Tales of Daemia CH5: The Storm

Story by Fleet on SoFurry

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#5 of Tales of Daemia


This is an adult story featuring male furry characters engaging in sexual acts, so if you don't want to read this or if you are under the age of 18 (21 in some countries), please hit the back button or close this window now. Ok, this is chapter 5. This took a little longer than I would have liked it to, but I was busy with school and cycling. I have plans and rough ideas written down through chapter 8 or so. The series might stretch to 10 chapters total, but I'm not sure. I was trying to place what was missing from this chapter; something that the other chapters did have. It took me a few periods of hard thinking, but I think I figured out what was missing. The rough style of writing, as well as the rough language were missing almost completely from chapter 4. So, I'll attempt to recreate some of the rougher points that appeared earlier in the story. Sorry if you get offended by anything! Anyways: where we left off~

  • * * "Well then," Boss spoke, "Anything you'd like to share with the rest of the class?" I couldn't respond to Boss. I was so hot-headed right now, I was fighting not to snap at anyone out loud. Boss looked passed the person sitting directly to his right, over to the masked Keita. Keita caught Boss's gaze and simply responded "Later." Boss nodded solemnly before turning to me and forcing a smile. "We'll then," he said as he patted the last cloaked person to his left. I noticed the mask was similar to mine, and I could guess who this tall person was. Sheldon stood up from the table and pulled his mask over his head. His solid black eyes shone fiercely in the candle-light. "Micheal Sheldon, of course, everyone calls me Sheldon", he said with a smile. "I'm the house lore-master, and depending who you ask, a magician of sorts." Sheldon left his mask up as he took his seat and looked down the table to his right. The armor-clad figure is next... I stood there quietly staring down the full plate helmet, trying to find a face behind it. After an awkwardly long pause, Keita shrugged and stood up. Damnit. Keita did a shallow bow before opening his mouth to speak. "Ah! I'm glad that we could, at long last, be formally introduced, "Keita said eloquently, "It appears that half of Belleforte is abuzz with gossip of the albino out-of-towner. I feel rather humbled to have you standing before me, let alone mati- I mean sleeping under the same roof as my companions and I" He finished with a cute all-knowing smile before continuing, "I'm sure you're well aware of my abilities? Yes?" Keita sat down into his seat and rested his chin on his fist. He was blatantly running his eyes over my body. Ugh I rolled my eyes. The person to Keita's right stood up slowly, another feline no doubt. "Her voice was silky smooth, and just above a whisper. "Dakota Freemont," she said as she unfastened the leather strap holding the metal mask on. The mask was slowly pulled off and laid on the table with one paw as the other pulled the hood off of her ears. "I'll be your close-combat instructor at third main." There was something wild about her. Primal. Feral. I couldn't place the fur pattern on her face. Her eyes were brilliant emeralds, and her ears were crowned with a tuft of hair on either point. I hadn't noticed the next member had begun talking. Dakota remained standing, still smiling; she was beautiful, yet forbidden. Something about her... "What the fuck're you doing!" screamed the dark figure to Dakota's right, "I'm over 'ere spillin melife's story an' you're still fuckin' gawking at tha' bitch!" I almost lost it right there. My anger was completely replaced by my mind exploding with laughter. It was all I could do to hold my face strait. I turned my head slowly to lock gazes with Huh? . . . Oh. I had to lower my eyes to find him. He was a grey mouse. Five foot nothing, and he had the thickest, squeakiest cockney accent I had ever heard in my life. The doorman from earlier was sitting to the rodent's right and was doubled over in laughter. "Why I gotta be wastin' metime withis somethin'-speacial is beYOND me 'ats forsure!" the mouse said as he flopped into his chair. The doorman on the end of the table stood up as he tried to control his laughter: "Aha y-you've gotta get used to ole Emel, he's the best light-arms fighter around, and he's my direct subordinate," the doorman apologized. "I'm uh," he paused as he removed his mask, "Uh, Shep. Taylor! Shep Taylor." He was obviously abashed at having to remove his mask. Talking about masks. He was a raccoon, that's for sure. He looked about 18, but that could mean anything in this mixed up planet. Shep fumbled before talking again."I'm in charge of second main" "Most of th' time, "Emel added. Shep grinned widely. "Ah, well, anyways, I'll be in charge of giving you a crash course in what we like to call 'lost tech', or magic, depending on who you ask," Shep nodded towards Sheldon, who nodded back. My eyes snapped back to the center of the room as I caught the movements of the