A/N: HELLO ALL!

I have defiantly missed you guys, so to prove it I am working when I should defiantly be sleeping! Sorry for any typos, but really this is way more fun! I love each and every one of you who review, favorite, follow. I check my email and it gives me something to look forward to beside school and tests. I can't reply to those who have reviewed right now because it's one in the morning where I am. Oops! BUT!

I shall in the next chapter!

Love you guys! Oh oh, warnings of OOC (probably) to those who don't like it. I do, it's fun, so. *shrugs*

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

Chapter 20: Six feet

Big sister…

She pulled back, dodging a blow meant to slice through her arm. Grimacing she surged forward and clashed blades-seeing sparks of their power fire off like fireworks. The sound resounded through her ears and echoed in her chest as her eyes locked in fury with another pair.

You're so strong.

"Argh!'' her body rolled on the tile floor as blood drops trickled in her wake. The pain spread like wildfire and left her biting her lip as red seeped from her wounds. So weak, she was so weak compared to him!

I wish I could have learned more from you; how to talk to girls, how to fight to protect you.

"Alaura!''

The sound of her name pulled her attention to the people charging forward with looks of panic on their faces. She felt her breath get caught in her throat as she zeroed in on the blood splatter on Liz's clothes. Mako's blood.

You're so beautiful, sister. I feel like you don't think that much. I wish I could tell you that.

"No! Run!'' She choked, blood dripping from the side of her mouth and staining her own ruined clothes. "Please go back!"

"Like hell!" A hazel eyed boy came from behind the others and came crashing to the ground beside her. The floor split with a loud bang as he glared heatedly at the man that had stopped his assault to stare curiously at them.

"Eric, can you get her out of here?" Liz appeared before her and blocked her sight of her grandfather to stand beside Yata. Kuroh came after, along with Rikio, Akagi and…Fushimi. He didn't turn back to look at her-he kept his gaze focused on his target.

''No, don't…'' she tried to protest, but her body was crashing from staying still. Too much had happened to it, too many wounds and too quickly it had healed itself to repair the surface wounds.

"I've got you, Ms. Alaura.'' A blonde boy wearing a hoodie came into her line of focus, smiling lightly as he gently picked up her battered body. She wanted to push him away but her body wouldn't let her. Damn it-she couldn't leave them here alone!

I know you blame yourself.

What if something happened to them and she wasn't here?!

I know you catch yourself crying sometimes now, even though a piece of you doesn't think you should.

"I've had enough of this dawdling.'' The Purple King sighed, twisting his sword and bringing it up over his head. A sphere of glowing light began to form at the tip that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Liz!'' she cried, looking over Eric's shoulder at the backs of the people she cared for. They were bracing themselves but weren't moving. No! No! "Run!'' she screeched, mustering up enough strength to push Eric back. They fell but she didn't give him enough time to catch her. Her legs pushed her on auto pilot as she saw her hand stretch out before her. Dirty, calloused, blood covered.

I'm so tired of seeing you hurt, Big Sister…

"Please, grandfather-STOP!" The desperate plea fell from her lips but fell on deaf ears as she watched the shining light glow on their skin. Why weren't they doing anything?!

I always wished you could see me, but then I always knew how selfish that was to wish you were where I was.

Arms like iron wrapped around her waist and locked tightly, pulling her to crash to the ground and force her to watch the light become larger, stronger. She thrashed and kicked uselessly but Eric held tight, pressing his chin to his chest as he took each hit.

I wish I could hug you.

''I'm sorry, Ms. Alaura.'' He whispered but she could barely hear him over the roaring in her ears. "He told us to trust him.''

I never wished to be by your side though, sister.

Chocolate orbs flickered back to stare in horror and confusion. "Who?!" She croaked. Who would tell them to stand there and take a hit that powerful?!

I never wished for that…because…

"Your brother, Ms. Alaura.'' He whispered and watched as the blood drained from her rosy cheeks. "He told us to let him protect you.''

I never left.

Boom.

(Flash Back)

"Anna, what are you saying?!" That was Liz. He watched her kill his mother, but that didn't hurt like it should have. He was proud of her.

"A boy. He's here. He's desperate for us to see him.'' The young girl his sister was so fond of-he thought she was pretty too.

''There's no one here.'' The dark haired boy…what was his name…

''Shut up, Saru! If Anna says there's someone here, then they're here!'' Oh, that's right. Saruhiko Fushimi- he liked him too.

"Anna…'' That was him. Mikoto Suoh. The man his sister had fallen in love with. He should beat him up for scaring Alaura that he was gonna die.

Idiot.

"Hes standing right there, Mikoto. Dirty brown hair, eyes the color of Alaura's, and holding Liz and Kuroh's hands.''

Was he? He didn't notice anymore. He couldn't see himself. He could only see the people around him. It fit if he was. He loved holding their hands and comparing them to each other's.

