Yes! Here it is... Chapter 3! Again, I can't express in words how much it means to me to have such an awesome beta-reader helping me out! So, like always, all the credit goes out to mystik-dawn! Please leave reviews for my partner because she deserves them all! Oh, and cheesecake is much appreciated. Thank you and enjoy the story~!

p.s I don't own 07-Ghost, the creators do!

March 22nd, 2143: 7:29 PM—

To say that the Chief Commander of Staff for the Barsburg Empire was angry was a complete understatement.

He was livid.

March 21st, 2143: 10:20 AM—

"Welcome to Hohburg Fort again Ayanami-san," greeted one of the senior officers, "We are pleased that you have come to attend this year's final examinations."

Chief Ayanami and the Blackhawks had disembarked from Ribidzile, and began to follow the senior officer. Ayanami paid no mind to the officer's chatter about this year's candidates. He was simply not interested in obtaining a begleiter (anymore), yet Chairman Miroku was always pressuring him to get (another) one. He politely followed the officer, and kept a neutral face, always careful not to reveal his emotions—which was currently boredom mixed with irritation.

Greeting Chairman Miroku, Ayanami and the others turned to the observation window. Ayanami asked the female officer, "How are the students this year? Do they have some backbone in them?"

The female officer opened her mouth to respond, but to his mild amusement, Shuuri Oak was suddenly thrown against the window with a freaked look on his face. "How unsightly," Ayanami coldly remarked.

Later, only three students remained alive—Shuuri Oak, and two others he couldn't recognize. Among them, was a short brunette with green eyes—Her eyes were like that.

Chairman Miroku had noticed his gaze and immediately started to talk about the cadet. Ayanami didn't pay any attention to his words except for his name…Teito Klein.His gaze was focused on Teito Klein's actions…Teito Klein had swung his zaiphon expertly, his eyes were never leaving the criminal, he trapped the criminal around the neck, his hand was raised, he continued to stare at the criminal…

Disappointment flashed through Chief Ayanami when he noticed Teito Klein's hand shaking. The boy was hesitating.

One of the teacher's voice came over the intercom: "The exam is still not over. I've told you that he must be killed."

Without thinking, Ayanami entered the examination room, and threw his zaiphon towards the criminal, instantly killing him.

"You're too slow," he coldly told the stunned boy, and left the room without saying another word.

"Aww Aya-tan," Lieutenant Major Hyuuga whined, "Why did you have to ruin the fun?" Ayanami didn't answer.

"Ayanami-kun," Chairman Miroku began, "That boy was one of the best students I had taught. He has a lot of hidden potential."

"Hidden potential to get himself killed," Ayanami flatly said, "Hesitation is a weakness."

He wasn't sure why he was feeling so disappointed. In fact, he was surprised at why he was so interested in that boy. The last time he remembered having that feeling was with him.

Teito Klein was bringing back certain memories. His green eyes were captivating.

Of course it wasn't as if the boy reminded him of her. She was the epitome of purity, of innocence. Even Yukikaze was above the boy.

Teito Klein was nothing.

March 22nd, 2143: 1:12 PM—

The next day, Ayanami had learnt that only 21 students had passed—Teito Klein of course, and among them was Alexander Night. This one was a different story—he apparently used his manipulation zaiphon and managed to throw the criminal so hard into the wall that the wall had shattered upon the impact, killing the criminal.

"That boy has a lot of power," Ayanami thought, "Perhaps he shows signs of being a warsfeil." He ordered one of the junior officers to run off and tell Alexander Night to see him at 7 that night. He wasn't expecting anything brilliant from Alexander Night, but he was still interested in knowing how much power the boy had. It would be nice if the boy was forced to become one of his pawns to use for his disposal.

After that, Ayanami had been summoned to a meeting with Chairman Miroku and some other senior officers. Bringing Lieutenant Major Hyuuga with him, he and the other officers sat down to discuss about the Eye of Mikhail. Apparently Chairman Miroku was interested in making Teito Klein one of the potential candidates for being the host. He had brought out the royal necklace with him, and was displaying it during his speech.

