Little Serenity

[i]Umeko stirred and sat up. She was in her room again, only now, there were bars on the windows! Umeko stood up and winced, holding her head. It throbbed. She exited her room into the main hall and proceeded to the throne room.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] BASU!! [i]Basuka leapt out of his throne and swept Umeko into an embrace.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Thank the gods you're okay. [i]Umeko wriggled away from him. Basu dismissed his attendents.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Will you join me for dinner tonight? [b]Umeko:[/b] Where are my tools? [b]Basu:[/b] I can't have you breaking out again. [b]Umeko:[/b] Why not?!! I want out of here! [b]Basu:[/b] I'm not letting you out until the seige has begun. There are only two days left. [b]Umeko:[/b] I have to help! [b]Basu:[/b] With no tools? [b]Umeko:[/b] Give them back! [b]Basu:[/b] NO! [i]Umeko winced, expecting to be hit. Basu sighed and sat down.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] You're not leaving. [i]Umeko stomped back in her room and threw herself on her bed, frustrated and crying.[/i]

[i]Mei and Hikage ran off to find Amber. They found her in the main hall, cleaning up after the battle. Mei looked uneasily at the mark on the floor where she had fallen.[/i] Amber: Hey guys! What's going on? Hikage: Fire says that Mei can move into our dorm!! Amber: Really?! That's great! Just let me- Mei?!! What happened to your pajamas?! Mei: Oh... [i]She looked down at the back of her pajamas. They were encrusted with her dried blood. Mei looked nervously at Amber.[/i] Mei: Guess it's kinda my fault you have to clean up the hall. Heh heh... Amber: YOU made this giant stain?!! [i]Mei nodded numbly. Everything came rushing back.[/i] Hikage: But, it doesn't matter right now! Let's go move your stuff into our room Mei. [i]The two climbed the stairs and entered Mei's dorm. They started throwing things into Mei's trunk.[/i] Mei: What did you want to tell me Hikage?

Mei: What do you want? Hikage: I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Mei: Heh, how can I be okay? Max is dead because I failed to get through to Nate. At least you were able to stop him. [i]Hikage nodded. Mei kept staring out the window at the rising sun.[/i] Mei: Max is dead, the Black X has his key to the school, and they're going to invade who knows when. At least Tobias... (sob) can't kill Max now... [i]Mei took a second to rub at her eyes.[/i] Mei: It seems like a lot of things are my fault. I brought the Black X Max's key, Max is dead because I didn't stop Nate. Hikage: What's passed has passed Mei. There is nothing we can do but prepare for the future. [i]Mei nodded numbly. Hikage sat down next to her.[/i] Hikage: And who knows? Maybe Max... maybe he's been reborn somewhere else. Or, he's in paradise, waiting for us to join him. Mei: Which will be in a very long time. Unless Tobias does kill me. Hikage: Tobias isn't going to kill you Mei! You have to think positively! For all we know, Max might not even be dead! Maybe he's somewhere training or something. Mei: ...he'd leave me behind...? Hikage: I'm sure he wouldn't, but we don't know what it's like to reach a hybrid stage, so we can't be sure. Mei: Then, I'll train as hard as I can and reach that stage! Then... I'll go where Max is. Hikage: (laughs) It'll be a long time before you reach that stage. Mei: Yeah, I know. (smiles) But maybe... just maybe... I'll grow powerful enough to bring him back.

[i]Umeko looked out the window rather forlornly. She could only hope that the bird had reached Sakura and that the invasion would take place in three days, as Basu had foretold, and it wasn't being sprung on her friends now. She heard several clicks below her. Curious, she looked down. There was Enkou, the unicorn that Eve had given Umeko. Umeko had named him Enkou after her father. Now, the unicorn was pawing at the bottom of the castle and looking up at Umeko.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Hello Enkou. You followed me all the way here? [i]Enkou snorted in agreement. Umeko laughed. Something hit her. Perhaps she could jump from the tower and ride back to everyone on Enkou. She looked behind her, then began climbing out the window. Enkou whinnined and snorted in fear and tossed his head, telling Umeko to get back inside her room. Gruff voices came from around the corner.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Go!! Enkou go! They'll catch you! [i]Enkou didn't move. Two guards came around the corner.[/i] [b]Guard 1:[/b] Hey! Stop!! She's communicating with the outside world using that unicorn! [b]Guard 2:[/b] Get it! [i]Umeko stood on her window frame, leaning out of the window.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] No!! Leave Enkou alone!!! [i]Umeko timed her jump and landed square on the two guards. The three of them collapsed to the ground, Umeko hitting her head hard and knocked unconscious. The first guard began to get up, causing Umeko to slide off of him and into a nearby gravel bank. She moved slowly towards the the cliff that dropped suddenly into the ravine.[/i] [b]Guard 2:[/b] Look what you did!! [b]Guard 1:[/b] Lord Basuka will have our heads! Let's grab her! [b]Guard 2:[/b] If we disturb the gravel, she'll just slide faster! We need help! [b]Guard 1:[/b] Help!! Someone help us!! Umeko-sama is falling into the ravine!! [i]Umeko slid off the gravel and off the cliff. Her body began to fall into the ravine, down, down, down. A black blur shot out of her window and into the ravine, following her fall. Before she could hit the river below, the black blur had caught her and was rising out of the ravine. It was Basuka with black wings.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] You fools! I told you to watch her! [b]Guard 1:[/b] We did, your Lordship! But... she was trying to save a unicorn of hers and she jumped out her window onto us! [b]Guard 2:[/b] Honestly!! [b]Basu:[/b] Get back to your posts! [i]The guards gulped and retreated. Basu carried Umeko back to her room. He glanced at the window. With a wave of his hand, there were iron bars across it. Basu pocketed Umeko's lockpicking tools and left the room.[/i]

