No Way To Say

by Toby Danger

Even after months on the road, Haru and Elie are still afraid to voice their feelings for each other. How will Julia and the gang solve this problem? (COMPLETE!)

3. Tragic Confessions

Groove Adventure Rave: No Way To Say

Groove Adventure Rave is copyright of Kodansha and Hiro Mashima. No infringement is intended.

Dark clouds covered the night sky, as the group assembled outside their hotel. Julia looked utterly miserable.

"I don't understand… I thought they would be perfect for each other.."

Let touched her shoulder, and she glared at him. "Don't you dare say it!"

"Say what?"

"Say 'I told you so'. I just know you've been waiting all night to say it."

"Actually…" Let huffed. "I was going to suggest something to help Haru and Elie."

Julia's face lit up." You have an idea?"

"Alright!" Musica cheered. "Okay Let, impart your romantic advice."

"I was merely going to suggest…" Let continued. ".. that Julia and I go tell Elie that we planned this whole thing."

Julia gaped. "Excuse me?"

"Elie's upset because of an understanding we all caused. And we were tricking them into this date. I feel the decent thing to do would be to explain everything, make Elie see you only wanted her and Haru to be happy."

Julia crossed her arms. "I wanted it to be a secret… but you're right. She deserves to know."

Let smiled. "And perhaps, this may make her decide what her feelings for Haru really are."

"You're right!" Julia hugged Let. "I knew there was a good reason for getting engaged to you."

"Yes… come, lets get changed, then we'll talk to her."

"Okay… Operation Get Haru Laid isn't finished yet."

"May I come?" Iulius followed the couple. "Elie may need a shoulder to cry on…"

Musica sighed. "Man Haru, you really know how to impress a girl." He looked at Shuda. "You saw what happened. I cannot believe he didn't try to explain himself." He smirked. "But hey, if Let and Julia can get them talking again, I've got some more schemes…"

Shuda grabbed Musica's arm and dragged him inside.

"Ow! What the hell?!"

Shuda frowned. "We're going to see Haru. I'm putting an end to this lunacy once and for all."

# # # # # # # # # #

Meanwhile, at a junkyard, several blocks away…

"Giraffe! Leopard can't walk in here!" Leopard whined., her shoes digging into the earth.

"Then take those heels off." He sighed, looking over the vast piles of scrap metal. "Where the hell is Koala?

"Right here!!" They looked up, not surprised at what they saw. Koala sat in the cockpit of a robot-type machine, made entirely of pieces of scrap, and a few guns and weapons bolted on. This was the power of his Dark Bring, which allowing him to manipulate metal. He looked extremely proud of his creation.

"What do you think?"

"Not bad." Giraffe shrugged. "Where'd you get the weapons?"

"I raided a gun shop down the road." Koala grinned wickedly. "I've got about fifteen of these babies made, more than enough to take out the Rave Master's pals."

"Excellent. You take care of them. Just remember, the Rave Master is mine."

Giraffe reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small rod, with a black jewel set within it. "I'm been waiting for a chance to try this out.." He looked at Leopard. "Well, come on. Let's get ready."

Leopard's eyes were downcast. "As you wish Giraffe…"

# # # # # # # # # #

Julia, Let and Iulius stood in front of Elie's hotel door. Listening, they could just hear her quietly sobbing.

"Poor lass. Are you sure we should go in?" Iulius asked.

"We have to.." Julia knocked on the door. "But remember, we have to be gentle about this. Elie? Elie-chan? Can we come in?!

"Julia..?"

"Yeah, it's me. Iulius and Let are with me? Can we talk? You sound like you need some company."

There was silence before she answered. "O… okay then."

The three entered the small room, seeing Elie, still in her white dress, sitting cross-legged on the bed, her face wet with tears. Julia sat next to her, Iulius and Let standing nearby.

"Oh Elie… what happened?"

"It's… it all went wrong." She sobbed. "Something happened and… I just couldn't let that date continue."

"Was it something Haru did?"

"Yes…" She shuddered. "But it was me as well…" A cry racked her body. "My first date…."

Iulius decided to speak. "Well, don't worry my dear. It's not the end of the world. He could still apologise for that nightgown."

Elie looked at him. "How… how did you know about the nightgown?"

Iulius sweatdropped. "I er.. um.. oops."

"You idiot! I said we were to be gentle."

Elie looked at them all. "You were… watching us?"

Julia sighed. "Well, yeah. I'm sorry, but we just wanted to watch you two together."

"But why? You're being weird Julia."

Julia took a deep breath. "Okay Elie, we have to be honest. Haru didn't win those dinner reservations. We bought them for you."

Elie's eyes widened. "You did?"

"Yes, and it was Iulius who gave them too you. And it was Musica's idea to make Haru give you that nightgown. And it was me who made those fortune cookies."

Elie was stunned. "You did all this… But why Julia-chan? Why all this trouble?"

Julia sighed, feeling utterly ashamed about putting her through this. "Because I thought I could play matchmaker. I looked at you and Haru.. and I thought you two would make a nice couple. I thought you would be happy with Haru the way I'm happy with Let…." Her eyes lowered. "But I guess I was wrong."

She looked at Elie, who had turned pale, her hands clasped to her chest. "Elie-chan… you can hate me all you want for doing this… but please don't hate Haru. He's just an innocent in all this."

Elie's eyes bored into her. "Hate him…" She covered her face. "I could never hate Haru. I can't! It's impossible." She shook as she cried once again. "Our first date… and our last.."

Julia touched her friend's shoulder. "Elie… this doesn't have to be your last date. You could…"

"No!" Elie cried. "I can't! I'm sorry, but it can never happen. I have to keep him away from me. That's why…" Shame covered her face. "I yelled at him."

Let blinked. "You ruined your date on purpose?" But why?"

"I have to keep him safe…" Elie cried. "I have to make sure he won't get hurt…"

She felt their eyes on her, expecting an explanation.

"Because…. Because I love him."

Julia gasped. "You mean… you really love him?"

Elie nodded. "I do… I love him so much.."

"I knew it!!" Julia leaped to her feet and pointed at Let. "I knew I was right! In your face Let!"

She then realised everyone was frowning at her.

"Well er.. carry on Elie. You were saying?"

# # # # # # # # # #

Shuda, Musica and Ruby stood at the door of Haru's room, Musica feeling anxious.

"Shuda, are you sure this plan of yours is going to work?"

"Or course." Shuda nodded. "One thing about Haru, he can be very talkative when he gets frustrated."

"The thing is…" Musica was nervous. ".. whenever Haru gets angry… people get sent to hospital."

"He's right poyo." Ruby spoke. "It's rather mean. Should we really do this to Haru, poyo?"

"I think it's the only way." Shuda replied. "Let's just do this already."

"Okay…." Musica rapped on the door. "Haru! Yo Haru, you in there?!"

There was silence. Finding the door unlocked, Musica opened it and peered inside. Haru lay on the bed, back in his usual clothes, and stroking Plue, who sat on his lap. His face was passive of any emotion. He noticed his friends entering. "Hey."

"Hey Haru!" Musica spoke gaily. "So, how did the date go?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Haru replied, his eyes fixed on the window. "It didn't go well, even with that gift I got her… I don't want to talk about it, okay?"

"Okay…" Musica shrugged, not failing to realise the misery in Haru's voice. "But hey, you and Elie will be alright, right?"

"I don't know…" Haru sighed. "I should talk to her tomorrow, see if I can straighten things out with her."

"Cool.." Musica cringed inwardly, knowing full well Haru would not take well to his next words. He glanced back at Ruby and Shuda, the red-haired man's stare meaning he had no chance to back out of this."

"Well, I hope Elie feels better soon, cause I want to…" He swallowed, and prayed. "…ask her out."

"What?!" Haru bolted upright, Plue flying from his lap. "What did you say?"

"I said, I wanna ask her out. You know, dinner, night on the town… and maybe a night under the sheets."

