Man, this one has been a long time coming! I deeply apologize for the lack of updates, but college has become far too much of a hassle. I lost inspiration in all the stress of college and, literally, gave up on everything for a while. I even stopped going to class for about a month. Homework was left undone, and my grades dropped immensely. I paid dearly for this, but now the year is over and I've learned my lesson.

Anyway, this is an especially LONG chapter just for those of you who are still reading! Thank you so much for sticking with me through this all!


Shark continued to laugh, finding this situation so much more funny than it actually was. "What kind of situation is this now? It's so absurd that I'm speechless."

"Ajussi…" Shinwoo muttered.

"W-what are you doing here, Ajussi?" Ikhan asked. M-21 grit his teeth and remained silent.

"We were worried because we haven't seen you around… Ajussi?" Yuna spoke. M-21 closed his eyes.

"Please say something! What is going on here?! And why are you here, Ajussi?!" Ikhan shouted, his nerves causing him to get worked up.

"Ah… Ikhan… Please…" I attempted to approach Ikhan but Shinwoo offered me a glare. "Shinwoo, we're not…" I grit my teeth and furrowed my brows. I turned my head to the side and lowered my head. What could I say that wouldn't get anyone in trouble? Think, Mirai! Your friends' lives depend on it!

"Hey, those kids are asking you questions. Offer them some answers. M-21, you're acquainted with so many people. So do you know these kids?" Shark grinned wide.

"Do I know them…" M-21 muttered after a moment of hesitation. He smirked. "Well… We've passed by each other a few times, but it's not really much of an acquaintance." M-21 paused. I knew he was regretting having to say these words. "I have no reason to hang out with such kids, after all."

The shock on each of the children's faces was difficult to look at. I looked away from them again.

"Ajussi?" Yuna's voice was quiet, filled with disbelief.

"This is getting more and more interesting." Hammer spoke up. "I didn't know that this mission would turn out to be so fun…" He reached into his pockets and rummaged around. "Hm? I can't observe all this fun without anything to eat…" I grimaced at Shark, giving him a disgusted look. "Shark, I'm going to the safe house to get something to eat. Don't be too quick with the procedures.

"That's fine .Come back quickly." Shark approved.

I snickered. "Disgusting." Just as Hammer went to turn around to leave the room, he stopped. His head turned to me with a glare. I returned his glare with one of my own. "What, you gonna hit me?" I teased halfheartedly.

Hammer disappeared and reappeared before me. His leg lifted and before I could react, made contact with my left cheek. I flew back, thankfully away from the children, into the wall. I released a rather loud moan when I made contact with the wall. I allowed my body to fall forward, keeping any additional pain from reaching my back. I hunched over, using one hand to keep me up, while the other rested on my knee. I glared up at Hammer.

"It's not below me to hit a girl." Hammer announced.

"'That all you got?" I instigated. Better he took any annoyances out on me than on the children.

Hammer just smirked and turned away, stammering his way out the door to retrieve more food to stuff his ugly face.

I hung my head for a moment and sighed heavily. I hunched over briefly before standing shakily.

It was only then that I noticed the children actually staring at me, wide-eyed. I blinked, then smiled. "I'm alright. I've been through worse." When I looked further back, toward M-21, I noticed he, too, was looking at me. I shook my head lightly, attempting to reassure him that I was alright. The pain was already subsiding.

The room remained silent for a while before Shark resumed his interrogations. "Hey, brat. What's your relationship with this guy?" Shark, speaking to Regis, pointed at M-21. Regis remained silent. "He definitely knows you, but refuses to say anything."

"Of course." Regis spoke eventually. "There's no connection between us, so there can be no reason to talk."

"Oh, no. You've gone and blurted that out. That was an important piece of information." M-21 smiled carelessly, clearly not caring enough about his current situation.

"A rarely-seen Noblesse like you knows that guy, but you say there's no connection at all?" Shark asked, angry.

"Then do you want us to make a connection that doesn't exist?" Regis glowered at Shark.

"I encountered him by chance while on the job I've assumed. That applies to those kids, too." M-21 lied.

Shark glanced between M-21 and the group before him. I took the silent time to resume my position beside Regis and the children, sitting heavily on the ground beside them. Regis glanced over at me, to which I nodded in return.

Shark turned to me, surprisingly. "What about you?"

"Me?" I feigned confusion. "What about me?"

"Do you know those kids?" Shark elaborated.

"Them? Oh, yeah. I know them from school. We're in the same class." I technically wasn't lying. I was to go to that class every so often. … Even if I didn't actually do it.

"School? Then how do you know M-21?" Shark demanded.

"Well, you know how girls are." I stated, attempting to buy some time to find a quick lie. In the end, I said something true and stupid. Thankfully it wasn't too stupid. "When a girl finds a guy attractive, she likes to get to know him. She likes to look at him." I flinched inwardly at my words and forced down a blush. I shrugged, adding calmness to the excuse. Shark grimaced at my words and turned from me.

I lowered my head immediately and covered my face. Dear god I couldn't believe I'd said such a thing. Sure, M-21 was attractive as all hell, but to admit it out loud? With strangers around? With M-21 in the room? I felt my blush worsen. I chanced a glance at M-21. He was staring openly at me. I covered my face back up and remained there for some time.

"Is that so? No connection at all, you say…" Shark started. "Then does that mean we have no use for those children anymore?" Shock spread throughout the room, causing Shark to grin ear to ear. "Since things turned out this way, those kids are useless. Isn't that right? I was going to use those kids to find out about your relationship, but now all of that is pointless." Shark paused, before continuing. "Since they're useless, I should get rid of them."

"Shark, wait a second." Tao stepped forward. "If they're not needed anymore, do we really need to kill them? It should be okay to use the drugs we have to erase their memories…"

"Tao, what kind of nonsense is that?" Shark grimaced.

