Ahem! Ahem! Pardon me for peeking in rudely but before you lodge into fireworks of questions, I assure you these words are indeed part of this chapter and fanfiction. Alright, now that we're done with the polite, terse introduction, let's move on to me. I'm the one introduced in the previous chapter. Any ideas? Crickets chirping. No? I'm offended! Just for that I'm not narrating anymore!

Alexander Speaking: Now Electrix! You can't expect everyone to recognize you when you mysteriously start narrating.

Dranzer Speaking: Absolutely! You must've given them a horrible shock!

Electrix Speaking: Oh really? Who had Kai hiding under the bed covers when you made your first entrance?

Dranzer Speaking: He was five and—

Alexander Speaking: Can we PLEASE get on with the story? Sighs Thank you! Ladies and Gentlemen we welcome you to the tenth chapter of this fiction…

Electrix Speaking: Narrated by a butler and sacred spirits

Dranzer Speaking: Do shut up! You're spoiling the story. Anyway, join us and the twins in…

The New Page of Lives

Electrix Speaking: Depressing, isn't it?

Dranzer and Alexander Speaking: Sssshhhhhh!

Electrix Speaking: Groans Men!

Cautiously, little Crystal walked towards the figure happily humming an oddly familiar tune. Tip-toe! Tip-toe! Until she was just an inch away from the man cheerfully dusting glass cabinets. The man finally broke into a song:

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passin' craze!

It means no worries for the rest of your days!

It's our problem-freeeee philosophy!

Hakuna Matata!

Crystal backed off at the sudden eruption, although grinning ear to ear at the new singing sensation in front of her. "Alexander?"

Alexander was still singing when he was interrupted, "Haku—AAah!" He turned around staring at the five year old looking up at him.

Crystal smiled sheepishly, "Sorry!" blushing slightly she looked down at her feet.

Alexander's reply was simple: "Hakuna Matata!"

"No worries!" Crystal smiled as she translated it.

They stared into each other's eyes –fifty year old gray wrinkly eyes which crinkled when they smiled into blue kiddy ones filled with childlike innocence- the tender moment locking them as Crystal hugged Alexander (or rather his legs since she was too short)

Alexander sighed softly. The pleasures a bone-crushing kiddy hug are…overwhelming! "Getting affectionate are we?" speaking in his typical British accent.

Crystal looked up explaining, "Me just wanted a huggie!"

Alexander crouched down, leveling himself up to her face, "Go on! Ask your question?" He smiled as his comment widened Crystal's eyes.

She demanded with curiosity "How'd you know?"

Alexander made the 'face'-slight smile, understanding eyes, the face he would give children when explaining stuff- "You know, when little children have a question. They always have…" frowning slightly, he muses on a suitable word "a look!" he finishes.

"Really?"

The old man looked amusingly at the goo-goo eyes before answering, "Yes really! Your brother wore the same look."

"What he ask?" rang the enthusiastic question.

Giving a one-sided smile, he answered, "He wanted to make sure you liked chocolate ice-cream better than strawberry."

Crystal giggled, "Chocolate rules!" she declared proudly. She beamed thinking Kai had asked about her favorite ice-cream, when immediately the smile fell bringing back to reality - Kai wasn't nice anymore.

"He's being a bully isn't he?"

Crystal gasped as Alexander's sudden remark shook her. "Well, he's different now." She said hesitantly.

Alexander placed his arm comfortingly around Crystal, "Well, whatever's wrong, Kai isn't really talking about it." "Infact…" he added "I don't see much of him, let alone talk with him."

Crystal looked glum, "So what should we do?

"Chin up, there!" Crystal could see Alexander remained optimistic, "He'll snap out. He'll be back within a few days." He said brightly.

Clutching Alexander's sleeve -her source of only source of comfort- Crystal buried her face into his shoulder, "I hope!"

((((……)))

Dranzer Speaking: Well, that was a tender moment back then.

Alexander speaking: Well—

Electrix Speaking: Hakuna Matata? Hakuna Matata? Since when did you turn into a singing sensation?

Alexander Speaking: Getting BACK with the narration…

Electrix Speaking: Are you trying to change the subject?

