"I don't see anyone!"Chocolate eyes dart through the crowd. None of the faces in the crowd where faces they knew. Their feet pounding hard on the concrete, heart pumping faster than ever. Their breathing deep and tiring. Their chest felt on fire, they were not condition for running. But it didn't matter, so they push through.

This wasn't about them now. It was something more urgent, they managed to move out the way of others standing by. Bumping into a few, quickly throwing an apology over their shoulder. Their eyes hadn't spotted anyone yet. Where in the world could they be? It shouldn't so hard to find them at regionals, now that it was over. The first place they went to was the stadium where the pool was, finding the whole thing over. People and couple of teams still in the stands and by the pool. While others begin to clean up and pack up. So they had to find them in scattered crowd. A part of them wanted to take a break from this running, their legs burning and tired. So tempting but the couldn't give in. They just had to find .

A pair light blue eyes notices them and calls out.

"Yana! Yana!"Aiichiro calls to her rather surprised to see her.

Hearing her name Yana stops and turns around finally seeing someone she knew. Aiichiro relieved she hurries over to him, throwing her arms on his shoulders nearly scaring the young man.

Heaving heavily before Aiichiro could even get out a question, she speaks. What she had to say he couldn't believe it. Confused for a second, before his eyes realized the severity of her presence. Without another word they rush over to Seijuro.

Over with the Iwatobi team, because of what they did allowing Rin to swim with them on their team changing it up out of the blue. Got them disqualified, but all for a good cause and reason. To bring that bondage and feeling that was lost for so long. That feeling of swimming together again like in the old days. So in all it really wasn't a lost. Besides being disqualified both themselves and Samezuka. It was hard to but upset at them. With no reason to continue or going to further, they packed up ready to head back, when they notice the Samezuka team come running over to them.

"Big brother?"Gou looks seeing her brother and the others. Giving them a puzzled look. Wondering why he and his team first looked like something urgent was wrong and secondly their reason for coming over.

Rin was able to reestablish his broken friendship with the others. That was what he truly wanted and was given. So what did he actually want? Seeing the way his eyes and the others Seijuro, Aiichiro and the others on the team eyes searched frantically in their little small group and all over.

"Damn it!"Seijuro grunts frustrated."I don't see her! Okay some of you fan out that way, the rest of you go speak with any of the administrators to see if they know anything!"

"Yes SIR!"they salute and rush off, leaving Rin, Aiichiro, and Seijuro.

"What's going on? Rin?"Nagisa asked rather scared watching the members run off."Who are you loo-"

"Did you get a text from May?"Seijuro snaps at him, nearly making the blonde jump out of his skin. Nagisa wasn't sure what he was talking about which only upset the Samezuka captain more."Any of you? Well? Did you?"he demands from all of them.

It was clear he was hot right now and it had something to do with May. But they didn't know what he was talking about. Looking to Rin who had a similar manner like his captain but less hostile. But still worried. There needed to be some sort of explanation and clearly none of them where giving it, leaving the rest rather baffled.

"What are you talking about a text from May?"Gou looks to her brother. Then to the team."What's going on? We didn't get anything? Guys?"

Right then Rin realized they didn't know. Which didn't help Seijuro only made him more upset."But,"Aiichiro now started to become rather puzzled."That's the text I got."He takes out his phone and shows them. The team reads it: I will be with the Iwatobi team."See."

The guys look at one another still confused but now started to become worried. When Rei realized something, he takes out his phone really quick and goes through his messages, finding what might help. Seijuro notices this and calls him out."She texted you?!"he demands going over to him. Nearly towering over him, slightly intimidating the first year."Well?! What does it say?"

Finding the text, Rei was astonished when he read it."It says, I'm doing fine. No need to worry, I will be at regionals. With Samezuka."

"What? That makes no sense."Rin snaps frustrated."Damn it...Wait? What do you mean she said 'I'm doing fine. No need to worry' What happened?"

"Hold on? What's going on?"Makoto brings it back. Leaving Rin out of the loop about Rei's text. No one had said anything to them."What does this have to do with May?"

