This chapter is going to seem really confusing... but I promise things will make better sense in chapter six. So please bear with me. :)

My wrists are chained to the ceiling, a few of the prime minister's men stand in a circle around me, wielding tasers and baseball bats.

I have been caught.

Two Hours Ago

"00 I have a job for you."

I find myself staring blankly at Heike, shrouded in the shadows of my apartment.

I yawn, "Find someone else, I don't feel like it."

Placing my soda can on the floor beside the couch, I move to lie down.

"You are the best Code Breaker for the job," I can sense his sly smile without even having to turn around, "besides, there is a good chance that you can find out what really happened on that day."

I freeze, Heike has my attention, there is no need for him to specify the day in question, as we both know what he means.

The day Shuuya abandoned the code breakers.

"What's the job?"

"I need you to steal a folder from the prime minister's desk."

Present

"I should have known you would turn out exactly like that brother of yours. "

The voice of the prime minister, causes me to grind my teeth, "Don't say a word against my brother you traitorous bastard!"

The chains rattle as I attempt to kick him in the face.

"Quick! Some one tase her!"

The electricity explodes through my body as the taser hits my exposed side.

My vision grows hazy, my body falls limp, I slip into unconsciousness.

"Neh, Mana?"

I look up from the book I've been reading, to find Shuuya staring out the window as if he's lost in thought.

I close my book, a sign that I am listening.

"If you were in a position, where using you powers to save someone else would kill you... what would you do?"

My eyes flash in sudden anger, but my voice remains calm, "Are you in that position Shu-nii?"

He laughs, "No. I was just wondering."

I hesitate for a moment, and then relax brother has never lied to me.

I avert my gaze, fixing it on a dark corner instead of on him.

"If I were in that position," I shift my gaze to Shuuya, determination flowing wildly through my veins, " I definately would not die until I had destroyed the threat. I would sacrifice myself to protect those who are dear to me without hesitation."

His head snaps to me, surprised by the conviction in my words, his surprise morphs into a smile and before I can react he is mussing up my bangs.

"Mana-chan! You're so adorable when you're determined!"

I swat his hand away, flustered,"Stop saying that Shu! People will think we have a weird relationship or something!"

"Neh! Mana-chan! You're blushing!"

I smack him on the top of the head with my book, and then stomp into the kitchen, "Why'd you ask that weird question anyway?"

Shuuya shrugs, somehow seeming much more serious despite his relaxed posture, "I was curious."

I wake up sputtering, as ice cold water drips into my eyes from my drenched bangs.

The water has seeped into my clothes as well, causing me to resist the violent urge to shiver from the cold.

The chains biting into my wrists remind me of my audience and I begin trying to think of ways to escape my bindings so that I can kill the prime minster myself.

According to the information inside that folder my brother didn't betray us at all, it was the prime minister.

I let out a strangled cry as a baseball bat collides with my ribs, it is then that I realize, my entire body aches. I've been used as a human pinata, and it pisses me off.

I focus my attention on forming a barrier small enough to blow up the entire top floor of the building without the men around me catching on.

I can feel my powers waning, and give them a little nudge. I only need enough to get out of here and tell the others what's really going on.

I stumble out of the building, my legs trembling and my knees weak.

The city is in chaos.

I feel a violent slash across my abdomen, and grit my teeth against the yelp that tries to follow it.

The first slash is followed by a second, this one across my shoulder, and then a third, across my chest the slashes keep coming seemingly from all directions.

I don't have to look to know that the gashes are bleeding heavily.

I've gone lost.

I stumble into the alley, struggling to keep my vision clear as I stumble onwards.

A stray stone catches my foot, sending me sprawling forwards, and straight into a warm chest.

"Mana!" The voice is quiet, surprised, and very familiar.

I could cry at the warmth of that chest, at the security in those arms as they sweep me off of my feet.

"Stay awake."

The command is firm and accompanied with a gentle shifting motion, but his voice quivers slightly.

"Shuuya?"

I feel consciousness slipping from my grasps, and my question is answered with a warning tone, "Mana. Stay awake."

I slip into oblivion.