Crimson Blood

It had been two weeks since Amber's death. The flower shop was closed for the wake at Amber's home. Ken grabbed his black jacket. The boy's decided to all wear black pants and jackets but wear dark colored shirts. Yohji wore a pine green t-shirt, Omi wore a dark blue muscle shirt, Aya wore a blood red turtle neck and Ken wore a black t-shirt. They walked down the road and towards her house. Ken hadn't been the same. Sure he was a klutz but his smile seemed to be disappearing. This day was going to be hard on everyone. Knowing that if only thay had followed her more closely she wouldn't have been ambushed. Ken had put all the blame on himself after that day.

They arrived at Amber's house and Yohji went up to the door. Before he could knock it opened. A girl about 21 years old stood there. Her butt length dark brown hair was in a nice braid and her pail green eye's stared at him. She was wearing a pair of black khaki pants and a red t-shirt. "Can I help you?" She asked.

"We're here for Amber's Funeral." Yohji stated looking her over.

"Cleo who is it?" Asked another girl about 16 walking up. She had shoulder length white hair tied up in a bun with some strands hanging lose, and icy blue eye's. She was wearing a navy blue tank top and black shorts that went to just above her knee's.

"These are the men she worked with Kayla." Stated Amber's father walking over. "Hello boy's. Sorry but this is Cleo and Kayla. Two of Amber's best friends. Serenity's in the kitchen. Aya could you please go get her so we can get this done please?" he asked shakily.

"Yes." Aya stated and walked past the father.

"Please come in." Cleo sighed.

"What's you guys' names?" Kayla asked.

"I'm Omi, that's Yohji and that's Ken. Aya was the one who went into the kitchen." Omi explained with a small smiled.

"Okay. Nice to meet you." She smiled lightly.

"How long did you know her?" Cleo asked.

"Three months but..." Ken lowered his head.

"Her and Ken were real close." Yohji stated.

"You're Ken Hidaka am I right?" She asked.

"Yes I am." he sighed.

"She always talked about you over the phone and in our e-mails." Kayla stated.

~Kitchen~

Long waist length light brown hair, emerald green eye's around the age of twenty, wearing a long black skirt and a black long sleeved blouse with a blood red rose in the top pocket. That described the girl Aya saw sitting at the kitchen counter crying. "Excuse me." Aya mumbled.

"Yes. Can I help you?" She asked turning to look at him and drying her eye's.

"I'm looking for Serenity." He said. "The Funerals starting."

"Thank you. What's your name by the way?" She asked.

"Aya." He stated. "Are you alright?"

"I will be." She whispered and got up. "Come on let's go into the funeral."

~After the Service.~

The Four men and three girls drove behind the hearse that held their friend. Kayla was sitting silently in the back holding in her tears along with Serenity as Cleo drove. Ken had driven Amber's father since he was still in a bit of shock. They arrived at a small grave yard and entered. Slowly the men took the casket out of the hearse and lowered it gently into the hole. "Any last words?" Asked on man.

"Amber-chan...thank you for always being there when we needed you." Kayla whispered and laid one small red rose bud then stepped back and Omi hugged her as she cried.

"Thank you for always putting up with us. You were one heck of a fighter." Cleo stated and put a white rose bud beside Kayla's flower and stepped back. Yohji went up and mumbled something then put a few things of babies breath.

"Amber...I'll miss you. Thank you for always being like a big sister to me." Serenity whispered and put a blue rose (An: Yes blue because you use dye and it turns the petals blue=3)) bud on the casket. Not being able to watch any longer Serenity ran off.

"Serenity-chan." Amber's father stated.

"I'll go after her." Aya stated and walked after her.

"Ken would you say a few words?" He asked.

"Yes Mr. Kokishon." Ken nodded and looked at the casket. "Ambie. We'll all miss you and I wish I could have told you sooner." He whispered under his breath and placed a dozen roses on her grave.

"Goodbye Ambie-chan." Omi whispered.

Ken turned and walked off not being able to watch. Kayla was still crying and Cleo was fighting back the tears. Mr. Kokishon had sat down on the grass and watched as they buried his only daughter. First his son and now his daughter. "It's not fair." He whispered into the small breeze.

~Somewhere in town~

Serenity continued to run. She never wanted to stop. How could Amber have been killed? She was one of the best! Their boss even told them so! Suddenly she was pulled into an alley way by a big man. She tried to get lose but he had to much of a grip on her. "Hello girlie where are you off to in such a rush? A funeral?" he chuckled.

"Lemme go." She begged. Serenity was so upset that she had no energy to fight.

"Now why would I do that?" He asked.

"Because she wants you to let her go." Aya growled and punched the man sending him flying. "You alright?" He asked.

"Y-y-yea. Just a little shaky. Aya look out!" She shouted.

Aya turned around and got punched in the face causing him to stumble back. He regained his composure and kicked the man in the ribs then gave him an uppercut knocking him out. Aya turned and looked at Serenity. She had teary eyes as she stood up and then wrapped her arms around his waist and cried into his chest. A bit stunned he put his arms hesitantly around her. She was the first girl to ever to be this close to him since..."Serenity we need to head back." He stated almost to coldly.

"Okay..." She whispered and let him go. "Thank you." Serenity added as they left the alleyway and headed back for Amber's home.

