-Melfina-

"I really don't know what to do about Jess, Jim. She hasn't been herself since the um.... 'incident.'"

"Strife died, Mel.....Don't make it seem like some innocent happening." Gene's words were harsh in my ears but I know why he was mad..... Strife did remind him of his younger, bolder self..... And now he must feel like he lost a little piece of himself along with Strife's death. I wish I could do something for him.....

Jim's voice came back to life over the com. "Well, we're not too far from you guys right now. Why don't you just pull into Kenict, we'll be waiting for you there."

"Oh, why are you guys way out here?"

"Got a little bored sitting around all day every day so we took a vacation." Jim laughed a little after saying that.

I smiled somewhat. "Well that's good. I guess we'll be seeing you two soon then, huh?"

Jim laughed again. "Yep, can't wait to hear what stories you have for us, Mel! See you soon!" There was soon static then silence.

I slowly made my way to the bridge but spotted Strife's room in the corner of my eye. Just looking at it brought a small tear to my eye. His loss was surly great, we didn't even know what to do anymore. We didn't want to admit it aloud but he was the glue that was holding this ship together... No, actually we all were the glue. If anyone of us suffered the same fate I doubt we could really go on....

It had been four days since his death and no one had so much as glanced in the direction of his room. They didn't want to break down, thinking of the times they would never have again. I was a little more in control of my emotions so I took it upon myself to at least tidy up his belonging....Sooner or later. I decided now was a good enough time as any and walked in.

I laughed to myself, it was so messy, kind of like how Gene kept his room. I soon started to think about Gene himself and how I would feel if he suddenly gave his life for mine... Would I ever get over it or just cry forever on end. I shook my head, I shouldn't think of things like that, it was never a good idea. I cared too much about him to think about things like that.

The first thing I started to clean was his bed. I lifted the junk off then his pillow and blanket. As I reached for the corner of the sheets, I saw a small data pad. It was the kind you could log things in, like a notebook I once heard Gene talk about.

I picked it up and hit a button, wondering what could be in it. A large title popped up on the screen and it read. "My Hopeless Quest." I said out loud, reading the title. Perhaps it was an electronic book of some kind. I continued reading. Page after page scrolled by and I soon knew what it was. It was Strife's history, his journal of sorts. It was so sad....So much loss....Yet he never wrote anything that seemed like he was depressed or lost hope. Everything either ended in 'but it'll get better' and 'there's no way I'll let it get any worse'

I finally put the book down and placed the stuff back onto of it. I didn't read it all, just a few of the beginning, I didn't want to get too noisy, he must have kept it hidden for good reasons.

I finally made my way up to the bridge. "Hello, Gillium."

"Greetings, Melfina. Where are we off to today?"

"Can you set a course to the space port Kenict?"

"Absolutely. May I ask what's there?"

"Gene" I said, smiling.

I knew if he could, Gillium would be beaming too. "Very well, I'll get there as quickly as possible."

"Thank you Gillium." I said, walking off the bridge and heading to the rec room.

Kitty was there with Hiro but Jess was no where to be found. She must still be in her room.... Poor thing....

"Heya, Mel. What's up with you?" Kitty said, absentmindedly punching a bag hanging from the ceiling.

"Um... I'm not really up to anything but I redirected the ship to the space port Kenict."

To my surprise both of them snapped to attention.

"Kenict, really??" Kitty was the first to say.

"Yes.... Why?"

"I just got word from my mom that she's going there for some reunion thing among her peers!"

Hiro also spoke up. "I have received a letter from my mother awhile back that she will also be heading to Kenict for some interesting sparring between old acquaintances."

"Really? Gene and Jim both said they were going there to get away from their boring desk jobs... You think?"

Kitty sprang up and almost crashed into the roof. "They're going to have a reunion!! I'll finally be able to see the whole team standing together as one!"

Even Hiro laughed as he said. "This will truly be a treat!"

