City Hall, Rosie's bakery and Café.

Kieko Matstunami greedily eyed the many pastries on their table. She licked her lips, along with her wine red lipstick. She then licked her palm and ran it through her spiky twelve inch high hair. People around them raised a brow. After all, Kiki's hair was a mix of black, pink, green and violet strands and it stuck out in various directions. It wasn't the first time her hair caught the attention of others.

"Gosh Johnathan, where's the catch in this? Did you really buy all of this for me?"

Sitting opposite her was her African-American comrade. His shoulder length, dark cornrows were pulled back into a ponytail. He grinned when Kiki began devouring the pastries on their table.

"What catch? I'm trying to be a better friend," he replied, dark eyes gleaming mischievously.

"You-are- Awesome!"

Kiki started with a strawberry cheesecake. She plucked the fresh strawberries and lapped the pink cream cheese from them before swallowing them whole. She then ate the cake in less than four bites. With the remaining biscuit crumbs, she dipped a finger in vanilla cream, picking the stray crumbs with her moist fingers and licking them clean. She ignored the drops of white cream that stained her black gothic dress. The lace and ruffles at the bottom of dress were smudged with white.

Kiki then moved onto to the next dessert, a tall chocolate muffin with double layer of chocolate and lemon icing. She giggled, clapping her hands at the ethereal sight. Her hands ripped the muffin to shreds and it disappeared from the table within seconds. Kiki hiccupped and sighed in satisfaction. Her cat, Daisuke slept under the table, curled around her platform shoes. The cat stirred in its sleep, unaware of its owner's monstrous appetite.

Kiki pulled over the next plate. Three scoops of ice-cream glimmered like city lights on the white plate. Kiki grinned, revealing her sharp canines. Rainbow sprinkles were scattered over the delicious dessert.

"Chocolate, honeycomb and mint; my favourites! Boy, Jo-Jo, you sure know what I'm into," she chuckled with glee.

She dipped her face into the bowl, and used her tongue to swallow the ice-cream. Spoons never interested her much when it came to eating food. She enjoyed food far better this way. When she glanced back at Johnathan, the tip of her nose and chin were covered in green and brown ice-cream.

Johnathan couldn't help but burst out laughing. His head wrung back and he howled in laughter. Daisuke jolted beneath the table from fright. It rolled to the side and pattered out of the bakery.

"Awh, look there goes my sweetie," Kiki moaned, watching her cat leave, "What's so funny?"

She wiped the ice-cream from her face with the sleeve of her dress. There were still three other desserts left on the table and she wished to finish eating those before anything else.

"Oh nothing," Johnathan reassured, "You're just so cute when you eat."

"Cute?" Kiki's nose scrunched in confusion. "Did you get any news from Bird-man?"

"Huh?" Johnathan raised a brow and his smile widened. "Shouldn't we be talking about Cut-throat? Ms. Strong said she'll be coming down this street soon."

"So I'm guessing Bird-man didn't contact you? What a sore loser," Kiki rolled her eyes. She suddenly lost interest in her food.

Ever since she found that her two objects of affection desired someone else, she felt depressed. She was afraid of being alone but she was also afraid of losing her friends. Being pansexual, Kiki couldn't identify genders that easily. She loved Zack for his rivalry, his puerile nature but most of all; she loved him for his good heart. Her love for Ashlen McCloud was different. Ash was the yin to her yang. She was Kiki's silence as Kiki was her voice. These two different loves left Kiki utterly confused. Now with Kitty gone to the Red Insurgents, Kiki was afraid of discussing these feelings with anyone else.

"I think you should tell Zack how you feel," Johnathan said.

His comment caught her off guard. Kiki gasped, placing her hands over her mouth and glared at her comrade.

"What are you talking about!? Everyone knows how much I hate Bird-man, you know?"

"Kiki, you're not very good at masking your emotions," Johnathan told her, leaning over the table with his elbow, "Half of the Eagle Claws know you like Zack."

