Some Kind of Miracle Chapter 3, a karakuridôji ultimo/機巧童子ultimo fanfic

Some Kind of Miracle
Chapter Three

(One Month Later)

They were sent to the supermarket by Eco to get stuff for dinner; it was such a long list. "Man does he plan to make a banquet? Jeez." Sayuri skimmed through the list as Ultimo walked beside her; Ultimo had insisted on coming with her on the slim chance that Vice would come after her. Hana was asleep in Sayuri's arms, "Ulti, we just have to get some detergent then we can get some ice cream, okay?"

"Okay," Ultimo smiled at her.

"Do you want some too Jealousy," Sayuri asked Jealousy who was behind them. Jealousy looked at her with a blank look then a light smile appeared on his face and he nodded."Alright then," Sayuri adjusted Hana in her arms, "We'll have to make sure to wake Hana when we get some." Hana whimpered from a bad dream but didn't wake up. Sayuri rubbed her back soothingly and shushed her softly. Hana quieted down. Hana was only a child so she needed care and love. She had been deprived of that when her parents had vanished; no one knows what really happened to them.

Hana had a bit of an attitude but then again what spoiled five year old didn't, but when the Shins and Sayuri began to look after her it turned out she was like any ordinary five year old.

"Jealousy, would you mind carrying her for a little while?" Sayuri turned to the dôji of envy.

Jealousy took the small girl from the former sorceress and held her close.

Jealousy still belonged to Rune but when Rune and his family moved out of the city Rune trusted Sayuri to look after Jealousy until he got back, if he ever came back. Jealousy was supposed to go with Rune being his dôji but Rune ensured Jealousy that he would be perfectly safe. If he ever found himself in danger Jealousy would sense it no matter how far away Rune was.

Ultimo was different; he would never allow Sayuri to leave the house by herself. She knew he meant well but sometimes it was a little annoying then Sayuri remembered that it was a dôji's

duty to protect their master no matter what.

###############

Hana sat on Sayuri's lap licking her ice cream cone happily. Jealousy had already finished his and was now standing on the back of the park bench keeping watch. Even though she wasn't Jealousy's master he was still loyal to her. He called her his Okaasan, she helped create him. Ultimo licked his ice cream then he smiled at her. Sayuri smiled back, she giggled when she saw the ice cream all over his mouth; she wiped the mess away with her handkerchief then kissed his cheek.

"What is it?" Sayuri wondered when Jealousy's eyes narrowed and Ultimo stood on the bench.

"Okaasan," Jealousy said, "Please take Hana and go." Sayuri had told him it would be alright for him to call her Sayuri but it just didn't stick.

"Why," Sayuri stood with Hana in her arms, "Did Dunstan get loose?" Murayama had taken Dunstan and Milieu back to the future.

"No," Ultimo answered her. Hana looked around but saw no one. Sayuri thought for sure that if it was Vice Hana would go with him since Regula didn't erase her memory, but maybe she wouldn't; she seemed truthfully happy with Sayuri and the Shins.

"Then who is it…Vice," Sayuri wondered. When Jealousy and Ultimo didn't answer Sayuri's arm tightened around Hana. Hana didn't say anything.

"Sayuri-chan please go home," Ultimo stood beside Jealousy, "For your and Hana's safety," He said.

"Alright, but please be careful you two," Sayuri turned and began to run then suddenly she disappeared with the child.

############ (At the Hospital)

Everyone's head lifted when a swirl of black energy swirled around the room and Sayuri and Hana appeared. "Pardonner, Regula," Sayuri looked at them, "It's Vice."

"Where are Ultimo and Jealousy," Eco wondered.

"In the park, they told us to get out of there." Hana said. Sayuri sat her down. Hana's ice cream was beginning to melt but she continued to eat it.

"Hana," Eco said, "Do you want to go back with Vice?" Hana was silent for a minute. "Do you?"

Hana looked at her ice cream cone, "Hana?" Sayuri looked at her.

"I don't know," Hana responded, "I thought I did but now I'm not so sure."

"Hana, you may do what you want," Sayuri crouched in front of her, "…But…I want you to stay with me…," She brushed back her hair out of her face, "I don't want you to get hurt…"

Hana looked at her, "Honest?"

"Honest," Sayuri nodded. Hana dropped her ice cream cone and threw her tiny arms around Sayuri's neck.

"I don't want to be alone anymore," Hana whined against Sayuri's shoulder.

"You're not alone," Sayuri told her as she held her, "Neither of us are."

