Hidden Within - The Secret [007]+[008]

[HPriest]

[004] :: Fate (Ep. 25)

> Sayu? Are you okay? <, Reina asks.

Eri and the others run towards them.
Sayu is crouching and covering her face, but they can hear that she is crying.

> What happened? <, Risa wonders.

> She still lacks strength, physical and mental. <, a man suddenly answers.

Sayu also looks to where the voice came from and sees an old man.

> Who are you? <, Yossie wants to know.

The old man ignores her question and asks > Why did you come back here? <

Sayu dries her tears and stands up. Eri and Reina are holding her, but she says that she is fine.
The man comes closer and the girls still don't know who he is and what he wants.

> What do you mean with 'we came back' ? <, Aichan asks.

> Mhh.. You really don't know, right? So..you really did it.. <, the man suddenly concludes.

He looks at the group and can basically see a question mark above everyone's head. Now he notices the amulet around Sayu's neck.

> You had to repair the amulet and that's why you are here, right? <

The girls are surprised that he knows about the amulet and that it had been broken. Eri wants to take the amulet, but then she remembers that Sayu has it. She asks Sayu to give it back to her and it seems that Sayu is totally surprised to have it around her neck. Sayu didn't really notice it before. She takes off the amulet and gives it back to Eri, who examines it. It doesn't seem to be damaged again. But what did the man min with that it brought them here?

> The amulet is one part of the key to the only way to get to this place. <, the old man continues.

> What is this place? <, Yossie asks, > Another dimension? ..it feels different <

The man smiles, > It is .. different. <

> Everything looks similiar to our world. <, Koharu adds.

> It also is .. your world. <, the man looks around, making the girls all confused.
> We are not really in it, but we are basically in a layer that is close to your world. <

The girls sigh. Layers, dimensions .. what else is there they don't know about? Everything is so complex and most of the girls have a hard time to understand it all.

> Let me put it this way. This place is a really special place. It only exists once, but influences all dimensions. A place not even the gods know about, except of the very first one. <

> Not even the gods? <, Eri wonders.

> This place, it is called 'Fate'. <, the man continues.

> With fate you mean .. the fate? <, Reina has problems to believe him.

> Yes, and the fact that there is only one fate for all dimensions is making it so special and important. That's why we exist, the guards of the fate. The machine you faced before, is an emergency system to defeat any kind of intruder. I am sorry for that it attacked you, but I didn't know that was you girls. This place my not be entered by anyone, otherwise it could effect all dimensions. Back then, when you girls came here for the first time, you more than anyone else understood the importance of it and made a promise. <

> A promise? <, Yossie is curious.

> The promise to rather die than to let anyone enter and manipulate the fate. <

To die rather than to let anybody enter this place? Could this be the reason why the ancient Morning Musume disappeared? All the girls are thinking about it right now. He said that the amulet is one part of the key. This means that the girls are directly related to the only way to enter this place. They already entered this place, so they have to be in the possession of the other parts of the key.

> And what are the other parts of the key? <, everyone thought about to ask it, but Aichan did it first..

> You will find out soon enough. You better leave now, but first you have to fix the amulet. <, the old man says.

He explains that the material they used is not good and caused instabilities in the amulet. That's why they suddenly went to this place, even without knowing the other parts of the key. The girls trust the man, although they don't know why. Something about him seems to feel familiar, even though they never met him. Because of this trust, they allow him to take the amulet. He examines it and finds the spots that have this black material. In front of the girls, he brakes the amulet again to remove the black stuff. Eri gets a shock. She spent so much time to repair and now he brakes it again? The old man walks to Sayu.

> Sayu, do you trust me? <

Sayu stopped crying a while ago, but her eyes are still a bit wet. She doesn't know what he is going to do, but she still nods. The old man gently takes her hand. With his other hands he gets our a knife. Now Sayu is scarred and wants to pull away her hand, but the man doesn't let go of her. He cuts her at her fingertip, but it's only a tiny wound. With her bloody fingertip, he moves over the broken parts of the amulet. They are now covered with the blood of Sayu. The man lets go of her hand and puts the two pieces of the amulet together. The two pieces merge together, not a single cut is left on the amulet. All the girls are fascinated, only Sayu has an angry face. She probably didn't expect him to cut her in the finger. Anyway, the amulet seems to be fully repaired now.

> Alright, back to where we came from! <, Yossie suggests.

> Wait a minute.. <, the old man stops them.
> You want to go back to the world you came from? This is not a good idea. <

> We have to save a village! <, Mitsui explains.

> I see ... let me show you something. <, he says and snaps with his fingers.

Suddenly some kind of hole appears in the air. The girls look at it. It seems to show the world where they came from. Right, the man said that there is only one place for all dimensions. They seem to be able to reach every dimensions from here. They look more closely and get a shock. The village seems to be burning. The old man also explains that it is too late. The window changes the place and shows some kids near a warehouse. They didn't get killed. The girls are relieved. However, they still want to go back to protect them, but the man clearly has to deny it.

> You can't do anything for this world or the kids anymore. The world has been in this state for a very long time. It's impossible for you girls to change a whole world. <

> But we thought that it is our destiny to fight the evil in every dimensions we come across. <, Eri is a bit irritated.

> It is true that fate might have brought you there, but not for this reason. Maybe it was your destiny to come here and to protect the kids until the attack on this village. These kids might play an important role in their world to end the war in the future. You shouldn't assume that your only job is to travel from dimension to dimension, only to have a battle with some bad guys. There are way more things you can do and your sole existence already changes a lot. Alright, now it's really time for you girls to leave. <

The girl seem to understand his word, but are still sad that they couldn't save the village. They also would rather want to protect the kids for a longer time, but it would be an endless fight. The sides involved in the war, none of them can clearly be described as bad or good. Who should they fight then? The girls realize this and gather to teleport to another world that needs them. That's their destiny. Speaking of destiny..

> You seem to know a lot about the fate. Are you sure that you are not actually more than only a guard? <, Yossie asks the old man.

> Maybe... <, the old man smiles back.

Yossie understands and smiles. She won't ask him more. The girls get ready to teleport and then leave this special place with a bright light.

[Kreuz_Asakura]

Ohhhhhhhhhhh........ another relax but a good one chapter
  poor Sayu, she wasn't expecting be cut  Only one question, is only sayumi's blood special? Wow, Sayu is really an important character
  waiting for the next one

[HPriest]

Thanks

Yeah, it's another chapter with a lot of background info and explanations.
You liked it .. that means that it wasn't too confusing.
It's hard to put the things that are in your head into simple words. ^_^
This episode gave a few tiny facts about the actual "secret" that this 'season' is supposed to be about.