"What…" Haru looked confused and enraged all at once. "Bu.. but why?!"

Musica flashed a fake smile. "What can I say bro? It's been ages since I've been with a woman, and you gotta admit, Elie is one hot dish. And seeing as you have no luck with the ladies, I figure I should try my chances with her. Not that I need help of course."

Shuda watched as Haru began to twitch with constrained anger. Musica was doing his job perfectly. He just hoped Haru didn't snap before…

"You… you can't be serious…" Haru managed to speak.

"Oh I am buddy boy. I made plans." Musica smirked. "I got an expensive picnic in the moonlight paid for, fine jewellery to give her, and some hot, sexy underwear, for when we…"

"No!"

"Oh yeah! Months of suppressed hormones will be ended. I'm gonna show Elie pleasure she can't imagine." He leered. "And boy, do I know some positions to…"

He never finished. With a speed too fast to register, Haru leaped off his bed, grabbed Musica's throat, and slammed him against the wall. Musica struggled against his friend's hold, but Haru was powered by pure anger. His eyes bored into him.

"If you touch her…. You do those things to her… I'll kill you…" Haru hissed with malice. "You hear me?!"

"Ahhh! Calm down Haru, poyo!" Ruby yelped.

Musica looked into Haru's eyes, amazed at what he saw. Anger was there, but he could see something else. Fear, Desperation. He felt desperate, as if his very life were on the line. Then Musica remembered his lack of breath.

"Why so upset Haru?" Shuda spoke out. Haru ignored him. "Why do you care about what Musica does with Elie?"

"Shut up!!" Haru spat at the man. "This is none of your business!"

Shuda remained cool. "I'm curious. Why are you getting so riled up about this? What is your problem with Elie dating Musica?"

"I.. I… just shut up!" Haru was shaking now, his grip on Musica loosening slightly

"Hurry up man!" Musica gasped.

"You do feel strongly for Elie, don't you? And not just as a friend."

"No I…. she's just my… friend…" Haru shivered in fear. "Just go away!"

"Admit it Haru. You're jealous that Musica is getting to her before you do. Having her before you get the chance."

"No I don't! I don't… feel like…"

"You want to take her to bed. Given the chance, you would ravish her. I know you've been wanting to." Shuda continued, sensing he was getting close. He felt bad for inflicting this on the man who had become his friend… but it had to be done, for Haru to understand.

"You're wrong!" Haru protested. "I'd never do that to her!"

"Please! You would take her, and enjoy her for all she's worth, while you have the chance.."

Haru released Musica and rounded on Shuda. "NO!! I LOVE HER!!"

After the outburst, everything turned quiet. Musica rubbed his neck, staring at Haru. Ruby was stunned by Haru's words. Shuda was silent as ever, but with a slight smile on his face. But Haru, had instantly turned into a wreck. He fell to his knees, shaking uncontrollably, his hands covering his face.

"I love her…." He whispered, collapsing on the floor. Plue ran up to his master, holding his arm to try and comfort him. Haru didn't notice in his grief.

"Geez Shuddy, did you have to be so harsh?" Musica spoke.

Shuda kneeled next to Haru. "I'm sorry Haru… but before you could admit it to her… you had to admit it to yourself…"

Haru said nothing. He just looked down at the carpet, as if seeing something else.

"I love her…."

# # # # # # # # # #

"I guess… the day I realised I love him.. was after the battle with Doryu." Elie wiped her face, and glanced at Let. "You remember what happened, right Let?"

Let nodded, but felt he should explain to Julia and Iulius. "After Haru had finished Doryu, he suddenly vanished into thin air. For a while, we thought he was dead, but as it turned out, he had been transported to Alpine, one of the Blue Sky Knights. He healed Haru of the wounds from Doryu's sword, then brought him back."

Elie nodded. "That was the day… I was so glad he had managed to defeat Doryu… he'd put his life on the line… but then… he vanished."

She crossed her arms, her face somewhere between cheer and sadness. "When he was gone… we all thought he was gone forever… and I felt so… empty inside. Like nothing else mattered anymore, not even the world. What was the point if he was gone?"

She smiled. "Then he came back… and I felt so happy.. not just because he was alive, but because I didn't have to face life without him."

"And that's when I realised.. I love him." She looked at Julia. "When I lost my memories, I really had nothing, no one I could call a friend. Then he showed up between my legs, and offered to stay with me… and he's been with me ever since. He's so kind, and strong.. and he cares. He cares about everything, at the cost of his own happiness. I know he's not the smartest guy, but I don't care." Her eyes shone with adoration. "I don't care if, at the end of all this, I get my memories back or not. If I can be with him… I'm happy."

Julia felt a tear in her eye. She had felt Elie liked Haru… but never to such a deep extent. She glanced to see Let with a rare smile, and Iulius struggling not to burst into tears.

"Elie, that's wonderful…. But I still don't understand. You love him so much, but you feel you have to keep him away?"

"I know…" She spoke softly. "I want to tell him. I'm burning to. But… it's better this way. This way… we don't risk hurting each other."

Julia blinked. "Huh? How could you ever hurt him?"

" What if I die?"

Julia flinched. She recalled Elie's earlier conversation about Saga Pentragon. "I… don't get you."

"Me neither. What do you mean? Let asked.

Elie swallowed. "Saga Pentragon told me, that he couldn't see me with you guys in the future… so I figure, I might die sometime before this quest is over."

"That's nonsense!"

"Is it? Resha Valentine died when she created Rave, maybe I might have to die to restore the Raves to one form." She looked away from them. "I don't mind dying, if it means I can save the world and stop Dark Bring. But I don't want to break Haru's heart, if I do go."

"For God's sake woman!" Let blurted. "You're refusing you and Haru a chance of happiness, just because of what some stupid talking flower said?"

"He was right about you and Julia, wasn't he? He said you would find her."

Let thought about that. "Well, yes.. but that doesn't mean he's right about everything. In any case, it's foolish to withhold your feelings like this."

"It's not just that.." Elie sounded frightened now. "What if Haru dies?"

"Good grief. Haru is not going to…"

"How do you know?!" Tears fell from her eyes again. "You've seen the way he fights.. don't you remember the battle with Doryu, or Hardner? They nearly killed him. And then… and then there was that fight with Lucia, and the Oracion Seis and… he kept fighting."

She sobbed. "He was dying! They had beaten him to a pulp… he was badly hurt.. but he kept fighting… fighting for us. Fighting for my useless hide…"

"He's so brave… but what if he dies trying to save me? I don't want him to die because of me…"

She looked at her friends with despair filled eyes. "I don't want to make him suffer. I love him too much to do that to him."

There was a profound silence. Iulius, his bottom lip quivering, excused himself and left the room. Seconds later, a high wail could be heard. Julia moved closer and held Elie in her arms. Elie leaned on her chest, too upset to do anything.

"Elie… I do understand what you're saying…" She glanced at Let, who watched the two with concern. "Not a day goes by that I don't worry that Let is going to go too far in his battles and get seriously hurt, or that I feel guilty because he had to go through so much to get me back…"

She flashed a tender smile at her fiancée. He smiled back, indicating he was listening.

"But.. I believe in us. I believe in being with him, and the love we share… it may get dangerous. Who knows, maybe one of us will be gone. But we can only believe in each other, and enjoy what we have now."

"But… what if something were to happen…?"

"I don't know… but I would rather be his fiancée now, and be with him, than deny him because I'm scared."

Let nodded. "I always fear for Julia's safety, but I put my trust in her, because I know she needs it… as much as I need her to get through the day. Haru is the same way."

Elie blinked. "Haru?"

"You've watched him fight. He's strong… but whenever you encourage him, whenever you stand by him. his determination seems to double. I've seen it many times. He believes that you believe and trust in him. And you.. I'm sure you do the same."

"I like to think he does.. he always tries to comfort me when I feel sad… but I don't know."