The two walked in almost a dead silence. The streets weren't as crowded as they usually were on a Saturday. Serenity sighed and watched as a group of girls walked by laughing. There was four in all. Reminded her of the gang before Amber moved away from Canada.

*Flash back!!!!*

"Amber-chan!" Serenity yelled running up to the group and hugging Amber who's hair was chin length back then. She was about 13 then and had just gotten out of the hospital.

"Hey Serenity-chan." She smiled.

"Amber! Serenity!" Kayla yelled running up with Cleo.

"Hey guys!" Amber laughed.

"How are you feelin?" Cleo asked as they started to walk down the road.

"Fine. The doc said that my operation to take out my tonsils went great." She smiled.

"So what next your appendix?" Kayla joked.

"No. I'm done. So we going on another mission soon?" She asked happily.

"You are one of the only of the group who's happy to get a mission." laughed Serenity.

"Derrick wants you back at work when you're feeling 100%." Kayla stated laughing and imitating his voice.

"Oh give it a rest you guys. You know I can handle any and all missions. No problem." Amber smiled. "Besides it was only an appendix."

"True but still...." Cleo trailed.

"Don't be such a worry wart. Just because you think being 17 means you can worry about me doesn't mean you should." she giggled. "I'm fine so let's go get our mission." She laughed and ran ahead.



*End Flash back!!!!!!!*

~Amber's home~

Mr. Kokishon and Ken walked up the stairs in silence. Ken was going to go through Amber's things and pack them away for her father. Mr. Kokishon told him to keep what ever he wanted. They got to the door and opened it. Nothing had been moved or touched for the last two weeks. "Here you go son. Call me when you have finished." He stated and walked off leaving Ken.

Her room was painted a robin's egg blue and she had a queen sized bed covered in blue sheets, white pillows, and a bunch of teddy bears. Ken saw a black bear with a bright blue kimono. He had bought her that for her birthday four weeks ago. Slowly leaning down he picked it up and looked at it. Then something fell out of it's dark blue sash. "A picture?" he whispered and put the bear down while picking up the picture. It was of him and her at the festival. Amber had the biggest smile while holding her teddy bear. Ken suddenly remembered her b-day was on the festival.

*Flash Back*

~Festival~

(An: This story if full of them)

Amber ran ahead of the group in a black and red Kimono. It was her birthday and her first festival in Japan. "Come on you slow pokes hurry up!" She ordered.

"Amber slow down we have all night!" Omi shouted running after her.

"No we don't!" She shouted back sticking out her tongue.

"She's got way to much energy." Yohji chuckled.

"No kidding." Ken laughed and watched as she stopped in awe.

They were at the Sakura Shrine near one of the grave yards. It was completely decorated and a small breeze was sending the blossoms everywhere. Ken smiled and watched as Amber looked around wide eyed. It was an amazing festival. Games, food, rides and.... "Girls." Yohji smiled and walked off. Aya rolled his eye's.

"I'm gonna go on some rides!" Omi shouted and ran off.

"What about you Aya? Gonna go have some fun?" Amber asked.

"I don't like festivals." He grumbled and went to go sit on a bench.

"Uh...okays..." she mumbled. "What about you Ken?" She asked smiling turning around.

"Me...I dunno anything you want to. It is your birthday after all." Ken smiled.

"Kay lets go play some games." She said and dragged him towards some of the game booths.

Hours went by and Ken and Amber met up with the others. She was holding the teddy bear with the dark blue kimono and had a huge grin. Suddenly there was a flash of light from Omi's camera.

*End Flash back!!!!*

Ken sat on the bed and put the bear on the floor along with the picture. He'd keep that slowly he began to pack away her other teddy bears and some old pic's of her and her friends. Suddenly he saw something on her laptop screen. "What the..." He trailed and went over. The screen saver was on. It was of pictures of her and the others floating around. Ken pressed a button and the screen saver went off and the computer background was the picture in the teddy. Smiling Ken started looking through some of the files. He found one that was a shocker and explained a few things.

~Flower shop~

Cleo and Kayla sat in the small room where the guys ate. Yohji sat across from Cleo and Omi across from Kayla. "How did you guys meet Amber?" Cleo asked.

"She came here looking for some work to do." Omi stated and got up to grab the kettle that was boiling.

"How about you guys?" Yohji asked. "How'd you meet her?"

"We grew up together." Kayla stated. "I still remember the day she moved in across the street. Her and her brother."

"Yeah. Seems like yesterday." Cleo nodded.

"I miss Amber-chan." Kayla whispered just above a breath. She bit her nail and held back tears.

"So do I Kayla. Team's not the same without her." She sighed as Omi handed everyone a cup of tea. "Thank you." She smiled.

"Welcome." Omi smiled back and looked at Kayla. "Are you going to be alright Kayla-chan?" He asked.

"I don't know." She mumbled as her cell rang. "Hello?" She sighed. "Alright. I'll get them and meet you there. Alright...bye."

"He called didn't he?" Cleo hissed. "He know's it's our week off."

"Yes but he said it was important. We have to find Serenity." Kayla stated.

"I don't care. It's his fault....."

"Cleo look you can stay here but I ain't just going to sit here. We were hired for a reason."

"You two can come back we don't mind." Yohji stated.