I couldn't help but giggle myself. Seeing all my friends again in the same place at the same time! I could hardly believe it. After all we've been through those people were more like family then anything to me..... In fact, they WERE my family.

Kitty started running for the door. "I have to go tell Jess and Str-"

I felt a hole form in the pit of my stomach. We all forgot about Strife.... And Jess wouldn't be able to fully enjoy this with his death hanging over her like that. We all sighed.

"Maybe her dad will get her other this." I spoke up.

The two others nodded just as Gillium informed us that we were now landing.

Kenict's docks were auto-operated so I didn't have to jump into that glass tube to land the Outlaw Star. I felt kind of weird to watch a docking proceeding from the outside....Like a normal passenger.

Hiro and I filed out just as Kitty came up to the door.

"No luck," she said when she reached us, "she's not coming out of there. She almost took my head off with a chair so I just decided to get away from her while I was still in once piece."

"It's ok, Kitty. There's Jim right now, we'll ask him to go talk to her."

"Ok....."

Just then Jim and Gene made their way up to us. I saw Gene, grinning like always with his cool, coy, grin. I couldn't help but run to him and embrace his hug then fall fully into his kiss. It didn't matter that he looked like he could have been my father, it was inside of him that I could see, the true him.....The one that would have done anything for me. Anything.

"Been awhile, eh Mel?"

I nodded simply. "It sure has." I closed my eyes and smiled at him.

I felt his hand pull at my cheek. "Still as young as ever, I see." He laughed.

I raised my own hands and pulled at both of his cheeks. "You're only as young as you feel, Gene."

He laughed a good laugh from that one. We both turned to the ship.

"Wow, that hunk of junk is still running huh?"

I poked a finger at him. "Hey! I love the 'hunk of junk' it's like my child! Don't start putting it down, now!"

He waved his hands defensively. "Whoa, whoa! Ok, I'm sorry. I'm just amazed it's been going this long."

I sighed and looked back at the ship. "Yeah, I know....It's been through a lot."

He put his arm around me. "WE'VE been through a lot...."

I was about to get closer to him again but Kitty's voice stopped me. "Hey, get a room!"

We laughed and walked closer to the ship.

"Where's Jim?" I asked, just now realizing he wasn't there.

"He's talking to Jess. Hopefully he can smack some sense into her."

"Hey, she just lost someone close to her. You all should be a little more deserving to the dead."

We all fell silent except for Hiro. "I don't believe he's dead."

"Oh yeah? Why do you say that?"

Hiro simply shrugged. "Because he's Strife..."

That put a smile on Gene's face. "Yeah, maybe you're right. We shouldn't just give up hope on him anyhow."

"Wow, Gene. I can't believe you gave up hope at all." A familiar voice said from behind us. A smile almost broke my face in two as I spun around to hear another familiar voice continue.

"Yeah, if you thought like that back in the day we might not be standing here right now."

Gene sighed and walked up to his old crewmen. "Ok, ok. I learned my lesson alright? Anyhow, nice to see you guys again."

Suzuka nodded. "Yes, it's certainly been awhile Mr. Starwind... So where is Mrs. Starwind...?"

I smiled and pulled up behind Gene. "It's not official yet. Suzu..." I started to blush.

"It might as well be!" Aisha suddenly shouted, putting her arms around both Gene and I "I mean, really! Look at you too! Always together ALL the time. Sheesh!"

Before either of us could responded there was a loud scream behind us.

"MOM!!!" Kitty yelled, leaping at her mother. Forcing her to get off of use to catch the young C'tarl. Hiro made his way up to his own mother, giving her the broken end of her once beloved weapon. Nothing was said but I know they were communicating in their own way.

"So where's ol Jimmy at?" Aisha said from no where.

"He's in the ship consoling Jess over Strife's loss."

Aisha said. "Ah...."

So there we waited, a somewhat awkward pause between us all now. So much so that we didn't notice that Jess and Jim had come out until Jim himself spoke up.