"Alaura's eyes…" Come on Kuroh-use your words! Don't let Alaura hear you!

"Dirty brown hair…?'' I knew you were always jelly of my hair color, Liz, but come on! Put it together and let's save our sister!

"He's tugging on your shirts now…he wants to hurry I think. He's so colorful…shrouded in purples and reds…'' Like his sister.

"Jacob. Jacob. Jacob- I'm so sorry.'' Hey…come on Liz…don't cry…

"Jacob, please, can you-" Kuroh…I'm sorry, that's all I seem to be good for is making you cry…

"What does he want us to do?" Oh man, here comes the guy Alaura slapped. That was a good fight.

''Do?"

"Does he want us to fight? We already were.'' Shi-ro. He was so kind and funny, but that wasn't what he had in mind…

"…No. He wants us to send people to go and save Alaura. She's too weak, he says. Her body is going to fail any second now. The Purple King is stronger than we think.'' Had he talked?

"What about the rest of us?''

"What about Alaura? She won't just back down.'' That's the truth, huh Liz?

"He says…that he'll protect her. Just save her and get her away and then you can fight the Purple King. He can heal her.'' He would.

"So…like an ambush? Take away one player, get hit but actually be protected, then swarm him with multiple players?" Skater boy- he was one of his favorites too.

"…Yes."

There was a pause as they all looked at each other. They were covered in blood, human and like the thing that had killed him. He wondered if any of them could come back from this, but the image of his sister holding his lifeless body made him know they could. It would just…take a while.

''Jacob…'' Mikoto was looking up at the ceiling and Jacob had to wonder how much this was killing him. "Protect her.''

If he could smile he would have.

"He said…'' Anna met their gazes. "That he always will.''

The wind stung her cheeks and whipped her hair around her face. All she could hear was the sound of cracking walls and splitting floors. The sound of her heart beating in its cage and the feeling of Eric's arms loosening around her waist. Liz was calling out everyone's names and they were all responding to her.

Debris clouded her vision. Or was it something else? Debris wasn't black was it?

"Alaura!''

Answer them, Alaura!

Her brother, they spoke to her brother.

"Alaura!"

He was here.

I'm here, sister. I won't leave you! Just keep going!

"Eric! Do you have her?!''

She wanted to see him. She had to see him.

"I-I can't find her! She vanished from my arms!''

There…there was a soft glow in the darkness around her. Was she stretching her hand out?

''What?! You lost her?!"

"Not on purpose damn it! Ms. Alaura!''

"Alaura!''

A deep chuckle ghosted in her ear and she felt a finger run down the back of her neck, leaving goosebumps in their leave. She couldn't do anything. Why couldn't she do anything?

"She's mine.''

NO! DON'T TOUCH HER!

"ALAURA!"

The soft light became a blazing light, so bright she wanted to cover her eyes but couldn't. She could never look away from what was in front of her. She would never look away again. Warmth spread over her body and eliminated the coldness that had clutched her in its grip. A small smile crossed her lips as she shakily reached out.

''Jacob.'' She breathed.

"GET AWAY FROM MY BIG SISTER!"

The bright light engulfed her, wrapping her in a torrent of warmth and winds that shook her to her core. A wail could be heard in the distance but she couldn't be sure, there was a fuzzy edge to her vision and that was all she cared about.

''Jacob!'' She cried, lunging forward with open arms as the last bit of light faded. "Jacob!"

Liz felt the coughs wrack her body as she peered through the resting debris around them. There had been nothing and then they heard the Purple King. He sounded as if he had been about to take Alaura's life then and there but another voice had boomed and knocked them all of their feet.

It was a voice she hadn't heard in a long time and one she resigned herself to never hearing again. After there was a bright light and then-nothing.

Looking up her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. Where once there had been a ceiling and full walls there was no more. In its place was an open sky and walls falling by the second. Slabs of stone and smaller pieces surrounded them.

She grimaced at the destruction. Was that caused by the Purple King or Jacob?

"Damn you…''

Blue eyes flickered over to where the voice had come from, shock plain on her face as the Purple King pushed off a slab of stone off of him and glared at them. She took a step back and raised her blade that she held tightly in her hand.

"What have you done?!" He spat, scanning the area for the girl he had just been about to end. "Where is she?!"

"Somewhere you'll never be able to touch her.'' She spat back, sliding her leg back and readying herself for when he would attack. Or at least that's where she hoped Alaura was.

''Liar! You have her don't you? Give her to me.'' He shouted.

''Huh? What makes you think we would ever do that?" Eric cocked his head to the side and grinned in mirth. "She's part of Homra. We'd never give her up to you.''

"Is that a promise?" The Purple King popped his neck and brought his hand to his chest, bunching up the fabric in his grip before ripping it away and tossing it carelessly amongst the rubble. She watched it ripple against the faint breeze and the purple catch the fading sun.