"Thank you. Sorry for the arguing." Kayla sighed and bowed.

"It's alright. Go on." Omi smiled.

"We'll come back. Thank you." Cleo stated as the two left Yohji looked at Omi.

~Café~

He sat there drinking his coffee. His dark brown eye's completely focused on the new's paper and his black hair spiked out a bit, he wore a normal navy blue business suit. Suddenly a girl about eighteen sat beside him. Her shoulder length crimson hair with black bangs was in a high pony tail she hid her eye's behind a pair of sunglasses and her clothes consisted a pair of black jeans, and a black halter top with a tiger head outlined in silver. "Derrick what do you want?" She asked.

"For you to work with my group." He stated simply.

"Been there done that." She said coldly.

"Well they are coming to meet you."

"I don't care. I quit okay?" She hissed. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a job to finish before I am officially off duty."

"A...." Derrick sighed.

"Don't call me that. She's dead." The girl got up and walked out of the shop and down the road.

"She'll have to learn that she can't just quit." Derrick growled.

~Amber's Room~

Ken slowly read the document in front of him. It was of the day that Amber had come here. It talked about how she had met them and how she had figured out everyone's special qualities. He read down the paragraphs when he reached a certain one.

There's one guy out of the group who's nice. His name's Ken. He kinda reminds me of my brother. Although I'd have to say Aya does more. But besides that. Ken's a major sweety. He likes Soccer, he's nice, and he's so to little kids. I think he's the perfect guy in every way. I wish I wasn't an assassin...er ex-assassin probably would think that's weird or creepy or something. But still...okay I should stop before I ramble on.

Ken sat there in a bit of shock. Had she really thought that of him? He shook his head and smiled then shut down the computer and put it by the bear. He had a lot of stuff to go through and pack away for Amber's father. "Ken." Came a voice.

"Yes?" He asked and turned around to see Mr. Kokishon with a trey of food.

"How's the work coming?" He asked as Ken walked up to him and took the trey.

"It's going alright." Ken stated.

"Well shout down if you need anything." He stated and walked away.

"Alright I will. Thank you for the food sir." Ken shouted after him but Mr. Kokishon was long gone.

Sighing and sitting down Ken ate the soup and bread that Amber's father had made him. Suddenly his phone rang. "Hello?" He asked after swallowing a mouth full.

"Ken it's Manx we have another mission." Manx stated.

"Alright I'm coming." He stated and hung up.

~Somewhere down town close to the flower shop~

Aya watched as Serenity was paying attention to the other groups of girls. Seeing a pain in her eye's as she was remembering the past he put a hand on her shoulder. Serenity snapped out of her daze and looked up at him. Her emerald eye's were hiding her emotions she found herself leaning closer to him until... "Serenity!" Kayla and Cleo shouted running up.

"Hey guys." Serenity blushed as Aya just stood there.

"Serenity we have to go meet up with Derrick. He needs to talk to us." Kayla stated.

"Alright I'm coming. Thank you again for earlier Aya-kun." Serenity stated and kissed his cheek then ran off with the others.

"Hn." Was his only reply as he headed towards the Flower shop.

What was with that girl? Suddenly something or someone caught his eye. It was the girl with black bangs. She seemed very familiar. The way she was walking and the frown on her face. Not to mention the glasses she wore. Aya was about to go see who she was when... "Aya! We have to go to the flower shop. Manx's orders." Ken stated running up.

"What now?" Aya questioned.

"New one." Was all Ken said.

~Flower shop basement~

Aya and Ken walked down the spiral stairs and into the basement. "So Aya how were you and the girl Serenity?" Yohji asked nudging him.

"I saved her from being rapped and I was walking her back when Cleo and Kayla ran up." Aya grunted and took a seat.

"Oh I see. So they ruined the moment for you and her then huh?" he chuckled.

"Can it Baka." Aya growled as Persia appeared.

"Weiss I have a new mission for you." He stated almost miserably. "There have abductions of woman who have crimson red hair and the blood type of O. The group is un known all that is known is their target is a young lady who just showed up at a small antique store a few blocks from the flower shop. White hunters in the dark, hunt the tomorrow of the dark beasts." he stated and went off.

"Well are you all taking this mission?" Manx asked.

"Yes." they all nodded.

"Good. Now remember to keep an eye on the girl. Her name is Alley Hechi." Manx stated. "Well till tomorrow boy's." She sighed and walked off.

"I'll start with finding more information about this whole thing." Omi stated and walked over to the computer.

"I'll keep an eye on the girl." Yohji smirked and walked off.

"Going to change first are we?" Ken questioned.

"Well of course I must look my best for the lovely lady." Yohji winked and walked off laughing.

"Oh brother." Was Omi's reply.

Ken went upstairs and Aya grabbed him by the shoulder. "That Alley girl. I saw her today." He stated.

"Where?" he asked.

"Down the street away from a café and towards the antique store. She seemed familiar."

"Like how?"

"Like I've met her before not to long ago either. We need to be careful watching this one." Aya said and walked off.

~Antique store.~

The young girl that had been visiting with Derrik sighed and sat behind the counter. She held back a tear as she watched groups of girls walk by. What would she do to be like that again? Everything. She would give everything and anything. Suddenly the bell on the door rang and she adjusted her sunglasses. She raised an eyebrow as Yohji walked through the door wearing a white wife beater and a pair of blue jeans. "Hello may I help you?" She asked.

