Arliss adjusted his tie once more, looking himself over in the mirror. His hand moved up from the black bowtie to sweep his hair away from his face, tucking some loose strands behind his ear. He had been letting his hair grow out once again, going from the clean cut look to the longer, scraggly hair of his youth.

"You're beautiful." Nessa said sarcastically, walking up behind him and running her own fingers through his locks, batting his hand away. Arliss shrugged as she adjusted the each strand before dipping her hands in some styling gel and applying it to his scalp.

"I don't need any of that crap." Arliss said sullenly as Nessa worked on getting him all set.

His girl merely shook her head. "Oh yes you do! It's either that or pull your hair into a pony tail."

The King of the Rare Hunters shivered. He remembered his father doing that, taking his long hair and pulling it back so hard that Arliss sometimes wondered how his dad could stand it. There was no way in hell he was going to allow himself to have that treatment, so he submitted himself to Nessa's gooey hands.

"Stop being a baby." Nessa scolded as she finished her work, admiring his now slicked back, yet still beautiful locks. Her man always did have good hair, and nothing beat getting to play with it.

"Not bein' a baby." Arliss grumbled, adjusting his tux jacket. "Dressed like some damn Yankee ass…"

"I'm a yankee, I'll remind you."

Arliss shrugged. "And I still love you." He dodged a few of her attempts to smack him, rushing out of the room, Nessa hot on his heels. "Keep this up, and you won't be gettin' your pretty flower thing!"

"It's called a…"

"There they are!" Nessa's mother said, grinning as the two of them hurried down stairs. She wasn't grinning as hard when Arliss leapt from the stairs, over the railing, and landed perfectly in front of her. "You shouldn't do that Arliss, it is rather dangerous."

Arliss smirked. "Sorry about that darlin'. Was just impatient, that's all. Want to get my lovely girl to the dance."

"I'm sure you do." Tony Fox said. "And dancing is all I expect from you."

"I swear that I will not touch your daughter, or my name isn't Arliss Lockehart."

Arliss could hear Nessa chuckling inside his head. 'Helps that your name really isn't Arliss, doesn't it?'

'Pretty much.' Arliss thought back. He looked over his shoulder and allowed himself a deep breath as his queen walked down the stairs. She wore an absolutely stunning red dress, cut low on the chest and hung just to her ankles. Her hair was done up, with each dark strand carefully pulled by her mother in a soft arrangement. Her face was done up in a light makeup, serving only to enhance her already beautiful features. Around her neck was the Shadow Choker, polished to a perfect shine. Arliss could feel his own item resonate from under his dress shirt in response.

Nessa finally finished her descent, heels clicking on the hardwood as she approached her lover and nuzzled her shoulder. "Don't worry daddy, Arliss is going to be a very good boy."

"Yup." The southern said. "Scout's honor."

'You weren't a scout either.'

'No need to let them know that.' Arliss thought back, buttoning his jacket up. Turning back to Nessa' parents, he flashed a grin as Martha took a picture. "Remind me again what we are gonna be doin' tonight?"

"It's the New Year Ball." Ton said. "Tradition in the town: The students get all dressed up, head to the high school gym, dancing to really bad music and eat cookies people donated. At midnight, they turn on the scoreboard and make it flash 'Happy New Years!' and everyone kisses while some local garage band plays a bad version of that New Years song."

"For old acquaintances be forgot…" Arliss sang softly, earning a chuckle from his date.

"Dad, you really can't say what it's like…it's been years since you last went to one."

Arliss raised an eyebrow. "You've never been to one, love?"

"No." Nessa said softly. "Never have. Didn't have the right guy on my arm." She smiled holding onto Arliss' bicep.

"Well then, I suggest we get goin'. I personally want to see your classmates' faces when you step into the room."

"Such a sweet talker." Nessa said, leaning in close for a kiss. 'will there be blood and mayhem?'

'The night is young.' Arliss replied in her head. 'The night is young.'

&&&

"Where do you think you are going?" Wesley Misawa shouted, chasing after his daughter.

"Out." Candace said simply, stalking towards the front door of their house. "I'll be back by 1."

"Am? No way young lady, there is no way you are going out tonight!"

"And why not?" Candace challenged. "It's New Years Eve, I believe I have every right to go have fun with people my age."

"That doesn't matter." Wesley told her sternly. "We already have plans for the evening, and you will be staying here. We are celebrating New Years as a family, and that is final."

