Disclaimer: I do not own Negima or any of it's characters. Also, I do not own "Tears Of An Angel", all rights of ownership belong to the rightful artist, RyanDan. Now please enjoy the story!


Chapter 11

Pitch blackness; that was all Kendra could see. She was standing in an empty void, the sound of her own breathing echoing through the atmosphere. She looked down at her feet, she couldn't even tell what she was standing on, 'so I'm literally walkin' on darkness? Where the hell am I anyway?' Kendra thought. She turned a whole circle and could still see nothing but endless black.

"This is crazy! How do I get outta here!" Kendra shouted. She could always keep her composure through tough times, but when it came to rare situations like this, her cold outer shell would crumble in mere seconds. She dashed off in a random direction, hoping, praying that she would find an escape. Kendra didn't know exactly how long she ran, it could've been minutes or hours, even days, but it seemed like she was going in circles; to be more accurate, like she's going nowhere. Kendra stopped running and breathed heavily to catch her breath. 'Well…looks like dhat ain't gonna get me outta here' Kendra looked around again to find any clues; hopefully some light or an object to lead her way out. Kendra turned around, only to stand frozen still at the sight before her.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP…

It was her father, lying in a hospital bed with the monitor right next to it. Kendra was hesitant to approach what was in front of her, because she wasn't even sure if that was really her father. His body seemed lifeless, except for his nearly closed eyelids and how his pupils looked to have rolled to the back of his head. He was wearing a hospital gown, but it was dirty and torn, like it was just picked out of the garbage and thrown on him. His dark skin lost its glow and had become dull and shriveled up. Kendra took a few steps closer cautiously. She stood at her father's bedside and stared at him angrily, she wasn't upset with her dad; she was upset to see him like this. 'My god…dad, what happened to you? Dis ain't right! Dis shouldn't happen to you! You don' deserve dis, after all that you've done for me! You saved me from the storm, helped Zazie without the slightest hesitation…to think that back then I actually thought you were a cold and scary man! '

"Daddy! I'm so sorry, dad, I'm so sorry! This is my fault! I knew how sick you were gettin' and yet I still left you, mom, and Deveron behind! You needed me and I left! I don' deserve to be your daughter!" Kendra shouted as tears began to pool down her cheeks before plopping onto her father's gown. She got down on her knees and rested her head on the side of the bed, sobbing uncontrollably, that is, until she felt the bed shaking violently. She looked up to see her father having another seizure right in front of her; she panicked as she watched her father's mouth begin to foam.

BE-BEEP, BE-BEEP, BE-BEEP!

The beeps from the monitor sped up and became louder with every passing second. Kendra didn't know what to do; all she could possibly think of was shake her dad, begging him not to die.

"Don' die dad, don' die! Come on, what'll mom do when you're gone huh? What'll I do when you're gone? I can't even think 'bout livin' every day wit the thought dat you died! Please!"

BEEEEEEEEEP….

The monitor went flatline. Kendra couldn't believe her eyes, her ears, this very moment…she couldn't believe any of it. Her dad died right in front of her. She hugged her arms and began trembling, the moment of her dad's death replaying over and over in front of her eyes. She looked down at the dead body, an expression of pure pain forever steeled into his features. Kendra took a small step back, she couldn't accept this, and she'll never accept it. She turned around and was about to run away until a shaking, shriveled up, cold hand held onto Kendra's right shoulder in a steel grip. Now she was trembling twice as hard as she slowly turned back around. It was none other the just recently deceased father, his eyes white, head rolling around his shoulders as if his neck couldn't support it, and his face still cringed up in that same painful expression. He slowly opened his mouth, his jawline slacking to the side.

"You did this to meeeee…." His voice was hoarse, like his throat's been dry for centuries. Kendra's eyes widened.

"No, I didn't…I didn't mean to…" She whispered.

"You killed me! You are to blame!" He continued.

"No-"

"You did…"

"I didn't! I just-"

"You heartless murderer! Look at what you've done!"

"I just-"

"You will pay…"

"But I didn't do it!" Kendra tried to pry his hand from her shoulder, which only proved to be futile. In fact, every time she tried to pull away, her father would squeeze tighter; causing a sharp pain to shoot through her shoulder.

"Let me go!" Kendra shouted desperately.

"Now you must suffer like I have…" Her father said as he looked down, Kendra glanced down as well and immediately let out a small yell of horror. Two doors formed on the floor and swung open; countless amounts of hands wiggled out of the doorway and reached for Kendra's feet. They didn't seem like human hands though, they were thin, limp, and were completely covered in blood. The flimsy, bloody appendages wrapped around Kendra's ankles and began to advance up her body; dragging her body to the doors with them. She tried to shake them off, pull them off, even break them off, but it was impossible. Her father released Kendra's shoulder and laughed maniacally, his head still rolling uncontrollably.

