The din of indistinct chatter reached my ears. Inside the classroom was as lively as ever, students rapt in all manner of conversations, laughing joyfully, some hunkered over their desk in a mad last minute rush to finish homework, others- like Kei- who didn't deal well with mornings were squeezing in a quick power nap before class began.

With all the bustle, I hoped that I wouldn't be noticed. I was small enough as it was, so it was usually quite easy for me to lose myself in a crowd.

Bowing my head low, I slipped inside, expertly weaving between desks and slumping low in my chair the moment that I reached it. I sat there, remarkably still, anxiously fisting my hands in my shirt, listening intently for any subtle change in my surroundings.

Blinking, I cocked my head.

Nothing had happened.

There wasn't even the slightest dip in the noise level.

Sure, we usually had to stop Zero from slamming the door open to announce our presence, but I wasn't even aware that people had become so accustomed to the general weirdness that followed us around that they wouldn't even question someone silently sneaking in.

Feeling as though I was somewhat safe, I risked a cautious glanced over my shoulder and almost immediately locked eyes with Hiro. From the befuddled expressions his friend's sported, he must have been staring at me from the exact moment that I entered the classroom. He didn't say a word, merely arced an eyebrow, looking calmly from myself to the door in silent confusion.

I honestly thought he was going to comment on my lack of company, which would surely draw the attention of the entire class, and frantically shook my head. He blinked, gave a miniscule nod and turned back to his companions, smiling apologetically.

Of course, my peace was only short-lived.

When roll call arrived and the class discovered that neither Zero nor Ichii were present, they rounded on me almost immediately, their demands and general bothersome questions clashing together in an incredibly tedious crescendo that made me want to open the window and put myself out of my misery.

Thankfully I decided it against it due to Kei's swift intervention. The resident demon crossed a slender leg, her lip curling with distaste. "Shut it, the lot of you. God, you're so annoying. Sit down and shut the hell up, you're wasting my time with your pathetic squabbling."

I was left alone after that, especially when my classmates became aware of Hiro's expression which promised death to the next person who bothered me, but I couldn't miss the curious glances that were constantly thrown in my direction.

I expected to be jumped the moment that the bell sounded.

However, an unexpected turn of events saved me.

Emiko, apparently panicked, jumped onto her chair and started screaming. That, of course, attracted a fair amount of attention. In the middle of her shouting to high heaven about there being a damn, awful sewer-dwelling rat crawling around and desecrating the classroom with its filthy paws, she shot Hiro an expectant look, lips flicking up at the corners in a small, secret smile.

Eyes widening with understanding, he snatched up not only his own bento box, but mine as well, and quickly guided me out of the classroom. We hunkered down on the roof for the remainder of the break and slipped back into the classroom without incident.

At the end of the day, I was escorted home by my three best-friends-turned-bodyguards.

Somehow, they seemed to sense that now wasn't the right time to talk, for they never once questioned the boys absence, merely continuing on as if nothing had happened at all.

I was sure of one thing, they were so much better than I deserved.

Two days later, much hadn't changed. The boys were still gone, everyone was still confused and Kei, Ayumi and Hiro all worked as a perfectly oiled machine to keep me from being swamped.

I'd escaped from the hell hole to lie underneath my favourite Sakura tree, tucked out of sight in a peaceful corner of the school, away from prying eyes.

Not many people ever ventured down there, so I assumed I wouldn't be disturbed.

A subtle shift in lighting had me cracking a single eye open.

The source was Hiro, his figure blocking the sun which I had been contently basking under, and after sighing heavily, he flopped down onto the grass next to me, folding his arms behind his head.

"How'd you know I was here?"

"Please," He scoffed, with endearingly forced arrogance. "As if I wouldn't. You're incredibly predictable."

Interested, I cocked my head. "How so?"

"You have three main hiding places, it's not difficult to know which one you'd chose."

"Is it now?"

He held up three fingers for emphasis, ticking off each one as he spoke. "The lockers are small, but easy for you to fit in. You crouch in one when you want to calm yourself down before being found. The girl's bathroom is an obvious choice. Zero and Ichii are guys, and no matter how cool or mature they are, they can be fairly unwilling to go in after you, so you only really go there when you specifically want the girls to follow you. As for here? This is the place you like to hide at. You only come here when you don't want to be found."

