~Chapter Forty-Nine: Disbelief~

Kairi's Point of View

The emotional force that was thick in the air around Trace and Justuo screamed at my senses. I knew they were about to unleash a whirl of Darkness. Then it came. Ash turned to me, handing Kiyo to me as he did. "Take her, Kairi," he said. "Away from here, if you will." Words were beginning to be exchanged.

"Of course," I said nodding. I quickly walked away from the scene as Darkness rushed through the grounds. Rath left with us, but Edge and Night Rider held firm by Ash's side. Rath took the lead as we weaved our way through the Garden Courtyard.

Once inside, we kept walking to put distance between us and Trace and Justuo. I let my mind wander into his. He and Trace were right in each other's face. I shuddered at the Darkness twisting through our connection. I did my best at pushing away that sickly feeling as I watched Justuo yelling and Trace taunting.

I shut them out. I was losing my grip on light, and I felt slightly giddy. "Rath, take Kiyo to the infirmary," I said in a queasy voice.

"What's wrong?" he asked, stopping to look back at me.

"I don't feel so good," I said. I quickly extended my protectant to him, and he didn't hesitate to take Kiyo from my grasp. I felt bile rise in the back of my throat. "Oh god," I whispered. "I'm going to be sick!" I stumbled backwards on accident before I took off running to Guardian Barracks – the closest bathroom I knew of.

"Kairi?" Rath called after me, but I was already halfway down the hall. I bit my lip to keep from throwing up. When I came up on the bathroom, Lancer met me in the hall. I ran past him, needing desperately to throw up.

"My lady?" he asked as he followed me. I shook my head as it happened. Gross. I was going to kill Trace and Justuo – Trace for making a mind connection with me; Justuo for starting a fight with Trace in the first place.

Kiyo's Point of View

I was barely aware of what was going on around me. I knew I was being carried, but I wasn't sure by whom. My whole body ached and my head felt like it was going to explode. The darkness had really messed me up. I felt like I was going to be sick. A groan of pain escaped my lips as I was laid on a bed.

"Sorry, my lady," Rath said. He must have been the one carrying me. His face was creased with fear, worry, and anger. Everyone must know what happened then. Did Trace tell them? Did Ash know? Where was Ash? Where was Kairi, Justuo, or the rest of Mpopyya? Rath must have sensed that I was confused, scared, and hurt.

"I'll go find his majesty and your friends, alright? Clover will need to heal you with light. Just lay still. You're safe now," he said as he softly touched my head. He stuck his head out the door and called to someone, but I couldn't hear who. Fear entered the room after Rath and two maids. I think their names were Madeline and Joy.

"I'll watch her until Lord Ash arrives," Fear said to Rath as she sat gently on the end of the bed. He nodded at her and left. "Madeline, grab some water and rags from the kitchen and awake Daisy, the phoenix, and bring her back with you. Joy, grab some pain pills from the cabinet over there. I'm not going to bandage her wounds until Ash returns. Then, stand outside the door, and make sure no one comes in unless it's Madeline or Ash," she commanded of the two maids. They both nodded and went to do their tasks.

I realized now that I must be in the hospital wing. My eyes couldn't seem to stay open, and I hurt so badly that I wanted to curse out loud at the top of my lungs. I coughed violently, and Fear gently pulled my head up off the pillow. She dropped two pills in a cup of water and pressed the cup to my lips. I quickly drank all of the water and the pills.

"That won't help the pain of the Darkness, but it will help the other physical wounds," Fear said, sitting back down at the end of the bed. I think I nodded in response to her, but I wasn't sure. I took a deep breath.

"Where is Ash and everybody else?" my voice whispered. It didn't sound like me. Fear winced as if hearing really confirmed how much pain I was in.

"I'm going to guess Justuo and his little posse are beating the shit out of Trace, and Ash is hunting down Raven to kill him. I would imagine everybody else is with Ash. Plus, a lot of guards are searching the grounds for Raven. Most of the maids and servants are scurrying around, following orders," Fear said lightly, but I saw her eyes darken when she spoke of Raven.

