Anna was scrying with her marbles when a familiar presence touched her awareness at the same time that impending danger made itself known.

Naricia…?

The face of her friend – so briefly known – appeared in her mind's eye, and Anna saw those who were following the girl so that they could do her harm. Without thinking twice, the little albino sprang to her feet, vaguely aware of the startled, concerned glances directed at her due to the suddenness of her movement, and ran out of the bar.

" Anna! "

She heard Izumo's voice, but the urgency that she felt propelled her to run in the direction of the girl who had saved her once.

Naricia wasn't red like Mikoto and the others, Anna knew, therefore, the older girl could never join the Red Clan; her aura was blue, just like the man who had recently risen as the Blue King, although her own strength and power were different; her abilities put her on a level almost equal to the man, not quite.

Still, Naricia had saved her once, protecting her even then, as well as after; Anna knew that Naricia had been there without showing herself to help her support her and help her heal after the nightmare at Nanakamado had passed. She knew that she could trust the girl from the moment they had almost collided on the street when her powers had gone berserk, and her emotions had overflowed during her one of her darkest moments. Back then, even as she had run through the streets, her emotions and world combining and overflowing, Anna had sensed another presence searching for her, as if hearing her cry for help in that moment of despair, and when she had finally laid eyes on the older girl, she had felt so relieved that she gratefully collapsed in her arms as darkness swallowed her.

Now, their positions were reversed as Anna sought to repay a debt she knew she could never repay.

Her senses brought her to the park, although she couldn't see the way the setting sun had bathed the surrounding greenery in a soft gold glow.

Everything was a monochromatic black and white.

So intent was she in finding her friend that she didn't notice the figure obscured by the trees lining the path just ahead of her when she turned the corner. She only saw her mere moments before they collided, and she heard a surprised gasp as they fell, the sound of whatever the other girl had been holding suddenly flying into the air and hitting different parts of the ground like hardened rain. A pair of arms went around her, holding her protectively as both girls went down, only one body hitting the ground so that the other would be safe.

Like a breath of fresh air filling a tightly sealed room, Anna's color blindness was washed away by the flood of colors that greeted her when she tried to push herself up and look around; she could see the soft glow of sunset bathing the trees and bushes surrounding her, the various colors of the flowers that dotted various areas.

" Anna?! "

Startled back to reality by the familiar female voice calling her name, the little girl looked down at the girl whom she had literally run into. Eyes that were a deep, dark blue with violet hints were wide with surprise as they regarded her.

" Naricia… "

Feeling embarrassed, Anna moved back slightly so that her long lost friend could sit up. Naricia winced slightly before taking her hands in hers, pulling her to her feet as she stood.

" Are you alright? " the older girl asked, even as she quickly scanned her with her eyes.

Anna nodded, her vision blurring slightly as she stepped closer to Naricia and buried her face in the material of her blouse. Her friend embraced her tenderly, kissing the top of her head softly, her heartbeat steadying, and calming her own fears even if only slightly.

" Sweetie, " Naricia's voice was gentle, something that Anna still remembered from before. " What are you doing out here on your own? It's dangerous. "

" You're in danger, " Anna answered, looking up at her. " She's close by, and I had to tell you. "

Naricia's beautiful face darkened with concern. " Who? "

Before she could respond, the little girl felt a shudder go through her as the danger she had feared closed in on them. " She's here. "

The teenage girl felt the child in her arms tremble before she spoke, and tightened her hold protectively as she raised her head, and scanned the area around them with her eyes.

Movement from the bushes behind her on the left caught Naricia's eye, and she looked up in time to see a girl with wild, dark brown hair and insane eyes of the same color burst out from the shrubbery. That was all she had time to comprehend before the said girl lunged at her and Anna, a sharp Masamune blade in her hand.

Naricia tightened her grip on Anna, and spun around to protect her from the assault aimed at them, the sound of metal slicing through the air dangerously close to her head ringing in her ears.

" Why you..! "

Her right foot lashed out behind her as she turned, and connected with her attacker's diaphragm, knocking the air from her lungs. Naricia was satisfied to hear the surprised grunt upon impact, even though she felt it all the way to her bones, and as she released Anna, she turned to face her opponent.

" Why are you after her, and what do you want?! " she demanded, more angry than apprehensive.

