Bonds and Connections chapter 3

Healing and Resolution

Blue eyes began to flitter open as Vivi started to regain awareness. Light streamed in from the large window to her left, falling onto the bluenett's face. Vivi blinked her eyes several times before sitting up, feeling disoriented. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess as she looked around the room she had woken up in. h]Her head hurt, and her whole body just felt exhausted, as though she hadn't slept despite the fact she had just woken up. Taking in her surroundings, Vivi instantly realized that she was in hospital room. It was a small, simple room with a single bed, which Vivi as currently resting in, as well as a dresser pressed into the corner by the window. The curtains that usually covered the window were pulled back, allowing the bright sunlight to shine into Vivi's eyes. The room had that typical sterile feel that all hospital rooms, weather they were big or small, always seemed to have. From the spotless white walls, to the plain tile floors, the room gave off the feel of a place that wasn't lived in. It felt lonely, if one was to be honest. Though considering the room was most likely used for those who only stayed for a couple days at the most before being discharged, it wasn't to surprising.

Vivi let out a loud yawn, rubbing her eyes with the inside of her hand. She continued to examine the room around her, racking her brain in an attempt to remember why she was there. For what reason could she have woken up in a hospital of all places? She didn't think she was hurt, though the dull ache in the back of her head stated otherwise. Nor did she feel sick or anything. It was strange to say the least. Could something have happened to put her here? Vivi tried to remember what she had been doing before waking up here, but was stopped when the dull ache, which she had been able to ignore, increased suddenly without warning. Vivi's breath hitched at the sudden spike of pain. She grabbed the side of her head with her hand, wincing as the pain faded back into the dull ache from before. No matter how hard she racked her brain, nothing would come to her. She knew she had been with Arthur, doing something. Had they been on a case? No, that couldn't be it, Vivi would remember if they were doing something important. So what could she have been doing to land her in the hospital? It was no use her brain just would cooperate with her.

Throwing of the thin white bed sheet that covered her lower body, Vivi saw that she was dressed in hospital clothing. They looked like the scrubs that Vera always wore when she went to work. Why she was wearing these instead of a hospital gown was a question Vivi had no intention of asking about. Looking over to the bedside table beside her, Vivi saw her phone resting beside a plain lamp; as well as her magenta glasses. The two colorful items were the only colorful things to be seen within the plain looking room, other than Vivi's blue hair of course. Vivi put on her glasses then reached over, picking up the phone and turning the screen on to see what time it was. The time read 12:23 in bold white numbers. She had slept past noon? Vivi might be able to sleep through just about anything on most occasions, but she had never slept in that late before. Not counting the times she had slept in after staying up all night. She then noticed just how low her phone's battery was. The bar in the upper right corner was red as it was almost empty. Vivi sighed as he sat her phone back down. She would have to ask someone for a charger when she got a chance.

A soft knock at the door caught Vivi's attention. Looking away from her almost dead phone, she glanced over to the door that connected her room to the rest of the hospital. "Come in," Vivi called out to whoever it was on the other side. It was probably as nurse checking up on her, and if so, she would ask them why she was here. The door was slowly pushed open, a mass of bright red curls popping into view. At the sight of the red hair, Vivi instantly knew who it was on the other side without even needing to see their face. She would recognize that hair from anywhere.

"Hey Scarlett," Vivi greeted, a smile spreading across her face. She might not be able to remember the circumstances behind her hospitalization, but as least one of her friends was here to see her. From behind the door, a small heart shaped face slowly appeared, a strange nervous look plastered on the other girl's dark face. This surprised Vivi more than waking up in a hospital. Normally Scarlett would have already bounced in to greet her. But for some reason, her boundless energy seemed to have left her as the red haired girl hesitated at the opened door. That made Vivi nervous, that wasn't like her at all. "Hey Vivi, I heard what happened." That was all Scarlett said as she made her way over to the bed, taking a seat on the bed next to Vivi.

Scarlett Rose is a good friend of Vivi's, the two having known each other sense middle school. The girl that now sat on the bed beside Vivi was a tall, slim dark skinned young woman with dyed shoulder length red curls. The only clue to her hair being dyed its bright color being her thin black eyebrows. Scarlett was taller than Vivi, with long legs that any girl would be jealous of. She was also just slightly shorter then Arthur. Scarlett had been a member of the Mystery club, a club Vivi had created, back in high school. Vivi still remembered it well; it had been her, Arthur, Scarlett, as well as another boy named Andy Faust. When they had graduated, Vivi had asked the other girl is she wanted to be a part of the newly formed Mystery skulls; unfortunately Scarlett had turned her down. Apparently, she had already had her heart set on helping her moms in their tailoring shop.

It was a small building with an upstairs apartment on the east side of town, not far from the river that the town had gotten its name from. Vivi has visited the Pale Rose, a few times and knew from experience just how high quality their work was. Scarlett's biological mother, Lissa, was a master tailor and seamstress and had been the one to teach her daughter everything she knew. Her other mom, Reana was the one who handled the business side of things. It had actually been Scarlett, with the help of Lissa, who had been the one to made Vivi's favorite blue scarf for her 16th birthday. It had been a gift that had put a big smile on her face. It was Scarlett's first true completed masterpiece, and she had made it just for Vivi. Because of that, Vivi had cherished it ever sense. Always wearing it to show off just how much she loved and appreciated it.

