Chapter Eleven: Liminality

            Another day goes without any change…

           

            The feeling we live with still remains…

"Lena!" Tawna called out to her friend as she ran into the locker room Monday morning. "Ohiyo!"

            "You've been in a good mood all weekend. You were glowing Saturday evening when we had class." The chipper little girl told her, smiling up at her.

            "Well that's cause of this." She pulled a folded paper out of her pocket and handed it to the girl while she opened her locker.

            "Aw! Balmung wrote this?" she asked and the girl blushingly nodded. "He sounds like he's really sorry about that incident with Raquel. Do you believe him?"

            "Of course I do. He just made a mistake that's all." She said swapping shoes.

            "Tawna, oh my gosh!" Yue suddenly tackled her out of nowhere. "I still can't believe it!"

            "Yue…what are you doing in school? You already graduated!" the redhead asked between being squeezed to death.

            "Tatsumaru came and picked me up this morning. I'm going to hang around here for a while and then walk downtown." She grinned. "I'm still shocked about what's going on with you guys. So you're really a thing, huh?"

            "Yeah." She blushed. "Kinda."

            "Yue, read this." Hirelena handed her the paper.

            "Sorry Tawna, I shouldn't have dragged her with me this morning." Tatsu rolled his chestnut eyes in annoyance to the giggling girls.

            "What's going on in here?" A familiar male voice called.

            "Raine! You need to come read this!" Yue called holding up the paper. "It's too cute!"

            "Reasons why girls get on my nerves." Tatsu huffed, walking up next to Hiko and Nenji.

            "So, Tawny," Lena looked up at him. "You should get his offline name and number. If he was my boyfriend, I'd be curious to know what he's like offline."

            "Do you realize that you're talking about Tawna, squirt?" Tatsu looked down on her. "She isn't going to do something like that."

            "Tatsu's right. Balmung…is just Balmung. I'm happy just to be with him online." Tawna nodded, looking back to her opened locker. "Oh." She grabbed the magazine from her locker, the one that Hiko had bought for her last week. "I'm taking this to class with me."

            "That's the one you got her right Hiko?" Nenji looked at him.

            "Yeah, I love it." She said, hugging it to her. "But I wanted to buy another copy so I could take the pictures out of it. This one's to good."

            "I bought another one Tawny, because I was going to scan some of the articles. I'll give it to you when I'm finished with it." Lena told her.

            "Really? Thanks. I want to put the pictures on my wall." She beamed at her friend.

            "Ugh, you mean I have to look at that pretty boy all over your room next time I spend the night?" Raine cringed.

            The bell sounded, signaling a warning to get to class.

            "We better get going or we're going to be late." Hiko told them.

            "He's right. I'll see you all online tonight then!" she called, as she and Lena went their separate ways from the seniors.

            "Hey Tawna." Lena look at her as they maneuvered around other students. "Where were you yesterday? Keita and I wanted to know if you wanted to go to the arcade with us."

            "I was at the hospital visiting Tomonari. Sorry, you should have called earlier." She took the steps three at a time, jumping in between crowds of people.

            "Yeah? What the doctors have to say?"

            "They want to drop him from the machines, but his parents won't let them. We have to figure this thing out and fast."

            Balmung sighed, running his fingers through his ivory bangs. He leaned against the railing; his forearms resting on the thin metal support and letting the drapes of feathers hang over the edge as he looked out on a hazy dusk. "What Hikaru?"

            His sister's purple eyes widened as she approached him from the top of the steps. "Nothing bro. I'm sorry you're not allowed to leave for another couple of days."

            "Only if I go run errands for the Admin am I allowed to leave." He told her his voice bitter. "It's just a way that they can keep me under control and not wandering around. They don't like the fact that I'm getting into that boy's business."

            She nodded and then a moment later sighed. "Did you e-mail Savana and tell her to meet you here?"

            He nodded slightly, dark emerald eyes reflecting the pale blue and yellow of the sunset over Dun Lorieag.

            She sighed again, stretching her wings and her arms. "You seem worried brother. What is it?"

            "She usually logs on around three. It's almost seven now. She told me last night she'd be online this afternoon." He spoke softly, his tenor voice deepening. "I asked Keita, Hiko and Ramia if they'd seen her and they all said no."

