Sara fought past her awe and quickly opened fire. Jake did the same.

The serpent-woman screeched loudly, but the bullets did little more than enrage her. She dove at the skiff, her mouth wide open, razor-sharp teeth bared.

Leon carefully aimed the speargun and fired the spear. It streaked through the air, piercing the serpent-woman's left eye.

She roared deafeningly, rearing backward abruptly. Still gripping the speargun, Leon was lifted right out of the skiff, going airborne for a heartstopping moment before he released the weapon.

"Leon!" Sara exclaimed, horrified.

Leon hit the boat with a breathless cry of pain as his rib struck a seat upon landing. Sara rushed to aid him, but the serpent-woman plunged back into the water, causing a massive wave to hit the boat. The impact knocked Sara and Jake off their feet.

Sara struggled to her knees, looking over the boat's starboard side while the men tried to stand, groaning with the effort. She watched as a dark cloud of blood rose and spread over the water's surface. Everything went deathly still.

"Be careful," she hissed. "She's just regrouping."

The tense silence was shattered as the serpent-woman's tail erupted from the river.

"Get down!" Jake shouted.

He pulled Sara down, and the three pressed themselves to the skiff's floor as the barbed tail lashed over their heads.

Sara caught sight of an extra spear which had fallen from the speargun's bag. Rolling onto her back, Sara seized it and thrust it into the tail with all the strength she could muster.

Satisfied by the serpent-woman's anguished shriek, Sara wrested the spear out again, shielding her face from the hot rain of blood that poured over her.

The serpent-woman swooped back down into the river with a splash that covered the trio in a crimson wave as Jake and Leon regained their footing. Leon reached for Sara.

He looked her over in dismay, taking in her bloodied appearance. "God… Sara."

"It's okay; it's not my blood," she gasped.

The serpent-woman resurfaced just two feet from the skiff's bow. Despite the speargun still dangling from her ruined eye, she dove for the boat.

Sara watched in awe as Jake sprung forward staunchly then rose up in a high leap, descending upon the serpent-woman with a powerful Superman punch. The creature recoiled from the blow. The resulting wave struck the boat, causing Jake to land awkwardly. He lost his balance and fell overboard.

"Damn it! Jake!" Leon exclaimed.

The next moment Jake was raised up from the water, coiled in the serpent-woman's tail. A gash on his neck, inflicted by the tail's barbs, bled profusely. The monster rose from the river with a roar, constricting Jake who growled in pain and fury.

"The spear―give it to me!" Leon demanded.

Sara relinquished the gory spear to him. He shocked her as he took a short running start and leaped into the air toward the monster. He plunged the spear into her coiled tail, dangling from the weapon as if it were a piton affixed to rock.

The blow elicited another shrill shriek from the serpent-woman who dropped her captive, causing both men to plummet into the river.

"No!" Sara cried out.

A moment later, she saw Jake and Leon resurface. They swam frantically toward the skiff, the waters churning and roiling behind them as the monster pursued them.

Sara's heart all but stopped as she watched the men swim for their lives.

Oh, God! she screamed inwardly. They're not gonna make it! Where's my power now? God, please! I need that power now!

Tears streamed down Sara's cheeks, her body quivering with rage. All at once she felt a hot charge shoot from the base of her skull down her spine. The current spread over her body, coursing through her blood―rushing through every nerve―until it reached her fingertips. She inhaled sharply, her eyes glowing a brilliant, bloody orange.

Sara turned that fearsome gaze forward. Jake had managed to climb aboard the skiff once more and was now endeavoring to help Leon. The serpent-woman came up after them madly, her mouth agape. As Leon clambered aboard, his eyes fell on Sara, widening as he took in her fierce appearance.

Sara looked beyond him at the rapidly-approaching monster, her power intensifying. She struggled to concentrate on the oncoming target, commanding the raging energy into her hands. She raised them toward the serpent-woman.

"Jake, duck!" Leon shouted as he tumbled into the boat.

Sara let the power explode from her outstretched hands. The blinding bolts of electricity streaked through the air and over Jake and Leon who dropped to the floor, shielding their eyes from the dazzling light. The crackling energy struck the monster dead on, resulting in shrieks that echoed across the riverbanks.

Overcome by fear and wrath, Sara continued to fuel the charge with every ounce of her strength until the serpent-woman's bloodcurdling cries ceased. The blackened carcass sank down into the water, remnants of the electrical current still pulsing over it.

Sara's rush of energy extinguished abruptly, her eyes returning to normal. She glanced down at Leon and Jake who finally raised their heads to stare at her.

"It's over. I did it," she said enervatedly. She smiled weakly, a stream of blood trickling from her nose over her lips.

Sara swayed for an instant before toppling sideways into the river.

"Sara!" Leon's alarmed cry was the last sound she heard as the turbid waters engulfed her.

Leon jumped to his feet, dashing across the skiff's length before diving headlong into the river. He cut through the murky water, searching desperately for Sara.

He finally caught sight of her. She was sinking rapidly. Swimming hard, he descended toward her and caught her by the waist. Wrapping his arm around her securely, Leon began kicking his way back to the surface with what speed he could. He broke through the water at last, gasping sharply.