While he was talking, Ayanami suddenly sensed someone was behind the door. He slowly turned around, getting the attention of the others.

"It appears a rat has been eavesdropping," Ayanami slowly said. The door flew open, and to Ayanami's great surprise, Teito Klein jumped towards him, his offense zaiphon raised.

Ayanami didn't have to move—Hyuuga had immediately disarmed Teito Klein, leaving him squashed on the floor.

"I wouldn't do that," Hyuuga had lightly said, "If you stand up against Aya-tan, I'll have to kill you."

"Why did you attack me?" Ayanami demanded. Teito Klein stared mutinously at him, refusing to answer. Ayanami stared down at him, and a feeling of déjà-vu came to him.

"Come to think of it," Ayanami coldly remarked, "He's that sklave that was picked up in Raggs. Take him away."

"Interesting," Ayanami thought, as he was reviewing some files later on. Teito Klein first demonstrated his prowess in the offense zaiphon, but then hesitated to kill that criminal, instead Teito Klein attacked him, and apparently he's actually a sklave from Raggs…that boy was certainly full of surprises.

"I wonder why Teito Klein didn't attack me before at the exam," Ayanami idly wondered as he worked, "Perhaps he wanted a private opportunity...or he was actually eavesdropping and knew something about the Eye of Mikhail."

Just then, Konatsu Warren—Lieutenant Major Hyuuga's begleiter—entered and remarked that Alexander Night was one of Teito Klein's close friends, along with Mikage Celestine (the other boy who survived in Teito Klein's group). Ayanami found his curiosity spiked even more afterwards.

"Perhaps Alexander Night would also know about The Eye of Mikhail," thought Ayanami.

March 22nd, 2143: 7:00 PM—

At 7 PM, Ayanami was seated in his office. He was methodically writing out paperwork, as part of his usual routine, while waiting for Alexander Night to appear. He had taken a quick glance at Alexander Night's file—the boy seemed to have come from an orphanage ten years ago, and his only skill was manipulation zaiphon. Ayanami wasn't interested in having Alexander Night join the blackhawks, but decided to have the interview anyway with him.

Five minutes passed by…ten minutes…and then fifteen. Impatiently, Ayanami sent Konatsu to go find out what was taking Alexander Night so long. Konatsu left, and after five minutes, Ayanami decided to go find out himself. Hyuuga followed him, while chatting about how Ayanami should learn to be more patient.

As he was walking down the hallway, he noticed something was amiss.

"What's wrong Aya-tan?" Hyuuga asked, noticing his superior's stiff posture. Ayanami didn't answer, and was slowly looking around without turning his head. His movements had slowed, and his footsteps were almost silent. Hyuuga brushed his left hand over his katanas, and followed his superior's example. Both of them walked down the hallway and entered the cells. There, they were greeted to the sight of dead bodies and blood strewn everywhere, along with a missing Teito Klein.

Ayanami forgot about Alexander Night; he immediately visualized where Teito Klein might have escaped to.

"The balcony," Ayanami said out loud. Hyuuga nodded, and they both ran in the direction of the balcony.

Ayanami and Hyuuga swiftly arrived at the balcony, where they saw Teito Klein and two other cadets—Mikage Celestine (he was the other boy who had survived along with Teito Klein) and most likely Alexander Night—with a hawkzile. While Hyuuga ran towards Mikage Celestine, Ayanami directed his attention to Teito Klein and the other boy on the hawkzile.

Acting on instinct, Ayanami flung his zaiphon towards the hawkzile, and was pleased to see that he managed to hit one of the boys' faces. He rapidly threw another strand towards them, but a white shield suddenly appeared, dissolving his zaiphon.

"Interesting…one of them was able to create a full shield within seconds," Ayanami thought, mildly surprised and impressed.

