The Ghost Zone ( Lepa)

[Lepa]

"Calhoun! Call the others!"

Casey sure as hell didn't need to be told twice - hIs knuckles had grown white from how hard he was gripping the damn radio!

"Found 'em!" He said quickly into the device barely a second after it sparked it to life. "S'Calhoun! We found 'em!" He repeated. His plan was incredibly stupid, but as far as he could tell, it worked. "We're headed to the gym right now to- SH*T!" He swore, ending his message and leaving the other end hanging. "Taylor...!"

Casey grit his teeth. In the split second he had to react, his free hand flared up in blue flames. He used his running momentum to sharply pivot on his heel to face the oncoming ghost. Maybe it wasn't the smartest idea to go against something capable of death with a single touch, but Casey wasn't thinking. He wasn't thinking about the potential consequences of failure. He wasn't thinking about what Sophie had said about his flames earlier. All he thought was goddamnit I don't care what the hell you are, if yer goin' after Taylor then you gotta get past me!

Fortunately, it seemed someone else had the same idea.

Casey heard Levi call out and watched as it drew the ghost's attention away. He'd eased up on his fighting stance, but the adrenaline was still flowing through his body.

"No this way!" He heard Taylor call out.

Casey whipped his attention back to the teen, who'd since gotten back on his feet. He let out a small breath of both exasperation and relief before taking off after him. As they ran, Casey spoke into the handheld radio again. "...We're good! Still headed to the gym!" He glanced back over his shoulder in Levi's direction. "...And a heads up that yer teacher's joined the hunt, too!"

[Yuki]

When the radio came to life Sophie and the others paused and went into a panic when Casey suddenly cut off. "Sh*t" Sophie cursed, even though Ina was with them things still had a chance to go wrong. "Come on le-" Sophie was cut off when Casey spoke again saying they where alright. Sophie relaxed just a little but took off in a hurry.

"Mom, go ahead of us and help them." Sophie said as she ran.

"Right, see ya there." Concetta said as she then phased through a wall.




Kit nodded as he ran holding up the radio. " We are on our way!" Kit replied into the radio. Kit glanced at Taji as they ran. She was scared but she was pushing on through her fear. He just hoped that Taylor was alright... If anything happened to him... He and Casey where gonna have a chat.



Mean while Taylor , Levi and Casey, where somehow able to play ping pong with the angry ghost. As they made their way to the gym and soon Concetta caught up to them and gave a low whistle. " Good work lads!" She said with a grin as she moved in closer a hand on the hilt of her sword.


Maaaaan they where still a ways from the gym! Taylor really hoped the others would show up soon! Taylor ran as fast as his feet could carry him, while it was surprising that Mr. Garcia showed up but Taylor was thankful he did.


" Come and get me!" Levi shouted out again.


The ghost started to head back over to the teacher. Taylor ran on ahead a bit trying to get some distance away before calling out again. "This way!" Taylor called out, both to get the ghost's attention and to help show Casey the way.


Thankfully though they would not have to do this all by themselves.


Kit was the first to show up, " Yo! Over here ugly!" He had heard what was going on so jumped into the ghost ping pong rather quickly.

A little bit after Sophie and Taji showed up and started to call out to the ghost as everyone started to work together to get the ghost to the gym.

[Lepa]

Casey remained alert, following Taylor as closely as he could without tripping over him, all while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Thanks to the others distracting the ghost, he could worry a little less about getting his soul stolen and focus on the task at hand. They weren't out of the woods yet, however. They might've had it under control for now, but until they quelled this damn thing, the vengeful ghost was still very much a real threat.

Riki Ohara had thought the same thing. In the midst of the frantic chaos inside of the school, he and Ricky approached the main entrance. He was plagued by the events of last night, but he was determined to help in some capacity.

"Hey man... you sure about this?" Ricky walked beside his partner in crime, leaning forward to get a better look at him. It'd only been a day, but Riki looked like he hadn't slept in a week. "You don't seem so well..."

