Chapter 9 Rainy Day Spa

Devi's log */**/****

Things have been hectic in my mind lately. 
I mean as soon as I think things have calmed down for me, things just get more hectic. The other day, 
we ran into two people saying that we're these strange "mage knights" and we have to defeat this 
darkness thing that Johnny is working for. When Johnny attacked us, he seemed to be hesitant towards 
hurting me.  

Every time I see Nny, I feel so strange to towards him. I can't help but feel bad for him. I mean I know 
its hard to say that about a guy who wants to kill you, but I have a feeling that's not what he really 
wants. I feel like he's just doing it for the sake of the darkness or whoever his master is. The other day, 
it was like he was struggling to break free from his command over him.

Another thing that has been bothering me, I almost lost Demi that day. She got hurt and roughened up.
That kinda scares me. She says she's a part of me, so what would happen if I lost her? What would 
happen to me? Will she just return to my heart or be lost forever?

Tomorrow, we're going to a hot spring that Mina's family owns about a couple hours away. Edgar and 
of course Tenna insists we all go. I guess it wouldn't hurt except, with all this running off and doing stuff, 
I haven't been able to get any work. I mean not just my projects for work, but my original stuff has been 
suffering too. I hope maybe I can get some work done while I'm at the spa. Maybe it will give me some 
inspiration.

****

Tenna, Devi and Eric (in bat form) were on the train, heading towards the hot spring. Edgar and Mina had 
already left a head of time.

"Man this is so exciting!" Tenna exclaimed

"Tenna, can you please calm down?" Devi asked her friend. "We don't want people to stare at us like we're 
nut cases..."

"Oh let the people stare!" Tenna said as she nodded her hand like she didn't care. "We're getting really out and 
about and I've been so proud of you! Being a trooper and coming along with us!"

"Well, this the last time for a while." Devi told her. "After this, I'm gonna stay in and paint."

"Aww!" Tenna said "And we were just getting you out more!"

"Well, its nice but I have to work." Devi told her. "I'm seriously behind on stuff both for work and my original 
works."

"Fine..." Tenna said as she nodded not wanting to get into it any further.

"Well, maybe this experience will help inspire you, Devi." Demi said as she sat comfortably on her master's 
shoulder.

"Hey we're almost there!" Tenna said as she pointed towards a small valley surrounded by huge mountains.

As soon as they finally got to the hot spring, after driving and then walking some ways, Eric flew out of the bag 
he was sleeping in. He stretched his wings and yawned.

"So, we're finally here!" Eric said.

"Well, good morning sleepy head."  Devi said humorously as he flew onto her shoulder.

"Man, Eric!" Tenna said "You sleep more than my grandmother's old dog!"

"I'm a vampire." Eric told her sarcastically. "Not a prissy pop star..."

"Spooky" Spooky replied as he also a woke from the bag.

"I was just kidding!" Tenna said as she petted his head.

"Welcome, everyone!" Edgar said as he greeted them. This made them jump cause they weren't expecting him. 
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Welcome to the the Guardian's Hot Spring Resort. It's been in Mina's 
family for generations and its always been one of the best spas and we even have special programs at best 
deals."

"Edgar, you sound like one of those annoying TV commercials...." Devi said but then got elbow bumped by 
Tenna.

"Don't bite the hand that feed you!" Tenna told her. "Come on, just try to have a good time for once?"

Devi nodded and sighed a bit. Maybe the spa would help her be more tolerable about things.

Little did they know, someone else decided to take a vacation there. Disguised as a human with her powers 
concealed so no magic being could sense her presence, Anne walked to the entry way of the spa wearing a 
long coat, black silk skinny pants with long black boots. Upon her head was a black fedora. She smiled as she 
approached the spa gates.

Ah finally... She thought to herself. A nice vacation away from being punished, yelled and also to be free 
away from that dump! It's a good thing the master sleeps for a while so we can get a break. Even a 
witch like myself, enjoys being pampered and treated like the queen I deserve to be! With Nny resting 
off some place and Nuka getting fumigated for fleas, and the Dough Dweebs off to Bora Bora or 
whatever to enjoy lava surfing and scaring the heck out of people, I'm free to be good old, wicked me! 
Well, young wicked me! Well, I will be. A little spa treatment and a perm and I'll be my beautiful,self 
again!

As soon as she got over she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Ack!" She squealed as she saw Devi and her friends. 
They turned to her but as soon as they did, she turned away.

Great! She snapped Those brats are here?! Why!? Why!? WHY!? Do they have to ruin my life even when 
I try to relax!? She then took a deep breath and thought Okay, calm down Anne! As long as I have my 
magic concealed away, maybe change your looks a bit so they don't recognize you, and of course, stay 
away from them and you will be fine! Everything will come out just fine and dandy!

Eric took a whiff in the air. Something didn't smell right about that girl to him and it wasn't cause of her 
overbearing perfume. Eric just shrugged but kept an eye on the woman anyway.

"Eric, is everything okay?" Devi asked

Eric nodded and said "Yeah...I guess I could use some relaxation time too."

"We made special mini tubs for your little friends and they can be in the same spring as you." Edgar explained

Eric blushed and said "Um...can mine be in a private room?"

"Yeah, I mean Eric is a bat but he's still a guy!" Tenna snapped

"Oh, yes of course!" Edgar laughed and said "We will have a place where young Eric will be able to relax peacefully."

****

Devi and Tenna were sharing the same hotel room. They were surprised how big their room was. It was a 
medium size room with two beds. One bed was on the right side of the room and the other was on the left side, 
both beds facing each other. The TV was in the corner of the left hand side, which they thought was kinda odd 
to put a TV. The bathroom was on the right hand side. They had a nice view of the pool below. The pool 
almost looked like a garden pond. It even had a bridge people could swim under or walk across. In the horizon, 
there were beautiful lush forest mountains and being it was overcast, the clouds would touch the mountains and
rain on them for a mystical feel.

"Wow!" Tenna shouted excitedly. "Look at this room! I never thought we would have a room as nice as this!"

Demi was also excited as she and Mr.Spooky flew around the room.

