Note: Bold anditalics are flashbacks

Fire to be fierce

Wind to be unforeseen

Shadows to be noble

Water to be sneaky

Together the perfect assassin

But they split

Thought they could make it on their own

Oh how wrong

Their fault! Their fault!!

Up to the six to make it up

Should help! Should help!

Can they?

Can the clans join back together?

One of each should be enough

No matter what, they know it well

The unseen one needs to be killed

So the real world doesn't turn to hell…

Chapter 10: The adamant blade and the music box

Long and dark, the fingers stretched; reached for the handle.

Pain made the hand tremble as they gripped it too tightly; the veins seemed to get stuck on the skin, screaming in protest that they were about to break; that such strength was unacceptable for such a weak body; such a weak soul.

Yes, the boy could barely breathe and was oblivious to what caused his lungs be so sore; so fragile. His feelings had tangled into an incomprehensible mess; a mess that not even he could understand. The situation made him shake for a reason he couldn't make out.

His emotional strength was fading; slowly drained away, killed; no! not killed, murdered, murdered by those he could not see and yet knew so much about, those he did not know but was sure were watching, smiling, smirking, grinning, laughing at the sight of him breaking down; breaking down like he never had before.

His grip relaxed and his fingers twitched and twisted, making the dagger dance around his hand, the blade moving dangerously close to the skin, its sharp edge threatening to cut through the flesh. But even the thought of blood-gushing waterfalls didn't stop the little game.

The knife kept revolving; its hypnotizing twists made for no reason, any sense of danger deeply asleep in his mind. His body was moving on its own while his mind and conscience lay beaten, almost dead far away from him. His lips, pursed together in a thin line, now parted, releasing a slight, insane chuckle that echoed in the room for what seemed like a millennium before evolving into laughter that succeeded in making its way outside the room, only to remain as unheard as it was inside the four walls of the small white chamber.

"YOU WON'T DRIVE ME INSANE!" the cry was made to give strength to his own self. He threw himself off the bed and banged his fists hard on the wall; hoping to punch his way out.

Another chuckle escaped him and he shivered as his head shot up, eyes sparkling with madness and recklessness. He did not know; he did not care.

"You won't… you can't… I won't let you…"

He could now even see them inside his head; crying out of laughter, mocking, pointing, insulting…

"SHUT UP" he yelled as tears sparkled, turning the dirt on his face into mud.

"Stop it, don't laugh, don't mock me, don't laugh" his voice was shaking along with his body now, as his fists unclenched and his arms slid down the wall to fall on his sides.

On his left hand, the dagger still shone bright. He had to get out, needed to get out, before it was over… before it was all over.

A scream escaped him; like a call. A call for help; redemption; salvation.

And with that, the dagger was hurled out of his hand in the blink of an eyelash; thrown away by him and him alone, knowing where holding it could result to. And as it ripped through the air, he slid down the wall and stared up, on the ceiling, white like everything else in this room, whispering words; words he had heard Them say.

An hour passed… and then another and one more; until his mind broke down along with his body and he fell into a deep sleep, full of voices and shivers.

Silence had fallen at last; but there, not ten feet away, lay the last sign of his madness; the dagger with the adamant blade, stabbed deeply into his prison's white plaster.

-------

There was screaming

Bleeding

Shouting

Madness…

Danger's eyelashes flickered and blue eyes shot opened as he rose and sat on his bed, rubbing his head. His nightmare's final scenes slowly died in his mind, the horror slowly fading away, making him able to breathe again.

Looking out of the window, he could see a red sun setting. He had no idea when he had fallen asleep or how much time he had been sleeping; all he knew was that his eyes were itchy and sore.

He turned his gaze from the window to the ceiling, wondering if everything was just a dream. His eyes closed trying to strengthen the hope that everything was a nightmare, but his friend's words still echoed in his mind. He instantly rubbed every single thought away; it wasn't something he wanted to think about. He yawned loudly and pulled the pillow on his lap, gripping it tightly.

"That dream…"

He furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed his forearms, momentarily letting the pillow go, only to grip it once again. "Was it a dream, really?"

"YOU WON'T DRIVE ME INSANE!"

He crossed his arms over the pillow in thought.

"No… too real… I shouldn't underestimate this kind of feelings"

"You won't… you can't… I won't let you…"

"Who was this guy? Something about him… so familiar…" His eyes narrowed even more "And yet… I'm sure I've never seen him again in my life"

His fingers moved thoughtfully on the back of his head as he let himself sink into thought.

