A/N: IM SO SO SORRY! I was pretty much updating every day and then went MIA! I had to go on a surprise trip over the weekend, and then there was a whole list of drama that happened to me over the course of a week. BUT I'm back with a chapter and am already starting on Chapter 16!

TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEW AND DON'T FLAME, OR ASKS ME TO UPDATE SOON JUST KNOW IT MAKES MY DAY AND POSSIBLY THE HAPPIEST WRITER EVER. I have fifteen reviews and twenty something followers and favorites for this story, and I LOVE every one of you guys for sticking by me on this.

Alright alright enough mush,

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS AMAZING SHOW OR ITS CHARACTERS. *Sobs*

Chapter 15: Strength

He was laying on something cool and soft, but the silence that surrounded made him feel utterly alone. No matter how comfortable this bed was it couldn't hide the fact that besides him the room was considered empty.

He was on his back with his arm thrown over his eyes while his other arm rested by his side. His legs were half on half off the bed.

His eyes felt heavy.

They were burning.

Why would his eyes be burning? Slowly he opened them only to see a sliver of light coming in through the window and illuminating his room in shadows. The skies outside were dark as snow slowly began to blanket the streets of Shizume City. Blinking gently he pulled himself up, pieces of his burning red hair coming to fall into his face.

Looking down at himself he noted how he was dressed in black slacks and a black button up shirt. A loose black tie hung around his neck and he tugged at it, unsure why he was wearing clothes like this.

Tap.

''Hmm.'' Amber eyes flickered behind him where the noise came from and he frowned at the stickiness he felt on his cheeks and neck.

His eyes still burned.

Tap.

''What do you want?" His voice was hoarse and sounded unused, and he cleared his throat but grimaced when a scratchy irritation flared.

The door creaked as Yata appeared, dressed in clothes identical to his own. He couldn't quite make out the boy's face as he hovered by the door.

Frown deepening he stood to his feet and shoved his hands into his pockets. ''What do you want, Yata?"

The boy's head drooped. ''It's time to go.''

Go?

''Go where?" This wasn't funny anymore, if it ever had been. His head was pounding and the fucking irritation in his eyes made him want to burn everything. There was an unrest in his heart, a piece of paint that had begun to peel and he wanted to pick at it.

Yata shook his head back and forth before leaving. ''Alaura's funeral, Mikoto… we can't put it off.''

Mikoto sucked in sharply as Yata's words rang in his ears along with the click of the door closing. Alaura's…funeral? What the hell was he going on about? Alaura was safe back at the hospital. He was with-

He wasn't with her.

Amber eyes clenched shut as he pulled back his fist and let it fly, the wall cracking around his knuckles as he rested his forehead against it and his shoulders shook.

He had dreamt the entire thing. Alaura died in his arms after throwing herself in front of Munakata's blade. There was no heartwarming moment where she came back to life and smiled at him, there wasn't any confession of her loving him.

The image of her eyes, bright and burning as she told him he was worth everything made the sorrow swell. He had dreamt that then, a way to ease the hollowness and anger that threatened to consume him.

''I only want you.''

''Dammit.'' He cursed, flames exploding around him. He wanted her back, he didn't want to go to her fucking funeral and watch them bury her body. It was cold, it didn't smile, it didn't get excited over little things or threaten Yata when he was rude to the others. It couldn't make them feel better.

It was a shell of the woman he loved.

The funeral was depressing; not at all what he pictured the woman would have wanted. He could imagine her throwing open the casket and telling everyone to stop crying already. In fact he hadn't taken his eyes away from the casket, in hopes that would happen.

It didn't.

Yata stood on his left, holding a furiously shaking Liz in his arms as she averted her eyes from watching the casket getting ready to be lowered. The boy had bags under his eyes and a miserable look on his face as tears flowed down his cheeks. Finally the sight was too much for the teen, and he buried his face into Liz's hair.