Suddenly, there was a loud commotion at the end of the hall and yelling soon followed. I couldn't make out the voice because my ears were ringing. Fear rose and looked at the door, waiting for whoever came through. The door slammed open and Justuo stormed in. Joy was shaking in the hallway floor. Justuo marched right up to Fear.

"Why the hell would you tell the maid not to let me in?" he roared at her. Fear just stood her ground.

"I told her only Ash was allowed in. Besides, all this yelling isn't good for the queen, and your Darkness isn't going to help anything, you stupid, uncaring dumbass! If you really cared about her majesty, you would control yourself and your Darkness before you hurt her worse!" Fear said with a violent edge to her voice. I saw Justuo's shoulders slump. Fear was still standing in front of him, so I couldn't see his face. Then, a pounding of feet was heard, and Ash practically flew through the doorway. He was by my side in a matter of micro-seconds. Before he could respond to my condition, Mpopyya barged in the door and practically ran Justuo over in the process.

"Where's Kiyo?!" Kairi shrieked. She appeared distressed, slightly pale, very angry, and even more worried. She had branches and leaves in her hair, and her clothes were dirty with dirt. The rest of Mpopyya resembled her. So, they had gone looking for Raven after all. How long had I been unconscious with Rath?

"Yea, where is she?" Mizu demanded. Yomi, Yoru, and Yami all nodded as if to agree with her. Ash turned around to glare at them when I spoke up before Kairi's glare could get any fiercer.

"I'm right here," I whispered hoarsely. Everyone turned to look at me. I wondered what they thought when they took in my scratched face, broken nose (unless my healing abilities had fixed that), the dried blood on my face, and all my bruises and bumps.

"Kiyo…" several of them whispered. I saw Yomi's eyes start to tear a little. Mizu put her arm around her. They all gathered around my bed. Daisy entered the room then. Daisy was a Phoenix that had taken up residence in Ash's castle for protection from the Dark Phoenixes and Dead Phoenixes. By the looks on my fellow Mpopyya member's faces, they hadn't been aware of Daisy's presence at the castle.

She was wearing a long, sky blue night gown, and her long blonde hair was twisted into a messy bun. I guess Madeline had woken her from sleep. She quickly walked to my side, and Ash moved out of her way.

"Oh you poor dear," she muttered, her hands fluttering around. Daisy was in her early forties and very motherly. Her son was killed in the Dark Times; he was only five at the time. Clover entered the room then. She was wearing long, velvet, forest green gown, and her long red curls hung over one shoulder. I faintly wondered where she had been when Trace brought me back to the castle.

Clover came to stand beside Daisy. She gave me a soft, sad smile before she closed her eyes, and I felt the warmth of light feeling my body. Daisy joined her, although she focused more on the healing aspect, whereas Clover was more centered on replenishing my light. I instantly felt more like myself. Almost as soon as it began it was over.

"The best thing she needs now is rest," Daisy said, giving Ash a knowing glance. She quickly ushered everyone out of the room once they had said their goodbyes, Mpopyya, especially Kairi, grumbling all the way about how they didn't get to stay. I smiled gently to myself. The only people left remaining were Ash, Justuo, Fear, and Clover. Madeline and Joy were waiting outside the door.

"You're going to be just fine, Lady Kiyo, so don't you worry a bit. Your body has already begun to heal itself," Clover said as she patted my hair softly.

"Thank you, Clover," I said, smiling at her. She merely shook her head and smiled. It was clear what she was implying. There was no need to thank her. She nodded once at Justuo, gave a slight bow to Ash, and gently touched Fear's arm as she left.

"Do you want me to watch her, Ash?" Fear asked him.

"No thanks, Fear. I'll be staying with her. Go get some rest. It's been a long day," Ash said as he pulled a chair up next to my bed and kissed my hand. I was happy he would be with me tonight.

"Guess, I'll go find Night Rider and call the search party off," she said as she headed for the door. She turned around before she left and looked at me. "I'm glad your back, your majesty. Plus, you've given me a free excuse to beat Raven's ass." She smirked as she closed the door behind her.