Jake was leaning over the boat, searching for his companions. Upon seeing Leon, he waved him over. "C'mon, lift her up to me," he called out.

Leon gratefully complied.

Jake pulled Sara aboard carefully then helped Leon climb in.

Leon pushed his hair back and analyzed Sara who lay motionless.

"I don't think she's breathing," Jake said grimly.

Leon bent low over Sara. There was no sign of respiration. He felt a stab of panic at the realization. He immediately set to work on her, tilting her head up to open her airway. He then proceeded to give her several rescue breaths followed by a round of CPR.

Jake looked on gravely.

Tamping down his anxiety, Leon continued the CPR. "C'mon, sweetheart," he urged. "Come back."

There was no response. Leon laid two fingers over Sara's carotid artery, feeling for a pulse. He found none. His breath caught in his throat, desperation threatening his resolve.

Gritting his teeth, Leon started afresh, repeating the CPR and rescue breaths. Pausing for air, he leaned over Sara, whispering softly: "I'm not letting you go that easily; we rise and fight as one, remember? Rise for me, sweet Phoenix… please."

"Leon… " Jake began somberly.

But Leon ignored him, smothering his own doubts as he continued his efforts, his expression severe.

Suddenly Sara gasped, coughing up a mouthful of water before lapsing into unconsciousness. Leon expelled an alleviated sigh, shutting his eyes momentarily. Even Jake wiped away perspiration from his upper lip in relief.

Leon turned Sara onto her side to facilitate her breathing, but she suddenly began to convulse violently. Leon's heart sank, fear gripping him.

"Shit. She's seizing," Jake said. "Take care of her; I'll get us ashore."

Leon carefully supported Sara's head to keep her from striking it against the boat.

While Jake rowed quickly, Leon watched his charge, his throat constricting as she flailed wildly. All at once Sara went still. Leon stared with bated breath.

"What happened?" Jake queried, still rowing hard.

"The seizure just… stopped," Leon replied hollowly. "But she's still unconscious."

Jake grunted in acknowledgement. "We're almost there."

They continued the crossing quietly. Leon gathered Sara to him, holding her head against his chest. Hang on, he pleaded silently.

Jake finally brought the boat aground. Gun in hand, he led the way over the riverbank while Leon carried Sara. Leon groaned softly as her weight strained his bruised rib and injured arm.

"Hey, check it out: a boat shed," Jake announced.

Leon looked up to see a derelict boat shed just yards ahead. It seemed a good place for a respite.

Jake went up ahead to inspect the building. "Clear," he called.

Leon entered, looking past the rubbish within the shed for a clear spot to rest. At last he found a vacant corner where he gently laid Sara down then knelt beside her.

"How's she doing?" asked Jake, wiping blood from his neck brusquely.

Leon took Sara's wrist, feeling her pulse. "Her pulse is slow," he answered. "She's unresponsive."

He sat back on his heels, studying her uneasily. "Come on, Sara," he whispered. "Please."

Jake sat on the filthy floor, watching Leon fixedly. "She's not just your partner, is she?"

"I love her… more than anything," Leon replied, his voice hushed with repressed anger and concern. He glanced at Jake, his expression hard, almost challenging him to make a derisive statement.

But the younger man met his gaze with cool understanding and nodded. "It's really serious, then."

Leon turned his gaze back to Sara. "Yeah; it is. I'd give my life to her," he answered.

"You mean for her."

"No. Risking my life to help people is my job―part of who I am, really. But I wouldn't give my life to just anyone."

Leon remembered the conversation he and Sara had had in the hotel. He had spoken honestly when he'd told her that he wanted nothing more than to be the man she needed and deserved. To that end he had delayed discussing their future together so as to sort himself out. But now, as he gazed at Sara's outstretched form, he was more acutely aware than ever that any moment could be their last. Every day spent in contemplative uncertainty was precious time wasted.

"Pretty intense," Jake remarked. "She must be real special if you're willing to give up your freedom for her."

Leon scoffed. "Freedom. I didn't even know what that was 'til I met Sara. She opened my eyes to a lot of things. She makes me feel… alive. Call it cliché, but she changed my life."

"Yeah," Jake said pensively. "I know what you mean."

"Sherry?" Leon suggested.

Jake looked up at him sharply in surprise. Leon watched him steadily, interpreting his steely silence as confession.

Jake drew his health tablets and took one, averting Leon's knowing look.

Leon produced his medical kit. "Hey, your neck's bleeding pretty bad. Let me patch it up for ya, huh?"

"Yeah, all right. Thanks," Jake replied somewhat stiffly.

Leon set to work cleansing and bandaging Jake's neck. Having completed this task, he sat down beside Sara and took a tablet himself.

"So," he began presently, "is the 'freelancing' career still lucrative for you?"

Jake huffed. "Tch. Not so much. I've taken a pretty stiff cut in pay; the price for picking my jobs more carefully. I'm not really in it for the money so much anymore, though. I mean, money's great, but… it ain't worth sellin' out for. If you're gonna be willing to bleed and die for anything, it oughta be for something bigger, y'know? Something that's meaningful; something right. Sherry, she… she made me see that."