Sayumi is important, yes.
Since the beginning I tried to portrait her as a character who never asked to have such a power inside of her.
It's a conflict within her persona as she seems to struggle with the burden.
On one side the well-known 'innocent' Sayu and on the other side...

The next episode(s) should follow soon. ^_^

[JFC]

Sayu is crouching and covering her face, but they can hear that she is crying.

> What happened? <, Risa wonders.

> She still lacks strength, physical and mental. <, a man suddenly answers.

Sayu still probably doesn't have control over this power of hers. As it is, right now it looks like it just asserts itself when the situation is serious enough, and Sayu just doesn't have what it takes right now to keep it from happening.

But wait a sec, who's this dude that suddenly appeared?

> Why did you come back here? <

...

> What do you mean with 'we came back' ? <, Aichan asks.

> Mhh.. You really don't know, right? So..you really did it.. <, the man suddenly concludes.

Came back? The girls have been to this place before?  If so, surely they would have remembered being there, unless the world has gone some MAJOR fast changes since they were here last and they just don't recognize it.

Or it could also me that their predecessors (the ancient version of MM from long ago) were the ones who came here, and this guy just doesn't realize how much time has passed.

> The amulet is one part of the key to the only way to get to this place. <, the old man continues.

....

> Let me put it this way. This place is a really special place. It only exists once, but influences all dimensions. A place not even the gods know about, except of the very first one. <

> Not even the gods? <, Eri wonders.

> This place, it is called 'Fate'. <, the man continues.

So then, stuff that happens here will affect all the other dimensions? In what way? How severely/strongly do events here in this dimension influence the others?

there is only one fate for all dimensions is making it so special and important. That's why we exist, the guards of the fate. The machine you faced before, is an emergency system to defeat any kind of intruder. I am sorry for that it attacked you, but I didn't know that was you girls. This place my not be entered by anyone, otherwise it could effect all dimensions.

Ok, that all makes sense. But if no one is supposed to be able to enter "Fate", then how and why did the amulet bring them here?

Back then, when you girls came here for the first time, you more than anyone else understood the importance of it and made a promise. <

> A promise? <, Yossie is curious.

> The promise to rather die than to let anyone enter and manipulate the fate. <

So they (whichever group/incarnation of MM it was at the time) that made this promise took it upon themselves to make sure that no one would be able to enter "Fate", and they would do this at the cost their lives?  That must mean that this dimension has a lot of influence over what happens in the others.

He said that the amulet is one part of the key. This means that the girls are directly related to the only way to enter this place. They already entered this place, so they have to be in the possession of the other parts of the key.

Each girl must have something to do with the key to enter this place. Possibly, it might be that all of them have to be together in order to be able to enter it, as each of their individual powers is like an ingredient that's part of a recipe. On their own, that's one thing, but put them together in the right way, and you get something completely different.

He explains that the material they used is not good and caused instabilities in the amulet. That's why they suddenly went to this place, even without knowing the other parts of the key. The girls trust the man, although they don't know why.  Something about him seems to feel familiar, even though they never met him.

Well, if this guy did meet the ancient version of the girls, they might have made it so that the memory of this man would be kept in each subsequent incarnation of themselves, and that it would be triggered if/when they needed to obtain and use their powers, which this incarnation has had to do.

He examines it and finds the spots that have this black material. In front of the girls, he brakes the amulet again to remove the black stuff. Eri gets a shock. She spent so much time to repair and now he brakes it again?

The black material is probably the remnants of the "glue" that the girls used earlier to put the amulet back together. It probably has to be "pure" in order to work properly.

> Sayu, do you trust me? <

Sayu stopped crying a while ago, but her eyes are still a bit wet. She doesn't know what he is going to do, but she still nods. The old man gently takes her hand. With his other hands he gets our a knife. Now Sayu is scarred and wants to pull away her hand, but the man doesn't let go of her. He cuts her at her fingertip, but it's only a tiny wound. With her bloody fingertip, he moves over the broken parts of the amulet. They are now covered with the blood of Sayu. The man lets go of her hand and puts the two pieces of the amulet together. The two pieces merge together, not a single cut is left on the amulet.

Whoa...Sayu's blood is some mighty powerful stuff.

All the girls are fascinated, only Sayu has an angry face. She probably didn't expect him to cut her in the finger.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww...poor Sayu. She's probably doing the cute angry puffy cheeks thing.

> Alright, back to where we came from! <, Yossie suggests.

> Wait a minute.. <, the old man stops them.
> You want to go back to the world you came from? This is not a good idea. <

> We have to save a village! <, Mitsui explains.

> I see ... let me show you something. <, he says and snaps with his fingers.

Suddenly some kind of hole appears in the air. The girls look at it. It seems to show the world where they came from. Right, the man said that there is only one place for all dimensions. They seem to be able to reach every dimensions from here. They look more closely and get a shock. The village seems to be burning. The old man also explains that it is too late. The window changes the place and shows some kids near a warehouse. They didn't get killed. The girls are relieved. However, they still want to go back to protect them, but the man clearly has to deny it.

That dimension that the girls came from might be too far gone to truly save. Even if the girls could get those kids out of there and take them somewhere else, they might be doomed to die anyway sometime in the future.  They can't take these kids with them to another dimension where they'll be safe, nor can they watch over them for the rest of their lives to keep them safe.

> It is true that fate might have brought you there, but not for this reason. Maybe it was your destiny to come here and to protect the kids until the attack on this village. These kids might play an important role in their world to end the war in the future. <

That's definitely a possibility. If they really were meant to stay there, then they would likely still be there.  The amulet likely wouldn't have acted all weird the way that it did when it brought them here.

> You seem to know a lot about the fate. Are you sure that you are not actually more than only a guard? <, Yossie asks the old man.

> Maybe... <, the old man smiles back.

Yossie understands and smiles. She won't ask him more. The girls get ready to teleport and then leave this special place with a bright light.

Makes you wonder if this guy will be heard from again in the future.

[HPriest]

[005] :: Taxes (Ep. 26)

"Where are we now?", is the first question coming from the girls. They appeared in some field, but they can see a huge castle not too far away.

Reina sighs, > Not some world that is stuck in medieval times again. Where am I going to get some new clothes? There was no chance place to shop in the last world and all my clothes are dirty or have holes. <

Most of the other girls think the same way. They have been stuck in a war zone for so long that they have to do some shopping soon. Only Miki and Mitsui stay quiet. Mitsui must have liked the other kids a lot. It must be hard for her to leave them behind without saying good-bye. And what about Miki?

