A/N: Chapter 6 of Fallen Angel. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own. Shakugan no Shana belongs to the rightful owner.

Special thanks to the reviewers, truly appreciate it.

Bold Words = Alastor speaking

Chapter 6: The Confused Flame Haze

Downtown…...

Luckily the streets weren't too bad since some people took off for an early break. Usually around this time, the road would be congested with cars and people returning from work. The feint feeling of anxiety that I felt in my house left goose bumps crawling all over my skin. I lost sight of Shana a couple of times but she slowed down enough for me to catch up. Being a Flame Haze does have its perks now and then.

"Hurry up Axel or next time I won't wait for you." Shana snapped once we arrived in front of a hotel building. I stopped to catch my breath before giving her a look. I may be the best in terms of agility and being light on my feet but, Shana still beats me in terms of speed and endurance.

"Is this…...the place?" I looked up; the top of the hotel seems to be devoured by the clouds. Now that I saw this, the weather man did predict a few chances of scattered showers.

"I smell it, that nauseous stench of a Flame Haze." Shana glanced around warily. "Come then, let us introduce ourselves."

Oh joy. I thought as I followed her inside. The inside lobby was crowded with guests from other places and waiters that were getting food ready for the customers. The service center attendants were busy getting people in the correct rooms and answering those annoying phone calls. Staff workers rushed about to accommodate their guests and help anyone who has trouble finding a good place to park for the night. Now I understood why there were barely any cars on the road, they were attracted to this place like fireflies.

"Your best room and don't tell me it's not available." A robust voice spoke about the chatter and I craned my neck to get a good look. With a book bag held directly under her arm, she would come off as any other business woman but I got a bad vibe from her. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and her eyes flashed behind those glasses. Hands planted firmly on her hips, she looked very impatient and uncomfortable around so many people.

"Y-yes ma'am…." A hotel staff quickly ushered the woman to the elevator. As they slowly made their way toward us, I grabbed a nearby newspaper and propped it open, accidentally smacking Shana in the face in the process. She was about to yell at me but I shot her a glare and indicated with my head at our approaching guests. Glancing over the newspaper, she noticed who it was.

"That's the one." She whispered to me. "She's the other Flame Haze."

"What do we do? Do you think she'll notice us?" I whispered back.

"I dunno. Hopefully she won't but I highly doubt it."

The ding from the elevator sounded and the door opened up for its passengers. The staff walked inside and gestured for the woman to follow but she didn't. She was staring right at us and I felt her eyes gouging a deep hole through the paper barrier. Shana reached inside her coat, her hand rested against the hilt of her blade.

"Is there a problem ma'am?" The staff asked.

"No. it's nothing." She gave him a smile and walked past us. "Let me just grab a copy of the newspaper." She didn't say anything as she retreated to the elevator, the door closing with a successful ding and the numbers started to light up.

"Whew, that was close." I lowered the newspaper while Shana removed her hand from her coat, the sword hilt disappearing out of sight.

"Nice cover up too, though I don't think she fell for that trick. I think she knows that we are on to her."

"We have a chance at beating her right?" Shana puffs out her chest at that statement, her nose highly in the air.

"Of course we do, who do you think you're talking to? I am Shana, the Flame Haze. Nothing can beat the might of my sword."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." I waved my hands and checked the time. It was pitch black outside and I was worried that we might not have time to finish our work. Heck, we haven't eaten dinner yet. "It's getting really late Shana. We need to get back soon."

"But she's right in front of us!" She protested, stomping her foot angrily. "If we leave now, we won't have the perfect opportunity to strike."

"Shana," I sighed, "She's not gonna run away or leave until she gets whatever she has to do done. You'll have another chance to attack but now is not the time. I am really serious about this."

"You're right…" She finally agreed, letting out an angry sigh. "Let's go home." I couldn't be any happier to hear those words and I followed her back. "But when we get back, I'm going to grill you with my new training regiment."

Hotel room…...

Those kids…...they must be Flame Hazes or at least one of them. They think they caught me off guard with that little trick? Ha. Though, it wasn't a bad move and I give them credit for what they did. Once the staff showed her the room she'll be staying at, she thanked him and took a nice warm bath. Dressed in a warm bath robe and a goblet of wine in her hands, she thought deeply. Strange, I didn't feel anything from the boy but that girl…I better keep a sharp eye in case they sneak behind my back.

"What are you thinking about? My Dear Mrs. Princess Margery Daw?" Her book bag spoke from its place on the bed.

"Quiet stupid Marco." She replied, taking another sip of wine. "What an absurd little city to wander into. Not only is that Corpse Collector being a sneaky little bastard, there's a Denizen and another Flame Haze in this city. Mixed in with those Torches, it's difficult to sense where he is."

"Then why don't you deal with the Denizen or the Flame Haze first!? Smash them! Burn them!"

"That's not a bad idea. I'm surprised you could come up with that plan yourself." Margery eyed the empty glass before refilling it with booze.

"Don't underestimate my intelligence. I can be smart when I wanna be."

Other side of Town…...

"I feel it." Friagne's voice was calm and collective. The Master of Dolls sat in his chair, legs crossed and his eyes opened slightly. "It's a Flame Haze. Unfortunately, this means I have to postpone my hunt for that Mystes."

"Master…Another Flame Haze…..As if that, one with the fiery hair wasn't enough." The rag doll spat those words venomously; her anger was obviously vented toward those who wish to ruin her master's plan.

"Calm yourself, Marianne." Friagne stroked the doll's hair gently. "I've almost acquired enough of the power I need for you. I won't let anyone interfere with the plan. When all this is over, you will no longer be a mere Rinne. You will be an existence and will live in the world as you deserve."

"You have already done so much for me, master."

"No. It's not enough. If not from my power, you would vanish in a matter of days. That's too transient to be a real existence."

"I think you and I share a special bond, one that can't be defined by words alone."

"Oh, Marianne. Marianne." He hugged the doll, cradling her against him. "You said the most wonderful things to me. However….I must see this affair through to the end. That's way I came here. The reason I pursue existences. I'm doing it for you. Everything I do is for your sake." He looked over at a hologram of the city, flashes of light illuminated the surroundings. "Oh, what a sublime sight. Look, so many existences out there."

"Master…."

"Don't worry. Everything is going to be just fine…."