Author's notes: Gah. I don't like the new format of this computer. It sucks. It makes big spaces when I enter! *sobs* I can't believe I'm saying this but… I want the old computer back!!!! ;p

I feel guilty. Damn. So I'm writing this before doing my research paper! *YAY* (Minnie me: you HAVE to set your priorities straight, girl.) But it's already straightened out, right? RIGHT? Teeheehee… :D

Okay, on with it! SHOO!!! *makes shooing gestures*

Disclaimer: Just came from a retreat so I'm feeling holy today… BACK OFF, BUSTER!!! I don't own this, alright?!!!  (Minnie me: holy?! O.o)

Oh yeah, I don't own "Time Stands Still" by All- American Rejects either! *puff puff*

~~~

Him and her

Life is turned

The day I knew you would leave

I can barely breathe

Can you hear me scream?

~~~

Mission: Frustration!

By Tesuka- chan

Chapter 15

The Relic… Or Is It?

She woke up with a sense of foreboding.

This is it. This is the day when I will find the sword, when I will win. The day when it will all end…

Misao sat up, her loose hair falling and framing the sides of her face. She blinked and squinted, turning her head to take in her surroundings. Her jade eyes strayed over to the dying embers of the fire, then over to the figure across her. He was lying down and was faced towards her, fast asleep. His features were somewhat softened by slumber, looking like one of those Grecian statues with his perfectly sculpted face. Her fingers itched, wanting to brush the bangs off his incredible eyes. He didn't look like his usual stoic, cynical self… more like an avenging angel resting after a war.

…the day when I will be free of him at last.

It pained her to look at him.

She tore her gaze away, confused at her conflicting emotions. Perhaps it was true, the saying about first love not really dying completely. Yes, that's probably it. It's just memories, nothing else. Just… memories.

She sighed and stood up, heading towards the water to wash up. There's no sense in dwelling in the past. One must plan the future to succeed in life. And her future's just one step away from her. Her million- dollar future. She smiled rather cynically, her blank stare on the clear water slipping through her fingers.

Then an almost- forgotten, frustrated voice at the back of her mind just happened to pick that very moment to scold her: Oh fudge, what's with all of this serious thinking, eh Misao? What, you've suddenly turned into one of those brooding, masochistic, yearning- for- love (not that you are), poor excuse for a human being? You're Makimachi Misao, for goodness' sake! Lighten up! Be your usual genki self!

Suddenly, she had an idea. Her green cat eyes flashed mischievously as she toyed with the evil design that had just popped up inside her head. Should she… or shouldn't she…? Well, why not? It wouldn't hurt a bit. Just a bit of shock, but nothing much. Let's see if that Newton's third law of motion is applicable to him after all. Her mouth formed into a grin and widened dangerously, her inner prankster from the old days coming out that instant.

She looked at the sleeping form, then at the water, then back again. Interesting. Then she cupped a handful of cold water, crept cautiously towards the figure, and promptly poured it all over his face.

*SPLAT*

The tall man suddenly shot up, with wet tendrils of black hair clinging on his cheeks, and ~spluttered.~

Not really spluttered spluttered, but as close to one can get a splutter from a man as stoic as he.

Misao's face instantly puffed up, eyes tearing… nearing… almost… getting there…

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Ah, the well- known guffaw.

"Oh Kami- sama, that was precious! One in a million!" She never thought that she'd see the day when Aoshi actually sputtered! Her arms covered her stomach, laughing so hard it started to ache. Looks like good 'ol Newton's right again! Action and reaction! THE EXPERIMENT WAS A SUCCESS!! "Teeeheehee… that was one helluva – "

Suddenly, her feet flew out under her, hands gripped her shoulders and pinned her down to the ground. A heavy weight was on top of her, straddling her legs, the harsh fingers bruising her skin. Her breath was knocked out of her lungs, and her eyes widened in disbelief and… fear. She struggled, but he had a firm grip on her and she couldn't get out! What the hell is he doing? He was going to… was going to…

Black pupils dilated in panic. NO!!!

"STOP!!!"

The struggles halted.

