The walk to the school was silent. Neither spoke to the other as they hiked through the demolished grounds, jumping over fallen buildings, and keeping an eye out for any signs of Nui. When they finally reached the school they began to search the grounds, starting with where the two girls used to eat lunch together to the old fields where most of their old battles took place. For a while Ryuko was in the lead but with the eye patch on it was hard for her to see everything around her and she kept bumping into the debris. Gamagoori finally had enough and took over in leading their two-man squad. She merely grumbled at this but didn't argue. Honesty she was kind of glad he was leading because she was starting to get annoyed with tripping and bumping into everything that she couldn't see from her right eye. She was amazed that she hadn't crashed her motorbike sooner. The sun was still high in the sky and the summer afternoon was hot but the heat didn't stop them. If anything it only made them searcher faster. Not just for the fact that they wanted to find Nui and save Mako, but because they had no idea what to talk about with the other. They've never actually spoken before, other than about Life Fibers or saving Mako. They both cared for the same person but have never once spoken a word to each other about a personal matter. They found it awkward to be around the other.

"We should spilt up," Ryuko suggested the moment they stepped into the school. It would make their search faster and because she was started to get self conscious for the silence that was surrounding them. She pulled off the backpack and pulled out to walkie-talkies that she took from Nudist Beach. "If we find anything we'll contact the other on this." She tossed him the black device and placed her on her hip.

Gamagoori looked at the device in his hand and raised an eyebrow. "You and Mankanshoku should really consider getting cell phones." He held onto his as on his whip was being secured in a clutch on his waist.

She merely shrugged her shoulders, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "Maybe. Probably once Mako and I get some part time jobs we'll be able to afford them," before all this happened the two had discussed getting some jobs to help with the bills around the house. Of course Mako's parents rejected any ideas of them helping out and said if they wanted jobs they should get them but they should spend their paychecks on themselves. They had agreed and began to look for some jobs, ones that were good for high school students and didn't require too much work. "And before you say anything, Satsuki already offered to buy us some but we refused." She stopped him, feeling his mouth opening to suggest they ask her sister to buy them some. While she knew her sister was already trying to help they all felt that she had done more than enough for the family. She had basically bought them a house, gave them furniture, and nearly paid all the mortgage for it before they stepped in and stopped her. While they were grateful for her help they didn't want to accept it for fear they may become spoiled. They never wanted to go back to how they were when they were living two-star luxury and take life for granted again. "If we do get phones then we want to get them our own way by earning them."

Gamagoori understood this and didn't argue but he still believed the two girls should have something with them. They no longer had the power of the Life Fibers so they couldn't protect themselves if someone attacked them on the street. "While I find your decision to be an honorable one I feel you and Mankanshoku should have some kind of device that can help you should you find yourself in a compromising situation." He told her his option, crossing his arms in the process. His cheeks were a light pink as he spoke, his real reason for wanting them to get the phone hidden in his mind. He actually wanted Mako to have her own so he could get in contact with her easier and not have to call her home phone and have everyone interrupting them.

Ryuko turned around to look at him, a sly grin on her face. "Yeah right. You just want Mako to get one so you can call her in the middle of the night."

His face exploded in embarrassment. "How the hell could she know that?!"

The grin on her face only widened in size. "You're like an open book when it comes to Mako."

His eyes grew in size at her words. "She can read minds!"he gulped, trying to keep all his hidden secrets just that. Hidden.

Ryuko merely rolled her eyes at him. No one needed to be a mind reader if they wanted to know what Ira Gamagoori was thinking. His face showed it all. "Let's get going. We've wasted enough time."

"Wait," he stopped her, forgetting his previous worries for the current ones he was feeling now. "Before you go I need to know, did Mankanshoku really tell you she wants to die?" his eyes harden at those words. The mere thought of her wanting to die was maddening. Someone like her asking to be killed was insanity.

Ryuko stood there, her one visible eye glazed over as she thought back to her dream encounter with Mako. "Yes," her words were soft spoken but heavy. She gulped down the lump in her throat, her hands at her sides itching to be balled into a fist but she held herself back. "She knows once Nui fully consumes her then she'll have full control of her body and she doesn't want us to get hurt by her hands. She knows that we could never hurt her." This time she allowed her hands to curl into fists, her body tense with the anger and frustration she felt. "But that's exactly what we have to do. Mako would never forgive us if we just sat around and did nothing. But if we don't do anything then Nui wins and we'll lose Mako forever. So even if it's tough we have to forget that it's Mako and go at Nui with enough force to stop her."