The girl glared angrily at her, chest heaving before she became utterly still, and a chilling, bloodthirsty smile twisted what would have been a beautiful face. " I was going to tell you not to get in my way, " she retorted. " But then again… "

It was all Naricia could do not to vomit what little she had eaten when the brown eyed girl licked the blade of her weapon. " Once I'm done with you, " she continued, her eyes glittering with anticipation as they moved to Anna. " I'll take my time, and have fun with that little doll behind you. "

If Naricia had been glaring barely a second ago, the look in her eyes could have struck the other girl dead where she stood, the thought of even just one hair on Anna's innocent head filling her with anger.

She would NOT let that happen.

Immediately, Naricia moved Anna behind her.

Anna huddled closer to her friend as their attacker readjusted her sword, and pointed it at her Naricia; she felt Naricia tense, an arm stretched out protectively in front of her.

" Stay away from her, " she hissed, summoning her power, and shielding Anna with a dome of blue light as her own swords manifested in a circle around her. She gripped the rapier she had become so used to wielding before taking a step forward, determined to protect Anna .

"Stay behind me, " Naricia cautioned. " When there's an opening, you run back to HOMRA, do you understand? "

Anna felt her heart drop to her toes. " You're not coming with me? " she despaired, holding onto Naricia's arm. " But… "

Anna gripped her hands in front of her chest, fearing for her friend's life, but also knowing that she would not stop until she was safe.

It was never clear who moved first, but then again, did it matter? When both girls clashed, it was more than just physical; Anna could feel the force of the battle as both females danced a dance of death, Naricia's beautiful, starlight mane flying behind her as she clashed with the one sent by those still loyal to Mizuchi to finish both of them off. The other girl was taller, more fit, her weapon's reach much longer compared to Naricia's fragile, graceful appearance, but Anna's friend had a quiet strength and determination within her that refused to let her ever give in.

She was going to make sure that Anna was safe, if it was the last thing she did.

Naricia's hair floated slightly, as if being carried by a gentle breeze, but Anna had seen that before…


It seemed like so long ago and far away, but at the same time, it felt like time had fallen away, and everything had happened just yesterday.

Anna ran through the streets, the fragile barrier around her heart shattering and crumbling as memories of a world and time lost forever, played in her mind: her mother's kind, loving smile, her father lifting her onto his shoulders….

" … Help me… "

Her thoughts and feelings were overflowing and scattering just like her tears, but somewhere in the depths of her despair, she felt someone searching for her, nearing her, as if hearing her plea.

A figure suddenly rounded the corner, and when the little child blinked, she realized that she was looking at a girl who resembled a French lullaby doll. The girl was looking directly at her, a shocked expression on her face before recognition set in.

Will you help me…?

Anna had never felt so relieved to see anyone, even if this girl was a stranger she had never set her eyes on, and her aura was blue.

The girl had once, long ago been part of the clan that now no longer had a King to lead them, and had fallen so far that they were now at the behest of the ones who had brought the lives of countless Strains crashing down.

Still...

What was more was that she was able to see other colors – not just red – clearly. This girl whom she had never met before seemed to be wiping her color blindness away without trying. Anna could feel that she didn't mean her any harm, and, as the distance between them closed, she knew that she was safe with her.

She felt the girl's arms go around her as everything else faded away…

When Anna opened her eyes, she found herself in the same place where nightmares were a living reality, and trembled against the warmth holding her.

She wasn't surprised to see that the girl from earlier was holding her, gently, yet protectively; as Anna gazed at her, she knew that she was safe with her, and everything would be alright.

As if sensing that Anna was awake, the girl looked at her, her eyes softening.

" It will be alright, baby, " the girl assured her gently.

" What's your name? " Anna asked, leaning against the girl's shoulder.

Those beautiful eyes had never left her face. " Naricia, " the older girl answered.

Anna could feel Naricia's fear for both of them, and it only intensified as the door opened, followed by the entrance of both Koshi Mizuchi, the Gold Clan scientist who had intended to experiment on her due to his interest in her abilities so he could force her to sync with the Dresden Slates to create a new Blue King; she had told her parents the truth about her " condition " as they left the center to get some clothes for her before she was admitted, and that Mizuchi had lied to them so that they could hand her over to them for " treatment ", which in truth was a thinly veiled lie for horrific experiments that were beyond inhumane and cruel. Upon learning the truth, her parents had talked long into the night, and left her with Honami the next day as they drove to the Nanakamado facility in order to inform the clearly mad scientist that they would not hand their daughter over to him to torture for his own desires.

