The letter almost numbly fluttered to the ground, if Kento didn't hurriedly snatch it from Rowen's hands to read it better. Those that couldn't crowd around Rowen's shoulder, crowded around Kento's. Cye and Ryo blinked at everything she said. There was such anger to her father, and sorrow to the rest of her family. They didn't know it was possible to despise your family that much. But, with everything they heard, it was certainly plausible.

Slowly, the three sat on the couch. Rowen solemnly looked to the Marzellos family, barely even moved from when they walked. The police were going over the letters they handed over, comparing the writing and trying to find clues. Rowen fought a despairing sigh and propped his head up. This was such a tragedy to befall a nice family. He knew they were, because everyone was so torn up. Eyes squeezed shut, this harrowed situation brought back memories of being split from his family. Epiphany didn't know what she was doing! She would break the family in pieces if she didn't come back!

Kevin watched the five with almost utter loathing in his eyes. If it wasn't for THEM, Epi would still BE here! She was leaving for them! By being around her every day for years, he knew there was more than just friends, the living situation, and Philippe. But he didn't say a word, just watched. He didn't hinder her behavior; he let her do as she pleased. And this was some of the result that influenced her.

But he couldn't be angry at them...since they were HIS friends as well. He could deal without friends, since he was okay without. He was used to and okay with being on his own. He couldn't totally see Epi's side of this, but he was jealous of her personality in the past. Part of him wanted to be like her, but knew this was the result of wanting friends too much. He considered them friends, but as soon as he heard they were leaving already, he started to distance himself and mentally say his goodbyes.

"I just can't BELIEVE this." Sage quietly muttered, slowly taking the paper from Kento. Not realizing Sage was being watched, violet narrowed in a derisive way. "I thought she was SMARTER than this. What does she expect to accomplish by leaving her family? Is she stupid??"

Red flared behind his vision and in less than a second, Kevin crossed the space. His fists were already clenched in anger at Sage's ignorant assumption. And currently, they were arching in the air, striking the accuser across the face. He jostled Sage to the side, mentally glad Kento was there to catch him. Who did Sage think he as?!

After regaining his footing, feeling all eyes, Sage's anger reared to unbearable heights. Looking at Kento with somewhat grateful, eyes, violet speared brown. The two glared at each other, Kevin showing a large amount of outer anger, Sage sending his through sharp eyes. Both were fully aware all eyes were on them and all movement stopped. Everyone watched the duo to see what would happen next, the Marzellos parents and cops wondering the reasons for that hit.

A hand rested on Sage's shoulder. Ryo's mouth rested next to Sage's ear as he leaned behind the youth. "Cool is Sage." Their leader whispered. "You're starting to make the lights brighten."

Being a Ronin Warrior, though not currently connected to the Wildfire armor, allowed him to detect subtle power change to the room. They were connected with their armors to some point, still wearing them even after peace returned. Sage's anger was skyrocketing Halo's electricity and if it continued, he was liable to short circuit the power supply to the room. THEN they'd have some explaining to do!

Sage broke the glare and stepped back to put some distance. After exhaling a held breath, he could feel Halo dim a little. He wasn't aware Kevin's behavior was causing the reaction in the room. Sage subtly looked to the nearest lamp and noticed a few degrees dimmer bulb now. His jaw clenched. That was a close one! His eyes locked on Kevin's again, still seething with anger.

"Why did you just hit me?" Sage evenly asked, masking his face.

Kevin's eyes narrowed even further. "Don't you GET it?!" He exploded, arms flailing. Sage blinked through his mask, almost setting off the itch to hit him AGAIN. "Epi didn't just leave because she wanted to be around you five! She stayed for YOU!" A finger jabbed Sage's chest. His anger grew when Sage didn't say anything, or even seem to get what he was hinting at. It seemed that Sage Date was even denser than he thought. "You don't you GET it, do you?! She stayed behind because she LOVES you, you bakayaro!"

Sage's eyes widened. He blushed from the attention he was receiving and the assumption Kevin made. The Hispanic wasn't be right...was he? There was no way...he and Epiphany just got to speaking terms! How could there be something as powerful as love between them? He certainly didn't feel it!

"You're lying." He muttered, arms crossing.