Dranzer Speaking: As we were discussing…Crystal had a question to ask.

Alexander Speaking: Indeed! Now notice how she ran up for a huggie- I mean hug- I'd say it shows seeking attention?

Dranzer Speaking: It's clear she wants comforting. She's more of being confused and all. Maybe even being a little scared.

Electrix Speaking: Even a little worry. But come to think of it: she never really asked her question.

Alexander Speaking: A child left confused will turn up to any closest adult for help. But in this case…

Dranzer Speaking: You knew what was coming, didn't you? You knew she'll be asking about Kai's behavior, so she didn't have to ask at all.

Electrix Speaking: So what do you say about Kai then?

Alexander Speaking: Well I can't think of a decent explanation. Confused maybe? Or just getting cranky?

Dranzer Speaking: I doubt it!

Electrix Speaking: Really? Being a little grouchy would be most likely.

Dranzer Speaking: Grouchy is when you're easily irritated. Hating someone is different. I've talked with him. He was perfectly normal—but felt something was wrong—and then…then he forgets who Crystal is.

Electrix Speaking: Probably a brain spasm or… or amnesia...or

Alexander Speaking: …or something horribly wrong……

And he cackled again, sending another bolt of shivers down Vladimir's spine. With a mixture of fear and curiosity, he watched his master pace around the room.

"Perfect! Absolutely perfect!" he chortled, clearly happy at his success. "My plan is falling in…" he paused flexing his fingers as if closing on the throat of an imaginary prey. "…perfectly." He finishes in his same raspy voice.

Vladimir rolled his eyes secretly, "As if you already haven't mentioned that." He was getting tired of being kept in the dark and observing the twins day and night under his master's command while the he kept up his gloating, "And what, pray, does this mean?" he asked, trying to sound polite, knowing he would be sentenced to unimaginable punishment for showing even a brush of rudeness.

Vladimir was lucky the Dark One was too occupied with his glories of success, but nevertheless he was given an answer, the Dark One had spat out in one breath "It means you pathetic excuse for a slave that I have the complete liberty to control Kai when I want and how I want!"

Vladimir furrowed his brows, "Making him do what exactly?"

"Whatever I wish!" He snapped back, he wasn't eager to disclose his plan that easily. Oh no! He paced the dark room muttering a string of words Vladimir couldn't catch until at last, his boots stopped scrapping the gravel floor, signaling he had decided the plan. "They're helpless without the protection of that old hag; I could easily lure both of them out using Kai."

"And the butler?"

"Spare him."

"And…" Vladimir paused uncomfortably, fearing the reaction, but moved on, "And the sacred spirits? Would they offer resistance?"

Vladimir instantly knew he had cut the nerve, he could almost hear the blood boil in the man in front of him.

The first phrase of reaction almost sounded the Dark One was intrigued "Sacred Spirits?" He paused, making a step closer to Vladimir who took an ever-so-small step back. "Sacred Spirits?" he repeated more firmly. Finally, the storm hit as he bellowed "SACRED SPIRITS? I DEMAND A REPORT ON THEM THIS INSTANT!"

Vladimir was well-practiced for this occasion; he had already rehearsed this moment time and again. He shot out his report like a bullet. "They seem to yell out Dranzer and Electrix during their playtime in beyblade battles." he said robotically, "ofcourse nothing drastic happens." He added hurriedly "But all the same I have heard about their great power."

It took a moment for his master to react to this piece of news.

"Dranzer." He mused softly "Powerful spirit. Very powerful." He mused softly, "Could take on to be my base power station to take on the world." "That is…If I ever capture it." He added in an afterthought. "It takes the shape of a great phoenix. I doubt little Kai knows he's talking to one of the most widely saluted spirit in history." "I'm not surprised though…" he adds passively "He has been in their family for years." "But I doubt he has revealed his full extent to the child." He furrows his brow "And there's absolutely no chance he has concealed himself in Kai's blade yet—no he's much to young."

"This, Electrix…" he said changing the subject "I have never come across of this spirit in my studies." He admitted. "However I can judge it is based more on lightning or raw electricity." He scrunched his eyes, trying to recall the name in the millions of vast textbooks he had braved in the dusty bookshelves.

