Her fingers curled and uncurled into fists as she stood in front of
Hayden, his cobalt eyes judging her critically. Akira summoned all her
willpower to keep from blowing his head off. This was his fault. The whole
reason she was in this mess was right in front of her. She took this time
to also judge him. His face was squarely built, the effect of his powerful
jaw muscles only adding to his hardened looks. A regular pretty boy, Akira
concluded.
Hayden's handsome features were then twisted into a malevolent grin. Akira scowled darkly. Her fingers itched to gouge his eyes out.
"Your name is Akira Yaishe, heir of the Catalyst group, are you not?" Hayden inquired, tone flat and unreadable.
"Yes." She responded shortly. It was a waste of breath to talk to him.
"A disorganized group of rebels, hoping to overthrow King Yama. Hmph, what ignorant fools." He said in loathe.
Akira's eyes suddenly blazed with vehemence. She shook uncontrollably and spoke in low, deadly tones, "I will not have a pampered, spoiled, rich brat like you speak that way of Catalyst!" As she lunged, she unexpectedly found a sword pointing at her throat.
"Nor will I have a mere commoner insult me." Hayden growled, eyes alit with similar fury, "Go to your chambers and I will deal with you later."
Her rage simmered down and she stared with pure loathing at him. She spun on her heel and stormed out the grand doors. Her and Hayden were probably well matched in spirit energy. The only reason why that sword had been at her throat instead of his was because she had lost all control, and charged blindly with no skill or tact.
Itoma tried to keep stride with her furious pace. He was frightened from Akira's attempted attack on his Lord Hayden.
"I want to see Maya." She snarled at Itoma. He mouthlessly agreed and now led her to a room at the end of an elaborate corridor.
She pushed the door open with a crash, Itoma ran off like an alarmed rabbit. Maya lay on a soft feather bed, which felt heavenly compared to the straw mat she had slept on for so long. A window made of ornately designed glass revealed a beautiful scene of Sakura trees in bloom next to the bed.
She had dropped her silent treatment awhile ago and asked in concern, "What's wrong with you?"
Akira's expression of wrathfulness was reinstated with fatigue. She sat down on the plush bed, "Maya, what have I gotten myself into?"
"I told you the man was a tyrant. You didn't listen and now you've gotten into this chaos." Maya responded.
This comment didn't help Akira's troubles whatsoever.
Maya's tone softened, realizing this, "We'll find a way out of this Akira. We always do."
"No we won't. My father always got us out of our troubles. But he's not here anymore." Akira's mouth went slack as she stared outside into the dying day.
"You've done well in scouting for a suitable bride, Itoma." Hayden said evenly, this time, edge of approval in his voice.
Itoma looked up at his lord in astonishment. "Thank you, My Lord."
Hayden truly was interested in the girl for once. She had retaliation burning in her core. This attitude was new and refreshing. It could take awhile for him to get tired of her. She was a challenge. He liked a good challenge. And the fact that she was heir to the Catalyst group was a plus. The group had been an irritation to him for years. They had once come close to toppling him and taking control of his lands. Now that he had the heir within his grip, the situation was under control. It was all working out so flawlessly. He grinned triumphantly, unaware that it would all go awry soon.
Youko's expressionless face nearly gave way to frustration. It was late night and despite the bright moonlight illuminating his way, he could barely see into the rooms of the castle. In one of these rooms, Akira would be there. He could help her escape and his promise to Akira's father would be fulfilled. From there, Akira was strong enough to take care of herself. He carefully edged across the narrow ledge high above the ground. He had been doing this for a few floors now. After continuing this process for the next few floors, he finally reached a wide open window.
"I heard you coming." A voice suddenly said, surprising him. It was Akira, sitting on a chair in front of the window.
Youko swung in wordlessly without invitation. Akira sat patiently, waiting for the explanation she already knew.
"You must be insane to willingly come here. Do you have a death wish?" He asked, voice almost in a hiss.
"They promised to help Maya." Akira responded, anger tinging her tone.
"Hayden's a lying snake, his servants are the same. You can never trust them." Youko said, irritated by how naïve she was.
She fell silent then. She cursed herself for never putting this into consideration. Akira couldn't meet his fierce eyes now. She had been a fool, and she and Maya would pay the price for it.
"Forget it. Right now you have to escape, while you still have the chance." Youko said, grabbing her arm.