It was the last time Anna had seen her parents alive.

A few hours later, Honami had received a phone call, informing her that her brother, Tetsuya and his wife, Ayuri, had perished in a car accident; the brakes had malfunctioned as they were returning from the Nanakamado facility, resulting in their car crashing into a concrete wall that resulted in their instant deaths. Even as Honami relayed the news to her, Anna knew the truth, although she tried not to see it: Koshi Mizuchi had ordered her parents' deaths after they refused to let him touch her, and threatened to have him arrested if he even tried.

Her emotions had overflowed after she overheard Izumo and the others talking about her, and her parents, leading to her meeting with the girl holding her, before culminating in this moment.

Anna felt Naricia stiffen, before tightening her arms around her, although she took care not to hurt her as various emotions awoke and swirled almost dizzyingly within her at the sight of the man: grief for her mother, anger at Mizuchi for what he had done to her mother, and fear for Anna; she was afraid that she might not be able to protect her from him, and what he would do to her if she didn't get her out of this place.

When the woman accompanying him entered the room, Anna saw Naricia's face pale – first with disbelief, and betrayal before complete rage took hold.

" How could you?! " Naricia demanded, clearly wanting to go over to her aunt and tear her hair out, although she didn't act on her feelings since she was also afraid that Anna would be hurt if she let go of her.

The woman who had followed Mizuchi inside smiled coldly at the sight of the two girls. Anna couldn't help but notice the faint resemblance between them; their eyes were the same unique color that seemed to dance between dark blue and violet, but the woman's eyes were cold and cruel, a stark contrast to the sad, yet gentle pools of her niece's.

" Why? " the woman scoffed as if Naricia had asked the most stupid question, and she was looking down her nose at her as a result. " I don't know what your father saw in your mother for him to want to marry her; I saw him first, before your mother did, but he still chose HER; you're the result. I had hoped that both of you would be among the dead after I found that my husband and daughter died in the Kagutsu Crater Tragedy, but it turns out that both of you survived, and your father didn't! "

Naricia stared at her aunt in disbelief, the pain in her heart digging even deeper.

" You betrayed us because you were jealous of my mother?! " she asked in disbelief.

Once the words had started, there was no stopping them. " I'm not surprised Papa loved Mama instead of you! " she spat out fiercely. " He obviously saw what Mama and I saw – and what I'm still seeing now: a selfish, cruel bitch who doesn't care who gets hurt as long as she can get what she wants! I'm glad he wasn't stupid to choose you! "

Temari's expression was priceless as her niece flung those brutal words at her: her jaw dropped all the way to the floor, her expression aghast. Her shock gave way to fury that stemmed from knowing that her niece had spoken the truth – which she didn't want to hear since she believed that she was superior to the girl, and the sister who had defeated her, even in death.

As Naricia continued to speak, Temari saw Nadira's face as she spoke the words that were similar to her daughter's.

The infuriated woman took a step towards her niece, intending to strike her for being so like her mother – in appearance and personality, only to be stopped by Mizuchi's arm blocking her; Naricia, upon seeing her aunt's intention, had immediately set the little girl with white hair behind her, placing herself between them protectively.

" Now, now, " Mizuchi chided, his tone the one he often used to negotiate, although his cruel eyes were alight with excitement as he surveyed the two doll like Strains – with powers beyond his wildest dreams that he wanted for his own. " There is no need to turn this into a battlefield. " His eyes settled on Anna Kushina who was peeking at him fearfully from her place behind the obviously stubborn daughter of the former Blue King, one tiny hand on her sleeve before fixing on the girl's uniquely colored eyes staring at both him and her aunt angrily.

" I hope both of you have learned your lesson, " he said, speaking like a father chiding his two children who had misbehaved. " If both of you had come to the facility sooner rather than be so selfish, then your parents would be alive, and you would have been able to rule under the sun rather than remain locked up here. "

Anna shrank at Mizuchi's words, feeling Naricia's anger flare once again. " And who are you to decide for us?! " she snapped defiantly. " Your King may be the holder of the Dresden Slates, but that doesn't mean you can make someone of your choice a King! It's the Dresden Slates that choose the Kings, not mad bastards like you! "

No sooner had she spoken those words then Mizuchi brought his arm out from behind him and pointed it at the girl who was becoming a nuisance with her defiance. Naricia gasped with pain as she felt the effects of the taser gun, and immediately erected her shield in front of Anna to protect her as she fell to her knees, although she remained conscious.