"I'm fine," Riki asserted, keeping his gaze forward.

He wasn't fine. The weight of the situation had been gnawing at him since last night. He was worried and it showed, no matter how calm he sounded or how much he denied it. It was plain as day to anyone who saw him, but Ricky knew him better than anyone. It honestly alarmed him that for once, he was being the voice of reason between them.

"Dude, you're pale..."

"So what?!" Riki snapped back, stopping in his tracks. He turned to face Ricky. "Forget about me! There's a student in a coma, and now Calhoun's out there trying to stop the thing that caused it! If something happened to him and I wasn't even there to try and prevent it..." He grit his teeth. "I don't think I could ever forgive myself. I'm the dumbass who brought this up to you guys in the first place...!"

Ricky frowned. "...Nah." He denied, clasping a hand on Riki's shoulder. "I'm the dumbass who baited him into going to begin with." He sighed. It really was more of his fault than anything, but he understood Riki's concerns. "Okay... Look, I get it. I'm not trying to stop you, but..." He grabbed Riki's other shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes. "Like... I'm gonna be blunt. You look like shit. Are you really up to this?" He glanced aside at the building. "If you're not feeling 100%, we might get in the way..."

Riki snorted, then gave a weak smile. "...Since when did getting in the way stop us?"

Ricky couldn't help but grin. "All right, all right..." He pat Riki on the back. "Fine. We're going in. Just don't do anything reckless, man."

"Psh." Riki gave him a light shove back. "Real funny coming from you..."

After they entered, it didn't take too long for them to hear the commotion happening.

"Hoh shit," Ricky stepped forward, turning an ear out to hear what was going on. "Sounds like they found him..." He thought aloud. "Sounds like a lot of folks, actually..."

"Good." Riki himself steeled his nerves and clenched his fists, stepping up beside him. "Makes this a bit easier..." He sighed, then inhaled deeply. "KEITH CYRUS!" Riki howled at the top of his lungs, catching Ricky off guard. Riki bolted immediately afterward, leaving Ricky to scramble after him. They knew that the plan was to lay a trap for him somewhere, but where it was was anyone's guess. At the very least, they could be an additional distraction to what already sounded like a chaotic operation...!

"Hey! I said!" Ricky huffed as they ran. "Don't do anything reckless!"

"Not so fun when you're not the wildcard, huh?!" Riki retorted as he sped ahead.

[Yuki]

All of a sudden the angry ghost changed directions and started to head away from the Direction of the gym This startled everyone as they where not expecting that. " Huh??? Who?? Oh no you don't! This way Keith Cyrus!! Sophie called out as she was quick to counter call. " What the heck who did that?? MOM Go find out who else is here and tell them we are trying to get the ghost to the gym! Ina and I have it handled here." Sophie said. Sophie had a idea who may be... There where only two others that where not here that knew to call the ghosts name to anger it. But if they just called the name nilly willy they would end up back tracking more then anything, she had to act quick to get everyone on the same track.

" Ok on it!" replied Concetta as she flew through a wall and disappeared.


Mean while Taylor, Kit, Taji and Levi where focused on getting the ghost to the gym.


Thankfully Concetta was able to find the Ohara's rather quickly, "Ho ho ho.. So it IS them..." She chuckled to herself. She knew she was going to startle them when she showed herself but it couldn't be helped. She then came out of the wall giving a smile. " Hello Lad's !!! Lovely to see you again, Sophie sent me to tell you we are trying to get the ghost to the gym. I will stay with you for now to make sure you two are safe." Concetta happily said. She had great respect for those who faced their fears. Facing what scares you makes you stronger.

[Lepa]

The pair quickly came to a stop once Concetta made her appearance. Riki couldn't help but jump a little, but he immediately stood his ground before realizing who it was. Ricky himself let out a quick "woah," also momentarily believing the vengeful ghost had appeared before them until he recognized the woman.

