Kaito lunged forward, aiming at Himeko. Himeko was stunned, unable to even move. She was too scared, scared to die. Perhaps in every life that she had, she had died but every time that it happens, she would still be scared. It was natural. Everyone is afraid of death, and being one of the priestesses doesn't exclude her.

It seemed that time slowed as she looked at the spear, moving to kill her. She gasped when the spear suddenly stopped and a grunting sound was heard from her assailant. She looked at Kaito's face and then she knew. Kaito was stopped by someone, by an unknown someone whom she couldn't see. Blood gushed out from a wound on his left cheek. She could vividly see the weapon used was a kunai.

"Arrrg!" Kaito quickly let go of the spear and removed the kunai, and held his wound. He looked past Himeko, making Himeko look back also. There she saw him, she saw Souma holding another kunai.

"Himeko come here!" Souma shouted. Himeko responded and went to him.

"You…" Kaito started, "…bastard…"

"I think it is you who is the bastard. Didn't you know that assaulting a lady is very unmanly? You shame me. I believed that you're a gentleman, a noble from the Himemiya…" Souma said, "…but I can't blame you… being an Orochi forces us to attack and kill the priestesses."

"S-Souma-kun? Do you mean?" Himeko asked.

"So you are one of the Orochi… Who is the other one?" Kaito questioned, ignoring Himeko. Hearing what Kaito had said made Himeko gasped and step back from Souma.

"I will not hurt you, trust me please." Souma whispered, loud enough so that Himeko could hear him, "I do not know who's the other one and I don't care! This is the reason why I didn't want to join you. I thought that when I learned that you're Himemiya's cousin that you would stop this madness!" at this, Souma threw the kunai at Kaito which was easily blocked by Kaito as he spun his spear to deflect the thrown weapon. Seeing this, Souma turned around, waved his hand as new kunais appeared. He threw them all towards Kaito. He held Himeko's wrist. "Run!"

Kaito watched them flee from him, as he deflected the kunais again but he was shocked when they all exploded. He was injured but only a little for he had already set up a barrier when Souma appeared. It was confusing, how could Souma fight Yamata no Orochi's influence? There he is, running and taking the Sun priestess with him, saving her from pain and death. How is it that he could do that? Why is he always the one that could defeat him, weaken him, makes him pity himself? How…was he able to capture the heart of the only person who owns his heart?

A loud booming sound was heard and the rain fell hard. The sky was shrouded with dark clouds, an after effect when he uses his powers, especially whenever he materializes his spear. "So cold…" he whispered as his tears streaked down along with the raindrops falling hard on his body and on the cemented ground.

Back at Chikane, she was able to bring Makoto to the building, where other wounded students were also taken, near the gym with the help of the runner's coach. That building was a hospital which had been one of Chikane's projects during her first year as the student council president. Half of the money used was voluntarily given by the students while the other half came from her savings.

They entered an unoccupied room and then applied first aid to the wounded and unconscious runner as they waited for the doctors to arrive. Chikane was calm on the outside but her insides were killing her. Apprehension was churning in her, making her feel sick. She is the priestess. She was bound to a fate where she couldn't help her family. She was one of the priestesses that must be killed so that his family wouldn't be punished by Yamata no Orochi. It was a painful realization.

"…san….Himemiya-san…."

Chikane was a bit startled as she realized that she was being called by the only man in the private room. "Pardon me. What is it Saoinji-sensei?"

"I want you to go and check for the other students. I assume that there is a lot to be done at this time. But before you go, I want you to tend to your wounds first. You had minor injuries and they needed to be treated or they will get infected." He said.

"You may be correct sir. I'm afraid that what happened really made me a little off." Chikane said.

"Don't worry, I can understand what you're feeling but right now, I think the student council must go and help the other students. The other teachers must also be out helping and taking the wounded here. I finished nursing so I know that I could help here."

Chikane nodded and treated her injuries, of course with some help from the coach. After that, she bid the coach farewell and left, leaving the unconscious brunette with the blond man. Saoinji Matsumoto briskly walked from where he was standing to the chair beside Makoto's bed and seated.

"Saotome Makoto… you weren't supposed to be involved with this charade…so let me take care of you as an apology for this." He said as a purple light began forming on his right hand. He raised it and waved it to Makoto. A purple light engulfed Makoto and she was soon clouded by it. A few seconds later, they disappeared and Makoto was vividly seen. Her deep wounds turned to light ones and the once minor wounds had disappeared.

"Rest well…" Matsumoto said as he stood up and left the room. Makoto continued resting, sleeping because of the weariness that she had felt. She was weary already when the bombing started because of over thinking. She thought of Souma, and especially the one she had considered as her best friend, Himemiya Kaito.