Vladimir on the other hand looked pleased, it was the first time he had caught his master failing to do something. The first time his master could not live up to his self-created titles of "The Omniscient" and "All-knowing". The first time…

"It's nothing to do with lack of research." The Dark One snapped as if reading his mind. "Very little has been covered on these spirits. And fewer still people know of these creatures. It's perfectly explained by the fact lightning was often associated evil or wickedness in the primitive times. Some fools thought it was the Gods being angry. Others would spend days shut up in houses during a lightning storm, not even venturing out for food." Stopping for a breath he carried on, "Some fools would even say it was the Satan's work." "The fact that other sacred spirits were believed to be the cause of good like rain or good fortune, this particular one, I believe, was usually shunned."

"And you're sure of this theory?" Vladimir asks painstakingly

"It was said these beasts—part magic and part science—were the force behind this planet. Prosperity and peace was all due to these creatures. As a result many carvings, fossils, sculptures and other artifacts were created for them." He stopped, frowning slightly, pondering over something. "But of course, I doubt people will appreciate a creature which causes forest fires and possibly a few deaths caused by lightning." He took on a roguish accent, "Not many cave paintings would be dedicated for this beast."

He continued brooding, but resumed his normal commanding voice, "Nevertheless, I have devoted a good deal of my life researching on these spiritual creatures and none—NONE have caused any direct interference in their bearer's lives—for good or bad— or communicated directly with them."

Vladimir almost accepted this explanation when another incident of his regular observations cracked up "Then what about the girl? She seemed to be talking to one."

This man-made explosion seemed to be worse then the first one.

"TALKING? HAVING A CIVIL CONVERSATION WITH A SACRED SPIRIT? WHAT WILL YOU BE SAYING NEXT? THEY'RE HAVING A TEA PARTY?" He couldn't believe it. Electric types of spirits were a rarity, being frowned upon as unnatural or evil, and here a five year old was chit-chatting with one.

"I'm only reporting what I saw, my lord." Whimpers Vladimir. "I couldn't catch the whole conversation, only the first few words of the girl when she was caught off-guard by this Electrix." He stepped back, looking small and unimportant. "I suppose they converse silently." He squeaked.

The dark One's voice filled the room, "AND THE BOY? WHAT ABOUT HIM? DOES HE HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH DRAZNER?"

Except for the whimpering, Vladimir made no sound. The silence—however—was enough to give the answer.

The pathetic sight of his servant disgusted the lord as he briskly turned away, mumbling something like "incompetent fool." He looked more like a helpless mouse than a man anyway.

"Why?" He mumbled "Why would any sacred spirit communicate with mortals as if…" he spoke more harshly now, "as if they were the best of chums." He was clutching the round stone table in the middle of the room, gently fingering a small desk statue of a female snake nursing her young when it hit him. Picking up the statue he leveled it with his eyes. Of course—why hadn't he seen it before—it was so obvious. Without warning he had flung the statue right in the middle of crackling fire. He laughed—a sort of nasty laugh "Of course! Mummy and Daddy aren't here for their children so the sacred spirits will be the guardians!" he spoke so venomously that the fire seemed to cower at his voice. He stared into the depths of the fire, after what seemed like a few minutes, he finally spoke, "We need a new plan."

"What do you suggest?" Vladimir asked. He seemed to have regained his composure (and ditched the whimpering)

His evil eyes flickered ever-so-slightly at a single gray book camouflaged on his stone table. He'd have to make another scheme. The sacred spirits would immediately sense his presence if he even got within a 2 mile radius near then. No…no…he needed a plan without his direct role…

The gray book caught his eye again. If he needed a plan, he'll have to study it one more time…just one more. Slowly, he reached for it to flip the pages. He'd already been through this countless times—to read it again and again—searching for a clue. He landed on just the right page. He read and he read-the words seemed to have been engraved in his mind:

"Born at the birth of the seventh month of the—" he never finished the first line. He swore in frustration before that. "Oh this is ridiculous; I've read this a thousand times. It doesn't have a trace of logic behind it." Angry, he threw the book at his servant's hands and strode back to the fireplace.