"Hahahaha! This doorway leads to all the despair that a human being itself can't ever even try to imagine! You will live there for eternity and suffer like the way I have!"

"NO! Noooooo!" Kendra's head was the only thing above the entrance, slowly being wrapped in the hands as well. She started to sink lower and lower as her vision was beginning to fade. The doors began to swing closed, making her surroundings even more pitch black than before, which she didn't even think was possible. Finally, before the doors closed all the way, Kendra shouted in one last desperate attempt to save herself.

"Dad, I'm sorry! I love you dad and I'm so sorry!"

The doors closed.


"DAD!" Kendra shot up in her bed. Her vision was blurry from her tear filled eyes, her bed sheets were soaked with sweat, and she was breathing harshly. 'My god…dat was the worst nightmare in my entire life!' She wiped her eyes dry and looked at the clock on her wall, it was already twelve forty-five.

"Damn, I should get up and get some breakfast or somethin'" She swung her legs around to the side of her bed and looked over at her bedside table. Her phone was placed next to her computer, fully charged, and practically begging for Kendra to use it, 'I should call and see what happened to dad…' Kendra grabbed her phone and flipped it open. She scrolled down her contacts list and stopped at Shon, her mom's name. 'Maybe I should call Deveron instead, ma probably isn't in the mood to talk, and also, I gotta apologize to Deveron about hangin' up on him last night.' Kendra thought. She went down to Deveron's name and pressed the call button. A few rings later, Deveron finally picked up and answered.

"…hey." He greeted groggily, Deveron wasn't the type to wake up early on Saturdays, and he'd rather sleep in until it was afternoon.

"Hey Deveron, sorry if I woke you…I just wanted to know-"

" 'Bout your dad, right." Deveron interrupted.

"Yeah…"

"Well…I'm not sure how to say dis, but…"

"He's not…dead is he?" Kendra asked, feeling her heart drop into her stomach.

"No, he's not dead. He's…in a coma right now. Dis seizure was a really bad one. Your mom and me had to sleep in the hospital waitin' room all night because the doctors were havin' trouble gettin' him stable and stuff."

"Wait, you're in da hospital right now?"

"Yeah, and let me tell ya, these damn chairs weren't doin' my back any justice." Kendra lightly chuckled.

"You sound like my uncle Bubba. But, back to my dad, you said he's in a coma right? Do they know how long he's gonna be like dat?"

"Doctors told us a few minutes ago dat they don' know when he's gonna wake up. It could be days, weeks, months…even years." Now Kendra's heart really did fall into her stomach, the feeling similar to someone punching her. 'Oh god…'

"S-so you really don' know then?"

"Nah, we don'…" Deveron replied sadly. Kendra sighed deeply before continuing.

"Well, um, listen. I also called to apologize for hangin' up on you like dat. I just couldn't-"

"I get it Kendra, you don' have to explain. If it was one of my parents, I would've done the same thing."

"Oh, okay then…well, dat's all I wanted to call for. So maybe I'll call ya later."

"A'ight Kendra, if dat's all you need, then…bye."

"…bye." Kendra pressed the end call button and flipped her phone closed. She gently placed her phone back on the table and then rested her elbows on her knees, hunched over staring at the wall, thinking about how to go about this whole situation. 'He's not dead…but bein' in a coma ain't dat much better. I feel so guilty…but why? I didn't make him sick, his health did. It's not like me leavin' could make his health any worse…would it?'

"Ugh! What the hell is wrong wit me?" Kendra shouted angrily as she swept back her hair with both hands.

"I haven't felt dis upset since I saw Zazie cryin' on the day we…met." Kendra murmured as her memories suddenly began to trail back to that very moment, the moment when Zazie told Kendra of her tragic story. She remembered Zazie's tears, she remembered the sympathy she felt for her, and remembered the happiness she felt from cheering Zazie up with her singing. 'It has been a while since I've done dat…I wonder if it would still work for me.' Kendra thought as a sad smile came across her face.

"It'd be better than sittin' here and worryin' all day 'bout the what-ifs." Kendra said to herself. With that said she got up and rummaged through her clothes for something to wear. Once she found a set of clothes to wear, she went into the bathroom, changed, brushed her teeth, combed her hair, washed her face, and then finally came out. She had on a plain white t-shirt with an unbuttoned long- sleeve black jacket over it. She was wearing dark grey jeans with tears at her thighs and calf along with a pair of black and white Air Jordans. She walked over to her bed, pulled off the sweat-soaked sheets and threw them into the dirty clothes basket. Kendra then walked into her kitchen and searched her fridge for something quick to eat. She settled for a green apple, granola bar, and orange juice; now in Kendra's case, she would prefer some eggs, bacon, pancakes and sausage, but cooking would've taken up more time than she wanted to and just had to make do with the small proportioned 'meal' instead. She quickly ate her breakfast and walked over to her bedside table to get her phone. Kendra shoved her phone into her pocket, turned around and began to walking to the door until she almost tripped over something.