Kusanagi, who stood on his right, was smoking a cigarette while passing the lighter from knuckle to knuckle. The man had opted for darker glasses to hide his eyes but Mikoto could still see the tear tracks on his face.

Rikio had his head bowed along with the rest of Homra, silently crying and wishing a woman good luck in the other life. Mikoto thought it was funny how quickly Alaura had managed to get under everyone's skin.

Kuroh and the Silver King, along with the Strain, were opposite of where they stood. The black haired boy's eyes were icy and unfeeling, but Mikoto could see the subtle shake in his hands as he gripped his sword in his right hand.

Liz and Kuroh had begun to unravel at the seams, snapping at everyone who tried to talk to them. Yata, Kuroh, and Anna were the only people Liz would let near her, and Kuroh seemed to give everyone the cold shoulder besides his King, the Strain, and his sister.

Munakata and Awashima stood in the back with their eyes closed to show their respects. When they had shown up his clan had become hostile, the air thickening with the desire for revenge. They all blamed Munakata and the entire Blue Clan for what had happened, and the previous existing rivalry had become deadly.

Homra had demanded revenge upon the Blue Clan for Alaura's death, feeling that if they never interfered with their search on the island the fight would never have taken place. The Blues were careful to stay out of their territory the past few days.

''Wait!''

Everyone looked towards the sound, seeing Anna push herself away from Tatara and running up to the men who had stopped in readying to lower the casket.

The little girl stood on her tiptoes, placing a hand upon the cool case and running it softly along the grooves. Liz's breath hitched as they all watched Anna stroke the casket lovingly.

She placed a cracked red marble on top of the casket and sniffled. The white haired girl laid her forehead on the side of the box, her shoulders beginning to shake as her hands turned into fists.

''You broke your promise,'' she whispered, eyes bloodshot and pale face flushed with the heat of crying. ''You said you'd come back, you broke your promise.''

Mikoto frowned as he felt his hands shake.

Tatara came over and gingerly picked Anna up, his eyes puffy and red from his own tears. The two fell back into the crowd, Tatara shushing Anna while she buried her face into his shoulder.

A man stood and asked if anyone would like to say a few words before the casket was lowered. It was silent until someone stepped forward.

''I guess that's my cue, huh?" Kusanagi smirked at Mikoto and the man gave him a blank look.

Clearing his throat Kusanagi looked out over the crowd, taking in the faces of people he had known since he was a teenager. His gaze fell on Mikoto and he smiled softly.

''Well, it's pretty awkward up here I'll tell you that,'' he joked, earning a few scattered chuckles. His smile drooped as he shoved his hands into his pants. "But uh, all joking aside…I think I can speak for everyone when I say Alaura was weird. I didn't know her long at all, not nearly as long as Liz or the Black Dog…but I realized that she loved every one of us just as much.''

He paused, his lips pulling down as his brows furrowed. This was harder than he thought…

''It's not fair that she left us, that she chose to die, but we can't pin the blame on anyone. Alaura knew exactly what she was doing and she accepted the consequences. If we blame ourselves or one another I have a gut feeling we'll just piss her off.' He raised his gaze and met Mikoto's, hoping the man heard what he was saying.

Liz and Yata laughed lightly at his words, the others following them.

''What I'm trying to say is…Alaura risked her life for our King, she chose her end. If we blame people or ourselves we'll tarnish her last decision.'' With that the bar owner slunk back into his spot by Mikoto.

Soon enough everyone had left to head back home to the bar. Mikoto couldn't bring himself to leave quite yet, so he was left behind as the others promised to wait for him in the car. With his hands shoved into his pockets and the coat's collar he wore covering half his face, he let a tear trail down his cheek.

''If we hadn't met you would have lived.'' His fingers ghosted over the marker with her name on it and the date she was born and the date she died. In writing said 'A smile that burned bright, and faded too soon…'

He didn't know who had come up with it, didn't know who had arranged this whole thing.

