I welcome you to my fourth chapter.

For your information, I'm going to end Swordskill Romance in a few chapters' time. But I thank those readers who kept reading this story. I am forever thankful.

I don't own anything. Enjoy!


Crash.

My hand slipped and the photo frame landed on the floor. My eyes were glued to it. The photo's back. It's back.

No, this can't be happening. No, this can't be happening!

I am very certain it was missing when there was an intruder. Did that person returned the photo? If so, they're bound to return. No intruder would just take something and return it, especially when it's an old photo.

Oh, please, no.

I scanned the bedroom. There was no one around. I scrambled out of bed and turned on the bedroom light. I daren't sleep. What if they're here? Waiting for me to fall asleep, then kidnap me, kill me.

I attempted to stay awake, but after two hours of staring at the ceiling, I gave in to the fatigue. But I didn't forget to put an umbrella next to my bed.


I hesitated at the golden gate. I took another quick glance at the piece of paper in my hand which held an address captive within its solid sides. I punched the doorbell which has jewels embedded on it. The whole mansion seemed to shine. I should have worn something better.

A maid opened the gate and asked who I was looking for.

"Err, Road Kamelot, please."

She nodded her head; her short and straight black locks shook as she did. Then, she let me in and led me to wherever Road was.

We walked through the garden, into the mansion, and through the huge and long hallway. Although it was sparkling outside, the hallway was gothic and gloomy… As I tailed behind the maid, from the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a streak of blond and two white… shirts, maybe? I whipped my head to my right but all I saw were tall pillars with zero people. Weird… but just now, I felt the uneasiness like every day after school.

I felt myself shudder. I really should call the police.

"Here we are, Miss." The maid's words broke my train of thoughts.

I stared at the heart-shaped door. It was framed with gold and had a red-and-black chequered pattern. Wow, how much would that cost?

The maid knocked on the door. "Lady Kamelot, someone is here to see you."

"Come in." The sugar-sweet voice rang in my ears.

The maid opened the door and revealed Road. She had her blue hair spiked up as usual; her black mini-dress suited perfectly with a purple ribbon on her collar. She looked up, saw me, and rushed towards me in high speed.

"Dakota, you came just in time! Have you brought it?" She asked. I held up a paper bag. "Yeah."

After the maid left, I was shown to Road's gigantic bathroom in her room. I got the clothing out of the bag and put it on. If you guessed, it's the midsummer party clothes. I walked out of the room and Road dragged me to the make-up section. Yes, in her room.

"Hmm, blue eye shadow will suit your sharp green eyes and black hair." She said as she examined me. I raised an eyebrow.

"Erm, Road, I think I'm fine just like that. It's not prom or anything, I don't really need makeup-"

"Nonsense!" Road cut me off. "A girl's gotta look good, every single girl in the universe! And that includes you!" She took out some eye shadow and applied a sky blue colour on my eyelids. She also applied eyeliner. Then, she proceeded to take out some blush powder.

"Er… Road…" I started. "I think I look great now… So, I don't think I need the blu-"

Road stared at me. "Come on, I say you need it!"

I sighed. "Just this one. No more, alright?"

"…Okay."

She swiftly put some blush and she was done. "You would have looked better if I put some glitter…"

"Road…"

"Okay, okay. No more. So, I'm done with the make-up. You can take a look."

I looked at myself in the mirror.

Whoa.

Yes, whoa.

I always look like a clown when I apply make-up, always. I have to thank Road for her talented skills of applying make-up.

"Thanks, this is great!" I exclaimed, beaming at her. She then offered to give me a ride to the school. And she said she's not giving in this time.


Outside the School

As we got close, I kind of peeked at my friends, who were making their way into the school, from the car window. Lou Fa had a long-sleeved black knee-length dress. She looked really different without her glasses. Quite pretty, I must say. Gulping and with some encouragement from Road, I stepped out of the car.

I looked around nervously and tried to curve the side of my lips up. I saw many female schoolmates wearing either those that bling or those that looked real good on them. I started to lose confidence (which I had already) but something at the back of my head screamed in a tiny voice. "Don't let Road down! If you look down on yourself, you are actually letting Road and yourself down! Don't fail her and proudly show what she had done for you!"

Yes,,I replied to myself.

I smiled confidently and walked towards the school, careful not to trip. I spotted Lavi and Kanda at the side of the hall.