The fear that was coursing through Anna went up a notch at the sight of the girl who was trying to protect her on her knees, Mizuchi's expression one of annoyance and satisfaction as he observed Naricia in pain.

" Such a stubborn girl, " he lamented in a tone that lamented nothing. His eyes moved back to Anna, protected by the barrier of blue light. " Well? " he demanded. " If you become the Blue King, you will be able to protect your aunt rather than cause her pain by leaning on her when she knows nothing of your own world. "

Anna couldn't let someone else get hurt because of her; she wouldn't. She trembled.

" Naricia, " she pleaded softly. " Please… remove the shield. "

" No… " Naricia gasped, raising her eyes to Anna. " I won't let him hurt you… "

" I won't run away, " Anna said quietly. " Just don't hurt Naricia or Honami. "

" Anna…! "

Mizuchi gave a grunt of satisfaction. " There is no need for such tragic courage, " he pointed out in a falsely kind tone that made Naricia want to vomit, taking a step forward. " There will be pain in the procedure, but that is necessary to draw out your full power. "

" Naricia, " Anna pleaded.

Still gasping for breath, Naricia took a deep breath and retracted her shield before rising shakily to her feet. Anna immediately got her arms around Naricia's waist, surprised at how small it felt, supporting the girl as she tried to right herself. The older girl nodded her thanks, winding her arm around Anna's shoulders as their eyes met.

I am NOT letting him lay a hand on you.

Somehow, Naricia's unspoken promise was comforting.

Anna didn't understand why she felt so close to the girl with her; they had only just officially met earlier, and she wasn't red like Mikoto, but still, her presence was comforting.

Maybe it was because both of them had so many similarities: they were both Strains, their powers coveted by the Gold Clan, and the monster in front of them had been responsible for the death of Naricia's mother, and Anna's parents.

" You can get your revenge on your niece in the laboratory, " Mizuchi stated, glancing at Temari, the excited gleam in his eyes mixed with malice. " She is quite a handful, and we can't have that… "

It was a somewhat slow and painful march to the laboratory, with Naricia leaning on Anna every now and then, both girls holding onto each other for support and strength.

The door had only just closed behind Koshi Mizuchi when a loud explosion rocked the surroundings, cracks appearing in the walls.

" What is going on? " the scientist demanded.

A moment later, a voice familiar to Naricia sounded on the communications panel. " Mikoto Suoh and the Red Clan have invaded the facility! " Gen Shiotsu reported in an urgent tone. " They're here for Anna Kushina! "

Anna felt her heart flutter with joy, and she saw Naricia's almost emotionless façade softening to reveal the smile around her eyes.

I'll get you out, and back to them.

" Do you think that you're a princess about to be rescued? "

Mizuchi's taunting voice and berating words cut through the relief Anna felt, and she huddled closely to Naricia in fear as the look in the older girl's eyes became one of anger at his words.

" That's enough. "

Those violet tinted, midnight blue eyes regarded her kindly, but when she turned to face the man who was their enemy, that warmth disappeared. The tension in the room following the girl's words became so thick, it was almost physical. Even though she was still clearly in pain, Naricia straightened, embracing Anna to her side for a moment before placing her behind her.

" Naricia… "

Without taking her eyes off of Mizuchi, Naricia's aura glowed about her, before it surrounded both girls. The blue light was a part of Naricia – she glowed with it, her hair floating about her as if being caressed by the invisible fingers of the wind.

" Stay behind me, Anna. "

As she spoke, the aura around her glowed before separating and forming into a circle of swords that began to spin around her, also causing Anna's hair and the folds of her skirt to billow gently around her. Naricia held her hand out, and one of the swords – a rapier – flew into her grasp. With a swipe of her hand, the swords around them shot forward in a barrage of shining steel, striking the scientists alongside Mizuchi, and causing many of them to fall, wounded. Upon seeing the girl's resistance, Mizuchi activated his aura, the golden light glowing around him as he called for backup. Five individuals entered the laboratory, their appearances making the teenage girl want to vomit for the second time in less than an hour as she laid eyes on the results of the mad scientist's abominable experiments. Anna shuddered, almost vomiting as the knowledge of what had been done to them assailed her: Mizuchi would inject them with his blood before breaking them down physically and healing them, only to repeat the same procedure; the hellish scene repeated itself until their recovery time was reduced to less than a moment, but by then, the individual's mind was broken, and they were nothing more than mindless zombies at his command who lived for battle and bloodshed.

