Well, here's my story that I've sorta been promising for, like, ever. Hahaha, sorry, just wanted to throw in a like.. this is sorta like a prelude to the whole thing, not many important things happenin this chapter. I still hope it keeps y'all occupied though... I've forgotten the many things I've wanted to say.

Disclaimer: no.

O ya! I wanted to dedicate this to the now CrypticAngel... she helped me so much with this story. This is probably the only dedication I'll ever make, but if you really want one tell me.

O gosh here I am talking to reviewers that I don't even have. Story! --->


Sephiria Arks sat staring out the window in her room devoid of life. Below her was the city, oh the city with all its lights and sounds, and how the soul so easily becomes attached to it, thrives off of it. How enticing was it to whirl around in a bout of color, oblivious to all but what needed to be seen. But now as she looked down upon it, how pointless was it? How pathetic? Where was life in that? For all its excitement, where was its feeling? She was so lost now.

Looking down on her open palms, she examined her delicate fingers. Hers. Were they hers? Designed to grip the sword, to wield its thin blade of power. The shadows from the lights below danced thin tendrils across them. What sins have these fingers caused? Ten fingers, made only to ruin thousands.

A sharp intake of breath as she clenched those palms over the reflective orihalcon metal. So easily were they scarred. A thin line of blood would run down her hand, the same on the inside, connecting her to every other organism on the planet. Except that it wasn't the same. Already it would begin to heal, faster than any normal individual, any normal human. Why pretend to protect them? Who was "them" anyway? How did protecting them change anything, even better, change herself?

A hand moved to rest on her shoulder. Shocking her back to this reality. Belze…how had he gotten so close without her noticing? He must be getting better.. She couldn't be getting worse.

"Sephiria.." he murmured, gently removing his hand. He paused, she could see the words swimming behind his eyes. Maybe he was just as lost as her, just as confused. "The Elders have called for you." he finally spoke, almost in a resigned tone, and moving to the side he bowed his head.

Her eyes focused on him, studying him. He seemed to waver before her, his stoic form seeming to bend in impossible ways. Only for a moment they remained like this, before she lightly stood to her feet and silently slipped her sword into its sheath.

"Thank you," again the turmoil, what was she to call him? How important was a name? ".. Belze."


"Number X," Sephiria had just finished her meeting with the Elders, and was now standing outside of the normal chamber. She didn't know where he had gotten the arrogance, but he had been standing outside the door while attempting to pick up some of her words. "I don't know where you got this imagined jurisdiction, but if you don't stand down promptly, you can be sure of immediate punishment."

"Leader, please calm yourself, I am only making a suggestion."

Shaolee Lin was acting his normal role, as of late. This new, even more fervent, contemplative Sephiria had effected much of the organization. He had taken it upon himself, for the entire team and surrounding world, to gather the information that Sephiria had formerly pushed herself to do. He wanted, almost desired all the information he could possibly find. The human mind was fascinating beyond anything he had ever touched upon. The different ways it would react, and the extent to which it would push it's own self when the body became worthless was something that he could never find unless he experienced it. He waited for the epiphany every moment he took in the air to sustain him, the hope for more knowledge of the vast spectrum of humanity keeping him clinging to the art which is life.

"You know not to ignore the Elder's orders. What they say is true, and a fathomable occurrence. I urge you to reconsider; do what is best for the organization."

The glint of her sword fell upon his resting sash, strewn across his shoulder. He forged a simulation of a shocked face, that is the most likely reaction that the mind would reach. Oh how he reveled in these moments.

"Mr. Lin, it would be best to not meddle with affairs larger than yourself." Her arm was poised delicately in preparation for attack, moments away from releasing the chaos that only a soul of great passion could expend. His mind began to wander, how would her mind react, the brain behind the most important human activities, if he were to suddenly reach out and sever that beautiful arm from it's host? Anger? Or shock? He doubted, a intellect of that value could never show the emotions of the pathetic underdeveloped.

