It was now only a mere week to go. Elimination day grew closer, and many participants were getting either anxious or excited. For one of them though, he was getting patched up. Saku had just come out of the first-aid room of the championship building. Pulya and Ayoko were waiting for him as he came out "hey there you two. Thanks for waiting"
"that looks rather big Saku" said Ayoko " are you okay?" Saku had a rather big and wide white bandage on his cheek
"yes what did the nurse say?" said Pulya also sounding strangely worried
"relax, relax I'm fine really"
Saku patted his cheek "it doesn't hurt much right now. The nurse just changed my bandage and said I have to leave this on for a couple of weeks. She said I'm going to have a scar but it'll heal nicely she said"
"That's a relief" said Pulya smiling "well no more training for a couple of days. Just until you don't feel any more pain"
"yeah okay. I'll just take it easy then. Well Ayoko we'd best get back. Sora is making us breakfast"
"oh...that's great" said Ayoko happily "do you want to come with us Ms Pulya?"
"no thank you Ayoko" said Pulya "I've already eaten, but I'd be more than happy to join you next time"
"okay...see you later" said Saku waving her goodbye. Pulya watched him go
"well I'd better get that letter written. And tell Mother to expect company"
Saku had made it to the breakfast room where Sora had made a fry-up in Saku's room. Saku, Mochi, Ayoko and Sora were tucking into the breakfast Sora had laid out for them "you know Sora, if this bio-duelling career doesn't work out" said Saku "you could always make it as a part-time chef"
"I can sort of her wearing those white poofy hats" said Ayoko drawing the shape of it above her head
"I think I'd be pretty good" said Sora proudly "but I think I'd have a lot of male viewers" Sora folded her arms, bouncing her chest "for all the wrong reasons"
"you'd still make money either way" said Mochi jokingly "but I don't think Aries would approve"
Saku was about to take a bite of sausage but stopped "what's the matter Saku?" asked Mochi "are you not hungry?"
"no...I just noticed that Anastasia hasn't turned up yet" said Saku "is she still in her room?"
"I did tell her I was serving breakfast" said Sora looking at the door "maybe she went to find Anaeus. He's currently practising with Kai"
"then I'll go find her and see where she is" Saku stood up from the table, putting the plate by the sink "thanks for the meal Sora. I'll be back in a little bit"
"okay see you later Saku" said Ayoko waving him goodbye.
Saku looked to Sora's room checking if Anastasia was there first. He was about to knock but the door swung open "oh...hello Anastasia. There you are"
"Saku...you've been looking for me?" said Anastasia closing the door behind her
"well...yeah. Sora said she asked you to come to breakfast but you didn't turn up so I came to find you"
"oh so it was Sora who asked you. It didn't occur you to find me yourself" she said a bit coldly "look I'm late, I told Anaeus I was going to go join him" Anastasia was about to walk off
"hey, hey hold on"
Saku ran in front of her "Anastasia...is everything okay? You seem...I don't know unhappy lately"
"so you have noticed?" said Anastasia bluntly "no...it's just I'd had plenty to think about that's all. And lately I've been a bit annoyed with you"
"why...what have I done?"
"you're a smart one...you figure it out"
Anastasia was about to walk away again but Saku stopped her "Anastasia, look whatever it is I've done wrong I'm sorry. But you're beginning to worry everyone else, especially Ayoko"
"well you spend enough time with her" said Anastasia somewhat coldly "I mean she does more or less live in your room"
"look, can you tell me what I've done wrong Anastasia?"
"why the sudden interest? Don't you have someone else to see right about now?" Saku felt a bit hurt by her cold behaviour "look, I really have to go. I told Anaeus I'd go meet him, so I'll see you later" Anastasia pushed back his arm and walked away.
Saku watched her go "I haven't seen her like this before, she's really annoyed and strangely bitter. I don't like seeing her like this, all bitter like. Come on think Saku, have you done anything you shouldn't have done" Saku tapped his head "is it something I've forgotten about? Birthday?...No. Special day...Special day. Wait it is...today's the...and then..." Saku then bashed his palm with his fist
"oh...that's it. That's what I've forgotten. I nearly didn't make it"
Saku went back to thinking again "now that I've remembered what next. Well first I need to go the mall. Since I've got today off, I can today. The only problem will be what to do from there. No...no...uhhh...nope I'm no good at this. Well at times like this, you ask someone else for help. But first I'd better tell Sora and the others" Saku then ran back to his room.
