Okay to stop Ej-kun's insistent teasing, I've decided to start chapter nine. This chapter is dedicated to my love, Eji Kazuma, for letting me borrow the great brown-headed warrior (Eji himself) for a story of mine, and for giving me another original character of his, Grem, to fill into the storyline as I pleased. Without too much mushy stuff, I will continue on to chapter nine.

Chapter Nine: Jealousy

            But with out you I'm alone…

            And I'd rather be in love with you…

            Tawna awoke the next morning with a pounding headache. Trying to sit up to steady a dizzy spell, she almost knocked Hirelena off the bed who was curled up next to her. She had to watch where she moved her feet as well, since Raine was napping against the footboard.

            Finding a way to climb out, she carefully crawled from the maze of bodies to sit on the floor. It was cold and she shuddered but at least away from her friends she didn't feel like she was going to faint.

            There was a slight click and then a repeat of music she had  heard earlier, possibly in a dream. She blinked. Where was it coming from?

            The problem was the laptop, which Lena had left running last night to talk with Keita since the boys had left soon after they had arrived last night. Pulling it out from underneath the bed and preparing to shut it off, she realized that it was open on her account and that she had mail again from that blonde-headed wavemaster.

            "What the heck…" she murmured, half in defeat. It wouldn't kill her to at least try and log on, not at this point. Slipping the visor on she waited for the log-in screen to come up and hit the button.

            The screen went completely white again. Then there was a flash of green and suddenly she was standing before the white-clothed hacker.

            "Good morning." She smiled. "We've been waiting for you."

            "Savana-" a green image appeared and became the redheaded elf from the day before. Savana took a step back, despite herself. The woman swallowed. "Savana, I'm sorry. I didn't know-"

            "Alyanae here has been helping me around the clock trying to restore your character." The wavemaster said calmly. "She was the one who suggested Savana's new make over, as a way to apologize for what she had done."

            "Make over?" the blademaster blinked.

            "You can't see it, but it changes just about everything about you. Here." In seconds another image appeared between the two, a copy of the player in front of them. The girl blinked her eyes surprised. "You did this?"

            Although the girl's skin tone, markings, hair and eyes color hadn't changed, there was a lot that had. She had pricked animal ears, similar to Hirelena's, a long bushy black tail tipped in white to match the new ears. Her tropical type clothing was sparkling with ruby jewels set on the side of her small wrap skirt and small red bracelets dangled around her wrists. There was a tattoo carved into the back of her character, a pair of small black demon wings. "This is…" she swallowed. "Incredible." Looking down at herself, she noticed the changes on her body, including the tail.

            "We experimented a lot." Alyanae explained uneasily. "I mostly went off hunches. I mean usually the only time you see someone with yellow eyes is because they are trying to have animalistic features about them, and I knew about the new upgrades CC Corp is trying to bring in in a few years with animal characters. I figured a fox would fit you well."

            "Actually, I have yellow eyes IRL." She told her after a moment. "I get them from my dad's side of the family."

            "Oh, I'm sorry!" the redheaded hacker recoiled as if she had been attacked. "I can change it if you want."

            "No, no!" she shook her head. "It's okay. I like it. It turned out really well."

            "I…" she started after a moment. "I gave you the demon wings because…you really are different from Balmung." Her cerulean eyes stared at her timidly for a minute. "He's cruel, and antisocial, and basically a jerk to everyone around him. So I was thinking about it. Why does he get to play the angel when you're the one who thinks about others first and puts your all into someone who honestly doesn't care. If he's going to be the angelic one, I think you should be the demon."

            She smiled. "Thank you Alyanae. Both of you really. You've done greater good then you ever did wrong."

            "The master mind behind the project has been punished as well." The wavemaster smirked, bringing up the subject of Raquel. "Her character was rewritten back to the way she was originally created and there is a time elapsed program set on her data that forbids her to equip any item over level 20. If she tries a stunt as bold as that again I will make the program a permanent one."

            "What makes things even better is that your wavemaster friend, Hikaru, reported her to the admin for Pking, so her character is suspended for three days anyway." Her smile dropped a little bit. "Apparently she tried explaining things to Balmung, but he won't listen to it. He's staying out of the current situation and he told her that he wants nothing to do with you right now. But don't worry about him Savana. Balmung's so vain, he can't see past himself anyway. I can't begin to imagine all the crap Raquel was feeding him."

            The blademaster swallowed. "Hey Alyanae, how did you meet Raquel anyway?"

            "From school. We both attend Tokyo U. I got her playing the game sadly, when I had just gotten introduced to her. She doesn't hang around me anymore, only when she needs something. All the stuff she was telling me about you…I really am sorry Savana."

            "It's alright. Don't worry about it any more. It's all behind us."

            The long-arm nodded. "Okay."