The swords returned to their places as Naricia turned her own blade facing downward as if she was going to plunge it into the floor in an act of surrender which Anna knew she would never do. The girl then released it from her hand. It floated gracefully, the other blades following suit before all of them sank into the floor as if it was made of water. When they were out of sight, a circle of azure light appeared around both girls.

" Stay within the circle, Anna, " Naricia's voice was gentle as she addressed her without turning, although her eyes had a steely look in them as she regarded the clearly frustrated, and somewhat unnerved expressions of Temari and Mizuchi. " You're safe inside it; I'll get you out as soon as there's an opening. "

" Okay. "

No sooner had Anna agreed to Naricia's words, then a bright light shot from the rim of the circle surrounding them, startling her.

" Sorry, " Naricia apologized. " Don't worry; it will be over soon. "

Anna could see that the blue light that surrounded them came from the circle of swords separated into thousands of tiny, slender blade fragments which began to spiral around them in something almost akin to a cyclone, too small to be seen normally, reflecting the light in such a way that they brought to mind the stars which had seemed to come down from the sky. At Naricia's mental command, the blades attacked Mizuchi's army of freaks who were coming at them from all directions, hurling them back, and shredding their clothes as well as their skin where they made contact, the impacts causing even more cracks to appear in the walls.

One particular Strain who reminded Naricia of the Hulk due to how mindlessly he kept on attacking drove his fist into the wall beside him before charging forward, too focused on crushing his opponent to see the spider web of cracks that had begun to spread from the hole he had created. Temari, who had moved back during the battle, took a step forward, only to have a giant portion of the wall collapse and crush her; Naricia and Anna saw it, turning their eyes away from the sight as the older girl focused on protecting the child with her, and trying to find a way to get her out.

Her nullification spread out to disable the abilities of their enemies – fallen and standing, and it worked to her advantage, although Anna knew that using so much power was taking its toll on her body.

She was beginning to tire.

The sudden tingling in her body brought the face of the Red King to her mind, and she took one of her marbles from her pocket, looking into the red sphere.

" Mikoto… "

Despite the din of battle ringing in her ears, Naricia heard Anna's words, which came out in barely a whisper.

" Is he here? " she asked, her eyes relieved, but also sad.

The little albino nodded. " Yes, " she confirmed. " He's on his way to us. "

Upon hearing their conversation, Mizuchi spun around to face them, his eyes mad with desperation in his face which had suddenly grown old thanks to the cancellation of his power.

" Do you realize what you are doing, Habari-kun?! " he shouted. " You are throwing away the chance to become a King like your father! You and Kushina-kun have the caliber of a King! Do not waste this -! "

" Go to hell. "

At her words, a wave of blue starlight rushed towards him, driving him back before a giant hole was blasted in the ceiling, followed by a red-haired figure that towered over all the individuals left standing in the rubble.

One look at Anna's face was enough to tell the teenage girl who the intruder was.

So, she thought, relieved that Anna was finally safe, but also sad that they wouldn't have that much time together. The Red King has finally come for you.

She toned her aura down several notches before she was engulfed by the azure light that was a part of her, and when it faded, a beautiful white swan was in its place. The Red King turned to look at Anna who had come out from her place behind her, and ran towards him before stopping, clearly unsure; the uncertainty onlu lasted a moment before Anna took a step towards him, as if mesmerized. One step became two, until Anna broke into a run, and hugged his leg. Naricia watched as the red-haired man patted the little girl on the head before pulling her away from him like a kitten, and pushing her back, never noticing the swan with her.

" Move it, kid. "

Understanding that another battle was about to take place, Naricia momentarily changed back into her human form, embracing Anna from behind. She smiled when she felt her tiny hands rest on her forearms in response.

" Time to go. "

With those words, the teenage Strain disappeared in a swirl of blue starlight, and when she reappeared, she was once again a white swan.

