Chapter 2: 偽笑顔...The False Smile…

They led Serah and Alex across the hallways as the students scattered to their homerooms. Rei, Gou and Nagisa were both in the senior class and were separated from the two. However, Alex and Serah were led by Miho Amakata who expected them. She wrote their names on the board and settled the class down.

"Today, we got two visitors here; normally it is not often that the school accepts visitor at this time of the year. However, the business behind these two was urgent so we have bypassed the rules. Please welcome our new guests," said ama-chan.

Alex stepped out and said, "Morning everyone. My name is Alex Marotta and I am from California in the United States. I am happy to meet you all here and don't be shy if you ever want to talk."

He gave his audience a warm smile while maintaining his composure. He stepped to the side as it was Serah's turn to speak.

Serah gave a small hiss to herself while she cleared her throat, "Hello! My name is Serah Rose. I'm from Canada and I like swords and katanas and all of those good samurai gear. Please take good care of me while I'm here."

"Well then, please give them a warm welcome class," smiled ama-chan.

The class gave them applause while the teacher sent them to their seats towards the back by the window. Serah did not like the teacher for one bit and even Alex felt something suspicious about this lady.

Is she the one…thought Alex, no. I must be mistaken.

"Well then, now that we have taken care of attendance, we will begin our lessons," said Ama-chan, opening the literature book while the other students prepared their textbooks.

Later on, Alex walked around the hallways while several students were preparing to go home. Since today was only a half day; he only had Classic Literature and Statistics. Serah was already sent to a different class that he didn't know what.

She really sounded suspicious… based from what Leon…and the other guys told me, thought Alex, didn't she had part in that ordinance bill? Is this why there is censorship here? But if all of that is true, then why is she a teacher? Or is she more than that?

He walked up to the classroom and stood silently by the entrance where ama-chan was on the phone, talking to who knew what.

"Yes…um-ha, right…of course. Everything is taken care of," said Miho, "They're here now…"

Alex narrowed his eyes as he was carefully trying to listen.

Oh god, why am I even doing this, he thought, this is just…

"Alex?" asked a voice.

The boy turned sharply and saw Rei and Nagisa but he sighed in relief, "Oh…it's you guys. Thank heavens."

"Yup…what'chu doing?" asked Nagisa.

Alex gave a blank expression as he slightly turned his head, hoping to look innocent.

"He's spying," said Rei as he could tell past his eyes.

"….does it look like I'm spying?" asked Alex, "the hell?"

"Yes," answered the megane as he crossed his arms.

"No you don't…" laughed Nagisa, "Rei is just paranoid."

"Yeah," agreed Alex, "I wasn't feeling so well…I had to stand somewhere."

"Oh Rei…you just want to touch his hair, don't you?" asked Nagisa, "Or maybe even screw him?"

Rei ignored Nagisa and said, "Besides the fact…you look very suspicious, Alex-chan-san."

Alex began to tremble a little as he could feel a part of him about to go nuts, "...I might be a short punk but that doesn't mean I'm always that weak!"

He moved out of the way, walking slowly away from them, "People always judge me for being so short and weak….even after all of the workout fitness I've done…I guess I can't grow taller."

Rei felt a bit strange about this kid's attitude, "Um…okay... no one's judging you here. We're all friends and you're not small Alex."

"But you boys are like giants…" began Alex, "Even my own brot -"

Nagisa lifted his eyebrow in confusion.

Alex stopped and said, "S-sorry about that. I shouldn't be like this…"

He slumped down to the floor against the wall, feeling bit remorse on his attitude to them. He didn't want to be mean…but he was feeling really stressful inside of his heart.

"Well if you're gonna spy; ask us. We're here to help," said Rei.

"Um…Rei?" began Nagisa.

You're right Rei…I know that because you are one of them…you and Nagisa…and the rest of your friends, thought Alex, but how will I tell them the truth?

Nagisa walked up to Alex and said, "Don't be sad, okay? Just because you feel alone and sad doesn't mean you'll be weak and small."

