Showtime

By: ChocolateEclar

Prologue: Never Again

January 7, 1708

The first thing about her that Bastian noticed, under casual glance, was that she was not anywhere near as lathered in powder and rouge as the rest of the ladies present. There was no sign of vanity, although it was apparent she was fighting to keep from yawning in the host’s son’s face.

Young master Kenneth Landon was chatting aimlessly about his business ventures. Needless to say, it was not the most stimulating conversation. “Well, that is charming, Mister Landon,” she was saying in a polite tone tinted with the faint accent of a lady growing up in London, “but really, I must speak with – ”

“Come now, Angelique,” purred Kenneth. “You must be jesting. Who is there you would rather be in company with?”

Angelique? thought Bastian. He pulsed his lips. It was not in the least bit polite to address someone without his or her title, and especially not this lass… Bastian paused. Why especially not this lass? Why was he so concerned over one pretty little human girl?

Apparently, Angelique was affronted by the lack of respect as well for her blue eyes went blank of emotion. “Good day, Mister Landon,” she said firmly.

Bastian inspected her more closely as she left the flabbergasted Kenneth. She had a fiery halo of dark red curls held up in a graceful coiffure. The sleeves of her pale pink dress ended at the elbows and then finished with a lining of white lace. The skirt was full and held up by heavy petticoats.

Bastian turned away. What was he doing? He was supposed to be searching for a descendent of Mördekai, the winged guardian. Instead, he was acting as if that girl could be a possible…mate.

Time to get to work, but first…

He grabbed the arm of a nearby young gentleman. “Who is that?” Bastian asked, ignoring protocol of introduction and pointing at Angelique.

“Oh,” said the man. “That be Miss Angelique Mordecai, daughter of Duke Broderick Mordecai. Pretty little lass, ain’t she? Her mother be the French beauty Soleil Blanche Mordecai.”

“Mordecai?” muttered Bastian with a smirk. “You don’t say…?”

Sebastian Kuragari sprang out of bed. When he realized it was the year 2613 and not 1708, he groaned. My first mistake, he grumbled, ever seeing her in the first place. Now, she’s back to haunt me…again.

Gods! He was nine hundred and five years older now! He could not keep getting his heart ripped out.

No, he would not love her this time around.

A/N: Please let me know what you think in a review. Thanks.