I accepted this deduction in calm silence, mentally mulling over his words. "You figured this all out on your own?"

"You can learn a lot by simply observing," He said, with an offhand shrug. "You should know that much."

"That I should." I allowed, fairly amused. Then, with more hesitance, "How long ago did you figure this all out?"

He smiled, a fleeting, fragile motion. "Long enough that I regret not ever trying to bridge the gap between us."

My gaze flicked up to the sky, shoulders slumping heavily. "I was the one that pushed you away in the first place."

"And I let you."

"Because I wanted you to... Look, don't beat yourself up about it, you're a good friend, Hiro-"

He shook his head, chuckling humourlessly. "No, I'm not. A good friend would have fought to stay. A good friend would've know that you were only lashing out because you were in pain." His fists had clenched into tight balls, the muscles up his sleeveless arms bulging from the pressure. "Kei and Ayumi are good friends. They're the ones that broke down the walls you were trying to build. They did what I couldn't do."

"But I'm the one at fault! I never even tried to listen to you, I was being selfish."

"You had a right to be! Your dad had just died." The flinch was small, subtle, but Hiro's ever observant gaze detected it. Regret flashed in his eyes and his demeanour softened. "I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. I'm being pathetic."

"Your feelings aren't pathetic." He responded, firmly. "Never have been and never will."

"Neither are yours." He blinked, cautious. "Hiro... Do you still feel guilty? You came to visit me all those times, left me presents and even played music outside my door. I still never opened it for you. I didn't let you in. Do you regret listening to me when I told you to leave? "

His expression hardened, face screwing up with anger. "I didn't try hard enough. I was naïve, I didn't understand what you were going through. I made a stupid decision and I hate myself for it."

"You hate yourself? For walking away, even though I told you to? For the fact that it wasn't you, but Kei and Ayumi who found me on that swing and forced me to let go of all my grief; do you still feel feel guilty?"

"Yes," His voice was tight.

"But you shouldn't. It was my fault-"

"I'm a year older, I've know you longer than they have. Hell, I may have missed an entire year of my life, but your mum is the only reason I'm still alive. Over and over again you would care for me when my immune system made me sick and I couldn't even do a thing to make you feel better when our roles were reversed!"

"You had no obligation towards me-"

"But we were friends! That would've been enough to justify me doing anything I could to help you." His nails were pressing deep indents into his palm. My touch didn't seem to make the slightest difference in calming his self-directed rage. "Of course I feel guilty! It's the whole reason that I've avoided you up until recently. I didn't have the courage to face you. You don't deserve to be near me, someone who didn't have the strength to support you when you needed it."

Head bowed, I didn't notice that he was sitting up until his hands lightly clasped my shoulders, attracting my attention. "I will not let you make the same mistake I did. I know that you have reached a decision, but given that it is a stupid ass decision I have elected to ignore it."

"W-What do you mean?"

"You're upset."

"I... I'm not upset-" I faltered under his stern gaze. "... Was it really obvious?"

"Fairly."

I grimaced. "Great. Kei and Ayumi have definitely noticed. Anyone else I should know about?"

"Ai's been pretty concerned. Even Emiko noticed enough to take pity on you." He sat back, running his hand through his hair. "Kei and Ayumi are searching for you right now, actually. They've given you space, but they're worried. They want answers."

"They're not here... So, you didn't tell them?"

"Um... I may have purposely pointed them in the wrong direction...?" I raised an eyebrow, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Probably shouldn't have done that. They're going to murder me later; when I die, you can have all my stuff, by the way. Make sure you rub it in their faces."

"I'll be sure to do that, as long as you cut to the chase."

He grinned. "You're not the only one that's transparent, huh?"

"Of course. What is it you wanted to say?"

"Need," He corrected, expression suddenly serious. "There's something I needto say. For everyone's sake. Where are those two? You've been down ever since Zero and Ichii stopped coming to school. What are they doing?"

After a beat, I simply shrugged. "They have... personal matters they're dealing with right now."

"Why don't you help them?"

I pushed myself into a sitting position, crossing my legs neatly underneath me. "It's not as simple as that."

"Why can't it be?" He asked, with a more soft edge to his voice.

"Because... It's not something I can help with... I'd only be a bother, constantly getting in their way. They don't need me right now. It's... complicated."

