan berat. Untuk sesaat Trent tidak menyadari siapa yang berbicara. Namun saat melihat mulut singa sang chimera bergerak sadarlah ia bahwa itu adalah suara sang chimera. ‘Kau memilih tempat yang buruk untuk serangan terakhirmu. Apakah kau sudah begitu putus asa hingga kau hanya memikirkan untuk memberikan waktu agar teman teman kecilmu bisa kabur?’

Trent melirik ke belakangnya. Apa yang dikatakan chimera itu memang benar. Beberapa langkah di belakangnya terdapat aliran sungai yang cukup deras, Trent takkan bisa melarikan diri lewat sana. Die terjebak.

Trent menyipitkan mata dan memandang lurus ke arah si chimera. “Suaramu terdengar sangat buruk. Apa kau terkena flu? Oh, aku lupa, kau kan habis menelan pisauku. Apa rasa pisau stainless steel enak?”

Chimera itu menggeram, ‘Pisau buatan manusia fana semacam itu takkan mampu membunuhku, bocah. Namun kau memang berhasil melukai tenggorokanku dengan cukup parah. Akan kupastikan kau membayar untuk itu.’

Chimera itu menerjang ke arah Trent, namun anak lelaki itu juga sudah siap dengan serangan sang chimera. Trent segera menghunuskan tombaknya kuat kuat ke atas dan menjatuhkan dirinya. Sang chimera meraung keras.

Kena, pikir Trent. Dikerahkannya seluruh tenaga untuk mendorong tombak yang dipegangnya ke bagian vital chimera, instingnya mengatakan bahwa tombaknya tepat menembus chimera tersebut. Dibantu oleh gaya dari lompatan si chimera, Trent menggunakan kakinya untuk menggulingkan sang chimera bersamaan dengan hunusan tombaknya. Perhitungan sempurna Trent membuat chimera itu terlempar dan terjun ke sungai, disertai dirinya.

>>>>>>>

Alan

“Alan…”

Alan segera mendekati sahabatnya yang terbaring lemah. “Lee, kau sudah sadar? Syukurlah ambrosianya bekerja ekstra cepat, mungkin aku mewarisi bakat ayahku bagaimanapun juga. Kau ingin minum?”

“Tidak… hanya…. Berikan thymbelmine-nya padaku… lalu pergilah tolong Trent dan Arabella… aku akan baik baik saja…. Aku… firasatku tidak enak…” ujar Lee dengan tersengal.

Wajah Alan berubah pucat. Jika Lee yang merupakan putra dewa ramalan mengatakan bahwa firasatnya tidak enak, maka sesuatu yang buruk sudah pasti kan terjadi.

“Baiklah, aku akan mencari mereka. Akan kuminta nyonya itu membantumu.”

Lee mengangguk, otot otot lehernya menegang karena menahan rasa sakit.

Alan menyambar pedang dan tas kecilnya. Semoga dia belum terlambat.

>>>>>>>

Trent

Trent mengernyit saat menyadari bahunya koyak. Chimera itu berhasil menggigitnya saat ia menusukkan tombaknya.

Trent tersenyum lelah. Yah, kemungkinan itu memang sudah dipikirkan Trent. Tombak yang dia miliki bukanlah tombak perunggu langit maupun emas imperial. Dia takkan bisa benar benar membunuh sang chimera dan membuatnya hancur jadi abu. Yang bisa dilakukannya hanyalah melumpuhkan sang chimera dan menahannya hingga makhluk itu kehabisan kekuatan dan hancur menjadi debu dengan sendirinya.

Sejak awal semua memang sudah merupakan rencananya. Posisi dirinya yang terpojok oleh sungai ditujukan agar si chimera lengah dan berpikir dia sudah tidak berdaya. Dengan begitu chimera akan menyerang dengan cara menerkam Trent, karena tombak takkan berguna jika dilempar dengan jarak sedekat itu. Saat chimera menerkam, bagian bawah tubuh monster itu akan terekspos pada Trent, dengan timing dan grip yang tepat pada tombak, Trent dapat mengenai jantungnya. Dalam waktu nyaris bersamaan Trent menggunakan kedua kakinya untuk melontarkan si chimera tepat menuju aliran sungai untuk menjauhkan monster itu dari teman temannya. Selanjutnya yang dapat dia lakukan adalah mempertahankan posisi tombaknya pada chimera dan menahannya selama mungkin. Dengan kata lain, ikut hanyut dan tenggelam bersama sang chimera.

Jika kau tidak bisa menjatuhkan musuhmu ke tartarus, tarik dia ke dalam bersama denganmu.

Sejak awal semua memang sudah merupakan rencananya.

Taktik terakhir yang dapat dipikirkannya untuk menjaga teman temannya, keluarganya.

Trent hanya berharap mereka dapat memahami pengorbanannya dan tumbuh menjadi demigod yang tangguh.

Lama kelamaan aku makin terdengar seperti ayah mereka, pikir Trent sambil tersenyum kecil, matanya terpejam. Mati untuk melindungi orang orang yang kau sayangi… kurasa bukan akhir yang terlalu buruk.

>>>>>>>

Alan

Alan berlari secepatnya ke arah hutan. Ia terus menerus berdoa dengan tegang.

Kumohon lindungilah Trent dan Arabella, Hermes yang mulia, Zeus yang agung, siapapun yang mendengar doaku kumohon kabulkanlah, pikir Alan sambil terus berlari.

“A-Alan!” terdengar suara gemetar anak perempuan memanggilnya.

Alan mencari cari sumber suara tersebut dan menoleh ke atas. “Arabella! Turunlah, dimana Trent?”

Arabella perlahan lahan turun dibantu oleh Alan, “Kau baik baik saja? Dimana Trent?”

Arabella mengangguk meskipun tubuhnya gemetaran. “D-dia berlari ke arah sungai di sana.”

“Oke. Larilah kembali ke rumahmu, aku akan membantu Trent.”

Arabella menggigit bibirnya dan berujar, “Berhati-hatilah, Alan.”

Namun Alan sudah melaju pergi, khawatir akan keselamatan sosok yang sudah ia anggap sebagai kakaknya sendiri. Semoga dia belum terlambat…

Alan keluar dari rimbun pepohonan, dia sudah dapat melihat sungai…

Jantung Alan seolah berhenti sesaat. Sungai yang sehari sebelumnya begitu jernih kini bersemburat warna merah. Alan melihat sekelilingnya dengan panik, namun dia tetap tak dapat melihat Trent dalam jarak pandangnya.

Alan berlari mengikuti arus sungai bersemburat merah itu. Dengan panik matanya mencari cari sosok Trent. Namun dia tak dapat menemukannya.

Alan terus berlari dan berlari hingga sebuah pemandangan membuatnya terpaku.

Sepotong kayu panjang dan ramping seperti gagang sapu. Salah satu ujungnya nampak dipotong dengan cukup halus, sedang ujung satunya nampak patah. Namun yang membuatnya bersegera mengambil potongan kayu itu adalah ukiran yang ada di dekat ujung yang halus.

Sebuah caduceus.

Caduceus dengan ular ular yang terlalu ceking dan sayap yang tidak seimbang.

Ukiran yang ada pada kayu tombak buatannya, tombak yang dihadiahkannya untuk Trent.

Saat itulah Alan sadar akan kenyataan yang telah terjadi pada Trent.

>>>>>>>>>

Lee

Panas. Tubuhnya terasa panas. Bahunya juga nyeri sekali. Air. Dia butuh air.

Tangannya meraba raba meja di sisinya. Dia berhasil meraih suatu benda yang terasa seperti gelas, namun ia tak bisa memerintahkan tubuhnya untuk duduk tegak.

Seseorang meraih gelas itu dari tangannya, lalu dia merasa tangan lain menopang kepalanya agar dapat tegak.

“Terima kasih.” Gumam Lee. Diminumnya perlahan lahan air itu.

Thymbelmine, pikir Lee. Air yang diminumnya adalah air rebusan thymbelmine.

“Edith sedang mengganti air baskom kompresanmu.” Ucap sosok yang membantunya.

“Arabella?” gumam Lee. “Dimana Trent dan Alan?”

Lee dapat merasakan tangan gadis itu bergetar saat mendengar pertanyaannya. “Bells?”

“Mereka belum kembali.” Suara gadis itu bergetar seolah menahan tangis. “Maaf.”

Air thymbelmine yang diminum Lee bekerja dengan cepat. Panas yang dirasakannya berkurang sehingga kepalanya dapat berpikir jernih.

“Bells, untuk apa kau meminta maaf? Ini bukan salahmu.” Ucap Lee lembut sambil berusaha menegakkan tubuhnya untuk duduk. “Jangan pernah berpikir ini semua salahmu, oke? Kamilah yang membuat monster itu datang. Kalau ada yang harus meminta maaf maka harusnya kamilah orangnya. Jangan pernah merasa bahwa ini adalah salahmu, oke Bells?”

Arabella menggigit bibirnya, Lee tahu dia menahan tangis, namun gadis itu tetap mengangguk.

“Kau sudah sadar rupanya. Bagaimana keadaanmu? Anak lelaki tadi, Alan, tidak membolehkanku memberikanmu obat-obatanku sendiri, dia bahkan tidak membolehkanku menelepon ambulans ataupun polisi.” Ujar Edith yang datang sembari membawa sebaskom air.

“Tidak apa apa, nyonya, memang lebih baik begitu untuk anda dan Arabella.” Jawab Lee sambil tersenyum dan berusaha bangkit. “Kurasa aku akan pergi menyusul Alan dan Trent…”

“Tidak perlu.”

Sesuatu dalam suara itu menyentakkan ketiganya. Suara itu terdengar kosong, tanpa sedikit pun tanda emosi apapun.

Lee menatap sahabatnya yang baru saja memasuki ruangan itu dan dengan segera menyadari sesuatu yang amat buruk telah terjadi.

Alan melemparkan sebatang kayu ke arah Lee. Namun saat diamati dengan seksama benda itu bukan kayu biasa. Benda itu adalah bagian dari gagang tombak Trent.

Saat itulah Lee sadar bahwa mereka sudah kehilangan Trent.

“Kutemukan di sungai. Tak ada lagi yang tersisa. Kemungkinan sudah jadi debu dan tubuh Trent diambil ayahnya.” Alan menghempaskan tubuhnya di atas sofa. “Kita akan segera berangkat saat kau sudah pulih.”

Lee mengangguk perlahan. Dia menatap Alan untuk mengatakan sesuatu namun sesuatu pada mata Alan mendadak menghentikan niatnya.

Sesuatu pada mata itu membuat Lee paham, kehilangan Trent juga membuat Alan kehilangan bagian dari dirinya sendiri.

Alan yang kini dilihatnya bukan lagi Alan yang selama ini dikenalnya.

>>>>>>>>>

Arabella

“Aku sudah menduga akan menemukanmu di sini.”

Arabella menolehkan kepalanya dan melihat Lee mendekati tempatnya duduk sambil memeluk lutut.

“Nyonya Edith bilang kau mungkin ada di pinggir sungai, tapi dia kan tak tahu kau sudah menemukan tempat ini.” Lee menjatuhkan dirinya di sisi Arabella dan menatap ke rimbunan moonlace yang kuncup di atas kepalanya.

“Karena ini sudah pagi jadi sudah tidak ada sinar bulan ya.” Gumam Lee, “Tapi moonlace yang belum mekar ini juga cantik.”

Arabella hanya mengangguk.

“Hey, kau tahu besok tanggal 4 Juli? Biasanya di kampung halamanku pada malam menuju tanggal 4 Juli akan diadakan pesta dansa besar besaran. Biasanya para sepupuku akan datang dan kita akan menari bersama. Itu adalah satu satunya waktu ibuku mengizinkanku terjaga hingga larut malam.” Ucap Lee sambil tersenyum. “Kau bisa berdansa?”

Arabella mengangkat bahu, “Sedikit.”

Senyum Lee melebar, “Kalau begitu, ayo kita buat janji. Saat ini aku memang harus pergi, namun saat kita bertemu lagi, kita akan berdansa dengan rangkaian moonlace yang mkear sempurna di kepalamu. Bagaimana?”

“Kita mungkin sudah tidak mengenali satu sama lain kalau bertemu lagi.”

Lee memiringkan bibirnya dengan lucu, nampak berpikir. “Kau ada benarnya juga… Oh, aku tahu.”

Lee merogoh rogoh ranselnya dan mengeluarkan sesuatu yang berkilau. Sebuah jepitan dengan dua burung merpati keperakan sebagai hiasannya. “Ini dulunya adalah milik sahabatku. Dia adalah teman seperjalananku sebelum aku bertemu dengan Trent dan Alan.”

Arabella mengamati jepitan yang indah itu dengan kagum, “Cantik sekali…. Dimana sahabatmu itu sekarang?”

Lee tersenyum sedih dan mengangkat bahu, “Kuharap di Elysium.”

“Elysium?” Tanya Arabella. Samar samar sepertinya dia pernah mendengar nama itu. “Dimana itu?”

“Sebuah tempat yang tak bisa kudatangi. Setidaknya belum.” Lee melonggarkan jepitan itu. “Sini, biar kupakaikan padamu. Jepitan ini kuberikan padamu agar saat kita bertemu lagi aku akan bisa segera mengenalimu, oke?”