Kevin felt like hitting the blond again. Denser than a chunk of concrete! His eyes narrowed to slits. "I have NEVER lied in the entire time I've known you!" He gritted, teeth clenched to a painful point. "I think it's a little farfetched to call me a liar NOW."

"Kevin..." Philippe said, putting a hand on the youth's shoulder. "Don't start anything."

The tense moment broken, Kevin's shoulders drooped as he took a step back. "We CAN'T leave without her!" He insisted, turning to his uncle. "She won't last out on the streets without knowledge of the language or the city's customs!" Teeth harshly bit his lip, bad scenarios running through his head. "Isn't there a way we can go and LOOK for her?" Utterly pleading eyes looked to the reason Epi ran away. There HAD to be a way to find her...to talk her out of this!

The five looked at each other, silently communicating. They knew of a way, but no NORMAL person could be involved in it. This involved a lengthy trip, but it would solve a lot of looking time. Ryo looked to Rowen, then Sage. They would be key to the search; in fact the ONLY two could find the girl.

Slowly, Rowen nodded to Ryo and looked to his good friend. If what Kevin said was true, then Sage should help out. They knew Sage couldn't help how he looked or acted, but he certainly didn't speak up to let the unfortunate females know he wasn't interested! Minutely lowering his head, Sage gave an almost undetected nod. It was agreed.

"We'll help." Ryo announced. "We can scour the city if need be."

"But it's getting dark!" Consuela rebutted. She stood, cradling Willow as best as possible, and took a few steps to the group. "I'm not saying that I wouldn't be grateful for your help...but it's too dangerous! What happens if you're by yourselves??"

Rowen gave a disarming, polite grin like the one he gave upon first meeting Consuela. "Don't worry Marzellos-san; we know every inch of this city. Nothing bad can happen. We're all fully able to take care of ourselves."

Philippe looked in every pair of eyes, seeing honesty and want to help. They truly were his daughter's friends. "I'd be in your debt if you could help. IF you can find her, I'd reward you any way possible."

"If we can make sure she's safe and sound, and talk to her, THAT would be our reward." Cye answered.

Philippe held Cye's eyes, before slowly nodding. "My daughter is lucky. I can see why she ran away." He inaudibly whispered.

~*~*~

Darkness was coming, but she was just out of city limits. She hiked a few miles through Toyama in the quickest route she tore out of the phonebook. After reaching the edge of the city, she found the quickest bullet train that went as far south as she could muster. There were limited funds in her backpack, but the trains had long tracks and carried her far.

Her gaze went to the road she was nearby, mentally keeping track as she hiked through the forest. Forced to stop at the next city over, she had to walk the remainder to the city she planned on getting lost in. Even if she stuck out like a sore thumb, Tokyo was bigger than Toyama by a LONG shot.

It was getting harder to find her way to the center, and she didn't have a flashlight to combat the canopy. But, she couldn't be seen on the main road if they were looking for her. She didn't have food or outdoor gear, but could check into a hotel if she paid enough cash. ANYONE could be bribed with the right story.

She exhaled and watched the cloud dissipate. She was tired and her feet were starting to hurt from the brisk pace, but she couldn't afford to stop. She wasn't going to get caught! She knew they'd give up eventually, and until then, she could hide from everyone. If need be, she could find shelter in a church for a few days. No religion would turn anyone away who sought asylum. She grimaced through the step on her insole, where a blister was surely forming. She didn't really plan this through.

Another sigh rang out. She knew she didn't want to leave but if she was intending on staying, more thought should've been put into her departure. This was all beginning to be stupid and childish.

She stopped and twisted around, eyes looking to the area she traveled. It would be SO easy to turn around and explain her reasoning, then see if there was a way to pay for her to stay here. Maybe get a job and lodging before her family left Toyama.

Her head shook. No. They wouldn't let her stay behind while she was still a minor. This was all on her own. Inhaling a breath for courage, she looked to the road she had yet to cross and clenched her jaw. This COULD happen. She would just go over situations in her head as she traveled.

That never happened, though she told herself to think. She was too deep into nature and enjoyed the splendor of leaves underneath her feet and the bare trees around. Rarely did she get to be outside, since she was cooped up in school most of the time and watching Willow the rest of the afternoon. Sure they went out to watch the sunset, but that wasn't by herself. This was solo time and it brought serenity, calming the worry she faced.