#############

"So you don't let your guard down even around the girl," He chuckled, "Such a good little dôji."

"What do you want Vice," Ultimo growled.

"You know exactly what I want Ultimo," Vice appeared above them in the air. "I want the woman."

"You're not taking her again," Ultimo snarled, "I won't let you."

"As I recall she came to me," Vice smirked. Ultimo's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Ultimo!" Her voice rang in his ears.

Ultimo and Jealousy turned. "Sayuri-chan what are you doing here? I thought you went home."

"I did but I'm tired of running from him Ulti," Sayuri said, "I'm sick of being afraid."

"Sayuri-chan…"

"So you finally have a backbone," Vice said as his gauntlet transformed, "Too bad you're still weak." Vice shot an energy blast.

Sayuri and Ultimo's eyes widened when Jealousy went flying. "Jealousy," Sayuri ran to him and held him to her. Vice laughed; Sayuri growled and held the unconscious Jealousy closer. Vice landed and came closer.

Ultimo blocked Vice's path, "You leave them alone."

"Out of my way maggot," Vice slapped Ultimo away. Ultimo turned and his foot came in contact with Vice's jaw. Vice growled, "Why you…" Vice attacked Ultimo then Ultimo disappeared.

Ultimo stood in front of Sayuri and Jealousy, "Sayuri-chan, please take Jealousy home and stay there, please."

"But Ulti…"

"Please, do it for me. I couldn't live with myself if he hurt you again," Ultimo told her.

"Okay I'll go, but you better not get yourself killed."

"I won't," Ultimo smiled, "Now please go."

"Okay," Sayuri disappeared with Jealousy. Ultimo looked at Vice, Vice just smirked.

##########

"Sayuri-san, what happened?" Pardonner went to her.

"Vice was there alright," Sayuri appeared with Jealousy, "He attacked Jealousy with a cheap shot. Ultimo made me promise to come back and stay here."

"Ultimo will be fine," Slow said, "He can take care of himself."

"Did Vice find a new master?" Sophia wondered.

"I don't know, I couldn't tell," Sayuri stood with Jealousy in her arms; he wasn't as heavy as she had imagined. She cared him to the room where she spent the night the day she was found and laid him down on the bed. Pardonner had followed her. "I know I shouldn't worry but I just can't help it. I don't want to lose him…I…I love him. I know what you're going to say, me and him can never be together, but…" Sayuri's eyes filled with tears, her fists tightened at her side.

Pardonner just looked at her as a tear rolled down her face. She looked at him, "It's not fair…"

"A lot of things are not fair," Pardonner told her.

More tears ran down her face. The two turned when they sensed another presence. "Ulti…" Sayuri was surprised that he was back so quick.

"How dare you make her cry," Ultimo growled. Pardonner saw anger in his eyes.

"No Ulti," Sayuri got between them, "He didn't make me cry." Ultimo looked at her then the anger disappeared.

"I'm sorry," He told Pardonner. Pardonner nodded, accepting the apology.

Sayuri wiped away her tears; she looked at Jealousy, "Is he going to be okay, guys?"

"He'll be just fine," Pardonner said. Sayuri brushed Jealousy's hair out of his face and rubbed mud off his face.

Out of nowhere Jealousy's eyes snapped open and scared the heck out of Sayuri, "Whoa," She fell back, "Damn it Jealousy!"

Jealousy sat up, "What?"

"You scared the hell out of me." Sayuri stood up.

"I'm sorry," Jealousy swung his legs over the side of the bed. Pardonner and Ultimo chuckled lightly.

"Anyway are you okay?" Sayuri asked. Jealousy nodded.

Sayuri took her phone out of her back pocket when it started vibrating, "Mushi Mushi," She answered it. It was Mrs. Shin wondering where she was. "I'm with Kouki and some friends, I'll be home soon. Yes I remember I have school tomorrow. Yes ma'am. Love you too, sayonara." She hung up. "I have to go now," She turned to Ultimo, "But I left my bike at home."

"I'll fly you home," Ultimo smiled at her.

"Thanks Ulti, I appreciate it. Bye guys, I'll see you later," She looked at the other dôji.

"Sayonara Sayuri-san," Pardonner said.

"Bye," Jealousy stood.

Ultimo took Sayuri's hand then they left the room and went outside. Ultimo took her in his arms and went airborne. Sayuri wrapped her arms around his neck when they picked up altitude and speed. "Don't be frightened, I got you," Ultimo told her.