It was hard for him to accept everything, but something within screamed that every single word was true. He felt trapped within his own doubts, unable to cross the limits that were forced into his mind.

…But still…

His eyes darkened and he lay on his back once again, facing the ceiling.

"Time will tell, I guess"

A smirk crossed his lips. He remained like that or a while, just staring up, studying the pale secrets of his ceiling, trying to see through it to the darkening sky, before losing consciousness once again, sinking into a maze of monsters and riddles; still, with no heroes.

---------

"Our bond weakens…"

"I felt it"

The pink bunny rubbed her forearms and glanced at her yellow-clad leader, slightly trembling.

The other two had left, murmuring excuses, but it was no secret that they just wanted to be alone, like always. They were troubled; too troubled. She couldn't say that she herself wasn't, but she was willing to fight back with teeth and claws so that everything turned out bright. Even if it didn't feel possible; not in the slightest…

Her chest felt pierced, she felt something in it, getting deeper and deeper, reaching her heart…

A cloud of fear darkened her face as she glanced at her chief once more.

The two were just sitting there for too long, not moving an eyelash, not saying anything. It was already starting to get dark, and that scared her.

She watched as the sun started to die in the horizon, wondering if there was something, anything she could do to stop it. Anything for one more moment of light, anything so it wouldn't get dark again, anything so she could keep away the shadows.

Anything so she could keep away them.

"A… Ace?" her voice was broken, the whisper low, full of fear

"Huh?" The bunny raised his eyes to meet his teammate's blue, icy stare.

"I…" she gulped and felt herself sweating. In an attempt to take control, she clenched her fists "I…I don't want it to get dark" a tear trickled down her cheek. "I know what can happen in the night. I don't want to get through this again…" her body was shaking "Some part of the story was true… Definitely true… I-" before she could realize what was happening, the leader had pulled her into a tight hug, making even more tears roll down, now feeling that she was safe, feeling that she needed to let everything out.

"If only I could choose… You would die first."

Her eyes were closed; her breath quick…

"Oi, Lexi! We're a team! I'd never let anything happen to my teammates. If anyone had to be harmed, have no doubt that I'll make sure that's me"

"Don't say that… We need you"

"I'm responsible for you. I wouldn't let anything happen to any of you"

"But…" she swallowed "If things continue like that… we'll break apart"

She was shaking even more violently now "Who knows what could happen if-"

"Shhhh" he sighed, running a hand up and down her back in comfort. "We'll be fine. You know we'll be fine"

"I do? I don't know what I know, I-"

"You do… Just think of everything we've been through. Why would we break now? Why would something that hasn't happened all these years happen now?"

She shrugged and pulled away. She was still shaking, but the crying had ceased.

"Still… I can't… be alone in this darkness… not now… I can't"

The leader smiled

"Good. You know what then? We won't move from here all night. Neither of us."

Lexi let herself finally relax, but looked up concerned.

"Are you sure?"

"If there's something in here, I want to see it. And besides, I can't leave you in a condition like that. We're near everybody's room here, so if anything happens, we'll be able to hear it and go check it out. It'll be ok as long as we both don't fall asleep"

"Right… Thanks chief"

Ace smirked "Don't mention it, doll"

She groaned irritated, still smiled as she looked away.

But her smile faded the very same moment.

"Ace?"

"Hm?"

"We heard Duck's door close. Tech's room is closer. Do you remember…"

"No. No, I don't" a scowl appeared on his face "But… he could have locked himself in the laboratory, right?"

"I guess" she was uncertain and she knew he was too.

"We'd better go check in the morning though'

"But… what if in the morning it's… it's too late?"

"Oh, come on…" he narrowed his eyes "I mean… What could possibly happen?"

----------

The red Loonatic uniform was lying on the bed, while its owner was sitting on the widow-sill staring blankly at the setting sun. Ever since he got in his room he was there, not moving, hardly even breathing, enjoying the silence.

His hands were placed on top of his crossed legs, clutching tightly a small box and his head was tilted on his left.

"Is it true?"

***

"What are you?"

The two eight year olds were facing each other from the opposite sides of the field for far too long without talking; still neither of them had made a movement to run away or move closer to the other. The one with his back on the sun, an anthro roadrunner, was sweating madly just looking at the mystery person, not ten meters away from him. However, no matter how much he tried, his legs would not move, his body would not respond. The only thing he could do was utter these words and tightly shut his eyes, waiting or what will happen next.