            There was a sigh from the blademaster. "Sorry you all, but I have to run. I blew off my friends last night because I was upset and I can't do it twice in two days."

            "Savana, before you go," the elf started. She looked upset for a minute and then her eyes got colder. "Take my member address. If you have any more problems, let me know."

            "Thanks. I'll give it to Hirelena too. She's another hacker friend of mine. Maybe you can teach her a thing or two." She grinned. "Thank you, so much."

            As the girl pulled off the visor she caught the phone start to ring. Pouncing it, she hit the talk button and put it to her ear. "Hello?" she said dully, half expecting it to be a teller marketer.

            "It's been a while since I've heard from you Tawna."

            The girl's amber eyes widened in response to that voice. "Yue…what are you doing calling me from Hong Kong?!"

            The voice on the other end giggled. "I'm not calling you from Hong Kong. I'm calling you from the airport in Ichidgo, approximately a forty five minute walk from your house."

            "But…when…?"

            "About twenty minutes ago. Tatsu came and picked me up from the airport. We're on our way out, but we wanted to know if you had any plans for today. I was hoping I could see you."

            "How long are you staying back in Japan?" Tawna found herself asking, dreading the response.

            "I'm back for good." There was a smile in her voice that made her friend sigh in relief. "So? What are you doing today?"

            "Actually we have a soccer game to attend at Ichidgo in about an hour or so." She told her.

            "Really?" the voice drifted away from the speaker, and a man's voice could be heard in the background. "Alright. Tatsu and I will meet you there!"

            "Great! Can't wait to see you again!" she cried as she hung up.

            "What was that all about?" Raine asked sleepily, blinking her dark brown eyes.

            "This is fantastic." Tawna grinned. "Lena! Hey Lena, get up!" she cried, shaking the bed. The small girl pawed the air in response. "Lena! NOW!"

            "Huh?" Hirelena sat up with a start. "What's goin on?"

            "Yue's back from Hong Kong. Come on, we have to get ready to go to the soccer game." She told her eagerly.

            ""Yeah…soccer…Keita…right…" she murmured. Suddenly her emerald eyes blinked. "Did you say Yue's back?"

            "Uh-huh." The redhead grinned.

            "Wait. What Yue are we talking about?" Raine asked, still half asleep herself. "Are you talking about Kanzaki's girl, the one who's been studying abroad forever?"

            "Uh-huh." She nodded again.

            "Kanzaki…" Lena blinked. "Wait a minute. Tatsumaru Kanzaki isn't dating anyone right now."

            "Yeah, but he has a huge crush on this girl who's like a year younger than him and super smart. Am I right?" she asked, looking at Tawna for reassurance.

            "I don't know about Kanzaki-sempai, but I do know that Yue graduated from high school when she was only a freshman, and she does like Tatsu a lot. Half of her family lives in China, so her mother sent her to study at a college over there and get an associates degree. She used to live right next door, but after she left her family moved further downtown and I haven't heard from them since." The redheaded junior told her.

            "I know what I'm talking about. Nenji is good friends with Kanzaki. We'll find out soon enough." Raine persisted stubbornly.

            "Do we really have time to argue about it?" Lena yawned. "We have to start getting ready to go."

            "Guys," Tawna said as she started towards the bathroom. "After the game let's get online. They restored Savana last night."

            With that remark, the junior was followed all the way to the bathroom with curious questions which all got answered on the ride down to Ichidgo. They weren't surprised when Hiko and Nenji met that at the bus stop near the high school and they walked the rest of the way there, Tawna telling them her good news. As far as Yue, that had gotten lost in the excitement of hearing that Savana was back on The World.

            "Tawna!"

            Those bright amber eyes looked up and caught sight of the tall lean woman with short dark purple hair and amethyst eyes. She grinned. "Yue! Hey!" Dashing forward she wrapped her arms around the taller girl.

            "Tawna, you are so beautiful now. Wow, have you grown since I saw you last." She said hugging her.

            "You too! You cut your hair! It used to be to your waist!"

            "Yue!" a short black-haired streak dashed toward them, lunging at the two girls.

            "Lena, is that really you?" the purple-haired woman asked, surprised. "I almost didn't recognize you."

            "How could you not recognize her Yue, her height hasn't changed since she was in elementary school." A familiar cocky male voice spoke up.

            "Tatsu-kun!" Hirelena spun around, wide green eyes staring venomously at him. "You jerk!"

            "Like I haven't heard that before from you." He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Morning Tiny."

            "You!" she hissed, backing out of his touch.

            "Tatsumaru, give it a rest." Hiko smiled at him, walking up to him. "So, did you get permission to miss class today or are you just skipping?"

            "Permission, of course. You should be at class, though, trying to bring up that grade point average." He grinned.

            "Why's that?" Tawna asked, confused. "I thought Hiko had a GPA of 3.8?"

