"Mommy?"

There she was, wearing her usual white-colored nightgown, resting on her leather-bound sofa in our apartment's living room.

Just like every night.

In her hand was a half empty glass of wine, while a fully empty bottle lied sprawled on the floor.

Just like every night.

Her eyes were open, but their blank expression showed that her mind was somewhere else. Slowly, she turned her head to stare at me. She took a few seconds to adjust her eyes, trying to bring her focus back to the world around her.

"What is it?" she asked, in a sleepy, monotonous tone.

"Um…I…"The surly expression on her face made me feel uneasy, as I struggled to speak to her.

"Um…Mommy? I can't sleep. I was wondering…wondering if you could…if you could read me a bedtime story."

She sluggishly lowered her eyes, gazing at the optical disc I was holding in my hand. For a while, she looked at the disc, not saying a word.

Finally, she let out a tiny burst of laughter. It was more of a chuckle really, devoid of any emotion.

"You know," She began, her head turned away from me. "When I was a little girl, they used to create dolls that tried to imitate real children as flawlessly as possible. As technology grew, the dolls became more life-like; speaking, crying, urinating…even demanding things, like food and love."

As she continued speaking, it started to feel like she wasn't talking to me directly, but more like she was simply ranting. The smell of her alcoholic breath was starting to bother me.

"Nowadays, dolls have become so lifelike, you almost wouldn't be able to tell them apart from real children." She continued. "They can even make dolls that imitate dead children."

I started to clench the optical disc in my hand a little tighter, starting to regret ever asking for a bedtime story.

"But these days we can't call them dolls anymore." She sighed. "That would be considered racist. So we must refer to them as Realiens, and give them the same rights that real humans have. It's funny how these creations of man demand equality, when they are obviously inferior to us. It's like they're denying their very existence. A doll can never truly function or think on its own."

As she quietly laughed some more, I could feel my knees weakening. I couldn't explain why, but I felt so uncomfortable listening to her talk. Almost as if I hated what she said. But that's impossible; I could never hate anything about Mommy.

"Forget it." She spoke again. "Just go back to bed and read it yourself. You could download the data faster than I could read it to you, anyway." She moved her hand to her forehead and groaned, as if it were aching. "Now go back to your room, and don't make any noise. I have to get up early tomorrow."

Slowly, I walked back to my room, without looking back. As I reached the inside, I went straight to my bed and lay there. I stared at the optical disc in my hand for about a minute, and then decided to leave it on the nearby table, no longer in the mood to read it. I turned off the lamp, and wrapped myself in my blanket.

I quietly cried myself to sleep.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, awakening from my deep slumber. Groggily, I looked around the room. Soon, my senses kicked in, and I came to realize that I was no longer in my room. In fact, I was somewhere completely different. With my eyes fully open, I looked around in surprise, wondering where I was. It was a large room, full of advanced technology. In the center of the room was a large reactor, giving off a low hum. As I continued looking around, I finally realized that something was wrapped around me. Looking down, I could make out a pair of arms circled around me, holding me tight. I felt afraid at first, but I then noticed that the touch of this person felt familiar, almost warm.

Cautiously, I looked upwards at the person holding me. It was a man, whose face was looking down at me, yet his eyes were closed. He was a middle-aged man, with dark blonde hair. My eyes suddenly widened in both shock and awareness.

"Ziggy?" I softly called, remembering the man who had recently become my guardian. I also remembered where I was. It was Proto Merkabah. I was here along with Ziggy and the others, reaching the Reactor room. And that's where we encountered that man, and a huge battle ensued. The last thing I remembered was that man casting some strange Ether spell, where a flying creature of flame engulfed us. But it looks like Ziggy shielded me from the blast. Suddenly concerned, I examined Ziggy's body. He was clearly unconscious, breathing slightly, and there were burned scars on his face and back. I slowly stood up, still feeling a little dazed.

I quickly examined myself, surprised to find no injuries whatsoever around my body. Ziggy must have taken the full blast to protect me, and I must have fainted from the sheer heat. I felt so grateful to have someone like Ziggy always watching me. I wanted to repay the favor by casting a healing spell on him.

But then another realization came over me. What about my other friends? Shion, Jr, KOS-MOS, and chaos? Jr! Jr was hurt real badly! Is he all right? I quickly scanned the room again. A gasp escaped my lips as I soon found the room was surrounded with the bodies of my friends. The first person I made out was Shion, laying facedown on the floor. In the other side of the room was chaos, also facedown. I thought of KOS-MOS next, and looked around for her. I continued looking, but I couldn't find her anywhere. Just as I reached the final corner of the room, I was able to make out another figure lying on the floor. This one was much smaller than the rest.

