Chapter 16 : C-Cupa ?

Hey guys, Agithos here for another chapter, and since I don't have anything interesting to say...onto the story.

Present time, The forest, Mickaël POV

"I don't know what you are talking about Mickaël, but if it's that what you want, so be it !"

Hayden closed his eyes.

"AEMOH !"

"Ah crap, last time he said that, he became faster and stronger !" I thought "I must end this quickly or else I won't last long !"

I rushed toward him and tried to it with the flat side of my sword, hopping to knock him out. He stayed where he was. At the last moment, he deflected my sword with his front arm's armor. Then he proceed to punch me in the face, almost making me loose my balance.

"ARG !" I screamed in my head.

I pressed my hand on my nose and felt a warm fluid leaking down on my hand. This fight had only just began and I already found myself with a bloody nose.

"This is bad !"

To my surprise, Hayden didn't attack back and simply stared at me, with his lightning bolt still in his hand.

"Why did you attack me Mickaël ? I thought we got over this !"

"What did you do to her ?" I asked with a harsh voice.

"I don't get what you mean !"

"What did you do to CUPA ?" I asked a second time as I runned toward Hayden.

"What ? Cupa ?" My question seemed to have stunned him for a second and I managed to tackle him on the ground. I put the sharp side on my sword against his throat and repeated my question.

"I'll say it one last time, what did you do to Cupa ?"

"I didn't do anything to her, Mickaël !" He shouted at me.

"You liar, why should I believe you ?"

Suddenly, I felt a unbearable pain in my stomach. I looked down and saw Hayden's hand pressed against my stomach. He stared at me for a second as I was trying to fight the pain.

"I am sorry Mickaël, I didn't want to come to this but you forced me !"

It's at this moment that I noticed he didn't have his lightning bolt in his hand anymore. There was only was possible explanation.

"You-You didn't..."

"I am sorry Mickaël !"

At the moment he finished he sentence, I felt a flow of electricity going everywhere in my body. I tried to not scream but the pain was excruciating. This moment seemed to last forever even though it must have lasted just four or five seconds at most. When it was over, I tumbled and fell on the ground. I was still concious but I couldn't move a single muscle in my body. As for Hayden, he was slowly getting up. He noticed that I was staring at him.

"You are still conscious ? Not many people can endure that kind of attack !"

"W-What did you do to her ?" I managed to say with difficulty.

"I still don't understand what you mean, explain to me !" He replied

I tried to move but I couldn't, my body was still too numb.

"Ever since you arrived, Cupa has been depressed, she avoided everyone but you. If we asked her if everything was alright, she just says that it was nothing to worry about. And then, you came, spoke with her for two minutes and she was back to herself again. You didn't think I would find that a little suspicious, did you ? Now speak ! What did you said to her ?" I ordered him.

Hayden looked down, almost in shame. He stared at his feet for a second before answering.

"I-Sorry, but I can't tell you. I promised her I wouldn't tell anyboy !"

"How convenient !" I thought as I glared at him.

"And how can I know you tell the truth and this is just a trick of you to kill us ?"

It was Hayden's turn to frown and glare at me.

"Alright Mickaël, I am sick of your shit. I tried to endure your behavior but I can't anymore, I can't stand people like you. I know you are just trying to protect your friends but this is getting ridiculous.. For Notch's sake, If I really wanted to kill you by now, I would have done it far earlier. I could have just let you fall in that pool of lava this morning. I was hoping you would have forgiven me for my past's mistakes, but now I see that's not the case !"

Hayden got close to me and put his face close to mine.

"Let me tell you one thing, if it wasn't for Cupa, you would be dead right now. I don't care what you may think about me but all that matters to me is Cupa's happiness, nothing more. If I kill you right now, she would be sad at a point you cannot imagine, you are lucky she really cares about you !"

Then, the black haired man in front of me sat on the ground, against a tree and looked at me straight in the eyes.

"W-why is her happiness is so important to you ?" I asked

"Because I really care about her Mickaël, I would do anything to protect her !"

Hearing these words, I tried to move my arms, even though my body was still numb, I managed to lift them above the ground.

"I wouldn't force too much on your muscle Mickaël, you could loose your arms by doing so, let them rest for a little while !" Hayden warned me.

He sighed :

"Let me tell you a story Mickaël..."


19 years ago, Unknow location, Unknow POV

The sun was shining, the water was clear and the leaves of the trees were flying with the wind. In the middle of this peaceful landscape was a big village once known as Whiteford. It was a independent village, away from any kind of civilisation. It has his own king and he was very protective about his people. They were still doing some trade with the other villages but Whiteford made his own rules, with them it was : You accept or you leave.