            "He does." Raine nodded. "But Tatsu has the highest score of our senior class. He has 4.0 over a consecutive two years."

            "I can get into any college in the country." Tatsu added, looking at her with mischievous eyes. "I've got a full ride to Tokyo University."

            "That's awesome." Tawna swallowed. Her own average was somewhere in the low 3.0s and she knew that was tough to maintain. He must have devoted everything the last couple of years to his studies.

            "You're not the only one." Hiko reminded him, nodding at him with an amethyst gaze. "I too am going to Tokyo U in the fall on scholarship."

            "Really?" Hirelena beamed. "Wow! I'm surrounded by geniuses." Her wide gaze turned to the boy hiding slightly behind Tatsumaru and she grinned. "Shinta-kun! I didn't know you were here!"

            The boy blushed, but nodded, spiky black bangs falling in his dark eyes. "Morning everyone."

            "For those of you who don't know him-" Tatsu reached behind him, grabbing the kid in a headlock. "This is Imawano Shinta from the freshman classes. I've taken him under my wing as my gaming-master apprentice."

            "Nice to meet you Imawano-kun." Tawna nodded her head.

            "Please…" he blushed horribly. "Just call me Shinta. I don't like formalities."

            "Wow…" Yue stared at everyone. "The gang's all here. Thanks for welcoming me back guys."

            "Yeah," Tatsumaru let the boy go to arrogantly run his fingers through long dark locks of chocolate brown bangs. "What would you do without me?"

            "Play Final Fantasy VIII in peace?" she shot back innocently, a teasing smile on her lips.

            "Don't start with this bullshit again!" His dark brown eyes flashed hotly as he stared at her. "Final Fantasy VII was the greatest RPG SquareEnix ever made and you damn well know it! I won't tolerate you letting your brains get sucked out by that sappy crap storyline!"

            "Here they go again." Shinta sighed.

            "Final Fantasy…are they talking about the Final Fantasy XVI that just came out for the new Playstation console?" Tawna asked.

            "Somewhat. Final Fantasy is a long running series. Final Fantasy VII and VIII were supposed to be some of the best ever made." Hiko shrugged. "The originals were on a Super Nintendo, or something like that. My great uncle has one in his basement. I won't play past X because the graphics were horrible."

            "Yeah but the storylines were fantastic. I have to say I agree on VII. Cloud Strife ruled." Hirelena beamed.

            "Cloud Strife? He was in the movie that came out a couple of years ago." Tawna spoke up.

            "You're talking about Advent Children and it's about four years old." Hiko corrected her with a smile.

            "I saw it though. It was pretty good." The redhead nodded.

            "I think VIII was better." Raine commented.

            "My favorite was X." Shinta smiled. "I loved all the different characters. XII too. I wish I could have played XI before the game was wiped when the Internet crashed. Tawna, do you have a playstation?" when she shook her head he blinked, but continued. "I'll burn you PC copies then. You can play them on your computer and tell me which one you think is better."

            Meanwhile the fighting was still continuing.

            "Squall Leonhart was so much cooler!"

            "And Cloud's Ultima Weapon could bust the Lionheart into pieces!"

            "Well, Squall was far hotter then Cloud!"

            "Hey…" Hirelena whined at that comment.

            "And Tifa was hot among the final fantasy women too! What the hell does that have to do with anything?!"

            Yue glared at him for a moment before she began to ramble off in Chinese furiously, her language switching to Korean. Then Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian. When she began to speak in English it was clear she had been cursing at him the entire time while he just stared some amazed, horrified and pleased look on his face while his mouth dropped open slightly.

            "Ouch." Nenji winced.

            "Impressive, but not when it's twenty different ways to say I hate you." Lena giggled.

            "Lena!"

            She turned catching the flash of silver hair coming their way in a soccer uniform. "Keita-kun!" she cried, pouncing him.

            "Hi. I've been looking all over for you." He smiled, hugging her to him.

            "Lena," Yue had calmed down enough to look at the new addition to their group. "Who is this gorgeous guy?"

            The boy looked up and blushed at that comment. "Bunjihiro Keita, Lena's boyfriend. And you might be?"

            "Yukisagi-Su Yue. A childhood friend of Tawna's and Lena's." she nodded. "Nice to meet you."

            He nodded. "Tobuowanai, Amiya. You're team is assembling in our guest locker rooms. I've been asked to lead you there."

            "Looks like its show time." Hiko took off his glasses, handing them to the crimson-haired junior. "Can you hold on to these for me?"

            She smiled. "Sure. Good luck you guys!"

            "Looks like it's time to find seats." Tatsumaru replied with a smirk. "Come on ladies, follow me."

            They ended up getting killer seats thanks to Tatsumaru and his 'aggressive' attitude. Tawna found him amusing. He acted like a total punk, but around Yue, he was different…more reserved, even in his comments. She found it hard to believe that he had the highest grades out of all the seniors, but if Hiko would admit it, then it had to be true.

