Anima High Chapter 27: The Know To Understand, a cartoon x-overs fanfic

Chapter 26: The Know To Understand

(Author's Note: Laura Hamilston story based on a Wattpad story called Diamond Accel by Away_from_Reality)

In the abandoned building, here lies a girl who is known as 'The Guardian'. A special kind of murderer who protect the innocents rather than killing them.

But the story about 'The Guardian'...Is completely a fallacy. She was called 'Onitenshi', The Bloody Angel.

She was an innocent girl who used to have smiles over her face, until she got experimented by Dr. Plasma Crotchin. That insane doctor was still on the loose until one day he was found dead. His left eyeball is severely damaged, presumably stabbed deeply from the eye. Though his body was missing after that.

Ever since then no one heard about her until one day an incident happened in Charles-Emile Reynaud School. In a building that was closed down, multiple dead bodies were found. Most of them were criminals, notorious ones.

And a new rumor was now found that whoever did something bad in school will be punished by death at the hands of what is known as 'The Guardian'.

In the school, she is called 'The Guardian'.

In the outside, she was called 'Onitenshi', The Bloody Angel.

But in reality, her real name is...

Laura Hamilston.

At the location of the abandoned building, Laura was changing her clothes after that incident happened. She threw her sweaty shirt to her bed and replaced her fresh ones. She sighs in relief that it was completely over, those students were possibly one of the most annoying Sections in the school. Except for one, 9 or the ones who mostly called him Elijah Oppenheimer. Speaking of him, the noise of her ringtone was heard. This is sometimes the wake up call of whoever stumbles to the abandoned building, she could even hear the chains clattering to one another even in a far distance. She picked up the phone and answered the call, though she never expect of being 'yelled' at that she withdrew her ear to the phone until the voice eased.

Laura: *on the phone* ...Well, what do you expect from it? I didn't know he would have some memory flashbacks...I know, it WAS idiotic but I think it worked fine as I planned...Yeah, I'm just glad I didn't killed him. Otherwise this plan we have for years would be a total nothing...He's still alive, I kinda knock him out but he wasn't hurt or anything. What's important that he's here with us. It would be better to convince him when he's ready to talk with. I know him, he almost just like you...But not literally, you know...What? He think he won't talk to me because I'm a murderer? That's nonsense! *sighs* That's nonsense because, he said something about me...He said that I'm not a murderer or anything...It's weird, of all the students I encounter he was the one who wasn't afraid of me! Not even Jet Zaraphil can look to my face in a second! But...You really think that he could trust me? Even though I'm like this? I think...So...But...Maybe...Just maybe...Wait...What? His name?

She turned around to see the slight dark corner of her room. Laura walked slowly as she listens to the chains clattering to each other, even though it is silent. She stopped and kneels down to a spot for what you see was actually 9 sitting on a chair. He was seen chained while having a blindfold covered his eyes. Though he can't see anything, he know that Laura was in front of him.

Laura slowly reaches for 9's cheek, but quickly withdraws it. She backed away from 9 silently as she put her hand to her heart. Her emotionless face can be hard to distinguish what she really feels about 9, especially she KIDNAPPED him for a good reason.

She closed her eyes (That includes her eyepatched one) as she was having a memory...before she actually came here to this universe.

Why? Why did you make me live? After all what we did to you?

You're my friend, Laura. Also...I want you to do me a favor.

And what is that?

Do you remember my friends?

Oh..Those two...Were the ones you sacrificed to be what you are now?

...Yes.

Why would you sacrifice them? They are your friends.

The first one, I mean to do that to him. He just accepted it. And it really hurts, especially I was the one who did it to him.

The second one?

I already shoot him, 8 just in case. But...He seems to be survived of my shots. Though he is getting weaker and weaker...

He won't make it. Consider this one as a Catalyst.

Well this Catalyst...I can make sure that he will meet him. When it's time.

When?

On the 83rd lap I suppose.

The first, what can I do for him.

Protect him. That's all I needed. He has to be safe before I place the second one on Earth.

Ok. So...what's his name?

His name is...

Laura looked 9 silently. She went around him until she went to his back. His butterfly cloak was slightly apart, able to look what Laura sees something strange.

