Before the walls burst apart in an explosion of blinding light, the room dimmed on the meisters and weapons in a warm, dreamy silence while curled up in each other's arms.

Before they were jolted awake in a confused, horrifying panic, the seven of them fell into a comforting slumber surrounded by the ones they held dearest in their hearts.

Before the attack, all was as perfect as any of them could've imagined.

In the hushed intimacy of the darkened room, the assassin lay quietly, slowly running his fingers through Tsubaki's long dark hair with a seriousness in his expression that made his weapon shiver.

With her body out of commission Tsubaki's mind wandered, allowing vicious thoughts into her head.

With her sister nestled at her feet, Liz's head rested against Kid's chest, warm and reassuring; to each other they were home.

Anger and frustration seeped into Liz's veins.

Soul's cheek rested against his meister's head as she snuggled in the crook of his neck; the two of them were so close together, wavelengths buzzing but hearts beating faster.

Those last seven words echoed in Soul's head, banging around his skull and strangling his heart.

In tangles of arms and legs, skin flush against skin, fingers hesitantly laced together and lips ghosted between the boundaries of temperance and hushed desires.

Then the room lit up in fire, and evils threatened to rip them apart forever.

Without you, I am lost...