"Oh shi-"Kendra nearly yelled before she caught herself, using the wall to hold herself up. When she regained her balance, she looked down behind her and saw the velvet 'KAZE' bag. 'Oh yeah! I was supposed to give dis to Zazie. I must've knocked it onto the floor with my feet last night, I'll take dis wit me.' Kendra swung the bag over her shoulders and exited her dorm…


"That is all, you may leave Sakurazaki-San." Said the headmaster of Mahora Academy. Setsuna, who was seated in a chair across from the headmaster's desk, stood up and bowed lowly.

"Yes, headmaster." She made her way to the exit, but before she slid the door closed, she heard the old man ask

"Oh and are you treating my granddaughter well? And by well…I mean really well." The headmaster stroked his beard as he cackled at the image before him. Even though Setsuna's back was facing him, he could see that her ears were crimson red and steam was rising above her head. After a few long awkward moments of silence, Setsuna swiftly turned around on her heels, face still extremely flushed, inhaled deeply through her nose and then stated slowly.

"Yes, I treat her very well." Her cheeks were still stained red, but she managed to plaster a confident smile onto her face, feeling a sense of triumph for not faltering under the headmaster's teasing.

"Oh, really?" the headmaster shot back, still stroking his long beard.

"Yes, really." Setsuna added extra emphasis on the word really as her grin slightly grew. This caused the headmaster to give in with a loud cackle, followed by a coughing fit. He caught his breath and smiled warmly at Setsuna.

"As long as my granddaughter is happy with your…treatment, I wish you two the best of luck with each other as always." He waved his hand dismissingly at Setsuna, signaling her that she could finally leave. Setsuna said her thanks, bowed once more and then left. At first, Setsuna was just going to head straight to Konoka's dorm to see if she wanted to go on a date today, but, she thought maybe she should take a walk around the school campus first; making sure the barrier was holding up and didn't sense any foreign presences. As she walked down the halls, she saw Kendra just walking around the corner, she also happened to notice a small bag on her shoulders. Setsuna walked down to end of the halls at the turn Kendra just took. She instantly recognized this hall; it was the hall full of elective classes along with the music room which closed off the other end. Kendra didn't turn into any of the classes; she walked straight into the music room. 'What's she going into the music room for?' Setsuna thought. She hesitated a little at first, but slowly made her way towards the music room as well. She stopped in front of the cracked door and peered between the gap, Kendra was standing next to a piano with her hand rested on top of it. Kendra's eyes were filled with sorrow as her fingertips traced over the piano's elegant wooden designs. She slowly opened up the piano, her hands slightly trembling, why, Setsuna didn't know. Kendra sat down and stared at the black and white keys before her, 'well…at least my years of torturous piano lessons didn't go to waste.' Kendra thought as she raised her hands above the keys. She exhaled and closed her eyes before gently lowering her hands to the keys. She started playing; for the first few seconds, it seemed like she was simply pressing one individual key at a time, but as the seconds passed, it became more complex, more beautiful, and sadder. But nowhere nearly as sad as Kendra's expression; it was a mixture of passion, regret, guilt, and depression…all wrapped together with her woeful, yet powerful singing voice…

'Cover my eyes

Cover my ears

Tell me these words are a lie

It can't be true

That I'm losing you

The sun cannot fall from the sky'

It would've been an understatement to say that Setsuna was stunned. She didn't think she'd hear such an empowering voice even though it sounded so vulnerable at the same time. The only other time she heard such a lovely voice was from her Ojou-sama, Konochan, but their vocals were different. Her Konochan's voice was sweet and angelic, Kendra's voice, on the other hand, was potent, dominant, 'mighty…' Setsuna thought in thunderstruck awe.

'Can you hear heaven cry

Tears of an angel

Tears of aaaaaaaa...

Tears of an angel

Tears of an angel'

'Stop every clock

Stars are in shock

The river would run to the sea

I won't let you fly

I won't say goodbye

I won't let you slip away from me'

'Can you hear heaven cry

Tears of an angel

Tears of aaaaaaaa...

Tears of an angel

Tears of an angel'

Tears started to stream down Kendra's cheeks, but her singing didn't falter, she was determined to finish, singing as beautifully as possible for her father. Somewhere in her mind, even though she knew it was impossible, she wanted this song to reach her father's ears, coma or no coma; she wanted him to hear it. 'Please lord, let my pleas reach him…let my pleas reach you as well…answer my prayers. Save him, god!' Kendra began to sing louder, putting her entire soul into the lyrics. The tempo of her key playing increased a minor amount, but it still made goose bumps rise on Setsuna's skin.