She rose to her feet. "But I guess there's only one way to find out."

Julia gasped. "You're going to tell him?"

"Yes.." Elie gave a small smile. "You're right Julia-chan. Regardless of what will happen… I do love him. And he deserves to know that… even if it never happens."

She walked to the door. "I'm going to wait by the cliffs. If you see Haru… tell him I'm there."

"Of course."

Elie, now feeling bolder, gave a quick wink before leaving the room. Julia sighed, looking out of the window to see Elie run out of the hotel, and toward the cliffs.

"Remarkable.." She heard Let say. "And I thought I was devoted."

She turned and grinned at him. "Are you humbled for once? That's rare."

"Well, to adore someone like she does…" He shrugged. "I doubt even I could be that good to you."

"You do fine koi.." Julia hugged him tight. "Do you really think it'll work out for them?"

"It had better.." Let growled.

# # # # # # # # # #

Haru sat on his bed, calmer now, but still looking a bit pale. "You were right Shuda. I kept it to myself,,, and I never really said it out loud, not even to myself."

"You made it pretty obvious to everyone else except Elie though." Musica smirked. "I mean, I figured you had the hots for her since Experiment City, and that whole Sieg Hart thing.."

"No way, Poyo! You've loved her since Symphonia!" Ruby blurted.

"Er… you're wrong." Haru blushed. "I think… the day I realised I loved her… was the day my father died."

Everyone blinked at that. "The day Gale died? A bit… morbid, isn't it?" Shuda asked.

"Well, it was afterwards… when I was at Dad's grave…" Haru's eyes stared out at the darkening sky, as if he was trying to locate Gale's grave from miles away. "I was broken up about it… really crying, cause I'd never see him again.. and she was there, holding me, trying to comfort me."

"I had lost Dad… but while I sat there… I tried to look forward, convince myself that I hadn't lost everything. I still had a lot in my life. I've still got my quest, and my sister. I've got friends who count on me… and I've got her. And that night, I stared at the stars, thinking about what I would do now. I promised myself.. and Dad.. that I'd stop Dark Bring, and help my friends.. and another promise."

He smiled. "To stay by Elie, no matter what. Because I spent the rest of the night, just thinking about her."

He looked back at his friends. "She'd beautiful, isn't she? You all think so, right?"

"Damn right." Musica replied. "I'm amazed you hadn't jumped her bones already."

Shuda glared at him.

"Well yeah, she looks great but… I don't really care about that." Haru blinked. "I mean.. I do.. she is really hot, but I don't like her just for that!"

Shuda stifled a chuckle. Even the mighty Rave Master could get flustered.

"I mean… I like… love her because… I don't know why really. I have lots of reasons." He counted off his fingers. "She's beautiful, she's caring, she's funny.." He sighed. "All I know is, when I see her cry, it hurts me. When she cheers me on, I feel better. And when I try to imagine life without her.. I can't."

"If I had the choice, I'd take her back to my home and let her live happily, even without her memories. I don't care who she was before… it's Elie that I love."

He sighed in relief. It felt good to get this off his chest, let feelings he'd tried so hard to ignore spill out… he then blinked at the sight of his three friends, who seemed to be contorting their faces in an effort not to cry. Even Shuda looked a bit teary.

"Oh man…." Musica rubbed his eyes. "And I thought this was just a crush. Man Haru… this is really deep."

"I know." Haru replied. "It scares me a little."

Shuda composed himself. "This is great and all Haru, but shouldn't you be telling Elie this, rather than us?"

Haru's eyes turned wide. "Are you crazy? I can't tell her! I might scare her off…" He gave a long sigh. "It would be pointless anyway.."

"I don't call declaring your love pointless." Musica spoke. "Come on Haru, the truth. What's stopping you?"

Haru slumped down. "Guys.. why would Elie want to be with a person like me?"

"What kind of question is that?" Musica frowned. "You're the Rave Master. Of course she'd…

"So what?! So what if I'm the Rave Master?!" Haru snapped, suddenly angry. "So what if I am the heir of Symphonia? I could be king of Song Continent… it doesn't change anything.." His voice sank lower. "It can't change.. the person I am."

He looked down at the floor, looking like a defeated man.

"What person are you then Haru?" Shuda asked.

Haru spoke in a miserable tone. "I'm a loser. I'm some hick from a tiny island, who has no idea about how the real world works. I'm a guy who keeps putting people in danger…

I mean… what could I do for her? I've got no job, hardly education.. I knew hardly anything about the world until I left the island… I've never even dated a girl.."

"Elie…. she's practically an angel. Why would she want to be with a nobody like me? I couldn't even give her a gift she likes. She deserves… someone better."

His eyes closed, as if he didn't want to reveal the hurt in there. Shuda and Musica were silent, unsure what to say. But Ruby boldly waddled up to the Rave Master.

"Haru… can I say something a bit off base, poyo?"

Haru blinked and looked up. "Sure."

"Okay…" Ruby took a deep breath, before bellowing. "That's the biggest pile of bullshit I've ever heard, poyo!"

The others turned saucer-eyed. It was the first time they could recall Ruby actually swearing.

"That's rubbish Haru, poyo! You think you're a loser? You're not!" Ruby voice scratched from the conviction in his words. "You're the coolest person I've ever met! You're brave! You're nice to everyone! And I don't care if you are the Rave Master, poyo! Even if you never found Rave, you still would have done all this! Even without Rave, you still would have beaten Doryu, Hardner and all the rest! You still would have encouraged me to stop being a baby and fight for what I believe in! You still would have helped us reach our goals, poyo! And you would still fight to save Elie and find her memories, because that's the kind of person you are Haru, and if Elie doesn't like a person like that, then she's out of her mind, poyo!"

Ruby fell on his rear, seemingly exhausted from his outburst. Both Haru and Shuda looked at him with a new-found respect.

Musica spoke. "The penguin's right for once. You're a good guy Haru, one of the best. Hell, I aspire to be half the guy you are, and I don't aspire ever! Why wouldn't Elie want to date you?"

Haru got to his feet, scowling. "You're just saying that to make me feel better. Just leave it! It'll never happen and that's that!" He clenched his fist in anger, then released it. "She'd be better off without me." He walked toward the door.

"How dense are you Haru?" Shuda spoke as Haru touched the doorknob. "Isn't it obvious? You two need each other."

"She doesn't need me…

"Yes she does." Shuda spoke fiercely. "Elie's strong, but do you really think she would have come as far as she has without you nearby? Do you think she would have the courage to follow her quest without you encouraging her?"

Haru froze, the words moving in his brain.

"And you. Do you really think you got this far with Rave and your strength alone? Or did having Elie nearby give you more courage… something to fight for?"

Shuda moved to the door, and looked Haru in the eye. "You said it yourself. You can't imagine life without her. Well, the day is coming when you really will be without her, unless you do something."

Shuda moved past Haru, and left through the door. Ruby and Musica followed, Musica taking a last look at his sullen friend.

"Do the right thing man.." He said softly, before leaving the room.

He looked at Shuda. "Man, that was harsh. You think we should have gone a little easier on him."

"He brought this on himself.." Shuda stared upwards, as if lost in his own thoughts. "Love… its powerful stuff…"

"I hear ya." Musica glanced at the door. "So what now?"

"I thought you were the ideas man in this little scheme." Shuda sighed. "We just pray Haru takes my advice."

For a moment, he thought of a certain raven-haired girl on a distant island. "I know I should have…"

# # # # # # # # # #

Night had fallen over the down, the sky blackened with dark clouds. Giraffe stood outside the hotel room, waiting for Leopard to get changed. Clad in his old battle clothes, loose trousers and a long shirt, his secret weapon in his hand, he felt both confident and anxious. They were minutes from a major battle against the Rave Master, and he was itching to prove his might to the warrior. With all the preparations he and Koala had made, he was confident they would win. But then, The Rave Master had defeated Hardner..