When he saw that Anna was about to climb onto the back of the swan beside her, his frustration and annoyance at what he considered to be a mere disturbance changed into fury and desperation as he realized that his ambition was slipping through his fingers.

" Kushina-kun! "

Mizuchi's shout startled Anna, and she looked towards him, Naricia spreading a wing protectively in front of her.

" Do not betray me! " he bellowed. " You will be King, and I will be your first vassal! I will support you, guide you, and force you up into the position as the manager of the Dresden Slates! "

Anna regarded him quietly, fearful, and unsure what to do.

" Weren't you willing to become the Blue King to protect Honami Kushina?! "

It was a threat, pure and simple. Anna trembled at the mention of her aunt's name, only for the swan beside her to enfold its wings around her, comforting her.

It will be alright, she heard Naricia's voice assuring her. Don't waver under his threats; no one has the right to force their desires on you – least of all him.

Slowly, the swan pulled away from her, deep dark blue eyes holding her, and assuring her.

Let's get you out of here.

Anna nodded. " Okay. "

She climbed onto her back, and the swan ascended into the air, carrying her through the hole created by the Red King even as Mizuchi continued to shout his desperate threats at them to try and make them stay. When they reached aboveground, Anna pointed out the figure of a sandy haired young man standing some distance from those engaged in their own battles.

" That's Tatara. "

Naricia touched ground several feet behind the young man, allowing Anna to climb down before turning back into her human form.

" Will you be safe with him? " she asked.

Anna nodded in response. " Yes, " she answered.

The older girl's eyes were sad, but understanding. " Then I guess this is where we part ways. "

Naricia framed Anna's face between her hands before bending down, touching her forehead to hers as she closed her eyes. The little girl closed her eyes in turn, reveling in the older girl's motherly aura as she hugged her.

They remained that way for several moments before Naricia pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and straightened. She then took a step back.

" Be safe, my sweet angel. "

Tatara Totsuka felt a tingling on the back of his neck, and when he turned, he was surprised to see Anna standing several feet away, her eyes turned upward.

" Anna? "

At the sound of his voice, the child turned to look at him, her huge ruby eyes sad and filled with tears.

" Tatara… "

The young man enfolded Anna in his arms, relieved that she was alright, although he was puzzled at how she had gotten out when Mikoto was clearly still below ground, and troubled by the tears in her eyes.

Anna returned his embrace, calmed by his heartbeat, but her eyes were on the swan flying away into the night.

Naricia…

Thank you.

Anna didn't speak for some time after she was rescued, and it was discovered that her aunt no longer remembered her as a result of the Usagi wiping her from her memory, but her speechlessness was understandable considering the trauma and tragedy she had been through.

It wasn't until a few nights after the whole drama when Izumo and Tatara accompanied her upstairs to her room in the HOMRA bar to tuck her in that there was some light shed into the mystery.

When they entered the room, the window was open – Tatara and Izumo were sure that it had been closed earlier. There, they found a fairly large box on the window sill with a bouquet of thornless red roses atop it.

Anna's eyes lit up at the sight, and she quickly took the box and its accompanying bouquet from the window, setting them on the bed before climbing up. She picked up the bouquet of roses, inhaling their scent.

" What is it, Anna? "

She didn't reply, lifting the lid, her already huge eyes becoming even larger. The two men came over, and were surprised at the contents: an oval shaped music box that was light pink in color with a spray of lily of the valleys decorating the lid, red lined edges.

When Anna lifted the lid of the music box, they saw that there was a tiny, oval shaped garnet pendant on a red ribbon instead of a gold or silver chain inside. The tune that greeted her was haunting, yet sweet and beautiful; both men recognized it as the song from the Disney cartoon Anastasia:

Once Upon a December.