Gamagoori was stunned. She was suggesting they go into battle with their full strength. He wanted to stop Nui but he wasn't sure if he could truly allow himself to cause harm to Mako. Especially by his hands. "So what you're saying is we need to just do enough to stop Nui?" he glared at the floor, his resolve building up inside him as he gripped his whip at his side. "Very well." He could do that. He made a vow to protect Mako but he would have to bend his bow a little if he wanted to save her. In the process he may cause some damage to her but if it meant getting her back then he would accept whatever consequences he would face afterwards.

"Aw, that's not very nice."

The two gasped, turning around with such speed they could feel the effect of whiplash coming but they paid no mind to that because no more than a few feet away from them was Nui. They were shocked and angered when they saw her hair, that at first only had a few streaks of blonde, now had the bottom half covered. She was standing there, smiling at them both with her hands behind her back. "And here I thought you two liked this girl but it sounds like you don't care if something happens to her," she held out her right arm, a twisted grin coming on to her face as she ran one of her nails over the skin, making it bleed out. She held up the bleeding arm, blood dripping down her pale skin. "If so then maybe I should get rid of her now and save you the trouble." She licked the blood running down from the open wound, causing it to stain around her lips.

Gamagoori's whip wrapped her arm in an instant. "I will not allow Mankanshoku's blood to be spilled." His voice was soft but filled with so much power and anger it had even Ryuko backing up.

Nui giggled at this, running one finger up and down the whip that held her. "Well somebody sure isn't happy," she grinned when she felt the whip tighten and saw him step closer, ready to attack. "If you keep frowning it'll only make your old man face look even older, Gamagoori-senpai." She gasped and so did they. Did she just say senpai? With a grunt she jumped out of the whip's hold and looked at the two with anger shining in her blue eyes but in those eyes also held a hint of panic.

"Mako!" Ryuko called out to her friend. That slip of the tongue could only mean one thing and that was Mako fighting to break free. "You can beat her! You're stronger than Nui!"

Said girl let out a low growl, her body shaking as she tried to appear calm and had everything under control but on the inside she could feel it. These two were somehow making Mako fight against her restraints. "It won't work," she stepped back, hands gripping the ends of her dress with such force she ripped the fabric. "I will never allow this doll to break free!" she screamed out, jumping back and disappearing into the air.

Gamagoori followed after her instantly. "Stop!" he wouldn't allow her to escape.

Ryuko blinked when she saw him take off. She had been momentarily stunned from what she just witnessed but she got her bearings back and followed after the man. They turned the corner but found the hallway empty and any trace of Nui gone. "Damn it," Gamagoori continued to run down the corridor, he would not allow her to escape. If he had to search every nook and cranny of the school he would. "Matoi, follow me. I know every inch of this building and any possible place for her to hide away."

Ryuko moved to follow after him but she stopped when she felt the eye patch shaking. "Senketsu?" she whispered, tracing her fingers over the fabric that felt rough. It was trying to tell her something but she couldn't even begin to imagine what. Gamagoori was already out of sight and she cursed, pulling out her walkie-talkie when she felt her head start to turn to her left. Somehow Senketsu was making her turn to look at something but all she saw was a staircase. The same staircase that lead to their old classroom. As if struck by lightning realization sunk in and she bolted up the stairs. "You saw it too, didn't you Senketsu." Her mind flashed her back to encounter they just had with Nui. When she slipped up and they saw Mako fighting against her, it had only been for a moment but she saw it. For a single second Nui's icy blue eye had turned a soft brown. Mako was fighting for control. She received no verbal reply from the patch but it once again vibrated against her face. The connect was still weak but she could feel it growing stronger.

