When Hyuga met Yui

[10.26.00] » by Chad 'Graeystone' Harger

Author's note: This is sort of the unofficial, official prequel to a previous story called 'The Real Ricdeu.' It is not required reading so you don't have to read that one to understand this one. Although it would be nice if you did so, it would give me a big ego boost. Age wise Hyuga and Yui are in their early twenties at the beginning of the story. Its just a rough guess cause I don't feel like doing the math :P. I'll shut up now.

*****

She lays on the floor with her back to leaning against the wall. How she got to this house she does not know. She only knows she felt drawn to this place, as if it was familiar in some way.

She is slowly dying. For three days she is slowly bleeding to death, her body slowly going numb. What the worse thing is the coldness of this house. She hated the cold with a passion. Normally she would have used Ether to heal her wounds, but if she did, those who are after her would find her very quickly. She thinks about her life and how odd that she would never know the touch of a man.

She hears a door being opened and sees a shadow come toward her. She hopes the person who owns this place is compassionate. Slowly she lifts her head and whimpers as a tear rolls down her cheek. Before her stands the one who had wrought this. He inhales sharply and draws his weapon. She closes her eyes awaiting for death to come. She curses herself for crying uncontrollably. It is not fair to die like this, to die in a strange land while all alone. She feels sharp cold metal against her neck. She takes one last slow breath and

Yui woke up and stared into the dark room. It was the third time she had the dream this week. She knew it was not a regular dream but a vision from her prophetic abilities. Ever since her abilities first manifested themselves and she discovered she could sometimes have glimpses of the future. Whenever a dream would repeat itself three times in exact detail, Yui knew it was a sign of things to come. She had hoped and prayed that she would never see her own death. Here it was anyway, the way she would die. Alone in a strange land with her killer before her.

"Lights low," muttered Yui. Her darkened room lit up with a soft light. Slowly Yui got up and started to pace. She noticed in her reflection the full length mirror she got on her eighteenth birthday from Queen Zephyr. Yui looked at her naked reflection in the mirror. The low light caused the sweat on her body shine. Yui placed her arms around her mid-section to hold herself. Closing her eyes she imagined a man coming up behind her and embracing her, not in a sexual way, but in way that took away the loneliness and darkness she felt about herself. She felt as though a warm light was shining upon her. In her fantasy she smiled and heard her lover say, "I love you Yui," and, "We will always be together," and "Yui please report to the Queen's Office, Yui please report to the Queen's Office."

Yui snapped out of her fantasy and her face warmed up with embarrassment. She noticed the sun shining through her window and wondered how long she stood in front of the mirror. She became suddenly afraid that she was losing it. All of her life she was alone, from being an orphan on the surface to not being able to find a man to spend her life with.

*****

In the Elements private headquarters Hyuga stood outside on the building's third floor balcony. It was night and Hyuga stared at the stars. It was always what he did when he just wanted to be alone. He felt comfortable in the night. It was like an intimate lover who did not have to ask him what was bothering him.

What was bothering him was enough to make him give up this life he had chosen for himself. What should have been a simple spy mission ended up more complicated on the emotional level. What the others did not know was that he is the Guardian Angel to Emperor Cain. He was ordered to keep an eye on the other Elements because they were wildcards to the Gazel Ministry and Emperor Cain. He fought and bled beside them and forged a bond with them and at the same time he had to keep the others at arm's length. What would happen if he was ordered to assassinate one of them?

Then there was this feeling he was having lately. Hyuga felt as though someone was calling or reaching out to him. In a way he felt helpless about it. It was like listening to someone through a communications device who needs help but not knowing to talk back to them. Hyuga finally chalked it up to stress. If and when this mission ended he was going to ask Emperor Cain for a vacation.

Hyuga took a sip of the drink he held in his hand and wish he had not. It was a typical Jessie drink. Hyuga swallowed hard and was left with the feeling of drinking Gear fuel. Hyuga had been through fifty types of hell in his life but Jessie's drinks had to be one of the worst.

Hyuga turned his attention to the stars. Lost in thought he did not hear footsteps behind him. "That is a good imitation of wallflower," said Miang.

Hyuga turned to her and frowned. For some reason when he was near her he stopped thinking. Although he did not know it, it was his unique Ether ability trying to protect his mind from mental intrusion. What he did know was what the Emperor told him about Miang. "Out of all of them, she is the one I trust the least." When Hyuga did his initial investigations of the others he was forced to agree. While everything about Miang looked real there was something about her that was fake. Hyuga was tempted to tell her about these strange feelings but decided not to. The Emperor was right. She was not to be trusted. Why that was he had yet to find out.

Hyuga took another sip of Jessie's concoction and slightly grimaced. "You need something?" he asked.

Miang took a drink from her glass. It was water, noted Hyuga, not one of Jessie's drinks. That was another thing about Miang. She never drank alcohol. None of her medical records stated she had any health problems with it nor was she a recovering alcoholic. Neither did her behavior show that she was some kind of prude. Another sign that she was somehow fake. Miang smiled. "Sigurd passed out after the first drink and Kahr and Jessie are too plastered to think straight. I saw you out here alone and thought you needed some company."

"Thank you," said Hyuga. "Just thinking about things."

"Like what?" asked Miang.

Hyuga hesitated then decided to talk about it. Even if it was with this woman the Emperor did not trust. The last thing he wanted was to think he was growing paranoid. "Did you ever get the feeling that someone is well. . .reaching or calling out to you even though you cannot see that someone?"

Hyuga expected Miang to laugh at his foolishness. He was surprised instead that the permanent smile she had on her face outside of battle had faltered. He saw a glimpse of fear and hatred in her eyes that quickly vanished. After a moment of silence she said, "Well maybe it was me who reached out to you."

"I am flattered Miang," said Hyuga trying not to be disgusted by her flirting. Wether Kahr knew it or not Miang was dangerous in a way because she was almost always flirting with men whenever Kahr was not with her. "Maybe I'm just a little tired. If we ever get some quiet time I think I will find a deserted island on the surface and spend some time there."

Hyuga thought Miang looked hurt by his rejection. She did not say anything though and Hyuga was glad. "I am sorry Miang," he said. "I am just not good company tonight."

"Well I guess I'll take Kahr home," said Miang. "No use having our leader doing something foolish in a drunken stupor." Miang laughed which caused chills to go down Hyuga back.

Hyuga turned his attention back to the cold stars. The sun was starting to rise and the stars started to fade in the morning light. As the bright light made the starlight fade Hyuga thought to himself, 'What is happening to me? Am I going paranoid? Worse yet is my own Dark Side trying to devour me? If that happens will anyone be able to stop me?'

*****

After showering and changing Yui went to the throne room of Shevat. There as usual sat Queen Zephyr the ruler of the floating city. To Yui, Queen Zephyr seemed to be the saddest person in the world. Although Queen Zephyr did tell Yui about herself and the history of Shevat, there was much she did not tell her like the betrayal of Sophia. Queen Zephyr smiled her sad smile and asked, "How are you this morning Yui?"

Yui bowed her head slightly and answered, "I am fine your Highness and how are you this day?"

Zephyr got up from the throne and started to walk. Contrary to what many people believed Zephyr spent more time walking around than sitting. Walking over to Yui, Zephyr placed her hand on Yui's arm like a mother comforting her daughter. "Yui, child, I know what you are feeling. Because your abilities, both Ether and non-Ether, you may feel things differently than other people correct?"

