It was pleasant, walking through the new market with old friends. Ahiru tripped, and stumbled occasionally, but she didn't seem to mind. She was so happy- despite the fact that her other friends didn't remember her. But she didn't seem to be one to carry on being sad, to Fakir. She seemed to just keep moving forward, brushing off any inconveniences.

Ahiru's hands danced in the air, as she explained things that had happened while Rue and Mytho were gone. Fakir could only nod, his thoughts focused on Drosselmeyer. He couldn't be back, could he? It was too unpleasant to think about, but he couldn't just let it slide. It was serious. Is this my fault? Fakir wondered suddenly, watching as Mytho sampled a small treat from a booth. Was it my story that affected things? It can't be. Rue and Mytho still remember her… I still remember her!

Mytho's face went red, and he began panting, "Too spicy!" he gasped, and grabbed two cups from the laughing man at the booth. He gulped them down, but it wasn't enough- he had three more, and he continued sucking air into his mouth to cool down his tongue. Fakir glared at the man, as he led Mytho to a different direction. Ahiru hid her giggled behind her hand, and Rue smirked in amusement, "You should have listened to the man, Mytho," she scolded him.

But maybe it was my fault. Maybe because it was a sort of re-birth, they don't remember her? But then what about us? Augh! It can't be my fault! It's definitely Drosselmeyer! Or is it?

And that was how Fakir's mind continued, as he watched Mytho sheepishly laugh off the mistake. He spoke with the girls, and occasionally asked Fakir if he was alright, but he didn't seem to listen. Mytho brushed it off, after Ahiru explained he was probably thinking about when they were going back to the Academy. She seemed quite sure of herself, and also excited. "I love ballet, and I can't dance well as a duck!" she paused, before sweatdropping, "But I guess I can't dance well as a girl either…" she said with disappointment. "Nonsense, Ahiru," Rue began. But their conversation never touched Fakir's ears.

(P)(T)

"Look! There it is!" Ahiru cried, pointing to the distant Academy gates. Fakir chuckled, finally have gotten his mind off the disturbing subject. "I'm surprised you're excited for school…" He smirked, and Ahiru huffed. Rue rolled her scarlet eyes, but Mytho said nothing. Something was wrong. He could... hear something. The beating of drums? No… it was the tune of a flute? No! The sound kept changing, but it came from the Academy all the same. "What…" he breathed, finding himself entranced. Now, he could hear the faint flapping of wings beneath the hypnotizing music.

"Mytho?" he could faintly hear Rue say. But he ignored her- the music was beautiful, and the flapping of wings, was… calling… Calling for him. But now Rue could hear it. But not the music- the wings. She could hear them, and fear stabbed her heart. "Mytho?" she called again, this time panicked. Fakir and Ahiru exchanged glances- they couldn't hear anything, but something was definitely wrong. "Rue, what's going on?" Fakir asked, his voice grave. "Nothing, I just have a bad feeling" The ebony haired girl snapped. She didn't have time for their questions! She-

All of a sudden, Mytho screamed. "NO, NO NO! NO, GO AWAY!" he screamed again, and Ahiru froze. They were horrible screams, and a few passing people looked over concerned. But the screams wrapped her around a thick blanket of fear. Mytho had not screamed like this since the time she gave him a specific heart shard: Fear. Mytho whirled around to the girl, his golden eyes wide and filled with Tears of Terror, "Run!" he screamed, his fingers digging into her shoulders, causing the salmon haired girl to cringe in pain, "Run far away! Run, Princess!"

Ahiru, so frightened, did as he said. She tore herself from his grasp, and ran faster than she ever had in her life. She swallowed over the lump of fear in her throat, as Mytho's screams echoed in his ears. The white haired boy dropped to his knees, gasping and shaking, whimpers escaping him. Fakir kneeled beside him, his voice raised in alarm, "Mytho, what the HELL is wrong with you?!" he asked, "Or, what the hell is going on?! Mytho, LISTEN TO ME!" He grabbed the boy's head, wrenching it up, so that his eyes would meet Mytho's. Mytho burst into tears, lunging forward and burying his face into Fakir's chest. The green haired teen could nothing but hold him, having the faintest idea of what was going on.

But Rue continued to stare at the Academy, her eyes wide with horror. The music and flapping of wings had long since finished, but they echoed in her ears. Because that music was familiar, it was so sickeningly familiar, and it made her feel ill in the stomach. It was a cruel message, but Mytho's sudden words made her heart almost stop.

"I-I'm scared, Fakir," he whispered, as if a monster would hear, "I'm scared for Princess Tutu."

(P)(T)

Ahiru had finally stopped running, when she had realized, that she really wasn't running from anything. She found herself at the pond again, from yesterday. Panting, she sat down on the cool grass, trying to breathe calmly. "Why was Mytho so scared?" she asked to the air. "Those awful screams of his… they're still ringing in my ears!" She sighed, and leaned over the edge of the pond, before she jumped back I surprise, "QUA-!" Ahiru slapped her hands over her mouth, managing to stop just in time. Her reflection… it… it..!

Trembling, she leaned forward again, but there it was again. Her. The one she thought she would never see again. "Princess Tutu!" she whispered, horrified. She didn't want to see her! What was she doing here?! "Go away!" Ahiru pleaded, but she seemed to copy her. And she remembered that this was her reflection. She whimpered, and her hand lunged out, striking the water, before she felt absolutely ridiculous. Her reflection blurred, and it clearly showed her- not Tutu! She sighed in relief, feeling quite silly. She decided to focus her thoughts on Mytho again, "I hope he's okay…" she said softly, standing up.

It was probably best to make her way back to the others. Maybe she could fix some tea? She brushed down her clothes, and color soon returned to her pale cheeks. Yes, tea would definitely calm everyone down. And, an explanation would be in order as well!