One day, a guard passed alongside a river while doing his daily patrol in a hay valley, the sun was hot and he was glad the tree was making some kind of protection for him. Suddenly he heared something that would change his live forever.

"Bwaah !"

"What was that ?" The guard asked to himself. He looked toward the river and pushed some bushes aside and what he saw stunned him.

On the river, going with the current was, what appeared like a baby, covered in a cocoon of silk around him. The guard quickly removed his iron armor and dived in the water to save the baby. After he took it out of the water, he stayed at the baby's side to take care of it. He waited with the baby until one of his comrades came nearby.

"Wow, captain, where did you find this baby ?" The guard asked.

"I founding floating on the river !"

"B-But, where are his parents ?"

"I think he was abandonned. I shall take care of him from now on !"

"Sir, with all my due respect. I don't think you mean to take care of this baby, you just want to replace..."

The captain gave the other gard a death stare, making him shut up. Then he looked back at the baby with gentle eyes.

"So...how am going to name you ?" He said as he looked around him. Seeing the peaceful scenery in front of him, he sighed contentedly.

"I know, I am going to call you...Hayden !"


Present time, The forest, Mickaël POV

Me and Hayden were still face to face, staring at each others. By the time he finished his story, I was able to regain some control on my muscles. I knew I wouldn't be able to stand up, so I just sat against a tree.

"So..." I began "If I understand right, that baby was you. You have been abandonned at your birth by your parents ?"

"Yes...My father never hid the truth for me and I thank him for that...but my story isn't over yet..."


13 years ago, Whiteford, Hayden POV

I was outside the castle, my heart was racing like crazy and I was sweating. I was with my father, the captain of the royal guard, we were coming here every day to train with him. I wanted to become like him, a respected swordsman.

"Hey Hayden, get focused. Your enemy won't give you any you any chances !" I heard my father say before I felt a wooden stick hit me on my right cheek.

"Ouch, Daddy that hurts !"

"That for your own good Hayden ! Don't let your guard down !" He replied.

"Yes !"

The training went on for a while. That evening, we returned to our home. I was so exausted that my father had to carry me on his back on our way home.

"Daddy ?" I asked

"Yes, Hayden ?"

"Do you think I'll be able to be a skilled guard like you one day ?"

"Yes you will Hayden, and one day, you will find yourself a nice girlfriend you will love, cherish...and...protect..."

Then I heard something I didn't hear from my father before, a sniffing.

"Dad ? Are you okay ?" I asked

He turned toward me and I saw tears flowing out of his eyes.

"Please Hayden, promise me that you will protect her, even at the cost of your own life. Succeed where I have failed !"

It was the first time I had to see my father cry. I was too dumbfounded to talk so I just nodded.

"Good boy !" He said, passing his hand in my hair.


Present time, The forest, Mickaël POV

"...Since that day, I have trained harder and harder every day and, at the age of sixteen, I was a royal guard under the orders of my father..." Hayden finished as he looked at me. Me, on the other hand, I was finally able to get, my body almost didn't felt numb anymore, I felt my strengh coming little by little.

"So, your sword's mastery comes from your adopting father, but...what about your lightning power ? You weren't born with them, were you ?" I asked.

"No you are right...I was coming to that..."


3 years ago, Whiteford, Hayden POV

We were at war. A month ago, a guard patrol came back with some kind of gem they found . The gem's aura seemed mystrerious, yet dangerous. Some of our elders that it was impragnated by a maleficient force and that no one should ever use it. We had planned to bury this gem deep undergroud forever but an army of bandits somehow knew about the existence of this gem and was coming to Whiteford to steal it. Whiteford may had some of the best guards in all Minecraftia, they outnumbered us by many. I was preparing my armor when my father called me :

"Hayden ! Can you come her for a second ?"

"I am coming father !"

I walked toward him.

"Follow me son !" He said.

I did as I was told and followed him through the castle. After a while, we arrived into the throne room where the king was waiting for us. I bowed in front of him.

"Rise young Hayden..." He began "Are you ready to do whatever it takes to protect this village ?"

"Yes my king, I am ready to die for my village !" I said, proudly.

"That's not what I meant, young one !"

"Huh ?"

"You see, young Hayden, if the bandits gets their hand on this crystal, we are all as good as dead. You are one of your best soldier, we can't afford to loose you in this battle. While we defend this village, take the gem and go as far as you can !"The king explained.