"What's everyone standing around for....? We should hurry up and get over to Fred's place. Y'know every second counts now."

"Yeah, you're right, Jim. C'mon people, let's move out."

Gene didn't ask how Jess was doing but he knew it wasn't any of his business.... He's just that kind of person that let's personal things resolve by themselves now. As we walked I asked Gene what was wrong with Fred..... Even though I already had a feeling....

"He's turned for the worst in a big way. We're pretty sure this'll be the last time we see him. We decided to make it count."

Before we got into the car waiting for us outside, Gene suddenly turned to the younger ones around us.

"Umm, guys. Not trying to be rude or anything but could you um..... Find someplace else to be right now? This is kind of personal and everything."

They all nodded, some more resentful then others.

"Very well." Hiro said. "We'll be around, come find us if you need us, ok?"

Suzuka nodded her head and said. "Don't worry, we'll come get you once it's over."

We got into the car and waved at them as it sped away. Jim was driving with Gene at shotgun while the rest of us jammed ourselves in the back. I smiled to myself..... Just like old times.

It wasn't long before we were talking about old times together. Our first meetings, the trouble we always seemed to get into. As we talked, I kept noticing similarities in the stories from our time and what was happening with the new crew of the Outlaw Star, I'm not sure is this coincidence was good or bad but I kept it in the back of my mind nonetheless.

We came up to Fred's building and filed out, heading into the house shortly after. The house itself wasn't lavish, or even fairly decent but Gene had told me this is how Fred truly wanted to live. Low key and with the bare necessities. I don't quite understand why someone like Fred would want to live like this but perhaps he just wanted to say how the 'other' people lived like. I shrugged, it wasn't my place to judge.

"Gene, oh my friend I thought you guys would never get here. How have you all been?!" A decrepit old Fred Lou asked as he waved to them from his bed in the living room. Jay wasn't in sight but a few of Fred's loyal bodyguards were still hanging around.

"Yeah, we're fine. Been kind of separated for a couple..... Um... Years, but we still seem to get along pretty well. How have you been holding up Fred?"

He laughed. "Well aside from the cramping in my toes I feel great!" He coughed hard, almost tossing up a lung.

Gene sighed and lightly tapped in the shoulder with his fist. "How's your kid doing, Fred?"

"James? Oh he's doing great, actually. A real business..... As long as he can get his eyes off the women around him."

"Like father like son, eh Fred?"

"Heh, Kind of yes and no, huh Gene?"

"Guess so, bud."

They both looked at each other admiringly. I could just imagine what they were thinking, I assume about everything they have been though, too. Today was just a time of memories. At least they were all good one.

"Oh, Jim! I didn't see you over there. Come here, come here! I have to see how much you've grown!"

Jim sighed and walked over to his other side as Fred gasped in shock. "My god...."

Jim suddenly became very worried. "What? What?!"

"You.....Are.....GORGEOUS!"

Jim almost fell onto the fall. "Fred!! When will you ever cut that out?!"

Fred laughed whole-heartedly. "Oh, Jimmy. You know I'll never stop loving you! ...Or Gene, either." He turned and winked to the once great outlaw who winked back in reply.

Hour after another went by as the party was underway. We laughed, drank, danced, and over all had a great time.... Despite the fact that Jim and I were the only ones there in the prime of our lives. Age didn't hamper their spirits though, they still laughed as loud and as hard as anyone ever could. It was old times... The times I wish I could get back.

"And then BAM! Fred's entire warehouse just went up in smoke!" Gene said through his laughter.

"Well, Starwind maybe if you didn't bring a patrol of every pirate in the sector over it would still be standing." Fred yelled in retaliation under his own laughs.

Gene whipped his arm around Fred's neck as they continues the screaming, ranting, and laughter.

Gene's watch beeped for his attention. "Ah, damn! It's almost three in the mourning! We should head out soon." He voice seemed to be filled with a hint of remorse.