By that time, the hawkzile was speeding away, and Mikage Celestine had been left behind. Hyuuga had him disarmed, and he was bleeding profusely from a wound to his shoulder.

March 22nd, 2143: 7:29PM—

To say that the Chief Commander of Staff of the Barsburg Empire was angry was a complete understatement.

He was livid.

As soon as the hawkzile had sped away, two officers arrived, screaming that Teito Klein had escaped from his cell. Ayanami simply turned around and stared at them; frightened by their misconduct and the threat beneath his flat stare, the two officers immediately vanished from the balcony. Ayanami looked back at the bleeding boy on the floor.

"Where did they go?" Ayanami coldly asked. Mikage Celestine didn't answer, and instead gripped his wound in pain. Hyuuga viciously kicked him, and the boy groaned in pain.

"I don't know," Mikage Celestine finally groaned; he passed out. Ayanami ordered for medical attention given to Mikage Celestine and ordered that he was to be thrown into prison afterward for further interrogation.

Later, Ayanami was back at his office, seated behind his desk. His gloved fingers were laced together, and he rested his chin on it. In front of him, the other Blackhawks stood quietly, waiting for their superior to begin.

"Has it been confirmed that Alexander Night was the other boy with Teito Klein?" Ayanami quietly asked.

Konatsu Warren answered, "Yes. I have Alexander Night's file here." He handed it to Ayanami, who began to read through it.

Hyuuga noticed Ayanami raise one of his eyebrows. "Is something wrong Aya-tan?" Hyuuga asked, grinning. He had rather enjoyed the scuffle with Mikage Celestine—but the boy was too weak.

"It appears that Alexander Night's zaiphon ability wasn't as good as displayed in the exam," Ayanami remarked, "He does have manipulation zaiphon, but earlier reports state that his skill was lacking quite a lot of control."

"Does that mean that Alexander Night cheated at the exam?"Captain Katsuragi asked.

Ayanami shook his head, and Haruse quietly interjected, "It is impossible unless an officer interferes with the exam directly. It is possible though that under the pressure of the situation that Alexander Night could've been able to control his zaiphon properly."

Commander Kuroyuri yawned in Haruse's arms and sleepily said, "One of the officers that was watching the exam remarked that the criminal was starting to go towards Alexander Night but then his movements slowed down…as if he was distracted by something else."

There was a moment of silence in Ayanami's office. "Is Alexander Night a warsfeil?" Katsuragi asked.

"I highly doubt it," Ayanami replied, "His skill in manipulation zaiphon leaves a lot to be answered."

He glanced down at the file again and said, "Even though it states that he's an orphan, we will have to do a more thorough background check."

"Along with capturing Teito Klein," Ayanami stated, "We will need to capture Alexander Night. It seems that there is more to the boy than what he appears to be."

Ayanami stood up and looked at his subordinates. "Go with the search parties and find out where they land the hawkzile," directed Ayanami, "It is imperative that we find them. It will be especially troublesome if they reach the church."

The Blackhawks saluted, and Ayanami dismissed them.

"Teito Klein," thought Ayanami, "And then Alexander Night. What do you two have to hide from me?"

March ?, 2143, ?—

"Alex…"

She felt warm and comfortable. Someone was calling her name. But she was too comfortable. No, she wouldn't open her eyes. It was just too comfortable here.

"Alex!"

Alex snapped her eyes opened, and looked around. Everywhere around her was white. The air seemed still, and she couldn't feel anything solid under her feet. Alarmed, Alex began move her limbs, desperate to find some sort of footing. She was going to die amongst white, she was going to die

"Stop squirming,"

Alex's head shot up, her panic forgotten. That voice…again! She had heard it! It sounded like a male… he sounded as if he found something funny.

"Where are you?" Alex warily asked.

There was a brief moment of silence, and then the voice appeared again, "Behind you."

Alex whipped around, and was startled to find someone was standing (well, floating…since there wasn't exactly a ground beneath them) there. On a closer inspection, she noticed that he had shoulder-length jet black hair which contrasted greatly with his light green eyes.