Candace made a face. "What plans? Why is this then first time I am hearing about such plans? Hmmm? How long have they been in production?" She crossed her arms and glared at her father. "Well then?"

"I do not need to answer to you. I am the parent here."

"Something you could hardly tell." Candace muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Candace said, flopping down into a chair near the door. "So then, what will mum and us be doing this evening." She had seen her mother hard at work in the kitchen earlier, but thought nothing of it, mainly because her mother was always in the kitchen baking something. Harriet Misawa: The woman that, during the Feminist Movement, had been thrilled so many women were marching; mainly because it meant there would be less lines in the shoe shops.

How she had gained her free rebellious spirit was somewhat a mystery to Candace, as it was to the rest of her family. She knew her uncle blamed her cousins on her mother's side, who had also had a rebellious streak…

"Hello there Wesley." A clipped voice called out, opening the door to the home and stepping inside, shaking his jacket off. Candace looked down at the snow which had been so nicely dumped on their hardwood to melt and make puddles, then back up to the intruder…no, make that two…three intruders.

"Hello there Quentin." Candace's father said pleasantly. "So, how are you this fine evening?"

"Well enough, well enough." He said, brushing past the 'man' of the house like he owned the place. "Bea, Bastion, come along now. Give your coats to Candace and let us sit down"

"Yes father." Bastion Misawa said, tossing his coat to Candace, who glared at the back of his head. Bea Misawa smiled softly, hurrying to join the two men that were now seated in Candace's family living room. Their shows were kicked aside, dripping onto the floor, and her Aunt Bea was making her way to the kitchen to get some drinks for her boys.

"Candace, why are you dressed up so?" Quentin asked. "While it is very appealing that you show some formality, this is simply too much. Besides, it will get in the way of the duels."

"The duels?" Candace asked, slowly turning to her father. "I had heard we had plans."

"We do." Wesley said quickly. "Your Uncle Quentin here thought it would be fun to see you and Bastion duel a few games, see what you each have learned at the academy. Test out your skills, so to speak."

"Quite so!" Quentin said with a grin, slapping Bastion on the back. "I want to see how well Bastion here can duel."

"You mean see how well he beats me?" Candace asked. "No thanks…not in the mood to defeat Bastion tonight. But you gents have a pleasant evening." Candace made her way to the door, only to find her uncle pushing the door close.

"Now see here, Candace. We came here for a duel, and there will be a duel."

"And I said there won't be. I have other plans."

"Sod you plans!" He shouted. "We are more important!"

"Because you say so?" Candace challenged. "I have a newsflash for you Uncle Quentin: Just because you keep your hand in my father's arse, does not make you my father. You are merely the puppeteer…that has not granted you the power to command me around. Now, I am leaving."

"The hell you are!" Quentin shouted, grabbing her arm and throwing her away from the door, sending Candace into a wall. "I told you that you would duel, and you will duel! I wish to see my son win!"

"Then find him some hack then!" Candace shouted, trying to control the fear in her voice. "Because that is the only way he will win."

Quentin gave a shout and backhanded her, sending her crumpling to the ground. "Now you listen here, Candace. It is a might shame your father never laid into you before, so now I must do his job."

"Father, she didn't mean it." Bastion said. "Tell him Candace. You were merely joking."

"Unlike you Bastion, I still have my pride." She said coldly. "I will not kiss his arse merely to save myself his rage."

"Don't you talk to him like that!" Quentin snarled, lashing out at her again. "See the daughter you bore, Wesley? See what your weak will created? You and that stupid little trollop in the kitchen." He glared at Candace, who was clutching her bloody cheek, one of his college rings having caught her and torn the flesh. "This is what you get for marrying into that lower filth. Bad enough we must be tied to that scum, Bakura Ryo."

"He isn't scum." Candace hissed. "Just because he doesn't follow your twisted path does not make him lesser then you." Before Quentin could try and hit her once more, Candace punched him right in the balls, sending him crashing to the ground. She scurried away, running back to the door with her still unpacked suitcase in tow. She had already packed for their flight the next day to Tokyo, where they would catch the boat to the Academy. Now, she was glad she had prepared. She turned to see her mother and aunt staring at her, her father and Bastion helping her uncle up. None had tried to stop him from hitting her…why should they? She was merely a girl. No reason to worry about a few strikes on here. "Goodbye." Candace said, heading out into the night.