Vladimir stared at the dusty gray book in his hand. It looked quite doleful in its present condition. The crude cover felt amazingly warm in his fingers—so intriguing. He decided to crack open the pages. He peered into its yellowed pages, slowly moving his fingers—almost caressing it. Flipping on and on he reached the much-used page.

"Born at the birth of the seventh month of the year.

Born four decades after the devastating explosion in our lands." He stared quizzically at the first two lines, but moved on.

"When the moon reveals not whole, but half her face.

A pair will emerge. A boy and a girl.

The female shall surface as a light against the dark forces, the one with the power to vanquish them.

But never, not without the support and love from the male."

"Ludicrous, isn't it?"

Vladimir nearly jumped out of his skin, he was too engrossed to have noticed his master hearing him from the fireplace.

"Y-yes." He managed to stammer out. "But sir—why do you always have to believe in—in death to be the answer to every problem?"

"My! My!" Sir Darkness exclaimed in mock shock "Is someone criticizing my way of dealing with problems?"

Vladimir panicked. "I only meant—well it's clear over here that it's not necessary to kill them. If one of them were to be separated and—"

He was cut off right there. "One of them." The Dark One was interested now. "One of them." He repeated. "Vladimir I do believe that brain of yours has started working."

Shocked by his own brilliance, Vladimir asked "So you'll think of a way to separate them?"

"Of course not!" he snapped "The death of even one twin, will lead to their failure."

Vladimir sighed. New strategy or old— the dark one would be sure to add death—he literally worshipped it. "But the sacred spirits? You said they'd know if you came near them."

A smirk came followed by a raspy laugh, "I never said I was to be the murderer in this plot."

A whole glob of saliva got stuck in Vladimir's throat as he gulped back. Feeling his master's laugh wasn't really reassuring he struck a question to get him to use his dark brains, which he endlessly boasted as being all-knowing.

"About this line…" he glanced up at his master cautiously "Born four decades after the devastating explosion in our lands." He gave another agonizing pause to his agonizing thirst to know what had happened forty years ago.

"That explosion wasn't a bomb or volcanic eruption." came a quiet voice. Vladimir jerked his head up to see his master smiling. "That line is just regarding the birth of someone. Someone who promised to be feared by all." He seemed to be smiling wider and wider, giving him the look of a maniac.

"Someone like me."

((((……))))

Looking wistfully at the window, Kai was sitting on his bed, his feet dangling a foot from the ground. He was looking adorable, shaking his legs back and forth.

"Rip…poison…kill."

Kai jerked his head up in surprise, "Wha—was that you Dranzer?" He could have sworn he heard someone. He lifted his panicky eyes to every corner of the room. "Dranzer?" he said uneasily. He was feeling a bit queasy.

"Just for that—I'm not talking to you."

Kai never felt so relieved to hear the familiar voice, "Not talking to me? What did I do?" he inquired in his childish voice.

Dranzer launched into his accusation "I have never seen such rudeness before! You slammed the door on her face-and the look you wore-and…"

"Dranzer." Said a bewildered Kai, "What're you talking about?"

Dranzer appeared surprised for a second, but moved on anyway, "So you're saying that after you decided to talk to your sister…"

"Yes!" Kai presses him to go on

"You do not recall an ounce when you were…were just plain mean and shut the door on Crystal's face when she…out of concern…came to you."

Kai set his face into a mixture of confusion and shock resulting in a morphed up image. "I did what? Slam the door? I never did that!" He was already on his feet now, "I gotta go and say sorry." He said in his childish urgency. "She'd be really really really mad." He hobbled up to the door knob moving as fast as his tiny legs could carry him.

"So…" Dranzer said slowly, "You're being anxious now?"

Kai stopped in his tracks, "Well." He spoke defensively "I'm her big brother aren't I? And big brothers look after their sisters."

"Big brothers don't just suddenly forget their sisters and slam doors on their faces." said Dranzer sharply. "Where were you in the last ten minutes?"

"I dunno." Kai replied feeling dumb.

"Alright then. I suppose this was another one of your seizures."

"I dunno." Kai replied feeling even dumber.

"The perils of talking to a five year old."

Kai continued on his quest, "I'll be back in a minute."