Everything calmed down.

"Yeah, guess you're right Gene. I'll go start up the car."

"Ok, Jim... Oh and can you all give me and Fred a second, please."

Slightly taken by his request, we all walked out of the room, I held back and stood silently next to the door.

A small pause went by before they spoke, probably making sure we were good and gone.

"Fred..." Gene said, breaking the silence.

"Gene...?"

"I thought it was going to be me that went first, Y'know?"

A small laugh. "Yeah, I know what you mean.... But neither of us expected this sudden disease to come over me."

Gene sighed. "We've been through a lot, Fred. You've pulled me out of a lot of tight financial places. Without your help....Man, I don't even know. Not only that but you've been for me the whole way. The only person with power that would have helped us."

"Hey, I didn't do any of it for free. I remember things you would do for repaying me.....Like a certain space race?"

Another small laugh. "Guess you're right."

Silence.

"Fred...."

"Yeah?"

"I'm..... I'm gonna miss you man."

Another silence.

"I'm going to miss you too."

I heard rustling and I silently and quickly peeked into the room. Gene was positioned over Fred, hugging him from his place on the bed. I smiled. If friendships had to end, this surely was the best way. Not with tears....But grins of joy.

BOOM!

The building suddenly rocked with tremendous force. Pieces of the ceiling and wall fell to the ground. Gene was out the door and looking right at me.

"Melfina?!"

"What's going on?!" I asked before he could.

"I'm not sure but we have to get out of here!"

"What about Fred?!"

"He'll be fine, it's not this building they're attacking! Look outside!"

I turned just to see another blast exploding from a building next to us. The screeching of tired soon followed. But it didn't sound like they were fading away, it was like the car was just doing circles out front.

We both figured it out at the same time. "Jim's car!!"

Gene ran for the front door as I looked back into Fred's room. He was gone.... Along with his two bodyguards. At least he was still alive.....Hopefully.

I was out the door just as the third explosion went off. I now saw what it was coming from. There was a tank surrounded by a small force of goons who didn't seem that similar out on the street shooting directly at Jim's car.

He pulled around just as Gene hopped into the moving vehicle's window. They stopped and I felt Gene's arm force me inside. We started to move again just as another shell hit the ground where we were only seconds before.

"Why are they after us?!" Jim yelled as he took a sharp left down another road. "We're all pretty much retired, they haven't so much as breathed in our direction since we split up!"

"Yeah!" Aisha agreed." Our little journey ended a long time ago, shouldn't they know that?!"

"That's true, Aisha." Gene said, looking strait out the front window. "Our jorney ended...." He turned to me. "But Mel's just began, hasn't it?"

There was silence as eyes pointed in my direction. Was it really my fault? Why must it always be my fault! Why?!

BOOM!

Another explosion only this time it finally made contact. The car spiraled out of control, tipped a couple times, then right out smashed motionlessly into the ground.

Jim was the first one out, giving us what little cover fire he could afford. Next was Aisha, she self-appointed herself to flip the car back on it's wheels which she did with relative ease. After that was done, she charged the people that were still around with all her might.

I was out last being covered by Gene. Suzuka would have fought too, but she didn't have any sort of weapon....Yet she seemed to be focusing on something for some reason with the broken handle of her sword secured tightly within her grasp.

The appearance of the tank was our sign to run for our lives and we did so without hesitation.

"These people aren't pirates, Gene!" Jim yelled as he reloaded. "What's there deal?"

"I don't know but I'm not about to stop and ask!"

"Gene!" Aisha cut in. "We should split up and head to the docks in separate ways. Then at least we'll figure out who they're after!"

"Good idea but don't spread out too far, we might need back up soon enough!"

"Right!" They all replied in unison.

Gene grabbed my hand and pulled my into an alley way. We hide amongst some trash cans as Gene sat to catch his breath. He was breathing harder then normal.

"Gene... Are you-"

"I'm fine." He interrupted. "Just not used to all the running around."