Saku opened the door to see Sora washing up the plates with Ayoko and Mochi "oh...hey Saku did you find her?" asked Mochi
"yes I did" said Saku "she's on the way to train with Anaeus she's alright. Anyway Sora, do you mind watching Ayoko and Mochi? There's something...a little urgent that needs doing"
"what...what is it?" asked Sora
"the kind of urgent where if I don't do it, Aries will have my head on a plate"
Ayoko and Mochi instantly held their necks and gulped "so sorry about this, but I need to rush around" said Saku "so do you mind?"
"no of course not" said Sora "I can watch over them for the day. We were planning on just having fun"
"don't worry Saku" said Mochi "we'll be fine, you'd better hurry before Aries catches a whiff of this"
"shhhh!!" said Saku quickly "not so loud. She could be nearby, I'll see you later"
"Good luck Saku" said Ayoko to which Saku nodded and ran out the room.
Saku ran down the corridors of the championship looking for assistance...but quickly stopped as he spotted one flaw "I...don't know where of the other girls rooms are. In-fact I don't even know gist of where they are"
"Master...Master!" Saku looked ahead of him to see Suzuna run towards him "hello there Master"
"hi there Suzuna" Suzuna then noticed his bandage "oh this, it's okay really. It's just healing right now"
"oh...that's relief. So why are you here?"
"well...truth be told I'm in a bit of bind"
Saku looked a bit sorry for himself "I done something to upset Anastasia. She's been...not very happy as of late. So I'm trying to work out an idea of how to help her. And so I'm kind of searching for ideas"
"so Anastasia isn't the only one not to happy" said Suzuna
"Who do you mean Suzuna? Is someone else a bit angry?"
"not angry...more ummm...sad"
Suzuna recounted what had happened "as I was out for my morning run, I came across Ellie who was walking with a slump posture"
"a slump posture?" said Saku
"she was looking down at the ground, with rather sad eyes. She didn't notice me running by her. I first though maybe she was tired, so I didn't intrude"
"Well I would go check up on her, but I don't know where her room is"
"It's to the west of here, room 721. I happened upon seeing her leave that room" Suzuna pointed behind her "Just keep going down this corridor, and then turn the second left"
"oh okay, I'll see you later Suzuna" with a small wave Saku ran in the right direction.
After a few turns Saku came to the room marked 721 "well let's see if see's in" Saku knocked on the door "hmm...hello? Ellie?" Saku knocked again "Ellie...it's me Saku" at first she appeared to be absent but then
"Oh hang on, I'm coming" Saku heard Ellie's voice and approaching footsteps but felt strangle nervous. Then the door opened "hello there Saku...how nice to see you here" Saku looked somewhat dumbstruck "What...what is it?"
"well...it's...umm...that you appear to be...umm...not completely dressed" Ellie had looked at her attire
"oh...oops...sorry"
Ellie was wearing her blue cargo pants...but only a black bra which displayed her large bust. Saku was rather lost in thought as he stared from shock. Ellie looked at his line of vision and put her hands on her side "and just where do you think you're looking?" Saku immediately reacted, turning round and bright red
"Oh...Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry" said Saku quickly "I didn't realise you were still getting changed" Ellie found his reaction funny
"you act like you've never seen a girl in her underwear before?"