Alex nodded as he wiped his face away from some tears and said, "Let's go then. Is there a park nearby?"

"Yup!" smiled Nagisa, "We always hang out there; it's one of the best places to go to!"

"Yeah, it's nearby," agreed Rei.

"Should we get the girls? Or no?" asked Nagisa.

"Well…depends on their schedule," shrugged Alex as he got back on his feet.

"Yeah! Girls are a bit strange sometimes…right?" asked Nagisa.

"Let's go then," smiled Alex, hiding his pain inside.

Brother, he thought, you're the only person who I have left to live.

Meanwhile, Serah and Gou were outside by the back entrance that led to the track field and the other sport areas. Serah was holding down her skirt to hide her secret blade.

"Oh look Serah!" said Gou, "The guys are back."

Alex smiled a little while keeping silent, Nagisa was happy as ever and Rei smiled a little but was a bit suspicious about Alex.

"Hey you guys!" said Serah.

"Hey Serah and Gou-chan!" smiled Nagisa.

"It's Kou!" snapped Gou, "Dammit Nagisa…"

"Gou-Gou!" laughed Nagisa.

Gou narrowed her eyes in annoyance but stopped when she saw that Alex was feeling silent; he wasn't like he was earlier.

"Alex?" asked Gou, wondering if he was okay.

Alex shook his head and smiled, "We're here now! It's all good."

"Well you look hilarious foreigner girl…" said Rei while keeping an eye on Alex. He noticed that strange tattoo beneath his shirt that was in a strange-humanoid shape.

"We're heading out to the park," said Nagisa, "You girls are coming?"

"OH HELL YES!" smiled Serah, "Please!"

The five arrived at the Metro Park where they sat around on the grass, enjoying the beautiful sunlight and the temperature. Alex got up and walked around before stopping by the water fountain to drink. He took out his wallet with a picture of his brother.

"Sergio…" he said silently, "I promise…I'll get your voice back soon…I'll get it back for you."

"Well you seem too distant Californian Boy," said Serah.

Alex turned to see the girl and blushed a little, "Well…I'm sorry if I'm lacking fun at the moment. It's…just a stressful time for me."

Serah kept silent as complained a little about his life and how he tries to laugh it out, keep his shit together and what not.

Finally she said, "You're such an idiot."

"What did I do?" he asked, "I don't even know you? So how can you judge me like that!?"

"You just have that vibe," sighed Serah, "I know my share of them when I feel it."

"Well I apologize for being one then...it's not my fault I have a sick brother who can't talk for his own goddamn life!" he snapped.

"No which is exactly why you should stop moping around and get chopping," replied Serah, trying to keep her cool, "Geez, all you idiots do is look sad and whine to yourselves."

Alex sighed, knowing that he should at least break the ice a little.

"I suppose…you never heard of…Autism, have you?" he asked.

"Oh I have…I know its plague…its effects…and the victims' way of life," she answered.

"My brother is the reason why I'm still alive...growing up for me was fucked up," said Alex, "no one wanted to talk to me…I was an incredibly smart student…people would laugh and tried to hurt me. Yet, despite feeling this pain of loneliness…I also embraced it. It's a blessing and a curse."

"Huh, well that's one way to talk about it. Look kiddo, you're here for a reason. Let me help you out whatever the flimsy fuck it is," answered Serah.

Alex sighed and explained to her how he met with a group of people who have discovered something about a medical breakthrough in Japan and how he's been trying to get a hold of the information.

"But then this country has censored such information…ever since the bill was passed," he explained, "However, I told myself that once I made a decision, I will stick with it to the end...so I can remain true to myself."

"Well let's go back then," said Serah, taking out her dagger to play around, "We'll have to plan for a breakthrough…"

Alex nodded in response as he and Serah walked back while the latter snickered, "Thanks for the trust baaaakaaaaa."

"Oh I heard that," he answered, "I know what it means."

"Surrrreee," she teased back.

They grouped up with the others, getting back to the conversations.

