Meeting of Fate

by Kairos Fateweaver

A role play with a friend, that turned into a story about magical girl's and their fights against each other and the hardships they face.

19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Dark Road Ahead

After the dispute and abrupt removal of Kara from the Sera grounds, Lilly, with Holly and Haley carrying Remi between them, headed back into the house to tend to Remi's and Holly's wounds.

After flying to the predetermined spot, Kara announced her arrival to the space in which she first entered Charon's office from. After a few moments, a column of purple light enveloped Kara and transported her to somewhere.

The space which Kara was transported to was seemingly nothingness. All around her she could see nothing but blackness, save for a small window-like opening. Inside this opening, Kara could see the interior of Charon's office. It was like looking through a window of frosted glass. The visual on the room was slightly difficult to make out but it was clear that it was Charon's office. He was seated at his desk, talking to somebody when he stopped the conversation and looked over. He was seemingly looking straight at Kara. The person he was talking to quickly stood up and stared in disbelief at what Charon was looking at. It was clear that his current guest was Kiki. She turned towards Charon and appeared to be talking to him quite animatedly and indicating towards Kara. No sound was coming from either of them but it was clear that they were engaged in conversation. Charon looked at Kiki, disappointment evident in his pose, and motioned for her to sit down while answering what she was saying. Kiki looked like she was about to protest but was soon silenced by Charon. After he'd said his piece, Kiki sat down without hesitation, like a child who'd just been disciplined by their parents. After the minor argument was over, Charon got up from his desk and began to head towards Kara. After he'd taken a few steps, he just disappeared from view.

A few moments later, Kara felt a scorching pain on her neck in the location that Chanki branded her. The pain subsided after a few seconds and the blackness around her was replaced by the interior of Charon's office.

"...now he shouldn't be able to trace you or listen in on us." Charon informed Kara as he headed back over to his desk. Strangely, he was right behind Kara before he began to head back. Once he was seated, he motioned towards the empty chair next to Kiki. "Now, please, take a seat. Before we begin, I'd like to apologize for the problems my Niece had caused you. She's had a bad...experience...with Daemonic Entities in the past so she's a little one-sided in her views. Nonetheless, you've caused yourself quite the problem with accepting that Mark on your neck. Now, tell me, did you request any conditions the Geas could not break before it was completed?"

Kara had waited for a reply and soon she was engulfed within a column of purple light. She was taken into was nothing but blackness she looked around and spotted. A small window-like opening inside she could see Charon's office she could see him sitting. At his desk and from the looks of things her appeared to be talking to someone. Kara wondered just who this person was when only a moment later. To see that person was Kiki just what was she doing here? As Kara watched she couldn't hear what they were saying but felt her anger boil within her. It was Kiki who had messed everything up between her and the others both Charon and Kiki. Appeared to be in a heated argument and Kara pounded against the window wanting to get through. And attack Kiki where she stood but suddenly felt a scorching pain on her neck.

This made Kara cry out in pain and she dropped to her knees grabbing at her neck. "W-why I didn't do anything to upset you?" Kara called out.

Soon the pain left her and she was now in Charon's office. Charon mentioned something about how Chanki wouldn't be able to trace or listen in on them. Though she knew once she left Charon's place Chanki would surely harm her. She took a seat down next to Kiki and gave her a dirty glare before looking back at Charon. "So, that explains some things I never knew you had a niece" Charon then appeared to know about the mark on her neck and asked about it.

"I only asked that Chanki break Kiki's hold over Holly I didn't request any conditions. As I couldn't think of any though I offered myself up as his slave and would do. Whatever he asked of me without complaint I only took the mark because I didn't know what to do. Plus with my darker half in control things were rather bad and I was desperate" Kara says.

Kiki was clearly restraining herself from attacking Kara there and then. Instead of fighting, she just returned the glare Kara had given her. At present, she wasn't wearing the Glasses or any of the other Jewelry-like things she had before. They were all laid out on the table in front of her.

Kara explained her reasoning behind taking up the contract with Chanki. Charon listened intently before giving his answer.

"You have unknowingly caused yourself innumerable problems by not finalizing your side of the contract. He can now ask of you whatever he pleases and have you do it for him under the direction of the Geas. Until that time comes, however, he may still ask you to do things for him but he would not use the Geas to do so. You offered yourself up as his slave so that is also within the bindings of the Geas. You will know, when the time comes, whether he's using the Geas to force you to do something for him." Charon explained.

"You're clearly lacking in the brains department. Even an idiot knows that Contracts are two-sided things." Kiki cut in. "Oh well, I guess this is what happens to people who prize brawn of brain and cuteness."

Charon glanced over at Kiki and she suddenly stopped in her chastising and kept her head down.

"While she may be partially correct, the manner in which she voiced it is lacking." Charon continued. "However, before you came here, I had one of my contacts look to a potential outcome of this situation and they gave me this."

Charon placed a disk-like object in the center of the table. It looked like a plain CD but it had runes inscribed on the outer rim.

"Please remember that this is only one possible future. Divination is never completely accurate. You can prevent this depending on your actions, or accelerate it. Exercise caution from now on."

The disk lit up and projected an image around the room. It was clearly a pre-recorded event but the detail was severely grainy and not much could be made of it.

Two figures, of similar build and height, stood at opposing ends of the room. One had angel-like wings behind them with a quarterstaff in hand and a shield in their off-hand. By just the outline of this figure, it could be likened to Holly's awakened form. The figure on the other end of the room had six blades in a circle behind them, with two more blades in each hand. They had wings which could only be likened to a Succubus's wings in most lore. Daemonic, leathery, bat-like wings. Things which looked like horns could faintly be seen on each side of the figure's head, with the points curving towards the front. The blade in the figure's left hand carried the taint of Daemonic energy and was exuding a black aura. The blade itself also carried some sentience, like it was a Daemon possessing a weapon. The other blades appeared to carry similar taint, but were not sentient. Both figures were caught in a heated argument, firing insults and conflicting magical attacks at one another. Neither side seemed to be giving in to their clear exhaustion and fatigue. The figure which looked like Holly took all eight of the other figure's blades into her body at one point and still continued fighting, despite having her body being lacerated in multiple locations. Holly was clearly losing in power but was still managing to continue fighting. Sound all of a sudden entered the image as Holly fell to her knees and clutched at her chest.

"Please, stop this!" Holly, as it was clear now, implored the other person. The sound was distorted and full of static but it was still audible.

"Giving up already? Is your faith in the light really that weak? I was just getting started and you're already spent?" The other figure taunted. The voice sounded like a young female. It carried a similar tone to Holly's but there was a reverberation included which skewed the sound, like it was two people talking at the same time.

"Have you completely lost yourself?! You would never do this! It's not like you. Would you still be doing this if Lilly was still here?!"

"Oh, her? She's long gone. I saw to that myself. She was too caught up in her hatred for Darkness and Wind Users that she lowered her guard enough for me to kill her."

"You killed our sister?!"

After that comment, it was clear that the other girl was Haley. Or, at least, used to be Haley.

"Yes, I did. And I enjoyed every second of her pained screams as her own Sister cut her down. Ha! Talk about irony! She did everything she could to protect us, but, in the end, she was betrayed. You did nothing to help her and I was the one who did the deed!"

Holly was clearly finding it hard to continue her retorts as she wailed in despair at the words of the one she called her twin.

"It's all her fault." Holly choked out between sobs. "If she never tried to kill me in the first place, then this would never have happened!"

"Blaming your weakness on another? That's so like you, Holly!" Haley laughed back. "She showed me the power I'd been ignoring. She awakened me to what I was meant to be. I owe all this strength, enjoyment and ecstasy to her! Kara had all this power but she'd never even tried to use it!"

"SHUT UP! Don't ever say her name again! She can burn in the hell she calls home for all I care!"

"Temper, temper. She's already long gone, like Lilly. That was what you'd intended to do when you challenged her, wasn't it? I should have got her to teach me a long time ago. If I did that, maybe Nicholas would've been easier to deal with as well. Kiki, too. That little bitch wouldn't have lived past her first challenge if I hadn't been beaten back by that bastard, Nicholas. Come, Holly, join me and I may spare you. Chanki's no threat to me, I could take on any number of Daemon lord's right now. They'll all fall beneath Erys and I. Remi's nothing compared to Erys. She couldn't even protect you."

"NEVER!"

Holly staggered to a stand, nearly falling down again as she tried to stumbled forward to silence the Daemon which her sister had become. Light engulfed her as she changed in power again. Haley, noticing the surge of power from Holly, was also engulfed in a plume of Darkness to change her current form. The video footage cut out now and so did the audio as the holograms disappeared, leaving the room as it was before.

Once the recording had stopped, Charon continued talking.

"Please, don't take that as being the definite future. It can still be changed." Charon finished.

Kara listened to what Charon had to say about not not finalizing the contract with Chanki. She just looked at the ground in defeat she knew that this was going to come back and bite. Her in the ass and it already seemed to be doing just that. Kara wasn't sure what to say as she finally looked over at Charon just as Kiki spoke to her. So, she gave her another glare before speaking to her.

"Don't even speak to me bitch you ruined everything with your little. Cheap tricks I lost everything just because you wanted to have some fun" Kara stated before looking back at Charon trying to think of something to say.

"I couldn't think of anything I wanted at the time as I could only think about freeing Holly while I now know. That I screwed things up on my part by being his slave and having to do one day something he asks. My question is, is there anything I can do, to change any part of it and add what I want even though it's all been finalized already?" Kara asked.

Charon then spoke about one of his contracts having looked into a possible outcome. Of everything that she had done it was a small CD. Before Charon played the CD Kara asked another question to Charon.

"There's something I want to know why did Kiki come to the Sera manor and do, everything she did. Was it to test all of us for whatever is coming in the future or were there other reasons?" Kara asked.

Charon then spoke again about how Kara could. Prevent or accelerate the possible future that was to come and soon played the CD. She soon saw two figures one appeared to be Holly whom she heard a familiar voice speak to her. At first when Kara looked at the other figure who appeared to be dressed like Holly but looked more. Like a Demon with the wings, horns along with the type of energy that Demons use as she fight between Holly and the other person. It began to dawn on her after hearing the voice that had spoken to Holly this person who had changed. So, much was Haley but what had happened to her to make her go through this. Yet from, the way that they were fighting Holly seemed to be on the losing end as she was struck in the chest. By Haley's swords soon another conversation started and Kara listened in.

It seemed that Haley had totally lost herself in the darkness. That Kara herself had done a short time ago. Yet another thing that surprised Kara was that Haley soon spoke about killing Lilly whom had lowered her guard this hurt to hear. as she listened more the way Haley spoke about it reminded Kara of when she had killed the three empowered ones she had lost herself. In that moment and clearly enjoyed everything that had happened and taken place. Haley then appeared to say that she had thanked Kara for all that had happened. She then spoke a name Erys whom Kara had no idea about before Kara wondered who this person was before both girl's powered up again and the video cut out.

"N-No, n-no, no I don't want this, I don't want any of this!" Kara screamed in panic. She couldn't get what she had seen out of her mind she didn't want Lilly to die or Haley giving into the darkness. She wanted a normal future for everyone where they could all be happy. Kara tried to calm down and it took several minutes but she was still shaken by what she had seen. Even if it was a possible outcome though it could still be changed.

"W-what can I-I do, to change this, is there anyway where I can conquer the darkness within me so, that I have complete control of its power and not lose myself in it anymore?" Kara asked.

Kara threw her insult back at Kiki.

Despite Charon's disapproving look, Kiki couldn't let the argument drop there. She didn't want Kara getting the last word in, after all, otherwise that would mean that she had lost, and she never loses.

"Oh really? If I ruined your 'perfect' life, then why do they hate you and not me? Obviously you screwed yourself over by being such an idiot who can't even control her emotions. Don't blame your lack of competence on me. Grow up, baby." Kiki countered.

As Kara listened as Kiki basically insulted her a baby and needed to grow up. She wanted to attack Kiki just for that but with Charon here. It wasn't the wisest thing to do. So, she let it slide for now and tried to think up an answer.

"Yes, before you came things were fine sure, I had a little misunderstanding with Holly. But that's all they only hate me because I tried to kill Hol..." Kara stopped mid sentence. As this was the first time she had said that without revealing to her darker half. She was silent for a while letting it sink in before speaking again.

"I do blame you why because if you didn't use that weird mind control this wouldn't have happened. Plus while most of the things you said about me are true it doesn't give you the right to insult me like you did. Why, couldn't you have just left us alone in peace?"

Kara tried to argue her case to Kiki, who just grinned at the nonsensical replies thrown her way. Charon was keeping a close watch of the argument and waiting to see how it'd pan out, giving both girls the chance to get their say in and work this out between them.

"You even admitted to it yourself. I thought you were trying to plead innocent, not guilty? In a courtroom, that would have been grounds for a 'Guilty' verdict. As I'm sure one of your more intelligent companions tried to point out, mind control only works if the person it's been used on isn't forced to violate their own moral standing or put themselves in mortal danger. In idiot's terms, which I'm sure you'll understand, your 'girlfriend', as it was, did harbor some hatred towards you and wouldn't think twice about killing you should she be forced to. I think that kind of sums up your 'relationship' with her. Face it, each and every one of them probably would be able to kill you should they need to and, more than likely, enjoy doing it." Kiki countered.

"Again, she is right." Charon interjected. "It would seem that your relationship had hit a snare along the way and that skewed their perception of you. You must have done something without knowing and placed yourself at odds with them before Kiki came along. As for her reason behind turning up, that would be down to me. I requested that she gathered some information about you and the others and I gave her no particular restrictions. The way in which she did it was entirely down to her own take on the situation. The only thing I requested of her was that she'd come back unharmed and that she wouldn't place herself in any unnecessary danger. I was certain that you'd be able to take care of yourself but, as her usual protection is currently preoccupied, I couldn't really put her on any dangerous missions, hence the request for information gathering."

"The only thing you can do now that the contract had been finalized is put in a request with your Contractor. However, they can choose to either accept or deny your request and there's nothing else you can do about that. They may ask something of equal value in return for their co-operation but, even if you did do that, they don't have to stick to their end of the bargain. They are in charge of you, after all, not the other way around." Charon explained.

Kara was panicked after the revelation of a potential future timeline which may come into play due to what has been done.

"There is one thing which you can do to help prevent this, but you may not be entirely in agreement with it. There is an arte which exists which can allow a person to enter their own subconscious and root out the source of something they wish to enhance or remove. However, it is a very complicated procedure which requires trust between several individuals and their co-operation. This arte is called 'Soulscaping'. In order to pull it off, you need a person who can create an illusionary landscape for your mind to enter, another person who can draw out your innermost thoughts and project them to this landscape and one final person who can act as a guide for this to work. You need to have mutual trust between all of you otherwise this action will fail. I can provide the first two, but, possibly to your displeasure, you'll need to work with Kiki to acquire the last thing needed as she has had experience with this kind of thing before." Charon informed Kara. "Both you and Kiki will need to sleep in the same space and link your persons together to allow the thoughts to flow between the both of you. This can be done through holding hands or embracing one another. The room will need to be silent and no interruptions would be allowed otherwise the procedure will fail. This also clears up your request for a Sanctuary. I can only offer up Kiki's room as a place for you to stay. However, if you are still refusing to co-operate, I'm afraid there's nothing else I can offer."

Kiki suddenly stood upright and slammed both her hands on Charon's desk. Her usual confident grin was replaced by a worried look.

"I can't allow that!" Kiki objected outright. "I can't let her stay in my room or allow her to Link with me!"

"And why not? It's a two way process so you won't be alone in the revelations" Charon calmly countered.

"That's exactly why I can't allow it!"

"I think you will find that your room happens to be under my ownership as well. I could always send you back to your old home."

"NO!"

Kiki's worried expression changed to a look of pure fear and she began to tremble slightly. Charon just stared her down. His usual poker face remained.

"Are we in agreement?" Charon questioned Kiki after a few moments of silence.

"Yes, Uncle..." Kiki quietly replied as she slumped back into her chair in defeat.

"Good." Charon turned back to Kara. "Are you in agreement?"

Kara listened to all that Kiki had to say of her argument back to her. As she was silent she was trying to take it all in and have something to say back to her. Kara didn't like what she had heard Kiki just say to her. 'Well, Lilly did point that out and Holly isn't my 'girlfriend' but while you're right there was some bad blood between us recently. After our battle things were starting to turn around I wanted to make up with Holly. I can't really say anything about Lilly or Haley if they hated me or not before things turned out like they were" Kara pointed out.

Before Charon spoke his piece Kara thought over what she had heard Lilly say. To her before she left along with what Holly had said in the video. While it was clear both girls now hated her there was Haley who had not said anything to Kara during the whole outing. As Kara had a feeling that Haley hated her for trying to kill her sister could there have been more as to why Haley said nothing?

"Why, is it that Haley didn't say anything to me?" Kara asked.

Kara then listened to what Charon had to say to her.

"Well, as I pointed out a moment ago Holly and I did have a falling out but that was due to the events. That took place with Haley's match with Nicholas but just who is this Nicholas fellow and why had he been testing Haley out I heard there was something about a killing recently what's that about?" Kara asked. She then thought of what else to say to the rest of Charon's words to her. She didn't say anything as she listened about why Kiki had stopped by but it did make. Things easier to understand now that she was told about it.

"Then, I'll have to think long and hard about what it is that I'd like to ask him. But why did I feel pain in my neck just mere moments ago. Did Chanki not like the fact that I came here or something?" Kara asked.

She then listened as Charon offered something that would. That there was one thing she could to to prevent the timeline from coming true. It was a arte which would allow the person to enter their own mind to enhance or remove something. This arte caught Kara's interest as there was something she wanted to remove the dark part of her. Or at least do something where she could fully control it better. The arte 'Soulscaping' and Kara thought of Haley for a moment as she might have been able to help out with this ability. Yet as Kara thought about Haley a look of sadness passed across her face. But it vanished after a few moments Kara would also need someone to help her with this arte. However what she heard next wasn't something she wanted. She didn't want any of Kiki's help after everything that had went down recently.

But Kara didn't really have a choice in the matter. As she had to agree to it which would mean she'd be staying with Kiki in her own room. Another thing Kara wasn't going to enjoy and she almost spoke up saying she wouldn't agree to it. But she had nowhere else to go and after what she had seen on the CD she had questions that were in need of asking.

It was Kiki who broke the silence who started to speak up. About how she didn't want to allow Kara in her room yet something caught on Kara's mind as the last part of what Kiki said. There seemed to be something behind the way Kiki had said NO just what did that mean?

However Kiki soon agreed to the task and then Charon turned to her.

"Yes we are" Kara agreed.

It was then that Kara spoke up again. "But I have some questions to what I saw in the CD that I'd like answered if it's not to much trouble" Kara asked.

There were a lot of questions she wanted to ask so, Kara thought for a while and decided on four questions she would ask right this moment and leave the others for later.

"Who is this Erys that I heard about Haley mention is she like Remi when did Haley come into contact with her?" Kara asked.

Then her next question was one she really wanted to know about.

"Haley said I was the one who awakened her to that kind of power just how did that happen? Was it something that Chanki asked me to do which caused that to happen with me battling Haley?" Kara asked.

The next question Kara asked was then about Lilly.

"How, did Lilly die I know that Haley said she killed her when Lilly had dropped her guard. But when and where did this event take place?" Kara asked.

Her last question was then about herself.

"What happens to me during these events do I die later at Haley's hands or does Holly kill me. Before the battle between her and Haley if that doesn't happen. Do I completely give into whatever Chanki asks of me and lose myself to the darkness and die another way?"

Questions began quite quickly, even before they had a chance to review the terms given for accommodation and help.

"The reason she may have not said anything to you may be because she wasn't in agreement with the others and didn't want to add fuel to the fire." Charon guessed. "Not all of the Seras will be at odds with you, I'm sure."

Kara asked about a person name 'Nicholas' and a reported killing.

"Nicholas is a member of the Raineswind House and heir to their legacy, 'Raineswind Accommodation'. He is the current 'Master of Illusion', as you probably know, and has, on occasion, worked as a Mercenary for other Houses. He has reportedly been MIA since a duo battle with a particular member of another House, which was a few months ago. He's currently presumed to have gone rogue and has no particular allegiance." Charon explained. "As for the killing, I'm afraid that it's classified information at present to prevent unrest in the community. If it's information you're looking for, then I'm not really the best person to ask. Kiki does all the information gathering so she'll be a better choice."

It was clear he was withdrawing some information but the reasons behind it were still a mystery. Kara then asked more questions, this time, they were about the recording which had been shown to her.

"Regarding Erys, she may just be another person who Haley knew in that timeline. I don't have the power needed to determine what options may lie ahead so I can't answer your other questions. If you search for answers, you may come across them in the most unlikely places." Charon answered.

All parties were in agreement with the 'Soulscaping'.