Jade Jaguar trembled, her body held down on the ground. She stared up at him, seeing nothing for a while, then green eyes finally focused on ice blue orbs. Narrowed eyes that were also full of panic and instinctive hatred. Then she saw them melt in dawning recognition and utter horror.

For a second she thought, he didn't mean it.

The bruising hands on her shoulders were quickly released and the weight over her shifted away. Then she heard a quiet, slightly quivering voice, one so horrified that she didn't realize at first that it was his.

"Kami… I- I'm so sorry… I didn't realize…"

Misao's body curled into a ball with her arms around her knees, trying to calm down. Her wide eyes were focused on the ground, reliving a moment that happened years before. The trauma that never truly went away. She had promised herself that she would be strong, never be helpless again. Baka…

She heard a huge sigh somewhere.

"It was you. I'm sorry, Misao. It was you." He moved towards her, wanting to comfort her, knowing what she might be thinking. He really didn't mean it to happen, it was just instinct. Even in sleep, he does not let his guard down. He had become too paranoid. Then that dream he just had… or was it a dream? The dark waters… he reached out to her.

"Don't touch me." The cold voice dent daggers up his spine. His fingers contracted, and he stepped back. "I'm fine. It was my fault anyway. I shouldn't have done that," she said. She stood up, seemingly fine, and brushed the dirt off her cargo pants and stained black tank top. She brushed past him and gathered her things slowly, packing them again inside her bag.

The sound of a drop of water echoed throughout the ensued silence.

Aoshi tightened his jaw. "Let me explain – "

"Iiye, you don't need to explain anything to me." She looked up at him, one corner of her lips quirked up in a half- smile, her voice turning haughty. "I understand. I'm going now. If you want to follow, suit yourself. Remember, we're still in the game here." She tightened the straps of her knapsack and started to walk.

Blue eyes narrowed. Do you really, Misao? Do you really understand? He stared at her retreating back and decided to confront this once and for all. He opened his mouth and…

*BEEP BEEP*

Misao froze in place, wondering what in Kami- sama's name was that. It sounded just like… A CELLPHONE! Damn… with all of this adventure crap going on, she forgot about her cell phone! And Sano! That must be him!! Flinging all previous disturbing thoughts aside, she quickly rummaged her knapsack and found her phone. True enough, there was a message. Something about the cell phone bugged her, but she shoved it away and concentrated on the message:

Weasel, I just found out something. I was reviewing the pictures of the medallion last night and I noticed a small chink on the side. Probably nothing, but I just have this gut feeling. Look at it, will ya? I'm already heading towards the site as you read this. Hope I didn't miss out all the fun.

Hmph. I actually missed that big 'ol rooster head. He's more preferable than this huge chunk of ice cube there. She started to turn her head to glance at the said "ice cube" when she stopped herself. Instead, she took out the medallion and examined it closely. There's nothing wrong with it. Well, it's full of chinks because of the design. She smirked. Sano's probably hallucinating or something… maybe because of that important date of his. Hey… what happened to his date anyway? I have to ask him that. She grinned, then noticed something amiss, something small, less than half the size of the nail of her pinky. It's just a small chink. Yeesh. Leave it to Sano to panic about nothing in particular. Shaking her head, she opened the map to see where to head for next.

In the meantime, Aoshi was left standing there a few yards behind her, discouraged when he saw that she was busy on her phone. He decided to wander around in his own, looking for a sign or symbol to see if they're – uh, he's on the right track. He looked around, the crystals shining above him, the water clear in front of him. Then he saw one thing that doesn't seem to belong there. A medium- sized boulder in the middle of the shore. Looked harmless enough, but he headed towards it anyway, his "inquisitive professor self" surfacing. Upon reaching it, he crouched and looked for signs of any carvings or something.

Nothing.

Frowning, he stood and took one step back to scrutinize it.

*THUNK*

Aha. A "thunk" is always a good sign. He tapped the toes of his shoes on the area where he was standing and received a rewarding series of "thunks". He crouched yet again and brushed the mud and sand off the ground where he was standing on earlier.

It was a golden plaque.