"But my king..."

"It's the king's decision, Hayden, we can't do anything against that. You heard him, take the crystal and get out of here !" He said as he handed me the gem.

I sighed.

"Yes, it shall be done !"

"Good luck young Hayden. May Notch be with you !"

I nodded and exited the castle as fast as I could. Outside, the battle between our forces and the enemy was already raging. I runned in the village, killing every bandits that I couldn't avoid. All was going well...until this moment...

'BOOM !' A house exploded.

"THEY HAVE TNTS !" I heard a guard shout before being blown up.

I look up and saw dozens of TNT in air coming down toward. I runned toward a shelter but too late, a TNT blowed at my feet, sending me a few second into the air before I brutally hit the ground. When I opened my eyes, I saw the gem, a a meter in front of me...shattered on the ground.

"Oh no..."

The broken pieces of the crystal began becoming white and a blinding light escaped from it. I closed my eye to protect them, then all went black. When I woke up, it was already night time. The village...the village was completely destroyed. Every building...in ruin, every tree...burn, every street...filled with rubbles and corpses. I began to cry and scream. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw something moving behind me. I turned around and I just had the time to duck to avoid a sword passing right above my head.

I felt something strange in my arms. I put them in front of me and Suddenly, a sort of bolt of lightning came out of my hand and went crashing into the bandit in front of me, killing him instantly.

I looked at my hand.

"Did...did I just do that ?


Present time, The forest, Mickaël POV

"...I figured the power came out of the crystal and had somehow been impragnated in me. I searched the whole village for survivors, but I found none. I was the only survivor, all the people I cared about, dead. For three years, I was alone, earning money as a mercenary until I met you. Now you know. That's why I want to protect her, after finally three years of loneliness, I found someone to care about !"

"If what he says is true, then we are almost the same. We are both orphan who have been taken care of by someone at young age. We both have been trained to be the best. The only difference is that he doesn't have his family anymore while I still have mine in Texas...in the other world...Crap, I think I have been a total jerk to him !"

After a minute of reflexion, I spoke up :

"You know what ? I believe you. I-I am sorry for my behavior toward you. You know, you and I have much in common concerning our past !" I explained.

"What ? Are you telling me you have been abandonned too ?" Hayden asked.

"Humm, no not quite, you see.."

I told him everything, from the death of my parents, my training...Well, I changed the story one or two times to fit into the environnement. I changed the car for some horses, guns for bows...You get it.

By the time I finished my story, we were walking toward our home.

"You are lucky to have escaped that TNT, I am sorry for your parents !"

"Don't be, that was fithteen years ago. Sorry again for my behavior over the past week. No hard feelings ?" I asked as I placed my hand in front of him.

"You just wanted to protect your friends, I can understand. No hard feelings !" He answered while shaking it.

"Speaking of protection. Why do you want to protect Cupa so much ?"

"I-I don't, ever since I saw her for the first time, I felt a deep desire to bring her happy by any means necessary, when I saw her smile for the first time, it warmed my heart and...what ?" He asked as I looked at him wierdly.

"Hayden, don't tell me...!"

"I think so, and that's bad, that's really bad !" He looked at his feet.

'Hey cheer up, she will be lucky to have you as a boyfriend, plus, you are getting along with her really well !" I reassured.

"No, that's bad because she is in love with you, you idiot !" The black haired man said as he pressed a finger against my torso.

"Nah, you must be joking right ? I mean, Cupa is just a really good friend of mine. She is like a little sister to me. I care about her but I don't see myself having a romantic relationship with her. And, on the top of that, I love somone else !"

"That will brake her heart..."

"I know...and I don't know what she will do when she will learn she lives with the one I love !"

"Really ? Who is it?" Hayden asked.

"Alright, I'll tell you, but promise me you won't tell her !" I said.

He nodded.

"I-It's Ayumi !" I told him

"Ayumi, the skeleton archer ?"

"Yes.."

"Damn, I should have guessed from the way you look at her. Who knows exept me ?"

"Hum, there is you, Yaebi and I am sure Ari have some doubts !"

We finally arrived at our home. When we entered, I saw Cupa waiting for me, there was also Yaebi, Ari and Ayumi in the kitchen. I guessed Andr and Vanessa were already sleeping.

"Hey Mickaël, you finally came back !" She said as she hugged me.

Now that I knew about her feeling for me, I blushed a little and felt slightly uneasy. I just hopped this was a really good prank from Hayden as a payback for the last week. I looked down at Cupa.