Ellie then realised "you haven't have you? Well your opportunity...is right behind you. All you have to do...is turn around" Saku inched a little around, but quickly turned back
"no, no, no I'm good" said Saku panicking "I'll wait until you're finished...so could you please..." Ellie heartily laughed
"alright, alright. Just give me five minutes" Ellie then went into her room with a wide smirk "why is it I can't resist embarrassing him? Oh well, for his sake I'd better get dressed"
After five minutes Ellie reopened the door with Saku still looking away "well Saku I'm all done now"
"are you sure Ellie?" said Saku a bit sceptic "I can't afford another vision stuck in my head"
"I've had my fun, just turn around" Saku took a big gulp of air and turned round. "well...is this any better Saku"
Ellie had put on a long sleeved purple t-shirt under a sleeve-less undone grey zipped jacket. Saku breathe out in relief "Don't do that to me Ellie. The last thing I need is an heart attack"
"oh come on Saku" said Ellie "you are allowed to look you know"
"are you forgetting about my sisters Ellie?" Ellie then felt a shiver
"yeah...I kinda did. Jeez, do I feel sorry for you? Well now then, what brings you here?"
"Oh right. Well I came to check up on you. Suzuna said she say you all slump and tired looking. So I came by to see if you were alright"
Ellie smiled and rubbed Saku's head "aren't you a gentleman? Worried about little oh me. As you can see I'm fine, I was just a light headed that's all"
"then that's one worry of my mind" said Saku looking a bit downhearted "truth be told I could do with a bit of help"
"well I can help you if you like. What's the problem?" Saku gestured her closer and whispered in her ear "ahuh, ahuh...ahuh. So why the problem?"
"because...umm, A I don't have an idea and B, I'd like the company"
Ellie looked a bit surprised "so...you want me, just to go with you?"
"well...I just thought it'd look less suspicious if I went with someone" said Saku "and since I'm here, I'm asking if you'd like to go with me"
"are you sure...you'd like me around?" Saku heard an almost depressed tone "I mean...you won't mind It if I come along"
Saku remembered a note he had previously made in his head "Ellie, come on let's go" he said a little assertively "If I remember the next coach for the mall leaves in twenty. We'll go there, have a look round, have some lunch and then come back"
"Really? So it'll be okay?" asked Ellie almost desperately "we can just have a fun day out?" Saku then feigned weakness
"come on Ellie I'm begging here. I'm a bit useless at these things, and having some girl knowledge will really help me out. So please?" Saku put his hands together pleading
"Alright, alright" said Ellie sounding as if she gave in "just give me a minute and we'll set off" Saku nodded as Ellie went inside.
As Ellie closed the door, a look of sadness came upon her "Ellie...it'll be okay. Saku...isn't like that, you'll be fine. You're just going for a fun trip...that's all" Saku had pressed his ear on the door and listened to her. Saku then stepped back and nodded to him
"Shiro...I guess it's time I kept the promise I made to you" said Saku as if Shiro could hear him "I'll try my best okay?" within a moment Ellie came back out "are you ready to go?"
"ahuh. Let's go" With a nod Saku and Ellie headed for the area where the coach would arrive.
A little while later the duo had arrived at the large superplex mall. Saku looked round "well here we are. Now then, we just have to find an idea of what to get. Any ideas Ellie?...Ellie?" Saku saw Ellie was looking into space as if seeing something different "Ellie"
"wait...what?" she snapped out of her daze
"are you sure you're okay? You don't very with it"
"no, sorry I'm just wondering off into space. Well now that we're let's have a look at the map"
Ellie looked at it while Saku couldn't help but look at her with sympathy "well...hmmm I don't know where to go really"
"well we have a choice of three routes" said Saku "If I remember the north route is only the leisure facilities so left or right"
"then...how about right? It looks we're better off finding the ideal place ourselves. I can give you ideas, but in the end it's up to you"
"well Ellie...I'll be counting on you" Ellie found some encouragement
"just leave it to me. Come on let's go" Ellie lead the way with Saku following behind them.
The duo looked around all the shops and the merchandise that the supermall had to offer. Clothes stores, perfume stalls, sweet shops, chocolate, jewellery, films and DVD's, and a paintings stall. Through the whole trip Saku would keep encouraging Ellie, trying to spurn her on. For the most part she look her normal cheery self, but Saku caught glimpses of scared or sad expressions which she gave off. Saku couldn't help but think back to what Shiro had told him, and a niggling notion in the back of his mind told him...today was the day, Ellie need him.