“Memangnya kau akan pergi kemana?” Tanya Arabella saat Lee sudah memasangkan jepitannya.

“New York.” Jawab Lee singkat. “Dengar, Bells, ada satu hal lagi… kuharap kau tidak seperti kami, namun jika kemungkinan terburuk terjadi aku ingin kau setidaknya tahu kemana harus pergi…”

Lee menyelipkan sebuah buku kartu nama kecil ke tangan Arabella. “Jangan kau buka kecuali saat kau yakin bahwa kau salah satu dari kami dan tempatmu sudah tidak aman lagi, kau mengerti? Hanya buka ini saat keadaanmu sudah sangat darurat dan kau tak tahu lagi harus pergi kemana.”

“A-apa maksudmu? Apa in…”

“Kau akan mengerti pada saatnya.” Jawab Lee singkat, lalu tersenyum. “Maaf, aku tahu kau pasti bingung, tapi semua ini demi keselamatanmu juga…”

Arabella mengangguk.

“Baiklah, jadi… janji?” Lee mengulurkan kelingkingnya.

Arabella tersenyum kecil dan mengaitkan kelingkingnya dengan Lee.

“Lee?” Arabella menatap anak lelaki bermata biru di depannya. “Terima kasih.”

Disclaimer: Only Asaya & Naoki are mine...

(Asaya-Naoki: We're not yours.)

Shees, they are such ungrateful characters, how cold.

Oh well, go on with the story...

Rrrrr….Rrrrr…

“Sacchan, your cellphone’s vibrating again~” chirped Kaoru.

Asaya instantly dashed towards her cellphone and snapped it open, “Hello, Nao…” she walked away to a corner.

“Huh?” Tamaki looked over at the girl. “Is it the ‘Nao’ person again? He sure is taking Sacchan’s attention.”

“Yeah, it’s been the fourth time since the class over. And she kept glancing at her phone in class, though she usually never part her attention from the lessons.” Added Hikaru with a sigh.

“Hmm, I wonder who is this ‘Nao’ person?” mused Honey.

“Well, I actually did ask her who it was, since she seemed really distracted in class…”

“Eeeeehh? Haruhi you did what??”

“So what did she say?”

“Ng…” Haruhi seemed to recall the past event, “she didn't answer. She just beamed and hugged me, after that she got a call again.”

“Eeeeeehhh???”

“Could it be?...”

“This time it could be real…”

“Yeah, since she acted so weirdly happy…”

The host club’s united thoughts left unspoken… “That ‘Nao’ person is the real Sacchan’s boyfriend!”

Just when they came into a conclusion, Asaya popped inside the room again with more fidgety gestures than usual, “Ano… minna… can I head outside for some moments? I promise I’ll be quick. Just give me ten… no, twenty minutes, okay?”

“Where do you think you are going? Do you think you can just violate the club’s rule without a proper explanation?” Kyouya faced the fidgety girl with a more devilish aura than usual. The glint on his glasses sent freezing shivers down the host club member’s spines, but Asaya remained oblivious.

“It’s nothing! I’m just…”

“Well if it’s nothing then you could finish it another time outside the club time table.”

The host club just readied themselves for a fury fuming from Asaya when the music room’s door opened and a beautiful dark-haired boy stepped gracefully inside.

“Uhm, excuse me, I’m looking for…” the boy’s eyes landed on Asaya and his smiled broadened with light, “Azzy!”

“Nao!” the green-eyed girl tackle-hug the boy and the boy laughed as he spun her a little.

“Oh, I miss you so much! It feels like ages since the last time we met!” Asaya buried her face on the boy’s shoulder.

“You always miss me, ouch…” the boy grinned when Asaya hit his head, “Yeah, yeah, I miss you too. You know that already.”

“Eh… ano… Sacchan…?” called Tamaki, speaking on the behalf of the host club members, and an extremely pissed off Kyouya.

“Eh, yes, Tama-nii?”

“Won’t you… introduce him to us?...”

“Oh, yes! I forgot! Minna, this is my cute Nao.” Sang Asaya while side-hugging the boy.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Naoki. Not really hers, anyway. Thank you for taking care of this ungrateful little puffball.” Naoki bowed with a grin.

“What puffball?! Just because you’ve gain some height you can’t start calling me names!” scolded Asaya.

At this rate, an unbearable evil aura emanated from Kyouya and finally caught Naoki’s attention. He looked startled at first, but then an equally evil smirk spread on his lips.

“Ah~ okay, okay, I’m sorry Azzy…” Naoki nuzzled his nose on Asaya’s hair. “It’s just that I miss you so~ much.”

When Naoki finished his sentence, he didn't forget to add a soundly smooched on Asaya’s cheek.

All the host club members choked, and finally the evil shadow king spoke up, “Excuse me, but this is a school’s music room that’s currently being used for the work of Host Club, and not a love hotel neither a closed off alley, so if you still don’t get it, I said it clearly that this is not a place for a fucking make out show.” He took an overloaded-anger-breath, “Understood?”

The air was so tense you can cut it with a razor.

Then an unbearable laughter howled across the room. Naoki laughed while holding his belly, his eyes were teary and his knees was too weak to support him.

Asaya was the next to recover. Bewilderment was painted all over her face. “Kyouya-senpai what is it with you? Do you always have to snap at me like that? I thought we were cool but why are you snapping at my baby brother too?? Has it become some kind of your habit? Greeting people with a fury? Really, I don’t get you… And you, Nao! What are you laughing your ass for?! And since you leeched off of me like that you must have wanted something from me. Just spill it out, I’m not in a good mood.”

“Oh shees, I think in an elite school like this the people will have some elite qualities too but…” he blurted again. “… oh my God… and you still the same moronically oblivious puffball, Azzy. Well, I’m glad that at least all this doesn’t change you.”

Naoki stood up straight with a grin still plastered on his face, “Well, maybe I should properly introduce myself. Hey, everyone, my name is Naoki Starke. And I am a brother to this clueless pretty thing. I might be younger in age and looks but I am more mature in everything else. Nice to meet you all.” He said with one more bow and a mischievous glint in his eyes that directed to the flustered Kyouya.

“What the… what do you mean ‘clueless pretty thing’?? You make me sound like some dumb ditzy girl!” Asaya demanded.

“Well, in some aspects, you are.”

“Hey, I will not accept that from you! Take it back, Nao!”

“Oo~oh, come on if you don’t get it then you are clueless… puffball…”

“NAO!”

 My, feels good to let Kyouya be the possessive bastard like the way he really is.

Anyway, I can't help but think that the hot-headed, overly-jealous-over-nothing Kyouya is so cute >///<

Pairings: Kyouya-OC.

I suggest you read my other OHC ff first. 

Disclaimer: Some are mine, some other are not...yet...

CRASH!!!

The sound of something crashed on to the floor startled all the host club members.

It was a quiet afternoon, not long after that day's shift ended. The hosts are busied themselves, getting prepared to head home.

“A-Ara! Gomennasai!” Haruhi frantically tried to gather the pieces of a broken rusty cellphone.

“Are...” Hikaru's eyes widened, “isn't that crappy thing is Saccchan's cell?”

“Ne~” Kaoru leaned in to his twin, “Haruhi, you are so clumsy. Where is Sacchan anyway?”

“Ah, I think Sacchan is gone with Tama-chan. Does the cellphone okay? Can it be fixed?” asked Honey.

“I-I don’t know...”

Kyouya, whose eying all the incident from afar started forming a plan in his brain. That irritating girl won't have enough money to buy a new one. If Kyouya mercifully get her a brand new one, she couldn’t act all mighty superior over Kyouya ever again. He can finally took control over that infuriating girl. Yes... it sounds like a good plan.

Said girl walked inside the room followed by the King. They still laughed and chatted in french when realized the somewhat cool aura in the third music room.

“Ah? Did something happen?” asked Tamaki.

Haruhi stepped forward and crouched in front of Asaya. “G-Gomenansai, Asaya-chan. I-I dropped your cellphone...”

Slowly, very slowly, the smile graced on her lips faded. She paced to the broken cellphone of her and gently shoved all its broken parts to her arms.

“G-Gomena...”

“Daijoubu.” cut Asaya flatly. Her face remained calm but somehow unnerving.

“I-I'll take care of it...”

“No need to, Haruhi.” said Kyouya and turned to face Asaya. “Well, since you are now part of the Host club, we can provide you with mundane things such as cellphone. You may throw away that scrawny th...”

Kyouya didn’t have the chance to finish his story since Asaya's palm landed firmly on his cheek. And without a second glance she turned away and walked out of the room.

For a few moments no one moved. Kyouya clenched his fists, he could feel his cheek stung horribly. How can a small delicate hand of Asaya could slap that hard he can only wonder.

Finally, Honey approached Kyouya and tugged his sleeve gently, “Kyou-chan... daijoubu...?”

“Hng.” That's all Kyouya responded.

Tamaki sighed, “Hikaru, Kaoru, take Asaya's belongings and escort her home. Mori-senpai, get some bandages from the infirmary. Haruhi, find some ice and cloth. Honey-senpai...”

“I'll eat cakes in silence.” nodded Honey understandingly and walked away.

“Thank you.” smiled Tamaki and sat down beside Kyouya, “Well I know you tend to be stupid and big mouthed around Asaya but that was really off.”

“You think I'm off? She. Slapped. Me.” hissed Kyouya furiously.

“And she has every right to.” said Tamaki calmly. “Really, Kyouya, if you just offer her a new cellphone she'll just declined politely and walked away, and later she'll probably even thank you. But, no, you have to insult her phone. Of course she went ballistic. That cellphone is important for her.”

“Why would I know?” snapped Kyouya. “Besides that phone is scrawny.”

“I thought you might figured it out already judging from your frequent watching her. Besides, I never rubbed it in your face the fact that you are sometimes so idiotic either.”

Kyouya just pursed his lips tighter. “I don’t...”

“Senpai, here is the ice and the cloth”

“Ah, thank you Haruhi.” Tamaki wrapped the cloth around the ice and shoved it to Kyouya. “Take care of yourself.”

Kyouya pressed the ice to his cheek. It's soothing enough for his cheek, but not for his pride.

“Ano, Kyouya-senpai...?” Haruhi raised her voice. “I'm just wondering... do you have a sentiment for Asaya or something? Maybe there was some misunderstanding? Because you act really... impulsive towards her...”

Good thing for Haruhi that Tamaki's cellphone rang before Kyouya could spat anything.

Tamaki flipped open his cellphone instantly, “Yes, Hikaru?”

“T-Tonoo... she l-left us at the g-gate. S-she took over her belongings and w-walk away.”

“I told you to escort her home didn’t I?!”

“B-but she was really... frightening...” Tamaki could almost feel the shiver across the phone.

Tamaki glad he didn’t need to see the scene.

“Fine, you two come back here as fast as you can.” said Tamaki and turned to face his best friend, “You are officially in a big trouble.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ootori-san.”

Kyouya turned his head to see Asaya, her face calm and collected. No single trace of smile that usually curled on her lips. “Asaya-san.”

Said girl crouched formally before Kyouya and stood straight again. “I apologize for my behavior yesterday. However upset I am, I should never took it all on you.”

“So you come to say you're sorry?”

“No, I'm not. If I say I am sorry I'd be lying. I am here only to apologize. It is not your fault that you’re an insensitive sharp-mouthed bastard. I should've just ignore what you said.” said Asaya calmly. “Good morning, Ootori-san. See you at the club.”

Kyouya watched as Asaya retreated to her own class in disbelieve. Slowly a small smile, almost unnoticed, curled on his lips. Really, that girl is very infuriating. Kyouya has to admit that Asaya had succeeded making him surprised, and amazed, which is a very rare occasion.

Kyouya shook his head slowly and flipped open his cellphone, making a call to repay Asaya's surprise this morning.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Asaya sighed again, looking at parts of her (once) cellphone. She never saw herself a brilliant mechanic, but she is good. Unfortunately, the mess on her table is beyond her capability.

She bit her lips and try to hold her tears. It's been years since that person gave the cellphone to her. She had always took a very good care of it... until yesterday.

Tamaki asked her to come with him to serve a commoner coffee for the French ambassador who visited Ouran. Since she didn’t think it would take long, she put her cellphone carefully on one of the table. She didn’t want to take a risk bringing it with her since Ouran uniform doesn’t have any pocket.

It was only a few moments she left it there. And when she came back, it is ruined.

At first she wanted to scream at them all. At Tamaki for taking her to the French ambassador, at Haruhi for dropping her cellphone, at all of them for letting her cellphone fell. But she took hold of herself and kept calm. At least until that Ootori guy being such an arse. Again.

She shouldn’t be so surprised.

“Asaya-chan, aren’t you going to have lunch?”

Asaya looked up and smiled to Haruhi, “I bring my sandwiches, Haruhi-kun. No need to worry.”

“If you say so...” Haruhi looked unsure, “I'll be eating my bento at the cafetaria.”

“Okay. Have a nice lunch, Haruhi-kun.”

Asaya sighed and turned to face her predicament. “What will I do with you, tiny scraps of counterparts?”

“Excuse me?”

“Eh, yes?” Asaya turned her head to see a man with company uniform, bringing a big case.

“Are you Miss Asaya Starke?”

“That's correct, but who are you?”