"Yes," answered Yui. "My emotions are more enhanced than other people I suppose. I remember when a close friend of mine died. I was crying so hard people thought I would need drugs to keep me from going into a depression. It was not the case. To me that level of mourning was the same as anyone else would feel in the same circumstances except on a different level."

Zephyr squeezed Yui's hand gently. "Exactly," she said. "Now tell me what it is that you feel now."

"It is nothing really," said Yui.

Zephyr laughed. "You remind so much of me when I was younger. I promise you I will tell nobody. This will be just between us girls, ok?"

Yui laughed for first time in days. Zephyr's choice of words made her lighter in spirit. "It is because I am alone," replied Yui. "I crave the touch of a man yet I can find no one. The wanting of that is so great it almost consumes me."

Zephyr smiled gently. "Yes, young love or the wanting of it," she said. "I know you have at least attempted to find a man correct?"

"Yes," answered Yui. "Those who I have dated do not understand that I feel things on a different level. They feel that I am too emotional for even a woman and that is what drives them away."

"It is hard," said Queen Zephyr. "When I undertook the life extending treatments I knew I would never be able to marry. You on the other hand are not bound like I am. You still have your short lifetime to find someone. I cannot believe you are the only who is unique. I am sure that somewhere out there is someone who is waiting for you. Remember what I told you that always prevails?"

Yui smiled. "Faith prevails no matter what," she answered. "And hope is in all of us that we should never give up."

"Now come," said Zephyr. "There is much we need to talk about. Your skills are needed once again and by skills I do not mean culinary."

Yui breathed deeply then exhaled. Another mission that dealt with her real job. While many people believed she was just the royal chef only a handful knew her real purpose in the court. She was also the best spy of the Shevat Intelligence Agency.

*****

Three days had pass as Yui prepared for her mission. In the meantime Hyuga was also preparing for his mission. He stood before Emperor Cain awaiting for his orders. Emperor Cain, like Queen Zephyr, knew when one of his people was bothered by something. "Before we begin," said Emperor Cain. "I want to know how you are feeling."

Hyuga looked at Emperor Cain. Already the signs of decay were upon this clone. Hyuga knew that this particular clone had lived for two hundred fifty years. This Emperor Cain's skin was starting to turn yellow. The skin around Cain's face was starting sink giving his face a more skull like look. Last week his legs were amputated less gangrene set in. "Are you going to answer me?" asked the Emperor.

"I am sorry Emperor Cain," said Hyuga. "Lately I have been. . .distracted."

"I know you have grown close to the other Elements," said Emperor Cain. "Do not be alarmed about it. Deep down they are good people if only a little misguided. If Kahr actually believed what he says then I would gladly hand over the reigns of power to him. But alas it can not be."

Hyuga was taken aback by the Emperor's words. He wondered if this was a test of some kind. Gathering courage Hyuga said, "Sir, I am confused. Only you can be Emperor for no other is strong as you."

"Am I?" asked the Emperor. "What is strength without being able to do to is right Hyuga? It does not matter for now. I was just merely curious. Even though you have lied to me."

Hyuga swallowed hard. "I-I apologize Emperor Cain."

"I am not the Gazel Ministry my friend," said Emperor Cain. "The question is always unfair because I am the one who asks it. It matters not wether the answer to that question is right or wrong. The truth is I am stuck as Emperor. Enough brooding on my part Hyuga. It seems that you are the one who has more weight on your shoulder than needs be. . .and please answer truthfully."

"I do not know," answered Hyuga with a sigh of relief. He must be losing it if he lied to the Emperor. Something that would be anyone else's last mistake. "I feel as though I am losing myself. I have inadvertently become friends with the Elements. Lately I feel as though someone is reaching out to me. I am also afraid that my own Dark Side is consuming me."

Cain nearly jumped out of his throne. "Did you say you feel as though someone is reaching out to you? Stand still and do not move Hyuga!" Hyuga did what he was told and he was then enveloped by the Emperor's own Ether. Hyuga felt the Emperor's power wash through him. Then as soon as it started Cain's invasion stopped. Hyuga knew he was one of the most powerful people on the planet because of his abilities, although he did not know why, but still even the tiniest use of the Emperor's power made his own look like a breeze.

"I'm sorry," apologized Emperor Cain. "There is so much in this world that you do not know yet. There is a . . . force that would destroy us all. I know I can trust you Hyuga but it is not yet time to share such secrets with you. You have been through so much this past year and now I must add to that burden."

Hyuga became all business. "As you wish Emperor Cain. I assume there is a mission?"

"The SIA. . .meaning ours," said Emperor Cain with a smile. The intelligence organizations for both Solaris and Shevat shared the same abbreviation. The running joke was that when someone mentioned SIA the reply was always, "Which one?"

"Have they been infiltrated?" asked Hyuga. There were things kept in the SIA computers that if were to ever see the light of day would spell Solaris' downfall. Things that Hyuga himself had done if that were ever revealed would make his own death slow and painful.

"Not yet," answered Emperor Cain. "Our own spies in Shevat have reported that their best agent is preparing to infiltrate Shevat."

Hyuga's eyes widened in surprise. "The Shadow Wraith," he whispered. Ever since that particular agent's appearance in Solaris he or she had quite easily put the Solaris agency to shame. The only time people were able to see the mysterious Shadow Wraith ended up dead as he or she made their way through Solaris. Hyuga always wondered what type of person the Shadow Wraith was to be able to do what they did so easily. Hyuga always wondered if this mysterious person would be his equal in battle. "What are we going to do?" asked Hyuga.

"We are going to try and capture this person," answered Emperor Cain. "I arranged certain information to be planting into the SIA's computers. False information saying that a full scaled assault on Elru is being planned."

"That seems too easy," said Hyuga. "I doubt the Shadow Wraith will be easily fooled."

"Don't worry," said Emperor Cain. "We arranged enough security to make it not too easy. What we will try to do is chase this spy into the sewer systems. There you and ten of my personal guards will lay in wait for this Shadow Wraith."

"And then?" asked Hyuga.

"You know as well as I do the body count this person has made for themselves," answered Emperor Cain. "You may be in the fight for your life Hyuga."

"I understand," said Hyuga. He bowed then left the throne room. Emperor Cain looked upon the live video feeds from the Data Crystals strewn throughout the world and thought, 'Hyuga, what will you do if this Shadow Wraith is a woman? I saw your eyes light up when you realized your target. Will you fight to the death or being equals will you both destroy each other? If this person is a woman then will she be the one who will cure you of your curse of your Dark Side or will this battle be the one were it consumes you? I wish there was some other way. . .to be able to see into the future for such a small insignificant event. You my Guardian Angel. . .will you be one of the people who will help save the people of this world or destroy it?'

*****

"This is not my weapon!" snapped Yui. She threw the metallic staff to ground. It bounced on the ground and the echo filled the narrow hallway in Solaris' capital. She moved around in the Solaris dress that First Class female citizens wore. Underneath her dress she wore a tight black outfit used by Shevat Intelligence for covert operations.

Her contact in Solaris, code named the Collector, made a hushing sound. "Keep it down will you? I'm sorry Yui but this is the best I can do. I think the SIA is on to me."

"You always say that every time you mess up!" retorted Yui. "You're job is to find our intelligence people the equipment while we are here! Don't tell me you are starting to slip!"

The Collector's face turned red."I'm not sure," he said. "I think Solaris is on to us. A few hours ago I got a piece of news from an informant. She said that SIA is expecting the Shadow Wraith. That is why everything was thrown together in a rush."