The door to their former classroom was coming up and with all the force she had she slammed the metal door open and jumped inside. Inside the demolished room was Nui, sitting at Mako's old desk and next to her was Ryuko's old desk. They were the only two that weren't scattered around the room in a pile of broken pieces. The girl wasn't saying anything, her head bent down and her hands still clenching the bottom of her dress. Ryuko stepped forward but stopped when she remembered that she still needed to inform Gamagoori. She brought the walkie-talkie up to call for the man but hesitated, worried if she did Nui would get away. With a grunt she pressed the button and spoke into the talkie. "Gamagoori, I'm back in our old classroom. Hurry the hell up here." Even if there was a risk of Nui getting away before Gamagoori got here she would have to take it. She may not like it too much but Mako cared for him and she needed him there to help get their friend back. One blue eye looked at the girl who still hadn't moved an inch since she entered. With slow steps she walked over and sat down in her old desk, staring ahead at the cracked chalk board as she tried to come up with a plan. So far she was just winging it.

"I see you found me." Nui's voice was soft, any traces of cheerfulness was gone and replaced with bitterness.

"Mako and I had class together in here." Ryuko told her, still not turning her head to look at her.

"Of course it is," Nui scoffed, the bitterness in her voice growing and her grip tightening.

Ryuko frowned, her body growing tense at what was happening. She didn't understand Nui or why she was acting like this. It was completely different from her usual behavior. "I want my friend back."

"How can you have something back that never existed to begin with?" Nui finally lifts her head, her one visible eye had a glazed over twisted look shined in her blue orbs. "If you're so lonely, I can make you a new friend. This body is starting to annoy me so I can make you a new friend, one that is much cuter and-" her rambling is cut off by a croquette being shoved in her mouth.

Ryuko finally looks at her, an angry glare in her eyes as she holds the bento box that Mrs. Mankanshoku made for her. "I don't need a new friend. I have Mako. She's the only friend I'll ever need and I refuse to let the likes of you take her away," she proceeds to shove croquettes inside the girl's mouth, choking her but that wasn't stopping Ryuko from shoving every last piece of food she had inside her mouth. With great speed she used her chopsticks to pick up every piece and place them all inside her mouth. "Mako, I know you can hear me! I saw it in the hallway, you're fighting against Nui just as hard as we are. I know you can come back to us and it might be tough so eat up. You always gave me these croquettes to give me strength so now I'm doing the same for you. Eat up, gather your strength, and kick Nui's ass!"

Every piece of Ryuko's bento was shoved inside her mouth and amazingly she managed to swallow it. Gasping for air she slapped the chopsticks away and jumped to her feet, frustration and anger now shining in her eye. "It's useless! This doll will never break free. I won't allow it! I won't...ahhh!" she fell to her knees, crying out in pain as her body shook. Her breathing turned ragged and her one eye widen in size from shock and a little bit of fear. "It's not possible..." she cried out once more, the pain was slowly starting to overtake her.

"Mako!" Ryuko is by her side in a second. She reaches out for her only to have her hand in a snake like grip and hisses as sharp nails dig into her skin. "You..." Nui growls up at her, one blue eye burning with hatred. "This is all your fault!" she screams as the pain comes again, this time ever stronger than before and causing her to fall into Ryuko's lap. The cries of pain still come but they soon start to turn into soft whimpers and the hand that is holding onto Ryuko's wrist loosens. "...Ryuko-Chan?"

Ryuko gasps, her heart skips a beat when she hears this and she cries in joy when she sees the girl's eye is no longer blue but back to its original brown color. "You're back." She runs her hand through the soft brown locks that had yet to be dyed blonde.

She nodded, "I told you mysterious croquettes give you amazing power." She tried lifting herself but her body was weak and she was panting. Any power she had was slowly being drained out of her. "I don't have much time left." She whispered but Ryuko still heard her.

"Mako, what are you saying?" she felt fear take over her heart. As she looked over her friend and saw just how weak and tired she was her fears grew. "No," she grabbed her in a hug. "I won't let that happen." She didn't want it to be true but she could see it clear as day. Her friend was dying.

The area around them shook and both knew what it meant. In mere seconds Gamagoori stepped into the room, his chest heaving from the sprint he just did to get there and eyes wide as he looked at the scene before him.

Mako smiled at him. "Ira..." she reached out one hand for him.

"Mankanshoku," he was by her side in a single step, taking hold of her hand and pulling her body against his. He could feel her heart beating, the same beat and rhythm he felt on their date when they kissed. He finally had her back. This only made him hold her tighter, never again did he want to lose her.

Feeling his grip tighten only made her smile. "Sorry if I've been such a bad student." She whispered into him, burying her face into his chest and inhaling his scent that was a mixture of body spray and sweat. A strange combination but it made her heart flare up at the scent.

