Chapter XX: Silent Lament

Today was the day of the Junior Basketball Tournament finals, set between the two newman schools, Nei and Rika. There were the Nei Swords, in purple jerseys with white trims, and the Rika Claws, who were in black jerseys with rouge trims. The gym at the recreational center was filled with parents, friends, and fans. It was the final quarter, with less than 20 seconds left. The score was Swords 97, Claws 99. The Swords' portly coach had called a timeout.

"Alright, guys, c'mere," the coach said, bringing the team into a huddle. "Jared, good hustle. If you can get two shots, we can go into overtime, and kill 'em!"

"Coach, we're tired!" complained one of the other players, whose pointed ears were drooping.

"Deal with it!" the coach shot back, wiping his mustached face. "We don't have any more subs to take your place. You're the last players we have."

"Hey, what about us?" Misha piped up, outside the huddled circle. Her hair was in a spiky ponytail. She, along with a brunette, was the only other player who didn't look exhausted. "We've barely played 5 minutes in the whole game."

"Girls, you're not my best players," he explained. "I can't have any less than the best out on the court."

"You know I'm good!" Misha yelled at him. "Everyone in school knows that Serenity is the best!" The brunette in question stayed silent, only observing the argument.

"Why couldn't you have just been cheerleaders like the other girls?" the coach asked.

"Yeah, Kitty," Jared agreed. "Even Taya is a cheerleader, supporting the team the way she should. Why don't you go with her and join the cheerleading squad?"

"Forget you, Jared!" Misha yelled at him. "This isn't fair! I play basketball! I don't sit on the sidelines!"

"If that's so true," Jared began, "why are you the only one complaining?" The coach seemed to silently agree.

"Coach Garetti," the brunette said quietly, standing up. Everyone was surprised to hear her finally say something. Physically, she was just another newman. She had lightly tanned skin, bland brown eyes, and short, stringy brown hair. It wasn't light or dark, just brown.

"What is it, Serenity?" the coach asked impatiently, noticing that his timeout was running out.

"Please, switch us into the game," she said, without the slightest hint of begging in her voice. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll have you charged with gender-bias."

"What!" the coach exclaimed.

"She'll do it!" Misha warned.

"Yeah," Jared agreed. "She'll sue the pants off of anyone that messes with her."

"You would know," Misha said, leering at him.

"Fine!" the coach relented, with his time up. "Just get in there and don't screw up!"

"Looks like the Swords are making a couple of substitutions," said the announcer, as the players went onto the court. "Number 13, Misha Kuhra, and number 7, Serenity Doridder. Well, folks, I don't know what to make of this. Those numbers are on opposite ends of the luck meter, so let's hope their coach knows what he's doing. It's the Swords' ball."

"Go Swords!" the cheerleaders could be heard saying.

"If you get stuck, pass the ball to me," Serenity said, walking by Misha. The ball was passed into play to Jared, who immediately ran straight toward the other side of the court. Two opposing players quickly checked him. He passed the ball to Misha. She dribbled it further down the court, spinning past an opponent. She jumped to the hoop, making a lay-up.

"And number 13 scores with…13 seconds on the clock!" the surprised announcer exclaimed. "How about that! Now it's the Claws' ball."

Their cheerleaders were more noticeable. "Brick 'em brack 'em fire cracker sis boom ba! Go claws! Go claws! Rah, rah, rah!" They obviously had a better choreographer. Claw number 3 took the ball into play, being checked by Misha. Number three bounced the ball between Misha's legs, caught it on the other side, and ran ahead. The boy easily dodged many of the Swords until Jared stole the ball and dribbled the other way.

"Kitty!" he yelled, passing the ball ahead to Misha.

"Only 7 seconds on the clock!" the announcer warned. As soon as she caught the ball she headed to the hoop, but was obstructed by Claw number 20. Then, Claw number 3 began to impede her. She looked around for a pass only to see that her teammates were being well covered as well.

"Uh oh!" the announcer exclaimed. "Looks like number 13 is having some trouble out there."

"Over here!" Serenity called, straining her voice from near half-court. She was too far away for the Claws to worry about her. With only a few seconds left, Misha lobbed the ball to her. Serenity stood and took careful aim, ignoring her approaching opponents. She tossed the ball into the air just as the buzzer sounded, which went straight through the hoop and net.