It was Jr. A sudden rush of worry filled me, as I recalled his earlier injuries. As I watched him, I could tell he was in no better shape. I decided that my first priority would be to tend to everyone's wounds. I had better start with Jr first. I took a couple of steps toward him, but I then stopped in surprise. There was someone else to the right of Jr. It was a large, white-cloaked man, standing with his back turned away from me.

I suddenly clutched my chest in shock. It was him. That man, the one responsible for all this. I then put my hand to my mouth in horror, as I just came to realize; I was alone now, completely at his mercy.

I stared at the tall figure, too afraid to move, much less run. Even though the others were here, with all of them unconscious, this was no different from when I was alone with that man. Instantly, memories of that incident began to break free from my mind, filling me with previously repressed trauma. I barely survived the first time I met him, physically and mentally. I couldn't go through that again. I won't.

It then occurred to me; He still hasn't turned around. It looked like he was preoccupied with something, or maybe he was taking this moment to rest. Is it possible that he forgot all about me? Would I be able to escape?

"Go ahead." A sudden voice appeared, encouraging my silent thoughts. "Go ahead and run." From the cold, malevolent tone of the voice, I instantly recognized it to be that man's. My body quivered from his acknowledgment of my presence.

"Go on!" He spoke again. "In fact, I'll give you a head start." He was obviously taunting me. No, better yet, I'll let you escape. I won't pursue you at all. You're free to leave."

Just like before, I find myself just as confused as I am afraid by that man's words. Was he really going to let me leave? Was I no longer important to him? Part of me was screaming to forget about his motives and just run. Run back to the Elsa, to Captain Matthews and his crew, and avoid becoming this horrible person's toy again. And yet, I was compelled to stay, despite my overwhelming fear, because…

"But you won't run, will you?" He once again boasted, as he turned around to face me. "I know you won't leave, even if I gave you the opportunity." His crooked smile outlined his delight in predicting my thoughts. "It's because of them." He extended his hand, and pointed his finger across the room.

"You won't leave your friends behind." I glanced around the room, staring at their bodies. I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. If I could help them, even a little bit, then I had to stay and do everything I can, just as they've done for me.

"So you'll stay?" He boasted excitedly. "You'll stay and fight, even though the odds are against you?" The mocking tone of his voice filled me with both fear and frustration. "How very noble of you, ma pêche. He began to walk right toward me. "Very predictable, but still noble."

With every step he took, my heart would skip a beat. He was walking quite slowly, though I'll bet that was intentional. He should reach me in about 15 seconds. I have to think of something. I lowered my head, in order to avoid eye contact, and began to think of a plan. What could I do? He took on Jr, Ziggy, and chaos all at once. Maybe I could transform with my Star Wind ability. It would increase my strength, and every bit would help.

But…the problem is that I'm left wide open while I transform. In more ways in one, I might add. I just can't expose myself like that. Not to him.

If only all of our AGWS weren't damaged from the last battle. But wait, even if one was functioning, it might cause him to summon his own AGWS, making things even more difficult.

It was hopeless. What could I possibly do? The only possible way out of this…is by allowing him to take me hostage again, if that would cause him to forget all about Jr and the others. The thought of going through all that again terrified me, but if it's to save them, then…

"Time's up, pêche." I looked up in surprise, and there he stood, just a couple of feet away, grinning even harder than before. As I stared into his maddening eyes, I had completely forgotten all of my previous planning, and just stared at him, at a complete loss for words.

It was then that Ziggy unexpectedly rose up in front of me and delivered a quaking blow to that man's face, catching him completely off guard. I was just as surprised; had Ziggy only been pretending to be unconscious? Or was it my immediate danger that fueled his recovery?

The annoyed look on that man's face, as it twisted and reeled from Ziggy's metallic fist, proved that he wasn't expecting my guardian to regain conscious so soon. While he was still recovering from the first blow, Ziggy laid out another deadly strike to that man, followed by another, and another. He was attacking just as mercilessly as that man did to Jr. The fury of Ziggy's punches and kicks was driving the enemy back, away from me. Just as both figures were about ten or so feet away, they both come to a sudden stop. As I lifted my head to get a better view, I watched Ziggy's arm blade caught by that man's bare hand, drops of blood dripping from the blade. However, despite the wounds decorating his face, that man still carried the same twisted smile, continuously amused no matter how much damage Ziggy inflicted on him.