It was almost totally dark to the point where ANY walking would get her lost. She couldn't see anymore, and knew she had to stop. She looked around and bit her lip. The road was just out of eyesight, she made sure of that, but knew she was far out enough to be away from civilization.

She took another deep breath for courage. She could sleep outside no problem. She had warm enough clothes on. She made sure to be dressed for cold weather and even though it was still winter, the temperature was above freezing. She slowly walked ahead and started looking for trees to climb. She might not get much sleep, but at least she'd be SAFE.

It seemed she wandered a lot farther than intended to find a suitable tree. None of the ones she spotted had trunks below fifteen feet to reach. But she was NOT going to sleep on the ground! Who knew WHAT lived out in this wilderness?

Her eyes darted around the area, as if something would attack her. A relieved sigh escaped, though she felt high strung. There was nothing out here, she was safe. Harshly swallowing from a shiver, she walked on to find a tree that would work, or one she could find a way to.

But traveling for hours on end with no stop on pavement and hard-packed dirt had more consequences than she thought. Being a dancer didn't matter if you didn't take a break. Teeth bit her lip. Sitting down for a few minutes sounded SO heavenly...

After trudging to a tree, she leaned against it and slumped to the ground. Almost instantly, she had to fight to keep awake. What time was it? She shouldn't be THIS sleepy! Her head lightly thumped against the bark as she tried to find the moon. If there was one, maybe she could place its location in the sky. Or maybe she should've bought a WATCH before leaving!

She yawned. Perhaps it was the large amount of walking that tired her out. She brought knees up to consume warmth, wrapping her arms around them. It made sense. She should keep traveling, she SHOULD... Eyes closed and opened, then closed again and her head drooped.

...Right after a short nap...

~*~*~

What felt like not long later, something woke her from slumber. A presence brought her from blissful darkness that was rejuvenating her desire to keep going. Slowly, her head rose, hands rubbing her eyes. She yawned and lazily blinked, looking to the forest. Right in front of her vision was a great beast, eyes almost curiously boring into hers. With a sudden screech, she fell to the side and scrambled backward. Brown widened to the point of falling from their sockets as the beast took a small, confused step in her direction.

She harshly swallowed and stilled. Maybe it would leave if she just stayed still. Sitting on her rear, propped up with her arms, she waited and locked eyes in the darkness with the animal, mentally praying it would leave and leave her ALIVE. This couldn't end like this! Being eaten alive in the middle of nowhere?? That was DEFINITELY not in her plan!

After an indiscernible amount of time, those fuzzy ears flipped behind. She intently watched, hoping it heard its master or the zoo's caretakers and would run past. But it just turned that large head and stared behind almost in waiting. She looked behind as well, also keeping an eye on the animal. Every bit of her mind was pleading it was someone to help, but also that she wasn't going to get eaten out here.

Soon, the sound of crunching leaves came and it was only a single set. A soft, almost melodious voice came seconds after the leave's echo. Curiosity and wonder overrode some of the panic and terror of being killed. Just who was that?

Shifting her vision from the animal to whoever was coming that had yet to appear, she knew she had to warn them. What if it was a wanderer like herself and was also lost? Whoever it was, they needed to be warned. The need to protect another human being rose, blocking out all reason for her own life. "Hey! Don't come any closer! There's a large tiger out here! Run away!" She shouted, grimacing in panic when she effectively caught the tiger's attention. It almost seemed those eyes were narrowing in a laughing way.

The leaves and voice paused, then quietly continued on. The voice didn't come back, but a slight figure could be seen. The crunching sounded louder.

"Hey!! Didn't you HEAR me?? Run away!" She yelled, little irate. Here she was, risking her life, and the stupid person didn't even do as she said! As if proving her right, the tiger took a step toward her and laid down. His casual movement got another panicked look.

They waited, almost frozen, like that until the mysterious person showed up. She watched as a woman stopped behind the tiger and smiled down. She blinked. The woman was obviously from around here by the way she looked and dressed. That meant she spoke Japanese. She gulped and wracked her brain. Maybe THAT'S why her warning had no effect, this woman didn't understand. Whatever the situation was, said woman was still looking at the tiger - and visa versa - without a worry. She couldn't let this pretty woman get eaten!