Liz felt like she was going to throw up.

Standing in front of her was a man with rippling, intimidating muscles beneath a short sleeve top with lines of gold running across it. But that wasn't the part that made her want to heave up her lunch. No…that part was what was moving along his skin.

The same black veins that had been upon Alaura's skin seemed to cover all of the upper part of his body. Not even a speckle of his color was to be found. The black seemed to be…moving higher and higher and she watched in horror as it creeped along his neck and covered his face inch by inch. She couldn't see his teeth because of the grin marring his lips, but she didn't want to know if even they were pitch black now.

''What-"Yata clapped a hand over his mouth and stumbled back a step as they watched his long hair turn to the color of ash. "What are you?! How the fuck do you people have so much power?!"

"The demons.''

Liz looked over to where she heard the whisper to see Fushimi staring calculatingly at the man-thing before them. Her eyebrows drew down in confusion and her lower lip was pulled on by her incisors.

"Mind sharing, Fushimi?" She snapped, irritated at the entire fucked up situation.

He barely spared a glance before pushing up his glasses. "The demons-that's how he and Moko seemed to possess a never ending stream of abilities. The way she manipulated the room to become cold when you fought her, and the way they controlled beasts that seemed to come from hell. Also…the form he seems to be taking on now. Alaura never would have been able to defeat him in her shape.''

Before she could ask Kuroh cut her off, his icy eyes filled with confusion. "What about the demons though? Alaura isn't capable of what they are and they stem from the same clan.''

"Ah? So someone figured it out, hmm?" The Purple King cocked his head to the side and grinned-dear god they were pearly white and she wished now they were smeared in shadows. He took a step forward and raised his sword eye level, a flicker of light beginning at the tip once more.

"We need to go, now.'' Fushimi hissed, already taking steps back the closer the King came to them. "Alaura's brother isn't here to deflect his attack!"

"Alaura's brother? So that's who shocked me away from her…that makes perfect sense-if he weren't dead.'' The King smirked and she could only see a black soul looking back at her. "Oh well. You will all see each other soon.''

"Kimimoto Shua, the former Sixth King, the Purple King. You're supposed to be a lot weaker than you are now.''

Everyone's heads snapped over to see a white haired boy floating behind the Purple King, his golden eyes like molten steel as he regarded a fellow King.

"Hmm…the Silver King finally down from the clouds.'' The Purple King grinned. "You're right, I should be a lot weaker just like all of you foolishly expected.''

"Is there a reason for that-or are you just going to die a coward who hides his secrets?" Another voice joined the fray and Liz smirked when she saw the composed form of Reisi Munakata appear over the rubble with his men and Awashima behind him. It was funny to hear a collected man smart off.

"Actually…'' Kimimoto opened his mouth but was cut off by a roaring ball of fire that he had to snap back away and dodge. She looked over just in time to see it sear through a standing pillar and cause another piece of the roof to collapse to the ground. Dust erupted quickly before being pushed away by the breeze.

"I don't care why you're strong.''

A deep, gravelly voice met their ears and as the smoke cleared she saw their King standing further ahead of the two behind him. He had discarded his jacket and wore nothing but the silver chains around his neck and a white shirt with dark wash jeans. He was stained in a black, crusted blood.

Brilliant flames encased his fists and even from a far she could see the way his pupils burned bright amber. Around his feet he left a trail of burnt ground and she had to wonder how his shoes had made it this far.

"Mikoto Suoh…" Kimimoto raised his hands and laughed joyfully. "The King who bonded with my granddaughter. I should thank you-really-I should. When I kill her and the Dresden Slate recognizes me as the last and rightful heir of the Purple Clan I will be swamped by true-ARGH!"

The crunching of bones snapped through the air and made her wince. The Purple King's body went flying through the air at an alarming rate before crashing roughly to the ground. Liz raised her gaze to where he had been standing moments before to see the Red King Mikoto Suoh standing there with his own rueful grin.

Her breath caught in her throat- but not for anything but one reason. His hair was being whipped chaotically by the swirling winds his flames created around him. His shirt was becoming even more tattered than before. The air was becoming almost a scalding temperature against her flesh.

No-what she noticed was the way every time the red flames would twist and lash out a whisper of purple strand would coax it back into the circle of wind, keeping it from stretching too far out and disappearing.

"Only a King can kill a King.'' Mikoto stated coolly, watching as the other man before him shook off the hit he had taken and rubbed his sore jaw carefully.

"Then you all were going to let Alaura kill me without being a King herself? Were you trying to kill her?" He jeered rising to his full height and flexing his fingers around the handle of his sword.

Shiro frowned and came to stand beside Mikoto. "Of course not.''

Munakata grinned easily and slid his sword from his sheath and held it out before him, the blade reflecting the sun. "We're simply reminding you of the rule.''

The Silver King nodded. "Hoping that you can remember.''