''I should have died,'' he said, clenching his fists. ''You should be the one alive.''

''I can't picture her being okay with that.''

Mikoto didn't have to turn around to know whose voice that belonged to. His face and presence would be burned into Mikoto's mind, because while he blamed himself every time Munakata appeared so did the face of Alaura; smiling while blood dribbled down her chin as she burned away the tip of Munakata's sword that rested in her chest so it wouldn't graze him.

''Hmm.''

Munakata frowned sadly and pushed up his glasses, his black coat fluttering softly. ''She loved you dearly, Suoh. You should feel honored that someone could love so much they'd risk their lives for you.''

Mikoto snorted. ''Where's the honor when I go to sleep alone, huh, Munakata?"

…

''Forgive me, Suoh. I merely meant that you should know she wouldn't be okay with you thinking you should be the one buried six feet under.''

The corner of his lip twitched. ''Just go, Munakata. The funeral's over.''

The Blue King's eyes showed his predicament. To leave a violent tempered King alone while the woman he loved was beneath his feet could send him into a rage, but on one hand every one deserved to grieve.

''Suoh-''

''Leave me alone, Reisi.'

Munakata sucked in a sharp breath as his decision was made for him by the Third King. Mikoto never called him by his first name, not even when they were dear friends. Lowering his gaze he turned to leave before Mikoto's voice stopped him.

''What of your sword?"

Munakata looked at the broad shouldered man and smiled wryly. ''Unfixable. The red aura refuses to leave and overpowers the blue aura when we attempt to fix it. She intended for the sword to never be used against you even if she died, Mikoto.''

Unknown to him Mikoto smiled softly as he tilted his head up to look at the grey sky. "Yeah…crafty woman.''

''Indeed.'' With one last look at his old friend Munakata left him alone standing before three graves, two old and one fresh.

Amber eyes closed as the cool breeze played through his hair and lifted his clothes, He didn't want to leave…he could just-just stay here…staying here meant not having to face reality.

"MIKOTO!"

Tilting his head in confusion he frowned, looking for where the voice was coming from.

"MIKOTO! PLEASE HELP ME!"

The sound was muffled, and he stepped back before his eyes widened as he looked down at the ground. The sound…was coming from her grave? No, that was impossible. He truly was going crazy if-

''MIKOTO PLEASE FIND ME!"

Like a light switch the memories he thought had been a dream came flooding back. He had promised her he would find her, all of that had been real and they were trapped inside their heads. This was the real nightmare that lurked in the depths of his mind, the thought of what would have happened had she not come back to life, and he had almost allowed it to take him.

Without hesitation he dropped to his knees and began to uncover the earth that had been thrown on top of her, eyes bleeding red with his anger as flames engulfed his hands. Dirt got under his nails and dirtied his clothes but he didn't care.

''Hold on, '' he breathed, puffs of warm air meeting cool air. ''Dammit, hold on!''

I'll find you.

Alaura looked around the room she was in warily, feeling chills crawl up her spine at how there was zero furniture in it. The walls were white but she could see the paint beginning to chip. Bringing her hands to her chest she headed for the door, peeking out.

There was a long hallway and it was the same as the room with white peeling walls and completely bare. Feeling curious she stepped out before jumping as a loud slam met her ears.

Spinning on her heel she gasped when the door way she had just been in vanished.

''Okay…not creepy, not creepy, not at all. Stay cool Alaura, focus on the mission.'' Breathing in deeply she steeled herself and began to walk down the hall. The farther she walked the more the paint began to chip away, until there were large bare patches and the walls seemed to erode.

''If you're trying to scare me away it won't work.'' She whispered to her own mind, knowing that on some level this was crazy. ''We need to remember this.''

The walls began to change colors, swirls of green and shades of black enveloping her vision. Frowning she raised a hand and brushed her fingertips against the wall before pushing it lightly.