She yanked it away and stood up, "I am not leaving without Maya." This time they locked eyes, Akira's challenging his.
He started to grind his teeth, she was being stubborn. He finally realized that Akira would rather fight him before she left without this Maya. "Fine. We'll take her, but we will have to be extremely careful. Understood?"
"She's sick. She could die if she doesn't get the right medicine." Akira said, slumping back into her chair.
Youko let out a low growl. So many complications to this. Then he remembered, "Theres a village north from here that's known for its medicine. Your friend could get proper treatment there."
These words brought a new hope into Akira. But Maya might be too ill to make it there. Yet Hayden probably would refuse to help Maya. She debated these two facts in silence and finally decided, "Alright. We go north." She stood up, desperately hoping she was making the right decision.
Their escape had gone surprisingly easy, the only bump in their otherwise smooth plan was the guards that had nearly caught them. They barely managed to escape.
But now, they were riding north on the horses they had stolen from Hayden's stables, the sun rising to the right of them. Akira was in a state of euphoria, lost in her bliss.
They finally stopped for a rest when they were at a safe distance. A small white cat slinked out of one of Akira's saddlebags, and stretched out. Youko watched the cat slowly morph into Maya, Akira's friend. Shape shifters, Youko thought in distaste. He had never liked them much.
"I need some water." Maya said hoarsely. Travel didn't suit her illness. Akira quickly pulled out a flask that Maya drank deeply from.
"How much farther is this village?" Akira asked.
Youko thought for a second and answered, "If we keep a good pace, six days."
Akira sighed. She was hoping it would be closer. Maya was already weakened from one day of journeying.
Maya had fallen asleep, back in her cat form. Akira leaned against a tree and said, "Were you there?"
Youko looked up, not understanding what she was saying, "What?"
"At my father's execution I mean." Akira clarified, a sadness glittering in her eyes.
Youko hung his head and said quietly, "Yes. I was there. I'm sorry for his death. He was truly a powerful figure. I respected him greatly."
Akira nodded. She then said, "On that day, I didn't even know what was happening. He was just gone that day. I found out from some demons in my village." She slunk down to the ground, back still against the tree.
Youko looked away, feeling uneasy. Breaking the silence, he inquired, "What do you plan to do after your friend is healed?"
"What every heir to Catalyst would do, of course. My group members have been scattered since my father's death, and I plan to reunite us all. I'll make my father proud." Akira said with pride. Then she added, slightly embarrassed, "And produce an heir too."
She was fiercely beautiful then, Youko thought off-handedly. His thoughts were broken as Maya stirred, mouth opened in a yawn.
Over their travel, Youko and Akira began to wonder why Hayden hadn't pursued them. He was arrogant and this would be a blow to his pride. It was like calm before a storm. But this fact floated to the back of their minds as Youko and Akira became closer. Youko felt strangely attached to her, and the same with Akira.
Their journey ended when they finally reached the village they had fervently searched for.
"Your friend's condition is very bad." The lead medicine man of the village frowned, "And bringing her on such a journey didn't help her very much. But I am confident I can help her. We have medicine that can help her, but it will at least take nine or ten days."
Akira and Youko exchanged glances. Nine or ten days in the same place made them easy targets for Hayden. But presently, they had no choice.
"Akira, I'm going to be alright." Maya said, a rare smile lighting her features.
"You have to thank Youko too." Akira said humbly.
Maya thanked Youko to the point of frustration. Feeling much lighter, Akira and Youko left Maya to be treated by the medicine man.
"As soon as Maya is better, I'll have to be going, and you can get on with your business." Youko said tentatively.
Akira stopped, realizing this. "I see. Well that's fine." Akira said. She then felt a twinge of regret. Shaking it off, they continued their walk in silence.
But then Youko stopped and hesitantly said, "But if you don't feel safe-"
"I'm quite capable of taking care of myself." Akira interjected, voice a calm fury.
"It was merely a suggestion." Youko replied coolly. They soon went back to check up on Maya.
The days passed in tension, waiting for Hayden's attack. But each day passed without even a rumor of assault.
"This feels much better." Maya said as she took brisk strides up and down the hut's floor. It was their tenth day in the village, and Maya was almost healed.
"Do you feel like you can take another journey?" Akira asked hopefully. The absence of attack from Hayden had left high-strung and paranoid.