> Are you okay? <, Yossie asks her silently.

> Huh? Of course I am... <, Miki answers and it's so obvious that she is lying.

However, Yossie decides to leave her alone. She really seems to be attached to the last world they've been in, probably even more than the other girls, considering her current acting.
All girls walk towards the castle. The closer they get the more and more it starts to look like a nice little city. There are a lot of houses and other buildings all around the castle walls. The mood of the girls increase a bit, when they see some nice clothes hanging out of some shops. They all have this old look to it, but it's better than nothing.

> I'm gonna look around a bit. <, Miki suggests and leaves the group.

Yossie looks at her, but understands that some time alone might be the best for her. So far everything looks normal in here. The rest of the girls move from shop to shop and try out all kind of dresses. Only Yossie and Mitsui don't participate in this shopping spree. They find themselves a nice little bench to relax a bit. Yossie feels bad for Mitsui and thinks that she should try to have some fun as well.

> Why don't you go and find some new clothes as well? <

> ... I don't want to.<, Mitsui stares at the ground.

> You want to walk around with clothes in tatters? <, Yossie won't give up this easily.

> ... no <

> Come on. Join the others! You will have fun! <

> Okay.. <, Mitsui stands up and walks away.

> Mitsui! <, Mitsui stops and looks back to Yossie.
> They will be fine. <, Yossie gives Mitsui an encouraging smile.

Mitsui answers with a little smile and then walks to the others. She really needed these kind words. Yossie is more happy now as well and yawns. She looks to the left and..

> Huh? <, Yossie seems something strange.

She stands up and walks into this direction, when suddenly some man stops her.

> BIG SWORD FIGHT TOURNAMENT!!! EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE!! WIN ONE MILLION GOLD! <, he shouts at her.

> No thanks. <

> IT'S FREE!! <

> Can you please let me through? <, she asks in a kind but annoyed way.

He givers her a flyer and finally moves to the side. Yossie looks around..

> Huh? Damn...I lost them... <

"BIG SWORD FIGHT TOURNAMENT!!", Yossie can hear from behind her. The man must have found his next target already. She sighs and tries to find them again, whoever they are.

Miki is walking around and seems to have reached a more calmer area now. There are no shops or things like that. People must have a peaceful life here. Miki sees an old woman, carrying a lot of heavy things on her back.

> Can I lend you a hand? <, Miki asks the old woman.

> Ahh, that's too nice of you. Thanks! <, the woman seems to be glad to get some help.

Miki takes the things that are the heaviest and damn, it's really heavy. How could such an old woman like her carry all these things? Anyway, it's no problem for Miki. Together they walk to the house of the old woman. They talk a bit on their way and so the old woman finds out that Miki isn't from this village. The old woman tells her that she actually has a young granddaughter. Miki wonders why she isn't helping her then, but they reach the house before she can ask. The old woman opens the door. A girl appears at the door, probably the granddaughter.

> Where have you been, grandma? <
Now she sees all the heavy stuff, > Did you went to the market without me again? You know that you shouldn't carry such heavy things!<

Miki would guess her to be around 19-20 years old.

> You were sleeping and besides, this young woman here helped me with it. <

> A stranger? <, the girl doesn't even look at Miki.

> I am Fujimoto Miki. <, Miki introduces herself.

Now the girl finally gives her a hasty glance, > Li Chun <.

> Huh..sounds Chinese.. <, Miki checks her out.

> What's that? <, the girl doesn't really seem to like Miki's presence.

Miki remembers that she shouldn't mix other dimensions with their home. There probably is no country named China here. She just tries to act like she never asked this question.
> Nice to meet you. <

> Please, can I make you something to eat? <, the old woman asks Miki.

> No, it's okay. <

> Please! You would make me very happy! <, she keeps asking.

> Okay, but only a small snack. <, Miki gives in.

> Grandma! <, Li Chun gets mad.

> Be nice to her! <

> I will be upstairs. <, she walks up the stairs and closes the door behind her.

Miki feels like it's her fault, > Sorry <.

> No no, it's okay. She is very careful when it comes to strangers. <

Miki nods and grandma starts to make some tea. She wants to make a real dinner, but Miki keeps repeating that a small snack will do. In the end Miki gets some cookies and a piece of cake. The old woman talks a bit about her granddaughter. Li Chun actually seems to be a very nice girl. She works a lot and pays all the taxes for her. They never had any problems with paying the taxes, unlike other people in this village. The rules regarding the payments are very strict. The old woman is really glad to have such a nice granddaughter.

Back at the market, Yossie still tries to find the people again, and she is luck. She hides behind another house to watch them. Those men look like some kind of guards. They are walking into a shop and then they drag out the owner. Yossie wonders what this is all about.

> They can't pay the taxes. <

> HUH? Where did you came from? <, some stranger stands right next to her, also watching those guards.

> People who can't pay the taxes, will get dragged into the castle with force. <

Yossie looks back at the guards, > And then? <

> Nobody knows. Rumors say that they have to work as slaves or private servants of the queen. <

> I see... <

> Taxes are very strict in this village. They also vary from day to day. She, the queen, changes them whenever she wants to. This way she will always have enough money for whatever she wants to buy. <

> Why isn't anybody complaining? <, Yossie asks.

The man laughs, > Complaining? They would get arrested immediately! Besides, you are not allowed to talk to the queen anyway. Only the winner of the sword fight tournament may directly talk to her. <

> Sword fight tournament, huh? <

> Yeah, but this one girl keeps winning the tournament every time since more than four years. <

> .. four years? <

> There are rumors that it's the queen's best fighter. This way nobody will ever get near the queen. <

> I see... By the way..who are you? <, Yossie repeats her first question again.

> Oh, your friends took some clothes from my shop and told me that you are going to pay for them. <

> . . . <, Yossie stares at the man with a blank face.

A few minutes pass and Miki returns to the rest of the group.
Yossie also comes back and scolds the girls.

> So, what are we going to do about the money problem? <, Reina asks.

Yossie looks at the castle, > Sword fight tournament.. <

> Huh? <, Aichan is confused.

> I heard that you can win one million gold. <, Yossie explains.

Now the other girls understand, but Miki keeps looking at Yossie. She doubts that Yossie is only participating because of the money.
And who knows, she might be true...

----------------------

Sorry for no action again. I could make the episodes longer, but I would loose concentration towards the end. Expect the next episode soon.

btw. are the colors making it easier to read or should I stop using them?