            "Kanzaki-kun," she started, looking up at him. "What kind of games do you play, beside Final Fantasy?"

            He looked down on her darkly for a minute. "Tawna, cut the formal crap, a'right? The name's Tatsu, and you can call me by it." Then he smiled. "Don't take it personally, it's just a pet peeve of mine."

            "Don't be so harsh to her Tatsu." Yue shot him a glare. "She doesn't know you very well, and if you make her cry, you're going to regret it." Shooting a friendly glance at her friend she continued. "Don't mind him Tawny. He acts all intimidating all the time, but all he really is is a big cuddly teddy bear."

            The boy stuck out his tongue disgustedly at that remark and Shinta burst out in laughter. Shaking his head, he glanced at her. "I've been playing Final Fantasy XVI, but usually The World takes up all my free time."

            "You play The World?!" Hirelena asked eagerly. "Raine, Tawna and I play too!"

            "Tawna, you play?" Yue stared at her amazed. "What's you're online name?"

            "Savana of course, after your story." She grinned.

            "Really? I RP Skye! That's awesome. I'm honored you'd play one of my characters." Yue told her.

            "I'm lost." Raine blinked.

            "Yue used to right this novel, and in it her main character was an archer named Skye, and her best friend a swordsmaster named Savana. When I needed a name for my character, I just thought of Savana, because Yue wrote her in for me." Tawna explained.

            "I actually got the archer class for Sky in The World." Yue grinned mischievously.

            "Great, here it goes." Tatsu snapped, his voice filled of bitterness.

            Yue looked up momentarily at him but continued. "Orca and Balmung helped me out. I contacted the Admin and asked if they would help me out with creating an archers class, because I thought it was a good idea. When they denied my request, Balmung and Orca e-mailed me. We petitioned for two new classes – the archer class and the polearm class. We never thought we'd get as big a response as we did. Over a million signatures. After that, I didn't hear from Balmung or Orca again, but my classes were approved and I was the first to test it out. It was incredible. I want to find them both and thank them for what they did for me."

            "Talk to Tawny! She knows Bal-"

            "Lena I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." Raine cut in softly. She jerked her head to the side where Tawna had drifted out of the conversation and sat resting her chin on her knees watching the game. Tatsu blinked at her a minute, but didn't say a word.

            "Ugh! It's no fair! How are you supposed to root for something like that!" Lena cried as the group left the school later on. "Why couldn't you both win?!" she hugged Keita. "I'm sorry that you lost."

            "It's okay." The silver-haired junior smiled. "We gave it our all, that's what counts."

            "I'm ready for lunch. We're going out for pizza right?" Nenji asked hopefully, wiping sweat from his brow.

            "I don't want to go." Tawna spoke up, the first thing she had said since the incident on the bleachers. "I'm not feeling to well, and my head's pounding."

            "Tawna…" Lena stared up at her friend.

            "I'll drive you home then." Hiko said, adjusting his glasses.

            "You don't have to do that." She told him softly.

            "You're not feeling well, and it's the least I can do, after the past week or so." He smiled down on her. "Come on, I parked my motorcycle over this way." Looking back at everyone, he grinned. "I'll catch up with you guys soon. Oh and Tatsu," that grin changed to a smirk. "Get up the courage to ask. It can't hurt anything, can it?"

            He smirked back. "You two man, and don't even try to deny it."

            Hiko's eyes widened but he just solemnly nodded his head, and led the dazed redhead away from the crowd.

            Yue swallowed, watching him leave. What had Hiko meant by that?

            "Tatsu can be an ass sometimes, but he's the only person I know who can read all my emotions like a book." Hiko explained as they pulled up in the apartment parking lot. "He gets it from all his sword and kick box training, or so he says." He looked up at the second floor, where the girl was living. "You said your mom's not home. Are you going to be okay?"

            She nodded as she hopped off the bike, shaggy layers flying over her shoulders and she stepped down. "Im-" Suddenly her eyes glazed over and she lost her footing falling against him.

            "Tawna!" he cried, catching her in his arms. Panic ran through him as his fingers brushed across her bare skin. She was cold to the touch.

            "I'm alright. I didn't get that much sleep last night and I haven't had anything to eat today." She said weakly, her head leaning against his chest. Even though she wasn't feeling well, her nose could smell the mix of his sweat and his faint cologne. Her fingers gripped his varsity jacket slightly as she rested against him. "Hiko…" she murmured closing her eyes tiredly. "No matter what you're always there for me. When I'm close to you like this…I feel safe."

            Those violet eyes widened at her words. She had to be delirious from a fever or her sickness to be talking about him like that, but still, he was happy that she had said that about him. "Come on," he told her softly. "We need to get you into the house. I'll fix you something to eat." Swinging her up into his arms, he undid the clip on her waist, placed the key in his hand and carried her into her house. Tawna only felt the difference of being on the ground, to the difference to being in her arms before everything went black and she slept in his embrace.