Hardner. He had hated the guy, and yet here he was, fighting for his honour.. "No… our honour…"

He rapped on the door. "Leopard, hurry up! Koala told me that Elie girl was spotted at the cliffs. The Rave Master should be there as well."

Leopard stepped out, dressed in her combat outfit: A leather top and briefs, and two large gauntlets, with razor-sharp claws attached to the knuckles. Giraffe looked her over, a smile of approval on his face. "Okay then. Let's go.."

"Giraffe… do we have to do this?" She asked in a timid voice.

He blinked. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's just… Leopard doesn't see the point in all this."

"Are you mad? This is our chance to get payback on Glory, and avenge the Blue Guardians!" He was stunned to hear his partner talk like this.

"But it won't change anything, will it?" Her large blue eyes stared into his. "It won't bring back our home, or Hardner, or our old life…"

Giraffe was silent. It was the first time he'd seen her seriously upset like this.

"Leopard thinks.. Leopard thinks we should just forget about it, and go on with our lives. We could have new lives, better than what we had with the Blue Guardians." She was almost to tears.

"Well… why haven't you said anything about this before?"

"Because.. Leopard knows that you and Koala are really dedicated to the BG, and… I thought you wouldn't want to be around me.. and I don't want to lose you. You're my… friend.."

For the first time in ages, Giraffe felt something he'd almost forgotten about. Compassion. He actually understood what Leopard was trying to say. He was touched that she wanted them to remain together. How many people could he really call friend?

But it was still there… the anger of his lost life, his pride, his respect for Hardner.. he looked at Leopard, standing anxiously.

He sighed. "I'm sorry Leopard… but I have to do this, if only for myself… but if you want to leave, if you don't want to fight, then you should go now."

Leopard closed her eyes, trying to hold back tears. "No. Leopard can't leave! Leopard has to make sure you're okay."

She moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, careful not to harm him with the gauntlets. "Promise you'll be okay?"

Giraffe shuddered. Never had he felt Leopard like this. His arms moved and hugged her back. "Promise."

She moved back and smiled. "Okay then. Let's do this!"

He smiled back. "Indeed… partner."

# # # # # # # # # #

Haru lay on his bed, eyes fixed on the window. He hardly registered the dark clouds though. His whole attention was on his conflicting thoughts. His love for Elie.

The first woman he truly loved. The woman who made his heart flutter, and his life more uplifting. Shuda was right. He really couldn't live without her.

But why now? When he was targeted by powerful psychopaths who saw him and his friends as a threat? When he was still just some kid wandering around trying to save the world?

"I would just hurt her… I'd either mess things up or fail to protect her.." It seemed she would be better without him.

Wouldn't she?

Memories of past events filtered through his mind. One event came to focus: When he was laying in a cot, receiving treatment from Alpine Spaniel, the holder of the third Rave. As he had laid there, still in agony from the wounds of Doryu's sword, he had truly wanted to die, if only to escape the pain. And the shame that for once, he had failed his friends.

Then Elie had appeared in his thoughts. He could see her, scared and alone, trapped by Doryu. And he knew he had to get to her. The thought of her alive.. it eased his pain a little.

She had helped her so many times. Through the death of his father, and all his other troubles, she had stood by him. And when she was in trouble, he had rushed to her rescue… because it was the right thing?

No… because he wanted to be useful to her. To help her.

He needed her. And maybe… she needed him too.

There was only one way to find out for sure.

He got to his feet. He couldn't hold this in any longer. Watching her from a distance, it was killing him.

She had to know, even if her view of him would change for the worst.

He pulled a jacket on, and strapped the Ten Commandments on his back. It had become a habit of his to keep the sword close by at night.

He walked into the corridor, wondering where she was. Around the corner, he saw Iulius, bawling his eyes out, and Plue trying to comfort him.

"Iulius? You okay man?" Haru asked.

Iulius stared up. "Haru… you fool!"

"Eh?"

Iulius grabbed Haru's shirt and yanked him closer. "You lucky bastard!" He wailed melodramatically. "You have no idea how lucky you are!"

"Okaaaay.." Haru was scared now.

"I'm sorry, I'm keeping you. Go to her Haru…" He blubbered before sloping off. Haru blinked in confusion. Did he mean Elie?

"Puuun!" Plue called, pointing out the window. Haru looked out to see the cliff, several feet behind the hotel.

"Elie's there?" He asked. Plue nodded.

"Thanks pal…" He patted Plue's head. "Wish me luck."

"Puuuun!" Plue cheered.

# # # # # # # # # #

The cliffs of Stanza Peak were a popular tourist trap. Situated at the base of a majestic mountain, overlooking the sea, and with a network of caves underneath, swarms of people could be seen here every day. Now though, with a cold breeze blowing in the dead of night, no one was there, save for Elie.

She sat on the grass, looking at the dark sea, one thing on her mind. Haru.

It wasn't fair. He was the first man she truly loved. All she wanted was to hold him, to feel safe in his arms, to look in his blue eyes… but she risked his life. She risked everyone's lives. If it wasn't for the fact she held the key to saving the world within her, she would have left a long time ago.

She shook her head. No, even if she did want to leave, she could never ditch her friends. They were too close to her, too precious to lose.

And the thought of a day without Haru was just too much to bear, even if they could never get close.

She sighed, wondering if there was a way out of this. She had to tell him tonight. He had to know. He had put up with her for so long. It wasn't right to keep him in the dark about her feelings.

She sniffled. "It's not fair… if I have to leave.. I don't want to hurt him…"

"Elie?! Elie!" She jumped to her feet at the sound of his voice. Turning, she could see him walk up, silver hair whipping in a breeze.

She trembled. This was it. How hard could it be to say three words? She'd just say them, then answer any questions he had. Easy.

She wished for the ground to swallow her up.

It didn't take long for Haru to find Elie on the cliffs. The only problem was, once he saw her, his confidence took a nose-dive.

She looked so beautiful, her white dress luminous in the dark, her hair shimmering. He was tempted to just stand there and watch her.

No, he couldn't stop now. With a call and a few quick strides, he was next to her, and trembling.

He looked down at her, due to the height difference. She looked timid, afraid of something. What, he wasn't sure of, but at least knowing they were both nervous made him feel calmer.

"Um… hi Elie. I was just looking for you." He managed to say. "You look…. Nice."

He cringed inwardly. What the hell was he doing, talking to a beauty like her? It was probably safer to just run away now.

But she smiled and replied. "Thank you… Actually, I was looking for you myself."

"You were?" He was surprised, he figured she'd want to ignore him after their date.

"Yeah.. I wanted to say sorry." She spoke in a low tone.

"Sorry."

"For ruining the date." She crossed her arms, a look of shame on her face. "I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I just… overreacted. I thought…"

"No no…" He stammered. "I just.. wanted to make you… Its my fault." He sighed. "I just thought you would like it…"

"Oh.."

They stared at each other for the longest time, focusing on the other's eyes to distract themselves from their anxieties.

"Just say it… tell her…"

"I have to… need to tell him.."

A laugh escaped his mouth. "I mean… you don't have much stuff to sleep in."

She giggled. "I suppose."

"No… I want to tell her… I can't… why can't I just say it?"

"Haru… I can't say it… I don't want to hurt you…"

They looked at each other in silence, content to be in each other's company.

And ashamed of their cowardice.

"Please… something, anything happen, just to break this silence…"

# # # # # # # # # #

The cliffs had several tall observation towers along them, to allow people a view of the sea and town. Right now, Julia was using one of the telescopes in a tower to view the possible couple. She adjusted the focus to try and see their faces.

Let sighed. "For heaven's sake woman! We talked to them already. Let's just leave them alone to sort it out."

"And miss out on all this great romance?!" She got a good view of the two… and then it turned black.

"Damn!" She thumped the telescope, realising her credit had run out. "Let, give me some change."

