Author's Note: So, uh, I was hoping to get this chapter up in time for Valentine's Day but as you can see that didn't happen. Still, it didn't take a year for me to update so that's something right?

The act of love greatly resembles torture or surgery.

Chapter 130: Hearts Laid Bare Part Two

"Mind if I sit here?"

Sakura paused for a moment as she looked up from the cafeteria table upon where she was sitting. Since joining the ranks of the Supernatural Suppression Squad, she was allowed two thirty minute breaks to eat lunch and dinner in the barracks cafeteria. It was plain and unadorned but then again that was to be expected.

'I do mind.' Sakura thought to herself with a slight frown. Of course, she couldn't actually tell her direct superior officer that. 'Why is she asking to sit here anyway? It's not like there's a shortage of seats.' Which was the truth considering how half-empty the cafeteria currently was.

"I'll take that as a no." Mimari said as she set her tray of food down on the same table as her subordinate. Sitting down herself, she removed the visor that hid her pitch black eyes. She grinned as she stared at Sakura. "But then again we both know what ya real answer is, right?"

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes, deciding it would be best if she returned her attention to the ramen before her. Mimari Uzumaki seemed to revel in her ability to see the deepest and darkest parts of people's minds and hearts, which earned her quite the reputation. One would think that she'd be shunned all things considered but in truth the noisy woman was quite popular among the members of the SSS Special Ops Division. That didn't stop Sakura from thinking she was incredibly annoying though.

"So, how's ya boyfriend treating ya these days? Good I hope."

Sakura paused what she was doing as she returned her gaze to Mimari.

Mimari held up her hands in mock defense as she chuckled weakly. "Whoa there, ya ain't got to look at me like that ya know? I'm no snitch. Still, romance between soldiers isn't something that's allowed round here so if I were in ya shoes I'd make sure no one else finds out."

Sakura stared into Mimari's eyes, as if she was looking for some form of dishonesty in those incredibly dark orbs, before wordlessly returning to her meal.

The two ate in silence for a while before Mimari whispered. "It's good that the two of ya are taking things slow."

And just like that Sakura was frowning again. Really, she couldn't understand how this nosy woman was so popular. How could anyone be comfortable around someone who knew about things you'd rather keep quiet? "Would you stop that?"

"Ah ah ah, is that anyway to talk to your superior officer?" Mimari teased with a wag of her finger.

Sakura couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes this time.

"Well," Mimari said with a smile as she stood up, preparing to leave the cafeteria, "Let me know if anything comes up. Ya can count on me to lend ya a helping hand if ya need help with anything. I'm cool like that."

Sakura gave a bit of a scoff but Mimari's smile did not fade. She pushed her untouched plate of spaghetti over to Sakura's side of the table. "Here, ya can have that. Can't say I've had much of an appetite these days. Make sure ya eat it all okay? The cafeteria stewardess would kill me if I waste the food she made filled with her love and affection. Besides, a growing girl like ya self needs to eat right?"

To Mimari's surprise Sakura actually laughed a little at that. Well, it was a sarcastic laugh but it sounded as beautiful as the woman herself was. As she placed the visor over her eyes once more she resolved to hear that wondrous sound more often.

XXXXX

Hayato leaned against a lamppost outside the hotel the group was currently staying in. The streets were quite crowded, he noticed, as he waited for Kira to get ready for their date. He also noticed that a few vampires in the passing crowd perked up a little at the sight of him. 'I wonder how much longer Kira is going to keep me waiting.'

As if on cue Kira called out to him from the front of the hotel. Pushing himself off the lamppost he made his way over to his girlfriend. "Yo." He said in his usual flat tone. It wasn't the best greeting for their first date, probably, he wasn't really sure.

Kira didn't seem to mind though, if the small smile on her face was anything to go by. "So, where to?"

"I don't really have a destination in mind." Hayato said.

Kira stared at him dubiously, causing him to arch a brow. "What?"

"Nothing." She said as she took his hand in hers, taking note of how soft his palm was. "I just find it hard to believe that you of all people don't have a plan for once."

"Glad to know you think so highly of me." Hayato replied with a small smile.

Kira's cheeks turned a light shade of red. "Yeah, well, we wouldn't be together if that weren't the case."

"I guess I should count myself lucky then."

"Yeah." Kira said with a smile. "You'd better."

The two fell silent for a moment as they watched the crowd go by, simply enjoying the warmth of their linked hands.

"If you feel like it, you can do it any time you want." Hayato suddenly said.

"Huh? Do what?"

Hayato turned to look at her. "Kiss."

As he expected a blush spread across Kira's face. "W-where did that come from all of a sudden?"

Hayato decided to answer her question with a question. "Well, you like them right?"

"Of course I do." She admitted, still red in the face. "But doing it in public is a bit..."

Kira's voice died out once she caught sight of Hayato's neck that had been hidden by his collar until now. "Hayato, what's that on your neck?"

"It's nothing." Hayato said as he reached up to block what was on his neck from view.