"Um..." Her lips pressed together. "Keikoku... Kiken..." Warning... Danger...

Whatever she was saying, had the opposite affect. The woman's face nearly split in two with a smile and her shoulders started shaking. Her anger reared. She thought the Japanese were supposed to be respectful of other people! Almost forgetting entirely of danger, since the woman was that way, she bristled. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. What could she say? She didn't KNOW that much!

Teeth nibbled on her lip, trying to figure out what she learned in her short time and use. "Uh...Sum...Sumimasen...Ana...anata...uh...daijoubu desu...desu ka?" Excuse me...You...Is everything all right? A hand scratched her head in complete embarrassment. She was starting to wish she DID learn the language a little more! "Um...eigo wa hanasu desu ka?" You speak English?

The woman smiled, almost patronizingly. "Fluently." She said, no accent present.

She almost bristled and jumped to her feet, fists clenched. She was made a fool for NOTHING! "Then why didn't you SAY something?!" She retorted, glaring. "Instead of making me sound like a baka!" The tiger stood and looked up, quickly regaining her attention. "Eek! I forgot about him." She mumbled, taking a step back. "Well...if you DO understand English, why didn't you heed my warning?" She asked, eyes on those big paws.

She received another patronizing smile for her good efforts. A hand reached out and patted the massive head. The tiger's tongue lolled out like a dog's as he looked up, trying to get closer to the nails scratching his fur. "Because he's not dangerous."

She suspiciously watched the pair as the tiger sat directly next to its human and she wondered if this was its owner. "Well...what're you doing owning a tiger out here anyway? What if he gets LOOSE?"

The woman gave another smile and she wondered if it was on purpose. "White Blaze is not mine, but I'm housing him in my estate until his real master can be with him more often."

She dumbly blinked and looked around the forest. "This...all this is YOURS?" She asked, a hand waving around.

"It goes on for a few more miles."

She stared with wide eyes, hardly aware she was gaping in shock. One person owned all this?! At least keeping a tiger here made sense! But it also meant she was TRESPASSING. Her gaze lowered.

"I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cross through your land." She reached in a coat pocket and grabbed the map on the other side of the page. "It doesn't exactly annex out the land..." She muttered.

"That's okay. What're you doing out here anyway?"

Teeth immediately bit her lip. She didn't want to lie to someone who was so nice...and who owned a tiger that could shred her with a snap of her fingers. But who's to say she'd even see the woman again?

"I...I'm just traveling..." She mumbled, putting the map away. Her attention rested on that action, partially unable to look the woman in the eye. What was it about the girl who looked around her age in this blackness that made her want to trust her?

White Blaze's head suddenly butt up against her legs, almost knocking her to the ground. Her arms flailed to catch her balance, but she steadied and tentatively put a hand on his head. That massive black and white moved up and she knew it was okay to pet him. A wistful smile appeared, tears clouding her vision as she scratched his ears. How long had it been since she'd been able to pet another animal? Not since she was twelve...

'Miguel...'

"Well I know you won't cause ME any harm. White Blaze has that instinct to tell bad humans from good." She looked up and met the girl's eyes, finding her sitting on the beast's back. She blinked. It was possible to do that? "You look cold. Would you take a chance and let me invite you back for some hot chocolate to warm you up?"

She stood there blinking before finding her voice. "I-if you don't MIND..." She tentatively answered.

The lady hopped off and stuck a hand out. "Mia Koji." She pleasantly answered, giving a warm smile.

She slowly extended a hand. "Friends call me Epi..." She almost dumbly answered. This woman was so friendly, it was almost unheard of to a total stranger! But she felt inclined to take that invitation, since she was tired and cold and getting REALLY hungry. She wasn't able to pack any food with her mother in the kitchen, and couldn't afford to stop at any store on the way. It would eat time up and she needed all she could.

"If you'd lead the way..." She answered. She followed the two back, walking on one side of White Blaze. It didn't take long for her to become acquainted with both presences, finding White Blaze less threatening and more like a bit house cat.

~*~*~

"So...what REALLY brings you here?" Mia suddenly queried.

She looked around the massive living room - or was it a sitting room? - with wondrous eyes, cradling the cup in freezing hands. The place was MAGICAL! She looked around so much that she didn't hear Mia's question, just the nice tone of her voice. "I'm sorry...what?" She asked, sheepishly smiling.