As I sat next to him, I heard more people heading towards us. Gene's eyes widened as they stared at me.

"Mel, stay here, I'll distract them. Hurry and get to the ship, they need you to get that thing running!"

Before I could say anything he was off. Thought ran through my mind, mainly if we were going to take off without Jess and the others. It seemed to natural for us to immediately head for the ship that we didn't stop to think about this.

The sound of footsteps softened into nothing and I took this as my cue to start running myself. I didn't get far as I heard a cold, hard laugh behind me.

"Well, uncle. Here she is and better yet..... She's alone....."

I turned and saw a young man draped in a cloak. Two sword of some kind sticking out from the top. Fear over swept me as I remembered who it was. "Dra-dracon....?

"Ah, I'm glad you remembered Melfina."

The fear inside me soon took the color from my face. His uncle, the one he was talking to.... That would be.....It would have to be.....

"Hello Melfina." His low voice seeped through my ears. I could feel him slither up to my back.

I moved forward and turned around. "Harry?!"

He was covered in a long cloak, much like the kind Aisha used to wear. "Fancy meeting you here, isn't it Melfina?" He took a step forward as I took one back.

Dracon was now leaning against a wall to my left, arms folding looking down. "Now, now dear uncle. Let us not forgot. Playing with the bait might take it's scent away. We need her for the others."

"Oh, Dracon. We have plenty of time, they can't leave without her, you know...."

I saw him smirk out of the corner of my eye. "I suppose you're right. As long as we get the whole team then I am satisfied. I have revenge to seek."

Harry crept closer to me and reached his hand out. He didn't try to hide the robotics of his fake body, it was evident that his arm wasn't his own. The dark blue shade to it putting the fact out the most.

I tightly closed my eyes and waited for him to take me away but as I waited I heard a smack, then a clash of steel soon followed by various screams. I opened my eyes to see my savior.

"Hiro!" I yelled, half-way in shock. "How did you find me?"

He smiled as he locked eyes with Dracon, who had his own katanas out. "I was following him, I know his presence would lead to nothing good. I'm glad my hunch was right."

"Uncle, take Melfina now! I'll handle this infidel!"

They two ran and crashed into each other, it was starting to get difficult to keep my eyes on them. I saw Harry coming up on my left so I ran in the opposite direction down the street. I turned to see Harry busy fending off Hiro. He was fighting for all it was worth just to protect me. Why was I so helpless....

I turned the corner and ran as fast as I could towards the docking bay. I could hear steps behind be but I dare not turn around. Unfortunately.... I didn't have to turn at all to see what was behind me.

In a blur of gray cloth and blue armor, Harry jumped over my head and landed right in front of me. I stopped inches in front of him. "Harry! Why are you doing this?!" Was the only thing I could muster myself to say.

"Why? Why?! Why do you think, Mel??"

I knew why he was doing this, deep down I knew.... It was jealous. Jealous directed right at Gene for winning me over. He wanted me more then anything but I denied him.... I felt –no, still feel- so sorry for him. Such a sad soul....

I looked into his eyes and saw angered..... But it was laced with sadness, but emotions were at their fullest extent. I could tell he wanted to tear me apart.... Yet at the same time, couldn't.

He body relaxed as he peered back into my own eyes. "Mel..." He slowly started to say. "It's not you who should be asking why...I should be me....."

Another pause, longer then the first and twice as awkward. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know what to do. What was he going to do? I didn't know.... I didn't want to know. I just wanted him to go away.

A shot rang through the air shadowed by the clank of armor. Someone was shooting at Harry, who didn't stand in one position for too long. With one more shot Harry disappeared then reappeared next to a building, looking over at the man who had been attacking him.

"Damn, what they say is true, Harry." A cocky Gene Starwind shouted to him, gun pointed at his head.

"What's that Gene?" Harry hissed in reply.

"Cockroaches really ARE a bitch to kill." With that, he let go another shot.