"Krantz, wouldn't that be alright? They give us those drugs for times like this." Tao turned to Krantz, speaking lightly.

Krantz seemed to think for a moment. "Not permitted." While he didn't look at anyone in particular, he had an air about him that said his decision was final.

"Krantz!" Tao exclaimed, while Shark cackled behind him.

"We do not leave behind any dangerous factors." Krantz declared.

Surely the children could see by now who was fighting to protect them and who didn't give a shit what happened to them. Surely they could see M-21 and I, and quite possibly Takeo and Tao, didn't want them to get hurt.

"Alright then. Now that it's decided, let's get on with removing this annoying lump of useless baggage." Which particular 'annoying lump of useless baggage' are you talking about? I pondered silently.

"You should be ashamed." Regis spoke. "Don't you know how to do anything besides harass powerless children?"

"Shut up!" Shark shouted, kicking Regis with definite force against his right cheek.

Still sitting beside Regis, I moved closer to him quickly. "Regis!" I didn't raise my voice much, as he was hardly a foot and a half from me.

Regis spit blood beside him onto the floor. "I suppose it is fitting for guys like you." He narrowed his eyes up at Shark. "This behavior would be typical for things that have given up being human." Shark lifted Regis by his hair nearly two feet above the ground. Shark's eyes widened.

"You fucking brat!" Shark lowered Regis slightly before using his free hand to punch Regis. Repeatedly. "I'll make you beg for your life! And even then I won't kill you!" Shark continued to throw punches at Regis, finally releasing his grip on his hair. Regis took the beatings without making a sound. That made it harder for me to look at. "If I take you alive to a research facility, those lab geeks will be all over you!" Shark returned his grip on Regis's hair and struck two more blows.

"Regis…" I muttered. "Regis, please. Fight back. Don't let him do this to you. Come on, you're stronger than him!" By the end, I was shouting at Regis. "Dammit, Regis, fight! back!"

The children behind me started to rile up, shouting at Shark to stop.

I jumped up when I noticed Shinwoo stand. "That crazy fucker…" He muttered. "Stop it!" Shinwoo launched forward, aiming a punch at Shark.

"Shinwoo! No!" I called out, starting forward to stop him. Whether I intended to take the blow, or to block it, I didn't care. I only wanted to keep him from hitting Shark and getting himself into a situation he couldn't get out of. I started at Shinwoo too late.

"Oh, ho?" Shark chuckled, lifting a hand to swipe back at Shinwoo. "How absurd."

The entire room was silent in the following instant. I stared openly shocked at Shinwoo. Somehow, by some miracle, Shinwoo managed to dodge the blow Shark attempted, and landed one of his own. I couldn't stop my laughter soon enough.

Breaking the silence, a laugh found its way out of my mouth, which I cut off as quickly as I could manage, making it sound strangled and awkward.

Shark stood, more annoyed than shocked, holding Regis up by his hair in one fist, and his other fist hanging above Shinwoo's head. Shinwoo ducked beneath the punch and left his fist against Shark's cheek, which curled up, making the scene all the better for me.

Shinwoo jumped back, away from Shark. He glanced down at this fist, which I noticed was bloodied. From Shark's appearance, it wasn't his blood. That meant Shinwoo broke his own skin.

Shark played around with his cheek, testing for injuries. "Well, this is humiliating. You little shit…" Shark raced forward at Shinwoo. "I'll kill you first!" Before Shark could make contact with Shinwoo, M-21 spoke, relieving me greatly.

"If you let those children go, I'll tell you a piece of information."

"What?" Shark looked behind him at M-21.

"Like Tao said, you can erase their memories. I can guarantee you that what I'll tell you is worth your while." M-21 stared confidently at Shark. I hoped, for not only his sake, but the children's, that he was right. M-21 turned to Krantz. "So?"

"I've already said before. We eliminate all dangerous factors." Shark laughed at Krantz's response.

"Then let's continue." Shark turned back to Shinwoo, placing a hand around his neck with force. Shark lifted Shinwoo, who wrapped his hands around Shark's wrists in an attempt to ease the force behind the grip. "Time to take responsibility for your actions, no?"

The remaining children screamed at Shark, begging him to stop. Ikhan actually ran at Shark. I reached Ikhan in enough time to stop him from getting too close to Shark.

"Stop!" I shouted at Ikhan. "He's too much for you humans!" Ikhan stared wide-eyed up at me.

"You still haven't figured it out?! You guys are gonna die!" Shark laughed, looking like an absolute madman. Shinwoo remained in Shark's grip, struggling to breathe.

Behind me, Yuna and Suyi both cried out, once again begging to Shark to stop. Ikhan took my brief distraction to his advantage and ran at Shark, attaching himself to Shark's arm. He actually bit onto Shark's arm.

M-21 remained still. He appeared to be internally debating. Then he smiled. He'd made up his mind. "Go, M-21!" I shouted at him. And, go he did. M-21's claws extended as he ran at Shark. He clawed immediately, and deeply, into Shark's arm, causing him to release Shinwoo with a holler of pain. Shark stepped back and screamed, holding at his arm.

Shinwoo crashed into Ikhan, who both started to fall back. I took this as my cue to catch the two, and threw myself between them and the ground.

Each of Krantz, Tao, and Shark were openly surprised. "His body… transformed?! No way! How can a low-ranking agent transform!?" Shark hollered above his pain.

"Ajussi!" Ikhan called out, overjoyed to see him helping at long last. I removed myself from below Ikhan and Shinwoo and stood beside them protectively.

M-21 glowered down at Shark, standing before the children and me, protecting each of us. M-21 didn't move. He smiled after some time, then spoke. "You guys… don't call me Ajussi from now on." I smiled lightly.

"Your hand…" Ikhan hesitated.

"Don't worry about that…" I spoke for M-21. "Worry about what's in front of you, Ikhan."