"Yes." Dranzer said dryly, "Go apologize to Crystal…it's not like some evil forces are taking over your mind and urging you to kill someone."

((((………))))

"The sacred beast suspects something wrong." whispered Vladimir.

"That can't be helped." His master snapped "He hasn't got a shred of evidence who's behind it."

The fire crackled behind Vladimir reporting to the Dark One. The plan has already been put to effect, although only stage one was completed.

"And so…" The Dark One droned on like a chemistry teacher "Young Kai will kill his own sister. Kai shall live a broken life of regret. As for me, I'll be left without an opponent." His face cracked into a grin, "I love sad endings."

Vladimir watched his master settle down on a huge stone chair—the usual fussing over comfort—which stood in front of the fireplace. Once comfortable, he seemed to give a smile -a grandfatherly smile. Vladimir knew better than that. Behind the smile was a smug soul gloating over his triumph.

"Vladimir old man." Called the dark one from his chair

Vladimir frowned-he didn't like being called an old man- but was surprised at the warm addressing. He paused a second but moved forward cautiously reminding himself of his master's unpredictable mood. "Stay on guard. Stay on guard."

"Vladimir, what would you suggest the best way to kill this young lady?" he asked casually.

Vladimir remained silent. Killing wasn't his exactly his best side. After rummaging through his brain, he meekly replied his Master's favorite method, "Poison?"

"Ah, poison." came the lord's delighted reply "Excellent suggestion, my friend."

Vladimir blinked confusingly. Since when did his master refer to him as 'my friend'? He wondered when the good mood would be replaced with his usual volcanic temper.

"However…" The Dark One continued on "I do prefer poison daggers myself –makes them more painful…"

Vladimir rolled his eyes. Pain-the next best thing after death according to his Master's view.

"So is it agreed on the poisonous dagger?"

Vladimir nearly fell off from his stance at the sudden question. "Y-yes." He mumbled.

"Good!" He flipped a six inch long dagger in mid-air, catching it neatly by the handle. Handing it over to Vladimir he smiled, "Make sure Kai finds this."

(((((…….)))))

Electrix Speaking: Pardon us for peeking in so rudely…

Dranzer Speaking: But we have to get on with the discussion panel.

Alexander Speaking: So starting with Kai…how has he been acting recently?

Dranzer Speaking: Amazingly normal till now - If you can ignore the small memory losses that is.

Alexander Speaking: So what do you suppose is happening?

Dranzer Speaking: He's started to hear voices –I didn't tell him though- I don't think he'll take it nicely.

Electrix Speaking: It's obvious isn't it –He's getting predictions from some divine oracle and every time the oracle speaks he loses track of himself.

Alexander Speaking: Ladies and Gentlemen, this might not be a bad time to inform you about over-imaginative sacred spirits.

Electrix Speaking: Or there's always the possibility about a poor soul stuck in the twelfth dimension trying to get out by communicating with Kai.

Alexander Speaking: Now that's just downright absurd!

Dranzer Speaking: This is going to take awhile……

"Knock! Knock!"

Instead of answering, young Crystal opened the door greeting the knocker full in the face.

Kai stared at his teary-eyed twin. Step one was complete: He had got Crystal's attention. Step two was the actual work: explaining.

"Um…" he began, sincerely hoping for a wave of brilliance to cross his head. Instead he looked down at his shoes, half-expecting his shoelaces to start talking for him. He was still punctuating his speech with 'ums' and 'ahs' when he realized he was still looking at the ground. Forcing his spinal cord to straighten up…he determinedly looked directly at Crystal.

"Well?" Crystal sniffed.

But nothing seemed to be penetrating Kai's brain. It was like his nerves were clogged by a huge traffic jam, blocking all orders from the brain commanding Kai's tongue to talk. He had no idea he would have been wishing his ears to stop functioning as well in a few minutes.

"Unleash the deadly wrath…Kill…Kill this time."

The voice was definitely crisper this time and uncomfortably stronger. Kai's expression must've been looking bizarre since even Crystal was looking at him curiously.

"Are you okay?"