"I don't think…"

"CHANGE!!" She yelled, eyes blazing. Let searched his pockets and gave Julia some pennies. She rammed them into the coin slot, and resumed her vigil on Haru and Elie.

"I am seriously reconsidering this engagement.." He murmured.

"Hey guys!" Musica called, as he climbed up to join them, the others following him. Ruby was giving Iulius tissues to wipe his face.

Musica took a spot next to Julia and peered out. "Alright! Haru's actually doing it! They said anything yet?"

"Not yet. I can imagine they're terrified." She glanced up at him. "Did you guys say something to Haru earlier?"

Shuda smirked. "Let's just say we gently persuaded him to make a decision."

The whole group was now crowding around Julia, all eyes on the Rave Master and Aetherion Girl.

"Ahh, isn't this just incredible." Iulius said happily.

"What, that we have nothing better to do than spy on our friends?" Shuda sighed.

"No, this! It's the perfect romantic setup. Two lovers, meeting in a secret place.." He gestured with his hands. "The quiet, the starlight, the sound of the waves, the flying robot, the light of the moon…"

He stopped. "Robot?!"

"What the…?" Julia gaped. Looking up, the group could see what looked like two large, misshapen mechanical beings flying in the air, propelled by noisy jet engines. The whine of the engines turned into a roar, as they were joined by several more robots. The first two landed on the ground… next to Haru and Elie.

# # # # # # # # # #

At the sound of the jet engines, Haru and Elie looked up, surprised to see a small army of robots flying toward him. After the initial shock had worn off, Haru went into full warrior mode. He unsheathed the Ten Commandments, and stood in front of Elie, sword raised defensively. He felt Elie clutch his shoulders in fear.

Two of the robots landed with a crash in front of them. The two machines, made up of rusty pieces of junk seemed ready to fall apart at any moment, but stood threateningly with guns pointed at them. Haru narrowed his eyes, wondering the best strategy for taking them down quickly. He could feel Elie tremble slightly against his back.

A person walked up from behind the robots. A tall man, clad in a shirt and baggy, animal print trousers, with black hair in a large quiff, and a confident smile on his face. He held what looked like a small rod in his hand. Haru got the feeling he'd seen him somewhere before.

"Well well, Haru Glory. You're a face I never expected to see again." The tall man spoke.

"Who the hell are you?"

"You don't remember me? I suppose you don't. The first time we met, you only got a fleeting glance of me and my partners. During your time in the Albatross, I would have liked to challenge you myself, but your silver melding friend beat me before I got the chance.

Haru gasped. "You.. you're one of the Blue Guardians!"

"Oh well done you!"

Elie glared at him. "What do you want you freak?! We toasted Hardner and your dumb organisation!"

"Yes you did." Giraffe smiled falsely. "And I must say, I was impressed. I mean, sure you destroyed our base and ruined our plans, but until that day, I thought no one could beat the almighty Hardner."

"Yeah, I beat Hardner…" Haru pointed the sword toward Giraffe. "And if you don't piss off, I be happy to show you exactly how."

"Haru…" Elie tightened her hold.

Giraffe smirked. "Straight to the point then Glory. I want to do what Hardner couldn't. Defeat you. To face you in combat.. and come out the winner."

"You want to fight me? What for?"

That made Giraffe pause for a few moments. "Well… I'll leave it to your own interpretation. You could call this revenge. You could call this me avenging the Blue Guardians. I prefer to call it…." He stared at Haru with malicious eyes. "Proving just how weak you really are."

# # # # # # # # # #

From the tower, the group watched as Giraffe mouthed off to Haru.

"Son of a bitch! I recognise that guy! He was in the BG!" Musica yelled.

"Poyo! The Blue Guardians are back?!" Ruby jumped in fright.

"Probably just one of Hardner's lackeys wanting some payback." Shuda spoke. "Foolish of him…"

"Unless he brought some backup…" Let observed. He then noticed Julia gripping the telescope tightly. "Koi…

"That jerk!" She angrily ripped the telescope from its stand and threw it down. "How dare he try and ruin two people declaring their love! Let's get him!" She tugged on Let's arm.

"For once koi…" He cracked his knuckles. "I'm in agreement. Come, lets try and sneak up on them by the side."

The two dragon warriors leapt off the tower, and ran toward some rocks for cover. Shuda shook his head. "I don't suppose they considered that there may be more than one enemy out there?"

"Then we'll take care of em!" Musica grinned. He pulled his silver pendant from his shirt, and transformed it into his signature weapon, the Silver Ray spear. "You coming?"

Iulius withdrew his Dark Bring, Ama Diatoir, and produced an ice sword. "If these cads think they're ruining our vacation, they can think again!"

"Poyo! Let's do it!!" Ruby whipped out his magic sword.

Shuda gripped the handle of his katana, Tenkuuzakura. "Looks like I finally get to enjoy myself."

Griff stared in fright. "Do you all just carry your weapons around like that?"

"You and Plue just go help Haru and Elie. We'll take care of the robots." Musica ordered.

Plue and Griff ran off, leaving the rest to jump off the tower, and charge at the robots. They were halfway up the cliff when a loud whine was heard.

"HA HA HA!" A mocking laugh cut through the air, as more robots descended in front of the group, led by a larger red machine. This one held Koala in its cockpit.

"Remember me?!" He yelled.

"I say, it's that stuffed animal… thing." Iulius spoke. "The one me and Shuda fought back on the Albatross."

"He looks mad, poyo." Ruby shivered.

Koala pointed a mechanical arm at them. "You punks took everything from me. Now it's time for some compensation!"

Musica rolled his eyes. "Get real. You think we're scared of a stuffed monkey?"

"WHAAAAAAT!!" Koala's eyes blazed. "That's it! Robots… ATTACK!!"

The robots raised their weapons. Musica flashed a grin. "Bring it on!"

# # # # # # # # # #

Leopard hid behind some rocks, watching Giraffe threaten the Rave Master. Her part in the plan was to take him out from behind, while he was busy with Giraffe. He was strong, but would struggle against two opponents. And the girl with Aetherion wouldn't be too hard. Even though she had blasted Leopard with her magic in the past, she wouldn't get the chance to do so again.

Leopard sighed. She really didn't want to do this. After all that had happened in the last few days, she'd had enough. Enough of fighting, enough of killing. But Giraffe needed her, and she was not about to fail the man she… no, she had to leave that beside for now. She had to concentrate.

She was about to leap at them, when something hit her side, sending her flying across the ground. Twisting in the air to land on her feet, her eyes widened to see a blonde woman. The same one she had defeated in the Albatross. "You!"

"Yep, me." Julia cracked her knuckles, a frown on her face as she remembered how Leopard had beaten her before. "You gave me a good battle the last time we met. How about we even the score?"

Leopard glared, pointing her claws at the woman. "Ha, you won't stop us! Leopard beat you before, Leopard will do it again!"

"Then know this.." She spun around to see the other dragon warrior, a deadly look in his eye. "Any attack on my mate is an attack on me. You think you can handle us both?"

Leopard swallowed. Two against one? She'd faced tougher odds, but these two were really good fighters.

But she couldn't let Giraffe down. She raised her claws. "Let's go!"

# # # # # # # # # #

Elie stood in silence as Haru stared Giraffe down, his sword still raised. Giraffe smiled, anticipating a response from him.

"Well Glory, you ready to have your head removed?" He mocked.

"We don't have to do this." Haru spoke calmly. Elie was amazed that Haru could remain so cool about this.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."

"But you do." Haru pointed. "You could just walk away from this. I mean, this is pointless. What are you going to gain from beating me? Nothing."

"You tell him Haru!" She cheered mentally.

Giraffe's smile turned to a frown. "Honour. That's what I'll gain. Seize her!"

Before he could react, the two robots shoved Haru aside, and grabbed Elie's arms, yanking her off the ground.

"AHHHH! Haru!"

He was up in a flash. "Let her go!" His calm demeanor now washed away by anger.