Do to her mom being picky about clothes, Scarlett has always worn nice clothing, always dressed to impress. Even now, she wore a beautiful red buttonless low-cut blouse, a deep red, almost black skirt that ended just above her knees, black tights, and a pair of gorgeous shiny red heeled ankle boots. A black headband pressed into her red curls, as well as a black choker with a small silver cross around her slim neck completed her look. She looked as lovely as ever, even with a sad look on her face. She had said something about being sorry about Arthur? What was that about?

Vivi had no idea what the other girl was talking about. What was that all about? She wanted to ask Scarlett what had happened, but for some reason her voice choked up when she open her mouth. Tears welled up in dark eyes as the mocha skinned girl grabbed hold of one of Vivi's hands and held them with her own. "I'm so sorry about Arthur, I wish there was something I could do?" A cold lump formed in Vivi's stomach. What did she mean by that? Fear gripped her heart as her breath caught in her throat. She was starting to feel lightheaded as she choked out, "What are you talking about, what happened to Arthur?" Her voice had come out weaker than she would have liked.

Scarlett let go of Vivi's hand, her dark eyes darkening with sadness. She opened her mouth, only to close it again without having made a single sound. Vivi had never seen her friend behave like this before. Scarlett was a brutally honest person, almost verging on rude. Though Vivi knows it comes from a good place, which is why it bothered her so much the she could get her words out. It scared her in a way she couldn't explain. What happened to Arthur? Why was she in the hospital? Once again Vivi tried to remember, this time trying her hardest to push past the pain that flared up. Red flashed before her eyes, the smell of blood filled her nose. Then all at once the floodgate in Vivi's mind opened up. Horrifying images played out in Vivi's mind. Arthur's broken body bleeding out from where his arm had been torn away. The scent of iron was suddenly everywhere; she couldn't get away from it. She could feel warm blood dripping from her hands. All of this hit her like a frat train, causing her breath to come out in short jagged gasps. "…Arthur…"

Her vision was dimming around the edges, the sound of Scarlett's voice fading as Vivi felt herself starting to panic again. Vivi remembered now, the last thing she remembered was sitting in that small waiting room with her big sis. Arthur's uncle had shown up, and Vivi had most likely had a panic attack. She wasn't completely curtain if that was it, but it was what made sense. And now it was happening again, her mind looping back to the moment in the cave, when she had been forced to drag her best friend from the cave and compress his wound while help arrived. "…Vivi please calm down, just take deep breaths. I'm sorry for bringing up Arthur; I didn't mean to upset you." Vivi couldn't let herself be dragged down, not with her friend trying to comfort her. She forced herself to take deep shaky breaths, doing the best she could to force herself to calm down. And to Vivi's amazement, it actually started work; the darkness that had started to creep into her vision was now reseeding. It wasn't until she mostly calmed down that she realized that Scarlett had wrapped her arms arm Vivi's shoulders holding her with a gentleness that Vivi hadn't know she was capable of.

Once Vivi had pulled herself together, she pulled away from Scarlett her eyes downcast. She didn't even notice Scarlett pulling out a handkerchief until the black cloth was being handed to her, "Here Vivi." The bluenett took the offered cloth into her hands. When she went to rub her eyes, she noticed that her face was wet, she had been crying without realizing it. No wander Scarlett handed her the soft black handkerchief. After quickly whipping her face, she tried to hand it back to her friend only for her to shack her head. "You keep it, I don't need it." Vivi felt herself smile, though it wasn't one that reached her eyes. "Thanks Scarlett." The darker skinned girl smiled back, "Your welcome."

"I see she's up," The two girls were startled by the male voice coming from the open door. Looking to see who had spoken, Vivi saw that it was Andy. He must have tagged along with Scarlett. Andy was a short young man with pale skin and dark circles under his piercing blue-green eyes. A mop of shaggy green hair covered his head, reaching just past his ears. The top of his head was a dark green, the color slowly fading into a lighter shade at the ends. In his hands he held a cardboard cup holder which held three styrofoam cups of what Vivi recognized as coffee from the café a block from here. She, Arthur, Scarlett, and Andy used to go there all the time back when they were still in school. It was one of the few places that Andy every seemed to outwardly enjoy. Speaking of Andy, the boy walked over to the two girls, his usual blank expression on his face.

Unlike Scarlett's fashionable outfit, Andy's clothing always seemed to have that thrown together feel. As it he had grabbed something at random and put it on without a second glance. Although, his outfit did seem to match today, amazingly. Andy wore a tattered short sleeved brown jacket, which he has owned for as long as Vivi has known him, over a wrinkled green shirt and matching long baggy brown shorts. A black belt with a skull buckle in the front could be seen hooked around his waist. His arms and legs were covered with green wormers. Finishing it off was a pair of black tennis-shoes that has seen better days. He kind of has this hobo punk style going on. And let's just say that the resident fashionista in red has been silently judging him for years with her eyes.