Kira frowned as she pulled her hand away from his. "Hayato, show me your neck."

The two stared at one another for but a moment until Hayato gave in with a small sigh. Pulling down on his collar, the dark haired teen revealed the two puncture wounds on his neck.

Kira's eyes widened in alarm, her arms shooting out to grasp her boyfriend's shoulders. "Hayato! Your neck! You were attacked by a vampire?! Why the hell didn't you say anything?!"

"Calm down." Hayato said, noticing some of the stares he and Kira were starting to attract.

"Calm down?" Kira looked at him incredulously. "How in the hell am I supposed to calm down?! Some asshole vampire attacked my boyfriend!"

"That's not how it happened." Hayato said as he tried giving his girlfriend a reassuring smile. "Remember when Riza told us about the system that was set up to broker peace between humans and vampires?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, there are various establishments that humans can go to in order to...give their blood."

"Why would you do something like that?" Kira asked as she quickly became agitated once more.

"Humans who give their blood in that way are paid a nice sum of money, which would help towards making sure our first date goes well." Hayato answered.

Kira was rendered speechless. 'He was willing to go that far...just for me?'

"Kira? Are you okay?"

"Stupid," she was breathing heavier now, "I'm the one who should be asking you that."

"I do feel a little drained," Hayato admitted, "But I'll be fine. Giving up a little blood isn't too bad of a price as long as I can make you happy K-"

Kira's lips crashed into his before he could finish his sentence. He turned, angling his body to face her more, wrapping his arms around her waist. However, just as he was about to deepen the kiss Kira pulled away, her breath escaping her in short bursts.

"Hayato," Kira said in a low voice, her fingers digging into his coat, "I don't want you doing something like that again."

Hayato smiled warmly. "Kira...one more time."

"What?"

"I can still go on you know."

"I mean it, you'd better not do something like that again." Kira chided as her blush returned full force, her hands lingering on his chest. "I'll have to discipline you if you do."

Hayato laughed, surprising Kira. She had heard him chuckle before but never laugh. She stared at him, mesmerized by just how expressive he looked as he laughed a hearty laugh. Kira couldn't help but find herself wishing that Hayato would show this side of himself more often.

"Sorry," Hayato said as his laughter began to die down, "I don't know what came over me. Ha, discipline huh? Can't say that I'm much of an M so I guess I'll just have to find a different way to make money here in the future."

"I'm not a sadist like you." Kira said, her cheeks flushed. "Come on, lets get this date started."

And with that the two joined the passing crowd, hand in hand.

XXXXX

Haruka, who had regained consciousness when Hiro bathed the valley in the light of his power, was currently in the med bay. Bandages were wrapped around her head, concealing her eyeless sockets from view. Ando was by her bedside, as he had been since her rescue, watching her worriedly. One look at the dark circles under his eyes was enough for one to deduce that he hadn't had much sleep.

"The wind feels pleasant, more so than I remember it being." Haruka said as a light breeze blew in from the open window next to her bed. She smiled a little despite her current predicament. "Everything feels so different now...compared to when I could still see."

"Haruka..." Ando whispered, unsure of what to say.

Haruka turned to Ando, or at least, to where she thought he was. She reached her hands out and moved them through the air for a moment. It didn't take long for Ando to figure out what she was trying to do so he leaned into her until her dainty hands softly landed on his face. "Ah, there you are."

Softly, she pinched the bald teen's cheeks before moving her hands to his nose. Ando remained perfectly still as her hands explored his face. First, his mouth, next was his ears, after that was the top of his head, and then they returned to rest on both of his cheeks.

Haruka's small smile widened a little as her exploration came to an end. "I see. This is what the person I love feels like."

Ando broke down. He tried not to, but he just couldn't fight the tears. He had loved Haruka for what felt like forever but never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that she would reciprocate his feelings. He was happy but also ashamed. "I'm sorry Haruka..." He sobbed. "I'm sorry that this happened to you. I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you."

Haruka pulled Ando's face to her bosom and stroked his head as he cried. Ando felt pathetic. Here he was crying while the girl he loved did her best to comfort her. It should have been the other way around...except...the petite woman probably could no longer shed tears now that her eyes had been stolen from her.

With that thought in mind Ando felt his anger begin to rise. "I won't let them get away with this. They're going to pay for what they did to you." He said through his tears. "I won't be a man worthy of your love otherwise."

Ando blinked as he felt something wet hit the top of his bald head. Looking up, he was surprised to see tears falling down Haruka's face. 'How?'

"I'm glad." Haruka said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was afraid that you didn't feel the same way about me that I feel about you."

"What? Of course I love you." Ando assured her as he began to hastily wipe away his tears. "I've been in love with you for a long time now, I just...I was afraid that you didn't feel the same. I was a coward. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It was the same for me, even though I had the Eyes of Arcana." Haruka said, a wry smile on her face. "Ando, you'll help me get through this, right?"