"Hum...Cupa, can I..."

"Mickaël, your nose, you are bleeding !" Cupa exclamed.

"Ah crap, I forgot about that !" I thought.

"Quick Mickaël, come here !" She continued.

She made me sat down on a chair and she inspected my nose.

"For Notch's sake, Mickaël, you didn't go in for half measures...What happened to you ?" The creeper girl asked.

"I can't say I fought with Hayden, Ayumi would scold me until the end of times !"

"I slipped and my face met a tree !" I explained.

"Maybe some plants will make it heal faster !" Cupa suggested.

"I'll see what I can do about that. Ari, come with me !" Ayumi said before leaving the house with Ari at her side.

As for Yaebi, he simply grinned and gave me a ''Good luck with her'' look before going upstairs. Cupa and I were left alone in the kitchen.

"Hey Mickaël, can I show you something ? I am sure you will like it !" Cupa said.

"Sure !" I replied.

"Great !" She sais happily "Don't move !"

"I don't plan to !"

With that being said, Cupa runned upstairs, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I took advantage of this moment to think deeply.

"I wonder what is that thing she wants to show me. Should I tell her after or before she shows me her surprise. I hope Hayden was just kidding with me !"

After a few minutes, I heard someone going downstairs and I saw Cupa with a small package in her hands. She handed it to me.

"Here, it's for you !"

"What is it ?" I asked.

"Open it and you will see !"

I took the package and opened it. I was surprise by what I saw inside of it. It was a small orange rocket meant for fireworks with a red heart painted on it. I pulled it out of the box and turned toward Cupa.

"Thanks Cupa, it's really nice but I..." I tried to speak.

I was interrupted by Cupa's soft lips pressing on mine.

"What the...Oh no, so Hayden was right, she is really in love with me !"

Cupa pulled away, blushing maddly.

"Sorry, I was supposed to do that after the fireworks, but I couldn't wait anymore. I love you Mickaël. I have loved you since the day you accepted to become my friend in that cave. You are kind, generous and always here to help others !"

I was too stunned by her confession to respond. She giggled as she saw my face. She took me by the arm and dragged me outside the house. I regained control over my body when she took the rocket from my hand and placed it on the ground.

"Hum...Cupa ?"

"Yes Mickaël ?" She asked.

"We need to talk !" I said.

"About what ?" She asked, arboring her usual big smile.

I took a brief inspiration before saying :

"I am sorry if I hurt your feelings Cupa but...I do not feel the same way toward you as you do toward me. I-I can't..."

At these words, Cupa's eyes began to fill with tears.

"B-B-But, why not Mickaël ? I am not pretty enough for you ?" She asked.

"What ? No no no, you are very pretty Cupa. This doesn't have to do anything with you. it's me, the problem !" I tried to explain to her.

"But, I love you for who you are Mickaël !"

"That's not what I mean...Cupa...I-I think I am in love with someone else !" I finished.

I saw tears flowing down her cheeks, after a second, she closed her eyes and runned in the opposite direction.

"Hey Cupa, wait !" I called her.

She disappeared behind a bush. Thinking she could do something stupid. I began to run after her. When I pushed the bush aside, there was nothing. I had lost her. For twenty minutes, I wandered into the forest, shouting her name and hopping she would respond but I didn't receive any. I returned to the house. Out of rage, I punched a tree on my way.

"You. Fucking. Idiot. Couldn't you find better words ?" I nearly shouted.

"Hey Mickaël, what happened ? I heard you shouting !" I heard a masculine voice say in front of me. It was Hayden, walking toward me "Where is Cupa ? I am sure I heard you calling her name !" He asked as he looked around.

I looked at the ground with sad eyes. Hayden noticed that and began to shake me by the shoulders.

"Hey, hey Mickaël, ! Talk to me. What happened ? Where is Cupa ?" He began to panick.

"Hayden, Cupa...she is...She is gone !" I said.

"WHAT ?"

"I explained to her that we couldn't be together...it broke her heart. She began to cry and she took off in the forest !"

"What ? But we need to go after her ! She might be hurt, or worse !" He suggested.

"Hayden, I already tried but I couldn't find her !"

"Then I'll search for her myself !" He said

"No, you can't search for her now. It's too dark and there are probably hundredth mobs outside by now. Let's wait for Ari and Ayumi to come back !" I replied as I placed my hand on his shoulder. He simply brushed it off and looked at me.

"Mickaël, what did I tell you ? I'll protect her, even at the cost of my own life !"

Then, he set off in the forest in pursuit of Cupa. I watched him go and I sighed.