His number was nowhere to be found behind his back. Completely blank.

But she already knew who he is. A tiny voice was heard on the phone. Probably shouting for her from the reply. She sighs as she placed her ear to the phone.

Laura: His name...His name is 9.

Aliana: Jet Zaraphil?

Jet: Present.

Aliana: *checked Jet's name* Elijah Oppenheimer? Mr. Oppenheimer?

She looked from her attendance. Almost all of the students names were checked except 9's name. Her face showed irritation as she looked to the students. All of them but Jet were shown their body is shaking. Tails was shaking vigorously, even his two tails were fuzzed up since he was the student was terrified about what happened yesterday. He couldn't even sleep right. Mordecai's eyes were looking from almost everywhere trying to think how to get loose from Aliana. He is the first student to enroll in Section Anima, so Aliana was mostly asking him about whatever he and his classmates were doing. Mordecai can't lie to her because whenever he lies, Aliana seems to know the truth. So he was the guy to be blamed for lying.

Right now, Aliana was walking to the aisle. She crossed her arms as she tapped her foot loudly on the floor. Jet smirked at his classmates, they are so dead now.

Aliana: Mr. Quintel?

Mordecai: *gulps* Yes?

Aliana: Where is Elijah Oppenheimer?

Mordecai: *sweats even more* Well...He-I mean...Elijah is...

Aliana: *glares* Don't even dare lie.

Mordecai: *looks at his classmates, speaks in Filipino very quietly* Tulong (Help).

Aliana: What did you say?!

Dib: *interrupts* Miss! What he says is...uh...he's...he's...

Twilight: Sick! Yes, very sick!

Aliana: Sick? His kind doesn't have 'sickness'.

Ratchet: He does actually. He has a...a...

Finn: He has a fever!

Jet: How can you tell he has a fever?! That Empty Sack is always hot.

Mickey: His head was very hot and his body looked slumped up.

Tails: *pants between* So...we...set...him...to...bed...until...he's...better...

Aliana: Hmm...I see. But because of that I will give you all a -5

Students (Except Jet): WHAT?!

Aliana: For not telling me before the class started.

Jet: Haha!

Aliana: And a -6 for you, Jet Zaraphil. For not taking care of Elijah for once in a while.

Jet: WHAT?! But it's their job!

Aliana: Well you're in Section Anima now, are you not? And when a student in Section Anima is sick, the other must take care of it.

Jet: That's not in the rules!

Aliana: Well it is now.

Jet: *stands up* That's it! I'm out! *walks out to the door*

Aliana: *murmurs* Fine, go out you son of a-

The door suddenly opened. Aliana and the students looked who opened it. She glared at the one who was wearing a top hat that almost reached above her head. He wears an orange shirt under a brown coat with pants and shoes. He was holding a suitcase while looking at a paper. Looks like he didn't see that there was still a teacher in the room.

Aliana stood up from her chair and instantly slammed the table loud enough to the man to notice her. He looked up and saw Aliana in a very angry face. She is not amused from his entrance.

Unknown: Oh my...Is-is this the Section Anima room? I might was been mistaken for the other Sections-

Aliana: YES, this is the Section Anima room. And NO you are not mistaken for the other Sections which were a mile away FROM MY ROOM.

Unknown: Forgive me if I was-

Aliana: Oh no. Oh nonononononononono you DID NOT just said that!

Ratchet: You mean 'Mistaken' or 'Forgive me'?

Aliana: The second option. Listen here *poking the man hard to his chest* Mr. Big-Top-Hat-That's-What-A-Gentleman-Do. When you became a teacher in Section Anima, there is one thing that I wanted to note to all of the newbie teachers in MY SECTION is that THERE IS NO ' I AM SORRY' OR 'FORGIVE ME' TYPE OF PHRASE. Because I DON'T FORGIVE ANYONE! *picks her papers, to the students* Now if you all excuse me, I got some errands to do. Enjoy you new History Teacher. Goodbye.