"Of course I will." Ando replied, the sheer conviction in his voice giving his words a palpable quality to them. "I'll be with you every step of the way."

Astra watched her younger brother silently from afar. It was a touching scene to be sure, one she wasn't quite sure she should have witnessed. Still, looking at the two lovers made her mind wander to a certain ex-girlfriend that had been on her mind for quite some time.

That person was of course, Rei Taizo.

Thinking back, she had underestimated Rei. When she first met the dark haired girl she had saw her as nothing more than another woman to add to her list of conquests, finding out that she was the younger sister of the rich and powerful Mugen Taizo had just been icing on the proverbial cake.

That line of thinking had changed once she began spending time with the younger of the two Taizo siblings. Rei was beautiful, mysterious, intelligent, and had a strength to her that to this day Astra couldn't quite wrap her head around. She was unlike any woman the strip club owner had ever met. 'Which is probably why I somehow ended up falling in love with her.'

Despite everything she had learned about her ex-girlfriend during their time together Astra did not once think that Rei was someone equal to herself, especially when Rei returned to her seeking help. But as things were now, that was no longer an idea she could entertain.

Somehow, Rei had managed to rein in someone with enough power to shake even the Order of the Breakers to its very core. That one act alone led credence to the idea that one woman was usually all it took to topple kingdoms. It was humbling, really, it was. Astra had always thought of herself as an exceptional existence but next to Rei she couldn't help but feel small, insignificant even. 'She probably saw right through me. Maybe that's why what we had didn't last...or maybe...'

Astra scowled at the conclusion she suddenly came to. She didn't like to think that Rei had used her, as hypocritical as that was. The desire to know quickly blossomed within her, although the prospect of actually knowing frightened her. That fear though, quickly turned into anger.

"How could I have been so blind..." Astra hissed bitterly as she left the med bay. Was this how all the women she had played around with felt after she got bored with them? Was this karma's way of getting back at her for all of the broken hearts she had left in her wake? If so, she wasn't going to stand for it.

XXXXX

Emiko swung her legs back and forth as she silently watched Hiro from her spot on his bed. The snow haired teen's left arm was stretched out before him, tiny particles of light slowly floating above his open palm. She didn't really know what it was that he was trying to accomplish and she was trying hard not to break his concentration despite wanting to ask him a question that had been bugging her for quite some time.

Lifting her eyes upward Emiko stared at the ethereal woman silently floating above Hiro. The woman's long green hair cascaded down her back, the pure white sundress she wore fluttered in the nonexistent wind, and her golden eyes were trained on Hiro and Hiro alone. All in all, the woman was unnaturally beautiful. Emiko frowned a little. 'Who is this woman and why is everyone pretending to not see her?'

Of course on the off chance that she really was the only one who could see the floating woman maybe it was better if she didn't say anything. She was already an amnesiac, adding crazy to the list of her problems wasn't exactly in her best interest. She returned her attention to Hiro. 'Well, even if I am crazy I bet Hiro won't mind.'

Said teen let out a fatigued sigh as he allowed his power to recede. "This is more difficult than I remember it being..." He mumbled as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Well of course it is. Using the creation power of the Life Maker in this realm as opposed to the reflection of your soul is two very different things. It's like comparing a puddle to the vastness of this world's ocean." Yukari admonished.

Hiro shot the woman an annoyed look which Emiko did not miss. If that wasn't proof that the floating beauty was indeed real and not a figment of her imagination she didn't know what was. "Hiro, who is that?"

Hiro turned to her, confused. "What?"

"The floating lady." Emiko answered. "Who is she?"

Both Hiro and Yukari stared at the girl as if she had just grown a second head for a moment before asking in near unison, "You can see her/me?"

"Yes." Emiko blinked as she tilted her head to one side. "...Should I not be able to?"

Yukari narrowed her eyes at the girl who was staring up at her innocently. 'Hiro should be the only one who can see me in this state. Just who is this girl?'

"Well?" Hiro questioned as he stared up at Yukari.

"...That's how it should be." Yukari answered with a deep frown on her beautiful face. "Who are you?"

"I'm Emiko!" The young girl chirped. "So what's your name?"

"You shouldn't be able to see me."

"Yeah, you mentioned that." Emiko tilted her head to the side as she blinked in confusion. "I don't think that should be the case though?" It came off as more of a question than a statement.

Yukari's frown deepened. "What do you mean by that?"

Emiko shrugged her shoulders. "I dunno. I mean, you say that I shouldn't be able to see you but I can...so that must mean that you're wrong and that I should be able to see you, I think."

Yukari wasn't quite sure how to respond to that and neither was Hiro. 'What kind of logic is that?'

"Are you haunting him?" Emiko suddenly asked.

"What?"

"You're a ghost right? I mean, no one else can see you and you seem awfully attached to Hiro..."

"I'm not a ghost." Yukari ground out. 'How dare this girl compare me to such an unsightly creature...'

"Hmm." Emiko seemed unconvinced. "Are you sure?"

