Prologue

Zane's life point meter hit zero. The gang gasped in disbelief and Alexis screamed. A black cloud surrounded Zane's beaten form. Breaking free of her friends' grasp she ran through the evil mist and kneeled by Zane's body. He wasn't gone, not yet. His eyes were glazed and half lidded. His head rested on her lap and he looked up and smiled. Alexis was trembling and crying. "Why?" she gasped. He didn't answer but touched her face. "Because I had too." He closed his eyes. Alexis felt his soul leave him and as it brushed past her, she heard him whisper, "Don't cry, Alexis." And that was the end of it.

Alexis let out loud sobs and hugged his limb body. His blood had gone cold and no comfort was felt radiating from the body. It was all because of her. She was too weak to fight so Zane fought for her and failed just to keep her safe. Now he's gone like a year ago.

But it didn't end too bad, Alexis was given the chance to travel to the shadow realm (or Hell whatever you want to call it). If she could find Zane's soul and return with her own then everything would be alright. The shadow realm was the sickest place she ever saw. It made her feel worse to send Zane here. Poor souls were trapped in the ground she walked on. Alexis heard their torture screams and even wondered if Zane was one of them. She shook the thought out of her head. Zane would be strong. Several times dark hands tried to drag her down but her will always managed to break her free. Her determination lit her way and she soon saw a dark shape slumped over the floor. Alexis ran towards it, careful to avoid the grabbing hands. Like she guessed, it was Zane. He had only been here for less than a day but his condition was horrible. His teal hair was messed up, cuts lashed his body and his cloths were blood stained. His face was heavily cut and a thing line of blood trickled out the corner of his mouth. Alexis kneeled down and embraced him.

He immediately awoke and his eyes were empty of emotion. "You came…" he said faintly.

"Yes, I'm here." Alexis replied. She draped one of his shoulder's around her neck and attempted to help him to his feet. And that was difficult, but she managed somehow.

"We're getting out of here, Zane." And the they were enveloped in white light.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Zane and Alexis stood as usual at the harbor, the sun setting and casting a purple dye across the sky. A light comforting breeze picked up.

"I'm glad you're back, Lexi." Zane started. He had his arms crossed in their usual position. He smiled slightly and looked at Alexis.

"Yeah, but being trapped in that place is…" Her voice trailed off. Zane put his hand on her bare shoulder. "I know,

Alexis. I've been there too, haven't I?"

Alexis looked up at his teal eyes.

"I forgot… But we're not going back there again." Alexis began to tremble slightly. Zane immediately noticed.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. Everything's great, really it is." Tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Now her disdain became obvious. "Oh Zane! I c-can't take it! I'm so sorry!" She embraced his torso while her tears stained his front. Zane's eyes widened in surprise. He had never seen strong dear Alexis like this. Her voice broke out in hysterics, "I'm so sorry! I couldn't do anything about it! I tried-I tried-"

Zane held onto her trembling form. "Its alright, I'm alright, and most importantly you're alright." Alexis said nothing but tightened her embrace on him. Zane returned it but soon firmly held her still and looked directly into Alexis' brown eyes.

It almost never happened but his eyes were filled with warm emotion. The flows of tears stopped. He brushed one of her bangs away. Alexis felt his warm hand and felt comforted.

Is this really love?

"Alexis," his voice was monotone like always but Alexis heard the silent wave of affection. "I lost my soul because I chose to lose it… For someone I loved. If I was willing to sacrifice something like that for something so important to me, wouldn't losing it kill me?" Alexis didn't know what to say. She had never thought of it. "But I can't bear to lose you again! Wouldn't I feel the same?" Alexis continued to stare into his teal eyes.

Zane replied softly, "That's it isn't it? It's our feelings that weigh us down but it's what makes us strong."

They broke apart. Alexis felt colder since Zane's warmth wasn't there. The sun had fallen and the stars twinkled. The water calmed and Zane smiled down on Alexis. Alexis shivered but not with fear, only the cold. Zane unbuttoned his uniform and draped it over her shoulders. She was grateful for the heat. "We should go back to our dorms now. I'll escort you to you room, Lexi."

Later Zane laid down on his own bed, his uniform back on him. He stared at the ceiling and gazed at his clock. The green numbers shined past midnight. Zane laughed silently to himself. He never really needed much sleep. What was wrong with him? Why did he have to be so secretive and closed up? He rolled onto his side and recalled the day's events.

- - - - - -

Sorry for the lame prologue xD I have… 13 chapters written up so if you like my stories, you're not going to have to wait very long.