That was close; I wasn't sure what was going to happen with all that. Luckily no one realises I used my power, well, certain individuals will know, but no one who doesn't already know. I'm glad everything turned out okay, and it's put everyone into high spirits again. That was difficult for them, but they seem to be coping well. They are far stronger than they realise.

I wonder if Wilhelm knew what was going to happen, if he expected me to use my power. I want to see him so badly; I really need to speak to him. Or perhaps what I really want is for him to comfort and reassure me. I have a bad habit of depending on him, even though we both know that I don't need to. I just seem to relinquish my strength when it comes to him, he's always so strong and stable, I like to depend on that.

I know given the circumstances that it's something I really shouldn't do. He and I aren't working for the same objective, so I shouldn't be relying on him so much. Still, he's always there for me no matter what and I love him, I don't like the idea of not being able to turn to him when I want to. It's always been this way, he's always been there for me; and as my lover as well, his opinion is very important to me.

I'm not sure that he would reassure me though, even if that was what he wanted to do. Wilhelm tried to let me go before, so I wouldn't be caught in the middle. He tried to help me avoid these problems, but I stayed with him. I don't regret that choice, I wasn't ready to act on my own, but I'm learning now and I do understand. So, was that a hint for me to step back? That I can't have my cake and eat it? But if that is the case, was that message from Wilhelm, or was it just something he decided to do on his own? I don't think Wilhelm would have told him to do something like that.

So, we've arrived on Second Miltia, I guess that means we carry on escorting MOMO. Shion and Allen have to report KOS-MOS to Vector's Second Division though, so I guess this means we split up, for the meantime at least. Our destinies are entwined, so any separation won't last too long, we have a path to follow together now.

Wilhelm...would it be okay for me to come to you? Assuming I have a chance to of course. I know what this is about, I think, but I need you to say it. I need to know how you feel, what it is you're expecting. More than anything though, right now, the only thing I want is your affection. Will you put up with this for just a little longer? I'm not ready to let you go, even if we both know I need to before I can really do anything. Please, just let me stay by your side a little longer.

No, that's wrong of me to ask. I know very well that you won't force me to do anything I don't want to. You won't turn me away, even if it hurts you to keep me. I know how much you love me, that's probably why I trust you so much; because I know causing me pain is the last thing you want. I'm sorry for being so difficult, I'll try harder with this, I know I can't have everything, no matter how much I may want it.

And so here we are on our way. As expected, Ziggy and MOMO have stayed with Jr. and me, while Shion, Allen and KOS-MOS are on their way to Vector. Shion seems to be having a hard time with the thought of having to leave KOS-MOS with Vector's Second Division. Her excuse is that KOS-MOS isn't necessarily safe, since all of this was unscheduled, but the truth is that she cares for her and she's afraid of losing her. I wonder if she'll ever admit that to herself without making other excuses; though is her attachment to KOS-MOS only because her former lover built her?

An attack?! Are they insane? Attacking Second Miltia in broad daylight is a very risky thing to do. Ormus must really want the Y-Data badly…poor MOMO, how long will she have to endure this for? They have absolutely no concern for the public, though I supposed the Miltian Conflict already told us that. How are we going to get out of this mess?

--

One thing I will say for these two is that they're persistent, to think they would have chased us this far…looks like we have no choice but to fight them now, we have nowhere left to run. We can only hope that help arrives soon, though they're currently running as A.M.W.S units, they were designed to be used as E.S.s, so taking them out will be difficult to say the least.

This doesn't look good, Issachar is an E.S; we're in trouble…Canaan! Okay, we're not in trouble, Asher is here and Canaan is a very good pilot. Of course, it's quite possible that the vessels will resonate with each other and stop any fighting from occurring. Yes, as expected they did and it was enough to make them leave for the meantime.

"Jeez, man. If you were gonna save us, you know you could have shown up a lot sooner." Jr. stated, acting aloof.

"I'm surprised to hear you whine so much. Further enemy pursuit appears unlikely for the time being. I'm heading back. I'll see you around, Rubedo." Canaan replied nonchalantly.

"I already told you! I'm Gaignun Jr. now! Get that through your thick head!"

"It's hard to shake my past image of you."

I'm glad to see Canaan again, he looks well and it seems he's still as sarcastic and difficult as ever. As expected, he didn't verbally acknowledge me, but he acknowledged me in his own way, one that isn't obvious to anyone else. I really have missed his company, I'm happy that nothing has changed.

Come to think of it, the two people I consider to be my closest friends are quite a lot alike, Jr., or Rubedo as Canaan continues to insist on calling him, can be just as bad as Canaan, if not worse, since he's about a million times more stubborn and hot-headed than Canaan is. Of course, I'd be worried if Canaan was hot-headed, considering he's emotionally suppressed.

It's a shame he has to go; we'll just have to catch up later. I suppose since he's working, now isn't really appropriate for idle chit-chat, and of course, certain things aren't meant to be public knowledge. At least I know everything is okay, I don't mind waiting a while longer before we can talk.