"Yes. I was wondering what kinda antiques do you sell?" He asked casually.

"Almost everything. We ran out of suits of armor." She stated calmly and walked over to him. "We have the old kind of piano wire, swords, daggers, shields, old desks, pressed flowers from back in the 1900's. You name it we might have it and we can order it." She smiled.

"What do you mean old fashioned piano wire?" He asked.

"This way." She stated and led him to the back of the shop. "This stuff used to be used for piano's and is rare to find because it was banned." She stated and handed him a small box.

"Why was it banned?" He questioned looking at the fine bronze colored wire.

"Because some murders used it to choke and slice peoples heads off. It's really sharp." Alley yawned a bit.

"How much?"

"Fifty dollars. I'm cutting the price down since you're cute."

"Well then I'll take two." He smiled.

~Café~

Cleo and the other girls sat down at the table and looked at Derrick. He studied their tired expressions and how miserable they looked. "Have fun?" He questioned.

"It was a bloody funeral. You think it was fun?" Kayla questioned with a cold voice.

"You're suck an ass you know that? I wish Daken was still giving us orders not you." Serenity hissed.

"Look I'm sorry to drag you away from the funeral and Weiss but the government sent me to give you orders." he sighed and slapped a folder in front of Cleo.

She opened it revealing pictures of very pail victims and a very ugly massacre scene. The girls looked through all the pictures. "So that old gang moved to Japan?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Darken has returned." Derrick stated.

"We killed them in our last mission. You know that one that got Amber kicked out for following an instinct." Kayla stated.

"Well apparently her mistake is now costing innocent red heads with the blood type O their lives." he grunted. "Look. Let's use some knowledge to our advantage alright? We all know that they hate the Knights....am I correct?" He asked.

"Yes." The three mumbled.

"Look we'll work on it." Serenity sighed and grabbed the folder and walked off.

"Yeah so bud out." Kayla growled as she and Cleo followed Serenity.

The three walked down the road. "Who does that over payed bum pusher think he is!?" Kayla demanded as they arrived at the hotel.

"A snot nosed bastard." Serenity mumbled and went over to her bed.

"Hey Cleo's got an e-mail." Kayla said turning on the lab top. One of the files was glowing and said Kaori.

"Who's it from?" She asked as Kayla opened it.

"Oh my God...." She trailed.

"What? Who's it from?" She demanded and walked over.

"Schuldig." Kayla smiled. "You know family reunions are always fun." She giggled.

"Hardy har har." Cleo stated and started to read the e-mail.

"So what's he want?" Serenity asked as she changed into a pair of blue jeans and a light green halter top.

"Wants me to meet up with him." Cleo snorted. "And we ain't really related Kayla."

"Oh yeah sowwy forgot." Kayla smiled. "So gonna go meet him? I mean you haven't seen him since...what two three years ago?" she asked checking out her own e-mail.

"I will after our mission." She stated and went to change as well.

"Hey I got an e-mail from Omi!" Kayla stated with a huge smile.

"Some one's got a boyfriend." Serenity teased.

"Says the one who almost kissed Aya." Kayla shot back.

"So...." Serenity stopped. "This isn't the same without Amber." She stated and sat down.

"Yeah...." Kayla trailed.

~Antique Shop~

Yohji had spent almost three hours talking to Alley. This girl was so familiar he felt like he could just let things flow. The shop was having one of those rare customer's day so Alley said he could hang with her for a bit. Alley yawned and looked at the clock. "Well lunch break." She stated.

"Mind if I treat you to lunch?" He asked.

"No not at all. That would be very kind." She smiled and put the closed for lunch sign up and they headed down the road.

"So Yohji how many girlfriends have you had?" She asked slyly as they entered Sunny's Dinner.

"A lot to put it bluntly. But no girl could compare to your beauty." Yohji smirked but soon noticed her eyebrow cocked.

"You aren't serious are you?" She asked as they sat in a booth. "I mean no offence Yohji but I ain't that pretty and any girl could beat my looks." Alley stated as a waitress brought them a menu.

"Oh Hey Alley-chan." She smiled and walked away.

"Come here often?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Nope. Just a friend." She stated. "I'm just gonna have my usual Cesar salad." She stated. "How about you?"

"I'll just have a small Italian salad." He stated and put down the menu. "So Alley. How come you never take off your sunglasses?"

"Because I don't like people looking at my eye's. Simple as that." She gulped as she moved his hand away from her glasses.

"Oh. Alright." He smiled. Suddenly Ken walked in and Alley looked straight at him then looked away.

"Yohji." Ken smiled walking up.

"Hey. Oh Ken this is Alley Hechi, Alley this is Ken." Yohji stated.

"Hello pleasure to meet you Ken." She stated.

"Same here." He smiled and sat beside Alley as the food arrived.

"Oh I didn't know there was a third." The blond stated.

"Don't worry Wendy." Alley smiled.

"I'm not hungry nor thirsty." Ken stated smiling.

"Alright." She smiled and left.

"I can't stay long I have to get back to the shop and let Shirley take over. Then I have a game to go to." Alley sighed.

"What kinda game?" Ken asked.

"She has a soccer game." Yohji stated. "You know I bet Ken would like to join you."