&&&

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the New Years Ball!"

The teens all cheered as the principal of the school stepped onto stage, dressed in a tux he always wore every year, his gray hair greased back. Everyone was dressed in their best formal where: Guys in rented monkey suits, gals in dresses that cost more then what they would pay on school supplies for the rest of their lives. The popular kids were in the middle, shouting and laughing and generally making fools of themselves. The nerds clung together, watching with half hidden lusty eyes as the popular girls jiggled about. The loners and stoners hung to the back, not really wanting to mix.

"We have a lot planned for tonight. We have the DJ ready for your requests, we have food and drinks all along the walls, as well as TVs set up to see the ball drop. I hope you all have a good time, and I remind you all to be responsible young adults and be safe."

The teens all nodded, though everyone knew, from the teachers, to the principal, to even their parents that were sitting at home, that all the popular kids already had hotel rooms ready to go, for once the ball dropped. The hotel owners loved it, it was like their second Christmas, right before Prom. The doctors loved it too. Meant that in 9 months, they would be getting more business.

"So, have fun and…"

The principal froze as the doors to the cafeteria where the ball was taking place burst open, kicked down by the young man standing in their archway. He was dressed in a tux like the rest, but some how, he managed to make the rest of them look like little boys in their father's over shirts. He was a man, they were babes pretending. He exuded power, confidence, all from a look in his eyes.

At his side was the most stunning dark beauty any of them had seen. Her neck dripped with gold, and hair billowed like a black shadow against her curvy body. Dressed in hell fire red, she was like a modern day siren, a temptress ready to seduce any man she wished.

But everyone knew, from the way they stood together, that she would wish for no man, for the being beside her had tamed the wild beauty, as she had him. They were gods, descended upon the mortals, allowing them one look at their radiance before ascending once more.

The man smirked and strode into the room, his lover following, their long legs propelling them forward rapidly. The crowd parted for them, as if they were the Red Sea, under the command of these divine beings.

Finally shaken from the spell that seemed to hold them all, the principal stepped down from the porta-stage and moved towards the two.

"I don't know who you two are, and while I see that you are dressed for a party, unless you are a member of this school…"

"You don't recognize me?" The woman asked, her tone light and mocking. "Breaks my heart that you don't remember me, Mr. Dohm. I remember you…you subbed for my English class back in the eight grade. I'm gone less then a year, and you already forget me?"

"Can't blame him, darlin'." Her companion said. "You have grown up a bit."

"A bit?" The girl said, running a finger along her breasts. "I've grown up a lot more then just a bit!" She turned back to the principal. "Though, I suppose it is hard to recognize me without all the pink and not babbling about Alexis Rhodes every minute of the day, huh?"

Mr. Dohm's doubled in size. "V…Vanessa? Vanessa Fox?"

"The one and the same." She said with a smile that let everyone know that she was far from the same. "But where are my manners?" She turned to the group of her former peers, a sly grin on her face. "May I present my escort for the evening, Mr. Arliss Lockehart."

"Charmed, I'm sure." He said, a cocky look on his face. "Now then, is there anythin' else I can do ya for?"

"no…" Dohm said, the couple breezing away from him, making a bee line for the food table.

All around them, they could hear the murmurs of Nessa's classmates. Many of the girls were wondering if that was really 'little V.' and how did she end up with the hottie. The guys bit back questioning if they should change her nickname from 'little V' to 'big DD'. Nessa merely laughed at such comments, flashing movie star smiles every step she took. Arliss had his arm wrapped around her waist, his fingers running down her side. She reached up to stop his tickling, only for him to grab her hand and play with her engagement ring that she wore prominently.

Oh, they had told her parents about the ring. Arliss demanded it. First, because he wanted Tony Fox's permission, and second, because he refused to wait until, as he put it, 'nerds to put cameras in their room and catch them in the act.' Nessa had groaned at the obvious Buffy reference. Arliss had forced her to watch all the seasons with him, as well as the last season of Angel, because, according to Arliss "If it doesn't have Spike, f--- the poofter".

Nessa's father had been surprisingly understanding. Arliss had told him that they wouldn't marry until they were out of the academy, and that he promised to protect his daughter's virtue. It helped he had crossed his fingers on both counts, but in the end, Tony Fox and Martha Fox had given their blessing for Arliss to marry their daughter when the time was right.