"He transformed? How is that even possible? That guy's just a low-ranking agent in the organization!" Shark growled. M-21 clenched his fist. Shark pulled out a small container and lifted it to his mouth. "To a low-ranking agent like him…" Shark muttered.

Before Shark could take whatever was inside the container he held, M-21 leapt forward, dragging his claws through the wall behind Shark and down onto his head.

"H-how can a person do that kind of thing…" Ikhan questioned once again.

"Ikhan. Pay attention to Shinwoo, not M-21." I attempted to demand, finding myself unable to take my own advice. I should be attending to Regis's wounds somehow, or at least making sure he was still alive.

Returning my attention to the fight, I noticed Shark had avoided M-21's attack. "You fucking…" He cussed. Launching another quick attack, M-21 landed a hit on Shark's right cheek. He drew blood.

"Impressive. Is he really a low-ranking agent? How is he able to transform? His movements far exceed those that a low-ranking agent can possibly show." Krantz examined.

"I don't know what's going on either. There was nothing about this in M-21's profile." Tao's voice held curiosity.

Shark was taking all the blows, while not a hit was made on M-21. Looking at Shark's body, I found that the injuries were quite an improvement. They really suited his less-than-attractive self.

M-21 started to aim a strike straight at Shark from above. Just in time, Shark pulled out a blade and blocked M-21's attack, though he clearly struggled to hold the blade in place. "You're getting a bit too cocky… that transformation is hardly striking." Shark commented. As M-21 placed more force into his hand against Shark's blade, Shark trembled harder. He glanced at his injured arm, examining the bleeding.

With a shout, Shark pushed his arm forward and forced M-21 back several feet. Shark stood slowly. "Krantz. I can't tolerate this anymore. I really need to kill that guy right now."

"Krantz, if you let that happen, we don't know when we'll be able to finish our mission." Tao piped up.

"We can start over the mission without M-21, but the DA-5 can't just let this humiliating episode slide by." Krantz spoke. Tao started to object. "Shark. Permission granted. Make sure you eliminate him." Immediately, Shark sent an attack at M-21. I realized almost a moment too late that the attack, if M-21 dodged, would hit us. I moved protectively in front of the children and behind M-21. M-21 could possibly take the blow. I knew for sure I couldn't.

The force, even though we didn't feel the attack itself, that flew at us was incredible. We had to put force against the blow just to remain in our positions. I kept my position behind M-21 cautiously. Shark was above M-21 in the next instant, blade a mere centimeters from M-21's head. M-21 blocked just in time. The two swung and dodged repeatedly, Shark on the offence and M-21 on the defense.

Blocking an attack by grabbing Shark's blade with his hands, M-21 noticeably struggled.

"M-21. I'm going to take my time killing you. I'll make you regret running around as you please." Shark used his free hand and punched M-21 in the jaw. I noticed M-21 was losing strength. His transformation was receding.

"No!" I raced forward to aid M-21, only to race past him when Shark kicked him back to where I had previously been. Rather than stopping, I leapt up and launched an aerial attack on Shark. I pulled back a fist and sent it forward with as much strength as I could. It made contact with Shark's jaw, and much to my surprise, his head snapped to the side. He even had to step back a few feet. I blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered and retreated back a few feet.

"You bitch…" Shark glared furiously at me. "Take this!" He shouted suddenly, lashing out with his blade in hand. At first, I took his swipe as a complete miss of his target, expecting him to aim for me, but realized he intended to strike at M-21. Of course, take out the strongest opponent first. Take care of the weak ones later.

Same as before, M-21 couldn't move otherwise the children would get hurt. He took the blow head-on, blocking with his arms.

"You didn't even dodge because of those children? You didn't even dodge because of those children!?" Shark radiated with laughter. Did he intent to repeat himself?

M-21 stood, hunched over slightly. He swayed. Looking behind him, I saw Regis. He was starting to get up. "It's too loud for me to even rest."

M-21 started to collapse. I flew at him, barely catching him before he hit the ground. I lowered him slowly down. "Why… did you get up so late?" M-21 panted out. For a moment, I thought he was talking to me, until he continued. "Brat. I got those cuffs off you a long time ago." M-21 looked up at Regis. "You… took too long." M-21 closed his eyes.

"I apologize for being so slow. I needed to recover a bit to be able to move." Regis apologized to M-21. For such bad timing, I actually felt a weight lifted from my chest. Regis finally apologized to M-21 for something.

"M-21!" With just enough force, I flipped M-21 onto his back. I placed his head on my lap gently and put a hand on his head. It reminded me of how he comforted me before, when I had an attack. I gently stroked his hair back and leaned down. "Don't you dare die, you son of a bitch." I threatened M-21 lightly.

"You're so noisy." M-21 commented, his voice quiet.

"Better noisy than dead. You ass." I stared down at him, my heart racing at the thought of losing him. "I thought we discussed your death earlier." M-21 scoffed at me, causing him to wince. "Stop, stop. I'll shut up. You just take it easy."

M-21, much to my displeasure, sat up. Yuna and Suyi took this time to approach us. The two removed the jackets of their uniforms and began tearing at them. They tended carefully and gently to M-21's wounds.

"Are you alright?" Yuna asked. M-21 didn't respond, but took the treatment silently. "Oh… look at all this blood…" I could see the tears in Yuna's eyes as she watched M-21 suffer from the pain. How is it that I wasn't crying? I was the one who cared for M-21 above all else. So, why wasn't I crying?

Ah, yes. Because I have to set an example.

Ikhan approached Regis. "Regis. You… are you okay? Just a while ago, you couldn't move because of that injury."

"Hn. It wasn't that bad…" Regis shrugged off his injuries. "Hey, inelegant guy." I smiled lightly at Regis's term. "We have a few things to settle, don't we?"