Students: Goodbye and-

They didn't finished their sentence, Aliana slammed the door behind her very hard that all of the stuffs in their classroom shook. Even the picture frame on the door fell, good thing the man managed to catch it before it breaks. He looked at the students then where Aliana left. He fixed his hat then placed the picture frame on where it was. He went to the table and placed his suitcase on the table. He took a deep breath and greets the students with a gentle smile. Though he wasn't expected of his class gave him some confusion.

Kyoko: *cocked her head to the left* Ok? WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!

Unknown: *surprised, chuckles* Forgive me about what happened. I believe it was my fault.

Finn: Why's that?

Aliana was seen running to the Section Anima room. She was a minute late from her class because she overworked herself at night. Again. She really blames from her low metabolism for waking up so late. She doesn't want to be wake up in 6:00. Which is pretty weird that the class begins at 8:00. Because of her ranting she didn't pay attention to what she was looking, in result of bumped in to someone. Her papers flew up in the air while her binder hits her head and covers her face. A hand was shown as she lifted the binder on her head. She analyzed it first then looked to whoever has that hand.

She blushed. She saw a man with a top hat looked at her sincerely. Everything went slow as the falling papers looked like falling flower petals. Seems like it was minutes, she came back to her senses to her dismay that fantasy distracted her for the class. She shook her head violently with a groan and she picked up the papers in record time. She looked at him in anger and walked away with the man having a confused look on his face.

When she is already far from him, she stopped to catch some breath. She couldn't believe she bumped into him! He looked like those persons she actually liked them. Could it be him? Her thoughts of him came to her mind as she remembered his name from all those years.

Hershel Layton

Twilight's jaw went wide open just as she put her hooves on the chair. She couldn't believe her eyes. She heard about this man who is named Hershel Layton. And she also knows why Aliana acted like that to him. Before Bridget dies, she was told by Bridget that Aliana has something with him. Though, she actually stopped right there because she kept a promise not to tell it to anyone. It was quite unexpected for her since Aliana never liked boys. There was an incident that happened to her when she was young that made her never like boys.

Kyoko: Seriously? Your name is Hershel Layton.

Layton: Indeed I am, Ms. Sakura.

Dib: Hershel...Layton...That name sounds familiar...

Ratchet: *waves his hand to Twilight's eyes* Twilight? You there? Hellooooo.

Twilight: *snaps to reality* Yeah?

Ratchet: You somehow dazed off when he says his name. You know him?

Twilight: Yeah, besides Dib actually.

Ratchet: What about him?

Twilight: He was the puzzle solver outside the school and an Archaeology teacher. Though, I don't know why he was here in the middle of the school year...

Layton: *sighs* Perhaps I can tell you why I am here besides teaching you all.

Tails: *eyes wide open* You mean...you knew...what happened?!

Finn: Sir, you can't be serious about the thing you're going to tell us.

Layton: ...It's Elijah Oppenheimer, am I right?

Their faces showed a shocked and terrifying expressions. Ratchet almost face plant himself to the table, Kyoko claws her table leaving some lines on it, Mordecai was stiff at his chair, Finn fell off the chair, Phineas eyes popped open and Dib banged his hands to the table at fast speed. The only one who didn't react that much was Mickey. Though it is mysterious why he wasn't that shocked.

Twilight: H-h-how did you know?!

Layton: Your teacher in English called me. He told me all about the dare that Jet Zaraphil gave to Elijah.

Mordecai: Geronimo Stilton?

Layton: Yes, it is him who called me to be here.

Phineas: But why?

Layton: He will be the one to explain about this. I wonder where he is, it's getting late.

Geronimo was seen running at a very quite fast speed in the hallway. He woke up quite late from last night after that incident. And from what Professor Layton had say to the students, this involves between him why he came to the school.

And yes, he really was the one who was on the phone last night.

He never really woke up this late. Mostly he could even make it to his office before the time. But for some reason it became different ever since he became the teacher in the school. Of course, he became distracted from looking at where he was going and eventually got bumped into someone. By the time he recovered, he noticed the one who bumped into him.

It was a twelve year old mouse that looked almost like him when he was younger, he wears a red sweater and blue jeans. He was skateboarding in the schools until he got knocked into him by Geronimo.

