And he returns to smite every single one of you with the power of bad fic writing and poorly used puns. Haha! Anyway, it's now been officially a year and that still amazes me. And I'll tell you something, trying to make the Tower of Maya into a place that actually makes Rue sneaking in seem interesting is very difficult. Anyway.

Kairi- Thanks for the help in pointing out those errors. I figure that there's probably more out and about in my story, but I'm too lazy to hunt through anything other then this post. I also wouldn't consider this the best, but thanks.

Marowe- So which one is the superhero and which is the alternate identity? I'll still stand by my guess as to what HMFS stands for, and like you said, can't really chant it here. And don't worry I don't plan on stopping. If all goes as planned, I should set up the next one.

Seo- Hello, Seo. I'm glad you read my story, and I'm even happier that you're enjoying it. I hope I can continue to provide that.

SuGaR HiGh MoNkEy- Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

---------------

I yawned as I sat up in my bed, the covers falling from my chest. I rubbed my eyes as I attempted to remove the lingering bit of sleep. It was still early, much earlier then I had originally intended on waking up. I'd been near exhausted to the point of collapsing when I'd returned to town. However, Mint's disappearance had kept me up. I had no idea where she went after my hallucination. I was sure she was still in town, but what had troubled me was why she'd vanished.

I stretched as I stood, and began to get ready for the day. I was pretty sure I'd angered her in some way, but she seemed fine when I got back. Was it my dashing off in the middle of our conversation? I sighed after pulling my shirt over my head. I suppose that's reasonable, but couldn't she have at least followed me and berated me then?

I shook my head as I tucked my shirt into my pants. Maybe she's still angry with me for deciding that we should split up to go after the items separately. But it made sense, at the time, and I'm pretty sure Belle had gone to Gamul Forest. I fought with Duke in the Ghost Temple, and I highly doubt he would have come alone if there was no reason behind it. I walked over and grabbed the Arc Edge, slinging it over my shoulder. I headed towards the door, but stopped dead when I realized that the Arc Edge was lighter then it should be.

I groaned and struck my forehead lightly. I had forgotten that I'd broken the Arc Edge trying to escape from that trapped room. I sighed as I walked back to the chair were I'd deposited the remains of my blade. I scooped up the slabs of blade and backing that had broken off from the excessive amount of punishment I'd given the weapon. I turned quickly and glanced out the window. It seemed to be approaching mid-morning. I was sure Rod would be up by now. I left my room quickly and made my way towards the meadow.

I yawned and stretched again as I walked down the alley. The day was warm, but the wind was as cool as ever. I felt both sleepy and revitalized as the sun and wind swept around me. I opened my eyes. A flicker of brown, I lashed out catching the attacking object in my hand. It was a twig.

"Rue! watch out!" A voice shouted.

I looked towards the voice, but stopped when I noticed the dog, Johnny Wolf, was bounding towards me. I took a step back, but I wasn't quick enough. The dog leapt, and planted his paws into my stomach. If felt the air being pressed out as Johnny Wolf pushed off and grabbed the stick, wrenching it from my hand. I tumbled backwards from the force of the blow.

The piece of the Arc Edge I was carrying flew from my hand as my back hit the ground. I could here the dull thunk of it hitting the grass. I winced as I rolled over onto my side, grabbing at my stomach. Through the slits of my eyes, I could see Johnny Wolf playing with the stick.

"Rue!" I heard Rod call out as the soft thud of his boots came closer

I lifted myself into a seated position, rubbing the diminishing pain, and looked up at the approaching man. His head was in his hand and he was shaking with laughter. I frowned and stood up.

"Rue," he said through his laughter.

He pulled his hand away from his face and placed them both on his knees as he doubled over. He took in several deep shuddering breaths to calm himself before looking at me. I just looked at him, my mouth a straight line. A wide smile spread across Rod's face as he began laughing again.

I sighed as I felt a weight lean against my leg. It was Johnny Wolf. I reached down and scratched his belly, causing his leg to shake. It was then I noticed the stick. When I stopped rubbing the dog's belly, he pushed the stick forward a bit with his nose and let out a soft whine. I smiled and picked up the stick in one of my hands. Johnny wolf bounded around, attempting to climb up my leg to get to the stick. I smiled.