"Hi Lavi, Kanda." I greeted them. Lavi grinned at me.

"You look good today, Dakota." He complimented.

I smiled. "Why, thank you."

Kanda rolled his eyes.

Everyone was there. Lenalee was twirling with Allen (I didn't expect the two of them to be here. Lavi probably invited them though). I fidgeted nervously and looked down on my feet. Bad memories of the time when I attempted to dance flooded back at me.

Lavi's POV

I looked at Dakota. She seemed nervous. Maybe she needs a dancing partner to calm her down. I can't, Chomesuke's my dancing partner. I turned to Yuu.

Why didn't I think of this earlier? I'm such a genius!

"Hey Yuu."

He glared at me. "What?"

I grinned. "Truth or Dare?"

He stared at me as if I was crazy or something. "Why would I want to play such a stupid game?"

"Oh… Seems like someone is chickening out…" I teased him.

"…Fine! Dare!"

Heh, it was so easy to make he choose dare. That's why I find him so cute!

"So… I dare you to… ask Dakota to be your dancing partner."

"…Stupid rabbit."

"Come on!" I exclaimed. "You won't back up, if not, you're a chicken!"

"… Whatever." He walked towards Dakota.

I grinned again. I'm so awesome. I could be a matchmaker next time. It's totally my thing.

Dakota's POV

I felt footsteps coming closer. I turned to the direction of the footsteps. It was Kanda.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

He remained silent. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Anything you need-"

"W-Would… you… like to… J-Just dance with me, weakling." He growled.

I stared at him. Was that an invitation to dance with me?

"I…" I was about to reject him, when I saw Lavi's cheeky face. I inwardly sigh. Must be him and his playful tactics again. Then again, it must have took a lot for Kanda to say it. I shouldn't hurt his pride further.

"It… would be nice."

Gulping hard, I took his hand and followed his steps. I tried. I really tried, to prevent myself from stepping on him. I looked at my feet to make sure.

Kanda sighed. "Stop looking at your weakling, baka. You think I'd let you step on me? It would be the greatest embarrassment of all time if you did."

I frowned at him. "Watch me."

I tried to but he swiftly shifted his away. My foot made hard contact on the floor. I felt a throbbing pain on my foot. I bit back a hiss. He smirked.

"That'll teach you, weakling."

I said nothing.

Much to my relief, the song ended and I immediately released my grip. I am never ever going to dance with him again. Never.

"By the way," He started. I was hoping to hear some nice comment, but it's Kanda.

"Your dancing sucks." I knew it.

I glared at him. "So you think you're better. I doubt anyone would want to dance with you, brat! I was looking at my feet so I won't land some kicks on you!" With that, I stomped off, grumbling away.

I went out into the green walkway. Between every building, there will be a small walkway with trees and such. It's really pretty when it snows.

I made my way to the bench and sat on it. There's no one here – everyone's having the time of their lives in the gym – so I had the whole place all to myself. I would also have time to think.

Kanda, that idiot. I know my dancing sucks, no need for him to add in my anger and embarrassment. He's always pissing me off. What's his problem? He's annoying, has anger issues, insults too much.

But nevertheless, I somehow liked to argue with him. Indeed, I dislike his insults, but I do enjoy talking back and thinking of some smart response. Is it what they call the 'love-hate relationship'?

…Did I just say that? Does that mean… I like him?

No no no no no… It must be my raging hormones that misled me. And someone like Kanda wouldn't like a someone like me. Ever.

"…Hey, weakling."

I turned my head around. Kanda had his thumbs jammed into his pockets.

I blinked. "What?"

He glanced sideways. "…Nothing much. Just wondering if you got abducted when you came out."

I scoffed. "Yeah. I got abducted alright. What you're seeing is just a mere illusion."

He rolled his eyes at my lame sarcasm. "Whatever."

…I guess we're cool, I think.

"But your dancing still sucks," He added. I scoffed once more, but a smirk was present.

"Can you for once, not be insulting?"

"I have the right to say anything I want, and there is no rule of not being allowed to insult a particular person with the name Dakota Sasura."

I glared at him. "Oh, so I guess there's no rule of not being allowed to talk back or even step on a particular person with the name of Kanda Yuu."

Kanda replied as if he hadn't heard me. "Which means I can call you weakling whenever and wherever I want, weakling."