The duo were nearing the last few shops and Saku let out a sigh "we practically searched this whole place...but nothing seemed...appropriate somehow"
"I'm sorry I wasn't much help Saku" said Ellie rather quietly "I bet you wish you were with someone else"
"hey come on Ellie. I've had fun looking around this place with you, really I have. It's make a change from fighting all the time" Ellie managed a small smile
"well...I suppose it's has been fun walking around with you" Ellie than spotted something "hey Saku, look at that store there"
Ellie was pointing at a shop that sold photo's. Ellie and Saku stepped over and read a leaflet in the window "it says here, they enlarge photos you might have stored on an electronic device" said Ellie to which Saku had a light bulb appear
"hey...hey that's it!" said Saku "I know what to get her. Ellie just...wait a here a moment I'll be right back" Saku then darted inside the shop.
Saku came back out a few moments later "they said it'll be ten minutes before it's ready"
"that's good" said Ellie "at least you found something to get for her" just then, a girl's voice spoke which was very familiar to Ellie
"oh look who it is...Mrs Prim and perfect" as Ellie turned round Saku saw Ellie's expression looked that of tremendous pain
"Fran...Francesca" Saku immediately responded to that name and looked at the girl before him.
Francesca looked to be an average built girl of seventeen with purple hair in a long plait. She had blue eyes, wore glasses, and wore a white buttoned shirt with a black skirt. Saku immediately disliked the girl before them "oh look...it's misses goody-two shoes Ellie Raygor" said Francesca folding her arms "what a surprise to see you here"
"it's a shame the notion couldn't be shared for us" said Saku bitterly "now if you don't mind...get lost"
"oh...now who's this with the angry tone?" Francesca looked at Saku "he's a little on the scrawny side, and looks to have an ugly bandage with a somewhat lacking frame" Saku's anger was high "is he your boy friend by any chance?"
Ellie looked unable to respond to Francesca's question "well Ellie, how about...you're not going to answer?"
"Francesca..." said Saku hiding his angrily "you're walking a fine line, so either back-off...or I'll see you out"
"what's the matter with you? You make it sound like you know me"
"I know enough Francesca, and I'll say you. You have a lot of nerve to even confront Ellie...after what you've done to her"
Francesca looked at his face but feigned ignorance "I have no idea what you're talking about, you little runt. Go come on know-all, tell me what I did wrong"
"you know perfectly well what you did wrong, you witch" said Saku who was almost to the point of losing it "and I'll say this. Ellie is better then you'll ever be" Francesca frowned and stepped to Saku
"then you don't know her as well as I do. She think she's all perfect and prim. Well I'll tell you this. Get yourself a better friend. She's weak, pitiable and a bitter attention seeker" Ellie looked quite hurt
"if you ask me, you're just describing yourself"
Ellie and Francesca both reacted as Saku spoke "if you ask me, you're the weak pitiable one. You just couldn't stand Ellie getting all the attention, so you sought to ruin her reputation. You thought by doing so you'd be the best, but you just showed what a Be-atch you were" Francesca then just struck at Saku hitting his bandaged cheek
"you have a big mouth for a shrimp" said Francesca as Saku staggered backwards
"Saku...Saku" Ellie went to him "Saku...are you alright?"
Saku looked to be in moderate pain, as he had one eye closed and was breathing through gritted teeth "what did you do that for?" said Ellie with a rising tone of anger "there's a reason his cheek was bandaged"
"wait...you just said Saku...say that's Saku Stritos isn't it?" said Francesca before smirking "oh it's the rankless idiot, oh to think he's friends with you" Ellie began to feel her anger brim "and I thought you were pitiable, he's actually worse"
"I don't care what you say about me, but" Ellie brought out her aura pole "I won't tolerate you mocking my friend"
"then bring it girly!" around Francesca was waves of water.
Francesca was using her hands to guide a wave of water all around her. It looked very strong, as it even began to lift her into the air. Citizens began to watch, as Francesca rose about 7ft in the air lifted by a strong and fierce looking torrent of water "let's see how you handle this!" Francesca then charged at Ellie. Saku managed to resist the pain and looked at Francesca. He looked unimpressed while Ellie just readied her pole
"three...two...one" and as Saku gestured the zero Ellie jumped and thrust her pole at Francesca's stomach.