Naricia, Anna thought as she listened to the soft tune, realizing that the presents had come from the girl who had been her angel and protector during her moments of deepest terror in an attempt to tell her that she was there even if they couldn't meet. I'll see you again…

Thank you…


" The suspect has been spotted not far from the Red Clan's territory, and was following Anna Kushina. "

Munakata nodded at the latest feedback he had received regarding the female assassin who had caught Scepter 4's attention thanks to having killed almost fifteen people in the past nine days; whatever little evidence had been gathered revealed that she was a Strain with the ability to paralyze her victims wherever they were before she proceeded to torture them to death; it was also revealed that she was working with the rogue members of the Gold Clan, thus the Blue Clan had been notified, and were now searching for her. Just a few minutes ago, she had been spotted following Anna Kushina, the sole female member of the Red Clan as she ran towards the nearby park; it baffled the Blue King as to why the child had been on her own, given her status, and now that there was a killer on her heels…

The Captain of Scepter 4 rose to his feet. " We will apprehend the suspect on sight, " he declared. " Use force if necessary, however, remember that we are to take her into custody. "

The men saluted. " Yes, Sir! "


The sound of approaching sirens reached Naricia's ears just as she darted to the right, and deflected the blade with her own sword.

I need to finish this quickly and get Anna away from here.

Blades clashed, and as she found herself quite close to the girl who was threatening Anna, Naricia got creative, and gave her psycho opponent a head butt that left both of them seeing stars before the latter reeled back, and collapsed flat on her back, moaning.

Okay, Naricia admitted silently as she staggered back, her surroundings spinning, and stars exploded in front of her before she landed on her backside. Not exactly a smart move…

She glanced at Anna when her vision cleared, and found the little, girl's face was no longer still like that of an emotionless doll; Anna was watching her apprehensively from behind her shield, her little hands pressed against the azure barrier.

Hang on, sweetie.

In response to Naricia's silent assurance, Anna's already enormous eyes moved past her, widening even more, the sight making the older girl stiffen where she sat.

Naricia saw the shadow closing in on her even though she didn't turn around, and as it raised the weapon above its head, she made her move. Gathering her feet under her, she turned and launched herself at the one who created the shadow, ramming her other shoulder into the attacker's chest, forcing her back several feet, and knocking the wind out of her again.

The sound of tires screeching to a halt at the entrance of the park, followed by the opening and slamming of doors, and boots on the tarmac and gravel met her ears. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw figures dressed in blue stop several feet away, watching them When they both regained their balance, the crazed brunette charged at her again, only to lose her grip on her weapon when Naricia side stepped her and slashed her wrist. She could see the sunlight reflecting off the blade of the sword that had been unwillingly released as it landed on the ground. She then kicked the weapon out of reach. Not wasting any time, Naricia pointed her rapier at her opponent, the sharp tip glinting ominously mere centimeters from the space between her opponent's eyes.

" Don't even try it! " she warned with a calmness she was far from feeling. " Don't even breathe. "

The Blue King watched with interest as he and the rest of the Blue Clan witnessed the ongoing battle between the two females upon turning the corner, and he had seen the petite girl with the bluish white hair disarm her opponent before holding her at bay with her own sword. The girl's hair was loose, her shiny locks defying the light of the late afternoon sun, and as he took a step forward, the toe of his boot touched something soft. Munakata looked down, and found that he had stepped on a hair ribbon. Upon picking it up, he saw that it was light pink in color, and he knew that it had belonged to the young girl who had come out at the winning end of the fight with the Strain who they had intended to apprehend.

Several feet away, Anna Kushina was watching the two girls, a dome of blue light not unlike the shields used by the Blue Clan protecting her from the danger that was slowly fading back into its dark den.

The sight of the said shield piqued the interest of the Blue King, and he knew without a doubt that the girl was no ordinary Strain.

The familiar feeling of a Sword of Damocles forming in the sky rippled through Naricia as she heard an authoritative voice give the order for the men to apprehend her enemy, which surprised her since she wasn't the only Strain on the scene. She then stepped back and lowered her weapon, allowing it to dematerialize as the screaming psycho was apprehended with difficulty since she fought, bit and kicked at the men who were restraining her, brown eyes wild with an insane rage. Those eyes found her, and directed their hatred at her.

" I'll get you for this, little girl! " she threatened. " Just you wait! "

Naricia regarded her quietly, unfazed, and gave a nonchalant shrug, never taking her eyes off her. " You're welcome to try, " she answered simply before turning away, her dismissal obvious; even though she wouldn't admit it, she felt a sense of amused satisfaction in knowing that she had been the one to stop the psychopath in her tracks, and deliver the ultimate insult.

She knew that her opponent had tried to use her ability on her during the fight, and although she didn't know what it was, she had known that it wasn't good; Naricia was glad she had used her own ability to nullify it so that they could fight on even ground.