"You mean,you don't know?"Rin sighs, looks at his captain. Who's scowl was getting deeper by the second with the situation being unresolved. Turning back to his friends Rin tells them."It's about April."

The sadness in his voice and grievance in his eyes. Really got their attention."What about April?"Makoto demands, stepping to Rin."What about April? What's happening?"

Rin looks away, it was hard to tell what he was feeling. But, it was clear it wasn't good."..."Haru steps forward, the others look at him."It's clear she isn't here. She wouldn't come to a place like this, not in the state she's in."Turning to Makoto and Nagisa,then over to Rin.

"What are you talking about?"Seijuro demands along with Aiichiro.

Understanding Rin turns to his captain."Sir. We'll find May. It's best for you to hurry up and get to April."Seijuro looks at Rin, who stares back unwavering and assuring the captain. Feeling a bit of confliction for a second, Rin could see the heavy burden of the situation weighing in his captain's eyes.

Hesitant to actually allow this, but he knew it was the only way. Torn between two, finding the missing sister. Or being with his girlfriend, who needed him. They both did, if he didn't come back with his girlfriend's sister he wouldn't know what to say or even feel like he deserved to be by her side. The reality he couldn't be in two places at once, and he didn't know May like the others. Who clearly had an idea of where to find her. Time was of the essence right now. There was no time to debt.

"Fine."he agrees, looking at each of them."But you better find her. I mean it."

"We will."Rin assures him, turning back to the others.

Keiko dark green eyes watch and read carefully April's vital signs on the monitor. It seem fine, from what she could tell. Not being a nurse nor doctor didn't really help right now. Her breathing seem to doing alright, from what she could tell. Looking her bed ridden friend, watching her chest slowly rise and fall. It seem normal then again maybe she could be struggling. It was quiet in the room, so she could still hear the wheezing. The doctor gave her a oxygen mask to help with the breathing. Which seem to be doing the trick. The sounds of the beeping noises of the all monitors in the room made it even less pleasant. She looked so pale and so weak. If she and Yana hadn't come over when they did, who knows what could have happened. Her younger sister wasn't there, she went to Regionals. Or so that's what everyone thought, Yana texted her telling her that May wasn't there. No has seen her. It shocked Keiko, but that's what...where could May be?

The girl wasn't answering her phone at all, April had given her and Yana May's number just in case. Everytime she called, it went straight to voice mail, and each time Keiko left a message until the inbox became full. So texted the girl. Only to get no return. It was like May didn't want to be found. But, that was it, she needed to. She needed to be here right now. Did she even know? The condition April was in, wasn't looking well at all. And what made Keiko upset was that, from what the doctor's said her condition has been like this since the beginning of the year. They were rather amazed at the fact April managed to prolong it with showing any really side effects, until a few weeks ago.

Admitting to herself, Keiko noticed some things different in April's behavior. Just minor things and April being April quickly covered it up. Putting all her energy into her sister. Her sister who from what April relied to them, wasn't the same anymore. Something was wrong and April wanted to know what. But, May wouldn't allow her too. Taxing herself out to try and make things good for May and deeply worrying about her welfare. Keiko didn't understand why April didn't just confront her sister to see what was wrong. It would have spared her. The only response April gave her and Yana was a simple smile. They never knew what that smile meant, it puzzled them.

Did she have any right to be upset with April? Keiko wondered. Looking at her weak friend. Tears forming in her eyes. She, April and Yana have known each other since middle school. The new girl from America, with red hair and fierce blue eyes. That smiled at everyone in the class. With attitude that scared many, and made others laugh. Willing to stand up from another, not afraid of a challenge. Always friendly and laughing. It gained her many friends and followers. All the way to High School. April was a spotlight at school. Many knew her. Keiko and Yana felt so lucky to be her best friends. They went through everything together, even when April's life took a traumatic turn. It always amazed Keiko and Yana the smile she kept on.

Now, there was no smile on her face. None at all. Reaching out to touch hand, squeezing it. Begging for April to smile again.

"I don't see her!"Nagisa alerts the others. Scanning the park."She's not here."