Shark, rather than responding, popped something in his mouth. Suddenly, his skin grew dark and his muscles grew grotesquely larger. Before Shark could attack, Regis disappeared and reappeared above Shark, landing a blow with his elbow on his head. Shark went flying into the ground.

I watched, barely able to comprehend the fight between Regis and Shark. The two moved at such a speed that I found it hard to continue watching. From what I could judge, Shark was on the defense, and Regis on the offence. Kudos to Regis, then.

Regis landed, from what I could see, a punch at Shark's gut, sending him flying back. When Shark landed on his knees, he kneeled forward and hacked up blood.

Well, that's attractive.

Regis hovered over Shark, holding him by the throat when I looked up next. "Die… inelegant fool." Regis threw his arm forward, ready to put his hand through Shark's throat. I was prepared to watch, too, out of pure spite by now, but Krantz interrupted rudely.

Krantz placed his hand on top of Regis's finding that to be enough strength to stop Regis. I was shocked. Just how strong was this Krantz character to be able to stop Regis so easily?

"K-Krantz!" Shark stammered, panting heavily.

Krantz gripped onto Regis's wrist, tightening it until it openly trembled at the force. I heard a cracking below their feet. The two leapt back, causing a hole in the floor to appear.

Regis stood before us that he wished to protect and held his wrist casually.

"Shark. You continue disappointing me. Stay back from now on." Krantz ordered. Shark started to protest. "I'll call you to account later for disgracing DA-5's image." Krantz returned his attention to Regis. "Did you say… you were Noblesse? You're strong. It seems as though the people we met before, who called themselves Noblesse, were imposters. I will be dealing with you now. I hope that's fine with you?" As if Krantz would really care if Regis minded or not.

"Hn. I was going to dispose of all of you, so the order doesn't matter." Regis declared confidently.

"Admirable self-confidence. But you will have to give it your all. Since I'm different from Shark over there." Krantz praised lightly.

"Why don't you…" Regis lifted a hand beside his head and threw it forward. "Mind your own business!" A sort of… light flew out of Regis's hand and flew at Krantz. He simply stood in place. With a swipe of his hand, Krantz sent the… light flying beside him, where it struck the ground, and exploded. Regis was more shocked than I was. Was the move stronger than I thought?

"Not too shabby. Anything more to show? It's rather lacking in light of your self-confidence from before." Krantz glowered.

Regis ran at Krantz, aiming for a direct attack. Krantz side-stepped with impressive speed.

"Power, speed, all of it's impressive, but…" Krantz paused and threw a punch at Regis's side. Regis went flying. "That is all."

In that next moment, I, having been sitting up before, found myself hunched over with a familiar, powerful aura pushing me down.

"Frankenstein!" I managed, finding it hard to catch my breath. Damn, he was pissed, whatever he was doing.

"Mirai?" M-21's quiet voice questioned beside me.

"I'm alright… I should be asking about you."

Then the aura subsided. I could feel it, but it didn't affect me anymore. Regis and Krantz were still fighting when I looked back up. Regis was losing.

Regis stood, beaten, with a hand over his side. He leaned over slightly, casting a glance back at us. Beside me, M-21 snickered. I wondered why.

Regis looked back to Krantz and attempted another attack. He failed, followed by another glance at us, another attack, and another fail. This cycle repeated, making it harder and harder to just watch the fight. I started to stand.

"Mirai, don't." M-21's voice was assertive. I stared down at him, questioning. "You're no match for him. If he can't take him on, you can't either." M-21 gestured to Regis. M-21 looked absolutely exhausted.

"That doesn't mean I can't be of some help! I could, I dunno, be a momentary distraction. A punching bag of sorts, while Regis launches an attack from behind. Or something!"

Each of the children protested, but I disregarded them.

"M-21, I can't just sit around and let Regis get beaten on our account!" M-21 ignored me and stood suddenly. I went to protest, but he slid right by me. Feeling momentarily hurt, I followed him with my gaze to see Shark approaching us. I turned and stood beside M-21 conjuring up whatever confidence I could manage.

"M-21." Shark looked from M-21 to me, staring me up and down before deciding I wasn't worth his time. "Blocking my way again. You trying to protect the kids in that state?" The fact that I didn't expect Shark to lash out was completely foolish on my part. "Cocky fucker!" Shark shouted as he punched M-21, sending him staggering to the side, closer to me. I managed to help keep M-21 upright, who shrugged out of my grasp. Another shot to the chest, even though I knew he did it to protect me, in whatever way. "Don't get all excited, 'cause I'm going to kill you, too. If you little shits hadn't fooled around in the first place…"

M-21 wiped at his lower lip, smearing blood, rather than actually wiping it off. "Laying the blame on others. It's not even funny." This infuriated Shark.

"Shut up! Die, M-21!" Shark, with awing speed, drew his blades and, using one of them, pierced M-21's chest. M-21's hand involuntarily went to Shark's wrist as he stared, shocked, before himself.

"M-21" I screamed, covering the small gap we'd already had between us. Shark drew the blade out of M-21's chest in such a way that the two separated. M-21 fell, while Shark stepped back.

Behind me, the girls screamed in shock, while the boys shouted at M-21 to get up, to still be alive. I watched as M-21's eyes closed and he lay still. He smirked suddenly, startling me into a fury. Shark burst out laughing in front of me, enlarging that fury.

Ignoring the fight between Regis and Krantz, and the screams behind me, I stepped forward with more anger pumping through my veins than I'd ever knew I was capable of feeling. My body quivered at the thought of putting Shark in his place.

I blacked out then. There was no pain, no warning, no sensation that I was going to black out, but it happened. I remember nothing after taking that first step toward Shark.

When I woke next, Shark was beaten and far more bloodied than before I blacked out. I was standing, still, when I finally… snapped back into reality. I glanced around me, startled that I had moved from where I previously was. Shocked to see that my body was unharmed. Surprised to hear M-21's voice, him still beaten and bloodied, likely near death on the ground.

