Author's Note #3: This is probably the longest and hardest chapter I've done so far. I've tried to incorporate a different kind of writing style (maybe that's why). You'll notice it as you read through.

Yin

I've been asleep for a while now. Who knows when I'll wake up? If I'll wake up… This slumber spans an eternity, disguised as days.

Bound in darkness, I hunch into a ball, covering my eyes. No one else but me – an opportunity for me to reflect. My brother… Yang… That's right. Both of us were locked in combat. He was stronger than me. And I kept on fighting, everything I've believed in driving me. But hopes and wishes aren't always the deciding factors in a battle.

With a tiny voice, I speak. "Yang… Brother… Big bro…"

Now I know what Master Yo meant… What it means to cherish something…and always protect it.

I want to extend my arms to the darkness, to reach out and picture Yang's face in their touch, but I can't. So many things I want to say…as if I were talking to him. All massing on my tongue, but they don't leave my mouth at all.

With no other option, I cry a single teardrop. All alone in the pitch black for now.

…

…

…

…

…

"Yang… Brother… Big bro…" I mumble, my face straining. I've said these words already. My hands reaching forward, towards the sky. Tricks played on me. Taking advantage of my desperation, my wishes…

Someone calls out to me. "Yin? You okay?" The voice pulls me up.

My eyes open. I'm in a familiar room – our room. The one Yang and I share. With posters of two-nicorns and the cutest boys fastened with tape on my side, and his side disorganized as usual. Covered by dirty clothing and…underwear. Eugh!

I rise from my bed. A sharp pain surges through my body. It stings, everywhere. The injuries I sustained from that fight… I didn't think they'd be this bad. Maybe I'm not strong enough yet. I need to train some more. Push my body, my mind and my soul further. I won't stand a chance unless I do so. Unless I throw myself into a Woo Foo crash course.

Right outside the open door, Master Yo walked towards the room, holding a bowl in his hand. He must've cooked up some soup, the only thing I know he can cook.

"You're finally up", he walks in, smiling.

"Yeah…", I respond, my half-heartedness taking away the strength in my voice. "Yang… He and I were…fighting. I…lost. Right?"

"Yup", Dad places the bowl on my sidetable, taking the chair from Yang's desk and sitting on it. "You sure did."

I sigh at those words. At the fact that I took him on unprepared. Okay, that settles it. I need to become stronger.

"And Lupin…he came out of nowhere."

"What did he say?" He raises his voice, wondering where this conversation was headed.

"He told me…" And then I hesitated. I couldn't repeat those cold, murderous words that was spoken to me. None of them reflected on who I am. Sooner or later, I'd have to tell him. Tell him about the vendetta that he is part of. About how the one who started this vendetta may very well get his way with all that power in his hand. Then, I do let it out, purposefully saying everything inaccurately. "He told me…that he's back from the dead. And that revenge will be his. That everyone will pay."

Master Yo groans a small groan, finding the meaning behind what I've said. He'd have to face his former student soon.

"I guess…I'm the one to blame", he mutters. This was the first time I've seen him beat himself up like this. The first time I've seen him take responsibility for what he's done.

"No. I should've been a better sister… Maybe…"

"Maybe?

"Maybe it's a new start if I can get him back. I…I have to." I clutch my chest, looking on at the emptiness with restored determination.

Dad smiles at me saying, "Looks like you're off to a good start." Those uplifting words were unexpected at all.

"You think so?" I ask, convinced.

"Yeah. I mean look at you. Right attitude, dedication, great choice for a weapon—"

That was when, another piece of my memory finds its place and clips into my brain. Snow Flower… Yuki no Hana… The sword I took from the Armory – one of the Woo Foo Talismans, the Kami no Gofu. I let my head wander around, searching for the sword. Finding out that it was just resting against the sidetable all this time.

"Phew", I exhale. "Thought I lost it… One of the Woo Foo Talismans, eh? Sure didn't do me any good during my last fight." I reach for the sword, holding the scabbard. The blade reveals itself. What I see is not just its crystal finish, but my reflection. My current state – helpless, unable to do anything, unable to think of any options…y'know, those unpleasant traits. It's not the sword's fault. I just wanted…to save my brother. Beneath that calm, pink rabbit who took a sacred Woo Foo relic that night, in reality she was really a desperate, frightened, panicking little girl who didn't want her big brother to leave her. I hate her…

Not only that.

