Dear Kento,

I know it must be something entirely out of the blue to get a letter from me, since we've never passed notes in class before. This is the first time I've ever written to you honestly. But there're a few things that need to be said, and I think you know I don't have the courage to say it to your face.

I understand the past few days have been quite unlike the behavior I've shown around you the past few months. I apologize...a lot was on my mind. There were many crossroads I was thinking about during the past few days, things that carried over in my indecisiveness. By now, from what I can tell by the look in your face, you heard about my leaving. Yes it's true; I AM going to be leaving soon. I was never really SUPPOSED to stay around to begin with. It was all decided by the companies my father worked for.

There is quite a bit I want to say, many thanks to give, and memories I still want to make. But there's no time to get those chances. I wish we could've hung out more between us, or even as a group. I wish we could've talked more about our lives, even though it would be like pulling teeth with me.

Had I known this would happen, making friends with you and the others, I really don't know if I would WANT to change it or not. You were the first to extend your hand and to keep a better opinion about me than anyone I went to school with. I can never repay your kindness for that fact. You didn't give in when all I did was throw mean or unkind words back at you. I would like to apologize for that fact. There is much you don't know, but I will endeavor to tell to straighten out a few of those past instances.

Way back when I was five, my parents bought me a baby Chihuahua as a Christmas present. Since I was an only child, that dog was one of my best friends. Every day after school or when I got up, he'd be waiting for me to play with him. I told him everything when I was little. Then, just when my father finished college and finalized the patent on the program he made in college as a final exam, the professors sent it out to companies around the area. The first company was two hundred miles away and instead of going there, he put the house up for sale and sold all but our clothes, jewelry, and the few small things I refused to give up. But my dog had to go. I was a month over twelve.

That was only the first down-spiral in my life. After we left Spain, we went to Italy for six months. Kevin came with at the time, being an interpreter for me and with father, also companies any other time. Being too young to truly worry about my settings, I wasn't too vexed until we reached America. We stayed in the east coast, slowly heading to the western side. At fourteen, staying a record five months in one state so far, I went to a junior high school that changed my whole outlook on the constant moving around.

You see, I'd been used to living out of a suitcase and sleeping on daily washed sheets. Going to school with people I had no clue who they were and having Kevin always helping me with my homework. But, having an intense love for dance even then, I signed up for a dance opening and got in. For the next few months, I lived for early morning and after school practices...also got to know two dozen girls and boys. They became my friends, and I even went out on a whole three dates with someone from the squad.

Then my father announced we had to leave in two weeks and was making the routine preparations for my release and scheduling me up in another junior high. You can only imagine my outrage upon finding we had to move and I had to let go of two dozen people and someone I was just barely dating. I had to quit the art classes I was excelling in, along with the dance practice I almost lived for. The few Hispanics I related to had to be cut away from me. I had to tear up everything I became familiar with and leave everyone behind.

I couldn't write to anyone because their letters wouldn't reach me in time. I couldn't call due to international money charges. I would literally have to forget about everyone I came to cherish. Though my father and I had small discussions and I kept asking WHY we had to leave the hotel we stayed at, the fight we had the night I came home upon learning the news was nothing compared to the rest. I didn't want to leave America, just like I don't want to leave here. But my father gave me no choice and after two hours of yelling and screaming, I locked myself in the hotel room and cried until I fell asleep. Three days later, we left the country.

On the plane to Russia, I made myself a promise. I swore I would NEVER get hurt that badly ever again. Though people in other American schools were polite socially and I worked with classmates on projects, I never let anyone in that deep before. The heartache was so deep and intense that any person's image that came to mind brought full-out tears.

I forced myself to forget everyone, to never let myself cry over them, something I couldn't change, and buried my emotions. I believed if I did, I couldn't get hurt. I distanced myself from everyone in Russia and barely talked. It made me more self-conscious than in America or Italy because I always felt like I was the snob who felt above everyone when I was just following my promise.

I turned fifteen while in a Russian hotel and cried myself to sleep, regardless of what I told myself on the way to the country. If it was only a few months later, I'd be spending my fifteenth with those people I called friends. But I was alone and sadly resigned my heart to the orders of my mind. Coming here is the rest of what you know.