Devi shook her head at her friends as she giggled a little bit. She had to admit, she herself never thought of ever 
being in a place like this, not that she ever desired to be in a fancy place to begin with. She was happy 
anywhere as long as it was a roof over her head and she could paint. Devi was of course thankful inside, 
despite she didn't want to show it. This was nice and the view kinda would help her clear her mind a bit.

She smiled as she gazed up at those mountains and the calm pool below. There wasn't many people there, so 
the pool looked almost empty and relaxing to look at. Devi took off her shoes and coat and sat down on the 
bed on the right hand side. She still felt like she was moving on the train, so she decided to relax a little bit 
before joining her friend to the hot spring.

"So, are you glad we came or what?!" Tenna asked excitedly.

"Okay, I admit." Devi said with a smart smirk. "This is kind of nice."

"Told ya!" Tenna said brightly. "Well, come on! Lets go to the hot springs!"

"Okay, in a little bit." Devi told her. "I need to chill a bit after the long way here."

"Okay, meet you there!" Tenna said

****

After a couple minutes, Devi got ready to go to the hot springs. Before she did she looked out at the view again. 
Little did she know, someone was watching her. She felt an odd and eerie presence. Like some was about to 
grab her from behind. She turned but no one was there.

As Devi went into the lockers to get dress out of her clothes, she too felt an odd presence and almost certainly, 
she felt cold fingers around her neck.

"Eep!" She screamed as she turned around to see no one there.

"What's wrong?" Tenna asked which also startled Devi. Devi took a deep breath and sighed. "You look like 
you just saw a ghost!" Tenna pointed out.

"Yeah..." Devi said as she moved her hair back from her face. "I guess I need to relax more then I thought. 
Come on, lets go."

With that Devi went with her friend into the hot springs. Devi sat comfortably in the water as she leaned against 
a rock.

"I'm glad we got you out more." Tenna said in a more honest manner. "You seem much more out going and 
happy. Your mood has gotten much better I can tell."

Devi smiled and said "Yeah, I guess..."

"You still not all that pleased with people or interacting with people that much, are you?" Tenna asked

"Well maybe a little bit." Devi said "For so long I've had nothing but bad experience with interacting with people." 
Then she twirled the water with her finger a little bit and said "But I guess when some good actually started 
happening, I guess I started to rethink my views, especially after what Mina said, that it wasn't some curse or 
bad aura stuck on me."

"I think you really started to become happier when you accepted your powers and Demi!" Tenna said "You 
two get along so well! You seem very inseparable!

"Yeah, true..." Devi replied warmly "She is like a little kid sister to me. Some what annoying but sweet and can't 
help but care and look out for her too. She likes to play with my paints and paint as well."

Demi was behind Devi and smiled upon hearing this.

"Course, she is a part of you!" Tenna said

"Hey, does Mr. Spooky share any of the traits that you have?" Devi asked

"Well, he helps cook sometimes and he's pretty good at it as well!" Tenna replied "So, yeah he does share 
some personal traits of mine."

With that they heard "Spooky!" as a relaxed Mr. Spooky popped up and floated in the water in front of them 
in a relaxed posed. The two squealed in shock, like any girl would if a boy was in the hot tub. Demi popped 
out and using her magic, she levitated Mr.Spooky and then said "You're not suppose to be here! Get back to 
the boys side!" With that she threw Spooky over to the guys hot spring.

"Ah, you aren't suppose be seen by people!" Devi told Demi!

"Oh, shoot!" Tenna exclaimed "Mr. Spooky!"

"Quiet!" snapped a disguised Anne Guish. Her hair was straighten and she was still wearing sun glasses. Devi 
grabbed Demi and hid her behind her back. "The hot spring is not a play ground, so I suggest you be quiet and 
put your ugly toys away, before I complain to the owners! Those toys should be thrown in the garbage!"

"Jeez..." Tenna said as she sat down beside Devi. "What grouch!"

"She seems familiar..." Devi said as she eyed Anne.

"Yeah and what kind of person wears sun glasses in a hot spring?" Tenna commented then remembered 
"Mr.Spooky!" She stood up only to be stopped by Mina.

"Edgar's got him." Mina told her. "He managed to catch him in his net while cleaning out the men's spa. No one saw him."

"ohh..." Tenna replied "Thanks for that."

Mina nodded and in her usual mono tone manner she said "Your familiars are just curious, but if they ever get 
out of hand, you can just leave them to us."

"Thanks..." Tenna said gratefully "Would you like to join us?"

"Huh?" Mina asked a little surprised by Tenna's courtesy.

"Well, you're wearing nothing but a towel," Tenna said "so I thought you might like to join us."

Mina was a little surprised as she paused again. It was as if no one had ever asked her to join them for any type 
of merriment. She then nodded and walked over to them and sat beside them.

"Devi?" Demi whispered

"Hmm?" As Devi turned to talk to Demi while still hiding her with her body.

"That lady was mean." Demi commented "I'd like throw her in the garbage!"

"Well at least you wouldn't be littering..." Devi commented. This made Demi giggled as she said "Yeah!"

"She's just one of those scum I told you about." Devi told her.

"The ones that wear too much make up?" Demi asked

"Yeah..." Devi said "They like to say mean things and do that stuff cause they're lonely, remember?"

"Right!" Devi said and then she looked down sadly "But now that makes me feel bad for what I said."

"Don't worry about it." Devi told her. "Sometimes people can't help but reply the same way they're treated. 
Its just a natural reaction. But yeah don't talk to loud about them. It's okay to tell me or a close friend how you 
feel though."

"Oh okay." Demi said like a kid who just learned a new lesson.

Meanwhile, hidden somewhere in the men's hot spring, Eric sighed in relaxation in a small plastic tub like that in 
which one would put their lunch in, on a table. On top of his head was a shower cap.

Spooky was in another tub and looked still dazed out from being tossed like that.

"You okay, Mr. Spooky?" Eric asked as he looked over to him.

"Spooky...."

"I don't get it..." Eric replied "Tenna doesn't allow you to bathe with her. I thought you were a part of her heart?"