“My name is Suichirou Tanaka. I am here as a representative of Kono company. I am requested to fix one of our product owned by Miss Asaya Starke.”

Asaya tried to proceed this encounter, “Could it be that Ootori Kyouya is the one who requested you?”

“That is correct, Miss.”

Asaya opened her mouth, ready to decline, but then she reviewed the whole thing over again. Perhaps it's not a bad thing to let this Ootori's servant take care of her celphone. She does want to get it fixed. But then again, it's Ootori Kyouya we're talking about here. The one who has numbers of tricks up his sleeve.

“Young master Ootori have mentioned that the cellphone is a very important thing for you, so I can take care of it in here while you're watching. I can also show you a few tips and tricks to keep it in its best performance.”

Okay, this is certainly an out of character generosity from the Ootori. Asaya thought for a moment. Well, if the Ootori sees something valuable from Asaya and decided to play nice, she can get along. But she'll make sure to have a private little talk with the guy.

“I'll be grateful. Please do.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kyouya nodded knowingly to a certain green-eyed girl before him, “Asaya-san.”

“Ootori-san.” she crouched, “thank you for sending Suichirou-san. My cellphone is working properly by now.”

“You are welcome.”

The girl looked a little impatient, “So, I assume there is price for that?”

Inside, Kyouya smiled bemusedly at the straightness. This girl is brave, and sharp. “It is more of an apology of my behavior. I didn’t think it would offend you.”

Asaya narrowed her eyes, “I don’t know you do apology.”

Kyouya's smile appeared on his face, “Well, I don’t usually do, but I know when to have an appropriate one.”

Asaya's eyes still narrowed, as if unsure whether it is possible or not. But finally a hesitant smile shaped on her mouth, “Yeah, thanks then. The cellphone... it was a gift from an important person to me...”

“Oh I see now. Would you mind sending that person my regards and apology?”

Asaya's smile fell, “Don't think I can. I don’t know where he is now.” Whether he is alive or not... “That's why I need to keep a close eye on that phone. I don’t know when he'll call me...”

Kyouya blinked, a bit taken by the sudden open thoughts from Asaya.

“Ah, forgive my ramblings. Well, thanks again for the service, Kyouya-senpai.”

“Wait, Asaya.” Kyouya threw her a box, she caught it with both hands, “You can always redirect phone calls. Keep your old cellphone somewhere safe. And don’t worry, I wouldn’t leaked.”

Asaya smiled at his words but frowned at the box. “What is this?”

“Penny for your thoughts. I think you deserve it.”

Asaya's eyes widened a bit when observing the cellphone box, “Wow it's sure lots of pennies. Are you sure you’re not running a fever or something, Kyouya-senpai? This is certainly an extreme out of character generosity from you.”

“Well, let's just say that I've figured out more merits being at your good side than your bad side.”

“You sure do. Though I can't think of one merit from it.” Asaya smiled, a real, full one this time. “Thanks a lot, senpai. I'll be sure to stay in your good side too.”

Kyouya smiled as he watched her walked away. Maybe she isn’t half as bad he thought she was.

~*~*~*~*~*~end~*~*~*~*~*~

ALSO not finished yet. And ALSO I don't know if I'd ever be able to continue.

Pairings contains; Kyouya-OC, Tamaki-Haruhi, and some others...maybe.

I include characters from Ono Eriko's Hi Miiko too, simply because Tappei is so coo-able. Set time when they're in junior high.

Also include characters from Clamp's Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, simply because I love KuroFai. 

Will only appear in later chapters... if I'd be able to continue...

Disclaimer: Some are mine, some are not...yet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 “Ah... transfer to Ouran High?”

“Yes, the council has decided that you should be one of our students that will take this opportunity.”

“But... why? Did I don’t do well? Will my scholarship be taken?”

“Oh, no Miss. Starke. It's quite the contrary actually.” the teacher chuckled, “You are doing very well in fact. One of our best this far. This is not permanent arrangement of course. More like students exchange. Three of our best students, one for each year, will be sent to Ouran for this. And three best in music from Ouran will be sent here. As simple as that.”

“Oh, I see... so this has nothing to do with my scholarship being cut off, right?”

“No, no of course not. The council will be foolish if they are even thinking about letting you out from our school. No, no, that is not a possibility.”

“It's good then. When should I expect to be exchanged to Ouran? And who else will go together with me?”

“The arrangement will be in a week. Together with you will be Mr. Fukushima Yuuki from the third grade and your good friend Miss. Mitsushi Haruna for the second grade.”

“Oh, Haruna is going too? I thought she didn’t place the first this year.”

“Not in general, but academically, she is the brightest in her year.”

“I see. Well, thank you for the information sir. I'll take my leave.”

“Yes, Miss. Starke.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“So... this is Ouran High....” said Asaya. “Eh? Haruna? Are you alright?”

Haruna, who looked a little unsteady, stood perfectly again on her feet. “Yes, I am alright, Asa.”

“Ok, then. Yuuki-senpai?”

“Ah, yes?” the boy's sweet face flushed a little, worried that the younger girl caught him staring.

“I think you shouldn’t walk so far behind us. Please don’t act so formal. We're all in this together after all.” smiled Asaya.

“Ah, alright...”

They walked through the halls led by a teacher from Ouran. The teacher guided them to the principal office while explaining rules, places, and many other things to the three of them.

Asaya's clear eyes caught the view of some people that seemed like working on a movie. There are cameras, settings, and even fake rain pouring from the tools.

“Ah, sir... I mean, sensei, are they shooting a movie in this school?”

The teacher looked outside the window, “Ah, those are the host club. The blonde lad over there is Tamaki Suoh. The son of the school director. They pretty much do whatever they like, since a lot of students are fond, even fanatic of them. Besides, they never done anything harm for the school and they are top class students, so... they do what they please.”

“Ah, I see... so the director's son established the club. Host club... what do they do, actually?”

“You better see it by yourself. The club open everyday after school, they use the third music room.”

Asaya nodded politely and smiled, already planning to pay a visit to the third music room. Once again unaware of the boy's staring.

Haruna, however, notice that. And if only her mind isn’t so occupied by her own issue she would’ve tease the older boy endlessly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unfortunately, Asaya's plan to pay a visit to the host club must be delayed. On her first day, she still busy with the paperwork and stuff. The next day and the day after, seems like twin members of the club are having a fight and the host club was closed. Fortunately, in the third day she was already get into class and found herself among the excited students. She also found out that she was classmates with three member of host club, Haruhi Fujioka, and the twins, Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin.

“Ah, Hitachiin twins...?” her mind wandered to years before, when she was still a little girl.

But her thought was suddenly cut off by the sudden war between the twins. She looked at the twins throwing anything in their reach towards each other, but somehow... Asaya feels that they didn’t mad at each other at all... Asaya shook her head, she always have weird opinion. She needed to shake it off her mind.

“Hikaru, Kaoru! Stop your acts already! We have a new student here, can you two at least be nice for a moment?” asked Haruhi frustratedly.

“It's okay, ehm, Haruhi-kun.” this is another weird opinion of hers. Somehow she feels that Haruhi is a girl, she almost ask him why did he wear boy's uniform when she realized that Haruhi must be a boy. “I just never thought that I would meet Kaoru-chan and Hikaru-chan again...”

“Ah, you knew them?...”

Suddenly, the throwing of the twins' war froze abruptly. The twins turned to the source of the voice and, unconsciously, stepped closer to each other, “Asaya-chan...?”

Asaya smiled happily, “Ah, how very nice of you two, still remember me. It's been a very long time... eight, nine years...?”

“Nine years.” the twins answered in harmony, stared at the girl.

“And you two still always in harmony, I see.”

Asaya's last words snapped them up and they jerked off of each other.

“We're not!” they protested in harmony.

Asaya's brows raised with amused smile on her face, “Sure, everyone sees that you don’t.”

The twins snarled at each other. Suddenly, Kaoru swiftly moved beside Asaya and took her hand, “Have you find a chair? You can sit next to me...”

“Kaoru! That is unfair! You will be sitting next to Asaya-chan and Haruhi!” shouted Hikaru.

“Well, don’t blame me for you slow response, Hikaru.”

Asaya puffed strands of her hair and took a chair next to Haruhi, ignoring the twins that once again in war. “How long have they acting like this?”

“Since yesterday.” Haruhi looked depressed.

“And they usually don’t fight, right?”

“Not at all. They’re the most romantic homo couple. I don’t know how they turn out like this...”

“That is your fault, Haruhi!” shouted the twins and continued their fight.

Haruhi sighed and explained, “I was just stating the fact that Hikaru's acts and speech are ten percent more ornery than Kaoru's...”

Asaya bursted laughing, “Ah, I see. So you do see that too. They were much cuter when they're younger but, yeah, I guess there are things that can not be changed... Though they are both ornery no matter what. I really like your choice of words, Haruhi-kun.”

Fortunately, the conversation was interrupted by the teacher's coming. Asaya just grinned when she realized that Kaoru and Hikaru glared at her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ah, so you two have stop acting like you’re mad to each other finally. Haruhi-kun must be relieved. And so the host club will be open for business this afternoon?”

Kaoru and Hikaru held hands, “What do you mean 'acting like you’re mad to each other'?”

“Oh, you didn’t? I thought that you might just want to earn something from your acts. I mean, you two just don’t fight over things like that... I mean didn’t. Sorry, I forgot we haven’t seen each other in years.”

Kaoru and Hikaru just stared at her, making Asaya self-conscious, “Eh... Kaoru? Hikaru?...”

“Why did you leave?” asked both of them.

Asaya's eyes dimmed a little and she sighed, “I am sorry... I told you there’s nothing I can do. My father business with your parents was over and so we need to go back...”

“You can at least say good bye...”

“I did... I mean, I left you a letter. I slipped it at the bench in the park... I thought... I thought you guys will find it, ah...”

The twins embraced Asaya gently, “We always missed you...”

“Me too...” Asaya choked, trying to hold her tears. She needs to change subject, she can't cry in front of Kaoru and Hikaru. “Anyway, don’t tell me you exchange your hair color so that you can fool the girls. That's just so childish.”

“Meeh! And who are you to say that?” the twins stick out their tongues.

Asaya laughed, “Ah, why are you here so early anyway? You guys have change your laziness habit? Hmm sounds impossible.”

“Naaah we're just here early because we think you must be the diligent freak .” said Kaoru. “Anyway, because it's so early why don’t we stroll around? I think Kyouya-senpai must be here already. I don’t hope for the others though.”

“Ok, let's go!” Hikaru circled his arm around Asaya's, Kaoru copied his acts.

“W-wait, Kaoru! Hikaru! I am here early to review my lessons. My lessons aren’t as advanced as you guys, you know. I study in a music school!”

“No can dooo.” exclaimed the twins, “besides, you can review your lessons as much as you want with Haruhi later. She is the honor student.”

“Oh, so Haruhi is a she. I thought I might be crazy for thinking so since the beginning. Why does she wear boy's uniform anyway?”

The twins froze in place. “Eh? Kaoru? Hikaru?”

“I never thought of you two as a person who talk so carelessly.” A dreadful calm voice greeted.

The twins' breath hitched, “K-Kyouya senpai... we-we didn’t...”

“After you gave our club 25% of financial loss, now you leaked the information to an outsider.” The eye-glasses boy steadied himself from leaning on the door. “Anyway, you must be Asaya Starke, am I correct?”

“Correct.”

“Well, I apologize for this unpleasant introduction, my name is Kyouya Ootori and if you want your family's business stay fluent, I suggest you to keep the information about Haruhi Fujioka for yourself.”

“Well, pleased to meet you Ootori-san. I don’t think you need to threaten me with anything if you want me to keep the information a secret. And I don’t care about my family business, since as long as I remember, my family don’t have any business. Maybe you should do your research first. Gentlemen, I need to head back to class, please do excuse me. Good morning.”

Asaya turned around and headed back to her class with freezing gaze.

“Senpai... I really think you shouldn’t get to her bad side like that...” said Kaoru after a while.

Kyouya moved his devil glare towards the twins, making them twitched with fear, “Maybe you two shouldn’t tell her an information like that at the first place.”

“Eeek! Please forgive us, Kyouya-senpai! Asaya is our childhood friend and we used to tell her everything...”

“...besides, she already knew that Haruhi is a girl. She always has good eyes since we were just children...”

“...and if you just ask her to keep it a secret then she will keep it a secret. That's just her.”

“Hmm...” Kyouya narrowed his eyes. “I will do a deeper research for that girl.... But don’t think you’re out of the hook, Kaoru, Hikaru.”

The twins hitched again. Kyouya-senpai is really an evil shadow king.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ah, Asaya-chan, aren't you going to come with us to the host club?” asked Haruhi when she saw Asaya neat her things. Most of the student are already left the class.

“I don’t know Haruhi-kun...”

“Eh? But you said you want to come and see.”

“Yes, I did, but...”

“She met Kyouya-senpai and he pissed her off.” said the twins.

“Kao, Hika...”

“What? He did.” The twins whispered into Haruhi's ear, “We slipped a little about your condition and Kyouya-senpai overheard. He threatened us and Asaya. Of course she is pissed, she can keep secrets, and she already presumed that you’re a girl anyway.”

“Oh, I understand why you don’t want to go. Kyouya-senpai is scary...”

The twins shivered, “It's not Kyouya-senpai we're afraid of...”