I am sorry if this saddens you, or brings tears to your eyes. It is a sad thing that my life has been so full of emotional turmoil and pain throughout my early teenage years, but there has been little I could do, though I tried. I never intended on letting anyone in, but things just happen. I didn't intend on you being so friendly and understanding to a transfer student who never even said HELLO to you before.

I'm sorry I put you through so much that first month, and my most recent behavior with this news. I thought maybe I'd finally have a chance to stay somewhere for at least a year, but I know that'll never happen until I am a legal adult.

To be honest and open, I truthfully don't want to leave Japan. I've grown to call this place my home, even if it's just a supped up hotel. You five made this place more comfortable and I actually looked forward to school. In the past in America, there wasn't anything I could've done to fight for my friendships. I wasn't old enough to see the world through older eyes. I followed without guessing and questioning, but I see more of how wrong my father has been by dragging me through his dream.

I'm telling you the last parts in hope that you'll keep this a secret. I don't WANT to leave Japan, and I don't INTEND on it. I'm going to fight this with my entire being, if only to stay here and continue being around you five. Finally, I make friends for the first time in two years and it's almost as strong as the ones in America. I don't want to let that go. I hope you can understand that.

Please don't tell anyone after you read this. I'm going to be in a place where you won't know of, if only for a little while until my family goes to the next destination. I can rely on the money in my savings until I can get a place of my own and a job. This CAN work. I don't want to leave the pleasant and good-natured aura you bring. If I leave you all behind, I fear I might revert to my old self, and I'd go CRAZY that way. I'll only be gone for a while, then I'll come back and things can go on as they have.

E.S.M

~*~*~

She gave almost identical letters to all five just before lunch ended. She didn't want them asking questions or opening it up, even though she wrote 'please read after school' on the front. There would never be another time when she bared her soul to another person, especially to Sage. Giving him that small hint to her feelings might backfire later, but she wouldn't know till later happened.

Now, the final stages of her plan would begin. Kicking her shoes off and putting them away for later, she went directly to her room without acknowledging her mother's greeting.

There was stuff to get done.

Without saying hello to Willow, she set her backpack on the made bed and dumped her schoolbooks. She all but quietly ordered out the youngest Marzellos of her room with the excuse that she had a lot of homework to do and needed some quiet time to think. She was relieved when the girl left without saying anything. Willow must've sensed her sad mood.

Locking the door to keep everyone out, she went through her drawers. Switching to warm winter clothes, she folded the school uniform and set it primly on her bed. She'd need that later. A few days worth of clothes was all that'd fit inside, and she made sure to wedge her sketchbook in. She wasn't going to leave the recent drawings of the five behind. She still hadn't finished the shading to Sage's face, and it would keep her mind occupied for the next day if she was lucky.

'Sage...'

With the mention of his name, she stilled and stared at the opposite wall. She wasn't leaving just to get back at her father and to stay here. There was an ultimate goal here, but she was too embarrassed to say anything to anyone. She just hoped they didn't notice... With a quick shake of her head, she searched the armoires and chests, going over what else she thought she wanted. There would be only the necessities. She ALWAYS brought only the necessities...

Minutes later, backpack on her shoulders, her head warily peeked out the door. The only person in eyesight was her mother's back, most likely fixing dinner. Teeth bit her lip as indecision warred. Could she do this?? She didn't think she EVER had this much strength in her to leave her family. Violet eyes and light blonde hair flashed behind her vision and she took a breath. She was doing it for him. This HAD to work!

Slowly, she pulled the door open and looked around for anyone else. Did they all leave? "¿Madre?" She quietly called, stopping at the edge of the kitchen.

Consuela turned around and gave a smile. "What's with the backpack?" She mused, a hand stirring a pot.

She'd never been away from her mother before. Not like this. It was going to be harder to lie than she THOUGHT. "Homework." She answered, one hand absently gripping a strap. "I've got a lot to do..." Her gaze almost tore away, unable to lie to the one who gave birth to her. It was hard, but freedom was nearly in her grasp.