"You want this?" I asked, bobbing the stick up and down. The little dog barked in response as he continued his dance around me. I bobbed the stick once more and the dog leapt into the air, doing a sort of back flip in an attempt to reach the stick.

"All right," I said and flung the stick out across the meadow.

I chuckled as the dog gave chase and pounced on the stick, twisting and hurling it into the air.

"He sure does like you," Rod said.

I turned to face the now calm man as he sat down on the grass. I followed his lead, and sat down.

"So, what brings ya here today Rue?" Rod asked, laying down on the soft grass. "I hope you don't plan on returning that compass. Cause I'm not going to accept it yet."

"Why not?" I asked. Sure it wasn't the reason I was here, but I figured I could return the compass at the same time.

"We'll," Rod began. "I get the idea that you're going to need it again before everything is said and done and besides, that just reminds me of my old man, which I'd prefer not to be, at least, not until I've made my own name."

"Yeah," I agreed, nodding my head. "I'm sure the compass will be useful again somewhere down the road, or lack there of."

Rod nodded and smiled.

"I'm sure Mint could have used one in that forest," Rod said shaking his head. "She went through hell in there."

"She?" I asked confused. "You didn't help her?"

"I," Rod said, pausing for emphasis. "Am not her partner, according to her and would simply just get in the way."

He turned and smirked at me. "So I sat this adventure out. Not that I minded. Mira made one hell of a lunch, so really I just wanted a nice nap. "

"Oh," I uttered looking towards the ground. Mint made it sound like he just didn't help her.

"She cursed ya pretty heavily on the way up," Rod said chuckling. "One would think that if she was so against a plan, she wouldn't go through with it, but that's Mint for ya. Ya never know what to expect from her."

"Well, I'm pretty sure I've pissed her off again," I said.

"Nah," Rod told me, bopping me on the shoulder. "I'm sure she was just worried about ya."

"No," I said shaking my head. "When I got back from the temple, Mint met me in the square, and started talking about her mission, but then I thought I saw Claire. I was so happy, and in such a state of confusion, that I ran over there without thinking, but it wasn't her. She hadn't even been there. When I turned to walk back into the square, Mint was gone, and I haven't seen her since."

"And who would Claire be?" Rod asked smiling.

"A girl I used to know," I told him with a sigh.

"Did ya love her?" Rod asked, bluntly.

I cupped my head in my hands and rubbed my face.

"I love her as a sister." I replied. "She was my family. The only person I knew, but she's dead now. I couldn't save her."

Rod's smile melted from his face.

"Rue," he said softly. "I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drag up painful memories."

"It's ok," I told him, flashing a reassuring smile. "They used to never be buried. I'd walk around, and the only thoughts I'd have were about Claire or the Relic. It's because I met all of you here in Carona that I can forget about her death, even if it's just for a moment."

"Glad we could be of service," Rod said, hitting his fist against his chest.

I chuckled and leaned back, my hands sliding along the grass. Suddenly I felt my hand glide across something cold and metallic. I gripped the object and lifted it up in front of me.

"What's that?" Rod asked, curious.

"It's part of the Arc Edge," I told him, frowning lightly as I looked at the piece of my broken weapon. "I broke it during my trip to the Ghost Temple."

"How did ya manage to do that?" Rod asked, chuckling. "The Arc Edge appeared to be a sturdy weapon."

I reached up and scratched the back of my head. I could feel the heat burning in my cheeks. In any normal situation, I was sure that the Arc Edge wouldn't break, but I'd put my blade through some ordeals since the last time I'd seen about it.

"Poor decision making," I admitted, leaning back and looking off to the side.

"Well, that seems..." Rod began.

"What is that?" I interrupted, my voice full of amazement.

I stood up to try to get a better view, but I could still only make out a slimmer of the metallic red around the rocky bend of the riverbed.

"What?" Rod asked, standing up and turning to look at what I was looking at.

"Oh, that's my joy, my baby," Rod said as his footsteps crunched on the soft sand. He walked forward gesturing for me to follow. "It's the Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega."

"The what?" I asked.

The name for the thing was extremely long, and it had lost me about halfway through. Rod stopped and turned towards me. His bright smile was gone and he wore a look of annoyance.

"Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega," He repeated slowly before continuing towards the bend.