"Death is not always the answer" so swiftly as it had been unsheathed upon him, it was replaced. And as swiftly as she had confronted him, she had gone, to withdraw back to that room that she so often locked herself in. Was she to search the cavities that he so revered?

He tugged at a lock of his hair. Such thoughts were futile, even if enthralling. He had Number VIII to deal with again, and his reckless abuse of power. Or what he believed to be power, he had no intelligence worth admiring.

It was at that moment that he heard his name reverberating through the door. Softly, but enough to strike him to the core.

He entered the room deftly, the reason for this expenditure unfathomable. Upon entering the communications room for these mental deities, his mind began to process the sights scrupulously, barely pausing to breathe, was this his mind's version of fear? Were escape routes really necessary?

He was brought to a halt by a booming voice, very obviously commencing from the figure from the humongous screen. He had been doing his job, if they couldn't see that then the world had come to nothing.

Even so, his heart raced.

"Number X, I have reason to believe that you doubt your leader's resolve for this mission?"

The determined look that crossed his face only expressed the futility of his brain. Why should he stoop to imagine that the man wasn't dangerous, he had looked like it when he had threatened him…

A smile crossed the old man's face. To be amused by the ignorance from the Leader's personage confused him more. Where were this man's thoughts leading?

"You have earned the satisfaction of the Elders. Our subjects are not to disobey, if not the

Maybe he had been to brazen in his answer. The scowl that crossed their faces in turn did not look gracious for the comment.

"Use your head then, soldier."


He could smell that man walking down the hallway. It could have been the smell of blood that seemed to trail behind everyone at this place, but that was too common to be able to singularly displace this man. The killing intent did not emanate from his body, or rather, was not gathered in the first impression. It was more of a ferality, a wild rage hidden behind that painted mask of stars. The stars that shone so brightly and embodied every fiery passion that anybody had ever wished, made only to hide the darkness that lay between them.

"Oi, Baldor, once again you have disrupted the flow of things."

He growled in the long-haired man's direction. What kind of man had long hair anyways? And here he was, attacking him for idiotic reasons. Ever since that damn lady had locked herself in, they hadn't had much to do, and this fool had taken over in a sense. And it wasn't like he ever really sent them on any real missions, that was Sephiria's job, and she had begun procrastinating. There was no life here for him in this organization, and to be able to get anything out of it, he had to resort to extemporaneous police work. The world could be so boring sometimes… an excuse to fight, anything, anybody, just to occupy his mind. He was born for this damn job, raised to it, lived it and breathed it, longer than some of those stars had been in the sky it seemed like.

Shaolee still waited, almost in an offhand matter, was he looking for a fight? He'd give him one, that's for sure.

"Was that your answer?" Number X replied disgustedly, "A growl?"

He growled again, "Obviously, you're too much of a dope to realize that a growl means back off." The man sneered at him, or at least he thought so, he just wanted to kill him. Tear his guts out, hah, how would that childish face look at him then? He was so close to reaching for that chain…

"Calm down Mr. Fanghini," ah yes, the Leader's words. Even in a different context they sounded wise. "A fight is not always the answer."

He seemed to smirk this time, like a jester with his mocking mask, laughing at some internal joke. Then took a step back, and soon after another. The eyes of that devil lingered on him though. Were they judging him? A growl rose within him again, though this time suppressed. Number X, how could he go around acting like the bloody intelligentsia of the place when he, Baldor, had walked these halls so much longer?

The urge to lunge forth came again, pandemonium and blindness. But he had disappeared. Bowing and leaving discreetly, like the jester he was, with the twinkle of the sky's stars in his eyes.

The blood stopped boiling. He needed to get out. Now. Shoving his hands into his pockets and turning to face the window, the window leading out to freedom in that city with the wild light, he spoke.

"He's too young for those damn stars anyways."


This time, a cup of tea was held in her hand, concentric circle after concentric circle would form, only to disappear moments later. Tea had always helped her think, the warm liquid that could soothe her thoughts and emotions. She waited for the relaxation, for the tension that always built up within her breast to dissipate, but to no avail. Nowadays, such luxuries were unavailable to her. Setting her cup down, she went to trace her reflection in the window.