"As there are no objections, I can go a prepare for you to Link with Kiki. In order for you to dive into your own psyche, you'll need Kiki's help and assistance as a person can have no influence inside their own soul, hence the need for a 'Guide'. In order for Kiki to enter your psyche, you will need to trust her to some degree and I'm sure that it can come from diving into her soul. Preparations will take around an hour so feel free to use this time to quench your thirst for knowledge." Charon informed Kara before turning to Kiki, who was still slumped in her chair looking worried. "Kiki, please show our guest to the Library."

Being talked to snapped Kiki from her slump. Not being able to vocalize much at present due to a mixture of fear and shock, she just nodded and stood up.

"Follow me." Kiki told Kara, looking more at the floor instead of at her.

Kiki led Kara through several halls and corridors before coming across a set of large double doors. Pushing them open, Kiki entered a huge expanse of space, lined with innumerable bookshelves spanning three floors.

"We have 45 minutes left before the Link. Try to arrive at least ten minutes before the time so we can prepare ourselves." Kiki instructed. "If you need anything, just call out."

Kiki then left Kara to her own devices in the Library. She seemed a lot different from her usual self since the agreement for a Link.

Kara seemed to have asked her set of questions rather quickly. Which honestly wasn't a really nice thing to have done. It was just that she had a lot of questions to certain matters and wished to know just what they were. "S-sorry about that I should have waited it's just I wanted to get things started right away" Kara says before Charon started speaking,

She listened as he spoke about how Haley. Would have been at odds with her sisters about while that did add some hope in Kara's eyes. It still wasn't enough she needed more than just that but at least it was something. She then listened as he spoke a little about Nicholas and how he was heir to the Raineswind house and has worked as a Mercenary to other houses yet he seemed to have gone MIA as of late. Plus when she listened about the killing she didn't get really much information on that as it seemed to be classified

The answers to her earlier round of questions about the video she had seen. Went unanswered as Charon seemed not to have the sort of power needed to know that. Yet he did point out a useful fact which Kara seemed to have overlooked. As she thought of it in silence she could always ask Chanki just who Erys might be. But Kara at the moment wasn't so sure just calling on him may lead to some pain as she was sure he'd be mad at her.

There seemed to be some time around an hour before the Link event started. As she listened again she didn't like the fact that she'd have to trust Kiki let. Alone have her enter her psyche as there were things in Kara's mind she didn't want others to know about. One of them being events about her mom though Kara had to wonder just what sort of things would she find out about Kiki? Charon the asked Kiki to show Kara to the library Kara agreed to this as maybe she could find more stuff on other things she wanted to know.

Both girls walked to the library in silence. They came onto it moments later until they reached a large set of double doors and Kiki opened them to show her. A vast space filled with nothing but rows upon rows of bookshelves Kiki pointed out she had 45 minutes left before other things began. But had 35 minutes to really look around as she had to show up 10 minutes early. "If I need anything I will say something" Kara spoke. As she walked into the library she was soon left alone to begin her search for knowledge.

"Where do I begin?" Kara asked herself. As she walked up and down a couple rows of bookshelves looking at the various books that lined the shelves. As there were a lot of things on her mind Kara decided to try and find some more information on about this "Soulscaping" thing Charon had mentioned they'd be doing. Kara who was now on the second floor found a couple of books about the skill. She picked these up and soon found a table where she could sit at and begin reading. Kara opened the first book as she looked through she searched for answers regarding the whole enhancing or removing something from their mind. What Kara wished to know is that is what would happen if she decided to enhance or remove her darker half?

Kara flipped through a few more pages before Kara went on to search about. The link process while Charon did speak about both her and Kiki either having to hold hands. Or embrace to start the event she wanted to know more about it if there was anything else which Charon didn't tell her about like would it be painful was there other methods they could try. That he did bother to say just yet?

Kara put the book now and started on the second book. As she flipped through the first pages of the book she thought up what to look for. Kara went on to search for any sort of answer regarding a person's innermost thoughts did the person whose psyche they entered have the power to show what they wanted to be seen. Or did anything get shown Kara also searched for if it was possible to do battle with your own thoughts. Lastly she searched for answers about the failed attempts of this arte.

Kara began to search for information on Soulscaping as a whole, focusing on enhancing/removing parts of the psyche and what may happen if it does go through, the Link process and alternative methods for doing it and, finally, if a person had control over what would be shown and if combat could be done within the person. To end it all, she searched for any information regarding failed attempts and what may happen because of them.

The information which Kara gathered as a result of 35 minutes spent researching Soulscaping was as follows:

Enhancing/Removing Parts of the psyche: It is impossible to fully remove a part of a person's psyche without causing permanent damage to them. They can, however, seal it away inside the deeper recesses of their Soul and prevent it from awakening without the use of an extreme stimulus or a huge change in the person's mental stability. This act of sealing something away removes all links to it for the duration of the seal. Removing the links also removes any power they received from the part they tried to seal away. There has only been 1 failed attempt at sealing on record, but several forced awakenings of a previously sealed fragment have been recorded. The results of the failed sealing are undocumented, but sources suggest that it is kept heavily confidential and requires special access to gain the information.

Enhancing a fragment of the Soul requires special focus and an unconditional acceptance for what the person is trying to enhance. Enhancing cannot be done by the person who's Soulscape has been entered. It requires a third party whom the owner needs to trust without fail and share a strong bond with. Enhancement can lead to a huge increase in power for the person if it is successful. It it fails, however, it can cause minor damage to the person's mental stability for a mild duration. More successes than failures have been document for enhancement. It is not recommended to be done halfheartedly, however, as it can cause serious damage to the relationship between both parties if it fails.

Linking Methods and Failures: The most common form of Linking with another person is connecting their bodies physically, through hand-holding or embracing. This is recommend for beginners or those who do not possess the mental acuity to Link remotely with another person. The act of Linking is done to allow the pair's psyches to connect and pass between one another. The person whose Soulscape is being entered needs to allow the third-party through their Mental Barrier and into their mind for the Link to be successful. Normally, if the pair are embracing, as is recommend for beginners, this Barrier is usually already down to allow the person through due to their acceptance through the use of an embrace. This method rarely fails but either party may still reject one another at any point during the Link, severing the connection and forcibly ejecting anyone who's entered their Psyche. This rejection, however, is normally very weak and only causes slight disorientation for a very brief time to the rejected party.

Linking Remotely is only recommended for people who have exceptional Mental Fortitude and a clear understanding of the Linking process. To Link Remotely, the person who is initiating the link needs to have a clear mental image of the person they are trying to Link to. As this is normally a forced entry into the person's Soulscape, the Mental Barrier is at full strength and active to repel any would-be invaders into the person's psyche. This is a highly dangerous method of entering a person's psyche and a failed attempt could lead to a fatality of the person who's trying to enter. If a person manages to break through the Mental Barrier, the recipient will instantly know that someone has invaded and may force them out or engage in Mental Warfare with them. Due to the sheer fatality rate of anybody who's tried this method, it is banned and punishable by death if the person who's done it manages to survive (somehow).

One final documented method of Linking is Mental Wavelength Registration (MWR). MWR is the act of mutual trust between two parties regarding the Linking of Soulscapes and Psyches. MWR is only done if the involved parties trust each other enough to allow them to see into their Psyches without them being present. MWR is another form of Linking Remotely but it does not carry the fatality rate of its counterpart. For MWR to take place, the involved parties will need to telepathically link with one another and send a relay message to reduce the potency of their Mental Barriers through the understanding of their Metal Wavelengths. To liken it to a common term, MWR can only be done if the involved parties have sent 'Deactivation Keys' for their Mental Barriers through the telepathic link to one another to prevent them from seeing that Mental Wavelength as a threat and allow them through. Despite the trust involved, either party may still reject a linked Mental Wavelength, if they do not wish for it to enter at that moment in time, but it would not cause as much harm as an unregistered rejection would cause.

What is shown and who has control over it: As the act of Linking allows both parties into a person's Psyche, what is shown cannot be controlled as such. Upon entering a person's Soulscape, the interior layout of a person's Psyche, both parties will find themselves in a 'Hub' of sorts. This 'Hub' shows all available Worlds inside that person's Soulscape. The person's memories are shown as Worlds when inside their Soulscape. Each World has its own theme based on what had the biggest impact on them at the moment in their life when the World was created. Throughout various pivotal parts of a person's life, a World may be created in their Soulscape to reflect on that moment. A person may 'Lock off' some worlds in their Soulscape if they do not wish for their Linked Partner to see them but, eventually, when trust blooms between them, the Worlds will open and allow for their trusted Partner to enter. When inside a World, a person has no control over what is shown and what is hidden. Anything which is linked to the memory of the moment that World was created would be shown to their partner through various Segments of the World. Each World is segmented into subsections to replay parts of their memories for their Partner to see. Normally, their Partner can interact with these Segments and learn more about them. However, if the person has accepted the memory for what it is, the interaction is blocked to prevent the corruption of this memory. Interacting with memories can have serious drawbacks for the person who the memory belongs to. It can change them as a person or corrupt their mental stability and lead to a mental breakdown due to conflicting signals between their Soulscape and their memories. It is not recommended to be done for anyone who is not willing to take the drawbacks. Interacting with memories can lead to interference by the person's Mental Barrier and potentially lead to a fatality for the guilty party or a forced ejection and prevention of re-entrance for them, if they survive. After the World has been Resolved, a Gate will open somewhere in it to allow the Partners to leave and allow their trust to bloom. Sometimes, when a World is Resolved and the person has accepted what the World shows, a new power may be discovered by them to commemorate that achievement. This power will normally relate to the World it came from and it will grow in strength based on the trust between them and the person who helped them come to terms with the memory.

Battling with thoughts inside the Soulscape: It is physically impossible to battle with the memories show inside a World in the Soulscape. They have no tangible form and the aftereffects, if it was possible, would potentially be fatal.

After spending a long while researching, it was time to head back to Charon's office and begin the Linking process.

During the time that Kara spend researching about the arte of Soul scaping she found out quite a lot of information that would prove useful. What she did was stopping for a brief moment she looked around the library and found some paper and pencils she took a some and started to write down a little bit about the stuff that she had found out about. So, that she could study up on it later along with finding out more about the arte in itself.

As Kara had read and wrote down some about the whole Enhancing/Removing part she wasn't. A fan of the fact that if she went through with removing her dark side. She'd end up losing a part of her power so, she thought upon going through with the seal. As if she could seal it away then her chances of falling under its control would lessen. When she read about the Enhancing part she liked the idea of the increase in power but was afraid of what would happen if it were to fail. So she decided to find out more about the failures before deciding on what she wanted to do or not.

She moved onto the Linking Methods and Failures. The whole thing with hold hands and embracing seemed to be fair with Kara. But she didn't want to be embracing Kiki anytime at the moment so, she'd hold hands with her for now. Kara then read and wrote down some notes about the linking remotely Kara already, had some people who she'd want to try this out on given a chance down. The road once she got a better understanding of how to do so. But after reading it more it seemed like not a good idea to try out as she didn't want them knowing what she'd be doing. Yet after reading the last part it seemed that maybe her choice might change. But would the person she would want to try it on trust her enough to allow her to do so.

Kara moved onto the next topic in her search. Kara wasn't a huge fan of having everything within her mind shown to the user. This was due to the fact that she had things inside her mind that she didn't want anyone to know about. But she did like the fact that she would be able to lock some places of her mind from others. But as she read about viewing memories in segments she wondered just how Kiki or anyone else would react to what they saw. But as she read the next part she wrote it in large capital letters and would make sure as not to try this out. She didn't want to cause someone to have a mental break down but more information about this whole idea and the last parts she read about was still needed.

Kara was about to move onto her next topic which was finding out. Just who or what this Erys person could be but. Seeing the clock on the wall her time was up and she needed to get to Charon's office. She gathered up her papers and placed the books back where she found them and left the library. As she walked alone she wondered how the whole linking would go and what she would find out about Kiki. A few minutes later she arrived back at Charon's office and knocked on the door.

"it's me Kara may I enter?"

Kara arrived at Charon's office in time for the preliminaries and knocked on the door. After she announced herself, the door opened and gave her a view into the office. Charon was seated at his desk, with Kiki, or what could be seen of her past the high-backed chair she was sitting in, in the seat to Kara's left. After entering the office, the door closed behind Kara. Now, as she was inside, one more person could be seen leaning against the wall close to Kiki's chair.

This persons was a young man, around 18 years of age judging by his broad shoulders. he was dressed in what could only be considered formal Swordsman's wear. He had a black waistcoat over a dark blue shirt. The waistcoat had embroidered gold spaulders attached to it. The top button of his shirt was undone, revealing a silver necklace with a wolf's silhouette in front of crossed blades attached to it, but he still looked really official. He had black formal trousers, obviously tailored but they didn't appear like they'd impede movement any, and black formal shoes on as well. Clipped to the belt of his trousers was a scabbard with a rather elegant looking decorative rapier in it. He had black fingerless gloves on his hands, revealing what could only be likened to the kind of rings Kiki was wearing on his fingers.

His hair was a dark brown colour, which seemed rather odd compared to his deep green eyes. He looked very much like a prince or some figure of authority due to his impeccable appearance and extreme charisma. He had a slightly rough appearance, a perfect match for Kiki's cuteness, but it didn't seemed to be affecting his near hypnotizing appearance. He appeared to be looking over the conversation which was about to unfold, but Kara could feel his gaze on her as well.

"Now that we are all gathered, shall we begin? Please, take a seat." Charon began, indicating for Kara to sit down in the vacant chair.

As Kara got closer to the table, she could see Kiki's figure as a whole. She'd changed out of her outdoor wear and into a pair of sleepwear, which consisted of an oversized white t-shirt and a pair of dark pink sleep shorts. Her hair was no longer tied up at the sides and was left to fall into place naturally. She had her head down, with her hands clutching onto her knees in nervousness.

"As you're all aware, it's been decided that Young Mistress Kara will be Linking with Kiki to help improve their tense relationship. We all know what Linking entails so, before we go through with it, does anyone have any objections?" Charon asked those gathered.

"No, Uncle." Kiki quietly answered, her head still down.

"I have an objection, my Lord." The young man, who was silent until now, spoke up. He stopped leaning on the wall and stood to his full height, which was around 6' 5", even in the flat-soled shoes he was wearing. His voice was not rough, but still sounded like it demanded respect.

"Please, Ryu, explain your reasoning."

"I believe that Lady Kiki should not Link with this outcast of that accursed House Ravenclaw. It'll only taint her! As we're all aware, Linking involves allowing another to see into your Soul. Letting someone from that House do it would only lead to the further decline of Lady Kiki's House as she'll likely leak all the personal, confidential information relating to that day to her lackeys!" Ryu countered, practically spitting out his hatred towards Kara's family. "I say we cut her down now before she can even have the chance to see a glimpse of Lady Kiki's Soul."

"That's a rather one sided view, Ryu. Have you taken Kiki's opinion into consideration? I believe we should give her a chance. After all, she is, as you so affectionately called her, an outcast of her House. She's no allegiance to them now." Charon retorted.

"The risks still far outweigh the benefits. What use could she bring to further Lady Kiki's goals? How do we know she's defected. We only have her word for it. To be honest, the 'word' of a Ravenclaw has as much grounds as suspended sand! Their very existence is based on lies and deceit!"

Kiki just kept her head down and balled her hands up on her knees. Faint sobs could be heard coming from her.

"Please, don't argue..." Kiki pleaded, near silently.

"While that may be true for some of that House, it is still unfair to paint them all with the same brush." Charon continued. "She is a guest of mine and, as I have previously requested, should be treated as such. I'm sure Kiki does not approve of this argument. Can you not hear her expressing her resentment to this?"

Ryu had no counter as he heard Kiki's gentle sobs. Balling up his fist as he fought back a response, he eventually gave in with a defeated sigh.

"If Lady Kiki wishes for it, then I can't stop her." Ryu finished. He then turned to Kara and stared at her intently. "Know this, Ravenclaw scum, if you hurt Lady Kiki in any way, then I will come for you. Even now, during this short time we've been staring at one another, I've managed to come up with three different ways I can end you life in a pain-filled instant. Tread carefully, for I will always be waiting for you to slip back to the cowardly ways of your House. I swear, on the honor of House Trenshaw, that I will stick to my word."

As Kara waited for the door to open and she be allowed to enter the office. She was going over one last time over the notes that she had taken. While in the library she then noticed that the door had finally opened. Having then walked inside Kara saw both Charon and Kiki were there like normal, But she also noticed another person whom she had never seen before. He seemed to be much older than both young girls by several years. Though slightly younger than Charon himself he was dressed like some sort of swordsmen yet he seemed to Kara to have some sort of mysterious aura about him that she could place.

Yet one thing Kara didn't like was the way his eyes seemed to gaze upon her. As she entered the room she returned his gaze for a moment then looked away once Charon. Spoke up again for her to sit down Kara walked over to the empty chair and placed her papers down on the edge of Charon's desk. Yet it was then and there that Kara noticed Kiki fully again her entire appear seemed to have changed Into her sleepwear for some reason and she looked to be very nervous.

"Are you okay?" Kara asked to Kiki in a gentle tone?

This wasn't like Kara but from what she had been told before, And everything that she had learned in the library she would have to chance some things about herself. Pus this would be her first step with trying to form a sort of link with Kiki which Kara still didn't fully understand about. Kara then reached over and was about to take Kiki's hand in her own. When Charon spoke up this caused Kara to stop and she turned to face and listen to what was said.

"I have no objection" Kara replied. She again looked over at Kiki who also had no problem yet it was Ryu, Who then spoke up about this and Kara took in what was said.

Kara listened in silence at first as Ryu spoke up about not wanting Kara to link up with Kiki, Going along the lines of saying that she would taint her. Plus that it would lead to the further decline of Kiki's own house. That Kara would leak valuable information about that day whatever that meant to her lackeys which Kara had none of not anymore at least. It was then that Ryu spoke of wanting to cut Kara down which caused Kara to finally speak up.

"How, dare you speak of my like that when you know nothing of me!" Kara yelled at him. She could alway feel herself hating Ryu she balled her hands into fists.

Charon then went on to speak up for her. Before Ryu once more belittled her House again Kara spoke up once more.

'You say that my House's word is based on lies and deceit not all of us are like that. I'm no longer like that I no longer follow my father's path he had laid out for me but one of my own." Kara replied with a hint of anger in her tone towards Ryu.

Kara then heard faint sobs coming from Kiki who asked both of them to stop fighting. For a moment Kara's anger lessened as she looked upon the poor girl. It was then that Charon spoke up once more and Kara turned away but before she did she knelt down near Kiki and for some strange reason gave the girl a small hug. Kara couldn't say to herself just why she was doing this. But she held Kiki in her arms for some moments then let her go. Turning back towards the others where it seemed that Charon one the argument and Ryu backed down.

It was then right as Kara was about to sit down. That Ryu suddenly threatened to kill her if hurt Kiki in any sort of way. The anger she had felt before suddenly returned in a flash as she turned towards him.

"You'd never get a chance" Kara snapped at him. As she felt herself boiling with pure anger again she felt herself going down that dark path. Towards where she always went when she was really mad yet Kara bit her lip really hard to try and get a hold. Of herself soon she drew blood that dripped down her chin as she managed to regain control. But at the last part of what Ryu had said about her House being cowardly caused Kara to say something back.

It was when Ryu mentioned the word Trenshaw, that a long buried memory suddenly spring up within her mind. Why now of all times would something like this suddenly happen who could say but Kara suddenly just for a brief moment remembered hearing that name once before, It was the name of the House that her father had contacted a few nights before that fateful night with her mother's passing.

"Stick to your word, stick to your word that's a lie where were you when my mother died. Why wasn't anyone there from your House to protect her like which was promised!" Kara yelled at him.

Kara, surprisingly, showed concern for Kiki's current situation. Unable to answer, for fear of being betrayed by her emotions, she just nodded in response.

Insults were thrown between Kara and Ryu. Both people had something in for the other. When Kiki requested that they stopped arguing Kara did another strange thing and hugged the one who, no more than a few hours ago, had been branded her enemy.

When Kara seemed confident that Ryu would not get a chance to kill her, he just chuckled.

"Willing to bet you life on that hope, are you?" He asked with a grin.

Kara seemed to have some knowledge on Ryu's House and began to fire off accusations relating to the time her Mother was murdered.

"Probably in hospital." Ryu calmly answered. "Or recently discharged. Needless to say, I was in no condition to protect anyone at that moment in time. I didn't even have any knowledge of that agreement. Maybe you asked that of a member of my house and the message never got passed? Who can say. Either way, the point still stands. You're a Ravenclaw, and Ravenclaws have been nothing but suffering for Lady Kiki. If you want, we can take this to another place and deal with it there. I wouldn't want to get your blood all over this office. It's expensive to clean, after all."