"...Ah! Ghost mom!" He couldn't help but blurt out in relief and amusement. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees, grateful they wouldn't have to do much more running.

"Hello Lads!!! Lovely to see you again, Sophie sent me to tell ya we are trying to get the ghost to the gym." Concetta quickly explained. "I will stay with ya for now to make sure you two are safe."

Riki panted for a moment, partially to calm his nerves and partially to catch his breath from running. Finally, he pressed a hand to his chest and sighed.

"Thanks..." He panted. "We... should've arrived with Calhoun earlier..."

"Don't fret!" Ricky nudged him. "If they don't need our help, then that means they got it under control!"

"Then..." Riki straightened himself up, adjusting his glasses. "Can we at least head to the gym...?" He shook his head, slapping at his face. Geez, he really was tired, but the fatigue only just now set in. "If we can't help... I'd like to at least have some closure for this whole mess..." He smiled weakly, then curled over a bit. Ricky went over to support him.

"Yeah... Yeah!" Ricky agreed, slinging Riki's arm around his shoulder. He looked up to Concetta like a pleading puppy. "Can we? We'll keep outta the way this time, promise!"

[Yuki]

" Pffft ghost Mom..." Concetta chuckled. " I do have a name lads, and its Concetta Windgale." she said with a smile. She then listened as the Ohara's and then asked if they could join the others.


"Can we at least head to the gym...? If we can't help... I'd like to at least have some closure for this whole mess..." "
"Yeah... Yeah! Can we? We'll keep outta the way this time, promise!" They would ask making silly puppy faces.


Concetta laughed and then moved closer to them. " If you where not allowed to go I would not have told you they where headed to the gym~ My daughter set up a purifying circle there. Everyone is trying to lure the ghost to it.. So don't shout his name till you are near the gym." She said waving a finger at them as if playfully scolding them for saying the ghosts name moments before.

She then moved away, "Come lets go!" Concetta said as she flew down the hallway.


Mean while everyone else where getting closer to the gym and the ghost was right on them.

" The gym I see it!! " Taylor called out as the group got closer

"Ok!! Everyone yell his name as we run pass the purifying circle!"

There was a "Ok" from everyone as they all made a mad dash for the gym. Once inside they all ran past the purifying circle and shouted


KEITH CYRUS! as loud as they could.


The angry ghost of Keith Cyrus came charging but suddenly stopped just at the doors of the gym as if scared to enter.

" SHIT He does not want to enter!! Sophie cursed angerly. There could be many reasons... One he could feel the power of the purifying circle.. Or the fact this was the very place he had died.


"What are we going to do??" Taylor asked in a panicked tone.

" There has to be something!" Kit said angerly.

" Shit, now what?" Levi asked.

"Oh no..." Ina said softly.


Taji stared at the ghost she then suddenly ran forward before anyone could react.


" Its me!!! I'm the one you are looking for!! I am the one the templars where looking for that day! I am the half dragon!!!!" Taji said as tears ran down her cheeks. When suddenly there was a poof of magic and when it faded Taji had changed. She was still human size though now she had dragon wings coming from her back, horns on her head and sliver scales speckled all over her body. " They killed you because of me!!" She said as her body trembled from both fear and sadness.

[Lepa]

"Pffft ghost Mom... I do have a name lads, and its Concetta Windgale."

"Ah! Sorry," Ricky grinned sheepishly. It was the first thing he remembered about her and blurting it out was more of a means to reassure himself she wasn't the spooky ghost causing all of this ruckus to begin with. Thankfully, their request wasn't a hard one to fulfill. After Concetta gave the pair a brief update on the plan, the OHaras quickly followed after her.

When the ghost hesitated to enter the gym, Casey was stumped like the others. He'd never really dealt with ghosts before, but if this one lost enough of his senses that merely speaking his name would send him into a rage, why would he have enough sense to stop now?!

"Bullshit," he muttered under his breath.

