"And he would absorb their souls to add to their power," Carrot concluded.

Ami was looking down at the ground, supporting her chin with her hands. "I see," she said after awhile. She combed her fingers through her hair. "So many people he killed…"

"And unfortunately," Marron said, "there's no way to bring any of them back, including your brother."

She shook her head. "That's fine. I'm just glad that you were able to avenge all their deaths."

There was a long silence between everyone. Finally, Gateau piped up, "Hey. We have to get going now. Big Momma is expecting us back."

"What's the point?" Carrot asked, griping.

"Darling, don't whine. Let me cheer you up. . . . . ."

"CHOCOLATE! STAY AWAY FROM ME!" He ran as fast as he could away from her. She chased after him.

"Sister!" Tira cried in protest. She began to chase after the two of them.

"Do they always act that way?" Ami asked.

Marron felt his eye twitch again. "I believe so. . . . ."

Gateau shook his head. "Geez. For once I'd like to see if they can go one day without doing that." He moved away.

Ami turned to Marron. "You're going with them, aren't you?"

He nodded. "The only way for me to regain my full memory is with their help."

"Are there people where you're going able to help you? Like, Big Momma?"

"Yes. I believe so."

Flashback

Carrot lay sprawled out on the ground, his chest rising and falling.

Chocolate knelt down beside him. "Tira, exactly how hard did you whip him this time?"

Tira shrugged. "I'm not sure. I don't think it's any more than usual."

"Whatever," the Glace muttered. He got up slowly. "Man, Tira, is that the only way you can change me back? It hurts!" She simply shrugged again.

Marron felt tired. He had used so much of his magic. Even if he had performed a healing spell on himself earlier, his energy had still decreased.

Gateau must have sensed something about that. "Hey Marron? You feeling all right?"

"I think so."

"Do you need some help?"

Marron somehow felt that Gateau was trying to get something out of this, and shook his head. "I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

There was a loud explosion sound behind them, causing all the hunters to turn around and see Dotta and a projection of Big Momma behind her.

"Hey Hunters!" Dotta said in her cheerful way.

"Aw. . . . . .we don't have another mission NOW, do we?" Carrot complained.

Big Momma shook her head. "Not this time, Carrot."

"YES!"

"Instead, I would like you all to return here."

Carrot made a face. "We're not in trouble, are we?"

Big Momma couldn't help but chuckle. "No, Carrot, you're not."

"Then do we finally get a bonus!"

"Don't get your hopes up."

Carrot fell over in disappointment. "So then why do we have to go back home!"

"Because I'm asking you to."

"Give it up, Carrot," Dotta said, laughing. "We need you all to return here."

There was a sad glint in Big Momma's eyes as they settled on the young mage. "Marron?"

"Yes?"

"You need to return especially. When you arrive, you and I will need to talk, all right?"

He nodded, slightly uncomfortable at being singled out.

She chuckled again. "Don't worry. It's nothing bad at all. We just need to talk."

"I understand. . . Big Momma." She nodded.

"See ya soon, Hunters!" Dotta exclaimed. And they both disappeared.

Tira glanced at the young Glace. "Don't worry, Marron. Big Momma's just gonna try and help you."

"Yes. I know."

End Flashback

A gentle touch brought him back to reality.

"You okay?" Ami asked softly.

"Yes. Just thinking."

"How long do you think it will take to regain your memory?"

A soft breeze fluttered by as he watched Gateau talking, or rather scolding, Carrot and the girls. A slight smile crossed his lips. "How ever long it takes."

After he finished talking to them, Gateau looked over his shoulder at Marron. "We better get going."

Nodding once, he bade goodbye to Ami and began to leave. But there was a small tug on his sleeve, stopping him.

He turned to look at Ami. "What is it?"

Reaching into her shirt pocket, she pulled out the lace bandana. "I want you to have this."

"Isn't this the bandana your brother gave you before he left?"

"Yes, it is. But I want you to have it."

"No, I couldn't. . . . . . . ."

"Please, Marron. I want you to take it."

Gingerly, hesitantly, he took the handkerchief from her. "May I ask why?"

"It's a very small way to say thank you for avenging my brother's death."

"It was nothing, Ami. Really."

"No, Marron. It was everything. My brother was working for that man to save me from living with him, but I wasn't able to do anything about his death. I'm just really glad someone was able to." She dried the corner of her eye. "But that's not the only reason I want you to have it."

"What's the other reason?"

"Just a reminder. A reminder that no matter what, no matter what obstacles stand in your way, and no matter how hard it may be, you should always do whatever it takes to help your brother, in whatever way you can.

"But then again," she said with a slight smile, "you may never need a reminder of that."

He returned her smile, then looked at the late-sorcerer's mansion. "What of Count Katashi's property?"

"I'm going to keep some of the money, but the rest I'm going to give to the families of the count's victims. They deserve…at least…that much."

He nodded.

"Hey, Marron!" Carrot called out to his little brother. They both turned in his direction. "What's keeping ya? Not doing anything NAUGHTY, are ya?"

Marron blushed slightly, but said nothing.

"Come on. We got to get going now."

"Coming," he replied, before turning to the young girl. "I must bide you farewell. And thank you for everything you've done for me."

She shook her head, smiling. "No. I should be thanking you Marron. Everyone's soul can rest in peace thanks to you and the other hunters."

He smiled back. He waved goodbye, and turned to leave.

"Marron! Don't forget what you're fighting for!"

He kept walking, but turned to look back at her, replying with a small nod. He could never forget. No matter what happened to him, and no matter what others tried to do to make him forget, a part of him would always be remembering.

The End