Yukari once again found herself at a lost for words.

Hiro, however, did not have that problem. This amnesiac girl claimed to know him in some capacity, was held in the lowest level of the Supernatural Suppression Squad's secret facility with special restraints, and could somehow see Yukari. It would be foolish of him to just leave things as they were now. He needed to know more about this mysterious girl.

"Emiko, what's the last thing you remember?"

"Waking up in that horrible facility. Wait...I already told you this didn't I? Did you forget?"

Hiro decided to answer Emiko's question with a question. "You don't remember anything before that? Nothing at all?" He paused as a thought occurred to him. "A sister...you mentioned something about having a sister. Can you tell me a little about her?"

Emiko eyes lit up as her mouth formed into a wide grin. "Hisako is the greatest big sister to ever exist! She's got this cool sword, some pretty fashionable boots, and she even has an awesome cape! Not only that, but she's a symbol of hope just like you!" She paused as she gave Hiro a quick once over. "She even looks like you." She paused again. "Actually, she really looks like you..."

Hiro wasn't quite sure what to make of that. "...Is there anything else you can tell me about her?"

"Nope. That's all I know. If it wasn't for Chiro I wouldn't have been able to tell you even that much."

"Chiro? You mean the man that was in the room we found you in?"

Emiko nodded. "Yup! He said something about being infected when the days were dark or something and that made me remember Hisako."

"When the days were dark...?" Hiro mumbled to himself. "Wait, do you mean the Days of Darkness? Chiro was one of the infected?"

"Uh...I think that's what he said." Emiko said, uncertain.

The 'infected' referred to the people who were compelled by a mysterious force to challenge others to Darkness Games during the Days of Darkness. There wasn't any information on how these 'infected' came to be or how to cure them despite the best efforts of the foremost scientists of the world. It was a mystery many thought would never be solved.

With that thought in mind Hiro quickly made for the door. 'But if what Emiko said is true then Chiro somehow survived and retained his sanity. He might be the key to figuring out how it all happened! The mystery of who Emiko really is can wait another day.' He reasoned.

"Um, Hiro? Where are you going?" Although she was confused by Hiro's sudden change in demeanor Emiko followed after him as he left the room.

XXXXX

Hayato and Kira entered a cafe that had caught their eye. The shop was rather crowded so the two decided to take a seat in the far corner. Almost immediately Kira's eyes zeroed in on her boyfriend's neck. Try as she might, she just couldn't stop thinking about what Hayato had done for her.

Hayato quickly noticed her stare. "Is something wrong Kira?"

"Why did they bite you?"

"What?" Hayato asked in confusion.

"Wouldn't it make more sense for them to draw blood from you and put it into a blood pack for distribution? If this is the system that Overlord Raven came up with to ease relations between vampires and humans it's incredibly flawed."

"They do use blood packs for distribution." Hayato corrected her.

"Really? Then why did they bite you?" Kira asked once more.

"Well...after my blood was drawn one of the workers said that they would pay me extra if I allowed them to feed from me directly. Apparently my blood is equivalent to a five star meal to a vampire's senses. It certainly explains why the vampires in this area haven't been able to keep their eyes off of me."

"Hayato," Kira said in a low voice, reaching across the table to place her hand over his. "If that's true then you need to be more careful from now on. Not all vampires are like Riza."

"I'll be fine." Hayato said as he opened his menu. "You're surprisingly protective of me."

"Is that going to be a problem?" She tried to keep her tone neutral but there was a bit of an edge to it.

"Nope. You can smother me with your affection all you like."

Kira's cheeks turned an interesting shade of red. "You can be really annoying sometimes, you know that?"

"What can I get you folks today?" The hostess asked, standing eagerly at the edge of their table holding a notepad. Her gleaming red eyes were trained on Hayato, or rather, his neck.

"I'll have the apple fritter, blueberry muffin with yogurt and honey, cranberry orange scone, two ice cream cone sugar cookies, and iced lemon pound cake." Hayato said, already drooling a little in anticipation.

"Uh, just a glass of water for me." Kira ordered, not sure what to make of Hayato's order. The hostess took their menus and promised to be back shortly. "Are sweets the only thing that you eat? How are you not fat? How do you still have teeth?"

"Sweets aren't the only thing I eat...it's just what I eat the most. Any extra pounds I would get from my diet are kept off by my exercise routine. As for your last question, well, I take dental hygiene very seriously. I plan on keeping my teeth for a very long time to come."

"You work out?" Kira questioned as she eyed her boyfriend skeptically.

"Four days a week...why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's just...the thought of you actually exercising is a little hard to believe. You look so..."

"Non-active?" Hayato finished for her. "My mother made sure that I didn't turn out that way. When I was a kid she wouldn't let me have any candy unless I stayed physically fit." He smiled a little. "Of course she no longer has any control over what I eat but I still make sure to stay active. I guess you can say its become a habit."

Kira smirked. "So what you're saying is that your mom is the only reason why you're not the size of a blimp right now?"