"I know. I'm just not a big fan of heights." Sayuri had to admit though the view from this height was amazing. The cool breeze felt wonderful against her flushed skin, she was so hot; it was ninety-five degrees outside, but traveling through the clouds made the heat seem like nothing.

They soon landed in the trees behind the Shins' house so they wouldn't be seen. Ultimo and her exchanged a kiss then Sayuri climbed down the tree and headed inside. Ultimo flew off once the back door closed behind her.

#############

"Ultimo-sama," Service was surprised by what Regula told him about the true relationship between Ultimo and his master, "You know that…"

"Yes I know," Ultimo nodded, "We're not supposed to feel any human emotions such as affection, but somehow I can, for her."

The other dôji looked at one another. "Ultimo, she's a human," Regula said.

"Don't you think I know that? But that doesn't mean I can't care for her or her care for me."

"Ultimo-sama…" Service looked at him.

############

Sayuri sat in the auditorium watching her classmates one by one perform their songs form before when Jealousy showed up at the school. "Alright Sayuri," Her teacher smiled at her,

"You're turn."

The girls that she asked to help her with the dancing gather around her then they went on the stage. The spot light followed her. Sayuri took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"You're so hypnotizing
Could be the devil
Could you be an angel
Your touch, magnetizing
Feels like I am floating
Leaves my body glowing
They say
Be afraid
You're not like the others
Futuristic lover
Different DNA
They don't understand

You're from a whole 'nother world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go
Lead me into the light

Kiss me, kiss me
Infect me with your loving
Fill me with your poison
Take me, take me
Wanna be your victim
Ready for abduction
Boy, you're an alien
Your touch so foreign
It's supernatural
Extra-terrestrial

You're so supersonic
Wanna feel your powers
Stun me with your laser
Your kiss is cosmic
Every move is magic

You're from a whole 'nother world
A different dimension
You open my eyes
And I'm ready to go
Lead me into the light

This is transcendental
On another level
Boy, you're my lucky star
I wanna walk on your wavelength
And be there when you vibrate
For you, I'll risk it all

Extra-terrestrial
Extra-terrestrial

Boy, you're an alien
Your touch is so foreign
It's supernatural
Extra-terrestrial…" She was almost out of breath from all the dancing and singing at the same time. That song reminded her of one person, he was her Extra-terrestrial.

"Nicely done Sayuri," Her teacher praised, "Well done." She clapped.

"Thank you," Sayuri smiled. Sayuri got her some water after class was dismissed then went to her locker for her things then went out into the football field. She looked up at the goal to see Ultimo sitting and waiting. "Were you out here waiting for me the whole time?" She asked.

"No, more like about half an hour or so," He jumped down. He hugged her, "I wanted to make sure he didn't come."

"He hasn't come after me since you chased him off." Sayuri hugged him, "Come on, you can ride on my bike." She took hold of his humanized hand. She was able to sustain his ruse all day; she had become stronger since the almost-hundred-machine-funeral.

"Sayuri-chan, may I ask you for a favor," Ultimo wondered as they peddled down the hot cement road to the hospital.

"What would that be Ulti?"

"Once we defeat Vice will you…"

"Will I what Ulti?"

"Never mind, it's too much for me to ask."

Sayuri stopped the bike, "I'll decide that. What is it?"

"When we defeat Vice will you turn me into a human?"

Sayuri's eyes went wide, "You want to be a human?"

"Yes," Ultimo nodded, "I want to be with you Sayuri-chan, but not as you dôji, your servant, I want to be with you as your equal... your lover…"

Sayuri kissed him deeply, "If that what you truly want then yes, I'll make you human."

Ultimo smiled then kissed her back, "Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too Ulti, so much."

##############

"Ultimo you have officially lost your mind," Pardonner said. "You want to become human?"

"Yes," Ultimo nodded, "Once Vice has been destroyed I'll become one of them."

"So will I," Jealousy said. They all looked at the converted dôji. "Okaasan will change me as well."

"Sayuri-chan said she found a spell in the compound that can change us. I have every right to be what I want to be and I want to be human, I want to be with her."

Regula sighed, "Very well Ultimo if that's what you want, but you do realize once she changes you she can't change you back."

"We know," Ultimo told him.

"And that's just fine with us." Jealousy said.