OOC: Erm... okay... if no one's going to get Hiro, T.D., or Sakura out of the desert, guess I will. ^_^ [color=sandybrown]Hiro: What are we just standing around for?!! Hit the thing!![/color] [i]Sakura and T.D. nodded.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: Leave this to us Hiro. You might hit one of us on accident.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Good idea.[/color] [i]T.D. and Sakura charged at the growing shadowy blob. It took severy hits, but finally the entire thing was gone. T.D. walked up to the glimmering yellow stone and took it.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Guess this wraps this up.[/color] [i]Sakura nodded. Hiro began to get to her feet shakily.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: Here, let me help you out Hiro.[/color] [i]Hiro smiled and thanked Sakura, then slammed into a wall on accident. They all laughed a bit. Soon, the group was on their way back to the temple, T.D. still holding the stone.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: We're baaaack![/color] [color=teal]Sakura: And we got the stone! It took awhile, but it was worth it.[/color] [i]Kiara smiled and took the stone. It too was glowing. Something wasn't normal, she could feel it. Banner snorted and sat up, coming out of his slumber.[/i] [color=darkblue]Banner: Oh, you guys are back. Weren't there three of you? You two had the newbie, right?[/color] [color=teal]Sakura: Yes, why...?[/color] [i]Sakura and T.D. looked back at Taiin. Hiro was still sitting there, her eyes shut.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Could someone get me down, please?[/color] [color=darkblue]Banner: What, are we supposed to wait on you hand and-[/color] [color=teal]Sakura: Oh!! I'm sorry Hiro! Here, let me help you.[/color] [i]Sakura took Hiro's hand, telling her when to step down, and then steadying her.[/i] [color=darkblue]Banner: (whispering to Kiara) What's the deal?[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Hiro was blinded while fighting.[/color] [i]Everyone paused for a second. Nobody really knew what to say. Hiro's eyesight couldn't be restored by one of them, it would have to be restored by a very powerful mage or doctor.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Hey hey! What's with all the silence? I'm okay! Better my eyes and not my head, right? Ha ha ha![/color] [i]Hiro walked out of the temple.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Where are you-[/color] [i]Sakura stopped T.D.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: Let her go. She needs to think.[/color] [i]Hiro walked down what seemed to be a path. She continued to trip over roots and holes and other things. She finally felt her way back to her camp. She found a sturdy stick and a long white strip of cloth. She tied the cloth around her head, covering her eyes, and used the staff to get back to the temple without tripping. Most of everyone was resting outside of the temple, so Hiro sat down on the floor. She felt a faint cool breeze. She followed it to a balcony. Hiro leaned against the stone railing and felt the breeze run through her hair. She sighed, holding back tears.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: The stars... must be beautiful tonight...[/color]

[i]Sheik was caught off guard. A crystalized Zelda began grappling with her. They were evenly matched.[/i] Sheik: Wha?! Sheik is supposed to be MUCH stronger than Zelda! Shadow Link: It's not about strength! Its about using your abilities! Sheik: Y'know, that wouldn't make a lot of sense anywhere but here! [i]She closed her eyes. There was a flash of light and she became Zelda. The crystalized Zelda began winding up for an attack.[/i] Zelda: NARU'S LOVE!! [i]The attack raged two ways, killing off two crystal charas and the false Zelda. Zelda turned back into Sheik and began running off to find someone else to help.[/i]

[i]Mei's eyes fluttered open. She turned her head slightly and saw Nate talking with Hikage. Mei stumbled out of bed, holding the side that Nate had injured.[/i] Mei: Nate...! Look at me!! [i]Nate turned around, not expecting what was coming. Mei wound up the arm that was free and hit him across the face.[/i] Hikage: Mei!! [i]Mei grabbed Nate by his collar and began shaking him.[/i] Mei: WHAT DID YOU DO TO MAX?!! WHERE IS MAX!!! YOU KILLED HIM!! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU EVER!! [i]Mei screaming carried all across the school. Water and Fire burst into the infirmary and saw Mei beating up on Nate.[/i] Water: MEI!! Stop it!! [i]Water pulled Mei off Nate kicking and screaming. She began beating at Water's chest.[/i] Mei: IT'S NOT FAIR!! IT'S NOT FAIR!!! NATE PROMISED HE'D NEVER HURT ME AGAIN!!! NOW MAX IS DEAD!!! Water: Mei listen to me! Mei! (he slapped her across the face, she stopped screaming) MEI! It's not Nate's fault that Max is dead! Max walked his own path! (sigh) Maybe... it was better this way. Mei: WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'BETTER THIS WAY'?!! Water: Mei... Max's beast is the phoenix, correct? (she nods) And you are the water dragon. Mei: No... My beast is a water panther. Water: Umiikuran may look like a panther, but he is really a dragon. Mei... you and Max are natural enemies, destined to fight one day! The Dragon... and the Phoenix. Mei: No... NO!! That's not right! It can't be! We're- we're too good of friends!! Water: Come now Mei... even I can see it. Mei: Just- just LEAVE ME ALONE!!! How can you understand what it's like to feel this way?!! [i]Mei ran out of the infirmary, tripping on her pajama pants, which were still stained with blood. It hurt too much to be an Element X. Mei sat down near a window. A small bird landed on the window sill. Mei began crying again.[/i]