Kiki began biting her nails. Her eyes were wide like saucers.

Johnathan continued, "The only person who's oblivious to your feelings is Zack."

"But-but…" Kiki stammered. Where were the cat god's cries when she needed to hear him? Unfortunately, the cat god had been silent ever since Zack left for his mission over a week ago. "You are being stupid, Jo-Jo. Me and Bird-man don't click."

"No, you do," the boy reprimanded, "I know Zack has been dating Abigail for four years but hey, I'm his friend and I fear for his safety. Ms. Strong's father is part of the Triangle Organisation. It'll be safer for him to break up with her."

Kiki looked for Daisuke but her cat was sleeping on the windowsill at the entrance. The cat's ears were neatly folded into its fur. Johnathan's words were slowly sinking into her mind. Kiki didn't regard Abigail Strong as a competitor. Zack was happy with her. She had no right to intervene with his happiness. It was Zack's choice to date Abby, despite being fully aware of her background.

If Kiki wanted somebody to love her, she wanted them to love her for the person she was. She didn't want Zack to leave Abby for her because he was in danger. She stared back at Johnathan with renowned determination. Her heart leapt in her chest.

"I say you're poo!" she declared, pointing a finger at him. The Africa-American's cheeky smile was wiped from his face.

Kiki performed a back flip away from her chair and cart wheeled her way out of the bakery.

XXXXXXXX

Marcus had enough of Kitty's company. All he wanted was some peace and quiet. However, for the past week, the nosy girl would shoot questions about his private and professional life countless times. He would normally brush off her questions with a word or two. Now, he urged her to follow him through to the Bastion Woods, where he was hoping to leave her with Jayson Salazar and Dark-Angel, a new recruit for the Red Insurgents.

He hated to admit to himself, he enjoyed having Kitty around in his underground apartment despite her nosy and 'know-it-all' ways. He shook his head, surprised at his ambivalent thoughts on the mutant girl.

Kitty stumbled after him. His stride was much faster than hers. It could have been due to his height or else he was in a rush to get rid of her. She glanced through the greenery of the Bastion Woods.

"So…Who are you taking me to?"

"Ryou," the brunet replied curtly.

"Oh…Okay. I'm sorry if I bothered you or anything."

Marcus ignored her. He stopped in his tracks only to have Kitty bump into his back. His eyes widened at the sudden contact. He spun to face her, holding a hand to separate him from her. For a moment, he was sure her lousy gait would have her falling into his arms but a relief washed through him when Kitty balanced herself.

"What was that about?" She placed her arms on her hips and raised a brow. Marcus pushed his tinted glasses back onto the bridge of his nose and tilted his head towards two figures ahead.

Kitty's hands covered her mouth when a gray scaled young man approached them. The only thing human about him were his Prussian blue eyes. He ran a clawed hand through his bright crimson hair, eyeing the girl before looking at Marcus.

Marcus rubbed some dirt away from his jeans, his hands brushed through his knees that protruded through the torn areas. He studied Kitty's expression carefully. Her eyes scintillated with fear. She was afraid of the scaled mutant who Marcus knew as Ryou (otherwise known as Jayson Salazar.). The other figure in his periphery vision shifted a little, drawing Marcus' attention.

It was another young man, a bit taller than Jayson. His messy charcoal coloured hair swayed in the light afternoon breeze. The stranger took a step forward, hands stuffed into the pockets of his open beige trench coat and green eyes ablaze with mischief.

"Hello," the dark haired man started; his pearly white teeth evident in his wide smile, "Jayson told me you guys were coming. Who exactly are you again?"

"The question is who are you?" Kitty folded her arms and cocked her head to the side.

"Dark-Angel, the seraph of the blackest hell!" the young man dramatically raised a hand to the air. All he needed were stormy clouds and a flash of lightning to complete the scene.

