Eh, hate on me for not updating. Going through a lot of stuff. Lifes hard and just keeps getting harder. Oh well. Things will brighten up.

Again, smallvillegirl2(dot)webs(dot)com is my blog spot, so go there for rants. There'll be a good one up and coming.

Thanks to all those who reviewed! And thanks for putting up with my inconsistency, I know I fail.

Onto the chapter! (Recap is underlined and slanted!)

A tall dark figure was gliding towards her.

Amu tried to move, but it felt like her feet were glued to the ground. She felt Miki leave her shoulder and fly away. Please be going to get help Miki…

Amu closed her eyes then opened them to see the figure had stopped a foot away from her. "W-Who are you?"

A deep laughter was heard and the figure drew back his hood. Amu stared in horror at the sight in front of her. This man looked in his late twenties. His hair was black and greasy and his eyes were as black as his hair. The man was pale; almost white as paper. His fangs were protruding out from his mouth. Amu couldn't help but notice how sharp they were.

"It's not important who I am, but who are you?" his voice was smooth and calming, but creepy none the less.

"I-I'm not going to tell you until you tell me your name!"

"Hm, well then I guess we'll be here all night then."

The man laughed, sending a shiver up Amu's spine. She had never been more scared of someone in her entire life. Suddenly, she heard braches breaking and saw a figure running out of the trees to her right. "GET AWAY FROM HER!"

Amu's heart thundered and she turned her head to see the one person she thought she'd never see again. Ikuto was glaring daggers at the cloaked man. He just smiled at Ikuto. "Aw look, young love. How sweet."

The man took a step closer and put a hand on Amu's shoulder. Ikuto snarled. "Hands off!"

The man chuckled. "My my, you have such a temper," he removed his hand from Amu's shoulder and smiled. "There, happy now?"

"No. Let her go."

"Alright, alright. I wouldn't want to get in a fight with a Tsukiyomi," the mist left from around Amu's ankles and she was able to move again. She moved over to where Ikuto was and Ikuto wrapped an arm around her waist protectively. "Well, you're no fun. So long my dear, I look forward to seeing you again. And goodbye to you…Tsukiyomi Ikuto."

With that, he was gone from sight. Amu scanned the area to make sure he really was gone. Ikuto started walking backwards, pulling Amu with him. Once they were out of the black part of the forest Ikuto stopped. Amu opened her mouth to say something but was stopped when Ikuto pulled her into a tight hug. Amu gasped and froze.

Why is he doing this? I thought he hated me? But…if he hated me, why would he come save me? Wait, why was he even here in the first place? Did he come…to find me?

"I-Ikuto, a-are you okay?"

Ikuto released her and looked her in the eye. "No, I'm not."

Amu looked at him He's mad at me. "You're mad at me, aren't you?"

"No. I'm more mad at myself then I am at you."

"Huh? Why is that? It's not like you could have known I was here, or in danger…how did you know by the way?"

"I saw Miki fleeing from that area. I was in the area for some hunting and…well I also came to see you."

"W-Why?"

"Never mind about it," he began walking back towards where her campsite was. "You coming or not?"

Amu nodded and rushed to walk beside him. Subconsciously, she grabbed onto his sleeve. Ikuto looked down at her, but her eyes were trained to the forest in front of her. Her mouthed moved and if it was anyone else they wouldn't have heard her at all. "Why did he come save me."

She was talking to herself but Ikuto couldn't help but find a need to answer her. He led her to the left, away from the campsite. Amu didn't seem to notice at all. She just kept muttering things to herself. Finally, when he was a good distance away, he stopped. Amu hadn't noticed and bumped into him. This snapped her out of whatever trance she had been in, and she looked up at where her hand was. She let go of him and looked away. "Sorry."

Ikuto didn't pay attention to her words. "You want to know why I saved you? Why I came here to see you?"