"Spooky spooky spooky"

"I'm sorry to ask that..." Eric replied apologetically "I'm sorry, I just don't understand what you're saying..."

"Spooky." Spooky let his "hand" out as if to say it was alright or understandable.

"Enjoying yourselves?" Edgar asked as he came to check on him. He was dressed in a white business shirt, 
brown work vest, black pants and black shoes. He was just rinsing dirt and grime off the concrete.

"Yes, thanks!" Eric replied.

"No problem!" Edgar replied politely. "I'm glad you like this place. Mina and I go here to work sometimes, but
we also come here to relax. It's so peaceful here."

"Yeah, its a nice place." Eric told him. "I've never been in a place as nice as this before."

"Never really traveled a lot?" Edgar asked

"Oh I've traveled before..." Eric replied implying on his first years as a vampire. "But never could afford a place 
like this, even for one night."

"Well, there's a first time for everyone." Edgar replied.

"Yeah, true." Eric nodded "How long have you cared for Mina and worked for her family?"

"Ah.. For many years." Edgar replied "Ever since she was little. Her parents hired me as a employer. I took the
job gratefully, being I needed work and her family treated me wonderfully.  Eventually, they hired me to look 
after their daughter, in which I agreed without hesitation. I had no family of my own and so they became the 
closest thing to one."

"That's nice." Eric replied touched by his story. "I can tell that you really care about Mina, I just wondered why 
you were always doing stuff for her."

"Yes, that is the reason!" Edgar replied cheerfully.

"Hey, um...." Eric was trying to think of the most polite way to ask. "I hope you don't mind me asking this, but it 
seems like Mina is always kinda...well quiet and well not to be rude, but she seems...."

"To lack much emotion?" Edgar added very calm. He knew what Eric was asking about and didn't mind about 
it at all.

"Yeah...I guess you can say that..." Eric replied

"Mina, despite I am around a lot, doesn't interact much with people." Edgar explained "She was raised around 
busy parents, responsibilities both as a young employer in-training and in the mystic arts. Her parents seem to 
always be out a lot, so all and all, Mina is actually very lonely. In some ways she doesn't know how to interact 
with people. Least not outside of duties."

"Did she ever went to school?" Eric asked

"Her parents hired special teachers and had her home schooled." Edgar explained.

"Oooh..." Eric replied

"So you see, even those who seem to have it all," Edgar explained again "tend to be missing certain things in life. 
Truth is there is no such thing as a 'perfect life'. Whether you're rich, poor, in between, life will always have its 
bumps, turns and twists in the road. Just gotta learn to make the best of it."

"Believe me, I know that all too well..." Eric replied

"Perhaps, meeting you three will be the best thing for Mina." Edgar replied warmly. "Perhaps she'll learn to 
lighten up more. She is still a young teen girl and though, yes you’re older than she is, you’re still quite young 
and inexperience yourself. She could use some friends like that to help her along her journey in life."

"I'm sure she'll come around, like Devi." Eric said in an upbeat tone. "Devi was the same way but afterwards, 
she came out and is now a little more out going."

"Well that's great." Edgar replied gratefully. "Things change mysteriously and while at first it seems like it's not
for the good, some positive comes out of it.

"Yeah, it does." Eric replied.

****

Mean while, Devi was starting to get dressed alone in the changing room. She then heard something behind her. 
She looked and there was nothing there.  She continued on getting dressed and then she felt arms wrapped 
around her neck and shoulders. She broke free from the grip and turned to see Johnny floating above her. He 
was wearing a tattered black, long sleeve top, ripped black jeans and belted black boots.

"Nny!" Devi gasped. She also realized Demi was with Tenna and Mr. Spooky, so she couldn't use her as a weapon.  She was also partly dressed as she clutched her arms over her chest. She was wearing pants but didn't put her top on yet so she was still in her bra. "Stay back!" Devi demanded "Stay the hell away from me!"

"Afraid are we?" Johnny said in his usual cold tone. Little did they know, Anne was watching them from a far. 
Anne was shocked to see Nny there. "What on earth is he doing here?" Anne whispered to herself. Then 
looked at Devi.

"Shut up and stay away from me!" Devi snapped "My friends are here, you know!"

"Not in this very room though..."  Johnny told her. "And your precious little doll isn't here to help you either. I 
could easily kill you...Right here and now..."

"I can still put up a fight!" Devi told him. “If I blasted you the first time you tried to kill me, I especially can do 
more damage now! Powers or not, women are especially not to messed with when they’re in the middle of 
changing, you creep! ”

"Really now?" Johnny replied "Do you really want to test that?" As soon as he said that he put his hand out 
forward as if he was going to blast her. Devi braced her self to either dodge, use her powers to counter the 
attack or just take the blast full force in hopes of surviving.

Why do I have to have a big mouth when I’m stressed? She thought to herself.

Mean while, Demi a woke from being in Tenna's arms and she became really alertive.

"What is it, Demi?" Tenna asked

"Devi is in danger!" Demi exclaimed Tenna and Eric looked in shock at this and ran to go help.

Back in the changing room, surprisingly Nny didn't blast her. Instead, he gently put his hand under her chin.

Devi's eyes widen when he did this and then tried to slap him, but he caught her hand just before hitting his face. 
He had a firm grip on her but wasn't specifically trying to hurt her. Just didn't want her to move or struggle. 
He then rubbed his face against her hand..

She looked at him in the eyes and sighed as she said "What do you want? To kill me?" Nny let go of her but 
backed her against one of the lockers and put his hands  against the lockers with her in front of him, so she 
couldn't escape.

"Oh, I don’t want to really kill you." Nny replied "I have to, eventually, but I can't bring myself to do so."

"Johnny?" Anne replied quietly as she was a bit surprised upon hearing this as well.

Devi looked at him in surprised and asked "Can't bring yourself to do so? Then why are you here?"

Nny paused as if to wonder the very same thing and said "I dunno really... I guess maybe I wanted to talk to 
you....We haven't really talked in a long time..."

"Talk?" Devi asked and then said "Well, you could have come up to me in a better way than what you just did!"

"Oh, and get caught by your little friends?" Nny asked "I had to get you alone so they wouldn't interfere!"