"The Swords win!" the announcer screamed as the crowd cheered.


It was after the award ceremony, when the players were getting ready to leave. The only remnants of the crowd were family members. Misha's mother was there congratulating her daughter, as was Daniela. Their mother wore khakis and a black shirt under a buttoned blue vest. Daniela was in white clothing and a red vest.

"Oh, I'm so proud of you, Misha!" their mother squealed, hugging her.

"Why'd it take so long for you to go on the court?" Daniela asked questioningly.

"The coach was being a jerk!" Misha replied. "Just because we're girls!" Not too far away, Serenity was being praised by her father. He was a tall, but tired-looking redheaded young Newman in an adult-sized Swords jersey.

"You did great, honey!" he said, grabbing her bag. "After something like that, I think you deserve something special."

"I don't have time," she said flatly. "I have to practice my singing part for the play next week."

"But honey," he argued pleadingly, "you've been working non-stop. Don't think you need a break? I'm sure you'll be ready for the play just like you always are."

"I'm always ready because I always practice," she responded, taking her bag from him. "Practice makes perfect, and I'm not perfect. I'll be waiting for you at the car." With that said, she promptly left. Her father stood there not knowing how he would ever get through to her. He began to think that he would need some hired help for this problem. Then, he overheard Taya talking to Misha. She was in a purple and white cheerleading uniform with the insignia NS on the front.

"Hey, Misha. Did you ask your mom if you could go to the training center?"

"Training center?" Misha's mother asked, clueless.

"I forgot to ask you, Mommy," Misha said, embarrassed. "Is it okay if I go to the Hunter's Training Center so I can become a hunter?"

"So you're trying to be a hunter too?" Cloud said, walking over with Xero and Daniela. Both were in Swords jerseys.

"It's not that easy," Xero warned playfully. "You screw around and you're gonna' get hurt."

"Is that really such a good idea?" Misha's mother asked. "Two little girls becoming hunters."

"That's what the training's for," Misha explained.

"And then," Taya added happily, "we can all be one big hunter family. Bea told me that hunters don't always have to fight. We could just help people."

"Yeah, we're old enough to do that, aren't we?" Misha asked.

"I don't know," her mother said cautiously.

"Maybe you two could help me out," Mr. Doridder said, walking to the group. "I'm Namiel Doridder, Serenity's father. I need someone to help her."

"What could she need help with?" Misha asked. "She's just about perfect at everything."

"That's part of the problem," he said somberly. "She's so wrapped up in her work, that she never makes any time for herself. With your guardians' permission, could you come with me? Serenity's waiting at the car." The girls looked to their superiors with pleading eyes.

"Go ahead," Xero shrugged.

"Okay," Mrs. Kuhra smiled.

"Maybe, now we can get sometime to ourselves," Daniela said, leaning against Cloud. The young Newmans followed the man out of the building and towards the parking lot.

"So what does she do for fun?" Misha asked.

"I really don't know," he confessed. "She keeps to herself a lot and is always working. The only time she isn't busy is when she's sleeping."

"Why's she all work and no play?" Taya asked, tilting her head.

"I think it has something to do with what happened about a year ago," he thought. "You probably don't know this, but Serenity used to have a twin brother, Trenton. They were almost never apart, and put up such a fit whenever my wife and I had to separate them. As for my late wife, Gwen, she was a Force…and a pretty good one at that. To make a long story short, she made a few enemies among the Droids. One day, she was at home taking care of Trent, who wasn't feeling well. I was at work and Serenity was at school. She wasn't as studious as she is now.

"I kinda remember that," Misha said, thinking hard. "It's a little fuzzy, but I remember her being like the other kids. I can't remember much, though."

"It was around the same time you met me," Taya said, which Misha nodded to.

"Well, anyway," Namiel continued, "her mother and I were trying to get her to improve, more so her mother than myself. But on that fateful day…."


1 year ago…

It was another day at the Doridder residence. Mr. Doridder had already left for work. Mrs. Doridder had set up a quick breakfast, anticipating that Serenity was rushing through the house to prepare for school.

"Serenity!" Gwen called throughout the apartment in a plain purple shirt and jeans. "Don't be late for the bus!"