"Good luck Hayden, come back with her safe and sound !" I thought before I went back into the house.

Just before I opened the door. I heard Ari's voice behind me.

"YOU !"

I tuned around and saw her walking to me with her fists closed and a look of hatred in her eyes. When she arrived in front of me, she drew back her hand and slapped me with all her might.

"That's for playing with Ayumi's feelings !"

She slapped me another time.

"That's for breaking her heart !"

And another time.

"Ad that one is because these things always comes by three !"

Then she said with a voice full of anger and hate :

"You are lucky you are one of my closest friend or I swear I would have killed you !"

I looked at the ground before saying :

"Yes, I know I broke Cupa's heart and..." A detail intrigued me "Wait, did you said Ayumi ? Why does she have anything to do with this ?" I asked

"Because both of us saw you kissing Cupa, through the window, don't even try to lie about it !" Ari answered

"YOU SAW THAT ?"

"Yes..."


25 minutes ago, Near home, Ari's POV

We had finished picking up some medicinal plants for Mickaël bloody nose and we were on our way home. I was still teasing Ayumi on her love life.

"So, when are you going to tell him ?" I asked

"For the last time Ari, I don't plan to tell him. I don't know how he will react if he knows that a mob fell in love with him. I don't want to ruin our friendship !" She answered "Let's not talk about it anymore, we are almost at home !"

"aww, you're no fun !"

A bush further, we arrived in front of our home.

"Finally, maybe we can have some sleep now !" I said.

"At least you did not explore the Nether !" Ayumi replied.

As we went to open the door, Ayumi suddenly stopped in her tracks. I turned toward her and saw that she was looking at something through the window. She looked like she saw a ghost. Her hand released the plants she was holding, which fell on the ground.

"Hum...Ayumi ? What are you looking at ?" I asked her.

Hearing no response, I rejoined her and looked through the window. What I saw shocked me : Mickaël and Cupa were kissing. Cupa's arms were around Mickaël neck.

"That son of a..."

I saw Ayumi closing her eyes and running in the opposite direction.

"Ayumi ! wait for me !"

I runned after through the forest. I was faster than her but she was a better athlete than me. She was distancing me step by step. I tried to speak to her.

"Ayumi, stop !"

"Stop following me, Ari. I-I just want to be alone !"

"Ayumi, I am your best friend, you can talk to me !"

Ayumi did not respond and runned even faster. Eventually I lost her track. I returned to the house with only one thought in mind

"I am going to give Mickaël a piece of my mind !"


Present time, Home, Mickaël POV

"...and now I don't know where she is !" Ari finished.

"But-But why would she do that ?" I asked.

"Because she loves you dumbass, and you just broke her heart !"

"W-WHAT ? I-I need to talk to her !" I said as I began to run toward the forest. Unfortunatly, Ari placed herself in front of me.

"Oh no, you are not going anywhere, you hurt her once. I am not going to let you do it again !"

"It was an accident Ari. I didn't mean to kiss her !" I tried to explain.

"Oh really ?" The spider girl asked "Then tell me why you were not moving when we saw you two kissing ?"

"And how I was supposed to react to a girl whom have feelings for me without hurting her ?" I nearly shouted out of frustration "She took me by surprise Ari !"

Then I proceed to tell her everything that happened since they left : Cupa's surprise, the kiss, the explanation and finally Cupa fleeing. I could tell by her eyes she was still not really convinced.

"How do I know you are not lying ?" She asked.

"First of all, do you see Cupa nearby ? And second of all, talk to Yaebi. He will tell you everything, but please, let me talk to Ayumi !" I pleaded.

Ari stared at me for a second before sighing.

"Fine, but even if we assume that I believe you, you can't go outside by now. It's too dark, you won't see anything and you even might risk getting killed. Go back to the house and stay there. As for me, I'll follow your advice and talk to Yaebi. Ayumi is a big girl, she can hold her own in the wild !"

Suddenly, I received a small drop of water on my nose, followed by another one.

"Huh ? It's raining ?" I asked, looking toward the sky hidden by the leaves of the forest.

"Oh no, water drops, we are all going to die !" She said sarcastically "It's just rain Mickaël, go back home. Now !"

"Yes, Ari !" I sighed as she pushed me toward the entrance of the house.

This was going to be a really long night.


A few minutes later, Unknow location, Cupa POV

It was raining badly, I didn't care. I was crying, I didn't care. I didn't know where I was going but I didn't care either. All that mattered to me at this precise moment was to get away as far as possible. I dodged trees, bushes, animals and really rarely other mobs. I runned so fast, my legs were killing me.