Giraffe chuckled. "Just putting her out of harms way. I do so loathe to see a woman hurt. And we wouldn't want her to give you an advantage now, would we?"

Haru watched as the robots moved several feet away. Although she was held tight, Elie seemed unhurt. "At least that's something we agree on."

He pointed the sword's edge at his opponent. "But I'm not letting you get away with this. You want a fight? Well fine."

Giraffe smirked, and held up the small rod. The dark jewel within it crackled with dark energy.

"Reaper!" At his call, dark light surrounded the rod, and from it, the shape of a sword began to emerge. Haru blinked in surprise as the light from the rod took the shape of a long, curved blade. The light somehow seemed to solidify, and Giraffe touched the blade gently.

"Impressive, don't you think? The Dark Bring which becomes a weapon, Reaper. I've been keeping this for a special occasion…"

He held the sword in a kendo stance. "Now… get ready for the fight of your life!!"

Haru smiled, trying not to look concerned. "Oooh, a transforming sword. Big deal."

With a single thought, the Eisonmeteor glowed from the energies of Rave, and transformed into the red blade of fire, Explosion. "I've got the original and best! Let's rock!"

He crashed the blade to the ground, a large burst of fire erupting from the tip. Giraffe flipped backwards to dodge the flames, then charged forward, Haru dodged the swipe, rolling sideways.

"Not bad Glory, but I'm more powerful than you think!" The blade of Giraffe's sword transformed into a rapier shape. "ZEPHIER CUTTER!"

His arm turned to a blur as he slashed the air at lightning speed, the sword moving so fast it was almost invisible. Haru summoned the Silfarion sword, retaliating with his own rapid swipes. The blades clashed against each other furiously, clangs of metal ringing in the air.

Then they braced against each other, both combatants trying to force the other away. Haru pushed against Giraffe's sword with all his might.

"Not too late to give up!" He grunted. Giraffe just smiled. Removing one hand from it's grip on his sword.

"Don't count me out so early." Giraffe's hand momentarily glowed, before he thrust it towards Haru's chest.

Suddenly, Haru was overcome with searing pain, as if a vice had clamped itself around his heart. He tried to cry out, but could only grit his teeth,

"Oh, did I forget to mention my other Dark Bring?" Giraffe mocked as Haru fell to his knees. "Allows me to manipulate gravity. Handy when you need things crushed." He clenched his fist, and Haru choked in agony.

"Let him go!" Elie cried out

Giraffe raised his sword. "Well, it's been fun…" The blade flashed down to sever Haru's head…

"MELFORCE!!" At the last moment, Haru summoned the wind sword, creating an instant blast of wind, which blew Giraffe into the air. Flailing, he crashed to the ground.

Haru got to his feet, coughing blood from his mouth. Resuming his fighting stance, he watched as Giraffe got up. His opponent stared at him, his gaze more determined. The Reaper transformed into a large zweihander.

"Okay… let's finish this.." Haru charged forward.

Elie watched in fear as Haru and Giraffe went at each other, swords clashing furiously. Haru's face was set in determination, unemotive as he expertly defended and countered Giraffe's attacks.

She shivered. She knew Haru was a great fighter, and a punk like Giraffe was beneath him compared to Lucia… but what if Giraffe were to somehow win? The fear that she might lose Haru was magnified knowing she truly loved him. She had to help him. But the robot holding her had a tight grip on her. No amount of wiggling could get her free.

"Elie-san!" A shill voice cried out. She turned her head to see Plue and Griff run up, Griff holding her tonfa blasters. As the second robot turned to face them, the blue blob raised the guns.

"ENEMY DETECTED! ELIMINATE!" The robot droned out in a tinny voice. It took a step forward.

Griff grinned. "Say hello to my little friends!" He pressed the triggers.

Nothing happened. He sweatdropped.

"Take the safety off!" Elie wailed. The robot was now running toward Griff.

"AHHHHHH!" Griff dropped the guns and ran off, the robot in hot pursuit. Plue watched as they comically raced around, until picking up a tonfa in his paws and switching the safety off.

"Puuuun!" He took aim, and blasted the second robot's head off. It fell to the ground, allowing Elie to get free. She ran to Plue and picked him up in a hug.

"Thanks Plue!" She grabbed the gun, aimed at the robot chasing Griff, and blasted it to pieces.

"Elie-san!" Griff ran over and leaped at Elie's chest, hugging tight. "You saved me! I'm in your debt!"

"Yeah…" Elie wasn't comfortable with the way he held her chest. But she had bigger things to worry about.

Two more robots descended from the sky. She glared. No one and nothing was going to stop her from saving Haru.

# # # # # # # # # #

Let stood tensed, waiting for an opening to attack. But the way his fiancée and the catgirl were going at each other, he would be in for a long wait.

Both females danced and dodged around each other, punching and swiping. Leopard slashed with her claws at supersonic speed, but each blow was swatted away by Julia. He gave a small smile of pride.

Julia hopped back, and launched into a flying kick. But Leopard was ready for her. Jumping to dodge her foot, she dived through the air, her claws slashing past Julia's midriff. Streaks of blood spurted, and she fell to the ground.

Enraged, Let raced forward, darting into the air and hitting Leopard with a fierce. She landed a few feet away, and instantly Let gathered up his Ki within him.

"ENRYU KANTEN!" A stream of flame shot out from his mouth, striking Leopard and knocking her to the ground. The fire enveloped her, and Let used the distraction to help Julia up.

"Are you alright?"" He barked, checking her wounds.

"I'm fine koi." She frowned. "Though you have just given her a tactical advantage."

Let looked back at Leopard, and blinked. She was standing, the flames surrounding her body like some living aura. But she was unharmed by the flames.

She giggled. "Don't tell me you forgot about my Dark Bring."

Julia sighed. "It lets her control elements. She did that trick on me the last time."

Let glared. "If you think that trick is going to stop me, think again!" He rushed toward her.

Leopard growled charging forward with flaming claws. One sharp razor zeroed in on Let's head… and stopped short.

Let grabbed the claw, swatted it away, and sent his fists flying. A barrage of blows pummelled the catgirl, before launching her through the air. She crashed to the ground, her fire extinguished.

Julia ran up to her lover, noticing his fists were badly burned. "Oh my…" She grabbed one and inspected it. "I've got to treat these."

He pulled his hand away, brushing it to try and cool it off. "I'm fine koi. Truthfully, I feel worse about beating up a lady."

"She hardly a lady." Julia turned to where Leopard was laying.. she wasn't there.

"She's gone…" The two looked around, trying to spot her.

"ZILLION CLAWS!" A blur of human and metal rushed toward them from out of nowhere, and the two dived sideways to dodge it. Julia hopped on her feet to see Leopard, her face set in anger, dart toward them again, her claws flailing at immeasurable speed.

Let tried to keep a bead on her, but it was impossible. She jumped all over the area, darting in and out to slash them.

"Damn she's fast." Let barely dodged another rush of claws.

"We need to slow her down." Julia spoke. "Any suggestions?"

"Just one. Be ready."

As Leopard rushed toward them, Let leaped into the air, and then with increased speed, darted back down, his feet glowing with ki energy.

He hit the ground, and the earth exploded around him, the shockwave travelling in all directions. Losing her balance, Leopard tripped and fell, her speed sending her straight into Julia's arms.

"Ahh! Let go!" She wailed as Julia tightened her grip.

"Time to put the cat out!" Julia leaped upwards, and slammed Leopard down in a painful piledriver. The catgirl collapsed to the ground.

# # # # # # # # # #

Koala grinned as his army of robots jetted toward the heroes. These guys were tough, but surely they were no match for his creations.

"Poyo!" Ruby hid behind Shuda. "What do we do, poyo?!"

"Just relax.." Shuda calmly raised an arm, and summoned the powers of his Dark Bring, BarretFlare. Several red orbs appeared from thin air, circling a few of the robots. With a simple thought, the orbs exploded, blasting robot pieces every which way.