“Haruhi-kun, don’t let the twins poison your mind. I just don’t like to be bullied and to be threatened. I'm not some kind of monster.”

“Sacchaan... we didn’t say that, we were just saying that you can be even scarier than Kyouya-senpai if you’re pissed. And that’s a compliment isn’t it, Hikaru?”

“True, true.” Hikaru nodded and grinned.

“Well, if you ask me... there are still six other members you might like better.” smiled Haruhi.

Asaya laughed, “What is it, Haruhi-kun? You want me to help you reach the target of 1000 customers? You’re quiet popular so you won't be needing me, don’t be so pessimistic.”

“Ah, I just think that maybe talking with you wouldn’t be so boring since you know my condition.”

Asaya laughed again, “Very well, I’ll go and designate you then.”

“Aaaah, I thought you would designate us.”

“What? And seeing your homo acts all afternoon? God, no.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Irasshaimasen...” united voices greeted them as they walked in.

“This is just uuus.” said the twins carelessly. “Sorry we're late!”

“Hikaru! Kaoru! You shouldn’t drag Haruhi to be late with you... ah...” Tamaki stopped when he saw Asaya. “You bring a new customer, I see... Welcome to my humble kingdom, my lady.”

Asaya chuckled, “Afternoon, King Tamaki. Arabian Nights host club for today?”

Tamaki startled when he heard her called him 'King'. Immediately, he promised himself he'll make her as a special customer. “Ah, delighted to meet you, my lady. May I humbly ask for your name?”

“My name is Asaya Starke.” smiled Asaya.

“Well, lady Asaya, I am certain that it is your first time in our host club.”

“That's correct.”

“Would you like me to show you around and explain about each of our hosts?”

“That will be very nice of you, but I already positive to designate Haruhi-kun.”

“So you like girls.” stated Kyouya flatly.

The twins hitched and the others looked startled.

Asaya turned to see Kyouya, her smile disappeared. “If the choice is between a guy like you and a girl like Haruhi then I'll definitely would choose Haruhi.”

“I see. But I am a bit startled actually, finding you here, since you seemingly not fond of me as one of host club member.”

“As Haruhi said, there are still six other lovely members even if I am not fond of one particular member. I am already curious about this club since my first day.” Asaya turned around and faced Tamaki again, smiling.

“Well, King Tamaki, would you mind showing me around?”

“Ah...” Tamaki looked lost for words but managed to smile “Sure. Come this way...”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Somehow, the girl has really gotten into his skin. The only one he had ever encounter someone this annoying, is Tamaki Suoh himself.

There's something about the way the girl speaks that left him want to scratch something so bad. It is not helping either that he aware of the fact Hikaru and Kaoru respected... well, afraid of her fury more than his. She is just a girl with slightly taller height than common girls, that's all!

And the way the other host members swarmed around her... she is not a park lamp and the other members certainly aren’t flies, for God's sake! What is it with them?

The girl said something and the other members laughed. She herself grinning carelessly, green eyes wide and sparkled as if they're strengthen every emotion she shows.

How can she let out all emotion so freely like that? Wouldn’t she feel vulnerable? Unguarded?

But again, she seemed like one of those dense people who would fit the reality into what they think is the best view. He shouldn’t be so surprised.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ya, Kyouya.” called Tamaki to his best friend.

“Hn?”

“What is it between you and Asaya hime-chan?”

Kyouya snorted, “Deciding a dearly nickname so fast, huh?”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Why, nothing.”

“Then why did you snap on her like that? She is a costumer, a brand new one indeed. You usually will smooth-talk and make sure a new customer stays.”

“I am still researching about her background. She possibly won't fit as one of our customer.”

“Ah, but we all like her. Except you.”

“I don’t agreed someone to be our customer because I like that person.”

“And neither disagreed because you don’t like her.”

“It's not that I don’t like her...” sighed Kyouya, “she is somehow just... infuriating. She really gotten under my skin. Almost reminded me of you back then.”

Tamaki grinned, “Well, that's a good sign! It is settled then, she will be our customer.”

Kyouya groaned, “Whatever you say, King Tamaki.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Asaya looked up to the twins, “Eh? Official customer?”

The twins nodded, “Yea, every candidate of our customers will have to be researched first to see whether she fits or not.”

“Wow... I presume that Kyouya Ootori is the one researching all?”

“Yea, but the final decision is still on Tonoo's hand.”

“Tonoo... Tamaki-senpai?”

“Yup.”

“Ah, I see.” Asaya nodded, “I wonder what is the requirements to be Host Club's customer?”

The twins shrugged, “That's Kyouya-senpai's and Tonoo's business.”

“Hmh. They are really close, aren’t they?”

“Practically inseparable.”

“I'm amazed. They are very different.”

“Well, Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai also different, but they practically one.”

“Not that kind of difference...” mused Asaya. “Anyway, what is it with that Ootori guy? Does he hate me or something? He looked like the cool type, but he snapped at me whenever he has the chance.”

The twins exchanged a look, “Well, we don’t know...”

“...he usually always acts very kindly towards our customers...”

“...all about merits and stuff...”

Asaya's lips curled into an unnerving smile, “Well maybe he already found out that I'll bring no merits for the Host Club neither for himself.”

Kaoru patted Asaya's head, “What are you saying? Don’t you aware that all of the hosts like your presence?”

“They all, well except Kyouya-senpai, are really looking forward to your next visit.”

Kaoru nodded, “Especially Tonoo.”

Asaya laughed softly, “And why is that?”

“Because you being with us is calming.”

“Really? That's not what other people usually describe me.”

“Maybe, but we're not other people...”

“...we're Hikaru and Kaoru...”

“...and you are our most precious friend...”

Is not finished yet. I don't think it  ever will.

However, I'd like to know someone's opinion. Probably will include the other three of the big four (Hiccup, Merida, Rapunzel) in the next chapters... if there's any...

Disclaimer: I only own Jack's heart

Ana

The little girl's eyes widened as she saw the view outside her car. The view is dominated by white, everywhere is white. The roof, the road, the trees, everything covered in white.

“Snow...” whispered the girl, as if she is afraid to say the word.

Her palms and face are glued to the window. Watching in awe.

“Ana.” called the girl's father. “Please don’t cling onto the window like that. You'll be freezing.”

“It's beautiful.” said the little girl dreamily. “I want to be outside.”

“Ana, I've told you before that you are not going anywhere outside rooms with heater. Outside is very cold, dear, very different from the temperature in Egypt.

“I am not cold...”

“Because this car is equipped by a very good heater. Now, sit down properly and be my good girl.” said her father and gently let go her hands from the window.

“But I will wear lots of pretty warm clothes, just like I always saw in the books. I won't be cold. And I will keep moving and keep moving, so my body will produce heat, just like you said, Baba.”

Her father smiled and ruffled her hair, “You can't trick me this time, little one. I wouldn’t let you play outside in this weather even if you flatter me by remembering what I said.”

“But it's snowday, Baba! Jack Frost will be here! He will never show up in Egypt, but it's snowday now, he must be around here!”

“Anara, you hear what baba said.” said her father sternly.

Ana pouted, she didn’t want to give up that easily. But she knows that the political approach is unquestionably useless when her father started to address himself as 'Baba' and called her by her full name. She needs to form another plan.

*@*@*@*@*@*

“So you have work here for long, Miss Maria?”

The young maid smiled, “Please, just call me Maria. Not really, I only work here since the winter break. I will be going to college soon and I need to save some money.”

“You can call me Ana.” she added, “is it legal for students to work here?”

“Yes. As long as it is break. If it's school day, we are only allowed to do part-time job. Or in some school, no work allowed at all.”

“Students under 19 years old can't work at all in Egypt.” said Ana, looking outside the hotel room, “and we don’t have your beautiful snow. What we have is only the sun, the sun, and...the sun.”

“But I am 21 years old, dear.” smiled Maria

“Oh! I thought you are younger...”

“So, you never see snow before?” asked Maria surprised.

“No. This is my first time... and I'll never get the chance to feel it.” Ana turned to face Maria, “you are so lucky to have snow. I always want to see it, feel the texture, sense the coldness...”

“Well, why don’t you play outside for a few minutes? I mean, your father will be back in a few hours the soonest. I can help you with jackets and mantles and gloves and hat and ear holder. I will watch over you so whenever you feel you can't handle it, we can go back inside right away.”

Ana's eyes shone and she held her hands on her chest, “Oh, will you really do that for me? Oh, Maria, that would be so great! Oh, I will owe you forever!”

Maria shrugged and smiled gently, “Well, I guess it wouldn’t be fair for you to miss this shot. I mean, you only stay here for one night, right? The next city you will heading don’t have any snowday like today.”

“Oh, Maria, I love you so much.” Ana wrapped her arms around Maria's neck who's kneeling before her.

Maria was surprised by Ana's impulsive act, but she likes it. She wrapped her arms around the little girl lovingly.

Ana smiled while embracing Maria; Anara Hisham's plan B part 1 succeeded.

*@*@*@*@*@*

This is it, said Ana to herself when she was one step away from the door. She paused and made Maria turned her head.

“What's wrong, Ana?”

“One step again, passing this door, I will experience one of my biggest dream in 6 long years of my life.”

Maria smiled, taking Ana's hand, and together they stepped out from the hotel backdoor.

“Wuaa.” shouted Ana, and then she laughed, “coooold.”

Maria laughed, “You can touch the snow, you know. I brought you extra gloves.”

“I know!” laughed Ana and, shaping a ball with an unexpected speed, threw a snow ball towards Maria.

“Ouch!” Maria laughed and formed another snowball right away.

Ana laughed and ran away from Maria, “Come and get me, Maria!”

Part 2 of plan B, begin now.

Ana ran as fast as she could. From the books she read, Jack Frost lives in frozen lake surrounded by trees. Mostly, the trees around the lake will have fern-like patterns on their branches and trunks. In her way to the hotel, she saw a frozen lake not so far from there. The lake is also surrounded by trees.

Please please please let me meet him, please please please, for mother...

She arrived at the lake, breathing hard. She held her knees and tried to stabilize her breath.

Okay, here I am, where's... her eyes landed on a teenage boy, about 16 or 17 years old. His hair is frost white and his eyes are ice blue. He wore blue hooded sweater that had thin fern-like ice pattern on it and a jeans. His hand held a staff that crooked on the upper side. He was too busy throwing snowballs to the kids playing on the lake side that he didn’t notice her.

Ana gaped, euphoria ran through her body. That's him.... THAT'S HIM.

“I can't believe it...” murmured Ana, her eyes fixed on the boy stood a few meters in front of him. “I can't believe it's him...”

And disappointment rushed to replace euphoria she felt a moment before.

“He's just a teenage boy!” she started to shout angrily, all the kids turned to see her, the white-haired boy too.

“I can't believe it, you’re just a teenage boy?” she pointed at Jack Frost. “Then how do I expect you to help me?”

The white-haired boy was stupefied. All the kids were.

But Ana didn’t bother to pay attention. She turned her back and stormed off from the lake.

She didn’t bother to look at the white-haired boy's expression. She didn’t bother to find out why he looks at her leaving with such an expression. She didn’t bother to know that her amber eyes had craved in the boy's memory forever.

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Jack

Jack Frost froze as he watched the little raven-haired girl stormed away from the park. He didn’t even recognize the confuse whispers from the kids around him.

“Is she insane?....”

“There’s no single teenage boy here...”

“Why did she shout out like that...?”

“Maybe she was imagining things...”

“But did you see?...”

“Yes, it's so weird...”

Yes. Those eyes...

He never seen eyes like that before. So bright, so golden, so intense.

So full of emotion... Full of...

Disappointment...

Jack felt something weighed in his chest. What is it...?

At the first few seconds he was thrilled. She sees him. Finally, someone sees him. After all these years. Emotion floods inside him, making him overwhelmed. Thrills, disbelief, happiness...

But when the little girl turned her back, he suddenly feels... hollow... heavy, empty hollow. ..

Jack unconsciously clenched his palm on his chest.

He couldn’t stop the feeling that telling him he's just lost something.

Something that is part of him.

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Ana

Ana watched Maria as the young maid paced towards her and panted.

“Ana...” Maria dropped on the snowy road and embraced Ana. “Oh, Ana, please don’t runaway from me like that again. I was so worried, I thought I lost you. I thought you lost yourself! Please, please would you promise me not to runaway from me again? We can still play around the hotel. There are still many interesting places around the hotel. Please stay where I can see you, oh, I was so worried!”

Ana wrapped her arms around the older girl, “I promise, Maria. I wouldn’t go outside the hotel anymore.”

I have no more reason to...

There's no trace of smile on the little girl's face. The light in her intense amber eyes somehow dimmed. Like someone just slide the curtain and suddenly the room is obscured.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The very next day, Ana and her father left the town. Jack purposelessly strolling across the town, not really knowing what to look for. They never met.

A week later, Ana left the country and back to Egypt. Jack looked up at the Moon and asked him, but he didn’t answer. Their fates are not meant to be crossed.

At least not yet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

11 Years later...

A 17 years old girl looked troubled when trying to drag her luggage. She murmured to herself that she didn’t have any problem when she dragged it yesterday at the Cairo airport. But here in Brussels, a complication of jet-lag, exhaustion, and a little home-sick is like making the luggage twice heavier.