##############

Sayuri couldn't take it any longer; this foreign class was driving her crazy. "Why the hell do I have to take a language class at art school?" When the lunch bell rang Sayuri gathered her things and went to the cafeteria, but instead of heading for the lunch line she went out the back door. Sayuri slipped her pack unto her back and climbed onto her bike and peddled away. "Ulti will be at the hideout waiting for me to get done with school then he can come and get me then escort me back home, but…He's gonna be mad at me no doubt," She whispered to herself, "He told me not go off on my own, I really shouldn't be doing this but what's the big deal? I've enhanced my powers to a precession where it's easier to defend myself. Ulti's just worrying too much I guess or I'm not worrying enough." Sayuri peddled down the quiet road that led to the shoulder that led to the road that led up the mountain and to the hideout.

She parked her bike and went inside, "Ulti, Jealousy, I'm back you guys," She called as she tossed her bag on the sofa that the group had placed in the lobby in front of a TV with cable.

"Sayuri-chan," Ultimo was the first of the dôji to appear then hugged her, "Why didn't you wait for me?"

Sayuri hugged him then they kissed, "I'm sorry, school was getting tiresome so I just came back." Sayuri answered. "Where's Jealousy?"

"He went to go check on Rune to make sure that he's okay."

"That's a good idea; I was starting to wonder if Rune was okay too." Sayuri said. "Hey why don't we go the mall? I'll get you some new clothes."

"Okay, Sayuri-chan," Ultimo smiled. Sayuri smiled then touched his forehead with her delicate fingers and in a soft glow Ultimo took on his ruse. "Do think we could get some cookies," He asked her.

"Sure, we can," Sayuri told grabbing her medium size book bag; it barely had anything in it but her wallet, pads, hairbrush, lip balm, and some of her ancient spell books. She often read them during lunch; she had no friends there so she sat alone. They went outside and sensed three other presences; they looked up to see Service, Regula, and Pardonner. "Hey," She called,

"We're going to the mall. Do you guys want to come? I'll get us all something to eat." Pardonner began to walk away, "And I'll get us some Jasmine tea." That was Pardonner's favorite. She could buy something for each of them because she was hired by Eco to work at his sushi restaurant as a waitress. Pardonner looked at her. Sayuri smiled at him.

"Let's go," Service and Regula jumped down. Pardonner jumped down after them. Sayuri touched their foreheads and their ruses were activated.

###############

They walked through the mall towards the food court, they were going to eat first, Sayuri's stomach was growling. Ultimo took Sayuri's hand. Sayuri smiled at him, she kissed his cheek.

"Sayuri," Service took her other hand to get her attention, "What's that?"

"Hmm?" Sayuri looked to see a soda machine, "That's a soda machine Service," She said. Sayuri took out fifty cents and inserted it into the slot and she got lemonade. "Here," She popped the top and handed it to Service, "Now all you have to do is drink it."

"Oh," Service looked it over then sipped the drink then smiled.

Sayuri smiled then looked at everyone else, "Alright who's hungry?" All the dôji raised a hand. Sayuri saw two more hands go up, it was Jealousy and Rune. Sayuri had forgotten that Sayuri had put Jealousy's ruse up the other day. "Hey guys," Sayuri hugged them. "I haven't seen you in a while Rune. Are you moving back?"

"Yeah, it turns out my parents don't like the country as much as they thought they did." Rune told her.

"Yeah I don't much care for the country either," Sayuri said. She looked at Jealousy, "Hey there troublemaker," She teased and gave him a big hug, "Taking off on us are ya?"

"I'm sorry." Jealousy hugged her back.

Sayuri giggled, "It's okay, I was just playing around with you Jealousy." She smiled at him then kissed his forehead. Jealousy grinned at her. "Let's go." She led the way.

############

"Okay, the cost is clear," Sayuri whispered to him, she peeped into the Shin house through the kitchen window then she walked to the front door. She unlocked the door then slowly opened it. Ultimo walked in behind her then she closed the door without any noise. The house was dark; it was midnight. She wasn't going to be in trouble, she had texted Eco letting him know that she was with Ultimo. If she was with Ultimo she could be out as late as she wanted to be, Eco was very linnet with her.

They went to her room. Once she closed the door she turned on the lamp to the lowest light setting. "Ulti," Sayuri sat down and saw Ultimo staring out the window solemnly, "What's the matter?"

"Sayuri-chan," Ultimo looked at his master, "Why would you replace Ulti?"

"Replace you?" Sayuri asked confused, "What are you talking about?" She went to him.

"Jealousy…" Was all Ultimo said then he looking out the window again.

Sayuri cupped his cheek and made him look at her, "Ulti listen to me, I love the both of you but I love you two differently; he's my friend and you're…" She locked her lips with his and kissed him deeply and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ultimo kissed her back and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

Sayuri's hand glided into his soft red hair. She teleported them to the bed; they appeared with her on top. They continued to kiss each other softly as she straddled him. "Ulti, no one could ever replace you, not ever and I would never want to, you understand?"