Interest piqued, he leaned closer and saw a symbol that looks like a sword. A very unusual one too, for its edges were curved, instead of the traditional straight one. He traced the edges, amazed at its craftsmanship. The plaque moved.

"SHIT!" he heard a voice exclaimed at the other end of the cave. Misao!

He quickly got up, but quickly realized that the water was moving erratically, and the ground was falling underneath him.

UGH!!! I get it already, damnit! Misao thought vehemently as she crouched low and waited for the quake to pass. The ancient people are fond of moving ground and rocks. Great. Got it. Shit… how do I make it stop? ARGH! I'm getting sick of this!! Anger burst inside her, and insanity too obviously, as she stood up and shouted in frustration, "ALRIGHT! STOP IT!"

And it stopped.

Misao made a face. Wow, I must have some super power or something.

Aoshi, on the other hand, blinked a few times and thought that this situation is turning out to be quite amusing.

Then the water of the lake began bubbling and foaming, until the whole thing became a mass of white, bubbles. And in the midst of it all, an island began to rise up, its disfigured surface hideously jutting out. The huge black rock reached half of the height of the cave, about the size of a ten- storey building. Then the bubbling stopped, and out came a pathway of slippery black stones, from the shore all the way to the island.

The sight was stunningly gruesome.

The first thing that came to Misao's mind was: Oooohhh… steps! How convenient!

Then she felt a presence beside her, and knew that it was Aoshi. She became fully determined. In truth, it's not only the money that is at stake here, it's also her pride. And to prove to herself – and not to 'anyone else' – that she did grow up, and that she CAN do this.

Both of them stared at the magnificent black edifice in front of them. 

"Well, I suppose this is it, Jade Jaguar." She must've imagined the tone of wistfulness in that low voice.

"Yeah. It's finally it. It's going to be over soon."

"I just want to say, it's been very interesting… and that I'm sorry you lost."

She snickered. "I think your wounds are taking their toll on your brain."

He turned his head to look at her, an ineffable expression on his face. Then he turned his gaze back at the structure again.

"I'll go first," she murmured, not aware of his actions. She stepped on the first black stone.

"I'll be here behind you." He whispered.

The clear water was calm while they made their way towards the island slowly, but cautiously. Nothing stirred. The only sound heard throughout the cave was the constant tapping of their feet as they stepped on the black, slippery steps. All too soon, they arrived.

It was suspiciously peaceful. Misao narrowed her eyes as she crouched down, ready for anything. What? No more quakes? I was beginning to like them. She scanned the vicinity, and seeing that nothing disgusting was moving, she started to move among the slimy substance that was covering the rocks. Ick. This is probably what made the ground look black, whatever it is. She looked up at the peak of the island.

"It's definitely there," said a voice behind her. She merely nodded, too strung up to retort back. They moved again.

This time, there were no steps to ease their journey. They looked at the slippery surface of the jagged rocks, the dangerous glint of the sharp tips. They looked at one another.

One raised an eyebrow. "You up to it?"

She grinned, loving a challenge. "More than you'll ever know."

And the race was on.

Every step, every stone called out to them, making them move more swiftly and gracefully. This was the last league of the race; the last game. Aoshi moved, his muscles rippling and straining under his torn shirt. Right hand, hold. Left foot, steady. Piercing pain shot up his side – his wounds were opening up, but he didn't mind it. Adrenaline was rushing through his body. He can't stop now. This was crucial. Left hand, grip. Right foot… there. His right hand looking for a hold, he chanced upon glancing on Misao. She was not far above him, on the right side, advancing quickly. He had to hand it to her, she was fast and agile.

Then he saw her slip.

His grip tightened, and the sharp edges drew out blood on his hand. He looked away, determined, moving faster. She can take care of herself – she is a woman now, nothing like the delicate kid that he took care before. And this was a dangerous game that both of them agreed upon, he didn't care a whit if she fell and died. It would even be to his advantage. Then why the hell did it feel like his heart plummeted to the bottom of the lake when he saw her slip?

He looked to the side and saw her finally catch a hold.

A small sigh of relief.