'So hold on

Be strong

Every day on we'll go

I'm here, don't you fear'

Kendra stared up and shouted at the heavens, almost as if shouting at god, placing all the blame, guilt and anger on him. She didn't care if it was selfish, she had to do it, and she had to release her grief on something. In her perspective, who else better to use, than the all mighty soul himself who chooses everyone's, everything's, fate to come…her dad's possible fate to come.

'Little one don't let go

(ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh)

Don't let go

(ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh)

Don't let go

(ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh)'

Kendra lowered her gaze back down to the piano, already near her breaking point as the tears began to pour heavier down her face. With still a flicker of stubbornness left in her, she held back for the last few lines.

'Cover my eyes

Cover my ears

Tell me these words are a lie'

Kendra slowly dragged her hands across the keys, before they fell and rested on the sides of her seat. Her body trembled as she began to quietly sob to herself, completely unaware of Setsuna still watching. Setsuna moved away from the door and sat down on the cold, tile floors as she leaned against the wall. 'I think…I saw something I wasn't supposed to…but still, Kendra, she looked so…emotionally broken' Setsuna sighed heavily. She leaned over and peeked through the crack again, making sure Kendra wasn't coming, 'being found on the floor next to the door isn't easy to find an excuse for…' Kendra began mumbling words in between her sobs; Setsuna could only here a few words, but those words explained all too easily what was causing Kendra's distress.

"Sorry… (hic)…dad, don't (hic, hic)…d-die… (hic)…" Setsuna's eyes softened, it really was sad to see someone go through such burdens by themselves. Even though Setsuna thought this, she was still reluctant to go in and talk to her. She wasn't an expert when it came to emotions, 'heck, took me years to realize I loved Konochan and then months later to actually confess, but…' Setsuna exhaled quietly and pinched the bridge of her nose, 'I can't believe I'm doing this' Setsuna stood up, straightened her uniform jacket and gently coughed into her fist. Kendra stopped dead silent and sat rock still; she didn't want to believe that someone was there…the whole time. She turned her head and slowly raised her pupils to gaze at Setsuna. 'You have got to be fuckin' kiddin' me…' Kendra thought bitterly, she couldn't believe someone besides Zazie saw all the sorrow she held in, all the passion she put into her singing, she just wished life had a rewind button right then and there.

"How long" Kendra stated bluntly, slowly redeeming her bored expression, although she wouldn't be able to hide her bloodshot eyes and occasional sniffling. Setsuna walked up and stood next to the piano, she stared at the floor nervously for a few moments before replying

"…the entire time" her lips formed a small, guilty smile. Kendra looked away from Setsuna, suddenly finding the piano keys very intriguing. Setsuna sighed, 'I can't help if she doesn't open up a little' Setsuna pulled up a chair and scooted next to Kendra's seat, she sat down and awkwardly placed her hand on Kendra's shoulder. Kendra, who preferred her personal space, snapped her attention back to Setsuna with her right eyebrow raised in suspicion. Setsuna didn't feel any more comfortable about this than Kendra did, she figured she'd just try something her Konochan did to comfort her, but it soon proved that she just couldn't do it so easily like Konoka. So, only to add on to the awkward moment, Setsuna sat there silently, her mouth opening and closing, unable to find the right words and her hand still resting on Kendra's shoulder. Setsuna sweat dropped, 'ummm…what now? Okay Setsuna, just think about it, what would Konochan say? You'll feel better after a hard day's work of cleaning? No! Uh, um…a hug is the best medicine?...okay, I'm ashamed for even thinking that. Ah jeez!...oh yeah! Konochan cheered me up that one time when she…' a blush flared up across Setsuna's cheeks, 'I don't think Kendra would appreciate it as much as I did-wait! Wait! I'm getting off track!-"

"Swords girl" Kendra snapped Setsuna out of her thoughts; she was watching the bashful swords woman the entire time, now glaring in annoyance.

"Eh?"

"Your hand"

"Oh, right!" Setsuna immediately removed her hand from Kendra.

"Swords girl"

"Yes?"

"Your nose"

"What?" Setsuna asked bewildered.

"…it's bleedin' "

"Eh?" Setsuna ran her hand over the area between her nose and upper lip, Kendra was right, Setsuna was having a nosebleed during her fantasy about Konochan.

"It seems so…but enough about me. Kendra-San, what's wrong? Weren't you crying earlier?" Kendra sighed irritably.

"Look…just forget what you saw today, a'ight?"

"No, after what I saw, it's obvious that you need someone to talk to about this." Setsuna replied sternly, finally regaining her well known cool demeanor. Kendra scoffed

"Heh, whateva…I can handle my own problems…it ain't nothin' I have to talk to anyone 'bout. And what's up wit you? Walkin' in here and tryin' to comfort me, if dat's what you wanna call it; suddenly actin' like you're my guidance counselor or somethin'?"