[jafeijai]

^ I personally like the idea of the colours =)

Anyways, it's been a while since I've commented in here ^_^" Sorry about that. Not going to try and make up for it either, it'd be way too long..and like you, I'd probably lose concentration ^_^"

Back on topic, I'll leave the chapter reactions to JFC, since he (she?) seems to capture my reactions quite well all the time. I'll end this with a speculation: Are we to expect some Yoshizawa vs Li Chun swordplay in the near future? Or will Qian Lin make an entrance?

[JFC]

"Where are we now?", is the first question coming from the girls. They appeared in some field, but they can see a huge castle not too far away.

Reina sighs, > Not some world that is stuck in medieval times again. Where am I going to get some new clothes? There was no chance place to shop in the last world and all my clothes are dirty or have holes. <

Holes in the clothes?

It must be hard for her to leave them behind without saying good-bye. And what about Miki?

> Are you okay? <, Yossie asks her silently.

> Huh? Of course I am... <, Miki answers and it's so obvious that she is lying.

Miki's taking leaving those kids pretty hard. If she dwells on it too much, it's going to really affect how she interacts with the others.

All girls walk towards the castle. The closer they get the more and more it starts to look like a nice little city. There are a lot of houses and other buildings all around the castle walls. The mood of the girls increase a bit, when they see some nice clothes hanging out of some shops. They all have this old look to it, but it's better than nothing.

> I'm gonna look around a bit. <, Miki suggests and leaves the group.

Someone might want to go with her, or at least don't let her wander off too far.

Yossie seems something strange.

She stands up and walks into this direction, when suddenly some man stops her.

> BIG SWORD FIGHT TOURNAMENT!!! EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE!! WIN ONE MILLION GOLD! <, he shouts at her.

Hmmm...Yossi's proven to be pretty handy with her energy sword.   Wonder what the grand prize is? 

Miki is walking around and seems to have reached a more calmer area now. There are no shops or things like that. People must have a peaceful life here. Miki sees an old woman, carrying a lot of heavy things on her back.

> Can I lend you a hand? <, Miki asks the old woman.

Awwww...that's nice of Miki.

The old woman tells her that she actually has a young granddaughter. Miki wonders why she isn't helping her then, but they reach the house before she can ask. The old woman opens the door. A girl appears at the door, probably the granddaughter.

> Where have you been, grandma? <
Now she sees all the heavy stuff, > Did you went to the market without me again? You know that you shouldn't carry such heavy things!<

Miki would guess her to be around 19-20 years old.

> You were sleeping and besides, this young woman here helped me with it. <

Ahhh...so grandma didn't want to wake her up.  Grandma is probably a bit of an independent type.

> I am Fujimoto Miki. <, Miki introduces herself.

Now the girl finally gives her a hasty glance, > Li Chun <.

JUNJUN!!!

> Please, can I make you something to eat? <, the old woman asks Miki.

> No, it's okay. <

> Please! You would make me very happy! <, she keeps asking.

> Okay, but only a small snack. <, Miki gives in.

> Grandma! <, Li Chun gets mad.

> Be nice to her! <

> I will be upstairs. <, she walks up the stairs and closes the door behind her.

Miki feels like it's her fault, > Sorry <.

> No no, it's okay. She is very careful when it comes to strangers. <

Junjun and Grandma have probably had their share of trouble with strangers, which is likely why the former is acting so suspicious of Miki.  If Junjun's not careful though, acting like this so much could drive her friends away, and/or keep her from making new ones.

The old woman talks a bit about her granddaughter. Li Chun actually seems to be a very nice girl. She works a lot and pays all the taxes for her. They never had any problems with paying the taxes, unlike other people in this village. The rules regarding the payments are very strict. The old woman is really glad to have such a nice granddaughter.

Something tells me the local government is probably really dependant on these taxes (and/or they're just greedy) and are likely not that popular with most of the people.

...

Uh-oh, didn't the other girls say they were going shopping?

> People who can't pay the taxes, will get dragged into the castle with force. <

Yossie looks back at the guards, > And then? <

> Nobody knows. Rumors say that they have to work as slaves or private servants of the queen. <

> I see... <

> Taxes are very strict in this village. They also vary from day to day. She, the queen, changes them whenever she wants to. This way she will always have enough money for whatever she wants to buy. <

Sounds like the queen's a dictator, ruling with an iron fist.

> Why isn't anybody complaining? <, Yossie asks.

The man laughs, > Complaining? They would get arrested immediately! Besides, you are not allowed to talk to the queen anyway.

If anyone ever DID complain, it's seems unlikely that they'd be listened to.

The man laughs, Only the winner of the sword fight tournament may directly talk to her. <

> Sword fight tournament, huh? <

> Yeah, but this one girl keeps winning the tournament every time since more than four years. <

> .. four years? <

> There are rumors that it's the queen's best fighter. This way nobody will ever get near the queen. <

So the tournament could be rigged? Whoever the queen is, she could just be using it to identify potential troublemakers amongst the citizens.

> I see... By the way..who are you? <, Yossie repeats her first question again.

> Oh, your friends took some clothes from my shop and told me that you are going to pay for them. <

> . . . <, Yossie stares at the man with a blank face.

Oh crap. 

A few minutes pass and Miki returns to the rest of the group.
Yossie also comes back and scolds the girls.

> So, what are we going to do about the money problem? <, Reina asks.

Yossie looks at the castle, > Sword fight tournament.. <

> Huh? <, Aichan is confused.

> I heard that you can win one million gold. <, Yossie explains.

Now the other girls understand, but Miki keeps looking at Yossie. She doubts that Yossie is only participating because of the money.
And who knows, she might be true...

Well, do the other girls know what Miki and Yossi know? If they don't, then to them at least, she's in it just for the money so they can pay off the shopkeeper. Otherwise...might be time to institute a few changes in taxation.

Back on topic, I'll leave the chapter reactions to JFC, since he (she?) seems to capture my reactions quite well all the time.

He.

I'll end this with a speculation: Are we to expect some Yoshizawa vs Li Chun swordplay in the near future? Or will Qian Lin make an entrance?

I can see that, especially since it was Miki who met Junjun, it would prove to be an interesting arc to see how she reacts to seeing one of her best friends duel the local girl who's trying to keep herself and her grandmother out of trouble.

If Linlin DID end up being the queen's fighter, it'd be even more interesting if she and Junjun were related or had some type of history together.