Makoto, Haru and Rin come after him and take a quick gander around. They saw no sight of the pink hair girl. They where sure she would have come here, from what they remembered as children. Whenever May became upset because she was sad, she would often be found here. Sitting on the bench or swing. Looking down at the sand. But there was no sight of her.

"Damn."Rin grunts."Nagisa, I thought you said she would be here?"

"I-I thought so too."Nagisa stammers rather confused too."She use to."

"We've got to find her."Makoto said to be cut off by his phone. Taking it out he answers."Yeah? No, we haven't found her yet. We're going to try looking...Wait? What?! Hmmm...Thank you, Rei."Hanging up the call, finding the others looking at him desperate to know what was just said. The somber look in Makoto's eyes told them he knew something.

Nagisa's eyes drop slowly."Well?"Haru said."What did he say?"

"He said things are looking rather grim."Makoto tells all of them."Seijuro is there in her room, she comes and goes. Asking about May."

"We've got to find her."Rin said determined."If she's not here...something tells me she won't be where we all think she might be."

"Meaning she doesn't want to found."Haru states it."We know if May wants be unnoticed she can do that. And from what Rei told us it seems that way."

"Don't say that!"Nagisa cries."We have to find her. You all sound like your giving up on her already! We can't do that!"The guys look at him, frustrated tears in the corner of his eyes."We can't think that we can't ever find her!"He raises his voice."She thought that before, remember!?"

His resonated with all of them. He was right, completely right. The first day she came into their classroom, they remember seeing a small lonely and scared girl standing before a many of eyes. In a strange country. Everywhere she went she was surrounded by a sea of millions of eyes. A lonely island. In an ocean of isolation. Until they came over and introduced themselves, taking her hand and bringing her with them. Allowing her to see and experience what truly wanted more than anything. She didn't feel alone anymore. Nagisa reminded them, when she had expressed how she had felt before they came to her. She was glad to have them. Which explained why she enjoyed taking so many pictures of them. And enjoyed doing anything with them.

Though it ended just as quickly as it came, first when Rin went away. She was taken too. They didn't know why at first when she was reintroduced back into their lives. Why she remained distant and indifferent. Afraid and ashamed whenever she crossed their paths. It confused them at first, they tired to figure it out many times. They didn't get any answers until her older sister gave them some clues. Then it was Rei who filled in Makoto, Nagisa and Haru that day, May came over. What he told them made it all so clear to them. The last three and half years of her life. When they quickly informed Rin when they went off to find her. He was just as shocked, but seem to understand. They all did now. If only she would have told them, but from what Rei said. She didn't know how to. How could tell them, when they themselves where broken. She felt she might add guilt onto them. Which was her own. She had begun to lose sight of what made her shine. What brought life back into her eyes. It explained why she hung around the Samezuka team. Why she preferred to stay with her sister. Not realizing the stress she had begun adding onto her sister. Who greatly worried over May and behavior.

Makoto thought back to when April had come in looking for May, finding him and Haru. She didn't have to fully tell them, he could see it in her. But that wasn't at that moment what she said. It was during the festival. She some how spotted them and went over to them. Disclosing important words, peaceful words. That it seem to put her at ease. Ending it with a thank you.

None of them understood why their old friend would think it wasn't significant. Even with their sister, they thought it was. Which was why she always carried that false smile. Was right for them to be upset? They would have welcomed her back, if she just would have...

"I have an idea of where she might be."Haru said. They look at him. He was sure of it. Not an ounce of doubt in his eyes. Makoto realized where he was talking about. Nagisa and Rin at first lost, to realize it to.

"Let's go then."Rin tells them, taking the lead. There was no time to waste. None at all. If Haru was right, that would be great. Because this was their last shot at finding her.