“Uuuuf...” she gave up and took a rest for a while, abandoned her luggage on the airport floor.

“Excuse me, can I help you, miss?” asked a boy about 18-19 years old to the black-haired girl.

The girl turned her head and smiled a smile full of relieve, “Oh, would you mind help with my luggage? That will be wonderful!”

The boy caught his breath and stared in awe. The black-haired girl frowned when she saw the boy just stared, “Eh, excuse me...?”

“Uh-oh, yes, sure. Let me help you.”

The girl smiled and her amber eyes sparkled, “Thank you. My name is Anara Hisham, I'm from Egypt and planning to study in here. I assume that you’re not foreigner, are you? What is your name?...”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Miss. Hisham, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I promise I will fix this problem as quickly as possible...”

“By what? Kicking out other scholar from the dormitory?” cut Ana. The lady with nice suit beside her looked horrified.

In her mind, Ana chuckled. Does her father's name that influencing?

“It's fine, Mrs. Finn. I can find a place to stay alright...”

“B-but your father...”

“My father wouldn’t know. Your job is safe. I will contact my old friend. I am sure she lives here with her family now.”

“Th-then... is there anything I could help you with?”

“I don’t mind a lift to my friend's house.”

“S-sure. This way, Miss. Hisham...”

*@*@*@*@*@*

“Ana! Oh, look how much you’ve grown! Suddenly I feel so old...”

“Maria! You’re not old at all! I can't believe you have two children already.” laughed Ana and hugged her old friend.

Ever since she left the town, she kept exchange mails with Maria. Keeping her in touch. Now, after 11 years, Ana finds she still find Maria as her friend.

“I was worried you wouldn’t find my house. This neighborhood is kinda mess up. You should've tell me to pick you up.”

“I got a lift, Maria. The woman is from the dormitory administration or something. She was really nice, she offered me a ride.”

“Let me guess, she is afraid you’ll report her to you father so you threatened her to drive you here?”

Ana shrugged and spread a mischievous grin, “I know I’m awesome.”

Maria laughed and hugged her again, “You didn’t change, do you? You were using me too the first time we met. You better don’t make it a habit.”

“I would prefer say that you were helping me without noticing. Besides, it's my... specialty.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a little boy storming inside the house, “Woooossshhh, wooooossshhh, wooo... eh... hello, Mom...”

“Hello, Jamie, would you say hi to Ana?”

The boy's eyes widened, “You’re Ana? As in... Ana from Egypt? The one who always sent us cool stuffs and toys and-and stuff?”

“Hmm... I do remember sending a boy named Jamie a few stuff...” Ana pretend to think.

“Cool! You always give me cool stuff in the Christmas, and Easter, and-and... whenever I lost my teeth!”

“Well, I actually bring some play things in my suitcase...”

“Double cool!” Jamie bouncing up and down with excitement. “Oh, oh, and can I get extra? Because I lost my tooth too, see? See?”

Ana knelt and inspect Jamie's tooth carefully, “Hmm... this tooth is real... and a good one too. No cavity. No gums. Clean. The tooth fairy will love it...

“But, I am not tooth fairy, so you have to answer my question if you want anymore 'cool stuff'. A question... only Jamie Bennet can answer.” said Ana with mysterious tone.

“I can answer it! I am Jamie Bennet! What is it, what is it?” asked Jamie fiercefully.

“Well... I remember sending Jamie an amulet, a tyet, that has a spell carved on it. If you really Jamie Bennet, can you tell what is the sp...”

“Hi-nehm ma'at nu ha-tep.” said Jamie quickly.

“Wow, impressive! Very impressive! Well, I am now certain that you are indeed the Jamie Bennet. Here it is, a special package for Jamie Bennet... oh, and can you give this to a little girl named Sophie Bennet? I believe she is somewhere around here.”

“Yes, she is my sister! She is... where is Sophie, mom?”

“Sophie is napping in her room. Now, why don’t we get to the fireplace and I will make hot chocolate for us all.”

“Yes, we need to keep warm... or Jack Frost will snipping at your nose!” shouted Jamie. “But of course, Jack Frost is no one, it's just an expression like mom said!”

“Sssh, Jamie.” whispered Ana as Maria disappeared to the kitchen. Ana knelt again and wrapped her arm around the wondering boy. “This is between you and me. Jack Frost is real. You mom is very kind and smart. But, there are things like this that she doesn’t understand. Believe me, Jack Frost is real. I saw him once.”

Jamie's eyes widened, “Really...?” he whispered back.

“Jamie, Ana, get over here!”

“We're coming!”

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Jack

Jack decided to take a peek at Jamie's window before the boy get to sleep. Jamie was excited when he told his little sister, Sophie about what happened today with the sleigh.

Jack smiled softly, Well, at least I do make him happy. For a moment there, it was me. Not the tooth fairy but me. Though, yes, however he still couldn’t see me.

Jack sighed and flowed to the rooftop as he saw Jamie prepared to bed. That kid, he said he wants to stay awake and see the tooth fairy. He'll be asleep before the tooth fairy come.

Jack looked up at the night sky, where the Moon shines serenely, “Is there something I’m doing wrong? Can you... can you just tell me what it is? Because I’ve tried... everything, and, no one ever sees me...”

The moon stayed quiet.

“You put me here! The least you can do is tell me... tell me why...” Jack looked up again at the Moon. But he stayed quiet.

Jack sealed his lips and turned away. He didn’t understand. Why is the Moon never answer? What does he want?

He walked on the telephone wires, making it frost. He saw a familiar shapes of golden sand flying around and he started to laugh.

He looked back and saw that the little man is doing his job. He put down his hoodie and sniffled a laughter, “Right on time, Sandman.”

Jack ran slowly on the wires and hopped a little to touch the golden sand. A dolphin formed from the sand and swam around him, making him feel better.

When he wandered as the sand slowly disappeared into each kid's sleep, he startled when something passed him very quickly. Something black and light. Jack hastily searched for that something. He followed it over until he arrived at a dark and quiet alley.

“Hello, mate.” A voice with Australian accent greeted him.

Jack turned his back quickly with his staff ready.

“Been a long time. Blizzard '68, I believe. Eastern Sunday, wasn’t it?” A silhouette came to the view.

“Bunny!” sneered Jack and stood his staff to his side again. “You’re not still mad about that... are you?”

The Easter Bunny narrowed his eyes, “Yes... But this is about something else. Girls!”

Suddenly, a big hairy hand swung him by the collar. Jack resisted and struggled, “Hey, put me down! Put me down! What the...”

But the creatures that kidnapped him just grumbled and tossed him into a sack.

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Ana

“Morning, Jamie!” called Ana as she hummed and slid the curtain. Her eyebrows raised a little in surprise when she saw the fern-like frost ice pattern on the window.

Jack Frost....

“AH! ToothfairysantaEasternbunnysandman!” blurted Jamie as he sat up awake.

“Wow, morning to you too, sunshine.”

“Ana! You wouldn’t believe it! I saw them all, the four of them, they’re here right in my bedroom! And-and... Abbie wanted to catch the Easter bunny, and-and the Easter bunny is not cute at all, he is big, with funny accent and this curvy thing...” Jamie kept talking and Ana, smiling bemusedly, sat at the boy's bed and listened.

“Wow, that’s so cool! The four of them in your room! Hmm...” Ana remember about the fern-like pattern on Jamie's window. “But... are you sure they are all? Only four?”

“Yes. Who else can show up?”

“Hmm, you didn’t see a white-haired boy with blue sweater and some crooked staff?”

“Huh? Who is it?”

“Ah, never mind... You must be really special. The big four in your room!”

“I know right! That’s like, super crazy!”

“Jamie, Ana, you two should get down now.” called Maria from downstairs.

“Oops, we better hurry. I don’t want to late to my first Maria Bennet's breakfast.” smiled Ana and help Jamie got up from his bed.

But, despite her smiling face, something is bothering Ana. Jack Frost definitely was here last night. But Jamie didn’t see him... Well, maybe he didn’t come with the big four, so Jamie probably still asleep, but the fact that Jamie didn’t recognize the very eye-catching feature of Jack Frost, and what he said earlier about Jack Frost was just an expression makes her wonder... Does Jamie believe in Jack Frost...?

It is hard to believe for Ana. A boy who has snow day every year since birth, doesn’t believe in Jack Frost...? Not to mention that Jamie is one of the most faithful kid Ana ever known.

Ana herself, even though she has reached the age 17, still believe in them with all her heart. Including Jack Frost. And she is sure that she can see them if they meet. If she has the chance to.

*@*@*@*@*@*

Ana just watched as Jamie tried to reach the roof to take the 'egg'. She knew that it's not an egg, but she didn’t think that she should interfere either.

Ana yelped as Jamie lost his balance and fell to the ground, bitterly realized that the 'egg' he tried to reach, is apparently just a painted ball.

Jamie jumped to his feet again and walked, Ana heard that he was going to check the park again.

Jamie's friends sighed and complained. They didn’t seem to be very pleased by Jamie's idea.

Ana frowned, there’s something odd with the kids. They seemed... tired, and afraid. They looked like they didn’t sleep at all last night. Jamie is the one who still looks fine. What is happening here? Even the weather and the sky look odd.

Shortly after that, the kids are leaving. Jamie was left alone standing on the backyard.

Ana exited through the door and approached the boy, “Hey.”

Jamie turned his head, his face was sad, “Hey, Ana.”

“I saw you fell awhile ago. Want me to take a look at your wounds?”

“It's okay, I’m fine.”

“Jamie.” called Ana, “Want to tell me what happens?”

“It's just... everyone's having a nightmare, they didn’t believe I saw the Easter bunny, this year's Easter sucks and I can't find a single egg...”

“But you still believe in them, are you? The Easter bunny, Santa, tooth fairy, sandman...”

“Yeah, but I don’t know for how long.” sighed Jamie and entered the house. Leaving Ana sat on the staircase, thinking how to make Jamie stay faithful.

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Jack

There's still one light...

“Jamie!” whispered Jack.

He took baby tooth and took her with him. The rest of the journey was a blur.

When he finally arrived at Jamie's house, he floated to Jamie's bedroom window. He saw Jamie talked to a bunny plushie. If the situation is different, Jack would've laughing hard on the floor. But seeing Jamie, talking very seriously to a bunny plushie as if it is the Easter bunny himself, asking for a sign to assure him that the Easter bunny is real. He felt sad somehow.

But of course, a bunny plushie couldn’t talk. So Jamie just stared at the plushie, and, after a painful moment, his head was dropped.

“I knew it...” Jack heard him saying in such a bitter tone. Jamie let the bunny plushie fell to the floor. Disappointment drawn in his face.

Disappointment.... Jack winced.

He knows he has to do something, and he has to do it now.

Slowly, he opened Jamie's window and entered inside. He touched the window and let the fern-like pattern of frosted ice spread on it.

On the ice, he drew an egg, Easter egg. He turned his head and saw Jamie was looking at his doodle now. He grinned and drawing again, this time is a bunny. And, with a little trick he knows, he concentrate and made the bunny came alive.

The bunny hopped in the air and circled around Jamie. The boy laughed and jumping up and down on his bed.

All of sudden, Jamie's bedroom door creaked open and a head popped inside, “Jamie, you oka...”

Jack froze. Time seemed to stop. He felt like he was dragged to the snowball fight near the lake, 11 years ago.

That golden eyes....

The very same eyes that sometimes haunted his dreams. The eyes that carried disappointment...

But now, in Jamie's bedroom, with her eyes drilled intensely into Jack, making him numb, he didn’t see any disappointment. In her eyes, he saw surprise and... amusement.

“Well, hello again there.”

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Ana

Jamie is already in his bedroom, but Ana was sure he didn’t asleep yet.

Ana paced back and forth on the hallway, thinking frantically about how to make Jamie stay believe in the big four.

And make him believe in Jack Frost.

Ana leered at Jamie's bedroom again. The boy was sitting on his bed, talking to a bunny plushie.

“For God's sake, he is talking to a freaking bunny plushie! Think about something, Anara, come on! You always brag about how smart you are, now is the time to prove it!” murmured Ana to herself, gripping her black locks frustratedly.

Ana leaned on the wall and slowly slid to the floor, sighing. “How do I make him believe without him trying to spit back and ask me why can't the big four themselves prove it?”

Ana didn’t know how long she had sit on the floor. She suddenly aware by the sounds from Jamie's room. She thought she heard... laughter...

Ana frowned and stood up. She knocked on Jamie's door and slowly opened it, “Jamie, are you oka...”

Ana stood stunned. There, in Jamie's room, the boy was standing on his bed, eyes bright with happiness, snow falling gracefully around him.

But, that wasn’t exactly what makes Ana stunned.

Near Jamie's table, stood another boy. His hair was frost white and his eyes are icy blue. He wore a hooded sweater with thin fern-like ice pattern spread around the collar and sleeves, his trousers was rather tattered from the knees down.

Ana felt a smile slowly carved on her face. So Jack Frost did visit Jamie. And she does still can see him.

“Well, hello again there.”

Ana didn’t know if Jack still remember her, probably not. But Ana doesn’t blame him, of course. It's been eleven years, and they met for only about a few seconds. What Ana didn’t understand is the very surprised expression on his face.

Jamie looked at Ana with a questioned face, “Jack Frost...”