As Kara awaited for Ryu to respond back. She thought back to about Kiki and how she had looked earlier, While she still didn't know as to why she was being so nice to Kiki whom. She still really didn't like maybe if Kara kept on showing herself in a nice way Kiki's opinion of her might change.

Ryu then asked if Kara was willing to bet her life on it. While Kara wanted to fight him and prove him wrong now wasn't the time she had more important things to do. "Some other time as now instead the time" Kara spoke back as she started to calm down a little.

Though she was still mad at House Trenshaw Ryu just seemed to reply calmly to what. Kara had said to him "I only know what I heard from my father while, I don't truly know who it was whom. He talked to that day or if the message never got passed. I only know that something had to of happened for why no one was there that day. But again no isn't the time for us to fight maybe somewhere in the future we can battle to settle things?" Kara asked him.

She then turned to Charon. "Can we begin with everything?" Kara asked. Before she went over and kneeled down beside Kiki.

"I can understand that you're nervous I am too I don't know what I'll learn about you. But I can only say this I know you will learn somethings about me and I can only hope that it will allow you to understand me better" Kara told her. She went and sat down and sat in the same chair as Kiki after asking her to move over.

"Why am I being so nice to her when I still don't like her?" Kara asked herself in her mind.

Kara decided to back out of the increasingly tense conversation. This just caused Ryu to scoff at her.

"You're all talk. Nothing more than a kid who wants to sound big." Ryu taunted before Charon silenced him with a raise of his hand.

"The time will come when you can sort out this dispute but, for now, we've more important things to deal with." Charon finished. "It's not doing Kiki any good to see you arguing when you barely know anything about each other. Prejudices are nothing more than a lack of forethought and misinformation."

Kara continued her comforting of Kiki. It seemed to work a little as her sobbing became less often and she had a ghost of a smile on her face.

"I thought you hated me?" Kiki asked. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"Before more problems arise, let's being the Link." Charon announced as he got up from his desk. "Please, follow me."

Charon led those present to a door which was just a little down the hall from his office. Upon opening the door, Kiki's room was laid out in front of those present. It was like any other teen girl's room. A little messy but in an organised-chaos kind of way. It had all the base fixtures and fittings of any room, with a few stuffed toys gathered on the bed. All the toys seemed to have one thing in common, they were all of the same creature, a red and white panda, in various different clothes, they were all branded with 'Pandemonium', and showed a picture of what looked like a theme park on the front.

"it might be a squeeze fitting you both on a single bed but it'll have to do for today. I hope you don't mind." Charon informed Kara and Kiki. "We'll have to move the toys for a moment but we can put them back later."

Kiki went into the room first and just lay on her bed, facing the wall and the numerous Panda toys. There was just enough space to fit Kara on.

"Now then, Kara, you should get changed into something more comfortable. I'm sure Kiki has something you could borrow. She has an en-suite over there, if you wish to get changed in a more private place." Charon instructed as he indicated a door on the right hand wall from when Kara entered. "i'll bring the others here. Relax for a bit and try to coax some cooperation from her, if you can."

Ryu skill kept a close watch of Kara as he entered the room as well, taking a seat at the pastel pink desk near the bed. Charon left Kara to get ready as he headed to collect the last few people needed for the Link.

"Clothes are beneath the wardrobe. Third draw down. Don't open any other drawers." Kiki monotonously told Kara as she picked up a Panda and hugged it close to her.

While Kara would have normally replied back with something of her own. But she didn't want to be fighting with him today as she still had things to do. Then Kiki asked her if she still hated her and why she was being so nice to her.

"While, it is true I still harbor some hatred towards you, I decided that I wanted to show you there was more to me than just action. I'm not always like that I do have a soft side and you looked like you could use some cheering up so, I thought I'd help?" Kara told her.

Kara then followed after Charon and the others she was then led to Kiki's room and allowed to walk inside. She looked around the room as was reminded a little of Holly and Haley's room. She thought it was rather cute that Kiki had a bunch of stuffed animals though she didn't know why they were all pandas. She placed her papers on top of the clothing desk when Charon pointed out how they'd be sleeping tonight.

"That's okay, I'm used to sleeping like that I've done it before" Kara said.

She then went over to the draw where Kiki pointed out, Kara thought for a moment of trying out searching through Kiki's things like she had done with Lilly. But the thought soon passed as she opened the draw and gave what was inside a small look over before picking something out to wear,

"I've brought some of my own things tomorrow can we set up a place where I can store them in here?" Kara asked Charon before he left.

She took her clothes she picked out and then walked into the en-suite. Closing the door behind her Kara changed out of her own clothes into a similar outfit yet her t-shirt was pink while the shorts she wore were white. She walked back out into the room and looked at Ryu,

"How much do you know about my father?" Kara asked. She went over and sat down on the bed beside Kiki.

Kara pointed out that she'd already slept in such an arrangement before. This seemed to draw Charon's attention ever so slightly. Ryu, on the other hand, was none too pleased with this piece of information.

"Oh, yeah. Guess you have..." Kiki quietly interjected.

"You'll need to ask Kiki about that as this is her room, after all. Just don't touch the Pandas, they mean a lot to her." Charon told Kara before he left.

Kara went to get changed and returned a little while later to ask something from Ryu.

"That he's a conniving bastard who deserves to die for all the pain his brood has caused Lady Kiki." Ryu answered with venom. "Why do you want to know?"

Charon returned a little later with two more people, both female. They were wearing formal clothes, like office workers, and Charon showed them in.

"A Linking session for two. One's new to all of this so try to keep it as simple as possible." Charon informed the women, who began to enter and activate some form of magic in the room.

"Linking process executed. Run formula X2174. Activate mental projection procedure." The first of the two began. A rune appeared in the middle of the room and began to project a blank screen on one of the empty walls.

"That's so we can monitor the progress you're doing. We've all seen what Kiki's going to show you and she's fine with us seeing it again." Charon explained to Kara. "We can't intervene in the Link, it'll all be down to you. If things get too complicated, they will terminate the program and bring you both back."

"Creating Soulscape, dimensions 12 x 36. Awaiting Soul injection." The second woman continued.

Both women used loads of complicated terminology, the sort only experts in this field would understand. It sounded similar to running a program on a computer but also included the mysticism of magic in it as well. When the base was set up, Kiki was fast asleep due to magic and a projection of her Soulscape was on the wall. It had around six different nodes, so to speak, dotted around it. These must be the 'Worlds' which Kara's notes referred to. Each world looked really different from one another and they were all dotted along a timeline of sorts. There was one world which looked like a theme-park and around three worlds which were based in a Manor of sorts. Only one world was lit up, and it was called 'Massacre Manor'. The position on the timeline indicated this world was created when Kiki was around 8 years old. A mood meter was also shown in the top right corner of the world Icon. It read:

''Kiki Estelle:

Current Mood: Extremely Introverted.

Usual Mood: Outgoing Sadist

World Mood: Introverted Masochist"

The Manor, when zoomed in by one of the women present, appeared to be really normal up front but the Segment Names reflected something dark. The Manor became more bloodied and gruesome as it got further in. A mock electric chair could be seen in a guestroom and some gallows hung on a balcony. In the room right at the back, a shadowy figure with red eyes was seemingly glaring at the viewers in the room.

"Why are you doing this?" Ryu sighed under his breath when the world was zoomed in. "She'll just use it against you."

"Entrance room: Courtyard of Sorrow. Gate: Orchard of Acceptance. Commencing Link operations." One of the women continued.

"Now's your turn." Charon informed Kara. "Please, don't try to intervene in what you see. Just accept it for what it is. Kiki has already accepted this part of her.

When Kara commenced the Link, she found herself in a large open courtyard filled with various plants. Present day Kiki was waiting by the entrance point, still in her sleepwear. She looked troubled by everything which was happening and was looking over at a young girl, dressed in a fine white dress, crouching down and watering some flowers, humming gently to herself. When Present day Kiki noticed Kara, she looked over at her and gave her a sad smile.

"Welcome to my home, Estelle Manor. I hope you enjoy your stay." Kiki smiled to Kara, clearly faking the pleasantries she said about the Manor.

Kara let what she had said about sleeping in that manner hang in the air. She didn't say anything more on the matter as it would draw many questions that. She didn't want to answer at this time before Charon left Kara took in what he had said.

"I guess I can" she then turned to Kiki. "Would it be okay if I placed my clothes in the en-suite if it's okay with you" Kara asked.

She then turned to Ryu who seemed to just bad mouth her father. "Was just wondering that's all?" She wondered just what sort of pain her father could have caused Kiki. "What sort of thing did he do to you?" Kara asked to Kiki.

Charon then returned with two females whom Kara had never met before. As everything was being set up it was agreed upon they'd start with Kiki but Kara then asked something. "Will we be moving on to me once we're done with Kiki and is it okay to be nervous about that as only one person as really seen inside my mind and she was Haley Sera" Kara told them. She looked down at the ground as she spoke Haley's name.

Very shortly after everything was soon set up Kiki fell fast asleep and Kara laid down next to her. She remembered then that she could either hold Kiki's hand or embrace her like Charon mentioned. So Kara took hold of Kiki's hands and held them and then it was her turn and she soon fell asleep to with a worried look on her face at everyone finding out her truth.

Kara soon found herself in a large open courtyard. She saw various plants she spotted Kiki, then also saw a younger version of Kiki who was wearing a white dress. She seemed happy and was watering some plants. Kara walked over to the real Kiki and stood beside her.

"Are you really okay with showing me all of this?" Kara asked. She also seemed to take notice of Kiki's sad face. "Want to hold hands or something?" Kara asked trying to cheer Kiki up some.

Before the Link...

"Sure, go ahead." Kiki simply answered, all her usual moxie lost in her embrace with a Panda Plushie.

Kara asked a rather touchy question of Kiki but, due to her current mood, she didn't seem to pay that much attention to it.

"Nothing much. He just indirectly ruined my life in several ways until I was reduced to nothing more than a dying emotional wreck on the floor of my Parent's office." Kiki causally answered. "You'll see it all soon enough..."

Kara questioned about the Linking process with her.

"I'm afraid that we'll have to wait a while before then. Linking takes a lot out of the Host mentally. The body may be asleep but the mind is still wide awake and supporting two consciousnesses." Charon explained. The mentioning of Haley's name seemed to pique his interest again. "If you don't mind, when Kiki is sleeping off the Link, could you come to my office? I'd like to discuss things further with you, unless you have other plans."

In Kiki's Soulscape... (Backing music if you wish to listen to add to the feel of it: )

"It's too late to back out now. Even if I said no, I'd be forced to move back into here in reality. I find this to be the better course of action." Kiki answered, looking down at the floor. "Thanks, but I'd rather not. If I interact too much with the Guest, it may cause some complications in my mind and I don't want to take that risk."

Kiki looked back over at the younger form of herself, who was still happily watering the flowers.

"Here's a little background before we start. Do you know what day it is in this world? It's February 8th. My 8th birthday to be exact. My Parents promised me the best gift a girl could ask for as a present on this day, and that's why I'm so happy. I was eagerly looking forward to what present I'd get, only to be downtrodden to oblivion after being put through so much pain beforehand. My parents weren't the same as they were on my previous birthdays, but, in my youth, I was naive to their true intentions. I don't even remember which Parent saw to giving me my gift today as I subconsciously erased every memory relating to this day shortly after it happened. It took a very long while to piece it all back together again, yet some parts are still missing.

I've only let one other person into this World before you, and they helped me piece my broken memories back together and accept what had happened. If it weren't for them, I think I would have just ended all my pain voluntarily. Just having someone by your side, who'll stick with you through anything is enough to even bring someone like me back from the brink. The way you saw me first was just a front I always put on when I'm interacting with people who I'm wary of. The real me is standing here, right in front of you. I'm not the confident go-getter I always make out to be. In truth, I'm nothing more than a shy coward who's scared of the world but, most of all, being betrayed again.

Before we start, you have to promise me one thing, and that is to not back out of this World, no matter what I may do. When this all starts, I'll more than likely get defensive and want you out as soon as possible, even going to the extent of slipping back into how you saw me a few hours ago. If not, I'll more than likely just blubber like a baby and beg you to leave. All of this is a very painful experience for me, and I've had to re-live it twice more before now." Present day Kiki explained. Her eyes were already starting to mist up with tears and nothing had even started yet.

"When you want to start, just approach the younger me and announce your presence. You see, when a Guest is inside a Host's memory, they take on the role of someone who was present at that time. The younger me will see and hear you as that person and how they sounded and looked. That way, it maintains the consistency within the memory." Kiki finished. "Let's get this over with as soon as possible, while I can still think clearly."

Before Kara had fallen asleep and entered into Kiki's soulscape she had. Listened to what Kiki had said it wasn't much to go on but. She would have liked to have known more as it was well known that. Her father had done similar things like this in the past. But it was still the first that she had heard of this and all maybe it was due to what she had been going. Through at that age with the death of a loved one and a descent into madness that caused Kara. To night pay much attention to what was going on in life around her. Kara then agreed to come to Charon's office once things were back to normal.

Inside Kiki's Soulscape.

Kiki didn't seem to want to hold hands with her. So, Kara just shrugged her shoulders before she started to listen Kiki explain just what was going on. She looked over at her younger self before she started to tell Kara about her history.

"Sorry, but I wouldn't know what day it was" Kara explained as Kiki went on to talk about how she had been so happy. But things took a wrong turn and she had erased these memories because of how painful they were to her. Kara could understand where Kiki was coming from as there were some memories of her own that she ripped apart. Not wanting to relive those painful events but things would soon change and she'd have to face them again this time with someone new.

'Would that have been Charon?" Kara asked. As Kiki told her about how she had only. Let one other person inside here before. "I believe you but while you had someone to help you out I didn't after my mother was killed my own life went on a downward spiral. It wasn't until my 9th birthday that things returned to normal" Kara tells her. Before hearing that what Kara had seen before was nothing but a front. How who she was right here and now was the real her. "Then the things I said about you in the courtroom if they hurt you I'm sorry"

Kiki told her before they began that what was about to come. She'd either change back to how she was. Or start to cry like a baby because of how painful things were for her during this time. Kara then sees as Kiki's eyes fill with tears she shuffles her feet. "I promise you that I won't back down or leave this world until things are finished" She walked over and hugs Kiki again like she had done in the office, She held her then backed off a little remembering what Kiki said earlier. "When the time comes I may ask for something similar or totally different"

She looks over at Kiki's younger self and walks over to her. She kneels down beside her "I'm Kara it's nice to meet you" Kara says, While listening and taking in everything that Kiki explains.

"You might think it would have been Uncle, but it wasn't. I'm not quite ready to tell you yet so, please, don't push this topic any further." Kiki answered.

Kara agreed to the terms given by Kiki and set the memories rolling.

Young Kiki turned towards Kara when she spoke to her, and tilted her head to the side in confusion, before gasping, standing up straight after dropping the watering can on the floor, and doing a deep curtsy.

"My apologies, you must be here to see the Master and Mistress, correct?" Young Kiki replied. Her mannerisms and accent were completely different from Older Kiki's. Her younger self sounded much more formal, like a perfect little princess. "Please, follow me. They are currently awaiting you in the Grand Hall."

Not only did she sound different she also looked really different. Her hair was much longer, nearly the length of her back, and it didn't have any highlights in at all. Her natural eye colour was a deep brown, a perfect match to her hair, not the dark pink which it seems to be now.

Young Kiki swiftly and gracefully turned towards the Manor, causing her hair to sway to the side and reveal the top of her back. Something was a little off with the lash-mark near the top of the dress. Did she grow her hair long to hide this?

"So it begins..." Older Kiki sighed to herself as she followed along behind her younger counterpart into the Manor proper. The visuals of the garden were reduced to what looked like data in a computer program before re-configuring into the inside of the Mansion, accompanied by the title 'Corridors of Blood' as the program name.

The inside of the Mansion looked both extravagant and elaborate. All the fixtures, like the banisters and the Candelabras on the walls and ceiling were made out of gilded gold, with vine-like accents to them. A huge red carpet lead to a pair of double doors at the end of the Grand hall and up the twin stairwells to an overarching balcony, with a door in the same place as the downstairs one. A figure was standing in the center of the hall. Their physical form appeared to flicker in and out of existence. This must have been one of the things Kiki mentioned earlier about the memories still being incomplete. Nobody could even tell what gender they were meant to be as they were so ethereal, like a ghost.

Young Kiki headed over to the figure and curtsied deeply to them as well before explaining that the Guest had arrived. The figure began to head towards Kara and Kiki. Kiki just turned away from them. Young Kiki followed along at the person's heels.

"Welcome to my Manor. I am pleased that you could make it today. Do you require any refreshments?" The person asked Kara. Their voice was indistinct as well. It seemed like whatever they said just appeared as words in Kara's mind.

"Don't bother answering, they can't hear you now. Just stay silent and watch." Kiki informed Kara.

"Now that you have arrived, we can begin the festivities." The Master continued.

They swiftly turned towards Young Kiki and forcibly ripped the nice dress off of her, leaving her in nothing but her underwear, which were a white lacy vest and panties combo. Young Kiki began to react like any normal person would and cover herself up but something seemed to trigger in her which caused her to withdraw her movements and stand like she was before. The Master handed her the ripped dress.

"Now, go and polish the floor and the banisters!" The Master ordered Young Kiki before pulling a whip out from what looked like under their shirt. The sickening crack of a whip resounded around the Grand Hall as it collided with Young Kiki's back as she turned to begin polishing the floor. She stifled a cry as the whip cracked against her again, tearing the back of her vest open and causing a large, bleeding lash-mark to open on her back.

"All for love, right?" Kiki quietly whispered to herself, her voice quaking with tears as she looked at her Younger self get physically abused by someone whom she trusted unconditionally.

"Show me more of your love! Please, hit me harder!" Young Kiki cried out as she began to push herself up from the floor after being hit again by the whip.

"That's my girl." The Master chuckled.

The whipping routine continued for a good while before Kiki spoke up.

"Please, can we just move on? All you need to do is touch the door on the other end of the hall. I can't watch this any longer." Kiki requested, tears evident in her quavering voice.

Kara watched as younger Kiki seemed to drop the water she was using. Then asked if she was here to see the Master and Mistress of the house. Kara nodded and soon followed younger Kiki inside of the house. So she followed along after her and all three arrived in the Grand Hall. But it was at a random moment that Kara caught the lash mark that was on the younger Kiki's back. She said nothing about it but balled her hands into fists remembering her own pain from her father's hands.

She then came into contact with the Master who then asked if she needed anything. "No, I'm fine" Kara told him hearing the very words in her mind. it wasn't until later older Kiki told her she shouldn't have said anything but she already had. But then in a strange turn of events the younger Kiki had her dress ripped off before going so far as to pull a whip out and start to strike her. As she watched she was reminded of Lilly's dream world but this was much worse.

"This isn't right" Kara says balling her fists tighter.

She walks away towards the door. Opens it and steps through.

Kara headed off to the next section of the world, the de-configuration of data thing happened again to welcome the next section of this world, the 'Ballroom of Broken Promises'.

It was a grand room, with a mosaic floor reflecting the crest of House Estelle, which was a blooming rose on a stained glass background. It was, like any other ballroom, a large open space, with wall-length windows overlooking a beautiful garden on the other side of the Manor. Marble Pillars were dotted around the inner rim of the room, supporting a balcony level. The Master and Young Kiki were standing in the middle of the ballroom. The floor in front of Young Kiki was glistening a little more than a mosaic should. Upon closer examination, when Kara moved further in, it appeared that there was tons of broken glass shards in front of Young Kiki, and she was standing barefoot, about to walk all over them.

"I was such an idiot. As if being put through intense pain meant that they loved me." Kiki quietly commented as she watched her younger counterpart begin to tread on the shards. The sound of glass being crushed rang through the open space, intensified by the acoustic focus of the ballroom.

"I am really looking forward to my present. It has had me excited since you first told me about it. I feel so privileged to be given every girl's dream for my birthday." Young Kiki happily told The Master as she walked across the glass covered floor. Bloody footprints could be seen behind her as she carefully walked across the glass.

"Remember, dearest daughter of mine, you will only get your present if you accept the love I'm showing you." The Master answered.

"Of course! I wouldn't dream of rejecting it. I love you so much as well."

"Love a fickle thing. How can any girl be happy about it? It's always one sided, and never in your favor." Kiki grumbled through tears. "Love should just disappear. There's no such thing as love. Love is just a sweet word for a betrayal waiting to happen."

Kiki turned around and began to storm off back towards the entrance of the Ballroom.

"We're leaving. We're done in this place. Let's move on." Kiki called across to Kara, an angry edge underneath her sad tone.

Kara entered into the next room and looked around. She could see the young Kiki and the Master. Dancing atop a ton of broken glass she listened to what was said between the pair. But when Kara saw the bloody footprints upon the floor she took a step backwards. "I don't want to see that, I don't want to see that" Kara called out. In a panic from seeing the blood as she turned away from what was going on before her she looked back at older Kiki.