Misao's heart pounded on her ears. Damn, that was a close call. She took a few calming breaths before she glanced towards her rival. Her eyes widened as she realized that he had took over the lead. Then she saw him look down at her, his stoic face unreadable.

Hmph… must be gloating, the bastard.

Her face flushed, annoyed. She glared at him and quickened her pace. I'll show him! Just who does he think he is, McGyver? She worked harder, being able to find footholds and grips in an instant. She was finally closing the gap between them, and realizing this, she pushed herself to move even faster.

Jade Jaguar, when angry, is definitely not a force to be reckoned with.

They were side to side, unknowingly moving in synchronized form, as they worked their way up to the last few meters above.

A little bit more…

Misao strained her arms, reaching above her.

I'm going to make it!

Adrenaline pumping with excitement, she caught the edge of the top – and felt something soft touching her fingers. She ignored it and started to pull herself up.

YES! I did it!

In mid- motion, she happened to glance at her side – and saw Aoshi Shinomori just a few inches away from her, looking at her. Time seemed to stand still.

~~~

Ooh, thrown in all directions

You – epitome of perfection

She's lost her will

Time is standing still

~~~

Sapphire clashed with Jade.

Breaking the intense contact, she pulled herself up, ending up in a crouching position. I'm here… finally.

Then she looked down and saw what the soft thing she felt under her fingers. It was a hand. Her eyes widened as she looked at the arm connected to it, moving upwards to the man connected to the arm. He seemed to be crouched the same way as she is, seemed to be wondering the same damned thing as she was thinking of.

Why am I holding his hand?

Her face suddenly turned a bright shade of red as she quickly snatched her hand away, cradling it as if it was scalded. She refused to look at him as she mumbled, "I guess it's a tie."

"Aa."

An awkward moment ensued.

Then both adventurers turned and looked behind them. There it was, situated at the highest peak of the stone edifice. A small golden temple.

It was simple, not like those elaborate modern ones that can be seen all over Japan. It was just a golden box with a pair of doors that would open out on one of its sides. It certainly does not look like it housed the most expensive relic in the world, despite its golden structure.

Well, here it is… the sword, it's probably inside. The object  that will make me rich beyond measure. The lost legend of long ago. But… is this really what I want? What if I wanted something more… something that all the gold in the world cannot pay for? Something even more precious than the most sought- after treasure?

Her heart thudded painfully against her chest as she reached out to open the doors of the small temple. Her index finger touched the small handle. Something flashed.

Suddenly, a plethora of voices, of whispers and screams, both men and women, were in her head, speaking to her in an undecipherable language. They penetrated her whole being, shooting up from her finger to the deepest depths of her, knowing her deepest desires, even more than she knew it herself. Then they calmed down and spoke.

Is this really the treasure that you are looking for, human?

-- Why, y- yes.--

But you do not need it.

--I do! --

Not for noble purposes

--It's precious to me! --

Oh, but there is something more precious than this. Something that even we yearn for. And YOU have it.

--What is it?—

You should find out for yourself.

--I don't understand! –

You will. It is the key for what you are seeking for.

Then it all stopped, just like that. Though it was probably all under one second, it felt like it had occurred a long time. The astonished Jade Jaguar blinked her eyes, her index finger still on the handle. She looked around her, and saw the puzzled expression on Aoshi's face. "What are you doing?"

Aoshi… wha- what am I doing?!

The ice blue eyes haunted her.

And the whole structure began to collapse.

Aoshi was dumbfounded, though he didn't let it show. Something definitely happened the moment Misao touched that temple. Even now with chaos all around them, she had this glassy- eyed look on her face. He inwardly cursed and decided to act quickly before both of them died a fruitless death. Instinctively, he grabbed the small temple (which was unusually light) and Misao's thin wrist. Then they jumped.

The place was caving in. Huge pieces of crystal stalactites crumbled and fell from the ceiling of the cavernous cave. Boulders and small rocks alike became loose and would splash onto the disturbed lake. Everything was falling apart, a cloud of sediment and dust hovering over the place, making it impossible to see the two figures falling from the top and splashing to the water. The taller figure dragged both his companion and a golden box to a small niche found at the side of the walls.