"Who are you?" Alex asked, her voice low.

The stranger tilted his head in amusement and replied, "My name is Lazarus. I am the angel of dreams."

Lazarus, the angel of dreams? "I don't believe you," Alex slowly said. Lazarus nodded, as if he was expecting her answer.

He waved his hand, and Alex gasped. Suddenly they were standing in a dark place. There were flashes of red and yellow—was that fire? Alex felt something tickling her ankles; looking down, she nearly screamed when she saw a large black mass slithering up her ankle. She shook her ankle, panicking.

Lazarus snapped his fingers again, and now they were standing in a meadow. Alex looked at him and finally said, "This has to be a dream."

Lazarus smirked and replied, "It is your dream." He chuckled when she gave a dark scowl.

Lazarus tilted his head sideways and asked, "Who might you be?"

"Alex," Alex replied slowly. She didn't trust this person—well, angel—yet. "Why am I here?" Alex asked, "Why are you appearing in my dream?"

"You are gravely injured," Lazarus stated, "You have suffered deep wounds on your chest, and I believe there might be scarring on your face."

Alex flinched at his answer and raised her hand to touch her face. It felt smooth and normal. "What?" she slowly asked, "My face is fine! So is my chest!"

Lazarus sighed and impatiently said, "This is your dream. Of course you will look your best in your dreams. But in reality, you have suffered some terrible wounds from him."

Him? Alex's frown grew deeper until she realized who Lazarus was talking about. Her memory was slowly coming back to her...the begleiter exam, Teito, Mikage...Mikage!

"Is Teito ok? What about Mikage?" Alex quickly asked, "Who was that strange man that attacked us? Why are you in my dream?"

"The friend that rode with you on the hawkzile is safe, while I do not know about the other," Lazarus replied, "I don't know the man's name, but he was of high rank in the military."

There was a moment of silence as Alex took in the information. Teito was safe, thank goodness. But Mikage...he was now most likely a prisoner. Alex bit her lip, willing herself not to cry from the sudden, unfortunate turn of events.

"You haven't answered my second question," Alex finally said. Lazarus raised his eyebrows and Alex asked, "Why are you appearing in my dream?"

"Because I have now regained enough power to appear in your dreams," Lazarus replied, "I have been sealed from a long time, and a majority of my powers are still dormant."

Alex thought about his answer until something occurred to her.

"You were sealed?" Alex asked, and Lazarus nodded.

"That means you were the green orb?" Alex asked, incredulous. Lazarus nodded again and said, "I suppose I should thank you for keeping me safe."

Alex thought back to the dying man's words—He betrayed me. He betrayed us all.

"Did you betray someone?" Alex blurted out. She noticed Lazarus give a strange look, before his face turned into an impassive one.

"I have been using my powers too much now," Lazarus said, "And I must rest. I will meet you again Alex. Until then, be safe."

Alex felt her vision blurring. The last thing she remembered was his green eyes boring into her.

March ?, 2143: ?—

Alex's eyes snapped open, and closed again against the harsh light. There was some buzzing at her ears…no, she could hear some voices. She felt some strange numbing pain on her face…it was throbbing a lot. Her entire body hurt, as if a wall had fallen on top of her. She shakily lifted her fingers, and traced a bandage on her face. It felt so strange, so foreign...

"He was right," Alex murmured drowsily, slowly sitting up, "I did get hurt."

"Look, you woke up your friend!" a voice suddenly called. Alex slowly turned her head—god it hurt!—and saw some people standing near her. Three of them were wearing strange white robes, while the fourth one was...

"Teito!" Alex called, and coughed. Her throat felt dry and paper-like.

Teito looked back at Alex, relief in his eyes. Alex noticed that he was wearing some strange white clothing, similar to what the other strangers were wearing.

"Are you ok?" Teito asked, and Alex slowly nodded, giving him a small smile.

One of the strangers handed Alex a glass with some drink in it. Alex looked at it, suspicious.