"I can do anything in this condition." Maya said, beaming. Then her voice went down, "But maybe its you who doesn't want to leave." It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"Why makes you say that?" Akira inquired warily.
"Youko's leaving after I'm completely healed, right?"
Akira nodded mutely, and Maya continued to speak.
"You two seem to have gotten very close lately. You could even say that you two are in-"
"Maya! I do not- I don't..."
"Love him?" she finished calmly, "Even if you don't feel that way for him, Youko cares deeply for you. Its pretty obvious, you know."
Akira glowered at Maya silently. She did not love Youko. At least she thought so. She was about to retort, when someone entered the hut.
It was the medicine man. But there was something wrong with him. He limped forward with widened eyes filled with terror.
He grabbed Akira's shoulders, mouth moving soundlessly.
"What's wrong?" Akira asked urgently. But she already knew. Hayden.
"Run...they're here...him...Youko." He managed to rasp. He then went limp in Akira's arms, dead.
"He's here, Maya. We have to find Youko and run for it." Akira said quickly and grabbed Maya's arm and they ran outside. They suddenly stopped. The village was overrun with strangers. They all bore the red and yellow flag of Hayden.
"They must be hunters." Maya hissed to Akira.
One of the hunters spotted them crouching down and began to run towards them.
"You two, get over here." he shouted. They were about to run for it when they found themselves surrounded.
"We have to fight our way through," Akira muttered.
"I agree." Maya grinned.
One hunter pulled out a sword, and Akira reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. They fought for a way out and began to run.
"Where could Youko be?" Akira wondered when they were a safe distance away. They were hiding in a small cave, but more hunters would probably follow.
"Akira!" A familiar called in the distance.
"Youko!" Akira called back. He was still alive, thankfully.
He came to them, expression neutral as always. "Someone tipped Hayden off that we were here. Is your friend well enough to leave?"
"Of course I am." Maya replied stonily.
The three of them looked about warily as they got on top of their horses Youko had brought to them.
All of the sudden, dozens and dozens of hunters appeared. They had been ambushed. Arrows began to fly from the hunters' bows. It was all they could do to avoid them. They began to battle for their lives.
But despite all their strength, they were heavily outnumbered. And suddenly, all combating stopped. A deadly silence warned of things to come. Akira's eyes widened as a figure slowly walked forward. It was him.
"You must be a fool to defy me." Hayden said, eyes filled with a fierce intensity. He turned to Youko, who was staring back in defiance, "You will pay the price for crossing me so many times Youko. You took my bride from me, you have challenged me many, many times. You deserve a slow and agonizing death."
Youko responded with a silence that said a thousand words.
"Maya, run for it, alright?" Akira whispered. Maya nodded her consent.
Hayden snapped his attention to Akira, "And you. You must have some nerve-" He never managed to finish, because Akira set a brutal explosion of energy at him.
The hunters went crazy at the attack on their master. Akira turned to Youko, away. Run as fast as you can. I'll slow him down." She said, feeling weak from so much fighting.
"I can't leave you. He'll kill you too." Youko refused to leave without her.
"Don't worry about me. Go." Akira replied and pushed him away. Her heart was beating a tattoo against her chest. Only two of them could escape, and it had to be Youko and Maya. They could survive. They had to survive.
But Youko had no intention on escaping. He would fight with Akira.
Hayden rose, face surprisingly calm. "Akira, don't be mad with me. After all, Youko was the one who sent a message to my castle on where you were."
Akira stood shocked for a second. Youko was out of earshot, battling the hunters. He would never do something like that, "You're lying." She said boldly.
"But I have his message right here," Hayden said lightly, pulling out a piece of paper. Akira saw that the writing revealed where they were. She felt numb. Who else would do it? The medicine man was the only one who knew of their arrival, and he had been killed unaware of what was happening. Then she realized something. The medicine man had rasped Youko's name before he died. That must be what he meant, that Youko betrayed them. Her numbness was replaced with a dizziness. "No...he couldn't...he wouldn't..."
"Its true Akira. He could never be trusted." Hayden said, eyes glittering maliciously.
"You traitor!" Akira roared.
"Akira-" Youko began.
"How could you- how could you-" Akira gasped. But she never finished. A silver phoenix swooped down from the sky and picked Akira up. But it didn't get Youko.
It was Maya in phoenix form. She spoke to Akira telepathically, "I heard what Hayden said. Youko betrayed us."