Only a moment passed before I heard someone sigh quietly on the other side of my bed. I glanced over quickly to see who was still in the room with Ash and me. It was Justuo. He had pulled up a chair on the other side of the bed and had his face in his hands.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked him. Instead of answering me, he simply shrugged his shoulders. I knew he wouldn't want to show his true emotions in front of Ash, but I needed to know if he was actually okay. I looked at Ash and squeezed his hand. I need to see if he's okay, and you know he won't tell me if you're here. I thought to Ash. We didn't have a mind connection, but we could enter each other's mind easily.

I understand, dear. He just better keep his hands to himself because I'm not in the mood to get in a fight with an unstable dark angel when you're so fragile right now. I've already had to deal with that issue with Trace tonight. He quickly thought back. A twinge of guilt twisted my stomach. I had kissed Trace. That had probably hurt Ash so much. We would have to talk about that later.

Don't worry. It won't take long, love. He nodded.

"I need to go round up the guards, speak to few a people, and inform the castle of what has happened," Ash said. "I'll be back shortly, though." He added at the end. He kissed me softly on the lips. I was filled with warmth for the first time all night. Then, he walked out of the room, shutting the door gently behind him.

I turned my head so that I faced Justuo. "What's wrong?" I asked him softly.

"I failed you," he mumbled into his hands. He knew I hated it when he mumbled.

"I can't hear you. Look at me," I said. Justuo raised his head and met my eyes. There were tears brimming in his eyes.

"Justuo, why are you crying?" I asked shocked. He rose from his chair and sat gently beside me on the bed.

"I hate seeing you so injured. You could have died! Died Kiyo! You have no idea how unbelievably terrifying that is for me. Especially, when it's my fault! I should have gone with you! I should have been there to protect you! I failed you," he exclaimed. The tears had started to spill down his face slowly while he was explaining himself.

"Hey, hey, hey! This is not your fault! Do you hear me? It's not. No one knew Raven was going to be waiting for me! Hell, even Negative didn't know! This. Is. Not. Your. Fault. I'm fine," I said, while I reached up to wipe the tears from his face. He leaned down closer to me.

"You are not fine, Kiyo. You almost died," he groaned. He laid his head, face down, on my stomach.

"But I didn't," I whispered.

Suddenly, he lifted his head and looked deeply into my eyes. I could see the ring of green around his pupil.

"I couldn't live without you, Kiyo. I couldn't endure this miserable world without your beautiful smile or your gorgeous eyes. I couldn't survive without your cute laugh and kind heart. I couldn't bear to know that your death was my fault. It would kill me to know that you died without knowing how I really feel about you. It would rip me apart for you to die thinking that I saw you as only my friend," he said, slowly. He let each word sink in. I thought Justuo had just me told me he was still in love with me. We sat there just staring at each other for a long moment. Then, he sat up and moved back to his chair just as Ash walked through the door.

"I'm back, sweet heart," Ash called. He sat down beside me and took my hand again. I smiled at him. Justuo rose.

"Hi," I said with a smile. I was about to comment on how proud I was of the fact that they were getting along so well, but Ash, with a calm collectiveness that was slightly, very ever so slightly, forced, spoke first.

"Kiyo, do you think it'll be okay if Justuo and I leave you alone for a few minutes?" he asked.

Justuo seemed to be slightly surprised by the suggestion, but he looked to me, awaiting my answer.

"I mean, sure, I'll be fine," I said, though I was reluctant to see them go. At the same time, I entered Kairi's mind. Please come see me.

"You sure?" Justuo asked in a concerned tone. It was still filled with tension and sadness. Kairi's reply came.

On my way. I'll be there in a few minutes.

You're the best. Love you, I thought back as I repeated, "Yea, I'll be fine," aloud for Ash and Justuo. There was a long silence in which Justuo and Ash exchanged glances. "Why, is something wrong?" I asked to fill the silence.

"No, nothing's wrong," Ash said with a smile that comforted me.

"Alright then, sure. Go do what you have to do."

He looked at me with a look between uneasiness and worry. "Are you sure you'll be okay for a few moments alone?"

