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Setsuna found Mana leaning against the door, eyes closed. "Mana."

The soldier open an eye, straightening up as she saw Setsuna "Ready to go?"

Setsuna nodded, a yawn escaping her lips "Why are we going out so early?"

"You do want the perfect ring right?" Mana replied with a shrug "Besides, it wouldn't be much of a secret if everyone knew where you were going."

The sky was still a deep blue, the chilly air gently brushing against their faces. The sun wouldn't be up for a while.

"What do you think of this?" Setsuna held up a shiny ring, adorned with any different jewels that glittered brightly in the light.

Mana shook her head with a look of disgust "That's pretty gaudy looking. Looks like something a rich old lady would wear."

Setsuna laughed, placing the ring back "I'm glad you said that. I would never trust your judgement again had you said it looked great."

Mana merely scoffed at Setsuna's attempt to test her "No one would marry you with such a horrendous looking ring."

"It's not marriage!" Setsuna flushed a deep red as Mana chuckled at how easy it was to tip Setsuna over the edge.

The soldier was standing a little ways from Setsuna, who had been browsing the store for a good hour. Though the store was filled with gorgeous rings and jewellery, Setsuna hadn't found a pair of rings that she liked.

"Have you thought about how you're going to give it to her?" Mana started up another conversation.

"I'll take her out for a romantic dinner in the garden under the stars." Setsuna started with a smile "There'll be a meteor shower that night, and we'll make wishes upon them. Then I'll give her the ring as a promise."

"That night? You already have a day picked out don't you." Mana quipped "I happen to know that there's a meteor shower three days from now. You're planning to do it then?"

Setsuna nodded, the blush still on her cheeks. "Yeah. That's why I need the ring before that."

Just then, the salesgirl approached the two of them with a smile "I think i may have found the perfect rings for you."

Setsuna brightened up at the prospect of the perfect rings, following the sales girl a little ways away to the counter where she took out a small tray adorned with many rings. She plucked out a ring, a silver band with a small jewel embedded in it. Two small wings spread on either side of the jewel. It was simple, nothing too fancy. Just what Setsun had been looking for.

"These are perfect!" Setsuna smiled brightly, examining the rings closely

"Make sure it's the right size" Mana chuckled "It would be sad if it didn't fit onto your bride."

"Not my bride!" "Setsuna flushed a deep red as the salesgirl stifled a laugh.

Setsuna paid in cash, and walked out of the store exhausted but happy. Mana shook her head, a smile still on her face. "Let's get home before you wear yourself out."

"Not yet. There's still one more thing." Setsuna shook her head

"One more thing?" Mana frowned "You already got the rings. What else is there?"

"It's personal." Setsuna sighed "Go home without me."

"You're crazy if you think I'm letting you out of my sight." Mana raised an eyebrow "Whatever you need to do, I'm coming with."

Setsuna pressed her lips into a line, a crease in her brow as she contemplated. "Mana… I really don't think-"

The look on Mana's face was all Setsuna really needed to see, even without the taller girl saying a single word. Setsuna let out a defeated sigh "Okay. Fine."

The two got into Setsuna's car. It was a small car. One Setsuna used for personal errands when she wasn't strutting around in her mask as Lady Sakurazaki. Their driver was silent, clearly Setsuna had already told him where their destination was. He raised an eyebrow at Mana's presence, but asked no questions as he started the car. The drive was silent, but judging from the increasingly gloomy scenery they were driving by, they weren't headed anywhere good. Mana stole a glance at Setsuna, who was staring out the window, her brow furrowed slightly. Setsuna's blade rested firmly in her grip, and Mana was beginning to worry that Setsuna was throwing herself into a fight.

"It's not a fight." Setsuna murmured as if she read Mana's thoughts.

The rest of the journey was silent. The car eventually came to a stop in front of a ruined estate, burnt and charred into a pile of unrecognizable debris. Setsuna alighted quietly.

"Stay here Mana." Setsuna whispered "Please"

"No way." Mana narrowed her eyes. There was no room for argument.