"Nny..." Devi replied in a sad tone."Listen, maybe I can help you. It doesn’t have to be like this. We can save
you!”

"Save me? " Nny replied with a smirk. "Sorry, but it’s a bit too late. I’ve done too many terrible things in my life 
to ever be redeemed and this world deserves what’s coming."

“Johnny...” A shiver went up her spine. He was talking the same way I use to. It felt wrong, especially of 
how kind and happy he use to be when we dated. Could I have been like this if I hadn’t accepted Demi? 
If I hadn’t let Tenna and Eric into my life?

“ I just let those who are decent to enjoy the life I can't have until that time comes." Johnny continued “I guess 
I’m still weak that way. Plus, every time I see you, I always hesitate, which is why I strike faster to prevent 
myself from withdrawing. I just don't want to do it." He said this while putting his left hand to his heart and he 
looked a bit sad. He then put hand back against the locker. " I mean, yeah, I blasted you once, but I felt myself 
withdrawing, so I did it quickly so I wouldn't disobey my master...."

"You're really just a slave to them, aren't you?" Devi asked

"Slave?..." Johnny looked down and said "I guess I am...I have no other choice..."

"Johnny..." Devi thought about it a little more and said "You do have a choice! Yes, you may have done awful 
things, but that doesn't mean you can't change your path. I changed mine! I never thought I would but here I am! I'm proof that people can change for the better!"

Devi’s voice became a little strain and said “Besides I know you’re suffering so much. Those scars I can tell 
aren’t just from fights! I dunno how I know. Call it sixth senses or feelings, I just know you’re constantly in pain 
and...I want to help you..."

Nny looked at her oddly and a bit surprised. He finally asked "Why do you want to help me?..." Then they heard Devi's friends call out to her. The door was completely locked because Johnny put a spell on it to keep all out.

"Because...." Devi looked down and thought about it for a moment. Then she looked at him and said "I...It just
hurts to see someone I once knew as someone I love suffer so much! You’re still a person.  I normally think 
most guys are just creeps when they hurt me...." She looked down and back up at him and finally said “But I 
always knew you were different. When I look back and saw your eyes when you first attacked me, something 
didn't seem right and I realize you were trying to fight whatever was trying to hurt me. You tried to protect me 
from that once and you just couldn't. I knew that you would never hurt me, but that THING forced you too!"

Johnny was surprised by what she said. Devi became shaken up upon saying these words. She actually started crying. Johnny looked at this and wipe a tear from her eye. Then he leaned his face over to her cheek as if to give her a kiss, but just quietly said "You are right....I did try to hold back. I guess I still feel the same way.You're one of the few that are nice to me...Sadly, I can't change though. I can't go back to being who I was before and one day, I'm going to kill you. For now, I will let you live, but only because they're not forcing me to."

He kissed her cheek and said "I don't cry anymore...I don't like it when you do..." Then he floated up and 
disappeared. When he did, the doors unlocked and her friends came bursting through the door.

"Devi!" Eric shouted. Eric had kissed Tenna to change into normal form. He was dressed in a black jacket with 
a black cotton shirt underneath, black baggy pants and boots. Tenna was fully dressed in a baggy, grey midriff 
top and a long tan skirt with orange wrapped, wedged heels.

"Are you alright, Dev?" Tenna asked

"Yeah..." Devi replied a little shaken "Yeah...I'm alright..."

"What happened?" Eric asked "Demi said that you were in danger..."

"Oh yeah...the doors were locked and I thought I heard something..." Devi lied "But I'm okay now...It was just 
because the doors were stuck..."

"You sure?" Tenna asked "Demi said she sensed a dark presence around here."

"Mhm!" Demi replied as she floated up to her.

"Well...whatever it was, its gone now..." Devi told her warmly as she tapped Demi's head with her finger. "So 
don't worry now, I'm fine."

Then she hugged Eric and said "But I'm glad you guys came..." She was still shaken up still and she wanted to 
embrace someone that cared about her out of sheer comfort.

"No problem..."Eric replied a bit flustered and then asked "You sure nothing happened? That you're okay?"

Devi nodded as she rubbed the back of her head and said "Yeah...For real I'm alright..."

"Well...good..." Eric said still a bit flustered "I better go now...I'll see ya when you come out...." Eric walked 
out as if he was a bit nervous about something.

Devi looked at him oddly and then Tenna whispered in her ear. She realized she still didn't have her top on and 
was still in her bra. This made Devi blush and do a face palm. Poor Eric was a bit flustered and embarrassed. 
As for Tenna, well she thought it was a hoot! She just busted out laughing which caused Devi to swat her
friend in the gut.

While Anne was about to leave, Johnny all of a sudden grabbed her and took her to a place where they could 
privately chat. Once they were alone, a dagger appeared in Nny's hand and he then wrapped his long finger's 
around Anne's throat as he held the dagger up.

"Speak to anyone about what you saw," Nny threatened "and I'll make sure your suffering is as great my 
punishment!"

"I didn't see anything, honest!" Anne said desperately.

"Don't lie you cowardly, measly, little bitch!" Johnny sneered at her. "Don't think I couldn't hear you 
commenting and revoltingly breathing. You should know me better than that, Anne..I have sharp keen senses.
I'm one of the top warriors for our master, you know? No one can barely match my power!"

"Then, why are you so fond of that girl?" Anne asked

"That is none of your business." Nny said threateningly "It's my own personal reason. I will kill her eventually. 
Anyway, I'd be more worried about keeping my head intact and being able to breath, if I were you..."

"Right...." Anne told him. "I won't breath a word to anyone, not the Dough Boys, not Nuka, not anyone 
I promise for my life..."

"Good!" Nny said as he let go of her and then disappeared.

Anne slumped down shaken with fear. She never felt her heart rush so fast. Out of all the people she dare not 
speak against and the few she feared, Johnny was number one! Knowing that he could just spring out and kill 
her right there on the spot or even torture her. Anne knew that even if she told the Dough Boys and got into 
good graces with the master, that wouldn’t stop Nny from finding away to tear her apart, limb from limb.