Kimimoto growled low in his throat and narrowed his gaze. "And why would that be?"

Liz took a step forward with her friends by her side, her eyes cold as she looked at the sickening man before her.

"Because," she started. " We believe Alaura is the true Sixth King even if she isn't technically. She will be able to kill you without being harmed."

"I harness the control of the Purple Clan's power, I harness the rightful title! There's no way there can be two Kings of the same power." He snarled, his nerves being pulled upon. "She can't kill me without being a proper King!"

"For any other clan this is true, Kimimoto-but the Purple Clan have always been a clan where secrets are constantly being unveiled. The lineage of power is already being passed down according to the Dresden Slate…now it's just a matter of who receives it all in the end. We believe that she is already being recognized as a King.'' Shiro stated, his fine eyebrows pulling together.

"Then it'll be me! Same as before my plan hasn't changed- I'll kill her and absorb her power and be washed in true power once and for all!'' He growled, charging forward as his eyes shined. "You're willing to bet her life on a hunch, fine by me!"

The clanging of swords meeting pierced her ears as she and Kuroh pushed with all the strength in their muscles against the soulless man. The sound echoed through the air and left a bitter feeling.

''Liz!" Yata screamed her name.

"Kuroh!" Shiro called out in panic.

She grunted, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to push harder. Kuroh's eyes narrowed as his lips thinned.

"What's this?" Kimimoto grinned at them as his gaze flickered between the two of them. Their swords staggered but they quickly kept his sword locked between theirs. "Sibling love?"

"We will never-" She struggled, clenching her eyes shut as she felt a trickle of sweat run down her temple. Damn!

''-Let you touch her!'' Kuroh finished through clenched teeth.

"Aww…now that's sweet. You do know that only Alaura can end me though…right?" He grinned as their faces became smeared with panic. "Oh my…a drawback I could have mentioned previously. Only the current Purple King can kill a former Purple King without repercussions. Granted the former had to have stepped down willingly to allow the lineage of power continue. I guess it is pretty silly to assume everyone knows when the demons kill the former King before anything else can, it was a very well-kept secret. Do you know why that is though, why only a Purple King can kill a Purple King?"

They didn't answer, all their energy being focused in keeping his weapon useless. Strands of her hair fell in front of her eyes and lifted and shook with every tremor that passed through her body.

"It's because if it isn't a King that kills a King…the person dies.'' He smiled eerily. "Either way…if you all try to kill me…if she tries to kill me without being properly titled as King-because truly, I will never willingly hand over the power-…someone dies.''

She felt her breath catch the same moment she saw blood splatter the space in front of her. A searing pain travelled up her body as she felt warmth coat her stomach. The feeling of her blade's handle loosened and the grooves disappeared from her touch.

Faintly she could hear screaming, but all she could see was the form of her brother falling limply to the ground. Pain consumed her senses and the last thing she saw before black consumed her vision was the arrogant black orbs watching her crumple to the shattered ground.

No…

"LIIIIIIIIIZ!"

"KUROOOOH!

Where…where was she? She was surrounded by grey…where she had been before in the hall, except now it was a dull grey.

Alaura pulled herself up easily and looked down in shock to see her body free of any previous wounds and free of the patient gown that had been clinging to its last leg. Instead she was wearing high waisted training shorts that came to cinch just blow her knees. On her feet were her ankle high boots that allowed her to move freely. She was wearing a skin tight black mesh tank top that was tucked into her pants and below that a black sports bra.

This was what she wore to train back home.

"I hope it's okay. I could only get you clothes that I remembered…''

Her jaw locked as she heard the voice she had wanted to hear for so long, even if she hadn't known before. A pang went through out her chest as she forced herself to turn around and face him.

A sob caught in her throat.

He looked the exact same.

That same mop of tousled dirty brown hair. That same chubby face with cheeks she loved to pinch. He was still so short too, and she had to laugh at that. His eyes were the same too…so open and looking at her as if she had all the answers, albeit with a hint of caution.

The laugh bubbled up over her throat, first just a soft chuckle. Then it became a fit of giggles that she tried to smother, except it became a full blown cackle that she could feel in her chest and all the way down to her toes.

Then she started crying.

Jacob shifted in his place and looked down at the shoes on his feet. He could see himself with Alaura here. He didn't know why, he just could. He wished he couldn't. He must look horrible or not be at all what she was expecting if she was laughing like that. Damn it he was such a-

Strong, warm arms pulled his smaller frame into her chest and pressed his face into the crook of her neck. Her hair fell over his face and he breathed in the soft scent that he knew to be his sister. He could feel her shaking, feel the pulse in her body that sounded strong in his ears, but most of all…he felt safe.

Like a dam breaking a child's wail tore itself from his mouth as he threw his arms around her torso and let her cradle him to her chest where her knees had given out. He cried hot tears and felt them stain her shoulders. The harder he cried the tighter her grip became.