A great rumble was heard as the ceiling completely collapsed, completely destroying everything in its path.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unnnggghhh. Ouch. Dammit.

Misao's eyes flickered open as pain shot up her arms. It was dark, and it was difficult to breathe because the air around her was oppressive. She tried to move, but she immediately stopped due to the intense pain on her side. She slowly breathed, trying to calm down. Okay, what have you gotten yourself into this time, idiot? She wiggled her fingers. Seems like all ten of them are there. Okay, good. She wiggled her toes. Wait a second… what toes?! I can't feel them!! Oh no! I'm sliced in half!!!

Panicked, she sat up quickly, ignoring the scraping pain on her arms. Then she realized that something heavy was on her legs, that was shy she couldn't feel anything because they became numb. She thanked Kami- sama for being merciful. She began pushing the thing – Log? Boulder? Dead serpent? – off of her when it toppled off to her side. It was warm, the thing. Well, whatever it is, it's off me now. Gosh, I will never take advantage of my legs and feet again! We flinched as blood rushed into them, making her feel the scratches and wounds. Well, it's better to feel pain rather than not feel at all. She ignored the double meaning of that and tried to look for some illumination. And then she felt something… vibrating... at her back.

Oh, gods! My knapsack!!

She quickly took it off, amazed that it was still with her, and fumbled for the clasp. Upon opening it, a blinding light met her eyes as her cell phone (It's still alive!!!) flashed, alerting a call. She quickly got it and answered, thinking of how ironic life is. The voice on the device gave her a rush of pure relief and joy.

"Oi, weasel! Where are you? They've been telling me you're missing!"

"SANO!!!" She swore she heard the guy flinch, "I'm in a cave… but there was a cave in and the whole thing collapsed… and we're trapped here – "

"Whoa, slow down! It's not like you're in a life and death situation or something…"

"BUT I AM IN A GODDAMNED LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION!!!"

"All right! Yeesh! Calm down, weasel!" the low voice said annoyingly. "Okay, I'll get you out of there. Where are you, approximately?"

"I don't know… I think we're under Mount Fuji. We went through the excavation site and sort of walked a long way. Can't you just trace where I am through the call?"

"On it. Wait a sec… WE? Who are you with? I thought you're alone in this?"

Misao paused at that. Her eyes widened.

"Hello? Weasel? You there? Give me a sign if you're alive!"

"Yeah," she said quietly, "yeah, I'm alive. I am – was with Shinomori… I don't know where he is now. Just… come and get me."

"Sure. Might take a while."

"I'm not going anywhere." She ended the call.

Damn, how could I forget? He's probably crushed under a boulder now, bleeding to death. If not already dead.  She shivered at the thought, an unwelcome air of melancholy coming over her. Aoshi…

She sniffed. No use crying over spilled milk. Besides, I never cry. I don't cry. She began to rummage around her bag for the matches. Damn him. Damn him!! Why does he have to die now? She found the matchbox and looked inside. One more left. Of all the shit happening now… why this? WHY? She felt them. The tears. They were coming. Angry and pained, she vehemently struck the last matchstick for the illumination.

And came face to face with Mr. Dead himself.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the sleeping face of Aoshi. He was beside her all along! He's there, sleeping peacefully on the ground while he was worrying her head off!! Why, I oughtta – !!

His eyes flickered open.

The flame distinguished.

"Shit."

"Aa."

Aa? Aa?! What the hell? I've just lost my one light and all he could say is Aa?!! ARGH!!! Damn him for being alive!! Misao sniffed haughtily.

"So you're alive then." She said in the dark, not really knowing what to say.

"As you are."

"Do you know where we are?"

"I vaguely remember a niche on the cave walls."

"Oh." Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? Oh shit!

"What happened to the box?"

"It must be here somewhere… I brought it with me."

Misao started moving around. She heard a grunt.

"Sorry."

"Hn."

"Ah, here it is!" She held the box happily on her hands and went back the way she came. She settled down, trying to look for the doors by feel. She found it and yanked on it.

It didn't budge. O- kay… what now? She leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes.

Silence.