"I just thought that you wanted to get some things off your chest, Kendra-San. I know how it feels…" Kendra's eyebrow twitched and her lips slightly curled back, showing clenched teeth, 'she knows how it feels…she KNOWS how it feels…SHE KNOWS HOW IT FEELS?' That line was working on Kendra's last nerve, she didn't know why, but ever since she came to this school her temper has been rising by the hour.

"DON'T SAY THAT!" Kendra shouted and stood up out of her seat, sending it flinging back and hitting the floor in a loud clang. Setsuna, who wasn't fazed in the least, stayed seated and calmly stated

"I know how it feels."

"NO YOU DON'T! HOW DO YOU KNOW, HUH? HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT I FEEL? ALL THAT HAPPENED TO ME IN A MATTER OF TWO FUCKING DAYS HAS BEEN MORE STRESSFUL THAN THE DAYS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!" Kendra's hands tightly balled up into fists at her sides, trembling from the stress that's eating away at her.

"YEAH, SURE, OKAY, AT FIRST IT WAS GREAT! I FOUND ZAZIE, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, BUT AFTER THAT, EVERYTHING WENT DOWNHILL! FIRST, THESE BASTARDS TRY TO ATTACK US, WHICH LEFT ME IN BRUISES! THEN THERE'S MY DAD IN A COMA FROM HIS SEIZURE AND IS LITERALLY KNOCKING ON DEATH'S DOOR! THEN I'M HAVING CRAZY NIGHTMARES ABOUT MY ZOMBIE FATHER SENDING ME TO AN ETERNITY OF DESPAIR AND FINALLY, I'M TRYING TO KEEP A SMILING FACE IN FRONT OF ZAZIE!" Kendra held her hair in her hands, pacing back and forth; fresh tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes.

"And I just…don' want to worry Zazie 'bout dis…but don' you FUCKING dare tell me dat you know how it feels, cause you don't!" Setsuna, who sat quietly and absorbed every word, smirked at Kendra.

"Seems like it was easier to make you spill the news than I thought." Realization struck Kendra like a slap across the face, 'oh my god…I got played by swords girl…' Kendra stood silent in pure shock with her mouth gaped open, slowly processing what just happened. It began to make her wonder if this was how Zazie felt when she told her how her demon family disowned her without realizing it. 'Damn…' Kendra thought shell shocked. A few silent minutes later, Setsuna coughed into her fist again, snapping Kendra out of her stunned state.

"Now let me see if I got this right. You and Zazie are…together, those guys you told us about earlier managed to hurt you pretty badly, your father's in a coma, soon nearing death, you're having nightmares about him and you're trying to keep all the burden to yourself. Did I miss anything?" Setsuna asked plainly. At the beginning of Setsuna's analysis, Kendra lightly blushed a shade of pink, but it immediately faded as she explained the rest. Kendra hung her head and exhaled a long sigh, 'I give up…' she thought tiredly. Kendra turned around, picked up her seat and sat back down. She rested her elbows on her knees while clenching her hands over her mouth in a contemplating manner; staring grimly into Setsuna's onyx eyes.

"You see, I just…" Kendra started, but hesitating to continue. Setsuna sat up in her seat, curiosity peaking and giving full attention.

"Yes?" the swords woman encouraged.

"I just…can't help but feel guilty 'bout all of dis, even though it ain't my fault. You know, 'bout my dad?"

"Are there any logical reasons for you to feel guilty?" Setsuna asked.

"I was thinkin' dat maybe, me movin' to Japan was one of the causes for my dad's health actin' up."

"How so?"

"Well, my dad's health started to get worse way before I even started to learn Japanese. My mom said dat I should just drop dis whole movin' to Japan dream and stay to help and take care of dad. But I refused, I wanted to learn Japanese and find Zazie as soon as possible, I was bein' selfish. Then, my mom, her health wasn't all dat great either, at least not all dat great to provide for herself and my dad's medical bills, and yet, I still left, blinded by my own stubbornness. The only real support I got was from Deveron…"

"Who's Deveron?" Kendra's gaze shifted to floor before staring back at Setsuna.

"He…was the only real friend I had since Zazie left, he would be the only person to talk to me at school, and wouldn't mind when I talked to him sometimes 'bout Zazie. We had a good friendship…he's my homeboy and I'm her homegirl…" A hint of pity glinted in Kendra's eyes before they returned to their depressed state, which didn't go unnoticed by Setsuna, 'she's hiding something, there's more to this Deveron than she's telling me…'

"I see…so Deveron-San was the only one who supported your goal, what else?" Setsuna asked; maybe even interrogated.

"Well…I'm feelin' a bit torn between stayin' here for Zazie…and goin' back for dad. I mean, I'm choosin' between a love and a life, my father's life. I'm just so pissed at myself, I hate feelin' so lost, so confused!" Kendra stated irritably. Setsuna crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, a tiny, yet confident, smile on her face. Kendra eyed her suspiciously, 'why da hell's she smilin'?' she thought angrily.