"Ready!" Serenity announced, popping into the kitchen with her book bag. She was a bright-eyed little girl with shimmering brown hair, looking like a miniature version of her mother in a purple dress.

"Now, remember what I told you," Gwen said, leaning down to hug her goodbye.

"Practice makes perfect!" Serenity said merrily.

"That's my girl," her mother said lovingly, rubbing her cheek.

"Where's Trent?" she asked, looking around.

"He's sick today," Gwen said. "Don't worry, he'll be here when you get back. It's just a little tummy ache. So do good on your test and we'll surprise him with a good grade on the fridge. He'll be so proud of you."

"I'll be just as smart as him!" Serenity said happily, skipping out the door with a nutrient bar.


Later that afternoon at Nei School, everyone had finished taking their test. Students were supposed to write their name, write the alphabet, and write out numbers 1-100. Serenity was hopeful that she did well. The teacher, Isis, had just finished grading the tests.

"All right, children," she said light-heartedly. "Most of you did pretty well on the test. I'm sorry if I've been hard to understand, but I just haven't been feeling like myself lately…Oh, it's 2:00! You know what that means."

"Snack time!" the class cheered.

"Taya, is it?" she said, looking at the small blue-haired Newman. "Would you like to help me pass out the milk?" Taya nodded shyly.

"Oooh, oooh, can I help too?" a little blonde Newman called out, bouncing in her seat.

"Yes, Misha," Isis almost laughed. "Can pass out the nutribars….I mean, you can pass out the nutribars, while I pass out the test results." Serenity gobbled her bar and gulped the milk as soon as she received them. Isis passed by her, dropping the printout on the table. Serenity immediately picked up the paper and looked at it. She stared at what was on it.

"Miss Isis?" she said, looking at the teacher questioningly.

"I'm sorry, Serenity," Isis looked back at her, smiling weakly. "I know you're trying. And trying best…I mean, trying your best is all that matters. Try again next time, dear," she said, patting Serenity gently on the head. Serenity stared at the large, red, D- circled on her paper as tears began to run down her cheeks. There was a knock at the door, which Isis promptly opened.

"Ma'am," the man said, not entering. "Is there a Serenity Doridder in this class?"

"Yes," Isis replied. "What is it?"

The man cleared his throat and whispered something to her.

"Oh!" Isis said, understanding. "Serenity!"

The man speedily drove Serenity back to her home. There were police cruisers hovering all around the building. Serenity kept quiet, still devastated by her test grade.

"Go to your apartment," he said, opening the door for her. "Your father is up there waiting for you." Serenity trudged through the corridors of the building, filled with neighbors talking amongst themselves. Soon, she started to see more paramedics and police. She walked through the open doorway of her apartment, seeing more people. Several people pointed her toward the living room. As soon as she entered, she saw a gaping hole in the wall, letting the city lights shine through. But what she saw to her left horrified her the most. There stood her mother, pinned against a wall at the lower abdomen by a hovercar. Comforting her was her husband Namiel.

"Mommy!" the little girl cried as she scampered to her mother's side.

"Serenity," she said breathlessly, taking her daughter's hand with an exhausted smile. "How's my little girl?" Blood trickled out the side of her mouth.

"Somebody help her!" she screamed.

"We can't," an android officer replied. "The vehicle is the only thing holding her together. If we remove it, she'll die instantly."

"But she's hurt!" Serenity bawled as more tears escaped her eyes.

"Serenity," her father choked, holding back his own tears. "Mommy's…not going to be around much longer. There's nothing we can do about it."

"What happened?" Serenity asked, whimpering.

"Some bad men did this," he answered remorsefully.

"Droids," the android officer added. "An android crime syndicate."

"Lieutenant," said a human officer walking close the android. "Let them have a moment alone." The android nodded and left with the other officer.

"Where's Trent?" Serenity asked worriedly. "Is he okay?" There was a silence as Gwen's ears dropped.

"I'm sorry," she said, beginning to cry herself. "I…I…"

"It's okay, honey," Namiel comforted her, wiping the blood off her mouth with a cloth. "You tried."

"I didn't try hard enough!" she sobbed. "I should have tried harder! I should have… My little boy…" She was beginning to grow weaker, as could be told by her heavy eyelids.