"Why?" Akira moaned. They flew far from the battle. They survived. Youko barely managed to escape, understanding why Akira had left him. She believed Hayden's lies. From then on, Akira pulled Catalyst back together. But secretly, her heart was broken from that day on.
Hayden's handsome features were then twisted into a malevolent grin. Akira scowled darkly. Her fingers itched to gouge his eyes out.
"Your name is Akira Yaishe, heir of the Catalyst group, are you not?" Hayden inquired, tone flat and unreadable.
"Yes." She responded shortly. It was a waste of breath to talk to him.
"A disorganized group of rebels, hoping to overthrow King Yama. Hmph, what ignorant fools." He said in loathe.
Akira's eyes suddenly blazed with vehemence. She shook uncontrollably and spoke in low, deadly tones, "I will not have a pampered, spoiled, rich brat like you speak that way of Catalyst!" As she lunged, she unexpectedly found a sword pointing at her throat.
"Nor will I have a mere commoner insult me." Hayden growled, eyes alit with similar fury, "Go to your chambers and I will deal with you later."
Her rage simmered down and she stared with pure loathing at him. She spun on her heel and stormed out the grand doors. Her and Hayden were probably well matched in spirit energy. The only reason why that sword had been at her throat instead of his was because she had lost all control, and charged blindly with no skill or tact.
Itoma tried to keep stride with her furious pace. He was frightened from Akira's attempted attack on his Lord Hayden.
"I want to see Maya." She snarled at Itoma. He mouthlessly agreed and now led her to a room at the end of an elaborate corridor.
She pushed the door open with a crash, Itoma ran off like an alarmed rabbit. Maya lay on a soft feather bed, which felt heavenly compared to the straw mat she had slept on for so long. A window made of ornately designed glass revealed a beautiful scene of Sakura trees in bloom next to the bed.
She had dropped her silent treatment awhile ago and asked in concern, "What's wrong with you?"
Akira's expression of wrathfulness was reinstated with fatigue. She sat down on the plush bed, "Maya, what have I gotten myself into?"
"I told you the man was a tyrant. You didn't listen and now you've gotten into this chaos." Maya responded.
This comment didn't help Akira's troubles whatsoever.
Maya's tone softened, realizing this, "We'll find a way out of this Akira. We always do."
"No we won't. My father always got us out of our troubles. But he's not here anymore." Akira's mouth went slack as she stared outside into the dying day.
"You've done well in scouting for a suitable bride, Itoma." Hayden said evenly, this time, edge of approval in his voice.
Itoma looked up at his lord in astonishment. "Thank you, My Lord."
Hayden truly was interested in the girl for once. She had retaliation burning in her core. This attitude was new and refreshing. It could take awhile for him to get tired of her. She was a challenge. He liked a good challenge. And the fact that she was heir to the Catalyst group was a plus. The group had been an irritation to him for years. They had once come close to toppling him and taking control of his lands. Now that he had the heir within his grip, the situation was under control. It was all working out so flawlessly. He grinned triumphantly, unaware that it would all go awry soon.
Youko's expressionless face nearly gave way to frustration. It was late night and despite the bright moonlight illuminating his way, he could barely see into the rooms of the castle. In one of these rooms, Akira would be there. He could help her escape and his promise to Akira's father would be fulfilled. From there, Akira was strong enough to take care of herself. He carefully edged across the narrow ledge high above the ground. He had been doing this for a few floors now. After continuing this process for the next few floors, he finally reached a wide open window.
"I heard you coming." A voice suddenly said, surprising him. It was Akira, sitting on a chair in front of the window.
Youko swung in wordlessly without invitation. Akira sat patiently, waiting for the explanation she already knew.
"You must be insane to willingly come here. Do you have a death wish?" He asked, voice almost in a hiss.
"They promised to help Maya." Akira responded, anger tinging her tone.
"Hayden's a lying snake, his servants are the same. You can never trust them." Youko said, irritated by how naïve she was.
She fell silent then. She cursed herself for never putting this into consideration. Akira couldn't meet his fierce eyes now. She had been a fool, and she and Maya would pay the price for it.
"Forget it. Right now you have to escape, while you still have the chance." Youko said, grabbing her arm.
She yanked it away and stood up, "I am not leaving without Maya." This time they locked eyes, Akira's challenging his.
He started to grind his teeth, she was being stubborn. He finally realized that Akira would rather fight him before she left without this Maya. "Fine. We'll take her, but we will have to be extremely careful. Understood?"