"Yes," I whispered. "Kairi said she wanted to stop by in a few minutes anyway. I know, I know, I need my rest, but she said she really was worried, and she needed to talk."

He paused for several long moments before nodding. "Alright. Fine. I'll be back in thirty minutes. It won't take any longer. I promise," he whispered before kissing my cheek.

"Take your time," I said, even though the last thing I wanted was to be alone right then. I think Ash picked up on that.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he continued. He stood, meeting Justuo at the door before they left the room. It only took two minutes before Kairi was slipping into the room. She gave me a weak smile.

"Hey," she said.

"Hey," I replied with what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "How're you?"

"Forget me! How're you?" she asked with a scolding look.

"Great, never been better," I muttered.

"I'm so sorry, Kiyo," Kairi whispered. "I should've been with you. To protect…" She paused in the middle of her sentence. She winced a little.

"What's wrong?" I asked, automatically worrying about her instead of me. I grabbed her arm below her shoulder.

"My head kinda has been crazy," she said after a moment.

"Crazy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Trace stuff," Kairi sighed, but she massaged her temples as she did.

"Is he okay?" I wondered. My heart had lurched when I heard his name for several reasons. I'd have to talk to Ash about Trace sometime. And not only that, but what the hell had happened today? An image of him and that smirk tainted my vision. I mentally glared. Was something up?

"I don't know," she admitted, shaking her head with a defeated shrug. "He blocked me out, and now my head feels like it's going to split in half."

"Try blocking him out," I said, making a decision on what I'd do after she left.

"I will," she said, offering an optimistic smile.

"Go get some rest, okay?" I said, wanting to be alone now.

"I want to speak to Ash first," Kairi replied as she stood and stretched a little.

"Well he's off with Justuo somewhere, I think," I said absently.

"Alright, I'll drop by later. You're the one that needs to get some rest, by the way," she said in mock accusation.

"Yea, I know," I said with a guilty smile. "I'll see you later, Kairi."

"Bye, Kiyo," she called as she left out my door.

Trace's Point of View

I shouldn't have come home with Kiyo's blood and scent on me. That was the first stupid mistake I made. The second one was to think Elliot would understand. The third was lying to him even though he knew the undeniable truth. Now he was making sure there was hell to pay for disobeying him.

I whimpered as Elliot's fangs ripped into my neck again. This was my punishment for saving Kiyo, an easily bared punishment compared to some of the others he chose. Elliot wasn't a Vampire. Elliot was one of the Ancients; an unspoken kind whose name was lost over the years. He and Ash had this in common.

"Kiyo…" I breathed softly. It was surprising how such a short time with Kiyo could change so much about me. Was I not an uncaring, relentless ass hole? I didn't care about anything.

Except for Kiyo.

At the sound of her name, Elliot growled. He picked up my already abused body and threw it across the room. I crumpled, not really caring how I landed. I heard Midnight's shriek, but I didn't look up from the ground.

"We do not speak that name in this castle unless it is in hate," Elliot snarled, while looking down at me with disgust. "Haven't you learned, my son? Has your pain and torment taught you nothing? She will never choose you. I tire of this insolence." His words stung, but I did not give him the reaction he wanted. I refused to speak wrongly of boku no Kiyo. No matter how much he beat me, I would not do it. Master Elliot would eventually grow tired of beating on me. Why I felt such a strong connection to her in this moment was beyond me. In retrospect, I suspect that Kairi's mind connection had a lot more to do with it than I was willing to admit.

As if hearing my thoughts, Master Elliot's cold eyes looked into mine. "She will always be Ash's whore, and not to mention Justuo's as well. Don't worry though; I'm sure she'll come around. After all, she's always had such sweet tasting blood. A special Phoenix . The Mother Phoenix. It's no surprise how much Raven thirsts for her to became a Dark Phoenix. Oh, how I would just love to sink my own teeth-," Elliot had almost finished his hateful words before I slammed him into the other wall by his throat. It hadn't taken long for me to overcome the pain in my body, and like a reflex of pure rage, I had slammed Master Elliot against the opposing wall.