iron giant sitting next to boss. He he comes I held my breath in anticipation as the warrior stood up and reached behind his full helmet on either side. The metal clamps popped open with an audible snap as the helmet split on either side. I was a little surprised what I saw when the mountain of metal lowered his helmet and placed it under his arm. Er, uh, her... "Phyllis Makattire," she sounded. Ok, I'll admit, I was half expecting a dragon considering the elongated helmet, but a horse? A female horse named PHYLLIS? How original. "I act as the arbitrator between the houses and the Royal Court of Belletforte," the equine continued, "we operate a delicate balancing act and I rather that you didn't compromise its stability." Her words were crisp and concise. Boss widened his eyes at me and waved his large paw around if to say 'say something!' "Oh I uh." I cleared my throat before speaking, "I'm Corbin -just Corbin." I paused. Boss had one paw resting on top of the other, yet I could see a faint rose light escaping from under his palm. I swallowed and shifted my weight to the other foot before resuming, "I come from a place called Stockton, and I just kind of woke up here. I'm not really sure how or wh-" "I don't see what's so special about this boy," Phyllis spat. "You're possibly destroying what the king established and I don't think-" "Don't think what?!" Boss roared. "Do not lecture ME on what the king has and has not done!" "I-I apologize, sir. I don't know what came over me." Phyllis cowered as she fumbled to find her seat. Boss pounded his fist on the desk. "Miko! In here! NOW!" Boss growled, "This meeting is adjourned." Miko entered the small room and leaned against the open door. "Miko, I'm sure you and the other houses have a few things to discuss regarding Corbin" Boss announced, "Stay here in my stead and make sure everything is taken care of." With that, Keita stood up and walked towards me. When he was in reach, his paw went to my shoulder and spun me around before forcing me out of the room. I tried to catch Miko's gaze but his back was turned. We were followed out by Sheldon, and then Boss who slammed the door shut behind him. **** We stopped when we were finally back outside behind the theatre house. "Sorry for all the theatrics Corbin," Boss apologized, but we had to get you separated from Miko for the time being." Huh? We walked quietly, yet briskly back to Hospice House on first main. **** When we had arrived at the house, everyone was hurried into Boss's office. "Right, I'll get started then," Boss said, "I'm not sure how much time we'll have to get this out." "Everything you've been lead to believe has been a ruse, "Boss explained, "Of the three houses, only the second and third houses actually do any thieving or anything of that nature. Our house, the Hospice House, the FIRST house; mainly undergoes diplomatic missions for the kingdom of Belleforte. Our employer is the king himself. For example, any delicate situation that could spark a war between our kingdom and one of the bordering countries, is handled by us. This way other countries see our 'independent' actions as opposed to the intentions of our kingdom. This was originally the job of the second house, however, everything changed about two years ago." Boss paused briefly, contemplating his next words. "Miko," he continued, "is another job of the first house, and is the reason why a third house was formed." "What do you mean?" I asked suddenly. Boss and Keita looked at each other, and then both turned to Sheldon who was sitting in the corner. "Well then I think it's time for a story." Sheldon beamed. "This is taken from first person accounts so we're assuming everything is accurate," he said as he smiled at Keita. "It was about two years ago." ****************** (Weeee sub story) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Deep in thought, King Brillios sat on his throne within the castle. The overcast day allowed little sunlight to pour into the grand chamber. The ursine sighed to himself as he heard the clip-clop of boots approaching over the marble floors. "Your majesty." The voice announced. "What is it this time Commander Haff?" King Brillios asked sarcastically. "The men are assembled and ready to vanquish the guild of thieves sire." The German Sheppard announced proudly. "I forbid you to take action against the thieves." the king said sternly. Haff stepped forward. "But sire! The thieves are a plight to this kingdom an" "Command Haff!" Brillios sounded, "You and your men are guards, not soldiers. I expect you to act accordingly." "I-I understand your majesty. I apologize for my behavior." Haff said as he bowed before the king. "My liege?" he asked as he stood upright again. "Something else Command Haff?" the king inquired. "Since my men are assembled, would you be so kind as to grant me permission to perform field exercises this afternoon?" the canine inquired. King Brillios's laugh echoed throughout the mighty hall. "My dear commander, you needn't permission to train your own men!" "Understood," said the commander, "I shall take my leave then." The commander bowed and then spun on his heal to face the door. King Brillos rested his head on his paw. "Keita, if you'd be so kind as to check on him for me." He said with a smile. "Sire?" Haff said as he turned to face the king. The king's face contorted into a snarl. "As you were Commander Haff." The king demanded. "Yes sire." The commander responded has he left the throne room and the chamber doors were shut behind him. A sinister smile spread across his ugly face. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Ok I just threw that last part in there" Sheldon explained, "I just don't like the old mutt." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 'Yes sir' Keita thought to himself as he stood up from his bar stool. Keita had never actually met Miko before, although he was always watching over him. He was assigned to be Miko's personal guard years ago, yet it was evident that Miko didn't need any protection other than himself. Keita stepped out of the bar and squinted as he looked to the sky. "He's been crying all day." He said to himself. With one ear pointing towards the castle, and his other pointing ahead, Keita began trotting halfway to Miko's house. "We won't have long." ***** "I don't care what you have to say First Lieutenant Coy!" the commander barked, "You will do what I say, when I say it. Unless you rather be charged with treason?" Commander Haff stepped directly in front of the first lieutenant and stared him down, their muzzles almost touching. The Jack Russell whimpered and shook his head as his gaze fell to the floor. The commander sneered and began to walk away. "Good." Command Haff said as he did an about face. " I don't care who the boy is," continued Haff, "any commoner with as much authority as he has over the royal court, and dare I say it: the king himself, is bound to be a witch or worse." Wide-eyed, Coy looked up to his commander. "But sir! Even if he is a witch, without proof, won't we be held responsible for taking action against him?" Commander Haff shook his head slowly. "My dear Lieutenant Coy, you're thinking too small. Once we kill the boy, we'll simply blame the murder on the thieves. He does have a rather nice house doesn't he?" Haff explained. "We'll take out the boy and the thieves; one right after the other. And these marks will go down highly in my favor when the next king is crowned." Command Haff, sir, you're not-" Coy began before being cut off. "Ah I know what you're about to say lieutenant. You see, that old bear isn't getting younger, and he has yet to produce an heir; thus if he were to suddenly" the canine's muzzle broke into a sinister smile, "fall ill, the royal court would have to choose another king in his stead. And I'll remind you, the Haff family is the only other family aside from the royal family that has lineage dating back to the reformation." The canine snapped to attention and nodded to his commander. "I understand." The lieutenant opened the wood door that led outside and slammed it behind him. Although muffled, Coy's instructions could be heard though the thick door. "Listen up men! Front and center! Let's go! Move! Move! Move!" ***** Keita opened Miko's front door and stepped towards the door leading to Miko's bedroom; he flinched has he placed his paw on the heavy door. With a gulp, Keita gritted his teeth and forced the door open. The room was dead silent. Miko lay in the fetal position on his bed. Without turning at the intruder, Miko broke the silence: "Wot do you want Keita? Leave me alone." Keita was taken back. "How do you know who I am?" he asked. "You're always followin' me" Miko responded. "Yes, but" Keita started. Miko interrupted him, "Wot did you want?" Keita took another step towards the bed. "The king wanted me to check on you, there might" "I'm fine." Miko interjected, his voice carrying a serious tone. "But," Keita hesitated, "You've been weeping, and not just tonight. But nights passed, weeks even. What's wrong Miko? The king is worried." There was a long pause before Miko slowly sat up on his bed, his back to Keita."He's not here yet. He should have been here by now. I'm tired of waitin'." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Wait, wait, wait." I interrupted. "Who was he talking about?" "He never once revealed to me who it was he was speaking of." Keita answered. I thought on this a second before looking up to Boss. He was tracing a finger down the scar on the left side of his face. He looked deep in thought. I looked to over to Sheldon. He had his face deeply implanted into his palm. Sheldon signed loudly and massaged his left temple. "Can we PLEASE stop interrupting the story?" he pleaded. "S-sorry." I stammered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Keita shifted uncomfortably on his feet as his ears pointed intently at the castle. Miko stood up quickly. "I'll see the king myself, "he announced. "But!" Keita protested, "Miko, I must warn you: there's a storm coming!" Miko walked slowly to the wall littered with weapons and pulled his heavy scythe off its rack. "I know." He said coldly. Kieta walked over to the window above Miko's bed. It was dark now, and it had begun to rain. ***** A bolt a lightning split the sky. The light reflected off the bright blades and bold armor of the marching guards. The uniform clanging of platelets tapping against each other rang in uniformity as the men kept in step. The rain was coming down it full force, yet the trampling boots were unmistakable; one didn't need super-human abilities to hear them coming. First Lieutenant Coy lifted his sword as he shouted over the rolling thunder of footsteps: "When we reach the target! Break off into your divisions!"