Tanaka’s Return

Sweet Home Los Angeles

Arya’s POV

After what seems like forever, we have finally made it to Los Angeles! Monica got us situated in a hotel until we have a permanent place in this safe house she keeps talking about. I always felt like Monica was in my life for a reason but knowing for sure that she is makes it so much better. I wonder if she has any special abilities as my guardian? I guess I’ll have to figure out later.

“Alright sis, now that we are all settled in here, it’s time to head to the safe house.” She announces.

“Where is this safe house anyway?” I ask. She is currently digging in her bag muttering something about hoping she didn’t lose it when she yells out “ha!“ and holds a folded piece of paper in the air.

“I’m not completely sure, but this paper gives very detailed instructions on how to get there. Put on something comfy because it’s a lot of walking!” She warns.

I go into the bathroom to change into my matching ivy green yoga outfit with my black and green huaraches. I pull my hair back into a bun and slip my tube of chapstick in the secret pocket on my hip. I also stick my i.d and some cash on the other side. When I finally emerge from the bathroom, Monica has on her matching yoga outfit but in rose gold. It really complements her chocolate skin tone, and her locs are elegantly braided in two braids and twisted into a bun at the end. I’ve always wanted to started locs of my own, but I’m terrified of going through the beginning phase. And of course she’s got her rose gold huaraches to match. She decides to wear her grey sling bag to hold water bottles and a few snack. This must be one hell of a walk we are about to take.

“Ready?” She asks. I give her a nod and we head out into Los Angeles to find our location. Before we walk out the rooms she makes sure to spray me down again just to make sure it doesn’t wear off before we get there.

“I’m gonna see if there’s a witch that can make it last longer…” she thinks out loud. Soon we are walking down the busy streets to our secret location. I take note of the different shops and restaurants I wanna try out while we are here. It’s amazing how many options they have! We end up taking a few stops to hydrate and nibble on some snacks to keep us energized. It literally feels like we have been walking for HOURS. I’ve lost track of how many turns and curves and alleyways we’ve walked through. We’ve walked through restaurants, bars, laundromats, and more. It’s like it’s never ending! I’m just about to ask for another break when we get to a brick wall at the end of a dark alley. I look around and see there is no way out.

“What the hell Monica! It’s a dead end!” I yell in a panic. There’s no way we’ve been walking this long just to be led to a dead end.

“Well it says to stand here and yell ‘SHARON’ like Ozzy Osbourne. Whoever the hell that is…” she says clearly frustrated.

“Please tell me your joking.” I say.

“I’m guessing you know what they are talking about so get to it, I’m tired.” She says. I proceed to give the best Ozzy impression I can give and wait while she looks at me like snakes are coming out of my ears. Next thing you know the wind picks up and clouds appear above us before a lightning bolt shoots down striking the both of us. We hug each other screaming our hearts out before we hear someone clearing their throat, while someone else is laughing hysterically. When I open my eyes I’m staring at a girl with purple skin with scales all over and black eyes. Her hair is an ashy green color and she’s wearing a grey t shirt dress. Next to her is a guy with mocha colored skin and green eyes. He looks perfect and all he is wearing is a white t-shirt and black ripped jeans. His pointed ears let me know he’s an elf, there’s something about him, though I’m not sure. The way he stares at me so intensely gives me goosebumps but I’m not sure why.

“I see you’ve made it in one piece. My name is Jax, which of you needs a safe place?” He says.

“That would be me.” I answer

“Is there a reason why we had to travel across California to get here?! I need a chair!” Monica exclaims.

“You only traveled next door. One of Lexi’s best glamours.” The strange girl giggles. “My name is Lorna by the way.” She adds.

“What the hell are you.” I blurt out. I cover my mouth in embarrassment. That wasn’t suppose to be said out loud.

“I am a siren. No need to be embarrassed, no one can stop themselves from speaking their minds when I’m around.” She smiles.

“That can be problematic. Especially when I can finally take control.” Onyx says.

“You’re a dragon.” Jax gasps. “And you’re my sire.” He finishes

“What’s a sire?” I ask. He takes slow steps towards me, never breaking eye contact.

“It’s like wolves and their mates. Elves call it their sire. There’s no rejecting a sire bond. Once we are bound, it’s until death.” He explains. “The only special thing is that elves are only sired to dragons. It has been thousands of years since an elf has met its sire. You must be something special to appear after so long.” He continues. Before I can even open my mouth Monica clears her throat. The nerve.

“Not to interrupt your moment, but one, I’m irritated that we are literally next door when it feels like we have been walking for HOURS, and two, where is the safe house?!” She says in a frustrated tone.

“Once we get you registered you will be teleported to the safe house. We can’t tell you the exact location for security purposes, but I assure that you will be safe.” Lorna explains. “I must warn you though, we provide shelter for people from various species. We have rules in place to guarantee peace. If you break any, you are at risk of being kicked out and your memory will be erased.” She continues.

“We can give you time to gather your things Arya, if you want.” Jax adds.

“No it’s fine, I didn’t bring anything important anyway. But what about Monica?” I ask.

“This was never for me Ry. Eventually I have to return to the pack but I promise I’ll come back once I turn 18.” Monica explains. I can’t help but to be sad. I’ve never been apart from her for long periods of time. I wish she could just stay with me.

“When do we teleport to the safe house?” I ask.

“Now.” Lorna answers. I turn to Monica to say my goodbyes. I’m gonna miss her. After she leaves I turn to Jax and Lorna. “ How do I know I can trust you guys?” I ask.

“ You don’t, you just have to have faith.” Lorna responds.

“I just hope this isn’t a mistake…” I say. I’ve never been so nervous.

“If anything goes wrong you have us.” Onyx says

“You are never alone.” Shadow adds.

If I don’t have anyone, at least I have them.