"That's an interesting name," I said.

I thought, on the other hand, that it was an extremely long-winded name, but then who am I to judge a name. I tried to say the name fluently to myself, but it just wouldn't leave my tongue without slurring. Rod began to rub his forehead with his hand as we rounded the bend.

I stopped dead in my tracks as the full extent of the Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega came into view. It was a water craft, as shown by its floating in the river, but it looked like no boat I'd ever seen. I assumed it was an ancient relic from the time of the Aeons.

The red metal of the craft glistened in the sun, reflecting off the polished hull of the craft. The hull sat in the water, and was prevented from sinking by what appeared to two small boats on either side attached to the front of the boat and by a pair of bird-like wings on the back. On the top of the hull were three holes, each which possessed a padded seat, and the front of which had a stick jutting out from a black box that would be situated between the legs of the helmsman. In front of the seats was a discolored splotch that surrounded five glowing yellow jewels that seemed to pulse with energy.

I stood in awe of Rod's vehicle. My mouth hung open slightly. Rod smirked and hopped onto one of the sturdy back wings. He gestured towards the boat.

"This is my Baby," Rod said with a smile. "The Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega.

"Just let it roll off your tongue," he said pointing towards me. "It's a name with heart."

"Um, Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega," I complied, rubbing the back of my head.

The name felt awkward to say, and I couldn't help wishing that he'd given it a shorter name. I stepped back as Rod hopped back onto the sandy shore.

"Perfect," Rod said, beaming a smile. "You can say the name. I'm glad. Don't need anyone else calling her Pinto."

Rod visibly seemed to shudder as he said the second name. He turned and leaned against a rock, admiring his craft.

"Pinto?" I asked, wondering what he meant.

He scratched the back of his head before telling me, "It's the name Mint gave my Baby because she couldn't say it right. And such an ugly name at that."

I smiled and scratched at the side of my head absent-mindedly. That seemed like something Mint would do, and I couldn't say I blamed her, Pinto was a much easier name to say then the craft's true name.

"So, is this a boat?" I asked, trying to gleam a little bit more information out of Rod. He nodded.

"Yep," He uttered. "My baby's the fastest ride in the world."

"How does it move?" I asked.

Rod walked over towards the back of the Pinto, urging that I follow. I did, and Rod pointed to a small hollow cylinder that rested below the water level.

"That's the propulsion drive," He said pointing towards it. "And the yellow orbs are the power source for the Sorcerous Drive. It takes three of those orbs to get this baby to float and sail through the water."

"What about the other two then?" I asked turning away from the drive to face Rod.

"Well," He said. "Over the course of my travels I found two more orbs. The first one increased the speed."

He walked over to the Pinto and hopped onto one of the small boat like objects and I followed.

"You see this," He said pointing to a small red button on the black box. "When I press this button, my Baby will take to the air."

"This can fly?" I asked shocked.

"Hop really," Rod said, a smirk formed across his face. "But it can fly compared to any other ship out in the water."

I smiled and nodded, before hopping back onto the soft sand. I heard the sand crunch as Rod landed. I turned and gave the Pinto one last look before walking back to the meadow.

"Now about the Arc Edge," Rod said, moving to pick up the slab from where he'd left it.

"Yeah," I said pulling the main portion of the weapon from my back and handing it to Rod. "I figured you might be able to fix it. You are a skilled weapon smith after all."

"I sense a challenge," Rod said with a smile.

I just gapped at him, shocked that he would think I'd question his skill.

"I wasn't accusing you of..." I stuttered out.

"It's ok Rue," Rod said laughing. "I was just joking. You really need to calm down. I'll fix the Arc Edge, and I'll make sure it's better then it ever was."

Rod hit his hand to his chest, as he said, "Or my name is not Rod the Blade Star."

I smiled.

"So how long do you think it will take to fix?" I asked.

I needed that weapon back soon, so I hopped it wouldn't take to long to fix, after all, going through the temples and dungeons Mint and I would be going through would be dangerous, but it would be infinitely more so if I had to go in unarmed. That might make me a bit of a hindrance on this quest.

"Depends on several factors," Rod answered honestly.

"Like what?" I asked curious.