"Then make it uncomplicated." I wrinkled my nose in confusion. "Look, Hikari. I was in your position, I know how you're feeling. But there's no use making the same mistakes I did. All you're doing is sitting around, torturing yourself with what-ifs. It's pointless, I would know. If you want to change it, then get up and do something. Go to them, say what you've been holding in for the past couple of days. You'll regret if you don't. Trust me. Hikari, the only thing holding you back is you."

"But what if I mess up?"

"What is there to mess up with? They're your friends. Show them that you care about them. Tell them what's on your mind. They're not going to be angry at you for it. Will they?"

"No... They won't..." I nodded, more assertively than before. "I'll go after school."

He looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "After school?" He echoed, in disbelief. "There's no use waiting. It'll be on your mind for the rest of the day. Go now. Leave your stuff, I'll swing by your house later to drop it off. And don't worry about the teachers, I've got your back. Say you were looking real bad and went home sick. Even blame myself if worse comes to worst."

I threw my arms around his shoulders. "I don't deserve you." I said, squeeing him tightly.

"You're right," He agreed, embracing me with just as much affection. "You deserve so much more. Now go, before I demand compensation."

I giggled and parted with a considerably more cheerful wave.

Running around in my school uniform probably wasn't the most sensible idea I'd ever had, but I didn't want to waste time returning home to change. Instead, I searched the places I most expected them to be. Zero and Ichii were very mindful of the damage that they could cause, taking that into consideration, I didn't expect them to be around more densely packed areas, which was a plus as it helped me avoid too much attention from passers-by.

After searching a grand total of three parks and running through a small section of woodland, I approached my next target.

Distant noises emanating from this direction had piqued my interest.

A young couple were heading away from the scene with deliberate swiftness. From the corner of my eye, I saw them trade worried glances, before the man approached me and gently clapped his hand on my shoulder to bring me to a sedate halt. He seemed to understand that his height could be intimating and crouched down, his gaze troubled, too serious for his youthful face.

"Where are you going, little one?"

Slightly suspicious, I pointed forward. "That way. Why?"

He shook his head, gingerly turning me away. "S'not safe down there. Some kind of fight happening."

"A fight?" I echoed, eyes widening. "Did you see it?"

"A little. Why d'you ask?"

"Were there two boys there?"

The man frowned and looked towards his companion, a little lost. She stooped down as well, smiling prettily. "Yes, a brunette and a smaller blue-haired boy. Are they friends of yours?"

I beamed, enthusiastically nodding my head. "Zero and Ichii. I've been looking all over for them."

"Even if your friends are there, you still should stay away. You don't want to get caught up in that mess."

I smiled sweetly. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I have to go now, but thank you for warning me. I'll definitely be careful." With a polite little bow, I hurriedly sprinted off before I could be stopped once more. They were so close, there was no way I was going to let them slip from my grasp now.

I followed the sounds of battle, ignoring my screaming lungs until I couldn't take it any longer and took a brief moment to rest.

They were just up ahead.

Cradling my side, I exited the treeline, my heart swelling with joy.

That happiness was quickly extinguished.

My fists slowly clenched into tight balls, nails pressing indents into my palm. Zero and Ichii were both slumped on the floor, in various degrees of exhaustion. The bluenette was clutching his injured thigh, facing twisted with pain. Even Zura was down, collapsed near Ichii's head. A huge dragon loomed over them, a formidable opponent.

Rage blossomed in my stomach.

Not fear.

Pure, red hot, unstoppable rage that seared in the blood pounding through my body and set every nerve alight.

Narrowing my eyes, I closed my hand over the shattered brick lying at my feet, took a deep, calming breath and wound my arm right back, lobbing the offensive weapon as hard as I could. My aim had been perfect. Gold-medal worthy. Worthy of being worshipped as a god for that undeniably unearthly throw that was strong enough to knock off a fair few of icy scales.

The two females examinees sized me up in silent fury.

Smart and cocky and too angry too know better, I made the mistake of smirking challengingly back, tipping my head disdainfully.

With a sharp click of fingers, the dragon snapped its gaze on me. Undeterred, I ventured forward a couple of steps, eyes focused solely on one object. It could be a real dragon for all I cared, and I still wouldn't give it much heed. The monstrosity had dared to hurt my friends, for that it would pay. Heavily.