"M-Master Yo…", my voice tried.

"Hm?"

"How long…was I out…?"

"You took quite the beating, Yin. It'll almost be a month now." A month? No…! I've been asleep for too long. I need to train. I have to train!

But something else bothered me… If I've been out for a month, then who was teaching in the Academy? Who took over?

"A…month? So…who's been teaching?"

"Me. I took over, what with Yang gone and causing trouble."

Disheartened, I sigh at what he told me. I've reached a decision. Forcefully, I get out of my bed, and say, "That settles it. I'm not quitting!"

"Huh?"

"I'm getting my brother back. I'm getting him back if it's the last thing I do!" My will sparks across the room. Then, that determination turns into doubt. "But…I've seen what he can do. He's…so strong. It's…scary."

"And so are you!" Master Yo announces.

"What?"

"You're twins, right? If he's strong, you're strong too. What he can do, you can too. You just…need time."

Time… People say, We have all the time in the world. We don't have a lot of it, let alone all. We never do. No amount of convincing can tell someone otherwise. But maybe that's just me being impatient. That's just me in a hurry. Always wanting something to happen immediately, if not in an instant – another part of me I hate, another trait I want to erase.

Cuts and bruises that were once covering my body, they've vanished. All traces of blood, gone. Every joint, every muscle, every limb that ached, healing slowly and steadily. All them, replaced by strips of white. All my wounds covered by bandages.

Taking note of this, Master Yo picks up the Snow Flower from the side and tosses it towards my lap. Then he stands on his feet and tells me, "Guess you're all better now. That's good. Come. You've got a waaaaaaays to go." I can be sure.

Renewed in every aspect, I rise from my bed. Something soon occurs to me. Dad started walking out of the room already.

"Actually Mast—er, um…Dad", I call out to him, fumbling a little to refer to him the way I should. "Just…one sec. Be right there."

"Okay, but hurry up." His figure vanishes from sight.

Left by myself, I open my sidetable drawer, rifling away. Then I felt something…shaped like a rectangle. A hard surface. Soft, small lumps and a smooth section. I pull out my hand, and my cell phone was cupped by it. I'll need all the help I can get. 'Strength comes in numbers'. I don't expect a no from everyone I call. What a disappointment it'd be if I hear that at least once.

"Now then", I whisper to myself.

There's just me in an empty, messy room. I take my time and dial away…

Weiss

"Alright everybody. Settle down. Settle down."

Miss Yin's back. After one whole month. What could've happened to her? And Mister Yang…he's disappeared all of a sudden. I…I want to help, but…I don't know how.

The classroom's noisy as usual. It'd stay that way if she hadn't come in.

Once more, she utters. "As you may know, your exam results haven't been given out yet." Everyone but me started shuddering and shuffling in their seats. The anticipation and fear both consuming each one slowly. No surprise. "But they're finally here." Taking the large bunch of paper by the desk, she slowly strides through the rows in front of her, letting each sheet slide off her fingers and onto each table. Words were still coming out of her mouth. "Now, I know what you're thinking. And yes, the break's in two days. But make sure you find the time to look back on everything. Your lessons, your assignments, this exam, everything."

It's the end of the first semester. In two days, that is. Two weeks of rest, relaxation and goofing off. No expectations, no work, just well-deserved fun. I guess we've earned it, after five gruelling months.

Many paces later, Miss Yin arrives at my row. The suspense is killing me too. I just didn't want to show it. I'm shy, yes. It's true, I hesitate. I'm many things, but I'm not afraid of this exam. Mister Yang told me to look forward. To look at every single possible thing. At the bright side, to be exact, and that it can happen. It's all a matter of dedication and hard work. Hopefully… Hopefully the marks I see on my sheet can prove that he's right.

"Here you go, Weiss", Miss Yin draws closer, holding out a thin piece of paper with a smile on her face. "I've got high hopes for you, kiddo." As much as I wanted to, I couldn't smile back at her. My anxiety hinders me.

I take the sheet of paper from her hand. I wonder… How did I do?

…

Two Days Later

…

"Alright, everybody", Miss Yin said in a cheerful wind.