The girl facing him twitched somehow surprised, but let herself smile widely as she sat down, cross-legged, head tilted on her right "My name is Evee. What's yours?"

"T-that's not what I asked!" His teeth clenched and his eyes opened, only to see the girl's smile widening even more

"I know!" she giggled and moved her head from right to left "You're a funny person"

"Why so?"

"Your expressions are funny" Rev didn't think it was possible, but the girl's smile widened even more; he couldn't help but smile a little. She surely was weird, but that was nothing to worry about.

After all… he was weird too.

"My name is Rev Runner. Nice to meet you" he didn't move closer to her, but sat down as well, also crossing his legs.

The girl had bright red, short hair; barely touching her elbows. Her eyes were a light shade of brown. 'Like milk chocolate' was the thought that crossed his mind. Around her neck was hanging a silver chain with a weird symbol on it and she, as a whole, was surrounded by an air of hyperness and mystery. The only thing that had confused him about her was the black animal-like ears and tail. He hadn't seen anything like her before; should he be afraid? If he should, then his instincts were probably asleep. He felt completely safe.

"I'm sorry if I scared you. I promise I won't harm you" Evee rubbed the back of her head and looked down "I'm not really supposed to be out… I'd get in trouble if someone saw me" A scowl darkened her face.

Rev twitched and smiled, getting up and walking towards her. When he was finally right in front of her, she turned her eyes on him "What?"

"Well, let's make sure, they don't, shall we?" he grinned, grabbing her arm and running off.

He knew were he was going and she wasn't resisting. He already felt like she was a friend and he hadn't had one of them in a long while.

"Where are we going?"

"Towards the beach" he giggled "To my secret place!"

***

There was a knock.
Rev's eyes turned to the door.

"Who is it?"

No response.

The green orbs narrowed. There was definitely a knock. He had heard it clearly. "Duck, is that you?"
No response again.

Just my imagination…

He exhaled and looked down at his hands, where the small black box was still being clutched

But it wasn't my imagination back then…

His grip tightened

I know it…

***

"I come here often too…. But I've never seen this place before"

"That's why it's secret" the roadrunner smiled as he lied down, facing the waves crushing on the cliffs.

Evee sat cross legged next to him and watched the waters, not uttering a word, just closing her eyes and enjoying the soothing sound.

They stayed there countless minutes; neither of them dared to break the silence, to scar the sound of the waves.

"You're right. They won't find me here"

Rev smiled "Who are you talking about anyway?"

"My… family"

"You ran away?"

"Not exactly"

He twitched and scanned her with his eyes. He had to ask again.

"Evee… You're not human, are you?"

"No…"

"You're not an anthro either, are you?"

"No…"

"Then-"

"It's difficult to explain" she smiled. "Let's not get too troubled"

"But-"

"I love music. Do you like music?"

Rev didn't get easily confused, but he knew he was now. Her question had appeared out of nowhere, but she didn't seem to mind; in fact she seemed to be oblivious to the fact that changing subjects so quickly confused him.

Thinking about it, he concluded that he shouldn't pay much attention to it either. After all, expecting that an abnormal person would speak normally was absurd.

"Yes, I do. What kind of music do you like?"

"All kinds! I love all melodies!"

He raised an eyebrow "Well, there must be something you like best…"

Her face lit up with excitement. "There is one…" she reached for her pocket and took out a small, black, wooden box, holding it in front of his face.

"What's that?"

She smiled and opened it. Inside it was painted deep blue, and strange symbols were carved, covering ever visible inch, tangling together into a beautiful image. But most importantly, as soon as it was opened, a melody made its way out, joining the sound of the sea.

"It's a music box. And I love its melody"

Rev nodded, understanding why. It was soothing, it calmed him. It made him feel warm, safe. It felt like the music's beauty embraced him, kept him from harm.

"But… there is one thing I like more"

"I can't think of anything better than this one"

She closed the box and leaned back, closing her eyes once again. "There is. No matter how beautiful some sounds are, the sound of the sea will always stand out. There is no way to describe it but…It's the best music for me"

"I know what you're talking about"

She jerked up "You do? So… you don't think I'm… weird?"

"I do. But weird is special, right?"

She giggled "Well… I guess that you're weird too then"

He could feel himself smiling. It was nice, so strangely nice to hear that from someone

"Sometimes… When I'm around here… just staring…" she hugged her knees tightly "…It's like… it's embracing me. Like I'm one with the sea"

And then silence fell. The roadrunner didn't respond; he just closed his eyes, tried to feel every single bit of the air caressing his face, breathe in all of the salt lingering in the air; tried to understand, fully understand her words.