Oh, forever scarred.

She could feel her skin stretch when she moved, just around the faded line the manic Creed had given her. To be torn apart by a god; at least it was a small lie to make herself feel better. She exhaled a long breath before replacing herself into her seat. It almost seemed like with that opening, all her reservations had flowed out with her blood, to mix with the dirt beneath her feet. She almost wished to fall back into that pool, and soak it all back in. It may have reverted her back to the hollow being that she used to be, but at least she was able to function, and she could avoid this tangled mess of webs that had formed in her absence, that were only trapping her in their deceit, acting as if they could bring her happiness.

Train had done it, she thought as least, and Janus seemed to be getting there. How did they do it? It was like they could switch between their mental and physical being so easily. Maybe it came with the freedom, no reserves. But she could never do that, give up the one thing that was the most valuable to her. Her mind was what had kept her going through all these years, had kept her away from the inevitableness which is death, it was her only haven. This was how Train amazed her. He could switch through these yin and yang's like the sun switched each day, each dawn and each dusk.

The sun was setting now,but the colors, indigo, fuchsia, turquoise, seemed so far away.And still so beautiful, how characteristic of life. Oh, dusk. It seemed like the sky was dying a slow death, filled with colors that fire would envy. But a beautiful death, a surrender to paradise…

She froze.

What had she just been thinking? A slow death, a surrender to paradise…

Suicidal thoughts…no, she was just reading too much into this. Her mind was playing tricks on her…


Sven sighed. There they went again. He should have prepared for this, brung something to do, or something.

"You do understand how many calories are in pepperoni?" Rins questioned, with a slight air of disbelief.

"Why should that matter if they taste good?" Train replied, grinning. He looked like he was enjoying this.

"What are you talking about, they're disgusting!"

Eve slipped into step with him, glancing up at his face dripping with faked agony.

"They argue like this a lot, don't they?" she widened her eyes in an innocent gesture. "Almost like you and Dr. Tiarju."

He nodded, continuing to mumble about how annoying Train could be sometimes, only half-listening.

A smile played across her face, before slipping her hand into his. She wouldn't really mind him as a father…

He accepted her small hand, before realization hit him, "Did you just say…Were you referring too?…" He looked down at the young girl, with her long blonde hair and huge eyes. "Sometimes I think you act more innocent than you actually are."

"Why get pepperoni when you can get extra cheese? I mean, its extra."

"That sounds like something I would say Rins! You've been hanging around me too much…" Train's grin grew as he taunted her. "But pepperoni's still better."

"Obviously, that's just like you to be blunt. And it's so greasy, how can you eat grease? And I do not act like you!"

Eve tugged at his sleeve now, having taken her hand away. "I'm not that hungry, Sven. Why don't you take me to my mother's house now?"

He chuckled. "Can't stand their bickering just as much as me? Ah, well, I guess that it can't be helped then."

"Pepperoni's cool! And besides… all cats eat meat!"

"Train…" Sven started, pushing his egotistical head to the side, "I'll be taking Eve now," he said, addressing Rins, who continued to glower in Train's direction. "You two have fun…I guess."

"Why so early?" asked Train suddenly, muffled behind Sven's hand. After not getting an answer he continued, "I think I knoooooowwww."

"I'll see you Back At The House Train…" stated Sven, accenting his words, before waving and hurrying off after Eve.

"So sweet…" Rins breathed, running her fingers over her elbows, "Smells like romance."

Train smirked again, "Ya, smells good," he replied in a far-away tone. "Almost like pepperoni."

"Train!" yelled Rins, clearly he was great at aggravating her, "Why can't you drop it when you know you're wrong! Pepperoni smells just as bad as you do."

"Hey! I don't smell bad!" he shot back, before running forward. "Ooh, I get it…you're just telling me in your roundabout way that pepperoni's great."