Scarlett frowned when she saw the name on the coffee cups, "You didn't have to go all the way to LaBell just to get us coffee you know. You could have just gotten it from the cafeteria down stairs." Andy knitted his puffy round eyebrows together, his lips setting into a pout. "That coffee sucks and you know it. Besides, you asked me to get you a cup of good coffee so I did it." Scarlett let out a soft laugh, holding her hand out. "Whatever you say man, just give me my coffee." Andy handed her one of the cups, then held one out to Vivi. "I got you one to, just in case you woke up before I got back. It's your favorite, vanilla latte with extra cream."

Vivi happily took the styrofoam cup into her hands. The warmth from the cup helped ease some of the tension that remained from before. Andy grabbed the plastic chair from by the door and pulled it over to Vivi's hospital bed. It was then that she saw that he hadn't just brought coffee. There was a brown paper bag that she had failed to notice. Setting his coffee down on the bedside table, Andy dug through the bag and pulled out three large fresh pastries. At the sight, Vivi's stomach began to rumble. Now that she thought about it, Vivi couldn't remember the last time she ate. "Looks like someone's hungry. Good think I bought extra," Andy spoke with a rare smirk on his face, waving the bag tauntingly. He then handed Vivi the delicious smelling pastry, which she instantly took a bite out of. It turned out to be strawberry, her favorite. Vivi inhaled the sugary confection in just a few bites, her empty stomach demanding more. Vivi rinsed down the strawberry pastry with her equally delicious vanilla latte. The other two ate at a slower pace, the room filled with a comfortable silence.

After devouring two more pastries, Vivi looked over to Scarlett, who was still sitting on the bed beside Vivi. It suddenly occurred to her that she never asked how she found out about what happened. "Hey, Scarlett," the girl in question looked her way, "Yes?" "I was wondering, before you said that you heard what happened. How did you hear about it?" Scarlett lowered the confection she was currently eating. "You're sister stopped by the shop this morning just after we opened. She told me what happened. I guess she didn't have my number." Vivi nodded her head, which made sense when she thought about it. "Afterword I called Andy and told him to meet up with me at the shop so we could visit you together." Andy spoke up, "We also tried to see Arthur, but there not letting anyone other than family see him. From what I heard, he's still in critical condition." At the mention of Arthur, Vivi felt her insides squeeze. All the gilt that had crushed her the night before was still present, just pushed down beneath the surface.

Having seen Vivi's dejected face, Andy quickly changed topics. "Anyway, I ran into Vera on the way up here, she said you can leave when ever you're ready." Vivi simply nodded her head, "That's good." Scarlett then reached down and picked up a satchel she hadn't noticed until now. It was deep blue and had the name Vivi Yukino written on the top in bold white marker. Vivi most have brought it from home. "I think your sister might have dropped you off some clothes earlier. You can't leave in that after all." Vivi plucked the bag from Scarlett's hands, "you've got that right. I'm going to go ahead and change."

Vivi finally got out of bed, and walked over to a second door that led to a small bathroom. Once inside, she opened up the satchel and pulled out a pair of blue jeans as well as a darker blue sweater that was similar to the one she had been wearing the night before. A pair of pale blue ankle socks where also inside, as well as a pair of white sneakers. The only thing missing was a blue scarf. Vivi's stomach lurched when she remembered what had happened to her special scarf. It had been so badly soaked with blood that she was sure that if it hadn't already been tossed, she would have to do it herself. Vivi's heart ached at the thought. The precious scarf that Scarlett had sown for her was completely ruined. There was no way she would be able to wear it again, Vivi was curtain that there was no way that much blood would ever come out anyway. But despite the sadness she felt, she knew she had done the right thing in using it to help Arthur. Once Vivi had pulled out the clean clothes, she saw that at the bottom of the bag, was her key chain and hair brush, as well as a folded up piece of paper. Pocketing the keys, Vivi grabbed the folded paper and opened it up. A small note had been written on the folded up paper. Vivi recognized the hand writing as Vera's. The note read:

Vivi

Hey, Vivi in case I don't see get a chance to see you, I want you know that you don't have to worry about Arthur's van. His uncle picked it up this morning to take it back to his place. Plus, I took Mystery home and bathed him last night after you collapsed.

Love you, Sissy

Well there were two less things to worry about. Once changed, Vivi quickly brushed her hair and left the bathroom. In the room, Scarlett and Andy were whispering to each other, their heads leaning close together. Once they heard the door open the two stopped and pulled away. Vivi narrowed her eyes, were they talking about something they didn't want her to know about. They know she doesn't like secrets. Vivi was certain that she had heard the name Lewis, but didn't think anything of it. It didn't mean anything to her anyway.

"So Vivi, once your check out, do you want me to drop you off at your house?" Scarlett asked a genuine smile on her face. Though if Vivi was being honest with herself, the other girl looked like she wanted to say something else, but didn't for some reason. Andy on the other hand, had his normal stoic expression, giving no clues as to what he was thinking. He pulled a sucker and popped it into his mouth, without looking at anyone. Vivi thought about it, did she really want to go home? No, not yet anyway. "How about we go to the park, if the two of you aren't busy that is?" Vivi didn't need to elaborate on what park she meant. Their small town only had one park. Willow Park was at the center of town not far from the hospital. Vivi knew it would do her some good to get some fresh air.