            "Tawna! Tawna, come on, wake your lazy ass up!"

            The girl jumped into a sitting position, amber eyes glancing exhaustedly around. She was on the couch in the living room by the looks of it, and there was a woman too…looking at her it took a minute for it to sink in. "Sumiko?! What are you doing here?!"

            "Hi little sis." The woman smiled, carelessly brushing slate blue hair from her eyes.

            "But I thought you were in college downtown. Why aren't you there?" she asked, entirely confused.

            "Mom called this morning and told me she was in a conference in the city all weekend and asked if I had a spare moment to check up on you. I had classes off this afternoon, so I figured I fulfill her request." Those golden eyes, so much like Tawna's suddenly got mischievous. "So, who was the hunk of a man playing kitchen wench for you when I got here?"

            Tawna blinked. "You must mean…" she glanced around, half expecting him to be in the room. "Hiko. Where is he?"

            "He left about twenty minutes ago. Got a call from a friend of his apparently and took off after fixing you lunch." She smiled. "Man girl, you really know how to pick boyfriends."

            She narrowed her eyes. "He's NOT my boyfriend."

            "Aw, you're still at that age where you want to deny it. Okay, cool, I see how that is." She ducked when her sister angrily swiped at her and a smirk crossed her face. "But if he's single you think you could hook him up with me?"

            Tawna fell over crashing back onto the couch. "Sis, he's eighteen and your twenty-five. Somehow I don't see that working."

            "Yes," she started standing up. "But the relationship would be legal." While her sister sweatdropped she grinned. "It doesn't matter I guess. He was real sweet about you anyway. Come on," she said offering her sister a hand up. "Like I said, he made us lunch."

            Fifteen minutes later the two were sitting at the counter in the kitchen pulled up to it on long-legged bar stools.

            "Damn this kid can cook!" Sumiko closed her eyes as she took the last bite of her food. "I'm sad to see it go. Next time I see that boy, I'm asking him to marry me."

            Tawna wouldn't announce it, but she had to agree. The food had probably been the best she had had in a long time. She couldn't remember the last time she had actually eaten a cooked meal. Usually it was all stuff that could be cooked in the microwave or on the stove under ten minutes. After a minute she sat down her chopsticks, blushing slightly. "Hey Sis. About what you said earlier. Do you really think Hiko likes me?"

            "No doubt." Sumiko said getting up to rinse her plate. "He was really worried about you. Before he left he just sat there and watched you for a few minutes. He asked me to call him if you got any worse and needed to go to the hospital or something. It was cute." Turning she blinked. "Where are you going?"

            "To my room. I'm still not feeling well." Was her response.

            "Well call Yue, alright? She's called here about ten times since I got here." She said, following her out to the living room and sitting down on the couch.

            "I'll just IM her when I get online." She said heading for the steps.

            The older woman's eyes widened with shock. "And since when did we get a computer with internet?!" There was definitely a tinge of fear in her voice.

            "Since…it's a long story. I'll explain later. Just don't say a word to Mom about it when I tell you." She smiled slightly at her sister. "I've played over a hundred and fifty hours online. Dad would be proud of me, don't you think?"

            Her sister swallowed but watched her sister go up the steps and disappear into her room. "She's got guts, I can say that much. Dad would be proud. I think…both Dad and Reivin would be proud."

            Savana entered Carmina Gadelica, surveying the beautiful city with wide amber eyes. Then she sighed, running her fingers through her shaggy crimson hair. In all honesty she was nervous about being on and more than a little afraid. Her new look was getting her stares from people passing by and she swallowed. Maybe standing out so much more wasn't a good idea.

            "Savana!"

            She turned, her fox ears twitching at the obvious call of her name, and realized there was no one there. Seconds later, a blue-haired wavemaster came flying through a portal created by the chaos gate. "Savana…" staring at her she blinked. "Wow…" she grinned. "You look awesome! Alyanae really did a nice job. But, now's not the time. You have to come with me, quickly."

            "Why what's going on?" she was dragged back into the chaos gate. The entered an area filled of wide rolling hills and beautiful meadows, but the clouds overhead threatened to pour rain at any minute.

            "Some one…" Hikaru panted, trying to hurry as best she could. "Someone hacked this location. Balmung and Raquel were here-"

"Raquel?!" Savana stared at her. "I thought she was suspended for three days?!"

"Yeah." Hikaru grumbled. "So did I." After a minute she continued. "They were here going through the dungeon when he was attacked by a heavy blade. A really really good heavy blade. Balmung ordered Raquel to leave, but he's still fighting the guy. I got your entire party there, thinking they would be able to stop the fight, but nothing's worked yet. I…" she looked back at her. "I think Balmung made the wrong decision yesterday. A seriously wrong decision. But even still he is my brother, and I don't want to see him PKed."