"Don't worry," he said, stroking her ears. "You'll be with him, soon enough…"

"Mommy," Serenity said shamefully. "I have to tell you something about my test."

"How did you do?" she asked weakly.

"…I…I," the child hesitated.

"It's okay, dear," Gwen said, grasping her daughter in a limp hug with one arm. She could feel the muffled sobs of Serenity, who had buried herself into Gwen. "You don't have to be ashamed."

"I'm sorry," the little girl sobbed. "I practiced really hard, but I couldn't do it."

"If at first you don't succeed," her mother began, breathing heavier, "try, try again. You still have time… You've got plenty of life left… Just remember…everything I've told you… I'll always love you… Namiel… Take care of her."


"That's really sad," Taya said, sniffling at the story. The three were standing just beyond the parking lot, watching Serenity practice her singing.

"Did they ever find the ones that did it?" Misha asked somberly.

"A while later, yeah," Namiel said, smirking tiredly. "The Android Rights Association turned over the ones that planned it. Apparently, the less stable chunk of its members, who were also with the Droids, decided to attack her. They decided to go after Trenton as well, once they knew he was there at the same time. Gwen actually managed to take down quite a few of them… at least until someone decided to crash a car into the apartment. Needless to say, it really hurt the Android Rights movement, so the ARA immediately got involved with the investigation. That single event is why all android citizens have to outwardly appear to be mechanical, among other restrictions."

"How did she move on after something like that?" Taya asked, listening to Serenity's smooth hymn.

"I don't think she ever did get over it," Namiel said, shaking his head. "She got really quiet and held a grudge against all Androids for a while."

"I remember that," Misha said thoughtfully. "She really gave Isis the cold shoulder."

"That's also when she started her overachieving habits," Namiel continued. "Serenity started finding the faults in everyone except, ironically, Androids. That's when she started bringing up lawsuits against anyone that impeded her, even if the obstruction was trivial… We managed to make quite a profit off of that bad little habit… Unfortunately, she stopped laughing, smiling, playing, or showing any kind of emotion. She wouldn't do anything that wasn't, as she put it, 'productive'. That's where you two come in," he said, looking at the two girls. "I've taken her to psychologists and everything, but they just tell me what's wrong with her, not how to help her. So, I need someone that knows her, someone that's her same age and does the same things she has to do."

"What do you want us to do?" Misha asked quizzically.

"Show her how to have fun again," Namiel answered. "The last time she smiled, was when Gwen and Trenton were still here. Now it's as if she has no other purpose in life than to be the very meaning of the 'practice makes perfect' saying. Just get her to back off of the workload and have fun. Even if she only makes the tiniest, briefest smile, it'll all be worth it."

"Okay," Misha said uneasily. "Um… How much money are we talkin' here?"

"Misha!" Taya exclaimed in a harsh whisper, startling her friend. "What's wrong with you? Didn't you just hear what happened to them? We have to help because it's the right thing to do! Are you such a heartless idiot that you can't you see that?" Misha was shaken by Taya's aggressive tone. The last time Taya had been acting like this was at the Phantasy Monster Tournament. But never before had Taya talked to Misha like that.

"It's okay," Namiel said modestly to Taya, noticing the hurt look on Misha's face and her sinking ears. "If you two plan to become hunters, you'll have to pick your quests wisely. As Gwen once said, 'If the money isn't in it, then why should I get in it?' Well, you won't have to worry about the reward. I'll pay each of you 50,000 M if you do this. Just visit her everyday. Annoy her if you have to."

"You don't have to…" Taya began. Serenity finally stopped singing and glanced around herself, not noticing the trio.

"I insist on the reward," Namiel said. "You can't become successful hunters if you don't have any money. So, will you help me?"

"Okay," Taya answered for both of them.


"So, Serenity," Namiel said, as he drove them to the condo, "I want you to make friends with Taya and Misha. Just get to know them." Serenity rode in the passenger seat, while the other girls sat in back.

"They'll interfere with my studies," Serenity warned. "They aren't even on the Honor Roll. Take them home."

"They might be able to help you with your studies," Namiel said optimistically. "You could always use a new critic for your singing." Serenity didn't respond. In the back of the vehicle, there was an awkward silence between Taya and Misha. They glanced at one another nervously, quickly turning the other way.