"Damn!" said Yui. "How bad does it seem? Do they know?"

"I dunno," answered the Collector. "I just get the stuff together. All I can say is be carful. There may or may not be a trap somewhere along the line."

Yui flashed a cold smile. She picked up the metal staff weapon and tried a few practice moves. "They have tried before," said Yui. "A staff can be as deadly as a sword. Solaris can send their best for all I care they will find that I'm not so easily defeated."

The Collector took a step back. He knew enough to argue with Yui when she was in this type of mood. "To continue," he said. "The retrieval point will be at cargo-bay 02. Don't forget that once you retrieve the data you will only have a hour to get back. Any questions?"

"Just one," said Yui. She stared right at the Collector. "You screwed up Collector. You never do that. If you betrayed Shevat and I, you had better be very far away if I find out." Yui pressed a button on the staff. It retracted into a small cylinder which she placed in a small pouch inside her tunic along with small data crystals and ID that would let her get past the security checks.

The Collector swallowed and got out of Yui's way. "No problem, ok?" he said. Yui ignored him and walked into the level three sector of Solaris and into a false Heaven.

*****

Hyuga scanned the meeting room. Ten of Emperor's Personal Guards were here. "Your orders are to capture the Shevat spy known as the Shadow Wraith," said Hyuga.

"Isn't the Shadow Wraith a spy?" asked one of the guards.

"Yes," answered Hyuga. "We do not know who the Shadow Wraith is. All we know is that Shevat is sending this person to get some information from SIA's computer. What we will do is provide some false information. When we track the signal to the location we will then spring our trap. First we will try to chase the Shadow Wraith into the sewer systems."

A grown went around the room. "Come on Hyuga," said one of the guards. "You have got to be kidding. The sewers?"

Hyuga smiled. He had been down there once before and that was enough. Nortune's sewer system smelled like sweet flowers by comparison. "Sorry people," he said. "This is the only way to keep this operation quiet. Now some advice. Above all use caution. We are not to engage the Shadow Wraith until he or she is down in the sewers. You all have read the reports concerning the Shadow Wraith. This person is not to be underestimated."

"Is this a capture or kill operation?" asked another guard.

"We want to try to capture this person first," answered Hyuga. "But if any of you are backed into a corner use any means to survive. Any other questions?"

"What are our chances of a capture?" someone asked.

"Many traps have been laid out for the Shadow Wraith," said Hyuga. "All of them failed. This person is so good that we cannot even get a blood sample." Hyuga became grim. "I do not expect all of us to survive this mission."

No one objected or said anything else. They were part of the Emperor's elite guard. The only thing they feared was the Emperor himself, not even the Gazel Ministry or Krelian could give them orders.

*****

Yui made her way through SIA's Headquarters after sneaking in through an unused service elevator. Using an experimental jamming device she was unseen by the monitors and senors. Although that was a plus Yui still did not push her luck. Twice she was almost seen by guards. With the guards she had to be very careful. She stuck with the shadows until she found what she was looking for. Using an electronic lock-pick Yui unlocked the cleaning storage room. Quickly changing into a custodian's work clothes, Yui grabbed some cleaning equipment and left the storage room.

Taking her time as a custodian normally would Yui made her way to the central computers. She hoped that the ID card that Collector gave her would work. Saying a short prayer to a God that may or may not exist Yui swiped the ID Card through the scanner. Relief flowed through her as the door opened.

Yui shivered as a blast of cold air hit her. The computers were so powerful that a liquid nitrogen generator kept the computers from overheating. She made her way to a work station and took data disks from the pocket of the custodian's outfit. She placed the disks into the drive and started to type the access codes that Collector gave her. She watched the data on the screen as it was being copied to the disks. It took five minutes for one of the passwords to work and another ten to find the right files.

Yui frowned when the data was collected. The data collecting missions were either too easy or too hard. This was the first time such a mission was 'just right'. A just right type of mission never happened unless someone made it happen. Yui placed the disks in her pocket. She gathered the cleaning equipment when out of nowhere she heard a familiar voice say, "Behind you!"

Yui ducked as the guard tried to hit her from behind. Yui turned and got up, she delivered a kick to the side of guard's head. The guard dropped and tried to get up and raised his gun. Yui grimaced and kicked the gun out the guard's hand. She got behind him and grabbed his head. Yui inhaled and twisted with all her might snapping the guard's neck. Yui picked up the gun and exited the computer room.

Yui composed herself and calmly as possible made her way toward the nearest exit. It was odd that she did not encounter anymore guards which could only mean a trap. Yui's features became grim and determined. With her enhanced emotions she looked like an avenging angel with a purpose of death.

Yui exited the building and was shot at. Snipers in the surrounding building fired at her but purposely trying not hit her but instead confuse her. The tactic worked and in her confusion she looked for the nearest escape route which happened to be an open manhole cover. Yui ran to the manhole and the sharpshooters gave her incentive to move quicker. She yelled in pain as she slipped on the ladder and nearly twisted her ankle.

Yui cursed knowing they had herded her into the sewer system. Solaris' sewer system were as bad at Shevat's. Yui grimaced trying to not be sick. She focused on the job at hand which was survival. She gritted her teeth knowing the game was over. Yui had another game she played with Solaris Intelligence, a game more deadly than the one they tried with her. Yui took the staff and extended it. She took the gun and pitched into the sewage, she was never that good with such weapons. She chose a direction and walked while promising that she would show Solaris how to play the spy game.

*****

"Shadow Wraith is a woman," said the communication technician.

Hyuga looked over the technician's shoulder. "You sure?" he asked to be sure.

"Yes sir," replied the technician. He pointed to another monitor. "Here you can see the planted files being copied."

Hyuga looked the woman on the monitor. She seemed real familiar. "Try to get a match of her identity," ordered Hyuga.

The technician typed in a search command and waited. A few seconds later he got his match. "Uh. . .sir," he said. "I. . .think our files might be wrong."

"Explain," said Hyuga.

The technician swallowed hard thinking the information was wrong. He knew that the higher someone was in the government, the less forgiving they were of mistakes. He had heard so many rumors about Hyuga's temper and none of them were nice. "Well. . .sir she is Shevat's Royal Chef."

"Good job," said Hyuga.

The technician looked at the Hyuga with shock. "You mean. . ." he said, his voice trailing off.

"Yes, she is the Queen's personal chef. I do not remember her name off hand though. I wonder if she a good cook as she is a spy," chuckled Hyuga.

"I wouldn't know sir," said the technician. The technician looked another monitor that was tied outside of the computer room. "Damn!" he yelled.

Hyuga came close to swearing as he saw on another monitor a guard about to go into the computer room. His temper started to raise as he felt darkness start to rise within him. He watched the guard enter and spotted the woman. There was supposed to be no one there! The guard crept up behind Yui and tried to hit her with the butt of his gun. Hyuga tried his best not to be consumed by his Dark Side. He took controlling breaths and for some reason that was beyond him he thought, "Behind you!"

Moments later the technician said, "Sir, she killed the guard. Sir?"

Hyuga wiped the sweat from his forehead and saw the technician look at him with concern. "I'm fine," he said with a air of calm with he did not feel. "I've just been. . .a little under weather lately. Do not worry, I will be aright."

The technician knew better than to press the issue. "She's heading toward the nearest exit just like we predicted."

Hyuga gripped the back of the technician's chair and took his final calming breaths. Regaining control of himself, Hyuga said, "Remind the snipers to herd her the right way," he said. Some of his darkness still lingered when he said, "If any of the snipers get fortunate they will explain to me personally why such fortune should shine on them."