Hayato smiled wryly. "I guess you can say that. She wants to meet you by the way. I'm guessing your mother feels the same?"

"Yeah..." She trailed off. "I can't say the same for my dad."

Hayato looked thoughtful for a moment. "Considering the history your father has with mine I'm not surprised that he doesn't approve of me."

'Not to mention the fact that your dad and my mom used to date.' Kira idly thought to herself. She wasn't sure if Hayato was aware of that fact or not but she certainly wasn't going to bring it up. "My dad...told me I'm too good for you, that I could do better."

"Well, he's probably not wrong." Hayato said evenly.

Kira stared at her boyfriend incredulously. "Are you serious?"

Hayato shrugged. "The world is a big place. It would be pretty arrogant of me to say I'm better for you than every other man on the planet."

"Hayato-"

They were interrupted by the sound of the hostess clearing her throat. She placed Hayato's 'meal' before him, and the glass of water in front of Kira. "I hope you enjoy your meal." She said awkwardly before walking off.

"Hayato," Kira continued, "I like you."

"Oh, okay." He said before popping one of the ice cream cone sugar cookies into his mouth.

Kira closed her eyes and tried not to growl. As much as she did like Hayato, she was quickly growing tired of how noncommittal he often appeared to be. "Hayato," she sighed, "You do realize why I just said that, right?"

Hayato took a bite out of his cranberry orange scone, looking to the side as he thought. "...Because you've never once said it?"

Kira blinked. 'I haven't?'

Hayato sighed. "I'm sorry Kira. I don't mean to come off the way that I do. Really, the thought of there being a man out there that is better suited for you than myself doesn't sit well with me at all. Actually, it kind of makes me angry. It's just...I sometimes have a hard time putting my emotions before logic."

Kira thought about asking him why that was the case but decided to refrain. A crowded cafe was hardly the place to discuss such things. "Don't be dumb, there's nothing for you to feel sorry about. The fact that you're so weird is part of the reason why I like you."

"You're going to make blush if you keep that up."

Hayato blushing was something that Kira would pay actual money to see. Not that she'd ever tell him that. "Eat your sweets," she instructed, "There's a lot more of this city that I'd like to see."

XXXXX

"Rei!"

The dark haired girl stopped in front of the hallway that led to the Masters' council room. Before she even turned around she already knew that it was Hiro who had called out to her. As he ran up to her she wasn't surprised to see Emiko trailing after him. That girl didn't seem to want to be separated from the snow haired teen for even a second. "Hmm?"

"Have you seen Chiro? We've looked around for a bit but we haven't been able to find him." Hiro said once he caught his breath.

"Chiro?" Rei questioned with a slight tilt of her head.

"Sorry." Hiro said, realizing that Rei had no idea who Chiro was. "He's the guy we found with Emiko."

Rei shook her head. "No, I haven't seen him. Why are you looking for him?"

"Emiko told me that he was one of the infected during the Days of Darkness. I want to talk to him."

Rei couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. "Really?" She then turned to regard Emiko with undisguised suspicion. "Is this true?"

Said girl nodded her head vigorously, oblivious to Rei's misgivings about her. "Uh-huh. At least, that's what he told me. I don't really get what it means but it made me remember my big sister so it must be something important, right?"

"...Right." Rei replied, still unsure of what to make of the bubbly girl.

"Rei!"

Once again Rei found herself turning at the sound of her name and just like before she knew exactly who the voice belonged to. Astra, her ex-girlfriend, was walking towards her and she did not look happy.

"Rei, you and I need to talk." Astra said before turning her attention to Hiro and Emiko. "Alone."

Rei turned to Hiro for a moment before returning her attention to Astra. "Can it wait? Hiro and I-"

"No, Rei. We need to talk now."

'Well, this is uncomfortable.' Hiro thought to himself as the two women stared at one another in tense silence. 'Should I...say something? Do something? ...Should I leave?' Hiro looked down as he felt Emiko's hand suddenly close around his. Her gaze was firmly on the floor as she shuffled awkwardly in place. 'Yeah, we should definitely leave.'

"So, uh, Emiko doesn't seem to be feeling too well all of the sudden so I'm going to, you know, take her to her room so she can lie down for a bit." It was a total lie and everyone knew it but there was no objections from the two women as Hiro and Emiko quickly made their exit.

"You've got a lot of nerve." Astra said once the two were out of sight.

"What?"

"You used me."

Rei merely stared at the woman in response, a neutral look on her face.

Astra saw her silence as admission of guilt. If she wasn't so in love with the girl she probably would have slapped her. "Was that your plan from the start? To get close to me so that I would one day lead you and that jerk here?"

"No." Rei replied, the barest trace of emotion tinging her voice. "I had no way of knowing who you were when we first met."

"But you still used me." Astra clarified as she tried to keep her voice stable, her anger waning as sadness began to clutch at her. This wasn't what she wanted. She wanted Rei to deny her accusation, to reassure her that she was important to her, that she hadn't used her for her own personal gain. 'Since when have I become so pathetic...'