With a small creak the walls came crashing down around her, landing with dull thuds and creating clouds where they had messed up the dirt of the land.

Blinking Alaura tilted her head back to look up at the full moon, admiring its beauty. The sky was black with night and cloudless allowing the moon full reign. The night air lifted her hair slightly and brushed it over her shoulder.

Averting her eyes she took a step forward before freezing.

Pause. Pause, pause, pause, pause pausepausepausepause! No no she didn't want this anymore!

A crunching wet sound was slowly beginning to fill her ears as dying brown eyes pierced through her. They watched her unblinkingly, filled with pain, as a sludge coated creature stood over the boy's form, pieces of the sludge dripping and sizzling away at other pieces of the boy's body.

Weakly the boy raised his hand towards her, pieces of the skin on his arm emitting a soft smoke from the burns he was sustaining.

Blood soaked the ground beneath him, the dirt greedily taking away his life as the thing on top of him offered a life that wasn't theirs to offer. Alaura couldn't move.

She should move, she should do something, but her fucking feet weren't listening to her.

''Sis…te-'' The boy attempted to speak, but clots of blood fell from his mouth instead. Slowly his hand fell to the ground still outstretched to her, the light in chocolate eyes fading as pieces of his dirty brown hair covered his forehead. But then he did something that made her mind snap, made everything sharpen and refocus.

He smiled. ''Sister…''

She shouldn't have been able to hear him with how far they were and how low he had spoken, but even around all that blood she could pick up on his soft cheery voice.

Her mouth opened and she could vaguely hear the sound of her voice screeching something unintelligible. To her it was gibberish, just anger.

Her body darted forward as if it were on auto pilot, her fingers aimed for the eyes of the beast on her brother, she latched onto it, unheeding to the smell of her flesh burning as she pressed herself against it. Tears were running down her cheeks at a furious pace, but she didn't let go.

The thing screamed and bucked but she dug deeper, grinning cruelly as it reared back and howled in pain.

Feel my pain, you bitch!

She wanted it off her fucking brother! It didn't get to be near him! Not her sweet lil love bug! He was her baby!

Finally it lunged away from Jacob's body, and as soon as it did Alaura leapt away from it and reached for the broken form of her brother.

She pulled him into her chest, her shoulders shaking furiously as pain consumed her. Gently she cradled him in her arms, unaware of what was happening around her. In the back of her mind she knew she shouldn't turn her attention away from that beast, but Kuroh and Liz were extremely talented.

''Shhh, shhh, '' She rocked his body back and forth, tears landing on his cheeks and clearing away the blood it touched.

His brown eyes looked up at her, his lips working to speak but unable to yet.

''Hey, don't talk it's okay. Save your strength, I'm here, I'm here.'' She sobbed, gently running her blood coated thumb across his cheek and pressing her hand over his mangled neck. Thick, hot blood fell over her palm and she whimpered.

''Sis…'' he choked, raising his hand and laying it over hers. His hand was so much smaller than hers…

''Shh, save your strength baby, okay?'' She mumbled, smiling forcefully.

Jacob smiled slightly. ''I'm-goin-going to…die…''

''No!'' She shouted, shaking her head furiously. ''No! No you can't leave me!"

''I-I love you…you-you're the…best per-son I-'' he choked and smiled, the last light fading. ''Big sis-ter-you…you saved-saved the…da-ay-…''

His words tapered off as his hand slowly slipped away from hers, falling and landing with a soft thud against the ground. Mocha eyes faded, leaving behind soulless orbs staring blankly up at her. A small smile stayed frozen on his lips.

She couldn't do this.

He was her baby. She fought for him her whole life, watched over him, loved him, taught him everything she knew, he couldn't just be taken so fast! IT WASNT FAIR!

A howl filled the night air and her head snapped over to where it came from, blood thirst filling her heart as she watched the creature charge for her. From the corner of her eyes she saw Liz and Kuroh scrambled on the floor, clutching their bruised bodies.