Mia smiled at the awestruck look on the girl's face and brought attention to her drink. "I asked why you're REALLY so far south." She gracefully set the cup on the saucer resting on the coffee table and gave the girl a serious look. "I didn't recognize you in the darkness. And you didn't say your REAL name, so I was unaware of this odd occurrence."

Eyes suspiciously narrowed and hands stilled to bring the glass to her mouth. What did Mia mean? "I...I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about..." She softly denied, not wanting to break this contented vibe she gained since the walk. This Mia was the perfect hostess with the Koji estate, nearly a mansion, out in the middle of nowhere. It was like a fairytale. To accent the whole image, White Blaze looked up from his paws and yawned from his place on the other side of the coffee table.

Mia smiled and pressed her fingertips together, wondering the most delicate way to phrase this. Oh the ironic quirks of life...

"I have to be frank and hope you won't spaz about the ironic twist this's taken..." Mia looked to deep brown and waited to continue. She got a slow, confused nod and pressed lips together. "We have something in common. We both know a small group of people I'm sure a single mention would jog your memory." Her lips pressed together to quell a smile. The look on the girl's face was going to be PRICELESS! "I've heard quite a bit about you Epiphany Marzellos." She ignored the wide eyes and picked up her teacup. "You go to school with five male friends of mine. I'm almost surprised Ryo hasn't mentioned White Blaze to you." Her gaze rested over the coffee table. "He just ADORES that tiger of his."

If she was drinking anything, it would've most likely been spit out by now! She counted herself lucky that didn't happen! She nearly dropped the hot chocolate in her lap, but caught herself and clenched fingers holding the cup to keep from burning herself.

"WHAT did you say?!" She burst out, sitting in utter shock. No WAY was the world that paradoxically small! HOW was it possible that she was talking to someone that knew her reason for leaving? Brown narrowed as the situation rushed back to her mind. "They TALKED about me?" A smile bloomed on its own. "What did they say?"

Mia smiled and went back to her chocolate. "I talked to Sage about it initially, and asked them to describe you." A smirk appeared. "They intended on asking if you wanted to come with them on their routine visits, but I guess I can count that out now..."

She blinked in continuing shock. "They were going to - YOU were going to - I mean, you'd have me...HERE?" Her gaze shot the surroundings again, mouth gaping open. She blinked and looked to the plush carpet in sadness, lips pressing together. "I don't know if that'll happen now." She fought to swallow and looked to her hostess. "I don't know if they've told you this, but I'm always moving around due to my father's business. I'm supposed to be leaving the country in a week."

Her mouth pressed together, free hand clenching. "But I won't." She answered, looking down. "I'm TIRED of moving! I've been skipping across the world with my family since I was twelve!" Her eyes shot up with pleading and need for understanding. Something about Mia, the fact that she knew the others, allowed her to trust the woman. It felt good to talk to another who didn't know any inside information. "I couldn't keep living like that! Not after getting to know the others! So I ran away." Her jaw clenched as she looked away. What would Mia do now? Would she be kicked out?

Silence followed her outburst. Mia finished the rest of her drink and reached over to pour herself more. After filling the glass, she sat on the couch and blankly stared at the far wall. Mia watched as a contemplative look crossed the young woman's face.

After a bit, Mia quietly sighed. "I can't tell you either way, because I formed a small emotional profile of you from what I learned from the others. I can say that it's not fair to you this situation keeps occurring. But your father has to have a side in this as well. I'm not taking either side, but do you think running away with no family in the area will HELP you?"

Their gazes locked. She understood what Mia was saying and knew running away wasn't the best idea she ever had. But she also knew staying home and trying to hold a DECENT conversation with her father to work something out wouldn't work. It took something like this to make her father realize she was serious and couldn't keep living like she was.

Her eyes broke the stare as she slowly reached down and poured herself another glass. "I know it won't." She quietly answered. "But at the time I was desperate. If I go back I'll never see them again." Leaving the glass on the saucer, she reached down and slowly unzipped the main zipper to the pack. Nibbling on her lip with the knowledge that she was showing her art to someone outside of her family, she flipped open to the start of the facial shots. "And they're the first friends I allowed myself to have in two years after I left America. I couldn't leave such people."