At one point, my legs gave up and I got on my knees. I was crying and screaming at the top of my lungs. Then, I proceed to hit the ground repeatedly.

"What did I do wrong ? Am I not beautiful enough for him ? Not smart enough ? Not powerful enough ? Not cute enough ?"

I continued to cry as the rain formed some puddle of water around me.

"Why...Why did it have to be like this ?"

"Because young mob, it is your destiny !"

"Huh ?" I said as I heard a distorded voice in front of me.

I looked up and saw a dark figure with two white eyes looking down at me. I was terrified at this point. I looked around and I saw that I was in the exact same place where I was standing in my dreams : Outside the forest, in a small clearing borded by two hills.

"You-You are the one I saw in my nightmare !"

"A nightmare ? I would have called that...A prediction !" The figure said.

I tried to get up but my legs wouldn't respond to me.

"Don't even try to run away from me, nothing can change fate !"

"Why ? Why me ?" I asked.

"Well, young mob, you are just someone who got rejected by her crush, nothing more. But what if I tell you I can make him love you ? You would have him for you and you alone, in exchange of your friends lives !"

"Make Mickaël love me ? In exchange of all my friends's lives ? No, I can't do that, Mickaël would never love me if I ever do that !" I refused.

The figure's face looked like it was frowning at me.

"Very well. I tried the easy way, now we are going for the hard way !" It said.

Then, he pointed an arm in my direction.

"What...What are you going to do to me ?" I asked, terrified.

"I am just going to give the control of your body to your stifled desires !"

I remembered the rest of the nightmare. Me, killing everyone, even Mickaël.

"No..."

"It's not like you have a choice anyway !"

"Mickaël...Hayden...anyone...help me..."

Without a warning, I felt a lightning bolt crashing on me. Then, all went black.


1 hour later, Home, Mickaël POV

One hour. One hour, and still no sign of Cupa nor Ayumi nor Hayden whatsoever. I was in the kitchen. Ari ordered me to stay there while she talked with Yaebi about my feelings for Ayumi. Despite the heavy rain, I was checking the bushes to see if I could spot a movement. I was so focused on my task, I didn't noticed Ari creeping up on me from behind.

"I knew it !" She nearly screamed happily in my ears before hugging me.

"Woah, Ari. What are you talking about ?" I asked as I turned around.

"I knew you had feelings for Ayumi !"

I sighed.

"Yes, as Yaebi told you, I have feelings for her. But don't tell Cupa, I'll do it !" I said.

"What are you planning to tell me Mickaël sweetie ?" I heard a feminine voice behind me.

In front of the front door, I saw a woman with light blue hair and red eyes staring at me. She was wearing the same clothes as Cupa but there were holes in it, like they were stretched at their maximum.

"Cupa ? Is that you ? You look...different !" Ari asked.

"Yes, it's me. I know I changed a little, but I am still the same !" Cupa answered.

"Hum, listen Cupa, I am sorry for earlier !" I apologized.

"Oh don't worry Mickaël sweetie. It's already forgiven !" She replied.

"Mickaêl sweetie ? Cupa never called me like that, even when she didn't know I loved someone else !" I thought.

"That remind me, I have some gifts for all of you !" She said as she went outside for a moment before returning with some boxes. She handed two to Ari and one for Yaebi.

"Make sure to give one to Ayumi, I am sure she will like it !" Cupa said with a smile.

"Well...ok !"

"Meanwhile, I need to talk to Mickaël sweetie in private. Let's go outside !"

I hesitated a second before saying :

"Hum, alright !"

"Like that, I can ask her what is going on with her body !"

Cupa took me by the hand and led me outside the house.

"Cupa, what happened to your body ?" I asked.

"Oh this, don't worry about that. I just listened to my deepest desire !"

Then she looked at me in the eyes.

"Mickaël, I know you can't love me the same way as I love you. I understand..."

"Thanks Cupa, that means a lot to me !" I replied.

"...But...that doesn't mean I will allow it !"

"What ?" I asked.

Suddenly, I heard a big explosion behind me. I turned around and saw the house on fire. Flames were growing on the roof and I could see smoke through the window. An horrible smell of burned wood was wafting from the house. I turned toward the creeper girl behind me.

"WHAT THE HELL CUPA ?" I shouted angrily.

She simply giggled at my question.

"I don't have time for this. I might already be too late !" I thought as I began to run toward the entrance of the house.