Scarlett beamed, "Of course, I've got nothing to do." She then looked to Andy for him to agree as well. Everyone knew Andy never has any plans. Only Andy just sat there staring off into space, swirling his sucker back and forth in his mouth. Scarlett gave the green haired boy a frown before elbowing him in the side. Andy jumped at the sudden hit, glaring at Scarlett, who seemed content with the fact she was able to get the other's attention. The man then rolled his eyes, "Sounds good, not like I was planning on doing anything today anyway." He said this while looking at the wall like it was the most interesting thing in the world. That was just how Andy was, a massive pain in the ass. But he was there pain in the ass, and Vivi wouldn't have it any other way.

Vivi walked over to the bedside table and picked up her phone, only then realizing that she forgotten all about asking for a charger for her phone. Looking over to her two friends, Vivi gave them a sheepish look, "Does one of you have charger I can use; I forgot to ask you when you first got here. My phone's almost dead." Scarlett waved her off, "No problem Vi, you can use mine." The red head fished out a portable phone charger from the hand bag she had brought alone with her. Vivi hadn't noticed the black velvet material until that moment, the purse having been hidden behind Scarlett's other side the whole time. Once hooked up, Vivi's blue cased phone began to charge. Grateful, Vivi thanked her friend than walked over to the still open door. "Come on guys, I'm ready to get out of here all ready."

Andy shrugged his shoulders and got up, and after throwing away the trash fallowed the two girls out into the hospital hallway. It only took Vivi a few minutes to check out, though she did make sure to ask about Arthur's condition. From what little could be said, Vivi learned that Arthur had required multiple blood transfusions, as well as surgeries on his left shoulder where his arm had been savagely ripped away. Vivi still vividly remembered just how horrific the blonde's injury had been. The images from the night before tried to force their way to the front of her mind, but she pushed them away, she didn't need that right now. It had been a miracle that he had even survived, that he was even alive right now. Even though he still wasn't complete out of the woods just yet, he had already beaten the worst of it. And it would seem that good fortune was finally shining down when Vivi had been told that sense Arthur had survived the night, his chances of pulling though had greatly increased. It still hadn't been enough to completely ease her fears, but it was close enough. She should probably visit Lance soon to explain what had happened, though she didn't feel like having that discussion just yet, or ever, if Vivi was to be completely honest.

Once out of the hospital, Vivi was greeted with a cool fall breeze. It felt nice, almost refreshing as the trio walked through the main parking lot to Scarlett's deep red Mimi Cupper. Scarlett had bought it with her hard earned money not too long ago, about three or four months ago if Vivi was remembering correctly. Even though the park wasn't too far from the hospital, it still wasn't within a reasonable walking distance, not with all of the roads that seemed to connect in the general area. As they reached the small car, Scarlett called out, "Vivi gets shotgun," before unlocking the driver's door with her key. Andy gave to reaction to this, his eyes glued to his phone as he lazily leaned on the car, waiting for the red headed woman to unlock the rest of the doors. Once an addible click was heard, Vivi opened the red car door and got inside. "Ok everybody, buckle up," Scarlett said as she snapped her own seatbelt into place. "I refuse to get a ticket because of someone deciding that they don't like wearing one." The part had been said while giving Andy the stink eye, who in turn acted like he didn't notice. Vivi wandered what that was all about.

It only took about between five and ten minutes to pull into the small parking lot beside the park. Willow Park was a rather large park with a pond at its very center. A paved trail circled the park where people could walk, or jog if they wanted to. The three of them made their way to over to the cement picnic tables that sat not too far away from the play ground where a few children could be seen playing on. As Vivi took a seat on the hard bench, she leaned her hand onto her propped up arm. Looking around, Vivi could see that it was a pretty day to be outside. It wasn't too hot, or too cold. There was a nice breeze that carried with it the smell of freshly cut grass. The trees with their leaves changing colors, was also a nice sight to see. Everything about the place has always been relaxing, never changing with the passage of time. At least, not any real changes that Vivi has noticed over the years.

The park held many fond memories of her childhood; she had spent so much time playing her as a child. The sight of the familiar playground had always been able to put a smile on her face. Vivi and her friends would come here on the weekends all the time back when they were still in school. Hell, this very park had been were Vivi had very first met Arthur all those years ago back in elementary. It had been during summer break, she would come to play here almost every day. Even after all these years, Vivi had never forgotten how sad that small blonde boy looked while sitting on the swing set. Though the swing set from back then had recently been replaced with a newer one. The smaller Vivi had taken one look at him and instantly decided that she was going to play with him, to make that sad looking boy smile. It hadn't taken much for Vivi to coax little Arthur into playing in the sand box with her. And after just a few minutes, Vivi had gotten that big smile she had wanted. The two had played together for the rest of the afternoon, only ending when a short man with the same blonde hair as Arthur had called for him. Vivi would later learn that man was Lance, Arthur's uncle.