Marcus would have rolled his eyes but he continued to scrutinise the cocky recruit. He respected very few Red Insurgents. Even Jayson, who was a lot nicer than others than he had worked with, didn't achieve the respect he deserved. Marcus' respect was well valued among the Red Insurgents because of its rarity. In this instance, Marcus was sure that it will take eons to respect this Dark-Angel.

It was Kitty's loud laughter that almost broke his nonchalant countenance. The girl was clutching her stomach. Even Jayson perked a brow and almost swallowed his snake-lip piercing in curiosity. Dark-Angel watched the girl in confusion with a face that rivalled the red of a setting son.

"That's enough Zack," Jayson cut in after Kitty finished wiping tears from her eyes, "You're not official in the Red Insurgents yet."

He eyed the dark-haired man with pity when the latter faced the ground in pure shame. "You may choose an alias after the trials of Ace."

"Right…"Zack muttered, rubbing the back of his neck, "Anyways, who are you guys? Seriously."

"I'm Kitty and that grouch over there is Marcus."

Marcus raised a brow. Did Kitty really think he was that much of a grumpy recluse? He saw Jayson smirk slightly.

"And I am Jayson Salazar. It is a pleasure to meet you," Jayson held out a clawed hand towards Kitty who eyed it with extreme panic. Upon realising her trembling form, Jayson quickly reclined his hand.

"Apologies, my appearance is cringe-worthy at first sight."

"No, no! Please don't say that," Kitty shook her head fiercely.

Marcus knew many people were afraid of Jayson when they initially saw him. He, however, foresaw the gentle soul that dwelt in that beastly body a long time ago. Jayson's outer appearance belied the generosity of his heart. Marcus didn't understand why Jayson even joined the Red Insurgents. Perhaps their motives were the same: The enemy of your enemy is my friend.

He paused; astonished that he was contemplating that Jayson could almost be more than an ally. Friendship did not exist in the Red Insurgents though Jayson was often in people's good books. The eighteen year old red head would prefer to read novels during his free time. Rarely did he join missions, not willing to climb to the higher ranks like most mutants of their organisation did.

Zack let out a feigned yawn. "Hey, why is this brat even here?"

"Who are you calling brat!?" Kitty stubbed a finger into his turtleneck sweater.

"Marcus, I know you're here to drop Kitty," Jayson interrupted, hoping to alleviate the tension between the two new recruits, "But Aquarius has already sent one of his newest allies to my hideout. I'm afraid I'm all booked."

"Pity," Marcus sighed in his shallow voice. It was so hoarse, that it was almost a whisper.

He remained calm but he sincerely wished Kitty would leave his hideout sooner rather than later. After all, he was asked by Texas Law to meet her soon. As a mentor, he couldn't leave Kitty alone.

"Oh that's okay. I don't mind staying with Marcus," Kitty assured and Marcus was sure a vein throbbed on his temple from agitation.

"Well then problem solved," Zack smirked and gave a silky shrug.

"Who does Aquarius mentor?" Marcus spoke up.

His question surprised everyone, not because he was curious about Aquarius' recruit but because he simply joined a broken conversation. Marcus only spoke when it was important. Otherwise, the only person he could have conversations with was Texas.

"I'm afraid I do not know but I think he's-"

Jayson didn't finish his sentence when a familiar voice broke through the air. An elbow weighed on Marcus' shoulder.

"Well, well if it isn't my favourite shadow freak. Are you done dating the darkness or have you finally accepted the light of day? Ha-ha! I am too good at this. Hey! This dorky devil must be the idiot that Aquarius was talking about! I must say, with such a depressing and hideous mob, my awesome looks outshine everyone."

"Pietro," Marcus uttered through gritted teeth. He wasn't pleased at all to hear that annoying voice.

"Did ya miss me?" Pietro wiggled both of his eyebrows and gifted the shadow lover with a cocky grin worth punching.

Marcus understood why Aquarius sent him to Jayson. The latter was too kind to reject this jerk. He recalled the day when he was sent to retrieve Samir Aryaan from Duce's camp. Cut-throat insisted him, Aquarius and Samir to allow Pietro into the Red Insurgents. Marcus didn't know the boy would turn into an egotistical motor mouth who knew no ends to impertinence. Aquarius, on the other hand, found the boy's quick wit amusing at first. He exempted Pietro from the trials of Ace and became his mentor.