Hyuga left and the technician turned to watch him leave. The technician noticed where Hyuga had gripped the back of the chair. The technician swallowed seeing the dented metal in a three inch steel chair. Given Hyuga's and Shadow Wraith's track record the technician knew if they encountered each other anything less than a hard fought bloody battle would be a surprise.

*****

Yui made her way down the sewer system. She did not even bother stick in the shadows. The sewers were too well lit. 'At least there are no sentry drones,' she thought without much humor.

Halfway down the tunnel she heard footsteps. She waited for whoever it was to come around the corner. She mentally reached out with the part her brain that allowed the usage of Ether and waited for her target. The Emperor's Guard came around the corner ready to fire, gun raised and finger on the trigger. He came around the corner laying out a strafing fire.

Yui raised her arm, fingers outstretched. "Air Razor," she whispered when the guard got in the right position. The air shimmered, became solid and vibrated with a hum in front of Yui's fingers. Air made daggers flew forward and pierced the guard's armor and knocked him backwards into the wall with such force that the wall cracked.

Yui started to move when she heard someone yell, "What the hell happened to him!"

Yui swore and went over the side corridor wall and stood against the wall as flat as possible. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her most unique Ether ability. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the Ether around her. The air closest to her shimmered and made Yui take a different form. She clenched her teeth as the Ether created illusion made her look like the wall.

Two more guards, one with a scanner cautiously walked around the corner. "Where is she?" asked the first guard.

"According to the scanner she should be right in front of us," answered the second guard with confusion.

The first guard tapped his scanner and moved closer to the wall. That close to the wall and he could see the illusion shimmer. "Damn," he hissed. He raised his gun and Yui moved. She grabbed the guard's arm and twisted it. The other guard fired at the same time and Yui forced the guard in her grip in front of her. The lasers struck the guard killing him. Yui raised the dead guard's gun arm and fired the gun at the other guard killing him.

Yui dropped the dead guard and took his gun. She never used guns that much preferring up close and personal battles. Yui knew she had no choice in the matter but to use it.

Yui rubbed her temples. The side effect of using too much Ether which can leave a person weak. Yui took the vial of Omegasol the Collector gave her and drank it. She felt her headache go away and the part of her mind that controlled Ether recharged.

Yui continued on her way making her way in and out of shadows of the dimly lit sewer system. She killed without regret or mercy, the guards's screams or expressions of horror did not move Yui at all. Yui fought the last guard. With surprising strength of one her size she picked up the guard and brought him down across her knee breaking the guard's back paralyzing him. She tried to put the guard out of his misery when someone said, "Impressive."

*****

Hyuga left the hidden observation room in the sewers and followed the Shadow Wraith's trail. He shook his head seeing the Emperor's dead guards. Hyuga did not know how the Emperor would react when he found out.

Hyuga ran finally catching up with the woman. He caught up to her when he saw her break the last guard's back. "Impressive," he said meaning it. She turned to him and Hyuga saw an attractive woman, a woman who had been through battle as much as he did judging by her semi-haunted expression. Hyuga looked at her inquisitively having the feeling he knew her somehow. First he thought it was from the records like the one the communication technician showed him but it was not that. Her blond hair was a sign that she was of true Shevat blood.

Yui turned and looked at Hyuga. A tall attractive man with a long black hair tied in a single ponytail. His clothes were simple in design marking him as either a first or second class. The only thing marking him as anything but a lower class citizen was the sword on his belt. Yui felt something familar about this man. She tried to remember where thinking he was with some Solaris agency. He said she was impressive and it took a moment for Yui to realize he meant it. "Thank you," she said carefully.

"I'd ask for your surrender. I doubt you would," said Hyuga.

"No," replied Yui. She raised the gun she had picked up from one of the guards. "I doubt you'd forget I was ever here."

"Sorry," said Hyuga. "We were ordered to capture you one way or another."

Hyuga walked toward Yui and she raised her gun and fired. The laser just missed Hyuga's head. "I've killed enough this day. I don't want to kill anyone else," said Yui.

Hyuga dared a glance at Yui's hand. It was not shaking. She would kill him on the spot. What the woman did not know was that Hyuga used Senkei, an Ether ability that permitted him to move so fast he looked like a blur. Hyuga called Yui's bluff and moved toward her. Yui shook her head fired. Yui mouth open with surprise as the laser went passed were Hyuga stood.

Hyuga leaned against the wall. Smiling, he said in a matter of fact voice, "You missed."

"Son of a-" muttered Yui. She set the gun on rapid fire and tried again.

Hyuga became a blur dodging the blasts. He stopped at the same spot where he began when the gun ran out of power. "There is no way you can beat me," said Hyuga.

Yui glared at Hyuga then smiled. She tapped her left shoulder. Hyuga looked at Yui with confusion. Automatically his right hand raised and touched his left shoulder feeling a hole in the shirt. He looked at the hole then at Yui. "A first time for everything. I guess. I better start taking you seriously."

Yui became angry then calmed down realizing that this man was using psychological tactics. "Must be why I leave SIA agents dead all over the place. Now you people start taking me serious? I don't if I should be insulted."

"Words that cut," smiled Hyuga. "Those are not the only things that can cut." Hyuga drew his sword and pointed the end at Yui. "For the last time surrender. You do not want to face me in battle."

Yui was impressed by the man's bravery. "Words cannot only cut they also can bludgeon." Yui took the cylinder from the her inside breast pocket. She pressed the button and with the sound of compressed air escaping, metal extended forming a metal staff. Yui pointed one end of the staff at Hyuga. "Strange I was going to give you same warning."

Hyuga stood in a fighting stance. "No surrender?"

Yui moved into her own fighting stance. "No retreat?"

"You'll have to kill me," said Yui.

"Same with me," challenged Hyuga.

Man and woman, day and night, dawn and dusk, light and darkness, Solaris and Shevat. Different sides of the same coin. Hyuga and Yui waited patently for the other to make the first move. Even if Armageddon was upon them neither of them would even flinch. Moments turned into minutes and after the fifth minute Hyuga gave Yui a knowing look. Yui returned the looked with her own. Neither warriors yelled a battle cry in fear of disturbing what they both felt was the most perfect of silence. They ran toward each other with their weapons raised. The next sound was metal against metal echoing down the sewers like the sounds of the Gates of Hell being hit.

*****

Unknown to Hyuga and Yui a private audience watched the whole scene play out. Those who ruled the world while waiting for the right time for the resurrection of Deus watched the best Solaris and Shevat had to offer prepare for battle. They knew that Yui would make quick work of Emperor Cain's Royal Guards. No one said anything until Hyuga and Yui ran into each other.

"What is he doing?" asked one of facets of the Gazel.

"He should have attacked by now," added another facet.

"Hyuga is no one's fool," said Miang. "Considering she actually connected with that gun is a surprise."

"Hyuga has been injured in battle before," said the facet that wondered why Hyuga was stalling.

"I have seen him in one on one situations just like that," explained Miang. "He was never hit. None of the blasts even came close."

"That does not answer the question of why he did not attack right away," said the main facet of the Gazel.

A second viewing screen appeared and Emperor's Cain face filled the screen. "Because his orders were to try to capture her first," said Emperor Cain with anger. "He also has a sense of honor that is beyond our understanding!"

Everyone turned to the Emperor. "Cain," said Krelian.