Really, it shouldn't have come as a surprise to her. Rei was the only person who could make her feel this way. She didn't want to appear weak in front of her but god was it hard, this was unlike anything she ever felt before. "Is the fact that you hadn't planned to... is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"No."

A simple answer, Rei was hardly one to mince words if they didn't benefit her in some way.

"...Why?" She asked, her question barely a whisper. "When we were together...why didn't you love me?" She choked out, her voice shaking awfully.

"You know why."

And that was the truth. Rei had told her once before about how the nature of her power slowly consumed her emotions, how they would one day rob her completely of them. At the time Astra had saw that as nothing more than a challenge, after all, what could be more fun than making a near emotionless girl feel?

But that was in the past, now that Rei was in possession of Mugen's power that was no longer the case. Her emotions were still blunted and it would probably be years until she could experience feelings the same way others could but she certainly had the ability now to express herself in a way she couldn't before. "You couldn't love me before..." Astra's words trailed off with the barest hint of hesitation. "But you can now."

"No. I can't."

"Why not?" Astra questioned as her hands clenched into fists. She stared into Rei's eyes and she stared unwaveringly back at her. "...It's because of him isn't it." It wasn't a question, they both knew her answer.

Rei was suddenly sent stumbling back a step in surprise, her back hitting the wall as her ex-girlfriend loomed over her. Slowly, carefully, Astra reached up and began unbuttoning her shirt, Rei's eyes automatically tracking its descent. She stopped once her cleavage was visible and Rei's eyes flickered back up to her face.

The invitation in Astra's eyes was plain to see. "There are things I can do for you...that he can't." She said with a devious smile on her face. "He wouldn't know what to do with a woman like you." She whispered, her voice low. "But I do."

She leaned forward, her body pressing against Rei's. "Then again, you already know that, right?" Her lips ghosted over Rei's. "I mean, I know its been a while...but I'm sure your body still remembers my touch. I know mine still does."

Despite her detached persona, Rei hesitated and a single moment of uncertainty passed between them.

Just as Astra thought that Rei would accept her she felt herself being pushed away. "No." Rei said clearly as she moved away from the wall, not wanting to be pinned to it again. "Astra...I'm sorry."

"...I see." Astra said, her tone bitter. "Is it because he's a better lover than me?"

Rei sucked in a breath. "...I wouldn't know about that."

Astra raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"I haven't slept with him nor do I plan to." She was fairly certain that Hiro was still a virgin but that wasn't exactly relevant at the moment.

"You don't plan to? What? That doesn't-" Astra's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "You haven't told him how you feel..."

"I...don't know what it is that I feel for him." Rei said, forcing her voice steady.

"So...what? You're just going to secretly pine for him?" She sneered. "He's stolen you from me and doesn't even know it."

"He didn't steal me from anyone."

"I can't believe that this is happening. Things would be so different if it weren't for that asshole..."

This wasn't good, Rei recognized that tone of voice. "I understand that you're angry but Hiro hasn't wronged you in any way." The look in Astra's eyes told her that she ardently disagreed with that. "If you need someone to vent out your frustrations on then-"

"Fine. I won't hurt him even though he deserves it for stealing you away from me." Astra cut her off. "And in return for restraining myself you'll give me one night."

"One night?" Rei repeated with a frown.

"One night with you." Astra explained. "If we were to make love again then I'm sure you'll-"

"No." Rei cut her off, her tone even. "I won't betray him more than I already have."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? You came back into my life asking for my help and I gave it even though you broke my heart! Against my better judgment I threw away everything just so you could help that stupid white haired bastard! And now, when I need something in return you repay me with nothing!?"

Blue flames ignited in the palms of Astra's hands as her anger reached the boiling point. "If you won't give me what I ask then why should I listen to any more of your selfish demands? Either you give me what I want or...or...I'll kill him! I'll sneak into his room while he sleeps and-"

Astra hardly had any time to react as an immense pressure suddenly pressed down on her, driving her knees painfully into the floor. 'W-what is this? Her power...she shouldn't be able to use it right now!'

"Astra." Her words were as cold as ice, the opposite of the inferno raging within her. "I will not let Hiro's life be threatened by anyone. If you so much as lay a hand on him I won't hesitate to eliminate you."

"R-Rei." Astra ground out, Rei's cold words driving through her heart like a dagger. "Compared to him...do I really mean so little to you?"

"...Astra." Her words were steel, her will incontrovertible. "There is no one in all of existence more important to me than Hiro Katsuya."

The pressure that was pushing down on Astra vanished and she slumped backwards, the weight of Rei's words sinking into her instantly. Slowly, but surely, her eyes began to water. Not knowing what else to day, Rei turned away from the sight.

"Rei." Her voice followed after her.