OOC: Erm... Umeko and Basuka disappeared. Basu was trying to save Umeko from the dragon and he teleported them away... O_o;; eeks... Wait! I can write around this!! ^_^ [b]Eve:[/b] Eat up. [b]Umeko:[/b] Thank you. [i]Umeko began eating some fruit. She looked over at the frozen Basu and sighed.[/i] [b]Eve:[/b] You upset? [b]Umeko:[/b] Just a- [i]Umeko stood up suddenly and clutched at her chest, coughing and gasping. Mist began to surround her. Eve stared at her in horror wondering what kind of spell she should use. Umeko fell to the floor and disappeared. Something wooden clattered to the floor. Eve rushed over and picked it up. It was a wooden doll with a single white hair around it. Umeko's hair to be exact. Eve turned on the frozen Basu to chop him to tiny pieces, but she found a wooden doll with a black hair in the ice. Eve rushed outside.[/i] [b]Eve:[/b] MAX!!! SAKURA!!! Basu cast a spell that switched him and Umeko with doubles!! Umeko is gone!!! [i]Meanwhile, on the archipalago of Io, Umeko lay on a bed, unconscious. She began to stir.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Ohhh... where am I...? [i]She looked around at her surroundings. She was in a very lavishly decorated room, lying on a very comfortable bed. Her clothes were on a nearby chair and she was wearing a very pretty blue gauzy grecian-style dress. She burst through her door. She was in some kind of palace. She raced through the halls and stopped at a center hall. There were two double doors. Umeko burst through them. Basuka sat in a throne with several attendents around him. They all turned to look at her.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Ah, you're awake. Leave us please. [i]The attendants left.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Basu! What's going on?! Last thing I remember, I was on a dragon! [b]Basu:[/b] Don't worry. You're far from there now. [b]Umeko:[/b] What about Sakura?! And Eve?! And Max?!! Where are they?! [b]Basu:[/b] When I left them, they were fine. I'm sure they can handle a second-rate transport dragon. [b]Umeko:[/b] Why have you brought me here? [b]Basu:[/b] In three days, an army of Dark Riders will attack that cottage. I didn't want you there. [b]Umeko:[/b] Their purpose? [b]Basu:[/b] To destroy the one summoned by Eden, of course. [b]Umeko:[/b] Take me back, Basuka! [b]Basu:[/b] There's no need for formalities, Umeko. We've been friends for so many years. [b]Umeko:[/b] I seriously doubt that. [i]Umeko breezed through the doors.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] You look very becoming in that dress. I shall see you at dinner tonight. [i]*No way.* Umeko thought. She strided to the doors and pushed them open. There was a bridge that spanned a ravine. Umeko took one step outside the palace. Two guards blocked her path with sharp looking spears.[/i] [b]Guard 1:[/b] I'm sorry Umeko-sama, but you may not leave. [b]Umeko:[/b] UMEKO-SAMA?!! What's that supposed to mean!! I don't live here! [b]Guard 2:[/b] Well, Lord Basuka looks on you as quite his own now. He's instructed us that you can't leave. Be advised that should you try to escape, we will either recapture you, or kill you. Preferably the latter. [i]Umeko stepped back inside the palace. She was trapped. Unless...[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I have to contact Sakura! [i]Umeko ran to her room. She looked desperately around it. There was a bird in a cage. Quickly, Umeko scrawled a note to Sakura on a scrap of paper, telling of the invasion and pleading Sakura to leave the cottage and come to Io to rescue her. She tied the note to the bird's leg.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Eden, guide her wings...

[i]Umeko, Max, Eve, and Sakura all walked back to Eve's cottage. They were all getting ready to go to bed.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I'll be right back. [i]Umeko grabbed a towel and her 2nd pair of clothes.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Where are you going? [b]Umeko:[/b] Where does it look like I'm going? (she laughs) I'm just going to go have a bath. [b]Sakura:[/b] You sure you'll be okay? [b]Umeko:[/b] (sarcasm) If anybody tries to kidnap me, I'll scream. Seriously, I'll be fine. [i]Umeko started walking through the woods. She found a hot spring and settled in, washing her face and arms and hair. She closed her eyes and swam around underwater for a few seconds. Her head broke the surface and she leaned against one of the hotspring walls. One gloved hand shot out from the bushes and covered her mouth. The other held a sword to her neck.[/i] [b]???:[/b] Don't say a word! [i]Umeko nodded frantically.[/i] [b]???:[/b] Turn around. [i]Slowly, Umeko turned around.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Basuka?! [i]Basu came out of the shadows. His eyes were full of sorrow.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Umeko you have to help me! But be quiet! I don't know if I've been followed. [b]Umeko:[/b] Basu, what's going on? [b]Basu:[/b] Quick! Get dressed. I'll explain everything. [i]Basu turned around and sat down. Umeko quickly changed into her clothes and dried her hair. She approached Basu again.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] You decent? [b]Umeko:[/b] (laughs) You always used to say that at my father's dojo. [b]Basu:[/b] Can't help habit. [i]He turned around and stood up. He beckoned her away from the hot spring and she followed.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Listen Umeko. I have to ask a favor from you that could save my life, your life, and every one of your friends' lives. [b]Umeko:[/b] Of course. Anything Basu. [b]Basu:[/b] There is something called the Circlet of Anubis. The possessor controls the power of life and death, so to speak. The circlet can call forth beasts to either destroy, or save life. I've heard my superiors speak of it. They wish to crush your group with one swift sweep. [b]Umeko:[/b] Don't you want us gone too? [b]Basu:[/b] (pauses) No Umeko. I could never want you dead, never in my life. You mean too much to me. [i]Umeko realized that Basu was crying. He held her close.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] I need you to get me the Circlet before they can. I don't want to do my superior's dirty work any longer! If he wants your friends dead, he can do it himself. But I won't stand by and watch them kill you. [b]Umeko:[/b] How can I help? [b]Basu:[/b] You have a great power inside you. That's why the Dark Riders were always out to get you. You are the Key Master, you are the key to every lock ever made. [b]Umeko:[/b] What...? [b]Basu:[/b] You've always been good with untying knots and picking locks and things like that. It had never occured to me that you might be the Master, but now I know. (pause) The circlet is guarded by one of the most complex locks in the entire universe. The key was destroyed thousands of years ago when the lock was built. The only one who can unlock it is the destined Key Master. [i]Umeko stared off into space. She had never realized that she might be a destined person. Basu gripped her tighter.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Please Umeko... unlock it so that I can save you. [b]Umeko:[/b] I'll do it. [i]Basu took Umeko into the mountians. They climbed over what seemed like countless peaks and cliffs. Eventually, they stopped. A giant stone door marked with an ankh stood in front of them.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Thi- this is the door?!! Where's the lock? [b]Basu:[/b] Here. [i]Basu showed her a small hole in the lower right hand corner of the door. Umeko sighed and kneeled down.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] The Key Master can fit through and unlock the lock from within. [b]Umeko:[/b] (nods) alright! [i]Umeko crawled into the hole. The sight that met her eyes was outstanding. It was a roomfull of gears and springs and nuts and bolts and chains. Umeko pulled her goggles down onto her face and began working. Around an hour later, Umeko had figured out what she had to do to unlock the lock. She had found a large Ankh in the center of the floor with a neck strap. She put that on. there was a cylinder shaped cage-type thing. Umeko crawled in and began working on a complex puzzle on the inside. she finally put all the pieces in place. The ankh shined and exploded. The cage began to whirl around and around until Umeko thought she was going to be sick. The turning stopped abruptly and Umeko was expelled outside. Basu ran to her.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Did you unlock it?! [i]Umeko was about to open her mouth when the doors began to creak open. She and Basu walked down a hallway to a pillar of light. On a pedastal, there was a circle of gold. A perfect fit for one's head.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Umeko, take the ring. [b]Umeko:[/b] Al- alright... [i]Umeko stepped into the circle of light and touched the ring. A voice boomed inside her head.[/i] [b]Voice:[/b] Do you permit me to look inside your heart for any impurities? The Circlet must be given to one of pure heart. Do you have anything to hide? [b]Umeko:[/b] I have nothing to hide. [i]Umeko stood there for a second. Nothing seemed to be happening.[/i] [b]Voice:[/b] Your intentions are good! You may take the Circlet!! [i]Umeko grasped the circlet. She smiled at Basu and they both walked out. The door shut behind them and the hole that Umeko had crawled into was sealed. The two walked back to Eve's cottage.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Here. This belongs to you. [i]She handed him the circlet.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Thank you Umeko. Now I can protect you... [i]He smirked and raised his hands.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] I CALL ON THE POWER OF ANUBIS!! RAISE ME A BEAST WORTHY OF YOUR POWER!!! [b]Umeko:[/b] Basu!!! What are you doing?!! [i]Meanwhile, inside Eve's house.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] That was Umeko! She's been gone for hours!! [b]Eve:[/b] What in the name of Eden is going on out there?!! [i]Sakura looked out the window. She gasped.[/i] [b]Sakura:[/b] There's a black dragon rising out of the ravine!! Umeko and Basu are there!! [i]Max grabbed his blade.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Let's get him!! [i]The three ran out of the house.[/i] [b]Eve:[/b] BASUKA!! [b]Umeko:[/b] Eve! Max, Sakura!! Stay back!! [b]Max:[/b] No way!! [i]Max charged at Basu with his blade. Basu smirked and grabbed Umeko around the middle.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Not today, little boy. I've got someplace to go! [b]Max:[/b] WHAT'D YOU CALL ME?!! [i]Basu jumped onto the dragon and took the reins.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] IEEEEEEEEEE!!! Somebody get me down from here!!! [b]Max:[/b] Don't worry! We'll get you down! [i]Max concentrated, trying to turn into a bird again.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] What the-?! I can't change!! [b]Sakura:[/b] I'll try!! [i]Sakura concentrated all her energy. She couldn't change either.[/i] [b]Sakura:[/b] What's going on?!! I can't change! [b]Basu:[/b] HA HA!! I cast a nullification spell over this entire area!! Any magic besides my own is nullified!! [b]Eve:[/b] Damn!! That means that my powers are no good right now! [b]Max:[/b] Umeko!! JUMP!! We'll catch you!! [i]The dragon rose higher into the sky. Umeko nodded and prepared to jump off the beast.[/i] [b]Basu:[/b] Umeko?!! What are you doing?!! [i]Umeko looked back, and frowned. She extended her arms. Basu let go of the reins and jumped on her.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Let me go Basu!! You never cared about me anyway!! [b]Basu:[/b] I didn't lie about that part!! I'm going to take you away from this place so that you aren't killed!! [i]The dragon began tossing in a fit of confusion.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] The dragon's out of control! It'll kill both of them!! [b]Basu:[/b] Not on my watch! [i]With a flash of light, Umeko and Basu disappeared. Leaving the rest of the party to fight the dragon.[/i]