As Francesca was hit, her water immediately dispersed and she was knocked the ground. Francesca was badly winded, as she struggled to stand clutching her stomach "you're better off stopping here Francesca" said Ellie twirling her pole "before you really get hurt"
"curse you, curse you" said Francesca slinking away backwards "you think you're so good...you're not, I am" Francesca then ran off and disappeared.
Saku saw her disappear into the ground, lightly rubbing his bandaged cheek "I'm glad that's she's gone" Saku then ushered the crowd away "Alright people, nothing to see here, nothing to see here. Go back to your normal business please" with minor reluctance the 'audience' dispersed
"Saku...are you really okay?" said Ellie looking low on energy "she didn't hurt you did she?"
"nothing that won't go away" Ellie now looked quite tired "come on...let's go sit down. There's still five minutes before my gift is ready" with a fairly weak nod she followed Saku to a nearby bench.
As the two sat down, Saku couldn't help but look at Ellie who looked really lacking for energy "Ellie, you shouldn't heed any notice of that girl" said Saku "you really shouldn't. She's not even worth it"
"I know Saku...I know" said Ellie getting up and kneeling before Saku "how is your face..." she gently put a hand on his bandage "are you okay? It looked like that hurt" Saku gazed into her brown eyes, and saw them twinkling with tears
"I'll be fine Ellie, thanks for worrying about me" Ellie's voice then became quite low
"hey Saku...you said you knew what happened. So...what did I do wrong?" Ellie then lowered her head "What did i...do?" as Saku looked upon her fragile posture...he remembered what Shiro had told him.
Shiro was whispering into Saku's ear "Ellie you see, once suffered due to a horrible prank by a jealous girl. Ellie while in her academy, being how she is, was naturally very talented and popular. She had quite a few friends, and was well known as one of the best in the year. This meant for one girl nothing but bitterness. This girl, Francesca, loathed Ellie's popularity and sought to take her down a notch"
Shiro had a quick look round before continuing "During an awards ceremony, Ellie was about to given an outstanding achievement award, but as she bowed...a bucket of cold water was dropped on her from above, along with many little slips of paper. All these slips of paper, stuck to her, all had hurtful messages such you're annoying and I hate you. Ellie thought all her friends had set her up, and ran out of the assembly crying. It was revealed later, it was all one girl, Francesca. Ellie...being as kind as she is was hurt very badly. And every now and then, she gets really sad, as she tries to work out...what she did wrong"
The memory went ahead to before Shiro was about to rejoin the others "listen Saku, I want to rely on you. You seem like a honest guy, and I saw what you did for Ayoko. So I'll trust you to look after her. Should Ellie falter...please be there to help her" Saku returned to the present as Ellie looked miserable
"Ellie..." said Saku "you've done nothing wrong. And don't think you ever have" Ellie looked up at Saku with teary eyes "it was all Francesca, and her jealousy towards you"
"her jealousy?"
"there's always someone better than us. One regard or many. We can either accept it, ignore it...or deny. But for some...they choose to hate. This hate breeds jealousy and over time consumes you"
Saku put a reassuring hand on Ellie's shoulder "Francesca just couldn't accept her indifference. It's nothing to do with you"
"so...it wasn't my fault?" said Ellie quietly
"I just think her jealousy got the better of her. I mean I can imagine most girls would be envious of you. I mean you're tall, strong, curvy, good-looking and kind. Even I envy your kindness" tears then ran down her face
"Saku...I...I" Ellie then suddenly reached up and hugged Saku, tightly holding him.
Saku turned bright red as he could feel her chest against his cheek "Ellie...umm...I'm a bit umm"
"Thank you..." Saku was stopped by Ellie's tearful voice "thank you...so much...Saku" Saku thought comforting her was a bit more important than his embarrassment, and safety, as he hugged her back
"you just...take your time" Saku thoughts were on something else. "Please god, I don't ask for much but for all that is good, keep Aries and Cora away. Otherwise...you'll be welcoming a new resident"
After a few awkward moments, Ellie let go teary eyed but happy "sorry about that Saku. I know that must've have been...awkward for you"
"I...can't lie there" said Saku still a bit red-faced "have you ever felt happy, yet terrified at the same time?"