"I should hate you for using me the way you did but..." Astra continued. "I-I won't stop loving you. I can't. If...if you ever change your mind I-"

"That won't happen." Rei hated that her voice had shaken as she said that. Things were so much easier back when her power had taken away most of her ability to feel. She wouldn't falter now though, this was the way things should be or rather, the way they had to be. "That will never happen."

And with that Rei left the woman to her tears.

XXXXX

A very perplexed Jason allowed himself to be led through the crowded streets by Leona. She was currently in her transformed state, something that was quickly beginning to become the norm for her. Uncharacteristically of her, she hadn't spoken a word since she had dropped by and whisked him away, which was the reason for the blonde teen's current confusion.

As he stared at Leona's figure before him he furrowed his brow. Normally the woman exuded a warm ambience but that wasn't the case right now. Jason wasn't quite sure what to name the mood that currently surrounded the blonde haired woman but what he did know was that it was making it incredibly difficult for him to voice his concerns.

When the duo finally stopped, it was at the dead end of a dark alley, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Wordlessly, she let Jason's hand go and he stared at her in turn. "Leona...what's going on?"

The silence that accompanied Jason's question was palpable.

"Leona?" Jason tried again.

This time the woman took a deep breath and then exhaled but she still didn't speak.

Tension permeated the air. 'What in the world is up with her...?'

And then it happened.

Leona's paw moved and her claws flashed passed Jason's face. He had managed to duck to the side at the last second, warm blood trickling down his cut cheek. "What the hell?!" He shouted as he stumbled back, bringing a hand up to his wounded face.

Jason could almost feel the color drain from his face as he stared into Leona's eyes. That was not the way a friend would like upon another, no, the way Leona was looking at him was as if he were her nothing more than prey. Those fearsome eyes of hers chilled him to his very core and once again Jason found himself at a loss for words.

"You know..." Leona trailed off as she licked what little blood there was on her claws, "When we first met I saw you as nothing more than a useful source of information."

Jason couldn't breathe. He couldn't believe what he was seeing or what he had just heard.

'She was...using me?'

"Of course that changed once I decided to rewatch your Genex tournament match. You were in control of the flow of the duel from the very beginning and the way you carried yourself...it was as if you could win whenever you wanted. You were so...self-assured. It was like I was looking at a completely different person."

Leona's tail lazily swayed back and forth as she appraised him. "You let him win, didn't you? Why?"

"Who cares?" Jason replied irritability as his confusion and anxiety were slowly giving way to anger. "What does any of that have to do with you attacking me just know?!"

Rather than answer his question Leona charged forward and swiped upwards at his face. Jason swore as he leaned back, the claws missing his flesh but successfully clipping off the ends of his bangs. For the second time Jason stumbled back. "Stop that! Are you trying to kill me?!"

"No..." Leona murmured as she began to circle Jason.

Despite her answer Jason could feel another attack forthcoming. In a flash of green light his body was encased in a translucent psionic exoskeleton armor just as Leona pounced at him. Her claws bounced off of the generated armor but that did little to deter her as she began to viciously slash at him.

"Ugh!" Jason grit his teeth as he was pushed back by the strength and ferocity of the bestial woman's blows. Fortunately his armor was holding up but there was no telling if it could do so indefinitely.

Savage laughter escaped Leona as she continued to assault Jason with brutal slashes. Said teen quickly took note of her flushed skin and the slightly glazed look in her imposing eyes. 'Has she gone crazy?!'

"Stop holding back Jason! I want to know! I need to know! I won't stop until you show me!"

Jason yelled in pain as Leona's next strike broke through his armor, catching him in the chest. He fell backward, his back hitting the alley wall. He groaned in pain as he clutched his exposed chest. The pain came in waves of intensity, sharp twinges giving way to dull pounding.

It had been quite some time since the blonde had experienced such an unpleasant sensation. If this kept up he was going to die long before he did of blood loss. As crazy as this whole situation was that was something Jason was one hundred percent sure of. 'After everything I've been through how could I have been so careless...'

Leona wanted something from him. What that something was eluded him but it didn't matter. What did matter was that she was willing to kill him to get it.

He wasn't going to let that happen.

Attacking her head on was tantamount to suicide though. She was just too strong and too fast for him to contend with. If he was going to survive he had to even the playing field. 'And there's really only one way I can do that...'

Jason's eyes began to glow an eerie green as he felt something dark within himself begin to stir. Leona looked on in surprise as the area around them was slowly flooded by a purple haze of some sort. A dome of purple and black quickly formed to cover the two combatants. "This is...a Darkness Game?"

"...I might not be able to come back from this." Jason said quietly into the endless darkness that now surrounded them, a purple fog giving them the only sense of color.

Leona shivered as the cold started to fill her body, the darkness shaking her to her very core. Slowly, the glazed look that was in her eyes started to fade and her flushed skin began to return to its natural color. "Jason...?"

Jason smiled forlornly. "To pull something like this after all the time we spent together...you really had me fooled." Suddenly his eyes blazed fiercely, his expression hardening. "But don't think for even a second that it will be that easy to kill me."