Jack turned to face Jamie, looking all unsure, “Did you just say...”

Jamie's eyes widened, “Jack Frost...”

Jack's breath hitched, “He said it again... he said... you said...”

Ana smiled to Jamie and signed him to turn around. When Jamie did, his jaw dropped to a gap, “Jack Frost!”

Jack looked frantic, “That’s right! B-but that’s me... Jack Frost. That’s my name...”

Jack looked at Jamie, “You said my name...”

Jamie just looked at Jack with his mouth still wide open. Ana tried to hold her laughter. This is all so hilarious and touching all at the same time.

“Wait...” Jack narrowed his eyes, “Can you hear me?”

Jamie nodded with his mouth still agape.

“C-can you, can you see me?...”

Jamie nodded again, this time almost laughing.

Jack muffled a laugh. He looked like he wanted to cry and laugh all at the same time, “He sees me... Huh, he... he sees me...”

Jack laughed and do a floating flip-back to land on Jamie's table.

Jamie laughed, all excited, “You just made it snow!”

“I know!”

“In my room!”

“I know!”

“You're real?”

“Yeah! Who do you think praise you all the blizzard, and-and the snow days! And you remember when you were flying on that sleigh the other day?”

“That was you?!”

“That was me!”

“Cool!”

“Right!”

“But.. what about the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy, I mean, what about...”

“Real, real, real! Every one of us, is real.”

“I knew it!” shouted Jamie and jumped on his bed.

“Jamie! Who are you talking to?” called Maria.

Jamie looked at Ana worried. Ana grinned, “Jamie is having a conversation with Jack Frost, Maria. Don’t worry, I'll make sure they didn’t stay up chatting too late.”

Ana heard Maria chuckled, “Okay, I count on you, Ana.”

Suddenly, a strong wind blew Jamie's window. Jack approached the window and looked outside, Jamie copied his steps.

Ana frowned, entered the room, and slowly closed Jamie's door. There was a huge thumping sound and someone yelled in foreign language.

“Is that...”

Jack turned to see Jamie, “Jamie, meet me outside, okay?”

“But what about Ana? She sees you too. In fact, she is the one who makes me believe that you’re not just an expression!”

Ana looked at Jack shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “You should go, Jack. Jamie, hurry up, I'll cover your way.”

“Y-you should come too.” said Jack, then he grinned, “the more the merrier, isn’t it?”

Ana frowned, but then smiled, “Okay. Come on Jamie. Be careful, don’t make noises.”

->->->->->->->->->->-->->->->->->->->->->-

Lee

Lee menatap gadis kecil yang duduk mencakung di tepi sungai itu dengan tertarik. Dia merasakan dorongan untuk mendekati gadis itu dan menanyakan apa yang membuat wajah polosnya begitu muram. Namun pikirannya disentakkan oleh panggilan sahabatnya, Alan.

“Hoi, Lee! Sedang apa kau?” tangan Alan menepuk pundak Lee, “Huh, siapa yang kau pandangi? Gadis kecil itu? Ckck, tidakkah dia terlalu muda untukmu? Usianya mungkin baru tujuh atau delapan tahun.”

“Dan berapa usiamu sendiri, Al?”

“Aku lebih dekat menuju tiga belas daripada kau.” ucapnya bangga.

“Oh, maaf, haruskah aku memberi selamat?” Lee mengangkat alisnya.

Alan menonjok main main pundak Lee, “Ah, sudahlah. Trent bilang dia sudah menemukan tempat untuk kita beristirahat.”

“Oh, baguslah. Aku akan...” Lee menatap ke arah gadis kecil di tepi danau tadi. Gadis itu sudah berjalan pergi.

“Heh, jangan membawa masalah pada gadis kecil itu.” Alan menarik lengan Lee, “Kau tahu sendiri kita hanya akan membuatnya susah. Lebih baik dia jauh jauh dari kita. Apapun masalah yang membuatnya muram seperti itu lebih baik dari yang kita bawa.”

Lee mengangguk pelan. Tak ada masalah yang lebih buruk daripada yang dibawa para blasteran dalam pelarian.

>>>>>

Arabella

Arabella menghapus lelehan air mata di pipinya. Dilemparkannya segumpal tanah ke bayangan wajahnya sendiri di sungai dan bangkit menjauhinya.

Matahari sudah mulai tenggelam, Arabella harus segera kembali ke rumahnya.

Arabella benci pulang.

Saat memasuki halaman belakang rumahnya, Edith, pengasuhnya, sudah berdiri sambil berkacak pinggang di pintu dapur.

“Arabella Deshoulieres! Sudah berapa kali kuberitahukan padamu bahwa kau harus kembali ke sini sebelum matahari terbenam. Sekarang, lihat, apa matahari sudah terbenam?” omelnya.

“Maaf.” ucap Arabella pelan dan berjalan melewatinya menuju dapur.

Edith mendesah, “Kau tahu, kalau kau begini terus aku bisa mencabut izinmu untuk pergi ke sungai itu.”

Arabella tidak ambil pusing menimpali ucapan Edith, dia tahu pengasuh yang setia pada ayahnya sejak masih kecil itu takkan tega mencabut izin keluarnya. Edith sudah berkali kali mengancamnya seperti itu, namun dia tak pernah melaksanakannya.

Arabella duduk di kursinya dan menatap meja makan, “Apa dia akan pulang malam ini?”

Edith mendesah lagi dan meremas lembut pundak Arabella, “Dia tidak bilang akan pulang. Dia masih harus menyelesaikan banyak pekerjaan.”

“Dia bukan menyelesaikan pekerjaan, dia mencari wanita itu, kan?”

“Bella, jangan bicara tentang ibumu seperti itu.”

“Ibu? Ibu macam apa yang meninggalkan keluarganya begitu saja meskipun dia tahu putrinya masih bayi dan suaminya takkan mampu mengurus segalanya sendiri.”

Edith menggigit bibirnya, dia tak mampu berkata apa apa lagi. Dia memang tak tahu banyak soal istri Michael, dia hanya pernah bertemu wanita itu sekali. Dia sangat cantik, mirip seperti Arabella, dan menurut Edith dia tak nampak seperti wanita yang akan mencampakkan suami dan bayinya begitu saja. Namun, hal itulah yang terjadi dan sejak saat itu dialah yang mengurus Arabella.

Masih lekat di pikirannya ketika malam itu Michael mengetuk pintu pondok kecilnya dan memintanya tinggal untuk mengurus Arabella sampai ibunya ditemukan. Saat itu Michael terlihat amat menyedihkan dan merana, Edith tak tega melihat bekas anak yang pernah diasuhnya itu hingga akhirnya dia mengiyakan.

Namun, setelah delapan tahun berlalu ibu Arabella tetap belum ditemukan, dan Edith tetap tinggal untuk mengurus Arabella yang sudah dianggapnya seperti cucu sendiri.

Edith akhirnya menghela napas dan bertanya pada Arabella, “Kau mau kubuatkan susu cokelat lagi?”

Arabella mengangguk, “Ya, tolong.”

“Kau tahu, kau harusnya sudah bisa membuat susu cokelat sendiri sekarang.” ujar Edith sambil sibuk menyiapkan susu cokelat untuk Arabella.

Seulas senyum mengembang di bibir Arabella, “Aku tahu, tapi aku senang kalau kau yang membuatkannya untukku. Rasanya selalu jauh lebih enak.”

Edith menepuk pelan kepala Arabella, “Dasar, kau memang pandai sekali bermanis manis denganku.”

Arabella tertawa kecil dan Edith merasa sedikit lega. Arabella tumbuh menjadi gadis yang sangat pendiam dan muram tanpa perhatian kedua orang tuanya. Hanya sesekali dia tersenyum atau tertawa seperti tadi, sehingga saat dia melakukannya Edith merasa sangat lega, setidaknya masih ada beberapa hal di dunia ini yang membuat gadis kecil itu senang.

>>>>>>>

Lee

“Persediaan makanan kita sudah menipis. Kau harus segera melakukan 'keahlianmu' itu lagi, Al.” ujar Trent.

Alan mengerang, “Ya, ya, tentu saja. Serahkan saja segalanya pada Alan, dia kan putra dewa pencuri.”

“Kita tak punya pilihan, Al. Tak ada diantara kita yang mencuri jika keadaannya tak mendesak. Aku sudah berusaha mencari pekerjaan di sekitar sini, tapi tak ada yang mau menerima anak usia 14 tahun, terlebih bocah bocah 12 tahun seperti kalian.” ujar Trent lagi, menepuk pundak rekannya.

“Ayolah, kawan, kau kan memang jago membobol kunci dan semacamnya. Itu keren, loh.” Lee berusaha menyemangati sahabatnya. “Aku akan ikut denganmu. Kurasa Trent tak apa apa jika ditinggal untuk berjaga sendiri di sini, iya kan?”

Trent mengangguk, “Jika ada sesuatu yang terjadi segeralah kembali ke sini, jika harus berpencar kita akan bertemu besok pagi pukul 7 tepat di belakang restoran yang tadi sudah kita sepakati.”

Lee dan Alan mengangguk.

“Target kita kali ini adalah rumah dekat sungai yang tadi kita lewati. Rumah itu terlihat sepi dan aksesnya mudah...”

>>>>>>

Arabella

Arabella menggosok gosok matanya dan menoleh untuk melihat jam. Tengah malam. Arabella memakai mantel kamarnya dan melangkah keluar.

Dia sedang menuju kamar mandi saat mendengar sebuah suara dari lantai bawah. Perlahan, dia berjinjit menuju tangga dan menjengukkan kepalanya sedikit. Lampu dapur masih mati, namun Arabella dapat melihat kilasan kilasan cahaya seperti senter dari sana.

Ayah? Pikir Arabella. Terkadang Ayahnya memang pulang saat sangat larut, dan karena tak ingin mengganggu Edith maupun dirinya, dia tak membangunkan siapa siapa.

Kenapa ayah tak menyalakan lampu? Apa dia tak ingin kami tahu bahwa dia pulang?

Arabella melangkah hati hati menuruni tangga, bermaksud membantu ayahnya menyiapkan makanan.

Arabella menyayangi ayahnya dan merindukan saat saat ayahnya masih sempat membawanya menuju taman, tempat pohon moonlace, yang menurut ayahnya adalah yang satu satunya di dunia –Arabella dulu percaya, tapi setelah besar dia menganggapnya sebagai romantisme kecil manis ayahnya saja–. Ayahnya bercerita bahwa di bawah pohon itulah dia pertama kali bertemu dengan ibu Arabella. Ayahnya akan bercerita tentang masa lalunya dan untuk sesaat Arabella bisa melihat wajah ayahnya lebih cerah. Namun beberapa tahun belakangan ini ayahnya tak pernah lagi mengajak Arabella berjalan jalan lagi. Dia terlalu sibuk dengan pekerjaannya.

Tapi Arabella tetap menyayangi ayahnya, dan berharap ayahnya akan mengajaknya berjalan jalan lagi suatu hari nanti. Karena itu kali ini Arabella akan membantunya menyiapkan makanan dan membuatnya terkesan. Dia ingin menunjukkan pada ayahnya bahwa dia adalah anak yang patut dibanggakan.

Arabella memasang wajah tersenyum yang paling hangat dan menyalakan lampu dapur, “Hai Ayah! Mencari sesua...”

Saat lampu dapur menyala, Arabella tidak melihat ayahnya, melainkan anak lelaki berumur sekitar 12 atau 13 tahun dengan rambut coklat dan mata kelabu yang terperanjat.

“Si...siapa kau? Apa yang kau lakukan di dapur rumahku?”

Anak lelaki itu nampak gugup dan menyambar tasnya, “Ma...maaf. Aku hanya minta sedikit... aku...”

Arabella memerhatikan bahwa anak itu nampak kurus dan kotor, sekilas juga dia melihat beberapa luka dan memar di sekitar tangan dan leher anak itu.

“Apa kau anak jalanan?” tanya Arabella.

“Eh...i-iya...”

“Kau terlihat kurus. Apa kau lapar?”

Anak lelaki itu nampak bersalah dan melirik tasnya.

“Oh, kau mengambil makanan dari lemari Edith ya?” tanya Arabella ringan. “Tak apa apa, Edith masih bisa memasak lagi untukku besok. Apa kau sendirian? Makanan yang kau bawa sudah cukup?”

Anak lelaki itu nampak bingung, tidak menyangka reaksi Arabella akan begitu tenang dan santai. Dia sudah bersiap siap untuk lari namun Arabella kembali berbicara padanya.

“Jika aku memberikanmu makanan, maukah kau tinggal sebentar dan menemaniku mengobrol? Aku bisa membuatkanmu susu cokelat.”

Anak lelaki itu akhirnya menjawab, “A-aku harus pergi. Teman temanku sudah menunggu.”

“Oh, kau tidak sendirian? Ada berapa banyak temanmu? Maukah kau mengajak mereka kesini? Aku tak keberatan jika kalian membawa lebih banyak makanan.”

Anak lelaki itu nampak ragu lagi sebelum menjawab, “Kami bertiga. Aku...aku tak tahu apakah aku bisa mengajak mereka kesini.”

“Tidak apa apa, kan? Aku tidak akan melaporkan kalian. Namaku Arabella, siapa namamu?”