Out of nowhere, an explosion occurred in front of me. I was sent flying into the air for a second before landing on my back. I got up and saw Cupa with some TNTs in her hands. She was looking at me with a such a grin that even Jeff the killer would bow before it.

"Where are you going, Mickaël sweetie ? You don't plan on leaving me, are you ? You are mine and mine alone, until the end of times !"

"You are crazy Cupa, let me save them. They could be seriously hurt right now !" I pleaded

"Seriously hurt ? That's all ? I guess I'll do better with my second salvo of TNTs !"

She began to laugh hysterically. I took advantage of that and quickly rushed into the house. In here, everything was burning. Every room was on fire.

"God damnit, It's so hot in here. I hope you are all alright !"

"ARI ! VANESSA ! YAEBI !" I screamed through the smoke

Seeing no one in the kitchen, I quickly got upstairs and noticed two bodies lying on the ground in front of me. It was Andr and Ari. Apart from a few burn and bruises, they seemed to be alright. I picked them up and placed both of them on my shoulders. Then I proceed to check to room to see if anyone was inside. Upon arriving in front of Ari's room, I heard some coughing behind the door. I kicked the door to open it. There was Yaebi and Vanessa, lying on the ground to avoid the smoke. I crawled toward them and placed Andr and ari next to me.

"Mickaël, are you ok ? Where is Cupa ?" yaebi asked.

"Yes, I am alright. She is outside. What happened here ?"

"It's the gifts Cupa gave us, they were just TNTs. I am glad I left mine downstairs !"

Vanessa was trying to wake up her sister by shaking her.

"Yaebi, Cupa became mad. She wants to kill you all, so she can have me for herself. We need to get you all out of here !" I said.

"But what about you ?"

"I'll stay behind. I am the only one who can calm her !" I answered.

Yaebi tried to find another solution but couldn't find any.

"Fine, but you..."

A window shattering was heard behind us. When we turned around, we saw a block of TNT landing next to Vanessa, ready to explode.

"Oh crap..."

Without second though, I tackled Vanessa to the ground just before the TNT exploded. We were all sent flying into the wall which we demolished when we all collided into it. We fell from the second floor and hit the ground down below.

"Arg !" I said as I felt my head hit the ground.

When I regained focus on the world around me, I saw everyone unconscious, even Vanessa, who was in my arms. I guess I did good to keep my armor. It protected me from most of the blast. I released Vanessa from my arms.

I managed to get up with difficulty, and I felt a sharp pain in my arm and legs. I looked at my wound and saw some blood pouring out of them. Even if my armor protected me from the blast, a few pieces of wood managed to pierce my armor's weak points and my skin.

I walked toward where I left Cupa but found no one. My instincts told me to dive foward at the moment I heard a small 'pshhhhh' behind me. A second later, A TNT exploded behind me. I turned around and saw Cupa behind me with another TNT in her hand. I tried to reason with her.

"Why...Why are you doing this Cupa ? We are friends, remember !"

"You see Mickaël, I really love you and I prefer to kill you with my own hands instead of seeing you go with another girl !"

Then, Cupa throwed me the TNT she had in her hands at my feet. The TNT became white and I felt something tackling me on the ground.

"Hayden ? What are you doing here ?"

"I heard an explosion and saw some smoke coming from the house so I came back to see what happened. I guess I arrived just in time. Now, where is the threat ?"

"Here..." I answered as I pointed at Cupa.

Upon seeing her, Hayden froze for a second before looking at me with sad eyes.

"Hayden, Cupa had become crazy. She wants to kill us all !"

"No, she wouldn't. She is being manipulated by someone. She is not our enemy, Mickaël. There have to be a way to make our Cupa come back !" Hayden said.

"How do you know that ?" I asked.

"I'll tell you later, but you have to trust me !"

"...Fine, I trust you !" I replied.

"What are you talking about, boys ?"

I turned toward Hayden.

"Quick, make sure the others are okay !" I ordered.

"Are you sure you will be alright on your own ? you look quite injured !"

"Yes, now go !"

Hayden followed my orders and went toward the lying bodies of my friends.

"So, Cupa is being manipulated against her will...I don't want to hurt her but what can I do ?"

"It looks like we are alone again Mickaël !" Cupa said.

"Yes..."

She began to laugh as she throwed me more and more TNTs at me. It was like she would never run out of explosives. I managed to dodge them all but it was more difficult each time.

"If it goes on like this, it will be only a matter of time before I take one to the face !" I thought as I avoided another explosion.

After a moment, Cupa stopped laughing.