He turned around and cupped her cheek with one of his hands. He leaned in and their lips connected. Amu's eyes were wide, but his were closed. She ended up closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his neck. She was happier than she had ever been before. When they parted he looked her in the eyes. " Did that answer your question?"

Amu shook her head. "I-I think you need to show me again."

Ikuto smirked and they kissed again. This time his hands went to her waist. Hers were still around his neck. They deepened the kiss slightly then Ikuto licked her bottom lip. She opened her mouth shyly and his tongue darted in, greeting hers. Their tongues slid across each other again and again. They never need to breath, but they broke apart anyway. " Do you get it now?"

Amu nodded and Ikuto smiled down at her. Although she was happy, half of her was screaming at her about Tadase. She knew that Ikuto was the one she wanted to be with, but was she really making the right choice. She looked up at him and saw his smile and knew she wasn't making a mistake.

He jumped up to hover, reaching out a hand for her to take. "I'll take you back to your camp," Amu grasped his hand and was lifted into the air. They flew off towards the campsite hand in hand. He stopped when they got there. "I have to leave you here. Goodbye Amu. I'll come visit you when you get back."

Amu kissed his cheek before diving towards the campsite. She landed on the ground softly and looked around. She could tell that her friends had gone to sleep already. But she couldn't sense where Tadase was. She looked around but didn't see him at all. A noise behind her made her turn to see him coming out of the woods. A few cuts on his face.

"TADASE! Are you okay? What happened?"

He saw her and let out a relieved sigh. She ran over to her and enveloped her into a crushing hug. "Thank god."

She blinked a few times but then hugged him back. "W-What happened to you?"

He released her and sighed. "Miki came to get me in a frantic state. I knew that meant you were in danger. I ran after your scent and came across the black forest…but…he found me and we got into a fight. I was lucky I escaped with just a few cuts. How'd you get out?"

"O-Oh….um…I-Ikuto found me. He saved me."

Tadase nodded. She could tell by the look on his face, he wasn't amused, but he was obviously thankful that she was okay. "Right. Well, it's time for you to sleep. You can sleep in the camper. There's a bed in there for you."

Amu grabbed her things and then headed towards the camper. She threw her things in but didn't go inside. She shut the door and spun around to face Tadase. "I was an explanation. Who was that? Why was everything black? Why couldn't I move when there was mist around my feet?"

"I'm not allowed to say anything. Hikari told me not to. I'm sorry."

"Would he have killed me? Tell me that."

"Possibly…He probably would have tortured you THEN killed you. He's evil and you need to stay far far away from the black part of the forest. That's all I'm telling you."

"B-But he knew Ikuto by name! What about that?"

"It's time for you to sleep Amu."

Amu knew she wasn't getting any more information out of him. "Well what about you?"

"I had that potion that allowed me to never sleep again. I'm not worried about it," he opened the door and shoved her in. "Now get changed and go to sleep. Miki and Kiseki are out here with me, so don't worry about her."

Amu sighed and Tadase closed the door. She quickly changed. It was dark outside, but she could still see. She hopped into the bed and closed her eyes. Sleep came almost instantly, showing her how tired she really was. Tadase waited a good ten minutes before he opened the door. "Amu, are you awake?"

No answer. He walked in and closed the door behind himself. He sat down beside her and brushed her hair out of her face. Suddenly he hair changed from pink to black. Well…she won't be happy about that. It's a day early.

Amu muttered something in her sleep, but Tadase didn't quite catch it. He signed and leaned forward. His lips brushed against her forehead lightly then pulled back abruptly. What am I doing! She doesn't feel the same way.

"Thanks…..Ikuto…."

Tadase sighed, having his thoughts confirmed. Amu moved slightly and muttered things again. "Tadase…"

He smiled and shook his head. He got up and left the camper.

"You are in so much trouble."

Tadase froze…he knew that voice all too well. Crap.

He turned and saw Hikari standing in front of the fire. Her arms were crossed and she looked pissed. Not good, not good. Not good.

"Uh…hi Hikari. What brings you here?"