Or were even those attacks ineffective against him? The two men were speaking to each other, too quietly for me to hear. But judging by that man's devilish grin, he was probably mocking and taunting his opponent, like before. So he wouldn't even take adults seriously?

Before that man could finish speaking, Ziggy swiftly pulled the blade from his grasp, leaving an open wound of blood spraying out from his arm. But it seemed the enemy didn't even notice his own wound, as he immediately lunged toward Ziggy with his good arm, connecting it with the cybernetic man's face. As Ziggy staggered around from the fierce blow, the evil man then thrust his bloody fingers into the guardian's torso, practically digging his nails into Ziggy's skin!

With a terrifying howl, that man twisted his body around, dragging Ziggy along by his chest. After turning completely around, the evil man released an Ether blast from his fingers, sending the guardian to soar across the room, even further from before. Once again, Ziggy crashed unto the floor, trails of smoke escaping the fresh burn marks from his torso. I could tell that there was no way Ziggy could continue fighting after that attack. Now I truly was left alone with that man.

As I watched him, laughing like a mischievous boy who just pulled a dirty prank, I started to feel anger swelling up inside me. I decided to turn that anger into courage, and speak out to him.

"Why do you do such terrible things?" I spoke aloud. "Why do you enjoy tormenting people?"

Slowly, he turned around to look at me, still chuckling from his last heinous act. He took a few seconds to regain some of his composure, and then responded.

"Ah, my wonderful, adorable, naïve little pêche." He began to walk towards me. "How truly precious you are. So innocent, so sweet." As he continued walking, he moved his fingers, still soaked in his own blood (or was it Ziggy's?), up to his face. "Mmm, I could just eat you up." His voice began to take a lower, darker pitch. "Just like a nice…juicy…peach." He then started to slowly lick the blood off his fingers. The sight sickened me, as usual, but I didn't turn away. I stared right back at him, determined to get a response. "Why?" I ask again.

"Why?" He repeated. "Does the wolf need a valid reason to feast on Little Red Riding Hood's flesh? He simply hungers for her, nothing more." He lowered his fingers, fully licked clean, and breathed a heavy sigh. "Still, I suppose I do need to come up with a better excuse, since I'm certainly not a mere dog." He closed his eyes and took another deep breath, as if preparing for a lecture.

"First, let me start by congratulating the dearly departed Joachim Mizrahi for his incredible achievements." Hearing Daddy's name caused my eyes to widen in surprise, but I continued to listen anyway. "I truly am an admirer of his work, be they creations of destruction…" He lifted both hands into the air and looked across the room, indicating that he was referring to Proto Merkabah.

"…Or beauty." He looked back down towards me, and smiled devilishly. "Yes, MOMO," Hearing him call me by name frightened me much more than his monstrous gaze. "You are truly the most beautiful creation in this entire universe. A Little Mermaid swimming in a sea of stars" He moved his hand to his chest, and gave a small bow toward me. "I am truly pleased that we could have another moment like this. My body trembles in delight at your presence. How I long to bathe myself in your beautiful tears, whether they are tears of pleasure, or pain…or perhaps both."

I felt sick all over. I couldn't tell for sure, but I could swear that he was almost attracted to me. Why? Why would someone his age admire me so? It didn't make sense. I refused to become his slave, or whatever he has planned for me.

"I want to know." I asked again, frustrated. "Why do you do such terrible things? Why do you hurt everyone?"

"Ma belle pêche." He spoke again. "I am simply living my life the way I was meant to. I am fulfilling my purpose in life, for the first time, and with utter satisfaction. What is wrong with that?"

I looked back at him, confused as ever, but all the more disgusted. "You were meant to cause misery?" I responded. "To hurt people who are weaker than you?" I thought of my friends, who were still unconscious around me. But then, I started to think of my sisters, who he has hurt for who knows how long.

"It is as my creator had intended from the start." He answered, sounding surprisingly sincere. "It really is no different from what you are doing." I widened my eyes again in surprise. "You are fulfilling your creator's final wish, aren't you? To be the most perfect little girl there is? To show kindness to all living creatures, and perform as many good deeds as you can, so that you may one day become a real human girl?" I was at a loss for words. I started to feel as vulnerable as I did when I first met him. How did he know about Daddy's final request?