Setsuna sighed, turning her back on the car. Mana followed behind Setsuna, keeping some distance between them. She knew whatever Setsuna was here to do was rather private, as the girl had been awfully tight-lipped about it, but even so Mana refused to let Setsuna out of her sight. Not with everything that they had just been through. Mana followed Setsuna to the back of the ruined home. Hidden amidst the blackened rocks and debris was a small area that was void of any visible carnage. A small bundle of decaying flowers lay in the middle of the empty patch. Setsuna knelt gingerly and Mana immediately understood. The soldier quickly moved out of hearing range, but kept her eye on Setsuna.

Setsuna didn't notice the soldier move, but it didn't matter. She was in her own world now. "I'm sorry I haven't visited in awhile" Setsuna sighed, her head lowered as she looked at her clasped hands in her lap "So much has happened, I… I don't know where to start."

She took a breath, then let out a small smile "I guess I should start with her. Her name is Konoe Konoka. She's a human, the daughter of a well known human family. You'll like her, I think. She's.. beautiful" Setsuna blushed slightly "Both inside and outside. Konoka is… She accepted me for who I am… scars, heritage and all. She loves me. Not fear but love. It's like she brings out the best in me, and I can see it. I can see what I've accomplished and feel proud about it. Konoka, even though she's been through so much, is so strong. I think she's stronger than me in so many ways. Just like you were. I never thought anyone would look at me the way she looks at me, to want me the way she wants me."

Setsuna stopped for a moment, collecting herself "I...I want to be by her side… forever and I just wanted to let you know. Maybe it's too soon for both of us, but I hope you'd be okay with it. Me and Konoka that is. One day I'll bring her to meet the both of you. You can see for yourself what a wonderful girl she is." Setsuna's hand traced the scar over her right eye "I've lost so much, but I've gained so much more. I know you're worried, but you don't have to be. Not anymore. I'm okay. I'm more than okay. I have friends now. Friends I can rely on. I'm not alone anymore." Setsuna nodded to herself. "That's all for now. I'll be back soon, and I'll make sure to bring Konoka along. See you soon, Mom, Dad."

Setsuna rose to her feet, dusting off her clothes and headed towards Mana. The soldier said nothing, and silently followed Setsuna back to the vehicle.

"Thanks Mana." Setsuna whispered

Mana merely grunted in reply, as if to say it was nothing. The journey home was uneventful, though Setsuna was clearly much more jittery as they got closer to the mansion.

"Relax or Konoka will find out." Mana whispered as they walked up to the mansion, lightly slapping Setsuna on the arm to snap her out of her nervous trance.

"Right… "Setsuna nodded, shaking her head to clear it of thoughts.

Luckily for them, no one seemed to have noticed their absence, the activity in the mansion only just starting to pick up. Fuka and Fumika ran by them giggling, greeting them briefly before running off. Setsuna couldn't help but smile at the sight. The atmosphere in the mansion was light and as she walked into her study she was greeted by the sights of Yue and Nodoka hard at work.

"Mou...I told you guys to leave the work to me." Setsuna grumbled as the two girls lifted their heads to look at her.

"You know that's not gonna happen." Yue stated as she continued writing on the piece of paper in front of her. "You can't handle everything on your own."

"I've always done it by myself and I shall" Setsuna frowned deeply "I appreciate that all of you have stepped in while I was recuperating, but I can handle it from here."

Before anyone could say anything, the door swung open and Konoka walked in, dressed up in one of Setsuna's dresses, a stack of papers in hand.

"Got a couple more for you." Konoka handed the papers over to Yue with an apologetic smile.

"Konoka, you went out again?" Setsuna cut in, her eyes narrowing at the outfit Konoka sported.

"Yeah?" Konoka raised an eyebrow curiously

"I told you not to go into the field again." Setsuna frowned deeply

"I can handle myself" Konoka retorted with a huff "Besides Koutarou-kun accompanies me. I'm not alone."