"I'm sorry about that, guys," said Alex, "I was just lost in my own thoughts for a while."

"Well…what else should do in this beautiful town?" asked Serah.

"I do need a place to stay…I'll just go off to a hotel or something," replied Alex, "I don't want to take up space…"

"Well I'm gonna go find myself a nice tree to sleep in; I wouldn't want to bother you guys with my strange habits," said Serah.

"Oi! Alex, why don't you come stay with me?" asked Rei.

"Oh Rei…" smiled Nagisa, "Sounds like you're gonna…"

"It's NOT LIKE THAT," snapped Rei, "We don't even know much about him."

Nagisa giggled a little while Alex awkwardly blushed and even Serah smirked.

"Well um…are you sure?" asked Alex.

"You won't bother me at all, so get your stuff and come on over," said Rei.

"Oh ok," smiled Alex.

I need to keep an eye on you, thought Rei, something feels odd about that tattoo on his neck.

Alex and Rei went back to Nikon's apartment where they picked up the bags and the two walked to Rei's house. The rooms were nicely done and Rei's bedroom was already in a butterfly theme while the guest bedrooms were just standard but modernized with contemporary gadgets.

"Please settle in," said Rei, "My room is across from yours so if you need help, don't be shy, alright?"

"Sure thing," replied Alex.

Alex placed his bags by the bed while Rei went to his bedroom to turn on his PC and set some other things ready. Meanwhile, the foreigner took out a photo of his brother and placed it by the window sill. He slumped himself on the bed, staring at the ceiling when Rei came back in.

"Hey Alex, you want anything to drink or eat or…?" he asked.

"Oh um…well I'm not sure. What do you have available?" asked Alex.

"Well I got some tea, soda, orange juice, water…and maybe some root beer," answered Rei.

"I think some tea would be nice," smiled the other boy.

"I also got some cake…" began Rei.

"I think I'll pass," replied Alex, "The tea sounds good enough for me."

"I'll be back then," answered the megane.

"Sure thing," smiled Alex.

Alex went to unzip his bag and looked at this strange gun-like device in his hands. He was given this along with a katana sword from Leon and the others back in California as per his mission.

"So this is what has to be done…" he muttered, looking at the manual that went with it.

He placed it down and decided to take out his Katana and carefully swing it around to make some fighting moves, being careful to not slice anything down or breaking stuff. He could feel the intensity of this weapon as he slashed his way through the air.

After a little bit, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. He quickly put the Katana back in the bag with the gun and threw the clothes back on top of it while sitting on his bed, saying, "You're back?"

Rei walked in and replied, "Yup. Here's your tea."

"Thanks," said Alex as he takes a sip, enjoying the orange zinger flavor, "Um…about what I said earlier…back at the school, I'm sorry."

"Oh don't worry about that," answered Rei, "We all have those moments."

"Yeah…but I'm really concerned…I can't get the news on my phone," said Alex, "Are you able to…?"

"Oh I hack the crap out of my computer system to get the news," replied Rei, fixing his glasses.

"Well…I guess you have heard of that Ordinance Bill…right?" asked the foreigner.

"Yeah, I've been looking into it. I can't quite pin down the reason yet and by default, I cannot be sure who is behind all of this," said Rei.

"Back in the U.S…I talked to someone…well, he was a classmate of mine and he showed me some of his hacking abilities. I told him I was doing research for medicine so he found out an interesting breakthrough that was happening here," explained the boy.

"Huh, well then…that's quite interesting," said Rei, "You know where to look?"

"I'm trying to find either the Cleveland Clinic…or any of their affiliates. But from what I was told, Japan has discovered some interesting breakthrough for medicine and I'm wishing to find it," answered Alex.

"Well then, you got a plan in mind to deal with this? You're up against a government," replied Rei.

Alex sat there in silence at first, then lowering his head, "But that's when I heard about a story."

"A story?" asked Rei.

"About 5 super-humans who have traveled across the seas and made various miracles," answered Alex.

Rei kept silence about that, as he was slowing growing some suspicious about it. Was this boy going to be another enemy for the Suiei Gods because of this medical research?