"So even though your mother asked you to stay, you still left for Japan to find Zazie, and you think that is selfish of you." Setsuna stated rather than asked. Kendra only nodded slowly, feeling confused about where Setsuna's comments were leading to. Setsuna suddenly leaned forward in her chair, nearly, just nearly, surprising Kendra out of her bored façade.

"You…are not…selfish. You are just like the way I was before." Kendra leaned back from Setsuna, stuttering over her words.

"W-what? How a-am I like y-you?" Setsuna leaned back into her chair, her grin widening.

"How long have you loved Zazie?" Setsuna asked gently. Kendra immediately blushed and began to play with the tears at the thigh of her jeans.

"I-I don' know…like…two years after Z-Zazie left…and stuff…" Kendra mumbled, her blush growing darker.

"Six years, you have dedicated your love to Zazie for six years. You weren't being selfish, you were determined, who wouldn't be determined at seeing the person they loved for six years? Also, I think it's obvious that you care about your father after what I saw and heard so far."

"Get to the point, swords girl…" Kendra grumbled.

"The point is, what you've done is not selfish. It would've been selfish if you left without even the slightest hesitation, but that wasn't the case. You obviously thought long and hard about this, which shows that you truly care. Also, I think you should talk this over with Zazie." Setsuna noticed the surprised expression on Kendra's face, she felt victorious in being able to enlighten the stressed out transfer student.

"But…I don' want to worry Zazie and…and-"

"This situation involves Zazie, so she deserves the right to know." Setsuna interrupted.

"Besides, Zazie loves you, I'm sure she would listen to your troubles and, in my opinion, who else better to help you through hard times than the person you love?" Setsuna asked as she crossed her arms. Kendra stared at Setsuna in amazement, 'damn…swords girl's figured me out like a puzzle!' She diverted her gaze towards the floor, hiding them behind the strands of her jet black hair.

"Well…I guess you're right, I should tell Zazie." 'Man…dis sucks! I'm supposed to be the calm one and here I am gettin' life and love advice from an insanely bashful bodyguard! That's it…I'm turnin' dis situation around!' Kendra suddenly sat up in her seat with a devilish grin, leaving Setsuna nervously shifting back into her seat as far as possible, 'sh-she can make that face too…' Setsuna thought.

"Enough 'bout me, let's learn some things 'bout you!" Kendra shouted smugly, she was ready for some revenge.

"W-what is there to learn?" Setsuna stuttered. Kendra pointed an accusing finger at Setsuna.

"Don' you play dumb, I ain't dat stupid! Dat nose bleed from earlier, you were thinkin' 'bout Konoe-San, weren't you?" A red blush spread across Setsuna's cheeks, leaving her speechless from the shock and embarrassment.

"Oh-ho! I was right, you were havin' nasty thoughts! Hell, you even thought 'bout dat stuff when you were tryin' to comfort me, who da hell does dat?" Kendra's grin grew into a full on, cocky smile, she was starting to have fun and enjoyed seeing Setsuna's blush getting darker with every comment that escaped Kendra's lips. Setsuna waved her hands up in front of her frantically.

"N-n-n-no! I wasn't th-thinking about that k-kinda stuff!" Kendra scoffed at Setsuna's defiance.

"Yeah, whateva, I don' buy dat just to let'cha know. But anyways…" Kendra's face suddenly turned stern, Setsuna noticed her sudden change in mood and slowly felt her blush disappear.

"There's somethin' I need to ask…a serious question." Kendra stated gravely, leaning forward while resting her arms along her thigh. Setsuna nodded as she leaned forward a little as well.

"How far…" Kendra started.

"…have you…" Setsuna leaned closer as her curiosity grew.

"…gone wit Konoe-San?" Setsuna fell out of her seat, face first to the floor. Setsuna propped herself up on her hands and knees and glared angrily at Kendra, which proven to be useless because of her blush which made Setsuna look cute rather than scary.

"Kendra-San, you don't suddenly ask people that!" Setsuna attempted to shout, but came out as a high-pitched whine.

"Awwww, swords girl's embarrassed! I see why Konoe-San shouts 'kawaii' when you blush! But, dependin' on how you had a nose bleed earlier and had those dirty thoughts, you probably went all da way wit her right?" Kendra asked calmly. Now Setsuna was crimson red, 'I wonder if it's healthy to be blushin' like dat all da time…' Kendra wondered as she watched Setsuna's blush grow redder and redder, nearly turning purple.

"I…I…I haven't, I mean I w-wouldn't-c-couldn't!" Setsuna stuttered. Kendra placed her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle back her laughter but failing miserably.