[HPriest]

[006] :: Arena (Ep. 27)

The formalities are quickly done. As soon as you apply as a fighter, you are in the tournament. Yossie is asking the person in charge about the other fighters and is surprised to hear that only four people will participate. A man overhears her questions and explains that it actually is useless to be a part in this tournament. It seems to impossible to win against the queen's own fighter in the final round. That's why the people who owe the queen money are forced to fight, whether they want or not. The tournament, despite the cruel things behind the scenes, actually is a huge event for the whole kingdom. It's the only real festival they have. The girls nod, but they can't really understand what is supposed to be so good about such an event. The man kind of agrees with them and concludes that they aren't from here. Yossie wants to ask for his name, but he left already. "He seems to be pretty athletic, is he going to participate as well?", Yossie thinks to herself.

> Hey you, girl! You should better get ready. <, the man who is responsible for the applications of new fighters.

Yossie is a bit surprised, isn't the even supposed to be in two days?

> That's the final fight. People don't really come and watch the previous rounds. They are pretty boring, because it's always "scared vs. even more scared". Besides, you are the first to participate voluntary in this tournament. <, he continuous to explain.

> So, when is the first fight? <, Yossie asks.

> It's up to you whether you need one hour to get warm or want to fight right now. <

Yossie doesn't really need time to get warm and from what she heard, there aren't going to be any real opponents until the final round. She plans to get through the preliminary rounds as fast as possible and so she decides to fight now. The man explains the other girls the way to the stands. They wish Yossie good luck, although they have no doubts at all.

Two guards lead Yossie the way to the arena. It's a huge round field.

> Whoa, this looks like Gladiator! <, Yossie is surprised to see such a large arena within the castle.
She looks at the stands, there really are only a handful of people here. The other girls just enter the arena as well and get overwhelmed by the scale of this place. They find some nice places where they can sit. There are no seats like at home, only rows of stone.

Risa suddenly gets filled with enthusiasm, jumps up screams > YOSSIE!!!!!! <

One man that sits not too far away from them, turns around and looks at them with a bewildered face. She quickly takes her seat again. It sure was embarrassing, but the girls nonetheless seem to have fun.

Another man now enters the arena. He seems to be very scared. Yossie sighs and takes a look at him.

> Huh? Isn't this the man I've seen before? <, the scene of the man who got dragged away pops up in her head. It's really him.

> Start.. <, a not really energetic referee gives them the signal to begin.

Yossie's opponent doesn't really move. She doesn't really bother about him anyway, instead she walks up to the referee. He first is a bit confused, but Yossie only wants to know the rules. Somehow they forgot to tell her the actual rules.

> The one who dies, looses...that's all. <, he tells her straight.

> ...a mortal combat? <, Yossie is surprised.

> Exactly, tell me when it's over. I am going to rest a bit. <, he turns around and wants to leave.

> Wait a minute...you are leaving? <

> The first round often takes hours. Both are too scarred to get killed or to kill the opponent. There is no need for a referee. Now..if you excuse me... <, he says and leaves.

Yossie turns around and looks at the other man. He is completely scarred. There is no way she can fight light that. She wants to walk up to him, but he walks away. Now it's a bad thing that the field is so huge. Yossie sighs...

> It's always like this... <, the man that sits close to the girls suddenly comments.

> Uhm..what? <, Koha asks.

> Neither of them wants to kill the other one... <, the man says and heads for the exit.

> K..kill? <, Aichan is surprised.

> You didn't know? In order to get to the next round, you have to kill your opponent. <

> WHAT? <, they can't believe it.

Mikitty remains silent and keeps observing Yossie. She starts to smile. "You knew this, didn't you?", Mikitty says to herself.

> You better stay and watch... <, Mikitty advices him to stay.
The man is confused and so are the other girls.
> Believe me, it's going to be fun. <, she continues.

The man looks down at the field. Yossie inspects all the gates and starts to smile the same way as Mikitty. She takes the sword out of the sheath and looks at her opponent.

> Huh? Is she going to kill him? <, the man asks Mikitty.
> Mmmm...I wonder? <, she answers with a grin on her face.

Yossie's opponents is so scared that he falls over. She moves closer and closer. The referee actually looks through the gate now. Is it going to end already? His desk is only a few meters away from the gates, so he can watch from his seat. Yossie strikes out..

> HA! <

Her opponent closed his eyes, but nothing seem to have happened. Slowly he opens his eyes again and looks at Yossie. Her sword is gone! Did it disappear? What happened? Yossie keeps smiling.

> Don't worry, neither of us will get killed today. <, she tells him.

> Aaaaaaaaahhhh! <, a scream suddenly appears. > My ear!!!!! <

The girls saw what happened and the rest of the audience saw it as well.
> ...did she? <, the man asks.

> It's going to become even better. <, Miki says while watching Yossie.

One gate opens and out comes the referee. He is holding his ear, his hand is already covered with blood.

> You....YOU CUT OFF MY EAR! <

The other fighter still is clueless and looks to the gate. He looks more closely and can see a sword sticking at the wall at the end of the floor. Did she throw the sword all the way there and precisely cut off his ear? No way!

> Sorry, it just slipped out of my hand... <, Yossie apologies to the referee with a grin.

> It..it WHAT? ...Are you kidding me? ..Y...you are disqualified! <

> If you say so... <, Yossie stays calm.

> THROW HER OUT! <, he says and the guards enter the field.

They try to grab her, but she simply dodges their attempts. They are really clumsy in their armor. With a few kicks and punches, she can make them kiss the ground already. They quickly loose their breath and balance. Guards definitely are not suited to take part in a martial-arts fight, Yossie also is completely out of their league.

> Enough with this, just kill her! <, the referee wants revenge.

One guard now picks his sword and attacks Yossie, but she grabs the blade of the sword with her bare hands.

> Don't even try... <, she looks at the guard with a serious face. To his surprise, there is no blood dripping down her hands. Did it hurt her at all? He gets scared and lets loose of his sword. Yossie lets it fall to the ground. Another guard still didn't realize that they have no chance and tries another attack.

*slash*

> What happened? <, Risa asks, but everyone is too concentrated to answer.

Pieces of chain armor hit the ground. The guard looks down himself. The metal is still glowing. He looks at Yossie.

> Your sword... <

Yossie seems to have a sword again...

> ...it's burning!? <, the guard continued.

So it seems to be her own sword then. And yes, it isn't stuck in the wall anymore.

> The sword...it flew to her? <, Reina asks.

Now the last guard realized that it's useless to fight against her. The referee wants to run away, but Yossie grabs him and threatens him with her sword.

> Did I win? <

> W..what? <

> DID I WIN? <

> Ah..oh..yes..y..you are the winner of this match...okay? <

Suddenly somebody starts to applaud. It's nobody from the stands, it's somewhere on the field. Yossie turns around. "Huh? This man..", Yossie saw him somewhere already. He was on the market. It was the one forced this man to come along with him.