"But there's one very big difference between you and me, pêche." He continued, his tone much deeper and colder then before. "I choose to follow this path out of my own free will. I have been blessed with the ability to do so. But you, I'm sad to say, are still living like a doll, blindly dancing away while still tied to your strings. You are unable to think for yourself. You don't follow your Daddy's wishes by choice."

"You…You're wrong." I meekly answered back. "I choose to do good deeds, to honor Daddy's wishes. I choose to be kind to others. To love others." I once again thought of the friends I made on my journey. Shion, Ziggy, chaos, KOS-MOS, Allen, Captain Matthews, Tony, Hammer, and Jr. I thought about Jr a little while longer. "I truly love these people, as they love me. This was by my own choice."

"Oh no, no, pêche." He spoke back, sounding more amused and lively than before. "You only love the comfort they bring you. The illusion of a family, which is what you've always desired. Or rather, what you were programmed to desire." He looked around the room, at the fallen bodies around him. "I bet you've already formed such strong bonds with them, even though you've only known them for a short while." He looked at Ziggy first. "The father figure, obviously." He turned around to look at chaos. "A brother figure, perhaps?" He then looked at Shion, lying across the other side. "And the mother figure too. But shame on you, pêche, you're real mother is still very much alive." Once again, I found myself wondering just how much he knew about me. "But considering the way she's been treating you, I can't blame you for thinking of her as dead." He chuckled mischievously at his last remark. "Hmm, I can't find the older sister anywhere." He looked around, likely referring to KOS-MOS. "But no worry, you still have plenty of sisters left. That just leaves…"

I knew whom he was going to mention next. He didn't bother to turn around to face him, either. "Well, well. The first childhood crush. Sweet, innocent love." I looked across the room, at Jr's still body. I recalled the bracelet that he gave me, which I was still wearing. It brought me luck before, so maybe it would help me to overcome my fear now. And maybe, maybe I really do feel about him that way.

"But that simply won't do, pêche." He spoke again, forcing me back to reality. "Only I am worthy of your affection. Because only I can help you break free from your strings." My instincts told me not to listen to anymore of his horrible speech. But still, I continued to listen, as if I were hypnotized by his evil voice.

"As you are now, you are incapable of feeling every known emotion." He continued. "For someone who longs to be truly alive, that simply won't do. You only feel joy because you were programmed to do so. You claim to love these people, and yet do you not feel that same love toward many others?" I wasn't convinced by his twisted words. Just because I can love large groups of people, it doesn't make me a doll. It's typical that someone like him would consider kindness to be a flaw. I wanted to answer, but he still continued on.

"And what about this little journey you've been having? You have been put through many dangerous situations, against many Gnosis. It would be quite scary for any child, even to an adult. And yet, you have also been having the time of your life, haven't you?" I actually gave this some consideration. It's true, I've been scared many times over the encounters we've had with the Gnosis. But, I always felt confident that I would be safe, because I was never alone. I've felt safe no matter what, ever since I met Ziggy and the others.

"It has nothing to do with the false sense of security these people might give you," He spoke again. "It's because you don't know any better. Why, you could watch paint dry off a wall, and you would still be entertained, so long as you are with people." I started to feel more anxious as he continued analyzing me. I still refused to believe anything he had to say.

"What about your mother? Hasn't her unreturned love ever upset you?" I looked up in surprise, as he mentioned Mommy once again. "Have you ever been so upset that you might…hate her?"

"No!" I quickly answered. "I could never hate Mommy!"

"You answered that without hesitation." He responded, beginning to sound more entertained by the second. "Which proves that you're only acting by your pre-programmed set of emotions, and not by how you truly feel." That was it. I refused to listen to him anymore. He's just trying to use me, like before.

"What about me, then? Do you…hate me, ma pêche?" Once again, his words caught me off guard. "Why, just look at all that I've done to you. I've filled you with absolute fear, no doubt soon to result in many sleepless nights. I've caused you indescribable pain. And I've unleashed that same pain unto your so-called friends. And what about your sisters? How long do you think I've been torturing them, and how much longer do you think I will continue to do so?" I don't know which disgusted me more, his confessions to his crimes, or the fact that he said them without remorse, but like he was proud of them. It's true. I've lost so much to him, and in such a short amount of time. I've experienced a terror that I might never forget. And he's continued to harm many other people, including my friends. My sisters. I have every reason to hate this man.

But do I? Do I actually hate him? Am I even capable of hating someone? What if he was actually saying the truth? What if I was only acting out of Daddy's programming? No, I mustn't think that. I won't.