            "There's got to be a reason Balmung." She smiled. "She probably has school work to do or something. I know Crim doesn't play if he's working at home. It'll be okay."

            "I hope so." Was his answer and he turned from the railing, pushing off it. He drew his sword in one furious strike and began practicing, going over his physical techniques effortlessly.

            "Antsy, aren't we?" Hikaru teased him, giggling. "Is this what you do when you have a little bit of spare time?"

            "It's not like I can leave this place anyway." He huffed, manipulating the sword around him, his eyes closed in concentration.

            "H-Hi Guys!"

            His dark eyes snapped open and he almost dropped his weapon at the sight of the fox girl panting at the top of the steps.

            Hikaru beamed. "Hi Savana, it's been a while. I got your message. Congrats."

            Balmung sheathed his blade before abruptly stalking over, pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply, passionately.

            Savana sighed softly as she pulled away. "Enjoying your first time in the game in over a week?" she asked, him tapping him on the nose. "Sorry I'm so late. Mom found out about me playing online a couple weeks ago and she told me I could be online as long as my grades didn't suffer. So, I'll be a little later online everyday because I have to get my homework finished first."

            "As long as I still get a chance to see you everyday." He replied, nuzzling his face against her neck.

            She blushed hotly but laid up against his armored chest. "I think I can do that."

            Hikaru smiled at the two and then blinked as a sound went off above her. Her violet eyes lit up and then she silently logged out.

            "Hikaru, I-" Savana pulled away after a moment, looking around and blinking her gold eyes. "Where'd she go?"

            "Crim just signed on. She'll be gone for the rest of the night." He told her. "So, what do you want do, since I can probably go about five feet into town before I get into trouble."

            She giggled. "There's an even going on right now. Everyone's there, so there wouldn't be anyone to notice you if you did leave anyway."

            He blinked but took her word for it. "Okay…so still what do you want to do?"

            "How about we just talk I don't feel like doing to much tonight anyway. I'm really tired." Leaning against the wall, she swallowed. "Lena was teasing me about something this morning. And it's kinda been bothering me all day, so I hope you don't mind me asking. Balmung…what's your name?"

            "My real name?" a platinum eyebrow rose in response. There was a moment of silence between them. "Why do you ask? What was she saying?"

            "They were talking about how I should learn more about you and maybe one day I would end up meeting you. I don't know if that's going to happen, but I will admit I want to know more about you. I think I should at least know you're name." She explained, fidgeting and stuttering over her words.

            He leaned back against the railing, resting his elbows on it as he stared at her, amused. "It's Rei."

            "Rei?" she blinked, looking up at him. She hadn't actually thought he would tell her. "That's cute." She told him with a smile.

            His pale cheeks blushed as he turned his head to the side. "You think?"

            She laughed, walking toward him. "Yep, of course. You know mine name though. Tawna Saganachi." She held out a hand to him.

            Looking at her, he raised another eyebrow. "Rei Nomura." His glove hand wrapped around her pawed hand.

            "It's weird as if we're meeting for the first time." She told him as they shook.

            "I don't think so." His other hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her close as their fingers intertwined.

            She smiled up at him, before staring back out on the quiet mountain town. "Its so peaceful around here sometimes, to the point where it looks like there isn't anything wrong."

            "I know." He responded softly.

            Her gaze shifted straight down and then lit up. "Oh! I just thought of something! Will you come with me?"

            He nodded sagely dropping her hand and letting her go as she led the way out of the castle.

            "Hey guys, it's been a while!" the red-haired woman called as she jumped into the grunty pen. Four little grunties ran over, consuming her in licks and kisses. Her own grunty, a little purple-furred animal with brown eyes nuzzled her arm.

            "Hey how you doing buddy?" she asked scratching his dark green mane. "What do you think Balmung? What will he grow up into?"

            "I honestly don't know. A poison or iron grunty if you're lucky. You have one already, don't you?" he told her leaning against the fence.

            "You too. How many grunties do you have?" he asked.

            "More than I can count." He smirked. "I am the best racer around."

            "That's cool. I'll have to give you a run for your money sometime." She grinned up at him and then realized that half vacant expression on his face. "Balmung?" she said softly. "What's wrong?"