The bell rings. Sunlight finding its way across the not-so-open doors. Bright and happy sounds began to boom from the students, dying out slowly as everyone left the schoolhouse.

I took my time as usual, packing my things away in a controlled pace. My pencils came in last.

My big brother must be waiting outside for me. Mom couldn't pick me up herself. She's sick in bed, with stomach cancer. And he and I are watching her. I don't care what anyone says. There is a way to get rid of cancer. There has to be.

With the last of my supplies in my bag, I hoist the straps around my shoulder, holding to them tightly like a school kid would. I scan everything that surrounds me with wistful eyes. From the bell to the blackboard to the individual desks. It's going to be different, these next two weeks. Of course, something's going to feel different and new once you get used to one thing.

I walk towards Miss Yin and give one last glance behind me. Her glowing smile replaced by a face that looked deep in thought.

"Out last again, huh?" She starts, substituting in a plastic smile.

There was something I wanted to say.

"Yeah." I…can't say them. Just stutter…

"Something wrong?"

"Uh. Actually, I, uh, wanna ask something, Miss Yin."

She chuckles at me. Maybe at how I always refer to her in a formal way. "Weiss, come on. Enough with the formal talk, 'kay? Outside-a class, it's just 'Yin'. Please just…call me that."

"O-okay." Getting used to just calling my teacher 'Yin' is…harder than I thought. Harder than she's making it out to be. I choke on my words, bringing myself to doing just that. "Uh, Y-Yin… Um, is Yang okay? He's been gone for like a month now."

The mention of…Mister Yang's name stops her dead on her tracks.

Well, somewhat…

"He, um… He had something to take care of. Dunno exactly when he'll be back."

"A-aren't you worried at all?"

Miss Yin rubs her head, her face showing how distraught she is right now. "Yes…and no."

"Yes and…no?"

"Yes because he's my brother and he's been gone too long. And no because I know him. He's strong. Cocky, yes. But he's well-built. No one knows Yang better than his own sister." Glad to know she's…somewhat concerned. If only I could help.

"Oh. Okay."

Something had overcome my teacher. Immediately she rises from her seat, focused on the door. Steadily she walks towards it, still rubbing her head. Just barely I can see something wrapped around her body. Bandages?

"Um, Mi–er, Yin", I fumble.

"Hm?"

"You got something on your–"

She points out to the covered parts, knowing exactly what I mean. "Oh, this? Don't worry. It's nothing."

"But there're like bandages all around you! You sure you're okay?"

One more time she chuckles. This time at my willingness, my eagerness, to help. "Yeah. I'm fine. Doesn't sting anymore." Then a car horn begins to honk, wanting attention. Desperate for it, to be more accurate. "I think someone's waiting for you."

It must be my brother.

"Oh, right! Oh my gosh. See ya in two weeks, Yin." With that said, I race to the exit, but not without waving goodbye.

"I'll see ya too, kiddo."

I ran. The horn was still honking. As I reach the exit, I see an old, used car parked by the kerb. My brother was sitting in the driver's seat; he's been sounding that horn. He's impatient. Or maybe I'm just too slow. Maybe…

The back door clicks open, shutting closed as I enter. I fix my tail up, curling it across my lap, and fasten my seatbelt afterwards.

And I hear his voice. That short-tempered tone.

"What took you so damn long, Weiss?" He grumbled.

"Sorry. Thought I'd say 'bye' to my teacher."

"It took you fifteen minutes just to do that? Damn it! What the hell do you use that cell phone of yours other than playing 'Snake'?"

This is going nowhere…

"Hey, I said 'sorry'. Oh, come on, Ty. Not this again." Tyler…my 23 year-old brother. He's the head of the family now, with Dad gone and all. He's doing the best he can to live up to that. All the pressure and expectations must be mounting up inside him. Probably yelling at me is a way for him to blow some of that steam away.

"Tch. Whatever. We need to get back now. I'm worried about Mom."

And a Mama's Boy at heart… Hehehe. Embarrassing.

The engine whirrs. The wheels screech as Tyler depressed his foot gently on the pedal. Outside the window was most of the city newly repaired. Its people hustly-bustly, continuing with their lives – proof that everyone's moved on since that vicious attack last month. It'll take a while for us to get home; we live just outside of the city, in a small suburb. No. 'Cul-de-sac' is what it is.