"However, you really shouldn't hate me, pêche." He spoke again, as if sensing my doubt. "I have opened a window of reality for you. I have helped you to experience a small amount of life's many emotions and sensations that you've been missing. You should really be quite grateful."

Grateful? I should be grateful? How could he say that?!

"Admit it, you've actually enjoyed what I've done to you!" He exclaimed. "You enjoyed being able to experience new emotions; new sensations!"

"No, that isn't true!" I shouted back, doing nothing to hide my frustration.

"Because of me, you have now taken your first step in discovering your true self." He prattled on. "You have experienced pain, and you have desired a taste for it. With enough experience, you will learn to eventually accept it."

"Accept…pain?" I questioned back, completely confused by his words.

"It is impossible to experience life without pain," He answered. "Just as a life without joy is a life not worth living. The line between pain and pleasure is truly thin. You must learn to merge the lines together, until they become one. In short, pleasure and pain must be one and the same. This is the conclusion I have gathered from my enlightenment. This is the true path to life. Once you learn to accept pain, you can truly live in infinite pleasure!"

I felt nauseous all over. I demanded an explanation from this man, to learn the reasoning behind his madness. And now, I wished I never asked. I've never heard of a more twisted and horrible way to live.

"And so," He once again spoke, with complete satisfaction in his voice. "This is how I've decided to live my life. And I have never been happier. This is the true path to paradise, ma pêche, and I am more than willing to share the fruits of that paradise with you. I've shared this truth with your sisters, and you've seen how much they've enjoyed it." I clenched my hands in aggravation, as I thought about my sisters, twisted and broken, suffering all because of this evil person's view on life. I could feel the anger swelling up inside me, like never before. But all I did was stand there, unwilling to unleash my anger unto him, no matter how much I wanted to. Perhaps I was still driven by fear. Or maybe I really wasn't capable of anger.

"Remember how you felt, pêche, when I plunged myself into your subconscious?" I looked up at him in shock. That was the last thing I wanted to think about. "How our bodies and souls linked as one? And as you've no doubt guessed, I still have a part of me within you. A part that will remain forever embedded in you, as proof of my eternal admiration of you."

Slowly, he lifted his right hand in the air, with the palm facing him. Sensing my confusion, he grinned ear-to-ear, and immediately clenched his hand into a fist. In that instant, I felt a sharp pain cut through my chest. I quickly fell to the floor on both knees, wrapping both arms around myself, in an attempt to break free from the intense agony I was feeling. As I cried out from the sharp pain moving around my body, I soon realized that this was the same pain I was feeling back in the hallway. And as hard as I tried to forget, this was definitely the same pain I felt from before, when I was his prisoner.

"Our souls have joined together, ma belle pêche." I could barely hear him as I struggled. "We are meant to become one, the same as pain and pleasure. I can feel the pain swelling up inside you. It's inside me, too. But within all those feelings of fear and torment, I can sense the joy you feel. Embrace it, turn this pain into your pleasure!"

"No…stop it. Stop!" I cried out, still too weak to move. I could feel the pain growing inside me, as well as the tears. I won't go through this again. I won't surrender myself to him.

"It is like the union between mother and child." He spoke calmly. "When a mother gives birth, she must undergo incredible pain and agony, as she struggles to create life. It is the same with the child, as it cries and screams while it tears through its mother's flesh. Thus, a bond is formed between mother and child through this union of pain and pleasure. Perhaps this is why there is no such bond between you and your mother, since the two of you never shared in each other's pain. But I am willing to bear all of your suffering, as you would for me. Let us form our own bond, one full of pain and pleasure beyond all comparison!"
"Stop…I won't…. I will never share anything with you!" I cried out again, tears streaming down my face. "I…I…"

"Say it, then." He spoke back. "Say how much you hate this. Go on! Say how much you hate me!" His tone became raving as he dared me further. "Tell me how much you hate this! Call me a monster! Wish for my death! Prove your hatred to me! If you don't, then I can only assume that you love this! Love or hate! Which is it?!"

"I…" My heart was aching. My body was growing cold. My tears continued to flow. I was helpless once again. I knew I had no choice but to admit my feelings. I could only hope that Daddy would forgive me.

And then, it stopped. The pain, the anguish, the sorrow I felt, had all vanished instantly, as if I never felt it at all. I didn't even feel sore, although my face was still wet with tears. Still kneeling, I looked up in surprise, at the one responsible for my pain. His head was turned a few inches, and his eyes were shifting in a similar direction. It was like something caught his attention, forcing him to cease his hold over me.