When he saw Geronimo, he was shocked. He has the face like he was at the airport and saw someone for a long time ago. His eyes went watery as it rolled down to his cheek. He stood up slowly and grabbed his skateboard before ran away from Geronimo.

For some reason, Geronimo felt that boy was familiar to him.

By the time Geronimo reached the Section Anima room, he already saw Layton teaching the students just to wait for him and giving the students a good introduction of him and his subject. When he opened the door, he received a not so good review...

Kyoko: What took you so long?! We've waited for hours before he came along!

Finn: Kyoko!

Kyoko: What?

Layton: Ms. Sakura, I think it is not nice to tell that to the people that are in the higher year than you. Especially you did that to the new teacher.

Kyoko: But your a teacher too. Does that count?

Layton: I may be new in Charles-Emile Reynaud School, but not as a teacher.

Dib: You completely forgot that he was a professor, didn't you?

Kyoko: It's not that I forgot him. It's just you are late than Ultra-Late-Man.

Unknown: I heard that!

Geronimo looked at his left and saw Mirai Hibino fully recovered ever since the incident of the Quiz Bee when he got electrocuted by 9's so called 'Sabotage'. Right now he was glaring at Kyoko from her response.

Mirai: And I wasn't that late!

Kyoko: Well you came here a minute before he got here AND GOT ABSENT FOR 10 CHAPTERS!

Finn: Kyoko! Stop breaking the 4th wall!

Kyoko: I break if I want to!

Finn: You really want to make the apocalypse to go early, do you?

Mordecai: Finn! Kyoko! For this time, PLEASE SHUT UP!

Finn: I'll shut up if she shut up!

Kyoko: Same goes for you!

Geronimo: Per l'amore della Dea...ENOUGH!

Everything became silent from Geronimo's outburst. His head was hung down while his hands were curled into fists. From what they see from the bottom, his face was plastered in extreme anger. This is mostly usual for him since he was very new from being a teacher and haven't experience when dealing with students. They wondered why, but Geronimo suddenly turned to his usual self.

Geronimo: Um...Can we...go with the discussion, please?

Layton: *clears throat* Certainly...

The professor picked something from his briefcase revealing a small device in his hands. He laid it down on the table and pressed a button, which it popped open. It releases a hologram of pictures on the screen, specifically about 'The Guardian'. Her full face appears to be a red haired girl with an eye patch on her left eye, however her right eye appears to be red instead of blue.

Layton: Is this the girl who captured Elijah Oppenheimer?

Dib: Yes...That's the one!

Layton: *to Geronimo* Well, Mr. Stilton, I guess we have the right girl.

Geronimo: Right, Laura Hamilston, I presume.

Kyoko: Say what?

Geronimo sighed in disbelief, but he knew that they just know 'The Guardian's real name as Laura Hamilston. He removed his eyeglasses and placed it on the table, revealing his sharp green eyes. This gave the student some chills behind their backs.

They haven't seen him so out of character when it comes to this kind of discussion.

Geronimo: Laura Hamilston, hidden name as 'Onitenshi, the Bloody Angel', is the notorious murderer in Charles - Emile Reynaud School, she killed many people and possibly students in this city that many people had been search for her. However, it's not because that they had to arrest her but rather be to thank her.

Dib: Thank...HER?!

Mordecai: But why thank her?!

Layton: That's because she killed people who hurt the innocents.

Finn: So you mean that she's like an 'Anti-hero' or something?

Layton: As much as I can tell you that she only kill people who doesn't deserve to live because of their evil deeds.

Tails: So she's a good guy, then.

Phineas: But still, why do you have to arrest her if she's a good guy.

Geronimo: *glares* It's because she didn't follow the rules when it comes getting the criminal. It should be the police who are getting the criminals and not her. *hands curled into fist* Also...she didn't think TWICE BEFORE KILLING THEM. She doesn't believed in 'Second Chances', always thought that anything that needs no longer to live in this world deserves to die. And that's why...

He pulled out a white rose pin on his chest pocket while getting his glasses. He went out of the door following the students.

We must get her.

Hey, you awake yet?

Yes

You were wondering why it's so dark now, do you?