He hadn't expected the timid girl to rush forward and turn into a timid dragon girl. Casey just stared quietly in stunned silence. It wasn't that he didn't believe it, but that he had trouble processing it to begin with, and suddenly her words from earlier had made more sense. He thought Taji was blaming herself for something out of her control, but no, she literally was the reason those assclowns in armor attacked the school. Holy shit.

And now the girl stood there, pleading to the ghost of the principal. Casey couldn't see her face with her back to him, but from the sound of her quivering voice, it was easy to tell she was crying. Was... this seriously what the Templars were after? A scared child?

[Yuki]

It would not take long for Concetta to get close to the gym with the Ohara's. Only for her to come to a sudden stop as she planted her feet on the floor and held up a arm as a signal for the two Ohara's stop. " Stop lads... It seems something is amiss.. He has not gone into the gym... He is standing right at the doors." The danger to the Ohara's was high as long as the angry ghost was still free. " Stay behind me.." Concetta said as she then drew her sword ready to fight if the angry ghost where to charge at them. From where they stood they where also able to see Taji in her changed form, Concetta did notice but she was to focused on keeping the Ohara's safe to really comment on it.




Kit and Taylor where stunned when Taji not only rushed forward she transformed. They knew what she was but they had not expected her to something like that! Taylor stole a glance at the others just to see how shocked they where. What was going to happen now?

Levi stared at Taji, she was the dragon the templars where after? And she blamed herself for what happened to Keith.. No that was not her fault.. Levi said nothing however as he clinched his fists. The templars where after a teenager?? Yeah she may be half dragon but she is just a kid! His heart went out to Taji, he could only imagine what the poor girl has gone though thanks to the Templars...


Sophie blinked, she was not in shock but was very surprised. How did she not see it? All the time she had spent around dragons and even having a dragon partner of her own... She should have known as soon as she met Taji. As Taji spoke blaming herself for everything that happened Sophie shook her head. It was far from her fault.. But Sophie could understand why she felt that way.


Dragon......" growled the ghost as he took a step forward.



" Yes! I am the one you want! Its all my fault! If you want revenge take out on me!" Taji said as she started to grow a little bolder.


Sophie then saw what Taji was doing. " She is trying to lure him into the circle." She said as she then moved forward to get into place.


Dragon..... DIE" Said the ghost as he then rushed forward.


Taji then turned as she opened her wings, giving them a mighty flap as she leaped off the floor and flew back to the others. Everyone now would see even her eye color had changed from grey to a gold color. Tears where running down her cheeks as she came back she landed next to Taylor and spun back around.


GRAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!" The ghost cried out as he suddenly found himself trapped the purifying circle. The circle started to glow brightly as Sophie started to chant strange words.


Concetta then put her sword away and smiled, " Alright its safe now." She said to the Ohara's.

[Lepa]

The OHaras didn't need to be told twice. Riki was already out of it from worrying himself sick, and Ricky found himself supporting him again once they came to a stop. They were reckless, sure, but they knew there was a time and place for it. The pair exchanged glances, not daring to speak and only kept an eye on Concetta as she stood between them and the ghost. Thankfully, his attention seemed to be occupied, but the two men were unsure of what.

Then they heard the commotion. It sounded like one of the girls...? It was a little hard to hear from their location combined with the echo in the gym, but it sounded like something about a dragon...? Again, Ricky glanced aside to Riki, silently affirming they'd both heard the gist of it. Concetta noted it was part of the plan shortly before the ghost vengefully howled about the dragon. It wasn't too long until his ear piercing scream followed soon after, and Riki couldn't help but jolt a little. He'd clutched onto Ricky, who returned the action for a brief moment until Concetta spoke again.

"Alright, it's safe now," She assured them.