He chuckled, blinking away the tears that gathered in his eyes. "I'm no longer the Disciplinary Chairman and you're not a student. We're just Ira and Mako now." He told her, kissing the top of her head.

She gasped in surprise and smiled up at him. It was a weak smile but it still managed to shine bright. "You finally said my name."

He smiled back, trying to hide the bitterness he was feeling. "Sorry if it took me so long." He cupped her cheek, cursing himself for being such a coward. If only he had said her name sooner. Confessed sooner. If he had done everything sooner then maybe things could have gone differently.

She shook her head, the smile never leaving her face. "I'm just glad to hear you say it," With one hand she reached out and held Ryuko's hand, happy when her friend returned the hold. She was content. She was in the arms of the man she loved and by her side was her best friend. In this one moment she couldn't have asked for anything more and it was also in this one moment that is all ended. Another wave of pain shot through her body and caused her to cry out in pain. She could no longer support her body and was now fully leaning against Gamagoori's body and her hold on Ryuko's hand was tight enough to cut off circulation. "...kill me," she called out, using what was left of her strength to talk with them. "You have too. I can't hold back Nui any longer. She's too strong for me."

"Don't say that!" Ryuko held her friend's hand, her own grip tightening around her same shaking hand. "Mako, you're so much strong than you think."

Mako shook her head, tears spilling from her one visible eye. "Without a uniform I can't do anything."

"That's not true!" Gamagoori pulled her back, his two large hands supporting her body. "You were a No-Star student but you bravely stood against us of the student council, went off into battle without any form of armor, and not once did you ever think you could lose. The Mako Mankanshoku I know does not know the meaning of the word give up!" he cried out, letting loose his frustration and anger. He didn't think it was possible but his hatred for Nui increased. It was because of her that Mako was saying such things. Things she would never normally say and by now should have been doing her hallelujah stance.

She stared at him, her one brown eye wide with amazement before softening into a loving gaze. "Thank you," she smiled, happiness rushing into her heart. She was truly blessed to have found such wonderful people in her life. Even if she was only a doll she would never forget them or the happy memories they had. "But I can't do this," she jumped away from the two, landing by the window and holding her chest in pain. Both Ryuko and Gamagoori stood up to go after her but she held up one hand, halting them as she looked at them. "This may be the last time I see you two so I want to make it last. I know I don't have much time left until Nui completely absorbs me. There are Life Fibers in my body that she can use to make new uniforms and this time she'll able to wear them and use their power. That's why you have to kill me and destroy my body so that doesn't happen!" she cried, pleading with them to stop her before she killed them with her own hands. She didn't care if she disappeared forever, she could accept her fate but what she wanted to prevent was her friend's deaths.

"That is not an option!" Gamagoori yelled out, his hand clenching her old desk and was making it crack under the pressure he was putting on it. "We've come up with a way to remove Nui from your body. We can help you!"

She shook her head. "Nui and I share more than just a body. She is embedded into my soul. If you try and remove her you'll be taking my soul out too." She knew of their plan because Nui had been spying on them. There were trying to suck out the twisted girl but it wouldn't work without both their souls getting sucked out and destroying them both.

This new sent a new wave of dread through Gamagoori. Their only plan of action turned out to a completely failure before they even had the chance to test it. But that wasn't what was bothering him the most. He was going along with a plan that could have killed her. He nearly allowed himself and his friend to do something that would ultimately kill her in the end. He was disgusted with himself. Why hadn't he realized it sooner? The hand that was clenching the desk gripped the object even harder and made it break, the wooden shards embedding themselves into his skin but instead of pleasure from the pain all he felt was horror and shame. He was utterly powerless to help the woman he loved.

Mako looked at him, her heart going out to him and all she wanted to do at this moment was be held in his arms but she didn't trust herself. She could feel Nui taking control again and she couldn't trust herself not to hurt him. "I know it's selfish and cruel but please you have to kill me. You just have too!"

"Screw that!" Ryuko screamed, kicking her own desk to the side and sent it crashing into the wall. She faced her best friend, anger and annoyance shining in her one eye as her body shook. "It's not just cruel and selfish, it's fucking impossible!" she stepped towards her friend, determination and anger radiating in every step that she took. "You keep saying Nui is too strong and we have to kill you. Don't you think we know that? We know Nui and how strong she is and what she's capable of but even knowing that we still are willing to fight. We won't kill you because we can't! You are my best friend and the girl Gamagoori loves, do you really think we can kill you?"