No.

She was screaming, agony filling her veins as she stared into cold green eyes. She pushed harder, lips pulling back to bare her teeth threateningly.

Her little brother was dead. Dead and growing cold in her arms and ohh gods did she want to rip this creature apart.

Sorrow, anger, fury, malice, words couldn't even begin to describe the emotions pouring from her. All she saw was a red haze and all she understood was that there was no way she would back down to this thing.

Come get me, she poured into her scream, eyes lighting eagerly with the thought of a fight, come at me so I can rip you to shreds for hurting my family! You have never seen my fury!

The creature froze, its jaw closing slowly as it bowed its head reluctantly to her and walked back slowly. Alaura never backed down, keeping her teeth bared and eyes zeroed in on green. She wouldn't be the first to break.

The creature whimpered, breaking eye contact and running away into the thicket of the tree line.

Alaura deflated.

She turned back and pressed her cheek against Jacob's cheek. She heard Liz and Kuroh come up to her, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. She didn't know long it took for them to leave but they did, leaving her with the limp body of Jacob.

She pulled back slowly to cup his cheek in her hand, agony in her soul.

''I'm so sorry,'' she whispered. ''Please forgive me Jacob. Please forgive me, please forgive me, please…''

She could picture him crying, just because she was crying. He would throw a fit and demand that she stop being sad.

''I can't,'' she sobbed, clinging him tighter to her chest, sick of how her heart beated strong while his rotted away. ''Gods Jacob…''

Do you miss him?

Her eyes widened as she looked up, not seeing anyone around her.

Do you miss him? How much do you miss him?

Frowning she pulled his body into hers protectively, eyes narrowing as her shoulders tensed.

''Who's there?" She demanded.

A tinkering laugh filled the fading night's air and she stood up slowly, laying Jacob's body down gently.

I'm you, silly girl. I'm here to offer you something…

''There's a catch,'' she deadpanned. ''There's always a catch.''

Oh look at you Miss Smarty pants…too bad that your brain wasn't enough to keep your brother alive.

Alaura bristled at the low jab and scowled. ''Don't test me.''

…

''My apologies…I got carried away…but listen…give me your body and I'll bring Jacob back to you. To us...

Brown eyes widened as she stepped forward, unknown how dangerously close she was to the cliff's edge. ''Bring him…back?"

Yes…. Isn't that what you want?

Alaura blinked and looked back at Jacob, her sorrow refreshed when she noticed how still he was. ''Yeah but…''

But what? Don't you love him?

''But what are you…what are you going to do with my body?'' She asked, raising her head up to the sky.

There was a beat of silence before the voice chuckled darkly.

I'm afraid I can't inform you…

Alaura nodded and flexed her fingers. ''Then I must say no. It sounds a lot like I won't be myself if I let you take control, and there isn't a chance I'll let you get near Jacob's soul. You reek of evil.''

Hmm…so you are smart…that's nice to know…

Brown eyes burned as she cracked her knuckles. ''You need to leave now.''

Oh I'm going but tell me Alaura…there aren't any demons in your head…so who could I be?

Alaura whipped around as her mind raced, her thoughts coming back to her. She had lost sight of everything when her mind molded with the memory that she-damn it!

''Show yourself!'' She shouted, eyes widening when the current scenery disappeared and she was surrounded by empty darkness. Steeling herself she narrowed her eyes and raised her hands, unafraid.

Mikoto was looking for her.

Show myself…? Are you sure…? You might not like it… The voice tittered and Alaura winced against the piercing sound.

"Coward!'' She shouted into the void, Come out and fight me!''

You asked for it…

A cold chill ran down her back as she felt a hole being made in her heart. Slowly she turned her head and shivered, eyes widening at who stared back at her.

It was her.

It was her, but with glowing purple eyes that held a touch of insanity in them.