Kai's tongue was still not in his brain's control, but that didn't really matter, it would have been unable to think at all with the intense prickling pain which had exploded now. Sweat was pouring from his brow, but he managed to stay on his feet.

"Kai?" Crystal sounded more concerned now, looking at him with a fixture of anxiety and fear.

"Nothing." He replied breathlessly. Slowly he careened towards his room awkwardly.

"Then why'd you knock?" Crystal asked with a note of urgency, who had abandoned her room and was frantically jumping on her toes forgetting she was supposed to be angry at Kai —He had come up to her room in a civilized manner and that was enough. "Kai, what's wrong?" Dashing forward she caught up with him, stopping just when she caught his shoulder.

"Let go of me." Kai said quietly

"But—"

"I said let GO." He spat viciously, jerking away from his sister's grasp. Wheeling around he stood face-to-face with her. Crystal suddenly backed off –Kai was different now— but he was already advancing towards Crystal. He was no longer staggering in a zigzag manner. Standing upright, with a scowl on his face stood a new Kai.

"Get away from me." He mouthed out the words sinisterly.

Puzzled, Crystal would have normally been flabbergasted and said something like "What ARE you saying?" but instead a totally different word came out her mouth.

"Why?" Crystal questioned firmly, surprised by her own boldness.

She wasn't the only one shocked; Kai's stunned silence gave it away too. For half a minute he stood there just looking at his sister.

He finally settled on an answer, "Because I'm older."

"So?"

"So I should be the one obeyed." Kai went on as though he wasn't suggesting a rather stupid idea.

Crystal pondered over the reasoning but a counter-statement had already escaped her tiny mouth. "That's not nice." She said childishly

"If you're going to be like that, I should treat you like Alexander —Like a SERVANT!"

"Alexander's not a servant." Crystal replies hotly. The last word had fueled the emotion called anger inside her. "He's nice!" She finished defensively.

"So you don't like the way thing go around here?" he questioned quietly.

"Well I…" Crystal bit her lip hesitating, but went out at full blast "I don't like it when you get creepy."

The explanation was childish, but it did make its point.

Kai barely blinked at this remark. He didn't seem moved at all "Then I suggest you leave." He said tartly before turning on his heel and heading away. Without stopping he shot out over his shoulders —deepening the wound he had already created: "I never took you for a sister anyway. It would've been better if you were never born."

(((((…….)))))

It was pitch dark outside and the wild rain didn't make it any better, yet Vladimir, faithful as ever (or maybe faithful just out of fear) stood squinting at the huge windows of the mansion. A huge fire crackled merrily, outlining an old man's features but there was no sign of Kai.

Cursing under his breath, he was about to sit down on a cold rock when a snap made him jump. His wary eyes scanned the scene. No –it was probably a rat scurrying for protection from the rain- He was too well-hidden among the giant trees. Settling on this explanation and repeating to himself no one had seen him, and turned around to rest at the rock but jumped almost at once at the sight of two glowering red eyes.

Remarkable though it was how a child barely five could scare the wits out of a fully grown man, Vladimir begged to differ —anything under the control of his master was to be classified as frightening.

He peered into the young soulless eyes. They seemed to be…waiting. Kai wasn't shouting or ordering him about. He just stood there…waiting. Taking a good half a minute to recover from his fright, Vladimir realized why he was suddenly here, and slowly brought out a beautiful —but deadly— jewel encrusted dagger. It was specially poisoned by his Master personally. Even more slowly, he gently laid it down on his sitting rock and backed off waiting for the reaction. The silence was broken down by Kai's shuffling feet as his hand picked up the weapon and swiftly pocketed it. Vladimir noticed his eyebrow suddenly twitch as he had touched the blade and knew it was no coincidence –he was getting further vibes for murdering.

A distant creaking was heard was a massive door was being opened, with light spilling out. Carrying a lantern, a figure was moving forward urgently. Kai stared at it for a second, turned back to look at fellow who had just given him the tool but he had already disappeared.

"Kai. Kai…KAI!" rang Alexander Langdon's voice in the darkness. The beam from his lantern (it was a wonder it was somehow still burning in the heavy rain) fell on Kai standing next to a bush. Kai, looking up saw Alexander, lantern in one hand and a giant umbrella in the other.