He was challenging her! That smug…smug…smug… "How did you get that!" Rins shrieked, sprinting up to him. "Pepperoni smells bad! Bad! Like you! Gosh!" she flung her arms in the air, waving them around wildly. He began laughing openly, with his head back, while dodging her small hands. "Why don't you just…" she paused, grabbing the front of his jacket, "…take a bath!"

Her frustration guiding her, almost with an ease she hurled him into the nearby shallow lake, spraying water everywhere.

"Agh!" he spluttered, trying to get his bearings, floundering violently. "Why'd you do that? I hate water! Especially wet water!"

Finishing her laughter at the hilarity with a giggle she stretched out her hand, "Well I guess I've had my fun, shall I help you out Mr. Black Cat?"

"Oh, yes, help meafter you dunk me in here." he retorted, reaching for her hand. She attempted pulling him backwards, only to remain trapped in place. She raised her violet orbs to look into his mischievous ones, and was only able to get out the words, "Train, don't you…"

:SPLASH:

She rose from the water, her short hair dripping, still gripping Train's hand. Through the water gathering on her eyelashes and playing on her cheeks, she was able to make out his lopsided grin. His lopsided grin, and long hair that hung into his eyes. God, she wanted to smack him…but she could always settle with something else.

Splashing him in the face with a surprising wave of water, she was finally able to pull her hand away and get out of his range. Sticking her tongue out at him, she made for the opposite bank.

"Think you can get away that easily Rins?" he laughed, and with surprising quickness for a man that supposedly hated water, was upon her within moments, and had dunked her underneath the surface.

"AGH! Train! You almost drowned me!" she roared after surfacing, splashing his chuckling face.

"Hey! I didn't deserve that!" he answered, splashing her back. Seconds later, droplets were flying everywhere, framing the two joyous faces. In the midst of it all, Train ducked underneath the water. She waited patiently for him to resurface, running her hands through the water. So suddenly now, it was silent. Silence...the silence reminded her of "…Janus…" she said it softly. They would speak, but it would be silent. She shouldn't be here with…

Her thoughts were dashed as she was swept off her feet and placed on the shore. At a loss of words at the suddenness of it---not to say that she could never expect it--- she gaped at him in astonishment. "Wh-wh-"

"Eh, I saw your face." he spoke, leaning back on his hands and staring off over the small lake.

"You.." she continued moving her lips, even though they evoked no sound. She stared at his face, and at the same time, hiding hers.

"Besides, my arms were tired."

"Your arms were tired?" she mused, turning her stare into a sly look, "Does that mean…that I won?"

"Won what! There was nothing to win."

Rins started to hoot loudly, "I won! I beat you Train Heartnet, let me savor this…" she breathed in deeply, ignoring Train's protests; at the precise moment a breeze came through the secluded area. Shivering in the wind, she rubbed her arms for warmth, still trying to wear that cocky smirk.

"Here."

"Here?" she questioned, turning around, only to have a sopping wet cloth deposited into her hands.

"My sopping wet jacket. You're cold, right?" he asked her with a grin, but the gesture still seemed…so cute.

She laughed softly, "Ya, thanks." Pulling the jacket around her shoulders she commented again, "The cold water is sure helping me warm up."

"Thought so."

They continued to sit there, in silence. She started tugging at the fabric draped around her, biting her lip. She was indebted to the night, he could not see her blush.

"So…uh…" she said, attempting to break the silence. They stood up together. "Swimming makes me hungry, food?" She flashed her usual smile, but still gripped the jacket tightly. This whole situation…she shouldn't…

"Mmm..sounds good…how about pizza?" he chuckled.

"Pizza?" she let the words sink in, he was so crazy sometimes.

"Ya, pepperoni pizza sounds good."

"Train! There is absolutely no way!" she whipped the jacket off of her shoulders to whack him upside the head. After a few minutes of Train's cries, she finally wrapped the jacket back around her. So what if the activity and warmed her up? She still wanted the jacket… "Sorry 'bout this Train, but we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one."