(*thunder*) The water was pouring off the brim of his hat as he looked over the troops. "I want twenty-five on either side! Both above and below! Primary battalion -in front!" The lieutenant barked. As the mass of bodies finally arrived at their destination, First Lieutenant Coy motioned forward with his sword. With only minor chatter and calls amongst the battalion leaders, the formation was set. One battalion on either side of the house; one on first main leading up to the castle, and the other on the same street just below the house. The primary battle group was formed up into two rows a good twenty paces from the front door. Coy took center stage as he stepped into the middle of the military formation. In his leather glove was a very official looking document. The canine cleared his throat before reading from the paper. "By the (*flash*) order of the esteemed Command Hall, of the Belleforte Royal Guards, I, First Lieutenant Coy, condemn thee as a witch to be to be executed. This execution is to be c(*thunder*)ied out immediately." As the last syllable rolled off of the lieutenant's tongue, a dagger impacted the ground at his feet. The blade had buried itself several inches into the stone street. Coy shielded his sight from the rain with his paw as he slowly followed the structure to the roofline with his eyes. Amongst the clouds stood a lone figure clad in black, a menacing weapon was firmly held in the right hand. "Get him!" commanded the canine in charge. The front members of the primary battalion rushed for the front door of the house, as the rear members drew back their bows; aiming at the silhouette on the roof. As the archers let their arrows fly, a streak of lightning blazed across the sky above the house. Miko was already on the street behind the archers, he held First Lieutenant Coy by his throat. The ten or so men that had rushed for the front door were already dead. (*thunder*) Keita who had been watching from a nearby building stood up quickly and began running along the rooftops towards the castle. "This isn't good." He said to himself. **** (5.5 starts here) Keita was panting hard on one knee in the throne room. "Bring me the Kingdom Rings!" Ordered King Brillios after hearing word from Keita. The king quickly grabbed the sleeve of his royal adviser as he turned to him. "Summon my brother immediately." He said without waiting for a reply. The king stood as the chamber doors were nearly thrown off their hinges and a blur came streaking across the throne room. A snow-white lop rabbit stopped mere inches from the king and handed to him a crimson box. The rabbit tapped the top of his foot impatiently as if he had been waiting on the king all day. The bear quickly took the small box and opened it. He gazed down at the eight rings before looking back up to the rabbit and smiling. "Thank you Flint. Gather the others would you?" Flint nodded and in an instance was gone again. Keita could hear the ongoing battle down below the castle. Half the men were already down. The king sighed as he slipped the last ring on.(*flash*) "Now then Keita, I'll have one of my maids assist you to getting into some dry clothes." Brillios suggested. "But sir!" Keita choked out as he stood up."(*thunder*) The ursine raised his paw. "You've done your job Keita and I thank you for that. You need a change of clothes and some rest. Besides, you're getting the royal floors wet." he smiled as he pointed to the puddle under Keita's feet. Keita nodded hesitantly. "I understa-" The pair looked towards the entrance of the throne room as Flint came speeding in. "Ah, perfect timing. Back already?" King Brillios asked. Flint smiled and nodded curtly. "Good, could you see if your clothes fit Keita here?" the bear asked as he motioned to Keita. Flint took a step back and placed a furry digit on his chin as he sized up Kieta. After a second of though, Flint smiled and gave Keita a thumbs up. (5.5 continues after this point) **** Miko jumped and brought his scythe strait down upon Coy. Coy managed to block the blow in time with his saber,(*flash*) but the force of the attack caused the stones beneath the lieutenant's feet to crumble. The Jack Russell collapsed to his knees from exhaustion. It was all he could do to defend himself, but now his body wasn't even allowing that much. Miko looked over his shoulder in time to see five guards charging at him at once. The lion that charged first swung his sword, which Miko easily brushed off; a swift kick(*flash*) to the maw caused the feline