"Cain!?" asked the Emperor. "Since when were we on first name basis Krelian!"

"Gentlemen," said Miang. "This is not-

"Silence woman!" ordered Cain. "Lest I order the death of every woman on this planet! You fools with your stupid schemes and plots! Did you not think I would find out them out? You may believe you control my people but I still have some who are loyal to me!" Cain's image panned back and he held up the decapitated head of the communication technician. "Those who obey me are honored by me and those who betray me will die! One of the technicians in the palace recording the events in the sewers noticed a stray signal! The technician examined the stray signal he discovered a component in the cameras that were not in the original schematics! Much to my surprise. . .well not really surprising at all with all of you back stabbers that the signal was sent to you!"

Cain took a rasping breath. An Ether aura formed around the Emperor. "I am not a vengeful ruler," he said. "Yet there is one thing that I cannot forgive and that is betrayal. You all better pray that Hyuga loses because if he doesn't I am tempted send him after the lot of you!" Cain's aura became brighter. "It was agreed that we would not interfere with each others Guardian Angels unless it was absolutely necessary!"

"We are not interfering," said Krelian. "When we found out about the mission we were worried about Hyuga. This woman is not to be underestimated. Look at what she did to your guards."

Emperor Cain laughed. "Whoever said they were 'my' guards? I said traitors would be killed." Cain turned to the person who tempted the corrupt guards. "Isn't that right Grahf?"

"It is a good policy," said Grahf with just a twinge of anger.

"The power of this woman is incredible," said a facet of the Gazel Ministry hoping to change the subject.

"I feel that she does have unique powers," added Miang. "She might be the one we are looking for."

"Uh-huh," said Emperor Cain. "My body my be rotting but my mind is not! You do make a good point though. This woman might possibly be Miang's better half or an Anima."

"What if Hyuga kills her?" asked the main facet of the Gazel Ministry.

"Then we are wrong. Only the chosen can kill each other. That is not genetics or myth, it is fact," said Krelian.

"I doubt she a Mother," said Cain. "She does not resemblance Sophia," he purposely said just to spite Grahf and Krelian.

Grahf hissed and Krelian roped in his rage before it showed. "I suggest," said Krelian dryly. "That we watch and observe."

"You are correct," said Emperor Cain. "This is the final warning. If I ever hear of another deception again I will kill the originator without a second thought! If one of you dies then so be it! Anyone here planning on interfering with the battle better not follow through with it!"

No one replied knowing the Emperor meant it. While they each had their suspicions about this clone, Cain had used such threats before. Silently they return to watching the battle except for Miang who claimed she had an engagement with Kahr and could not watch.

*****

Two hours passed and the two combatants were getting nowhere. They were too evenly matched and they moved so quickly that neither gave the other the chance to use Deathblows or Ether.

Halfway through the third hour they started to injure each other. Hyuga struck first piercing Yui's elbow cutting the vein enough to cause her to bleed. Minutes later Hyuga brought his sword over his head and swung it downward. Yui lifted her staff blocking the sword. Before Hyuga could move, Yui slid the staff down the blade and struck Hyuga in the head with such force that two small pieces of his skull broke and pierced his brain. Hyuga was fortunate that his strange abilities kept him from dying while Yui's superhuman will kept her arm from going limp.

The next hour passed without either making gaining the advantage over the other. Near the beginning of the fourth hour both started to make mistakes that would nearly cost them their lives. Yui managed to back Hyuga against a wall and he attempted to jump over her. Yui raised her staff and hit Hyuga in the left knee shattering it. Hyuga refused yell when he landed. Instead he twisted around and before Yui could turn, Hyuga cut her horizontally along her back. Yui felt her legs tingle after the blow. She hoped and prayed paralyzation would not set in. Stumbling, Yui tried to hit Hyuga with her staff using her injured arm. Hyuga managed a fortunate blow cutting her wrist when she had the staff raised.

In the final hour they both moved slowly. In years to come during his trial, Hyuga would say that he and Yui fought for six hours straight. Both were in shock in that final hour and Hyuga did honestly believe they fought hard. The truth was they both were swinging wild. More time than not they were not even facing each other. Yui managed the only blow. Hyuga had slipped on Yui's blood that soaked the floor. Trying to regain his balance he fell forward. In a moment of clarity Yui swung her staff hitting Hyuga in the ribs breaking three of them and causing the ribs to pierce his lungs.

Near the end of the battle Hyuga was on one knee and Yui laid against the wall. Two warriors looked at each other and knew the truth. They were dying. Neither of them wanted to lose and neither would surrender.

Hyuga looked at the woman who he admitted was his equal. It was such a pity they had meet in such a way. Yui had the same thoughts about the man before her. Hyuga looked at Yui with a warrior's look. Yui nodded and knew what came next.

Slowly and with the last of their strength and will, Yui and Hyuga stood up. They ignored the pain that would have killed a lesser person. They stared at each other and through unspoken agreement, which was actually the seed of the unique bond between them, they both prepared their most deadly Deathblow.

Hyuga inhaled deeply ignoring the fire that tore through his punctured lung. Taking what might be his last breath he focused Ether into his sword and when he was ready he charged Yui. He did not even get a chance to draw his sword when Yui, who had her staff in front of her, let go of it and it hovered vertically in midair. 'Flair Flash!' she thought.

The staff became bright as the sun and Hyuga scream as his eyes burned. His sword slipped out of his hand and he fell to the ground screaming and holding his face.

Yui never heard such screams and it nearly caused her cry. Stumbling away in shock Yui made her way out of the sewers. The screams bringing up images of past missions and battles that were violent.

*****

"What happened?" asked Krelian. They all watched in silence the epic battle. Near the end they all wondered what kind of people Hyuga and Yui truly were to last so long with such injuries. They watched up to final moment where Yui had released her most powerful Deathblow. The light was so bright that the camera's digital imaging system could not handle the brightness and overloaded.

"The battle is over," said Emperor Cain. "I'm sending in a medical team to tend the wounded. Krelian, you to tend to the survivors. The medical people will stay with you until everyone is healed. Do not disappoint me Krelian."

Krelian knew what the Emperor really meant. Whatever plans he had for Hyuga and the woman were ruined. Krelian bowed slightly. "I understand Emperor," he said.

*****

Yui attempted to use her healing Ether that she had dubbed Heart's Whisper. While the Ether did energize her and did bring some clarity to her mind and some of the bleeding did stop for now she was still in trouble.

Pain tore through her back as she climbed a ladder leading into the streets. It took three minutes to push the manhole cover out of the way. She had to use her good arm and somehow dragged herself out of the sewers. She forgot about her pain for a moment when she saw the stars in the sky. 'How long were we fighting?'

She thought of the saying about time flying while having fun. The ironic thought caused her to laugh. Her laughter became uncontrollable. When she finally got control she noticed she was somewhere else. She looked around the streets and knew she was in the First Class living areas. She tried to figure out how she got her. She could not remember at all and figured shock and fatigue caused the lapse.

Yui looked at the houses and wondered if someone would help her but she knew better. By now Solaris Military had to be looking for her. She spotted a house and for some reason was drawn to it. Without reason Yui stumbled to the house. She examined the windows and noticed one was slightly open to let fresh air in. Yui attempted to slide the window with her good arm but could not. She slid her staff underneath the window and pushed it. The window slid up giving Yui enough room to crawl through. Yui's wounded back scraped the wood around the window as she crawled though she did not to scream.