"Oh, Mickaël sweetie, please stop moving. If you do that, we will be together forever !"

"In your dreams !" I replied.

"Oh, are you hurting a girl's feelings ? I'll show you !"

Cupa rushed toward me. Because of my wounds and the loss of blood, it became too difficult to move. She pinned me to the ground.

"I got you Mickaël sweetie !" She said with her psycotic grin and her eyes wide opened. "Now, nothing will get in our way !"

Then Cupa body became white and familiar creeper sound was heard within her. I couldn't move neither my arms or my legs so trying to get her off me. I didn't have time to think so I did something that always worked in movies : kissing her. I dived my head foward and planted my lips on her's.

"For God's sake, what am I doing ?" I thought.

She seemed stunned by my dirty move. I took advantage of this and headbutted her with all my might. She fell backward, on the ground and, at the same time, released her grip on me. I quickly crawled away from her before she exploded. When the explosion was over, I looked behind me to see a huge crater.

"Mickaël, please, tell me you are alright !" I heard a man's voice at my right.

"Hey Hayden, how are the others ?" I replied, exausted.

"They are alright. Even though Yaebi have a broken arm and Ari have a few burns, nobody's life is in danger !"

I sighed, relieved.

"And...what about Cupa ?" Hayden asked, while looking at the big crater in front of us.

"I don't know !" I answered "Let's go !"

Hayden helped me get on my feet and we walked toward the crater. Inside of it, was a red-headed creeper girl, our Cupa. Her eyes were closed. Hayden and I looked at each other and nodded. We carefully went inside the hole.

"Please, let her be alive !"

When we arrived next to her, I checked her pulse. Her heart was still beating and she was breathing. I placed her head on my laps and waited for her to wake up.

After a few minutes of waiting, I saw Cupa opening her eyes slowly.

"W-Where am I ? What happened to me ?" She asked with her eyes half opened.

Upon seeing me, her eyes shot open and she got quickly off me.

"Hey Cupa, are you alright ? You scared us for a moment !" I said.

She sniffed a few times before bursting into tears and hugging me.

"Mickaël, I-I am sorry, so sorry !"

"There is nothing you have to be sorry about Cupa..." Hayden began as he patted her head "You were being manipulated by the guy of your nightmare !"

"Wait what ?" I asked, surprised "Which guy ? What nightmare ?"

Cupa looked at Hayden and nodded. Hayden understood the message and proceed to tell me everything : Why Cupa was distant toward us, her nightmare, that mysterious man and her conversation with Hayden...

"I see...so that's why you avoided us !"

"Yes...I didn't want to hurt you or the other. I love you Mickaël !" Cupa said.

"Hayden, can you leave us for a moment ?" i asked him

"Sure, no problem. Tell me when you two are done !" He answered

After he left, I told Cupa :

"I know you love me Cupa but I can't love you !"

"I know...You told me you had feelings for someone else, who is that person ?" She asked.

"It-It's Ayumi !" I admited.

"I should have know. Nobody loves me..." Cupa said with tearful eyes.

I tried something to cheer her up.

"That's not true. I know someone who loves you for who you are !"

Her face seemed to light up.

"Really ? Who ?"

"Ah, it wouldn't be the same if I tell you who is it. But now, you know he exist !" I answered.

She giggled and I smiled. It was really nice to have our little Cupa back to her old self after a week. But even with that, there was a hole in my heart...someone important was missing.

"Ayumi..."


Meanwhile, Near home, Hayden's POV

While Mickaël and Cupa were together. I decided to take a look around the house to see the importance of the damage. The result was undeniable, that house was a ruin now. The first floor was completely burned and the second floor's walls had too many holes to count them all. As I continued to inspect the house, something hit my foot.

"Huh ?"

I looked down and saw some kind of rocket used for fireworks. It was orange with a red heart painted on it.

"Probably Cupa's work. It must have been propelled here when the fight started !"

Deciding it was better than to leave it here. I picked it up and took it home with me.


Unknow time, Unknow place, Unknow POV

"So, that little mob failed to do her job correctly !" The figure said as he got up from a chair. His white eyes piercing in the darkness. He exited the room he was in and went outside. Outside, there was no sky, no cloud, no sun, just pure darkness.

"That would have made my job easier, but it doesn't matter. Soon, everything will change !"

TO BE CONTINUED Another big chapter, but seriously, I really think the next one is going to be even longer...as long as I don't have a writer block. So as always PM or review to tell me what you think of the story : good or bad. See you next time ^_^