"Never speak about her that way again," I growled into his face. When I realized I had made a terrible mistake by not keeping my anger in check, it was too late. I knew he would practically kill me for this, but it was an automatic reaction! I couldn't stop myself. I could feel Elliot's anger rolling off of him in waves. Almost like a Kairi's strange ability to sense emotional stress. I realized she was the reason I could sense that powerful anger. She was here in my mind. I wouldn't allow her to bear witness to the forthcoming events.

Trace? Kairi's voice spoke through my mind. I slammed my mental barrier to our mind connection.

I felt the unbearable pain before I even knew what was happening. Master had me pinned to the ground, and I squeezed my eyes closed as he forcibly searched my head for my most treasured memories of Kiyo. His intentions were easy to read. He would use them against me as a form of torture. After a moment of struggle that ended in vain, I screamed in agony and anger and refusal.

"Leave him alone," Midnight shouted as she ran at Elliot, trying to knock him off me. He just back handed her across the room. I didn't have time to worry if she was okay because the torture had started. There was no turning back now.

"Hmm…this seems like a good one," Master smirked sadistically. A cry slipped from my throat as the memory of when I danced with Kiyo on her birthday in a past life sprang to life in my mind.

"Master, please don't do this," I whispered. Perspiration had sprouted on my forehead.

The memory flickered back and forth on the edges of my memory, taunting my mind. He laughed softly. "You should learn your place, my son." My memory flickered once more before I felt him tearing it. All I could do was scream pathetically as he ripped apart and destroyed that memory of Kiyo. He couldn't get rid of it completely, but he could destroy it until only pieces remained. I bit my lip to keep those obnoxious, weak cries from escaping my mouth. I felt my eyes watering, and I had never felt so much self-loathing in my life.

Trace Zane Saviore, deduced to tears by Elliot Valhalla Grey, his blasphemous master.

A single tear slid down my cheek as he moved onto other memories. I don't know how long I bit back more tears and screams. Showing him weakness was the worst thing to do. Four memories later, he decided my torture could end. My body had slackened two memories ago. I just lay there, unmoving, feeling barely alive. Midnight had crawled over to my side. She was stroking my hair, and her tears were dripping onto my face. She never learned. She never stopped.

"You are not allowed to see Kiyo anymore unless it is in battle, and if I find out you have, I will personally capture her, and allow her to meet Shadow and Smokey," Master Elliot said with grim pleasure as he turned to leave. When he reached the door, he turned back to give me an uncaring glance. "Take care of him, Midnight," he said, and then he left.

"Oh Master," Midnight cried, as she helped me sit up. I shook her off, but she still wrapped her arms around me and helped me walk to my room. After I was lying on my bed, she sat down beside me and offered her neck to me. I drank greedily from her. I was so thirsty, and I wanted to heal quickly. When I was done, I pushed her away. Her face fell, but she didn't press it.

"You know, Master Elliot has a point. Kiyo is our enemy. She has to die, and she hurts you, Master. I know you say she doesn't mean it and she loves you…but I hate her Master! And you should too! She is our enemy! She is queen of the Phoenixes! She will die!" Midnight exclaimed as she touched my cheek. I summoned up the rest of my strength to slap her across the face.

"Get out of my sight," I spat at her in disgust.

"Yes, Master," she whispered.

She quickly scurried out of my room. I lay back on my bed, and I closed my eyes. I was in so much pain, mentally and physically. It was hellacious, and there was no telling when my mind would heal from its new wounds. My most precious memories of Kiyo were destroyed. I was holding back my groans of pain, and starting to drift out when I felt it. A prickling in my mind. I feared it was Elliot coming back for more at first, but this intrusion seemed much more…light. Guess number two would have been Kairi, but the voice I heard in my head blew that idea out of my mind.

Trace? she whispered. I must've been fucking insane. There was no way that I was hearing Kiyo's voice. She laughed. Laughed. I thought I had fucking lost it.