Yui crawled to a corner and leaned against it. She felt her eyes starting to close and fear shot through her. Yui forced her eyes to remain and tears fell down her face. Her greatest fears came true. Images of her parents protecting her while trying to get her to the shuttle to Shevat passed through her mind. Dying alone and while coldness was her only companion. Yui let go of her despair and cried.

*****

The medics found Hyuga by following the echos of his screams. They tried to hold him down, finding it nearly impossible. "Damn it!" yelled a medic. The medics had to injected enough Morphint to put a demi-human out. "He should be out by now!"

"Then give him more," ordered Krelian.

"You can't be serious," said the medic. "Anymore could kill him!"

"If he dies then the Emperor will not be happy," said Krelian.

Fear came over the medic that had nothing to do with the Limiter. The medic shook her head. "If he dies then my report will state that I was ordered by a superior officer giving me a direct order to inject more drugs into the patient."

"If you save him, the Emperor will reward you," said Krelian.

"Lets see if we can save him first," said the medic. She took another syringe and filled it with Morphint and injected it into Hyuga's arm. It took three more doses to finally put him out.

At Krelian's lab, which he ordered cleared of any proof of his traitorous acts before he left for the sewers, the medic team placed Hyuga in Krelian's most powerful nano-reactor. The medic stretched and went over to a desk and sat down.

Krelian walked over to the medic. "You are done here," said Krelian. "You may leave."

"Sorry sir," said the medic. "I was ordered by the Emperor to stay here until Hyuga is healed up." The medic got up and walked over to the tank that held Hyuga. She checked the machine's scanners and whistled. "How long where they fighting?" she asked.

"That's classified," answered Krelian.

"Whatever," said the medic. "Then when did he get this injury?" she asked, pointed to the scan of Hyuga's head.

Krelian raised an eyebrow, the only display of surprise he would show. "That was early on in the battle. His attacker struck him in the head. Must have chipped his skull and punctured his brain."

"You think?" asked the medic in a sardonic tone. "By rights he should have been killed or in a coma."

Krelian ignored the woman. They all underestimated Hyuga's talents except maybe for Emperor Cain.

"Uh oh," said the medic. She pointed to another display. "The damage to his eyes, was that caused by Ether?"

"We're not sure," lied Krelian.

The medic shook her head. "If it is then he's going to have vision problems for the rest of his life."

"Explain," ordered Krelian. While he was a genius with genetics and nanomachines, he was no healer.

"Ether is known to play havoc on sensitive organs like the eyes. I'm guessing his eyes was exposed to an Ether induced bright light. If it was normal light we could repair the eyes no problem." The medic zoomed the screen in closer so they could actually see the nanomachines work. "Here the nanomachines try to repair the eyes but the Ether residue just cause the wounds to reappear."

"Will he go blind?" asked Krelian.

"Fortunately no," said the medic. "From what I've read about his medical records, Hyuga's Ether abilities should repair some of the damage. It will just leave him nearsighted. Just before he awakes I'm going to do a scan of his eyes to get him the proper prescription lenses."

"Fine," said Krelian without much enthusiasm. "When will he awake?"

"Factoring in Hyuga's own Ether ability and your nanomachines, three days," answered the medic.

Krelian looked at Hyuga. 'Who are you that you have such unique abilities? Who are you that cannot have a Limiter? What man and woman gave birth to you?' Those were questions he would never find out. Not in this life or when he died and went to be with God.

*****

Hyuga floated in darkness for two days. On the third day he had the strange feeling of someone calling out to him. "Help me! I don't want to die. Cold. . .so cold!"

"Where are you?" asked Hyuga. "I have always wanted to help but I cannot unless you tell me where you are."

"Help me! Please don't let me die!" cried the voice in Hyuga's mind.

"No!" yelled Hyuga. "I won't let you die! Just talk to me!" Hyuga's body shook in the tank.

His heart rate increased and the medic saw it. A red light flashed indicating the patient was fully cured. She went over to a wall communicator. "Krelian," she said. "He's coming around."

"I'm coming," he said. "Please start the shutdown procedures."

"Yes sir," she said. She drained the tank of liquid and nanomachines. The glass tank rose and she helped Hyuga up.

"H-have to help her," he muttered.

"Don't struggle sir," ordered the medic while supporting him. "I have your clothes with me. They were repaired also."

"Where am I?" asked Hyuga while putting on his clothes.

"In my lab," said Krelian. "It was my equipment that saved you."

Hyuga's lip curled in anger. "If you think I'm in your debt then forget it."

"Emperor Cain ordered it," said Krelian with just a hint of displeasure.

"It must burn you up inside knowing you were ordered to save me," said Hyuga. While in public the two men had to put on the appearances of cooperation in private they did not like each other.

"My feelings do not matter," said Krelian. "The Emperor must care for you."

"My relation with the Emperor is none of your business," replied Hyuga. To the medic he said, "I think I can stand now."

The medic let go of Hyuga and he stretched and walked a little bit to regain his balance. It was then he noticed everything faraway was a blur. "My eyes," he whispered.

"I'm sorry sir," said the medic. "You were hit by a blinding light caused by Ether. The Ether residue in your eyes prevented healing by nanomachines."

Krelian walked over with a small case. "Try these on," he said.

Hyuga looked the medic for confirmation. Being around Krelian, paranoia was not a bad thing. She nodded and Hyuga took the case. He opened it and put the glasses on. He felt his eyeballs being sucked back into his head. He raised his hand to use Sazanami but the medic stopped him. "Sorry sir, I can't recommend that. You have to bear the pain until yours eyes adjust."

Hyuga sighed. At least the glasses were a perfect fit. "You look more like a scholar than a warrior," said an deep oily voice behind him.

The medic looked and gasped and Hyuga turned. "You," he hissed. Hyuga felt his Dark Side immediately rise within him. "What the hell are you doing here."

"I was curious to see what damage the woman did to you," said Grahf. "Guardian Angel Hyuga brought down by a woman. . .a chef of all things."

Hyuga tried to reign himself in. Hyuga was honest with himself, he did not like the killing and assassinations. He had nightmares almost every night. Grahf on the other hand was a pure killer. A psychopath who got off on killing. The first and last time the two worked together they almost got into a fight in Elru when they were ordered to assassinate a traitor. Grahf wanted to kill not only the traitor but the traitor's family. That was were Hyuga drew the line. He nearly killed a scientist's child and after that he swore he would never allow the innocent to be caught up in politics and grand schemes again.

"Jealous?" asked Hyuga. "If you were with me in the sewers the target would take one look at your horrid face and run away in terror."

Grahf hissed through his mask. "You do not know your place worm," he said. "You are strong but you have not been touched by-

"Grahf!" snapped Krelian. In a rare moment Krelian became angry. "Unless you are here for reason please leave! Hyuga is my patient and he does not need any stress!"

Hyuga knew Krelian stopped Grahf from finishing whatever it was he was going to say. Krelian was more interested in keeping secrets than Hyuga's well being.

Grahf shook his head. "As I said, I wanted to see Hyuga. . .nice glasses for the Emperor's pet." Grahf turned and left the lab.

"What did he mean by touched?" asked Hyuga.

"I don't know. Who knows what goes through his mind," said Krelian. Krelian walked over to a safe. He opened it and took Hyuga's sword. He handed it over and said, "The Emperor asked me to give it to you."

Hyuga took the sword and clipped it to his belt. "I need to contact the Emperor," he said.

"There is a computer on the desk," said Krelian. "You can use it to get a visual line to the Emperor."