“Alan.” jawab anak itu sambil menatap gelisah keluar.

“Senang bertemu denganmu Alan.” Arabella tersenyum dan mengamati arah pandangan Alan. “Apakah yang diluar itu temanmu? Itu cahaya senter, kan?”

Alan tiba tiba nampak panik, “Eh, aku harus segera pergi...”

“Ada apa? Ada sesuatu yang terjadi?”

“Lee menandakan ada monster di sekitar sini.”

“Mo-monster? Monster apa? Hei, kau mau pergi kemana? Aku ikut!”

Alan menoleh dengan panik, “Jangan, kau tak boleh ikut! Ini... berbahaya. Kau tinggallah baik baik di sini. Sudah cukup banyak masalah yang kami timbulkan untukmu. Maaf, terima kasih untuk makanannya.”

“Hei!” Arabella tidak sempat mencegah Alan berlari keluar. Dia tahu Alan memperingatkannya untuk tidak mengikutinya, namun, entah mengapa, Arabella justru ikut berlari keluar.

“Alan! Alan! Tunggu!”

Tapi di luar, Arabella sudah tak bisa melihat sosok Alan lagi. Cahaya senter yang tadi terlihat lewat jendela juga sudah menghilang.

Arabella berhenti untuk mengatur napasnya yang terengah engah. Dia bertekad tidak akan kehilangan temannya lagi kali ini.

Arabella nyaris tidak punya teman bermain. Hidupnya hanya di sekitar rumah, pekarangan, taman dan sungai. Ayahnya bahkan tidak mengizinkannya memakai ponsel. Di rumah mereka juga tak ada jaringan telepon. Ada sebuah televisi dan komputer tua, namun sama sekali tak ada akses internet. Karena Arabella mengikuti program home schooling, anak sebayanya yang dia kenal praktis bisa dihitung jari.

Oleh karena itu, Arabella tidak mau kehilangan teman barunya.

Arabella menatap berkeliling, memutuskan untuk menyelidiki tempat cahaya senter yang tadi dilihatnya. Arabella terus berjalan semakin jauh dari rumahnya. Sedikit menyesal kenapa dia tak membawa senter juga, jalanan semakin gelap.

Arabella mendengar bunyi gemerisik dari semak tak jauh darinya, “Alan, apa itu kau?” bisiknya.

Arabella merasakan sesuatu mendesir di belakanganya dan bulu kuduknya meremang. Dia berbalik dan baru saja akan lari ketika sesosok makhluk hitam muncul di hadapannya sambil menggeram mengerikan.

Arabella menjerit ketakutan dan lari, dia dapat merasakan makhluk itu juga mengejarnya. Tawanya yang seperti dengusan mengerikan terus mengikuti Arabella.

Arabella terus berlari, namun kegelapan membuatnya tak bisa melihat jelas jalanan yang dilaluinya. Arabella tersandung dan jatuh sambil memekik.

Makhluk di belakangnya melolong gembira dan menggeram.

Arabella menutup matanya dan pasrah, dia tahu dia takkan bisa lolos.

Lalu Arabella mendengar sebuah seruan, sesuatu yang berdesing, lolongan menyakitkan, dan suara berdesir.

“Hei.” seseorang memegang bahunya, “Hei, kau tak apa apa?”

Arabella memekik dan memukul tangan itu, menyeret dirinya menjauh.

“Kau tak perlu takut. Dia sudah pergi.” ujar seseorang di hadapannya. Di bawah sinar rembulan yang sedikit tertutup awan Arabella dapat melihat seberkas rambut pirang dan mata biru yang ramah. Anak lelaki itu tersenyum.

“Ma-makhluk apa tadi... yang mengejarku...dia...” Arabella tersentak saat melihat busur di tangan anak lelaki itu dan kantung anak panah yang di sampirkan di punggungnya. “Ka-kau...bersenjata...”

Anak lelaki itu nampak terkejut, “Kau bisa melihatnya? Apa yang kau lihat? Kau bukan melihat manusia? Kau bisa melihat busurku?”

“Tentu saja aku bisa melihat busurmu! Mataku normal! Dan makhluk tadi jelas jelas bukan manusia! Dia...seperti kumpulan dari berbagai binatang yang dicampur adukkan!”

Anak lelaki itu berkedip bingung, “Kau bisa melihatnya? Apa kau...blasteran?”

“Blasteran?” Arabella menatap anak lelaki di depannya dengan bingung, “Tidak, aku tak punya keturunan asing.”

“Bukan itu maksudku...”

Arabella tiba tiba mengernyit kesakitan. Nampaknya pergelangan kakinya terkilir dan terluka saat tersandung tadi.

“Kau terluka. Bersandarlah ke pohon ini. Biar kulihat lukamu.”

Arabella menurut dan menyandarkan diri ke pohon di belakangnya, membiarkan Lee mengamati pergelangan kakinya.

Tiba tiba Arabella tersadar, Mungkin anak lelaki ini salah satu dari teman Alan, pikirnya.

“Eh, apa kau kenal Alan? Aku tak tahu nama belakangnya, tapi usianya kira kira sebaya denganmu dengan rambut coklat dan mata abu abu.”

Anak lelaki itu mengangkat kepalanya dengan terkejut, “Ya. Dia temanku, bagaimana kau bisa mengenalnya?”

“Ehm...aku memergokinya sedang mengorek ngorek isi dapur di rumahku.”

“Oh.” Anak lelaki itu nampak bersalah, “Maaf...kau tinggal di rumah dekat sungai itu, ya?”

Arabella mengangguk, “Aku tak keberatan kalian mengambil beberapa makanan dari rumahku. Kurasa kalian membutuhkannya.”

Anak lelaki itu menatap Arabella lagi, lalu tersenyum, “Terima kasih, kau baik sekali. Aku dan teman temanku juga biasanya tidak, ehm, mencuri, tapi kami sedang terdesak. Perbekalan kami sudah menipis...”

“Oh ya, namaku Lee Fletcher. Siapa namamu?”

“Arabella. Arabella Deshoulieres.”

Lee tersenyum, “Senang bertemu denganmu Arabella.”

Arabella tersipu saat Lee tersenyum padanya dan memalingkan wajah.

“Nah, Arabella, aku akan menyanyikan sesuatu untukmu. Liriknya mungkin akan terdengar aneh, tapi percaya atau tidak, biasanya luka lukamu akan terasa lebih baik saat mendengarnya.”

Arabella mengangguk dan Lee mulai bernyanyi.

Seolah ikut menikmati suara indah Lee, awan bergulung gulung menjauh dan menampakkan bulan purnama yang penuh dan terang.

Arabella menatap ke atas dan dengan terkejut menyadari bahwa dirinya tengah bersandar di bawah pohon moonlace tempat orang tuanya pertama kali bertemu.

Bunga bunga di pohon itu yang biasanya putih dan kuncup mulai bermekaran membentuk kelopak kelopak berbentuk bintang yang bersinar keperakan.

“Wow.” ujar Arabella takjub. “Aku belum pernah melihat moonlace mekar sebelumnya.”

Lee menghentikan nyanyiannya dan menoleh ke atas, nampak sama takjubnya, “Aku belum pernah melihat moonlace sebelumnya. Kukira hal itu hanya dongeng.”

“Menurutmu apakah dia akan tetap mekar jika kupetik satu?” tanya Arabella.

“Kurasa dia akan terus mekar selama masih disinari cahaya bulan.”

“Mungkin aku akan mengambil satu...”

“Mungkin aku punya ide yang lebih baik.” ujar Lee lalu bangkit dan dengan lembut memetik beberapa tangkai moonlace dan menjalinnya hingga membentuk sebuah mahkota.

Lee dengan hati hati memahkotai Arabella, “Hormat, pada Yang Mulia Arabella Deshoulieres.”

Arabella tertawa geli, “Terima kasih, Tuan Lee Fletcher yang baik.”

Saat mereka akhirnya berhenti tertawa, Lee menatap pergelangan kaki Arabella dan bertanya, “Bagaimana dengan kakimu? Sudah lebih baik?”

Arabella berusaha menggerakkan sedikit kakinya dan dengan terkejut menyadari bahwa sakitnya sudah hilang sama sekali, “Oh. Kurasa kakiku sudah sembuh.”

“Benarkah? Bagus! Kalau begitu kau harus segera pulang. Jangan sampai orang tuamu tahu kau keluyuran larut malam begini.”

-------

Arabella dan Lee berhenti di depan pintu belakang rumah Arabella. Lee menoleh menatap Arabella dan tersenyum, “Nah Arabella, kita sudah sampai. Istirahatlah. Kau pasti lelah setelah berlari lari tadi.”

“Makhluk itu....sebenarnya dia apa?”

Lee nampak ragu ragu sebelum menjawab, “Kobaloi. Sudah ya, Bella. Aku harus pergi. Terima kasih untuk makanannya.”

Lee melambai dan berlari menjauh.

“Kobaloi...?” gumam Arabella. Rasa rasanya dia pernah mendengar kata itu. Sesuatu si pelajaran sejarahnya....

Arabella menguap. Lee benar, dia memang lelah. Lebih baik dirinya segera menyelinap kembali ke kamar sebelum Edith sadar dan mulai heboh.

>>>>>>>>

Lee

Lee yang paling terakhir kembali ke markasnya. Di sana Alan nampak lebih hiperaktif dari biasanya, mondar mandir sambil menarik narik rambutnya sedangkan Trent nampak lebih tenang, duduk dengan waspada di dekat pintu masuk.

“Lee!” Alan memekik saat melihatnya dan langsung bernapas lega, “Kami sudah khawatir kau terhadang monster. Aku sudah meminta Trent untuk bersama sama mencarimu namun dia bilang kau bisa menjaga diri sendiri.”

“Trent benar, aku bisa menjaga diri sendiri.” Lee tersenyum sedikit saat menghempaskan tubuhnya ke alas tidur mereka.

“Kenapa kau lama sekali kembali? Kau bertemu monster?”

“Ya. Seekor kobaloi.” ujar Lee, “ dia mengejar seorang gadis kecil yang keluar malam malam karena mengikuti seseorang yang bernama Alan. Kira kira kau kenal tidak?”

Alan langsung terlihat malu, “A-aku sudah menyuruhnya untuk tetap tinggal, kukira dia tak mengikutiku lagi...”

Kening Trent berkerut, “Oke, aku tak begitu mengikuti cerita ini. Bisa kau ceritakan secara runut dan jelas?”

“Singkat cerita, Alan terpergok saat, ehm, mengambil makanan di rumah tadi oleh seorang gadis kecil. Untungnya, gadis itu tidak keberatan, dia malah menawarkannya pada Alan. Kalau boleh kutambahkan dia nampaknya seperti gadis kecil yang kesepian dan tak punya teman, jadi dia ingin mengobrol dengan Alan. Nah, sayangnya, aku memilih waktu yang tidak tepat untuk merasakan adanya monster di dekat kita dan langsung memberi sinyal pada Alan yang segera menyelamatkan diri. Setelah itu, aku berlari ke arah taman di sisi sungai dan bersembunyi sebentar. Namun tidak lama, aku mendengar raungan dan semacamnya, juga teriakan gadis kecil. Aku mendekatinya, dan ternyata ada seekor kobaloi yang sedang menyerang gadis itu. kobaloi itu tak sadar aku ada di dekatnya jadi dengan mudah aku memanahnya dan dia melebur jadi debu, seperti biasa.”

“Ehm, jadi itu versi singkat?”

Lee nyengir dan mengangkat tangan, “Hey, setidaknya aku tidak tergagap gagap seperti seseorang yang lain...”

“Me-memangnya aku gagap?!” protes Alan.

Trent terbahak, “Yah, setidaknya semua berjalan lancar. Kalian berdua istirahatlah, aku akan mengambil giliran jaga pertama. Besok kita akan berangkat pagi pagi. Alan, mungkin kau bisa mampir dulu ke rumah gadis itu dan meminta sedikit bekal lagi. Kau tahu, untuk jaga jaga. Tak setiap hari kita menemukan gadis kecil seperti itu, kan?”

Alan menggumamkan sesuatu yang tak jelas dan membenamkan wajahnya ke ransel yang dijadikannya bantal. Lee terkekeh dan merebahkan tubuhnya.

Untuk sesaat, semua nampak akan berjalan baik baik saja.

-----

Sinar matahari pagi hari menyinari wajah Lee dan membuat anak lelaki itu berkedip silau, lalu bangkit terduduk.

“Pagi.” sapa Alan.

“Pagi.” Lee melemaskan lehernya, “Di mana Trent?”

“Di sini.” Trent memasuki gudang kecil yang menjadi markas sementara mereka dengan membawa setumpuk kecil dedaunan, “Aku menemukan ini, thymbelmine. Tidak sebagus ambrosia dan nektar tentunya, tapi bisa dimanfaatkan.”

“Kau memang menakjubkan, Trent.”

“Diamlah, Fletcher. Ini untuk berjaga jaga bila nanti kau, penyembuh kami, yang terluka.”

Lee hanya mengangguk angguk sambil nyengir, “Apa kita berangkat sekarang?”

“Setelah Alan mengunjungi gadis kecil itu lagi.”

Alan mengerang, “Apakah aku benar benar harus melakukannya? Tidakkah bekal kita sudah cukup?”