"But then again, it's only just a poetry that I have read," said Alex.

"Yeah…definitely," agreed Rei, trying to hide his suspicion, "Where did you even hear such poetry anyway?"

"Oh it was in a textbook that I have read for class…well…it wasn't a poem we had to read but I read it. It was originally in Greek or something and there were a couple of different translations," explained the foreigner, "I grew a bit curious because if the medical breakthrough doesn't work…well…at least maybe this miracle can happen instead."

Why does he want this miracle, thought Rei, just hold it…listen to what he has to say.

"My brother is the reason why I am here," said Alex, turning to his photo on the window sill, "He was born with Non-Verbal Autism…he cannot speak."

"Oh?" asked Rei, lifting his eyebrow a little as he saw the photo as well, "He does look a lot like you. He looks cute."

Alex trembled a little as he was all nervous and chocked up on what he was going to say, "I…I can't go on like this. My brother…he's the only reason why I am still alive! I have wanted to kill myself because everyone would hurt me! I was never an athletic person so I resorted to swimming….but even that betrayed me eventually…"

His face began to pour some tears as he continued after wiping his face, "Everything that I had…all that I thought who were my friends betrayed me…all taken away…"

"Hey calm down," said Rei softly as he places his tea to the side, "We'll sort this out, okay? My friends and I will…"

"You're one of them…aren't you?" asked Alex, "I saw the necklace from Nagisa earlier today when he was being all playful."

Rei was a bit shocked but he knew that something was suspicious about him, "You…"

"The poem I read back in the states…it led me to find a copy of the legend," he answered, "That's what the computer guys told me; they presented me a copy and I read it."

Rei was a bit silent as he wondered what this boy would ask of now. But he was also getting curious on who else knew about the legend of the gods.

"…My brother…he needs help! Please! I beg of you," pleaded Alex as his face was still wet and moist from his sadness, "Is there a way to save my Sergio?"

Rei lowered his head down and said, "I cannot say Alex."

"I just don't want to feel lonely anymore," he answered, "His non-verbal kept us apart…but it led us together in a dysfunctional way…but…I never got to experience what like other siblings had! While I did have some friends in high school…I had to earn them. But then when I moved to L.A, it's starting over all again…

"My wish…is to hear my brother….that's what I want."

Alex covered his face as his heart was saddened by this burden. Rei wrapped his arm around Alex saying, "You're not alone anymore…"

Alex blushed a little and said, "After I read the story, I realized that all of you were very important for each other…and people were after you all. I do not wish to steal anything…but I need a miracle…I have the knowledge on what I need to do…but I have nothing to change things."

"You know Alex…with that attitude, you might just meet them very soon," replied Rei.

"I made a promise," he answered, "to my brother…and to myself…my father always told me that once I made a decision; I should stick with it to the very end…so I can remain true to myself."

Rei smiled a little and opened up his shirt a little to get out his necklace, showing the pendant to Alex, "This…once connected us to the gods directly. We were the gods themselves…for we share the same soul…and thanks to that, we were able to use our powers freely. They were our hearts…to put it like that."

Alex nodded in fasciation as he button a part of his shirt to reveal his tattoo on his neck; prompting Rei to gain fascination.

"This symbol…was from a story that I used to read, called BIONICLE," said Alex, "This symbol represents a gigantic robotic-god that held a world inside of his body…but it also symbolizes life."

"How interesting," replied Rei, stunned by the shape.

"Lately though, I think it's been…acting like a sapient being; it glows sometimes on its own as if my heart is telling me something," said Alex.

"…hmmm…can I touch it?" asked Rei.

Alex blushed a little and said, "Sure…but can I take a closer look at your necklace?"

Rei nodded as he took out off and handed to him while placing his hand over the tattoo; amazed by the softness of his skin.

"Wow…your skin is soft," said Rei.

Alex blushed a bit but said, "Oh um…thanks. The necklace…feels nice too."

He handed it back to Rei as the latter stretched his arms a little.