Vivi was pulled out of her thoughts when a manicured hand waved in front of her face. "Hey Vivi, did you hear me?" The bluenett blinked then gave Scarlett her full attention. "Sorry I didn't, I was lost in thought; thinking about how I used to play here when I was little. We used to come here all the time." A smile crossed the red head's face as she seemed to reminisce herself, "Yea, the five of us had so much fun here, it's a shame we don't have the time to hang out like we used to." The moment those words were out of Scarlett's mouth, her eyes widened as if she had just realized what she had just said. Vivi couldn't help giving Scarlett a confused look. Even Andy was giving her a wide eyed look, and that in itself was really strange. Andy never reacts that way unless you have just done something insane enough to land yourself in jail, or prison. What did Scarlett mean by 'the five of us'? It had only ever been four, unless she was counting Mystery? In which case, good for her, Mystery should always be included, even if he was just a dog. But that still didn't explain Andy's reaction. Vivi has known that boy long enough to know that when he's startled, you should be worried. And o boy was Vivi starting to become worried.

At that moment, she couldn't help but feel that they were keeping something from her. Then Vivi's mind flashed back to the hospital room when she had exited the bathroom to the two of them whispering. Were they really hiding something? Vivi's suspicion was practically confirmed when Scarlett tried to backpedal, which she never does. "Did I say five?" Scarlett laughed awkwardly, fidgeting with a silver earring. Ok, now something was defiantly up. "I meant to say, um, well…" The red head's awkward stumbling was interrupted by a loud groan from Andy, who now wore a grimace on his face. "That's it," The green haired boy declared, his voice filled with aggravation. "I'm sick of this tiptoeing bullshit! I don't' care what Vera said!" Vivi's head snapped over to stare at Andy, shocked by his sudden outburst. What did he mean by tiptoeing and what Vera said? Had her sister asked them to say something? But if so why would she do that?

Before Vivi could voice all the questions swarming inside her head, Scarlett let out a defeated sigh and pulled out her cell phone and began messing with it. "Vivi, I'm going to ask you something very important, and I'm going to need you to answer me with complete honesty." Scarlett had sounded completely serious, her words leaving no room for argument. What the hell was going on right now? Scarlett glanced at Andy, who nodded back. Whatever it was, the two of them seemed to be in on it together; as well as her sister apparently. With Andy's nod to go head, Scarlett sighed once more then continued to speak, "Do you recognize the man in this picture?" Scarlett held up her phone so Vivi could get a better look at the photo she wanted her to see. But as her eyes fell onto the picture, they became unfocused, a dull pain emerging behind her eyes. The two others sitting at the cement picnic table both gasped simultaneously.

"Oh my god"

"What the hell"

Andy and Scarlett were now both gaping at her like she had grown a second head or something. "Vivi…what the actual hell was that. You're eyes just completely flashed the same color as your glasses. What kind of paranormal bullshit did you get involved with this time?" Andy practically screeched, which drew unwanted attention to the three of them. Noticing this, Andy lowered his voice before continuing. "That's why I refused to join your little group after graduation. I had this feeling that you would go and poke your nose into something you should, and look, I was right." Vivi narrowed her eyes at Andy's harsh words. One minute he's freaking out about her eyes flashing, and the next he's berating her. Scarlett looked like she wanted to say something as well, but didn't appear to be able to get the words out. Her hand, which was still holding onto her cell phone, had tightened its grip on the device. Vivi opened her mouth to defend herself, but the words never came. All she could do was stare at the screen still being displayed before her. On the screen was a strange blurred purple shape.

Vivi didn't know what to make of it, the sight stumped her. Looking up to meet Scarlett's still freaked out eyes, Vivi asked, "Hey Scarlett, you asked me if I recognized the person in the photo right?" Scarlett nodded her head, "Do you?" Vivi wasn't completely sure how to answer that, especially sense she didn't even see anyone. Andy leaned in, seeming to be waiting to hear her response. Well it was no crazier than her eyes flashing purple, so she might as well tell them. "I didn't see anyone in the picture, just a blurred out purple shape. There was no one there to recognize." Besides she didn't know who she was supposed to be recognizing in the first place. Andy leaned in even more, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the phone himself. "What the hell are you talking about Vivi; I can see Lewis clear as day." Scarlett quickly turned the phone around so she could see it herself then turned it back. "He's right Vivi; I can see Lewis just fine as well." That name, why did it sound so familiar? Vivi recalled hearing it recently, but when. Vivi could only shake her head, not knowing what to make of it. "I'm sorry guys, I really don't see anyone. And who even is Lewis, is he a friend of yours?"

Scarlett finally lowered her phone, her eyes unable to look at Vivi. "I see, so that's why Vera asked me not to bring up Lewis? I wasn't just memory loss, it seems." Wait, why would her sister ask her friend not bring up the name Lewis? Vivi knew her memories from the night before where fractured; she was having a hard time remembering everything that had happened. But thinking about it, this whole conversation seemed oddly familiar. As if she had had a discussion just like it recently, but when. Then it hit her. She and Vera had argued about a man named Lewis. The memoires coming back to her, confusing her even more.