Mako was in shock, not only from her friend's anger but from what she just said. "Love...?" her one eye looking at Gamagoori who was standing there, his mouth wide open and face looking like a tomato. She finally took notice of the blue locket wrapped around his neck and blushed. She remembered the song that came from the locket and longed to hear it one more time.

"Matoi!" Gamagoori cried out, his face burning with embarrassment. He hadn't told Mako the real extent of his feelings yet because he had been planning on waiting for the right moment but she just revealed it all.

Ryuko just rolled her one eye and shrugged. "Oh come on, it was obvious how you really felt. And instead of waiting months for you to tell her it's better she hears this now," she smiled at her friend, placing one hand on her shoulder. "He loves you and so do I. Nui said it was our bonds that gave you life and it's those same bonds that will give you back your life."

"Ryuko-Chan..." Mako was in tears, to hear such words made her so happy. "Thank you." She smiled at them, and this time it was a smile that resembled her old self. Staggering she fell forward and rested her body against Ryuko's. Her time with them was up, she could feel Nui sucking her back and taking control but before that happened she had to tell her something. With the last of her strength she whispered into her friend's ear before pushing back and jumped out the window.

Both Ryuko and Gamagoori gasped and ran to the window to see Mako looking up at them but sadly her brown eyes were replaced by enraged blue ones. Nui was back in control and she was angry. "I refuse to let that doll live. I will destroy every last trace of this thing!" she yelled up at them, vowing to be rid of Mako Mankanshoku. She would not allow herself to be beaten by a mere doll that she created. She took off after that, running out of the school grounds and fleeing the scene.

Ryuko watched the girl go but her mind wasn't focused on her or what she had said. All she could concentrate on was the last words Mako had told her before Nui took over. "Gamagoori, we have to-!" she was cut off by a punch to the face that sent her flying to the ground with enough force to knock a person out. "What the hell was that for!" thankfully she wasn't a normal human or else that punch would have done more damage.

"For not calling me sooner!" he growled, standing tall and fierce and showing no ounce of regret for hitting her. He was so angry that he wanted to keep punching until all he felt his heart would recover. "I thought you said you would need the both of us to get Mako back? And yet you took off running and tried to rescue her on your own again!" he was so tired of her and stupid idea that she was the only one who could help Mako. She wasn't the only one who had strong feelings for the girl. She just admitted to the girl that he was in love with her. Another thing that he was annoyed with. He wanted to tell Mako himself how he felt about her and not through some other person. Now the entire meaning of his love would be lost.

Ryuko growled herself, standing back on her feet and clenched her fist. "I called you, didn't I? And who told you to go chasing after some ghost. You should have realized what was happening when you saw Mako taking control back. Or maybe you couldn't because your feelings for her aren't as strong as you say they are." It was a low blow. She knew it but he annoyed her and was in no mood to deal with him or whatever tantrum he was having. If he wanted to fight then she would fight.

The two just stared at each other, anger shining in both their eyes. Or eye in Ryuko's case. They stayed there, watching the other, their fist clenching and unclenching as they let their anger come to a boil. In an instant they jumped at each other, swift punches and kicks being aimed at the other and landing. They were rolling around inside the classroom, destroying whatever remained of the shattered building. Neither spoke a word, only using their fists to communicate the anger, annoyance, and fear towards the other. They were both anxious about the whole situation involving Mako and whenever the two of them were in the same room they always ended up fighting about who cared for the girl more. Today had been the limit of that fight and they were letting lose. Neither used any weapons, only their hands and feet to do damage to the other.

This was how Satsuki and the others found them when their arrived on the scene. It had been more than a hour since Ryuko and Gamagoori had left the group and they had started to worry so they came looking for them. Not that it had been hard to find them. They could hear their fight from the entrance of the school. When they arrived inside the room they hadn't expected to see them fighting each other and while Sanageyama had been ready to jump in and stop them, Satsuki put a hand on his shoulder. Shaking her head she pulled him back. "Leave them," she looked at the two, she knew that they were aware of them being in the room but that hadn't stopped them from their fight. "They need this."