"Well then," said the foreigner, "I guess we do share a bit in common…from our burdens to enjoying life to the fullest."

Now it was Rei's turn to blush, thinking about Rin and Haruka while saying, "Yeah."

"Don't worry about what embarrasses you, my father used to tell me that fear is all only in your head...overcome it with your heart and you'll be much stronger," said Alex.

"Yeah, but what embarrasses me is the massive feelings I have over two people at the same time... and they're both so far away usually," replied Rei.

"Perhaps… but I'm sure they are precious to you...and you are precious to them. I guess you should just "never abandon the ones you love"...after all," smiled the foreigner.

Rei immediately recognized that part as he turned his head away with a small smile on his face but a bit sadden at the same time. That last part…was the last words of Sayuri/Yuu back in the Time Loop when their battle against Daichi and the SCX ended with this revelation.

"Right," he answered.

Alex finished his tea and handed it back to Rei, saying, "Well thanks so much...I should probably rest my mind for a while. At least it's the weekend now. I want to meet with the others tomorrow if that's alright. Are you okay with that?"

"Sure!" replied Rei as he gets the tea cup and heads out the door, "I'll be next door so don't be afraid to ask, okay?"

"Thanks," he answered as Rei left the room and shut the door. Alex turned off the lights and looked at the photo of his brother. After a few moments his eyes slowly closed as he lied on the bed.

"Sanno! Sanno!" echoed a distance voice.

Alex opened his eyes and saw his parents and is brother reaching out to him. Sergio giggled as his parents smiled, calling his name with joy.

Before his eyes the images shifted and it transformed into some of the people from high school.

"Alex-chan!" shouted one of the girls smiling happily.

"Yo buddy!" said one of the boys.

"Hey there Alex!" smiled a set of twin girls.

"Mr. Marotta," said one of the teachers.

What, what the hell is this, thought the boy, is this…

He closed his eyes and opened them again; but this time, they were all hissing at him angrily, blaming him for his faults and issues. Their voices grew deeper and almost unrecognizable, sounding like dying robots on low batteries.

Afraid of this, he closed his eyes once more and everyone was laughing at him as one of them asked, "I heard that there's a song about you boy…did you hear it yet?"

Everyone continued to laugh as the images shifted once more. Alex saw himself as a little boy smiling happily and giggling a little but then it shattered as a young lady in blonde, dressed in a nun-like outfit stood before him, pointing a handheld gun at him.

Stefani fired the gun as the bullet was flying towards him in slow motion before everything turned black around him.

"STOP IT!" he cried out.

The boy gasped in fear and screamed as he felt his body exploding blood from his mouth, nose, eyes and ears. He turned to see himself covered in blood and body exposed as he froze in fear and feeling the fire burning in the flames around him.

Alex woke up with a gasp, shaken by the images he saw in this nightmare. He growled to himself in vengeance to that person.

"That bitch…" he muttered silently as he took out his katana and kept it by his side.

Elsewhere…

"Sandro," said a feminine voice, "You are the last one…aren't you?"

"Stefani," echoed another voice from behind, "Everything is ready…"

"I see," she answered as she stood in the government office with the governor of Tokyo, "Soon…we'll see him, right? And the others…?"

"Yes," answered the governor, "The spell is in effect finally. Do not fail me."

"I won't…he is mine," she smiled, "Soon we'll meet face to face…"

Matsuoka Household

Rin set the dishes ready as Serah and Gou sat at the table.

"You girls hungry?" asked Rin, "I got dinner almost ready."

"Yeah…I AM STARVING," said Serah as she yawned a little. It was a bit late to have dinner but at least there was one.

"Yup brother," smiled Gou as she and Serah got up to get the glasses.

Rin brought the sukiyaki to the table and the girls were just amazed by the amount of food in the dish.

"YOU…ARE…A….SAINT…RIN!" cheered Serah as her mouth was drooling.

Gou blushed a little as Rin replied, "Well thanks; it's my fourth time making this…I hope it turned out better. The last time…it was a tad bit salty."