"I can't believe it; you really don't remember Lewis, do you?" Vivi could only shake her head at Scarlett's question. What could she say? It was one thing when it was just Vera saying it, but what was she supposed to think when Scarlett and Andy were now saying it as well. Everyone else's memories couldn't be wrong, so the problem had to lie with her. Not to mention that her eyes only seem to glow whenever someone tries to show her a photo of this Lewis person. That can't be a coincidence. No longer able to argue, Vivi could only consider what this all meant. There was definitely something wrong with her memories, and that terrified her like nothing else before. And if that was the case, was there really a guy named Lewis she couldn't remember, a guy that was supposedly her boyfriend? And if so, what happened to him? Vivi's head was pounding now, as if there was something in there that didn't like where her train of thought was going. And if Vivi was honest with herself, the whole topic was quickly leaving her mentally exhausted.

As if reading her mind, Scarlett said, "We can talk about this later if you want." Vivi smiled gratefully, "I would appreciate that." Andy looked like he might argue, but with a stern look from Scarlett, he looked away. With that, the three of them lapsed into a silence, Vivi's mind still swirling with everything she learned. It was just so much to take in. At one point Vivi check to see if her phone was fully charged. Seeing that it was, she disconnected the portable charger from her phone and handed it back to Scarlett with a 'thanks'. With her phone now fully charged, Vivi was tempted to look through her own photos to see if the blur was there to, but in the end chose not to. She would deal with that later. For now she would try to clear her head and enjoy the fresh air. Vivi spent a few more hours at the park with her friends. By the time Vivi was ready to head home, the atmosphere between them was no longer thick, though a cloud of uncertainty still hung over their heads. None of them knew what to make of what was happening to Vivi, or how to handle it. All they could do was put it aside and deal with it when they had more information to work with.

Opening the door to the house she shared with her family, Vivi was greeted by an overly excited Mystery. The small dog in question was look up at her with big eyes as he ran around her excitedly, his stump of a tail wagging ninety miles an hour. Vivi scooped her furry baby into her arms. Even if everything else was going wrong, she knew Mystery would always be there for her. "Hey buddy, did you miss me?" Her answer was a lick to the right side of her face. Vivi giggled at her dog's show of affection. The poor think hadn't seen her all day; it wasn't surprising that he missed her so much. "I missed you to."

The sound of footsteps was followed by Vivi's mom as she walked out of the kitchen. Vivi's mother is a tall, thin woman with the same blue hair as her two daughters. "Oh sweetie," Valery Yukino rushed over to her younger daughter and wrapped the shorted girl in her arms. Her embrace worm as she held Vivi tight, "Vera told me what happened last night, I'm so happy your ok." Vivi put Mystery down so she could return her mom's hug. The small dog stayed beside her, his own eyes filling with worry. Vivi wrapper her arms around her mother, holding onto her as she let herself be held like a child. The conversation she had had with Andy and Scarlett had left her feeling emotionally drained. "I'm so sorry about Arthur; I know that you and Lewis must be devastated." There was that name again, this time from her mom. Unable to get a word out, Vivi just tightened her grip on her mom, tears falling from her eyes. Her fear, grief and anger suddenly hitting her like a ton of bricks. Everything she had felt the night before coming back with vengeance.

But this time it was different, not only was she grieving over Arthur, but now she was consumed with a horrid feeling that she was forgetting someone very important. Vivi felt her legs give out as she collapsed onto hard wooden flooring. She could feel a wet nose press into her as her mom held her on the floor. A gentle hand caressed her hair, her mother soothing her the best way she could. It took a few minutes, but Vivi finally managed to pull herself together. Once she did she pulled back, rubbing her sore eyes. "Thanks mom, I think I'll just take a bath and rest in my room for a while. I'm kind of tiered." Her mom nodded her head, her eyes filled with understanding. "That's ok sweetie, you just take it easy." Her mom helped her up, "I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," the older woman then walked back to where she was before Vivi came in.

Vivi took a deep breath then make her way upstairs to wash up. After making a quick stop at her room for a change of clothes, Vivi walked into the medium sized bathroom. Filling up the tub with hot water and bubble bath suds, Vivi stripped and got in. The water felt good on her muscles, her body relaxing in the suds. Even though it was still afternoon, the day had felt long. She sat in the hot water until it started to get cold. By then Vivi had started to feel better. After a quick wash and rinse, Vivi got out and dried herself off. With a pair of dark blue shorts and a pale blue t-shirt on, Vivi exited the bathroom. Sitting in front of the bathroom door was Mystery his small head snapping up when she opened the door. His small tail wagged as she stepped out. Vivi couldn't help feeling surprised by this. Mystery had never sat outside of the bathroom waiting on her before. He must have really missed her after all.