            "Huh?" he blinked down at her. "It's nothing really."

            "Come on." She pleaded, walking back toward him and sitting up on the fence by his side. "You can tell me if there is something bothering you."

            He sighed after a moment, looking away. "It's one of the Admin actually. He's giving me problems and it's becoming a problem to me."

            "Why?" she tilted he head to the side. "Are you in trouble?"

            He smiled, running his fingers along his chin. "The only trouble I've gotten into lately is because of you."

            She blushed. "Sorry. I really didn't mean to-"

            There was a flash that streaked across the screen, muting her words. Static began to pour onto the screen while there was huge roaring noise that killed any other sound for a good minute or so.

            "What was that?" Savana asked again when it was safe to talk.

            A beep went off above them. "This is dangerous…" he looked at her urgently. "I have to get going." He said just as the game flipped out again. "Get off the game as soon as possible." his demanding tone hissed as he headed toward the chaos gate..

            She nodded immediately logging out. "What the hell was that?" she whispered pulling off the visor. "That sound…" suddenly her eyes lit up. Grabbing the cordless phone she dialed in a number and wait for the answer. "Hello this is Tawna. Is Mai there?"

            "…Hi Tawna."

            "Mai," she started. "Can I talk to you sometime during school tomorrow?"

            "I don't know." Her voice was soft, almost emotionless. "I've been really busy…"

            "Mai please!" she snapped. "It's important. It may have something to do with Tomonari."

            More silence followed. "The nurses told me you come to see him every couple of days." She said finally.

            "I do." She smiled. "But the nurse's won't tell me anything. It's been almost three months Mai. What's going on?"

            "…They tried taking him off life support about three or four weeks ago, but his parents and I were against it. So they didn't. I've been looking for a way to help him. The answers-"

            "Are in the game the World." Tawna finished. "I've been playing it myself Mai. I've been trying to help you two out as much as possible. Tonight something happened. Remember you said you heard that weird sound? I heard too, on the game tonight."

            "Tawna, don't be so reckless!" the girl's voice finally picked up. "You could have been put in the hospital. That game is way to dangerous to play." Sighing she paused. "Tomorrow morning before school in the locker room."

            "Alright tomorrow morning then." Hanging up she made her way to her bed. Lying down she picked up the magazine off the floor and stared at the front cover. "Be careful Rei."

            Sitting up the next morning, Tawna was vaguely aware her sister was staring worriedly down at her. "I came to wake you and you're e-mail started going off."

            The girl bolted up and looked over at her desk where the computer now permanently stayed. "It's from Balmung." She said sleepily. "He says…the game's become to unstable. The corruption's spread into the root towns now…the game's become a living hell…" Turning she looked around the room, wondering why it was so bright outside. "What time is it?"

            "It's only nine thirty." Her sister said with a smile.

            "In the morning?! I'm late for school!" she cried getting up only to trip over the chair and end back on the floor.

            "Hey calm down. Mom's already gone into work. I won't mind writing you an excuse to go into class late. Go ahead and sign on and talk to your man." Sumiko told her, walking out of the room with a mischievous glance. "Mom will never find out."

            Before her sister had made it downstairs Tawna had logged herself in the game. As she stepped out into Mac Anu, her jaw dropped. "I…I didn't think it could get this bad…"

            The sky was corrupted beyond compare and the once beautiful town was covered in sea green and yellowish-red blotches. It was as if an infection had taken place all over the root town. The water in the canal had turned red, a river of blood. Other players who had logged on were walking around in shock. How was CC Corp going to explain this?

            Balmung was online, but he wasn't answering his flashmail, so Savana walked around the aqua capital, picking up pieces of conversations from other players and trying to let the damage sink in. Wandering around, she eventually found herself in the alleyways behind the city, her memories leading her feet back to where her first kiss had been taken. Turning the corner she stopped dead at the sound of voices up ahead.

            "Come on smart guy, you're on the inside. Tell us what's going on." A male voice snapped.

            "Even -If- I knew, I wouldn't tell you." It was a man's tenor voice that replied.

            "Look kid, do I have to PK you to get the point across of what I want?" a third voice hissed.