Harry, now more then a little enraged rip his clock off as the bullet only hit air. The robotic zombie fell down behind the retired outlaw, wrapping an arm around him neck and squeezing tight.

"You are so right, Gene! Because you just don't seem to know how to DIE!"

Gene shot off the remaining bullets into Harry's face as Harry did his best to snap Gene's neck. Luckily for Gene some of the bullets hit their target and Harry let go screaming in pain, holding his own face.

"You bastard! Why do you keep fighting!? Just give up!"

Gene laughed and reloaded his gun. "Sorry, pal but this old dog isn't being put down quite yet!"

Gene locked his gun on Harry's skull but didn't shoot, they seemed to have been at a stand off.... But why?

I was now able to get a good look at Harry's new form. The armor looked like some kind of body suit with different hues of blue scattered about. It also looked more humanoid then his other bodies yet at the same time.... Look at cold and as hard as any machine you would see.

"....Gene, I'm done playing around." Harry finally said. "... So time for out last encounter!"

Harry extended both his arms out and bent his hands upwards as if he was going to launch something from his wrists. My guess wasn't that far off.

Ten wires with curved spikes at the end shot from each wrist and flew at tremendous speed towards Gene.

"Harry STOP!" I shouted without thinking twice about it.

As if by my command the tendril things stopped just a few feet short of Gene's body.

Nothing moved, no one moved. Harry was looking at me through the corner of his eye. Just as I thought I'd melt from his stare I heard Jim shout to Gene.

"Get down!!!"

A jeep came careening by with Aisha at the wheel and Jim in the back firing off some unwieldy gun.

Harry blocked the bullets as best he could but they eventually blew him backwards into the wall of a building.

Aisha pulled around, picked up Gene, then came around and got me. Gene got in the front while I hopped in the back then as fast as they got there, we left.

As we blew down the road we saw other people trying to stop us. People who were most likely hired by Harry and Dracon. They weren't out biggest problem, though. Our biggest problem was the one man wrecking crew slow gaining speed on us. Not only was Harry stronger, but he was much much faster.

Jim turned around and fired off some rounds, not landing a single one.

"Damn!" He shouted. "I can't land a single shot!"

"Don't worry!" Aisha replied. "Seems like the beautiful Twilight Suzuka will handle things herself."

She pointed down the road to see the aged assassin standing firm in the middle of everything.

Aisha swerved the car around her and kept going.

"Aren't we going to stop for her?" I asked.

"Naa, she said for her to handle things but to defiantly not lift off without her!" Aisha informed me.

"What about the others?"

"Let's just hope they turn out for the best!!"

As we passed Suzuka I saw a blue aura swirl around the broken sword handle in her hands. I didn't know what she was up to, but it must be something great.

She became smaller in my view was we drove farther away yet I was still able to see what happened when Harry caught up to her. She raised her weapon and what seemed like a long blue energy blade extended and smashed Harry up and out of sight. I was in awe as her form vanished under the horizon.

We finally reached the bay and jumped out of the jeep, running inside as bullets peppered the air and ground. It was quieter in the large port but we still couldn't drop our guard, I mean... How could we when so many people wanted to kill us??

The ship was in sight. It was so close.... Yet so far away.

Dracon stood, a lone shadow, between us and the ship. His back to us, he spoke. "At last. My revenge is here.... At last."

Gene moved in front of me as everyone got into a defensive position. I could see him turn around. He was around Strife's age but so skilled. As deadly as any assassin, if not worse. He surely had the McDougle blood running through him.

He smiled and sent a chill down my spine. "So... Who's first?" He asked, calmly. Coldly.

"You arrogant little punk! Didn't you daddy teach you to respect your elders??" Gene shot at him.

"Don't you ever speak about my father, you-" gunshots filled the bay, sending us all running like rats.