"Like how long it will take me to determine the metal or alloy used to make the weapon, and the actual extent of structural damage done to your blade."

I sighed. It looked like I was going to be going unarmed for a while.

"But," Rod added. "I'm going to let you borrow the Silver Breeze until I finish repairing the Arc Edge."

"Thanks, " I told him. "That would be a great help."

"No problem," Rod said.

Rod turned and headed over to the chest near the cave, and began rummaging around, after he'd tossed the pieces of the Arc Edge next to the cave. I wondered where the next place I was going to have to go was. Hopefully it wouldn't be as dangerous as the Ghost Temple.

"Here it is," Rod said, interrupting my mussing.

He walked quickly towards me, and tossed the blade. I caught it deftly, and pulled the weapon from its sheath. It was so light. I swung the blade a few times. It felt like I was fighting with a feather.

"The Silver Breeze is a much lighter weapon the yours," Rod said, sitting down. "But I think you'll manage. It's a sturdy weapon, and can hold up to a good deal of force, but you'll be trading the power of your blows for the speed of mine. So, adjust your tactics accordingly."

I nodded as I returned the blade to its sheath and tied it to my belt. The blade was exceedingly will crafted; a testament to Rod's skill. I turned and looked up at the sun; it had already climbed high into the sky, during my chat with Rod, and I needed to visit Klaus so that I could find out where Mint and I were heading to next. I thanked Rod one last time before leaving the meadow.

------------

"Good morning Klaus," I said with a smile as I walked down the stairs into Klaus' basement.

Klaus looked up from his conversation with Mint and smiled.

"Good morning Rue," he said. "Are you feeling better now after a night sleep. Elena said you were pretty tired when you came back from the Temple."

"A good night sleep was all I needed," I told him.

Mint had still not spoken nor had she turned around to even face me. I frowned at her. She was staring intently at Prima Doll.

"Good morning Mint," I said, hoping she wasn't too angry with me.

"So can we get started?" She asked, turning to face Klaus.

I sighed. Mint was angry with me. I frowned at the floor.

"I think that's a good idea," Klaus said. "Rue do you have the items?"

"I have them right here," I said, pulling the gauntlets and solleretts from my pack.

"And I've got the earrings right here," Mint said, pulling the small golden baubles out of her side pack, and began twirling them around on her finger. "It wasn't easy but nothing I couldn't handle, on my own."

Mint turned slightly, and I could make out the darkened shine of her black eye. I felt sick. I had to turn my head away from Mint. It was my fault she had that black eye. If I hadn't insisted on a course of selfish pride, she wouldn't have gotten injured. Klaus gathered up the items from Mint and I before walking over to the bed.

"All right," he said, urging that we approach. "Here goes."

Mint and I walked over to the bed and watched as Klaus slipped the last earring through the small hole in the boy's ear. A bright glow erupted from the doll, causing me to cover me eyes in an attempt to block out the intense brightness. The flare of light lasted only a minute before fading away to the dim light that always filled the basement.

I blinked my eyes against the rushing darkness, but through the haze I could tell that the Prima Doll was sitting up. There was a vacant expression on his face as his dark brown eyes gazed towards the wall.

"Hello?" Klaus called out to the small doll.

A few seconds ticked by before I moved to knell in front of it. I peered into the cold eyes of the doll and shivered. I lifted one of its arms and let it flop back onto the bed.

"It doesn't seem to be responding," I said, standing up and walking back towards Klaus. Klaus' eyes closed as he considered the situation.

"That's it?" Mint shouted, causing both Klaus and I to jump in start. "All that work? Just to get the stupid doll to sit up?"

I scratched the back of my head, and turned towards Mint. I was going to attempt to pacify Mint's annoyance, However, I was interrupted by a soft voice.

"I'm Prima Doll," The voice said. "Not just a doll."

I jumped towards Mint and whirled, grasping at my chest.

"You almost gave me a heart attack!" Mint yelled at the doll, echoing my thoughts.

His head had turned to face us, and his eyes traveled over each of us, studying our features.

"Hello," I said, walking over to the doll and knelling down. "I didn't think you were capable of talking."

"Actually," Prima Doll said in a weak voice. "I'm not talking. I mimicking. I analyze your speech, translate it, and produce a proper response. It's purely reflex at this stage, and has nothing to do with my will."