to crumple to the cobble stones. Miko didn't pay any mind to the second and third assailants, as they were easily thwarted. (*thunder*) The first lieutenant warily rose to his feet in an attempt to put some distance between him and this demon. (*flash*) "Stay put." Miko snarled as he knocked the canine's feet from underneath him. Coy landed heavily on his side. Continuing his momentum, Miko spun his scythe around and brought it down it in a fury, hacking the sword arm off a nearby guard. The blade of the scythe dug into the stone as Miko jumped onto the long handle and ran along top of it, jumping off the end. Pulling a dagger off his side, Miko planted the steel into the chest of guard as his (*thunder*) momentum carried the body over to the ground. He kicked off of the man before hitting the ground and landed next to his scythe. Miko's golden eye flashed hotly as he plucked his weapon from the ground and hoisted it onto his shoulder. (*flash*) The area around him was dead, the only thing that could be heard was the constant heavy rainfall, and the quiet whimper of a beaten lieutenant fighting to remain conscious. Stepping quickly, Miko approached the broken canine and raised his weapon to deal the killing blow; his expression was cold and full of hate. "Now Jolice!" Commanded Jolee as she let her arrow fly. Miko's scythe sang as the mighty weapon was stopped by an even larger axe. In his left paw, Miko held an arrow inches from his neck.(*thunder*) "Get out of my way." He said as he looked down at the panther's steel-clad face. "C-can't do... that... champ." Jolice forced out as Miko applied more force onto him. The ground beneath Jolice's feet was beginning to give way, and his might axe was starting to split under the increasing force of Miko's arm. "Jolice!" Jolee shrieked as she fired three more arrows at Miko in rapid succession. Without looking, Miko drew his last dagger and split all the arrows with the edge. Flipping the blade in his paw, Miko flung the weapon with his fingers and split Jolee's bow at the grip. "Stay out of this," Miko said quietly as he applied more force into his scythe. The mighty axe split and the two halves fell to the ground with a loud clang. Jolice grunted in pain as the scythe cut halfway through the haft and dug deeply into his shoulder. The pressure was quickly released and Jolice slumped forward to hold his shoulder as Miko jumped back. A small white orb landed between Miko and Jolice and quickly expanded to the shape of a tall humanoid. "Miko," the voice spoke, "You've lost yourself in battle. You need to calm down." The voice sounded familiar to Miko, but he was too lost in hate and rage to seek reason. The light emanating from the figure dissipated, and revealed another dark set of armor accented with a similar steel mask. Miko grasped his weapon tightly and took a step forward. The shadowy character shook his head slowly. "I guess I'll just take you down myself," he said as he clenched his fists. A bright light began to gather at each hand. The light in his right hand turned a deep green and extended to form a sword that seemed to dance like lightning. In his other hand, the glow spread and solidified into a bright yellow transparent shield. Miko lowered his grip on his scythe and charged the light-wielding figure. The lightning sword swept in low and from the left, but it was easily avoided. The 'blade' missed, however the lightning danced across Miko's midsection as he slung his weapon down into the shield. A great explosion of light blanketed the area and blinded everyone near. The sound of metal bouncing off the street was heard echoing off the buildings. "You've been struggling to build this kingdom for us, yet you were too blind to realize when you began to tear it apart. Sometimes it's better to hide in the shadows, "the king said as Miko held him. Blood was running down the left side of the king's face. (*distance thunder*) Miko pulled the king up onto his feet and placed his hand on the king's back to stabilize him. "Come inside," Miko said. **** The next morning in the throne room; Commander Haff and First Lieutenant Coy were brought before 'King Brillios'. "I should have you executed for this outrage!" Bellowed the king. "Fifteen men dead and another twenty seriously injured?" The king walked around the two kneeling canine and faced away from them as he returned to the throne. "And you are telling me this was a dispute amongst your men during a routine field exercise?!" Command Haff: "Yes sir." First Lieutenant Coy: No sir." The king quickly turned around to face the two officers. "No First Lieutenant Coy?" The king said inquisitively. "Then what would you say happened?" Commander Haff looked wide-eyed at Coy, and the quickly to the king. Coy hesitated before answering. "A storm sire." "A storm defeated the royal guards?" The king asked. "Yes." Coy answered as he kneeled lower. "I see." The bear said as he scratched his chin. "I want a full report by dusk or you'll both hang." King Brillos climbed into the throne and plopped down as the two kneeling dogs looked at each other. "That's