"You know, we should really try to get out of here."

She popped one eyelid open. "Well, there's no way, isn't it? We're OBVIOUSLY trapped and we don't exactly have something to dig with. Besides, Sano will find us."

"Who?"

"Sano. My partner."

"I thought you didn't have a partner."

"Well, not in field work. Just technical stuff. He's a really nice guy."

Something shifted in the dark.

"Your cell phone. Doesn't it light up?"

Uh, duh. Of course. It's one of the latest technological advances these – OH. YEAH.

She took out her cell phone and pressed a button. White light flashed in the small space where they are. Both of them just stared at each other.

"You're bleeding."

"So are you."

"So we're both bleeding."

"It seems like it."

Oh gods, this is stupid. Think, Misao, think! You have to help yourself! I can't stand just sitting here, waiting for that tori- atama. She jumped up and headed for the walls.

"What are you doing?" Aoshi asked.

"Looking for something… an opening of some sort. See, I figured that since Sano was able to call, we might be close to the surface. And a niche, however small, must go somewhere, right?" She went back to tapping and searching.

Aoshi's lips turned up in an amused smile. "You might just be on to something there."

He stood up carefully, the small space not being able to accommodate his tall height. He began searching with her. They worked in silence, with an occasional 'here' and 'look!' After a few moments, there was still nothing. Misao sat down, a little more than exhausted after going through the whole ordeal. She just wanted to rest… to sleep a while…

"Don't sleep."

Huh? "Why not?"

"In times like these, it's dangerous to sleep."

"Ungggh. I'm tired." Her head was becoming groggy, her breathing raspy and short. "I want to sleep." She closed her eyes.

Aoshi moved to her side, took her shoulders and shook her.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

He looked at her with those penetrating eyes, glinting with anger. "Do I have to look after you all the time? Can't you understand that you can die if you sleep here?" He shook her again, but she shoved him away, truly awake now.

"Who the hell do you think you are, ordering me around? You're not my keeper!" She scathingly retorted. She was angry. No, that was the understatement of the year. She was fuming. He was just so infuriating!

He looked at her red face and leaned back. "I don't care if you're angry at me. That proves you're still alive."

"And why do you care if I'm alive?"

He didn't answer.

Ugh! I hate him so much!!! I want to scream, kick, whatever! Glaring at him, she did just that. "HELP! HEY! IF THERE'S ANYONE OUT THERE!!! HELP US!!"

Something quickly covered her mouth. "Don't scream. The rocks might shift and crush us." Blue eyes glared back at her.

She wrenched her face away. "I DON'T CARE! If that means getting rid of you, well by all means, crush away!"

He looked at her eyebrows knitted in disapproval. "You really are still the same old Misao- chan, even with all those layers of false strength and bravado," he moved his face closer to her, "you think you're so strong, but I think you're scared, deep inside." His dark eyes drooped as hers widened at his words. "You need a keeper, Misao- chan."

I don't need a keeper.

Their breaths mingled as he inched towards her, ever closer.

I can take care of myself.

She closed her eyes as he tipped her chin upwards to meet his lips.

I… I'm a different person now.

He brushed his lips against hers ever so lightly.

I… I don't need anyone.

"Misao, " the arms around her tightened, her body leaning against his, "I – "

"WEASEL!!! YOU HERE??!!!" a very familiar voice was heard, preceded by the roar of machines.

Misao jumped back and looked away, her heart beating.

A bright, white light shone through a forming gap on the wall, blinding her eyes, blinding her mind.

Blinding her heart.

~~~

The way we are, the way we were

(It's just a shadow of what's wrong)

The time with you, the time is stirred

(I love you for so long)

The hearts they turn, they turn away

(She says to go, please don't you cry)

Love lost was found, night turns to day

Time is standing still.

~~~

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 a/n: *sings* O-o-o… thrown in all directions! You~~ epitome of perfection! WAAAHHH I love that song! ^_^ Aren't I evil? I love it! I'm soooo devilishly evil! MWAHAHAHA!!! (Tyson's mine!) Wah! Yes! I finished a chapter! *doodly-dooo!!!*

Hm… let me explain a few odd things, ne?

