China glanced over at Rome.Ohh, new kid in town. I'd better do an inspection.She made her way over.

Faye let out her breath and dropped. She waved a weak arm vaguely in Silva's direction.Tend to him, I'm fine.

Rome watched out of the corner of his eye as China started towards him. He took a large gulp from his drink when the bar tender placed it in front of him and sighed as it helped to calm his nerves slightly.

Senshi let go of Faye and was about to move towards the spellcastor only to stop at Silva's glare. "I'm fine...W-what's wrong with Ayra?" he asked, wiping his mouth off with the back of his hand.

China slid into the seat beside Rome. She drummed her fingers on the counter once and the bar tender put a tall, sparkling, bubbling drink in front of her. She had seen him watching her. She knew that men could not resist her. She smiled at him.Well Well, a newcomer.

Faye shook her head, eyes wide. She's not moving.

(Will China remember him from the two times she's seen him in her past?)

Rome nodded his head in greeting. "A traveler. I just happened to come across this place." he told her, a small smile on his face. It wasn't a lie, but it also wasn't the truth. When she smiled at him he realized it was the magic she had used on him when they had first met. He relaxed on the inside as he remembered that she had released him of the magic and it wasn't having a very strong effect on him now.

Silva managed to get to his feet and stood for a moment, barely keeping from falling back down onto the couch from the pain. He started heading towards the stairs leaning heavily against the wall when he reached the first step. He suddenly wished Rome had chosen a differnt hideout that didn't have any stairs. Every movement was agony.

(Maybe)

China reached over and fondled at the shirt hairs on the back if his neck, a familiar gesture to him.I like changes.She crossed her legs and flicked her hair over her shoulder.

Faye sucked in a sharp breath.Silva, stop! Sit down, or lie down, or anything just please stop hurting yourself. You're hurting me too.She sobbed.

Rome couldn't help a small smile at the gesture and then her words. "Somehow I'm not surprised." he said with a grin.

Silva looked at Faye and his eyes softened. "I'm fine Faye. This is nothing. I've had far worse when I-" he broke off and looked away. "Never mind." he muttered. "I just need to check on Ayra. She's your mother's friend or something like that. Broken ribs and a punctured lung will be the last of my worries if your mother finds out I let something happen to that cat." he explained, breathing shallow in an attempt to keep from moving his ribs to much.

China suddenly threw her leg over him in one smooth movement, and suddenly she was in his lap. Are you surprised now?

Faye reached her arm after him, but realizing he wouldn't stop she stood nervously shuffling from foot to foot.

Rome shrugged. "Not really." he said, barely holding back an amused grin. He casually took a drink as if China wasn't sitting in his lap.

Silva watched as Faye stood, shuffling her feet. He sighed. "If you're so worried why don't you come with me? You can make sure I don't fall down the stairs. That would be embarassing." he asked her, attempting a teasing smile.

China looped her arms around his neck and smiled. You staying here for the performance? I'd hate You to miss it.

Faye nodded and went to follow him.

Rome grinned and nodded. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." he told her. The drink was clouding over his thoughts and easing most of the worry that had been filling him since Keltoh had sent him back into China's past. He knew the alcohol's effects wouldn't last long due to his spellcastor blood, but he'd enjoy it while it lasted.

Silva started up the stairs. When he reached the top of the stairs he stopped and leaned against the wall. He clenched his teeth as pain flared in his chest and sides. "Is Ayra in your parents' bedroom?" he asked Faye.

She smiled and got off his lap. She went over to a massive ring, much like a circus ring, and slipped behind a curtain.

Faye nodded, her eyes clouded with worry.

Rome turned in his seat to watch her go, taking another drink.

Silva went to Rome and China's bedroom and looked over to were Ayra was at. "Ayra? Kitty, kitty?" he called quietly, cautious. He never did trust cats.

It was a few minutes before a smoke machine started going and the curtains opened. China was there with five other dancers. She started to sing the song Circus by Brittany Spears

Ayra was on the ground. Her eyes were closed and every so often she shivered.

Like nearly every man in the room, Rome's eyes were focused completely on China. He felt a flash of anger fill him at the thought of other men looking at her, but then he remembered that China hadn't exactly met him yet.

Silva slowly approached the huge tiger. He groaned through clenched teeth as he knelt down next to her. "Ayra? What's wrong? Is something happening to China?" he asked quietly, not sure if the cat could hear him.

China finished. She walked up to the edge of the ring to the sound of applause and whistles. She turned to one of the dancers and started talking to him. He had purple hair and looked very familiar. Keltoh.

Ayra mewed as another violent shudder shook her whole body.

Rome joined in the applause and went to take another drink, but paused with the glass halfway lifted when he spotted the person she was talking to. "Keltoh..." he growled under his breath, his hands clenching into fists. The glass in his hand shattered and fell to the floor, except for a few shards that stuck into the palm of his hand. He cursed and before he attacked Keltoh he quickly made his way to the door, every movement radiating barely contained fury. He slammed the door behind him and started pacing back and forth outside.

Silva carefully reached out a hand to touch Ayra.

China was laughing at a joke he had told her. He smiled.So Keltoh. You new here too?She asked.

Ayra slowly woke up, disoriented, her eyes half closed and her ears back.

Rome continued to pace until he knew he could control himself. He leaned against the building's wall and finally looked at his hand. He pulled out the shards of glass and licked his hand free of blood. He had control over his anger at the moment, but he wasn't sure how long he could hold it if he so much as walked a few feet away from Keltoh.

Silva jumped and fell back on his butt when Ayra woke up, expecting her to try and attack him or something. He cried out as the sudden movement sent pain flaring through his sides and chest.

China gave him her best smile and walked away. She opened The front door.

Faye was in and helping him in an instant.

Rome jumped slightly as he heard the door open a few feet away from him. "Nice performance." he commented when he saw that it was China.

Silva accepted the help even though he kept saying he was fine. "Check the cat." he told Faye as he sat up, one arm wrapped around his chest.

China smiled and made a brushing off motion with her hand.Nothing, nothing. I was thinking of you the whole time. You have a different air about you.For a second the light hit her and something was evidently wrong with her. The bones under her skin could all be seen, her cheeks and her ribs. The only emotion in her eyes was hunger and need.

Faye stepped up to Ayra.She's not well.

Rome smiled at China. "What do you mean?" he asked. Worry filled his eyes when he saw how much her bones stuck out.

Silva looked from the cat to Faye. "Why would she be ill?" he asked.

She tilted her head to the side, making bones ripple.Like you know something I don't.

She always said that if Ayra was sick, tell Rome immediately. But Rome isn't here.

Rome looked at China before shrugging. "I did say I was a traveler didn't I? I've been a lot of places. I'm sure there are a lot of things I know that you don't." he told her casually.

Silva looked down at the cat and grumbled under his breath. "This is turning into a nightmare." he muttered.

China's face suddenly turned ferocious, and she shoved him against a wall.You're one of the Hunters. You know who I am. Don't you.She snarled.

Faye sighed and rubbed at her forehead.