"Well I guess he could. Only if you want to."

"Sure." He sighed. Suddenly a flash of Amber's smile went through his mind. Alley had almost the exact same. If he could just see her eye's. "So what's with the...."

"I don't like people seeing my eye's." Alley said somewhat annoyed.

"Sorry." He blushed.

"It's alright I'm used to it." Alley shrugged and dug into her salad along with Yohji.

~Hospital~

Serenity walked down the hallway and thought of how Amber spent her last minutes here. Suddenly she thought she saw Aya walking ahead of her. She blinked a few times then followed silently. *Does he have family in here?* her mind questioned. She shook her head and went towards the exit. *It's not polite to spy.* Her mind told her. Serenity sat down outside the hospital and watched more groups of people walk by. Tonight she was going to have to break into the hospital and download a bunch of info on people on the city. Sighing she looked at the clouds. "Serenity what are you doing here? Why were you following me?" Aya demanded walking up. Serenity looked at him.

"I was here asking the doctors questions about my friend okay?" She stated. "How the hell was I supposed to know you were here?" she questioned.

"Whatever." Aya snorted.

"Why are you so...so...so stubborn to everyone?" She asked.

"Because emotions are weak."

Serenity sighed. "Amber always said that to us....Emotions will get in the way and cost us everything one day if we aren't careful."

"And look where she is now." he grunted but suddenly wished he hadn't said anything.

At that moment Aya saw something in Serenity's usual peaceful emerald eye's burned with hate that seemed to cut Aya deeply. "How dare you say that." She hissed. "Amber was the most loyal person. I could confide in her she had emotions and was wonderful and successful at what she did. Emotions didn't get her dead." Serenity stated. "Although what would you know. You're nothing but a heartless assassin." With that she ran down the street and back to the apartment.

"Serenity!" He shouted but stopped himself from running after her. If emotions got in the way everything would go wrong. Right?

~Antique Shop~

Dark brown hair past her shoulders, bright green eye's, blue jean mini skirt and a pink t-shirt that says 'Brat but ya luv me' on it. Shirley Kitana was her name and she was the owner of the small shop. Shirley stood there sucking on a strawberry sucker waiting for Alley. Sure enough Alley, Ken and Yohji came around the corner. "You're late." Shirley stated as the three stopped. Slowly her eye's looked Yohji over. "Don't tell me it was cause of him."

"No...well yea...but....Oh come on Shirley I rarely go for a lunch break!" Alley shouted in protest.

"Yeah I'll forgive ya. Besides you're going to be late for soccer if you don't leave now." She smirked.

"Oh Kuso!" Alley shouted and ran back down the street with Ken behind her.

"Well. Oh sorry my names Shirley and yours is?" She asked.

"Yohji." He smirked and kissed her hand.

"So you're the reason my new store keeper was late." She said and unlocked the door then changed the sign.

"Yeah well..." He trailed as she smiled back at him. "What?" He asked.

"Well you took Alley out to lunch and since you made her late you owe me dinner." Shirley giggled and went into the store leaving a completely shocked Yohji standing there.

~Flower Shop~

Omi sat at the computer trying to find some information on the killings but coming up with nothing. Suddenly he got an e-mail. "Who...." He trailed and saw it was from Kayla. He read it and smiled. They both loved computers they both liked the company of elders. Suddenly something hit him. "Knights." He whispered and looked up a government file. Four pictures showed up. There was Kayla, she was the techy of the group. Main weapons same as his. The next was Cleo she was the eldest and most cautious of the group. Her main weapon was a gun and a dagger. Next up was Serenity, the false innocence of the group. Her main weapon was a Katana. Last was Amber. Omi smiled at her picture. Amber had always stated 'A forced picture I hate although a me acting normal pic is better.' This pic was of her giving the camera man the finger and sticking out her tongue. Amber was the hyper/sarcastic/serious when I wanna be one of the group. Weapons whatever she wanted. Sounded like Amber to.

Suddenly something caught his attention. Beside each assassin from Canada it stated alive, Killed in Action or just plain dead. In the Knights file something was horribly wrong. "Oh my Go...."

~Soccer Field~

"TIGERS WIN THE GAME!" Shouted the announcer as Alley's team won the game. The crowd shouted cheers and praises to the Tigers. Ken was just one of them shouting out to the team. Overall that was the best game he had ever scene. Alley ran over to Ken and smiled. "The team's going for pizza wanna come?" She asked.

"Uh...if you guys don't mind sure." He stated.

"Awesome! Come on." She said and grabbed his hand.

They went over to the team members and Amber introduced them all. Afterwards they all went to the dinner and celebrated with pizza music and dancing. Alley had her sunglasses on the whole time. Even during the game she was wearing them. A lot of the team was in the back of the dinner where most teens and others go to dance a bit. "Alley that was an awesome game. I mean whoa that shot you took. That was amazing." Ken stated.

"It was only my mini shot. Nothing big to talk about." She stated blushing.

"So wanna dance?" Ken asked.

"Sure." Alley smiled and stood up along with Ken.

The two walked out onto the dance floor and were about to start dancing to the fast beat when the song changed to a slow dance. Ken blushed as Alley wrapped her arms around his neck. Slowly he wrapped his arms around her waist and they began to dance to the song. Alley looked at Ken who seemed to be a little sad. *What have I done?* She questioned herself and rested her head on his chest.