--

Still no peace it seems. I only had long enough to get changed before Jr. decided that we were going out to look around and to get something to eat. Well, at least the hard part is over and I'll get to visit Wilhelm sometime soon. I hope… Of course, I don't believe that for a minute, not with the way things have been going of late. It's sort of frustrating, but at the same time, I'm sort of glad.

I want to see him, I want the support he always gives me, but at the same time, I've no idea what it is I want to say. I suppose that what I really want is an escape. Even though he's part of the problem, he's the only one I have to turn to and he never pressures me or treats it that way. I just want one of those moments where he takes all my problems and worries away.

I know that the time I'm spending with him is the problem, which is because of the Testament, but even so, we've been together for so long and he's always supported me no matter what, it's hard to just let go. I don't want to lose anyone important to me and he isn't like the others, he knows and accepts everything, and he's always been there, regardless of what I say or do. He means so much to me…

Well this place looks quite quaint, though I'm not sure about the name of it. Still, it seems nice enough so hopefully the food will be edible, unlike what gets made on the Elsa. That's why I'm always pleased to escape from there, the rest of the time its fine, just not for mealtimes. Oh, Shion is here too. She seems to be pretty distracted; I wonder what's troubling her…

"Shion!" Yeshua stated.

Shion looked round surprised. "What are you two doing here?"

Explanations and conversation begins, as well as ordering something to eat. I can't really say that I'm hungry, nor that I want to be here, but some one has to keep Jr. out of trouble I suppose. So the food is here huh? Jr. seems to be glad of that fact, he's eating his like there was no tomorrow, or as if he hadn't eaten in months, I'm not really sure which.

"This rocks!" Jr. half-yelled suddenly.

"I get it. So this is where your curry comes from." Yeshua stated, trying to get some form of conversation started again to avoid having to eat.

Shion giggled before replying. "Figured it out, huh? By the way, how's MOMO? Is she done already?"

"They told us the main examination will start tomorrow. There don't seem to be any problems."

"Yeah. So, since we had some free time, we thought we'd visit the city." Jr. added, still stuffing his face.

Shion: I see.

"What about you? Did you turn over KOS-MOS already?" Yeshua asked, not really bothering to be subtle.

Shion sighed. "Uh, yeah… I had Allen take over the process. It might take some time, though, depending on what else crops up."

"Did something happen over there? You don't look very happy." Jr. asked, concerned but completely tactlessly.

Shion sighed again. "You know how it is. We've been together for a long time, so saying goodbye is…well, you know."

"Hmm. That tough, huh?"

Yeshua hid a smile before adding his own comment. "Well yeah. Think about it. What if you had to give up your precious Kahles scope? How would that feel?"

"Oh, that would be tough. My wallet and my heart would both grieve." Jr. replied melodramatically.

"Told you." Yeshua replied, allowing a slight smile.

"Please, do you really have to compare KOS-MOS to Jr.'s collection?" Shion asked, mock-haughtily.

More laughing, eating and talking, and while none of it is bad, I'm still not really in the mood for it, but I'll try for their sakes. Someone else is here…I wonder if that will change the mood any? That voice is…huh, Shion? Why did she get out of her seat so quickly? Let alone the attempt to hide behind the plant structures. It would seem Jr. doesn't quite understand that she's trying to hide; he can be a little dense at times I guess, not that I mean that nastily. Well, Jr. definitely messed up her attempt to hide; Jin is coming over to us now.

"Uh, hi. Long time no see." Shion stated unhappily, having been found.

I don't see why she's worried about seeing Jin. It makes no sense to me that siblings would want nothing to do with each other. Is their relationship really so strained because of what happened on Miltia? Shion is quite troubled over everything and she has a bad habit of trying to run away from her problems, but still…

Jin…well this should be interesting, after all, we can't reveal that we know each other, ignoring the fact that Shion doesn't want to see him. Having listened to him talk to her, I can sort of understand her hesitancy, he has a hard time talking to her, but I think a lot of that is because of her behaviour towards him.

I was hoping to see Wilhelm tonight, but I think I need to stay with Shion and Jin instead, there are some things I need to find out before things go any further, and for Canaan's sake too. I know that he finds having the data stuck in him most annoying. That is the only thing keeping him with Representative Helmer though, I wonder if Wilhelm will take him back once the data is removed? I hope not, otherwise I won't get to see him any more.

It's difficult not being able to let anyone know of my relationship with Wilhelm, but I suppose there isn't really anything I can do about it. The situation is the way it is for a good reason, we can't afford to let them know, especially if things change and they go against Vector.

Unfortunately, that is probably very likely to happen; it's only a matter of time before certain things get discovered and Wilhelm becomes the enemy. With all the digging Shion is bound to do, the link between the UMN, the Gnosis and Vector will be uncovered, and if Nephilim is right, then Grimore may act out, which will reveal many unpleasant truths. I suppose the only thing I can do is wait and see what the future brings; no doubt many things will change between now and then.

Well, here I am back at last. For now, I'll update every week, for as long as XSII remains. As for XSIII, I may or may not take another break away, we'll have to wait and see how things go. Anyway, apologies for such a long delay! Hope you enjoy and I look forward to the reviews, hint, hint, lol. Laters!