I opened my mouth to shoot back another response, but the ringing of my phone cut me off. I mumbled an 'excuse me' and picked up the call. It was Aunt Lulubell.

"Hello?"

"Hello?" A female voice asked at the other end. It wasn't Aunt Lulubell. "I am calling from the hospital. Do you happen to be a family member of Lulubell?"

My heart raced. Aunt Lulubell had always been healthy, although she usually stays at home. But she takes good care of herself.

"Y-Yes. I am her niece." I attempted to keep my voice steady, though wild thoughts were racing in my mind. Kanda shot me a look that showed a tiny bit of concern. But I was too worried to take notice.

"Ms Lulubell had fallen a flight of stairs and knocked her head against the wall," She went on. How could she sound so calm? "She is currently unconscious; could you come to the hospital right now?"

I nodded my head, even though I knew she could not see it, and I cut the call. I stared at the ground, shaking all over. Unconscious? Aunt Lulubell has a chance of suffering a coma or a concussion. Worse comes to worse… brain damage, if the impact was too great for her to handle it.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Kanda asked, a little more worried this time.

"M-My aunt… She injured her head, and she's currently unconscious." All the unimaginable and worst thoughts ran in my head. "Oh my gosh, w-what should I do? W-What if she wouldn't wake up, o-or-"

"Get a hold of yourself, weakling!"

I shook at Kanda's voice. He was glaring at me.

"Che, weakling. Don't just sit there and tremble like some kind of idiot! Aren't you supposed to go to the hospital now?"

I nodded and took a deep breath. That cleared my mind. "You're right. T-Thank you, Kanda."

He 'che'd and looked away.

I was about to walk off to hail a taxi, but he asked, "You want me to drive you there? It's faster."

I stared at him. That… was unexpected.

Kanda realised what I was thinking and glared at me. "You think I did that because I wanted to help you? I just don't want to stay here with that idiotic rabbit."

Despite the current situation, I grinned. Didn't know he could cheer me up.


AT THE HOSPITAL

I rushed to the counter, crashing into it. "I'm looking for Lulubell, please!" The counter girl did not seem fazed, though, and she glanced at the computer screen. "It's on your right, number 13."

As Kanda and I rushed to the location, my stomach churned. Thirteen? To most, it is not a good number. I bit my lip, trying not to think of the worst.

When we reached there, the curtain was closed. I prayed nothing wrong will happen. "Aunt Lulubell is always helping others, not expecting anything in return. She is such a nice lady, why did this happen to her? Please don't let anything go wrong…" I was jittery by then, looking around, trying to calm my nerves.

At this moment, the curtain opened and a surgeon stepped out. I ran to him. "Doctor, how's my aunt? Is she okay?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "She suffered bruises, and the impact on her head is quite serious. We have to perform a brain scan or even operation, to take a closer look." I managed a gulp. I felt Kanda's eyes on me, probably wondering if I was going to lose it. But I kept my emotions under control, even though they could break out anytime.

They performed a brain scan on her. I prayed even harder, and Kanda tried to convince me it was going to be alright.

"That aunt of yours seems strong to me. I think she'll be fine." He managed in an awkward tone, but it brought my anxiety down a little.

Just then, the same surgeon came out of the room. I stood up. "H-How is she?"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. It seems that your aunt had suffered internal bleeding. We'll have to perform a surgery on her right now."

I didn't know what to say. All I could let out was: "Please make sure she'll be okay."

She was transferred to the E.R. Kanda and I were sitting on a nearby bench. I sat there, wide-eyed, pale-faced; the churning of my stomach had gotten worse.

Kanda's phone vibrated. Ignoring the fact that no phone calls should be made or received in the hospital, he picked it up. I could pick out things like 'stupid rabbit', 'boring party, went home first', 'didn't see that weakling', such.

When he cut his call, I flashed him a relieved look. "T-Thank you."

He just looked away. "Not like I care."

…Hours later…

The E.R. sign was turned off; the door burst open. I rushed to the doctor. "Is my aunt alright?" I sounded stupid, but that was all I could think of and ask for.

The doctor nodded his head. "The operation was successful, we've stopped the bleeding, all is needed is her will to recover fast. If things go as planned, she will be awake after a few days. However, we're not sure if she would suffer memory loss. If she does, we'll have to see about it. But trust me, your aunt is a strong woman, she will be able to make it through."