"You… took too long." M-21 spoke.

Shocked to see Raizel standing in the center of the room.

I stalked over to the children, ready to stand around, if necessary. My body collapsed upon reaching them, finding exhaustion from I didn't know what.

The children questioned why Raizel was here, to which I glanced at them, noticing Shinwoo had been silent as he was still knocked out, his head on Ikhan's lap.

Raizel examined those around him, seeing them beaten and tattered. Seeing us, his allies, beaten and tattered.

"Eh? You guys know each other? Now that I think about it… he's wearing the same uniform as those kids." Shark commented.

"Shark, you did get rid of their personal effects while you were bringing them here, right?" Krantz questioned.

"Of course! I definitely destroyed all of their cell phones!" Shark clarified rather quickly. "They have nothing that can send a signal outside." Shark turned to Raizel. "Hey, how the hell did you find this place? And there's no way you'd have come alone… Where are the others? Huh?" Shark talked. And talked. And continued to talk. "It's a good idea to be quick with your replies."

"What a terrible habit. You're harassing innocent children again?" Regis spoke, staggering over to Shark. He looked far worse than he did just moments before. For how long did I black out? Why did I black out? "Is there nothing else you can do except bother powerless humans?" Regis continued when he stepped between Raizel and Shark. Shark punched Regis in his gut, sending him flying back, past the children.

We all shouted out his name.

"Cheeky little shit. Gonna die soon…" Shark grimaced. "Now," turning back to Raizel, Shark spoke once again, "start answering our questions. How did you come to this place?"

Suyi and Ikhan ran to Regis, removing rubble from around him, attempting to wake him. I remained by M-21's side, a hand on his shoulder, my other attempting to stop the bleeding in his chest. My knees touched his stomach as I sat on my legs. I hunched partially over his body protectively. Yuna sat behind M-21, crying, and attempting to stop the blood as well. She begged M-21 to wake. He wasn't waking, and I was growing worried at his slowing heartbeat. It was still persistent, but it was definitely fading, albeit slowly.

Yet, I didn't cry. A part of me was desperate to believe, to hold on to the idea that M-21 could not die, no matter what happened. The part of me that knew he could die, and was very likely to in a matter of minutes, was pushed down. I wasn't allowing it to show, not when I had to place myself before everyone else in this room. I couldn't let the kids get hurt because of my own greed. I couldn't let M-21's sacrifice go to waste.

Beside us, Shark continued to speak. "Oh-ho, not gonna answer? Every one of you is like this. Why are all the kids in this country so miserable? Don't you know that you could get killed if you fool around? Can't even grasp the situation… Mere words won't help you understand anything, is that it? I'll fix that attitude- huh?" Shark was finally cut off. He went silent. Taking an uncaring glance up at him, he stared wide-eyed up at Raizel. Glancing around, I noticed that Krantz, Tao, and basically everyone was staring wide-eyed at Raizel, with the exception of M-21, who was still unconscious, and myself, who had adjusted decently to Raizel's strength.

"I did not give you permission… to move." Raizel glared furiously at Shark, who's eyes widened further. The room stared openly surprised at Raizel's enraged form.

Below me, M-21's body shook as he smirked and released a small chuckle.

I placed my hand slightly harder on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him somehow. "Take it easy, M-21. Moving will only make your situation worse."

I looked back up to Raizel to see him facing Shark. Shark's mouth was wide as he appeared to be choking. He fell to his knees and grabbed at his throat desperately.

A part of me, one I would not dare to admit to those around me, was enjoying watching Shark struggle. It was a marvelous sight after all he'd done. The tears that started to pull and drip were nothing more than a pleasure for me.

"Neither did I give you permission… to breathe." Raizel glowered down at the pathetic form of Shark.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Krantz move. I looked just in time so see him bite into something small. His skin color changed quickly to that of a dark gray.

"Raizel!" I shouted, warning Rai that Krantz was doing something. He noticed, of course, but paid Krantz no attention.

"Impressive. You, too, are Noblesse?" Krantz asked Raizel. I wanted to correct him. "You're much better than that kid over there. Making me use the D… You're the third person to make me do that." Raizel remained turned from Krantz, uncaring. He examined those around him. Though I couldn't see it directly, I could feel Raizel's anger building. He looked at me, staring openly. I blinked at him, curious as to why he was looking at me; I wasn't beaten all that badly. Sure I had a few bumps and bruises and a little dried blood, but I was far from being in the worst condition in this room. Behind Raizel, I saw Krantz grit his teeth in frustration at Raizel's uncaring self.

"Ignoring me just because that ability worked for a few seconds... Impudent…" Krantz launched forward, aiming an attack at Raizel. Raizel continued to stare at me, and I stared back. Surely he would defend himself? Able to watch Krantz's approach fairly easily, much to my surprise, I started forward as Krantz grew closer to Raizel's form.

Time seemed to slow then. Raizel's voice sounded in my head.

"Protect the children." My head cleared of all thoughts and my body turned away from Raizel and to the children. They all sat wide-eyed, excluding Shinwoo who remained unconscious, resting on Ikhan's lap. I leapt forward and stood before the kids, arms out wide beside me. I prepared my body for the loud explosion that sounded behind me.

The force was shocking, and I knew that had it not been for me, the children would have blown at least several feet back.

The room quieted down several seconds later, with only the sounds of rubble falling to the ground, only to fall silent.

"W-what in the…" I heard Shark's voice. He had remained silent until then.

Before me, Regis stared openly shocked at Raizel. "How could he… That kind of powerful attack…" I smiled down at Regis.

"Raizel is more than you think he is." I lowered my arms and turned to Raizel. His arm was raised, having stopped Krantz's attack easily. The scene reminded me of M-24. It was a momentary stab to the chest, then it passed.