> Who are you? <

> Ran, tax collector and adviser of the queen, nice to meet you. <

> Ran? <

> Congratulations on your win, but let me tell you this. Don't think that you can come here and change the rules. <

Yossie doesn't know what he is trying to say, until he sees her opponent behind Ran. During the fight she didn't keep an eye on him. Ran only nods at the guard and then he stabs him with his sword.

> NO.................! <

> The rules are win or die, right? You won, he died. Everything is fine. <

> You... <, Yossie gets pissed and wants to attack him, when suddenly a sword crosses her way and flies by only a few centimeters away from her face. She looks to where the sword came from, and can see an all-black girl with a mask standing at one of the entrances.

> Is this...? <

> You won'T win this tournament, no matter what you are trying to do. Better save some of your anger, you might need it soon. <, Ran says and leaves the field.

Yossie doesn't try to follow him, instead she watches the other girl. "Who is she? Something feels strange", Yossie is starting to feel, that it this tournament won't be as easy as she thought. This girl has an incredible aura.

> Who is she? <, Aichan asks.

> That's not good... <, Mitsui starts to worry.

The rest of the girls also start to worry, only Mikitty stays silent again. She looks a bit concerned as well, but something else seems to be on her mind as well.

Yossie keeps starring at the girl....

The first round of this tournament is over, will the second round be as easy as the first?
Will she really make it to the final round? - And if so, how strong is this mysterious girl?

[JFC]

Yossie is asking the person in charge about the other fighters and is surprised to hear that only four people will participate. A man overhears her questions and explains that it actually is useless to be a part in this tournament. It seems to impossible to win against the queen's own fighter in the final round. That's why the people who owe the queen money are forced to fight, whether they want or not.

Ah, that would explain why the citizens are all working so hard so that they CAN pay all the required taxes. No one wants to end up having to take part in the tournament.

The tournament, despite the cruel things behind the scenes, actually is a huge event for the whole kingdom. It's the only real festival they have.

Wow that must suck.

The girls nod, but they can't really understand what is supposed to be so good about such an event. The man kind of agrees with them and concludes that they aren't from here. Yossie wants to ask for his name, but he left already. "He seems to be pretty athletic, is he going to participate as well?", Yossie thinks to herself.

If he's not a participant, maybe he's a "trainer"?

> Hey you, girl! You should better get ready. <, the man who is responsible for the applications of new fighters.

Yossie is a bit surprised, isn't the even supposed to be in two days?

> That's the final fight. People don't really come and watch the previous rounds. They are pretty boring, because it's always "scared vs. even more scared". Besides, you are the first to participate voluntary in this tournament. <, he continuous to explain.

Makes sense that the finals would be getting the most attention.  Still though, considering that there are only 4 participants this time, you'd think they'd just hold the whole thing on one single day.

Hopefully Yossi's first opponent isn't some freakish musclebound monster.

Yossie's opponent doesn't really move. She doesn't really bother about him anyway, instead she walks up to the referee. He first is a bit confused, but Yossie only wants to know the rules. Somehow they forgot to tell her the actual rules.

> The one who dies, looses...that's all. <, he tells her straight.

Oh...shit.

Yossi probably should have asked that question BEFORE signing up to participate.

Mikitty remains silent and keeps observing Yossie. She starts to smile. "You knew this, didn't you?", Mikitty says to herself.

Huh? Who knew? Yossi? Might it be that she has a plan to advance without having to acutally kill the guy?

Yossie strikes out..

> HA! <

Her opponent closed his eyes, but nothing seem to have happened. Slowly he opens his eyes again and looks at Yossie. Her sword is gone! Did it disappear? What happened? Yossie keeps smiling.

> Don't worry, neither of us will get killed today. <, she tells him.

...

> It's going to become even better. <, Miki says while watching Yossie.

One gate opens and out comes the referee. He is holding his ear, his hand is already covered with blood.

> You....YOU CUT OFF MY EAR! <

Yossi cut of the ref's ear? But...what would that accomplish?   

> It..it WHAT? ...Are you kidding me? ..Y...you are disqualified! <

> If you say so... <, Yossie stays calm.

> THROW HER OUT! <, he says and the guards enter the field.

They try to grab her, but she simply dodges their attempts. They are really clumsy in their armor. With a few kicks and punches, she can make them kiss the ground already. They quickly loose their breath and balance. Guards definitely are not suited to take part in a martial-arts fight, Yossie also is completely out of their league.


*YOSSI ASS-KICKIN*


Now the last guard realized that it's useless to fight against her. The referee wants to run away, but Yossie grabs him and threatens him with her sword.

> Did I win? <

> W..what? <

> DID I WIN? <

> Ah..oh..yes..y..you are the winner of this match...okay? <

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...using her powers to essentially "bully" her way into the next round, eh?  Not bad, and she didn't have to kill her opponent either.

Suddenly somebody starts to applaud. It's nobody from the stands, it's somewhere on the field. Yossie turns around. "Huh? This man..", Yossie saw him somewhere already. He was on the market. It was the one forced this man to come along with him.

> Who are you? <

> Ran, tax collector and adviser of the queen, nice to meet you. <

Something tells me we're not going to like this guy. 

> Congratulations on your win, but let me tell you this. Don't think that you can come here and change the rules. <

Yossie doesn't know what he is trying to say, until he sees her opponent behind Ran. During the fight she didn't keep an eye on him. Ran only nods at the guard and then he stabs him with his sword.

> NO.................! <

> The rules are win or die, right? You won, he died. Everything is fine. <

Yep, definitely DON'T like this guy.

*sigh*

Can't say I'm not surprised that Ran did this, he's unfortunately correct in that the tournament rules were just being enforced. 

> You... <, Yossie gets pissed and wants to attack him, when suddenly a sword crosses her way and flies by only a few centimeters away from her face. She looks to where the sword came from, and can see an all-black girl with a mask standing at one of the entrances.

Enter...the Queen's fighter. 

> You won'T win this tournament, no matter what you are trying to do. Better save some of your anger, you might need it soon. <, Ran says and leaves the field.

Yossie doesn't try to follow him, instead she watches the other girl. "Who is she? Something feels strange", Yossie is starting to feel, that it this tournament won't be as easy as she thought. This girl has an incredible aura.

Maybe she has powers similar to what the girls have?

The rest of the girls also start to worry, only Mikitty stays silent again. She looks a bit concerned as well, but something else seems to be on her mind as well.

Probably worried/wondering about Junjun, and if she has to take part in this tournament.