Samir wasn't too happy with the decision and declared a vote between the higher ranked mutants to decide whether Pietro should remain in the Red Insurgents. However, Aquarius confided with Ace in secret. Ace wanted a mutant who had the attributes of the speed of sound. Therefore, Pietro was good to stay, much to Samir's resentment.

Pietro started off as a jerk three weeks ago and he was still a jerk to this day. He was almost killed by Cut-throat after asking her out on a date. Domino almost shot his backside when he used the sea as his garbage reservoir. Marcus even remembered the time he attempted to pull Lee Key Bun away while she perpetually bombarded Pietro with vomit projectiles, due to the latter calling her indecent names.

"Pietro?"

Marcus glanced to his right. Kitty was rooted in her spot, her blue eyes wide open. She was flexing her fingers into her palm and out again. Pietro flinched beside him. He opened his mouth but for once, there were no words spilling from that damned organ.

"Pryde?" he finally stuttered, a little too squeakily for someone as 'cool' as him.

"Pietro!" Kitty exclaimed with a renewed smile.

She ran across the group and threw her arms around the silver-haired mutant. Marcus was sure his jaw nearly dropped to the floor. He didn't expect Pietro to have anyone that cared for him. He was sure the boy was abandoned by his family a long time ago.

"Easy! Easy!" Pietro pulled back but still holding Kitty's shoulders. He had an uncharacteristic smile on his face that was almost kind.

"How did you, like, get here? I was so worried!"

"What do you mean, you X-freak? How the hell did you end up here? I didn't know where you went off to ever since the day Duce captured me."

"You guys know each other?" Zack queried. His brows were furrowed together in suspicion and he rubbed his fingers over his pale chin.

Pietro stared at the dark haired man. Marcus folded his arms across his jacket. Kitty was almost jumping in glee after her reunion. He was curious to know what connection she shared with Pietro, a boy he was certain that was doomed to a fate with no friends.

"Who're you, tough guy?" Pietro was suddenly in front of Zack, the wind of his speed blew dark locks out of place.

"How did you do that?" Zack blinked once and then a few more times. He was clearly stunned over Pietro's abilities.

"I am awesome, that's how," Pietro replied with a sly grin, "Unlike you. Being all pretty boy ain't gonna get you that far up the Red Insurgents ranks. You're gonna have to toughen up and drink more testosterone juice to join us (Although Samir managed to make it through without the testosterone bit, but whatever.)."

"Pffft," Zack rolled his eyes with a hint of ire, "And this is coming from a newbie who was ditched by his mentor?"

His words wiped the sneaky smile off of the silver-haired mutant's face.

"You're part of the Red Insurgents!?" Kitty yelled in shock.

"Kitty, you are really dense aren't you? I thought three weeks in the future has helped your brain to grow but I see some geeks will never change," Pietro spoke swiftly before turning his attention back towards Zack and prodded his chest with a finger,

"You talk big, pretty boy. I like competition but don't underestimate me. My mentor is none other than Aquarius, a man whose tutor was none other than Ace himself. Look at your mentor: he's nothing but a sad Halloween cosplay gone wrong. I'm sure even Frankenstein would prefer to remain in his grave after seeing that freak of nature."

"Pietro!" Kitty cut him off with a reprimanding look. Jayson shuffled uncomfortably in his spot while Marcus resisted the urge to lose his temper.

"I talk big? You're the one rambling nonsense here," Zack pushed Pietro roughly away. The latter almost tumbled into Marcus before regaining balance.

If looks could kill then Marcus was sure Zack would be fried mutant after Pietro glowered at him. Thankfully, there were no such mutations that led to that sort of power. He was losing his patience with the speedy mutant and wished to relieve himself from this hassle. He sensed the tension boiling in the air until it was ready to scorch someone.