Everything was so quiet. So very quiet. When one is alone. Lost in an ocean of loneliness, it seem befitting right now. An old feeling that was thought to have been forgotten. Only to be waiting this whole time to come back. An old friend. That became the only friend those last three and half years. So bleak. So cold. Uncaring. Why couldn't their grip let you go? To be free again. Why did it have to drag you away? Leaving nothing but brokenness. A large gap between yourself and joy. A sweet fruit just in reach, inviting but became forbidden. Cast again back on the island of isolation. With noting around you. Everything stripped from you. Those fearful screams never left, they remained your nightmare over and over again. Coldness became your blanket. No matter how desperate you tired to escape, there was no hope. Crushed in a box, tied with chains. To keep you back. Why did that have to happen? No one could hear your calls, even when you screamed your loudest. Joy and happiness was what you wanted, when finally you where released. To find it all in shambles. Nothing remained of life long ago. What you deeply tired hard to persevere. Finding nothing. Only a simple shard that still remained. Your hands bleed trying to pick up each piece. It hurt. Blood staining each piece you tired to mend back. The pain soon turned into numbness. That you didn't care. As long as you had this little shard, you keep it safe. Forever. Clench in your fist forever. It was all you needed. It was all that remained. And gave you joy. Not these shattered pieces. If alone on this island you must be, then you will remain. Curled up and await your permanent sleep. Allow the waves of the ocean to slowly submerge you into the depths of forgetfulness. They had already begun, just nearly there. And you would sink forever. Your tears would forever be mixed with the ocean and no one would know. No one.

Just like before.

You stood there crying while others cascaded around you. Paying you mind. This was so scary. No one cared that an eleven year stood alone and cried. They didn't care. Not in this place. No one cared. The tears wouldn't stop coming, until someone made them. Made them stop and forced to remain unseen. Forced to remain inside and turn into pool of unused tears that built up, soon to become frozen. They didn't matter. Nothing did. A cruel reality. Everything that was once warm and jubilant, now cruel and cold. No one around to come and take you away. Stuck like this for years and years. Slowly dying inside. Why didn't they come? Did they even know? Did they even care? Where was that hand? The hand that reached out, grabbed hold of you, and pulled you out. That hand didn't exist here. Not in this place. Not at all, not even the voice...

"May!"

Your eyes shoot open hearing the voice, no voices calling to you."May! May!"Those voices became closer and closer. Stun and shocked to hear those voices. It scared you, you didn't bother to look back and get ready to jolt. When something grabs your wrist holding you back. Your body goes in shock. This touch it was...fear shot through you and you being to fight against them. Determined to get away. Afraid to turn around and face those shadows. But, your strength was no match for their's. Struggling to get away. The hold wouldn't allow you, pulling you back. No pulling you out. Afraid to look up, shutting your eyes to escape it all. Hoping they would give up, they didn't. In fact their hold on your became stronger. So you fought harder. Wiggling out of their grip, finally lose. You try to run away, to be held back again. They wouldn't give up, not this time.

Just let you go. That's all you wanted, that way you wouldn't be an issue. There was no need for anything broken. Fighting back wasn't getting you anywhere, keeping your eyes closed. Mumbling to yourself over and over again. Pushing out the noise around you. Until it felt something fully grab hold of you, and held onto you. Squeezing you, refusing to let go. Their hold stopped you from resisting. The fight finally ended. Your arms dangled at your side. No strength in them whatsoever. Their embrace brought you back. Opened your eyes. The voices began to form. Finding Makoto, Rin and Haru looking down at you. It surprised you. Seeing them. Your eyes slide to see Nagisa on his knees, like yourself hugging you. Clinging to you.

You could hear him whimpering, in happiness. Or was it joy? Sadness? You couldn't tell, but the way he hugged you told you. He was relieved. All of them where."We found you."he muffles in your shoulder. His whimpers turned into cries. Lifting his head, he looks at you glad. Tears in his eyes. He opens his mouth to say something, but just hugs you again.

Puzzled and still left stun. Until you felt a hand on your shoulder. Looking to find Makoto kneeling down, smiling warmly at you."May. We've been looking for you."

Rin kneels down next, followed by Haru. All of them express their joy to see you, the same ones they had years. From Nagisa's embrace to their smiles. Everything inside began to light up. Your eyes begin to regain their life back. To be reminded of the past. Those shattered pieces and the pain, then numbness. They saw your eyes being to shift back. Until Makoto's phone rang. He seemed a bit bothered, but answer it. You tune into what was being said. Even though he turns away, you heard just enough.