“Tak ada salahnya berjaga jaga, jagoan. Ayolah, masa kau takut pada gadis kecil?”

“Aku nggak takut.” gumam Alan, “tapi kenapa hanya aku yang pergi sih? Memang apa yang mau kalian lakukan di sini?”

“Kurasa Alan benar juga, Trent. Tak ada salahnya kita ikut kan? Siapa tau dengan melihat tiga anak jalanan yang mengibakan dan bukan seorang saja akan membuatnya luluh.”

“Hmm, bisa diterima. Baiklah, kita akan bersiap siap sekarang dan segera menuju rumah gadis itu.”

Lee menahan senyum. Entah mengapa, dia senang bisa bertemu gadis kecil itu lagi sebelum akhirnya dia akan pergi. Mungkin ini akan jadi pertemuan terakhir mereka, jadi Lee ingin kenangan mereka lebih baik daripada saat dikejar kejar kobaloi.

Kening Lee berkerut, Meskipun datang ke rumahnya mengemis untuk makanan bukan kenangan yang bagus juga sih.

-----

“Eh, tunggu dulu, pagi pagi seperti ini tidakkah kau pikir gadis kecil itu akan pergi ke sekolah?” tanya Alan tiba tiba.

“Eh, iya juga ya...” Lee dan Trent terdiam. Mereka sudah begitu lama tidak bersinggungan dengan kehidupan manusia fana seperti itu hingga mereka hampir lupa rasanya.

“Hmm, begini saja. Kita lihat apakah gadis itu ada di rumah atau tidak. Jam segini paling dia masih sarapan kan? Kalau dia ada, kita akan memanggilnya, bagaimana?” ususl Trent.

Lee dan Alan mengangguk setuju.

“Tapi serahkan bagian berbicaranya padaku. Untuk bicara rasanya aku lebih baik daripada seorang yang tergagap gagap dan seorang anak lelaki bertubuh besar dengan suara seram yang belum pernah ditemui Arabella kecil.”

>>>>>>>

Arabella

“Selamat pagi, Edith.” Arabella menguap sedikit sambil menggosok matanya.

“Pagi, nona kecil.” sahut Edith tanpa menoleh. “Kau bangun agak terlambat.”

“Iya, aku...agak sulit tidur.” jawab Arabella, mengingat kembali kejadian semalam. Sekarang semuanya nampak kabur dan bagaikan mimpi.

“Ada apa, Edith?” tanya Arabella saat melihat pengasuhnya itu berkacak pinggang sambil terus menggumam. Mata Edith lekat menatap isi dapurnya.

“Aku yakin aku masih memiliki sekitar dua balok roti, tiga kaleng mentega, sepuluh kaleng sarden, empat kotak sereal, tiga bungkus sosis ...”

“Oke, oke, aku mengerti, jadi makananmu tidak ada dalam jumlah yang sama seperti sebelumnya. Tapi apa kau yakin? Maksudku, makanku kan banyak...” Edith menatap Arabella dengan skeptis, “Oke, makanku mungkin nggak banyak...”

“Arabella Deshoulieres, apa yang kau sembunyikan dariku? Kau tidak memiliki peliharaan kan?”

“Ng-nggak kok...”

Mata Edith menyipit, “Jangan membohongiku, nona muda. Kulihat snack cemilanmu juga menurun drastis di kulkas. Sekarang, katakan sejujurnya padaku...”

“A-aku...”

“Arabellaa~”

Terdengar ketukan dan suara beberapa anak lelaki memanggil dari pintu belakang.

Arabella dan Edith terpaku sejenak.

Terdengar suara suara itu memanggil lagi, “Arabella~”

“Arabella Deshoulieres, siapa yang ada di luar?”tanya Edith dengan mata disipitkan.

“A-aku tak tahu. Aku kan belum melihat siapa yang ada di luar...” kilah Arabella, meskipun pikirannya langsung tertuju pada Alan dan Lee. Yah, dia kan memang tak punya banyak teman.

Edith menyipitkan mata sekali lagi pada Arabella yang berusaha tersenyum polos. Wanira itu lalu melangkah ke pintu dapur dan membukanya.

“Selamat pagi, Nyonya.” sapa hangat seorang anak lelaki berusia sekitar 12 atau 13 tahun yang tampan dengan rambut pirang dan mata biru cerah. “Boleh kami bertemu Arabella?”

Anak lelaki itu tersenyum manis dan Edith, sebagai wanita paruh baya yang menyukai anak anak, langsung terpesona dengan senyum anak lelaki itu.

“Oh, tentu sa... tunggu, siapa kalian?”

Anak lelaki itu memperkenalkan dirinya dan kedua temannya –yang nyaris tak diperhatikan Edith– dengan amat sopan, “Ah, maafkan ketidak sopanan kami. Nama saya Lee Fletcher, ini Alan Jones dan Trent Hanson. Kami berkenalan dengan Arabella kemarin, dan hanya kemari untuk mengucapkan terima kasih dan selamat tinggal. Kami harus segera melanjutkan perjalanan kami.”

Meskipun bingung, Edith merasa senang mengetahui bahwa Arabella akhirnya mendapatkan teman. Meskipun mereka akan segera pergi dan merupakan sekumpulan anak yang aneh. Salah satunya, yang bernama Lee sama sekali tidak berwajah asia. Mata biru, rambut pirang, senyum yang amat manis, tutur kata yang halus dan sopan meskipun pakaiannya agak lusuh. Yang satu lagi kira kira seumuran dengan Lee, mata biru keabuan, rambut coklat berantakan, nampak gugup dan meremas remas ujung bajunya, namanya adalah Alan Jones. Yang terakhir lebih tua daripada teman temannya, kira kira 14 atau 15 tahun. Tubuhnya tinggi dan berisi, dengan rambut coklat dan mata hitam yang waspada namun tetap memandang sopan pada Edith, Trent Hanson.

“Arabella,” akhirnya Edith memanggil Arabella, “apa kau mengenal para anak lelaki ini?”

Arabella yang sejak tadi duduk dengan was was sambil meremas remas taplak meja melompat dari duduknya dan menghampiri mereka dengan separuh berlari.

“Ya! Mereka teman temanku.” ucapnya dengan buru buru. “Edith, kau tahu, kurasa pansy-pansy yang kau tanam di pekarangan sudah mekar. Tidakkah kau ingin melihatnya?”

“Baiklah...” ujar Edith sambil memerhatikan ketiga anak lelaki itu lagi. “...aku akan ada di depan, kau bisa memanggilku jika ada apa apa.”

Arabella mengangguk cepat.

“Kalian akan pergi?” tanya Arabella kecewa segera setelah Edith meninggalkan mereka.

Lee mengangguk, “Kami tak bisa tinggal.”

Anak lelaki yang paling besar, Trent, mendekati Arabella dan menepuk kepala Arabella dengan tidak-terlalu-lembut. “Kau belum mengenalku, jadi biarkan aku memperkenalkan diri. Namaku Trent, dan sebagai pemimpin kelompok kecil ini, aku mau berterima kasih atas makanan yang kau berikan dan karena tidak melaporkan kami.”

Ujung bibir Trent terangkat sedikit dan menyalami Arabella, “Terima kasih, kiddo.”

Awalnya Arabella agak takut pada Trent. Tubuhnya tinggi besar dan suaranya agak seram, namun Arabella membalasnya senyumnya dengan tulus dan tidak lagi merasa takut padanya.

“Sama sama.” Arabella menambahkan, “Apakah kalian akan pergi jauh? Perbekalan kalian cukup?”

Ketiga anak lelaki itu berpandangan dan nyengir, “Well, aku tak menyangka akan semudah ini.” ujar Trent.

“Huh?”

Lee mengalihkan pandangan pada Arabella, “Apa nenekmu takkan curiga? Maksudku kemarin kan kami sudah mengambil, ehm, cukup banyak.”

Arabella mengedikkan bahu, “Menurutku dia sudah menduganya sekarang. Biarkan saja. Lagipula dia bukan nenekku.”

Lee sudah membuka mulutnya untuk merespon perkataan Arabella saat sebuah jeritan melengking mengejutkan mereka semua.

“I-itu suara Edith.” ujar Arabella panik.

Wajah ketiga anak lelaki itu langsung waspada.

“Arabella, tetap di sini. Kunci pintu dan jendela, jangan biarkan siapapun masuk kecuali kau melihat kami.” ujar Trent sambil menyiagakan tongkat lacrosse-nya. Eh, bukan, itu...sebuah tombak. Arabella menggeleng gelengkan kepalanya untuk menyegarkan penglihatannya. Benar, itu sebuah tombak. Meskipun Arabella sangat yakin bahwa tombak panjang itu adalah tongkat lacrosse beberapa detik sebelumnya.

“Astaga, kau punya tombak! Dan kemarin kau membawa busur dan anak panah sungguhan.” tunjuknya bergantian pada Trent dan Lee.

Alan nampak terkejut, “Kau bisa melihat?”

“Apa maksudmu? Tentu saja aku bisa!”

“Teman teman, kita nggak punya waktu untuk ini. Arabella, tetap di sini. Lee, Alan, bersiap.”

Lee dan Alan mengangguk dan pergi mengikuti Trent.

Arabella berdecak kesal, anak anak lelaki itu. Memangnya apa sih yang bisa terjadi padanya?

Tapi kalau dipikir pikir lagi... bagaimana kalau makhluk yang kemarin malam menyerangnya datang lagi? Bulu kuduk Arabella langsung berdiri. Masa bodoh apa kata Trent, Arabella tidak mau ditinggal sendirian.

Tanpa mengetahui apa yang akan dihadapinya Arabella melangkah menuju bagian depan rumahnya, tempat sebuah pertarungan antara demigod dan monster akan berlangsung.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Lee

“Demi dewa dewa...”

Lee tercengang melihat makhluk di hadapannya. Sesosok makhluk dengan kepala singa, tubuh seekor kambing raksasa dan ekor berupa ular derik diamondback.

“Chimera!” teriak Trent. “Kepala singanya hanya satu, berarti bisa mengeluarkan api. Ekor ularnya juga berbisa mematikan. Lee, panah mata singanya dan kepala ularnya. Aku akan mengalihkan perhatiannya dan membawanya menjauh dari sini. Alan, bantu nyonya itu dan bawa dia masuk.”

Lee dan Alan mengangguk. Alan segera menolong Edith masuk kembali ke dalam rumah dan Lee bersiaga dengan busur dan anak panahnya.

Trent memutar mutar tombaknya dan mendapatkan perhatian si monster. Dengan hati hati dia mengarahkan monster itu untuk mengikutinya ke lahan lapang di dekat sungai. Lee bersiaga tak jauh dari Trent, mengikuti dengan perlahan di belakang si chimera.

Kepala singa dan ular dari chimera itu memusatkan perhatian pada Trent. Sebuah serangan tiba tiba dari chimera, kepala singanya menyemburkan api ke arah Trent, namun Trent dengan sigap berguling menghindar dan melemparkan sebilah pisau ke wajah singa si chimera.

“Lee! Ekornya!” teriak Trent.

Chimera itu mengaum kesakitan, namun bidikan Trent meleset sedikit dan hanya mengenai rahangnya. Teriakan Trent membuat chimera sadar dan ekor ularnya berkelit dari panah Lee yang kemudian menancap pada kusen pintu dapur Arabella.

Terdengar sebuah jeritan dan Lee tersadar bahwa Arabella sedang berdiri di ambang pintu yang sedikit terbuka.

“Arabella, masuk!” teriak Lee memperingatkan. Namun chimera telah melihat Arabella dan menerjang ke arahnya.

Bukannya masuk kembali ke rumahnya, Arabella dengan panik justru berlari keluar menuju taman. Lee berlari mengejarnya dan berusaha membidik titik titik lemah chimera.

Seluruh indera Lee seolah terbangun. Dokter keluarganya dulu mengatakan pada ibunya bahwa itu adalah efek dari GPPH, namun Trent memberi tahu bahwa itu adalah refleks perang para demigod. Dan sekarang, refleks perangnya seolah meneriakkan SIAGA ke seluruh tubuhnya.

Dari ujung matanya Lee dapat melihat Alan menghambur dari pintu dapur dengan pedang terhunus, mengejar chimera di belakangnya. Di sisi lain Trent sudah menyiagakan tombak dan pisau lemparnya.

Lee memutar menjauhi chimera dan berhasil menyambar lengan Arabella dari samping saat sebuah rasa sakit yang menyengat menjalari bahunya.

“Tidak!” teriak Trent dan melempar pisaunya lagi, kali ini tepat memotong ekor ular chimera yang menggigit Lee. Potongan ular itu terjatuh tak berdaya di sisi chimera yang mengaum kesakitan.

Lee mengerahkan tenaganya untuk menarik Arabella menjauh dari chimera. Mulut singa chimera terbuka untuk mengeluarkan api, namun dengan ketepatan menakjubkan Trent kembali melemparkan pisaunya tepat ke dalam mulut chimera dan membuatnya tercekik.

Alan datang di saat yang tepat dan segera menahan tubuh Lee yang limbung.

“Astaga, bertahanlah Lee.” bisik Alan dan memapahnya menjauh. Arabella yang menangis karena takut dan khawatir melangkah dengan bingung menjauhi mereka.

Sama sekali tidak menyadari bahaya yang mengancamnya.