Note: This wasn't nearly as hard to write…YAY!! Now modified and gramaticaly weller! sniggers I'm funny...


Mashiro collapsed on her bed, staring at the ceiling. It was dark outside now, the day nearing its end. She put her hands over her face in frustration. She had been visiting Aries frequently concerning various political issues, and dealing with too much paperwork. Just as it was starting to calm down two dead guys had to come and spark up more chaos for her to deal with. While she didn't regret her decision to put everything she could into becoming a better queen, it seemed her problems and work never ended anymore. She sighed and let her hands fall to either side. Hopefully this wasn't going to be anything she'd lose sleep over. She had gotten better at controlling her anger and become more patient as the months went by, no longer the impatient demanding brat she had been. Aoi even commented on how much better she had become, her level of maturity now. With her development came responsibility she was still learning to deal with.

She sighed and rolled onto her side, looking out the large window from which moonlight illuminated the room. The moon was almost full, the Hime star flickering idly by its side. It seemed to spread a calm feeling within her as a weak smile spread across her face. She felt suddenly relaxed as everything seemed not to matter. She faintly heard Aoi talking with some unidentifiable voice as she slipped into a welcome slumber.


Chie flew high in the sky, close to Aya. Along with her power of fire, she could channel her energy into thermal vision. Chie was almost blind in the darkness, barely making out the shapes of the buildings below her. Aya frantically scanned the land for any signs or two or three figures on the ground below. An older woman had called in to the station panicked, saying there was two bodies just outside the border. There had been some loud noises but she wasn't fast enough to see what had caused it all. Aya stared towards the southern border as her face lit up and she turned back to Chie.

"I think I found them!" She said excitedly. "Over that way!"

"Alright, let's go then." Chie zoomed after Aya as she quickly descended to the border walls. As they neared the ground, Chie could barely make out two figures on the ground, one looked like a child. She swallowed hard at the thought it may have been a student. Aya lit a bright flame in her hand as they landed. Hurrying over, Chie soon saw bright orange hair from the larger figure, and as she got closer…

"Mai!" She quickly ran to the Meister's side, seeing she was still unconscious on her side. She rolled her over onto her back and checked the pulse in her neck. It was slow, but stable. Assuming the other figure was Mikoto, she hurried over to the small god to check on her, as she heard Mai stirring awake. She stopped and looked back as Mai sat up on the grass.

"Where's…the monster?" She looked around slowly as she began rubbing her neck and shoulder.

"Whatever attacked you isn't here anymore it seems." Mai starred at Chie for a moment, trying to make out her face. She turned her attention back to Mikoto and knelt down to check her pulse as well. Though the second she got near her, she was flung away with a swift blow to her stomach and was sent flying. She landed on her back, feeling some air escape her. As she sat back up, Mai shot up shaking a little.

"Mikoto! Don't!" She staggered towards her small friend but soon collapsed, gripping her head as Mikoto looked around at the sound of her name, confused in the darkness. Aya hurried over to Mai with Chie, seeing Mikoto seemed to be fine. Mai sat down on the ground, continuing to hold her head.

"What's wrong Mai?" Chie crouched down beside her with a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm so…dizzy." She whimpered. "And it hurts." Mikoto ran over to the three.

"You don't remember?" She asked as she got on all fours looking at Mai. Mai lifted her face.

"Remember…oh, did it attack me?" Mikoto nodded vigorously as she sat down cross-legged. Chie reached up to her earring.

"Yoko? Are you there?" She watched Mai as she waited for a response. She seemed very disoriented, and judging from the spot she was massaging she was hit close to the head. She heard a beep from her earring.

"Yes, I'm here now. What's up?"

"We've found Mai and Mikoto outside the border. It seems Mai's been injured, but we aren't sure about Mikoto. We're going to bring them over there."

"Ah, I see. I'll be waiting then." Chie lowered her hand as she stood up and placed it on her hip.

"Now, Mai. Do you think you can fly?" Mai looked up at her with a tired look. Even if she said yes it didn't look safe to try.

"I might, a little maybe." Mai stood with help from Aya, holding her hand with the flame away. As she was on her feet Aya let go. "Materialize-whoa." As her robes appeared, she staggered a little, putting a hand to her head.

"Are you ok?" Aya asked, reaching out for her again. Mai shook her head slightly.

"Yeah, just got a little dizzy." She straightened herself up and tested her body's movements. Mikoto stood up from the ground resting her staff on her shoulder. "I feel a lot better now. It still hurts but I think I can fly on my own."

"Alright then, just stay close to us." She turned to look at Mikoto who looked ready to jump on Mai. "Although…should Mikoto fly with Aya instead?" Mai paused for a moment, looking back at the small girl.