April. Gasping alarmed by what you managed to hear. That one shard that held onto, the only source of your joy, just cracked. You felt it. Makoto hangs up turning around back to you, the long look he had on told you everything. And the way your eyes stared back at him wide and horrified. His eyes look back deeply feeling sorry for you. Feeling your body tense up, Nagisa's hold on you loosens. He stands up quickly, grabbing your hand. Holding it tightly. Flashing a glance at you, he didn't need to say anything. And takes off with you. The others hurry after. Racing against the clock. This couldn't happen again. Not again.

Sister, please...please...you plead to the her and universe.

Everyone was at the hospital, Rei, Gou, Ms. Miho, even Coach Sasabe. Aiichiro, came with Seijuro and his team. Those who could come. Yana was there with Keiko. They shared the room with Seijuro who hadn't left the bedside. Nor his hand that held onto April's desperately. Pressing it up against his temple, praying hard. Everything was quiet, from the room all the way to hallways outside, to the waiting room. Where the others had to wait. The atmosphere was heavy and grim. The only noise anyone paid attention was the ticking of the clock and that was all. Rei glanced at his phone then to the clock. He was sure what he said to the others was urgent enough for them to hurry up. Makoto told him they found her, at the demolished of the Iwatobi Swim Club. A place where they felt their happiest. All their most precious memories remained there. Their old life was once there. Before, it happened. The remnants of their shattered past, that use to be. It all made sense, the text she sent to Aiichiro. About being with the Iwatobi. She didn't mean their team, she meant a place. How could he have been so blind not to notice it. She truly was a intelligent person. Only those closest to her would understand what she meant, though it took them a second.

Knowing they found her was a relief to everyone. Their spirits went up, he quickly went to inform Seijuro and the others. All that remained was if they could make it in time. Each stroke of the second hand pained his heart. His spirits started to drop. Looking over to Gou who no doubt was taking it very hard. This was out of the blue. Solemn and quiet she remained. What could he say to her right now? Nothing really. Glancing over the Coach, he seem to be in same state as Gou.

Rei couldn't imagine how devastating this will be for her, when came. With the knowledge he knew, no doubt this would. He had to keep wishing good thoughts and hope for the best. Despite his logic telling him otherwise. He had to put that all aside right now. She wouldn't need that now. When she would meet up with him at times or text him to talk. Their communication was hidden from the others. She preferred it, which was rather strange. But, the more he talked with her, the more he began to understand and know. Now he wished he would have said something sooner. But he didn't. Afraid he might push her away, wanting to give her a feeling peace.

Logically not the best choice. He should have listen to himself."Captain."Aiichiro breaks the heavy silence, getting everyone's attention. Just as someone comes bursting in down the opposite hallway of Seijuro.

Yelling on the top of their lungs. Running like a cheetah."April!"All heads whip in the direction. Rei and Gou quickly stand about to say something, for them to zip right pass them. Leaving a small upwind behind them, Miho and Sasabe stand up quickly. Watching them run down the hall in Seijuro's direction. Turning back around Makoto and the others follow a few seconds after. Stopping by Gou and Rei, watching run towards Seijuro. About to zip pass him.

But his long strong arms stop you. They watch you try to wrestle out of his hold. But he wouldn't let you, while you frantically try to get out. He remained as composed as he could. They couldn't hear anything, except your yelling demands for him to let you go. To go see your sister. It was clear by the others, he wasn't going to. Aiichiro goes over to Makoto and the others. They didn't need to be close to hear, the scene in front of them told everything. You stopped struggling, shoulders dropped. The petrified and stun look they could see. When you screamed: That's a lie! And when your head just dropped into your hands. With everything quiet, they could hear your sobs echo back over to them. Seijuro carefully pulls you into him. Comforting and grieving with you.

The others knew, time wasn't on their side. Watching this all unfold before them, was heartbreaking just as watching it. While knowing the worst was yet to come. A few of their heads hung low, to hide their tears.

Nagisa who started to shed a few tears, raises his head looking straight ahead and scene still before them."Guys? Should we be happy? Getting May back?"

Rei rest a hand on his shoulder."...Honestly, there is no answer to that question. None at all."