"Why must we be constantly interrupted?" He asked, annoyance ringing in his voice. He turned back to look at me. "We really must find a more private area for just the two of us next time." With a malevolent smirk, he turned his back on me, and walked away.

I was as baffled as ever. Was he leaving for good? Or did I actually manage to break free from his grasp? I used this moment to catch my breath, inhaling and exhaling deeply, while wiping the leftover tears from my face. Slowly, I stood up, never taking my eyes off that man, as he continued walking away from me. I looked across the room, to catch a glimpse of his destination. To my surprise, he was heading toward Jr.

While still lying on his back, Jr had regained consciousness, and had a gun pointed directly at that man, using his stable arm. But even though he was awake, the struggle to stay that way was written all over his bloody face. Only one eye was open, his teeth were gnashing against each other, and the gun he was holding was shaking violently. This was a desperate moment for Jr, and I blamed myself for that. Because of his attempt to shift that man's attention away from me, Jr might have to pay for it with his life.

After reaching his newest prey, that man came to a stop, looking down at the pitiful figure struggling below him. Without saying a word or gesture, that man kneeled down, facing the boy face to face, and completely blocking my view. What was he going to do now? I had to do something this time. He wouldn't hesitate to kill Jr immediately, and he's already suffered enough because of me!

But just as I made that decision, that man, still on one knee, moved a bit to the left, turning his face toward me. I was given a clear view of Jr once again, and breathed in relief that he was still alive. But the look on his face filled me with concern. The boy looked right back at me with absolute shock. It took me a few seconds to see the reason why; that man had taken hold of Jr's arm, and was forcing him to aim his own gun at a new target. Me.

I didn't know what came first, the shot of the gun, or Jr's warning yell. The first bullet zipped right past me, briefly stinging my right ear with it's piercing screech. Instantly, I dropped down to the floor, covering my head with my hands in pure desperation. Another shot rang past me, followed by another. The fourth shot grazed my hair, almost making contact. Between the loud gun bursts, the pounding in my chest, and Jr's horrified screams, the uproarious laughter from the man responsible stood out among them all. With every shot purposely missing me, terrifying me, his laughter grew louder and louder. After a nearly endless supply of bullets, all that was left was the clicking sound of the gun, signaling it's empty barrel, leaving Jr's curses toward that man the only remaining sounds.

With my head still buried in my arms, the sensation I felt earlier had erupted again. With this cruel act, I finally found the courage to enact my emotions. He harmed my friends, toyed with me, and now he tried to force Jr to harm me with his own weapon. We were all nothing but playthings to him. If this continues on, he'll just keep tormenting all of us. I couldn't stand it anymore.

"I…I hate you." I finally found the strength to say these words, even though it was more like a whisper. It was enough to have that man turn back to me, a somewhat perplexed look in his monstrous face.

"I hate you." I spoke again, louder than before. Finally, I unleashed all of my frustration, at full volume.

"I hate you! I HATE YOU!!" A collection of pent up anger and fear finally came forth. My teeth were grating against each other, my eyes streamed forth a flood of tears, and my nails were almost tearing against my skin under my clenched fists. "You're a horrible man! A MONSTER!! I hate you! I wish you were dead!! I HATE YOU!!"

The room fell on dead silence. The only sound, besides the deep hum of the huge reactor, was my sobbing. I came forth with all of my hate toward that man, but I didn't feel any better. I actually felt worse, since Jr had to witness this side of me. I don't know what he will think of me from now on. And that man, the first person I ever spoke to with such hatred and offense, just stared silently at me, as I continued to cry. There was no amusement in his face, or even surprise. He just looked at me, devoid of emotion.

And then, he finally broke the silence…with a loud outburst of laughter. As the seconds passed, that man's laughter grew louder and more hysterical. It became so loud and frantic that it sounded more like crying, and the way his face twisted and contorted, it looked like he was about to explode. But it no longer mattered to me how funny he found my sorrow. I wasn't afraid of him anymore. All I felt now was hate.

Finally, that man managed to calm down, still giggling under his breath, and with a hand pressed against his face, as if he was experiencing a headache.

"Now you understand what it's like to truly live." He huffed, nearly out of breath. "A very good start, pêche. There is hope for you yet. However…" He lowered his hand, and his face became somewhat more serious. "It's wrong for you to say that you hate me. After all that I've done for you? You've been a naughty girl, ma pêche." He slowly began walking toward me. "I'm afraid you'll need to be punished. Or maybe this will be a reward for you? Either way, you'd best prepare yourself."