*****
Mean while, Edgar was sweeping outside when he noticed something sitting in the tree. He looked up and there sat Magnus, sitting quite comfortably on a large tree branch.

"Oh, hello Magnus." Edgar said in his usual polite manner.  "Didn't expect to see you here, but then again, you always seem to appear least expectedly. Are you here to train Eric or make sure he's safe?"

"No..." Magnus replied "I just came here to relax just like everyone else. Eric has fought enough and I don't have anything specific right now to teach him."

"Oh, well you're welcome to come in and see him or Mina for that matter." Edgar said to him "I'm sure they both would be thrilled that you are here."

"No,no, no..." Magnus replied in his usual calm solitude manner. "I didn't come here to socialize or have much company. Just thought this place was a nice quiet place to rest."

"I see..." Edgar replied "I take it you don't want me to tell them you're here."

"If you don't mind, but yes. Mainly I don't want you to tell the knights. I'd like it if you keep my presence between us and perhaps Mina..." Magnus replied.

"Very well, Magnus." Edgar said as he titled his head politely and put his hand to his heart, like he was bowing slightly to like a lord or a king.  Magnus nodded his head to him as he continued to sit quietly in the tree.

*****
Mean while, Johnny sat in a tree and continued watching Devi and her friends. Interacting, playing, laughing and all of this, caused Johnny to wonder if he had past experiences like that. He barely remembered anything about his life before the Dark Master took him.

"I wish..." Johnny said but then just sighed. Johnny looked at Devi, she seemed to act as if nothing happened, but he knew she was just covering it up. Or perhaps, she found some sort of happiness with her friends. She seemed to be fully content and so sure that her friends will always protect her. Johnny looked at this and felt a bit of emptiness he never notice before.

That night, Nny quietly came into Devi's room. He put a weary spell to lower the chance of Devi and Demi waking up at least at the moment. He gently touch her face and stroke it gently with the back of his fingers.

"Johnny?..." Devi whispered which caused him to jolt back a little bit. She was only dreaming or having a nightmare by her expression. Something caused him to feel a bit sympathetic about this.

Nny touched her face again. "I'm here..." He whispered just out all of a sudden. He didn't know where that came from. Then he remembered he once said that to comfort her when she was upset once. 

*Flashback*
Johnny had been laying on a bench, drenched in the rain. He felt exhausted and just felt depressed at the same time.  He wore a teal-green tank top under a dark blue jacket with sliver trimming, including on the shoulder pads. He wore the same colored pants and laced, black boots.

As he laid staring at the sky, Devi suddenly came into his view holding a red umbrella, she was dressed in a brown rain trench boat with champagne colored turtle neck sweater underneath, brown warm winter pants and thick, high black, laced rain boots. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.

"What are you doing out in the rain like this?" She asked with a warm smile. Nny just looked at her a little surprised to see her and just blinked at her.

****

Johnny sat in a chair on Devi's balcony of her apartment. The balcony had a roof over it. A towel was draped over his shoulders. Devi came out and sat in the chair right beside him, as she handed him a cup of coffee.

"So why were you out in the rain like that?" Devi asked

"I was just cooling off." Nny replied as he thanked Devi for the coffee.

"Cooling off like blowing off steam or temperature wise?" 

"Eh, a bit of both." Nny replied. "I kinda work out with a friend sometimes. Kinda martial arts type stuff a little bit."

"I didn't know you were into that kind of thing." 

He smirked with a shrug. "Eh, I do it just to get a little exercise. They say exercise helps clear the mind."

"Is that why you chose to soak out in the cold? Is it like that meditation under a waterfall thing?"

Nny chuckled and said "I guess you could put it that way."

Devi giggled a bit and said "You can be so weird sometimes!"

"Aren't we all?" Nny laughed.  They both shared a laugh. Then Nny asked "You haven't told me why you were out in the rain?"

"I just wanted to clear my mind a bit." Then she looked at him with a smirk and said "Unlike you though, I had an umbrella."

He returned the smirk and said "Tch, it's sometimes helps when you feel the rain and wind on your body."

"Yeah, it helps get you pneumonia."

"Open your mind a bit." He then got up and stood against the clay wall of the balcony, his head facing the sky. "It's nice just listening to the rain and wind."

Devi got up and stood next to him looking up as well. She gently listened to the pitter-patter of the rain and the wind that blew through some trees near by.

"Yeah, it is kind of nice." Devi said finally smiling.  She looked at him a little bit, after a while Nny looked at her and asked "What?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." She giggled a bit and said "You know, I'm not use to sharing views like this with anyone?"

"What about that Tenna girl?" Nny asked

"Well, she and I hang out but I'm more so use to hanging out alone." Devi replied

"You're like me then..." Nny said. "We mostly hang out on our own. I hardly had any friends growing up."

"Same..." Devi replied as she looked down. "I had one friend growing up....She kinda inspired to me to continue painting."

"You almost gave it up or something?" 

"Well, I didn't think too much of it..." Devi smiled and said "But she encouraged me to paint so I painted a picture of her dancing one day. I remember how happy she looked when I showed her it." 

Devi nearly had tears in her eyes. Except for Tenna, Devi hardly talked about her childhood friend. 

"Something happened to your friend, didn't it?" 

"She died in a hit and run..." Devi began to cry a bit. She then thought about Eric "dying" for her as well, which made her feel even worse.  "I'm sorry...It just hurts when I talk about it..."

Johnny looked at her sympathetically and gently rubbed her back gently. 

"I understand..." He said sympathetically. He then stood up and had her face him. He wrapped his arms around her in a warm, comforting embrace. He said in an upbeat and warm tone "It's okay, I'm here now so don't cry anymore...I hate seeing you cry."

She was surprised at first and then returned the comforting embrace.

*Flashback end*

Nny tilted his head at her for a moment and thought about what he believe, were memories of them together. That’s why he found it curious when she said what he use to do. He barely remembered any of it, yet when it came to hurting her, it was as if those memories were fresh yet still so far in his mind.

Johnny thought about it a little more.  He took a deep breath and sighed again before disappearing.

Tenna woke up and looked around because she thought she felt something or heard something. She looked at Devi sleeping peacefully across the room and then just shrugged and went to sleep.