Returning to Souma and Himeko, they kept on running still until they reached the school's main building. They saw Tsubasa and Miyako standing in front of the entrance, talking about something.

"Onii-san!" Souma called his brother, causing the red eyed man to shift his attention to them.

"Souma!" he walked towards his younger brother and put his left hand on Souma's shoulder, "I'm glad that you are unharmed." He shifted his eyed towards Himeko and added, "You too Kurusugawa-san."

Himeko nodded. "Onii-san, we have to get out of here for a while. The school is not safe anymore, especially for Himeko." Souma informed, afraid that Kaito would pursue them. 'I want to get her away from here and we really need to. She would be safe if she will stay at Himemiya-san house where she can rest.' He thought.

"Yes, you're right. Girls should not be lingering in this place knowing what happened earlier. It seemed that someone intentionally bombed the field." Miyako intercepted as she walked towards the three.

When Himeko heard the word "field" she panicked as she got worried because she knew that Makoto would be there. "S-Sensei, is Saotome Makoto hurt?"

"I'm sorry to say this but yes, she was."

"M-Mako-chan…" Himeko's eyes were filled with tears.

"Souma, go and take Himeko to where Saotome-san is. You take her home later." Tsubasa ordered, his eyes clouded by faint purple light. No one saw this.

"Yes, Onii-san. Take care Onii-san, Suiyura-sensei." Souma said. 'Huh?' he thought, 'I was…"

"Thank you Souma-kun. L-Let's go…Mako-chan…" Himeko said, whispering Makoto's name.

When they left, Tsubasa walked towards the direction of the school's gate, wanting to get out of the school. Miyako followed closely beside him. "You did great." Tsubasa said.

"Thank you. We would be in trouble if they saw your eyes a just now. The plans would be ruined too." Miyako said seriously.

"…Yes…the plan would be ruined. I just hope that Kaito's plan would work."

When they reached the gate, they saw that a lot of people were trying to get out of the school but they couldn't. The police arrived and they weren't letting anyone to get out. They closed and locked the gate, and stood outside. The students were already shouting, demanding to let them out and go home. Unfortunately for them, everyone was a suspect still since the police officers haven't started their investigations. The police's first aim is to corner the one who they believe planted a bomb.

"It looks like we need to call her." Miyako suggested.

"You do it." Tsubasa ordered, his eyes still with a purple light, faint but still visible to Miyako's golden eyes.

"Stop ordering me around and will you please control that? I would gladly follow your orders, Tsubasa-sama."

"I see…" was all Tsubasa said as he watched Miyako take out her cell phone, and dialed Reiko's number.

Already outside the school's hospital, Chikane was still confused on what she would do. She was sure that the necks most likely would target her since they believe—because it still isn't confirmed that she's the Moon priestess— that she is one of their enemies. She continued walking, passing the other students that were still talking about what had happened in their school.

Chikane walked casually towards the school's main building. It was quiet because only a few people were visible. As she walked, she still thought of what she should do now that the necks were targeting her. It would be better if she would stay at home but there were a lot of "what if's". One would be Himeko's safety. Everyone knows that Himeko stays with her but if she would go back there, there was a high possibly that Himeko would be dragged into the parade. What if Himeko got injured because of the necks? It would be her fault if that happens and she was sure that forgiveness would not be willingly given even to herself. Anyone who hurts Himeko would not be forgiven, even if it was her. So where would she stay?

"Chikane-chan!" Himeko's voice stopped her from thinking any further. She saw Himeko running towards her, behind her was him, Oogami Souma. Even though she didn't want to feel it, she did. She felt a pang of jealousy and she absolutely didn't want it.

"Haah…Chikane-chan… a-are you ok?" Himeko said, panting with all the running that she and Souma were doing.

"I'm—" but unfortunately for her she was cut off again by Himeko.

"Chikane-chan, you're wounded!" Himeko exclaimed as she saw the bandages on Chikane's right leg.

"Don't worry Himeko. I'm fine. It's only a minor injury." Chikane said, giving Himeko a soft smile.

Himeko looked up at Chikane, her eyes shining because of the tears flooding her eyes. "C-Chikane-chan…" she said, sobbing softly, "… I-I'm sorry."

What Himeko said startled Chikane but she quickly composed herself. "It's not your fault, Himeko. I was the one who ran off from you and Kaito-kun."

At the mention of his name, Souma and Himeko visibly stiffened. This went unnoticed by Chikane so she said anxiously, "Why? What happened?"

"…" Himeko stayed quiet while Souma showed hesitance.

"Please tell me." Chikane voiced out.

Himeko shook her head but Souma decided to answer her. "Kaito tried to kill Himeko."

