SORRY, SORRY! Don't kill me please? I managed to destroy all the computers in my house while trying to type this up. I finally bought a new laptop. So, I should be able to update about once a week. Light homework days only. I also started driving. Get off the roads if you live in the Chicago area… I'm extremely reckless. I also play bassoon instead of flute in band. Marching Band was a very enjoyable experience and I apologize once again for not updating sooner. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I CHANGED THE END OF THE LAST CHAPTER! GO RE-READ IT!

~ L out

Pain. Pain and more pain. Why isn't it healed? Why do I still feel it? The fogginess around my head started closing in and once more I lost my awareness of my body.

I stared at the weak girl who once seemed to radiate strength, now she was as white as the bed sheets she laid on. The hole in her chest was still oozing blood and her bandages had to be changed often. I remember her from all those years ago, the night my parents died: the pearls shatter on the cement, and her voice whispering reassurances and apologies for her not saving them. She had not changed at all. I don't know how the doctors didn't see her face but apparently her arm was covering her nose and mouth when they took off her mask. When they laid on her bed and started pulling up the sheets they went up over her mouth apparently. I understood the need for a secret identity, especially in our line of work.

There! Her eyes, they moved, just a flutter though. I put my black cowl on and walked out of the room a faint smirk on my face. The team would want to see the girl that took down a "god" by their terms.

The curtains of black started to withdraw from my mind and a whirlwind of thoughts blew through my mind. I felt a grin start to etch itself onto my face. I had cheated death yet again. He will not take me to his kingdom tonight. My eyes started opening slowly, just to suddenly shut. The light was blinding. It hurt. Why does the light hurt? It was blinding, it hurt. "Hey guys! I think she's coming to!" I heard an noise come from my left.

"Can you shut up for a moment, or turn off the bloody lights?" I growled at the voice.

I shouldn't talk… I thought to myself. "Are you okay?" M'gann asked.

I nodded not wanting to talk—it risked my throat hurting again. I tried opening my eyes again and was greeted by the sight of the whole team standing in a "U" around my small bed. I opened them all the way and started sitting up, holding the sheet up to my nose still. "What day is it?" I croaked out clutching my hair.

"You've only been out for three days. The doctors thought you would be entering a coma today and you would sleep for at least a week," Robin said, leaping onto the side of my bed leaning into me.

I stared at him and I couldn't help but let a smile don upon my features. A bubble of mirth burst within me and my wind chime laugh came out choked. Robin looked at me with fear. I smiled at him and just shook my head. "Are you okay Neko?" He asked.

I nodded yes, "My throat just hasn't quite recovered from Sasuke," was my simple reply.

"Well they said you should rest for at least a month," He said.

"Not necessary," I responded, "I'll be ready by tomorrow."

Their faces of alarm were hilarious. "No, no, no! That will not happen!" M'gann shrieked. "You are staying in this bed until the doctors deem worthy."

I stared at her, then to my bed side. My mask was there, I reached out with my left hand to grab it. I slipped it on and dropped the sheet. I lifted up my hospital gown to show my abdomen. I dropped and tried to show the wound from another angle. I pulled down the collar of my shirt between my breasts. I started unwinding the bandages and Robin reached out to stop me. I grabbed his hand and continued.

When I pulled the last one off I was left looking at unblemished skin. I turned to face M'gann and asked, "Do you still think I can't fight?"