all." The king said as he waved his pawn in a shooing motion." "Ah. Yes your majesty. I'll have that report to you post haste," Commanded Haff expressed as he stood and bowed. The two officers quickly strode out of the throne room and the main chamber doors were shut behind them. "How does he do this all the time?" Marcus said to himself as he took the crown off his head and examined the jewels incrusted into it. A door leading to a side chamber of the throne room slowly opened as Keita peaked his head out. The fur on his face was matted down. Marcus smiled broadly noticing this. "Keita where are you clothes?" Keita looked around the throne room quickly before answering. "My clothes still require drying." "I see." Marcus chuckled. "News of my brother?" He asked expectantly. "Unfortunately the king requires you to stay here longer than anticipated." Keita replied. The bear signed heavily and eyed the crown before putting it back on."I see." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The room was silent. I was waiting for someone to crack a smile, or pat me on the back before erupting into laugher. Neither came. What the fuck? "So... wait..." I tried to find the right words. "Boss, you're, you were the king?" Boss nodded. "Technically I AM the king. My brother is currently sitting on the throne, however the previous king, my father never disclosed that he had twin sons. Only the royal court and a select few know otherwise." He explained. So.. do I call him king? Or boss? What's his real name? "The Kingdom Rings were given to Brillios the first during the reformation over 800 years ago. They've been passed down through the family ever since." He added. Boss hesitated before continuing. "Corbin, I'm not sure why, but I...-We think that the one Miko had been waiting on all these year... was you." "Me?" I asked. Boss nodded. "He's been different ever since you showed up; he's been happy." Boss walked behind his desk and stopped at the far wall. "There's something I want to show you." The bear said as he grabbed the corner of a quilt hanging on the wall. With a quick tug, the quilt ripped from its nails and fell to the floor. Boss took a couple steps back and sat on the edge of his desk. "Now then, what do you see?" he asked. On the wall where the quilt had been hanging was an oil canvas painting with an elaborate gold trim. There were three people in a dimly lit room. "Well, I see a German Sheppard standing to your right. Miko is standing on your left, and you're sitting in a chair between them?" I asked not expecting such a simple request. Boss turned slightly on his desk to look at me. "Well you're partly right!" he said excitedly. "This painting is about 800 years old and was painted after the reformation. That is the first Haff on the left, the first Brillios is sitting in the wooden chair, and that's our Miko on the right. The painting represents the day Belleforte was founded." The ursine explained. I looked at the painting and then back to Sheldon. "So what ever happened to the commander from the story?" "He was hanged." Sheldon said sternly. "And Coy?" I asked. "I believe he's still in the dungeon." Boss replied. I looked at Boss and then back to the painting and said: "Hum, so that's like Miko's great, great, great, great..." "No." Sheldon said quickly. "That IS Miko." huh? "What kind of bullshit are you trying to pull on me? Do I look stupid to you?" I yelled. "You don't understand Corbin," Boss consoled, "My brother and I grew up with Miko. Or well, we grew while Miko remained the same. My father, when he was still young played with Miko and so did his father, and his father before him." "There was a time when only humans lived on this planet," Sheldon interjected, "we think Miko was the first otherwise. Also, there is reason to believe that point evolution can be traced back to him as well." Point evolution? "You're the first case of a human having any trace of point evolution." He explained. What is point evolution? I caught a glimpse of Keita who was standing by the door. He was smiling about something. "Keita?" I asked. Keita looked up quickly as the smile faded from his face. "Mm?" he grunted. I crossed my arms. "Is there something funny to you about this?" I inquired. "Oh. Oh, no!" Keita said, "I was merely reminiscing of. . ." he trailed off as he pinned his ears strait back. Keita turned to face the door quickly. "Shit!" he said under his breath. The room gawked at Keita, as he's not usually one to use such harsh language. Keita turned halfway to look at us. "He's too quiet for his own damn good." He said as the door to Boss's office opened behind him. Miko smiled broadly as he poked his head into the room. His expression changed completely when he noticed the uncovered painting on the wall; he slammed the door shut. Everyone in the room fell silent as we eyed each other. Shit. ******************************************************** Ok, I know this chapter is probably the worst one so far. Read 5.5 if you want. I'll get chapter 6 out sometime... but I have ideas for like 2-3 different stories I might work on.