"Oh…a little kitty came to visit me. So I think you know why I'm here," she glared at him. "I TOLD YOU TO WATCH HER AND MAKE SURE SHE WAS SAFE!"

That yell was loud enough to wake up the humans. Amu, however, was so tired that she didn't even stir. The girls were all scared and the boys were listening intently. They all stayed silent.

"I'm sorry! I tried to do my best! We had some problems…"

"LIKE WHAT! SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! HER LIFE IS ALREADY RUINED ENOUGH!"

"Do you mind not being so loud? It hurts my ears and I don't want Amu to wake up."

"Fine…but you better explain yourself."

"Okay. Well everything was fine. Then we went out hunting. I guess we didn't go very far from the campsite because Amu's friends followed and they saw us drinking the deers' blood. Well, some things were said and Amu was upset. We got back and all her things were thrown out of the tent. She ran away and ended up in his part of the woods. I-I went to go save her…but Ikuto got there first. She's save at least, and that's all that matters."

"Yes, and that's why I'm not killing you," there was silence for a moment then Hikari spoke again. "Can you ladies, and gentlemen, come out please. I'd like to talk to you."

Yaya screamed lightly. Nadeshiko bit her lip and reached out a hand to the zipper. Rima put her hand on Nadeshiko's shoulder. She looked at Rima and nodded. "I have to do this."

"Be careful."

Hikari sighed. "I'd like ALL of you to come out please."

Nadeshiko nodded. "Come on."

Utau looked at her like she was crazy. "What makes you so sure that they won't kill us?"

"We promise not to hurt you. I just need to talk to you. Come on, the boys are already out here."

Nadeshiko gulped and undid the zipper of the tent. She grabbed Rima's hand and pulled her out. Rima grabbed Utau's hand and Utau grabbed Yaya's hand. When all four girls were outside, they were standing in front of two vampires. There was no wind in the air tonight, but the girls shivered. The boys were standing beside their tent. They went to their respective girlfriends and Nagihiko made sure that he was beside his sister as well. Yaya grasped onto Kukai, crushing his arm.

"Hello, my name is Kuro Hikari."

"H-Hi…I'm Fujisaki Nadeshiko."

Hikari smiled, showing her fangs. Yaya squeaked and hid her face in Kukai's shoulder. Hikari stopped smiling. "Sorry."

Tadase grunted and hovered in the air. He sat cross-legged and stared at the girls.

"W-What did you need to talk to us about?"

"I'd like to apologize for what I did. It's my fault that your friend has been changed into what she is now."

Yaya screamed. "Y-YOU BIT HER!"

Both Hikari and Tadase winced. "Please try not to be so loud. Our ears a sensitive."

Hikari jumped up to hover cross-legged too. "But, to answer your question, that will take some time."

Everyone nodded and Hikari explained all about how Amu was changed.

"So…she's a vampire now?"

"Vampira. And yes, I'm sorry."

The group didn't say anything for a while then the camper door banged open. Amu came out and looked from Hikari and Tadase to her friends.

No one paid her much attention. Rima spoke up. "So how long ago was that?"

"Oh…I'd say a about a week or two."

"Like…when we got her to go into the forest?"

"That's correct. By the way, that was very irresponsible of your girls."

"She's been like that for almost two weeks…But…how does that work?

Amu was slightly confused by all this. "Can someone tell me what's going on? Hikari, what are you doing here? You promised you wouldn't follow me."

"I know, and I didn't. I came to see if you were okay. I had a little visit from a kitty. If that didn't happen, I would have never know what a bad babysitter Tadase is."

"Hey! I'm right here!"

Hikari pushed him so he was floating upside down and cross-legged. Tadase growled and attempted to right himself. Amu walked over and flipped him upside right.

"Thanks…"

Amu ignored him and turned to her friends. She could see the fear in their eyes. She sighed and turned to Hikari. "Hikari, you can see that I'm not wanted here anymore. Can we just pretend I got eaten by a bear so I can live with you?"