Krantz stared wide-eyed down at Raizel, who glared back, annoyed. "Get lost." Raizel's voice was quiet yet angry. With barely a flick of his wrist, Raizel sent Krantz flying into the wall behind him. A deafening crack sounded through the room, causing me to wince.

"Krantz…" Shark started.

"Was defeated…" Tao finished in shock.

"Is that really Rai?" Ikhan questioned, his voice quiet.

"How could Rai…" Suyi trailed off.

I remember my first experience with Raizel's strength. It was a shocking experience and it frightened me.

Raizel turned to Tao, eyeing him. Tao met Raizel's eyes uncertainly. Surprisingly, Raizel turned away. Tao was shocked.

Raizel stalked forward to Shark. "D-don't come any closer!" Shark cried out, obviously scared. I grinned at the sight.

Behind Raizel flew an unexpected Krantz. It looked as though he was going to attack Raizel, but instead he flew before him, landing beside Shark.

"Of course. There's no way you'd go down so easily." Shark grinned at Krantz, who stared forward at Raizel.

"Shark, you will take the D." Krantz ordered.

"Got it. That kind of monstrous guy is a first, but there should be a chance of victory if we team up." Shark pulled a small tablet from his pocket and bit into it. Like Krantz, Shark's skin turned dark gray. "Let's try it."

Much to my surprise, and a few others in the room, Krantz drove his fist through Shark's back.

"Krantz, what the hell are you doing?! Why do that to Shark?!" Tao shouted, paralyzed.

"No need to be surprised. I'm merely doing what I have to." Krantz said calmly.

"What… does that mean?" Tao asked.

"I'm only following the plans for when I encounter an opponent too strong." Krantz glared at Shark, silently daring him to try something. Shark cursed at him.

"Even so, attacking Shark like that…" Tao trailed off, the shock wearing off.

"Don't misunderstand. I'm not attacking Shark. I'm…" Krantz paused. "absorbing Shark's power." What? Tao was just as surprised as I was. Or, wouldn't he be more surprised than me? "From the beginning, that was your intended purpose."

"How can that be…" Tao's voice was quiet, filled with disbelief.

"To make it simple, DA-5 was created for me, and only me. Until now, we haven't faced an opponent stronger than us, so I didn't need to resort to this… but now I'm following the original plan.

Before my eyes, Shark appeared to age rapidly as Krantz took what he wanted. "Mm… not bad." Krantz played around with his new abilities. With a flick of his wrist, a blade grew from his arm and arched forward toward his fist. "Even with all his fooling around, he has steadily cultivated his power." Krantz raised his gaze to Raizel. "Now, should we resume from where we left off?" He grinned, while Raizel merely glared back.

Neither of the two moved.

They still didn't move.

"That's…" Tao hesitated, eyeing the blades coming from Krantz's arms. They grew in length.

"Ah, this? I'm able to use it since I've absorbed Shark's powers. It wasn't only his power that I absorbed, I also took in his supplementary ability. So that I can use that ability when suitable." Krantz grinned, completely uncaring for having stolen from his ally. Not that I cared in the slightest for Shark, but I don't think I could ever betray one of my allies for power; hell, I don't think I could betray my allies for anything.

"So, there must also be a reason why you told shark to take D." Tao observed.

"Yes, using D to raise as much power as possible, then absorbing it, brings the most effective results. Thanks to Shark's powers, I'm twice as powerful than I usually am." Krantz turned his gaze back to Raizel. "I've plenty of time to spare. I don't know who you are, but I'm starting to really dislike that attitude of yours." Throwing his arms forward, Krantz released an attack at Raizel. I turned back to the kids, ready to protect them if necessary. The room increased in noise, then decreased nearly immediately after. "How the hell… even after I absorbed Shark's powers…" Krantz fell silent and I nearly turned around. "Tao!"

I spun around. Did he intend to kill Tao next?

"What are you waiting for!? Are you going to disobey an order?!"

Tao stared at Krantz for a few seconds before closing his eyes and sighing. "Ahh, ok, I got it. Just, be gentle. Don't make it too painful."

Behind me I heard a hastened rustle, then Ikhan ran past me, stopping a few feet before me.

"Hyung!" He shouted, gaining Tao's attention. Tao turned to face Ikhan. "What are you listening to that person? I don't know what to believe right now, and I don't know what the heck is going on, but… that man is intending to kill you, Hyung! Why are you just accepting death like that?!" I was certain that if I could see Ikhan's face, there would be tears in his eyes. He was always rather emotional. Tao stared for a moment.

"Well… I'm not too sure, either. You kids wouldn't know." Tao rubbed lightly at the back of his neck. He turned to Ikhan and gave a sorrowful smile. "This is the fate of modified humans like me."

"What… is that?" Ikhan's voice was quiet, weak. Of course he wouldn't understand. If I hadn't witnessed and experienced firsthand the things I'd seen on countless occasions… I would block it out. I wouldn't have allowed myself to believe it. Ignorance is bliss, after all. In this case, I cared too much for these children to suffer. So I would fight for Ikhan. I would fight for Tao.

"Tao!" I stepped forward, away from the children and beside Ikhan. I placed a hand on Ikhan's shoulder. "I don't know what your relation is with this kid, but he clearly cares about you! Ikhan has only ever cared this desperately for a few people; this is a privilege! Don't let it go to waste!" I released my hand from Ikhan's shoulder and stepped forward. "I don't know anything about you except that throughout our captivity, you never once harmed M-21 or me. You even seemed to side with Takeo, who desired to keep us as comfortable as he was allowed." I took a deep breath, then continued.

"Tao, you can't be all that bad of a person. You were simply paired with the wrong people." I paused, thinking on how to word my next statement. "I could see it, Tao. Those looks of disdain that the others gave you; they thought you were below them. What, because you don't excel in some crappy ability that destroys the landscape around you? Because you excel in something practical and hard to come by? Who were they to judge, when you seemed to be their most useful ally?!" Thinking I'd said enough, I stopped and panted lightly. "You're not useless, Tao."