Johnny then appeared on the building across from theirs and looked towards their room.

"Perhaps..." He said to himself. "The reason why I can't bring myself to killing you....is you're the only one of two people that I remember ever being kind....Perhaps...the only four people I remember from my past...and not from a dream."

Johnny  disappeared again to sleep somewhere. From a far, Magnus had watched the whole thing. He was curious of the young maniac. He was about to spring in there to help fight him off but felt unnecessary to do so.  Some how, he just knew Johnny wasn't gonna hurt her. Question to him was why?


Mean while, Johnny appeared some place where he knew no one would come and find him. He took a deep breath and sighed as he sat and leaned against a tree. He hated to sleep but he had nothing else to do and he just couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. He slowly closed his eyes and fell a sleep and thought of someone also from his past.

"Usagi..." He whispered in his sleep.

****
It was raining unusually hard the next day. Devi and her friends were in the lobby wondering what to do. The clouds were thick enough that Eric wasn't even effected by the sun, so he got to stay in his normal form all day.  Tenna was wearing a pale green hooded jacket with matching cargo pants and a black long sleeve light sweater, underneath the jacket. Devi wore her usual brown trench coat, black shirt and brown jeans. Eric was in a black hooded sweater that was lace at the collar, in which he kept it loose and black baggy pants.

 Eric looked outside at the rain. "Weird..." He said "The weatherman yesterday said it was gonna be nice all week."

"Since when have the weathermen ever been correct?" Devi asked.

Eric just shrugged and continued to look out the window again.

"Aww, man! I wanted to go out and see the town!" Tenna complained.

"Relax, we still have a few days here." Devi told her friend.

"Yeah, plus we're in a hotel resort." Eric replied "We can still eat at a restaurant, hang out and enjoy the sound of the rain."

"I guess..." Tenna replied "Might want to play in the rain instead of just listening to it!"

"Just try not to get a cold..." Eric replied

"Yeah, we got done with Eric being sick not too long ago..." Devi reminded her.

"Don't worry, I won't..." Tenna scowled.

****
Devi was sitting in a library area on a lounge chair.  She had picked out a book but wasn't really focused on it. She was too busy thinking about the incident between her in Johnny.

"Devi?" Demi said quietly worried about her. "Something's wrong isn't it?

"No..." Devi replied "I just have a lot on my mind..."

"Hmm..." Demi replied sadly. She knew something was bothering her, but she knew Devi would be bothered if she asked. She couldn't force her if she didn't want to talk about it.

Eric then notice Devi alone and decided to join her.

"Hey!" Eric said as he walked over to her. "Mind if I join you?"

"Oh sure..." Devi said as she put her feet down from the cushion to let him sit beside her.

"Thanks..." Eric said as he sat beside her on another chair. "Hows it going today?"

"It's going good..." Devi said "I just got a lot my mind."

"Something happened to you in the changing room..." Eric said "Didn't it...?"

"Eric..." Devi said starting to get frustrated.

"I won't force you to talk about it... " Eric quickly said "I don't mean to nag, its just I worry...I know when something is upsetting people. I don't like not being able to do anything about it. If something is troubling you, you should let people know. It might help."

"Devi..." Demi said as she floated onto her knees. "It's unhealthy to keep things bottled up inside...If there's something bothering you, you should talk about it. You can trust us."

Devi looked down and sighed.


"So Johnny said he just couldn't bring himself to kill you?" Eric asked Devi nodded as she hugged her knees nervously.

"I don't think he really wants to..." Devi said

"Why do you say that after what he's done?" Eric asked

"Eric, didn't you see the way he hesitated?" She asked "It was as if he was struggling not hurt me. I don't think he has control of what he does..."

"Even so, Devi, he's still dangerous." Eric told her. "Especially when he can just come out of no where...and having some unknown force controlling him, just makes him even more dangerous..."

"I know...." Devi said. Eric looked at her and looked at her facial expression.

He let out sigh and then said "Do what you feel you need to do or what you feel you can do. Just be careful, okay?"

"Yeah, okay..." Devi said

Eric then got up and hugged her in which she embraced back. "And you'll always have us if you need help."

Devi smiled finally as she nodded and let out a few tears out. She finally felt a little relieved now. Little did they know, Tenna was watching from a far with a concern expression on her face.

****
Devi walked around a bit in the hotel. She was sorta stuck in her thoughts. Then she heard what sounded like a flute playing. She followed the song outside but seemed to be coming from the roof. She then went up the stairs with Demi up to the roof. Upon the roof was a beautiful garden, with a vast amount of plants and flowers. In the middle was a water fountain, with a Chinese dragon statue spouting out the water in the center, with other smaller dragons around it spouting water. The roof garden had a large, transparent cover that protect it from the rain, so anyone could be there during any type of weather.

There in the corner of the garden was Mina. She was dressed in a lime green, winter dress with black soft, fur trimming, black leggings and black ugg boots. Upon her head was a matching winter cap in the same lime green, with the same black trimming around the rim.

She looked to be in a trance as she played the flute. It was a beautiful melody mix of happiness and a little bit of sadness. Devi and Demi listened in silence as they closed their eyes. 

This song...Devi thought. It really feels like I'm in a misty yet tropical forest. A mix of warmth and coolness. Very peaceful and yet still with a bit of passion...Where did this girl learn to play like this?

She then took out her sketch pad and began sketching out the scene. She did this for about 10 to 15 minutes. Mina seemed to be so lost in her music, that she didn't seem to pay any mind until the wind started blowing a bit, which caused Mina to hold onto her hat and then sense Devi and Demi.

Demi touched Devi on the head, she stopped sketching, quickly closed her sketch pad and and put it back into her bag. 

"I'm sorry, I hope we didn't disturb you..." Devi replied. 

"No..." Mina replied. Her tone reverting back into a normal monotone. It was like the passion she put into her flute, just suddenly went into hiding. "The wind was what distracted me. I didn't notice you came in, until the wind was about to knock my hat off.

"Oh..." Devi replied. 

"You were playing wonderfully, Mina." Demi replied. 