            The second chuckled. "You'll never get what you want that way."

            "No, but I will kill you, just because you're pissing me off!" the first growled.

            Savana swallowed. She hadn't meant to stumble across this, but she just couldn't leave the boy to get double-teamed while she stood by. She had heard too much to not be involved now. "Hey!" she yelled, stalking up the alleyway. "Leave him alone!"

            Two tall, muscular heavy blades spun around to see who was coming up to challenge them. Between the two, Savana could hardly see the blademaster they had had pinned up against the wall until a moment ago.

            She walked straight up to the first, unsheathed her sword and pointed straight at his chest. "I'm telling you to let him go. It's way to early in the morning to have to deal with this."

            "Missy thinks she's going to be able to persuade me to let him go." The first grinned over at his friend.

            "No, I'm not. I'm ordering you. There's a difference." She replied. "But if you're not going to listen-" She raised her hand, bringing the butt of the handle across his nose. Spinning around to his friend, she brought the blade across the man's face. While the two were momentarily occupied with their wounds, she looked the blademaster. "Come on!" she demanded, grabbing his arm as they fled.

            Dashing through the backroads of Mac Anu, the two didn't stop until they reached a dead end. With all the turns they had made, it had probably made it impossible to track them, and even if they could find them, the stairwell leading to the upper level would prove useful rather then trying to fight them.

            Savana leaned up against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Her golden eyes wandered over to the man she had saved. He was at least half a foot shorter then she was, but nicely built for a blademaster character. White cloth wraps started at the waistline of his pants, covering most of his stomach and leaving his well-defined chest exposed. His baggy fighter style pants were the same color as his steel gauntlets, an eerie off black color that seemed to shine in the low light. A silver cross hung around his neck, the charm trembling with its owner's rapid breaths. Midnight blue hair fell into his face and down the side of his neck, giving off an odd metallic sheen. As his handsome face stared back at her, she got a glimpse of his eyes- a pale violet that made his slightly tan skin look even darker. He smiled at her, and she found herself instantly smiling back. "Thanks for helping me out back there." He held out a gloved hand. "My name's Ranku."

            "Savana." She told him as they shook hands. "If you don't mind me asking, why were those guys giving you such a hard time?"

            He sighed after a moment, running fingers through his bangs. "They're upper-classmates of mine that go to my high school. They found out my dad works for CC Corporation and they haven't let me alone about it. They think that because he probably knows what's going on, I should too, but I don't have a clue. I only started playing recently, and I'm still trying to get the hang of the game."

            "Tawna!"

            The redhead's eyes widened. "Oh…that's my sister. I have to get going, I'm already late for school. Take my member address, alright? I can help you level and stuff if you need it."

            His eyes sparked. "Yeah, sure. Here take my address too." He smiled. "Nice meeting you Savana."

            "You too." She told him as she logged out.

            Savana got a chance to sneak out of class to go visit the freshman lunch and spent a good while looking for Mai. Checking outside, she saw the chestnut-haired girl wandering around as well. "Mai!" she called, running toward her.

            The freshman looked up, violet eyes staring at her for a moment. "I was looking for you." She replied softly. "Where were you this morning?"

            "Something happened on the game. Apparently the virus that's been corrupting it has taken over the root towns. Things are starting to look really bad." She swallowed. "How have things been going with you? I know you wouldn't be giving up easily. I know you've been trying Tomonari too. I know you're closer to him than I am, but he was my first friend into computers since Reivin…" looking off for a minute, her eyes got cold. "Since my brother in law was killed." Looking at the girl she continued. "I don't want to see the same thing happen ever again."

            Mai sighed, her eyes shifting away as well. "I haven't…I'm sorry…I've been rather distant lately."

            "It's understandable." She smiled at her.

            "I heard from Lena that you've been spending a lot of time online. What have you found out?" she asked, crossing her arms.

            "From what I know, it's caused by a virus that is corrupting the game, but as far as something like the data drain, I'm not sure. Balmung and I have been looking into it when we're not fighting over something. I did meet the twin blade Kite who is currently running his own investigation. The kid has the power of the data drain as well. How he got it I don't know."

            "Somehow, it's all related to the Epitaph of Twilight." Mai told her.