[i]Tyne looked up at the Zelda statue. She had been in charge of designing most of her attributes, attacks, etc. She reached out to touch the statue. As her hand met the gold, Tyne became Zelda. There was another flash of light and she became Sheik.[/i] Sheik: This rules... [i]With lightning fast reflexes, she took out five more targets with sheer brute force. She smirked, though not many could tell because of the mask over her face, and landed next to Link, Shadow Link, and Sephiroth.[/i] Sheik: You guys don't look too bad. Any ideas about what in heck happened?!

[i]Tachiko burst through the forest into the clearing where she had woken up along with Sakura and the others. Several were still asleep. She looked up and saw Sakura, Salkala, Cloud, Ki, and Leena all talking about what they were doing there. [/i] Tachiko: Er... [i]Everyone turned and looked at the elf miko. She backed away, a bit nervous. Then, she noticed the cellcoms.[/i] Tachiko: Hey! You guys have this too? (she held hers up) Ki: Uh... yeah. Who are you? Tachiko: I'm Tachiko Estel. I am on a quest to find the one who carries the Rod of the Realms. Cloud: Say what?! Salkala: You're looking for my sister? Tachiko: Do one of you have the Rod? Sakura: That would be me. You must be another one of my guardians, if you have a cellcom. Tachiko: Well, I'm happy to join you. *If I follow her, I can make sure that she does not use the Rod of the Realms for ill purposes.* Sakura: This is Salkala, Ki, Cloud, and Leena. I'm Sakura. Tachiko: So... what about the ones still sleeping? Sakura: I guess we have to wait for them to awake...

[i]Meanwhile, Sakura, T.D., and Hiro were utterly trapped in the center of the room. The dark shadows had covered all the walls in one giant moving shadowy mass.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: We're surrounded...[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Uhn!! [/color] [i]Hiro blindly shot a bolt of lightning at the wall. The shadowed mass moved aside and the lightning vanished.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Stop shooting blindly Hiro! You'll get us all killed!![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: I don't see you guys doing anything!! Uhn!![/color] [color=teal]Sakura: Hiro STOP!! You're not doing any good!![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Than do something good Sakura!! Do something, anything, that will get us out of here with that friggin' stone!! Ohhh...[/color] [i]Hiro collapsed on the floor.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: I- I think... I overexerted myself... I don't have any power left...[/color] [i]Hiro got unsteadily to her feet, drawing her daggers. She couldn't see anything, but she knew approximately where the shadow was: on the walls.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Ta- take this!!![/color] [i]Hiro sliced at the shadow with her daggers. The shadow hissed and yelled, leaving a puff of black smoke in it's wake.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: That's is Hiro!![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: What happened?!![/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Apparently, these things are weak to physical attacks. Sakura, let's take 'em out.[/color]