"Well don't take too long. Supper will be ready in an hour." Consuela playfully admonished.

She gave a meek smile. "Te amo madre..." She sidestepped.

Consuela blinked, a bright smile lighting her face. "I love you TOO sweetie." A small frown lit her face. "Is something the matter?"

Her throat nearly locked up. She was almost CAUGHT! "No. I just realized I didn't say that enough to you." She pasted on another small smile, praying this rouse would work. "Can...can you tell Willow and Kevin if they come back and I'm not here? I realized I don't say it enough to THEM as well."

Consuela blinked and felt like scratching her head. "Sure I can."

"I'm going now." She murmured, clenching her jaw. Quietly, she walked to the hallway and grabbed a sturdy pair of winter walking boots.

"Study hard now!"

She winced and didn't answer her mother. That casual statement was a blow to the utter guilty feeling she was experiencing, but knew her mother would fight tooth and nail, maybe even tie her up, if she knew the truth. Pretending she didn't hear, she left the hotel key just inside the doorway and shut the door. Now outside, she rocketed it down the long hall for an elevator. She had to get as far away as possible before the hour was up. When they noticed she wasn't in the lobby, someone was going to call the police. She couldn't be around by then. It wouldn't take long to find a Hispanic girl in a Japanese city.

Finally outside, she took off in a light jog, heading south. She needed to get to the next city over and lost in the crowd. A thought suddenly popped into her mind. She just hoped someone would find the letter she left on the chest.

~*~*~

Ryo finally spotted the hotel in the distance, along with another sight. He blinked and hurried up to catch up to Rowen, who looked behind and slowed to match his stride. "Is she CRAZY?!" Rowen huffed, lungs burning. Though he ran from the bus stop and was getting tired, he couldn't stop. Rowen just hoped they were in time!

"No." Ryo huffed. "She just...wants friends." He understood where Epiphany was coming from, but running away was not the way to solve this! She was right about one thing in her letter. The turmoil in her life DID bring tears to his eyes. To think that someone had to act that way due to what happened on the other side of the world. He felt sorry for her, never being able to feel and take a chance because she never stayed rooted.

It appeared the letter she gave had more effects than Ryo or Rowen thought. Just as they reached the front of the hotel, the pair spotted Cye's car, Kento slamming the door. Cye quickly rounded the side and hurried after Sage who initially ran toward them.

"It seems we all had the same idea." Sage darkly answered. Two fingers held up the folded note, his name visible. "I rounded up the others as soon as I could get to a phone."

Ryo seriously nodded. "It doesn't say WHEN she intends on doing this, but I hope we're in time to talk her out of it."

Leaving Cye's car carelessly parked in the front, the five ran up the steps and into the lobby. None cared if they caused a scene.

Cye was the first to head to the elevators, the five following. It was a very impatient ride up eight floors with everyone wanting to pace the area. As soon as it dinged for Epiphany's floor, each tried to hurry out before the doors were even halfway open. The bumps a few received to their shoulders were small prices to pay.

Being the 'leader', Ryo stopped in front and banged on the door, not worrying about being polite. The five each had notes she wrote them in their pocket and Ryo went for his.

None knew what to predict or explain when the door opened. At the very least, they expected a fight or a long drawn out discussion by them or the family. Each was well aware of getting involved with a family argument, but didn't care. But not one Ronin was prepared to find Kevin slowly opening the door, a melancholy look on his face, anger in his eyes.

"K...Kevin." Ryo stuttered, blinking. He quickly got over the shock and held up the note. "What do you know about THESE?" The others held theirs up as well, demanding an answer.

Not perturbed by what the contents of those notes could be, Kevin almost idly blinked in their general direction. At an indefinable amount of time, he slowly sighed and drooped his head. "You missed her." He answered. Deep brown eyes looked to the mass in front of the door. "She's already gone."

"Kevin? Is that HER?" Philippe quickly shouted. The five could see the eldest Marzellos, partial cause to this problem, running to the door. It was pulled open the rest of the way, an utter dishearten look on his face. "Hola." Philippe quietly agreed.