"Why are all of you like this?" Setsuna sighed with a shake of her head. "Why can't you just leave the work to me like before."

"You can't just expect us to go back to pretending that we know nothing." Yue stood up from where she had been sitting, her brows furrowed.

"I'm not -" Setsuna pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation, glancing over at Mana who was standing a little ways away "A little help?"

"Sorry Setsuna, but I agree with them. You can't keep doing this alone" Mana shook her head.

Setsuna sighed deeply, silent for a moment "I can't talk any of you out of this can I?"

The four girls shook their heads, a knowing smile on their faces. Setsuna sighed once again "Fine, but Konoka" Setsuna turned to her girlfriend "I'm taking you off the field."

"What! Sec-chan!" Konoka bristled with annoyance "That's not fair!"

"You can help in other ways, but you are not to work out in the field." Setsuna frowned

"Why? I've been doing just fine, haven't I?" Konoka pushed harder. She couldn't understand why Setsuna was doing this. She'd been steadily growing better at being out in the front, more comfortable in hiding behind Setsuna's mask. Konoka finally felt like she was helping, and to have that taken away from her, she just didn't understand.

"Yes you have." Setsuna agreed, with a nod "but I don't want you to go out there. It's safer in the mansion."

"You can't keep shutting me out like this." Konoka had her voice raised as she argued, livid "I'm more than capable of handling things up front. I was the one out there while you were recovering. I can do this."

"I'm not backing down on this" Setsuna narrowed her eyes, her voice matching Konoka's own "You are not to leave the mansion without an escort and that's final!"

The two of them stared at each other, the other 3 girls watching on in silence. The tension in the atmosphere hung heavily over them as they watched the exchange. It was the first time they had seen Konoka so assertive, but they knew Setsuna wouldn't back down to easily. They were right.

"Fine." Konoka broke off eye contact with a sharp glare. With that one word, Konoka strode out of the room angrily, the door slamming behind her.

"Setsuna…" Mana whispered quietly as the dark haired girl who was staring at the door. "Go after her."

"No." Setsuna scowled "I'm not changing my mind. Konoka will just have to accept that."

Mana winced slightly at the tone of Setsuna's voice, but knew that it was almost impossible to change Setsuna's mind once she got like this. She would just have to try again later.

Setsuna grabbed a stack of papers from the table, a stack that Yue hadn't touched yet, and strode out of the room, presumably to her bedroom. Yue and Nodoka exchanged worried glances before turning their gaze to Mana, who shook her head with a sigh before she went after Setsuna.

That night, Setsuna sat alone in her room, the bed feeling bigger than ever. She stayed up for a long time, occasionally glancing at the empty space next to her, waiting for Konoka to come in. She never did. Setsuna fiddled with the ring box in her hand, opening and closing it quietly. She sighed. Setsuna never thought they would have their first fight right after buying the ring. She groaned in frustration, throwing herself onto her bed. Setsuna fell asleep alone for the first time in a long time. When she awoke the next morning, Konoka's side of the bed was still cold and untouched. An unsettling feeling nestled in the pit of her stomach, Setsuna quickly changed and took a walk around the mansion in search of a certain brunette.

Konoka was seated in the garden, tending to the flora quietly. Setsuna let out a small sigh of relief at the sight of Konoka.

"Ohaiyou Konoka." Setsuna spoke quietly as she stepped into the garden.

Konoka stopped what she was doing for a moment, but quickly resumed without sparing Setsuna a single glance.

Setsuna frowned "You didn't come back last night. I was worried."

Again Konoka ignored her, her back still towards her girlfriend.

"Are you still angry about yesterday?" Setsuna sighed.

"Are you going to let me continue?" Konoka suddenly spoke, her tone was quiet and soft

"No." Setsuna scowled a little "I won't change my mind. Konoka. This is for your safety."

"No it isn't" Konoka retorted "This is about you and your selfish desires to take on everything on your own!"