Tao stared openly surprised at me before turning his head to the side and smiling sadly once again. He looked as though he were about to say something, but Krantz cut him off by grabbing roughly at his neck and pulling him up beside him. Tao grunted in surprised and pain.

"Tao, stop dawdling. Hurry and take the D." Krantz squeezed tighter on Tao's neck. Did he really expect Tao to be able to take a tablet right then? "Hurry up!"

"Rai!" Ikhan shouted behind me. He had returned his position beside the others. "Please, save that Hyung!" Ikhan turned to Rai. "If it's you… it's possible, right? Please!" Raizel gazed at Ikhan's desperate form.

"Y-yeah! Unlike the others, he tried to keep us from getting killed!" Yuna spoke up. I walked closer to Raizel.

"They're speaking the truth. He doesn't deserve to die. He'd never once harmed a single one of us, nor made an attempt to. He'd never even threatened us. Alongside Takeo, they were the only two who did not wish to harm us." I was about to continue to defend Tao when Krantz decided to speak up.

"They dare to keep on talking nonsense.. .I'll get rid of them first to stop their chattering…" This took me by surprise. I hadn't actually expected Krantz to consider taking out the weakest opponents first. Why would he? Evidently, this shocked Tao, too, because in the next moment I returned my focus forward, Tao was free, flying above and away from Krantz. In Tao's hand was a whip of sorts. It wrapped around Krantz's arms as he threw it forward.

Surprising me next was that Tao sent electricity through the whip. Krantz cried out as he endured the pain. After a moment's struggle, Krantz ripped himself free by tearing at the whips with the blades that grew out of his arms.

"Tao, you… What are you doing?" Krantz growled, staring in disbelief.

:Sorry, Krantz. You want to kill me while those kids want me to live. I couldn't just stand by and let you hurt them." Tao stated confidently.

"You bastard!" Krantz shouted, leaping at Tao.

"Tao!" I started forward, bolting past Krantz as quickly as I could. In a split second, I landed beside Tao, who sat on his knees, holding at a wound on his arm. I kneeled down beside him, hesitant only for a moment. I only needed the clarification that he betrayed Krantz. Krantz who wished to eliminate Tao just for the sake of power. Krantz was the enemy here; not Tao. Tao was not a threat to me. I understood this.

"How dare you betray me and the organization…" Krantz fumed.

Tao grunted beside me, holding tighter at his arm. "Are you-?" I wasn't able to finish my sentence due to Ikhan shouting.

"Rai! Ikhan was facing Raizel once again. In the corner of my vision, I noticed Krantz take a step toward Tao and I. Before I could demand my body stand and move between Krantz and Tao, Raizel took care of the problem.

"Halt." With just the simple word, Krantz was paralyzed. The room was silent for a moment, filled only with Krantz's struggles to escape. "Why… are you asking me? Ikhan, Yuna, Shinwoo, Suyi… Mirai. There is no need… for you to ask me."

I watched as Ikhan, Suyi, and Yuna all worked to keep themselves from crying. Shinwoo smirked, still keeping his eyes closed. I, alongside him, smiled. Of course Raizel cared. I would thank him personally later.

All around us, after a brief moment of stillness, motion stirred. All the blood that had been spilled began to rise around us and slowly swarm around us.

"What… is this?" Yuna asked hesitantly.

"Blood?" Suyi questioningly confirmed.

I covered my face at the winds that filled the room. I remained beside Tao, who also protected himself.

"W-what is this…" Krantz asked, fear displayed clearly on his deserving face. He deserved to spend his last few moments in fear. He took a step back. "What… Who the hell… are you? How can such a power like this even exist…?"

"You… are not entitled to ask questions." Around Krantz rose blood, which struck down and around him like angry tendrils until he was surrounded. The last thing I heard from that man was a deserving scream.

Around me, the others fought to keep their positions against the sheer force of Raizel's attack. Then it was over.

The room calmed and all that remained was silence and puzzled faces. I'd seen this attack before; it wasn't as shocking as the first time, but it was still, rightfully, frightening.

Beside me, Tao trembled. I nudged him gently, as to not startle him.

"Tao, Raizel won't harm you. You've proven that you don't side with the likes of him." I emphasized him, referring to Krantz. Tao simply stared back at me, his eyes wide.

"Why…?" Was he asking why I defended him?

I smiled lightly. "Because you're not the first who I've seen betray the organization. M-21 also-" I gasped. "M-21!" I leapt up faster than I'd intended, to, nearly tripped, but recovered myself well enough to run forward. I threw myself down beside M-21 quickly and immediately pressed my head against his chest, listening intently. His heartbeat was still there. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but if he wasn't tended to now… he wasn't going to make it. "Raizel, I need Frankenstein!" Without looking up, I addressed Raizel. "He can help M-21, right? Please, I need him now!"

Raizel remained silent, and I could only hope he was calling for Frankenstein. After some time of motionless around me, I looked up to Raizel. He wasn't making a move to call for Frankenstein, but he was staring at M-21. "Raizel, please! Don't let M-21 die! Please!"

I hovered over M-21's body protectively as the others gathered around to attempt to wake him. They shouted at him, and I joined in. The moment M-21's eyes flew open, I felt an immense desire to cry. At the same time, I desperately wanted to hit M-21 for scaring me. I settled for doing neither and instead focused on keeping M-21 calm and alert. If he were to slip under again…

M-21 sat up with a pained groan.

"M-21, please, take it easy. You're in absolutely no condition to be a fucking idiot." I spit out my curses and didn't care that the children heard. "After you went and promised me… You go and risk your life…" I shook my head, gritting my teeth. You go and risk your life for mebecause you knew I would have defended those children with my life… I closed my eyes tightly and gripped tightly onto M-21's hand. He gripped back, though weakly. While he stared openly surprised at me just a moment before, he now turned to Raizel.