"You wanna fight me?" Pietro questioned, hands on his hips and his back straight to the point that it bolstered his contemptuous demeanour.

"I don't fight immature kids," Zack waved a hand in the air and let out a whistle, "You'll only wet your pants if you choose otherwise."

"Why you!"

Pietro grabbed the collars of Zack's coat and held a hand to jab his nose. Zack grabbed Pietro's brown shirt and was ready to ram his knee into the speedy mutant's stomach. They were soon entangled in each other's fists. At one stage Pietro tried to run away but was body-grabbed by Zack, whose wings had torn through his trench coat. They flapped frantically in the air, releasing a flight of feathers in their wake. Kitty yelled at them to end their feud but they refused to listen.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Jayson stepped in between them. He placed a hand on both of the mutant's faces to pull them away from each other, "Keep this up and I'll have you both reported to Aquarius."

"I'll stop if you tell that winged freak to keep a good distance away from me," Pietro said haughtily, stroking the large bump on the side of his head. His shirt was almost completely torn, revealing his stomach and areas of his back.

Zack wiped the blood that oozed down his nostrils and sent Pietro equally dirty stares. His turtleneck sweater was also torn down his midriff. "Touché."

Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. This wasn't the first time he saw Red Insurgents rouse a commotion.

"Pietro, you totally started it, you jerk!" Kitty accused.

"Hey, shouldn't you be siding with me?" Pietro asked innocently before his infamous arrogance took over, "Oh wait, I forgot that you're -Two-Shoes who always likes to stand up for the better good, or whatever. Seriously, Pryde, you are so predictable."

"And you're a jerk! Oh! I can't believe I was ever worried about you!" Kitty stamped her foot on the ground vehemently.

"You were worried for me? Oh, spare me the cheese, please. I'll believe that one only when pigs start to fly. Hey, come to think of it, there's a pig right here with giant wings. Crap! So pigs have started to fly then after all! But that doesn't mean I believe you, X-geek-"

"Shut-up!" Jayson blurted uncharacteristically and the place was suddenly filled with a stark silence.

Marcus had had enough. He spun on his heel and stormed away from the crowd. He hated Aquarius but he pitied him at this stage. He was a fool to be Pietro's mentor. The boy was too fast for the world. He talked too fast, he ran to fast and he even ate too fast. Marcus wouldn't be surprised if Pietro excreted faster than humans also.

Pietro deserved to be in the distant future, he thought to himself. He should have been born in a future that matched his speed. He was like the man in a long queue, too impatient to wait for his turn.

A patter of footsteps halted him in his tracks. Marcus was disappointed to see that Kitty had followed him. With Kitty around, he would have to cancel his meeting with Texas.

"Can I stay with you please?" She implored.

"Yes," He forced himself to say, although harsher than he implied.

"I won't stay long, that's a promise. Just give me another day or two before the trials."

Although he preferred to erase that encounter from his memory, he was intrigued by one thing Pietro had mentioned. What did he mean when he said Kitty was 'three weeks into the future'?

XXXXXXXX

Eagle Claws Headquarters.

Ash carefully made her way down to infirmary. She hid her music away by removing the music chip from her ears and stashing it into the pocket of her green hoody. Her electric blue eyes searched the empty corridors which were deprived of conversation and life. She ran a hand through her shoulder length platinum blonde choppy locks, moving the locks that almost fell into her eyes but sighing in frustration when they fell back in place, impeding her vision.

Halloween was approaching so most of the Eagle Claw members had left to reunite with their families. Ash missed her family but due to her mission she remained in HQ, dreadfully anticipating a call from Ms. Strong once Samir's whereabouts were discovered.

The very thought of the Red Insurgent made Ash's stomach twist with horror. Her throat went dry and she was sure her heart was beating faster than normal. The blonde was normally quiescent. She carried herself with a degree of nonchalance that most Eagle Claw members lacked. Her patience and cool head bestowed her with more serious mission. She enjoyed the experience, despite being only seventeen. However, she preferred to sleep at the moment.