"Don't worry, this will help your throat," the stranger replied. Alex finally took the drink, and sipped at it. It tasted nice, and the scent reminded her of a long forgotten memory—flowers. Her throat was no longer hurting after a few more sips, and she took longer drinks.

"Welcome to the Barsburg Church in District 7," one of the strangers began, "We three are bishops, and we saved you and Teito-kun last night. I am Castor, and the other two are Frau and Labrador."

Alex looked at the three and finally asked, "The Church?" Teito nodded and said, "They saved our lives from that horrific accident, right Alex?"

Alex opened her mouth to say something but caught his look and immediately understood that the bishops didn't know the truth. It was probably wise that they didn't tell them—yeah we were just military students that recently passed our exam but now thanks to that man, we're fugitives.

"Well, since this brat isn't willing to tell us the truth," the blonde bishop—Frau—said, "We were wondering whether you could tell us why this brat is wearing chains and we found you two crashed at the cliffs near here."

"Uhm," Alex began, racking her mind. "Well, we were playing a game!" Alex said, "We were playing prisoner, where one of us was the 'prisoner'—which was Teito, and I was the officer. I was trying to catch the escaping prisoner, and we crashed!"

Teito shot her a what-kind-of-a-lie-was-that look, while the bishops didn't look impressed.

"Right," Bishop Frau said, "I don't believe you."

"That's your problem then," shot Alex, "Because that is the truth."

"Oh please," Frau sneered, "A girl actually uses chains to make this brat 'a prisoner'?"

"What?" Teito burst out, "Alex isn't a girl!"

"You damned brat of course she is a girl!" Frau retorted, "Those weren't paddings I felt when I carried her here!"

There was a sudden chilly silence and Teito stared at Alex, his eyes growing wide as he stared at her.

Alex felt her face growing hot. Without thinking, she picked up the glass with the remaining drink and threw it at Bishop Frau.

"Hey!" Frau yelled, "What the hell?"

"YOU'RE A GIRL!" yelled Teito, "What?"

Bishop Castor coughed and muttered, "Way to go, you idiot," under his breath.

Frau glared at him and Bishop Labrador said, "The three of us have to attend to some duties. Why don't you and Teito-kun talk to each other?"

Quickly, the three bishops left. Alex looked away, not wanting to meet Teito's gaze.

"You're a girl?" Teito asked, still astonished.

Alex nodded and asked, "Is that bishop a pervert? Because I really want to kill him right now."

Teito coughed and looked away, embarrassed. Alex felt her face flushing again, and an awkward silence occurred.

"He's weird," Teito finally replied.

"What happened?" Alex asked, "All I remember is that you were holding onto my wrist when I blacked out."

"Well, we travelled on the hawkzile for a long time, and then I started to lose consciousness too, and we crashed," Teito explained, "I remember waking up here later on, and finding those three bishops, who won't stop pestering me."

"What about Mikage?" Alex asked, dreading the answer. Teito didn't say anything.

"We have to leave," Alex said, "We have to get Mikage!"

"I know," Teito replied, "But you are hurt. The bishops said that you might get a scar on your face because of what Ayanami did." He spat out the man's name as if it was poison.

"I told you," a smug voice whispered in her mind. Alex froze, and Teito looked at her.

"Alex? Are you ok?" Teito asked.

Alex nodded. Teito looked away suddenly and mumbled sorry under his breath. Alex looked at him, surprised.

"Why are you sorry?" Alex asked.

"I got you involved in this!" Teito replied, "It's my fault that I escaped, and instead now you're also a fugitive along with me!"

Alex smiled and replied, "So? You're my friend Teito. Remember the promise we made with Mikage?" Teito looked guiltier when she mentioned Mikage's name.

"Mikage," Teito softly said, "I wish I never got you two involved in this." Alex reached out her hand and touched Teito on the shoulder. Teito flinched, and awkwardly looked away.