~Graveyard~

Serenity sat on the gravestone and cried. She wouldn't let herself stop crying. *Amber how could you leave us! Why didn't you listen to them!?* Serenity tried to calm herself but failed until a hand was placed on her shoulder. She quickly got out of the grasp and stumbled away. "Leave me alone!" She shouted and never bothered to look up to see who it was who grabbed her shoulder.

"Look I just came to say I'm sorry." She heard a familiar voice sigh.

"...huh?" Serenity looked up and saw Aya. "Oh." was all she stated.

"Serenity."

"You know. For the past two weeks I have been crying because of her death. She had just wanted one thing and her emotions got in the way...." A small breeze blew through the air making her long hair blow around her. "I'm gonna keep mine to myself. I'm not gonna cry I'm not gonna care. I'm gonna flush everything down the drain."

"You shouldn't do that." Aya stated.

"Apparently to you that's what Amber should have done." She growled.

"I didn't....."

"You didn't what? Mean it like that? Mean that because of her fallin for Ken she practically killed herself and it wasn't really Chibodee's final blow that did?" she snapped.

"Look I..." Aya stopped and sighed. So much was going through him.

"Forget it. Go back to Weiss and get your missions. I have work to do." She growled and walked off.

"How did she...."

"She's a chosen she know's these things." Stated a voice.

"Who's there?" Aya demanded turning around only to see but a shadow walking off in the distance.

~Dun nu nu~

The antique shop closed and Shirley was walking towards the flower shop to go see Yohji. Suddenly something caught her attention. "That's not right." She whispered and stared off towards the dinner. Shaking her head the twenty year old continued her walk. She arrived at the flower shop and saw Kayla talking to Omi, and Yohji was sorting out some last minute things before closing up. "Hey Shirl!" Kayla smiled.

"Hi ya Sparky." Shirley smiled.

"Shirley this is Omi." Kayla smiled.

"Hello miss Shirley." He smiled.

"Oh just call me Shirley I'm still young." She laughed lightly and looked over to Yohji. "So ready to take me for that date?" Shirley winked.

"Sure just let me finish cleaning up." Yohji smirked and pulled down the metal door indicating the shop was closed. "Now I have to go have a shower I'll be right back." He winked and walked off.

"He'll be awhile." Omi stated as he and Kayla went off to his room so he could show her a cool computer program.

"Alright." She stated and sat down.

"They are coming Shirley and you guys won't be ready...." a deep voice stated causing Shirley to jump up and turn around only to see nothing.

"Weird..." She whispered.

~Ken and Alley~

The sun was setting and the two had gone to the park. Then sat on a small hill and watched the setting sun. Alley sighed and laid back onto the soft grass and looked up at the multi colored sky. *I have to tell him...but what would he say? Would he still care?* Her mind questioned. "Something wrong Alley-chan?" Ken asked.

"No not at all Ken kun." she stated sitting up.

"Alley can I see your eye's?" He asked.

"I...uh..." She hesitated and touched her sun glasses.

"Sorry I shouldn't have asked." sighing he looked out at the sunset.

"No it's alright it's just..." She sighed. "Ken you're so gonna kill me."

"Why would I kill you?" He questioned and looked at her expression. It was exactly like Amber's before she...

"Because I ain't Alley." She sighed.

"What do you mean you aren't Alley?"

~Omi's Room~

Kayla and Omi were laughing at the stupid things they were finding on a website for Canadian tourists. "We don't really talk like that." Kayla stated.

"I've noticed." Omi laughed holding his sides. "You guys are so different than people here expect."

"Yeah I know eh. Some Canadian's really do talk like this eh?" She giggled. "Yeah my pet polar bear's name is Snowflake eh. She's a major sweet heart eh?" That caused both of them to fall off their chairs laughing.

"Ouch my sides hurt from laughing so hard." Omi stated trying to calm down.

"I know same here." she giggled and laid down holding her sides. "Okay no more Canada jokes. I don't think my sides can take anymore."

"Mine either." he sighed as they finally calmed down. "So Kayla what's it like in Canada?"

"Same as here except we have snow right now." She nodded and moved over so she was sitting beside him. "We were waiting for Amber to come home so we could do our traditional snow-angels." she let out a small sigh. Omi hesitantly put his arm around her shoulder and brought her close.

"It's okay Kayla-chan everything will be fine." Omi smiled.

"Hearing that from you makes me feel a bit better cause I know you mean it." She smiled and put her head on Omi's chest causing him to blush badly.

"I'm gone!" Yohji shouted walking passed not noticing.

"Bye." Omi called out.

"See ya!" Kayla shouted and then yawned cuddling closer to Omi. "You're very comfy did you know that?" She asked.

"Uh..." Omi's blush was now the color of a tomato. "No I-I-I didn't." He stuttered.

"Well you are." Kayla giggled a bit and sat up. "Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I'm just used to cuddling with people. I'm one of those cuddly people." She smiled.

"Oh I see." He stated.

"Yeah well that's how I gre..." Kayla was cut off in a way she never knew could happen to her. She was being kissed and it was by Omi. *Omg!* her mind shouted.