"Hello Vanessa." A girl said, greeting them with a plastic smile. Arliss recognized them as the bitches that had insulted Nessa in the gas station. Nessa squeezed his hand, calming his violent aura. She could see the Strike Ninja in the rafters, ready to kill the girls. Only her hand, and the restraining arm of her own KA, kept the duelist and his partner from going on a killing spree.

"Hello Mandy." Nessa said sweetly, batting her eyelashes as she looked down at the girl she had looked up upon just half a year ago. "How are you enjoying the party?"

"Just fine." Mandy said, giving Nessa another fake smile. "Me and the girls where just wondering who did your work."

"My work?" Nessa asked coyly, already knowing what they were getting at. "Whatever do you mean?" She took a glass of punch from Arliss, which he had graciously spiked, and took a slight sip.

"Well of course." Mandy said, her grin reminding Arliss of a jackal. "I mean, I can understand the height…always knew you were freaky, s I can chalk the freaky growth spurt to that…but the face? The body? The…"

"Tits?" Arliss supplied. Nessa looked at him. "What? They are my favorite part… well… my second." He nuzzled her neck. He turned to the girls and grinned savagely. "Oh, they're real…and they're spectacular!"

"Of course they are." Nessa said, stroking his cheek. She turned back to the girls. "Sorry, this is all natural. But I believe Arliss knows a good plastic surgeon, if you want on."

"Oh yea." Arliss said. He pointed at Mandy. "Could do something about your chin."

The young woman glared at him. "What about my chin?"

"Darlin', I've seen knives that aren't as sharp as that thing." Arliss drawled out. "Now take my Nessa's chin. Perfectly kissable, unlike yours. In fact…" Arliss ran his lips along said chin, kissing it gently. "Listen love, I'm just gonna request a song for the two of us, you talk to these nice ladies."

Nessa nodded, understanding that Arliss was leaving as a test. Could she not kill these annoying bitches while he was away? Could she restrain herself from revealing her dark power? A test of her growth. Arliss had been telling her that she was nearing what he called 'adulthood'. For the last couple months, Nessa had been considered a child in shadow magic, Arliss' child to be exact. But, she was close to finally breaking away and becoming not his child, but his equal and mate. And when that happened…Nessa smiled softly. When that happened, they would be ready to begin making their new family, with many more new baby hunters to turn.

Nessa gave the girls a sugary smile. "So, what can I do for you all? Want to hear about the academy?"

Mandy shot back her own happy grin. "Oh, I'd just love to hear about your nerd school and your little nerd friends."

"Don't have anymore nerd friends." Nessa said simply. "Kinda hard when I'm busy with Arliss over there." She took a moment to admire his backside. "You have to admit, he is some piece of work." Silently cheering as all the girls took the bait to stare at her fiancée's perfect ass, the Millennium Choker glowed as she rapidly probed each of their minds. It took only a micro second to get a hold of what she had been looking for, and by the time the girls were done drooling over Nessa's tasty southern treat, the queen of the rare hunters was ready.

"He's alright." One of Mandy's friends lied, and everyone knew it. "Must be something wrong with him though, if he finds you attractive."

"I don't know about that Courtney." She said. "I must have gotten lucky. That man can do all sorts of things to my body…makes me melt really. OF course, maybe you see things differently then me…maybe you see someone else much better?" Nessa stuck h breast out just a bit, causing the girl to look away. "What? I'm just playing with you. I know you aren't into girls Courtney…are you?"

"OF course she isn't you little shit." Mandy said. "She isn't a freak."

Courtney bit her lip, trying to keep the tears from her eyes. 'How does she know? How does she know I am gay? God, please don't let her say a word…please let her not blurt it out.'

Nessa smiled. She could shout it out, but where was the fun in letting secrets like that out. So much better to make the people worry about holding their secrets…the fear made her quiver. She glanced over to her next prey, the girl that was at Mandy's right, her little Mini Me. Nicci was nodding her head to everything that Mandy was saying, without a thought in her little bubble brain. "Of course, you have to be careful with who you date." Nessa said, interrupting Mandy's rant. "I mean, I know Arliss is completely sane, but there are some real freaks out there. How do you know the person you are interested in isn't some freak into animals or chewing gum or their parents." She allowed her eyes to glance over at Nicci.

The young woman froze up, no longer so happy to be front and center with Mandy. She looked around nervously, not able to look Nessa in the eye.