            Savana said nothing, but continued on. The wind picked up, whipping the knee-high grass around them and lightning flickered off in the distance. As they came up over another hill, they saw a group of people lying before them, all people Savana knew. 'Lena…Keita…Ramia…Kei…Alyanae…'

            Three people the blademaster didn't recognize were standing further off in the small valley. One of them was the man fighting the winged warrior. A little shorter then his opponent, with long dark brown strands of chocolate brown held back by a headband and deep emerald eyes, he was definitely not a problem to look at. He wore black and blue heavy armor, but was still rather less armed for a heavy blade. His vest flapped open as he moved, showing his tanned muscular chest. Looking at him, she realized that there was probably not another character in this game who looked as good being completely different. He was sure to stick out like a sore thumb upon entering a root town, so why hadn't she heard about him by now?

            The second character was a young boy dressed in long white baggy pants and a white flowing shirt, left unbuttoned to show off his toned chest. Silver flames snaked up the thin fabric on both the pants and the shirt, the paint shining in the flicker of the far off lightning. A childish gaze, bright cerulean eyes and a grimace fell over his face as he reached a hand up to move long navy bangs from his view. In the other hand he carried a long platinum staff, kanji engraved into every inch of the weapon.

            The last stood the furthest off. It was a woman with long violet hair, elegantly pulled back with black pins. Stray amethyst strands fell across her fair cheeks as her wide mix-matched eyes watched the match in awestruck horror. Staring back between the blue and brown gaze, she realized that someone would have had to alter her character for that. She was wearing all black and silver and a black quiver was slung over her shoulder. A silver tipped bow rested against the ground almost to support the girl as she watched this match.

            'A polearm master…a archer…and a heavy blade…' It suddenly clicked in the girl's head who she must standing in front of. Yue was an archer based off her character from a story…long purple hair in goth clothes…Shinta liked unusual characters and the polearm definitely fit that description and there was a rough-looking brown headed man with a grudge against Balmung…didn't anyone in her party realize who these people were?! They just spent the afternoon with them, surely it wasn't that hard to see through!

            "Oh no…" Hikaru let out a gasp, her fingers covering her lips.

            There was the sound of scrapping metal and Savana's golden gaze widened as she laid it on something she thought she would never see.

            Balmung's sword had been sent flying from his hands, spiraling into the air, the blade impaling into the earth several feet away. The blademaster had stumbled back onto one knee, just able to move away from his enemy's destructive swing. He stared up at his opponent, deep green eyes full of hate. Crimson specked the long ivory locks that had fallen into his face from the battle and a tiny trickle of blood fell from the corner of his mouth. "Damn you…"

            The heavy blade smirked. "Lord Balmung's first PK. Never thought it possible did you?" he hefted the large blade to one side, resting it among the grass. "I think you deserve it."

            "Tatsu…" Savana stared at him, shaking her head slightly. "Tatsu…no…" her feet began moving before she realized what was happening. That weapon of his…if it hit Balmung…things would be all over… "Tatsu, no!" She saw him raise the blade again, saw Balmung duck his head. Was he really going to just give in to defeat? Her pace quickened, dashing straight into the self-proclaimed battlefield.

            "Savana!" Hikaru shrieked after her, not able to take a step closer. "Savana!"

            Hiko had been running in from the opposite direction and caught what was going on, just as it happened. He stopped short, knowing that he wouldn't be able to stop it. His eyes widened and then he looked away.

            Savana stepped in the way, just as the heavy blade turned, bringing his sword down on her. Her character sliced easily, taking the cut through the left shoulder, ripping her side apart. Her body started flashing red as she sank down on her knees, no longer able to control the immediate actions of her character. "Tatsu…" she looked up at him, gritting her teeth. She saw those big emerald eyes widen even further and she smiled. "Don't hurt him…please…"

            "You idiot!" The white-haired knight cried, pulling her into his arms. "I had a plan! Why would you do something that completely stupid!"

            "Savana, no!" Hirelena cried, watching in semi-horror.

            "Savana?" the purple-haired woman turned, looking at the group. "That's-" suddenly her knees gave out and she collapsed on the ground, a hand over her face.

            "Lady Skye?" the polearm asked worriedly.

            "Grem, go help her, quickly." The archer murmured, tears forming in her eyes.

            "Right Lady," turning he stared at their group. "If there is an experienced hacker around, could we borrow your assistance?"

            "I can help." Alyanae stepped forward.

            "Me too." Lena added.

            While they started towards the two, the heavy blade had backed off, almost at a loss with himself. He stalked back to the purple-haired archer. "Is that," he demanded furiously. "Is that who I think it is?!"