[i]Water's eyes fluttered open. He was lying in something wet. Half expecting it to be his own blood, he sat up. His hand met with the sheild he had cast. Nate must have broken it. The blue haired sensei surveyed the scene, looking at the injured mentors and watching Hikage, Meteo, and Kokuun carry Nate to the infirmary. For a minute, Water's heart was at ease. Mei had gotten through to him. Water stood up and his gaze fell on the other half of the room that he hadn't seen. Mei lay sprawled in a pool of her own blood.[/i] Water: Oh Gods!! MEI!! MEI!!! [i]Water picked her up and shook her. Mei's hair flung small drops of blood across the room. Water clutched her tightly and began to cry.[/i] Water: Mei... Mei... Don't leave me here Mei... don't leave your brother here alone... onee-chan... Mei: I won't leave you... (cough) Water-sensei... [i]Water looked down at her with tears in her eyes. Mei smiled and looked down at her wound.[/i] Mei: I was a fool... it reopened... [i]Water closed his eyes and read Mei's memory.[/i] Water: You were very formidable. [i]Mei laughed a bit, then coughed up blood onto Water's robes.[/i] Water: Let's get you to the infirmiry. You've lost too much blood. [i]Mei merely nodded. She left a trail of blood that dripped from her pajama pants leg. Water cleaned Mei up and smiled as he bandaged her wound.[/i] ???: Normally, that would be a very questionable offense. Water: I know it's you Fire. [i]Fire entered the infirmiry.[/i] Fire: You caught me. But I believe I've caught you. Water: What do you mean? Fire: You lied to me. To us. [i]Water sighed and stood up, rebuttoning Mei's shirt after tending to her wound.[/i] Water: It did no harm. Fire: Yes. But it hurts you when she calls you sensei, no? [i]Water averted his gaze.[/i] Fire: How did she live this long? We original elements have been around for hundreds of years. Water: (sigh) I... When our parents died in an attack on our village by the original Blacks, I froze her in a cryogenic state. I figured, if I was to die, she could return and defeat whoever had defeated us. Fire: Which is why she's the new Water X. [i]Water nodded.[/i] Water: You... aren't going to do anything, are you? Fire: (sigh) No, but I wish you'd tell me these things, old friend. Water: I'm sorry. I just... she didn't know either. I revived her when Max first showed up. I figured that the time was ripe. Fire: Do you think she knows now? Water: I... don't know. Nor do I know whether I'd be happy if she knew. Fire: I'll keep it to myself. [i]Mei began to toss and turn in her sleep.[/i] Mei: Max... Max...! MAX!!!!! [i]Mei sat up in bed, then yelled from the pain of her wound.[/i] Water: Mei! Lie back down! Mei: Where's Max?!! I can't sense his energy!! Nate didn't kill him, did he?!! Fire: No Mei, Nate did not kill Max. [i]Fire walked over to Nate and read his memory.[/i] Fire: So... he was able to... [i]Fire looked down.[/i] Fire: Mei, this may not be... you may not be able to handle this... Mei: What (cough) what is it Fire?! What's happened to Max?! [i]Fire put his two fingers to Mei's forehead and transfered the memory. Mei gasped as Max became a phoenix hybrid and battled with Nate. Suddenly, Max fell to the ground and said something that Mei didn't hear. He was starting to become millions of red sparkles.[/i] Mei: What's going on?!! [i]Max was swirling around Mei, almost like an embrace or a kiss. Mei gasped. What was left of Max disappeared.[/i] Mei: Wh... what...? Fire: I'm sorry Mei... Max... is gone. [i]Mei's pupils shrunk in shock. Max was gone, dead. Trying to protect her, or defeat the one who had tried to kill her. Mei's eyes filled with water.[/i] Mei: No... that can't be right... SHOW ME WHAT REALLY HAPPENED FIRE!!! [i]Fire looked down.[/i] Mei: WATER-SENSEI!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MAX!! Water: Mei... I'm sorry. [i]Mei threw herself down onto her bed and began crying and screaming hysterically.[/i] Mei: MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAX!!! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME HERE?!!! MAX!!!!! NOOO!!!

OOC: Ack!! I'm sorry Ohkami!! I just got very confuzzled at the team divisions. @_@ I only wrote in people who I was absolutely sure were in my group, so as to avoid being yelled at again. ^_^;; IC: [color=limegreen]T.D.: Well, now what do we do?![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: What's going on Sakura?!! I can't sense anything!![/color] [color=teal]Sakura: It's okay... don't panic. We'll get someone to heal you back at the temple. We can't do it.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Oh Gods, just make it stop!! I-! I-!! (whispers) I'm so afraid... someone help me...[/color] [i]T.D. and Sakura didn't hear her, both were too busy trying to devise a way to get rid of the things.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: We could hit them with magic. It was Hiro's own fault that she's blinded.[/color] [color=teal]Sakura: That's true, but we don't want to be all blinded if that wasn't the case.[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Then what do you propose we do?!![/color] [i]Hiro gasped and moved away from the walls.[/i] [color=teal]Sakura: What is it Hiro?[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: I felt something touch my arm...![/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: They're getting stronger. We have to act quickly!![/color]

OOC: Hee hee ^.^, sure thing Shin-san. [i]Umeko looked up in awe at Max's new wings. He looked even cooler than he had before![/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] See?! Eden doesn't hate you! (smiles) Who could hate you? [i]She smiled at Eve, Max, and Sakura.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] It's getting rather dark. Let's head back. [b]Max:[/b] (nods) Yeah, sure thing. [i]Umeko stroked the Unicorn's muzzle and ran her fingers through his silky mane.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I know exactly what I'll name you. (she smiled at Eve) Enkou. [b]Eve:[/b] Heh, sounds like that name has a history. [b]Umeko:[/b] It does. (she hugs Enkou around the neck) It was my father's name.