She went on through the door. She ran through the entrance of the Ballroom. Before Older Kiki made in through the set of doors.

After the hasty retreat from the Ballroom, the next section was welcomed in with the words 'Cellars of Cauterization'.

Kara and Kiki found themselves in a large underground space. Young Kiki was sitting in a chair, with The Master sitting opposite her holding what looked like a poker. The Poker was inside a furnace, apparently shuffling the Coal around inside. Young Kiki's feet were a bloody mess, with shards of glass still sticking out of them. The welts from the whipping were also turning her once-white underwear set into a deep red colour. There was nothing but tatters left of her vest, revealing the horrible bruising from the whip.

"Will that make the pain go away?" Young Kiki asked, sounding a little sad. "Does that mean your love for me will go away as well?"

"I was such an idiot..." Kiki commented to herself upon hearing those words.

"Only for a moment, my dear, but the old love will be replaced by a new, much stronger love." The Master answered.

"I can't wait for it! I want to feel your love for me become stronger as well!" Young Kiki energetically answered.

"Move away from there. Don't stay there any longer. They're lying to you!" Kiki shouted over at her younger counterpart. "Why are you such an idiot! Pain doesn't mean love!"

Young Kiki didn't even hear Kiki's pleading. She just stayed seated, happily humming to herself as the poker heated up. When the poker was burning red with heat, The Master withdrew it and pushed the horse-shoe shaped end into Young Kiki's left foot. The girl screamed in pain as a sickening sizzling noise could be heard and the smell of burnt flesh began to fill the room. The wounds on her foot closed up in an instant but all that was left was a charred horse-shoe shaped mark on her foot. Older Kiki turned away when the poker connected, audible wails of discontent coming from her.

"Why?!" She asked herself. "Why am I letting you see this?!"

The Master placed the burning poker on all of Young Kiki's open wounds, sealing them in an instant and filling the room with the acrid smell of burnt flesh. Strangely, it appeared that it did not have the same effect as it did in the real world. No one was double over in disgust and emptying their stomachs because of the smell. It seemed like it was just a memory, to simulate the effect it would have had.

When all the visible wounds were closed, The Master pulled a second poker out from the fire. This one had the crest of House Estelle as the heated part. They pushed the poker, mark first, directly into the center of Young Kiki's chest, branding the open space between her nipples with the mark.

"The mark of my undying love for you, my most precious treasure." The Master cooed to Young Kiki.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for loving me like this." Young Kiki happily answered, panting from all the screaming which took place.

"Get out of my mind!" Older Kiki suddenly shouted at Kara. "Stop invading my privacy, you sick voyeur! Do you get off to stuff like this or something! Get the hell out of my mind! Don't go any further!"

Kara tried to calm down after having seen the bloody footprints. But she soon found herself somewhere underground where again she saw the young Kiki and the Master. Again Kara caught sight of young Kiki's bloody feet this time with pieces of glass stuck into them. She cried out in fear as her own painful memories resurfaced. "Get it away, Get it away" Kara yelled even though there was no blood anywhere near her.

Kara watched in shock at what then took place before her. As The Master used the hot poker on young Kiki. "This, this isn't right!: Kara snapped as she finally turned away from what she saw. She was still in a slight panic when older Kiki started to yell at her.

While she did want to leave she remembered her promise to Kiki. Instead of replying back Kara ran out of the cellar.

Again, Kara bolted out of the room and into the next section, which was called 'Balcony of Gallows'. Older Kiki didn't move from the spot she was in, but she was still moved over to the next section as well.

"Why are you doing this to me?! Stop it! GET OUT!" Older Kiki yelled at Kara again, before breaking down into tears and falling to her knees while wailing.

As the name of the place suggested, this was a balcony on the right hand side of the Manor, overlooking a small orchard. On the balcony, there were a set of fully functional gallows, and Young Kiki was standing on them, with her neck in small noose. The Master stood by the side of the gallows with one hand on the lever.

"You may feel a little light headed during this, but that will be cured when our love for one another becomes more fruitful. Please, my angel, revel in the love I have for you. You will soon get your present." The Master informed Young Kiki. "Tell me when you're ready to accept it."

Young Kiki played with the noose on her neck a little before taking a deep breath and exhaling.

"Shower me with your love! Please, let my feelings be heard!" Young Kiki returned. Their conversation sounded like a text-book lovers conversation, despite what was being included.

"Let my love for you be felt!"

The Master pulled the lever on the gallows, and Young Kiki's body hung, thrashing around as she gasped for breath as the noose began to tighten and cut off her oxygen. The thrashing continued, along with the gasping for breath, until Young Kiki's body began to become limp. Liquid was clearly trickling from between her legs as she hung there, still, but breathing. The Master released the lever, and the platform became whole once more, leaving a partially flopped Young Kiki hanging from the loose noose. They went over to Kiki and placed their mouth against hers, and began to perform CPR until Young Kiki was awake again.

"Do you want more of my love?" The Master asked Young Kiki, who just nodded in response.

The routine continued again twice more, each time, Young Kiki was left hanging for no more than a few seconds until The Master resuscitated her. When the routine was complete, The Master carried Young Kiki on their back and reentered the Manor. She was still slightly unconscious, but still very much alive.

All the time this was going on, Older Kiki just remained on her knees, crying away and shouting barely audible protests at the events playing out.

"Please, no more. I beg of you! Let the rest stay a secret! I'll do anything! Anything! I'll even offer you myself as payment! Just don't watch anymore. PLEASE!" Kiki begged Kara as she knelt at her feet and grabbed hold of the baggy shirt. "Please...no more..."

Both girls were moved over to the next section then older Kiki yelled at her again. "This isn't my fault" Kara yelled back. She saw how older Kiki broke down and started crying but Kara. Made no moves or said anything to her. So, Kara just went about watching next what took place. Kara watched in silence as everything went down and turned to older Kiki.

"Who, does this sort of thing tell me who does this sort of thing!" Kara yelled at her.

She couldn't take it anymore this whole series of events were getting to her. Older Kiki then began to beg offering herself to her. "I don't want you, I'm not into that stuff" Kara shouted. She left Older Kiki crying on the balcony and entered into the next section.

After the exchange of tense words, Kara moved on to the next section, titled 'Sealed Guestroom'. Kiki was also warped to that section and left crying on the floor, begging for mercy from Kara, but the pleas fell on deaf ears.

Young Kiki was now seated, barely conscious, on what looked like a metal chair with numerous tasers attached to it, all linked to a device in The Master's hand, who was kneeling next to Young Kiki.

"Only a little more to go, my sweet, you'll soon get what you desire." The Master tenderly told Young Kiki, as he brushed a strand of bloodied hair out of her eyes.

"I...love you...so much..." Young Kiki replied, her voice near silent due to the previous torture. "Please...love me...once more..."

"You don't even need to ask, my pet, I'll love you until our parting breath."

The Master gently kissed Young Kiki on the lips before pulling away from her and holding the device up so a button could be seen on it.

"Please, don't open your mouth. I wouldn't want you to bite your tongue out because, if that happened, I'd no longer be able to hear your angelic voice. The pain will be fleeting, but my love will be eternal." The Master comforted Young Kiki before they pressed the button on the device. At the press of the button, all the tasers on the chair sparked to life and began to electrocute Young Kiki. Screams of sheer pain and ecstasy resounded around the guestroom, accompanied by crazed laughter from both parties until Young Kiki fell unconscious again. The Master shut off the current then and waited for the charge to dissipate before holding Young Kiki and lifting her limp form in a princess carry. Her eyelids fluttered a little as The Master kissed her cheek.

"You have done so well, my love. You have bravely took every ounce of love I have given you and not complained once. You are truly worthy of the gift I have for you. Now, your present awaits.

The Master turned towards Kara and seemingly spoke to her as well.

"The time has come. You shall receive what you desire as well. Now, all that's left is the final trial and you can be complete, my Master." The Master informed Kara before leaving the Guestroom.

Older Kiki had stopped crying after finding out that it was pointless. After all that had been seen, she had nothing left to hide. Pushing herself off the ground, she went over to Kara.

"Thank you, for staying true to your word. All that's left is one final thing and then we can open the gate. Let's get it over with. You've seen so many sides of me that it's pointless to resist any more. Just...just promise me this. What you have see here will remain between us, and us alone." Older Kiki told Kara. Her eyes were red from the tears and her cheeks were stained with streaks.

Kara entered into the next section and again she was greeted by young Kiki and her Master. She then saw what the Master did to young Kiki. She shook her head here and now she could feel her own tears start to form and fall down her cheeks. She was sad at what Kiki and to have gone through, Kara only stood there crying and then she started screaming. "Get away from me" Kara yelled at him before Older Kiki arrived in the room.

Older Kiki thanked her but Kara backed away from her. Still crying from everything she had seen she didn't want to go through the door and see the final part. "I.. I don't like this" Kara toward her she then ran away again crying and not paying attention to where she was going. She ran into the final section.

After the directionless disengage from Kara, she unwittingly entered the next section of this World, the 'Desecrated Office'. Kiki was warped with her, like normal.

They found themselves within a large, finely decorated office space. It looked a little similar to Charon's office but, where the atmosphere of that office had always been warm and comforting, this office's atmosphere carried the chill of death and the horrors of the unknown. Young Kiki was laying on the large office desk, and The Master was standing by a weapon rack on the wall. He pulled a sword down from one of the displays and began to sharpen it. The sword was a typical ceremonial shortsword but it had a troubling crest on the hilt. That crest was the one of House Ravenclaw.

"Your present is ready, my dear. My gift for you is no more than seconds away." The Master gently spoke to Young Kiki, like it was just an ordinary conversation topic. "The gift of eternal peace. A treasure for all, far and wide. You have suffered greatly to reach here, so it will be a swift, painless, death."

Suddenly, a large, dark figure began to walk out of where Kara was standing, it turned back to them, the glow of red eyes complementing the shadowy curved horns on the side of its head.

"I thank you, honored Ravenclaw, for allowing me to borrow your body so I can delight in the exhilarating pain this creature suffered. Without your compliance, I would never have been able to materialize in this plane like this. You have served me well, but now, your service has ended. Once this creature dies, so too, will you. I will drink every ounce of pain and suffering you will experience from your prolonged death!" The Daemon laughed to Kara. "DELIGHT IN THE PAIN!"

The Master raised the blade against the unconscious Young Kiki.

"Remember, I did this all because I love you. Now, you won't have to suffer the pain of living. This is the best present anyone could dream of receiving." The Master told Young Kiki as they gave her one final kiss on the lips before bringing the blade up.

Suddenly, the doors to the Office burst open and another person entered. They tackled The Master before they got a chance to cut Young Kiki in two. Sadly, she still suffered a rather lethal gash on her left side. Blood poured from the wound as Young Kiki woke up, screaming in a mixture of pain and fear. She tried to sit up, but the pain of the wound was too intense and she quickly fell back down again, curling up into a ball and screaming while crying uncontrollably.

Before they were booted out of the room, Kara managed to see a sigil on the intruder's coat. The sigil looked close to a white flower on a gilded shield, but the colours were hard to make out as the Office crumbled around them and they were ported to the next location, the 'Orchard of Acceptance'.

This place felt completely different from the rest of the Manor. It felt serene, and warming. Row upon row of trees surrounded the opening the pair were standing in and creating a perpetual shade around them, save for a single column of light illuminating a growing plant.

"So, there you have it. My past in a nutshell. What do you think?" Older Kiki asked as she walked towards a small tree, which was growing against a long white pole.

Kara entered into the last section alone she soon saw herself in a office. It looked just like Charon yet Kara gasped when she saw the crest it was the one of her house. "N.. No. No" Kara cried out she didn't want to believe it sure her father did enjoy causing pain to Kara. But he would never do something like this. It was then Kara saw what appeared to be horns it was a Daemon who had used her father's body against his will. She then saw as a blade was raised and the events that took place after.

She cried out again as she saw the blood that went flying from young Kiki. As The Master was knocked to the floor but before Kara was pulled out of the room. She saw the sigil the white rose and gilded shield were burned into her mind. But they could have been other colours as they were hard to see.

Kara found herself back outside the manor with Older Kiki.

"My father would never go that far he'd never do those kinds of things it wasn't him. It was a Daemon who used his body he'd never do those things" Kara told Kiki. She saw the white pole and ran towards it. "This is all wrong you shouldn't have been put through any of that I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Kara told her crying more now,

"Let me out, let me out"

The events which took place shook Kara more than Kiki was expecting. She couldn't let her go just yet, they still needed to go through the Gate to resolve this world.

"I don't blame anyone in particular for what happened. I should have seen the signs when they first started. I knew something was up with my Parents but I was too naive to see it, as you probably saw. I thought all the pain they were causing me was because they loved me. Talk about a hardcore masochist." Kiki answered, chuckling a little at the last sentence. "We can't leave until we both accept what we've seen, then the gate will open."

Kiki went over to Kara and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I told you it wouldn't be pretty, didn't I? The point is that I'm still alive today. That's all that matters." Kiki continued as she went back over to the plant.

"My parents planted this when I was born. They did it so they could measure my growth against that of the tree. How do you think this Orchard was grown? Each Estelle has a tree planted for them when they're born, it's a tradition. It might look little now, but that was six years ago. I wonder how big it is now? Not like I could see it, anyway. I don't ever want to come back here until I'm sure I can retake my home.

"I was blind to the truth, going along with the false promises of my Parents, actually believing that the pain they were causing me was out of love. I guess that, due to that conditioning, I began to enjoy all the suffering they were putting me through. Kind of like a switch. Something to dull the pain and make it so I can take it and not cry over it. However, I was just distancing myself away from the truth every moment I had that foolish notion in my head.

"You know, back when I first met you, I said all those things out of jealousy. I wanted to experience the closeness you were experiencing with the Seras. I was angry that you got to experience that and not me. 'Why does she get all of this and I got nothing but lies and deceit?!', kind of like that. I'm...sorry I said all those things to you. I know that an apology won't solve anything and that I've probably screwed your life over as much as mine. I just...kinda want to make things right, now. Not like I can do much. I'm nothing more than a coward who tries to act and talk big to hide my own weakness. I can't do anything right.

"Despite that, I've still got someone who doesn't view me like that. They've seen this side of me and all you've seen, yet they still want to be with me. I want to get closer to them as well, to show them that their feelings aren't in vain, but I'm just too scared to do that. What if I get betrayed again and put through all of this once more? What would I do then? I'd probably just finish the job my parents started. But, regardless of what I've been through, I feel like I can trust them. I just need to gather the courage to make the first step but it's just too hard at the moment. I'm nothing like I act to be. If only I could have the courage I had when I said all those things to you. Maybe then, I'll be able to express my feelings to them."

After saying her piece, Kiki began to tear up a little once more. The difference was that these were tears of joy, and not sorrow.

"I feel like I can trust you, too, Kara. Please, tell me, what do you honestly think of me after seeing all of this?"

Kara who was still crying was still begging to be let out. Everything she had seen young Kiki go through was a painful event she didn't like it at all. While her own childhood was rough on her these series of events that took place here this day were all so very wrong. She then turned back to older Kiki as she spoke to her.

"A sigil of a rose and a gilded shield who does it belong to?" Kara asked.

She then felt Kiki wipe the tears from her eyes. This helped settle her down just a little "This was wrong on so many levels wasn't there anything else you could have shown me?' Kara asked.

Kiki then went on to explain about the plant and about some other things. Kara took this all in while still crying softly.

"My life hasn't been all that good either, my father beat me over and over again. During my training with him, I lost my mother when I was 8 years old and have a bad fear of blood. I've even killed three people and who knows how many more when I lost myself in the darkness. You were right to say those things about me. I am a twisted wreck of a person I enjoyed those sick games with Haley, I even enjoyed the pain I caused to Holly, I admit that I do like killing and even though it makes me sick and I no longer want to do that stuff, I can't help it it's apart of me I want a nice normal life, I wish I had never been born" She confessed.

"Who is this person you speak of is it Ryu, me or someone else. I know how it is to be betrayed I know how hard it is with these types of things you just have to work hard. Along with gathering the courage inside of you to take that first major step" She says.

Kiki then wanted to know what she thought of her,

"I think you've had a hard life and your two sides of a coin on one side. You have the side you showed when i first saw you someone who doesn't care about others or the pain she causes them. Yet on the other side you have a scared young girl who wants all the things you said I had and was jealous of. Truthfully I'm not sure which is the real you the mean side or the shy side. But after seeing this side of you I can say its alot nicer than your mean side. If you want to be my friend I will be yours"

Kara explained her thoughts on the situation.

"That sigil belongs to a long time friend of my House, before it became what you saw of it. It's House Evanesse, namely, my Uncle's House. It wasn't my Uncle who came that day to save me, it was someone who's a part of his House. Uncle kindly took me in after I'd recovered and that's where you see me today." Kiki explained.

"Even if they were the truth, it doesn't mean that I had the right to say them as I did. Everybody's got their own stories to tell, I just didn't want to hear yours at the time as I was lost in my envy. I kind of see us as on the same wavelength, so to speak. You've got this nice side to you and a side that likes causing pain and suffering, and so have I. All we need to do is work on ourselves and make it so that we don't show that other side without a good reason.

"The person who first saw this, and who I...you know... is..."

Kiki went over to Kara and whispered this next part in her ear, as she knew that other people were watching.

"it's Ryu." Kiki whispered to Kara. "Keep that between us, okay? Girl secret?"

Kiki backed off again, this time with a blush on her face.

"You know all the stuff Ryu said back in the Office, most of that is true. Due to what happened on this day, House Estelle fell into disrepair and chaos. My parents are still the rightful Heads of the House but they're not doing anything about the state it's in. They're still under the influence of what you saw today.

"Outside of the public eye, I'm counted as the Head of the House due to being the next in line. I've taken most of the loyal members and am running my own information transfer business out of public view. It's still pretty small but I'm hoping it will grow in time. I already have the full support of Hose Trenshaw and House Evanesse backing me but it's just not enough.

"My goal, as Ryu pointed out, is to retake this Manor and crown myself as the rightful Head of House Estelle, but it's not easy. We've not got nearly enough manpower for a full assault and I'm too scared to try at present. I just want to get my life back on track. To reclaim what I've lost and to become whole again. I've got some power, but I need a person I can really trust to use it to its full power."

Kiki placed her left forefinger and middle finger on her chest, around the place the brand what put on Young Kiki. A warm light glowed from her hand, illuminating the brand which still lay underneath her clothing, and a halberd began to materialize as she moved her hand back to her side.

The halberd was an extremely beautiful, expertly crafted, perfectly balanced weapon. It was a pink metal, with gold ivory running along the length of the shaft and down to the rose-shaped blade at the tip. It was the very definition of deadly beauty. The shaft was around the length of Kiki's body but she still managed to wield it with ease, she even had the right poise for halberd wielding.

"This is what came of this world when I first entered here. I used to have something like this so long ago but I can't remember when I first got it. This isn't the only shape it can take, but it's locked to this one in this world. Despite how great it'll be in combat, I can't use it."

Kiki dismissed the halberd in a flash of light and moved her hand down to the bottom left side of her shirt. She then pulled it up to reveal a long scar which ran the length of her side towards her back.

"This is where the blade hit me. I was lucky that it hadn't moved a few inches deeper otherwise I wouldn't have lived. Due to this, I can't do anything too intensive otherwise I may rupture the wound. That makes my halberd useless in combat. A display item, if anything. Thankfully, I have something else I can use to make up for that. I have an old power known as 'Composing'. It allows me to put the thoughts and feelings I experience into words and compose powerful magic songs which can both strengthen allies and weaken enemies. However, I'm defenseless while singing the songs. That's where you come in."

Kiki dropped her shirt back into place and extended her left hand towards Kara.

"If you're willing to work with a weak, selfish, spoilt brat like me, I'd like to ask for your help in putting my plan into action. Please, will you help me?"

If Kara accepted, Kiki would place her free hand on the growing plant and the Gate back to reality will open.

She listened as Kiki explained on who the sigil belonged to. What she heard just confused her more since the House Evanesse, was Charon's House. As he was her uncle after all but who would have done this Kara knew it wouldn't have been Charon. As he seemed like a nice kind person. So then who could have done it she didn't know any other members of this house.

Kara listened as Kiki told her that they both happened to be on the same wavelength. Of how they had two sides of them and needed to work and not show that side without good reason. "I just don't like this side of me I don't want to drive anymore people away because of it" Kara said.

Kiki then told her that it was Ryu who first helped her out.

"I won't tell but I still don't like him, anyway I'm not a fan of boys myself I like girls. But sadly my own feelings towards one are in a mess" Kara tells her. But then quickly changes the subject not wanting Kiki to dwell on who Kara would have liked.