He could feel her fingers running through his hair and smoothing it down as her other patted his back. He was a small child, but right now he felt like a blubbering mess.

He didn't care. He could feel her. She could see him. After years of being by her side he finally felt totally, completely protected from all the misgivings in the world.

He could see now why he cared little for when Liz killed his mother. It was because to him she never had been. The one that raised and loved him was right here holding him tight to her. It was harsh but he didn't care.

"I miss you.'' She choked out. "I miss you every day, little brother. It hurts to breathe sometimes. Gods, you look the same. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry.''

He sniffled messily and hid his face in her neck. "I miss you Big Sister. You can see me, you can really see me.''

"I never stopped Hun,'' She soothed, reigning in her own tears to soothe his own. "Even with a seal, I never stopped truly.''

"I don't blame you!'' he cried, "Never! Not for a second! You did everything to save me! It was my fault!''

"Shhh, no more crying, okay?" She hummed and his cries began to falter. "We have each other now. I'm here now.''

Jacob felt cold instantly even though he was warm at those words that brought him back to reality. His sister…she had a pulse.

He didn't.

She couldn't stay in this world. She had to go back and help Liz and Kuroh, her friends, she had to become the next Purple King and bring peace between the clans.

His sister…the hero.

Smiling lightly he pulled away and crawled out of her lap, curling up to her side and relishing the security and happiness she gave him.

"Big Sister?" he questioned.

"Hmm?"

"…You know you can't stay here…only the dead can stay here. The living aren't meant to be here.''

Brown clashed with brown, one gaze resigned and the other confused.

"Jacob? Where are we?" She questioned, her brows pulling down.

"We're in Auraleo, Alaura. The world where the dead with unfinished business reside co side of their loved ones." He smiled lightly as he brought his knees up to his chest.

"Jacob-'' Alaura started, eyes wide, but stopped when she saw the sadness etched into Jacob's face. Her lips pulling down she leaned her head to rest against his own.

"What are you doing?" Jacob pouted. "Aren't you going to ask me questions?"

"No.'' She said simply. "I'm going to sit here and enjoy my little brother's company for as long as I can. Because soon both of us will have to leave and we won't get to see each other again for a while.''

He snorted. "You have somewhere to go, but I don't.''

"Yes, you do.''

At the tone of her voice he peered over and shrunk back at the look in her eyes. They were full of a steely resolve.

He tried again. "No I do-''

"You're going to move on Jacob. You're going to leave this desolate place and meet master Ichigen and Father in the other world.'' He watched her face soften as she smiled kindly. Tears welled up once more in his mocha eyes. "We're going to say goodbye.''

"I don't want to leave you!'' he said, rising to his full height and leaping back. "I have to stay by your side!''

"Jacob…'' she rose and her smile grew even though tears spilled down her cheeks. "We'll never leave one another-not in here.'' She pointed to her heart and reached out for him, holding him tightly.

Fresh sobs tore through him as he felt it. A sensation beginning to crawl up his spine and spreading over his body. He tried to push it away but it was as if even the feeling wouldn't go against what his sister knew was best.

His arms wrapped around her and she had to stifle the sobs that wanted to break free. She wanted nothing more than to stay with him but she couldn't. And she would tear down heaven and hell before she let anything or anyone keep him stuck here for the rest of his life, and that included him.

"I-I love you!'' He rushed out as he felt himself fading. He could hardly feel her any more.

"I love you too, Jacob.'' Her knees were shaking but she pushed it aside and clung to him tighter.

"Tell Liz and Kuroh how much I love them!'' He cried, clenching his eyes shut. "Tell them I wish I could have seen them one last time!"

"Of course.'' She whispered shakily.

"You're the best big sister in the whole world. You're so beautiful. You're so strong. I wish I could have more time!" He wailed, crushing his face into her stomach. Her pulse was so strong in his ears.

A watery smile marred her face. "So do I baby boy, so do I. You were the best thing that ever happened to me.''

For both siblings eyes were shut tight, neither could see themselves slowly beginning to fade into the worlds they now belonged to. The grey around them grew light with the soft glow their bodies were emitting. Though it was their souls that were giving off a light as they began to guide them to their worlds.

"Take a long time to see me again, okay? Promise?" He sniffled, smiling when he heard her chuckle.

"Promise.''

"And…big sister?"

"Yeah?"

"You need to save the day.'' He smiled wobbly. "You need to help them. Do you promise that too?"

She nodded hurriedly as she began to feel him slip from her grip, the fabric in her fists beginning to disappear. "I-I promise." She stuttered.

"Good…then I can protect you…one…last…time…" His words trailed off as he opened his eyes to see the glowing light around him. Filled with warmth he smiled peacefully, slipping from his sister's grip the same moment their bodies disappeared from the realm of Auraleo.