I stood and took a few steps back to allow the doll a full view of the room and its inhabitants.

"You make it sound so complicated," Mint complained. "But basically you try to match what we say."

"Hey," Prima Doll said in an almost sarcastic tone. "Not bad Mint."

Mint glared at the small doll, before turning off to the side. In a strange way, I was glad that Mint had something besides me to be angry at.

"Excuse me," Prima Doll said to Mint. "Some times my language selection malfunctions. So just chill out, all right?"

"What did you just say?" Mint shouted as she rushed towards the doll.

"Calm down Mint," I told her softly as I grabbed her wrist.

Mint stopped. She turned and looked down at her wrist in my hand, before ripping it from my loose grip and walking towards the back of the room. I sighed. It looked like despite her anger at the doll, I was still the one that held most of her anger. I glanced at Klaus, but he just shrugged. I shook my head and looked back towards the Prima Doll.

"Can you walk?" I asked, wondering how much of his capabilities he'd regained from the items we'd already gotten him, and what would be provided by the Phantomite.

"I'm still incomplete," Prima told me, sliding off the bed onto his shaky legs. "But, I should be able to initiate primary motion."

Prima took one shuddering unstable step followed by another. His body bowed and bent with each step, until finally he collapsed on the floor. I gasped and rushed towards him.

"Prima Doll," I cried, as I dropped down next to the doll. "Are you ok?"

The doll pushed against the floor, and wiggled his body in a fight to regain his footing, but simply ended up dragging himself across the floor like a worm.

"It would appear that there is a malfunction in my stability gyro," he said, causing Mint to huff in an airy chuckle.

"You could just ask us to help you up," She said as she walked over.

She positioned herself behind the small doll, and gripped his ankles. I followed her lead and place a hand under his back and cradled his head with the other. Slowly mint began to count, and we lifted on three and carried the doll to the bed on which he'd originally been placed.

"It looks like Prima need the rest of the items," Klaus said taking a seat in the chair by the desk. He picked up a book and began to riff through it.

"Any idea where we can find this Phantomite stuff?" Mint asked turning towards Klaus.

The pages shuddered as Klaus found the location in the book he needed. Slowly, he placed his finger gentle against the page.

"Just a lead I found in some of the old texts we brought back from Elroy's," he said, skimming the text.

"And where am I off to now?" Mint asked, flipping her hair back.

"Raging Mountain," Klaus said, somberly. "It's rumored that Wylaf possesses a most extensive treasure trove of precious gems. He may have the Phantomite, but it's just a guess."

"It's better then nothing," I said with a weak smile. It was a simple hunch on an old rumor that had lead me here.

"I think it's a great idea!" Mint exclaimed, hopping up and down in excitement. "I can even pilfer a few priceless gems to boot! After all, a campaign to rule the world needs funding!"

I chuckled. I had forgotten that Mint's true goal was to rule the world. I shook my head, wondering how I could have forgotten such a grand goal. I sighed, hoping that we'd both be lucky enough to accomplish our goals.

"I really wouldn't recommend angering Wylaf," Klaus warned, placing the book he'd been holding back onto the table.

Mint's jittery dance stopped and she turned to face Klaus and asked, "Why not?"

"Because Wylaf is a powerful dragon," Klaus told her. "He's said to be more then a thousand years old."

"A dragon?" I whispered, shocked.

I'd heard that all the dragons had either died out or migrated to the west, taking up residence in a lush valley surrounded on all sides by a thick desert. I glanced at Mint. She was ridged and seemed to be shaking slightly.

"It's said that Wylaf possesses powers far beyond any human," Klaus said. "The most widely known is his ability to control the element of fire."

"You can't be serious?" Mint asked, her voice quivering, barely

"I'm quiet serious," Klaus impressed upon her. "Have either of you heard the story of King Dorian?"

Mint and I shook our heads, and Klaus sighed. He reached up, removing his glasses, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Klaus opened his eyes and stared intently into mine for a moment before shifting his gaze to Mint.

"It is said that Dorian, an ancient king, became jealous of the wealth possessed by Wylaf
and desired to possess it all for himself. It was this base motive that caused him to launch his armies into battle with the Dragon. Do you know what happened next?"