            "The Epitaph of Twilight?" Tawna blinked.

            "It's a story, originally written in German, and the translations vary. It's not much but it's a start. I have a team helping me out as well. I think if you stick to the game and I tackle the outside information we should be able to get somewhere." Her purple eyes flashed to the girl's golden ones. "If you don't mind, try asking that twin blade what he knows. If we're working toward a common goal we should at least all be working together."

            "It won't hurt to ask. He seemed like a pretty nice guy." She nodded. "I'll e-mail you if I find anything out."

            "And I'll send you everything I know this evening." A slight smile crept across the younger girl's face. "I think we can do this."

            As the bell rang, the two went their separate ways with promises they were determined to keep.

            Walking back through cafeteria on her way to physics, Tawna was practically jumped by Shinta and Tatsu.

            "Hey guys, what's up?" she asked uneasily by the looks on the two's faces.

            "You got mail from Balmung." Tatsu replied, flipping open his cell phone to show her her own inbox.

            "H-How?!" she asked, blinking. "How'd you do that?!"

            "I hacked your account." He said simply. "And I keep it open on my computer during school incase anything really bad happens, because I know you'd be the first person anyone would contact."

            "Not only that, but Tatsu-sempai and I have been trying to track a phone number from the connect number from -his- home phone, and we finally got it last night." Shinta grinned.

            "I know you're against meeting him offline, but if you get a chance to talk to him, you should take it right? It's better then waiting until you get out of school to read his mail." Tossing her the phone Tatsu turned. "We'll watch your back."

            "B-But….!" She stammered, her face going completely red. "What if I get the wrong nothing or something!? I don't wan-"

            "Tawna, it's cool." The brown-haired senior smiled at her. "If it's a wrong number, it's okay. We just thought you'd like to talk to the guy at least once. As for your nerves, its just Balmung remember?" he rolled his chocolate brown eyes in annoyance. "I don't like him, but still…it's your choice."

            "I guess…" she swallowed, just as the bell rung. Her eyes widened. "I'm late for class!"

            "No worries, remember? I don't think you're teacher is going to mind when I pour on the charm and tell her you've been helping me out." Tatsu flashed her a smile. "So, go on, head outside, before you get caught with my cell."

            With the boys watching she turned, heading back out onto the steps and behind the fence around the school grounds. Her fingers were trembling on the buttons as she found the number in the phonebook but determinedly hit the talk button and put the phone to her ear. The phone rang once and then twice before there was a click.

            "Hello?"

            She held her breath, her voice squeaking as she spoke, her eyes shut tight as if the person on the other end could see her. "Hello this is Tawna is Rei there?" she blurted out in one breath.

            There was silence on the line for a moment and then that voice spoke again. "This is Rei."

            Her legs gave out on her and she collapsed back against the fence. With her eyes closed the voice sounded off in her head. She let out a soft sigh. "Your voice…is the same as his."

            "Yours too." He responded. "Wow. H-How'd you get this number?"

            "Tat-…Eji got it for me. Something about tracing your connection number or something." Her voice was soft, those golden eyes opening slightly. She was still in shock…was this really Balmung, the same man she had hung out with all this time online? By the sound of his voice it was him, but she still couldn't believe that she was getting a chance to talk to him.

            "Tawna? You there?"

            She shook her head, coming back to reality. "Yeah, I'm here. I was just thinking…I guess I'm a little awed. I didn't think I'd be getting a chance to talk to you."

            "That makes two of us." His voice held the same shocked tone that hers did. "So what is the reason for this unexpected call?"

            "Nothing really. Eji told me you had sent me mail. I was wondering if that was about anything that was happening online."

            "No…there's not really anything being released about that as for now, but I'm going to look into it in a little bit. I…was actually sending you mail to apologize for how I've been acting lately. The way I was treating you was inexcusable."

            She giggled. "That's the third 'I'm Sorry' letter in four days you know."

            "I know…I just feel really bad about it. I wasn't treating you as good as I should have been."

            She blushed. "That's not true at all. You and I have been fine towards each other, besides having misunderstandings. I mean, we're friends after-"

            "Is that all we are?" he cut in, his tone demanding but at the same time questioningly.