See you later…Big Sister…

See you around…Little Brother…

Yata felt his breath leave his lungs as he watched Liz lay on the ground in a pool of her own blood. His throat was raw and he realized he was still screaming her name but he couldn't make himself stop. Hot, thick tears rolled down his face from bloodshot eyes as he raised his fist to the air and cried out another chant-one to mark the beginning of a war.

The others would follow him. The others would help him get her body. She wasn't dead. She couldn't be dead. He cried out as his flames surged him forward.

"NO BLOOD! NO BONE! NO ASH!''

Shiro watched numbly as Neko wailed into his arm. Kuroh's face was pressed into the ground so he couldn't see the piercing blue eyes. A strange sadness began to creep over him, different than when he had lost his sister.

This was…this was…there were no words for this. Just an unbelievable amount of pain in his chest.

He could see Scepter 4 and Homra rushing forward arms raised. He could see Kimimoto grinning as he readied to slaughter them all. Mikoto and Munakata were quick on their feet and charging forward to save the lives of their clan-and all he could do was watch Kuroh's lifeless body.

They would trample him, he realized. They would lose him in the mess of death of war. He wouldn't be able to find Kuroh, he wouldn't be able to-to-

"KUROH!" He screamed out.

Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

The soft breeze that had been playing along became rough, pulling winds and the men cried out as they were flung backwards.

Yata held his ground, holding his arms over his eyes to see just what the hell was going on. The winds and fading sun light were shrouding whatever was happening in front of them and he grimaced.

He didn't have time for this damn it!

"Damn it, get out of my way!" Roaring out his rage he charged forward and went to throw a punch at the mysterious heavy swirls before he stopped and felt thin fingers grip his wrist.

His eyes widened and he immediately fell to his knees, shaking. "Alaura-" he choked out.

She was standing over him, her eyes a swirling storm of emotions as tears like his own fell down her cheeks. She was dressed in completely different clothes and wound free except her face looked aged.

"They'll be okay.'' She whispered, eyes casting down to reveal the breathing forms of Liz and Kuroh. Relief crashed into him like a truck as he scooped her up and crushed her to his chest, her head being forced into his neck as he shook violently.

"Aw, I knew that would get you to come out granddaughter. Killing those two would have made for a more interesting show-but you get what you-HMRP!" Kimimoto's rant was cut short as he felt a small fist ram deep into his chest, never letting up as they both went flying through the air.

"I'm sick of you.'' She seethed bring back her fist and letting another fly. The sound of his bones breaking didn't even register in her own ears.

"I'm sick of you being the reason why everyone I love gets hurt!" She screamed. Another crack.

"I'm sick of how you treat the names of the people I love! They're not just pawns!'' Was that her knuckle that cracked?

"I'm sick of how much you value power!" She cried. "What's power without people to protect?! It's nothing! Just a soul crushing, soul stealing, thief! I'm sick of you being in my life!''

His face would heal after her punches but now it was beginning to look like how a rotten strawberry looks.

"You're going to have to kill someone one day Alaura. Except you'll be unable to use either your hands or weapons. When that day comes…can you bring yourself to?"

Master Ichigen's voice cut through her memory and caused her to start, giving Kimimoto just enough time to throw his own punch.

Pain bloomed in her jaw as she went flying backwards. Readying herself for the impact she was surprised when strong arms caught her easily. Looking up she smiled happily at the pair of golden eyes staring down at her in relief.

"Mikoto.'' She breathed.

"No more disappearing.'' He stated bluntly. She smiled slightly, nodding her head and pulling herself from his arms to face the man beginning to stand up in front of her. She knew what she had to do.

Jacob had asked her to let them help her, to work alongside them. She was going to have to…but just from a different standpoint. There was no way to defeat him with her hands or a weapon. She would have to resort to something risky but hopefully the right answer.

"Come now, child, let's decide once and for all who shall the Purple King and leader of the Sixth clan!" He laughed.

She clenched her teeth and looked up to meet Mikoto's eyes. Narrowing her gaze she jerked her chin forward and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Distract him just until I tell you to leave. All of you, I need every single person here to help. Please?"

He narrowed his own gaze. "What are you going to do?"

She smiled, hoping that was enough to encourage him to follow through with her plan. "Trust me.''

Kimimoto cocked his head to the side as he watched the Red King leave his granddaughter's side and whisper to a blonde haired man. The whisper spread like wildfire until he saw it reach all of the Kings as their eyes lit up.

Averting his eyes back to his grandchild he watched as she stared him down, brown eyes calculating his every move. Where he would shift she would move as well. When he looked away she stared him down until he felt compelled to look back at her.

A grin slid over his lips as he noticed the others began to come near him, their swords readied and flames brilliant. She stayed exactly where she was.

What did she expect? For him to grow tired and not be able to fight her full force?

Silly little girl. He hated children.

But he would give her the show she wished for.