You haven't lost anything. I found a way to sort of talk to you through your mind. Kind of like a phone. I'm also working on repairing your memories, and trying to heal some of your wounds. I'm so sorry this happened you, Trace. One day, you won't be abused like this. One day, I will save you. Thank you, for saving me even though you shouldn't have, Kiyo whispered sincerely, her voice soothing like soft music to my ears after a loud concert. I didn't know what to say. She had surprised me so much that I couldn't find words to object to her shear kindness.

"K-K-Kiyo, you don't need to heal me. Don't waste your energy. I'll be fine," I finally whispered aloud, trying not to sound weak. I did not want her to try and save me when it was always supposed to be the other way around. I did not want her to know that I had a weak side.

I know I don't need to, but I want to. Besides, I know how much your memories mean to you too, and I wouldn't want you forgetting me now, would I? she asked, as soothing Light flowed into my Darkness filled head. Then, she started singing Hero softly. I started to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

"I love you, boku no Kiyo," I mumbled almost asleep. A long pause filled my mind, and I thought she wasn't going to say anything.

I love you too, Trace. Sleep in heavenly peace, she whispered, as she went back to healing. I smirked as I fell into one of the deepest sleeps I had had in awhile.

Kairi's Point of View

It had been a long day. Pain had filtered through Trace's mind connection, muted by his barricade. I tried to make sense of the one image I had seen through his eyes before I was shoved out. The feeling of being shoved against a flat surface with such a strong feeling of anger radiating towards me that it had been disorienting. I wasn't sure what to think of it, but after five minutes of a frenzy of pounding headaches, I had eventually blocked Trace out as well. I remembered mentioning it to Kiyo as I walked down the hall towards the throne room.

I wanted to speak with Ashu-Niisama, and when I told Kiyo, who was still in her room, about Trace, Ash hadn't been in there. My second guess would be his throne room considering that's where everything goes down. As I grew closer to the throne room and the cracked door, I heard raised voices from inside.

I strained my ears to hear who could be talking in such a hushed way. With careful ease, I let in the emotions around me. I felt irritation immediately. Also, something like realization and a little bit of smugness.

"The Feywood is too far away." Ash's voice floated through the crevice.

"But think of how safe they'll be." It was Justuo that answered. I listened in confusion and surprise. "Feywood is neutral and they'd be protected by its borders."

"Feywood isn't exactly an ally," Ash replied.

"But they are not by any means your enemy," Justuo reasoned. "Besides, Avalanche will be with them."

There was a long silence before the door creaked open. I jumped in surprise as Ashu-Niisama appeared in the door way. His eyebrow was raised slightly, as if wondering why I was standing outside the throne room door. A small squeak escaped my mouth before I struggled to clear my throat.

"Kairi," he said with a nod.

"Hey Ash," I said, playing it cool. "I wanted to come and talk to you."

"Hey Kohai," Justuo said, coming up from behind him. "We were talking about-." He paused to look at Ash for the slightest fragment of a second before Ash spoke in his stead.

"We've decided to send Mpopyya to Feywood while we redecorate your rooms to your liking," Ash replied with a kind smile. It didn't touch his eyes which portrayed anxiety behind their blue irises. I crossed my arms in a casual way, trying to block an invisible chill that had settled over my arms, though I knew it wasn't cold around me at all.

"Sounds great," I said absently. "That would make sense."

"Do you think you could tell the rest of Mpopyya?" Justuo asked. I could feel a smugness radiating from him. I disregarded it, and nodded.

"Sure, I'll tell the others."

"Bye Kairi," Ash said. I hugged my king and my teacher before walking the opposite way towards the East Wing while I replayed the scene I had just witnessed in my head. It was at least eleven o'clock. I'd stop by and tell the Mpopyya members about the strange encounter. And about Feywood. Then I would get some sleep. After such an exhausting day, I imagined I'd sleep pretty good.

Kiyo's Point of View

The sound of the door to the infirmary opening pulled me from healing Trace's mind and memory. Ash and Justuo were making their way towards my bed side. They were relaxed, no sign of fighting in their stance or tones of voice.