'Someone has an Electra Complex.' Nessa sang in her head. She turned to Mandy and looked at her carefully, a finger carefully placed on her chin as she thought. "You know Mandy, you are rather lucky to have Mike as a boyfriend."

Mandy grinned, looking over at her boyfriend as he talked with his friends. "OF course. Look at him, all tough and strong…nothing like your string bean of a boy friend…and you can understand him."

"Totally." Nessa said. "But it's more then that. Arliss, all he wants to do is travel. In the last week we've been to Tokyo, Paris, we're making a stop over in London later…travel travel travel. And Lord knows all he wants to do is wine and dine me, and take me dancing and on expensive shopping trips…" Nessa sighed. "Oh, the pain of it all. But you're guy…he's a keeper. He is steady, won't force you to jump from plane to plane…hell, I bet you stay in this town the rest of your lives, living in his old childhood home, just plugging along. None of the annoying adventures Arliss forces me on." Nessa shook her head. "Adventure, excitement? A woman craves not these things."

Mandy's face had gone pale as Nessa talked of her exciting life, of things she would never get. Her eyes drifting over to watch Mike smash a coke can against his forehead and laugh. Nessa made her goodbyes and weaved her way towards Arliss, leaving the girls shivering over her comments.

"I believe a Jedi doesn't crave those things." Arliss whispered in Nessa's ear as he pulled her towards the dance floor. "But bonus points for working that in, my dark goddess."

Nessa purred. "mmm, I'm a goddess now? What does that make you?"

"Anything you want…though from what you cried out last night in the hay loft, I'd say I have reached deity status." Nessa giggled as Arliss continued to guide her to the center of the dance floor.

"What do you have planned?"

"Just a little pre-mayhem fun." Arliss said as he nodded to the DJ, moving away from Nessa and lowering his head as the music began to play.

"Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?" Enrique Iglesiss sang softly, as Arliss began to walk towards Nessa, palm held out. Nessa mimicked his movements, their hands barely touching as they began to circle around. "Would you run, and never look back? Would you cry, if you saw me crying?" Their fingers laced together as they continued to circle, each pulling the other closer till they were nose to nose. "Would you save my soul…tonight?" Nessa smiled at the singer's choice of words as the song picked up the pace and they began to move about the dance floor, others quickly getting out of their way as the two dark beings twisted and turned. Arliss held his lover flush to his body, his left hand running down her side as he spun her around faster and faster. He pushed her away slightly, holding her hand up as she began to spin in place, her dress twirling about her body.

"I could be your hero baby!" Enrique sang as Arliss effortlessly lifted Nessa into the air. She held still as he kept her aloft, the crowd cheering as she slowly slinked down his body like a snake until her toes touched the ground. As the refrain continued, the two moved about the center of the dance floor, the faces of Nessa's former classmates blurring as they focused only on each other, their bodies in perfect harmony as they moved to the beat.

"I can kiss away the pain." Arliss sang low in her ear, his silky smooth voice making her shiver as she ran her backside all along his groin. "I would stand by you forever. You can take…my breath away." He whispered, capturing her lips for a tender kiss as the crowd applauded them.

&&&

"Brrr…it is so cold!" Dr. Crowler murmured, wrapping his arms around his thin frame, as if hoping to keep the heat within himself.

"Quiet." Chancellor Shepard hissed fearfully, huddled behind a fallen tree. "He'll hear you."

Syrus nodded. "We barely managed to give him the slip…" He shook his head sadly. "Poor Chumley…he just didn't see that bear trap coming…who knew Jaden even owned bear traps!"

"Snap out of it!" Banner shouted, slapping Syrus hard, a crazed look in his almost closed eyes. "This is war Syrus, and there will be casualties of war! Don't mourn the dead, honor the living, because we are the living…and we will live on Syrus!" He began to shake the young duelist hard. "We will live on! Remember the Alamo!"

"Can we just offer him up to Jaden?" Zane asked with a sigh, crossing his arms and setting himself onto the muddy ground.

"Hey guys!" Jaden shouted, bursting through the clearing. "Who's up for a…"

"RUN!" They all screamed, taking off though the forest as fast as they could, Jaden on their heels.

"Oh god, he's getting closer!"

"Keep running!"

"We'll never make it!"

"I hurt my leg!"

"Dr. Crowler!"

"Leave his ass!"

"NO!"

"Wait up!"

"Must go faster!"