            "No, of course not." She replied quickly, her blush getting worse. "But we're friends too. I…" she ducked her head. "I…like the way things are right now between us. I'd…I'd like that to only get better."

            There was the sound of a smile in his voice as he spoke again. "Me too. First we have to take care of the problems online, we'll worry about other stuff later on."

            "Am…Am I allowed to call you?" she asked after a moment. "When I can't get online?"

            He hesitated a minute. "Sure. I don't leave the house very much, so you should be able to reach me anytime."

            "Alright." She smiled.. "Well, I can't stay on the phone. I have to get back to class."

            "Will you be online later tonight?" he asked.

            "Yeah as soon as I get out of class." She replied.

            "I'll be looking forward to seeing you then." He replied before hanging up.

            Staring at the phone in her hands, she couldn't resist hugging it for all it had done for her in the last few minutes. Racing back into the school she pounced Tatsu and Shinta and hugged them too.

            "Well I can tell that went well." Tatsu smiled, his face going red as the redhead embraced him. "H-Hey get off me…Yue's gonna get jealous if she finds out."

            "Thanks you guys, so much." She handed him back the cell phone. "Rei told me I could call him anytime I want."

            "Rei huh?" the senior grinned, before blinking. "Tawna, you can't call him."

            "Huh, why?" she asked, looking up at him puzzled and slightly disappointed.

            "Did you check where that number was to? He lives all the way up in Northern Japan. Your mother would have a fit if you were calling him." He explained.

            "Well how about a cell phone? How much does one of those cost?" she asked.

            He blinked again. "You don't own a cell phone?" When she shook her head, he sweatdropped. "You have got to be the most technological-challenged person I have ever met." He muttered with a sigh. "Alright. I'll look in to getting you one, since I do work at electronic store and they do sell standard phones. Would you have the money to pay me back if I got you one with pre-paid minutes?"

            "Yeah, sure." She told him.

            "Alright good. Now let's get you back to class before my excuse won't work because you've been gone way to long." Grabbing her arm, he dragged her off, Shinta following them with a sigh.

            As soon as Savana gated into the balcony of the Dun Lorieag Mountain Palace, she was swept into a pair of strong arms and kissed deeply. Pulling away she looked up into a familiar pair of emerald eyes. "Hey." She managed, blushing.

            "I missed you. I've been waiting for you to get home ever since I got off the phone with you." He replied quietly.

            "You sent me another e-mail, and said you have some explaining to do. Why couldn't you tell me over the phone?" she told him.

            "I'd rather tell you face to face. Makes it easier for me to say what I have to say." He walked to the railing and looked down. "I…got a chance to talk with Kite this afternoon. Last night, something happened…I can't really explain, but when I was called in by the Admin to see what was going on, I found Kite and his team. Earlier this afternoon, I got a chance to talk with Kite again. I apologized to him for being so stubborn and he asked me for his help, so as of now, we're working together."

            The fox girl's tail wagged. "Balmung I'm really glad. Kite's a nice guy." That was really good news, but why did she get the feeling that he was still hiding something by the tone of his voice?

            He turned to look at her, his face serious. "Things are going to get pretty dangerous from here on out. That's why I want you and your friends out."

            "What?" she took a step toward him her voice again registering shock. "But why?"

            "Lord Balmung? Are you here?" a cold female voice echoed through the halls of the castle and faintly out onto the balcony. Savana's canine ears pricked at the sound way before Balmung could hear the calling.

            Suddenly the balcony doors flew open and in stepped a heavily armored axe-woman, dragging a chain to which the blademaster's little sister was shackled.

            "Hikaru!" Savana gasped.

            "Brother!" the small winged sorceress cried out to him.

            "What is the meaning of this?!" he gritted his teeth, his hand resting on his blade handle.

            "You wanted me to fetch her, and she resisted. It was all I could do." The axeman sighed, releasing the chains.

            Hikaru went running straight into Balmung's arms. "She attacked me out of nowhere and said that if I didn't go with her she'd kill me. I was scared." She told him, near tears.

            Balmung ran his gloved fingers through her long cerulean hair. "It's okay, you're safe now."

            "Who do you think you are to pick on Hikaru anyway?" Savana growled, staring at the axe-wielding woman. "You're a heavy axeman and she's a wavemaster. She's no match for you and you know it!"