I place one hand over the other. The thought of Mom's cancer keeping me busy. She has to get better. She just has to…

"Um, Ty?" I ask in a quivering voice.

"What?" He sounds like he doesn't want to talk to me.

"Is…is Mom… Is she gonna be okay?"

"Not sure."

"Huh?"

"Cancer's a real bitch to deal with." Why do people have to talk like that? Do they get some sort of satisfaction when they say the 's word'? Do other people think that they're some sort of tough guy when they say the 'f word'? Is it even necessary?

"What do you mean?"

"Let's just say…if you get some kind of cancer and you recover from it, then you're one of the luckiest people in the world."

As scary as it sounds and it may be, there has to be a cure for cancer. Just like a cough or cold. Day after day, I hear nothing but "You can't get rid of cancer" or "That's no ordinary condition. You'd have to be God if you could cure someone of it". These words… They probably exist for the sole purpose of crushing my hopes and scattering their remains.

I wasn't finished. "I…I just hope…Mom's one of them."

Tyler knew what I meant. "So do I, baby sis. So do I."

The car turns silent for the rest of the drive.

Eventually we come across a big row of houses, just outside the city limits. The engine settles down, whispering as the car moves against the kerb. In front of us, a house formed by brown bricks. With every bit of detail that makes a house. Windows. Doors. A roof. All that.

Tyler stops the car entirely, the sound of the key sliding out of the ignition following. The doors unlock. I grab my backpack and reach for the door, fixing my tail as I set foot on the pavement. My petite feet take me across the all too familiar scenery. The grass that makes up our front yard, and the round wooden table and chairs resting atop. It's too familiar that I just ignored it all.

Reaching into my pocket, I feel something metal and rough rubbing against my fingers. I take it out and find out what it was – my house key. Carefully I insert it into the keyhole. And the hickory door opens with a gentle turn of the knob.

Into the house I walked cautiously. You can never be too careful, even in your own home. Tyler was busy getting something from the trunk of the car. I went ahead; I couldn't see what he took out. By the right side of the hallway, a set of hooks to hang different things. I placed one of my backpack's straps into one of the hooks, my shoulders eased from the sheer weight.

But there's one more thing I want to take with me. In the outmost pocket my hand digs in. At the tip of my fingers I feel my earphones. That means my mp3 player's in there too. Putting this in mind, I give my earphones a soft yank. Holding my gadget firmly, I continue on.

A staircase in front of me. Upstairs is where my room, my brother's room and my mom's room are. Speaking of my mom, she must be in bed. I walk up each step, convincing myself that she really is up there.

"Mom?" I call out, all my strength distributed towards my lungs. "Mom, I'm home."

Possibly as an answer, a voice calls back out. "In here, Weiss." It came from the largest room in the house.

I walk towards the source – a large bedroom with a queen-sized bed. Clothes discarded by the side. A headboard behind the bed with nothing but clutter on it and an antique lamp in the middle looking for attention. By the side of the door, a small table with books stacked on top of each other.

Lying on the bed is a middle-aged female fox with a dull expression – my mother, Miriam. She's had stomach cancer for probably three months now. All she could feel was a sting on her abdomen. Sometimes, she'd feel dizzy and throw up. Eating also became hard for her since she has a hard time swallowing; normally Tyler or I would cut up whatever food she had into thin bits and slices until we couldn't practically see them anymore. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating on the last statement. But you get the point.

If Mom dies… No. No, no, no. She can't! Come on, Weiss. Remember what Mister Yang said. "Anything can happen, no matter what anyone says. Always look at every possibility. And look at the brightest one the most. Know that it can happen." No matter how many times I repeat this to myself, I can't rub out that frightening thought… I'm scared.

Closer to my mom I drew. When I got close enough, I began, "You feeling okay, Mom?"

"Yeah", she says believably. "Um, where's your brother?"

He's still not back…?

"I think he's getting something from the car."

"Damn it. Why's it so hard to count on that boy?" She mumbles in a frustrated tone. Although I don't think 'mumble' seems appropriate since I can clearly hear her.

Sympathy starts welling out of me. "Go easy on him, Mom. He's trying, y'know."

Mom lets out a sigh. "Fine. Uh, Weiss…"

"Yeah?"

"Couldja hand me my cigarettes? They're uh…somewhere on the headboard."