Musica took a more direct approach. Rushing forward, he sliced through two robots with the spear, spinning round to strike another one. A mechanical blade arm of a fourth robot darted toward him, but he nimbly flipped aside, before cutting it in half.

Three more robots fired their engines and flew upwards, then jetted down with the intention of flattening Musica. He saw them coming, and transformed the spear into a whip. The silver darted through the air like liquid, cutting through the robots with ease.

Too easy." Musica smirked as nuts and bolts rained around him.

Gah, what ugly machines!" Iulius declared as more robots approached him. He held his sword up. "I shall not let you blight our beautiful world with these monstrosities!"

"Stop hamming it up and trash them!" Musica yelled.

"A little drama never hurt.." Iulius pouted. His sword glowed with power. "ARCTIC RAIN!"

A bolt of blue magic shot into the air, and from nowhere, giant shards of ice rained down, flattening and spearing the remaining robots. Iulius took a fancy pose as the last one fell.

Musica rolled his eyes, then looked at the remaining robot, Koala's one. "Well monkey boy, you wanna surrender now, or after we turn you into a beanie baby?"

Koala just grinned evilly. The Dark Bring around his neck glowed brighter. Around him, the pieces of destroyed robots started to move.

"AHHHHHH!! They're coming back!" Ruby screamed. The others watched as the robots begans to reassemble themselves. Parts and limbs floated in the air and connected to each other to reform new machines. In a minute, Koala's army was back together.

"BWA HA HA!! Now I know why Hardner liked his job so much. There's nothing like having your own unstoppable army!" Koala laughed. The robots lumbered forward.

"I think we're in trouble, poyo." Ruby shivered.

"Not necessarily." Shuda glared at Koala. "We only need to take him and his Dark Bring out, and the rest should fall."

"And I suppose you have a plan to do that?" Musica asked.

"Cover me!" Shuda rushed forward, leaping over a robot.

"What?! Musica called out. He tried to follow, but was stopped by another robot, which he barely blocked with his spear.

Shuda raced toward Koala, slashing robots left and right with his sword. He leapt at Koala's machine, his blade a blur as it came down. Koala raised and arm, and his mech copied him, blocking Shuda's attack. Shuda braced against the arm, but could feel the robot gaining the winning hand.

Koala smirked. "Wanna surrender now?" His other arm slammed Shuda away, throwing him back toward the others. He crashed next to Ruby.

"Poyo! Are you okay?!" The penguin helped him up. "Is anything hurt?"

"Just my pride…" He got to his feet, noticing the robots were now priming their weapons.

"Guys… I think now may be a good time to panic." Musica spoke. The robots were now loading large rockets onto their arms.

"Ha ha ha… I hope you brought marshmallows, cause we're about to have a splendid barbecue!" Koala laughed manically.

The robots raised their arms, and fired their rockets into the sky. They soared upward, then turned to streak down toward the heroes.

"Run!"

"We'll never make it!"

Ruby growled and held up his sword. "I'll stop you, poyo!"

"Ha! What will that puny little thing do?!" Koala mocked.

Ruby was silently enchanting magic under his breath. "This…. I hope."

The rockets streaked toward them with a deafening whine. "Move it Ruby!" Musica yelled, running with the others.

Remembering the spell from his mentor Alpine Spaniel, Ruby waved his sword in a swift arc. "MAGIC REFLECTION, POYO!"

The rockets came within inches of hitting him… and suddenly they changed direction completely, shooting up into the air.

"What the…" Koala gaped.

Ruby grinned. "Not bad eh? It's a spell that deflects things… and sends them back to their original source, poyo!"

Koala's eyes turned wide as he realised the missiles were heading back toward him and his robots. "Oh shi…"

The missiles hit their target, a massive explosion engulfing the robots. Ruby covered his eyes, narrowly being hit by a stray robot foot. Opening them, he saw nothing left of the robots but a smoking heap of scrap metal.

"All right!!" Muscia cheered as the others raced back.

"Fantastic my boy! Poetry in motion!" Iulius gushed.

Not bad Ruby. Not bad at all." Shuda smiled. Ruby blushed from the attention. "Oh, it was a simple spell, poyo…"

Shuda surveyed the scrap heap. "Well, that should be the end of him. And a fitting grave too…

Suddenly, the scrap metal began to move, pieces moving on top of each other and connecting. The pile began to grow taller.. as it rebuilt itself.

# # # # # # # # # #

"What the hell!?" Haru looked behind him to see a large explosion. While he was looking, Giraffe raised his sword, swinging it toward his enemy's head…

"Back off!!" Giraffe was suddenly blindsided by a large blast of bullets. Haru looked to see Elie, brandishing her guns and looking very angry.

"Don't you lay a finger on him!" She growled.

He chuckled. "I thought that was my line. Thanks for the assist Elie!"

She blushed suddenly. "Oh well…

"Look out!"

A robot appeared behind her, and made a grab for her. Elie was faster though, and blasted it's head off. "I'll sort these junkpiles out Haru! Leave it to me!"

Haru smiled. To think that he would have someone like her supporting him…

Another robot leaped at Elie, prompting her to run away screaming while it gave chase. Haru was about to follow her, but was diverted by the loud war cry of Giraffe leaping from above. Haru jumped away, sword ready for the next round.

"Try this!" Giraffe bent down and touched the earth with his hand. The ground around him began to ripple, and suddenly the earth formed up into massive waves, which travelled along the ground toward Haru.

Suspecting this was an effect of the gravity Dark Bring, Haru transformed his sword to Rune Save, and charged forward. As the waves of dirt and stone threatened to engulf him, he sliced though them, charging through to get to Giraffe. He cut through a final wall of earth… and was struck heavily by Giraffe.

As he went flying through the air, it occurred to him Giraffe had been waiting for him to break through the earth. Cursing his impatience as he hit the ground, he scrambled to his feet in time to Giraffe rushing forward with the rapier blade of reaper. He turned the Ten Commandments to Blue Crimson, the sword splitting into two blades of fire and ice.

"OMNICUTTER!!" Giraffe's sword cut through the air at supersonic pace, seemingly looking like several blades moving at once. Haru swung his own blades in defence.

Months of training had improved his speed, and every swipe, cut and blow was blocked and deflected. Giraffe attacked faster, but Haru's reactions seemed unstoppable.

Giraffe finally stopped cutting, bracing his sword against Haru's two. They glared into each other's eyes.

"Nice moves Glory, but I can tell you're getting exhausted." Indeed, Haru was now breathing heavier. "It's just a matter of time…"

"Oh shut up!" Haru pushed harder, his eyes gleaming in anger. "I was about to confess to her before you showed up and ruined it. Why the hell can't you just leave us alone?"

Giraffe was confused by his first statement. "What do you mean by that? You expect me to give up?! When I saw you, I saw a chance to avenge Hardner! You expect me to turn away from it?"

Well.. yeah." Giraffe blinked at Haru. His face was still etched in determination, but his eyes… seemed calm. "Don't you have anything better to do than this?"

All of a sudden, his mind went hazy. He really could think of things he'd rather be doing. Enjoying the countryside. Having a night on the town with Leopard. Taking Leopard on another dinner… her words from before resonated… "Leopard doesn't see the point in all this."

He shook his head, regaining his concentration. "You're trying to confuse me!"

"I'm just saying.. I have to do this. I have to fight guys like you. I can't walk away. But you, you have the choice. Don't you want to do what you want, now you're free of Hardner?"

"The only thing I want… is to kill you!" Giraffe shoved Haru back, transformed his sword into the zweihander, and swung it into Haru's chest. Although the flat side hit him, the impact sent him sprawling to the ground.

"Haru!" Elie froze as she saw Haru crash to the ground. She ran forward to aid him, but was impeded by Giraffe. He pointed the sword at her menacingly.

"Stay back, he's mine."