"Yes ma'am," Ultimo nodded. Small happy tears ran down his face.

Sayuri caressed his cheek and wiped away his tears, "You're my Ulti and always will be," She pulled him to her. They soon moved to lie side by side. Sayuri curled up against Ultimo and they both slowly fell asleep.

############ (The Next Morning)

"We have to do this now or this will never end," Regula bit into the apple Sayuri brought him.

"We haven't seen Vice in weeks," Service sat beside Regula.

"He's no doubt found another master," Slow said.

"Guys, is it possible that the other dôji survived?" Sayuri wondered. "I mean if they did their probably hiding out somewhere recuperating and finding new masters."

"What would make you think that," Ultimo asked her.

"I had a dream last night," Sayuri answered, "I know it's just a dream but still I'm getting this weird feeling in my gut that all of this is far from over."

"Okaasan, like you said it was just a dream," Jealousy leaned against the wall next to Rune.

"Yeah," Sayuri nodded, "Oh well we can talk about this later," She looked at Ultimo, "I need to get to school."

"Yes," Ultimo nodded.

Sayuri parked her bike in the small woodsy area outside the football field. "I'll see you later okay?" Sayuri smiled at Ultimo, who nodded.

He kissed her. Sayuri kissed him back; his lips sweet and soft as ever. "This time wait for me to come and get you, okay Sayuri-chan?"

"Okay, I will." Sayuri said. Ultimo flew off. Sayuri grabbed her pack and ran to the building. She looked up when she heard the wind whistle as if a bomb where coming down. She flew back from the force with a scream. All she heard was a sinister laugh before blacking out. "Ultimo help me! It's Vice," She thought.

################

She moaned awake with her head pounding and her lungs burning. She was lying tied up with a thick coil silver rope in an old living room. She recognized this place. "Vice, she's awake," A voice yelled. Sayuri looked up to see Eater and Hana sitting on the arm of the couch watching her.

"Why that lying double crossing…" Sayuri squirmed and squirmed then was finally able to sit up. Her hands and feet were bound, she was trapped.

Sayuri froze when she saw Vice come in with 'everyone and his brother'. "So I was right, they all survived just like my dream." She thought.

"Hello Sayuri-sama," Vice smirked at her. Sayuri summoned her energy to transport herself out of there, but when she tried to she was greeted with a painful shock, she screamed and fell to the carpeted floor panting. "Careful, you don't want to knock yourself unconscious Sayuri-sama."

Sayuri saw something attached to the rope that she didn't see before, "Sacred Sutra, they cancel out all black magical incantations." They were invisible when attached to a subject and reappeared again when activated.

"You're smarter than you look," Vice kneeled down in front of her, "With these attached to you you're not going anywhere." He said. "And here's something else you should now." Sayuri's eyes went wide and tears ran down her face, she felt her heart being ripped out of her chest when he whispered against her ear, "Your precious little Ultimo…is dead." Vice chuckled to himself at her reaction then he snarled when she said…

"You're lying," Sayuri said. Vice looked at her. "He's not dead, I would have felt it…He's alive and you're a good for nothing dick-sucking bastard."

Vice roared and slapped her across the face and she yelped. "Shut up!" He dragged her up by the hair until her face was even with his, "Do not test me woman. If you want to stay alive you watch your mouth! Do you understand me?" Sayuri glared at him then spit in his face. Vice threw her across the room, she landed with her back to him, she pulled her legs against her; she wriggled and wriggled until her hands were free then her feet. "Are you deaf?" Vice growled, "What did I just tell you?!" Sayuri flinched when he came over to her. "I guess I'm going to have to teach you the hard way." He was standing over her.

Sayuri jumped up then whipped him across the face with the rope with a binding incantation casted on it. Vice couldn't move, "Damn her!" When the others got near him they were caught in the spell.

Sayuri dashed out the door and down the street. Tears were running down her face, "Ulti please let it all be a lie, please be okay." Sayuri kept running; the Sacred Sutra shocked all of her energy away. She ran into the center of the city. If Ultimo was alive he would be looking for her in the city. She made it to the park and collapsed on a bench gasping and panting. No one was around, she was glad.

"Sayuri-chan," She heard Ultimo shout out her name. Sayuri sat up. He ran to her in his ruse.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Ulti wait a minute," He tackle-hugged her and then the bench fell back from the impact. They stood up and Ultimo pulled her to him in a crushing hug.