Water: By the Elements...! Nate's lost his mind!! [i]Nate turned his sights on Water-sensei. Water formed a giant water sheild around himself.[/i] Water: This will work until I contact Mei. *Mei... MEI... MEI!!!!* [i]Mei sat up from her sleep. She was sleeping on the stairs, guarding the dormitories from the Black X. Max was keeled over at the top landing of the stairs. She smiled, he had been watching her.[/i] Water: *Mei this is no time to daydream!!* Mei: (looking around) Water-sensei...? Water: *Mei, the school is under attack!* Mei: Black X?!! Water: No... it's Nate... again... [i]Mei's eyes glazed over in terror. Her hand went to her bandaged stomach where Nate had punched her the time before.[/i] Mei: Water... I can't... Water: *I know you can snap him out of it Mei! If anyone can reach him, you can!* Mei: But why me?!! Water: *Even though you're a bit of a ditz, your heart can still reach out to them! I know you won't be afraid.* [i]Water's voice vanished. Mei stood up in her pajamas and grabbed her glaives which were right next to her. These might help her, but she wouldn't use them on Nate. Mei looked up at Max. She wasn't going to involve him... not yet. She would bring Nate to his senses. What Max didn't know couldn't hurt him. She turned and ran down the stairs and into the entrance hall. The bodies of Fire and Light lay sprawled on the floor.[/i] Mei: NAAAAAAAATE!!! What are you doing?!! Nate: I've had it! I've held back my true feelings long enough! I'm going to kill everyone in this school!! Mei: No you can't! Nate: If you stand in my way, I'll get rid of you, just like your Sensei. [i]Water lay sprawled on the ground, a puddle around him. Mei's eyes grew wide with fear.[/i] Mei: You can't get rid of me... you promised Max never to hurt me again!! Nate: If you think nostalgia is going to turn me to your evil side, you're wrong!! Mei: Look Nate... (she revealed her bandage) Look... this is what you did last time, remember? It was lucky that you didn't damage my stomach. I could have died Nate, you could have killed me. Nate: Just like you killed everyone in the village! Mei: No! No one did that!! Nate: Just SHUT UP!!! [i]He charged at Mei with a void. With two swipes of her glaives, the void exploded on the ground, harmlessly. Nate aimed for her again, and Mei flipped out of the void's way. She landed, wincing. Her blood was leaking through her pajama top.[/i] Nate: It looks like you've reopened that wound. This time it will be easier to kill you!! [i]Nate charged at her with the dagger. Mei blocked a series of blows from Nate, sending sparks to the floor. Mei backflipped and sent a void at Nate. He batted it away. Mei was wide open for an attack. Nate's aim was true. He hit her exactly where he had last time. Mei didn't cry out, but her pupils shrunk in suprise. She felt a black liquid enter her and thoughts began trying to force their way into her conscious.[/i] *Mei... it's all Water's fault...* *If he had just left you alone... you wouldn't be dying now...* *And what about the rest of the Element X...? They wanted to see you die... You're just in their way...* *They don't care about you... only the power that lies within you...* *Kill...* *Kill them...* *KILL THEM NOW!!!* Mei: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! [i]The black liquid gushed out of Mei's open wound. Nate stood back in suprise.[/i] Nate: This never happened before! This isn't supposed to happen!! Mei: (sob) Nate... you... (cough) promised... [i]The black liquid ceased to flow. Instead, it was replaced by Mei's blood. She was steadily losing consciousness.[/i] Nate: Well... it gets the job done. She'll be dead within a matter of minutes. Mei: (cough cough) I'm sorry... Max... Amber... (cough cough hack) Water-sensei...

[color=sandybrown]Hiro: So... T.D. is it? Sorry, I'm bad with names. I guess we're in a group together eh?[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Yep. C'mon, let's pick somewhere to go and go. Taiin and Taiyou are waiting.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Okay... how about... Mirage Desert, or wherever that is?[/color] Taiin: Sounds good. Let's get going. [i]Hiro and T.D. sailed over the desert. Hiro kept her eyes open for anything that looked like a jewel.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Is it just me, or is it getting unbearably hot?[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: This really isn't a laughing matter.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Well jeez, all you guys seem so serious about this whole thing! I mean, the only guy who I've seen crack a smile is that Banner guy. Is this really that serious?[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Take your duty seriously, you were chosen out of many.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Hey, I'm all for seeing this thing through to the end, but... I just don't seem to have a purpose yet... I just seem to either get in someone's way or ask what's going on.[/color] Taiyou: Be patient. You will get your chance. We all have a destiny. [color=sandybrown]Hiro: (nods) Alright. I'll make myself useful from now on.[/color] [i]Hiro and T.D. stepped off Taiyou and Taiin into the stifling heat of the desert. Hiro covered her face.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: It's times like this that I wish I had shorts and sunscreen.[/color] [i]T.D. sighed, exasperated.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: You have sunglasses on your head...[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: I never use those except for my magic. Never. Plus, I can find my way around he-EEEEEEEEEEEERE!!!?[/color] [i]Hiro took a very ill step indeed, and plunged into a tunnel of catacombs. She tried to stop herself by bracing with her feet, but it was no use. In the end, she plunged into what looked like some kind of pagan ritual type room. In the center was a pedastal with a yellow stone in it.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Hiro!! Hiroooooo!! You okay down there?! You didn't break anything or something like that?[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Nice to know someone cares. Yeah, I'm fine T.D.!! I found the stupid stone too! I'll just grab it and head back up.[/color] [i]Hiro strolled over to the pedastal, humming. She was about to grab the stone when she heard something move. She looked around. Nothing but cobwebs and shadows.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: You okay?![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Yeah... I just thought I...[/color] [i]Something screeched near the tunnel that had brought Hiro to the room. She strained her eyes to get a better look at it. It was black, and that was about the extent of what Hiro could tell in the dark room. It turned yellow eyes on her and hissed. She took out her daggers and took a defensive stance. Several more hisses echoed through the room.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: What's going on?![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Your guess is as good as mine![/color] [i]All at once, the beasts attacked Hiro. She managed to bat them off one by one and prevent being hit by them.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: What's attacking you?![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Well... uh... (whack) They're black (whack) and have tails (whack) and (whack whack) yellow eyes.[/color] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Sounds like some kind of Nightmarian! Hit it with magic or something!![/color] [i]Several of the things latched onto Hiro's neck.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Roger that! *I have to use my magic NOW. I may end up bait for these things, and then T.D.'s next. Hope for the best eh?* Hiro: LIGHTNING BOLT STRIKE!!![/color] [i]Lightning raced through Hiro's hair, legs, arms, and fingers. She clenched her teeth and shut her eyes. She couldn't see a thing, and she knew that she wasn't hitting anything. Hiro opened her eyes and lightning poured from them. In a giant golden explosion, Hiro was free of the things. She crumpled to the floor, clutching her head.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: (sliding down the tunnel) That's it! You need reinforcements![/color] [i]T.D. surveyed the damage. There were several of the creatures scattered along the edges of the room, but they were getting up. Hiro lay crouched on the floor, clutching her head.[/i] [color=limegreen]T.D.: Hiro?! Hiroko!! Are you alright?!![/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Heh, no one ever stopped to ask why I used the sunglasses when I use magic. Well, this time around, there wasn't time to put them on...[/color] [i]T.D. began to notice that the things were regrouping for another attack. Hiro opened her eyes. They were devoid of any glint and looked fuzzy.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: I'm blinded.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shinkoru [/i] [B][color=indigo][I] Eve grinned to herself. She wonderd if her husband would be home this year at all. She hadn't been much. She also noticed her 2 children were out adventureing again. Smiling inwardly she set about getting potions and weaponry togather as well as food for their journeying.[/I][/color] [/B][/QUOTE] On pg. 2. ^_^