Hyuga did not thank him and walked over to the desk. He sat down and typed in his private code to Emperor Cain. Emperor Cain's face appeared on the monitor. "Hyuga," said Emperor Cain.

Hyuga looked at Emperor Cain with guilt. For the first time in his service he failed Emperor Cain. "I failed Sir," he said with genuine guilt.

"Failed how?" asked Cain. "In capturing Shadow Wraith or for not getting yourself killed."

Hyuga became confused. "I do not understand."

"You are not the only one who is at fault," said Cain. "We all underestimated her. It was better for her to escape than for you to die. I do not throw my people's lives away."

"Thank you," said Hyuga. "You said she escaped."

"Even though she lost a lot of blood she still managed to escape," said the Emperor. "You may not realize it but your fight lasted six hours."

Hyuga's mouth hung open. "Six. . .hours!?" he finally said.

"Indeed," said Cain. "I have never seen such a battle. Go home and rest until further notice. You have earned it." Emperor Cain's voice became grim. "One other thing you need to know Hyuga."

Hyuga swallowed hard. Judging from the Emperor's sudden change it was bad news. Bad news from the Emperor usually the worst news possible. "Did something happened in past few days?" he asked.

Cain was able to form a smile. "Just wanted to say that your glasses make you look more dignified," he said with light humor. "Go home and rest my friend."

Hyuga smiled knowing the Emperor tried to cheer him up. He got up walked toward the exit of Krelian's lab. He stopped by a window and the light was enough to allow him to see his reflection. He looked closer and adjusted his glasses. 'The Emperor is correct. I do look more dignified.'

*****

The distance from Krelian's Lab to Hyuga's house was long but Hyuga did not mind. Nearly dying gave Hyuga a lot to think about. Long lost guilt formed in his stomach as he remembered the people he killed on Solaris' behalf. It was afternoon and the sun shone down on the flying city. Hyuga tried to enjoy it but found his mind wondering elsewhere.

He started to think about the woman who quite bluntly kicked his ass. Hyuga knew he was one of the most powerful people in the world although he did not know the complete truth behind it. Hyuga thought back to the battle. For as violent and bloody as it was he never felt so honored. They did not fight each other as enemies but as equals.

Hyuga reached the door of his house. He wished he could have met the woman under different circumstances just to learn her name. Hyuga sighed knowing better. "If fishes were wishes the oceans would be empty," he mumbled under his breath.

He opened the door and walked into his house. He did not get to far when he noticed something odd about the rug. He looked at the spots on the carpet and saw dried blood. Hyuga frowned and quietly went through his house. The trail led to his private office. Opening the door he inhaled sharply. Against the wall is the woman who nearly killed him. Anger takes over and whatever desires he had in wanting to meet this woman are dashed. Hyuga drew his sword and walked over to her. He placed the tip of the sword against her neck.

Yui hears a door being opened and sees a shadow come toward her. She hopes the person who owns this place is compassionate. Slowly she lifts her head and whimpers as a tear rolls down her cheek. Before her stands the one who had wrought this. He inhales sharply and draws his weapon. She closes her eyes awaiting for death to come. She curses herself for crying uncontrollably. It is not fair to die like this, to die in a strange land while all alone. She feels sharp cold metal against her neck. She takes one last slow breath and waits for the blow that will kill her but nothing happens.

Hyuga looks at his hand and wonders why it is betraying him. He musters all his will and strength to force the sword to move. Hyuga switches hands and tries to stab her and again he cannot.

Yui looks up at Hyuga and whispers, "Please help me."

Hyuga's sword slipped out of his hand. He backed away eyes wide in shock recognizing the words. It was her all along! All this time she was the one the was reaching out to him! "You," he whispers. "Who. . .who are you?!"

Yui tries to answer but is unable to. Hyuga sees her eyes close. Inside he is embroiled by conflict. She is an enemy of Solaris and on the other hand he is drawn to her. Hyuga's body starts to shake. If he does nothing than she dies and he will never know her name. If he saves her then he might be branded a traitor.

Hyuga eyes close and tries to think. A decision has to be made. One that will affect him for the rest of his life. He opens his eyes and looks at the woman. Again he thinks of her as his equal. Hyuga makes his decision not fearing the consequences.

Hyuga goes over to the woman. He see her skin deathly pale from the loss of blood. Hyuga took a risk and used Sazanami. Yui's body stiffened and Hyuga was afraid he might have killed her. "No," he whispered. Hyuga started to cry and did not know the reason. "Don't die. Not until I learn your name!"

Yui heard him and managed to open her eyes. Looking at him she heard what he said. "My name," she rasped. "My name is. . .Yui." Finally she gave into the darkness.

Hyuga checks for a pulse afraid he is too late. Relief flows through him as he feels her pulse. Carefully he picked her up and carried her to his bedroom. He gently places her on his bed. Hyuga runs to his bathroom and takes a couple of Omegasol vials. He goes back to Yui sits her up. He pours some of the healing medicine and tilts her head back. He gently massages her neck so the liquid goes down her throat. Hyuga sees how soft her skin is. His face reddens in embarrassment at the thought. He watches Yui eyes open and she looks at him in horror. "Its alright," said Hyuga.

"Why?" whispered Yui.

"I don't know," said Hyuga. "Just because. . .I guess."

Yui laughed bitterly. "Just because."

"Conserve your strength," whispered Hyuga. "Let me take care of you." He holds her close and bathes her in Sazanami.

*****

Yui awoke after two days. She wondered where and how she got here. Examining her surroundings she knew she was not in a hospital and knew she was not in Shevat. She recalled the fight and somehow getting to this house. There was something else. A man helping her who looked like the man she fought. Yui decided it was not the man she fought that had rescued her but a hallucination brought on by shock. She figured that the Collector or some other Shevat agent brought her to a safe house until her wounds healed.

Her clothes were on a chair. She got up changed. Yui grimaced, her mouth tasting horrible. She quietly left the room in search for some water. Entering the livingroom she sees someone sleeping on the couch with a blanket covering their head. She did not want to wake her rescuer but they needed to know she was up. "Excuse me," she said.

The person on the couch woke up. "You are awake," he said. "That's good. I was worried for awhile." He got up and faced Yui.

"You!" yelled Yui. Instantly she got into her fighting pose.

Hyuga held up his hands signaling he did not wish to fight. "Calm down," he said. "Let me get you some water. Restorative Ether is no substitute for water. You must be hungry also."

"What asinine scheme are you and SIA up to!" demanded Yui.

"No tricks," said Hyuga. "I rescued you remember? Then again maybe not. You were in deep shock when I found you on my carpet."

"This is your house?" asked Yui in desbelief.

"Yes," answered Hyuga. He went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. He sees Yui trying to unlock the front door. "I would not go out there," he said. "SIA does not know if you escaped or are still in Solaris. Your identity has been uncovered and everyone is looking for you. Best to stay here for now."

Yui looked at Hyuga with suspicion. "Why should I believe you?"

"You believe this water to be drugged," answered Hyuga. "A standard precaution." Hyuga drank half the water. "See, no drugs."

Yui still did not trust the man but she was thirsty. She grabbed the glass and slowly drank it. She held out the empty glass. "More," she said.

Hyuga smiled and took the glass. He went back into the kitchen and Yui followed still did not trusting him. She finished her third glass and asked, "Why didn't you kill me?"

"For many reasons," said Hyuga. "First it would not have been honorable to do so."

Yui laughed. "Honor? What does a Solaris spy know about the concept?"

