Chapter 100

The Tridoron glided smoothly down the winding road, leaving the bright lights and bustling streets of the city behind. Rogue gazed out the window, taking in the serene landscape as it unfolded before them. The night sky was a deep, velvety black, punctuated by the twinkling of countless stars.

As the car slowed to a stop, Rogue turned to Ace, a curious expression on her face. "Where are we, sugar?" she asked, her Southern drawl softening the edges of her words.

Ace flashed her a enigmatic smile. "You'll see," he replied, his voice low and confident.

Rogue's eyes narrowed slightly, but she couldn't help the flutter of anticipation that stirred within her. Ace had surprised her so far, and she found herself eager to see what he had in store.

The pair exited the Tridoron, the quiet hum of the engine fading into the stillness of the night. Rogue looked around, taking in the secluded, wooded area they had arrived at. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call of a lone owl.

Ace gestured for Rogue to follow him, and they began walking down a faint path that led deeper into the trees. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of the forest. Rogue couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility settle over her as they moved through the shadows.

The pair emerged into a wide, open clearing, the trees falling away to reveal a vast expanse of grass and sky. Rogue glanced around, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"There's nothin' here, sugar," she remarked, her Southern drawl evident. "What are we doin' all the way out here?"

Ace simply smiled, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Before Rogue could say anything more, a small, bat-like creature suddenly appeared, hovering in the air before them. Rogue's eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively took a step back.

"Rogue, I'd like you to meet Kivat," Ace said, gesturing to the floating creature. "Kivat, this is Rogue."

Kivat fluttered closer, his large yellow eyes fixed on Rogue. "Pleased to meet you, my dear," he said, his voice high-pitched and slightly mischievous. "Ace has told me all about you."

Rogue blinked, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected introduction. "Uh, nice to meet you too, Kivat," she said, her tone uncertain.

Ace reached into his pocket and pulled out a strange-looking object, a metallic key of sorts. He held it out to Kivat, who eagerly took it in his small claws.

"Castle Doran!" Kivat called out, his voice echoing through the clearing.

Rogue watched in awe as the sky suddenly darkened, and a massive, dragon-shaped fortress emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes and towering presence filling her with a sense of both wonder and trepidation.

"What in the world..." Rogue breathed, her gaze fixed on the imposing structure as it settled onto the ground before them.

Castle Doran landed in the clearing with a rumbling thud, its massive frame casting a looming shadow over Ace and Rogue. Rogue's eyes widened as she took in the sheer size and imposing presence of the dragon-shaped fortress.

"What in the world is that thing?" Rogue asked, her Southern drawl laced with a hint of trepidation.

Ace turned to her, a confident smile playing on his lips. "That, my dear Rogue, is Castle Doran. It's the ancestral home of the Kurenai family and an integral part of the Kiva legacy."

He gestured towards the towering structure, his enthusiasm evident. "This is where we'll be spending our date tonight. Castle Doran will be our host for the evening."

Rogue arched a brow, her gaze flickering between Ace and the castle. "How exactly are we supposed to get in there, sugar?" she asked, her tone slightly skeptical.

Ace chuckled and turned to Kivat, who was still hovering nearby. "Kivat, if you would be so kind?"

Kivat flashed a toothy grin. "With pleasure, Ace-sama!" he exclaimed, his high-pitched voice carrying through the clearing.

Suddenly, a glowing orb of energy emerged from Castle Doran, slowly floating towards Ace and Rogue. Rogue tensed, unsure of what to expect, but Ace simply reached out and placed his hand on the orb.

To Rogue's surprise, the orb enveloped them both, forming a shimmering barrier around their bodies. "What's happening?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of alarm.

"Just watch and see," Ace replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

The orb then began to move, guiding Ace and Rogue towards the towering castle. They approached Castle Doran's cavernous maw.

Rogue felt a surge of awe and trepidation as they passed through the maw. The interior of Castle Doran revealed itself in all its grandeur. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and ancient tapestries, and the air was thick with a sense of history and power.

"Well, this is certainly a novel experience," Rogue murmured, her gaze sweeping across the vast chamber they now found themselves in.

Ace chuckled, his hand reaching out to gently brush against Rogue's. "I told you, Castle Doran will be our host for the evening."

Three figures approached Ace and Rogue, their footsteps echoing through the grand hall of Castle Doran. As they drew closer, Rogue could make out their distinct appearances.

The first was a youthful-looking man with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a carefree demeanor. He had short, dark brown hair and an energetic, almost playful way of carrying himself.

The second was a towering, muscular individual with a rugged, imposing presence. His dark skin and piercing gaze gave him an aura of strength and determination.

The third was a wild-looking man, his shaggy dark hair and predatory yellow eyes lending him a feral, untamed quality.

Ace stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. "Rogue, I'd like you to meet my friends and allies. This is Ramon," he said, gesturing to the energetic young man.

Ramon flashed Rogue a bright grin. "Pleased to meet you, cherie!" he exclaimed, his voice high-pitched and full of enthusiasm. "Ace has told us all about you."

Rogue couldn't help but return the smile, feeling a sense of ease wash over her in the face of Ramon's infectious energy.

Ace then turned to the towering figure. "This is Riki," he said, his tone respectful.

Riki nodded solemnly, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "It's an honor to meet you, Rogue," he said, his words measured and deliberate.

Rogue felt a sense of awe and unease in Riki's presence, his sheer size and commanding presence making a profound impression on her.