"Yeah…that's probably better to do. If something goes wrong I don't want her to get hurt." Mai said, seeing Mikoto pouting. "Don't pout. If it's not too late I'll make you some ramen when we get back ok?" Mikoto's face lit up as she smiled and nodded. She jumped onto Aya's back, causing her to stumble forward a bit.

"Whoa, you're actually a bit lighter than I thought." Mikoto gave Aya a blissful smile.

"By the way Mai, what happened exactly?" The girl paused for a moment.

"Well…Mikoto wanted to come check it out here since one of her cat friend said something weird was going on, and we found a monster carrying…a cart." Her expression faltered to a blank stare.

"A cart of what?" Aya asked. Mai didn't move, but continued to stare.

"Dead bodies…" Chie felt an eerie chill run down her spine.

"And…a monster was carrying it?" Chie queried. Mai slowly nodded as she absently massaged her neck. Chie looked around her anxiously, suddenly feeling like something was close by. She held her gaze at a large rock formation barely visible in the darkness, she thought she saw something behind it. Slowly, she turned back to the group.

"Should we get going now?" Aya asked timidly.

"You three go." Chie said, unsheathing her cane. "I'm gonna hang back and check out the area some more. Aya, could you lend me some help?" Knowing what she meant, Aya walked over to her and a dim orange glow formed around her hand. As she lifted it to Chie's head, it glowed brighter, and Chie's eyes had a faint reflecting glow. A moment later it faded, but the glow against Chie's eyes remained.

"There ya go." Aya stepped back a bit. Chie could feel weak warmth from her eyes now.

"Thanks, I'll catch up with you guys soon."

"Be careful Chie!" Mikoto hollered as Aya and Mai flew into the night sky. Everything appeared to Chie in a dim shade of orange as she scanned the ground. There were some spots of grass that had been dug up, and she assumed it was from the fight. The spots where Mai and Mikoto had been still had small traces there of their body heat. She looked back at the rock formation, and noticed small spots on the left side of it. Cautiously, she approached the rock, expecting anything to pop out and bracing herself for an attack. She took slow steps towards the rock, poised to parry as she drew her cane out. To her surprise, it was neither a monster nor a sinister stranger. An elderly looking man stepped from behind the rock, with his hands held up. Chie stopped, examining him closely. Something about him looked very strange. Something…unnatural. She could barely see his eyes under thick eyebrows.

"Who are you?" She called out. He stood still, not responding to Chie. She held her cane aimed at him. "Answer me." The man remained silent, but slowly lowered his arms and brought his hands together, as he quickly began flicking his fingers into vague hand signs. Confused, Chie stood and watched, and after a few moments he subtly aimed his fingers at her and froze. They both stood still for a few moments. Expecting something to happen, Chie stood fast in her position, still poised to counter any attack the man was about to make. But nothing came. Subconsciously, she lowered her cane to her side as a strange feeling washed over her. The warmth around her eyes was slowly leaving as her vision in the dark went with it. She barely saw the man fall onto the dirt like a limp ragdoll and deteriorate into the ground. She didn't care. She turned around and gently lifted off the ground, guiding herself buy the light of the houses below back to the Mausoleum. She felt very distant and automatic suddenly, and uncaring about much anything else around her.


Nao sat on the opposite side of Natsuki and Shizuru. Her arms were folded and her legs crossed as she stared out the window of the vehicle, watching the scenery pass by. Natsuki had asked her to come along for added womanpower and whatever reason. Shizuru had talked to her about Natsuki's strange actions lately, and she could see the differences in her actions and movements. Languid and ambiguous. She glanced over at the young headmaster, seeing she was staring at the floor of the car, sitting relaxed with her hands between her legs and her head bowed down. She seemed more tired than occupied in her thoughts, Nao thought. Next to her Shizuru set with her hands folded in her lap with perfect posture. It was almost like a before and after picture with the two sitting next to each other. As the silence was starting to get to her, she cleared her throat a little.

"So the first thing we do is go check on Nagi, right?" She said, voicing her thoughts.

"Yes, since he's the most likely suspect." Shizuru replied. "But if he's not we will question other prisoners there."

"I don't have any idea who else it might be though." Natsuki lifted her head slightly to look up, not directly at either of them. "Other than a random rebellious group, but I guess that doesn't really count."

"Perhaps we should worry more about it until we've questioned the workers there." Shizuru suggested. "Rather than working up stress now." Nao glanced back out the window as she uncrossed her legs and leaned on them. A sudden thought crossed her mind as her senses kicked in and reality slapped her.