Yes

Do you want to know?

Yes

Can you trust me?

Yes

Laura removed the blindfold on 9's eyes slowly. He still didn't see anything because he closed his eyes, he was scared at some point.

Don't be afraid. I'm a friend.

Friend?

Yes

He opened his eyes and saw the same girl before he knocked out. However, her expression was different than the last time. She had the same emotionless face, yet it looked calm.

Laura: Hello, Elijah Oppenheimer.

9: *thinking* She know my 'name'? How did you-

Laura: Know your name? I watched you on the other side. I always heard your name, ever since that incident happened in the Quiz Bee.

9: Oh, that...

Laura: But I believe you.

9: You do?

Laura: How can I believe that you did it if you're in The Divine Studio for the whole day?

9: Oh...

Laura: You know, I've been observing for quite a while. That's why you ended up in here, but not because I was kidnapping you.

9: You don't?

Laura: yeah, sorry if it seems to be kidnapping. It's the only way to make your classmates lure away for a while.

9: I think they will forgive you.

Laura: Forgive? I don't think so.

9: Why's that?

Laura: I'm a MURDERER, that's why! Ever since I ended up here and keep on protecting people, they accused me to be a murderer. I accept being 'The Guardian' of the school, but now I am hunted by police!

9: They do? Have they even get you backstory? Of how you already get through?

Laura: I don't know about that. Because in this universe, The Goddess is the only one who knows me and not them. It will always be that way. No one will befriend me in this world.

9: Maybe...How about now?

Laura: What do you mean?

9: I was wondering if...maybe...I could be your friend?

Laura: Say what?!

9: Well...you said no one became your friend in the school. I was even rejected by my classmates, I also don't have any friends to be with.

Laura: *thinking* Oh them...

She picks up something metallic from the table and unlocks the handcuffs, she shows 9 on her hands that made him feel...Nostalgic. It was an old dog tag, the chain was rusted so it was replaced with a black ribbon while the name plate remains the same state that it was new.

Laura: If it wasn't those classmates of yours, I would have kill you right now. But I can't, not you suffering. So from now on you call me Laura Hamilston.

9: Ok but...What is this for?

Laura: To prove that you are now my friend.

9: Oh. But if you are my friend, aren't you going outside?

Laura: And get killed by that Rat, I don't think so.

9: Rat?

Laura: Geronimo Stilton, your English Teacher.

9: What?! How come? He's so nice to us. How can he kill you?

Laura: I think it's not killing me is for arresting me. Geronimo Stilton is one of the Police Force in this place and I'll tell you he didn't work here just for teaching if it wasn't your supposed to be friends and that good for nothing Jet Zaraphil. His title is "The Knight of the Silver Rose", though he doesn't look like a Knight more like an ASSASSIN! He always trying to catch me but couldn't, I know that he will not stop at getting me even using his gun just to shoot my wings. Good thing I dodged.

9: He has a gun?!

Laura: Someone made his "Ring of Light" a gun making it more powerful. It was supposed to be "Only for Peace" but what's the point of shooting me at the sky?!

9: I don't understand. Why does he want to get you so bad?

Laura: Because I killed "so many Bad People" that made him SNAP like a twig! I can't believe the other Police Officers always give him the job of showing the bodies that his fragile mind couldn't take any sight of BLOOD! I can't blame him since SOMEONE IS AFTER ME. I tried reasoning with him, but he shoot me that it cut the strap of my eyepatch. He didn't see my eye but he is going to.

She could imagine it, the once so innocent mouse is now an Assassin who will not stop until he gets what he wanted. What would he do? Gouge her eye out?

9: What if I'm the one who will talk to him. I'm sure he'll listen to his student...Just for once.

Laura: You mean...like right now?!

9: I'm sure he'll understands.

I'm sure of it.

Few hours later, Kyoko is seen opening the door to where 9 is last seen with her spear. Geronimo and Layton already knew the identity of the students since Aliana have told them. The students who are close to him are the ones who are the first to enter, Mirai is worried about 9's state.

Mirai: How much was I away? I can't believe I came back for some bad news.

Dipper: I don't want to say this, but it's a lot.