"Get your game on!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

&&&December 25, 1 minute to midnight.&&&

"Are they there?" Nessa whispered to her lover as they sat in foliage of a large oak tree, looking down at the all the cars parked there, then back at the hotel. "Because…I'd hate to waste…"

"Oh, they are there." Arliss said. "They always leave the party early?"

Nessa shrugged. "Pretty much. They like to start the New Years off a bit different."

Arliss raised an eyebrow, but instead of answering, looked at his watch. "In 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…"

"Kaboom you slutty f---s." Nessa laughed, pressing the detonator and watching as the Off Ramp Inn exploded, fire and lumber hurtling into the sky as flames erupted from the old place, incinerating everything. "Oh God!" Nessa moaned, her aura flaring up in response to the agony and death she felt. She moaned thrashing about, Arliss gritting his teeth as waves of ecstasy poured into them, each drunk off the pain and suffering that came from all they had just killed. They fell from the tree, not even feeling the earth collide with their forms, never stopping from tearing the clothing from their bodies and embracing each other. Their moans and cries were drowned out by the wails of fire trick sirens all around them.

&&& January 1st&&&

Candace Misawa frowned, shifting in the hard airport seat, wishing that she could find some way to get comfortable. After wandering around London for a while, she had finally hailed a taxi and ended up at the airport, hoping that she could get her flight changed to one that wouldn't have her near Bastion. They had told her that they could only guarantee a seat on a flight leaving at 8pm, but suggested she wait around in case there was a cancellation in another flight.

That meant that Candace was stuck in the airport all day, hoping that a seat would be ready. Of course, she also had to try and avoid Bastion, not wanting to deal with him and his questions.

She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a ringing noise. Rummaging through her purse, the young woman found her cell phone. "Bastion, I don't want to hear anything you have…"

"Lassie, I think ya might want to try and work on yer manners some."

Candace blinked in confusion. "Hayden…is that you?"

"No lass, it's the groundskeeper from that Simpsons cartoon show. Of course it is me!"

"I am so sorry Hayden, I thought you were my wanker of a cousin."

"A wanker, ya say. I sense things haven't been goin' well for ya on this trip, eh lassie?"

Candace rolled her eyes, then realized that Hayden couldn't see her doing say. "To say the least. My ass of an uncle…well, he decided to get a bit to physical for my taste."

"You're joking, right lass?" Hayden said. "Because I swear, I'll fly in right now, and kick his limey ass right now if he dared to lay a hand on you!"

"You're sweet, but I already gave him a nice kick to the bits."

"OH! In the mom/dad button?" Hayden groaned. "Lass, I don't know if I should be proud or scared."

"How about both?" Candace said with a laugh. "So, how has your break been? Had a good Christmas at home."

"…no, me dad, he decided to break into the eggnog a wee early."

"How early?"

"In October."

"Ouch." Candace said, walking over to a window to watch the planes. "That sucks."

"Yea, he got a wee bit verbal with me, can't stand to see him like that. Ended up leavin' the house shortly after I got there. It was alright though, I stayed with my mom, spent the holidays with her."

"That was nice of your mom." Candace said. She paused, looking up to see Bastion heading towards her. "Listen, I need to go Hayden…but I'll see you when you get back to the academy. Oh, and say hi to your mom for me!"

Candace quickly snapped her phone shut and hurried to find a bathroom to duck into.

&&&

"Bye Candace." Hayden whispered softly, shutting his phone and getting up from the bench he had been sitting on. Gathering his stuff, he wondered through the stone before he came to his destination.

Looking down at the spot, he allowed a sad smile to play on his lips. "I couldn't take not hearin' another friendly voice. Hope you don't mind…nothin' to do with you." He ran his fingers along the large stone. "I have to get going soon…but I promise to come back…" He closed his eyes and shivered. "I miss ya mum."

Hayden McGregor silently left, never looking back at the stone that read simply, 'Catherine McGregor- RIP 1972-1996. A loving Wife and Mother'

Next Time on GX Hunters: As the students of the academy return home, they have no clue what is in store for some of them. Arliss and Nessa have plans that will force two duelists into facing them, with stakes that will test the strength of each group. The rare Hunters are about to reveal their existence, and nothing will be the same, next time: "Lightning At Midnight Part 1"

Author's note: This is the beginning of the dark chapters. Death, violence, and broken homes all begin to show how the past can make us, and how behind even the happiest clown lies a tortured soul.