"She's sick. She could die if she doesn't get the right medicine." Akira said, slumping back into her chair.
Youko let out a low growl. So many complications to this. Then he remembered, "Theres a village north from here that's known for its medicine. Your friend could get proper treatment there."
These words brought a new hope into Akira. But Maya might be too ill to make it there. Yet Hayden probably would refuse to help Maya. She debated these two facts in silence and finally decided, "Alright. We go north." She stood up, desperately hoping she was making the right decision.
Their escape had gone surprisingly easy, the only bump in their otherwise smooth plan was the guards that had nearly caught them. They barely managed to escape.
But now, they were riding north on the horses they had stolen from Hayden's stables, the sun rising to the right of them. Akira was in a state of euphoria, lost in her bliss.
They finally stopped for a rest when they were at a safe distance. A small white cat slinked out of one of Akira's saddlebags, and stretched out. Youko watched the cat slowly morph into Maya, Akira's friend. Shape shifters, Youko thought in distaste. He had never liked them much.
"I need some water." Maya said hoarsely. Travel didn't suit her illness. Akira quickly pulled out a flask that Maya drank deeply from.
"How much farther is this village?" Akira asked.
Youko thought for a second and answered, "If we keep a good pace, six days."
Akira sighed. She was hoping it would be closer. Maya was already weakened from one day of journeying.
Maya had fallen asleep, back in her cat form. Akira leaned against a tree and said, "Were you there?"
Youko looked up, not understanding what she was saying, "What?"
"At my father's execution I mean." Akira clarified, a sadness glittering in her eyes.
Youko hung his head and said quietly, "Yes. I was there. I'm sorry for his death. He was truly a powerful figure. I respected him greatly."
Akira nodded. She then said, "On that day, I didn't even know what was happening. He was just gone that day. I found out from some demons in my village." She slunk down to the ground, back still against the tree.
Youko looked away, feeling uneasy. Breaking the silence, he inquired, "What do you plan to do after your friend is healed?"
"What every heir to Catalyst would do, of course. My group members have been scattered since my father's death, and I plan to reunite us all. I'll make my father proud." Akira said with pride. Then she added, slightly embarrassed, "And produce an heir too."
She was fiercely beautiful then, Youko thought off-handedly. His thoughts were broken as Maya stirred, mouth opened in a yawn.
Over their travel, Youko and Akira began to wonder why Hayden hadn't pursued them. He was arrogant and this would be a blow to his pride. It was like calm before a storm. But this fact floated to the back of their minds as Youko and Akira became closer. Youko felt strangely attached to her, and the same with Akira.
Their journey ended when they finally reached the village they had fervently searched for.
"Your friend's condition is very bad." The lead medicine man of the village frowned, "And bringing her on such a journey didn't help her very much. But I am confident I can help her. We have medicine that can help her, but it will at least take nine or ten days."
Akira and Youko exchanged glances. Nine or ten days in the same place made them easy targets for Hayden. But presently, they had no choice.
"Akira, I'm going to be alright." Maya said, a rare smile lighting her features.
"You have to thank Youko too." Akira said humbly.
Maya thanked Youko to the point of frustration. Feeling much lighter, Akira and Youko left Maya to be treated by the medicine man.
"As soon as Maya is better, I'll have to be going, and you can get on with your business." Youko said tentatively.
Akira stopped, realizing this. "I see. Well that's fine." Akira said. She then felt a twinge of regret. Shaking it off, they continued their walk in silence.
But then Youko stopped and hesitantly said, "But if you don't feel safe-"
"I'm quite capable of taking care of myself." Akira interjected, voice a calm fury.
"It was merely a suggestion." Youko replied coolly. They soon went back to check up on Maya.
The days passed in tension, waiting for Hayden's attack. But each day passed without even a rumor of assault.
"This feels much better." Maya said as she took brisk strides up and down the hut's floor. It was their tenth day in the village, and Maya was almost healed.
"Do you feel like you can take another journey?" Akira asked hopefully. The absence of attack from Hayden had left high-strung and paranoid.
"I can do anything in this condition." Maya said, beaming. Then her voice went down, "But maybe its you who doesn't want to leave." It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"Why makes you say that?" Akira inquired warily.
"Youko's leaving after I'm completely healed, right?"
Akira nodded mutely, and Maya continued to speak.