Ultimo looked at her with an angry frown for once, "Sayuri-chan do you enjoy making me worry so? You told me you were going to wait for me to come and get you."

"Ulti, listen, Vice attacked me and kidnapped me. I was just now able to get away. We have to get out of here now! He'll be here any second!"

"Can you teleport us out of here?" Ultimo brushed back her sweaty hair out of her face.

"No, my energy's been drained," Sayuri leaned against his body for support. "You have to fly us out of here, quickly." Ultimo took her in his arms, then they were airborne. "I didn't mean make you worry Ulti, I'm sorry," Sayuri rested her head against his shoulder.

"Don't be," Ultimo told her. She squealed when they ran into Regula and Pardonner.

"God, Regula what the hell is that head of yours made of?" Sayuri rubbed her forehead.

"Me, what about you, titanium head?" Regula frowned.

"Shut up you two," Pardonner told them, "They're coming."

"Let's just go," Sayuri told them, "They'll be here any minute."

####################

They landed in the grass in front of the old hospital. They went in as Ultimo carried Sayuri inside. All the other dôji and masters gathered around as Ultimo sat her down on the couch.

"They survived, all the evil dôji survived…"

"But how can that be," Service asked.

"I don't know, unless someone brought them back."

"Is there another Black Sorceress," Slow asked her.

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Is it possible for you to sense them out?" Pardonner posed the question.

"I never tried anything like that before actually, but I could try. It just might take me a while."

"Is there some sort or rite or incantation?"

"…I think so. Ulti could you bring me my spell books, please."

"Yes," Ultimo smiled and went to retrieve them. He soon came back with ten thick books.

"Okay, I'm going need your help guys, please. Take one and start reading."

################ (An Hour Later)

Regula sighed and sat down the book that he took when he was done reading, "I got nothing over here." He announced.

"Neither do I," Sayuri said putting down her book and stretched, "Slow, Pardonner, what do you have?"

"Nothing Sayuri-san," Pardonner answered.

"Me neither." Slow put down the book.

"I don't have anything either," Ultimo said. He sat beside Sayuri on her right and Jealousy on her left.

"Wait, I think I do," Jealousy stated, "Okaasan," Jealousy gave Sayuri the book.

Sayuri took the book and stood. The others stood with her. Sayuri went over to the table and held the volume under the lamp. She read the page over. "This is it," She smiled, "You found it Jealousy." She kissed his cheek, "Good job." She read the page again. She didn't notice Ultimo leaving the room.

#############

Sayuri figured out the spell and it turned out there was another Sorceress in the city. They would search for her in the morning.

Sayuri found Ultimo on the roof, staring up at the star filled sky. "Ulti, sweetheart, what're you doing up here?" Ultimo didn't answer her. "Ulti, what's the matter?"

"Jealousy," Ultimo said.

"What about him?"

"You like him better."

"Why would you say that?"

"You know why Sayuri-chan."

"Ulti, we've been through this before, I love you two differently. How many times must I say that?" She sighed when Ultimo didn't say anything or even looked at her. She went to him.

"I don't like him being so close to you. Him just standing next to you, it makes me angry."

"Ulti, would you please stop being so paranoid?"

"Paranoid?" Ultimo wheeled around angrily, "You think me worrying about your safety is paranoia?"

"Jealousy is one of us now. If he were going to hurt me or anyone else wouldn't he have done it by now?"

"You don't know what you're saying."

"Of course I know what I'm saying!"

"No you don't, you don't know dôji as well as you believe you do."

"I guess that goes for you to. For all I know, you could be planning on killing me the moment you don't need me anymore, self-serving jerk." Sayuri said then she went quiet after she realized what she said. "Ulti…Ulti, I didn't mean that…" When she turned a gust of wind knocked her down. Ultimo flew away. "Ulti!"

Sayuri looked up when a gauntlet slipped under her arm. He helped her to her feet, "I'm sorry Okaasan…"

"Don't be sorry, Jealousy," She said. She looked at him with a smile, "You've done nothing wrong." She caressed his cheek as she walked past him and went downstairs. Jealousy followed her. She saw Pardonner in the hall, "Pardonner, I didn't mean what I said."

"I know."

"Why did I say that? Why did I fight with Ulti?" Sayuri felt tears coming to her eyes but she swallowed them back. "…It's late, I should really be getting home. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Sayuri excused herself and went outside to her bike.

"Okaasan…"

"What is it Jealousy?"