"Yeah, where did you learn to play like that?" Devi asked curiously and also trying to lighten up the mood a bit. "It was very beautiful..."

" Well, my own personal tutors were the ones that taught me the basics..." Mina replied and she looked out and said "But, I guess when I learned the basics...I started doing my own thing occasionally. It just came to me like the wind does.... I like to play when I'm alone...I'm not too keen on playing for others..."

"Well, that's understandable." Devi replied. Mina looked up at her. She seemed to be a little surprised by Devi's comment. Devi explained "Sometimes, in order to put your passion into something, you should be alone so that nothing bothers or distracts you. Least then you can pour out all your emotions, while expressing it in a way that's clear and in your own way. I do that too when I draw or paint."

Mina looked at her for a moment and then with a small smile she nodded.

"So, were sketching me...?" Mina asked.

"Oh...I hope that was alright." Devi spoke a little bit nervously. She hoped that Mina didn't take such a thing personally.

"Can I see it?" Mina asked in a tone more curious then offensive.

"Oh...Sure." Devi got her sketched book out and showed her the sketch. It was in complete detailed. How her hair moved, the details of the plants and sculptures and even the mountain in the back.

"You did all this that quick?" Mina asked in surprised by the detail she managed to capture in such a short amount of time.

"Yup..." Devi answered. Mina looked at the pictured and smiled. Indeed, even a quick sketch, there was a lot of emotion felt just by look of the picture. It matched just like her song that she played on the flute. 

 Devi noticed how Mina seemed to really like the picture and gently said "You can have it if you want...?" 

"Oh...No. I shouldn't..." Mina replied a bit flustered. "It's your sketch...."

"Well, I shouldn't have sketched you without your permission in the first place..." Devi giggled to herself. "I couldn't help it. You look so pretty though...Especially your hair and how it flows in the wind and of course, your song is very beautiful as you said. It's actually probably one of the reasons why I did it in such detailed so fast. The song just let my emotions guide me. My hand just moved the way I felt hearing the song."

"Devi..." Mina replied. She heard many compliments before about her music, but hardly ever delved deeper than "Elegant" or "beautiful" and a bunch of fancy words to make it sound deep, but were as deep as a puddle. 

Mina then said "It's fine though...I don't mind that you did that...I mean. I've had my picture painted before...But..." She looked down sadly. "I will admit...Most don't put a lot of feeling in it when they paint my picture and such..." Then she smiled as she looked at the sketch. "But I can tell you really did feel and were guided by your emotions, when you're looking into this."

"Hmm..." Devi thought about it, until she struck an idea. "Tell you what? Why don't I paint a full version of the sketch. Call it a thank you gift for bringing us here."

"You don't have to do that." Mina said

"But that's thing about gifts." Devi explained happily. "A gift is never something you have to give. It's something that you want to give 

"Something from the bottom of your heart!" Demi replied cheerfully. Which caused Mina and Devi to giggle. 

"Well what she said." Devi added "I wanted to do something nice for you and Edgar. You've done a lot for us, Mina and I want to show my appreciation."

"Oh..." Mina replied shyly and with a small smile said "Thanks..." and then she shyly asked "Is it...okay...That is..if it helps. If I play for you when I paint it...?"

"Sure, that's a wonderful idea." Devi said a tiny bit excited for that. Mina then finally smiled a bit bigger this time and said "Okay...!"

"I'll let you know when we can and let me know when you can too." Devi told her.

"Alright." Mina said.

Mina gave Devi back her sketched book back and walked back in.

"She's really an emotional girl." Demi commented.

"Yes...She is." Devi said with a warm expression. Then she looked up at the sky. 

"It's been a long time since I drew for someone..."


**flashback**
"You painted this?" Johnny asked as he looked at the detailed painting of him sitting facing towards the left a bit, painting in his usual striped shirt. The background was a tannish color and surrounding him in the picture was his paints, in many colors. The paints and his green eyes were the colors that stood out from the rest.

"Yeah..." Devi replied a bit shyly. 

"Wow..." Johnny said touched by every detailed. "This is great...Amazing actually. The way you put so much detail and emotion through it."

"Thanks..." Devi replied warmly. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to do something nice since it's your birthday...and well..."

"This is for me...?" Nny asked a bit surprise.

"Well...yeah..." Devi stumbled upon her words. "It's a birthday gift..."

"Devi..." Nny's eyes were almost teary. 

"Is there something wrong?" Devi asked.

Nny wiped his eyes. "No, there's nothing wrong...It's just. It's been a while since someone gave me anything for my birthday. Normally I don't mind but...I guess it's a nice change." Nny's expression became warm as he smiled. "Thanks..."

Devi felt a mix of apathy, sorrow and happiness all at once. Something she never thought she would feel before. She then returned a bright smile and said "Of course!" 

****

It was still raining even in the middle of the day. As Edgar looked out, he was surprised to see Magnus sitting on a different tree this time, under the shade of the branches above him.

Edgar opened the window and said "Oh dear, Magnus you should really come inside."

"It's fine." He calmly said with usual calm smile. "It's actually quite nice out here."

"But you're gonna catch a cold..." Edgar said

"I do not catch colds." Magnus simply said.

"Oh...." Edgar said

"He's a vampire, Edgar." Said Mina who slowly came over to her friend. "The rain and cold doesn't cause vampires to get sick. The sun does."

"I guess you're right..." Edgar said  "Anyway, I'm gonna check up on some of the guests. Mina, if you want, I just set some tea on the table there. You're more then welcome to come down and have some yourself too, Magnus. Just be sure to dry yourself off before coming in."

"Thank you." Magnus said

With that Edgar walked off, as Mina sat by the window to talk to Magnus.

"The three knights are are united at last." Mina said "However, I dunno about the fourth one. I can't even detect anymore lights that match their's."

"I have feeling that the fourth knight is closer then you think, Mina." Magnus said

"What makes you say that?" Mina asked

"Call it a hunch." Magnus replied "I don't really suspect anyone right now. Just a feeling I guess, that the fourth knight is not too far behind."

"I see..." Mina said "Edgar told me about you don't want Eric to know that you're here. I promise not to say anything."