~Somewhere~

Yohji grabbed Shirley's hand as they walked down the street so far they had told each other everything. Seriously everything. Shirley told him about how she was a new member of the Knights because Amber was gone and how she had lost her big brother when they were separated and Yohji told her about his past. They felt like they had known each other forever after that. Shirley leaned into Yohji and suddenly stopped walking when the street lights came on. "Yohji can we head back?" She asked suddenly gripping onto his arm.

"Why? What's wrong?" He asked.

"I just got a bad feeling all of a sudden." She mumbled quietly.

"Okay. We can head back to your place. Or mine if you want." He stated calmly.

"Mines just down the road." Shirley stated.

"Alright."

~Duh nu nu~

Cleo slept peacefully on the couch not worrying about a mission, not worrying about the way she carelessly left the back balcony doors open so that someone with orange red hair and deep sea green eye's, Wearing a green jacket and a pair of black pants with a white t-shirt underneath could easily sneak in. The small breeze the door made when being shut slowly woke Cleo and she turned over thinking it was nothing but the stupid breeze. Completely forgetting that no one was going to be back till later she turned over again. "Who's ever home make some coffee so I can have some when I get up." she yawned.

"Yes pudding cup." The man laughed.

"What the...!" she shouted falling off the couch. "Schuldig!!!! What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Cleo demanded standing up.

"I came to see ya. Heard you where in town." He smirked and sat on the couch.

"What if the others find out you're here?" she asked glaring at him.

"They can cry me a bloody river."He stated and looked at her. "Some ones changed since two years ago."

"Yeah right. If I did change, it was because I had good reason to." Cleo snorted.

"You have quite the temper.." he pauses and smirks and continues. " You need to learn how to relax..otherwise you'll become a tightwad like Brad."

" What do you propose that I do about it?" she retorted.

"You just need to have some fun that's all." he replied calmly.

" Is that so. How can you suggest that when you know my line of work?" she questioned.

"Do you honestly think that can be used as an excuse? I go out to the clubs and have fun, and I haven't lost my job yet." he replied chuckling.

"What are you getting at?" Cleo asked raising a brow, as Schuldig got a big smirk on his face.

" You want me to go clubbing with you tonight, don't you?" Cleo sighed yet smiling on the inside..

" I knew that you would figure it out eventually.." he said as he leaned back.

" I don't know..what if we get a mission..we've been busy lately.." she trailed.

" What if the world ended tomorrow? Would you be satisfied with your life?" her asked.

" No..but one night in a club isn't going to change much.." Cleo trailed with a worried expression.

" But for that one night, you can forget about your stressful life as an assassin and relax." he smirked as Cleo let out a frustrated sigh.

" Fine, but if I get in shit for this it's your fault." she said.

Schuldig just let out a chuckle " Of course, my name means guilty after all.." Then walked over to the balcony doors from which he entered the apartment in the first place. Schuldig turned around and looked at Cleo. "Meet me at the AnGeL at 9:00." he ordered, then seemed to disappear off the balcony, which caused Cleo smirked.

"Bye Schuldig.." She murmured to herself before closing the doors and lying back down on the couch.

~Temple underground~

The four dark men stood there wearing their old dark hoods. The temple was made out of old 18thcentury bricks. There was an old tapestry with a small the small designs were of a ritual. A brutal one at that, they would use one girl and a resurrected one to bring back the Empress Kazen who would rule over the world and make it a much darker place. The first man stood from his chair. A pair of Emerald green eye's glowed lightly from the torches light, and his pitch black hair shone. "We have to get her." He stated.

"She's stronger than we anticipated." Stated a golden eyed, dark brown haired man. "We need to think this through Alex."

"Damian's right. Rushing in recklessly will only get us killed." The one with blond hair and fiery brown eye's stated.

"I don't care!" The emerald green eyed one called Alex stated. "David you know as much as I do we need to bring back out Empress or Darken is doomed."

"Look Alex control your temper or you will be pulled out of this mission." Damian ordered as his golden eye's flashed.

"Look...." Mark stated as his brown eye's held more tolerance than the others and his silvery hair shining brightly. "We have to think rationally about this. That girl who is our sacrifice is being followed by that red head male. What are we to do about him?"

"We could kill him." Alex smirked.

"No." Damian growled. "We need to do something different."

"We still need more blood for the sacrifice." David snorted.

"Get the red head tonight. Besides we owe her from last time we all met the Knights."

~Ken and 'Alley'~

"What do you mean you're not Alley?" Ken demanded.

"I mean I'm tired of lying to you and the others. I'm tired of pretending to not know you guys." She held back a sob and removed her sunglasses and took down her hair. Her eye's were the dark blue that had haunted Ken for the past two weeks.

"Amber!" He shouted. "How what?"

"Ken I had to fake my death to draw out the Darken Cl..." He explanation was cut off as she felt a pair of lips crash with hers. Her eye's went wide and she couldn't believe what was happening. They parted and Ken blushed furiously as Amber just looked at him.

"Sorry it's just...I just..." He trailed.

"It's alright." She stated and sighed. "Ken...I'm so sorry I didn't....I didn't wanna fake anything but it all happened so fast." She whispered as he put his hand on hers and pulled her in close.

"What did happen?" He asked.

"Well...." She trailed and began to explain.