"What on earth are doing out here in this weather?" he yelled futilely as the roaring wind drowned his voice.

Kai looked up as if he has just realized Alexander was here, somehow confused as though a person waking up and not remembering where he is. "What?" he shouted trying to make himself heard.

"Oh never mind!" cried an exasperated Alexander. "Have you seen your sister?"

"No!" bellowed Kai in his tiny voice "Isn't she inside?" Trudging forward, he caught hold of Alexander's trousers and held himself close for warmth.

Alexander's hand went for his pocket and thrust out a note, trying to make out a childish scrawl. "She wrote she was outside or something like that." Moving the lantern closer, he examined the note carefully since he had merely glanced at a few words before rushing to get an umbrella (and preparing a long lecture for venturing out in heavy rain)

'i aM leaVing for outSide foreVr. kai dosenT like me anYmoRe.'

Time had come to a brink stop as he stared at words in shock. Forgetting the heavy rain and his mud filled shoes; forgetting his lantern had been finally extinguished, he just stood there. After a long time he stared at the boy clinging on his waist. "Kai, what did you say to her?" he asked weakly.

"I don't know. I don't even remember—"

"She left." He said quietly. "SHE LEFT!" he roared again and strangely this time, even the strong wind wasn't able to muffle his voice.

Momentarily confused, Kai asked, "Why? She's coming back right?"

Alexander shook his head feebly, he bended down to Kai's level, "She's left because she said you hate her."

"I never said—" he stopped. As though a ton of brick had fallen on him, his little eyes widened as he panicked, "I must have said something when I got a shejhur!"

"A what?"

"A shejhur! A SHEJHUR!" he yelled out urgently, frantically tugging Alexander trousers

Alexander stared at him with a confused expression. "A seizure? What is Kai talking about?"

But Kai had already succeeded in dragging him to the back door –a side door from the kitchen which led directly outside to the mansion grounds- giving him no time to figure it out. Half-wrestling with the goopy mud and half-clinging on to each other to prevent being blown away they went closer to the door swinging madly in the howling wind. Even in the dark, Kai could see the color drain from Alexander's face as he stared at the clanking door. The elderly man moved ahead with surprising strength, crouching down just in front of the door. Kai stood there as water dripped from his hair, watching Alexander silently. He was waiting for the final verdict from Alexander.

The moan came. Kai heard it as Alexander buried his face in grief. Tentatively, he stepped forward when he saw what exactly made Alexander groan. Just visible in the darkness were footprints on the gooey mud –footprints clearly made by a pair of kiddie sneakers- passing that freshly fallen tree, crossing the patio right up to the—

Kai's wild heart suddenly stopped hammering against his chest. He felt as though it just froze into a chunk of ice and plunged down on his tiny spleen. It was Alexander who brought the dread to words.

"Kai…the gate!" he barely managed to stammer out.

The heavy iron-wrought gate groaned as the biting wind wrestled with it. Every drop of blood froze inside Kai as he stared helplessly at the muddy footprints going right outside the massive gates.

Kai felt a hand on his shoulder. "We'll call the police Kai." Alexander said quietly "Everything's going to be f…"

Kai had already wrenched out of Alexander's grasp before he managed to complete his sentence.

"Kai come back!" shouted Alexander from the back door

But his ears refused to function. His brain was locked with only one purpose. All he knew was that he was moving his tiny legs as fast as they could carry him for the gate, yelling himself hoarse.

He was screaming frantically –screaming into air and raindrops, "Crystal come back! Come back! I promise I won't go scary anymore." Inside his mind screamed his voice couldn't reach Crystal, but Kai refused to think of anything else, mustering another yell, "Pweeese come back…I'm SORRY! I won't get any more shejurs!" A hundred meter dash and he was still running, ignoring his lungs pleas for air.

He could see the gate clearly now, just a few yards away. He had almost reached it when he hollered another time. "I'm really REALLY sorry! Come back!" His hand was inches from the gate now. Shoving with all his strength, he managed to push it completely away and flung himself into the open outside, neck craned at the ground searching for signs of footprints which would leave him to his sister when he jammed his feet to a screeching stop. Panting heavily, he stared at the ground. "No! This isn't right –it can't be right." This wasn't supposed to happen he thought frantically. He just couldn't believe it was true. His knees gave away as he slumped to the ground which he had prayed to be his guide in finding Crystal with her muddy footprints.