"The army fought Wylaf to a stalemate?" Mint asked, but her voice betrayed her answer. Anyone listening knew that her hopeful answer hid the fears of Wylaf's power

"They were wiped out, weren't they?" I asked, voicing Mint's fears. She shivered slightly and I could feel the cold fingers of fear graze down my back, causing me to shudder.

"Every last man was burned to ash in Wylaf's fires," Klaus said, adjusting how he was sitting. "But that was not the end of the story. Wylaf was so enraged by the greed of the king that he left his roust and flew to the king's castle, turning ever inhabitant, and every stone, to ash."

"Horrible," I uttered.

I dreaded the thought of Mint and I facing this creature that was capable of destroying both castles and armies. I turned my head and looked at Mint. Her head was bowed and the shivers seemed to have increased. Suddenly, her head jerked up.

"So what?" She spat, looking in between Klaus and I, her eyes burning with determination. "I don't care if he did wipe out a army. He hasn't had to face me yet, and I won't lose."

I smiled, as did Klaus. For some reason, I believed in Mint, and I knew we could accomplish this task.

"I'm sure we can do this," I said, warmly.

"We?" Mint asked, turning and glaring at me, her ruby eyes focusing the blaze of her anger on me.

I took a quick step back, and swallowed. I could feel the sweet begin to form on my brow. I nodded.

"We?" She asked again, following me across the room. "Don't you mean me?"

"No," I said slowly.

"Oh," She said with mock understanding. "I'm sorry. I just figured you'd rather let me nearly get killed while you traipse off to have a grand time in some dungeon."

"Mint, I did not think you were going to get hurt," I told her, my voice raising an octave.

"Hurt?" She asked her voice nearing a shout. "I was surrounded by a village of pygmies that never seemed to end, was nearly swallowed by a damn fish, and had to fight that stupid bitch, Belle."

"Do you think my grand time wasn't with out hardships?" I shouted, thoroughly annoyed.

"What hardships?" Mint shouted. "Was it battling that weakling Duke or spending time with Elena that was so difficult for you?"

I narrowed my eyes in anger and took a step forward.

"What does Elena have to do with this?" I returned.

"You took her with you to the Temple!" she yelled, stomping her foot on the ground.

"She followed me there," I countered. "And besides you took Rod."

"And he just sat in his damn Pinto," she said. "And Elena didn't have to go in with you."

"She entered after me!" I told her. " And what does this have to do with anything?"

"I'm your partner, damn it!" she shouted, her eyes shimmering. "You're supposed to come to me for help and work with me!"

"Mint," I breathed, feeling the anger rush out of me.

"You're no better then my family or my kingdom!" She shouted. "You just throw me away when something better comes along."

"That's not…" I uttered, trying to defend myself, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. Mint had already turned and made her way up the stairs.

"I'll see you when I get back from the Raging Mountain," she called out as she disappeared from sight.

I flinched as the door slammed hard. I turned and looked at Klaus.

"Well?" he asked. "What are you waiting for?"

I cocked my head to the side confused.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Klaus shook his head and chuckled. He moved behind me and began to shove me, pushing me towards the door.

"Just go get her," he said.

I turned my head to look at him. He smiled.

"I didn't think I'd upset her," I told him dejectedly. My head drooped and my eyes closed as I spoke.

"I never mean to hurt Mira when I do," Klaus said, his voice sad. "But she always forgives me because I love her, and I'm willing to prove I'm sorry."

I nodded and rushed up the stairs after Mint.

------------

Dashing through the forest, I ducked and weaved under limbs and around shrubs, pushing forward through the foliage, following the image of the smoldering mountain that I could see in the distance through the treetops. I stopped, gasping for breath. I'd been moving as fast as my body would allow. I wasn't able to transform, as my goal was to intercept Mint before she reached the mountain and danger, not simply wait on her there. Our quarrel needed to be resolved before this mission could begin.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, as my breathing slowed enough for me to continue. Looking up towards the mountain, I noticed a small broken limb. It was a little below my shoulder and had been broken towards the mountain. I swallowed another gulp of air before rushing off.

I ran on, ignoring the burning in my lungs as the mountain loomed in the distance. The over hanging foliage increased, and I felt the bite and the sting as the thinner limbs bit into my flesh. I reached up and wiped the blood from my face.