Once again scooping the small dog into her arms, Vivi walked into her room and collapsed onto her bed. Vivi lied there was a while, Mystery pressed against her side. But sleep wouldn't come, her mind refusing to shut off. Vivi picked up her from where she had sat it down on the bedside table. Out of boredom, she started leafing through the pictures in her phone's gallery. When she did, she saw that the bizarre blur from before was there as well within most of her photos. Each time she looked at a photo, the unfocusing and dull pain that would appear became more unnoticeable until it vanished all together. It was a strange experience, one that made her feel uneasy. Vivi really couldn't deny that something was wrong with her. Exiting out of her pictures, Vivi went to her list of saved contacts. Looking at the contacts under friends, a name popped out at her that hadn't expected to see there.

Jolting up, Vivi couldn't believe her eyes. In her contacts was a name she didn't remember adding. The name was 'Lewis', the picture beside it nothing more than a blur. She couldn't believe it; Lewis was in her phone's contacts. The physical proof before Vivi was more then she could take. With a shaky hand, Vivi taped onto Lewis's name and then call. Bringing the phone up to her ear, Vivi's heart pounded in her chest. The phone rang once, twice, then went straight to an automatic voice message. "The number you're trying to call is not available, please try your call again later. Goodbye." The call ended abruptly, leaving Vivi feeling as if someone had punched her in the gut. Did something happen to him, is that why she can't remember? That thought sent a sharp pain into her skull. It was like her brain was warning her to stop thinking.

Putting the cell down, Vivi saw a white envelope propped up against the lamp on the night stand. Vivi instantly knew what it was. It was the tickets to that new movie Arthur had wanted to go see. Vivi had been the one to buy them both a ticket. The tickets where for next week, but with Arthur in the condition he was in, there was no way he would be able go. Picking up the envelope, Vivi pulled out three tickets? Vivi blinked staring at the extra ticket she didn't remember buying. She only recalled buying two, one for her and Arthur. So where did the third one come from. Had she bought an extra by mistake? Sighing, Vivi put the tickets back into the envelope, setting it back onto the night stand. She then laid back down and closed her eyes. She soon drifted off to sleep.

The next two weeks past by in a blur of confusion and constant bombardment. One thing seemed to happen right about the other. Just a few days after Arthur's accident, Lewis Pepper, a name Vivi has become very well acquainted with, had officially been declared missing. Vivi would never forget when Mr. and Mrs. Pepper, owners of Pepper Paradiso showed up to demand the whereabouts of their son, which had caught Vivi off guard. Over the years of visiting the restaurant, for a reason that she couldn't recall, she only remembered them only having three daughters. She didn't remember them having a son. Though she had been able to quickly put two and two together and figure out that these where Lewis's parents. She knew that saying she didn't remember him wouldn't fly, so she had to improvise and just say that she can't recall what happened that night do to shock, and how she can't even remember if he was even there or not.

The lies had made Vivi's skin crawl, but it was the only way to keep people from being suspicious. Besides with Arthur still in a coma, she was the only one who could be questioned. When the police properly investigated the cave for any sighs of Lewis, the only think they found was a busted up cell phone at the bottom of the cavern, which had quickly been identified as Lewis's. Vivi hadn't known what to make of that. It was clear proof that this Lewis guy had been there in the cave, even if Vivi didn't remember it that way. There had also been one other thing, when the police investigated the cave; they also mentioned that continuously flowing green mist had complete vanished. No trace of the strange fog that had filled the cave for as far back as anyone could be found. Even the cavern walls with had glowed green where now apparently a soft white glow. No one had any explanation for it, just another mystery on top of the missing person's case.

And then there was Lance, Vivi had finally gotten the courage to go talk to him. It had actually gone better then with the Peppers. She knew that Lance was already aware of their investigations, so she had been as honest as she could. The older man had looked exhausted, bags under his eyes, and his whole presence screaming tiered. That wasn't surprising with his nephew still in the hospital. And strangely enough, he had believed her when she told him that there was something wrong with her memory. She still couldn't believe that he had taken her inability to recall anything about Lewis without disbelief. He was probably just happy that she finally explained to him what happened, or explained the best she could sense she still wasn't quite sure what exactly happened herself.

At one point, Vivi had tried to give the movie tickets to Andy and Scarlett; she hadn't wanted to go without Arthur. It wouldn't have been right. But in the end, the two had persuaded her to go with them. And even if she did feel a little back about seeing it without Arthur, it felt good to go out and just spend time with her other friends. It had been a good night filled with laughter and popcorn.

Vivi was watching TV when she got a call from her sister at the hospital. Vivi thought her heart would explode when Vera told her that Arthur had finally regained consciousness. Filled with an excitement that made her feel like she had just downed a whole pot of coffee, Vivi grabbed her keys and rushed out the door to hurry to the hospital. The drive there and even walking to Arthur's hospital room had past in a blur. All that mattered was seeing her best friend awake. Walking into the room Vivi saw that Lance was already there, sitting in a chair beside his nephew's bed. The young man in question was sitting up; left shoulder was completely covered in thick gauze that only wrapped around his chest. He looked unnaturally pale, his normally spiked hair lying flat against his head. Having noticed her entrance, Arthur turn to face her, a big smile on his tiered looking face. "Hey Vi," Arthur waved at her with his only arm.