She turned to go to Anna, lowering her shield as she did so, but before she could say anything, the little girl rushed towards her, colliding with her and almost knocking her to the ground for the second time that day. Naricia staggered before straightening and getting her arms around Anna, surprised at the strength with which the little girl embraced her.

" Are you alright, sweetie? " she asked gently. Anna nodded, and looked up at her, violet tinted ruby eyes wide. Naricia breathed a sigh of relief.

" Let's get you home, then. "

Slowly, she released Anna, and as they turned to go, she spotted the Blue King approaching, a woman in an extremely short skirt, and low-necked blouse beside him.

Naricia didn't waste a moment. " Let's go! " She tugged on Anna's hand, and they both took off in the opposite direction, paying no mind to the calls for them to stop.


They didn't slow down until they could no longer hear the sounds of pursuit. Chests heaving from the exertion of running so far and fast, both girls ducked into an empty alley, finally calming down when they were able to catch their breaths.

" Thank you, sweetie, " Naricia breathed, leaning her back against the wall and turning her head to look at Anna. " You saved me back there; I was totally unaware I was being followed until you came, "

A light dusting of pink appeared on Anna's cheeks, and she smiled slightly. " I can't really tell who saved who, " she pointed out. " You still protected me back there. "

The teenager smiled at her. " It's the duty of the adults and older children to protect the little ones, Anna, " she told her. " Still… thank you. "

Naricia straightened, and held her hand out to Anna. " Let's get you home. "


" Wait.. what?! "

Izumo Kusanagi winced at Yata's high-pitched yell, followed by the sound of Fushimi clicking his tongue in annoyance.

" How did that happen?! " Yata demanded.

Izumo sighed, and raked his fingers through his hair. " Anna was scrying with her marbles just before you arrived," he explained. " She suddenly got this really terrified look on her face, and ran out before I could ask her what was going on… "

He inhaled sharply, and pulled on his coat. " We'd better find her, " he decided before making his way to the entrance, and putting up the CLOSED sign.

Tatara tried not to think about what might happen to Anna, all alone, with no one knowing where she was.

Everyone was on board with Kusanagi's decision, the sounds of chairs scraping on the floor as they were pushed back while the other HOMRA members stood.

The entire time this was happening, the Red King, Mikoto Suoh, had risen to his feet, crushing his cigarette in his fist before dropping it into the ashtray on the coffee table.

" Let's move. "


The sun was already starting to sink below the horizon when the two girls crossed paths with two of the Red Clan's members, Anna identifying them by calling them.

Naricia moved back as the one Anna had referred to as Rikio fussed over her like a mother hen and doting older brother, while the one referred to as Izumo placed a call to the other members to tell them that the little girl had been found and was safe.

Much to the girl's embarrassment, she found three pairs of eyes focusing on her once the calls had been made.

Izumo looked at Anna inquiringly. " Who's your friend? "

" This is Naricia, " Anna answered, and took her friend's hand. " She's the girl I told you about. "

The said teenager bowed slightly. " Good evening, " she greeted quietly. " I'm really sorry about earlier; Anna sensed that I was in danger, and came to warn me. " She straightened. " Please don't be angry with her; it was my fault she was put in danger this time. "

Silence reigned for a long moment before Izumo spoke up. " We had better get back to the bar, " he said. " It's been a long day, and you girls look like you could use some non-alcoholic drinks – on the house.

Naricia felt her face turn red. " I-I couldn't impose on you! " she protested. " Now that I know that Anna is in safe hands, I should get going. " She paused. " Scepter 4 arrived on the scene, " she added. " They'll definitely start asking questions, and they'll want to question Anna since they saw us together. "

When Anna tugged on her hand, Naricia knew that the little girl was begging her to stay, even if just for a bit longer.

But she knew that she couldn't, even if she wanted to.

" I have to go. "

Bowing to the two men, Naricia then embraced Anna before turning back the way they had come.

When she reached the alley where they had rested earlier, she looked around to confirm that it was empty before stepping into the darkness.

There, she changed into her swan form once again, and flew into the night.

Indeed, she was glad that Anna was safe, and that she had been able to see her again, but she was also worried because the fight from earlier had definitely put her in Scepter 4's sights.

It would only be a matter of time before the Blue King came looking for her…

And she didn't know if she had the strength to face him…