"You…you're-''

''I'm you.'' It leered and Alaura jumped back. ''What? Aren't you happy to see me? You asked me to show myself…''

"Who, who though?" Her mind was racing.

Herself sighed and waved her hand back and forth. ''I'm your power, silly, your future power. A dark look crossed her-its face as it took a step forward. ''And I want to live now.''

''That's impossible.'' She stated, straightening her back and narrowing her eyes. A confused look crossed the purple eyes but passed quickly. "I won't let you live. You're the part of me that was victim to those demons aren't you? I had a dream that they were able to attack me…when I saved Mikoto and my power came forth, they had to leave but you were left behind. You accessed the power but it became tainted because they had snagged you, right?"

Herself clapped lazily as her head dropped to the side in a wide eyed smile. ''How charming, you nailed that right on the head. Look at you, I can't wait to be whole and take over this body.''

''You're not taking my body,'' Alaura dropped into a fighting stance and grinned cockily. ''I have people to return to, I promised no more dying.''

''Ugh all the flowery pillow talk before a battle, really darling isn't that so anime? I expected more from you.'' Herself groaned and threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. ''But if we're doing that…I wonder, do you think Mikoto would still want to fuck us like this?''

Alaura sucked in a sharp breath and shot forward, landing a solid kick on herself's ribcage. The purple eyed girl went flying back, crashing into the ground and rolling over. Limply she pulled herself to her knees.

''Don't talk about him,'' Alaura seethed, eyes bleeding red as her flames began to flicker up her arms.

''What? Why not? Don't you think he would love us like this?'' Herself stood to her feet and grinned twistedly. ''What if we were fucking…and we killed him during it!?'' Her purple eyes fluttered to a close as she shivered in excitement.

''Oh can you imagine the look of betrayal in his eyes as we consumed his power after he trusted us enough to give himself to us? OH MY!''

Herself fanned her hand back and forth and took delight at the disgusted look on Alaura's face.

''Quit saying us, Insanity.'' Alaura dubbed her, rearing her fist back and aiming it for Insanity's cheekbone. ''I'll never let you live! You aren't meant to exist!''

Insanity flipped backwards, throwing her arms up as Alaura twisted to be able to follow after her. Her fist met Insanity's arms and she doubled back, missing the hand that had begun to reach out for her.

Insanity clucked her tongue sharply. ''You're right, I'm not. But I want to. I am a slice of your future, isn't this what you want? We could stand tall besides Mikoto…be equals…isn't that enticing?"

Alaura frowned and charged forward, ducking the swipe meant for her ribs and pressing her fist up into Insanity's lungs. Purple orbs widened as she coughed harshly, purple liquid falling from her mouth.

She shot backwards and skidded on her feet, eyeing Alaura angrily. ''Isn't that what you want?! She screamed, coming undone. ''To stay by him? You two say that like it's a fucking catch phrase!''

Alaura brought her leg down on Insanity's head, watching with satisfaction as the spot where her head cracked against exposed a sliver of white light.

''Mikoto treats us as his equals already,'' she spoke, pushing down harder. Insanity's muffled screams could be heard but Alaura ignored them. ''I don't need the insanity to be strong, I'll overcome you and save my grandfather from his own demons. I'll stop the cycle of the insanity in the Purple King's.''

Insanity chuckled darkly and craned her neck to eye her through one purple orb. ''Save your grandfather…? I'm a shadow of the demons that used to reside in your mind, demons that reside currently in your grandfather. When you and Mikoto kicked them out they weren't the only ones that were unhappy…''

Mocha colored eyes widened as she paused in applying pressure. ''What is that supposed to mean?"

Insanity chuckled weakly as the cracks in the pitch black ground greatened. Alaura pulled back and stood carefully when the floor threatened to give from underneath her.