"That's not what this is about!" Setsuna argued

"Then explain why confining me to the mansion seems to be high on your priority list!" Konoka hissed out "I'm sick of being kept in the dark. I'm sick of you keeping secrets from me, and I'm sick of being locked up and useless. I not the same girl that you brought in 2 years ago. I've changed. I can carry your burdens with you but you won't let me and I'm sick of it. When will you stop trying to be a martyr and let others help you?"

Her words seemed to have hit Setsuna hard, the latter staring at Konoka with wide eyes.

"Good day Setsuna-sama." Konoka's tone quickly became bitter and hard. She grabbed her tools and strode past Setsuna quickly, leaving the shocked girl behind.

"Sama?" Setsuna was shocked and confused at the tone Konoka had given her, but by the time she snapped out of it, Konoka was long gone.

That night, Konoka didn't come into the room either. Alone in her room, Setsuna scowled at her reflection once more. Konoka refused to talk to her unless Setsuna agreed to lift the ban on her, something that Setsuna did not want to do. The cold shoulder treatment was beginning to take its toll on Setsuna, who felt torn between keeping Konoka safe and wanting the girl to be by her side once more.

"I'm doing the right thing...aren't I?"

You're a selfish fool Setsuna. You can't see past your own desires

"That's not true! I'm doing everything I can."

Lies! Why do you keep lying to yourself?

"I'm not! I'll do anything to protect Konoka"

Even at the cost of pushing her away?

Setsuna's inner voice pushed back, sparking a debate within herself

"If it means keeping her safe from harm I'll -"

Lock her up in your mansion like the slavers do?

Setsuna froze, staring at her reflection. "I'm not like them. This is different!"

What's different. You're taking away her freedom.

"I'm trying to keep her safe!"

By confining her to your mansion. You might as well reattach the slave collar

"Shut up!" Setsuna threw a hefty punch at the window. The reinforced glass panel cracked under the pressure, but held fast. The cracks that spread across the window distorted her reflection as Setsuna looked back at it.

You're no different from the slavers. You're just like them. You'll see

The voice faded from her mind, but left Setsuna in a deep turmoil "I'm not like them. I'm not."

The dark haired girl fell asleep next to the cracked window, her mind troubled. The restless sleep she got that night could be seen the next morning. Her eyes were bloodshot and had deep eye bags under them. Her shoulders slumped as she shuffled down the corridor. Setsuna instinctively avoided the study, she didn't want to face anyone just yet, instead shuffling out to the large driveway of the mansion, sitting there in silence.

"Setsuna-sama?" A curious voice entered her thoughts "What are you doing here?"

Her bloodshot eyes landed on Fuka, who was looking at her worriedly, a broom in hand. Setsuna turned away slowly with a sigh "I'm okay Fuka. There's not need to worry."

"Your eyes are red." Fuka stepped closer, resting a hand on Setsuna's shoulder "Setsuna-sama?"

Setsuna felt her eyes twitch at the sound of her title. She gritted her teeth together "It's nothing Fuka. Just ignore it."

"Setsuna-sama -"

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Setsuna stood up with a roar, glaring right at Fuka, who stumbled back in shock.

Setsuna panted heavily from the outburst, turning her head away quickly "I'm sorry. I..I'm just not feeling too good."

She quickly walked away from Fuka, not catching the worried look on her face. Setsuna kept her head low as she tried to avoid the staff in the mansion. Her irritation grew each time they greeted her, but she kept moving. Setsuna didn't know where she was headed, but as long as she was alone. Unfortunately, her erratic walk had brought her to the one person that didn't want to see her. Konoka stared at the dark haired girl standing a little ways from her. She noticed the bloodshot eyes but said nothing. Konoka was still mad and she was willing to carry that point across with the cold shoulder treatment.

Setsuna on the other hand, in order to quell the doubts in her own mind, needed to talk to Konoka, but the latter was not having any of it, turning away from her instead.

"Konoka wait!" Setsuna ran after the girl "Please just listen to me."

"I'll stay in the mansion like a good girl, just like you wanted." Konoka scowled " Are you happy now, Setsuna-sama?."