"IT…LOOKS…GLORIOUS!" said Serah, ignoring the flaws. She gobbled some of it down and the spices were just perfect for her, "FUCKING AMAZING…BITCHES."

Gou gently took some for herself and was amazed at how well the recipe was.

"At least she likes it, brother," said Gou.

"Well that's good," he answered as he ate some on his plate, "Damn…it's kinda late though. I'm a bit tired."

After a bit of some silence, Rin broke the ice and asked, "Sow how did your day go at school?"

"Oh it was fun today…since it was a half day," said Gou.

"I hate school whatsoever," muttered Serah.

"Serah-chan…" replied Gou while feeling a bit awkward from that tone.

"Well, I wasn't thrilled for school either…till I started to swim," answered Rin, "I was eventually enrolled to Sametsuka for a while…it changed me…but then I realized how much I have lost myself."

Serah was a bit confused on that part, boys are just so weird…

"Brother, please don't feel bad," said Gou, "You're okay now with everyone…"

Rin thought for a few moments before he answered, "Yeah…I am…"

His phone vibrated; Rin took it out to see and saw that it was from Rei; he read the message and was a little bit surprised on what was written.

"Is something wrong?" asked Gou, "Brother?"

Rin got up and said, "Oh it's nothing…I'll be back in a bit."

Later on, Rin was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. He turns to see Gou standing right by the doorway. Serah was already in bed since she was dead tired from the day.

"Brother…" said Gou, sounding a bit concerned.

Rin spit out the toothpaste and replied, "Yeah?"

"Um…you seemed rather strange earlier at dinner…is everything okay?" she asked.

"I…I guess. As long as our existence is kept quiet…I mean…" sighed Rin, "It's complicated…you wouldn't understand it."

"Try me," replied Gou, sounding a bit serious, "Brother I worry about that."

Rin's eyes widened a little as he turned to see her, "Sister. I…I appreciate that you worry…but why? Do you know something?"

"Uh…about what?" she asked.

"Remember the time when I gave you that bottle…that medicine that healed your headache?" questioned Rin.

"Yeah," she answered.

"Did you see anything out of the ordinary since then?" replied Rin.

"Out of the ordinary…you mean like fairies?" asked Gou, blushing a little.

Rin's face turned blank and wtf at the response before asking again, "Um…how am I going to put this? I…I wasn't always like this."

"Rin?" she asked.

"Since the beginning…I was born at a different time…no….I was born since the day…it all started," he answered while his hand was shaking.

"Wait! Brother!" she cried out as she got a hold of him while biting her lower lip. Rin was a bit nervous to tell her all of this mess…from how they were born, the time loop, and other crazy adventures.

"You don't have to tell me," she answered, "I…I understand."

She looked at him with a smile, "It's alright now."

"Y-you knew it all?" asked Rin, stunned, "Bu-but how? How did you even knew I was never human to begin with and that we were nothing more than the drops of the sea and the water of this world…and the others were…"

"Well I guess you can thank Nikon for that," she answered.

"N-Nikon," he muttered, lowering his head before looking back at her, "He gave you a part of his soul? That means that you have known our whole journey!"

"Yes," she answered, "I was given his memories…of your journey…all of you guys."

"Back in the Time Loop," said Rin, "I…I didn't know…how well I was…related…you…you were very sick…almost on the brink of death."

He spilled some tears and hugged her, "T-Thank you…for being my sister."

"Oh you big dumb nii-san," giggled Gou as she hugged him with a smile, "I am happy that we are still siblings."

Rin decided to tell her about Rei's message, saying, "Well then. The message I received from Rei…it's about Alex. He knows something about our existence…I do not know how he knows this or why…but Rei claims that the boy needs our help."

He took out his necklace from his shirt beneath and looked at it, saying, "I…I can't access my powers…but I need to see my Suiei again."

"Then, why shouldn't you pray to him?" asked Gou.

"Well…maybe…why don't you come with me? Or is Serah not in bed yet? I would like you to meet my other self," said Rin.