The first round of this tournament is over, will the second round be as easy as the first?
Will she really make it to the final round? - And if so, how strong is this mysterious girl?

STAY TUNED!!! SAME MOMUSU TIME, SAME MOMUSU CHANNEL!!

[jafeijai]

^ As always, JFC expresses my thoughts exactly, with the exception of this: When was Yoshizawa able to have such pinpoint accuracy as to be able to throw her sword and cut ONLY the referee's ear?! O__O That in itself is an amazing accomplishment..o.O

[HPriest]

[007] :: Deep Shades (Ep. 28)

Ran stops before leaving the field.

> By the way, your next fight is going to start in two hours. It seems like the fights are ending very quick this time. <

Yossie stops to stare at this mysterious girl and looks at Ran. The second fight already? Ran leaves the field and so does the girl. The referee runs away as soon as Yossie lets go of him. She puts away her sword and the other girls leave the stands. No person is left in the audience now. They are almost there, when this other girl passes them. She doesn't look at them at all. The girls try to stay cool and keep on walking, but Aichan suddenly stops and makes a confused look. She looks to her right, this girl is right next to her. The girl doesn't stop walking, but it almost seems like that she is peeking at Aichan. It is no eye contact, but her face is slightly turned towards Aichan. Not only that, Aichan seems to feel something, something she can't explain. There is something about this girl that arouses Aichan's curiosity. The moment doesn't last more than two seconds, but Aichan already feels exhausted only by trying to identify this feeling. As sudden as she appeared in front of them, as sudden she disappears in the bright sun shining from the exit of the arena.

The girls don't have to walk all the way to the center of the field. Yossie already walked towards them. At the gate stands the man she has met back then already. He smiles at her.

> I won't be such an easy opponent, just to let you know. <

> You are my opponent in the next round? <, Yossie somehow expected it already, but still is a bit surprised.

There conversation ends here already. The other girls interrupt them and he leaves with a gentle smiles. Really, he doesn't seem to be a bad guy, but the fact that he probably willingly killed hist first opponent makes her feel uneasy. This man has as deep shades as this mysterious girl.

Every fighter gets a private area and so the girls went there. The enthusiastic mood from before the match turned into a more thoughtful mood. It's not like they doubt that Yossie will win, but this whole tournament is getting much more serious than they thought.

Mikitty sits herself next to Yossie.

> I know what you are trying to do. <, she whispers at her.

Yossie smiles > I see. <

> ..and I think that your plan is far from easy. <, Mikitty continues.

> ..this girl.. <, Yossie looks at the ceiling.

> ..yeah. <

Yossie sighs and lies down on her back > ..It can't be helped. <

Aichan looks at them from the other side of the small room. She herself is thinking about this girl as well. They are all very quiet. Yossie closes her eyes and before she knows it she falls asleep...

----------------------------------------------------

[008] :: Shadowless Sword

> They are coming! <
> We have to hold them back! <

Panic breaks in this what looks like a monastery. It's dark, a moonless night. The people in the monastery are becoming nervous. An enemy is getting closer.

> TO ARMS! <

Every monk gets a sword and they don't look like they have never held one. In fact, they all look more than well-trained. It seems to be a special monastery, training their monks to defend it. In the distance you can hear the enemy. An indefinable roar that can not be from any human being. The monks concentrate for the last time to find the perfect self-balance.

Then it's time.

The gate opens and the monks run out of the monastery to confront the enemy. Everyone holding his sword, staring at the horizon, tightening his muscles... . They slowly can identify the creatures approaching them. This sight alone is too much for a few monks already. Those who entered the monastery not too long start to run away. Most of the monks stay strong and firm, but you can see fear in their eyes. Can they really hold them back?

The enemy is almost there. Most monks are too afraid to make the first step, but a handful of them already starts to attack those creatures that came right from hell. One of those five is Jin. Jin might be the bravest and strongest monks of them all. One after another he destroys those daemons. He has to watch as his fellow combatants get killed or try to save their life in the last minute. They are outnumbered, the number of enemies even increases. He is getting tired, but doesn't think about running away.

Then a light appears, a cyan shimmer, right next to him. He looks to his right and sees a girl. This girl, it's Yossie. Her sword glowing in a cyan light, she looks at Jin.

> Let us help you out. <, she says.

A bang to his left, he turns around and sees a big hole in the enemies. He turns further and sees another girl, Risa. She looks very concentrated. A bright light appears before her hands and suddenly gets shot in the mass enemy group. Jin hears the sound of a blade to his right again. Yossie fights and he has never seen a similar style of fighting before. Every move looks smooth, there is no unnecessary action in her movements, it's perfect. He gets distracted by her shear elegance. Her fighting is like poesy. Jin hasn't seen her fighting for a long time. He gets rudely interrupted by an approaching monster. His reacting isn't slow either and he easily defends himself. Jin now concentrates on fighting again.

> You came? <, he asks her.

> I had to. <, Yossie answers.

He now also can see all the other girls who are trying to defend the monastery as well.
A werewolf attacks him with a sword and he is surprisingly strong. Jin has a hard time trying to dodge his attacks. He blocks one attack with his sword in one hand only, although it's a two-handed sword. Why is he only using one hand to defend himself? The werewolf tries to increase the pressure, but Jin stands firm with his one arm only. Suddenly he eases the pressure in his arm and the werewolf sees his chance, when suddenly something bores through him. He looks down himself, nothing. The werewolf has a huge gaping wound, but there is nothing sticking in his body. He looks at Jin and notices his other arm. His other hands is pointing at him like he is holding a seconds sword. The werewolf looks confused, but won't have the time to find out what happened. He looses his strength and Jin slices him into two with his two-hander.

> I see you perfected your technique. <, Yossie mentions.

Jin looks at her.

> Did you give it a name already? <, she asks.

> ..shadowless sword. <, he answers

Yossie smiles, but has no time for a smalltalk.
> It looks like the enemy is becoming stronger from now on. Be careful. <, she warns him.

Jin nods and continues to fight again. He now has to use his unique technique more often. Yossie once helped him to create this technique. She noticed his special skill and trained him so he would be able to use it. It was very hard to get control over this skill, because no skill similar to this one has ever existed, but he managed it; and now he perfected it. Yossie is really happy about him. Maybe a bit more than that. There has always been rumors that they have been more than only good friends. However, they keep on fighting, when suddenly Aichan calls from the walls of the monastery.

> They are surrounding us! <

Mikitty comes to Yossie.

> We can't fight them all. <

Yossie ignores her and keeps on fighting.

> Yossie! <

> What? We can't just leave this place! <, Yossie suddenly shouts at Mikitty.