The four sat outside the classroom door. They had discovered early on that it wasn't safe for them to wait inside the room. After Ryuko had sent Gamagoori flying with a powerful kick into the chalkboard and almost into them, they had all run out to take cover. The fight had been going on for hours but neither seemed to be ready to stop. The sun was starting to set and they remained locked in their battle. Inumuta was on his computer, Nonon playing a game on her phone, Sanageyama leaned against the wall, somehow sleeping through the ruckus, while Satsuki sat on her knees, staring out the window the entire time. From her position she could see inside the classroom where the fight was taking place and throughout the entire fight she noticed something very interesting. While the two were moving around at breakneck speed and delivering powerful blows they both made sure to avoid causing any damage to the purple backpack of Mako Mankanshoku that laid in the middle of the room. She smiled when she saw this, understanding more about their fight from witnessing this.

After a moment Satsuki stands up, startling Nonon and Inumuta and making Sanageyama jolt awake. "I believe we can enter now." She informs them, stepping inside without any fears or worry about being caught up in the crossfire.

Inside stood the panting forms of Ryuko and Gamagoori. Both of them covered in bruises and breathing heavily from their battle. Despite being covered from head to toe in bruises, scratches, and even some parts of them bleeding they stood tall and proud. As if they were pleased that they were finally able to fight the other.

"That's enough." Satsuki stepped between them, picking up the backpack in the process. "You have taken the time to sort out your feelings. Now it's time to focus on the matter at hand." She held the pack in the middle, showing them the bag to remind them of their goal.

Gamagoori was the first to respond. Wiping away the blood from his lip and fixed his posture, standing like he did back when he was still in the student council. "Understood."

Ryuko rolled her one eye at this and spit out some blood from her mouth. "Got it." she grabbed the bag and put it on her back, ignoring her sore muscles that screamed when she moved them.

"Very good," Satsuki was pleased with this and motioned for the others to come forward so they could discuss their plans. "We have received word from Aikuro that Nudist Beach has gathered their forces and they're ready to attack. He was waiting on us to see if we managed to capture Nui but I have told him that we have been unsuccessful."

Ryuko frowned, running a hand through her hair and sighed. "Great, so now they're about to wage war on Mako and there's not a damn thing we can do to stop them," she looked away, somewhat ashamed that she spent time fighting that could have been used to find Mako but she had to admit she needed this. This fight had been an eye opener to her and she felt better about herself, and about Gamagoori dating her best friend. "Not to mention we just learned some shitty news about Mako." She leaned against the window, her body suddenly feeling drained.

Grey eyes looked at her tired form and he had to admit their fight left him feeling sluggish as well but he would not allow himself to rest until they had Mako back. "We managed to encounter Nui and saw Mako fighting against the girl. She told us of her plans to use the Life Fibers inside her body to recreate the uniforms and use them against us. We also learned they share more than just a body and that Nui has managed to intertwine their souls so that if we try and extract her we will also be removing Mako from her body as well." He told them all what they had learned and fought the urge to fiddle with the locket around his neck. He was pleased that it had not taken any damage in the battle and was silently grateful for Ryuko. He noticed early on in the fight that she was making sure not to get the locket. For that he was grateful and would have to remember to thank her for that kind gesture.

Nonon groaned, arms crossed and a frown on her face. "Great, so our only plan of attack is useless before we ever got the chance to use it."

"Nui seems to have thought of everything," Sanageyama frowned himself, gritting his teeth as he thought of the girl who was causing them such problems. "How long do we have until Nudist Beach attacks?"

"I'd say about an hour before they manage to locate Nui." Inumuta informed them, running all the data he had through his laptop and forming different kinds of simulations that they could use but so far none were to his liking.

"Then we must find Mako before they do," Satsuki placed her hand on the sheath of her two swords, eye hardening as she spoke. "Inumuta, inform Iori of what we just learned and I want you two to come up with a new solution to successful remove Nui from Mako's body without causing the girl any type of damage. The rest of us will search for Nui and keep her busy long enough for them to come up with a solution."

Nonon raised an eyebrow, not so sure about this plan. "How will we find her?" so far they had only managed to find Nui out of pure luck.

Satsuki grinned at this, her grip on her swords tightening. "Because I know Nui can't resist a good game of hide and seek." She spent years with the twisted girl and knew everything about her and how psyche. She knew exactly what to do to get her attention. "Let's go. We don't have much time left." She told them, leading them all out of the room.