            The woman's fierce eyes looked her over. "You must be Savana. Flaming red hair and hot-tempered mouth. The description fits perfectly." Her gaze shifted momentarily to the siblings. "I wasn't picking on her, I was following orders." She snorted. "Maybe if your dear boy toy had explained things, you wouldn't be on my back."

            "Balmung what's going on?" his sister asked, looking up at him.

            He swallowed, a hand moving over Hikaru's chin as he pulled back from her. "You two, I'd like you to meet Kamui. She has been put under my authority for a while, while she is training to become an Admin, and I have ordered her to watch over the two of you, since I won't be able to."

            "…You're seriously going to leave us out of this aren't you?" Savana stared at him.

            "Out of what?" Hikaru glanced back and forth between the two.

            "Out of his plans. He's going to go help Kite for a while why we get left behind." She hissed. "I have people I care about riding on my decisions, relying on me. I can't let you get gallant on me now and decide to leave the girls out of this!"

            The sound of flashmail going off beeped over their head. His emerald eyes softened as he stared at her. "I have to get going."

            "No you don't! You're staying right here!" she said stalking over to him and looking defiantly right up at him. "You're not leaving me behind."

            His only response was a soft sigh. Closing his eyes he leaned, down dropping a small kiss on her lips. "I would rather know you're safe Tawna," he said, his voice just above a whisper. "Then know you're lying in a hospital bed like Yasuhiko and Tomonari."

            "I don't care. I'm safe when I'm with you." She replied determinedly.

            "No." he said, barely audible as he gated out.

            "Damnit!" she cried. She could chase him, but he would be gone by the time she got back to the root town. "Damn you Rei!" Turning to Hikaru, she looked at her seriously. "You can track him, right? You can sense where he is?" Grabbing the girl's hand she started for the door. "Come on, we're going to go find him."

            "Savana…" the wavemaster looked at her as if she was crazy. "There's no way I…"

            "You're not going anywhere."

            Glaring over at the axewoman with golden eyes she pinned her ears back. "Kamui, I'm not going to sit here and do nothing while he runs around and puts himself in danger."

            "Balmung can handle himself. I have orders and you're not going to go run off and find him. Hikaru is not allowed to leave the palace at all, unless accompanied by me." She told her, her eyes flashing to the blue-haired girl.

            "What?" Hikaru stared at her. "Like hell."

            "He isn't keeping us prisoners, even if it is for our own good." The blademaster pulled her sword. "I'm getting through that door, and if it means going through you, so be it."

            Kamui smirked, bringing the axe up to rest on her shoulder. "Bring it."

            Dashing into attack the swordswoman was surprised to find herself on the floor moments later in critical condition, blood pouring from a massive swipe along her stomach.

            "Savana!" Hikaru was at her side an instant, healing her completely with Pha Repth.

Staring up at the corrupted sky the view was blocked by Kamui looking down on her. "Pathetic. Next time you try anything I'll be sure to e-mail Balmung with the information that I PKed you. You may be his sweetheart, his lover, his whatever. I don't really give a damn, and don't think that just because you are that you can disobey commands."

            "I've had enough of your mouth." She stood up, pulling her sword back to her side. "Hikaru…" she looked at the wavemaster. "I…I'll see you later. I'm sorry to leave you here like this."

            The girl smiled. "It's no problem and it can't be helped." Staring up at the axe woman she nodded. "I'm logging off for the evening." As soon as the she had gone, Savana didn't waste anytime gating back to the chaos gate. She didn't even have to check her list to see if he was; he always was.

            "It's been a while. What's up?"

            "Do you have a few moments to talk?"

            "Sure. I just logged on actually a little while ago. Where do you want to meet?"

            "Is Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground alright?"

            When she gated in to the area, she immediately spotted the green-haired twin blade sitting on the steps.

            "Hey Kite." She smiled at him as she sat down by his side. "How have you been?"

            "I-" he swallowed. "Actually, not to good. Black Rose and I got into a fight. Every time I try to do something right it all goes wrong." His steel blue looked up at the sky. "I can't help but think that this is partly my fault."