"There's not really much I can offer you, as you know I've been disowned I have no House to call my own I had thought I might have been able to join up with the Seras but they all hate me. If I had not been able to come here I would have been left out on the street. But if you really need someone whom you can trust I can be that person it will take time but I'm willing to help you out"

She then saw as Kiki called forth a halberd. She then says on how she was unable to use it for various reasons but had another power known as 'Composing' it reminded Kara of Holly and how she could strengthen or weaken someone but where Holly used magic Kiki here used it as a song. Kiki then extended a hand asking once more for Kara's own help.

She had finally stopped crying softly.

"Again I will help you only if you can help me in return to set things right once more. I want to find out more of the truth on that CD along to coming to better terms with my own needs and wants?" Kara asked. She gave Kiki's hand a shake saying she accepted hoping Kiki in return would help her as well,

Soon Kiki placed her hand on the plant and both girls were taken back to the real world.

After the acceptance from both parties, the world around them began to be reduced to the data-fragments which happened with segment transitions. Soon enough, both Kara and Kiki found themselves lying on Kiki's bed. The simple hand-holding which the pair had been doing had somehow transitioned to Kiki hugging Kara close to her. Kiki and Kara both awoke at the same time. At first, Kiki seemed like she'd pull away from the hug but, strangely, she pulled herself closer to Kara.

"Thank you for putting up with me." Kiki quietly told Kara.

"Welcome back. I trust everything went well?" Charon welcomed the girls back to the realm of reality. "There were some pretty tense moments back there, but you both pulled through, as expected."

After a few moments hugging Kara closely, Kiki pulled away when she caught the glare of Ryu. He wasn't glaring at Kara, as such, but more at Kiki's actions.

"I was doubting myself there for a moment but we managed to get everything done." Kiki commented. "Anyway, Linking is taxing so I'm gonna sleep for a bit."

Kiki rolled over and began to hug her Pandas some more. However, when this seemed to be enough for her before, it seemed to be evidently lacking in substance compared to hugging another person.

"Before I forget, look up the name 'Wellstone'. There the ones who made the CD." Kiki informed Kara.

"Now then, we have a meeting, correct?" Charon reminded Kara. "Come see me in my office."

Charon then left the room. Kiki stayed laying in bed for a short while before suddenly jumping up, rapidly announcing "I'll be right back!" and dashed off to the en-suite, locking the door behind her. Ryu just plugged his ears, like it was an expected movement, before the evident sound of water colliding with water could be heard. Moments later, the sound of a toilet flushing echoed into the room, followed by a tap running, and Kiki came back in, followed by Ryu unplugging his ears.

"That's better." Kiki sighed to herself as she got back into bed.

Moments later Kara found herself back in the real world. She opened her eyes to see that Kiki was now hugging her. She didn't bother to break the hold as it was something she herself needed. As she missed having someone to hug. She then caught sight of the glare from Ryu and let go of Kiki.

"Your welcome" Kara quietly replied back going so far as to gently tickle Kiki's sides.

"Yes, things went rather well but what I saw and learned was hard on me" Kara told Charon. It was then she noticed a small dampness between her legs. Looking down she had wet the bed a little it must of happened during her sleep, Blushing red she turned to Kiki "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I didn't mean to" Kara got up out of the bed and used a faint spell to repair the damage to the bed she had caused. Then running into the bathroom to clean up before returning back into the room being clean again.

"I'll make sure to look up that name" Kara tells her. She gave Kiki a pat on the head before leaving following along after Charon. She followed behind and they both entered his office moments later Kara took a seat.

"I have a question I'd like to ask, I saw a sword being used by the Master of the house, it. Looked like a ceremonial short sword that had my House sigil on it how did it end up there? ," Kara asked.

Kara was quiet for a bit she knew Charon would ask her some questions but. First she had some for him,

"Since Kiki said those things about me in the courtroom I can't help me think more on them. Everything she said about me was truth all those acts of desire I enjoyed. Everything I had done with Haley I liked and would do it again if I could. But my question did I have 'that' with one of the girls I believe it's Haley was it really her?" Kara asked.

Kara went quiet once more trying to think on what else to ask Charon. "Another thing that has been bugging me is why are Haley and I so a like. A day ago during her match with Nicholas my dark powers seemed respond to her own. Does this mean anything bad or does it mean something else?

Lastly Kara got up and started to walk around.

"I don't know my own feelings or wants anymore I can't stop thinking about her. I have so many questions I want to ask her let alone see her again heck I want to see all of them. What am I supposed to do?" Kara asked.

She finally stopped walking and sat down again.

"There is one more question I have to ask before the Master was tackled to the floor. I saw a large dark figure with two horns it appeared to be a Daemon, it spoke to me about borrowing my body and how it delighted in seeing the pain that Kiki went through. It said without my compliance they would have never been able to appear there. Before going on to say my service with them has ended it spoke about once Kiki died so will I was the Daemon who was there Chanki is my fate tied to Kiki's if she does will I truly die?" Kara asked.

She finished up her questions.

As expected, Kara started flooding the room with questions shortly after arriving.

"Kiki's going to have a hard time training you up for what she had planned." Charon chuckled the himself. "Nonetheless, your straightforward nature is nothing new."

Once Kara had finished her questions, Charon answered them, in the order they were asked.

"Most of your questions relating to what you saw in Kiki's Soulscape will all be answered in this document. Kiki requested that you received a copy prior to the Link."

Charon passed over a set of documents which were branded with the Estelle family crest, the documents were a rundown of House Estelle's workings and what became of them so far.

"To be truthful, what makes you think I'd know what you did with someone else? I may have quite a good network thanks to Kiki's efforts, but some things are still unknown, even to me. It'll be better to view the memories of the individual in question to determine the truth, as I'm sure something that impacting would have made a world in her Soulscape for you to view."

"In order to know just what it may mean, I'll need to see the events myself so I can see the context it happened in. If I may, could I, perhaps, view your memories of the previous day up to Nicholas's departure? We won't need to link, but I will need your consent to do so. In addition, I may be able to offer some guidance as to why Holly acted as she did to you. While my knowledge on the Developmental stages of Females may be limited, I still know some things from the time I cared for Kiki. As to your own personal dilemma, that is for you to sort out yourself. Think about what the right course of action may be and go for it, if your heart is set on it."

"I think you may be forgetting one piece of crucial information which Kiki gave you at the start of the Link. She informed you that the 'Guest' takes on the role of someone, or something, which was present at the time the Memory was made. They were not talking to you, directly, but to your Avatar in that World. However, I can assure you that it was not the Daemon you're bound to as, if it was, even though it is just a memory, your mark would have reacted to its presence."

After answering Kara's questions, Charon finally began what he was intending to do.

"As you probably know, your Sanctuary here won't come without a fair share of hard labor from you. Kiki has already got something planned for you to do to pay for your cost of living here. I'm sure she'll let you know of it soon enough. Additionally, if what happened after the Link is a common occurrence for you, then we may need to take some extra precautions during your stay here. When Kiki wakes up, ask her if she has any 'Teen Stuff' left. She'll know what you mean and send Ryu out, if he is still present at the time. She may be incredibly embarrassed by it all but it'll be for the best." Charon explained.

"Anyway, I read through your notes while you were Linking with Kiki. Most of the information seems to be there but here's a little more. As you have previously Linked with Kiki through the traditional means, your MWV's are now synchronized and you can Link with her remotely, at her discretion, of course. Linking Remotely may open up additional opportunities for viewpoints as the Host will not be present in the world you Link to so you can go about it at your own pace. Next time you get a chance, I suggest you try it out. You may be surprised at what you may find."

"It's just that I have so much to do and very little time to do it in" Kara replied back. She would need to stop doing that sort of thing, "Will, Ryu be training me to or just Kiki?" Kara asked. Before Charon went about answer her questions. Next he handed her a set of documents which were to answer most of the things she had already seen. Kara looked over what was inside she learned that House Estelle traded in Exotic items Kara wondered what this was about. It didn't surprise her that they'd be partnered up with House Sera. What did catch her interest was House Wellstone that was the name Kiki asked her to look up.

She read further. She learned that House Trenshaw was indeed a group of Assassins. She had a feeling that they were from just seeing Ryu. But she was glad to also learn more about Ryu and just why he was doing what he did. As she read the last part it came to a better understanding for her as to what House Estelle tried to do. While it was true that her House did specialize in Darkness magic which had been forced upon her to learn. Yet one thing still nagged at her back in her battle with her father the name 'Lucifer' was mentioned could her house also take of Deamon summoning as well. But it was also good to know that her fate wasn't tied in with Kiki's but their House's histories were still wound together.

She kept the documents on her lap. "I had thought you would have been keeping tabs on us all. But I guess it would be better to ask Kiki for the truth or just ask Haley whenever I see her again" Kara sighed in defeat on that part. The next part Charon wished to review her memories of the past day and he'd know as to why Holly acted the way that she did. "I don't mind you reviewing them" Kara said at last. Taking in everything he said about her feelings it was true she'd have to do all that on her own.

It was then time for the true part of the meeting after he explained. About the one thing she had forgotten about that wasn't to be expected. As Kara was still new to this sort of thing and needed to research it more.

Kara had a feeling that she would have to pull her own wait around here. She had a sort of feeling that she was now a bodyguard to Kiki. What sort of that would be she didn't know yet either it'd be like Ryu's or a much different sort. She blushed when he spoke of 'Teen Stuff' "I.. I didn't mean to do that" Kara pointed out. But it did sound like a good idea about asking her about that stuff. She went on further to learn about how her linking with Kiki had opened up more places for her to visit. And that she should try it out the next time that she got.

"Would it be wise or okay if I were to try linking with you or Ryu?" Kara asked.

She wasn't sure what she'd learn from either of them. But it would help her understand them both better while she had some information on Ryu in the documents on her lap. She knew next to nothing on Charon. There was some quiet time between the pair and Kara thought of what next to say.

"When I was researching I read apart about enhancing a fragment of the soul. What I'm asking is I'd like to enhance the dark powers within me. I only ask this because if what I read is correct then maybe I can finally learn to control that part of me at will. Instead of always falling under its effects whenever I am angry enough. if you allow me to go through with that I only ask that certain steps be taken just incase something were to happen to me?" Kara asked.

She then thought of something else to ask him.

"Kiki told me that she has the ability to 'Compose' that it allows her to strengthen or weaken. Those whom she faces off against do you know anything else about it other than. What she has told me about it already?" Kara asked but then she thought of something else as her time would soon come to have Kiki link with her,

As Kara thought she decided to ask Charon first about the one thing. That Kiki told her to look up "do you know anything about House Wellstone just who are they?" Kara asked.

"It'll be them both until we can determine where you excel, unless you wish to change between the two and work on them both." Charon answered.

Kara took in all of what Charon had explained and had a few more questions of her own to ask.

"Maybe with Ryu, when you finally get along, somewhat." Charon replied. "As for me, I'm afraid that I can't let you do that just yet. While Kiki may trust you, as you are probably aware, I still have my own doubts about where your allegiances lie. Everyone has done things they regret and have secrets they wish to keep, and I'm no different."

"As your notes say, enhancing is not something which should be done lightly. If you enhance something, it generally makes it stronger and harder to control unless you are skilled enough to do so. While enhancing may increase your power, it won't increase how well you can control it. It'll be better to seal it away and not tap into it. Sealing prevents any link to that power and will remove any powers which that part gave to you, meaning you will just become a regular Wind-User, and not a Wind/Darkness hybrid." He cautioned. "However, if you still wish to take the gamble, please remember that, if you put Kiki in any danger, I won't hesitate to kill you, and neither will Ryu."

Charon's last statement was delivered in his usual calm way, but it was clear that it was not an idle threat.

Kara asked about the 'Compose' ability which Kiki has.

"The power is just how it sounds. It's the ability to weave powerful songs through combining the emotions between Composer, that's Kiki, and her Partner, which is generally Ryu, but she may do some with you as well. It's strength is based on how close the Composer and Partner are to one another, and not on a physical level. If, shall we say, they love one another and have declared their affection, then it will be at its peak of power, which is technically enough to level a Continent in a matter of minutes if it falls into the wrong hands. Truly the pinnacle of its kind." He informed Kara.

Kara could possibly tell that Charon was possibly holding back rather pertinent information about the topic of 'Composing', but would she press it? And would it be as important as she may think it is?

Kara asked about House Wellstone.

"You should start researching it yourself if you're that interested. That's probably why Kiki mentioned them. She meant it as a test to see how good you are at research and where you may need to improve. It would be wrong of me to interfere in Kiki's methods so I will hold back what I know about them." He concluded.

Kara gave permission for Charon to look through her memories of the previous day. He placed a single gloved finger on the center of her forehead and a warm light emanated from it.

"I think it would be better to train with Kiki for now, when things get better between Ryu and I. Maybe then we can expand on that" Kara replied. Charon explained that she could link with Ryu given time but he was another matter. "While, I understand where you're coming from haven't I proven myself at all? do you truly think I'm only doing all this for myself or that given a chance I'd run back to my father and tell him everything?" Kara asked.

She thought over the next part of what Charon had said. "Is there anyway I can get better at controlling it before I ask to either enhance or seal it away. As normally I can control it unless I get really angry. If I can learn to not get angry all the time maybe then it can be easier to control?" Kara asked. She wanted to get stronger not weaker as then she wouldn't have the power needed to protect anyone. She needed to find a way for her to be in full control and if enhancing wasn't the method may be Chanki had a method. "I won't harm Kiki so you need not worry about that. Plus can I stop having everyone wanting to kill me can't I just work hard to prove myself to them and you so that won't happen" Kara answered.

She took a few deep breathes and started to calm down.

"I can understand that both Kiki and Ryu would have a much higher strength level. Since they do have feelings for one another and all. But I don't believe I will ever love Kiki on that sort of level I see myself as a friend nothing more. What sort of powerful songs are we talking about here would it be like. How Holly can strengthen a person as she it sort of in the league or are her spells different. From Kiki's wait a minute level a Continent in minutes it can't be that powerful?" Kara asked not really believing the last part.

"Guess, that's where I need to prove myself to her then as that would be the job. That she had for me it seems" Kara replied. Wishing that she could have learned at least something of them from him.

It was then time for her to show Charon the memories of the previous day.

Kara let Charon see everything that went on when they had gotten into the car. Until they had arrived at the Sera Manor she showed of how there seemed to be something wrong with Holly. In her sleep and how she asked if something was wrong. To how Haley seemed to know something but wouldn't say just what it was.

Kara next showed Charon just how their date went how both girls seemed to be getting. Along just fine as Holly seemed to open up a little more with her. She included the pain that she herself had felt which at that time didn't know why. She included the part where Holly appeared to tense up for some reason like something was wrong. Before returning to normal then she skipped ahead a little. Until Holly seemed seemed to be annoyed and relieved at the same time as they headed towards the bookstore. It seemed that Holly was acting a little odd for whatever reason she skipped ahead. When they had finished up using the restroom and Holly looked once more a little let down then returned to her normal self. She skipped further ahead until Holly asked for them to go to Sweet Paradise.

Kara showed everything that happened of how Holly had mentioned seeing something. Yet stopped and not telling her what she had seen, Of how Kara had asked if Holly wanted to talk about it yet Holly mentioned she didn't. The pair arrived at Sweet Paradise, she included everything of how Holly was acting once more as Kara had pressed the matter. yet Holly still refused to say anything. Soon enough Holly had left Kara alone for whatever reason as she had went into the Coliseum. Seeing as how Kara didn't know this yet she showed everything to Charon on how she looked around for Holly. She left out the part about the pain on her arms or meeting with Pyra. Instead she skipped ahead to where she found Holly again,

This time she saw Lilly and Haley she showed everything that went on to Haley. Getting ready to fight Nicholas To how Holly and Lilly seemed to know much more that was going on. To how they told her that this matter didn't concern her. She showed how she still wanted to know what was going on and asked both girls even including what she saw of Haley's fight. Of how she had cheered Haley on while. Really not knowing the full truth she showed him of how she felt the stirring of dark power within her as the more she watched Haley fight. To the end where Haley had lost and Kara had been the first to take hold of her feeling mad she had partly changed of how she'd make Nicholas pay for what happened.

Everything else after that part was included as well. To how both Lilly and Holly were mad at her for the way she had acted. To having angry Holly had been with her up to her getting blasted away with Radiant Blast of how she then let Haley go. Her memories here were all confused as she wasn't sure on why Holly or Lilly were so mad with her. She showed up until she left them alone and had left the Coliseum as that's where she stopped the memoried showing to Charon at.

"I only have your word on that. You haven't done anything to further Kiki's goals or my goals yet, so you're still under a, shall we say, probation period. In the world you're about to enter, a little paranoia can mean the difference between life and death, so trust is not easy to earn or keep. When you've shown yourself to be a trustworthy source and that you are true to what you suggest, then maybe we shall trust you a little more." Charon explained. "Get used to a little suspicion for your actions, as you'll be getting that a lot."

"If anger's the only issue, then take some anger management classes." He answered, matter of factly. "Even if you were doped up on all the tranquilizer drugs in the world, that'll only keep it at bay for a short while. Control your emotions better and don't be a slave to them, and maybe then you'll be able to control the power more."

It seemed like Kara still didn't get the kind of world she'll be entering very soon as she still asked to not be killed, despite not providing her services to the people in question.

"As I mentioned before, prove your allegiance to myself and Kiki, and then we probably won't have to kill you. The House which you've excommunicated didn't have a good reputation with mine or Kiki's, so expect a little animosity towards you. I'm sure you'll be seeing that a lot in the future as well, until you prove yourself otherwise." He informed Kara.

Kara asked, once more, about Compose and its strength.

"More powerful than anything you've seen before. Compose is within a league of its own. It was originally meant to be a last resort power, but it's become more mainstream since then. When it was first, shall we say, 'conceived', it was meant to be used to take control of this continent and give all of its power to the House it was going to be used by. You'll understand it better when you see it in action. I'm sure that, if you ask Kiki nicely, she'll show you its strength alongside Ryu in a battle simulation. You may be surprised in what you see. But, because of that power being inherent in Kiki, she's a target of several Houses. Some wish to 'work alongside her' to help her 'reclaim what's hers' and then have her 'return the favor'. Other seek to take her life to prevent that power being used against them. Why do you think she needs a skilled bodyguard like Ryu?" Charon explained to Kara.

Taking Kara's dejection as an admittance that she may need extra aid to carry out this test from Kiki, Charon decided to offer up a minuscule of information to Kara.

"Are you familiar with the Household appliance producer 'Wellstone Wares'? That's along the lines of what they do. They produce items, like Kiki's Digi-gear. Also, as you asked about the CD when she gave you the information, that should also give you some kind of clue to work off." He answered, giving as little detail as possible.

Kara allowed Charon to see bits of the previous day from her memories. After the transfer was done, he'd already picked up on some areas where she needed to improve and why the day ended like it did.

"It's an important day for the twins and yourself tomorrow, isn't it? My apologies, if I'd have known prior, I would have prepared something for you. Anyway, we'll get back to that later. I've some ideas as to what you did wrong yesterday and how it came to the conclusion it did. Here's the rundown:

"By first appearances, surely you should have noticed something a little different with Holly. According to your memories, and the knowledge Kiki has gathered on her, she's not normally one to wear clothes like shorts or trousers. However, on this day, she'd specifically gone for them, also saying that Haley had picked them out for her. They are both aware of your preferences, are they not?

"Are you good at reading body language? As you're seeking my counsel for this, I don't think you are. Throughout the time you spent together, Holly was pretty much a walking textbook of body language just waiting to be read. The tenseness she'd exhibited, the mixtures of annoyance and relief upon reaching close to a certain point, and the fact that she appeared let down when the solution was presented. I don't really want to have to spell this out to you, and I'm sure that she wouldn't want it either. Just think for a moment, what do you like? And what reason might Holly have chosen shorts over a dress that particular day, and the fact that she was a little let down when her solution was presented? I'll sum some of it up, but, as you're both minors and girls, I won't go any further. What advantage do shorts have over a skirt when it comes to your likes?"

After explaining the odd behavior, he let Kara mull over the thoughts for a moment before continuing with the next section.

"Holly has a minor divination power, doesn't she? She can read images and text off a person which may predict what could come to pass in the near future with them involved. It's a stretch, but maybe she predicted the battle at the Coliseum after reading you, and saw a rather negative outcome and didn't want you to get involved, for your own safety as well as the safety or herself and her sisters. She didn't want to tell you as it would more than likely ruin the moment between you two and, also, you may have gotten the wrong idea and jumped to the conclusion that Holly believed you may have been the cause of what was going to pass, or, at the very least, you would have made the whole situation worse than it was going to be.

"As for the reaction during the fight, Haley had also given into her anger due to the probing of Nicholas, and let that power control her as well as she may have believed that it would have been her only shot at beating him. Powers normally react to one another and gain strength based on the proximity between one person using it and another. Think of it like the resonance of an echo in an enclosed space. The more enclosed and empty the space, the louder the echo. Your power probably resonated with Haley when she was using it."