Mikitty looks at Jin and knows what's going on, but this doesn't change the fact that they have to go and close the portal.
> We have to! <

Yossie ignores her again.

> Go! <, Jin suddenly joins the dialog.

Yossie looks at him with surprise.

> You have to close the portal. It's your only choice. <, he continues.

> But... <, Yossie doesn't know what to do.

Mikitty and Jin look at each other with understanding.
> Let's go. <, Mikitty tells Yossie.

> You are the true master of the sword. I wouldn't be able to live with the fact you sacrificed your life only to save this world, to save me. <, Jin explains to her.

Albeit grudgingly, she understands that she has to leave this place.
All the girls move back to the monastery, while the remaining monks try their best to hold the daemons back as long as possible. The girls enter the portal and land in the world that we already know as 'Fate'. Wait a minute...one girl is missing! Where is Sayu? Then she suddenly appears.

> Why did you take so long? <, Mikitty asks while Eri destroys the portal. She can only destroy it from this side.

> Huh?....one daemon reached the portal..I...had to fight him? <, she explains.

> Really? <, Mikitty doesn't believe her.

> Y...yes! <, Sayu stutters under pressure.

> It's enough! I... <, Yossie holds back Mikitty, but suddenly stops to talk.

~Yossie!~, a voice appears

> Who? Yes? <

> Are you alright? <, Eri asks.

~Yossie!~

> Who is this? Who.. <, suddenly everything turns black for Yossie.

~Yossi!~

~YOSSIE! Wake up already!!~

Yossie slowly opens her eyes..>Where am I?<

> What do you mean? The second round is starting! You have to get in the arena! <, Mikitty explains.

> What? Was it only a dream? <

> I don't know what you are talking about... <

Mikitty helps Yossie to get up. Yossie seems to be confused and a bit exhausted. Mikitty wonders what she dreamed about. She gives her some water. Yossie still thinks about what she saw, but doesn't have the time to think about it any longer. She is already late for the second round.

> Alright! <, she stretches herself and yawns.

It looks like she is ready and the second round can begin.

[jafeijai]

[gasp] Dream about a guy?! And then...because it's a fanfic, I'm willing to guess that Jin just HAPPENS to be the 2nd opponent for Yoshizawa, except with a different...face? o.O

On a side note, I really like your banner HPriest

[HPriest]

Nice guess, but a different face? Would be a bit too weird maybe ...still a nice guess..

Thanks..about the banner/sig. 

[JFC]

[007] :: Deep Shades

Ran stops before leaving the field.

> By the way, your next fight is going to start in two hours. It seems like the fights are ending very quick this time. <

Only two hours?!?   That's hardly enough time for Yossi to properly recoup and regain her strength.

Guess the tournament's just a one-day event?

Aichan suddenly stops and makes a confused look. She looks to her right, this girl is right next to her. The girl doesn't stop walking, but it almost seems like that she is peeking at Aichan. It is no eye contact, but her face is slightly turned towards Aichan. Not only that, Aichan seems to feel something, something she can't explain. There is something about this girl that arouses Aichan's curiosity.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...some type of moment of recognition? Maybe... [bgcolor=#000000]the girl is actually the Aichan of THAT dimension![/bgcolor] DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!

Mikitty sits herself next to Yossie.

> I know what you are trying to do. <, she whispers at her.

That's a bit of a relief, 'cuz I sure as hell don't know.

> ..and I think that your plan is far from easy. <, Mikitty continues.

> ..this girl.. <, Yossie looks at the ceiling.

> ..yeah. <

Yossie sighs and lies down on her back > ..It can't be helped. <

What's she trying to do? Come up with a way to win without actually having to kill her opponent? We've seen that if she doesn't do it, if she's declared the winner, then Ran will.



[008] :: Shadowless Sword

> They are coming! <
> We have to hold them back! <

Panic breaks in this what looks like a monastery. It's dark, a moonless night. The people in the monastery are becoming nervous. An enemy is getting closer.

Eh? We suddenly move to another part of the kingdom or something?

Every monk gets a sword and they don't look like they have never held one. In fact, they all look more than well-trained. It seems to be a special monastery, training their monks to defend it. In the distance you can hear the enemy.

Well, monks that can fight isn't exactly a new concept. Shaolin buddhist monks train their bodies in the martial arts.

Then a light appears, a cyan shimmer, right next to him. He looks to his right and sees a girl. This girl, it's Yossie. Her sword glowing in a cyan light, she looks at Jin.

> Let us help you out. <, she says.

EHHHHH? What's Yossi doing there? And who's this "Jin" again?

> You came? <, he asks her.

> I had to. <, Yossie answers.

He now also can see all the other girls who are trying to defend the monastery as well.

Soooooooooooooooo...are we flashing back to another dimension that the girls had previously visited?

Yossie once helped him to create this technique. She noticed his special skill and trained him so he would be able to use it. It was very hard to get control over this skill, because no skill similar to this one has ever existed, but he managed it; and now he perfected it. Yossie is really happy about him. Maybe a bit more than that. There has always been rumors that they have been more than only good friends.

Ooooooooooooooooooooh...I see. Yossi had feelings for this guy.

...

They had to leave him behind, didn't they?

> They are surrounding us! <

Mikitty comes to Yossie.

> We can't fight them all. <

Yossie ignores her and keeps on fighting.

> Yossie! <

> What? We can't just leave this place! <, Yossie suddenly shouts at Mikitty.

Mikitty looks at Jin and knows what's going on, but this doesn't change the fact that they have to go and close the portal.
> We have to! <

Not wanting to leave his side? Oh yeah, she liked him alright.

> Go! <, Jin suddenly joins the dialog.

Yossie looks at him with surprise.

> You have to close the portal. It's your only choice. <, he continues.

To win the battle, as he said, it must have been the only choice they had at the time.  Jin would have known that his chances to survive once they closed it would be slim to none since he'd be there on his own, but for the greater good, it had to be done.

~Yossie!~, a voice appears

> Who? Yes? <

> Are you alright? <, Eri asks.

~Yossie!~

> Who is this? Who.. <, suddenly everything turns black for Yossie.

OHNOES YOSSI!!!

~YOSSIE! Wake up already!!~

Yossie slowly opens her eyes..>Where am I?<

> What do you mean? The second round is starting! You have to get in the arena! <, Mikitty explains.

> What? Was it only a dream? <

HUH?

It was all a dream? Question then is, was she dreaming something completely made up, or was she actually remembering something that happened to them previously? Or better yet, was her dream a premonition of events that they have yet to experience?