Mia slowly reached out and took the sketchpad, brows rising at how well Ryo's face was captured. She was GOOD.

"You're very talented." She quietly answered, gazing into Ryo's penciled eyes. Blue briefly shot up, catching a blush on those tanned cheeks. "May I continue to look?"

Cye was next; another good sketch. Mia wondered where the inspiration came from to draw them in such lifelike poses. A smile graced her face upon seeing Kento's picture. She captured the garbage gut perfectly. The smile widened and she added that thought to Rowen's picture as well. "They're so lifelike." She muttered, flipping to the last page.

Hands quickly shot out before Mia could get a good look at the last one, though it was easy to figure out who it was. "Uh...that...that one's not finished yet." She stammered, a blush staining her cheeks. Her eyes softened as she stared at Sage's eyes. A smile flittered across her face. "I've still got some shading to do." She grasped the loose picture and handed it over. "But this's what he WILL look like when I get it totally finished."

Mia looked at the picture and chuckled at Ryo's handiwork. "Ah Sage Date...god's gift to women." She smirked and handed it over. "If only he knew what he does to us."

She stared at the picture, cheeks burning up. Her heart skipped a beat and her stomach fluttered. "Yea..."

Mia's brow twitched. She found next to her a kindred spirit in ways of emotions and crushes. Mia just wondered how deep it ran. Deciding to pry since the girl had no reservations telling her life story, Mia casually reached over and grasped the slim holder. "So why else did you run away?"

She watched Mia before safely putting the sketchbook back. It was a quiet moment as she gauged the woman before allowing herself to go deeper. Mia just sat there, one arm resting on the back of the couch, staring over her glass with an almost knowing smile on her face. Brown narrowed. "You're smarter than you look." She mumbled, toying with a nail.

Mia's smile widened. "I've got the same experience you have upon my initial meeting with Sage." Mia answered, blowing on the drink. "But that depends on how much you life him."

Her lips pressed together, feeling her face flame. Was it possible to feel this self-conscious? "Well, I don't really know for SURE...but...I think I love him..." She muttered, looking at her fingers.

Mia's brows rose. It was more serious than she thought. The poor girl. "I see..." She muttered. "You don't know for sure though?"

"Well I've never talked to him about it...and much at ALL really." She confessed, giving a conscious smile. "Sage doesn't talk does he?"

Mia smiled. "Oh, he DOES...you just have to know him long enough. I've known those five for over three years. You manage to weasel your way in past Sage's defenses after a while." Mia winked and sipped her drink.

She sighed. "But now I don't know if I'll be able to. Sage doesn't like me very much. I mean, we're on a polite basis only. But I can't help but feel this way."

"NO female can when they set eyes on Sage's face." Mia agreed, giving an evil grin. Their gazes locked and a matching grin lit her face.

"You DO tend to forget everything you're thinking about." She added. A pleasant sigh escaped. Hands cradled the cup, eyes directed to it. There was so much to think about but she didn't have time. If she was lucky, she'd be able to retrace her steps enough to get back before the dawn. Brown peeked at the large clock over the fireplace. It was only eight. She traveled for four hours or so.

Her mind whirled. Four hours...if it was eight now...four hours would make it one by the time she returned. Her jaw clenched. She'd have to do it. She looked up, catching Mia's gaze. What was it about this woman - who looked barely old enough to be called a woman - that made her think about a highly bigger picture?

She bit her lip, warring with saying something else. Mia was such a nice person and she didn't want to ask anything else from her. Mia already led her through the rest of the forest with a Himalayan tiger as a 'roommate', let her into this mansion-sized home, and gave her something to eat and drink. Not to mention gave her an understanding ear with advice that made her think and realize HOW selfish she was being.

There had to be a better way than this! Though she didn't know about the five, she knew something could be worked out with her father. Doing this was enough to make him see the light and maybe - if she made it back - they could have a nice little chat. Hey, miracles COULD happen.

"I'm going to go back." She quietly answered. Quickly, she finished the drink, absorbing the heat it gave. She'd need it for later.

Mia felt a little proud at the girl's decision. She was making the right choice.

She nodded and sipped the chocolate. "I'm glad to hear that."