Aziza: GAHH!!! What the heck?!! [i]Jim twitched near the wall.[/i] Aziza: Ohhhh God. Uh... mister... whoever saved my butt. There's some guy out here who just ran into a wall... [i]Aziza began checking for his vitals. He was still breathing and had a pulse, so he was going to be okay. She happened to glance over at his right hand. She backed away rather quickly. The mystery guy was holding a sword.[/i] Inn Keeper: Aha! Here's the scoundrel! And his sword! Aziza: Hey, wait. You're not just going to take it, are you? Inn Keeper: He owes me 2500 Gil, and it's either take that or his sword. Aziza: But... people are going around slaughtering others! He can't afford to be unarmed! Inn Keeper: Look, I just want my money. Aziza: Okay... (checks coin purse) I have 500 Gil on me, is that enough? Inn Keeper: Well... (looks at Aziza) Okay, but on one condition. Aziza: And that would be...? Inn Keeper: You seem like a nice girl. Why don't you marry my son? [i]Aziza twitched. With lightning fast reflexes she drew her wooden katana.[/i] Aziza: LIKE *&%@ I WILL!!!! [i]With one swift blow, the Inn Keeper was on the ground with Jim.[/i] Aziza: Well... that takes care of his problems and mine.

Mei: Okay... Well, no time like the present, eh? [i]Mei ran back to her dorm and grabbed her jacket and shoes. She hopped along the halls as she tied the laces. After tying her shoes, she zipped up her jacket to her neck and waltzed out into the frigid air.[/i] Mei: Brrr... it's a bit nippy out here. ???: That's right. You should have brought another sweater. [i]Mei whirled around. A bright light flashed in her face and she fell over.[/i] Max: Oh God! I didn't mean to startle you!! Mei: Oh, Max. You scared the heck out of me. I thought I told you to stay in the school? Max: Yeah... well. I kind of followed you. Mei: (sigh) Max, get back to the school. You could be ambushed by Tobias! [i]Max flinched and stared strangely at her. Then he smiled.[/i] Max: Yeah, that's right. I forgot my key in my room. Could you go get it for me? Mei: Er... can't you just use mine? [i]Max walked out of the shadows, laughing.[/i] Max: Then how would you get back in? Stepped up security and all. Mei: Yeah... Good point. I'm a ditz. I'll be right back. [i]Mei ran along at a good pace, taking large strides to warm herself up. She unlocked the main door and ran to Max's dorm where she retrieved his key. She paused. Max's bed was made, but they had all run out of bed to hear about Meteo's dream. Weird...[/i] Mei: He must have thought he'd stay up all night guarding with me. What a fool... [i]She sniffed and wiped a tear away as she remembered the look on Max's face as he was hit by Tobias. She shook her head to get the image out of her mind's eye and ran to give Max his key.[/i] Mei: There you are. (she smiled) One key. Max: Thank you Mei. (he hugged her) Mei: Uh... (she blushed a little) sure thing. Any time. Max: No really... (he brushed Mei's hair away from her ear. She could feel his breath on her skin.) Thank you... [i]Max smiled again. Suddenly, there was a rustle in the brush and a burst of flame sailed through the brush.[/i] Mei: Oh my God!! Max: It's Jennis again!! Mei: Jennis?! But I defeated her! Max: No, you didn't. Quick! Run back to the school and get help! Mei: Let me handle her! She's weaker than I am! Max: No! I won't let you risk your life for me! Mei: Max...?! Max: GO AND GET HELP! QUICK!! [i]Mei ran at top speed. She fumbled with her key again and opened the door. She ran into the main hall. It would take too long to go from room to room. She filled her lungs with air.[/i] Mei: BLACK X!!!!! EVERYONE COME QUICK!!! [i]Amber, Nate, Meteo, Kokuun, Hikage, Water, Fire, Light, Amy, and Shadow/Light all came running down the stairs as quickly as they could.[/i] Amber: Mei!! What's going on?! Mei: Water-sensei, Amber! We all have to go and help Max! He took on a Black X by himself!! Water: WHAT?! Mei, are you positive?! Mei: (nods frantically) I'm sure! A giant stream of fire flew out of the forest!! Max told me to go get help! Fire: Alright! Water, Shadow/Light, let's go check this out. All of you just stay here! [i]Mei tried to protest, but Water shot her a glare. She fell silent. A few minutes later, the original Elements came back.[/i] Water: Mei, what did you just pull?!! Mei: Excuse me...?! Fire: We didn't see anything out there. Mei: WHAT?!! But- but if you didn't see anything... then!! Then Max has been captured!! [i]Right on cue, Max came down the stairs, rubbing the back of his head.[/i] Max: What's all the commotion about...? Mei: Oh God, Max!! You're alright!! Max: Yeah... I've just got a huge bump on the back of my head. Mei: But- you're in your pajamas! What happened to your jacket and shoes?! Max: Uh... what are you talking about? Mei: You left your key in your room...? I brought it to you...? Then you were attacked by Jennis! Max: You were attacked by Jennis?!! I bet you really kicked her butt this time! Mei: You told me to go get help! Max: (pause) No... I didn't... Mei: What?!! Water: Mei, this is a serious business here. You can't go calling us all out there just because you're scared. Mei: I WASN'T SCARED!! Max! You have to remember what happened! Max: Look, all I know is I was walking back to my room and then I woke up with a major headache in a closet. Amber: A closet? Max: Must have been dinner, or maybe that midnight snack... anyway, I didn't talk to you at all! You told me not to go out there with you, so I didn't. (Max felt around in his pockets) By the way, has anyone seen my key? Mei: I just gave it to you, and you've lost it already?! Max: Uh... you never gave me my key. Mei: Yes I... Oh no... Max! We have to find your key! If you came back here, then it has to be here! [i]The search for Max's key was on. The entire school spent the night turning the school upside down and Max's key was nowhere to be found.[/i] Max: I don't understand it! I had it with me! Fire: Mei, you said that you were positive that you gave Max his key? Mei: I handed it to him and then he thanked me... rather repetitively, I think. Fire: Max, you're sure that you did not see Mei after she went to guard duty? Max: Positive. [i]Fire sat down and rubbed his temples.[/i] Fire: Then we have good news and bad news. Mei: And...? Fire: The good news is that you told the truth. Mei: Well I knew that... Fire: The bad news is the Black Xs now possess Max's master key to the school. EDIT: Sorry about forgetting some of the mentors...