Dodging a clumsy lunge with minimal ease, I skipped the remaining distance to my designated position. Target reached, I refused to move an inch despite Ichii's faint but desperate pleas as the dragon reared its ugly head and charged at me. I watched its progress calmly, hand slowly raising upwards and closing firmly around the handle.

A swift side-step was all that was needed to prepare myself for the next strike. Setting my feet in a firm stance, I swung with all my might.

The bin lid connected with a resonating clangand successfully detached the entirety of the dragon's lower jaw in one fell swoop.

Zero, who had been in the process of pushing himself up on shaking arms, stopped, his mouth dropping open in surprise. Beside him, Ichii blinked sedately, protectively cradling Zura close to his chest, shielding him from the icy spray as the jaw shattered into pieces.

It growled, the sound feral, rumbling from deep within its throat.

"Aw," I simpered, sweetly, swiftly moving as one of the huge feet came crashing down next to me. "Did that hurt, big guy? Why don't I put you out of your misery?"

I dived between its legs, giddy with adrenaline, almost giggling as the head swung like a pendulum to locate me. I attacked one of the rear feet with the lid, wincing as it sliced through the scales. The dragon roared with anger. I just barely managed to avoid being squashed.

"Hikari, get out of there!" Ichii commanded, voice threadbare with exhaustion, his legs folding like cards under him, his attempt at standing an utter failure.

I retreated to a safe distance, watching with a calculating eye as the dragon limped after me. Despite its considerable injuries, it was still determined to follow after me. I backed away, mildly perturbed. Doesn't this thing ever quit?

I ducked for cover, hitting my shoulder hard against the ground. The dragon's jaws just barely missed me, instead snapping a nearby tree in half. Eyes widening, I forcefully swallowed the lump that had risen in my throat. It spun, bristling with fury, advancing on me in big, earth-shaking steps. Careering forward, I took the offensive, the lid sliced away at some more scales, inflicting damage to its deadly maw, and further injuries to the front legs and underbelly.

On the last strike the plastic splintered somewhat in my hand.

This is a lot harder than I thought it'd be.

I pushed the thoughts down and ducked away, spinning around behind a tree which was felled when the dragon's head slammed directly into it. While it was dazed, I threw what was remaining of the lid as hard as I could, slicing an ear clean off, and zipped away in a zigzag pattern, thankfully avoiding each and every lunge.

With no weapon in sight, I was a sitting duck.

Zero was struggling to push himself up, slamming his closed fist upon the ground in frustration. The sight made my blood boil.

This damn dragon was had not only attacked Zero while he was at a significant disadvantage, it was also preventing me from reuniting happily with my friends, something which I had been longing for since the moment that we were all separated.

What an inconsiderate bastard.

The next strike I was unable to dodge. Thankfully, I didn't have to. With his lingering strength, Ichii tossed up a weak barrier between us, successfully keeping me from harm. I didn't have time to express my gratitude, I was already forced to retreat, my back hitting the very same bin I had commandeered my weapon from earlier.

Stamping hard, I expertly caught the end of the sturdy branch as it whipped up. It didn't fare very well, only dislodging a few icicles and serving to enrage the dragon even further, before it snapped and became utterly useless- rather like me, really.

Forced to retreat once more, I jumped to the side, landing awkwardly and twisting my ankle over. I crashed down, yelping loudly, barely managing to throw myself clear of the oncoming foot. Momentum tossed my body forward, forcing it to bouncing lifeless across the ground, with me emitting shaky little cries at every impact. The dragon's jaw snapped centimetres from my foot.

Suddenly, heat seared across my body. I flinched and curled up in a tight ball, desperately throwing my hands over my head, shielding my face as best as I could. A moment later and the burning had been reduced to a pleasant warmth that just barely graced my skin, despite the fact that I could still hear the fierce cracking of flames.

I waited, tucked in close, hands clamped over my ears to dampen the noise, until the chaos ended.

Gingerly, I lifted my head.

A shrill, breathless gasp escaped my lips.

A blazing figure met my eyes. Flames were rolling off Zero in big, furious waves, jet black smoke curling up around him, billowing in the breeze. His eyes, narrowed and deadly, glared venomous daggers into the two female examinees who quivered under his gaze. The ice dragon had been reduced to a half-melted, pitiful pile of rubble lying at his feet.

Panting heavily, a low, feral growl rose in his throat.