"I'm going to get better quickly," Alex said, "That way we can rescue Mikage. We won't break our promise with him Teito, no matter what."

"No," Teito replied, surprising Alex, "You should stay at the church. It's too dangerous for you to leave. I'm the one they want, and it's my fault that you're in this mess."

"What?" Alex shot back, "No! Mikage's our friend! I'm not abandoning you, and I refuse to let you leave me here wallowing with that stupid perverted bishop!"

"But it's safer if you stay here," retorted Teito, "Because..."

"Because I'm a girl?" Alex interjected, "Come on Teito! I can take care of myself! I don't want to stay here!"

Teito softly said, "I don't know anything about my past. Somehow, it's connected to Ayanami, but I don't know how. I think he did something to my father." He clutched Alex's hands and looked at her.

"Who am I Alex?" Teito hoarsely asked, "Why can't I remember anything?"

"You will," Alex promised, "I want to help you get your memories back. I can't help you if you leave me here. We both have to help each other and we must rescue Mikage."

Teito looked at her and let go of her hands. He nodded. He said, "You also got a deep wound on your chest." He coughed, and continued, "You won't be able to stand until a few more days."

Alex groaned and replied, "You have to be the worst hawkzile driver ever."

"Hey!" Teito retorted, "I was saving our lives!"

"Next time let me drive ok?" Alex smiled and continued, "Well, you're the one who created that amazing shield to block Ayanami's second attack."

Teito looked at her confused.

"You made that shield," Teito slowly said, "It had happened within seconds—as soon as he had fired his first zaiphon, you quickly made the shield, and we got away."

Alex stared at Teito uncomprehendingly. Teito sighed and said, "Maybe your memory is still messed up from the crash."

"I didn't make the shield," Alex slowly said, "I have manipulation zaiphon!"

"I saw you Alex!" Teito patiently replied, "You manipulated your threads so quickly that you actually wove a barrier that stopped his attack! It was brilliant!"

Alex fell silent, lost in thought. She was quite sure she didn't make that shield. If Teito said that he didn't, and she was sure she didn't, then who did?

"Did Lazarus have something to do with it?" Alex wondered.

Meanwhile Teito asked, "You told them that we were playing a game?"

"Well, it was the only excuse I could come up with at that time," Alex replied, "I'd like to see you try making one up!" Teito's lips twitched slightly and Bishop Frau entered.

"Here's your dinner, dumb girl," Frau grudgingly said, laying down the tray near her bed.

"I'm not a dumb girl, you crazy, perverted freak!" Alex angrily snapped.

"Well, you tell bad lies," Frau replied, and sat down.

"Why are you here?" Teito asked warily.

Frau sighed dramatically and replied, "Because I have to make sure your girlfriend eats all of her dinner."

Alex blushed and Teito screamed, "She's not my girlfriend!" His face had also gone red as a tomato.

Frau smirked and replied, "Oh I know how secretive teenagers are...always wanting to hide their relationships from the world." He pulled out a magazine and began to read it. Alex stared at the cover and felt her eyes bulging out.

"What are you reading?" Alex faintly asked.

"Porn," Frau and Teito replied simultaneously.

"How the heck did you become a bishop?" Alex screamed, "Because that is most definitely one of the worst sins you can commit!"

Frau smirked and replied, "Lying is also a bad thing to do."

Alex and Teito both glared at him. Alex realized how hungry she was and looked at the food. She found herself staring at...a pile of flowers and... soup with eyes in it.

"Don't worry Alex," Teito said, reading Alex's face, "Eyefish stew looks strange but it tastes good!"

"That damned brat had the same expression as you," Frau remarked, "But once he tried it, he wouldn't stop eating it." He chuckled when he saw Teito's murderous glare.

"The last time I trusted you," Alex said, "You nearly killed us with your horrible driving skills."

"Hey!" Teito retorted, "I said sorry! And we were under severe pressure!"

"Under what?" Frau interjected, "The military?" Teito and Alex both froze, and Frau continued staring at them for a few seconds.