"Pffft! Pfffwahhahaha, oh my god, you kill me! Don' try to lie 'cause you suck at it! You did go all the way wit her! Hahahah, sword girl's tappin' dat, huh?" Kendra teased as she held her sides. She can't remember the last time she laughed this much with a classmate; especially when Zazie left and was enjoying the foreign feeling immensely. Setsuna grumbled under her breath as she glared at Kendra, 'what happened to the silent and calm girl I met yesterday? Well…at least she's opening up to someon-'

"Yo! Earth to swords girl! Is anybody livin' up there?" Kendra said, poking Setsuna on the forehead and snapping her out of her thoughts. Setsuna swatted Kendra's hand away.

"Yes…I'm home, Kendra-San." Setsuna mumbled.

"Yeah, like I was sayin', you tappin' on Konoe-San right?" Kendra asked coolly.

"W-what about you, Kendra-San? How far have you g-gone with Zazie-San, huh?" Setsuna countered, trying to turn the tables on Kendra, but, much to Setsuna's surprise, Kendra still kept a calm smile.

"We have only been together for one day; this relationship is precious to me, so I'll take my time." A light blush stained Kendra's cheeks as she smiled lovingly at the thought of Zazie.

"When the day comes that Zazie and I want to take the next step, I'll make sure to treasure the memory forever…" Kendra stared at the floor with a distant look in her eyes, glimmering with pure joy; if people were to look at her, you wouldn't have been able to tell that she was going through a family crisis. Setsuna smirked at Kendra's words, feeling proud of her response, 'how much more can we possibly have in common?' Setsuna thought. Ever since Kendra passed Setsuna in the hallways yesterday, she had spotted numerous similarities between herself and Kendra. Her reserved nature to other people, her over protectiveness of Zazie, and the honest, deep, and pure love she felt for Zazie. For Setsuna, it was like looking in a mirror. A few minutes of silence passed until Setsuna realized something.

"Wait, just now…what you said didn't have any slang in it." Kendra smiled gently at Setsuna.

"Well, aren't you observant, yeah, I didn't. I can speak properly, I just choose not to most of the time 'cause it's a pain in da ass to. I'm more comfortable speakin' like dis." Kendra added emphasis on the last three words to prove her point.

"Also, I only speak like dat when I'm talkin' 'bout somethin' or someone really important or special to me."

"I see… that does make sense." Kendra stood up, straightened up her jacket and swept her hair back with one hand as she sighed and looked at the door. Then she swung her black 'KAZE' bag over her shoulder before speaking.

"Look…I'm 'bout to head back to my room…wanna come with?" Kendra asked as she looked down at Setsuna, who was still on her hands and knees.

"…you're still on your hands and knees swords girl…" Kendra said blandly.

"Eh?" Setsuna looked down, then at Kendra, and back down again.

"Oh yeah…" Kendra chuckled as she held her hand out to Setsuna and pulled her up to her feet.

"Thank you, and yes, I would like to hang out some more, but…" Setsuna trailed off, her gaze shifting to the wall. Kendra cocked her head in confusion.

"But what? If you don' want to hang some more, I get it. I'm sure you probably got better things to do."

"No, I do want to hang out with you some more, it's just that…I wanted to…go over and see Konoka." Kendra's expression was blank for a few moments before she suddenly went pale, which left Setsuna baffled at how Kendra's dark skin color actually had the ability to change shades like that.

"Zazie…" Kendra whispered.

"I still have to tell Zazie 'bout my dad…ugh, that's gonna be so much fun." Kendra said half sarcastically and half exasperatedly.

"Oh, that's right, I forgot about that as well. Well, I guess we should get to our girlfriends. Maybe we could talk tomorrow?" Setsuna asked. Kendra nodded and said

"Yeah, tomorrow's cool wit me." They both began to walk back to the girl dorms, but before they reached it, Kendra's bored expression was back. 'Seems it takes a lot for her to open up a little in public…wait, so why did she open up to me?' Setsuna pondered.

"Kendra-San"

"Hm?" Kendra responded, not even looking in Setsuna's direction.

"How come you've opened up to me so easily?" Kendra stood still for a few seconds before walking again, only at a slightly slower pace.

"I figured dat since you practically saw me have an emotional breakdown, dat there was no reason in hiding my emotions from you. There's no need actin' around you when you already know dat it is actin'" Kendra explained calmly.

"Oh…" Setsuna simply replied.

"And, I'm grateful to you for cheerin' me up. Sure…at first you just stared at me like an idiot and had a nose bleed…" Setsuna sweat dropped and laughed weakly.

"…but, after dat, your answers were so logical and simple, which I was lacking. I only looked at it from an emotional point of view, which made it difficult for me to reason with myself. It was amazin' how simple yet true the answers were. So, thank you…Setsuna-San." Setsuna's eyes widened in surprise, Kendra didn't call her swords girl.

"You're welcome, Kendra-San." They continued to chat idly about random topics; most of the time Kendra was just teasing Setsuna and making her blush. They reached Kendra's dorm room first.