She's still smoking? How does she expect to get better if she's going to keep up with this?

"What? Y-you're seriously gonna smoke? Don't you wanna get better–"

She interrupts me viciously. "Just gimme m' damn cigarettes, Weiss! Sheesh. Besides, I already know it's my fault if something happens."

Out of fear, I comply, still hesitating. There's just too many things on the headboard, it's become hard to tell what's what. Small boxes holding God-knows-what inside. Concealing each other. Plastic trays holding perfume and cologne bottles with a few things squeezed in between them. Maybe hairclips…

As I searched the clutter one would dare call a headboard, footsteps start tapping. Growing louder; they were coming from the stairs. Whoever it was, he or she gave the door two knocks.

Turning around to find the source, I see Tyler with two plastic bags around his hands. He enters with hasty legs.

"Done the groceries", my brother reports, reaching into one of the bags. He takes out a small container, heaving it straight for Mom. Thinking she could catch it. "And here. Here're your pills. Doc says you gotta take two a day. One in the morning, one at night."

To Mom, information like this is disinteresting. She responds in a dull tone, proving exactly that. "Alright, alright. Think I'll take one now, and take another after dinner." Popping the lid open, she shakes the container. And a small pink pill falls into her palm. She takes it in. Without a glass of water. Not even paying mind to the inscriptions made specifically for her. Then she turns to me, waving her hand at me – her way of telling me to stop whatever I was doing. She gulps and says. "Mmm. Weiss, stop. Let your brother take care of that. You're taking too long and he knows where they are."

"Where…what are?" Tyler asks, understandably confused.

"My cigarettes. And don't worry. I'm careful. Just told your sister that, so just…just get 'em for me. And uh, Weiss…just bring those bags down, 'kay?"

"'Kay."

And then I grab the bags by their straps, absorbing Mom's fussy orders. They're heavy, but I know how to solve it. I pause for a while and meditate. My hands start glowing – a Woo Foo spell. With little to no problem, I lift the once heavy plastic bags and proceed down the stairs.

I take the first right turn in the hallway, making it to the kitchen. There's something I'd like to take care of. Rushing over to the dinner table, I cast aside the bags by one of its legs. To the left of the table was a glass door – the way to the backyard. My sights set, I walk towards it, sliding it open, thudding to a stop.

At the end of each week, I always take my time to look at my flower bed. Watering them. Placing the fresh ones into a pot. Replacing them with whatever seeds I might come across. Never have I neglected my flower bed. And I don't plan on doing so.

The first thing I noticed the instant I stepped outside was Nana tending to my flowers. She must be taking care of them for me again. I guess that's what I'd expect from my one-hundred-and-so year-old great grandmother. Y'know. Caring for any living thing.

My family has…troubles. It's always been hard. My brother's always under pressure. My mom's the main cause for it. She wasn't the same since Dad…left. None of us were. Seemingly, all our hopes in things getting better are crushed and scattered. But Nana…she's something else. She's different. It didn't matter how pressing life was for her. She knows that everything that happens all work out in some way. Sure she seems crazy. But when I think about it, maybe that's what Yang meant.

"Look at the possibilities. Look at the brightest ones the most. And know that they can happen."

Putting on a smile, I approach my great grandmother.

"Hey Nana", I greeted almost genuinely. And I repeat, 'almost'.

"Weiss. Welcome home. So how's the last day of school?"

"Okay, I guess. Sorta."

"And by 'sorta', you mean "Finally! Thought it'd never end". Right?" She pairs her trademark hoarse voice with a cheeky grin.

Giggling at her clever jargon, I respond, saying, "Nah. Woo Foo's pretty cool, Nana. Yeah, it sounds stupid at first, but I'm liking it. A lot."

"I'm sure you are." And just barely, I hear Nana uttering something beneath her breath. "I know I did."

I didn't bother to understand what it meant.

'Nana' is just a nickname. I know her name, but I can't really pronounce it well.

She hands me my gloves and my watering can. I sprinkle each stem, each single collection of petals softly. As I finish off and lay down the can, a small glow is emanated from the flower bed. It's so bright… So pure… So warm…

"Wh-what is it?" I ask in my trembling voice.

Nana points to the left of the bunk of soil. "There."

"Oh my… It's so pretty."