No one argued and followed after the woman, discussing plans and attacks that they would do once they came across Nui and what they would need to do to keep her busy and even possibly capture her. Night had finally fallen, the moon hidden away as a it was the time for the New Moon and only the stars shined in the darken sky.

"Ryuko..."

Her entire body came to a halt. She cupped the eye patch in her hands, her heart rate picking up when she heard that familiar voice. Her father's mouse, that had been resting peacefully inside the bag, jumped onto her shoulder and squeaked up at the patch. "Senketsu?" she called out, not bothering to lower her voice and catching the attention of the others.

"Nui is growing stronger. I can feel it."

She gritted her teeth together, not liking this information but was so glad to able to speak with her old friend again. "I know. How do we stop her?" she asked, hoping it could shed some light on things.

"Return to where your bond with Mako began. You should be able to find the answer there and you'll be able to find me there as well."

Ryuko nodded, understanding what it was asking her to do. "Right, got it!"

Meanwhile the others were staring at her like she had grown a second head.

"Who's she talking to?" Nonon questioned, wondering if she was actually talking to the mouse.

"I think you might have hit her one too many times in the head, Gamagoori." Sanageyama told the large man who paled at the thought.

"No, I'm not picking up any brainwave patterns that would appear as some form of brain damage." Inumuta told them, calming the man down of his fears.

"So what has her acting this way?" Gamagoori asked, pleased that he hadn't caused any permanent injury to the girl. He was sure if he did neither Satsuki nor Mako would ever speak to him every again. That is, if they didn't kill him first.

"She is talking to Senketsu." Satsuki informed them, looking at her younger sister that was communicating with the eye patch.

"Ok..." it took the four former council members a moment for that piece of information to register in their brain. "What?!"

Ryuko finally took notice of them and suddenly felt a little self-conscious of their staring. You think she would be used to it now after going around for months talking to her uniform but it still made her feel awkward when others stared at her. Shaking away any form on awkwardness she was feeling she marched up to Gamagoori and held her hand out to him. "I need to borrow your car."

"What?" he was shocked and slightly annoyed that she would ask him for such a thing. Didn't she know that no one but him was allowed to drive his car. "I refuse. You nearly killed yourself driving your bike and besides you do not have license so allowing you to drive a car would not only be stupid but it is against the law."

She just glared and reached her hand out even further. So what if she didn't have a drivers license yet? She's been driving since she was fifteen and knew her way behind the wheel just find. "Look there's no time to explain. Just give me your keys."

"Give them to her, Gamagoori." Satsuki told him, her sharp blue eyes making contact with the larger man. "She knows what she's doing."

Gamagoori didn't say anything. Silently taking out his car keys and handing them to Ryuko and trying not to grumble. If Satsuki asked him to allow Ryuko to drive his car then he wouldn't complain. He vowed to do whatever their former leader asked, even if a part of him wanted to argue.

Ryuko noticed this and bit back any snide comment she wanted to say and smiled. "Thank you." She thanked the older male and her sister before running towards the pink Cadillac and jumping into the driver's seat. From the distance she could hear Gamagoori's appalled gasp at her movements but chose to ignore it as she adjusted the seat. It was pulled back all the way and she had to pull it all the way to front for her feet to even reach the pedals. "Here's hoping I don't crash again." She didn't think her body could take it if she put it through much more and she was sure if she crashed it she would never hear the end of it from Gamagoori. Shoving the keys into the ignition she stepped on the gas and drove off, driving down the road to the place where it all started. The old Mankanshoku household. It had been destroyed during the final battle but if Senketsu was telling her to go there then she wouldn't argue. Besides it was the place where it all began. She and Mako first met at school but she didn't feel any kind of relationship form until she had been taken to her house and felt the warm welcome that she and her family had offered to her. It was during that time that she felt that she had formed a real bond with a person. Mako was the first person to accept her for who she was and even when she was talking to her uniform. Most people would had left the moment she started talking to the piece of clothing or even before when she challenged Satsuki but Mako had done the complete opposite and had ene graciously offered her to live with her and her family despite them not having much. It was the place where she accepted Mako as her first friend and where many of her happiness memories of Senketsu are. "I'll be there soon you guys. Wait for me!"