"Sir." Rowen quietly announced. "Where's your daughter?"

Philippe's jaw clenched, but they could see the sadness in his eyes. "If I knew young man, I'd tell you." The eldest stepped back and slowly trudged into the suite. "Please come in. Anything you have to say can help us."

Slowly, the five walked in to find the place in small uproar. Three cops walked back over to Philippe and continued asking questions. Consuela, whom Rowen thought was very nice and quite pretty upon their first meeting, was crying on the couch. Willow was sitting on her mother's lap to console her, the only one in the room who didn't know what was going on. She looked sad, but not torn up. Kevin shut the door and followed the others in, solemnly leaning against a wall.

"Boys, can you please give me your letters?" Philippe asked. The five silently handed them over as evidence to help find their friend. On the expensive glass coffee table, a few spied an opened note in that same handwriting.

Mi Familia,

By now you've found this letter in search of me during my absence. I don't know what you're thinking, but I know you're worried about me. If it's any reassurance, I have not been kidnapped and nothing bad has happened. I have simply left of my own violation.

I will keep this short because I've tried to explain my side and reach an agreement for years with the only person who could change my life for the better.

I am not leaving Toyama. I am not leaving JAPAN. I am staying right where I am. I said I don't want to leave, and for once I am taking control of my own life. My life has NEVER been my own since I've been twelve, and I'm tired of this. I would like to stay in one spot for once and experience life. Now that I have friends, it's given me more than enough push to stay rooted. I am not budging on this and by the time you find this, I'll most likely not even be in the hotel.

Willow, I'm sorry this has come to pass. You're my baby sister and I've always been there to protect you from the dangers of the real world and love you almost more than mother. But I cannot protect you from my life. You probably don't even understand everything in this letter, if you're even reading it. I'd like to say one final time, for I don't know when we'll see each other again, that I love you and wish you well in life.

Mother, I am sorry this's come around. You've been privy to every argument I've ever had since we moved. I know you also didn't want to leave our hometown and all your friends, but you followed father because you love him. I wonder now, looking back, if you and I weren't naïve. We followed the person who put food on the table and gave us security without questioning what he'd do to us in the future. I know I lied to you earlier and I apologize. I know if I told you I was leaving, with a backpack of clothes on my back, you would tie me up to keep me from leaving. It was my last chance to keep friends around me and start to truly SUBSIST. Please look after Willow and love her as much as you always have. Again...I love you.

Kevin, there is nothing to say that will keep things short. You've been there for me in every school we've ever been to, all the outings to acquaint ourselves with each city. You helped me with my homework and have been my friend in every school since we left Spain. You've been my interpreter, my friend, and my cousin. I can never repay you for everything you've done, selflessly to boot. You left your parents and home for me. It brings tears to my eyes that YOUR life had to end to make mine simpler. Had I known things would've turned out like this, I would've fought to bring you along, even though we've always been close. I know this helps your language learning a lot for whatever career you'll take later, but I can't help but be regretful. I know you miss Emilia, and I am sorry for that.

Father... Truthfully I don't want to waste paper talking to you. Talking to you, even arguing has never done any good in the past and I'm tired of trying to change your mind to see MY side of this. That's why I'm leaving. There is nothing I can say to change your mind to let me stay. We're rich by any country's monetary standards, but yet you still continue to push our family from country to country. I can't EXIST that way! I'm TIRED of living that way! If THIS can't get you to see the way my life has been, to open your eyes to the way your dream has blinded you, then I don't think ANYTHING will.

To all of you, there IS part of me that is guilty for leaving. I will miss you all immensely, but I HAVE to do this. I NEED a life before I die inside. There is regret, guilt, and even longing to stay with you...but it is overshadowed by the fact that I can finish up this school year on my own and have FRIENDS. It seems I haven't had friends in forever, and I'm not going to give up those that I have. I REFUSE and I'm not budging on this.

Maybe someday we'll meet up again. I don't know when...maybe after things cool down and we all mature a little. Till then, I'm saying my goodbyes. I love you all.

Epiphany Sundance Marzellos