"Geez...!" Riki sputtered out. Ricky let go of him and was much bolder in approaching the doorway to the gym. He peeked in, then quickly turned back and motioned Riki over. The latter followed, peering into the gym with him. There, they glanced over the scene and saw the ensnared ghost, though Riki did a quick doubletake at Taji. His focus wasn't on her for long however as the ritual was the more important matter at hand. If things went wrong, it was best to be alert and aware of the threat.

Casey had the same idea, standing his ground as the process continued. This finally seemed to be it, but he held his fists at the ready, just in case of any last minute shenanigans. Sophie probably had it under control by this point, but the man knew he couldn't be too careful.

[Yuki]

The ghost would scream as he stood frozen in place. Sophie chanted as light started to swirl around the ghost and enter him. "GRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH" He screamed as if in pain.

Taji flinched and clung to Taylor. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry..." She cried softly. Taylor was surprised when Taji suddenly clinged to him. Though he understand how she felt.. Small tears started to form in his eyes as well as he hugged Taji to try and comfort her. Kit noticed this and moved closer reaching up and placing a paw on Taji's arm. He said nothing though as his ears drooped as he looked up at Taji.


" Hear me spirit! May the light cleanse you, may the Spirit Queen embrace you! Sophie would say what looked like a featureless form of a woman could be seen as it pulled the angry ghost into a hug. Suddenly there was a bright flash and one last angry scream from the ghost. When the light faded there stood the spirit of Keith Cyrus. He looked like he had in life. The corruption was gone, Keith Cyrus stood there as if dazed as he slowly looked around. Only knowing a few faces, "Levi... Riki... Taylor.." he said softly. Then it slowly started coming back to him, what he had done in his crazed state.. Sarah!! 'Oh.. Oh no... Sarah.. I.. Oh no...." The spirit said with great regret.

Sophie smiled as she then fell to her hands and knees, doing that ritual had taken a lot out of her. " Sarah is fine now.. She should be back in her body."

Concetta nodded. " Indeed, she disappeared as soon as Keith was cleansed. "


" Oh thank goodness." Keith said with relief. He then looked at Taylor, Taji and Kit who where all staring at him.


" Taylor.. I am so sorry scaring you... And blaming you.. I don't blame you or Sarah for what happened. Same goes for you too. Its not your fault young dragon."


Taji looked at Keith Cyrus, unable to believe what he had just said. He did not blame her? Taji then pulled away from Taylor as tears ran like a river down her cheeks.
"But... They where here because of me.." she said softly.

Keith gave a soft smile. " You cannot control the actions of others... You are blameless my dear."

Those where the words that Taji needed to hear, she has been carrying the weight of guilt of Keith Cyrus death. To hear him say he did not blame her lifted it.
Taji then covered her face as she fell to her knees and stared to cry her heart out.

Keith then looked at Taylor, " Taylor, I do not blame you for not saving me.. You and Sarah where able to save many lives. I am so proud of you both.

Hearing that Taylor started to cry as well, he had felt guilty not being able to save Mr. Cyrus that day.

Levi was also tearing up but was doing his best to try and hold back his tears. He then felt a little hand touch his and looked down to see Ina touching his hand and looking up at him with a smile. Levi smiled back as he wiped away his tears.

[Lepa]

Riki's part in all of this was small. He'd seen the initial haunting, he'd told his friends, he'd come to the school with them, he'd worried himself sick over the students and his own friend possibly meeting the same fate... but when he heard the ghost - no, his old boss speak his name... Riki just about damn near broke down. He wasn't even a teacher like the other staff - hell, he wasn't even there the day of the attack, and the man still remembered him.

Riki's eyes glassed over from holding back tears, and he sniffed back whatever waterworks he could. As the scene unfolded before them with Mr. Cyrus absolving the students of blame, Ricky clasped a hand on his friend's shoulder. It was a small gesture of support, but it was overwhelming enough that Riki had to pull his glasses off and press his face into an arm. Silently, he let the tears flow, but he refused to show them. Ricky wasn't nearly as affected by the whole ordeal being an outsider to the situation, but he understood enough to stand by him in reflective silence.

