"Maybe you shouldn't go on this, Aki." Omi told the now-growing girl. The Persia hollogram

had just told them a new mission. All of the members had agreed to go, including Aki.

"Omi, it's only been four months, I think I can still go." She replied.

"No, you shouldn't. It could be dangerous, something might happen." Ran told her.

"But," Aki started, but stopped when she saw the look on his face. "Fine, I'll stay." She said with

a sigh. "But, I won't be happy till you get back, Ran." He smiled at her wistfully.

"We should go now, we have the place." Ken said, eager to get it over with. The four walked out

and Aki watched them go, annoyed she couldn't join them. Manx stood beside her and looked at

her.

"It's for the best, this is a dangerous assignment." She told her professionally. Aki nodded at her

and walked back up to the shop. She picked up a broom and swept the store. This is gonna be a

dull night...

Ran fell in the doorway. His leg was bandaged, but it was still hurting like shit. He stumbled

around in the darkness to his room. Without changing, he fell into the bed. Aki woke up

instantly, reaching for her knife on the endtable.

"Oh, how'd it go?" she looked down at Ran, then to his leg. "Oh. My. Gaaah! Ran! What

happened? Are you okay?" she started to help Ran into the bed.

"Got hurt. Guns." Ran passed out and Aki finished putting him under the covers. Oh, Ran. How

could I let you go and get hurt like this? I should have insisted you stay. It's all my fault. She

lied down next to him and cradled him in her arms.

T.B.C.