[i]Hiro set the daggers back in their hollister and climbed onto the beast, still a bit upset. She hadn't meant to snap at everyone, but ever since that blow to the stomach, she had been a bit disoriented.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: What the heck is going on anyway?! I heard this giant rumble, and I saw this flash of silver light!![/color] [color=orange]Kiara: Tate's transformed or something into someone called Xaiver. I think he's going to turn Reala into a smudge on the floor.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Who?[/color] [color=green]T.D.: Reala, a general. She's here?[/color] [i]Kiara nodded.[/i] [color=orange]Kiara: Apparently.[/color] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Alright! Let's go kick some tail, shall we?[/color] [i]T.D. and Kiara looked at her as if she were insane... or had 3 heads. One of the two.[/i] [color=sandybrown]Hiro: Whaaaat? I'm jus' sayin' that we should, y'know, help out and stuff. I mean, I'm not going to sit on the sidelines forever![/color] [color=green]T.D.: She's right.[/color] [color=orange]Kiara: (sighs) Alright. Let's go Taiin, Taiyou.[/color]

Aziza: Hey, thanks for helping me out back there. I'm kinda... eh heh... scared of blood. Kain: Why? Aziza: My entire village was slaugtered and each doorframe was marked with their blood. Bad memories I guess. Kain: Here's a supply shop. It looks deserted. Aziza: Not going in there. Kain: You want to stay out here by yourself? Aziza: I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself... Kain: Suit yourself. [i]Aziza stood out there for a few moments.[/i] Aziza: Okay, I'll just... shut my eyes...

[i]Umeko watched Max soar around the evening sky. She was happy for him, but her heart was still being torn to shreads. A rustle in a tree caused her ears to perk. She looked up and saw Eve looking at her. Eve seemed really attached to Umeko, but she couldn't understand why. Umeko liked Eve too. She was so elegant and powerful and could protect everyone if she needed to. She was like Umeko's role model. Umeko climbed the tree to find Eve crying.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Eve-san, why are you crying? [b]Eve:[/b] Oh, no reason Umeko-chan. Don't worry. (she smiled) [b]Umeko:[/b] Are you sure? (Eve nodded) [i]Umeko smiled lightly and sat with Eve for several silent moments. She examined Eve's hands. On her right hand was a band.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Eve... you're married. [b]Eve:[/b] Yes, I am. [b]Umeko:[/b] Then... those children were yours? (Eve nodded) Where is your husband? [b]Eve:[/b] I don't know... He went off on his own a long time ago... [i]Eve started silently crying again.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Oh Eve-san... don't mess your pretty face up like that! Don't cry... [i]Umeko embraced her and they both cried together. Eventually they stopped.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Eve-san, we can't be sad anymore. It won't help us at all. (Umeko paused) If you want... I'll be your sister... (she smiled hopefully)

[i]Mei nodded. If there was one thing she didn't want to happen, it was Max being killed by Tobias.[/i] Mei: Kokuun, your element is light, correct? Kokuun: Well... yeah... Mei: That means I don't have a Black X who can defeat me. I'll keep a look out for anyone who comes prowling around the grounds. I'll take care of them. Emotions will run high. (She laughed) Max: I'll help you. Mei: No, you shouldn't. If Tobias sneak attacks you, there'll be a hole in our defenses. I'll keep a look out. Besides, if I'm outdoors, I can't be drowned in mud...

[b]???:[/b] Sometimes... we all wish we were something else... [i]Max whirled around, ready to fight.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Who's there?! [i]Umeko came out from the shadows, struggling to walk.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I didn't mean to startle you. [b]Max:[/b] What are you doing here? You should be resting. [b]Umeko:[/b] I couldn't help overhearing. I'm sorry if I've neglected you... [i]Max shrugged and sat down.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] It's nothing really. [b]Umeko:[/b] It seemed like a big deal. I'll tell you a secret. When Sakura and I were running to go and save you, I was hoping that just this once, I could save you. [i]Max looked at her, suprised.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I feel useless in this group too. I haven't done anything but be a burden to you all. I just keep getting into trouble. Now I've pulled you all into my emotional struggle. I just want to kill myself. Every friend I have in the world is dead!! [i]Umeko burst into tears and started beating at the ground.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Hey, hey. It's okay. You're not useless. [b]Umeko:[/b] Name one thing I've done that's good for the group!! [b]Max:[/b] Uh... well... you took on those Dark Riders head on! You have some courage! And you weren't afraid when Basu threatened to kill you. [b]Umeko:[/b] I was... I was so afraid. Oh God Max, I don't know if I can do this... I just want to go away. Just leave, go back to my regular life, with my dad and Tsu and Basu and everything is NORMAL!! [i]She rushed at Max and flung her arms around his neck, sobbing.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I- I'm so-sorry I can- can't help you to f-f-fly...!