"Do you want me to go away?"

Sayuri turned to him surprised, "Of course I don't, Jealousy, I like you being here with me. I really do."

Jealousy gave her a light smile, "Thank you."

"I have to go home now, okay?" Sayuri hugged Jealousy to her, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes," Jealousy hugged her back. Sayuri smile at him and rode away on her bike, struggling back tears.

############

She pulled out her single key ring and unlocked the door and went into the house and took off her shoes. All the lights were off. Eco was out of town with his family going to funeral of a very close friend. She would be all alone, completely alone. She trudged up to her room. She went in, took off her jacket, she tossed her bag and keys on the desk. She collapsed face first onto her bed. She let the tears flow then, she screamed out of frustration at the top of her lungs. Black energy swirled around her as she continued to cry and wail. Her energy grew denser. It began to surround her and create a thick dome. She laid there still as a statue and stared off into nothing, slipping into an empty void. Only two words slipped from her lips when she regressed into a nonreactive state, into a "stage nine" coma-like state, "I'm sorry…"

#############

Ultimo flew back to the hospital once she was gone. That was two days ago and she still hasn't come back. "Do you think we should go check on her at least?" Service asked.

"She'll come back when she's cooled off," Sophia answered him.

"I don't know…"

"Service is right," Regula said, "That's just odd. When Sayuri says 'see you tomorrow' she means 'see you tomorrow'."

"Definitely," Jealousy nodded. He looked at Ultimo, "Ultimo," He said, "How much longer are you going to refuse to go to her?"

Ultimo looked at him, "How much longer are you going to try to take my master away from me, Jealousy," He asked.

"I'm doing no such thing." Jealousy answered. "She's my mother. I have just as much right to be with her and protect her as you do. There's no reason for you to be jealous."

Ultimo looked at him, "You're right…the fact that she help create you often slips my mind when I see you with her…I'm sorry." Jealousy nodded his acceptance of the apology. Ultimo looked to the east when he sensed something, "…This concentration of energy… It's Sayuri-chan's beyond the shadow of a doubt, but the intensity of it at one point…"

"Is Vice nearby," Slow questioned as he stood.

"No," Ultimo said. "Sayuri-chan is alone."

###########

They arrived at her house in little under five minutes. They flew around to her window and saw her lying motionless on the bed with her energy around her. Ultimo opened the window and went in first. The others followed behind him. Ultimo went to the bed and reached out to touch her. The energy zapped electric-like static in result of the intrusion it sensed.

"This dome thing isn't going to let us touch her, is it?" Regula asked aloud.

"It's a defense spell, it activates itself automatically when she becomes unconscious," Vice came through the window, "Normally you don't see it." All the other dôji readied their gauntlets. "Relax. I'm not here to fight."

"Then why are you here?" Pardonner asked.

"I sensed her energy."

"What do you know about this?" Ultimo wondered, "You must know something."

"Not much, all I know is that spell casters call this a 'shock'."

"A 'shock'," Regula arched a brow.

"Yeah, Sayuri-sama told me one time that if a spell caster is under extreme stress or frustration they can induce an accidental energy concentration at their center and push it outward so abruptly that it's too much for them to handle and it ends up putting them in a coma-like state, a 'shock'."

"How long will she be like this?" Pardonner asked.

"There's no telling. I've never seen her go into a 'shock', but she told me that the last sorceress that went into a 'shock' was like this for a year and ended up starving to death. But how long the 'shock' lasts may or may not depend on the level of stress and frustration, but I may be wrong." Vice climbed out the window and flew away.

Ultimo looked at Sayuri-chan, he tried to touch her again but that static swatted his gauntlet away. "…She could die…?" He thought to himself.

"Let's try not to worry about it too much," Pardonner advised, "Worrying won't help her."

Ultimo stayed with her as Jealousy went to Rune and the others went back to the hospital.

Ultimo couldn't stop staring into her blank eyes. She was looking at him but she couldn't see him. Sayuri hadn't move or said anything for three days. Ultimo was no longer angry. He was hurt and worried. He blamed himself for what was happening to Sayuri. He jumped to his feet when a gust of wind came fast and a dôji appeared outside the window. He relaxed when he realized that it was Jealousy.

"How is she?" He asked as he came in. Ultimo shook his head. "…She not mad at you, you know." Jealousy leaned against the wall.

Ultimo looked at him confused, "What do you mean?"

"I'm not saying you're not responsible for this, because you are, you started the fight. What I'm saying is that she's frustrated with herself and mad at herself for fighting with you. She's too hard on herself." Jealousy said.