Crystal might have left a trail in her massive, soil covered lawn, but the rain washed away those prints on the gravel path outside the mansion, taking away those muddy foot-prints and any hope of her existence.

Kai's eyes stung with tears mixing with the fresh rain as he stared into emptiness. He would never, ever forgive himself for this. Like an empty shell on the ground with all senses blocking the outside world, he didn't feel anything. He didn't even hear Alexander's soft footsteps on the mushy soil or the touch of his hand as he allowed himself to be led back to the mansion without resistance. He wasn't sobbing despite the teardrops staining his face –He had just lost a part of himself.

(((((…….)))))

Dranzer Speaking: And that…concludes the end of our sad chapter. And true to his word, Kai never did forgive himself.

Alexander Speaking: A very solemn ending indeed. Kai didn't just lose his sister, he lost a part of him.

Dranzer Speaking: And we lost a member of our discussion panel. Yes, the seat which Electrix took is now vacant. It's quite natural though, the beast goes wherever the owner goes. So even though we've lost the source of dry and witty sparks on this panel…it's still a good sign that our beloved little girl still has someone with her.

Alexander Speaking: We can't be sure it's enough though…

Dranzer Speaking: You worry too much. Besides we can't do anything else, can we?

Alexander Speaking: Maybe…maybe I can…

Dranzer Speaking: …It's touching how people will go to any extent to help their children. True, he's not their father, but he raised them and that counts. Blood may be thicker than water, but love runs even deeper. I think all fathers know that and love should be extended towards all.

Alexander Speaking: How...sentimental…

Dranzer Speaking: It's an art! Continuing with the discussion… We know Crystal ran away, but nothing more so discussion stops there. How did Kai react after you managed to catch up with him at the gate?

Alexander Speaking: Worse than I imagined. I half-wish he had actually cried and thrown up a tantrum. Seeing him just…lose his soul like that was…was horrible Blows a handkerchief I still remember that night. I'll never forget the look on his face. After that night Kai insisted he goes back to Russia. I don't believe he had anything to live for here anyway. On his arrival in Russia, his aunt took him to the abbey run by her father for his 'education'. Of course I got sacked. I never told Kai the consequences of returning back…he had already too much to endure by blaming himself. I don't think he ever did forgive himself.

Dranzer Speaking: And that, ladies and gentlemen was what happened after Crystal left. Even though Kai still thinks it was the end…somehow I think it's a whole new page to a chapter. It's been a pleasant discussion starting with two spirits and a human, we'll miss Electrix, and ending with two spirits now.

Alexander Speaking: Oh yes, I nearly forgot about that. The angels asked me to fly soon after arriving in Russia. And I don't regret it…it's better than getting hanged six feet above the ground like a criminal.

Dranzer Speaking: And you don't have any responsibilities to look after someone…as in Kai? And you're not going to help him look for Cry—

Alexander Speaking: I've left that for someone else…until then Good Night!

Alright, I know you're thinking it's a ridiculous chapter, especially the "Discussion Panel" (I have no idea where that idea came from anyway) Anyway, this update took a really really long time (not that you missed it) but i suffer from extreme laziness. Anyway, time to shoot out the typical line: Please R&R...flames welcome...nice reviews even more welcome...etc. etc. etc.
Oh yes, I'd like to take this moment to give tons and stacks and galleons and...and...(you get the picture anyway) of 'thank yous' to the nice people out there who reviewed. So laides and Gentlmen, please put your hands together for: Kikino, HisokaYukiko(formerly known as Daichi's Monkey Girl if I'm not wrong) and Majestic Evil.
That wraps it up. And as an added note for all old readers...would you guys mind flipping back to the first chapter? I wrote it again and I'd like comments if it was better than the previous one or not. As for new readers: read the first chapter anyway!
Thank you! It has been lovely meeting you all Good Night (or Morning, or Afternoon or whatever the time is at your place)
Nimz