This was it. There were no longer any other options but to fight. With my scepter materialized in my hand, I was determined to give everything I had to this fight. If he wanted my heart to be full of hatred, then I'll unleash all of it against him.

I trailed my fingers around Jr's bracelet, still dangling in my wrist, as a sign of good luck. As long as I hold this charm, and the suffering of my loved ones in my heart, this monster had no chance of winning.

This was it. He was only a mere couple of feet away from me. I could practically feel his icy breath blowing toward me. He towered over me with a hungry grin, like a cat ready to devour a mouse. I was still scared, despite how much anger I felt now. But this time, I won't just stand around. I will fight back. I will fight now.

And with a flick of my wrist, I unleashed the first attack. A mystical blast of energy shot out from my scepter, and headed straight for that man. And with a flick of his wrist, that man deflected the energy blast away from him, like he was swatting away a fly.

"I hope you can do better than that." He mocked. "After all, your friends failed to satisfy my hunger. And thus, I'm afraid my appetite for a thrilling fight has overcome my affection for you." His face started to twist and grimace into a frightening, sinister visage. "I truly hope you can put up a better fight, pêche," He growled. "Because a part of me does not want to harm you, and yet another part of me wants to harm you absolutely."

I felt myself shaking at his sudden decent into total madness, but I pressed on forward. With a shout of determination, I cast forth another blast from my scepter, this time much more powerful. But just when it looked like this attack would be successful, the madman disappeared just before impact. I frantically looked around the room, prepared to defend myself from his hidden attack.

During that time, I suddenly recalled how that man surprised Jr when they fought. It was then that I felt a pair of large, cold hands wrap around my tinier wrists. He was right behind me.

"If you put more of your weight into it, you can shoot your attacks much faster." He conceitedly lectured, his hand moving my own, actually showing me how to improve my attacks. My fear grew from his cold touch, but my hatred from his smug confidence grew as well. With a quick turn around, I broke free from his sickening grasp, and retaliated with one of my stronger attacks, the Floral Tempest. As I spun my scepter around, a beautiful yet dangerously sharp wind surrounded me, ready to cut away at anything within it's area. Once I stopped my conjuring dance, I looked around, frustrated to learn that the enemy evaded my attack once again. Learning from my previous mistake, I turned completely around, and unsurprisingly, there he stood, unharmed and with his arms folded.

"A cute little maneuver! It suits you perfectly. He cooed. "But your adorable antics are also starting to get my blood pumping. I think I'll let you attempt one more attack, then it's my turn!"

I felt beads of sweat dripping down the sides of my face. He was toying with me, and was making it very obvious. I shouldn't be so surprised. What could I possibly do that Jr, Ziggy, or even KOS-MOS couldn't? Fighting back only seemed to encourage his violent behavior. And yet, his disturbing arrogance could also work against him. If I truly have one more chance to strike him, then I will put everything I have into one final attack.

I clasped both hands around my scepter, and closed my eyes, just for an instant. With deep concentration, I focused all of my remaining Ether power into one charged-up blast. If ever there was a time for my mystic powers to grant me a miracle, this was it. I immediately opened my eyes, and pointed my scepter toward that man. Instantly, a pair of wings grew from my scepter, which were then used to help me hover into the air. The enemy used the high ground to defeat my friends, so I'll try the same maneuver against him. After floating at a reasonable height, I pointed my scepter downward, and unleashed my strongest attack, the Angel Arrow.

A bright flurry of damaging light poured from my scepter, which rained down toward my enemy. The blasts illuminated the area around that man, covering him completely in destructive light. I pushed on, bombarding as many blasts as I could manage to insure victory. When I felt that I couldn't continue the assault any longer, I wisely conserved the rest of my energy to insure a safe landing. Gracefully, I lightly touched the floor, while the wings from my scepter vanished into thin air. Taking a deep breath, I looked up, ready to inspect the result of my last, desperate move.

And there he stood, towering over me, barely a few inches away, completely undamaged, and grinning maliciously. I gasped in horror, completely taken aback. He looked down on me, hungry as ever for blood.

"How disappointing." He hissed. "Well, I suppose you don't hate me enough, after all. Now it's my turn to have some fun." He motioned an open hand toward me, ready to ensnare me like a scared animal. All thoughts and feelings completely escaped me. I was completely frozen in place. Then, just as his hand was about to make contact, something snapped inside of me.