I asked if I could see her; and he led me to a private room, where laid my aunt. She looked peaceful and calm, but the beeping noise of the heart monitor, and the bags of blood and water; tubes sticking to her and her bandaged head reminded me of the situation she was in.

"Aunt Lulubell…" I choked back tears, ready to cry anytime.

Kanda half-groaned. "Enough of the crying, weakling. Even the doctor said that she can make it, why are you still breaking down like some idiot?"

I looked up. He's right. I shouldn't break down and cry like a baby when Aunt Lulubell suffered so much more. The worse is over, she will be alright.


Kanda's POV

I offered to drive her home. Hey, even though I hate her, that doesn't mean I'll just dump her in the hospital or on the streets.

Still, I can't shrug off that weird feeling that we're being watched. Being a fencer for such a long time, my sense have heightened, and I could get a better grip of my surroundings, or it could just be me, since that rabbit couldn't sense that much.

It's like there's someone watching our every move, even while in the hospital. I've been feeling that every time I'm around Dakota. Just… what kind of feeling is that?

Throughout the journey, no conversation was made. I was not a talkative person to begin with, unlike the rabbit, and I'm used to the silence. That weakling didn't make any initiative to, either.

Soon, her house came to our view. I stopped in front of it. Dakota turned to me slowly.

"T-Thank you, Kanda."

I grunted. "Stop with the thanking, it's annoying."

A small smile made its way to her lips. "Even though the statement's a compliment?"

"Even though the statement's a compliment. Che."

She let out a small chuckle. Guess she was feeling better. Che, why do I care about this weakling? She can get eaten up for all I care.

"You know, you're quite humorous, even though you really can be an annoying jerk at times," she stated. I rolled my eyes. Besides this weakling, Lavi was the only who would say such stuff to me. She smiled at me before exiting the car and into her house.

Just then, I looked into the side mirror. I spotted some shadows. I could see a streak of golden, most likely hair. I frowned, just what in the world are they-

I felt the uncomfortable feeling getting stronger when I noticed them. Could I have harboured this feeling from them? Were they the ones watching us?

I turned the car and sped towards their direction, trying to catch a glimpse of how they looked like before they could run away. I drove past, trying not to make it seem obvious.

There was no one. No one in sight. They just disappeared. So did their aura. I couldn't feel them at all.

I frowned. There is no way I'm having an illusion. An illusion of people.


After School

Dakota's POV

I walked out of the school, heading to the bicycle area. Lavi was standing there. He grinned when he saw me. Kanda glared at me as I neared them.

"Hey, young lady, you look great yesterday," Lavi said, "Hope you had fun with our fellow friend here. He rarely dances and socialise, so you're pretty lucky-"

"Shut up, rabbit!"

"-And he must really like you!"

I stared at Lavi, not knowing what to say. Because I don't know how to respond without triggering Kanda and embarrassing the both of us, and also because I was blushing. A lot.

Unfortunately, Lavi noticed my reddened cheeks and turned to Kanda. "Hey, Yuu! She's blushing! That means she likes you-"

Kanda shot him a deathly glare. "Shut. Up. Or I'll kill you for real."

Lavi sweatdropped. "G-Got it."

I shook my head and sighed. "I'll just leave the two of you here. I have somewhere to go."

Lavi nodded with a grin. Kanda said nothing, but I'm certain he knew where I was going.

I waved them goodbye and rode off. The weird feeling is still there. And it's getting stronger.

I'm being watched. I'm being watched. I'm being-

Stop thinking about it. The top priority is to get to the hospital and see how she's doing. To me, there's no one I love more than my mum and Aunt Lulubell. I picked up speed.

I reached the hospital and quickly made my way to her ward. I knocked on the door. No response. Oh yes, she'll only wake up in a few days' time. Maybe the day after tomorrow?

I stepped in the room, and noticed that she looked better than last night. Not much bandages and more colour had returned to her face. I sat on the chair beside the bed as I unpacked my bag. I placed a photograph with her and her friend named Mimi on the table, (to let her feel better: Mimi seemed like a close friend) and then started babbling to her.

"Hi, how are you? Did you know there was a midsummer party yesterday? It was quite fun, though I quarrelled with Kanda for the thousandth time." I stared at her, something coming into my mind. "Aunt Lulubell, d-do you think… I might like him? I mean, I enjoy getting into an argument with him. Yes, at first I was really annoyed, but gradually, I find it fun to argue with him."