They stopped at my side, looking over me. "How do you feel, love?" Ash asked, gently touching my arm. I smiled back at him, slightly light headed from all the healing I'd been doing for Trace.

"I'm okay," I said.

"That's really good to hear," Justuo said. From his voice, I could tell he was still upset about the earlier events. "I think I'm going to head back to Feywood," he said. His face portrayed no evidence of tears from before, but I could tell he was still upset as easily as I could tell he had dark hair. I could tell he didn't want to leave the castle – to leave me.

"It's been a long night. You may stay here at the castle if you wish, Justuo," Ash said with sincerity. "Although, I sent the maids to bed, so there isn't a room ready for you."

"You can stay in my room," I said. Ash nodded his head in agreement. I could tell it was hard for him though.

"Thank you, Kiyo. I'm glad you're okay. Now, you have to stay that way. I don't think any of us could take a scare like that again," he said as he headed for the door.

"Goodnight, Justuo! Sweet dreams!" I called to him as loud as I could without hurting myself. I thought I heard him chuckle.

"Goodnight, Kiyo. Sweet dreams," he said from the doorway. Then he left, shutting the door behind him.

"I'm guessing he's upset," Ash said, raising his eyebrow at me. I tugged on his hand, and he gently climbed in the bed beside me. I rested my head on his chest. He was lying on top of the covers while I was under them. He planted a kiss on my forehead softly.

"Yea. He is. I tried my best to cheer him up, but I feel like I just make it worse," I grumbled.

"No dear. As much as Justuo cares for you, I'm sure just your smile makes him feel better. I know it makes me feel better," he said as he stroked my hair. I smiled and yawned.

"Can we finish this conversation in the morning?" I asked as my eyes slipped closed.

"Of course love. Sweet dreams. I love you so much," Ash whispered soothingly as his arms tightened around me.

"Sweet dreams. I love you too," I whispered.

Justuo's Point of View

I was intoxicated by Kiyo's room. From ceiling to floor it was all her, the real her. Not Kiyo the Queen, but Kiyo my dorky, lovable girl from the Human World. It smelt amazing. I was practically drunk off her scent, and I hadn't even lain in her bed yet. I quickly stripped down to my boxers and t-shirt and crawled into Kiyo's bed, which was heaven.

Her scent was overwhelmingly strong, and her bed was so warm. She always slept with at least five blankets. I found Tornado and Barkus lying next to her pillow. Tornado was Kiyo's absolute favorite stuffed animal, and she had it since she was five. She couldn't sleep without it. Barkus was my Tornado. I had given it to Kiyo back when we were dating. When we broke up, she had tried to give it back, but I wouldn't let her. I wondered idly how she had retrieved them from her home in the Human World. The fact that she still slept with it warmed me to the core.

I held both of them close to me as I laid my face against her pillow and breathed in the scent of her hair. I smelled something else, too, though. Plastic and paper. I lifted her pillow and found four pictures under it.

One was of her family, which broke my heart. They had endured so much in the Human World in the belief that they had lost their eldest daughter. The second was of her and Connor. Her best friend from the past; she was probably wrought with grief for Kiyo. I had considered telling Conner one time of the other worlds just so she would know Kiyo was okay just so she could have peace in knowing that. But it was too risky. It would endanger her life more than it would help. The third was of Mpopyya. An older picture, too, they seemed just children, but I quickly remembered, they were all still children. Only fifteen years old, a little young to battle the ancient King and his dark servants. I hoped Fate was on our side. The last one brought me close to tears again. It was of her and I. Kiyo was sitting on my lap with my arms wrapped around her. We were laughing. I gently placed the pictures back beneath the pillow where they belonged and laid my head back down on the pillow. I had fallen in love with Kiyo all over again, and to my dismay, it was even stronger than the first time.


Hey guys, what did you think? I'm going to be honest with you. These past few chapters would never have gotten done without Kiyo's help. She did a good bit in the last chapter with the Raven attack, and she also helped with her point of view in this chapter. A big thanks to you, Kiyo! ^_^ Thank you for your help, fans! Keep up your comments, suggestions, and ideas, and most of all, enjoy! Review if able~!