"What are you talking about?" Chikane snapped at Souma.

Despite feeling a little fear with how Chikane talked, Souma continued to explain as he ignored Himeko's pleading whispers to stop, "Kaito was trying to kill Himeko and I saved her. I don't know why but he was trying. We ran away from him. I just did what I should do Himemiya-san. Don't worry. I don't think he's hurt badly. Only one kunai struck him. I did that to protect Himeko."

"Souma-kun…" Himeko whispered, still sobbing but now with a different reason. Himeko didn't want Chikane to know what happened because it could spark Chikane's memories to return.

Chikane was speechless, stunned with what Souma said. Souma and Himeko silently observed Chikane's expression. Disbelief was clearly visible, as well as confusion, anger, and sadness. After a few seconds, Chikane looked at Souma and then shifted her gaze to Himeko. Her mouth opened to speak. Souma and Himeko waited.

"I… see. I believe you. I just…my cousin… I don't know why he would do that. Please forgive me for snapping at you like that Oogami-kun. Himeko…" she approached the blonde and embraced her, "I'm sorry that I left you with him. I shouldn't have done that."

Himeko's eye widened. She thought that Chikane would be angry at her, she had been scared but as Chikane embraced her, relief flooded her whole being. She returned the gesture. Chikane stoked Himeko's hair as she whispered comforting words. Himeko tightened her embrace, wanting to be much closer to Chikane. Her sobs turned to sniffles.

Souma smiled sheepishly at the public display of affection. It didn't bother him that the two were hugging each other right beside him. It was just… awkward. He felt like he was a third wheel. 'What am I doing here again?' he thought but then a certain brunette entered his thought.

"Saotome-san!" he accidentally blurted out, causing the couple to pull away from each other.

Himeko wiped her eyes and said, "T-That's right! C-Chikane-chan, M-Mako-chan she…" she stopped when Chikane caressed Himeko's face with her left hand.

"I'll take you to her Himeko." Chikane softly said.

"Y-You know where she is?" Himeko asked.

Chikane nodded, "Yes, she was hurt but she's fine now so please relax." She held Himeko hand and said, "Come."

Himeko nodded and allowed Chikane to lead the way. Souma followed. Each one of them had different thoughts at that time. Chikane was thinking of Kaito's reason for assaulting Himeko. Himeko's thoughts drifted from Makoto to Chikane, thinking of a way to protect her. Souma's thoughts were about a certain Saotome Makoto.

"… So what are you're plans now leader?"

Kaito's brows knitted in irritation because he clearly despised being the leader of the necks. Korona's tone of voice was definitely irritating. "We wait." He flatly said.

"What the hell! Wait? Do you want us to die with boredom?" Korona protested.

"I do believe that you're the only one complaining. Just shut your mouth." Kaito said as he put a bandage on his wounded cheek.

"Heh…we wait because you're still wounded. We wait because your too weak to defend yourself and too weak to be the leader. It would be better if Tsubasa is the first neck. That would make everything easier."

"Shut up or I'll kill you." Kaito warned. His aura changed into something hostile.

This made Korona to shut her mouth. Reiko just seated on a chair beside Kaito, ready to stop him just in case he did try to kill her lover.

The silence that engulfed them clearly made Kaito to relax for a while, but he still held the cold look that he wore. How could he smile when everything was falling into its place?

OMAKE

Author: I shouldn't have done that.

Kaito: yeah…

Author: Why did I start the sequel for that instead of finishing this first?

Kaito: Like hell I know…

Author: you should've stopped me.

Kaito: Don't blame me for what you did.

Author: T_T *hung on a wall courtesy of Chikane and since she's only 4 and a half feet tall, she couldn't get back on the floor*

*-I'm sorry…This took more that a month. Can you believe that? I was mental blocked while I was writing this chapter. Heh… I've shown you the powers of the necks. Yes I believe that some are too lame but I really don't want so much action in this. You already know why. Also, I really hate to put the mecha thingy so yeah. Hmm… I think I was mistaken with one thing. There should only be 7 necks. In the manga and anime, there was an eighth because Souma's place was replaced by Chikane. Am I correct? But don't worry; Souma would be replaced also so there is an eighth. I decided to show that one on the next chapter. If I'm correct, I originally planned to show them all in this one but because of mental blockage, I don't think I should.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED AND READ THE STORY! I'm really sorry for making you wait too long. I really needed to study for my finals so I did just that. But rest assured, I'll finish this even though I already started the sequel for No Return (NanoFate). I will not start the story that I'm planning to write for Mai Hime unless I finish this.

Not beta-ed. Sorry for the mistakes. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Ahaha…-*