"I don't think Serah will be leaving anytime soon…unless she gets munchies which she tends to do a lot," she answered, "I'll go."

"Let's go then," said Rin as he finishes brushing his teeth and puts the tooth brush back in the cup.

"Yeah, let's make haste," agreed Gou.

They carefully left the house and locked the door and rushed to the Metro Park, heading to the side of the playground.

"There has to be a puddle somewhere," muttered Rin, "Usually there is a puddle nearby…"

"There!" said Gou as she pointed to a puddle by the merry-go-round.

Rin walked up to the puddle and took out his necklace, chanting, "My dear other self…you are afar from this land…but can you hear me…? You are the rain…the ocean…the water…and I am sure you are far…yet close."

His necklace finally flickered a little bit, prompting Rin to smile, "It's…it's working! Look!"

"Maybe he can hear you know," replied Gou.

Rin coughed and carefully sang a tune quietly, "I'll show you the difference between you and me...I'll show you a sight you have never seen..."

The necklace finally glowed in a red-magenta-ish color, encasing them to the alternate world of the dream realm.

The two siblings opened their eyes and saw a tall man in his warrior-like outfit with long hair similar to Gou but his front bangs were similar to Rin's. The Suiei opened his eyes and saw the two standing side by side.

"M-Matsuoka! You're here!" said Rin.

"Yes…I have heard you…quite a song that you sang to me there to summon me," chuckled Suiei Matsuoka as he turned to look at Gou.

Gou blushed a little on his muscles despite being a god.

"So you are his sister…" he said.

"Hello," she smiled and bowed, "Yes. Pleased to meet you in person I guess."

"I am glad to have finally met you," replied the god, "It's a shame we couldn't do much to cross paths…especially while we were stuck in the Time Loop. However, Nikon's memories have guided you…and protected you."

"I didn't knew she had that till tonight," replied Rin, "But I guess it would make sense…she is my sister…and we are family."

The Suiei nodded and answered, "You are correct. She is very important to you Rin…never forget that."

Gou blushed but smiled as the Suiei God continued to talk, "I was notified by Ryugazaki that there's a human who is aware of our existence…"

"And so…?" asked Rin.

"Rei talked to his Suiei God in the dreams just before you guys got here. That boy…is quite an interesting fellow. His heart is powerful…but it is torn between two sides. Tell me, Gou…what do you think of this company?"

Normally, Gou would have asked him to call her Kou but she decided to discard that since she was talking to a god, so she answered, "Alex seems like a nice boy…I don't think he'll be bad to us."

"Me neither," agreed Suiei Matsuoka, "But… asking a favor is kinda suspicious...and that tattoo of his...it has power...something that neither of us has seen before."

"Like what do you mean?" asked Rin.

"This power," said the Suiei, "It's very uncanny...it may be dangerous... I'm not sure what it can do...but I do know this...it will change things...once more."

"Well it sounds something to look forward to," replied Gou.

"But that depends on his heart…he must decide what to do…he will have to make a choice," replied Matsuoka, "And only one choice…between life…and death."

The two gasped a little, worried on what would these two choices are.

"Okay…that sounds a bit too extreme don't you think?" asked Gou.

"It does sound scary," agreed Rin.

"With your help," said Matsuoka, "He might be able to fulfill what he needs to be done…given with the appropriate conditions.

Gou remained silent as she wondered what would Alex have in mind that is such an extreme thought…or goal…or something.

"I must be off now," said the Suiei God, "The connection between us is limited. But you can always visit us here in this time and space. Farewell and we shall meet again when destiny is called"

Before the others could say goodbye, the world around them turned white, waking up back at the house.

"H-how…did we get back here?" asked Rin at first before realizing, "Oh…that's how it works. We go back to our safe spot since we fell asleep outside."

Gou chuckled a little and said, "Well then, I guess it's time for bed. Good night, brother."

"Yeah," smiled Rin, "Sleep well."

To Be Continued…Next Water Time: November 13, 2013!