It was a red clan member that attacked first, coming to and sending what appeared to be shards of red flying through the air. Sighing he raised his hand and sent them flying backwards. Honestly these children were-agh!

Red shards pierced his darkened flesh and he looked down in astonishment to see that the proof of pain was truly there in his abdomen. A thick and deep red substance oozed from his wounds before sealing. He looked up quickly to see the boy grinning cheekily, surrounded a soft red barrier that shimmered with shades of the softest purple before is disappeared.

"What-'' he started, looking over to see Alaura through the thicket of people as a…strain kneeled beside her fretting over the two he had hoped he would have killed.

A deep grumble of irritation rose from his throat as he sneered. Fine. Fight dirty he would!

Alaura watched intently as the three Kings fought and her clan and the blues fought all at once. It was overwhelming to witness a single man be able to fight off attack after attack, but she wouldn't let it psych her out.

She had promises to fulfill.

Closing her eyes in concentration she searched deep inside of her, summoning all that she was to the surface. It was like a soft burning flame, and she had to gently blow on it to make it become stronger and more forceful. She could practically see it, see the potential of power the flame could reach.

She didn't care how strong it became just as long as it became strong enough to take him down with one go. She wouldn't get another shot at this-not one like this. She was honing her usage of powers by focusing on barriers around the ones who were fighting.

Pulling it sporadically would help her be able to maintain it all at once, and that was what she needed.

Kimimoto snarled at a blue clan's member as he gripped his sword and shattered it in his hand, gripping the broken blade and aiming it for the man's head. He relished in the fear in his eyes, knowing he caused it.

Just like all the times before however a shield erected and caused the sword to bounce off and slice through his own hand. Just like before the man's eyes widened as he fell back to let another attacker charge forward before he came back. They were all stunned when they saw the barrier for themselves.

He couldn't crack it. He had already tried but no matter what it wouldn't break.

A spectacled boy and a boy with hazel eyes charged at him next, the spectacled boy's knives carving him up while the hazel eyed boy caused his nose to snap horribly.

"We're going to take you down! King my ass!'' he growled as he was forced to retreat like they had planned. "I'll make sure you rot for hurting my girl and friends!"

"Come now Kimimoto, why look so glum?"

Said man in question was barely able to raise his arm in defense as a violet eyed man's sword cut clean through his wrist, bones and all. A second attack knocked him off his feet but there were no words, just hard golden eyes.

Crying out in pain he fell back as tendons, nerves, muscle, veins, and bone grew back rapidly. Heaving he groaned, but plastered on a smirk.

"What do you mean, Blue King?" he pressed his hands together and watched as a ball of light formed in his hands as he aimed it as his attacker. "I'm perfectly happy! Die!"

Ha! There was no way she could deflect that with a- damn! He dodged narrowly as his blast was thrown back and exploded the crumbling place he once lived in. Munakata smirked easily as the barrier shimmered before fading.

"Certainly talented, don't you think?" He smirked as the next attacker made his presence known.

"Don't doubt her. That was your mistake.''

A cool, gravelly voice passed him by as a searing pain of heat seemed intent on gutting his abdomen. He choked on blood and flew backwards.

Beads of sweat had begun to fall down her temples, smearing her loose strands of hair against her flushed skin. She could feel it, feel her power expanding and billowing along like a proud fire. Now. It was time-now!

"ARGHHHHHHHHHH!" She screamed, throwing her arms apart as a blast erupted from the earth beneath her feet, shattering the ground and exposing cracks filled with red. Her eyes were consumed by red as her pupil disappeared. Her hair flew up and whipped across her cheeks as she felt her teeth grind together as she strained to keep her power in control. It threatened to leave her control, but she held it steady in her hands.

"MIKOTO! SHIRO! MUNAKATA!'' She clenched her eyes shut and tried to imagine her power more vividly to what she needed it to do. "RUN!"

Without wasting a moment they dispersed and shot back to where Neko was watching over the two recuperating siblings. Feeling they were a safe distance Alaura began to expand her power, opening her eyes to watch the realization dawn upon her grandfather's face.

Before he could make a move she lurched forward, snapping her arm up and sending tendrils of ruby vines to keep him locked in place on his knees. Beneath those blackened eyes she could see the panic as he realized the end was near.

"So this is how you plan on destroying me, child?'' he called out over the whistling of winds that they were caught in. She saw a smirk form on his face and cursed him. "Then two can play at that!"

A thick, black fog began to grow around him and with its own inhuman screech clashed against her red.

''Ah!'' She fell back but kept her ground. She couldn't back down. She refused to back down!

The faces of those she loved appeared before her, swamping her vision but not her hearing.

"I'll destroy you!" Kimimoto swore.

She saw Master Ichigen watching her with pride in his eyes.

"I'll absorb everything and leave nothing behind!"

There was her father wishing her good night and kissing her forehead.

"Then I'll destroy the red clan!"