~Flashback~

She was still partially alive as her body was taken out of the room but no one but the doctors knew this. Amber lay there helpless and couldn't really do anything but listen as people chatted. She was only half aware of what was going on. "You can't kill her off if she's partially still alive!" A deep voice shouted.

*That voice....* Amber thought.

"But sir her blood type has no match!" Protested the doctor.

"My blood type is the same as her."

Hours past and Amber felt like she was trapped in two worlds. She felt as if she was floating or something. Suddenly a voice called to her and her eye's snapped open. There in front of her stoodShuuichi Takatori. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"K-Ken? Where's Ken?" She demanded and sat up to quickly and fell backwards.

"Amber calm down. Ken's back at the flower shop. He thinks you're dead." Shuuichi stated sadly.

"What? Why would he think that? What have you done!?" She shouted at him.

"I did it for your own good." he stated. "Amber we couldn't let you...."

"Get in the way of his Goddamn missions! God damn it!" Amber threw a small empty needle at him and got it in his arm. "I don't give a shit!" She shouted and got out of bed taking out the IV.

"Amber you can't leave. If you do I'll be forced to have you killed." he threatened.

Amber snorted. "I don't care."

"Amber does Darken ring a bell?" saying this caused Amber to stop and turn around.

"Yes why?" She growled.

"How would you like to have another shot at killing them off before the Empress Ritual?" Shuuichi asked.

"Fine." She sighed. *Ken I'm sorry....*

~End flash back~

Amber sighed and leaned on Ken praying her wouldn't flinch away or be angry. The sun had set and now a cool breeze went through the air. Suddenly Ken sighed and lifted Amber's chin so their eye's locked. "I don't care." He stated.

"Y-Y-You don't?" She stuttered in shock.

"No I don't care." He smiled and watched Amber's eye's fill with water and a smile cross her lips. "You're going to have to tell the others. Not to mention your father."

"I know." She sighed and stood up. "Come on." She stated.

"Do you know why Persia ordered us to follow you?" Ken asked standing as well and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Uh...." Amber blushed deeply. "No."

~Not to far away from Ken and Amber~

Serenity stood there in shock. She was alive. Amber was alive the whole time and no one told her. Serenity had been there the whole time she now understood why Derrick was being such a jerk and giving them the mission. Turning around she ran, keeping her eye's ahead of her and not looking back. It wasn't fair how could Amber do this to everyone!? She continued to run until she reached the hospital. Suddenly her mood changed. She'd find out why Aya always came here. Slowly she went down the hallway making sure not to get caught by anyone and found herself standing outside of the room he had gone in. *I want to but I don't wanna.* Her mind told her. "Serenity what are you doing here?" Came a gruff voice.

"I was curious. I'm sorry Aya." She stated and turned around.

"What happened to showing no emotion?" he asked.

She snorted. "Maybe you're the only one who hasn't backstabbed." She crossed her arms.

"Backstabbed?" he gave her a questioning look.

"Amber's alive. She's Alley. They're one in the same." She growled.

"I see." Aya sighed.

"Why didn't she tell us? Why did she let everyone suffer?" Serenity stood there with her fists clenched and her eyes covered by the shadow's of her bangs.

"Serenity I'm sure she had a good reason." He stated trying not to let to much of his emotions show. There was something about her that he felt like he could open up to.

"She never has reasons for things she does." Serenity sighed and was suddenly drawing blood from her fists.

"Relax." He stated and grabbed her hands causing her to relax a bit. "You're going to hurt yourself." He stated and opened one of her fists showing where her nails were digging in.

"....."Serenity stood there watching as Aya walked over to the door.

"Follow me." He stated.

"Okay..." She trailed and followed him in.

She looked at the bed and there rested a beautiful girl with black hair in spiral pigtails. Her eye's were closed, and she was hooked up to some machines. Serenity looked at the clip board at the end of the girls bed. Aya-chan. "But Aya..." She whispered.

"My real name is Ran. This is my little sister." he stated.

"Oh..." Serenity whispered and looked at her. She was a very pretty young lady that was for sure. *She's un-conscious...I know how to bring her back....But ....*

"What's wrong?" He asked as he put some bandages on her hands.

"Nothing. Just thinking to much that's all." She blushed as he finished and looked at her.

"What were you thinking about?" Aya questioned curiously.

"Nothing important." She smiled up at him. *If I told him I could bring her out of it he might freak or something.*

"Alright." Was his only reply as he set a small pot of flowers on the window sill.

Serenity watched as Aya went over to his little sister and ran his hand along her face. It made her remember how she last saw her brother before they pulled the plug on him. That was when she was at least six years old. She remembered that was when she was put into the assassin program. "Well would you look at that. We don't gotta hunt you down." Alex smirked as he walked in.

"Who the..." Serenity turned and backed away.

"I'm here for you Shiroi no Tenshi." Alex chuckled.

"Don't call me that." Serenity growled and backed up a bit more.

"Come on Serenity make this easier on yourself." He demanded when suddenly Aya went in front of Serenity.

"You won't touch her." he growled.

"Oh really? I beg to differ."

~TBC~

Amber: O.o that fiend!

Erin: Chill out.

Amber: Oh well Ken kissed me. ^-^

Erin: *Rolls her eye's*

Ken: huh? *Walks in and trips on something then falls on Amber*

Erin: KLUTZ! Well until next time. BUBBYES!!!!