"Eh, I never really liked Mexican standoffs, thought they were kinda racist." he scratched the back of his neck, continuing to beam at her, "how about half-and-half?"

"I think I can deal with that." she shrugged, beginning the walk with him back toward the city.


Her fingers had drummed scars into the glass.

Whirling around she set her blade before her. She couldn't sit here…stand here…be here, and refuse to follow her orders.

They had never failed her before.

She would not be a fool and turn her back on everything she knew.

At least not yet.


That pathetic excuse for a Time Guardian had left again.

This time he would find no reprieve.

He had a plan.


I have to say, this last part here was extremely long. It took me about 3 hours to write, and is the reason I am now posting at 2 in the morning. Making my fingers hurt...

Ok, enough with the idiocy.

I noticed that I changed the way I wrote like a billion times. We will all refrain from commenting on that.

Your lucky it doesn't just say 'He had a plan.' Now THAT would have been confusing and even more pathetic.

Yes I know, everyone hates me for making Shaolee's character like that.. believe me I've been kicked before. And kicked for having Sephie all melancholy. So sueme.

Actually, don't. SinceIput in'no' as my disclaimer...

Thelongest segment of this wholething is the Train/Rins moment delio. And it took a wholebunch less time to write... ((oxymoron hehheh))

Baldor was really OC too right? ... > ...

If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to make my story look longer by writing a huge author's note. AH! I know what I'll do... I'll respond to my reviewers from By Candlelight. YES! genius...

girl-over-bored- hey your name sounds familiar. haha.

Crazy Hyper Lady- ack! thanx fer saying my A/N wz funny.. goshness. glad my fic wz cute!... trying not to really make this one too much of that but sometimes that just comes out.

Ranko- who doesn't likea little bit of romance? And who can write a fic without romance just sorta falling in... it happens accidentally. And I hope this next part doesn't sound mean... hehheh.. since I'm not quite sure who this ranko is that you speak of I just assumed it was a guy... and then you said you were a girl... ack... confused me for awhile there.

bebops1- fantastic's a hoopy word.. now I want to use it somewhere in this fic. Everything should be Rins/Train... especially the Creed/Train one's. :shiver:

Misteline- thankyou for not calling it corny! Second person who did that... I actually have a whole bunch of idears for oneshots... but Cryptic Angel should have Comic Relief out by the time you read this... read it! Now! Hahaha.. okay maybe I'm being a little forceful...

Lilt- yay! I'm rather good at writing fics! Another CrypticAngel name drop... she asked me if she could write the 'what if' ... since I'll be busy with this. That's going to be exciting, and depressing, when that comes out. Actually, any Trainslet fic excites me, since nobody writes them...

:D- hoopy name dude. dudette. I'm running into the same situation here with Ranko. It almost crossed between T and M? Did I rate that fic T? Crazycrazy me, I should be more careful with what I'm writing...

kuyaga- you mentioned something about whether Train really returns Rins' feelings.. which I think is a good thing to say. It was really hard for me to type inside of Train's head, mostly because he's such a dynamic character that I can't really be sure how he'd respond. I'm going to sort of try that angle out with this fic, possibly. Depends on how that works out.

Withdrawn- I wish it had been done before... which it hasn't! And if it has tie the person up until they post it on here.. grr. haha. You've only read volume one! You poorpoor person... volume 4's personally my favorite.. that's kind of obvious though, considering my... story plotlines. I'm hoping that the minute the 4th volume comes out a billion people start posting stories... that's more wishful thinking I think though.

CrypticAngel- you again! You were my first and last review.. ((audience cheers, yes, it's over I'm not lying to you)). I could very easily go on typing here forever. Everyone read her oneshots! And... Thankyou so much for your betaing help so far! I never thank you... AnDDDDD

EVERYBODY REVIEW! OR SHAOLEE'S PLOT WILL INVOLVE.. SOMETHING HORRIBLE... DIRECTED AT YOU!