"You've done it…'' Insanity smirked weakly as cracks appeared in her skin. ''There are…no more demons in your mind or soul…''

Feelings tugging in her heart Alaura reached out gently, coaxing Insanity to reach for her hand. ''Come back to me,'' she whispered, ''be happy.''

Insanity looked at her intently before smiling softly and closing her purple orbs, the cracks in her exposed flesh deepening. "I can't…any one touched by the demons is doomed…if I go back to you, I'll just damage you in the end…''

Alaura frowned and laid her hand on top of her own, squeezing it tight. ''Forgive me.''

She pushed through the floor, shattering the darkness around them and allowing white light to explode.

Insanity's eyes sprung open in shock, feeling the ground vanish beneath her as her body began to fall.

Alaura sprung back as she watched Insanity fade into nothingness, Purple eyes were wide with shock as they locked on to her. Alaura smiled softly and offered out her hand, eyes closing with her smile.

''Goodbye.''

It was weird to feel emotional, but it was a piece of herself that had been taken by force by the demons. She couldn't help but feel sad for the part of her that had to be tortured.

Insanity's lower lip trembled before she relaxed into her own smile, reaching out a fading hand towards Alaura.

''Goodbye.''

Alaura pulled back as the last piece of the demons was consumed by the shared power of her and Mikoto. She realized now that's what the white was; the reason why she had found herself in that room.

The reason why the paint had been chipping was because her mind had been weakened by the thought of seeing her brother die, and their bond had begun to strain underneath the pressure.

''I would have gone with her,'' she whispered, staring down at her hands. ''If it hadn't been for Homra and everyone…for Mikoto, I would have succumbed. I felt him here though with me…''

Warm arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her against a muscled chest, strong hands gathering hers in their own as the person nuzzled their face into her neck.

Alaura smiled giddily at the familiar warmth, twisting in his arms and throwing her own arms around his neck. She buried her nose into the crook of his neck, feeling him pick her up slightly so he wouldn't have to hunch.

''I found you.'' He whispered, twisting his hands in her hair.

Alaura smiled softly and nodded, twisting the hair at the nape of his neck. He had heard her screams then, when she had been consumed by her brother's death and the grief that accompanied it.

"You found me.''

Mikoto set her down gently and smirked, running his thumb across her cheek. She leaned into his touch.

''Mikoto?" She asked, mocha colored eyes darkening slightly.

"Hmm?" He frowned.

Alaura bit her lower lip and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest and feeling satisfied with how his heart beat.

''There's something that I found out…but for now, can we go back to everyone?"

Amber eyes softened as he tightened his hold on her, dropping his chin to rest on the top of her head. After what he had seen, after what she had seen, he was sure they were both beyond mental exhaustion. He could hear the worry in her voice about what she had found out about, but decided that being in their bodies would be better to hear why.

''Yeah.''

''Sir, I sincerely advise you against this.''

''Miss. Awashima, this is a perfect opportunity to view the damage I have caused.''

''Yes, sir, I understand the guilt you harbor but…well, all of Homra wants your head on a stick sir, as well as Fushimi's.''

"Fushimi's? What did you do, Fushimi?''

''Tch, nothing of importance.''

''He attempted to kill the sister of Alaura and the girlfriend of Misaki Yata, Homra's front line leader. Alaura has not been made aware of the attack but I can assure you she will be informed. She will hunt you like a dog, Fushimi. She and Yata will beat you. My sources say she can be merciless.''

''Has anyone actually seen her fight? She's probably just all talk.''

''Both of you, quiet.'' Munakata cut them off as they sneaked into Alaura's room, the guard they had been waiting for to leave getting up to go and switch shifts. Once the blond man disappeared around the corner Munakata gestured for them to move.

The Blue King slowly shut the door behind him, aware that he was breaking the rules. Mikoto had made it clear that he blamed himself for Alaura's predicament, but he also demanded that Munakata stay far away from them all while she healed. The Red Clan was on edge and itching to get their hands on the Blue King and their ex-clan member Fushimi.