            "That's Savana." She nodded, tears falling down her cheeks. He eyed Hiko leading the others to where Balmung has the wounded girl on the ground, but said nothing. "Eji, you have to stop this."

            "Stop this?" he growled at her. "Just let that guy go? Never! Now is the only chance I got!"

            She stood up, determination in her eyes. "You just attacked my best friend! Tawna stood in the way to take that blow, and I can tell you she would do it again in an instant. Stop this Tatsu. I've seen enough."

            "I said no." he hissed back at her. "Not unless it can change your feelings about him!" he turned then, stalking back in the direction of the group.

            "Ol Repth!" Hirelena cried, casting yet another healing spell on Savana. "It's no good." She sighed. "Nothing's working."

            "What did he do to her?" Balmung demanded, his eyes flashing to the polearm master.

            Grem swallowed. "Miss Alyanae if you would, access Savana's character data  please."

            "Sure, but it will take me a minute or so." The redheaded elf nodded.

            "Miss Hirelena, please don't stop using your healing magic. It is the only thing keeping Savana from dying. If she is killed there is no hope of saving her." The blue-haired boy smiled at her.

            "I got your back when you run out of MP." Keita told her reassuringly.

            "Lord Balmung…" the boy started again, watching the injured worriedly instead of the angry lord. "Eji's weapon boasts a number of status ailments. One of them is a poison-virus that affects the player, killing them off, and stays on the character permanently, so that every time they try to revive themselves the poison will continuously drain HP. I was taught how to create it, and you can always destroy that which was made from your own hand."

            "Bal…" the wounded blademaster murmured.

            "Savana, don't speak." Hiko said, staring down at her. "It will drain the energy of your character faster."

            She smiled slightly. "Bal…mung…please…forgive me…"

            "Balmung." A sharp voice cut in. Everyone turned, seeing the heavy blade standing there. "Come on, our battle is not finished."

            "Do you have any idea of the damage you've caused?" He shot back. "Someone like you should be banned from the game."

            Eji smirked. "We have one wounded, and thanks to my apprentice it won't be one casualty. You can at least honor her courage, get off your ass and fight me. As for the banning…yeah well the admin can't catch what they don't see, and somehow I get the feeling they wouldn't be to upset with my actions."

            "You can't be serious." He huffed. Handing Savana over to Hiko with a flash of his eyes he stood, moving from the others.

            "Alright. What am I-" Alyanae trailed off and suddenly she muttered. "Nevermind. What the hell do you want me to do now?"

            "I'm sending you the code to exterminate it. Give me a second." Grem spoke up, watching as the blademaster seemed to slip further and further away. "There, be quick about it please? If we lose her it's all over."

            There was no response from Alyanae and suddenly Savana stopped flashing critically despite Hirelena's healing spells. Bright amber eyes flickered open and her black fox ears twitched. "Where…where am I?"

            Hiko hugged her to him. "Thank goodness." He smiled.

            "You're telling me. If I lost all the data I did on her makeover, I would be pissed." Alyanae grinned.

            "You did an excellent job." Raine nodded.

            "Where's Balmung?" Savana said, despite her blush. "Where's Tatsu?"

            "Right there." Keita pointed out to where the two had been standing in a stalemate for the last few moments.

            "Balmung…" the blademaster swallowed. "Be careful!"

            As if her tone held some sort of bell, Eji dashed forward. Balmung vaulted backward, a shower of feathers following his wake as he used his wings for an extra burst of speed. Ducking to the side, he rolled across the ground, grabbing his sword and pulling it back into his hand. The main thing all heavy blades lacked was speed, especially with the heavy armor and weapons they carried. Turning around, he brought the blade up just in time to block another massive swing from his opponent's sword. His enemy was apparently quicker then he had thought. Shoving back he brought his sword back and then rushed the warrior, bring a heavily armored fist under his jaw. Eji slipped back, surprised by a hand to hand blow only to find a sword at his neck before he could counter. He swallowed as the tip hit up against his skin.

            "I believe I've won this." Balmung said sternly. "Now give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you and send a report straight to the administrators."

            "Stop this!" Skye came running between them, throwing herself defensively against the heavy blade's chest. "Don't do this Lord Balmung, please!"

            Surprised but unrelenting the winged swordsman kept his weapon held at his opponent.

            "Don't sweet talk him Yue, it's sickening." Eji told her coldly. Staring straight back at him, two pairs of dark green eyes glared hate at one another. "I would like to know why you are the way you are. You're completely heartless, and yet everyone idolizes you. I mean, you toss Tawna aside and then the same night you're all over some other girl, and I've had to listen to Yue ramble forever about you. I'm sick of it! I keep having to listen to the fact that all the problems my friends have on this game are because of you. I'm sorry you had to break Tawna's heart but you're not going to steal my girl's away. It isn't happening, and I'll fight you until you can kill me over it!"

            "Tatsu, shut up!" Yue snapped back, burying her head against his chest. "Just stop!"