The jeep we had been riding in only moments ago blasted onto the scene, it's gun firing mercilessly at Dracon. It was Jess, Kitty, and Hiro! I was so shocked to see that they got here at the same time. We might actually be able to escape together, after all!

Gene took my hand and lead me to the Outlaw Star. Looking over my shoulder I saw the three in the jeep distracting Dracon as she shot back at them. A thought passed blankly through my mind. They weren't coming with us, they were acting as a decoy...

As we climbed up the stairs to the hatch of the Outlaw Star, the air filled with various colors of Caster shells. I couldn't see but I knew they were still alive. I could still hear the screeching of tired on the floor.

Once inside the ship it was like back in the olden days, we knew exactly were we needed to go, and where we needed to be. I went over to my tube and slid into the floor. The familiar fluid crept in and encompassed my body. I could feel it enter me through every pore of my body. The next thing I saw was the bridge as the visors in front of me opened up. I could also see, here, touch, breath, and feel everything about the ship. Numbers and information passed before my eyes. Just by thinking about something, it happened. The engines needed to be started, a moment later, they were up and charging. I was doing literally millions of things at once, yet not a one of those things took any more then a second to do.

As I got the ship up and running, I also had to use the defense system to get ride of some minor opposition brought by Dracon's groupies.

"We have a signal from the guys downstairs. They say to lift off and they'll find a way to find us later." Suzuka said.

That was all I needed to her. As much as I didn't want to leave, I knew they could take care of themselves. They weren't some kids that needed our protection twenty-four seven... Like me...

The engine hummed then roared into existence and soon the ship was off. There was no roof to for us to hit so there was no threat of crashing. I told the ship to go full blast, I could feel the bullets bouncing off the hull. Blue sky gave way to black space and soon we were free of the planet. We all sighed in relief.

I smiled as I saw everyone chatting amungt themselves.

"Melfina..."

What was that?

"I'm coming for you Melfina...."

Harry?! But... No!!

"Yes, Mel.... Here I come!!"

"There's something on the radar!"

"It's Harry's ship?!"

"It can't be!"

"It is!"

"Engines full, Mel get us the hell out of here!"

"He's catching up!"

"Let's burn!"

"Hurry, hurry!!"

I can't believe it... He was still chasing us!! He's so mean, so evil.. I can't... I can't stand this anymore. I can't let this continue..... I can't be weak, pathetic, pitiful. I..... I... I CAN'T LET HARRY WIN!!

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Author's note: Well there we go, another chapter. Lotta new faces in the reviews! I'm so happy! I'll try to update more regularly. Can't let another five months go by without updating.

Mei, you really do need to update! So far this is two updates to your none! I neeeed more! C'moooon! I love your stories! Update something. Anything! Oh and Mei, don't know how soon the Strife/Jess will come but how bout some Gene/Mel to hold you over in this and the next chap?

Macky, I don't know how to fit Deathwing into my story, but I'll try. Just... Don't get your hopes up.

Oh and hotshot, you're welcome. I'm thankful for your advice, too. People can't get better unless people tell them what they're doing wrong..... In a positive way, anyways. Also, if you have ANYTHING else to say, that'd be great. If you wanna point out lil minor mistakes, more power to ya. I think I should get a beta-reader... I can't spell-check for crap –Sigh-

Blurb! Thank you for the reviews! I don't see myself as being that great but as long as other people do... Well... Why try and change their minds? Lol

Oh and I just thought about this... My next chapter will have SO much romance in it... Sorry to people who can't stand it. It had to happen sooner or later. I don't like it either but hey... If the story needs it, It'll get it!

Anyway! Thank you for the AWESOME reviews and keep em up! They're the writer's lifeblood on this site!! Also, sorry for the length of this chapter if that bothered anyone.

P.S. Italics and crap work! SERIOUS uphaul on all chapters over the weekend. Not that big but if you wanna see the story like it SHOULD be with the bolds and italics then check it out on Monday.

As always, This is Blades. "Good reading equal good times." I'm out.