For Ash, even her dreams were infiltrated with images of Samir. She often dreamt how he cruelly grinned at her while slowly using his powers to pull her body in half. Her dreams were obviously exaggerating his powers. She was certain that he couldn't control telekinetics to the point where he ripped limb from limb using his mind. Her thoughts of the Red Insurgent almost destroyed her infamous patience with missions. The only good side to the mission was that she was given permission to miss a few weeks of school.

Ash stopped outside the infirmary. She adjusted her hoody and wiped dirt away from her skinny jeans. The blonde caught a glint of her small nose piercing off the metal doors before they rolled upwards to allow her in. Ash was greeted by a corridor of more glass doors that were the gateways to infirmary rooms. She knew Dallas Pointe currently resided in one of them.

Dallas' arm was still broken two weeks after his nasty fall during the time he chased Von. The poor boy also injured his spine, rendering him temporarily immobile. He was lucky he didn't have major injuries or else Vulcan would have sent him packing home.

Ash couldn't understand why her tummy swarmed with butterflies every time she talked with him in the infirmary. She was generally someone who enjoyed her closure but Dallas' company left her in awe. There was something sweet about him that she never encountered with other Eagle Claw males. Dallas was a selfless boy who spent his time worrying for his friends.

She paused outside his room, catching the end of his bed. Inside was a machine that provided his body with food through a tube since he was paralysed.

Ash hesitated when she heard another girl's voice in the room. She peeked through the door and saw Nova, the tall girl with the long dark hair pulled back into a braid. Nova was donning her favourite biker jacket and leather jeans. Her body contained swirl like patterns that resembled tattoos but the patterns were the source of her teleporting powers.

Ash blinked once, then a few more times. She placed her hand the door knob, her nerves jittering at the very sight of the other girl.

Nova, an ex-member of the Red Insurgents, trusted no one. She was a recluse and outwardly refused anyone's company. Ash could relate to her. She also preferred to remain on her own but she didn't repel those that extended a hand of friendship. Nova hated anyone as her friend but here she was, quietly chatting away with Dallas Pointe.

Ash narrowed her eyes and gazed at Dallas, who was restrained by a neck support on his bed. His dark, fuzzy blond hair had grown a little. His tanned, severely freckled skin complimented his extremely pearly white teeth. He looked out of place in the medical room, wearing an army tank top, with a bandaged arm and cargo shorts with a bandaged, propped up leg.

"How are you getting on?" Dallas asked the dark haired girl.

"Tell me about you first."

She didn't know why but Nova's tone of voice sent jolts of anger through her body. Ash lowered her fists compactly. Her face was devoid of the emotions that surged within her.

"Vulcan said it'll take another month before I could leave this place," the boy's hazel eyes narrowed in frustration before he changed the subject, "I hope Kitty and Zack are doing okay with their mission."

Nova stared at her leather gloves. She fingered the spikes on the wrists of gloves before her dark eyes met the hazel of the injured blond. "Vulcan said they didn't get back to him on their progress yet."

They remained silent for a few moments. Dallas stared forlornly at the bandages of his arms while Nova continued to twirl her fingers over the studs on her gloves.

Ash's face was warm with shame. She knew she shouldn't be intruding into their private conversation. She would toast somebody's backside if they did it to her. She lifted her gaze when she heard Nova's chair squeak. The platinum blonde hurriedly squatted on the wall opposite the glass door, feeling ridiculous like Kiki for a moment (only Kiki wouldn't feel ridiculous about anything.)

"I'll talk to you tomorrow," Nova told the boy before she walked towards the glass door.

"Take care of yourself," Dallas gave her a small smile to which she returned.

When the door opened, Ash felt Nova's stare burn a hole through her head. The rays of sunlight from behind fell upon Nova's pale skin.