"Evee?"

"Hm?"

"Are we friends?"

She glanced at him for a brief moment, then grabbed his hand and placed the small box in his palm. She then let go and nodded, going back to hugging her knees.

"We are. And as long as you keep this, we always will be"

"But… I can't, that's-"

"It's mine. I can decide who I give it to"

***

"She was gone, I never saw her again… But this…" he looked down at the box "It couldn't have been a dream. I know she wasn't a dream…"

His eyes narrowed

"And now…"

One with the sea…

Our kin is composed of four clans: Water, Wind, Fire and Shadows

"Could she be… Could she?"

-----

There was a loud bang and the door shot opened. The young man facing the white wall turned his eyes on the intruder and smiled for the first time happy, relieved.

"Dana? How…"

The girl took two steps inside the white room before collapsing on her knees right in front of him "S-sorry it took so long D-drake…"

She raised her head and looked at him, then the wall behind him. "Such a perfect blade, stabbed in such a material. I'm disappointed" she gave a little smile

She was wounded from top to bottom but her face showed no sign of pain. She had decided to ignore it for now, there were more important things she had to take care of

"How did you manage to c-"

"I killed the guards"

"You WHAT?"

"There's no time… Drake…" she struggled to get back on her feet "Can you feel it? Can you hear them?"

"Yeah… They made my time here more of a torture than it originally was. Something's wrong, right?"

She gave a weak nod and grabbed his shoulders to support herself "I have failed. I can feel it more clearly with every second that passes, something has gone terribly wrong" she clenched her teeth "It's free…"

Drakes dark eyes widened in surprise. "So that's why the voices are louder"

She nodded again

"I'm so sorry… I left you fight alone… In here, with them trying to drive you crazy, fighting with insanity every moment that I was out there taking care of a mission that was sure to collapse… I'm so sorry… I was so worried, I'm so glad you're ok… I'm so sorry…" she looked around disgusted; she could feel a tear trickling down her cheek; then another and another… She wasn't someone that ever cried; but for him, her friend to have suffered so much because of her… It was too much to bear.

"It's not your fault they're narrow minded fools" he smirked "It's not safe to stay here… where should we go?"

"There's nowhere we can go… they'll find us."

"No matter how many soldiers they send, we can take down all of them!"

"No! you don't get it!" she squeezed his shoulders "They'll find us. It's free, it knows we're after it, there is nowhere to hide! And I can do nothing by myself anymore"

Drake nodded and walked across the room, to pull the adamant-bladed dagger out of the wall.

"You're not alone in this"

She looked up at him "No! I can't let you-"

"It's my choice Dana! No matter if you let me or not, I'll do it"

Although she was silenced, the expression drawn on her face betrayed her doubts and concerns.

"We should go before-"

There were distant voices; yells coming closer and closer, footsteps echoing through halls.

Drake smirked; to her own surprise, Dana did too.

"Looks like you're spotted… You can never sneak in silently enough"

"I was in a hurry you know…" she took out her daggers "Looks like we have to open a path…"

"We'll be chased around by our own kin now too…"

"Great…"

"Awesome"

"Uh-huh…"

"Well…" the dagger revolved around his hand for a brief moment, before he caught it and stared running towards the exit "Better get moving! We have some serious ghost hunting to do!"

To be continued…

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Author's note: Another late update. Ugh, sorry, but I hardly had the time to work with the computer during the summer. I'm satisfied with this chapter though.

So Ace and Lexi suspect that something's wrong with Tech, Duck was somehow able to 'see' part of Drake's torture, Rev is starting to believe everything because of that girl, Evee, he had once met, who was his first ever friend.

The imprisoned guy in the first part, Drake, is actually an old friend of Dana, and is determined to help her with her task.

But where is Tech? Where is Slam? Are they ok, or are they lost?

Is it too late for anyone to interfere?

Oh, and because Drake's appearance isn't really able to be squeezed out of these bits: Unlike most Warriors, he is not a hybrid, but a human, descendant of human slaves that were forced to trained as Warriors along with the hybrids. Average height, short, blond, spiky hair and abnormally dark eyes. Thin lips; he has a scar on the left corner of his mouth which moves up to his cheek. On his left elbow he has a tattoo of the fire symbol

His skin is rather dark, just like everyone in his clan. (He's in Fire Clan)

But why was he imprisoned?

Why do YOU think he was imprisoned?

Enough now. Hole you enjoyed! R&R