Casey was in a similar spot. Most of his own emotional investment was with Taylor, but the kid was just one of several involved in this whole tragedy to begin with. He felt sorrow for the kids - he really did. Hell, even just seeing Taylor cry made Casey wonder if he'd been too hard on him before. Dealing with street thugs growing up was one thing, but maybe it wasn't exactly a one to one measurement when it came to dealing with weird bloodthirsty knight men...

...No. This was different.

There was learning to stand on your own, and there was learning to accept the things out of your control, no matter how deep your regrets ran.

Casey, admittedly, had not yet learned the latter.

Still, he was glad to have helped. After all, he was in debt to that girl that was so important to Taylor, and-

"...Ah...!" He glanced around. "...That's right... Sarah." Sophie said she should've returned to her body, and her mother confirmed it. He wasn't sure what looking around would accomplish, but surely someone could've called to check up on her...?

[Yuki]

As if right on cue there was a sudden there was a flash of light and Sarah along with the rest of the Guardians. Along with Kurtis, Sarah's older brother where now in the gym. Fane had used a teleportation spell to get them there quickly. Sarah's eyes where on Mr. Cyrus. Tears flooded down her cheeks as she stepped closer to him, "Mr. Cyrus.. I.."


Keith looked at her with caring loving eyes that a grandfather would give to his grandkids. " Its ok Sarah, just as I said to Taylor and the young dragon. My death was not your fault.. You where able to save many others, I am proud of you." he repeated.

Sarah smiled as she tried to wipe her tears away as if holding herself back from bawling. Kurtis then stepped forward and pulled his sister into a hug he was a teary eyed to. Sarah then softly cried as she buried her face in Kurtis's chest.

Amara stepped forward as well. When she was in school Mr. Cyrus had been a great source of encouragement when she tried to invent things or get the best grades. "Mr. Cyrus.. I... I miss you so much... Thank you for being there for me when my family ignored me.." She said as tears formed in her eyes. Fane and Alexander moved forward and placed their hands on Amara's shoulders. They did not have any words they could say but they could at least show Amara their support.

Keith smiled, " You have a bright future ahead of you Amara, lean on your friends. I'm sure they will be happy to support you." he said.


Amara gave a sad smile as she nodded and then touched Fane and Alexander's hands.


Keith then looked over at Levi who seemed to be staying back out of shame.


Levi my boy.. You did what you could for the students.. They are going to need your strength now more then ever.. Please watch over the students for me. Same for you Riki please look out for them in my stead." Keith knew of Levi's powers he had watched him struggle with them when he was a kid. He also knew how much the kids looked up to Riki as well.

" Its time for me to go now, take care everyone and look out for each other." He said and a soft glowing light appeared next to him. Keith looked at it with a smile and then stepped through as the light faded away.

It was done, Keith had moved on.

Sophie and Concetta exchanged glances, they both nodded as they started to leave the gym. As far as they where concerned they where no longer needed. Yes Sophie wanted to talk to Taji but now was not the time.

[Lepa]

Riki wiped his eyes dry, lifting his head once he'd been referenced by name again. He'd looked up in time to see the ethereal figure of the man bid everyone his final farewell before disappearing into what Riki assumed was "the other side." It wasn't every day he heard a dead man's last words, and boy did it weigh on his soul. The man didn't have to include him, he really didn't - or maybe Riki just didn't feel worth acknowledging. But, even as Mr. Cyrus passed, he trusted Riki to continue on. And he planned to, but... oh, if only he knew what a miserable little goofball he was... He didn't feel like he was even worth the man's words, but... even amidst his doubt, deep down Riki was happy to have been acknowledged.

As the students reconnected with each other, Casey had quietly slipped around the group and returned to his own friends.

"...You okay?"