"Sometimes it takes someone special to bring out our better part," Leon observed, laying his forefinger against Sara's cheek. He glanced up at Jake meaningfully.

Jake said nothing, but the men exchanged looks of mutual appreciation and respect. Their friendship was sealed at that moment.

Just then, Sara stirred, grunting softly.

Leon bent over her anxiously. "Sara? Can you hear me?"

Sara's eyelids fluttered then opened slowly. She fixed her eyes on him. "Leon!" She groaned and tried to sit up.

"Easy, Wondergirl," Jake called.

Leon helped her up slowly, keeping a hand pressed against her back to support her. He looked into her face gravely, pushing aside her damp locks of hair gently. "How do you feel?"

Sara blinked slowly, pressing her hand to her head. "My head hurts; I'm a little… a little dizzy. Otherwise, I guess I feel okay."

She looked at him earnestly, her dark eyes glittering. "I did it; I was able to summon my power at will. I beat that thing!"

"That sure was some fireworks display," Jake said. "You saved our asses, all right, but you almost killed yourself, too. Couldn't you turn it off?"

Sara exhaled. "Maybe I could've, but I never thought about that. I just gave it everything I had. It was the only way." She glanced from Jake to Leon, her face going pale. "If I hadn't, you guys wouldn't've made it. None of us would've."

"You were amazing, Sara, but you're not a weapon. You pushed yourself to the limit, and you lost control. You could've…" Leon stopped, his throat tightening.

Sara regarded him silently, her aspect endearingly childlike as she listened to his worried admonition.

"I was afraid I'd lost you there," he said quietly, his gaze affectionate. He caressed Sara's face tenderly then enfolded her in his arms, closing his eyes in relief as he held her.

Sara clung to him tightly for a moment then began withdrawing. "Uh, Leon…" she whispered uncomfortably. She looked askance at Jake.

A wry smile broke the solemnity of Leon's countenance. "He knows. Not that it was meant to be a secret."

"Yeah, don't sweat it, babe; I'm in the loop," Jake assured her. "Glad you're still with us." He gave her a small smile.

Sara returned it brightly. She chuckled somewhat awkwardly. "Oh, God… Well, we survived another battle. Another one-up for us, I guess. "

Leon sat back, becoming somber once more. "Yeah, check and mate," he murmured. "But Osakabe and Kuroki are gonna up the ante, I'm sure."

The comm devices sounded. He exchanged glances with Sara and Jake. "Incoming message," he said. "Any bets on who it is now?"

Inhaling sharply, he answered the call. "Yeah?"

"Leon, Sara," Ingrid Hunnigan said. "I'm checking in with that information you requested about the picture of the little girl. How's it going over there?"

"The stuff travel brochures are made of," Leon replied dryly.

"It's good to hear you, Hunnigan," Sara said. "Seems to be a grab bag on who's gonna be on the other line."

"Sara, are you all right? You don't sound so good," Hunnigan asked.

"Uh, well, things got a bit… hectic, but I'm okay. I'll just be doing more listening than talking for now," Sara answered.

"Okay, well, I've got some disturbing information about the little girl," said Hunnigan.

"Shoot," Leon prompted.

"Her name is Hana Inagaki―"

"Hana Inagaki?" Sara cut in abruptly.

"You recognize the name?" Hunnigan asked.

"The name's got some clues attached to it. But give us your puzzle pieces first then we'll compare notes," Leon told Hunnigan.

"Well, Hana Inagaki was the daughter of Drs. Reo Inagaki, CEO of Shiroi Yoake, and Sunako Inagaki, chief research officer.

"Back in 1989, there was an accident in the RD lab that severely injured Sunako. Records on the aftermath are pretty fuzzy except to say that she suffered a mental breakdown following the accident and was institutionalized.

"In 1991, the Shiroi Yoake building mysteriously burned down. It was that fire that caused the overall conflagration of Fukushū leading to the town's abandonment especially being that Shiroi Yoake was its livelihood. After that fire, Reo Inagaki and his daughter disappeared. Their whereabouts remain unknown to this day."

"That last statement… is only half true," Leon said.

"What do you mean?"

"We did some digging in the RD building, and whaddya know? We found ourselves a hidden passage to a secret lab in Dr. Reo Inagaki's office. Aside from some interesting files on poisonous plants, we found newspaper clippings about Inagaki. Seems he made front page news for allegedly trying to sabotage his local competition. Here's the kicker: Eito Matsuo was Reo Inagaki."

"What?!"

"If you do some digging into Eito Matsuo's history, I'm sure you'll be able to confirm it," Sara chimed in.

"Hold the line," Hunnigan said. "Let me see what I can pull up here."

The line went silent for some minutes with only the clacking of keys and the tapping of a mouse as evidence of connection.

"My God," Hunnigan said at length. "It's true. I've pulled up records of Inagaki and Matsuo, and the data is parallel; the photos are identical! Eito Matsuo arrived in the U.S. with his daughter in '92. That means that Hana Matsuo―"

Leon exhaled gutturally. "Is the girl in that picture. Somebody brought Hana home."