"I don't know why...but after talking to you, I can see a bigger picture. Is it because you're older than me? Or because you've never heard of my problems till now?" She asked, giving a questioning look.

Mia smiled. "I'm a woman, and think with a woman's intuition. I am an outsider who has had her fair share of problems in life and someone kind enough to let you talk as you see fit."

She nodded, absently rubbing a finger over her chin. "I don't know what I'll say to them when I DO get home..."

"You'll figure something out." Mia encouraged. "You managed to survive this long with your father's job, and came all the way from Toyama. At night and partly in the woods even. You're a good artist and a compassionate person. You care about your friends and even deeper for Sage. You just keep your good points in check when you meet up again and I'm sure you'll find the right words to say."

Touched , she set the glass down and reached over to hug the woman. "I wish I could've come up here with them." She confessed. She pulled back and gave a smile. "I'd like to get to know you more."

"You never know how the future will turn out, so never plan things the way you think they'll happen." Mia said, putting a hand on her shoulder. With a nod, the two stood and she embraced Mia again, wondering if they'd ever meet up again.

"Arigatou gozaimasu." She whispered.

Mia smiled. "Doo itashimashite." She answered, giving a quick squeeze.

Mia followed the girl to the front door. She watched as White Blaze got a quick scratch behind the ears and his chin and knew the girl liked pets, maybe even owned one by the melancholy look in her eyes. With a final smile, she walked to the massive porch with White Blaze and watched her short-lived guest walk down the drive to the forest.

When she left, Mia looked to White Blaze. "I hope she gets everything situated, and works out what she can." She answered, gaining the tiger's attention. She received an agreeing nod before looking to the drive.

~*~*~

Not too much time later, White Blaze roused Mia's thoughts about her visitor by springing to his feet and heading to the front door. "Blaze?" She stood and followed. "What is it?" Her answer came as she passed a window, spotting a familiar car almost screeching to a halt. Knowing this evening had been more exciting than whenever the five visited, she hurried to the front door and threw it open, letting Blaze out before the tiger tore through wood and screen. "Guys?" She called. "What're YOU doing here?"

Rowen, Sage, and Cye stopped just short of the porch. "We need our armor orbs Mia." Rowen answered, taking her by surprise. "Something has happened to Epiphany and we need them to search for her. I'd go into details, but it'd take too long and she could be up to TOKYO by now."

Mia dumbly blinked before breaking out in full laughter, taking the three by surprise. Nearly falling to the porch, Mia tried to compose herself at the utter ironic, fated situation taking place.

Wiping tears from her eyes, she leaned against the railing and stared at three odd looks. "Guys..." She got out, still chuckling. A hand went to her stomach, sore from so much laughing. "I don't know how to put this but...Epiphany just left here about an hour ago."

Now it was their turn to blink. "WHAT?!" Rowen burst out. "Mia, tell me you're KIDDING!"

Mia grinned. "I went looking for White Blaze to lock him up for the night and found him and Epiphany in the woods not too far from the main road. I led her back for something to drink and a place out of the weather and she told me a little of what happened." Her head shook. "I hope that poor girl gets what she wants. She told me talking to her helped and that she was going back to sort things out."

"This's just GREAT!" Rowen exploded, floored by this twist. "Who knows where she could be by now?!"

"Well let's go get our armors and look." Sage ordered, heading up the stairs. Mia watched him in contemplative, remembering what Epiphany said. She wasn't going to say anything to Sage, since that was the girl's job. She just hoped those two would get some solo time.

Following the three back inside, she waited in the living room with White Blaze and Cye for their return. When they arrived in the room, both were clad in subarmor. "So...what do you intend on doing?" Mia asked, taking up the glass again. She watched the two sit cross-legged on the floor facing the other.

"Rowen's kanji is life. I'm able to meditate and sense certain things. We figured out a plan to combine kanji and magic to see if we can sense Epiphany and pinpoint her location." Sage explained, straightening his spine.

Mia's brow rose. "Will that work? If it doesn't, you'd be better off to go looking in subarmor and follow the road."

She had a point, but neither Sage nor Rowen were listening right now. "We hope this is faster and don't know for sure where she is. We intended on this initially because we didn't know where she was." Turning hands palm up, Rowen let Sage rest the backs of his palms over and started to meditate.