"I knew you wouldn't." Magnus said with a warm smile. "I don't worry about you when it comes to that."

"Does he like follow or tag along as they say around you?" Mina asked Talking about Eric.

"No its not that." Magnus said "He's a polite and respectful young lad. In fact, I was a bit surprised by his manners, being that most that do want to be vampires are spoiled brats. And of course, his father wasn't exactly one I trust in raising a boy to be the one he is."

"Then, may I ask why?" Mina asked more out of curiosity.

" You already know." Magnus replied "I just don't want to get too attached to him. More so then not, I just don't want him get attached to me. I've turned him into a vampire to teach him so that he can full fill his destiny as a knight, as promised that I would do for your family. Not to dolly around and be all buddy buddy with him or anyone."

"But isn't that the point of teaching?" Mina asked "Creating a bond so the pupil can be more connected with what they're learning?"

Magnus widen his eyes a little bit at the young girl as she continued on saying "I never really bonded with my teachers really. I just studied from books and just did the assignments they handed to me. Maybe I'm wrong, but I read some where that lessons are taught better when the teacher and student bond and get along together...Least that's what Edgar said..."

Magnus then smiled warmly at the girl and said "My dear, you are truly wise beyond your years."

He then leaped off from the tree and floated down slowly through the window. Using a spell he instantly dried off within a second and it was as if he never was in the rain. He sat beside Mina at a glass table.

They were a bit quiet for a while until Mina finally said in a sad tone. "You just don't want Eric to get hurt as much when that time comes... " Then she thought After all, Eric wouldn't be the only one effected by this. You've been like a grandfather to me and Edgar as well. You don't want more people to be hurt. You really are very kind.

Magnus was just silent as he leaned forward as if to have read her thoughts . He crossed all five fingers together and rested his chin against them, resting his elbows on the table. He took a deep breath and sighed a bit.

"I'm sorry..." Mina said sadly as she looked down "I said too much..."

"No..." Magnus said assuringly as rested his hand firmly on her shoulders. "It's alright. You know me quite well and you're concern for those around you, which is never wrong."

 Mina bowed her head politely.

"Unlike most kids these days..." Magnus sighed as he took a sip of his tea. "Many children these days are really rotten and don't seem to show much appreciation..."

"Do you think that's why the Darkness suddenly awakened?" Mina said "Because of the shallowness of human kind?"


"Mina..." Magnus said "There has always been darkness. Humans have always acted shallow, therefore, a bit of darkness always lingers. It's born from people's selfish desires, fears, hatred and sorrow. The thing is the Dark Master is something that can physically destroy the world. And the knights have the physical and spiritual powers that is used against it. Still even if the Dark Master is defeated, there will still be the darkness that lingers in people's hearts. "

He rested his hand on her shoulder as he said "Despite that, as long as enough people care and show the human's greatest gift, the darkness cannot corrupt the world completely. Just as there will always be darkness, there will always be the light too.."

"I see..." Mina said "Since I was born, I was taught about the prophecy about the darkness and the four knights. It was something that was passed down from those before me, because my family did not know when the Dark Master will show up. I was hoping that when the knights showed up and they defeated the darkness, maybe..."

"You could live a normal life?"  Magnus added sadly. The girl looked down sadly a little bit. Magnus comfortingly replied "You've held a heavy burden and duty both as a the Messenger of Light and a manager for your parent's business. Something I always thought was too heavy to put on a child. Perhaps those three knights can lighten up your spirit."

"They are a bit interesting." Mina said finally putting a smile on her face. "Devi is firm but still very loving, Tenna is happy and open to people and Eric is generous and sincere. They seem much more lively than what I pictured the knights to be."

"They're kids." Magnus reminded her "Well they're young anyway and you're only young once. You're especially young as well. You should learn and enjoy what they have to offer. What life has to offer. "

Magnus remembered something he wanted to warn Mina and Edgar about, so while they were still on subject he said "Mina, the other night I spotted one of the Dark Master's warriors. He didn't do anything really. He was just sneaking about and then disappeared."

"Do you know which one it was?" Mina asked

"I believe it was Johnny..." Magnus said

"I'm not all that surprised..." Mina said as she sipped her tea. "I sensed a dark aura and suspected it was him. He and the leader of the knights have a connection. So it doesn't surprise me. I sensed another presence here that wasn't here before and it was dark, but I dunno for sure if it was from the Dark Master. It was very faint but occasionally I felt it stronger and then just disappeared."

"I wanted to warn you and I want you to keep close to Edgar and the knights." Magnus said

"Thank you..." Mina said humbly "I don't think we have to worry about this place or the people here from them. Once we leave, the resort should be safe from them."

"Well, I'm not worried about the resort." Magnus said "I'm worried about you and Edgar's safety. Times are more dangerous now that the knights have been reunited. It's best for you to stay close to Edgar and the knights especially and to also keep an eye out."

"I understand..." Mina said and nodded politely "Thank you." Then giggled a little bit.

"What's so funny?" Magnus asked with a blank stare.

"I just find it ironic that you say you don't want to get close to anyone," Mina said "but you worry and care about us."

Magnus chuckled a bit and said "Well, I guess I can't help but be a sap sometimes. You two are the few that I let in anyway. Besides Eric a little bit...I've known your family for hundreds of years. Can't know a group of people for so long, without growing a little fond of them. " He got up slowly but suddenly knelt down, nearly tumbling over a bit. Mina quickly got up and went over to see if he was alright and help him.

"These legs of mine..." Magnus sighed " 500 years younger and they'd be strong enough to run those human Olympics." Mina helped him up to his feet.

"Thank you." He said

"Are you really going back out in this?" Mina asked "You should really rest in this condition."

"Yes, I'm fine really. Just a few achy joints here and there. " Magnus said "The rain has calmed down a bit and it's almost dusk, I have to feed soon anyway. . I'm sure I'll be back to rest warmly for the night, being tonight suppose be extremely cold. As much I don't mind the cold weather, there is a limit on how long I can stand. Take care young one and be safe."

"Thank you, I will and I wish you well too." She said reassuringly as he flew out the window.