"NO!" I screamed, shut my eyes tight, and pointed my scepter blindly toward my enemy. I felt a bright light surround me, burning my eyes even though they were shut. And then I heard a surprised grunt that probably came from that man. Shortly after, the light disappeared. Slowly opening my stinging eyes, I gasped again at the sight in front of me. It was that man's chest, nearly covered with round shaped scars. It looked as if his entire body was full of holes, some large enough for me to peer through and look at the walls behind him. Did I have more energy left than I thought? But more importantly, did I actually succeed in damaging him? There was no way that a normal human, or even a Realien, could survive with such severe wounds. And yet, that man still stood, looking down at his own torso, a somewhat surprised look on his face. It was certainly better than the evil grin he was displaying before. He just looked at his gaping wounds, saying nothing. Finally, he smiled again.

"I am so pleased, ma belle pêche." He spoke, this time in a more somber tone. "You have shown me that even something as beautiful as you, can be capable of such destruction." In that instant, the evil man took a deep breath, and puffed out his hole-filled chest out. One after another, the holes in his body began to fill out, until he was completely restored. Watching his skin sew back together filled me with disgust, but I also felt completely defeated. Even an attack I never knew I had proved to have little effect against him. Was he unstoppable? Was he truly a monster?

"However…" He spoke again, in a more serious tone. "It was wrong of you to try to destroy me. You've been a very bad girl, pêche. And bad girls need to be punished."

He took a single step toward me. I suddenly felt all sense of hopelessness escape me. Without a single thought, I lifted my scepter, ready to try another attack. I won't give up, no matter what.

And then, he threw a clenched fist toward my face. The blow made contact, and smashed against my left cheek. I felt the force of his punch blow past me, like a harsh wind. I also felt the sound of impact rock around me. But what surprised me is that I didn't feel anything from the hit, even though he clearly didn't hold back. I grabbed the side of my face in surprise. I was even more surprised that I didn't feel anything. The entire left side of my face felt numb, free of pain, but also of any other senses. My left eye was also closed; I tried to open it, but I couldn't get any sight from it.

Then, I started to feel a deep sting form around the area. The pain began to grow. I also felt something dripping down from my wounded face, a burning liquid. I could tell it was blood. The pain soon became so unbearable, that I felt tears flowing down my face, washing away the blood that already poured forth.

I was wounded badly. The attack he gave me was given with the full force of an adult. My mind was completely blank. I was too numb to think straight anymore. My only instinct was to continue fighting, no matter how much pain I was in. With the numbing continuing around my body, I limply swung my right arm, with my scepter still in my hand. Before it could reach him, however, that man threw another punch toward my face. My body instantly recoiled from the blow, and I had lost all vision. Everything was going dark.

But then another attack struck me. And another, and another. I was being pummeled by a fury of devastating blows, the pain coursing all around my body. I had lost all sense of control, feeling, and even thought. All I could feel was intense pain all around me. I didn't even have room to scream, though I could still feel the tears escaping my swollen eyes. After an eternity of anguish, I didn't feel any more punches, but my body still stung greatly. I felt myself falling, ready to pass out instantly. But before I could hit the ground, something caught me by my hair. A pair of pinching fingers wrapped themselves around my curls, keeping me from falling on the floor. All I could hear was the sound of laughing. The same horrible laughing that had became a familiar song to me. A laughter that I could no longer forget. And perhaps the last thing I will ever hear.

I was beaten, I was helpless, and I was probably dying. I couldn't take the suffering anymore. I just wanted to go to sleep. It was so inviting. And yet, despite the darkness all around me, I still felt a small bit of light. A final thought, a recalling of familiar and warm faces. As each one passed by me, I also recalled the name of each person. Jr, Ziggy, Shion, KOS-MOS, chaos, Mommy…and Daddy.

I could still feel the scepter in my hand, despite all of the beatings that I took. I concentrated with all of my remaining strength, and tried to lift the scepter upward. I won't give up. I won't give up. I won't give up. I won't…

Another blow, this time right on my forehead. That same icy breath blew right into my face, along with the same maddening laughter. I opened my mouth, barely crying out. I felt hot blood cover my face, dripping into my nose and mouth. The darkness around me grew even darker, and even though I was still suspended in mid-air, I felt myself falling downward.

The last thing I felt was my battle scepter escaping my hand. I could hear the weapon hit the ground briefly. And then, I heard nothing more.

To Be Continued.