Ultimo looked at Sayuri, "Sayuri-chan…"

"You should get some rest, you're low on fuel," Jealousy stood erect, "I'll watch over her for now."

Ultimo looked at him then nodded, "Okay." He looked at Sayuri and whispered, "I'm sorry and I'm not mad at you." He got up from the foot of the bed and sat down against the wall and closed his eyes.

##############

"How long has he been like this?" A voice reached Ultimo's ears.

"A few hours," Another voice answered the first. It was Jealousy

"You think we should wake him?" A third voice said. It was Service.

"We should leave him be, he'll wake up on his own." Pardonner told them.

"Okay." The first voice said then Ultimo felt warm lips press against his forehead. The lips pulled away.

Ultimo's eyes slowly opened to blurry light. His eyes focused to see Sayuri crouched before him and Jealousy standing over them. The other dôji stood in the back. They were at the old hospital. "Guys, he's awake," Sayuri announced looking over her shoulder. She looked at Ultimo with a sweet smile, "Hey…" She brushed Ultimo's bangs out of his eyes, "Did you have a nice nap?"

"Sayuri-chan…you're all right," Ultimo hugged her.

Sayuri smiled and hugged him, "Yes, I'm all right Ulti. And I'm sorry for …" Ultimo cut her off by hugging her more tightly against him. Sayuri's smile got bigger and she returned the snug embrace.

Sayuri stood, pulling Ultimo to his feet. "So Vice really came to my house?"

"Yes," Jealousy answered.

"Great." Sayuri said sarcastically. Sayuri looked at Ultimo, who was being quiet, "Ulti, I'm not mad at you," She told him. "Are you mad at me?"

Ultimo shook his head. "No, Ulti is not mad," Ultimo said with a grin. Sayuri smiled.

################

Sayuri sighed as she put down the book. She went through all of them again. Just to pass the time. They were all going to go look for the other Sorceress as soon as Ultimo was back up to speed. Sayuri yawned, it was past midnight. Sitting up on the roof of the old hospital gave her a clear view of the starlit sky. Sayuri yawned again as she lied down with her arm serving as a pillow. She fell asleep in no time. Completely aware that she was being watched, but wasn't concerned. It was only Regula.

Regula looked at the roof access door to see Jealousy. "Where's Ultimo?" Regula asked him.

"He's still shut down," Jealousy answered. He saw Sayuri asleep, "You could have at least taken her inside." He walked over to her.

"She's too big for me to carry."

"Hmph," Jealousy scowled at him. He took Sayuri in his arms. Sayuri wrapped her arms around his neck when she sensed the calm aura. Jealousy carried her downstairs with Regula following him carrying Sayuri's books. Jealousy took Sayuri to Ultimo and laid her down next to him. Ultimo was sitting in the floor against the wall. Sayuri's head was in his lap. "Thanks Jealousy," Sayuri whispered with a light smile.

"You're welcome," Jealousy said. Sayuri fell back asleep, deeply.

"You know sometimes I wonder about her love for Ultimo," Regula sat on the counter.

"Why is that Regula?" Service asked him as he sat bedside Sophia.

"In case you guys forgot, it was Sayuri's magic that saved Ultimo from dying."

"True," Jealousy said, "But she does love him. If Okaasan didn't love him she wouldn't have been able to save Ultimo, even with the aid of her magic. And it's not just Ultimo she cares about, she cares for every one of us dôji." All the dôji looked at the unconscious Sorceress. Sayuri adjusted her head on Ultimo's lap. "Not the same way she loves Ultimo though."

"Jealousy," A voice called the dôji.

"Yes master?" Jealousy turned to see his master in the doorway.

"It's time for us to go." Rune said.

"Yes." Jealousy went to his master.

"Wait," Sayuri's voice caused Jealousy to halt. He turned to look at her. She was sitting up and looking at them. "Don't tell me you're going back there."

Rune simply smiled at her, "No, we're simply going to my house."

Sayuri looked him in the eyes then she looked at Jealousy. "It's all right," Jealousy grinned lightly at her, "He's telling you the truth."

"Okay, don't betray my trust Jealousy." Sayuri told him through telepathy.

"I won't Okaasan." Jealousy said. The two left.

"Be safe you two," Sayuri called out to them in her mind.

"You should get some sleep Sayuri," Service touched her shoulder.

"Okay," Sayuri said. She hugged Service and he hugged her back. Sayuri laid back down, her head in Ultimo's lap.

To Be Continued...