Kuroh, Liz, and Jacob flashed before her, talking happily over a meal she had prepared and looking up at her with bright eyes. Tatara, Rikio, Anna, Izumo, Yata, Eric, Akagi, Bando, they all appeared before her in the bar-looking over and waving her in with smiles of affection.

"The Blues!"

Munakata, Fushimi, and Awashima appeared, looking over their shoulders and grinning slightly.

"That immortal King! I will find a way to end him!"

Shiro and Neko with innocent eyes and cheeky smiles.

"I will destroy everything and anything you love! Burn them to the ground and watch and do it in your name!"

Mikoto appeared, his hands shoved in the pockets of his jacket as he leaned against the hospital wall. A small smile played on his lips as he came closer to place a soft kiss against her forehead.

"Do you hear me? I swear!"

Her vision rippled and revealed the grounds that their powers were tearing up. Chunks of earth and house whipped around them and crashed elsewhere. She heard him. She heard him loud and clear.

Her siblings were fighting for their lives because of him. Her brother was dead because of him. Tatara, her father, Master Ichigen-all gone!

With a furious battle cry she summoned all of her power to the surface and sent the crushing flames barreling towards him.

She missed his smirk but not the way his eyes widened in fear.

"No!" Liz and Kuroh snapped up out of a dead sleep, startling those around them and standing uselessly before falling to their knees as they watched a wave of crimson colored flames completely envelop the darkness it had been struggling against.

The two collapsed in disbelief, but Liz refused to believe what would happen next. He had to have been lying!

Tears spilling over she shook her head and leaned forward, screaming to the heavens in hopes he would hear her.

"JACOB! SAVE OUR SISTER!''

Alaura felt relief as she saw her flames consume and eradicate the darkness known as her grandfather. Allowing a small smile she gently eased back her flames, taking a step forward only to stagger.

There was a lone ball of black before her. Eyes widening she cried out and brought her arms in front of her to block the attack but she couldn't, nothing in this world could stop the law of the Purple Clan.

One last time…I can protect you, sister…

A pure white light came falling from the sky, crashing into the earth and spreading across the land. Her breath caught as she felt something pierce her lower abdomen, breaking through the barrier of pure light in front of her.

"Jacob…'' she whispered as she fell to her knees and clutched the wound that was bleeding profusely. The white light around her was fading and she watched as a small ball shot back up to the heavens. "Thank you. I would be…dead without you…''

There was pure stillness for but a moment, everyone coming to terms with what they had just witnessed. Was it over, they wondered? Did Alaura defeat the Purple King? What was that white light?

Alaura prayed for a moment's breath, but that was not hers to claim yet.

Far away, miles and miles, a slate of stone began to glow and shift. A man looked over and peered at the stone before his eyes widened and he took a step back just in time.

A light shot out from it and zoomed up into the sky, wavering just a second before zipping through the air to where it felt the need to be.

Alaura looked up and weakly took a step forward, smiling as Mikoto came rushing towards her. Thank everything-her body was so exhausted that she couldn't stand-

A sensation spread across her back and over chest, travelling up and over her entire body. She felt it pull down on her soul, testing the new body that was its match. It surged through her like a wave threatening to take her under, promising many things and whispering all her hearts desires. She felt her child's heart breaking, but warm fingers gripped tightly and refused to let go.

Without relenting she held on tight to the grip around her, fighting through the haze and demanding it to bend to her will. It surged once more but she braced her shoulders and bared her teeth, and it became a docile flame inside of her that creeped up to mold into her being.

With a sigh her body fell into the waiting arms of Mikoto, catching her and holding her. She looked at him weakly, smiling easily and bringing her hand up to cup his cheek and run her thumb over the sharp curve of his jaw. She couldn't quite read him. The look on his face was neutral as he regarded her.

Frowning slightly she opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by the feeling of soft lips shaping themselves against her own. Warm, she realized. Full, she noted. His lower lip was slightly bigger than his upper lip.

Her eyes fluttered close as she cupped his face with both hands and pulled him closer. Amazingly electrifying, she hummed to herself.

Pulling away gently she laid her head against his shoulder, staring but not saying anything.

"I love you.'' Amber eyes shined as he leaned closer, a small grin playing on his lips as he pressed their foreheads together.

Her heart soared in her chest and she smiled, allowing him to carry her back to their friends and home.

"I love you, Mikoto Suoh.''

A/N: Oh. My. Cheese. And. Crackers.

Eighteen pages of a rollercoaster ride! No, this isn't the last chapter. There's still so much to discuss!

Review-eat amazing food-and Happy Valentines! (If you hate valentines I'm sorry, Happy day!) Oh and if you didn't like this please don't flame, just politely exit and find something you do like. Bye! Talk to you all soon!

-ScarlettWriter

PREVIEW FOR CHAPTER 21: Smiles

She stared into the mirror and traced the stitches along her lower abdomen. Could she cry? She didn't know.