"if only you didn't have older sisters right?" said Ellie jokingly to which Saku sighed "well, don't worry I won't say a word to them. I'd rather you stay alive. Well come on, we'd better pick up your item"
"oh...okay. Then we'd best get back" with a smile and nod Ellie followed Saku to the shop. Ellie mildly blushed
If only he was single.
It was sometime later in the afternoon, early evening, back at the championship academy in Sora's room. Anastasia was looking a bit antsy while Anaeus who was with her, sighed "look...you've been like this for a while now. Why don't you just go talk to him?"
"because why should I" she said a bit coldly "he's obviously more interested in the other girls than me"
"I don't think so Anastasia. I mean, sure the girls do swarm him a bit, but he pledged his heart to you didn't he? And didn't he have just as many girls back then"
Anastasia recalled all her friends back at the academy and thought over what Anaeus was telling her "To me, it sounds like you aren't giving him a chance to explain himself" said Anaeus "I, personally, don't think Saku is the kind of guy who would cheat on you"
"then why does he let all the girls get so close to him?" retorted Anastasia
"because he's a guy amongst good-looking girls. I mean I definitely wouldn't reject the idea. Plus I think that's his way of helping people. There's nothing wrong with that is there?"
Anastasia tough front dropped "No...I guess not. Both Suzuna and Pulya were...hurting at the time. And Saku was just...helping them I guess"
"look just talk to him" said Anaeus "And give him a chance to explain himself, and you'll see there's nothing to be worried about"
"oh...okay I'll try" Anastasia stood up "I'll...see you later" with that Anastasia left. Anaeus had a small niggling feeling
"something...feels off about her. As if, there's this wall that only lets her see a little bit of the picture. It feels...cold, horribly cold."
Anastasia walked down the corridor, figuring the first place Saku would be is in the training hall. As she went the corner, she quickly double-backed and peeped round to see Saku with Ellie "...well thanks for the day Saku. I really enjoyed" Anastasia quietly gasped
"It's okay Ellie" said Saku "I'm just glad you're feeling happier now" Anastasia then saw a small brown rectangle parcel in Saku's hands "and that I could find this"
"You found it yourself, I just helped out with the suggestion" Saku then gestured the package to her
"Ellie, here. This is extremely important to me, and I can only trust you to look after it for me. So please?"
Ellie smiled "you really do trust me don't you?" Ellie then took the package "don't you worry about a thing. I'll leave it in a place, no person would ever think to look"
"Thanks Ellie" said Saku happily "I'm counting on you" Ellie then leaned in close and kissed Saku on the cheek, much to Anastasia's shock. Anastasia looked betrayed and in anger walked away.
Ellie then pulled back "that's a thank you, for taking me out today" Saku put his hand to his cheek mildly blushing
"I should...do it more often then" said Saku half-joking. Ellie lightly laughed
"I'll see you later...Saku" and with a smile Ellie then ran back towards the direction of her room. Saku watched her go
"I guess sometimes, we need to be reminded of who we are. Well...it's being a long day...ahhhh...time for an early night I think" with a yawn Saku walked back to his room.
Nearby to where Saku was, stifling a laugh was Xene who seemed to just appeared from nowhere "Saku...you are one genuine idiot...he-he do you know that? All I needed was one last thing to seal her heart, and now it just needs to be locked. Stage three is now complete. Stage four...in three days. Will begin"
It was the early night now, and everyone was beginning to fall asleep. Saku was up reading a comic book, while Ayoko slept on a floor in his room. Saku then looked across "just what is Anaeus doing?" Anaeus' bed was still notably absent "he only went over for a drink" just then a gentle knock "huh...who's calling at this time of the night?"
Saku snuck past Ayoko and opened the door to see Sora. Sora was in her Pyjama bottoms and buttoned night shirt, again the top buttons undone exposing her large chest "huh...Sora?"
"hey Saku..." said Sora quietly "umm...don't take this wrong way but...can I sleep with you to night?" Saku strangely didn't react
"Why...what's wrong?"
