A/N: Sorry it took me a while to update! I didn't know what to write for a while. Don't worry I figured it out! (I think...) Ah well, on with the story! P.S.- lots of swearing in this chappy! Hee hee!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Pretear. (If I did it would have more angsty fluff to it, lol.)

BACKING DOWN

Hayate's blood ran cold as Himeno called out his name. 'She needs my help! But, I can't move… what am I going to do?' He gasped as white hot pain seared through his heart. "HIMENO!" He leapt through the window after Himeno.

Hayate caught her in his strong arms in midair. "Gotcha." He mumbled delicately. He transported them to the ground in a vibrant flare of cerulean light.

As quickly as it had come on, Himeno's will to live had dissipated once more. She swiftly grew extremely furious. Himeno was becoming the Princess of Disaster, and she was welcoming the power.

Hayate moved to set her down and smiled at her with joy shining in his eyes. "Himeno, I'm so happy that you came around."

She finally had enough of this. Her feet touched the ground gracefully as a sharp sword appeared. Without hesitation she grabbed the hilt. Hayate stepped in front of her, stunned. "H-how...?" was all he could gasp as Himeno lashed out at him.

Hayate darted out of the way just in time. He conjured the wind sword and stood in a blocking stance. "Fight me, you god damned coward!" Himeno called tauntingly.

"I won't fight you." He said vacantly. His thick bangs fell to cover his heartbroken eyes. 'What is happening to her?'

"Fine I'll kill you then!" Himeno thrusted her sword forward, missing by inches. She struck again, this time Hayate blocked with his own weapon. "STOP THIS!" Hayate yelped as she swiped at him relentlessly.

"You made me who I am, you can't cover it up. Pretending I'm not real won't hide the truth!" She grazed the tip of her weapon along his leg. Hayate staggered a little but managed to hit her sword out of her hands.

She yelled in rage as the sword disappeared. It was replaced by a long purple whip with sharp barbs on the tip. She gave two blows before pausing.

"Hayate, why won't you fight me? Can't you see I'm trying to fucking KILL YOU?" She said gradually elevating her voice to a scream.

Hayate silently stepped forward. Quickly Himeno seized the chance to disable him. Her whip wrapped around his sword and she jerked it forcefully. Hayate was defenseless as the wind sword clattered to the ground noisily behind Himeno.

She let out a menacing laugh but Hayate just stood there with his head lowered. Himeno charged at Hayate but he didn't move.

"I WANT YOU TO FIGHT ME YOU FUCKING DUMB ASS!" Himeno yelled while she battered him. He fell to his knees with a groan of pain.

Hayate slowly lifted his face to look at Himeno. She stepped back in surprise. "What? Why?!" she said regretfully.

Hayate's eyes were filled with tears as he looked at the Pretear that had stolen his heart brokenly. "Please stop Himeno… please…" He whispered sorrowfully. Himeno dropped to her knees as well. Hayate's beaten body hit Himeno hard. "Did I really… Did I really do… all this?" she mumbled to herself.

It pained Hayate to see her looking so lost. 'Himeno…' His heart felt empty. Himeno suffered when she saw the look on Hayate's face. She was suddenly weak as she swayed slightly.

Hayate slowly rose to a kneeling position. He stood slowly with hurt in his eyes. Stumbling, he limped over to Himeno and dropped down to her eyelevel.

Her fiery eyes were shrouded in shadow as tears slid down her pale cheeks. Hayate lifted her chin with his hand and stroked her hair softly. Then Hayate unexpectedly tackled her into an embrace. Himeno's eyes enlarged in surprise as he tightened his grip.

"Himeno come back to me. I- I love you!" Hayate stuttered. She stood up rapidly, pulling herself away from him. "I don't… understand…" Himeno fell into Hayate's strong arms as everything went black.

A/N: Well… I think there will be one more chapter… criticism welcome. R&R, Kay!