"Why are you calling me that?" Setsuna growled "Stop it."

"If you're going to act like the master of the mansion, it's only right to refer to you as such, Setsuna-sama!" Konoka knew it was childish, but she was absolutely sick of Setsuna treating her like a glass doll. If Setsuna wanted throw orders around, fine. Two could play at that game. The tone of Konoka's voice pierced through Setsuna's heart like a dagger once again. Despite the hurt she felt, Setsuna scowled in return and went after Konoka, who had turned away yet again. She grabbed Konoka by her shoulder and spun her around so that they were facing each other.

"Stop walking away from me!" Setsuna hissed angrily.

"Don't touch me!" Konoka slapped her hand away, her voice equally loud and angry

With a growl, Setsuna pushed Konoka up against the wall "Stop pushing me away and talk to me like you're supposed to! I'm your girlfriend damn it!"

Setsuna's eyes widened as she met Konoka's gaze. Their proximity had allowed both Setsuna and Konoka to see what they hadn't been able to notice about the other before. Setsuna felt her heart shatter as the eyes that has once looked at her with admiration and love were now looking at her filled with fear. She could feel Konoka shaking under her palms that was pushing her against the wall. Tears were already beginning to well up in Konoka's eyes, and Setsuna could see her own reflection in those tears. The harsh scowl she wore reflected back at her, and she was horrified at what she had become. Setsuna hurriedly pushed off Konoka, letting the latter sink to the ground.

She stared at her hands shakily "What am I doing…"

"Sec-chan.." Konoka finally recognised the look in Setsuna's eyes. The emotions that had been haunting her had revealed themselves in that very moment. Konoka could see how broken Setsuna had become overnight and the guilt ate at her. Guilt from playing this childish game that has brought such sorrow to her girlfriend. In her own anger, Konoka had forgotten that underneath that tough facade, Setsuna was just as or even more broken than she was. "Sec-chan, I'm sorry I..."

Setsuna bumped into a wall as she backed away. Turning, she came face to face with her reflection, staring at her from the mirror hanging on the wall. Setsuna watched as her reflection began to distort and blacken, the shapes molding together into a different shape, a different person.

"No…" Setsuna murmured as she watched her reflection twist into the form of Myouzen, his evil gaze glinting back at her.

You and I are one and the same.

"I'm not like you!" Setsuna screamed at the mirror, shattering it with her fist.

The loud shattering of the mirror sent shards raining down onto her, slicing open skin and drawing blood. Setsuna stood there, her bloody fist outstretched "I'm nothing like you…"

"Setsuna, Konoka what's going?" Mana ran in, guns drawn, her dark eyes scanning for danger.

Her eyes fell onto Konoka who was staring at Setsuna on the brink of tears, and Setsuna with a bloody fist, tears already falling from her bloodshot eyes. "Setsuna -"

"Don't come near me!" Setsuna screamed hysterically, her hands raising to grab her head, blood smearing over her face.

"Konoka" Mana look over to the brunette for answers, but only got a shake of a head in return.

The soldier took a few cautious steps towards Setsuna, who didn't seem to notice, muttering to herself. Mana gulped worriedly. This was bad. If Setsuna was relapsing, it would take a long time for her to pull herself back together again. Without Nagi involved, Mana doubted Setsuna would be able to put herself back together, even with Konoka by her side.

"I'm not like you. I'm not!" Setsuna had fallen onto her knees, glass shards slicing into her legs. Her fists clenched tightly on the ground, spilling blood as shards were caught in her grip.

"Gomen." Mana closed her eyes in apology before she reappeared behind Setsuna and knocked her out in one blow. She caught the unconscious girl before she landed on the glass shards and carried her to the side away from the broken mirror.

Konoka was by her side in a flash, already healing the cuts, tears falling from her eyes.

"What happened Konoka?" Mana asked softly, the worried features of her face betraying the calm tone of her voice

"I… I don't know." Konoka shook her head shakily "We were arguing and Sec-chan was agitated...I was being childish.. I didn't mean to.. She got mad and she pushed me. It wasn't her fault…"

Mana sighed, her eyes turning down to look at the unconscious girl in her arms. The pitter patter of feet caused her to look back up Fuka and Fumika stood there in shock.