"Leave him alone you jerk!" She aimed her guns at him.

"Back off girl… or I might just let you share the pain."

Giraffe blinked when he heard laboured breathing behind him, and spun round to see Haru get up, supporting himself on his sword.

"Stay away from her." He spoke in a harsh tone.

Giraffe gritted his teeth. "Why the hell won't you die?"

Haru coughed. "Not while she needs me." He held the sword up. "Lets finish this. Gimme all you got!"

"Gladly!" Giraffe rushed forward, the Reaper blade glowing with dark energy. "OMNICUTTER!!"

Elie watched as Haru calmly held his sword in front of him. She held her breath, hoping he had some kind of plan.

As Giraffe got nearer, the Ten Commandments transformed yet again, this time into a curved blade. A bright, unearthly light shone from the weapon, the sword of light, Million Suns.

Haru thrust the sword forward, and a beam of pure light shot out, illuminating the entire cliff. Elie barely managed to shield her eyes. Giraffe was not so lucky.

"ARRRGH!" He cried out, stumbling as his hand shot to his face to cover his exposed eyes. It was all the distraction Haru needed. His sword converted to Silfarion.

"HIGH SPEED EDGE!" In a single instant, Haru shot from one area to another, blazing past Giraffe with over a hundred sword swipes. Giraffe's shirt was cut to ribbons, the Reaper Dark Bring shattering to pieces.

"No…" He gasped, before collapsing to the ground.

Haru dropped his sword, exhausted and still stinging from Giraffe's blows. He'd been a tougher opponent than he'd thought.

"Haru!!" He was suddenly knocked sideways by a brunette blur, as Elie crashed into him, hugging him tight.

"Thank God you're alright!" She wailed. "You are okay, right?"

Haru didn't respond instantly. He was too preoccupied with the feel of her body next to his. Her head was bent low to his, he could feel her hair tickling his chest. As he got up, she still kept a hold on him. He couldn't tear himself from her eyes. With her nearby… everything seemed fine again

"Yeah… I'm okay.." he spoke softly. "I always am."

# # # # # # # # # #

Julia hefted Leopard up, holding her arms back. "Okay catgirl, you want to explain what you and your friends are up to?"

Leopard squirmed. "Ahh, stop hurting me! Leopard gives up!"

"What are you up to? Are your other Blue Guardian friends around here?" Let demanded

"No!! Just Leopard, Koala and Giraffe.." Her eyes filled with tears. "Leopard is sorry."

The two blinked in surprise. "What?"

"Leopard is sorry she attacked you. Leopard never wanted to do it."

"Yeah, that really makes up for beating the crap out of us." Julia sneered.

"But Leopard is! Leopard never wanted to fight you. Leopard would have left you in peace. But she could never leave Giraffe to fight alone. Leopard needs to stay by Giraffe.."

Suddenly, there was a blinding flash, causing them to cover their eyes. Turning to the source of the light, they could see Haru standing over the defeated Giraffe.

"Giraffe!! Noooo!" With renewed strength, Leopard broke free of Julia's hold and ran over to him.

"Get back here!" Juila was about to give chase, but was stopped by Let.

"Let her go. I think we've got bigger problems." He pointed in the distance, at the strangest sight they'd ever seen. Shuda, Musica and the others were being chased by what appeared to be a creature made entirely out of scrap metal. The giant creature lumbered after them, bits falling off at every footstep. On the metal creature's head, Koala sat, laughing insanely, and attached to the back, was what looked like a crude, but very, very large cruise missile.

"By the Great Dragon.." Let spoke in awe. Musica ran up to them, looking very angry. "Would you stop staring and help us kill it!!?"

The metal monster's arm raised, and hundreds of small shards of metal fired out, the group barely managed to jump aside to avoid getting cut."

"Die dammit! Die!" Koala screamed, flinging metal in every direction.

"Iulius! Stop it from moving!" Shuda ordered.

"Righto!" Iulius waved his sword, and a bolt of ice shot out from the blade. It hit the robot, freezing it's legs. Koala struggled, but could not move. He glared at the heroes.

"Think you can stay away from me? No chance!" With a simple command, the cruise missile swivelled onto the robot's shoulder, pointed right at them. A jet of flame licked out from the back.

"This missile has tons of explosives packed in, enough to blow this place several times over! Try to run, you'll just die tired!" Koala laughed. A countdown could be heard.

"Poyo! That's a big missile. We'll never be able to dodge that!" Ruby cried.

Koala giggled. "5…. 4….. 3…..

Shuda raised his hand. "Then it can dodge us." A red orb surrounded the robot.

"2…. 1….."

Shuda triggered the explosion, causing the robot to rear back from the impact, thus pointing the rocket upwards.

"ZERO!" With a massive blast, the missile fired its jets and shot upwards into the night sky. Koala watched helplessly as his trump card flew upwards until it was out of sight.

"NOOOOO!" He screamed, turning back in time to see Musica and Let charging forward, ready to finish the job.

"GOSPELION SILVER!"

"HEAVENLY DRAGON TIGER SNATCH!"

The two attacks hammered the robot, crushing it into a pile of scrap, and flinging Koala several feet away.

"Yes! We did it poyo!" Ruby cheered.

"Capital!" Iulius joined in.

Julia just looked over to where Haru and Elie were. "It's not over yet.."

# # # # # # # # # #

"AHHHH!" Haru was alerted by the loud warcry, enabling him to pull Elie aside, just missing being struck by a fast moving object. He and Elie blinked when they saw it was a woman with long blonde hair, who ran to Giraffe and knelt down to help him.

"I recognise her! I beat her back on the Albatross." Elie spoke. She readied her guns, waiting for an attack. Haru stepped closer to the two Blue Guardians, hoping he could finish this new enemy while he had some strength left.

Leopard saw him coming, and wrapped her arms around Giraffe's torso. "No! Stay away! Don't hurt him anymore!"

Haru blinked even more. The last time he'd seen an enemy actually defend one of their allies was when Go tried to kill him thinking he had hurt his girlfriend Rosa. Most of the badguys he faced were always looking out for themselves. To see one protect another was unusual.

"Please.." Leopard pleaded. "You've beaten him. You don't have to fight anymore!"

"Leopard…" Giraffe managed to speak looking at the girl with concern. "You don't have to do this… please, leave us be."

"No!" Leopard will never leave you!" She looked at him tenderly. Elie blinked in amazement. It almost looked like they… loved each other…

"If you promise to leave us alone, I'll let you go." Haru spoke.

"Yes!" Leopard replied happily. "We'll go away and.."

"No…" Giraffe grunted as he shakily got to his feet, breaking free of Leopard's grasp. She looked at him with wide eyes.

He reached up and touched her face. "I'm sorry… but I won't go down silently. It's my nature…" He turned to face Haru. "I'm ready to finish this!"

Haru glanced back to see the others run up. "Please… I don't want to fight you… just leave…"

"Sorry Glory… but there's only one way I'm leaving…" Giraffe took a fighting pose.

Haru was about to do the same, when he heard a whistling sound. A high-pitched whistle which seemed to be getting louder. "What the..?"

Everyone looked up to pinpoint the source of the noise. Then Musica saw it. A black shape hurtling toward the ground at high speed. The missile Koala had fired was coming back to earth.

"OH SHIT!!!" EVERYONE RUN!!!!"

Instinctively, Haru grabbed Elie's hand and started running. He piled on the speed, only knowing he had to get her safe…

The missile landed, a gigantic ball of flame spreading in all directions. The impact knocked the two to their feet. As tried to get up, but then the unthinkable happened.

The ground beneath them crumbled, and without warning, it collapsed under Elie. She disappeared under the earth.

"HARRRRRRRUUUUU!!"

"Elie!" Haru stared down at the hole she had fallen into for a mere second, then strapped the sword to his back and jumped in after her.

She would need his help.

And he needed her… to live..

He vanished into the darkness.