The final part he was sure Kara would not want to hear, but she had to be told the truth.

"As for the reactions of the Sera sisters, that was pretty self-explanatory. Holly had specifically asked that you did not get involved, despite what may happen, yet you broke that bond of trust between you two, and placed both yourself and the Sisters in danger by giving into your anger. You were a threat to all people present, and Holly knew this. She didn't want you getting close to Haley as your seething anger may have stirred the power inside of her as well and made her fight beyond her limits, even coming close to having her power fully take control of her as her will would have been too weak to resist it. She did what she did out of love for her sisters, and fear for you. While you may not have been the root cause of it all, you certainly would have made the situation worse if Holly hadn't taken the measures she did to stop you."

After the explanation was given, Charon decided to include one last clause to prevent the potential chance of misinformation.

"All of that was just speculation from what I personally believed the situation to be based off. You can choose to either trust it, or dismiss it."

"Can't say I don't agree with you there. As I've only just started out but what are your goals or have you already explained those to me already?" Kara asked. She didn't like how everyone one seemed not to trust her at all. Yet Charon was right once more as this was something she'd need to get used to before. Being able to have everyone not all worked up so tight about her. She took in the next part of what he said but she said nothing back. She would indeed need to control her emotions better.

"What sort of problems did my House have with yours my father never really spoke. About his own private personal matters?" Kara asked. As it was the same again she'd have to prove herself to everyone before things turned the way she wanted.

She listened closely as Charon went on to explain further about. Kiki's Compose skill "what other House's are currently trying to take her life?" Kara thought over what was said earlier about the skill. "Are there any other sort of powers that can match up to Compose in terms of power. This next part might sound weird to you but are there any powers that were deemed too powerful but they were sealed away?" Kara asked. She was getting a little carried away with the last part of her question. "Oh, sorry about that but I can understand as to why Kiki would need Ryu around as a means of protecting. Her along with being there to make her Compose as powerful as you say it can be" Kara added.

"I think I've heard that somewhere before but I can't place where. I will take that information to heart and start off my search there" Kara said with a smile.

It was then time for what was to be told to her about the events of the last day.

"Yes, tomorrow is my birthday" Kara said in a slightly sad tone. It was just another day to her not something she was really looking forward to at the moment. "Well, I did notice she had changed her style of dress that day and I did say she looked nice in it. Yes both girls are well aware of my preferences" Kara answered. As Charon explained things further the more she listened it slowly began to dawn on her that Holly had planned on wetting herself that day. But why sure Kara would have enjoyed it but she wouldn't have wanted to see Holly embarrassing herself on such a important day.

She wanted to answer that question but talking with Charon at the moment about. Her personal likes was a rather touchy subject for her so she remained silent. Yet blushed as it was clear on her face that she knew the answer.

"Yes, her and Haley have that type of power but it's different for both of them. Anyway you're telling me that she could have seen something before hand to make her act like she was. While this could be all true then Haley would have known as well back in the car she knew. Holly was dreaming about something this must have been what it was." Kara said she took in the last part of what he had to say about Haley. "So, it's now my fault that Haley fought as she did even with her already being mad at Nicholas just me being there made matters worse" Kara replied.

She then got up from the chair and started walking around the room. She took in the final part of what he had said about how it was again her fault that she endangered Haley and the others. By being there and giving into her anger. "Then in our battle earlier today she wanted to kill me for harming Haley, just like what I learned in that video she will never fully trust me and always, Want to kill me or will just fear me then I guess it's wise to fully stay away from them. As all I do is bring them suffering and pain" Kara told him.

She sat back down and buried her head in her hands.

"You will know, in time, but, for now, focus on helping Kiki. When you have proven your worth through that, then, maybe, I can include you in my own plans." Charon answered, being as vague as possible. "The goals I'm going for a more deep seated than Kiki's problems and will require great strength to overcome."

"Our dislike for your House is more of a mutual agreement stemming back from when a person from my House married into House Estelle. In short, it's purely just business." He replied.

"Nearly all the Houses who are not allied directly with House Estelle are out to claim it for themselves. Even some factions within my own House are out to kill her, for reasons I'm not willing to go into at present. As for powers to match Compose, there may be some but I can't say I know of them and I doubt Kiki does either." Charon explained, before raising an eye at Kara's next question. "Why would you want to know?"

The explanation relating to the previous day's events seemed to weigh heavy on Kara. Charon had no answers to her questions and hoped that his final statement from his previous explanation relating to these issues will offer some comfort. Kara came to the conclusion that she'd better stay away from the girls to prevent repeat encounters like that one.

"That is not necessarily true, you know?" Charon finally answered. "Can you still feel the Bond between yourself and Holly? Despite how faint it may be at present, that should still stand testament to the fact that she still, somewhat, wants to believe in you and to help you overcome these troubles you are experiencing. Don't lose all faith too soon, as bonds, no matter how torn they may be, can still be repaired as the as the feelings remain between the pair."

Kara listened further "I will help Kiki, as I've already given her my word on that" Kara responded once she. Moved her hands away from her head and looked back at him. "Well, that doesn't really help matters but I guess I'll learn more about it in time" Kara replied. As she was still feeling the weight of what had been mentioned to her from earlier.

Their seemed to be quite a few Houses wanting to gather Kiki's power. For their own needs this seemed to further her interest. But she decided not to say anything on that yet but when Charon spoke about other powers that could match. Compose Kara was starting to think about her earlier request. "I'd like to know because maybe I could try to acquire that sort of power and use it for the greater good. I believe research will help me in those matters" Kara answered a plan forming in her own mind.

Kara reached into her pocket and looked at the card. She had been given as the bond was still broken between them it could still always be fixed. "I still feel it but I need time a lot of time to come to terms with everything I've learned today." Kara says she was starting to feel a little better as she got up again and headed for the door.

"I thank you for this meeting and while I would like to keep talking with you. There are other matters I must attend to as research time is calling me. If everything goes well and I can find out what I seek then I can change things for the better" Kara told him. She then left the room and ran towards the library as fast as she could,

"if I can find one of these ancient powers and acquire it for myself I will give up. Those dark powers of mine and no longer be a slave to them" Kara told herself.

Kara was adamant at helping Kiki further her goals. This bought some compliance from Charon.

"Before you go seeking any time-lost powers, you should first ensure that you know a lot about them. You don't want to make any rash decisions when unknown variables are present.

Kara decided to call the meeting there as she had a lot of research to do.

"I wish you luck in your endeavors. I will be around if you need me but, after you link with Kiki, I have matters of my own to attend to so you probably won't see me again until tomorrow afternoon, after that." Charon finished before Kara left to do research.

"I understand what you see in her, Kiki, but can we really be sure this is for the best? Will she be able to take the strain of it all when she learns the truth about us?" Charon asked himself, after Kara had left, before heading off to check up on Kiki.

Kara arrived in the Library and began to search for what she was looking for.

Kara took what Charon had said to her to heart. As she was planning on researching lost powers Kara ran around questing for books one ancient powers and on books about House Wellstone. She found several books on both and took them along with her notes from earlier and started to scan through them slowly.

First Kara started off on House Wellstone.

What she was looking for was information about the House. She looked for anything on their current history both past and present. spending 20 minutes on this. What she looked up most was if they had some sort of powers to be able to read future events like what was on the CD. She spent another 20 minutes on this She also went on to look up who the current head of the house was spending 5 minutes on that.

Next Kara started to search for answers on time-lost powers. She looked to see if there were any that matched up with Kiki's Compose power. Spending a total of 30 minutes looking that up while for the final 15 minutes she looked for if their were any sort of powers relating to the four elements that were time-lost.

Kara first researched House Wellstone and what they did. She was pretty successful in the search and found some nice information.

What she found out about House Wellstone was this:

House Wellstone works as a production company called 'Wellstone Wares', creating most of the basic appliances used in everyday life. Despite the normal materials used in the creation of these items, they tend to work better and last much longer than any other production Company's wares. Elle Wellstone is registered to be the next CEO of the company, despite her tender age of 15 years.

Elle Wellstone is an Empowered one who specialises in Divination Powers. She's ranked around Mid-range in the Empowered Charters (rank 36). She's not taken on many Ranked battles because she can normally predict the outcome before they even start. Additionally, she's not known for having any offensive powers. Her powers are purely defensive in nature. If a ranked battle does arise, she normally declines and it is passed, due to special permission granted to the House. House Wellstone has dealings with nearly all Empowered Influential Houses. Elle has apparently been MIA since her most recent Ranking battle, which was some months ago. Presumed Deceased, though House Wellstone strongly denies it, due to her Divination powers.

House Wellstone, under the guise of 'Wellstone Wares', also produces Digi-Gear to be used by the other Empowered Houses. Sources say that House Wellstone has no particular allegiance to any Empowered House, and that they are solely a trading House. Their most frequent customers are House Estelle and House Trenshaw. House Wellstone's true powers are in the item creation and Divination areas, hence their lack of participation in Ranking Battles.

Reportedly, Elle Wellstone had petitioned for an alliance between her House and House Raineswind some time ago for a 'personal' reason. The petition was passed, though not without some disagreement between the two Houses. To this date, tensions still remain between the Houses and that has only escalated over the last few months, starting from when Elle went MIA. House Wellstone blame House Raineswind, and House Raineswind denies all charges.

The reason behind Elle's petition for an alliance stemmed from her falling in love with a member of House Raineswind after he intervened in a ranking battle, which she was losing, and assisted her. The feeling was mutual between the pair so they both requested an alliance between their Houses. The person she fell in love with was Nicholas Raineswind, the current 'Master of Illusion', and heir to 'Raineswind Accommodation', a Real Estate company from the local area.

Elle apparently exhibited similar powers to the Awakened mode, which some empowered ones can enter. However, it was a forced Awakening brought about by a trial item which was in production by her House. She was field-testing it during a ranking battle, with Nicholas as her 'Avatar', a person who would fight for her in her stead. She forced Awakening Mode several times during the encounter to help keep Nicholas from losing and, regrettably, paid a hefty price. Due to the item being no more than a trial version, it was sure to be defective in some way. The cost was varied depending on the severity of the power she was trying to use during Awakening Mode. The cost varied from her own blood, to parts of her soul. She was recorded to enter Awakening Mode around five times during the encounter. Each time she forced it, she got progressively weaker until, after the fifth, she collapsed and became comatose. The battle was called off after that. House Wellstone tried to cover up their failure by blaming House Raineswind, which ultimately lead to their current borderline warring state.

That was all the information there was, at present, on House Wellstone. Next, Kara moved over to searching for powers similar in strength to Compose.

After spending a long while looking for information on Time-Lost powers, Kara finally found a dusty tome relating to them. Most of it was barely legible due to age and attempts at tearing the book were apparent, but some information could still be recovered from it, albeit very little:

The power, known as 'Compose', was originally thought to be lost around half a century ago when no Female was born in House Evanesse, where the power originated from. Only females posses the capability needed to use the Compose power, and males can only be carriers, unable to tap into it themselves but still able to pass it on to offspring. The Carrier, at that time, was an Adviser to the head of the House, who went by the name Jun. After finding a suitable partner, Jun managed to continue the line of Compose but, due to the time between the power being active and the next in line to the power, which was his daughter, Clara, the power had waned somewhat. Jun had two children, the first was male and the second was the next Compose, Clara.

Clara exhibited the necessary traits to be able to Compose, but lacked the Power to do so, as she didn't possess any empowered traits. The line was thought to be lost once more, leaving Jun no option but to try and replicate the power using the scientific prowess of House Evanesse and the necessary genes from Clara. All reports suggest that Jun failed over the 3 decades he tried to replicate the power, but sources say that, despite the belief that Jun is decreased in all records, the research is still ongoing and a more recent event happened not too long ago when...

The rest of the pages relating to the research were all torn from the book. The lack of dust on the remaining segments of the pages suggest that it was done only recently.

After the Compose research turned up little information, Kara spent a short while looking at element related powers:

Research indicates that, if certain conditions are reached when an Empowered one is in Awakening mode, and they bear the necessary traits, they can accesses an even stronger mode known as 'Paragon Mode'. In Paragon Mode, they are the living embodiment of the powers they possess, ascending all normal limits on the powers and being able to use them uninhibited. There has been no record cases of Paragon Mode ever being entered in recent times, but sources indicate that a certain influential House has tried to force this to happen.

Paragon Mode, while the pinnacle of power, comes with its own drawbacks. The person must give a section of their life away to access this power, shortening their lifespan and reducing their physical capabilities by a little. While it can be activated multiple times in a single encounter, it is not recommended due to the cost of the power.

The rest of the tome was either too torn to read or too old to read, cutting Kara's research off. If she could restore the tome to its former glory, maybe then she could find out more on the topic.

After the research, it was time to head off for her Linking session with Kiki.

Kara wrote down everything that she had learned into her notes. Seeing as it was a lot of information she reread everything over again going slowly on stuff. She learned that the head of the Wellstone house was named Elle and they had the sort of powers like the twins. It seemed that her powers allowed her to see the outcomes of matches before they happened. This made fighting her all the harder she also learned that Elle had been MIA for quite sometime. Kara also learned about other matters learning of how House Estelle and House Trenshaw were their biggest customers and how Elle's house entered into an alliance with House Raineswind.

There seemed to be some problems between both Houses as it was because Elle. Had fallen in love with Nicholas who had saved her during a ranked battle. What caught Kara's eye the most was about how Elle had entered into a forced awakening which as time went on. Just made her weaker and weaker but there was also some huge drawbacks as well. Kara decided the next time she got she'd research this topic more. She then moved onto the other section of her notes and started rereading that.

She learned that the 'Compose' had come from House Evanesse. It appeared that it had come from someone named Jun. It went onto the daughter whose name was Clara. Kara wondered who these people were and thought on asking Charon later. She read further but soon had come to torn out pages this had made her upset. As she had wanted to know more but it still seemed that Jun might be doing the stuff to this day. Could Charon be Jun or was Jun someone else?

In her last part she read about something called a 'Paragon Mode' which. Only happened when the person was in Awakened Mode. She had wrote down how it was the living embodiment of the powers they have. Kara pictured herself doing this she also wrote down a certain House had tried to do this however Paragon Mode had its drawbacks as. The User had to give up apart of their lifespan and other means to have this power. She wasn't able to get anymore on anything else seeing as the book was to old.

She put all the books back except for the old one. Which she decided to keep so gathering up her notes. She made her way back to Kiki's room. Where she knocked on the door "it's me Kara" moments later the door was open and she walked inside. She placed the tome and notes she took on Kiki's desk. Seeing how Kiki was awake she decided to say two things "I found out a lot of info on House Wellstone I'll you about it later" Kara says,

Her mood seemed to suddenly change.

"I ask you this when we link again in a few moments and everything you see within. That it will help you to understand me better" Kara said as she climbed onto the bed,

When Kara arrived outside of Kiki's room, Ryu was leaning on the wall near the door and Kiki could be heard talking on the other end of the door. It was unlikely that she'd tipped off the deep end and began to go crazy, so it was expected that she was on the phone to someone. However, she didn't sound too cheerful when talking.

When the phone call was over, Kiki opened the door and let Kara in. It was now evident that it must have been a troubling phone call if her expression was anything to go by. The phone call probably woke her up as her hair was still a little messy from sleeping. After Kara had got settled, Kiki's expression was slowly returning to what it was after the earlier Link.

"I look forward to hearing it." Kiki answered with a smile. "You will be graded on how much you found out, you know?"

Kara went for a serious tone to her next statement regarding the upcoming Link. Ryu had now made his way back into the room and took up his post by Kiki's desk.

"That was the initial point of Linking, if you remember. We wanted to know more about each other so we could, potentially, work together to help further our personal goals." Kiki answered, straightforwardly. "We've still got a bit of time before Uncle gets here so, if there's anything you want to do or ask, you'd better get it out of the way now. I don't want a repeat of earlier, after all."

Kara had not bothered to spend anytime wondering. Just who Kiki had been talking with on the phone. As she had heard a little bit of it she then looked over at Ryu before back at Kiki. "I didn't know I'd be graded on what I found out, anyway was this the job you had wanted me. To do or is there something else?" Kara asked. She then looked back over at the folder on Kiki's desk. "All the information is located in that folder. But we can talk about that later as there's something I need to ask" Kara says.

She looked at the bed and moved closer to Kiki so that Ryu wouldn't hear. "Do, you have any 'Teen Stuff' as can I believe I will need some for our link?" Kara whispered. Before moving back away Kiki then told her if there was anything she needed to say or do it would be best to do so now. Getting up she quickly went into the bathroom to pee and once done came back out and joined. Kiki on the bed once more "Charon told me that since our MWV's are now synchronized that I can now Link with you remotely. He told me to try it out would it be okay with you if I can do that at a later time?" Kara asked.

She then looked to Ryu.

"I also asked if I could Link with both Charon and Ryu. While Charon told me I could with him at this time he told me that I can with you if whenever we. Actually develop a mutual friendship as it would help us get to know each other better" Kara told him.

Kara then decided on asking Kiki just would he role would be.

"I have one more question, just what will my role be for you I'm guessing I will. Have to gather more information for you but will I always protect you like Ryu does. Or is there something else other than that you have in store for me?" Kara then laid down on the bed.

"This was just a test so I can see if you're up for the job I have planned, or at least one of them." Kiki explained. "We'll get to that in a bit."

Kara pointed out that the information was all in the folder on the desk. Kiki went over to it and began to leaf through Kara's findings to see if she'd done well. She was a little surprised about how much Kara had found out, but she was certain that she had some help to know exactly what to look for. Point deductions imminent from asking for assistance.

While reading through the notes, Kara posed an awkward question to Kiki, which nearly caused her to fall off the bed in surprise. Her face flushed a deep red before quickly whispering back to Kara.

"Just who told you to say that?!" Kiki whispered back, an embarrassed and slightly angry tone in her voice. Before giving in to the question, Kiki looked over at Ryu and it didn't take him long to find out why her face was crimson.

"I'll leave you to it." Ryu awkwardly replied before heading out of the room and leaving Kiki alone with Kara, who seemed to have set off for the en-suite. When she got back, Kiki had already recovered somewhat and was able to point out where 'they' were.

"Bottom drawer underneath the wardrobe." Kiki informed Kara as she motioned for her to come closer.

Kiki then opened the drawer to reveal several packets of 'Teen Stuff', like panty liners, tampons and sanitary towels, the usual for girls her age, before moving some of the packets aside and revealing a few packets of 8-12 yrs sized ultra-absorbent incontinence pants.

"They should fit you. You're not much bigger than I was at your age and they... n-nothing!" Kiki told Kara, her blush had returned stronger than ever as she nearly admitted something very personal. "T-the reason they're there is that, when I was still recovering after the incident, I couldn't really move around much due to the pain, and I also had to have a catheter installed while I was in the hospital, so I had to...um...f-for emergency measures! D-don't even think about getting the wrong idea! If you even suggest something else, you'll see the business end of my halberd!"

Kiki couldn't even look at Kara after showing her that, so she awkwardly turned her face away and waited for Kara to do what she wanted to. Once the embarrassing situation was over, everything seemed to return to how it was, save for a still slightly red-faced Kiki. Kara informed her that their MWV's were now synced to one another.

"You can come and go as you please, then. You won't even need the usual outside assistance as you've already seen my Soulscape. Just don't do anything funny in my memories if you know what's good for you. It won't even tire us out then, as it'll be kind of like Ghost-data, so you can do it as much as you want except...there are some limitations. You can only Link that way once per day and, if you fail to clear a World or get kicked out due to tampering, you can't enter again, but, aside from that, if you clear a World, you can move on to the next one as long as you don't terminate the Link." Kiki explained.

Once all things were sorted, Ryu was allowed to re-enter the room. Kara moved on to questioning him, so Kiki went back to checking through Kara's research.

"Then Lord Charon's too optimistic." Ryu scoffed. "As if I'd ever let Ravenclaw rejects look into my memories. Maybe, if, by some miracle, you prove your repentance, then we can try it. Like that'll ever happen, though."

Kiki had just finished checking through Kara's research before being questioned by the person in question.

"You get a B- for what you did. It would have been a solid B if you hadn't asked Uncle for guidance. You got all the info I put out for you on the Wellstones, but you lost a few in your Soulscape research. As for the tome..." Kiki looked back at the dusty book. "I don't remember that being there, so I guess you can use your own initiative to search as well. After this revision, you get a B+. A+ was the highest you could get, but you would have only got that if you'd cross referenced your research and looked up key terms mentioned in what you'd got. But, time allowing, that would have been really hard. In conclusion, you've got potential, but you need training." Kiki reviewed. "At present, you'll be settling in to your new role at a Cafe I co-manage. It's a good hub for information. You'll start tomorrow, after school, and shadow one of the other staff members to see what you'll have to do. When you've got the basics down, then we'll start with your actual role there, information gathering."