"We're too late." Fuka wailed

"What's wrong?" Mana was getting tired of asking but she had to

"Setsuna-sama was acting weird just now." Fuka bit her lower lip "She wasn't acting like herself and seemed troubled. I was going to tell Mana-san but… we're too late."

"I think its a relapse." Mana frowned, scooping up the girl in her arms. "I can't be sure. We'll have to call Nagi-sama. Mou...just as you recovered from your last battle too."

It wasn't long before Nagi showed up. His wild hair was more unkempt than usual and the flush on his cheeks were a telltale sign that he had rushed over upon receiving the call. He threw the door to Setsuna's room open, catching sight of Mana sitting stoically by Setsuna's bed. His eyes then moved to the large crack in the window on the other side of the room. He frowned, and tossed his coat into the corner as he approached Mana.

"Mana, how did this happened?"

"I'm not sure." Mana replied honestly "Setsuna had a fight with Konoka two days ago. That might have been the trigger. Fuka said she was acting weird this morning too, but I don't know much details."

Nagi looked around the empty room. "Where's Konoka?"

"With Yue." came the reply "I didn't think it would be good for either of them to be in the same room. Not in the state they're in right now."

"I'll need to talk to her." Nagi turned to walked out of the room

"Is it a relapse?" Mana asked quietly, her head bowed

Nagi turned back with a soft frown "I don't know. I can't rule out that possibility".

He walked out of the room, leaving Mana alone once more. Nagi headed down to the room Yue and Nodoka shared. Konoka should be there, and he was right. When he entered, Konoka was seated on a chair, curled up into a ball sobbing.

"Nagi-sama." Yue and Nodoka greeted the tall man as he approached, kneeling down in front of Konoka.

"Konoka, look at me." Nagi spoke softly "Could you please tell me everything that happened? Starting from the fight you had with Setsuna. With as much detail as you can."

Moments later, after much tears, Nagi understood the situation. He had two problems to resolve, starting with the girl in front of him. Nagi placed a large hand on Konoka's head, patting her gently "Listen here Konoka. This is not your fault. It's normal for couples to fight. It's normal for you to act the way you did. You did nothing wrong."

"But Sec-chan-" Konoka shook her head a with a cry

"Unfortunately, with what you have been through, situations like this are unavoidable." Nagi continued "Can you tell me again what Setsuna was saying in the corridor?"

Without raising her head, Konoka muttered "I'm not like you."

"I'm not like you" Nagi repeated "Do you know why she was saying that?"

Konoka shook her head quietly, waiting for Nagi to reply

"Here's what I think. Setsuna feels like she's the same as those slavers out there, and she's desperately trying to deny it."

Konoka's head shoots up in shock and horror "Sec-chan is nothing like them." She hesitated for a moment as the realization dawned on her, her own words playing back in her mind "It's my fault. I shouldn't have said those things. She's thinking that way because of me!"

Fresh tears began to fall as Konoka began to cry once more. Nagi merely sat there, waiting for Konoka to let it all out.

"I know how you're feeling Konoka." Nagi started once Konoka had calmed down significantly "Setsuna was definitely wrong in her approach to keep you away from danger, and she realized it when you told her those things. It might be hard to hear, but it was the truth. Setsuna realized that and it began to eat her up inside."

"It's my fault." Konoka murmured

"No." Nagi shook his head "You're making her stronger. She has to learn that this is not the right way to protect someone. It might be harsh, but it's the truth. Her breakdown is an unfortunate side effect. She'll come out of this stronger than ever, but she needs you by her side. I can't tell you that this will never happen again because it will. You know that better than I do. All we can do, Konoka, is to guide her out of the darkness, just like she did for you."

"I don't know how." Konoka looked back at Nagi with tear-stained cheeks

"I'll help you. I promise."