He couldn't stay away however.

He felt horrible for not watching as he ran his blade through her heart, he had been too afraid of watching Mikoto die by his hand. He knew if he had kept his eyes open he could have seen Alaura jump in the way and stop.

Plus, he had to speak to her about how she had been able to heal the sword. Other Kings would begin to get suspicious of a girl who could fix damaging swords if he couldn't disperse the rumors.

Purple eyes softened as he took in the sight before him. Mikoto was on his side with his arm hanging over the bed as he faced a slumbering Alaura. His face was slack with peace, the creases under his eyes not as harsh as they usually were.

A soft red glow was visible around Alaura and Munakata chuckled deeply. The man wouldn't let that woman out of his sight for a while, it seemed.

Fushimi went to step forward and he shot his hand out, gripping the younger boy's shoulder.

"Don't go near her.'' He warned, sensing the way Mikoto's power swept the area of the room and ghosted over them slowly. Deciding they weren't a threat it crept back to covering Alaura's form.

Fushimi frowned and shrugged off his hand gently. ''Why's that?"

Awashima stepped forward and gestured with her chin to the barrier. ''It seems the Third King's power recognizes her aura.''

Fushimi's crinkled his nose. ''What?"

Munakata held out his hand. ''One of your knives, please, Fushimi.''

Watching his King warily the boy slipped out one of his weapons and handed it over gingerly. The Blue King held it in his grasp and slipped his power into it, closing his eyes in concentration. With a snap of the wrist he sent the blade flying towards Alaura.

It never got near her.

Red flames burst forward, wrapping around the blades handle and consuming it. The metal melted away at the flames and sensing the threat was gone the red slipped back into the form of a shield.

Fushimi stared fearfully at the sleeping Red King, both his and Awashima's eyes wide.

''But he's asleep…'' he whispered. ''How could he?''

"Mikoto feels the desire to protect her, ''Munakata answered evenly. ''from all threats. It's more than likely that because he witnessed and held her as she died that it enhanced his ability to watch over her. He senses the danger subconsciously and lashes out viciously until the threat is gone.''

''What if a clan member came too close?" Awashima questioned.

Munakata shook his head and pushed up his glasses. ''No, that isn't how the barrier seems to work. It wouldn't attack its own. Due to us being members of the Blue Clan he's on edge, but since we aren't moving to threaten her he won't move to eliminate us.''

Fushimi smirked and shook his head. "Eliminate you? A King? Mikoto Suoh may be hot tempered but not even he would risk a true war with the Blues.''

''He would, and we would lose.''

Awashima stared aghast. ''Captain, you think so little of our strength?"

Munakata sighed. ''No, I believe in my clan whole heartedly. But if we made to kill or harm Alaura in a weakened state no one would be able to stop Homra. As it stands the members already wish to burn us, but once Alaura awakes I'm not sure how the clan will proceed. Will she convince them to stand down, or fight because of Fushimi's actions?"

''How about you step the fuck away from my King and sister before I rip your fucking heart out?" A voice hissed from behind them.

Munakata turned to see fiery blue eyes piercing through him, two boys standing beside her just as livid.

''Get away from my family, Monkey.'' Yata growled, body shaking as a red aura flared up slowly around him.

''Move any closer to them, and you'll be begging for mercy we ain't gonna give.'' Rikio snarled, eyes bleeding red behind his glasses.

The Blues had fucked up, and three of Homra's fiercest and most protective had caught them red handed.

A/N: Munakata blames himself, Mikoto blames himself, Homra blames the Blues, what will Alaura do when she's made aware of the tension between the two clans and Fushimi's attack on Liz?

Until next time!

Review, eat amazing food, and have a great day/night!

-ScarlettWriter

PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 16: Burn them all

Liz smirked and gripped the sword at her waist. ''Say that again, Fuckface. I dare you.''

Fushimi tilted his head. "She should have stayed dead.''