"NO!"

Amu turned around to the person who spoke. It was Nadeshiko, and that's what shocked her the most.

"So what, you want a monster to stay in town?"

Nadeshiko winced at the harshness of Amu's tone. "You're not a monster. I'm sorry for calling you that. You too Tadase."

Amu nodded, slightly smiling.

"Can you handle keeping her secret? If not, I can wipe your minds."

The group gasped and Yaya squeaked yet again. Amu winced. "Yaya…please stop squeaking."

"S-Sorry…"

Miki flew off the tree she had been in and landed on Amu's shoulder. Yaya screamed and fell over.

Tadase covered his ears. "PLEASE STOP SCREAMING!"

Kukai helped Yaya back up and Amu took a cautious step forward. No one moved. Rima was looking at Miki. "So do all vampires have bats?"

"That's correct. The council of myth assigns one to every vampire and vampira at birth…or creation."

Miki squeaked happily and snuggled against Amu's neck.

"So this is your bat?"

Amu nodded and took another small step towards her friends. None of them moved, they were too busy looking at the creature on Amu's shoulder. "Her name is Miki."

She moved forward again, slowly. Nadeshiko noticed this. "Why are you moving so slowly."

"I'm seeing how far I can get before you run away."

Nadeshiko frowned. Suddenly she ran forward and embraced Amu in a hug. Yaya gasped, her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets. Rima and Utau's eyes were blank. Nagihiko look at his sister with worry, and Kukai was wincing in pain from Yaya's grip. Rima smiled to herself and ran over to join Nadeshiko. Nagihiko came with her. They embraced Amu as well. Yaya's mouth was wide open.

"ARE YOU NUTS! SHE COULD KILL YOU!"

"Does she look like she's going to hurt us?" She's been like this for almost two weeks. She hasn't harmed us yet has she?"

Utau looked at Nadeshiko and walked over to the group hug. She joined in. Kukai wanted to go with her, but Yaya was holding him back. The girls beckoned her over and Kukai turned to her. "It'll be okay Yaya. She's not going to hurt you."

Yaya let go of Kukai and he walked over to join the hug. Yaya hesitated for a while before giving in and glomping the group. They all crashed to the ground and laughed. Tadase and Hikari smiled lightly, then Hikari thought of something.

"I need you to come with me Tadase. Amu, don't listen."

"I won't…"

Hikari grabbed Tadase and dragged him as far away from the site as possible. When she stopped, she turned to face him. "You're breaking my rule, Tadase."

"What rule? I don't kill people!"

"No…the one about falling in love."

"I haven't broken that rule!"

"Yeah right, and I'm Jesus."

"Okay fine! But it's just a crush, it'll go away! Besides, she liked that Tsukiyomi brat."

"Hm…maybe."

Tadase scowled at her. "Look, I don't see what the big deal is. Even if I did fall in love, who are you to tell me that I can't be in love?"

"I'm not saying you can't be in love, just no with her."

"Now you're telling me who I can and can't fall in love with. Nice."

"Come on, I just don't want to see her get hurt."

"I wouldn't hurt her!"

"So what? Are you planning to marry her? Have kids?""W-Well….I dunno….maybe…if she wanted to….but she loved Ikuto!"

Hikari sighed and shook her head. "Well, just don't do anything to hurt her. Or I WILL kill you."

"I won't. Like I said, she doesn't even like me anyway. Why don't you have a chat with her!"

Hikari chuckled a bit and started walking back to the camp.

"Oh, and one more thing Hikari."

"Yes?"

"Why can't I tell her about Neikan*?"Hikari closed here eyes. "Because some things are better left unsaid."

She jumped into the air and flew off towards her house.

Alright. Decent enough chapter…I suppose… could have written more, but I want to get as many chapters as possible in here.

* - Neikan means Wicked, treacherous. I thought it was perfect.

So, sorry for taking FOREVER with this…

Please review!