Twilight: Ratchet and I met him 2 days ago...This is what happened to him now...

Ratchet: And it's all because of Jet, he gave Elijah a dare to meet 'The Guardian' against his and our protest.

Mirai: How could he...

Layton is seen holding a flashlight while Geronimo is holding his white rose pin, it seems that it's blinking quite bright. The Professor is looking at him in concern, he knows Geronimo as the Editor of a famous company. Everyone knows that he is a cowardly mouse that is afraid of his shadow, but this Geronimo is so different. He look so angry at 'The Guardian' for killing some innocent people. But Layton knew that she is not like that, he experienced that when he met many ladies in his adventures. He knows that she is an innocent girl.

Then the rose lights up very bright. She's here.

Laura is seen at the hallway with 9 in her hands, he isn't tied up unlike last time.

Geronimo: So it's you again, Laura Hamilston.

Laura: I'm not looking for a fight, Stilton. I want a conversation with you.

Geronimo: That you will surrender?

9: That you and Laura will redeem each other.

Geronimo: What?! You're on her side now?

9: I am in no one's sides! I don't want to see you two fighting each other! I want to know what is it with you fighting that none on us know.

Geronimo: Don't you see, Elijah Oppenheimer? She killed innocent people.

Laura: I was protecting myself, not killing!

Geronimo: How can you say that's protecting when you hit them with your knife?!

Laura: You really don't understand, do you? They were after me for no reason.

Geronimo: No reason? Is that why you are hiding in the abandoned building and scaring children?

Laura: I am not scaring children! It was Jet you are talking to! IT'S HIS FAULT WHY HE RUINED MY LIFE! Ever since I came in hiding all I hear is rumors about me being evil, but I'm not! I'm innocent!

Geronimo: It doesn't matter...Knight of the Silver Rose!

He faced the white rose in front of Laura and 9 which it glows very bright that engulfs Geronimo in it. This doesn't end well.

He is seen falling from rings of silver lights with rose petals surrounding until he land on the ground. He take a step forward that the light went up to his legs which turns into white pants and blouse with black necktie. His body is so unrecognizable than the Geronimo Stilton we used to see, just in a younger body. His eyes were green, he doesn't wear eyeglasses, and his nose is red instead of black. He is slowly pulling out his gun that is made with pure silver, resembles as an Italian gun.

The lights faded as the students uncover their hands while Layton is watching Geronimo's transformation in disbelief. Laura pulls slowly a white blindfold which she covers 9's eyes in surprise.

9: Laura, what are you-

Laura: Sorry Elijah, this battle isn't going to end well.

9: But you-

Laura: Now is not the time for forgiveness first! I'm sorry, but I have to!

She grab his hands and uses her ice magic to bind his arms. She summoned a wall in front of 9 and the students so they will be separated from Laura and Geronimo, her right eye is slowly turning red as she pulled out her weapon. She charge to Geronimo first as he targets Laura with his gun, he fires the first shot. Laura dodged it because of her wings even though it's a closed space (Well, almost a closed space...), he fires every shot that hits the ice wall.

9 is on the other side banging on the wall, he was begging to stop fighting. While Layton is trying to find a way to break the wall since none of the attacks that the students give isn't much helpful, he have to hurry from solving since he already saw the first spatter of red water on the ice wall.

Geronimo wipe his mouth from the powerful punch that Laura gave to him, they kept on fighting with guns and swords. Slowly they became exhausted, even though Laura used her healing powers. There are scattered bullets and cracked spots of the ice from where the swords hit, and yet Geronimo has only one more weapon on his sleeve. He ran towards Laura who is staring at him for some reason until he pulled out a dagger out from his pocket and swipe it so close to Laura that the strand of her eyepatch was cut. She actually expected this to happen, she just want to end it.

Now she is lying there on her side with her left eye covered with her hands, while Geronimo is looking at her sternly. They don't know that 9 is banging on the ice that it leaves a big crack, and it gets bigger.

Geronimo: So, are you going to surrender or not?

Laura: I won't.

Geronimo: Then you leave me no choice then.

He slowly reach out his hand to Laura's hands that covers her left eye, he is going to expose her eye.