Kara's second question took Kiki's interest. Would she be suitable for it?

"You probably heard me on the phone before you came in. There were two calls scheduling meetings with two important figures. They want me to attend a meeting with them to discuss the future of our Houses. The first one is at 8pm on Wednesday with the Raineswind Head. They want Ryu to come along as well, though that goes without saying. What I want you to do is join us for the meeting and see just what kind of work a Bodyguard does. I may be throwing you in the deep end with this one, but I've seen your combat abilities and they far exceed your information gathering potential. I want you to train with Ryu, both alongside him and against him, before Wednesday so you're up to speed with what a Bodyguard is meant to do."

Ryu looked like he was about to object for a moment before retracting his disapproval.

"Fine." Ryu huffed. He then turned to Kara. "You better not slow me down or try anything against Lady Kiki. I will always be watching you. Waiting for your to fall back to your old, traitorous ways."

"Then, if you're successful, you can join us for the Friday meeting at 9pm with...the actual Evanesse Head." Kiki finished, sounding a little scared after mentioning who the meeting was with. Ryu didn't seem to pleased about that either. His hand went straight to his sword hilt.

"Just what does that psycho want now?!" Ryu angrily asked.

"Like I said. He wants to discuss the...future...of our Houses."

So, the information that she had gathered wasn't the job that Kiki. Had planned for her she watched as Kiki went to the folder and then. Come back and read before nearly falling off the bed after the question she had asked. Which meant she was just as embarrassed by Kara asking it. "Charon told me to" Kara whispered back before Ryu left the room and Kiki told her where the stuff was located. Kara got up and went over to the bottom drawer she moved Kiki's stuff around and picked it up.

"You, didn't have to tell me the reason" Kara tells her as she then went into the bathroom. She changed into them and indeed they did fit her. She placed her bottoms back on and rejoined Kiki on the bed after. Placing the 'Teen Stuff' back in the draw where then the spoke about linking. "I'm guessing that after you link with me you'd be able to do the same thing? But don't worry I won't tamper with anything inside and when a person links does that make. The their whole linking process stronger meaning they get better at it?" Kara asked.

It seemed Ryu disliked that idea.

"I don't like the idea either but its a means to make things easier. Plus I will prove myself to you or why not you prove yourself to me" Kara remarked. She sighed this wasn't what she needed right now she turned back to Kiki.

She had gotten a B- for the work that she had done. "I guess when one gathers information they do it on their own and don't ask for help." Kara says before she listened to more of what Kiki had said. "There's still alot of stuff I need to research with the Soulscaping and as for the tome. That's something of a personal item. As its helping me search for other powers as ancient as your 'Compose' I found something out on Paragon Mode but nothing else as the books. To worn down with age maybe their's another book like it in the library I'll search when I have more time." Kara tells her.

"So, I'm getting a job never really had one before it sounds like fun. Will I have more time to use the library and research things when I'm not busy with school, training and everything else?" Kara asked. Kiki then went on to explain just she had been doing on the phone. Along with telling her that she had to now train with Ryu. Which upset her seeing as how they hated each other. Along with coming to a meeting on Wedensday where she'd learn what a real bodyguard does and see the other Head's of Houses. She then turned to Ryu as he spoke to her "I won't slow you down, but now I can show you when I can really do so, don't go pissing yourself in fear" Kara tells him.

If she passed she'd be able to meet the real Evanesse Head.

"I thought that would have been Charon, or could this person be Jun?" Kara was now confused. As she saw that Ryu appeared upset and Kiki looked scared. "Um, one last question on Wedensday will all the Head's of the House's be there or just us as it would mean my father would have to attend?" Kara looked down at the bed.

"When we've linked once, then I can do the same. Linking just makes us a little closer to each other as we can see what the other person has inside their heart and memories and that should allow us to get to know each other better." Kiki answered.

"Why do I need to prove myself to you? You're the tainted one here. I've known Lady Kiki for a lot longer than you have. Personally, I don't care if you trust me or not." Ryu coldly replied.

Kara didn't seem that pleased with the grade she got.

"It really depends on who you ask for help. When in the field, we don't want others knowing what we're looking for otherwise it may cause suspicion and they may talk about it with the person or faction we're trying to learn more about. Knowledge is power, after all. It's fine that you did it this time as it's still new to you, but don't become too dependent on it. Plus, I assigned this as a solo task for you and that's why I docked points for asking for help." Kiki explained. Kara then went on talking about the book she'd found and what she was looking for. "I'm surprised you managed to find something I didn't. I've never even seen this book before. Just one question, why were you trying to look into my ability? You're not trying to steal it, are you?"

Kara was looking forward to her new job.

"You'll have time. Don't worry. The hours we do during the week are very few. We're only there from half three in the afternoon to seven in the evening, at the latest. We do have school after all. The weekend hours vary, though. You'll be doing your mentor's hours to start with, until we can put you on the rota. Training won't be every night as Ryu's got his own work to do as well, and so have I." Kiki informed Kara.

Ryu just laughed at Kara's weak threat.

"I should be saying that to you. You haven't seen me in action, yet I've seen reports of you in action." Ryu shot back.

Kara mentioned a vary familiar name. Kiki looked visibly shaken at the mentioning of his name.

"It's Jun, my Grandfather." Kiki quietly answered. "Uncle's head of one of the factions within the House. It's split, at present, due to differing ideals and ethics. As for the meetings, it'll be just myself, the Host and you two. We only ever gather everyone at really important times, as things tend to get out of hand, otherwise."

"Then I'll just ask that if you decide to try remotely linking with me. That you don't go messing up anything inside my own mind" Kara informed Kiki and then seeing as she still. Appeared rather upset patted her head in a comforting way. Shen then turned back to Ryu "because if were going to be working together then you should have to do so. And since you refuse to do so just proves your nothing more than a wuss" Kara replied back.

Kiki then explained some more things.

"I'll just have to try harder than but as you point out. That is a good idea to take to heart plus I find this information gathering to be a little fun, As I've not really tried much of this before do, you have anything else I can look up?" Kara asked. Kiki then asked about why she was looking up about her ability, "I just wished to know if it was as powerful as Charom told me about it. I have no plans on stealing it or anything as this is more of finding something I can replace my own power with. Mainly I want another power I can use that can take the place of one of my own." She hoped that Kiki would understand that she didn't want to take her power or anything,

"Oh, that's not really that long am I allowed to make friends there?" Kara asked. As it appeared it wouldn't be every night as both Kiki and Ryu had their own jobs. "Is everyone there also empowered ones like us or are there some like Ryu who is normal?" Kara asked.

Ryu responded back.

"You do know that reports are not everything. As its better to see the person in combat with their own eyes rather than just reading about stuff. Plus if the information I've read about you being the best at what you do than why haven't you killed my father yet. I'm sure that you've tried at least a few times right or was he far too powerful for you?" Kara asked.

Kiki spoke about Jun.

"So, that's who he is, oh, and this will be another good chance to gain more information on him. As I read something on him recently" Kara said in a excited tone.

"Of course I won't mess with anything more than I need to." Kiki sighed with a dismissing shrug of her shoulders.

Kara taunted Ryu once more.

"Lady Kiki, do you give me permission to take this dog down to the pound and discipline it?" Ryu threatened as his hand began to unsheathe his sword.

"Later, Ryu. We've still got stuff to do. Just don't kill her. It'll be good training for the both of you." Kiki answered with a disapproving shake of her head.

"By your command, my Lady." Ryu grinned.

"I've not got anything for you to look up at present. Just research what you want. What I'd suggest is to gather some more information on each of the Houses so you know who you're dealing with." Kiki suggested. "As the meeting with Raineswind is coming up, you should research them a bit more so you can understand them better."

"If you want time-lost powers, you're many years too late. Those powers are normally only passed down in bloodlines and only pop up once every century or so." Kiki informed Kara. "You can't really 'gain' any new powers, per say, but you can become a founder of your own creation. However, you need to be a really powerful person to do that as it's not something which can just be made."

Kara asked about the work she'll be doing.

"Do you even need to ask that?" Kiki chuckled. "You're a weird one if you think you need permission to make friends. They're not empowered ones, as such. They're...not normal either. You'll understand when you see them. Just don't go too crazy otherwise you may scare them."

Kara continued her taunting, even bringing in the talk about not being able to kill her Father.

"You're so stupid to think that a person can just get away with killing a high ranking official. If I did that, It'll be declaring war on your tainted House. While I'd love to do that, Lady Kiki has other ideas in mind and I don't want to put her in any necessary danger. I haven't tried to do it because I'm not an idiot, unlike you. War is something which Lady Kiki and my House don't need at present. We're still recovering from your butchering, after all."

"Trust me, you won't be that excited when you see him. I don't even know what you'll be like when that happens. At the very least he's not...completely Human. He's lived through a lot of things, after all." Kiki answered. "Just don't do anything rash when you see him. And make sure that you're on your best behavior at all times."

"Why are you telling her all this?" Ryu asked Kiki, an edge of anger in his voice.

"Because she needs to know if she's going to be my bodyguard." Kiki answered back. "She'll find it out anyway, so what's the point in delaying the inevitable?"

After Kiki had silenced Ryu, a knock was heard on her bedroom door before Charon came in with the Women from earlier.

"I do hope I'm not intruding on anything too important." Charon announced his presence.

"No, you're not, Uncle. We were just getting Kara oriented with what she'll be doing while she's here." Kiki replied.

"Good, because we've still got work to do. Now, make sure you're both prepared." Charon turned to Kara now. "If you don't want Ryu in here to see this, just say so and we can send him out."

Kiki agreed not to mess with anything and Ryu responded back like normal. This time she didn't say anything back to him as this was getting annoying. She then listened as Kiki who told her she had nothing else for her to look up be find out. More information on the other Houses which gave Kara her own idea. "Would it be okay, if I were to ask you to look up some information on my House. While I'm sure you may know somethings it might be a good idea to learn more?" Kara asked.

Kiki then said that finding long-lost powers might. Not be the best sort of thing as they can only be passed down in the bloodlines and couldn't be gained. This got Kara to thinking did her own family have any long-lost powers?

"Well, I just thought I'd ask and it seems I'll be able to nice" Kara said. Then turned back to Ryu and listened to what was said.

"Instead of blaming me put the blame on yourself" Kara only said. She backed down again as a part of her wished that her father would have killed him. "I'll make sure to be behaved" Kara replied. Soon a knock was heard and Charon and the women returned. Kara thought it over about keeping Ryu here "He can stay but I ask that he makes no negative comments or try anything on me after what he learns".

"If that's what you want, then, sure. When I've got time I'll do it." Kiki answered.

Kara said that she didn't mind if Ryu was present or not as long as he didn't try anything after learning what was going to be shown.

"If that's you're condition, then it's fine." Charon replied. "Ryu may be at your throat a lot but he won't do anything too rash without Kiki's acceptance. Killing you will be an act of assault towards your House, after all, and it definitely won't go unnoticed."

Tensions were a little more calm now that Charon was present. Normality had returned, for now at least. The usual set up process was done and everything was ready to go.

"All ready?" Charon asked both Kiki and Kara.

"Wait just a sec." Kiki announced as she headed off to the en-suite after rooting around in the bottom drawer of her dresser. Ryu was too focused on the set-up to notice and there was quite a bit of noise present in the room as spells were cast and technology was booted up. A few moments later, she returned back into the room. "Ready now."

Kiki then took her place on the bed next to Kara.

"Um, for this one, would it be okay if we..hugged?" Kiki asked Kara as her face turned a light shade of pink once more. "If that's not okay, then we can just hold hands again."

Kiki agreed to look up some info about her own House. "I hope he keeps his word" Kara said quietly. She laid back down on the bed and looked scared again and a little afraid. Kiki went about her own business and rejoined her moments later.

"I'm fine" Kara told Charon.

Kiki then asked if they could hug or hold hands like before. "We, can hug as I believe I will need it" Kara said sadly. She moved closer to Kiki and wrapped her arms around her. Once both girl's were hugging moments later Kara fell asleep and Kiki joined her. As both girls started the linking process they soon found themselves within a large cavern deep under the ground.

Several marble raven statues were lined across the ground in the middle of the cavern was a large arena. In the middle of the arena off to the side was a even larger raven statue with its wings outspeard in the middle of the arena one man and a young girl stood facing off against each other. They were dressed in training gear or at least magical training gear. At the moment they appeared not to be doing anything. But in the far background next to a statue stood another women who looked to be the man's age. She had long dark hair and bright green eyes she was dressed in a simple red and white kimono and she seemed to be watching the two.

Kiki and older Kara found themselves standing on the outskirts of the arena. "This is where we shall begin as the events this day played a big impact on how my life turned out later." Older Kara told Kiki.

Kara agreed to the hug and both girls embraced one another closely as they entered a World in Kara's Soulscape.

Kiki was transported to a large underground Cavern lined with Marble statues of Ravens. There was a large arena-like installment in the center of the cavern, where a young girl and a man were locked in a staring contest, at present. Though he looked much younger, Kiki tried to put a name to the face she saw.

Thinking back on meetings and information she'd been gathering and, based on the location, Kiki assumed that this man was Kale Ravenclaw, Kara's Father. It would make sense, after all. By process of elimination, the girl must be a younger Kara. However, she didn't know who the woman in the background was. A relative? A Guest? Regardless, she was certain she'd find out soon enough.

Unable to judge the time of year due to their current location, Kiki couldn't really tell, at present, when this memory took place. Kara began to introduce the World to Kiki.

"People are generally defined by their past experiences and upbringing, so that makes sense. Just one question, what time of year and how long ago did this memory take place? Just so I can get a little better understanding, that's all. I would check the position of the sun and the strength of it but, at present, that's not really possible. If it happened when I think it did, then..." Kiki answered.

Older Kara looked over at Kiki. "This takes place five years ago during the month of July" Older Kara replied. She then looked away from Kiki "I don't want to relive this again" Older Kara said to herself, it wasn't loud enough for Kiki to hear. "Let's begin then" Old Kara said.

Older Kara soon snapped her fingers and the man and the younger girl soon began to move. They changed at each other at first and did a few punches and kicks. Against each other it looked like they were doing simple martial arts against each other. With every punch young Kara sent at her father he blocked them or either dodged them, By moving out of the way of her fists or small kicks.

"Are you even trying I thought I trained you better than this?" Kale snapped at young Kara.

As he then blocked a small punch aimed at his chest and responded with a strong right punch to young Kara's chest this knocked the wind out of young Kara. As she soon dropped to her knees gasping for breath Kale then gave young Kara a right round house kick. To the face knocking her back several feet. Young Kara landed on back hard crying out in pain.

"Pathetic, I'm not even using any of my magic and using my normal strength. Your nothing but a useless weak bitch I don't even know why, I waste my time with you everyday we train and train and yet, While you have indeed gotten stronger it still isn't stronger enough" Kale yelled at young Kara. He walked over to her and grabbed her by the neck. Picking her up and holding her in the air Kale punched young Kara again and again in the chest.

"Where's that dark power of yours the one that you used against me on your birthday, Where is it show me it again show it to ME!" Kale yelled as he kept up punching young Kara. Who could only cry out in pain tears started to form in young Kara's eyes and she began to cry. "Your crying I don't train cry babies" Kale roared he threw young Kara to the ground. Then calling on his own magic started to call forth blades of wind he sent them at young Kara. Where they struck her body arms, legs and face creating small cuts and young Kara only screamed and sobbed louder.

"I.. I.. I'm s.. sorry father" Young Kara called out, Between the cries of pain soon young Kara lay in a small pool of her own blood.

"Your a weak useless fool everyday its the same old shit I'm sick of it" Kale yelled at her. He then created a javelin of wind and sent it flying at young Kara. Older Kara who watched the events taking place was holding herself she had started crying softly. Having to re-watch these events which were only to get worse. As the javelin flew at young Kara the women watching the match soon moved in the blink of an eye. She suddenly appeared in from of young Kara and with a small motion of her right hand. She deflected the attack by using a small deal of dark magic sending it flying away.

"That's enough Kale you've made your point" The women said softly.

"Stay out of this Senka" Kale replied coldly.

Young Kara who still lay on the ground crying looked up at the women. "M.. Mommy" Young Kara said weakly.

"No, I will not you've been pushing Kara here far to hard lately and its getting worse" Senka tells him.

"Pushing her hard she needs to get far stronger if she'd just tap into that dark power. Of hers then she'd be far stronger than where she's at now. She needs to learn to control it and use its powers not always hide from it" Kale says, Instead of waiting for an answer he stormed off out of the arena leaving Senka and young Kara alone.

'Let's get you healed up' Senka said softly as she knelled down and lifted young Kara. Up she carried her out of the arena moments later. Older Kara was still crying softly "If your ready we can move onto the next room" Older Kara says as she heads out of the room.

According to the information Kara gave, it appeared that this memory was taking place five years ago during summer. If this is the day which Kiki expected Kara to show her, this would explain why Ryu hadn't caught on to anything before the deed had been done.

Kara began the Memory activation and the events played out before the pair. Kale still had the temperament which he was known for in Kiki's information on him, which didn't really come as a surprise. Kiki watched, seemingly unaffected by the events happening in front of her, as Kara and her Father soon displayed that they were not really that closely knit in terms of family relations. He didn't seem much like a suitable carer for a girl of her age. Things were about to get much worse until the woman in the background stepped in and deflected the potential killing blow. At least not everyone in her family was against her, it would seem.

The events finished displaying, leaving Kara and Kiki alone in the arena.

"Lead the way. You're in charge here, after all." Kiki answered simply as she pushed herself off the statue she was leaning against. "I'll just go where you go."

Older Kara having left the room walked in a new room with Kiki behind her both girl's. Now found themselves in a new room this one appeared to be a small type of locker room. It had various shelfs where different types of training gear were stored. A few pictures lined the walls showed different types of birds many of them being ravens. In the middle of the room was another statue of a raven. Sitting upon a small chair sat younger Kara and her Senka. Was standing before her helping younger Kara remove her gear.

"He's just getting worse and worse I worry about him" Senka said to herself.

Young Kara sat in her undergarments as Senka looked down at her daughter. "I just wish to know why he was forcing you to go through all this?" Senka again said. She helped young Kara by placing a small hand on her forehead. Small black energy began to flow into young Kara healing her wounds that Kale had given her. Again the magic that was cast was pure darkness magic young Kara sat there as she was being healed then looked up at her mom.

"Does daddy hate me?" young Kara asked.

Senka took this in it was a question that Kara had often asked her as of late. "He doesn't hate you dear, he's just going through a rough time right now. The members of House Trenshaw haven't answered his calls for protection. He fears something may happen to us all" Senka told her.

"Then why does he always hurt me?" young Kara asked.

"He wishes for you to learn to control this dark power within you" Senka replied.

"But I don't want to learn to control this power. It scares me sometimes I have nightmares of the time when you went out of control" young Kara spoke.

She was shaking on the chair as she was forced to relive those moments from six months ago. Senka removed her hand and kneelled down she wrapped young Kara. Up in her arms giving her a hug "I'm truly sorry you had to go through that Kara I really am" Senka tells her.

Older Kara who was watching everything turned to Kiki.

"The moment my mother and I are speaking of is a event that took place was. When several members of opposing Houses decided to try and take us out. That is why my father tried to contact House Trenshaw in the hopes they would act as bodyguards for us" Older Kara tells her.

Older Kara then motioned for her to come along. As both girls left the room but Older Kara remained there for a while longer.

"Its only going to get worse" Older Kara says,

The next display of events ran through. It came as some surprise to Kiki that Darkness powers can be used for healing as well as destruction. She'd have to research this phenomena more when she returns to reality to see if it's not just a fluke.

Information was given about the fact that House Ravenclaw was being targeted by other Houses and they'd enlisted the aid of House Trenshaw, but they'd yet to answer the summons. Kiki had a rough memory of what they might have been doing at this moment in time, but she'd have to consult her notes when she got back.

Like before, Kiki was remaining neutral about the events being displayed. Nothing seemed to spark her off as of yet. Kara informed her that the trip through this Memory was going to get worse.

"Nothing's going to stop me seeing all of this. You've raided my memories and I want my repayment." Kiki casually answered. "Just carry on and go at your own pace. I won't be too far behind."

'I'm not sure on how you'll react to what you see in the near future" Kara said.

Both girls had then entered into a new room. This very room was a grand bathroom a large tub sat in the middle of the room. Around the room were various white tiles and other bathroom supplies. In the tub sat young Kara who appeared to be playing with some bubbles. As she was taking a bubble bath at the moment Senka sat down a short distance away from young Kara. As she watched her child play and have fun.

"Kara make sure you remember to wash your hair" Senka tells her.

Young Kara who was busy splashing around and blowing soap bubbles into the air gave off a small groan.

"Ah, mom do I have to?" Young Kara asked.

'Yes you do as you need to be fully clean" Senka reminds her.

"Oh, okay" young Kara says.