Breaking my frustration against M-21, I… dare I say I actually sensed the arrival of two new people? That was it, I sensed something! My head flew upright as I stared wide-eyed up at the newcomers. Frankenstein and Seira now stood between Raizel and Tao, who stood protectively over us on the ground.

The children all shouted in surprised. "How did Seira come here?" Ikhan questioned, then seemed to understand something in the next moment. "Wait a sec… if Regis isn't an ordinary person, then Seira…" He hesitated, then observed Seira meekly.

"Is everyone okay?" Frankenstein asked as he approached us. I looked back down at M-21, ready to ask him to help.

"Please, call an ambulance!" Yuna begged.

"We're fine, but Shinwoo and Regis… and Ajussi is also really badly hurt." Ikhan explained surprisingly calmly.

"I… am fine." Regis declared, standing up.

"Take it easy, hot shot." I glowered lightly at him. While I was extremely thankful to him for rescuing everyone, I was also partially upset that he waited so long to do so, managing to nearly sacrifice M-21. I understood his reasoning enough to not hate him entirely.

Regis gave me a disgruntled look before shaking his head lightly. I think he understood my frustration.

"Regis, are you really? Just a minute ago, your body was…"

"This is nothing serious…" Regis ensured.

"I can… handle it, too." Surprised to see Shinwoo up and walking was enough to have me standing. M-21 wasn't human; he was awake now, and thus he would survive. Shinwoo was human, thus he wouldn't heal as quickly as M-21 would.

"Shinwoo, you should really take it easy. You're human." I stalked after Shinwoo and placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him mid-step. He turned to me, surprised at my strength. "Come on, you just watched me fight-though fail-at protecting you guys. Give me some credit and not being as badly beaten as I could have been. I'm stronger than I look." Shinwoo smirked lightly.

"Ajussi's in a worse state than me…" Shinwoo watched M-21, examining his beaten form.

M-21 remained silent, as usual.

"Headmaster, please hurry and take Ajussi to the hospital." Yuna begged. "Ajussi… was trying… to save us and..."

"That's right. Because of us…" Suyi cut herself off, unable to finish.

Frankenstein examined M-21's injuries, then turned a piercing gaze to M-21.

"What's with that gaze…?" M-21 asked, his breaths light and small.

"So, you went through all that effort to save the children?" Frankenstein smiled while M-21 looked down, thinking. "You've done well."

M-21 smiled lightly, his eyes closed. "I only did what I'm supposed to." Despite the blood, M-21 looked calm; peaceful, almost. Frankenstein smiled again.

"Let's first evacuate the area. Why don't you three help Shinwoo?" Frankenstein asked, addressing Suyi, Yuna, and Ikhan. "Regis, can you move by yourself?"

"Of course… These injuries are nothing."

"You there." Frankenstein addressed Tao. "One of your comrades is lying injured on the rooftop of a nearby building."

"What?" Tao questioned, probably wondering which ally it was. I was curious, too.

"Bring him and follow us." Frankenstein turned to me. "Mirai-"

I cut Frankenstein off. "I've got him." I hovered over M-21, ready to help him.

Frankenstein shook his head. "I was going to ask that you go with Tao."

"What? Why?" I sat back and looked up at Frankenstein questioningly.

"Make sure those two make it to the house. If they fall behind, they won't know how to get back, right?" Frankenstein explained. I still stared at him, refusing to move away from M-21's side. "I'll make sure M-21's alright. Mirai, go with them." I growled lightly, but stood and turned from M-21.

"You'd better take care of him." I threatened lightly.

"Then I will leave M-21 in your hands, Miss Seira." I heard Frankenstein say behind me.

We left rapidly, leaving Frankenstein and Raizel behind to talk. Or rather, Raizel didn't move and Frankenstein stayed with them. I assumed they were talking.

I followed Tao easily while the other groups departed, headed to Frankenstein's place to take care of any injuries.

"Tao, surely it would be Takeo who's alive, right? Hammer wouldn't appeal to Frankenstein." I said, trying to strike a conversation.

Tao nodded with a light grunt. "Hammer is too strong-headed. I don't know what he could have said to gain anyone's interest, really. Nothing worthy of sparing his life."

"If he's dead, I'm glad." I muttered, spiting him. Tao and I bound toward this ally. I noticed him turn to me and stare. I turned to him to see a certain look of disdain. "What?"

"I know Hammer was bad, but for you to say that…" Tao hesitated. "He was my ally."

"Was being the main term here. He hurt someone I dearly care about. I am absolutely certain he's hurt you before. Maybe not physically, but certainly emotionally." I closed my eyes. "Am I right? You being excellent in computers seems like nothing but a bore to brutes, right?" Tao looked away from me and before himself. "Hammer was not your ally. You were simply on the same team. Never mistake teammates for allies."

We remained silent for the remainder of the short trip. I wouldn't test my luck with Tao; I did want him as an ally. He, after all, proved himself in a similar manner as M-21 did.

Tao came to a sudden stop and I followed suit. Before us was a beaten and conscious Takeo. Rather than try making conversation with Takeo, which I would imagine was possible, albeit difficult, I spoke to Tao.

"We should hurry. He's not looking so well." I stated. I bent down to pick Takeo up, seeing as I should have been strong enough, but Tao stopped me.

"I'll carry him, you direct us." I stared at him for a moment then nodded, turning to my right. I waited for him to pick Takeo up. He did easily, half carrying him on his shoulder and half dangling him. It would do.

"This way." I jumped off the roof and landed smoothly on the next. Tao landed silently beside me, watching me. Realizing he could keep my pace easily, if he wasn't even faster, I moved rapidly.

We came to the house within minutes, Takeo having fallen unconscious part of the way home; unconscious, but breathing.