Finally, Ace gestured to the wild-looking man. "And this is Jiro," he said, a hint of fondness in his voice.

Jiro regarded Rogue with a stoic expression, his yellow eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmph. So you're the one Ace has been talking about," he said, his tone gruff but not entirely unwelcoming.

Rogue met Jiro's gaze, feeling a strange connection to the intensity she saw there. "It's nice to meet y'all," she said, her Southern drawl coloring her words.

Ace beamed, placing a hand on Rogue's shoulder. "These are my friends and allies, Rogue. They've been serving me for a long time, and I'm honored to call them my companions."

Ramon stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ace has told us all about you, cherie. We're so glad to finally meet the woman who's captured our dear friend's heart."

Rogue felt a blush creep across her cheeks, and she glanced at Ace, who was watching her with a warm, affectionate expression.

Jiro grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Hmph. I hope you're worthy of Ace's trust," he said, his gruff voice betraying a hint of protectiveness.

Riki nodded solemnly. "Ace speaks highly of you, Rogue. We look forward to getting to know you better."

Ramon stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ah, cherie, you must be simply famished after our journey! Let me show you to a room where you can freshen up."

He gestured grandly, leading Rogue through the ornate halls of Castle Doran. "Ace has told us so much about you, and we simply must make sure you look your absolute best for what he has planned next."

Arriving at a lavish chamber, Ramon turned to Rogue with a warm smile. "Now, this is where you can change out of that tattered dress, ma cherie. We want you to be comfortable and feeling your most beautiful self for the rest of our evening together."

Rogue glanced down at her ripped clothing, a hint of self-consciousness crossing her features. "I reckon you're right, sugar. This just won't do." She offered Ramon a grateful smile. "Much obliged for your kindness."

Ramon beamed, ushering her into the room. "Wonderful! I'll leave you to it, then. Take all the time you need. We'll be waiting right here when you're ready." With a wink, he stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Rogue surveyed the luxurious chamber, her eyes widening at the sheer opulence surrounding her. "Well, ain't this just something," she murmured, running her fingers along the ornate furnishings.

Spotting a wardrobe in the corner, Rogue made her way over and opened it, revealing an array of elegant dresses in an assortment of colors and styles. She let out a soft whistle, impressed by the selection.

"Guess I better find something that'll knock Ace's socks off," Rogue said to herself, already envisioning the surprised delight on his face when she emerged, transformed and ready for whatever the night had in store.

...

Rogue in a sleek, black dress glided down the dimly lit hallway of Castle Doran, the fabric swishing softly with each graceful step. The castle's ancient, imposing architecture surrounded her, but Rogue felt a sense of calm as she approached the figure of Riki, the towering Franken, waiting at the end of the corridor.

Riki nodded in acknowledgment as Rogue drew near, his deep voice rumbling, "This way, Rogue." He gestured towards an ornate set of doors, which Rogue followed him through.

The sight that greeted her took her breath away. Ace stood in the center of the room, dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, his features illuminated by the soft glow of a candle-lit dinner table. Above them, a magnificent crystal chandelier cast a warm, romantic light, its facets refracting the flickering flames.

Rogue's gaze was drawn to the panoramic window, revealing the breathtaking view of the night sky. Twinkling stars dotted the inky expanse, and a crescent moon cast a silvery glow over the scene.

"Ace," Rogue breathed, her voice soft and filled with wonder. She felt a flutter in her chest as she took in the sight of him, looking so dashing and at ease in this opulent setting.

Ace's face lit up with a smile as he approached her, taking her hand in his. "Rogue, you look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I'm so glad you're here."

Rogue felt a blush creep across her cheeks, and she couldn't help but return his smile. "This place is amazin', Ace. Ah've never seen anythin' like it."

Ace chuckled, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand. "Castle Doran has been my home for a long time. I wanted to share it with you, to show you a part of my world."

He guided her towards the table, pulling out a chair for her. "Please, have a seat. I've prepared a special dinner for us."

Rogue settled into the chair, her eyes taking in the delicate floral arrangements and the gleaming silverware. "Ah don't know what to say, Ace. This is all so..."

Ace chuckled, "Extraordinary? Breathtaking? Exactly the kind of reaction I was hoping for." He pulled out the chair for Rogue, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Rogue giggled as she settled into the chair, "Ah suppose you've got a knack for surprises, Ace-sama."

Just then, Jiro, dressed in a crisp butler's uniform, approached the table carrying a tray laden with their dinner and a bottle of wine. "Your meal, as requested," he said in his deep, rumbling voice, setting the plates down in front of them.

Rogue eyed the wine glasses warily. "Isn't this a bit much for us, Ace? Ah mean, we're still just kids, aren't we?"

Ace flashed her a mischievous grin. "Well, I won't tell if you won't." He picked up his glass, waiting for Rogue to do the same.

Rogue hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and clinked her glass against his. "Alright, Ah suppose just this once can't hurt."

They both took a sip of the rich, ruby-colored wine, and Rogue had to admit it was quite delicious. She set her glass down and looked up at Ace, her emerald eyes sparkling with delight. "This is all so amazin', Ace. Ah can hardly believe it."

Ace beamed, his heart swelling with pride. "I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Rogue."

The two young couple began to enjoy their candlelit dinner, the soft glow of the chandelier and the breathtaking view of the night sky creating a truly magical atmosphere.

***

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