"I just thought about something…" She said, almost feeling stupid. "Maybe it's just because I'm a night crawler and I'm used to it, but it is pretty late. Why are we going to one of the most dangerous prisons in the land at practically midnight?" Natsuki looked up at her like it just occurred to her as well.

"We have a place in Artai to stay, but we have to do this as soon as we can." Shizuru spoke up. Nao leaned back into the seat looking at Shizuru for a moment. If it did turn out to be serious, this was the best action to take she guessed. She yawned as she stretched herself out on the seat.

"Well, wake me up when we get there." She said drifting off.

"Will do." Shizuru smiled gently as she looked over at Natsuki. The blue haired girl seemed very tired and fatigued. "You should probably get some rest as well, Natsuki." She looked up at Shizuru and formed a weak smile.

"I guess…I am pretty tired anyway." She let her head fall back onto the seat as her eyes fluttered shut. "It's not that far away though is it?"

"There's still plenty of time to get some rest." Shizuru countered as she moved a little closer to the half conscious headmaster. She reached over and gently brushed her cheek with her fingers, provoking a weak smile from Natsuki's lips as she fell fast asleep.


"Aha! Here it is!" He reached down and picked up a very old looking trinket. He blew the dust off and wiped the dirt off of it to reveal something resembling a long arrow, with curves and three curved horns at the end of it. "Is this what you meant?"

Yes…

"Good, good." He glanced around the musty ruins as he slipped the artifact into his pocket. "Is there anymore here that I can get in time?"

How much time is left…?

"About ten, maybe fifteen minutes." He replied as he knelt down brushing through the debris to make sure there was nothing buried.

The room down the hall…

"Alrighty then." He jumped up and climbed over a large fallen pillar. He ran through the large room, his footsteps echoed loudly off the walls as he maneuvered around large rocks and debris. "You seem to be rather polite today." He entered the hallway where the ceiling dropped down to where it was only a few feet above his head.

I just want to get out of this place and get what I've been promised you maggot.

"That's more like you." He taunted as he turned into the small room. Looking around it, there was a bookcase against the wall across from him, only a few books on it, and a table on the right wall with a chest on it. "The chest?"

Yes…

He walked over to the table, stepping over a large brick. He examined the chest closer, having spikes along the edges of it and the lid was curved inward. It appeared to be made of black wood, but unlike everything else here it looked like it was brand new and not a speck of dust on it.

Before you grab it…

Black energy surrounded his hands suddenly, pouring off like a thick gas. He reached out to the chest to open it. It required a key, but with the energy around his hands he forced it open with a grunt and the cloth inside seemed to glow a bright red. Inside sat a deep purple gem, with sharp edges and perfect cuts. It looked like it fit into something.

Yes…take it…

He reached in slowly to carefully wrap his fingers around the gem. The edges did not cut him as he gingerly pulled it out of its home. The gem had a faint glowing inside, a sinister red glow. "What is this exactly?"

You'll see in time…after I get out. Take out the other device…

He reached into his pocket and took out the sharp arrow. He held both in either hand as black energy enveloped them both and soon disappeared. A smile curled its way onto his lips. "Is there anything more we have to get before we're ready?"

Find the incantation…and simply time…

"I'll have to find the incantation another day, I'm out of time now." He said as he hopped over the brick in the doorway and hurried down the hall back into the large room. He quickly glanced around for anything he might have missed as he sped along to the exit of the ruins. As he neared the exit, light was illuminating more of the ruins. He stepped out into the cool air of night, looking around for the guard. He was leaning against the wall unconscious. He walked over to him as black energy covered his hand once again and he waved his hand in front of the guards face, bringing him back to consciousness.

"Huh, wha?" He stuttered as he straightened himself. He put his hands behind his back and smiled at the guard.

"I'm done for the day, ready to go back?" He said innocently. The guard stood for a moment, then reached into his bag and pulled out handcuffs.

"Right, even though you've been on excellent behavior, I still have to put these on." He said, as he cuffed his hands.

"I understand completely." He walked behind the guard back to the armored vehicle. As the guard opened the door to the back, he climbed inside and sat on the floor, leaning against the wall. He smiled smugly to himself in the dark as the guard shut the doors.

Soon…

"Indeed."


"Chie! You're back sooner than I thought." Aya said as Chie walked inside the Library.

"Huh…?" She looked up dumbly at Aya, causing her to step back a little. "Oh…yeah, there wasn't anything weird." Chie walked passed Aya and down the hall as she followed her. Aya watched Chie as her posture seemed very slack and lazy. While Chie was never very professional and uptight, she never acted like this. Though it was very late in the night, so perhaps she was just tired. Chie turned into the medical wing and went straight down the hall, Aya close behind her. At the end of the hall, the door was open to the room they were going to, the other three inside. Yoko peaked out the door and saw them coming.