That was a dumb question. Of course Riki wasn't, but it was more of an acknowledgement than a question. His eyes were still glassy and swollen, threatening to spill over into tears, but again he refused to let it happen. He answered Casey with a shrug and a sniff, shaking his head in uncertainty.

"It's fine," he answered in a croaking whisper. "Don't worry. We should go," he quickly insisted, his voice still hoarse, straining against his emotion. Ricky frowned at his struggle.

"Boss..." He murmured in quiet concern.

Casey frowned back, then glanced over his shoulder back at the group. He'd come to help them. He'd come to help Taylor. Or, at least he at least owed Sarah. And... now it was done. She was back. He'd done his part, and leaving now seemed like the best choice. He just couldn't help but feel that it might look suspicious if they just left without a word, but... he also felt sticking around wouldn't help much, either... especially with Riki's current state. He was a wreck from the night before, so he couldn't imagine what sort of wave of emotions he'd experienced just now. Hell, even Casey felt some sort of emotional numbness, and upon realizing it, he turned his attention back to Ricky.

"...Yeah. Let's go."

[Yuki]

It was done.. It was over they could move on form this chapter of their lives.. Sarah pulled away from Kurtis as she dried eyes and looked at everyone with a smile. Though she noticed that Riki and friends where leaving. No she had to thank them they helped save her to after all. " Riki wait!" Sarah called out as she ran over to them. She then hugged Riki let go of him then hugged Casey, not even asking if they wanted that or not. Then she let go she stepped back she smiled at the boi's. "I just wanted to thank you all for helping me, and Taylor." she said as she looked at Casey. "Oh and sorry for freezing you to a wall." Sarah apologized, most likely not needed but she still felt she needed to apologize for it.

Taylor the next to walk up to the group. " Thank you Calhoun.. I.. Don't know if I could have done this without your help." he said softly. He was terrified when he first volunteered to be bait though was happy when Calhoun decided to help.



Mean while Taji started to calm down as she dried her now red puffy eyes. She then stood up and stared at where Keith once stood. She was sick and tired of things like this happening.. Keith was not the first to die in the Templars hunt for her.. And all she could so was keep running.. She was tired of running.. Just surviving.. She wanted to live. She wanted to go to school, go to the mall with friends. Most of all not to hide what she was anymore. She... She wanted to come back to the school.. But would they let her? After all that has happened? Without a word Taji then started to leave the gym the other the Guardians noticed this and started to follow her. Everyone but Levi however he stayed alone in he gym.


When Taji and the others walked past them Taylor and Sarah looked at each other and followed, once outside Taji walked away from the school and stopped as she then looked up at the the sky. As if she was waiting for someone, and soon that someone came. A figure in sky could be seen. A woman with black wings and wearing all black with white hair soon landed in front Taji and smiled at her. " Have you succeeded in what you set out to do?" Malady asked.

Taji smiled and nodded. " Yes, he has moved on. And I...." Taji paused as if hesitating. She took a deep breath and exhaled as gathered her resolve.

"Malady.. I... I want to go back to school. I am tired of running and hiding.. Of just surviving... I want to live!! I want to go to school, go to the mall with my friends and go watch movies.. I... I want to do everything humans normally do. I.. I wont hide anymore.. I want to fight back." Taji said with great determination.

Malady smiled as she reached forward and tucked some hair behind Taji's ear. " I don't think you are alone in that wish Taji." Malady said as she then made the teen turn around to look at her friends. " You don't have to fight alone."

Taji smiled as she looked at her friends, the Guardians all walked up to Taji and Sarah held her hand out and the others did the same placing their hands on top of each others. Taji was the last to do so. " Yeah.... We wont just let the templars do whatever they want.. This is our city.. A home for both humans and non humans. They already learned we wont just roll over for them. We the Guardians will protect the city and our way of life." Sarah said with great confidence. Kurtis then walked forward placing his hand on top of Taji's, and then Malady placed her hand on his.


" For Aster city!" Sarah said


" For Aster city!" Everyone repeated raising their hands in the air