            "No, it's not. You're trying your best Kite, you really are. You and your team have been doing the best you can. Nobody blames you." She smiled at him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "You're doing this to save Orca and this entire world."

            He smiled back. "I guess…maybe you're right."

            "I heard Balmung apologized to you." She said after a minute.

            "Yeah." He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry for stealing him away from you. He's being a great help."

            "I don't mind that. But, he doesn't want me to keep traveling with him and-"

            "I agree." Kite cut in, looking over at her.

            "You can't be serious!" she told him, her jaw dropping.

            "I'm dead serious." He nodded. "You might think it's cruel, but it's probably the best solution. Balmung wants to give his all fighting with my team. He can do that, but only if he knows the people he cares about are safe. If he knows you're okay, he'll do much better in battle. I'm sorry to lead you out of this, and I know he probably is too, but it's got to be for the best."

            "I'm not going to sit on the sidelines and watch." She said stubbornly. "What if Black Rose told you the same thing? To let her do this on her own now?"

            His cheeks went crimson. "If Black Rose said that then I probably would argue with her too. But I know she wouldn't do anything like that."

            "What about your team, aren't they in danger too?" she asked.

            "Some what." He nodded after a moment. "But it seems the longer they stay near me, the more my bracelet's power makes them immune. Like it infects them with a protection spell or something. Suddenly his eyes sparked. "Hey, I know. A friend of mine is a newbie who just started playing. Next time she logs on you can come with us to level. You probably won't get much exp, but at least you'll gain some of the bracelet's defenses."

            "That'll be great, thank you." She smiled. "Just keep me posted alright? I want to be of some help to you when things get to tough." She told him.

            "Alright." He smiled back.

            Without warning she jumped him in a hug, knocking his hat off. "Has any of your team members ever told you that you're a great guy?" she said lightly, teasingly.

            He blushed. "Once or twice. You hold on to your own guy alright?" his cheeks went redder. "I don't have time for a relationship for right now and Balmung is pretty cool."

            "I was only joking." She stuck out her tongue. "And besides, I'm not giving up Balmung. I just…need to take it easier on him I guess…"

            "For now have fun and play the game. I'll call you when I need you." Kite said resting his arms on his knees.

            A beep went off above them. "That's Black Rose, saying she's online. Looks like it's time for me to go." He stood grabbing his hat. "I'll talk to you soon Savana."

            "Later Kite!" she told him as he gated out. "Be careful."

            Returning to Mac Anu, the fox girl looked over her member list. "Eji and Ranku online…hmmmm….." she grinned. "Sure why not?" Calling both she smiled up at the ever-changing green glowing sky. At least a party with these two would make the night interesting, especially with Eji's habit of picking up new apprentices.

            "Have fun eh?" the blademaster murmured out loud, moving crimson bangs from her view. "I think I can manage that…"

-CHAPTER ELEVEN END-

CLOSING COMMENTS:

Yay! Chapter eleven is finished! My closing comments are going to be pretty long though -sigh- For my new reviewers, thank you very much! I appreciate all the effort you guys put into reading my story -shiny eyes- I love you guys! About chapter eleven…I took Balmung's life into my own hands. I've read both books of Legend of the Twilight (that are out), seen four episodes of the anime and all of Sign and played the games (haven't beat #4 though) and I never saw anything on Balmung IRL. I hope you all will bear with me as I mess around with who he is. I think since he is going to be Savana's love we need to know more about him then just his online character. As for all of you who might have been rooting for Hiko in the last chapter -sheepish grin- I'm sorry it didn't end up the way you wanted. But don't worry about the Hi-man, his part in the story is far from over. He's a huge part up until the end and in the next story. Kamui was a new one too…kinda played around with her life too. I know she once took orders from Balmung so I threw that in there too. Ranku finally made his appearance! I'm glad to have another blademaster…they are my favorite classes beside wavemasters. More appearances by .hackLiminality characters, hope you liked it Kenshin! Well, I have to get back to roleplaying on the board…-more sighs- but as soon as I'm done that and playing a little of Arc the Lad I will get started on chapter twelve. If you have any questions, or if I screwed storyline up somewhere, I'm always reachable at GrieversLastAngelhotmail.com

 --Sora Tokumi Kazuma--