The island: Well, it was situated in the middle of the lake. More like a huge, black jagged rock with icky slime on it. No, there were no booby traps here; just sort of making it a difficult time for the adventurers. Wehehe. Hey, let's just say the ancients expected them not to survive after the previous ones. ;p

The golden temple: It is exactly what it is, a golden temple. It's actually just a golden box (think, trunk) that has small doors on one side. That's basically it. Sure, the ancients are pretty creative in their traps, but when it comes to relics, sheesh. Call in the critics, I say. ;p

Oh yeah, all of that up there are the creations of a demented mind – your truly. *grins evilly*

If you need more explanations, feel free to ask away! Just leave something in the review, ne? Okay, on to the thankies! I luv you guys! ^_^

Babyg2988: sure I care! ^_^ Well, you how people get obsessed… ne? It's fun! *mwahaha!* Don't get too much caffeine now... might get a bit too hyper. ;p

Moonstorm: Arigatou! Glad you liked it! ^_^

Innocent Dreamer: Wahaha! No KxK here, dear! *pats hand* so sorry to let you suffer… psyche!! (j/k!)

Chibi Mai: Of course I consider you one of my beloved readers! *grins* E- to… banana peel tea? *looks at Chibi Mai* Is that good? We-ll... if you say so! Hmm, the explanation on how their things got out will come in the next chapter, don't worry! ^_^

sOfAaNdAnImE: Awww shucks, you made me that 'lil song? That's so sweet! Wahahaha! Who doesn't have a psychiatrist nowadays? (Minnie me: Anou… your session's moved to next week due to initial freaked out quack.) Dang. I so like that one. *pouts* Glad you liked it!

Freckles: Wow, that probably took a lot of reading. ;p Thanks a bunch! I'm so glad that there are still new readers! ^_^

MoonPhoenix: I haven't really seen the play actually. I so wanted to… now we have this concert thing in school and our class has to sing "I Dreamed a Dream". Pretty good song. ;p Well, thanks!

sLL: Hmm, no Kaoru here! *looks around* Wehehe… I also love those scenes. Why do you think I made this story in the first place? For those scenes precisely! *grins evilly* (Minnie me: ne, and you like torturing people.) That too. Well, I'm happy it entertained you. ;p

Luli451: Glad you found it quite funny! *bows down* Thanks for the compliments and greeting! ;p

Moonmusic: I hope this chapter was in your liking! Thanks for reviewing!

Misao Mei Mei: Hmmm… I suppose Kaoru is a bit OOC. *shrugs* Oh well. Can't really change that now. ^_^ Hope you're satisfied with the number of MxA interactions here. There's quite a lot! ;p

Crasyducky: Gomen for the long wait! Don't worry, I'm going to finish this even through hell and high water! *determined expression* Might take a while though… school's hell. Life's high water. That pretty much sums it up. ;p Their stuff is going to be explained in the next chapter. ^_^ Thanks so much for reading!

Unique- starfish: Hehehe… well, I suppose this one has a more abrupt ending. I just LOOOOVEE cliffies. *grins evilly* Heehee… ^_^ Yep, I like that chapter too!

Shin- chan: Oh, don't cry! Here's the chapter! *pats Shin- chan comfortingly* Well, this chapter was full of them! Hope it suits you! ^_^

MagicOne13: Wow, thanks much! Glad you enjoyed it! ;p

CelestialTenshi: Hmmm, it's hard to keep him in character, but I really try to… I do! And besides, it wouldn't really be much fun if he's silent all the time. After all, he's human, ne? :D Yeah, I just sort of put Kamatari and Kaoru in here to lighten up stuff. Don't worry, this IS mainly AxM, so there's more to them. Well, thanks for reading and reviewing! Hope you liked this one! ^_^

Phew, that took a long time!*wipes sweat from brow* Thanks so much for the lovely review, everyone! *grins happily* Now I shall take on my research paper, investigatory project, and tests!! (Minnie me: *groan*) YEAH!!!!

Oh yeah, tell me what you think. Please read and review! Arigatou, minna- san! ^_^