With every limping step he took, the ground cracked and splintered from the pressure. Sure, I was the equivalent to a Muggle, but I could feel the magic power radiating from him. And damn was it intense.

"You are going to pay for hurting her." He spat, a wildfire raging in his eyes. "Heavily."

Before I ever registered what I was doing, I'd launched myself forward, crashing straight into his back, my hands snapping around his middle. Not wishing to cause me harm, he instantly extinguished the flames and softened his demeanour- even going as far as to rest his hand on my wrist, the pad of his thumb tracing frantic circles over my skin- but his body still trembled with unparalleled fury.

"It's okay, Zero." He tensed, the pressure of his hand increasing. I released him, insistently tugging him to face me. I held my hand out, palm facing him, smiling tenderly. "See?" I whispered, soothingly, as the tips of his fingers brushed against my skin. "I'm all in one piece." Slowly, he interlocked our fingers, breathing gradually returning to normal. "Everything's alright now. I'm not hurt, I promise."

Uncertainly, his electric orbs flickered up to meet mine. Carefully untangling himself, he dipped his head the slightest amount, hands firmly cupping my cheeks, eyes expertly tracing me for any hint of a wound. Finding none, he affectionately brushed his thumbs across my cheekbones, exhaling in relief.

He stepped away, and for a short moment, I was able to breathe again.

That was shattered when Zero summoned deep crimson flames to shoot up his arms, observing the shaking pair of examinees with contempt. "Get out of my sight. I swear on everything holy, if you ever come near her again, not even her compassion will save you. Understand?"

For a moment, it looked like the tallest girl was going to shoot something scathing back at him. She was silenced by fire igniting at her feet. The two scowled and reluctantly retreated.

"Thank God. I don't think I could've kept that up for much longer," Zero breathed, almost immediately slumping into my side. I squeaked, clutching him tightly, cautiously steadying him. Ichii was still on the floor, an arm tossed over his head, his chest rising and falling in rhythmic motions. I half dragged, half supported Zero as we meandered over, the bluenette dropping to his knees beside the older boy and giving his shoulder a hearty punch, despite my disapproval.

"You good?" He asked, and I could hear the underlying concern in his voice.

Ichii shifted his arm, squinting against the bright sunshine, and mustered a weak smile. "Who do you think you're talking to? Of course I am."

"Arrogant, much?"

"I have a right to be."

They laughed and pulled each other up, Ichii good-naturally tousling Zero's hair, while the younger boy protested loudly and jabbed Ichii's side with his elbow.

"You're okay!" Zura curled affectionately around my neck, nuzzling his little head against my jaw.

"Of course she is!" The bluenette responded, a hint of pride in his voice. "We trained her, after all. She's a right little tiger."

The little seahorse snickered when Zero flashed me a warm smile. "He likes you." Giggling manically, Zura zipped under Ichii's jacket, eliciting a startled little yelp for the boy that was the epitome of adorable.

After recovering, the said brunette squeezed me in a fierce one-armed hug, lips ghosting against my forehead, before gently holding me out at arms length. "That was really reckless, Hikari. You could've been seriously hurt." He scolded, gently. I scuffed my foot against the ground, sheepishly averting my gaze. "Despite that... I'm really proud of the way you handled that."

"No kidding," Zero agreed, chipping me under the chin. "At this rate, you're going to take our job away from us." Then bluenette frowned, taking a long moment to look me up and down. "You're shivering." He observed, keenly. "Cold?"

After a moment of hesitation, I shook my head. "I'm fine." Zero merely continued levelling that stern look at me, hitching up a single, severe eyebrow. "Well... Maybe a little." I admitted, finally.

The bluenette relaxed and dumped his jacket around my shoulders. "So stubborn. You could've just said so at the start, you know."

"I didn't want to be a bother..."

Ichii's hands were planted on his hips. "How many times do we have to tell you? We're happy to do things for you." Glowing, I zipped the jacket up, snuggling gratefully into the warmth. Ichii lightly squeezed my hand, smiling brightly once he'd gained my attention. "Stay with us until the end?"

"There isn't any other place I'd rather be."

A/N: Again, I apologise for the late update. I've been really tired this past week, having five performances of Oliver in three days took a lot out of me.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. For quite a while I already had some parts finalised, it was just a struggle to piece it all together nicely.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.