I paused.

"Wait, I sound like a sadist and a masochist." I blinked. I tried to think of how to make the rest of the conversation sound more… normal.

"He offered to drive me to here and back home. I mean, that might be expected, but I'm still quite grateful. He might not be the best comforter, but he was there when I needed someone the most." I smiled to myself. "He may not be the most gentlemanly guy, or the most hilarious guy, but I like him the way he was. Somehow, I got attracted to that annoying, insulting, and cranky rude fellow."

I smiled to myself. "Sheesh, I sounds so mushy and lovestruck. But I don't think a guy like that would like me. He looked like he would go for a sophisticated girl."

I stopped talking and sat there, concentrating on the heart monitor. I grabbed some homework to do. After a while, I chatted once more, I told Aunt Lulubell about the times after I entered the academy, but I didn't mention the weird feeling. I didn't want to bother Aunt Lulubell with my paranoia. Slowly, time passed and it was seven in the night.

"I've got to go. See you tomorrow, Aunt Lulubell. Wake up soon." I held her hand for a moment. It was a little cold. I left the hospital. I ate dinner at the mall before riding home. The weird feeling's back and it's getting stronger. And it's following me home.

That night, I left the bedroom light on, with my umbrella at my bedside once more.

"Hey, when are we going to take action?"

I blinked at the unfamiliar voice.

"Don't know. Sooner or later, we don't want her to call the cops."

I looked around, but everything was pitch black.

"Hehe, we're going to have so much fun when we get her!"

Who are they talking about?

"It's been a while since we had a victim!"

"Imagine the blood she'll cough out!"

"I can't wait!"

I jolted awake.

I shot up of bed, the alarm clock going off. As I scanned my dim surroundings, I found myself gasping away. I placed my hand on the back of my neck. I was sweating away.

J-Just what kind of nightmare is that?

I got ready, still shaken by the dreadful dream. I found one of the voices familiar, though. But who in the world are they?

Getting on the bicycle, I rode to school. I was jittery than ever. What's with all the paranoia, Dakota? Stop making up illusions, you'll go crazy if this goes on! Still, as time passed, I began to calm down.

I parked the bicycle and dragged myself to the classroom. I occupied my mind with projects and such-

Crash.

Yelping, I stumbled backwards. I glared at whoever crashed into me.

Kanda.

And he was glaring back.

"Watch where you're going, weakling," He growled.

I rolled my eyes. I walked past him, not looking back. "We're going to be late."

"Who says I'm going to be?" I heard him said. I let out a small chuckle as I quickened my footsteps. Hey, I don't want to be late, unlike that idiot.

Kanda's POV

She seemed out of place today. Shifty eyes, dark eye circles, if you know what I mean. And normally, she would have come out with a few more insults to talk back at me. But they're all useless to me anyway. That weakling.

Could this be because of those two weirdos yesterday. They seemed connected.

Hmpf, don't want to care about it right now. I have more meaningful stuff to care about. Now, if you could get out of my way.


After School

Dakota's POV

I visited Aunt Lulubell again. The doctor said that she's getting better and sooner or later, she would wake up. Nothing could describe how relieved I was. I glanced at my aunt, and smiled. Her hand felt warmer.

Things are going to get better, it seems…

After that, I had dinner and rode straight home. I took a light shower and fell asleep.


Tap tap tap tap.

My eyes shot open.

What was that?

Tap tap.

A wave of familiar unease set in once more.

Getting used to the dark surroundings, I got out of bed and flung open the curtains.

Nothing, just yellow streetlights shining down on the empty streets. Nothing unusual.

I sighed. Must be some birds or wind.

I closed the curtains.

A cold hand clamped over my mouth and nose.

Someone is in my house. Someone is in my room. Someone is holding me.

I panicked.

I twitched my hands.

Something held them together.

"Long time no see, Dakota."

And I thought there was only one intruder.


That's right, a cliffhanger. I apologise if I didn't write it well.

I'm sorry if I rushed this edited version. I'm trying to make Kanda suspect something enough to make him curious, I hope it wasn't too much. And I hope my OC isn't too Mary-Sue here.

I added some code in those tapping. I wonder if you can decipher them.

Still, R&R please. Reviews are appreciated.