            "I'm sorry to say, but I've never met your lady friend before and I can't possibly begin to imagine how jealous you're feeling, but I can see straight into it." Balmung told him emotionlessly.

            "Like it isn't obvious on your face! The entire reason you tossed Tawna aside was because you were getting pissed off about her close relationship with Hiko!" Eji continued bitterly.

            Surprising to most, Balmung glared at him. "You're not sure of a damn thing that's coming out of your mouth! How dare you accuse me of something like that?!"

            Savana looked back at Hiko, he gave her the same look and then swallowed, turning his attentions back out to the three in the field.

            "Don't play dumb and don't act as if you don't know Yue!" the heavy blade shot back.

            "He doesn't!" Yue cried, beating her head into his chest. "He doesn't, he doesn't, he doesn't! I never -met- him! Just stop this! Both of you! Shut up! No more!" the girl was reduced to sobs against him. When Eji tried to lay a hand on her she jerked away, her mix-matched gaze falling on the man across from them and realized that he still had his blade held against them. "Balmung, you don't know me exactly but I know you. You helped me when nobody else would. I've been meaning to tell you thank you from all of us characters out there who now play as archer and polearm characters.

            "You're…" his eyes widened for a moment. "I thought the name Skye was familiar."

            "Hey, leave her alone Spa Monkey," Eji started, but even with the words his voice has softened. "Yue…" he swallowed.

            "Tatsu, you're an idiot!" she whipped around, glaring at him through tear-filled eyes. "You get so jealous over things that mean so little. You haven't realized that the only guy I've ever cared for is you!" she stared at him a moment before smiling slightly through her tears. "I came back to you didn't I? Two years ago I left, promising I would come back. And I did. I did because I wanted to see you. Because I missed you so badly. Our relationship might be questionable, but it's our relationship and there's nothing you can be jealous at from that."

            He sighed, casting a glance at Balmung. He was surprised to see the angel hiding behind long ivory bangs, hiding his face, but he lowered his weapon. Eji took a step forward pulling the small archer into his strong arms. "I'm sorry."

            Skye lost it then, her knees practically giving out on her as she broke into quiet sobs again. The heavy blade held her, resting his chin on top of her head for a moment as he let out a small sigh.

            "Eji," the descendant of Fianna said after a moment, still not revealing the looks on his face. "I would suggest losing the weapon."

            "We'll talk later. It's not like I can't find you." He replied, still holding the girl against him who was a crying wreck.

            "Fine, whatever." He huffed, turning his back on them and taking a few steps off into the field.

            "Balmung, wait!" Savana called out to him. "At least answer me one question before you go!"

            He glanced over at her warily. "I do owe you that much." He started. "What?"

            She ducked her head before looking at him determined, even though her eyes were brimming with tears. "Why? Why this all of a sudden. Things were going so well…I didn't think…."

            "You might wish to listen to Kazuma's words better next time." He told her coldly. "He's smarter then he looks."

            "Balmung!" Hiko shouted at him angrily, but the blademaster was already gone, logged out for the day. He gritted his teeth in frustration. Even –his- patience was growing thin by this point.

            "Tawna…" Skye murmured pulling away from Eji. Sniffling she walked over and dropped to her friend's knees by her side. She hugged her, her arms wrapping around her neck without warning. "I'm sorry. Sorry I dragged you here. I asked a friend of yours…I didn't know what was going between you and Balmung…I'm sorry…"

            "Yue…" even with tears falling from her eyes, she hugged her friend back. Yue had never been one to tolerate fighting and depressing stuff for to long. "It's okay. Everything will be okay, I promise…"

            The words coming from her didn't sound to reassuring. Laying her head next to Yue's she closed her eyes. She didn't even know if she could set things right by this point.

-CHAPTER NINE END-

CLOSING COMMENTS: Wow…a lotta crying in that chapter. I'm about ready to cry too, actually. -squeezes Squall Leonhart plushie to near-death- I CAN'T BELIEVE I DISSED FINAL FANTASY 8!!!! -runs around in circles frantically with the plushie- How could I do that to Squall?! He's practically a SquareEnix God! I feel sooooo bad now…. -sigh- anyways, I hope you all like chapter nine! I've been working on it for days. (It's also my longest typed chapter yet, woo-hoo!) I wasn't expecting it to be so romancy (the original written copy barely suggested that Tatsu and Yue were more then friends at this point) but that's what listening to Utada Hikaru will do to you, and with all the depressing stuff, I like it better this way. I promise to those of you still reading, that chapter ten is the end of all the sad stuff for a while. Then it turns into all fun and games, but I don't wanna ruin it for ya! Until I write again, Sora is out, probably going to play 10 hrs of FF8 to make up for the twenty minute Squall-insulting. Bye all!

--Sora Tokumi Kazuma--