"I can't believe we're in Japan, right now!" Elouise peered in awe through the limousine's window, amazed by how the bright lanterns and billboard signs light the busy streets of Kyoto, Japan.
In groups, the zodiacs began to express their excitement over the places they can visit after the mission, except for Dominique who is sitting at the edge of the long lounge of the limousine who appears to be taking a nap.
In the middle of their pleasant conversation, the zodiacs were interrupted by Althea's sudden appearance on an LCD screen in front of them, she was grinning widely as if she's mocking the zodiacs.
"Quite lovely isn't it? But clearly, that is not what we are here for" She said before the tone of her voice dropped into a rather serious one. The hype dwindled as Althea continued to speak, being a kill-joy is what the old woman is good at.
"I hope all of you are done with your chit chats" She brought out a file case and carefully placed it on her table. Elouise, Ava and Veronica exchanged glances while Lola and Jieun looked down at their feet
"I've sent a document to your e-mail regarding Taurus' profile and whereabouts ." The old woman began. Elouise took out her phone to check the mail just like what everyone else is doing, Althea gazed at each zodiac with seriousness clasping her hands together on the table.
"Taurus is 22 years of age and his name is Ryosuke Matsumoto. He uses force fields as his ability, which is quite powerful and dangerous but like any other sign here, he has weaknesses. But be sure to be careful because he is a handful and stubborn, like his sign. " Althea added as she rested her back on her chair, Elouise scrolled through Ryosuke's profile, familiarizing herself with the information, as well as her target's appearance.
Elouise knew that her ability is no match with that of Taurus' and she does not want to end up being enemies with the bull so she has to devise a plan to avoid any sort of 'pain in the ass' moments in the future.
Ryosuke has light brown hair and green eyes with a pretty lean and nimble body stature. "Ryosuke Matsumoto" Elouise mumbled to herself Althea cleared her throat which prompted everyone to look at her.
"The goal of this mission is to persuade or force Ryosuke to join us and the first zodiac to do so, wins the reward" Elouise bit her lip thinking of how powerful she can be once her shape-shifting ability has no more limits to it, this is her chance to prove to the ruling signs that she is worthy and, in this way, she would be able to ask for help to regain her memories.
When everything was settled, the zodiacs were given coordinates of where Ryosuke could be, they divided themselves to work in pairs so they can easily search for him. But before Elouise could choose between her two close friends, everyone else already has a partner. Ava chose to work with Veronica, while Lola picked Jieun, which all comes down to one last person.
Elouise heard a low scoff at the corner of the limousine, her once relaxed expression turned into a scornful one after a pair of smoldering golden eyes met hers. Dominique would be the very last person Elouise wants to work with, but she has to push through no matter who her partner is. Instead of glaring back, Elouise gave Dominique a wink and to her amusement, his fists clenched into a ball and his nose scrunched up.
"So it's settled then, we will be dropping you off at your locations and make sure to find Ryosuke before 5 am. Best of luck zodiacs, prove to us that you are worthy of being chosen" Althea waved her hand dismissing herself before the tv turned into a pitch black.
"Looks like you'll be having fun tonight" Ava nudged Elouise playfully but the ash haired woman responded with a sarcastic laugh
"Ha-ha! Very funny. If your definition of fun means 'hanging out with someone who almost murdered you' I'm pretty sure you have to check your mental state, not your vocabulary" Elouise pats Ava's shoulder while nodding.
The limousine finally stops at an entrance of a huge park, she peeked her head to see the area they are assigned to, acres of trees bushes stretched out the vast land and from a distance, she can see a couple of benches sitting beside a lake.
Elouise headed out and bid goodbye to Ava and Veronica, the ash haired woman did not bother to wait for Dominique knowing that he would do the same.
Upon entering the park, a slight breeze rustles the leaves making them fall to the solid ground one by one. The air was cold that it made Elouise shiver, she tucked her hands on her coat's pockets and walk along the stone pavement.
As she continued to walk by the endless line of trees Elouise saw two pathways dividing the park into east and west but she abruptly stops after sniffing a stench of burning tar which tarnished the fresh air around her. For some reason, Elouise knew whom it came from, and before she could turn around Dominique came passing by and puffed out a cloud of grey fume on her.
Elouise quickened her pace as she pinched her nose and covered her mouth, she started to fan the haze of cigarette from getting unto her, although she is used to this smell she couldn't bear the scent of tobacco and its smoke near her.
"What is your deal asshole?" Elouise snapped at Dominique who was standing in between the two opposite pathways of the park, but instead of apologizing or reacting to her words he carried on with his behavior and went to his left.
"I'll take this side, go and take the other" Dominique said nonchalantly and strode away from the woman.
Elouise stood there with a confused look on her face, she thought to herself that she will never know how Dominique's brain works.
"What's wrong with this guy? He's so unpredictable" Elouise clicks her tongue and shook her head in disbelief of the thought that Dominique is the actual leader of the twelve earthly zodiac signs
"I'll show him who's boss once I get that reward" she grumbled before turning to her right. Elouise continued to walk feeling hopeful that Ryosuke will be around the park, she began to think of how to execute her plan, instead of fighting with Ryosuke head on, she'll rather persuade him to join them.
There's a slim chance of winning if ever Elouise takes the more dangerous route of engaging in combat with Ryosuke but if there's one thing Elouise is a master of, it would be wrapping someone around her fingers rather, manipulating him.
Not so long after Elouise and Dominique parted ways, the Gemini, saw a figure of a man from afar, this prompted her to hide in one of the trees near her. He appears to be a bit lean despite his hoody and sweatpants, also, it looks like he is going places because of his large travel backpack.
The lamp posts on the side barely even gave enough light to help Elouise identify the man's appearance, but thanks to Elouise's good eyesight she can somehow see his prominent features. She squinted her eyes to take a good long look at the man strolling along the pavement.
And as their distance closed in Elouise's eyes became as round as the moon that reflected on the lake. The man removed his hoody covering his face and paused for a while to admire the night sky in all its splendor.
Elouise quietly snickered at the full sight of the man, his brown hair was a bit messy and his monolid green eyes flickered at the moonlight. He then stared at his right hand before it glowed a bright green color.
"If it isn't, the man of the night; Ryosuke Matsumoto" Elouise smiled viciously as she mumbled to herself knowing that she is one step ahead of the others.