"Hey, back so soon?" She called down. Chie didn't respond but kept walking as she entered the room. Mai was sitting on a table and Mikoto was curled up next to her fast asleep. Mai looked up as Aya followed Chie in.

"Oh hey, did you find anything?"

"No." Chie replied curtly as she slumped into a chair by the door. Aya stood in the doorway, feeling unsure of what to do. Chie just didn't seem like herself. Yoko eyed her for a moment as she walked over to her.

"Are you sure nothing happened…?" She watched her movements carefully as Chie looked up at her.

"Yeah…I'm sure." She said as she leaned back into the chair. Yoko stood for a moment, continuing to watch Chie. Aya walked over to Mai and Mikoto and stood by them as Yoko knelt down in front of Chie. Wordlessly, she reached up to her chin and leveled her eyes with her own, examining them. Chie didn't pull away, simply sitting there as Yoko turned her chin slightly. She paused for a moment before she stood up.

"Chie, would you mind if I asked you to come with me for a moment?" Chie shook her head as she stood up. "If you three could wait here for just a bit, I'll be back soon." With that, she walked out of the room as Chie followed her. Mai and Aya watched as they left, and silence filled the room.

Maybe something is wrong with Chie… Aya thought to herself as she looked at the floor. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mai make a movement towards Mikoto as she was thinking of something to say.

"How is your injury?" She asked her as she looked up. Mai looked as if she hadn't expected the question.

"Oh, it's fine. Just some bruises." Automatically Aya look at her neck to see a large bruise, and it certainly looked worse than a bruise. She saw Mikoto reach up and tug on Mai's sleeve as she sat up from her curled position on the table, rubbing her eye with her other hand.

"Maaii." She groaned. "Can't you make some ramen now?"

"We need to wait for Chie and Yoko to get back." Mai smiled as she messed with Mikoto's hair. Mikoto hung her head and let out another groan as Aya reached into her pocket and pulled out some crackers.

"I have these if you want." Mikoto looked up quickly and her face lit up as she lunged out at Aya's offer. She snapped her hand back feeling like Mikoto was about to rip it off and she fiercely opened the package and devoured the crackers.

"Don't be so greedy Mikoto, what do you say?" Mai laughed as the small god stopped and looked back at Aya.

"Fghnk Ygh!"

"Swallow first." Mai rolled her eyes as Mikoto swallowed and smiled back Aya.

"Thank you!"

"You're…welcome." Aya relaxed a little, still a little shocked from the small girl's reaction. What a strange couple they make…


"This won't take long, just step in there for a minute." Yoko said, motioning to a large glass cylinder in the corner of the dim room. Chie nodded and stepped inside as the glass door slid aside. "I just wanna do a quick scan on you, something seems strange."

"Ok…" Chie didn't question Yoko as the door shut with a mechanical click. Yoko walked over to the terminal next to the cylinder and with swift keystrokes activated the machine. The monitor next to the keyboard lit up with several images as a white gas filled the cylinder. It was meant to relax the person inside. The monitor showed muscular and chemical make up in Chie's body and the activity below them. Just as she was about to start a scan, she noticed something in the chemical image. If it detected something strange, it would show up red. There was red all around Chie's brain. Feeling her heart skip a beat, Yoko quickly focused the scan around her head and started another monitor showing her brain waves. As she the diagnostic scan started, she looked closer at the chemical and brain wave monitor. Whatever was surrounding her brain didn't seem to be very aggressive, and unmoving. The terminal made a small beep catching her attention, the diagnostic finished very fast. She examined the information it displayed, seeing it was very sparse.

"Strange…" She muttered to herself, whatever was interfering was labeled nonlethal but potentially harmful. Whatever it was, it seemed to be focused only on causing imbalances in the serotonin system. Emphasizing on depression and doubling aggression. The strange thing was that it wasn't able to pinpoint a source for the imbalance. It was just there. With no source specified there wouldn't be a way to fix the problem easily. She would have to develop a cure or a block for it. The interference didn't seem to be very complex, so perhaps it would be easy.

"Yoko…?" Yoko looked up at Chie, seeing a weary look on her face.

"It's fine, I'll have it sorted out soon." She began frantically sorting all the details out of the interference to develop a cure.


A quick note about the Serotonin, if I did my research wrong tell me please. From what I gathered that's the system of neurotransmitters that deals with your emotions and such, happiness, sadness and depression and whatnot.

The next chapter should come about as long as this one took, unless more crap comes up. And if it's too much to ask for, I'd appreciate it if you guys could review. As I'm still developing my writing skills, I know they aren't very good, I want your opinions! I'll hug you for each time you review.

HAPPY BE-LATED EASTER!!