Chapter One: Dustin and Marah

Don't care who you are
Where you're from
What you did
As long as you love me

I never thought I'd see you again after the Beevil Incident, my mind still haunted by the burning betrayal in your eyes. Yet from some part of your pure heart, you forgave me, and that alone makes you so much better than I could ever hope to be. With a hopeful heart and a clandestine communication line, we knew we had to meet once more on better terms.

If the universe was sane, we shouldn't have met again; but we did. It was a warm summer night, and we agreed to meet at Blue Bay beach at midnight. Affection makes you funny, I guess. There was a chance he could have used me to get to my uncle, an ironic form of revenge, but the thought didn't even cross either of our minds.

Everyone thinks I'm stupid. Silly little Marah, off again on a whim. Even Zurgane dismissed the possibility that I could lie. I only needed a few giggles and a hair twirl to get me away from them, and by the time I reached my destination, he had already arrived. He was ethereal. I hesitated for a minute, hiding behind a palm as he lifted his head to let the slight ocean breeze rustle through his short curls. The moon was just above our heads, and it seemed as if he glowed.

"Dustin?" He turned towards me, a grin lighting up his face. For a moment I thought about switching sides, if only to see more of that smile.

"Marah. I didn't think- I mean. I'm so glad you came." I smiled back and hugged him close. His skin smelled of the sea's salt and warm sunshine. Even if this was our last time, I think this would have been worth it.

"This is the only time we can meet, Marah. With the way things are now, and the fact that we're enemies… even if you came to our side, Sensei would never approve."

"I don't care Dustin. I want to be with you, and if I have to avoid a hamster, I will." He gave a slight smile and brought his hand up to play with a lock of loose hair.

"He's a guinea pig." I laughed, and took his hand.

"Look. Right now, I don't care if the entire world turns against us, or that we fight against each other every day. As long as I know you and I are something special, I could care less."

"We are. We're something special."

"Good. Then let's pretend that tonight is our last night on Earth. " I turned to the waves that were crashing behind us.

"I feel like swimming. Come on."

"Marah, it must be freezing in the water! Besides, I don't want to get my clothes wet. I have to drive home in them."

I thought for a moment, before peeling off the gaudy sweater and skirt I was disguised in, and turned to his shy form. I had no fear that night, only quiet peace in our moment together. Call me naive, call me selfish, but tonight might have been my only night of happiness.

"Trust me this once?" I asked, letting the wet sand surround my bare feet. He didn't even hesitate when I spoke such words. That meant more to me than any declaration of faith.

"You so owe me for this." Tossing off his jeans and t-shirt, Dustin came hurrying up to my side, his cheeks growing rosy from the mild night air. A wave hit our ankles, causing him to grab my hand.

"Ready?" His gaze softened as he looked into mine, and with childlike innocence, lifted my hand up to his lips.

"Only if you are." With a synchronized inhale, we both leapt into the dark water, tempting anything that lay ahead.

I've tried to hide it so that no one knows
But I guess it shows
When you look into my eyes
What you did and where you're comin from
I don't care, as long as you love me, baby