"A'ight homegirl, holla." Kendra said as she began to close the door, but before the door clicked closed, she smiled mischievously and whispered

"Hope you have fun…tappin' Konoe-San…"

"Kendra-San!" Setsuna shouted; her face as red as an apple.

"I'm playin', playin'." Kendra giggled as she closed her door. Setsuna began to pace down the halls for Konoka's dorm. As she walked a smirk crept across her face, 'she's a surprisingly nice person…' Setsuna thought amusingly. As Kendra entered her dorm room, she was once again welcomed by her plain and dull room. 'I seriously need to start decoratin' the walls or somethin' ' Kendra sighed. She sat down on her bed with the 'KAZE' bag by her side and eyeballed one of her still unpacked boxes; 'Music' was written on it in marker. 'Ah man…I still got my radio and CDs in there.' Kendra kneeled down next to the box and undid the duct tape; she opened it and rummaged through the mess of wires, CDs, chargers, and radio speakers. Kendra saw a familiar CD case and pulled it out.

"Aha! This one's my favorite!" Kendra said as she examined the plastic case. It didn't have a cover and was clear on the front, but on the back, paper was placed inside the case. On the paper, was a written list of songs followed by the artist. At the top, there was a title which read, 'sexiest songs'. 'Dis is the CD I burned all my favorite love songs on, this could really help when the time is right for me and Zazie…' Kendra thought for a few seconds, scanning the list of songs, until a big grin graced her features. 'I know who else can use dis too…heheheh…' Kendra chuckled wickedly; she could feel one of her naughty habits surfacing. 'I'll just give it to her tomorrow.' Kendra placed the CD case on her bedside table and stared at her clock to realize that it was already almost two in the afternoon, 'damn…I've been out dat long?' Kendra placed her hands on her hips and sighed.

"Guess I oughtta just talk to Zazie and get it over wit huh…" Kendra headed for the door with her mysterious 'KAZE' bag still in tow…


Meanwhile, Zazie was in her dorm by herself; her roommate was out for the time being and wouldn't be back for a few hours. Zazie was sitting on her bed and leaning against the headboard, thinking about Kendra's unusual behavior from last night. 'She looked distraught about something…and she didn't try to hide it from me either. Maybe she was asking for help? No, if that was the case, then she would've told me already. I hope she's not trying to handle some burden all by herself-' Zazie's pondering came to a stop as she heard a knock on her door. Zazie walked up to the door, turned the knob and slowly swung it open; once she saw who was there though, her cheeks began to burn and her heart beat quickened. There stood Kendra, still dressed in her white shirt, black jacket, and ripped jeans. A left out detail about Kendra's clothing was that her shirt and jeans flaunted off her shapes and curves perfectly; Zazie, undoubtedly took immediate notice of this.

"Kendra…hey. You look so-mmphf!" Zazie attempted to complement Kendra's appearance but was interrupted by a pair of lips crushing against hers. The force behind Kendra's sudden kiss sent them both a few steps back into Zazie's room and leaned against the nearest wall; leaving Zazie pinned between, in her opinion, heaven and a hard place, but she didn't mind in the slightest. This by far was the most passionate and longest kiss Zazie ever received from Kendra, but it puzzled her why Kendra was so aggressive. One thing Zazie did know for sure was that Kendra's facial expression appeared to be hurt and pleading in the image that her half lidded eyes could see. 'She is hurting about something' Zazie thought. Around seven minutes passed by until Kendra pulled her quivering lips away from Zazie's. Kendra quickly rested her head on Zazie's shoulder and hugged her tightly, trying to hide her watery eyes and breathing harshly. Zazie, who was breathing just as harshly if not more than Kendra, placed her right hand on Kendra's back and rubbed her soothingly while her other arm was wrapped around the hurting girl's waist.

"It's okay, it's okay, shhh…I'm here for you…" Zazie whispered lovingly into Kendra's ear as she felt her begin to tremble. On the inside, Zazie was torn; she hated and enjoyed this. She hated to see Kendra so broken but she loved how she could finally comfort her for once instead of the other way around and how she could see this side of Kendra that she usually kept wrapped up inside. Zazie peered over to see that her door was still open, luckily for them though, no one seemed to walk by and see them.

"We need to talk…Zazie…" Kendra whispered weakly, her trembling body finally starting to calm down. Zazie smiled and took a step back to see Kendra's tears still steadily streaming down her cheeks; still not breaking from Kendra's embracing arms.

"I know…and I've been waiting…" Zazie quietly closed the door, walked back over to Kendra and held both of her hands in her own. She slowly tugged Kendra to her bed and pulled her down to lay down by her side. They both laid on their sides; staring into each other's eyes.

"Now…tell me what's wrong." Zazie whispered as she gently stroked the hair of her heavily burdened girlfriend.


All righty, that's all for right now! Please leave a review because that would make me feel like I was on top of the world! :)