"You?" the girl enquired with a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Ash gazed up at her. She hated being short. Nova was blessed with long legs, towering at almost six feet. She was almost intimidating with her sultry looks, biker style clothing and height. The tension between was thick enough to weigh upon their shoulders.

"I just arrived but I saw Dallas was busy. I was about to leave," Ash explained as coolly as possible.

Nova didn't reply. She didn't even look at her but walked past. Ash sniffed her nose and perked a brow. She was about to enter Dallas' room when a voice surprised her.

"Have they told you anything about Samir's whereabouts?"

The electric eyed mutant glanced back at Nova and shook her head. She didn't understand why Nova was curious about Samir. It was true that the latter shared some history with the girl but to what extent? Ash was aware that she was intrigued. She wished to know more about their past now tha Nova mentioned a name that was long forbidden on her tongue.

"I was wondering…" Nova rolled her eyes to the air, searching for words to descend into her head, "If you would like to know more about him?"

"Umh…" Ash was lost. She didn't expect Nova to ever lend a helping hand when Vulcan wasn't around.

"Never mind, forget that I asked," the dark haired girl muttered.

"No wait." Ashe walked towards her. She breathed in some oxygen to help her reserve her nervousness. "Let's talk over some tea."

If she believed in Kiki's cat god, she was sure he'd be crying fat raindrops over her right now.

"…Okay."

They were soon sitting on a nearby couch, opposite each other. Nova still avoided eye contact with the shorter girl. She traced the dark tattoos on her arms, her features tightened in deep concentration. Ash was sure that many minutes passed but neither proceeded to talk. The swarm of hot tension still undulated above their heads.

She decided to break the ice. "You knew Samir Aryaan?"

Nova finally looked up at her. Her face was inexorably apathetic. "Very well."

Ash was perplexed. She asked Nova to extend her answer.

"I…" Nova's brows furrowed in worry. A drop of sweat trickled down her forehead.

"I was in love with him."

Ash remained dumbstruck on her couch, as if she was a deer that was caught in the headlights. She was sure that her eyes were the size of flying saucers. Nova's face reflected sorrow. The girl kept wringing her hands before she sighed and let her arms drop to her sides.

"He wasn't a person that I thought he was. He used me. In the end, he and Ace decided to dispose of me. You should watch out. He's unkind."

Ash was still astonished to say anything. This was definitely the longest conversation she ever had with Nova but it certainly wasn't as comfortable as she imagined it to be.

"Anyways, that was over a month ago," Nova continued, staring at her shoes again, "When I heard that you were assigned with the task of finding him, I thought…I knew I should tell you about the kind of person he is."

Ash thought of her bed and how lonely it was without her lying in it. She didn't want to reveal any of her feelings towards Nova but she was surprised the girl actually cared about her part of the mission. It took Nova a lot of courage to talk about her life before the Eagle Claws, something Ash couldn't bring herself to do. Her previous thoughts of Nova being a self-proclaimed loner slowly melted away.

"Nova, I am grateful," she said with genuine emotion, leaning forward in her couch.

"Don't be," the taller girl assured with a wave of her hand.

"If its okay with you, tell me what I should know about Samir."

Nova's eyes glinted with renowned confidence. "Yes."

XXXXXXXX

Johnathan left the bakery with a sense of discontented irritation. He kicked at the air in frustration. Abigail had just informed him that Cut-throat was around the corner. The latter was discovered by two amateur members of the Triangle Organisation. His job was to aid her in defeating them in order to gain her trust.

He stood still for a moment, pondering of his recent conversation with Kieko Matstunami. The girl was intriguing. She was unorthodox and stood out among the crowd like a white spot on charcoal. Her friendly, carefree demeanour gifted her with good friends. For someone as outgoing as Kiki, Johnathan was surprised that her feelings didn't get farther out of her throat. He was certain that a girl like Kiki would inform anyone if she took a liking to them.

He scratched his red t-shirt, his fingers glided over the bold letters: laugh. He couldn't find the urge to laugh at the moment, not when Zack, one of his most trusted friends, was thrust into danger from all angles.