"You two seem to have gotten very close lately. You could even say that you two are in-"
"Maya! I do not- I don't..."
"Love him?" she finished calmly, "Even if you don't feel that way for him, Youko cares deeply for you. Its pretty obvious, you know."
Akira glowered at Maya silently. She did not love Youko. At least she thought so. She was about to retort, when someone entered the hut.
It was the medicine man. But there was something wrong with him. He limped forward with widened eyes filled with terror.
He grabbed Akira's shoulders, mouth moving soundlessly.
"What's wrong?" Akira asked urgently. But she already knew. Hayden.
"Run...they're here...him...Youko." He managed to rasp. He then went limp in Akira's arms, dead.
"He's here, Maya. We have to find Youko and run for it." Akira said quickly and grabbed Maya's arm and they ran outside. They suddenly stopped. The village was overrun with strangers. They all bore the red and yellow flag of Hayden.
"They must be hunters." Maya hissed to Akira.
One of the hunters spotted them crouching down and began to run towards them.
"You two, get over here." he shouted. They were about to run for it when they found themselves surrounded.
"We have to fight our way through," Akira muttered.
"I agree." Maya grinned.
One hunter pulled out a sword, and Akira reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. They fought for a way out and began to run.
"Where could Youko be?" Akira wondered when they were a safe distance away. They were hiding in a small cave, but more hunters would probably follow.
"Akira!" A familiar called in the distance.
"Youko!" Akira called back. He was still alive, thankfully.
He came to them, expression neutral as always. "Someone tipped Hayden off that we were here. Is your friend well enough to leave?"
"Of course I am." Maya replied stonily.
The three of them looked about warily as they got on top of their horses Youko had brought to them.
All of the sudden, dozens and dozens of hunters appeared. They had been ambushed. Arrows began to fly from the hunters' bows. It was all they could do to avoid them. They began to battle for their lives.
But despite all their strength, they were heavily outnumbered. And suddenly, all combating stopped. A deadly silence warned of things to come. Akira's eyes widened as a figure slowly walked forward. It was him.
"You must be a fool to defy me." Hayden said, eyes filled with a fierce intensity. He turned to Youko, who was staring back in defiance, "You will pay the price for crossing me so many times Youko. You took my bride from me, you have challenged me many, many times. You deserve a slow and agonizing death."
Youko responded with a silence that said a thousand words.
"Maya, run for it, alright?" Akira whispered. Maya nodded her consent.
Hayden snapped his attention to Akira, "And you. You must have some nerve-" He never managed to finish, because Akira set a brutal explosion of energy at him.
The hunters went crazy at the attack on their master. Akira turned to Youko, away. Run as fast as you can. I'll slow him down." She said, feeling weak from so much fighting.
"I can't leave you. He'll kill you too." Youko refused to leave without her.
"Don't worry about me. Go." Akira replied and pushed him away. Her heart was beating a tattoo against her chest. Only two of them could escape, and it had to be Youko and Maya. They could survive. They had to survive.
But Youko had no intention on escaping. He would fight with Akira.
Hayden rose, face surprisingly calm. "Akira, don't be mad with me. After all, Youko was the one who sent a message to my castle on where you were."
Akira stood shocked for a second. Youko was out of earshot, battling the hunters. He would never do something like that, "You're lying." She said boldly.
"But I have his message right here," Hayden said lightly, pulling out a piece of paper. Akira saw that the writing revealed where they were. She felt numb. Who else would do it? The medicine man was the only one who knew of their arrival, and he had been killed unaware of what was happening. Then she realized something. The medicine man had rasped Youko's name before he died. That must be what he meant, that Youko betrayed them. Her numbness was replaced with a dizziness. "No...he couldn't...he wouldn't..."
"Its true Akira. He could never be trusted." Hayden said, eyes glittering maliciously.
"You traitor!" Akira roared.
"Akira-" Youko began.
"How could you- how could you-" Akira gasped. But she never finished. A silver phoenix swooped down from the sky and picked Akira up. But it didn't get Youko.
It was Maya in phoenix form. She spoke to Akira telepathically, "I heard what Hayden said. Youko betrayed us."
"Why?" Akira moaned. They flew far from the battle. They survived. Youko barely managed to escape, understanding why Akira had left him. She believed Hayden's lies. From then on, Akira pulled Catalyst back together. But secretly, her heart was broken from that day on.