"You must be hungry," Frau suddenly said in a tender voice, "Have your dinner. I won't ask anymore questions."

Alex's smile didn't return as she slowly picked up her spoon. Gingerly, she took some soup and slowly brought the spoon towards her lips. "It smells nice," Alex thought as she tasted it. Slowly she chewed on the eyefish, and swallowed it.

"That wasn't as bad, was it?" Frau asked. Alex didn't answer, and was hungrily devouring the rest of the food.

When she caught Teito's flabbergasted and Frau's amused expression, she indignantly asked, "What?"

"Your manners are completely unlady-like," Frau said, "I can't believe that damned brat fell for you."

"WE ARE NOT A COUPLE!" Alex and Teito screamed.

March 23d, 2143: 9:03 PM—

"Hi Aya-tan!" Hyuuga greeted enthusiastically, "We were just talking about you!" Behind Hyuuga, Mikage sat bound to a chair. He stared at the Chief of Staff with hate-filled eyes.

Light amber clashed with deep amethyst as the prisoner and captor stared at each other.

"He refuses to say anything Aya-tan," the Lieutenant Major whined, "He's being so boring, and he won't play with me!"

Mikage swallowed slightly as he heard Hyuuga's words. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he had already lost feeling in his hands. Closing his eyes briefly, Mikage willed himself to think about anything...anything to distract that fluttery feeling in his stomach.

"I'm Mikage! I'm so happy my room-mate isn't a stern guy!"

There was a faint rustling. Mikage didn't open his eyes; he didn't want to stare into those dark eyes with no emotion again.

"Pleased to meet you Alex-kun! Let's all get along with each other!"

"Hey look, is that a picture of your family?"Lieutenant Hyuuga suddenly asked. Mikage's eyes flew open, alarmed. He watched with horror not the fact that the Lieutenant Major held a photograph of his family in his hand, but his feral smile—the smile of a predator.

Chief Ayanami meanwhile, continued to stare down at Mikage. Mikage continued to avert his eyes, not willing to meet that terrible man's gaze.

"You have a cute little sister," Lieutenant Hyuuga remarked, "I was deeply moved by your application to the army. You had written, for my family. Surely you'll become an excellent man filled with talent."

"We're brothers!"

Mikage stiffened; he felt a thin blanket of sweat all over his body. Still, he remained silent, and looked down. Mikage suddenly felt someone's breath near his left ear and realized that the Chief of Staff was behind him.

"I'm offering you a choice," Chief Ayanami's voice sounded close to Mikage's ear, making him shiver.

"Your family," The chief said, "Or Teito Klein and Alexander Night." Mikage shivered again, and his eyes grew wide. He felt the chief's gloved fingers caress his chin—the fingers were like bones...the bones of a dead man.

Mikage's mind turned from words to pictures. He first saw the picture of Alex and Teito, and then another picture of his family. Those two pictures were flickering back and forth into his mind. He barely heard the Chief of Staff's next words.

"Choose which option you like, and bring it to me," Chief Ayanami continued, "Think well. If you choose neither, you'll die."

Mikage never noticed the tears that were pouring from his wide eyes, or the tremble of his lips. All he saw was Teito and Alex, and then his family.

"I'll put a mark on you to make sure you don't escape," Chief Ayanami whispered. He stood up, gave Mikage one final glance, and left the room with his subordinate. Right before he left, Lieutenant Hyuuga threw the photo in Mikage's direction.

Mikage numbly watched the photo slowly float onto the ground. He caught a glimpse of his brothers' and sister's smiling faces before the photo landed on the dirty ground, the wrong side up.

"I'm proud to be both of your friends, and I hope that we remain friends forever. I want to make a pact that we will never abandon each other, no matter what."

"Teito Klein and Alexander Night, will you swear this oath of friendship with me?"

The cell echoed with quiet sobs as Mikage cried, realizing—and hating—his true feelings.

"I'm so sorry," thought Mikage, "I'm sorry."