"I wonder what Erika would say if she saw me now," he chuckled quietly to himself.

He loved Erika with all his heart. She was fifteen when she died, not too long ago. After her demise, Johnathan was sure that the darkness would consume. He didn't know how to cope with his loss. It was as if his lungs had shattered and the shards were cutting through his innards. Then he remembered her last words. She implored him to find the strength to move on. She didn't want him to mope like a loser after her last breath. Johnathan complied. He endeavoured to be the candle light in everyone's lives.

Ofcourse, sometimes his jokes and optimistic behaviour weren't appreciated but a smile from his friends was worth more than the shooting stars he chased at night.

Johnathan sighed dejectedly and ran a hand through his cornrows. He was worried for Zack. Kiki must have thought him a monster to impede into Zack's love-life but hey, Abigail Strong was connected to the Triangle Organisation. The chances of Zack being the next guinea pig for her father's labs were higher than the chance of Zack dying at the hands of a Red Insurgent.

Zack meant a lot to him. He was the older brother Johnathan never had. His support after Erika's death was the next reason that Johnathan discovered the energy to face another day. If he were to lose Zack to the Triangle Organisation, he couldn't imagine how empty his life would be. If Zack were to date Kiki, his life would be in peril.

"Idiot, how could you even think of that?" Erika scowled beside him. She folded her arms, her dark Asian eyes narrowed at him.

"Hey, I am just thinking for the well-being of my best friend." Johnathan grinned at her with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Tell that to Zack," the girl said with a roll of her eyes.

"I…" Johnathan's voice faltered. His wide smile vanished and he faced the ground. "I can't."

"See?" Erika's soft hand rested on his cheek. She smiled softly. Her eyes glimmered with sheen of sadness.

"Zack is fine the way he is. What was meant to be will eventually happen and who are we to step in fate's way. Believe in Zack. He is a man, not a child. He makes his decisions by himself."

Johnathan felt the heat rush to his face. He forget sometimes that Zack was twenty-six, ten years his elder. How could he even dare to intrude into another man's life?

"God!" he sighed in defeat, "I've been such a baby! Thanks Erika, I could always count on you."

She smiled again and retreated a few steps, her hand still held out towards her boyfriend. Johnathan also reached for her grip but stopped himself when he realised she wasn't the real Erika, his Erika. The ghost effervesced into the golden sunlight, the wind carried her away.

"Thanks…" Johnathan whispered but he knew the ghost was just a figment of his imagination.

XXXXXXXX

A/N:

Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update but I've started my masters and have alot of material to revise and study! I'll probably start updating once a month now so I hope no one will be disappointed. Thanks to everyone who reviewed in the last chapter. Also, a special thanks to Labyrinth-Designer for her little sparks of motivation. I always get pumped to write more whenever I read your PMs!

Also, I'm thinking of starting a forums for this story on fanfiction just so the readers could have a chance to get to know each other. TheWritingGirl23 has asked me to release bios after we know alot about the person so I was thinking of releasing my version of your OCs onto the forums there. Other things we can talk about is music that would remind you of this story! Blue-Kitsune-13 has suggested a few songs that remind her of the Red Insurgents and certain characters! It'll be really fun to share each other's opinions. Let me know through PM or in your review whether you would like me to start a forum.

Anyways, only 7 more chapters to go before the end of this Act. I'm happier with this act but the sole purpose is that we get a clearer view of personalities while still moving on with the plot. Enjoy and please drop a review/ PM!

Featured OCs:

Johnathan Jones (Nerves) and Erika by sco23

Kieko Matstumani (Felidae) by S Ruru

Marcus Brewer (Lurker) by Labyrinth-Designer

Jayson Salazar (Ryou) by Catherinejennings2015

Zack Rogers (Angelus) by me

Ashlen McCloud (Shockwave) by Ninja Kat is Stalking You

Nova Star (Black Star) by He4rtBreaker101

Dallas Pointe (Skinwalker) by silverstarsofquebec.