She went back to play in the tub some more after her short talk with her mom. Older Kara watched and she seemed not to be paying much attention to her young self. She was watching her mother who as time passed. Seemed to suddenly get up a look of concern was on her face and then one of pure anger. Senka got up and started for the very door to the bathroom.

"Kara mommy's got to step out for a moment I want you to promise me that you will. Remain here and no matter what will not leave this room you understand?" Senka tells her.

"Okay, I promise" Young Kara says she had tried to make a crown of soap to place on her head.

Senka then left the room leaving young Kara alone to play in the tub. She played around for a while longer. Even going about washing her head like Senka had asked her to do but soon young Kara began to wonder where her mom was. As it had been 15 minutes and she had not returned at all "I wonder where Mom is?" Young Kara asked herself. She played around for a few minutes more and soon another ten minutes passed.

"Where is she?" young Kara again asked herself.

Young Kara got up out of the tub and tried herself off. She redressed herself in her night clothes as it was getting near her bed time. Young Kara if you were to see her face was clearly scared her Mom usually never left her side and was always there to watch over Kara.

"I-I know I'll go look for her" young Kara says.

She heads for the door and stops in front of it. She is about to open the door but then remember's her mothers words to her. "I hope I don't get into trouble" she then opens the door and steps outside leaving Older Kara and Kiki alone.

"I should have stayed inside" Older Kara mumbles as she leaves the room.

The next section of the chain of memories was set inside what looked like a private bath house from the size of the tub in the center. Large baths appeared to be a staple for the affluent. Kiki knew for a fact that she'd rather be using the bath in her Family home than the small one in her current place of residence. The only two people present were Young Kara and her Mother.

As the events played out, Kara's mother quickly left the bath and ordered for Young Kara to stay put, no matter what may happen. Thinking back on all the evidence in place from the current memories seen, and the facts cleared up by Kara earlier, Kiki tried to remember what event this World was based off.

She had a vague recollection that this might be the night which sparked off all the disputes between House Ravenclaw and the other Houses. The night when a high ranking member of House Ravenclaw was killed in cold blood, and also the very same night when a massacre happened shortly after the event in question. She couldn't remember all the details at that moment in time, but it should all be made clear very soon.

"Maybe if you did, we wouldn't be here at present and, potentially, none of us would have ever met one another. Not even the trio who's out to get both of us. Events tend to happen for a reason, and we can't change that." Kiki explained calmly. "We're no more than ripples on the pond surface that is the timestream. Events lead into one another so seamlessly that changing one could potentially rewrite out entire lives."

Kiki followed along behind Kara into the next section of the World.

The pair followed a young Kara as she had moments ago left the bathroom. In search for where here mother had gone as they followed along Older Kara thought back to what Kiki. Told her just mere moments ago. "Maybe but I wouldn't of had to see what I saw and who knows where my life would be now if I had just listened" Older Kara spoke softly. Looking over at her younger self whom was walking slowly through the hallway.

Young Kara appeared to be moving slowly, every so often she'd call out to her mother. "Mommy where are you?" but she wouldn't get an answer at all. As all three of them passed Other rooms of importance they came upon the first seen of trouble. In the middle of the hallway the trio could see some over turned tables, blast marks upon the walls, burned curtains, a small amount of blood splattered on the ground here and there. It looked like some sort of fight had taken place here young Kara wasn't sure what had happened yet she seemed more scared then normal.

"Mommy, Mommy where are you?" Young Kara called out in panic she had started to cry. She ran away from where the battle had taken place. Leaving Older Kara and Kiki standing there to look at the area, Older Kara had her eyes closed and appeared to be mumbling something. "I don't want to go ahead, I don't want to go ahead" she said this softly to herself only for a few moments later. She opened her eyes and followed after her younger self. With Kiki following along behind her they soon caught up with Kara's young self whom was still calling out to her mother and not getting any answer.

As they moved further down the hallway more and more destruction could be seen. A thin trail of blood could be seen upon the floor leading too somewhere. Older Kara knew where it led to and she herself started shaking a little at what was to come. Her younger self was crying more now because she was clearly confused and scared. "Mommy, I'm scared where are you" Young Kara cried out in a sad tone. She ran on ahead once more crying for her Mommy. Older Kara followed behind with Kiki and the trail of blood that was upon the white tile floor soon led. To a large set of doors that appeared to have been blasted apart as pieces of doors could be seen lying about the floor.

The trio had finally arrived at the very heart of where the trail of blood at led them. To Kara's parents bedroom and soon heard a young Kara calling out. "Mommy, Mommy, its me Kara please wake up its me Kara" Her young self cried again and again. The faint sound of shaking could be heard coming from inside the room. Older Kara now crying once more stood at the doors then walked inside with Kiki.

Inside the vast bedroom they found young Kara shaking a figure upon a giant bed, Pools of blood could be seen splattered across the room covering the walls and floor. To the right a blown out window was letting in a cold gust of air which looked like. Who ever had been in here had escaped through it in a hurry, Upon the bed lay Senka there were holes in her in her throat, navel and heart like something had pierced her there. She wasn't moving at all and yet a large pool of blood covered the bed beneath her. Young Kara was still shaking her mother trying to get her to wake up. Her small hands covered in her mother's blood. "Mommy what's wrong please wake up" Young Kara cried.

Older Kara let out her own scream due first seeing all the blood then. Having to relive this memory she broke out crying herself. "Mommy, Mommy" Older Kara went on to say as she dropped to her knees.

The next section was a trip through the house until they ended up in a section where it looked like something had happened. Tables were overturned, curtains were charred and holes were blasted in the walls. There was clear evidence that some form of conflict had taken place here. When they came across a blood trail, things started to take a turn for the worse.

After following the trail, they ended up in the master bedroom, with its doors blown off their hinges and nothing more than splintered wrecks. The last stand probably took place in this very bedroom. After seeing the corpse of Kara's mother on the bed, Kiki's suspicions were confirmed.

"I know there's still more to see. If you won't lead me then I'll search myself." Kiki stated to Kara, who was, at present, a crying wreck on the floor. "You're not getting out of this that easy."

Older Kara was still the crying wreak upon the floor as Kiki spoke to her. Even though she heard what was said for several moments Older Kara said nothing. Before finally getting slowly back to her feet she wiped the tears away from her eyes. "This way Kara" Kara told her in a sad tone she walked over and went out the window. With Kiki following behind her soon both girl's found themselves within the office of Kara's father Kale.

A young Kara sat motionless on a small couch she had a blank look. Upon her face though every now and then a faint sound could be heard coming from her. As she was crying softly too herself dried blood still covered young Kara's hands and clothes she had not changed or cleaned herself after seeing her mother's corpse. It appeared that a few hours had passed at least since the murder had taken place. Around the room one could say that it looked like a tornado had run amuck through it.

Paper's and books were scattered everywhere the desk itself was overturned. Priceless pieces of art had been destroyed Kale marched around the room. In a clear rage her was totally pissed off and was shouting and screamed out cusses and random words. "Who ever it was who killed my wife will pay for this mark my words they will PAY!" Kale yelled as he picked up a chair and threw it across the room watching it smack against a wall. "But, first it will be those bastards who refused to answer my calls for aide" Kale hissed. For a moment he looked over at young Kara who was still crying softly. While still very angry himself he walked over to her and kneeled down next to her.

"We, will have our revenge against those who killed her this I vow Kara" Kale said in a soft tone. He hugged her for a moment showing a kind side to him. "I must leave you for a time as I have business with House Trenshaw" Kale told her. Releasing her and then walking out of the room leaving a young Kara still crying softly.

Older Kara had watched everything here and there she had been crying herself. But didn't saying anything just yet letting Kiki have her fill of info on what took place before her. "Do, you want to see more or can we end it here?" Older Kara asked.

The next section showed the aftermath of the event which took place. Things didn't seem to add up to the information Kiki had on this event as she was certain that what happened next was the massacre of the Assassins. Instead, it showed a quite unexpected close moment between Kara and her father, which took Kiki by surprise a little. This didn't add up to the information she had either. She may have to research the situation some more when she next had a chance.

After the evident departure of Kale to 'discuss' things with House Trenshaw, Older Kara suggested that they ended the Link here. Kiki was clearly not too happy with that.

"If you want, I guess we can stop here. However, you'll have to show me the rest soon, understand? I showed you a full memory of mine and I expect the same from you." Kiki answered. "And I'm sure that you'll probably root around inside me some more pretty soon. No backing out now, otherwise you'll be sleeping rough for the next week."

Older Kara listened to what Kiki had to say and she seemed to be upset. At the thought of Kara wanting to stop here. "I'll just show you the rest" Older Kara replied back. Her silence gave Kiki the answer about rooting around inside her mind later on which was true. But she didn't like the rough part of sleeping bad for the next week. Older Kara with a wave of her hand mentioned for Kiki to follow her she walked out of the room and Kiki followed her. The pair entered into another room to find young Kara sitting on a bed the bed appeared to be quite large. Covered in black sheets and covers around the room were some tables, chairs and pictures of young Kara together with her parents. The room they were in was located just off to the side of Kale's office.

Young Kara had the blank look on her face she was no longer crying. Above young Kara's head traces of magic seemed to be gathering overhead. The magic was slowly turning darker and more evil as inside her mind she was reliving the finding of her dead mother. Moments later the magic seemed to fade away as Kale came into the room. Having returned from 'discussing' things with House Trenshaw. If one were to look at him they could notice that his appearance had changed his clothes were ripped in places and blood covered some parts of his face and hands. Some of the blood was his own and those of other people. Most likely some members of House Trenshaw Kale walked up to young Kara and kneeled down to her.

"We, will need to be going into hiding for quite a while Kara" Kale told her. He went over and took a suitcase out of one of the closets he started packing a few sets of his own clothes. Inside of it as he was doing so he spoke up once more. "I believe we will be much safer that way as I'm sure House Trenshaw will come searching for me very soon. After all I did just kill several members of their House for refusing to answer my call for aide." Kale tells her as he finished packing.

It would later be known that Kale had in fact killed about 10 members of House Trenshaw. This evening he wasn't able to kill the leader of the House. As they were away at the time but Kale had killed some of the lower ranking members. "We, will have to return home to get your clothes which should be safe enough" Kale added in. As he stopped before her once more he looked down at her and then whispered something to young Kara. Which Kiki wouldn't be able to hear but Older Kara knew what it was.

"I said we'd have our revenge Kara we will but you will be the one to do it Kara. You will be the person whom shall get our revenge" Kale whispered. He took young Kara by the hand and led her out of the room.

Kara decided to keep the Link open for now and they moved on to the next section of the Memory. In this section, it was the conclusion of Kale's 'discussion' with House Trenshaw. Due to how he was acting and pretty much forcing Kara to go along with him showed that he more than likely got his message across.

It turned out that they went into hiding shortly after this, or so Kale had intended. This bought a smile to Kiki's face as she knew that, even if House Trenshaw's target skipped continents, they'd still be found eventually. It's just the way the House operates. After all, killing is business to them so failing to take out a Target is considered to be failing at their Job. Nonetheless, whatever bought comfort to the ones on the Hit List.

What slightly annoyed Kiki was the fact that she probably missed a crucial piece of information at the end of the exchange before Kara and Kale left for hiding. Form her perspective, it seemed that this Memory Chain was coming to its last link as she couldn't really find many more directions it could go in, but that could just be down to her lack of information. Overall, she's been satisfied what what she's seen so far so it didn't really bother her that much. However, this section didn't really clear up what caused Kara to turn to Darkness magic.

Before Older Kara and Kiki were about to move onto the last link. In this series of events as Older Kara looked at Kiki she could see that she looked slightly annoyed. After Kale and her younger self and left the room knowing that she was currently hiding something from Kiki. Older Kara whom still remembered her father's words to her that day so long ago. She felt like letting Kiki know what was said as if she kept hiding this Kiki would grow more upset with her as time went on.

"I take it that you weren't able to hear the words my father told me. So, I will tell you what he said to me this is what he told me 'I said we'd have our revenge Kara we will but you will be the one to do it Kara. You will be the person whom shall get our revenge'" Older Kara told her. Before mentioning for her to follow her both girl's soon left the room. Moments later they arrived at the last link of these chains of memories.

Both girl's now found themselves in a wide open stone courtyard. They were completely surrounded by high stone walls and cherry trees. Not far from the pair was a large house that looked of Japanese style. From the time of day it appeared to be that of early morning around 7:00am in the middle of the courtyard could be seen Kale and young Kara. They were both dressed once more in their combat gear like before.

The reason why they were battling was because Kale had thought this was the perfect time. To start to train young Kara in their revenge as she was an emotional wreak. It had not even been a complete full day since the events from the night before. Still haunted young Kara whom was clearly not in the right state of mind right now. As the battle between father and daughter went on young Kara was about to through a completely different change of character.

As the battle dragged on Kale had decided to attack young Kara's mind. In a sick and twisted way he called upon the wind to create the illusion of young Kara being back. In her parents room with her dead mother as that was where he had found her. The place before Older Kara and Kiki once more changed to that of a young Kara crying and shaking her mother to try and wake her up. Older Kara looked away not wanting to see this part again.

However something different soon took place the images soon changed. To that of Senka standing before a young Kara she looked like just as young Kara had found her. With the hole in her body and fresh blood pumping out of them. Continuously creating puddles upon the ground soon a voice could be heard.

"Just, look at yourself nothing more than a crying wreak. What a waste of life you are Kara I'm so very disappointed in you. Its your fault that this happened it was you caused me to die. It was you Kara that caused this to happen. Where were you why didn't you try and save me why didn't you help me?" Senka yelled out.

Young Kara hearing her mother say this to her started crying. As she truly believed she was seeing her right here before her.

"I've always hated you Kara your weak and pathetic. Nothing more than a cry baby who always ran away from everything. Your a coward Kara and will always be one why don't you just go kill yourself as the world will be better off without you" Senka replied.

Kale whom had been the one saying these things to young Kara. Using his magic to pretend to be speaking in Senka's voice just smiled. As young Kara's crying seemed to increase with each passing second. Again and again he used these tactics on young Kara forcing her to relive everything again and again. Older Kara had run away from this as she could be seen hiding behind a tree crying herself. Just like her younger self was doing right this very moment crying her eyes out and having to see again and again her mother's dead body on the bed along with hearing the same words over and over again.

It was right then that in young Kara's emotional state it happened. Her mind shattered into pieces as the darkness magic within her fully awakened for the first time. Black waves of pure dark magic began to surge out of young Kara as she started to scream in pain. Grabbing her head as more and more dark magic within her awoke the amount of dark magic that was being unleashed. Here by young Kara was more than anything that had ever been seen before by the Sera's or even Kiki. This magic was pure evil filled with nothing but sadness, pain, death and betrayal. Kara's eyes gained small black pupils, as her hair becomes ashen white as the dark magic washed over her.

As young Kara was finally giving into the dark magic Kale smiled. "You've finally awakened to your true self Kara now the real fun can begin" Kale laughed. As both he and young Kara were engulfed within the darkness. Leaving Kiki and a older Kara alone as this Memory link had finally come to an end, All that could be heard now was Kara's own crying.

The final scene of this Memory was, perhaps, the only scene which raised more than a casual reaction from Kiki. Something changed in her when Kale created the illusion of Kara's mother and used that to berate and belittle Kara.

"Cheap trick..." Kiki quietly said to herself, anger clear in her tone. "What father would ever do that to their own child?!"

Kiki's usual neutral pose had now changed to something a little more animated. She had her fists balled up at her side and her head looking down. Her body was trembling with suppressed rage. If this was the reason that Kara had for turning to the corrupting energies of Darkness, then Kale was the one who needed to be Judged, not Kara. Kara was nothing more than a victim in this affair as well.

Thankfully, before Kiki completely gave in to the fires burning inside her, the image ended and, with it, so did the memories as far as things seemed. However, a Gate had yet to show itself to them. Could there be more to this, or did Kara not accept this part of her past?

Kara was still crying as she had listened to everything. That had taken place in her past memories that were shown to Kiki. The main reason as to why she had been crying for so long was because this time in her past had been rather tragic and terrible. It was something that Kara would have a hard time getting over as back then. She had believed every word that her mother had said to her and in her fragile state of mind. Had excepted everything it had been so easy for Kale to manipulate her to his own ends. Which is what he had done in doing what he did.

There was indeed more to be seen which would give Kiki a clearer answer to her. Questions Kara wasn't planning on showing her anything more. Not yet anyway as of right now seeing this past event was making Kara emotionally unstable. She wasn't sure on what Kiki would think of her now after having seen all these memories. The Gate still had not appeared and the only sound heard was Kara still crying a short time passed. Before the crying finally began to die down and Kara was finally able to slowly calm herself down.

Getting to her feet Kara looked over to Kiki. She used a hand to wipe the tears from her face "Everything that you've seen here today has been true. More so, this last set of memories have always been rather painful to me. Back then I believed everything I thought it was my fault that my mother had died even now. After seeing it all over again I still feel as it was my fault some how even knowing that my father tricked me." Kara said.

She didn't say anything for a while but then spoke up once more.

"The Darkness has always been a part of me ever since I was born. Its something that scares me and makes me sad its something that I don't want to accept. Yet everything that has taken place since this day has all been my fault. Sure I can blame it on the Darkness and say it wasn't me it wasn't me. But it was it always was it scares me as sometimes I wonder what I will become in the future and just thinking about it makes me cry" Kara added.

Kara went silent again for a few minutes.

"Please, I ask you this will you help me in accepting that this is indeed. A part of me and that I can change things for the better where I can move on from the tragic parts of my past and finally get over things?" Kara asked.

Moments later a Gate finally appeared behind Kara. This would lead them outside and back to reality.

After the memories had come to an end, Kiki was left in her angered state, accompanied by the sound of Kara crying. It took a while for her to clam down enough to think rationally once more. She just managed to calm down before Kara began talking once more.

"How could it have possibly been your fault? It's clear that the ones to blame are the ones who did the deed, not the innocent bystanders." Kiki answered sympathetically. The next thing she said was a little off. "Stuff happens. People change, people...die, and others try to justify whatever sick actions they've done in any way they can. The pacifists are always fodder for the warmongers to abuse and control. Life is...unfair, to put it simply. All we can do is carry on, forget what we need to, and remember whatever fuels us to move forward.

"Don't think about it to much. You'll only make your grief stronger and, with it, your negativity as well. This may sound a little cliched, but, don't become a slave to your emotions. Nothing good can ever come of that. I can attest to that, on several occasions. You're not alone anymore. You've got people behind you who are supporting you."

Silence blanketed the space again.

"That's what you showed me this for, isn't it? No one is every completely beyond redemption. We all deserve a second chance, at the most." Kiki finished with a smile.

The Gate appeared after both parties had accepted what they'd seen and they both headed through it, back to reality.

Kara listened to what sort of answer that Kiki gave her. This made her feel much better than she had been feeling and while Kiki was right in what she said. Part of Kara did believe her but another part of her didn't fully just yet though it'd take. Her more time to fully believe what that part was.

"Back then that's what I truly believed, even seeing it now. Is still hard for me to accept, though in time I'm sure I can fully come to grips with this and move past it" She was silent for a short while before speaking up once more.

"Yes, as I wanted to show you the truth" Kara finally replied. Soon she took notice of the Gate behind her and soon headed through it. Back in reality Kara was the first to wake up opening her eyes slowly. She was hugging Kiki next to her, as she remained where she was not wanting to let her go. Yet a few brief moments later Kara did let go of Kiki.

The rest of the evening Kara for a while at least wished. To be alone mainly this was to settle things within her own mind and with Charon and Ryu. Now knowing the truth for starters she wondered how they thought of things. You, could say why she was avoiding them could also be the fact she didn't want to discuss anything. About an hour later Kara had finally fully returned to normal and returned to Kiki's room at the point she was offered. Some food to eat but Kara wasn't really feeling hungry and only wanted to get some sleep.

Seeing as how tomorrow was going to be a rather big and busy. Day for her so, shortly after crawling into bed Kara fell asleep.

After the closing statements from Kara and the progression through the Gate, Kiki awoke in bed, still hugging Kara, who appeared to not want to let go. Understanding how she forced herself onto Kara shortly after her own memories had been shown, she just held Kara in the embrace as well until she was happy.

Once things were reasonably back to normal, Kara appeared to want to be left alone for a while, and Kiki accepted this as she still had some work to do regarding her House's business. Documents still needed an official stamp of approval before they can be filed away or sent out, despite who may have filled them in. After an hour had passed, Kara returned back into the bedroom, passed on an evening meal and went straight to bed. Kiki on the other had, continue with her work after moving into the Study and having a quick evening meal. Kiki decided to call it a night late into the evening as she still had her normal life to lead the next day, as a typical teenage school student, and not the head of a information selling business. Snuggling up in the single bed next to Kara, Kiki fell asleep rather quickly as well. Today had been tiring, after all.