"Wow… Never thought I'd actually see one."

"Me neither, Nana. Hey, you think this can be…our little secret?"

"Of course, baby girl. Our. Little. Secret."

The source of this glow – a small flower with large, glowing, light-blue petals. Almost like they're made of crystal. Its center abundant with pollen. It's so beautiful…

Lina

"Lina! Did you park the tractor back in the hut?"

"Yes, Dad! I have! Geez, what a pain…"

Life had never felt more demanding for Lina. One month after the city's destruction has come to pass. Understandably, this young canine would be shocked by this event. But she found out that it falls in comparison to the discovery of the cause. The one she had loved for a long time. The blue Woo Foo rabbit, Yang.

Day after day, Lina tries to erase the truth from her mind. Creating false ones instead. The kind that she'd rather see. Where everything was a simple misunderstanding. A fabrication. But sooner or later she'd realize not to live in fantasies forever. To face reality. To accept it. To understand that it favors no one. What she plans to do about these events and how it will affect her is her choice. She will either succumb to overwhelming fear. Or harden her resolve and bring her friend back…

She finishes her farming chores. The tractor she had used rests in its hut. Without any other tasks left, Lina enters her house through the front door, headed for her room.

A room that best describe a pre-teen girl. One decorated with beautiful stickers and posters of attractive boys here and there. A bed and a closet to discern the entire space from an ordinary room. Clothes were scattered everywhere. It had been a while since the room had been given much needed cleaning.

But this didn't bother Lina at all. As a matter of fact, everything had been scattered in a way that she would know where to go if she was looking for something in particular.

In a small frame of time, a peculiar noise buzzes across the room; Lina's cell phone starts ringing. Discarded on top of the bed's headboard, its screen flashes repeatedly.

"A text?" She speaks to herself, reaching out for the bright and constant flashes.

A press of a button. The screen shows a message. Thinking that it could be Yin, Lina scans each butchered word thoroughly.

"Need ur help. C u Dojo. 9 o'clock. Bring every1. – Yin"

"So it's gonna be like that, huh?" Closely, she clutches her chest. Uttering a single name to herself. "Yang…"

Acting quickly, she scopes through her closet, violently. As if she's scrimmaging with it. With what was inside it. Amidst the clothes and hangers, a small boomerang. Both sides joined by a circle hinge. Folded together. A present that Yang had given her for Valentine's Day – a last minute present. Indeed, it was a strange choice for a gift. But the realization that this boomerang was a Woo Foo Talisman, a Kami no Gofu, could have made it more or less strange.

Lina takes a deep breath. "Okay, then. Here goes." Controlling her nerves, she grabs it by the edges and closes her eyes to recite an incantation.

"Woo Foo Elders far and near. Hear my cries and pleas, loud and clear. A garden in bloom, a meadow so wide. The power of nature, now be my guide. Strengthen me wherever I may go. Now, Awaken! Nature's Sparkle: Shizuka Tonbou! Silent Dragonfly!"

The last sentence finished, the boomerang glows. A pair of wings appear in midair – those of a dragonfly. They spread out. The steel finish glistening. Its emblazoned markings emitting their own glow. After a while, the shine wears off. The wings vanish. In the aftermath, the boomerang presents itself, fully opened. Larger in size. Resting on Lina's shoulders.

The girl did not show signs of fear at all. In fact, she just watched on. As if she had anticipated this. Expecting this to happen. It could be that the weapon chose her. Or perhaps she chose it. Either way, her mind has been set.

She couldn't leave yet though. Not without letting her father know. With this in mind, she searches her drawer for a piece of paper and something to write with. She finds a marker and a sticky note, proceeding to write on it. Stroking the tip with wavery hands.

Lina finishes, placing the adhesive end on her closet mirror. Large words written on it, saying:

"Be back soon. Gotta finish something."

Silent Dragonfly still anchored on her shoulder, Lina slides her window open and puts one foot out. A grassy ground brooming her sole.

"Sorry, Dad." She whispers and casts one last slight glance at her room, sighing. And then she turns towards her boomerang. "Let's go…Tonbou. I've got a friend to save."

Afterwards, both of Lina's feet were outside of her house and into the open. Where they may take her, she is unsure. But she knows that if she lets her uncertainties get to her for just a second, it'll be over…

Roger Jr.