The sight of him smiling made her heart ache. Seeing him up and in good spirits eased the fears that had plagued her for the past few weeks. And even though she knew that he still had a ways to go before he was back to where he was before, his smiling face was all that mattered. Then without warning, Lance stood up, the chair he had been sitting on made a screeching noise as it slid backwards. "I'm going to take a walk. You two can catch up." With that said, the older man walked out, leaving Vivi and Arthur alone in the room. Vivi instantly plopped down in the chair that Lance had just vacated. She could still feel the warmth from his body heat. Scooting closer to her friend's bed, Vivi grabbed hold his only hand, and held it in her own. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you awake. You were out of it for a while."

Arthur let out a soft chuckle; then smiled sheepishly. "Yea, Uncle Lance said I was out for a little over two weeks. He even chewed me out for going into the 'obviously dangerous' cave in the first place. Though to be fare that place had danger written all over it. The entrance even looked like a skull for crying out loud." Vivi winced when he mentioned Lance. She too had heard Lance's angrily demand for why she would want to go somewhere like that in the middle the damn night like a ding dong. She couldn't fault him there; it had been a bad move. They should have waited until morning, but no, she just had to experience things at their most creepy. And look what it had cost them. Vivi hadn't realized her mood had darkened until Arthur squeezed her hand back. "It's ok Vi. I'm going to be ok. It'll be hard getting used to one arm but I'll manage." Vivi felt her eyes water up when he said that. For the past two weeks she had been scared that he would blame her for what had happened to him. Though a part of her knew that was just silly. Arthur had never held a grudge like that.

"I know that saying sorry won't change anything, but I am. I'm so sorry Arthur. If I hadn't of made you go, you wouldn't have gotten hurt." There was so much more that she wanted to say, but the words never came. The next thing Vivi knew, Arthur had pulled back his hand and wrapped his single arm around her shoulder, pulling her in close for an awkward one arm hug. His voice stern as he said, "Don't you do that Vivi, it wasn't your fault. There was no way any of us could have known there was some kind of wild animal hiding in there. The three of us went in there despite our better judgment," Arthur looked away, "Even though some of us were more reluctant then others." Orange eyes met blue, "But the point is whatever happened, I don't want you blaming yourself for it. I made my own choice to go, that's on me." Vivi had to choke back a sob, his words filling her with a relief she hadn't felt sense the accident. But then that was instantly squashed with his next words.

"Hey Vivi, did Lewis come with you? I'm surprised the two of you didn't walk in together like you always do." It had been a simple question, and yet it made Vivi's heart clench. She knew she had to tell Arthur the truth about her memories. And the last think she wanted was to worry him when he was just woken up. But it only took a single glance into his bright orange eyes and she knew that she couldn't lie to him. Vivi pulled back from Arthur's hug, her face downcast. "Arthur, there's something I need to tell you." The blonde most have heard the foreboding in her voice, for his smile slipped from his face. "What is it Vivi, did something happen while I was asleep?" Vivi could see that Arthur was becoming concerned for her. She really didn't want to bother him with this while he was healing, but it was best to say it now instead of later. Vivi knew that if the rolls were revered, she would have wanted the same thing.

Vivi took a deep breath, her heart beating hard in her chest. "The thing is; this is going to be hard for me to say, so please let me finish before you ask questions. I need to get it all out." Arthur nodded his head, waiting for her to continue. "I…I don't know where Lewis is? No one has seen him sense the night we went to DeRail Cave." Arthur's eyes had turned into causers, practically bulging out of his skull. He stared at her to speechless to question her even if he tried.

"It's not just that Arthur, I also can't remember him. No matter how hard I try to think back, I can only ever recall it being just the two of us and Mystery. It's as though someone has erased him from my mind. And that scares me Arthur, scares me to death to think that someone I should care out is out there somewhere I don't even know who they are. Not to mention that my eyes seem to glow purple whenever I try to look at a picture of him. It's like; whoever erased my mind doesn't want me to be able to recognize him either. I don't know what to do Arthur…"

Vivi's voice trailed off there, her voice failing her. She had no idea how Arthur would respond to all that. Would he believe her or would he question her sanity. But either way, his response completely caught her off guard. Instead of bombarding her with countless questions, his orange eyes filled with a determination she had only ever seen on him when he was working on a rather tricky machine. He once more pulled her into a one armed embrace, his arm holding her as tightly as he could. "I might not understand everything you just said, but don't you worry. We'll find him, I promise. Once I completely recover, we're going to find Lewis and bring him home. I'll do whatever it takes, even if it means having to suck up my fear of the supernatural to do it."

Vivi wrapped her arms around him carefully, her head now resting on his non bandaged shoulder. "Thank you Arthur, I can always count on you." The two sat there in a comfortable silence, the two just happy to have the other there next to them. Once Vivi calmed herself down, she asked Arthur if he would tell her about Lewis. Up until know she had avoided the topic, her mind unable process that fact that she had truly forgotten someone. But know she was done being in denial. She needed to face this head on no matter how painful it may be. And in the end, Arthur gladly agreed, the two of them sitting there for the next few hours, Arthur telling her about how kind, loving and just downright amazing Lewis was. From the way Arthur described him, Vivi could tell that he too cared very deeply for their missing friend. It was a step in the right direction.