"So what do you want to do first?" Taya asked, now that they had gotten into Serenity's blue room. It was eerily plain and organized. Her bed had no designs on the cover. The only things on her dresser were a brush, a comb, and a mirror. Her computer desk was clear of any objects, except the computer itself. The only thing she had that was even remotely decorative was a photograph of her family before the incident one year ago.

"I need to practice my singing," she answered.

"How about Mary Had a Little Lamb?" Taya suggested, since Misha was silent.

Serenity stared at Taya as if she was an idiot and answered, "…No."

"Well, sing a song you like," Taya said optimistically.

"I don't like any particular song," Serenity said.

"What do you mean you don't like any songs!" Taya yelled, covering her mouth immediately after she noticed her own tone. "Sorry."

"Are you okay?" Misha asked, noticing that Taya had been acting out of character lately.

"I'm fine," Taya said quickly.

"You sure?" Misha said worriedly. Taya nodded.

"Um, you don't need to practice anyway," Taya said, moving past the event. "We heard you earlier and it was really good."

"Really?" Serenity asked, raising her eyebrows. Misha nodded. "Well…" she hesitated. "Maybe I should practice anyway."

"Do you want to be a singer?" Taya asked.

"I…don't think so," Serenity said unsurely.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Taya asked.

"I…I don't know," Serenity said with uncertainty.

"Then…why do you do all of this stuff?" Misha asked meekly. There was a look of confusion on Serenity's face.

"…Practice makes perfect," she said, with her ears lowering.

"I don't think your singing can get much better," Taya said. "It's practically perfect already… Do you have anything else to do?"

"Studying," she said, bringing something up on her computer.

"Studying?" Taya asked, perplexed. "You can do that later…like on Sunday. No one studies on Friday."

"There's nothing else I can do besides that right now," Serenity said, reading the screen.

"Why don't we just have fun?" Taya suggested. Serenity paid her no mind. "You know… like hanging out at the mall, the arcade, the Rec. center….or we could play Phantasy Monsters." The studious Newman continued to ignore her. Taya was beginning to get irritated.

"Don't blow it," she said to herself, with closed eyes. "Calm down. We're here to help her, so there's no turning back now… That little ingrate…No, no, we need to be patient," she argued with herself. "Don't you remember what happened to her? She needs our help… Why do you always have to act like such a saint? Not everyone deserves to be treated so well and you know it. That's why you've been slipping up. Even your friend is noticing… It's not my fault!" she screamed at the wicked thought. "You keep telling me to do these bad things! And now Misha's feelings are hurt because of you! And she probably thinks I'm a bad person… Because you implied that she's a bad person? I don't see the problem… Why would you want to hurt her like that…? Because she deserves it. You're losing your grip, Taya. She's looking at you funny right now. You can't hold me back forever. It'll be my turn soon enough." Misha had been staring at her, wondering what Taya had been thinking about for so long.

"Taya?" she asked timidly.

"Huh, what?" Taya said, snapping out of her trance. "Misha?"

"I…I just…" she stuttered and then paused. She sighed and said, "I just wanted to apologize for earlier. What I did wasn't right. So, can you forgive me?"

"I should apologize to," Taya said humbly. "I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Friends?" Misha asked, offering a handshake.

"Friends," Taya said, choosing to hug her instead.

"Hmph," Serenity grunted, still studying.

"That's right, Taya," the thoughts returned to the sky-blue-haired girl mockingly. "Go ahead and enjoy your precious little hug. Enjoy all your precious moments while you still can." Taya hugged tighter in response to the malevolence. She had been scared of this before. But now, there seemed to be some truth to the mental intrusions.

Notes: Told ya she had a dark side. But what exactly are its intentions? Is it going to possess her and plot to destroy everything? Does it have anything to do with the happenings on Ragol? How much longer will Taya be able to stay in control? Will she still be able to help Serenity? Stayed tuned to find out, but not…

On the next episode of Phantasy Star Online: Sidestory: It's a leisurely day for our heroes… Well, most of them. After some awkwardness, Chronos experiences a power failure. That's unacceptable in the modern world. Who will help him? Miguel and Anne are out elsewhere. It's one giant foreshadowing in "Implications." Predict this! Only Toonami!