"Mint!" I cried the girl came into view.

She paused her climb up the mountain and turned to look at me, her eyes wide with curiosity. I coughed slightly as I fought for breath. My hands clasped my knees to stable my exhausted body.

"Why are you here?" Mint asked, her voice no longer angry, simply curious.

"I'm... sorry." I gasped out between breaths.

"What?" Mint asked stepping down the mountain towards me.

"I'm sorry I made you go into that forest alone," I told her, standing up and looking her in the eyes. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry I abandoned you."

"I don't need your help," She said, her eyes closing into small slits. "Nor do I need your pity."

I felt my head drop, and I sighed. I was such a jerk. I couldn't believe I'd caused this.

"I'm not pitying you," I told her honestly. "And I don't think you need help."

"Then why are you here?" She questioned.

"Because I want to help you," I told her. "I always did, but I thought that I was doing nothing but getting in your way. So, I challenged a dungeon on my own. I thought that if I could beat a dungeon on my own then I'd know that I'd be able to help you."

"Well," she began, looking away. "Are you strong enough to help me? Did you figure that out?"

"No," I told her honestly. "There were several occasions where I almost died, and more that I wished you were there with me. I wasn't strong enough, nor was I smart enough. I had to have help, and that was when Elena helped me."

"If you want to challenge a temple with Elena," She said, waving her hand at me. "You don't have to lie. You can just tell me you want a new partner."

"I don't want a new partner!" I shouted in a sudden bust of emotion that caused Mint to step back. "You are my partner, no one else!"

"I challenged that temple because I was afraid you'd get Rod to replace me," I said my voice somewhat milder.

I moved slowly and sat down on a large rock. Placing my head in my hands, I let out a sigh.

"Huh?" I uttered as I felt Mint sit down next to me.

The wind kicked up and blew her air away from her face. Her hands rested on her knees and her body was twisted to face me. Her eyes were wide and curious again.

"What about Elena?" She asked, and I sighed.

"Elena followed me to the temple because she thought it'd be as fun as Mel's Atelier," I told her shaking my head and chuckling.

"Mel's?" Mint asked, chuckling herself. "Fun? I knew the girl was a little off, but that's a bit worse then I thought."

I looked up at Mint and smiled slightly before looking back at the ground.

"There were so many occasions were I put Elena into grave danger," I said, closing my eyes. "I made her jump onto a moving platform when she was afraid of heights, I nearly let some monsters kill her, and she was nearly crushed in a trapped room. All because of my gross incompetence."

"She didn't though," Mint said. "You saved her, just like you saved me."

I looked up at Mint to see her looking off into the distance with a far away smile on her face. Her legs had wrapped up to her side and she reached up to brush back a small strand of her red hair.

"I ate at the Klaus' the night you returned," She told me. "Elena did nothing but sing your praises. I have to admit I got a little sick of hearing about your victories. After all, the way she'd told it made it seem like you wanted her company, like you chose her company over our partnership. Like you chose her over me. That, coupled with the difficulties of the forest and your rushing off, didn't sit well with me. In retrospect, I should have woken you up that night and bitched at you before it had time to simmer."

Mint turned and smiled at me, and I gapped in response. Her eyes shined with a warmth I hadn't seen in years, a warmth warmer then that which greeted me years ago.

"I've always been a little impetuous," She said, turning back towards the mountain. "When I had the throne stripped from me, I was allowed to remain in the kingdom with my family, but I felt betrayed. So, I acted off that and ran away. And, for the first time, I'm glad I did. I got to have you as a friend because of that."

I smiled as I felt tears well up in my eyes. I reached up and rubbed them quickly. My smile broadened wider then it had ever been.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Friends forever?" She asked, hopping up.

She turned and extended her hand, and I reached up and grasped it. Her hand was soft and warm, as I held it between my fingers. Her hand felt weaker then I knew they were.

"Until the day I die," I told her.

She smiled at me, before saying, "You'd only be so lucky that death could separate us. I'll hunt you down in the after life."

I chuckled lightly and Mint followed suit. And in some part of my soul, one that I wouldn't acknowledge, I felt indebted to Claire for this quest and the friends I'd made on it.

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A/N: We're done for now. Everyone have a great day!