I won't let you do it!

9 gives a final strike to the wall that breaks into pieces while running towards Geronimo. He push him out of the way even though he is blindfolded by Laura. The Bloody Angel is quite surprised at what he did, almost insane since she made the ice wall pretty strong.

Geronimo: What the-?!

Laura: The ice wall broke...But how?!

9: *smiles* I keep Hoping.

Laura: Hope?

9: I keep on hoping that this will be over. That none of us will die in the building. I don't want you to fight, I want you to forgive each other. We'll work together just to save you. I know what you've been through and I want to help you to be happy again.

He turns to Laura while taking off his blindfold even though his hands are bound in ice. He gently removes her hands from her eye then putting the blindfold over it. She has no idea right now, for some reason that something bad will happen...but she couldn't feel it.

Ever since one of her 'piece' has gone missing.

Finally I have you now, Elijah Oppenheimer.

Laura is suddenly pushed away by unknown force so powerful that she slammed to the ice wall breaking it into pieces. 9 is suddenly held captive by someone who is very familiar to the students.

Mirai: Elijah!

Kyoko: My Godddess...NATALIE SALVACION?!

Natalie: Tehehe...Hello again, Laura Hamilston.

Laura: You again. What the heck do you want this time?!

Natalie: I just wanted you to say thank you for giving my doll for me.

9: Your doll?!

Finn: How in the World he would be your doll?!

Natalie: Well, I am the one who is the only one who plays it. Ever since you left it there until it rots to dust, if you know what I really mean...

Laura: *to the students* That you rejected him as a friend.

Mordecai: What?!

Laura: You heard me.

Natalie: And not only that...*pulls out a remote* I placed a device on this building.

Tails: You put a bomb?!

Natalie: Inside of the building lies fifty bombs that are already ticking down in one minute. So you all of you have a choice, leave me and the doll or I'll activate the bomb. No one will live.

Laura: What?! But how?! How come I didn't know any of this?! I supposed to know what will happen next.

Natalie: You don't remember? I was the one who disable your Precognition ability. *to Geronimo* As for the killings, I did that also. Though she was the one who did the killing, I did the controlling.

Layton: So you are saying that you controlled those people, JUST SO LAURA HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO KILL THEM?

Natalie: Correct...

30 Seconds

Twilight: You monster!

Ratchet: How could you?!

Natalie: I just want to increase a person's Hopelessness, but instead I ended up to hers.

Laura: You...You...

Natalie: Now now, Hamilston. You know what will happen to your friend if you take a step forward.

Laura: You think that I will leave you with Elijah while we go out and watch him suffer?

9: Yes.

Laura: What?

9: I don't want to be your burden, Laura. I know I didn't do any good to forgive you from him. Maybe I can't save you.

Laura: What are you talking about, Elijah? You did save me.

9: No, just leave...all of you.

Mirai: We're not leaving until you come with us.

9: Just go! Please!

Natalie: You heard him, go.

9: Don't worry...I know what I'm doing.

Laura: ...Fine, but if you don't come back here...

9: I know.

All of them run outside of the building until 9 and Natalie are the only two left. Laura is closing the door slowly as she sees them gone.

Inside, Natalie's grip on 9 is getting tighter as the bombs are ticking. He have to do something or he'll die.

Natalie: Finally, I have you.

9: Yeah...

But not for long.

He swings his ice bound hands to Natalie's face very hard that it shatters right in front of her face, this lets go of her remote in the air.

He grabs the remote and run away from Natalie, but she tackled him into a tug-o-war.

Natalie pulled the remote from 9, but she accidentally let go of it. She knows what will happen if it crashes to the ground, so she run away as far as possible. While 9 is just standing there, not moving at all.

In fact, he's smiling for some reason.

Time's up, and Laura is the one who reacted first.

Laura: *gasps* ELI-

System Activate

The fifty bombs is off and it starts exploding to their specific location. The fire is spreading all over the building, including to where 9 and the students located in. The two teachers are calling them to get away, but it's too late when a huge shockwave came to them.

And as for 9...

No one ever knows what happen to him.

End of Day 17