"you see, Anaeus has kind of nodded off on my bed" Saku rubbed his face "it's next to impossible to wake him up. So...may I come in?"
"yeah, come on in" Saku let her in and quietly shut the door behind them.
Sora had sat down upon Saku's bed, happily watching Ayoko sleep "I haven't seen her so content before"
"I told her, that she should just sleep in my room" said Saku sitting next to Sora "so I made her a little bed, and now she just sleeps in here" Sora smiled but then looked a little down
"it's only...seven days now Saku" Sora sounded somewhat quiet "until Father...is supposed to appear"
"you must be excited. Soon, you'll be able to meet him"
"No...I don't think we will"
Saku turned to her as Sora continued quietly talking "My Father...passed away. And I know when you've moved on, you can't come back"
"While that...is true" said Saku delicately "there must be some way you're meeting him. Otherwise why would you come here trying to find him?"
"Because...because I want to meet him again...so badly. There's so much I want to tell him. About how much I practised, all the friends I've made, about Ayoko being the kind of fighter she is. And just...and just..." Saku could see her faltering
"everything...right?" Saku turned to him and gave a gentle nod "yeah...so do I"
Saku looked to the ceiling "but I suppose...I did tell mine about everything that had happened"
"really...you met yours again?" asked Sora surprised
"I'd...like to think so. I'm still not sure. It could was a dream or my imagination"
"the truth is Saku, I don't what I'm going to do, if we can't find him"
"Come on Sora, you will find him"
"but what if I don't!" Sora said in a raised voice.
Saku saw Sora become rather weak and speak in a fragile tone "whether we win or lose this champion doesn't...matter. We can't return home. This is...all we've got left"
"Sora..."
"Father passed away when we were kids. Mother passed away several years later. And now we can't even see Ms Ash again" Sora sounded ready to cry "we have no friends, no family...no home. This is...all we've got left. I can't take it anymore...being alone"
Saku sat closer to Sora and put an arm around her, resting her on his shoulder "Sora...you won't be alone anymore. I'll look after you...okay?" Sora looked up to Saku with teary eyes
"what...what do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said, I'll look after you. I know what it's like...to feel all alone, and how horrible it can be. So I'll stay with you...okay?"
"Do you...promise?" Saku smiled a cheeky smile
"I promise...Sora" Sora looked up at his smile and felt a sense of peace flood through her
His smile...looks exactly like...his.
Saku became aware Sora became rather heavy on his shoulder. After looking to her, Saku saw she
had fallen asleep. With a smile Saku very carefully stood up and laid Sora down upon his bed. Saku then tucked her in and put a pillar nicely beneath her head. Saku then quietly stepped over Ayoko and climbed into Anaeus' bed. Saku looked upon both Sora and Ayoko with a smile, before falling asleep.
As the night drew on, Xene had met up with Jay "well Stage 3 is now full in place" Jay yawned "the plan has moved along perfectly" Jay yawned again "what's the matter...sleepy?"
"no you're just boring me" said Jay sarcastically "so remind me...what's stage 4?"
"Stage 4, is the most dangerous part of this plan. I plan to fully unleash the anger and darkness within Saku's heart. And I have no idea, how strong it can be. And like I said, I want you to fight him"
"and remind me again, why I should be bothered?"
"Jay...let this be your only warning. Go into the fight, as if . Your. Life. Is. On. The. Line"
Jay actually looked taken aback by the sheer seriousness in Xene's voice "because I'll say this" said Xene still in his serious tone "The power you saw during his second stage...is about only a small fraction of what it could be. In fact...I don't even count on you winning"
"I appreciate the vote of confidence" said Jay yawning "but no-one can beat me. Now if you'll excuse me, I want to go to sleep"
"just turn up at the training hall in four, or rather three, days. Only intervene, should Hidan lose. Is that clear?"
"yes sir. Now...good night" with annoyed groans Jay wondered back to his room.
Xene crossed his arms "if this all goes according to plan, then we can commence to stage 5. Stage 5 where the life of Saku ends...and mine can begin. Then this world will bow to my will...and I will be known as the supreme force of the world. With Jay Coven...as my rightful successor"