Life had become dull. At least for Roger Jr. He'd fill the emptiness by taking his sword and practicing, or painting graffiti on the city's buildings, among other things. This had become his daily routine. To kill the boredom. But this void had become too big to fill. And these habits slowly turn into redundant chores.

It has been so ever since Yang left. Since he turned to the dark for the first time. Since he was driven by temptation. Not that it really mattered to Roger Jr. at all, considering his father's endeavours in villainy. He had just become…bored. Bored that he had not heard from his friend at all. Even after just one month, it felt like an eternity.

Sooner or later, that would all change…

A ring on his doorbell…

"I'll get it", Roger announces in monotony. He approaches the door, opening it to find Lina at his doorstep. "Lina?"

"Can I come in?" She speaks humbly, strangely.

"Uh… Sure."

She takes slow steps inside the house. Both of them then take to the young Roger's room.

…

…

…

"She needs us…?" Roger layed flat on his bed.

"Mmhmm." Lina leaned on it.

"Can't she stop him herself? They are brother and sister, y'know."

"Yeah, but she'd get her ass kicked one too many times. She'll probably go down on her knees."

"That bad, huh?"

"Yup."

Roger reaches for Lina's cell phone. Considering the text message displayed. Absorbing the meaning. Reaching a decision, he swiftly rises up, his mouth cracking a smile.

"Count me in." He declared.

"Really?"

"'Fcourse. Thought it'd be a chance to settle our little score." Enthusiastically, he punches his palm rhythmically.

Lina chuckles at his motions, bringing herself back on her feet. "Then that's that. "Operation: Blue Bunny Rescue" has officially been commenced."

Their preparatations weren't finished though. There was one last thing for them to do.

"But aren't we missing someone?" Roger indicates.

"I know. I'll get the chicken, and the tree stump's yours."

"As usual?" He cracks a sharp smile.

"That's right. Come on. Time's a'wastin'."

With that said, both Lina and Roger rush towards the door, their sights set towards their objectives. Though they may worry their respective families, their duties as friends remain of the highest importance.

Yo

I've always thought that sealing away my most beloved pupil in the Pit would end this nightmare. I've always though that it's the most effective way to solve my problems. But it's useless. It doesn't matter how many times I try. My actions. The words I've spoken. My feelings. Someday, they'll return. And strike hard. Bite me in the ass. That's not confronting your problems. That's running away. Being scared. That's what I've always been. Scared of making mistakes. The same mistakes, all over again.

Only now do I conclude that that's wrong. Sure people make mistakes; they're bound to happen. But mistakes exist for the purpose of shaping us. To make us a better creature. Running away is the opposite. We allow our fear to devour us, should we let it happen. My student, my daughter, Yin showed me that. And this time…

This time… All my shortcomings, my mistakes, my imperfections…they will be my fuel. I'll take them all, and do the right thing for once. I can't let my fear hinder me. This is my chance… Chances are short. I won't let this slip.

Closed off inside my room, two armored gloves rest on my bedsheets – a Woo Foo Talisman, the Kami no Gofu: Earth Hand. Said to have divided the largest of plains, or even split continents into segments.

"I hope…", I speak to myself nervously. "I hope I don't mess this up." And I put each hand into each glove, taking one big gulp.

With every ounce of energy, I recite an incantation, directing it all towards my arms.

"Woo Foo Elders far and near. Hear my cries and pleas, loud and clear. Plains, mountains, hills and marsh. Help me pave the path forward, thought it may be harsh. Awaken now, Twin Nomads of the Ground: Earth Hand! Terra Manus!"

The earth shivers. It starts rocking back and forth, continuing on until coming to a stop. Both of the gloves glow green. The light dissipates to unveil a pair of metal gauntlets tight and firm around my hands.

I walk towards the window and look with a ponderous stare. An apology tucked away in my heart. Waiting to be spoken.

Just one second. One chance for me to say sorry to him… If I could have that chance…

…

…

…

Lives have been intertwined. The wheel of fate has been spun.

Brother and Sister… An unfulfilled promise… Mistakes waiting to be undone… Child-like hope…

The cards have been drawn by the mistress herself. How far will these individual souls push their fortunes? How long can they stand after tempting their own fates? Will all their respective conflicts be resolved?