Leona stepped back involuntarily. "Kill you? Jason, that wasn't-"

"You attacked me with lethal force, even admitted to having used me for your own personal gain." Jason said as his lips curled. "I'd have to be an idiot to believe anything else that comes out of your mouth."

Leona swept her arms wide. "Jason, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to-" She paused, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "My bestial instincts just kind of kicked in. You see, when a beastkin strongly considers someone to be a-" She paused again as a blush adorned her cheeks. "Er, when we think we've found a potential mate we-"

"Do you even hear yourself right now?" Jason interrupted with a sneer. "The reason you tried to kill me is because you like me too much? Just how stupid do you think I am?"

"I wasn't trying to kill you Jason." Leona said. "My mother told me a little about what I would go through if I ever found someone like you. I thought...I thought I would be able to suppress these urges I've been having but I-"

"That's enough!" Jason snapped as the surrounding darkness rippled in response to his outburst.

"Jason, please. You have to believe me."

"No, I don't." Jason glowered.

Leona retreated internally for a moment. 'Shit, this isn't how it was supposed to go. Dammit mom, why didn't you prepare me better for this? ...No point in blaming her now, I need to get Jason to believe me...but how?'

"...You don't believe me? Fine. Tell me then, why would I want to kill you?"

Jason's glowing eyes narrowed. "I don't know...maybe you're secretly working for Sayama."

Leona growled in irritation. "Seriously? I've never even met the woman!"

"As far as I know."

'Fine. Two can play that game.' Leona thought with a frown. "Between the two of us you're the one who is more likely to be working for Sayama."

Jason's hostility faltered as he blinked in equal parts surprise and confusion. "What?"

"Now I'm no expert..." Leona trailed off before gesturing to their surroundings, "But not just anyone can create a Darkness Game without some sort of special device, right?" She gave Jason a pointed look as she placed a hand on her shapely hips. "And the people who can are usually bad news."

Jason fell silent for a moment but then his brow furrowed as he clutched his chest. "...Maybe so, but you're not the one slowly bleeding out right now. If I don't get this treated soon I'm going to die."

Leona's eyes widened. "Then you need to get rid of this darkness so we can-"

Jason rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you'd like that wouldn't you? It would make killing me a whole lot easier for you after all. Or maybe you're just trying to draw this out until I do bleed out? Either way...you're not talking your way out of this."

Leona swallowed dryly as Jason's duel disk activated. (J: 4000) "Hey...you can't be serious. You're really going to go through with this? You're going to force me into a Darkness Game?"

"If you don't activate your duel disk right now the darkness will see your inaction for what it is, your unconditional surrender. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what will happen after that." Jason replied, his words as cold as the look in his gleaming eyes.

Leona could hardly believe her ears. How did it come to this? "Jason," she said as she placed a hand over her heart, "Regardless of how you feel about me right now I'm your friend. I'm begging you, don't do this." She pleaded.

For a moment she could see it in his eyes, that his opposition was weakening. She had no idea just how much Jason wanted to believe her words...but he couldn't. He had been burned one too many times in the past for that to be an option at this juncture. "Activate your duel disk Leona, otherwise...you'll die."

Leona stared at him, seeing absolutely no trace of the person she had gotten to know since the school year began. Jason had truly closed off his heart to her. Letting out a deep sigh filled with regret, she activated her duel disk. (L: 4000)

"Fine. Let's duel."

XXXXX

Author's Note: So...yeah, this chapter turned out extremely different from what I had originally planned. I mean, it was gonna be super fluffy at first but somehow snowballed into something else entirely...which is why I had to push the planned confrontation between Hitaki and Hisako to a future chapter. Oh well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and look forward to the next one!

EoE Character Profile:

Name: Sakura Inoue

Rank: Second Lieutenant (O-1) [Pending]

Age: 18

Birthplace: Domino City, Japan

Service Number: SOD047754

Date of Enlistment: April 30, 2030

Background: Only child of Tomoya and Tomoko Inoue; mother killed in car accident in Domino City on January 15, 2022. Enrolled in Domino City Duel Prep School in 2025, graduating in 2027; enrolled in Central Duel Academy as an Obelisk Blue the same year and graduated as the Kaiserin in 2029.

Career: Joined the Special Ops Division under personal recommendation from Second Lieutenant Kai Hideki and First Lieutenants Yuuta and Mimari Uzumaki. Is currently undergoing training at Okinawa Central SSS Academy.

Assessment: Intelligent and dedicated. Considered by staff of OCA to be one of the most capable duelists in the school's history. Despite civilian background has firsthand experience with Darkness Games and Riding Duels.

Recommendation: Pending

XXXXX

Leona: Jason, I don't want to hurt you!

Jason: I wish I could believe that...

Leona's actions forces Jason to confront a past he thought long buried. Next time, Yu-Gi-Oh GX The End of Eternity Chapter 131! Hearts Laid Bare Part Three!

Jason: I won't let history repeat itself...