"And what is your body count Shadow Wraith?" he challenged. "Besides the bodies you leave behind when we tried to capture you. I'm sure you have had some assassination missions yourself."

"Point taken," muttered Yui. Like Hyuga, she had enough blood on her hands also that had nothing to do with self-defense. "So what other reasons are there?"

Hyuga's face turned red. "Have you ever had a feeling?" he asked. "The feeling of reaching out into the world for someone. Someone to help you when you need it the most. Someone to take away the cold and loneliness."

Yui nearly dropped the glass. "I-I've had such feelings," she said. "Always searching and wanting companionship. To know. . .to know, I'm sorry, I can't." Yui turned and ran from Hyuga.

Hyuga chased after her. Again she tried to leave his house. "I will let you leave if you want," said Hyuga. "If that is what you truly wish then I will let you go." Hyuga smiled ruefully. "You were never here and I never rescued you."

Yui looked at Hyuga. She wanted him be lying through his teeth. The seed of a bond they would some day discover between them showed that he was sincere. "I'll stay until this all blows over," she finally said.

"Thank you," said Hyuga with a smile. "I have lunch should be almost ready. . .have to warn you my cooking has been compared to the most toxic poisons."

Yui laughed thinking he was trying to cheer her up. "No one's cooking is that bad." She ended up eating her own words along with Hyuga's cooking. After lunch she said in a drool voice, "Be glad I'm Queen Zephyr's cook for a reason." From then on Yui became the cook.

*****

Things went slowly between Yui and Hyuga. They both considered each other friends in a week yet they both knew when Yui left and returned to Shevat they would be enemies once again.

Two weeks passed and Hyuga returned home from a meeting with the Elements. He came in and Yui saw a man who nearly lost everything. "Its over," he said sitting on the couch.

"They didn't find out about me?" asked Yui.

"No, thank goodness," answered Hyuga. "As I told you a few days ago I used to be with the Elements."

"You said 'used' Hyuga," said Yui. "What happened."

"We disbanded," explained Hyuga. He got up and started to pace. "In a way it's a good thing this happened. The alternative was worse."

Yui was shocked when Hyuga said he was affiliated with the Elements. That group had been a pain to Shevat causing more trouble than Solaris' Gears. "That still doesn't explain the break up," said Yui.

Hyuga looked at Yui and wanted to admit the truth about the Elements. People who were too dangerous to Solaris but powerful enough to still benefit the country. "The Elements were formed by Kahr Ramsus," explained Hyuga. "While the general public believed the Elements were a covert group, Kahr actually set up the Elements to try to take over Solaris."

Yui knew Hyuga would not betray his government without a good reason. "Would you have gone along with it? What about the Limiter in his head?" asked Yui.

Hyuga stopped pacing and stared at Yui. "You know about the Limiters?" he asked carefully.

Yui gritted her teeth. She just gave out one Shevat's most kept secret. "Yeah," she said. "What do you know about Limiters? Not even your SIA knows about that."

"Rumor," lied Hyuga.

"I'm not sure how but I know you are lying," said Yui.

"What do you mean you are not sure how you know I'm lying?" he asked.

"I don't know," said Yui. "Its just this feeling I have whenever I'm around you." Yui gave Hyuga a dirty look. "Please don't change the subject. Whatever is said between us will be kept secret. Deal?"

Hyuga sat down beside her and thought about the deal. Finally he stuck his hand out. "Deal. Although we both should have the right not to talk about certain things if we choose not to."

Yui shook Hyuga's hand. "Fine," she said. "Do you feel like telling the truth about what you know about Limiters?"

"I know what you know most likely. We are sure Shevat knows how to remove them. I'm actually high up in the government," answered Hyuga.

"How high is that?" asked Yui.

"Just as you are close to Queen Zephyr so am I close to Emperor Cain. The Emperor and I are friends, or close as we can allow," he answered.

"The Emperor has friends," laughed Yui. "That's strange." Yui stopped and started to think of the rumors from her own country. A rumor about someone high up in Solaris who was basically an extension of Emperor Cain the Gazel Ministry. "Oh my god," whispered Yui. "You're, you're his Guardian something or rather."

"Guardian Angel," clarified Hyuga. "Yes the rumors are true. I am Guardian Angel to Emperor Cain while Krelian is the Gazel Minstry's Guardian."

Yui got up and started to pace. "No wonder I nearly got killed," she said. "I thought I was the best."

"I guess we both are," said Hyuga. A smile formed on his face. "Even the Emperor admitted we had underestimated you."

"I don't wether to take that as a compliment or a insult," said Yui in a drool voice.

"Would it make a difference if I said the Gazel Ministry wants you atomized?" he asked.

Yui laughter filled the room. "That stupid machine? They are so paranoid they have to use Limiters to protect themselves." A dark dangerous thought came to Yui and Hyuga felt it.

"Don't even think about it," warned Hyuga. "Granted no one would really care if the Gazel was destroyed once and for all. The Gazel have other kinds of protection who are not as. . .nice as I am," he said referring to Grahf.

A beeping sound came from the kitchen. "Supper is ready," said Yui. Yui went into the kitchen and returned with plates of hot food. "Here you go," she said handing him a plate.

The food's aroma reached Hyuga's nose and he frowned. "Is this. . .meat?" he asked.

"Yes," said Yui. "I found some in the back of your freezer."

She tried to take a bite but Hyuga reached over and grabbed her wrist. "Don't!" he yelled, his face white. "I don't allow meat in the house. I thought I got rid of it all."

Yui looked at him wondering what he was going on about. She recalled the reports from Shevat's spies about drugged food. "Ah, sorry," she said. "I forgot your government drugged the meat to keep the populace mind's dulled. I can make something else."

"That's alright," whispered Hyuga. Yui looked at him and saw someone who just woke up from a nasty nightmare. "I'm going for a walk. I lost my appetite."

"Hyuga?" she asked. "Is there something else I should know about the meat?"

"Remember what we agreed to. Never ask me that again," he said. "No meat is allowed in this house and I mean it." Yui watched Hyuga walk out the door. The way his shoulders were slumped and through the budding bond between them she knew there was a terrible secret that weighed on his mind. She agreed to the deal about secrets and would never ask again. She would not find out the awful truth until the eve before Hyuga's trial many years later.

*****

Days later and the incident with the meat forgotten they continued their routine. Yui was starting to feel cabin fever and home sickness but would not admit to it. She was free to leave and knew Hyuga would help her escape.

One morning their relation took a strange if not humorous twist. The lack of missions and the break up of the Elements kept Hyuga desk bound. Working late one night and getting very little sleep he awoke up drowsy. Getting up from the couch (being a good host he let Yui have his bed), Hyuga put on his glasses and walked naked into his bathroom. Steam hit his face but did not fog over his glasses. Krelian had crafted the lenses out of a fog proof glass.

Still half awake Hyuga opened the shower door. "Hyuga!" screamed Yui.

Hyuga snapped awake and saw Yui naked in her shower. While Solarians were not very modest and normally it would not cause a reaction in a man, Hyuga still did react in more ways in one. He looked at Yui with his mouth wide open. Yui's arms covered her private areas. Her long silky hair sticking to her body. He stared at the most clean pure sight he ever saw.

Yui looked at Hyuga in anger. She noticed his other reaction and yelled, "Get out of here!"

Hyuga snapped out of it and left. Yui calmed down and tried to push the image of the naked man out of her mind but failed. She was surprised she was thinking how built he was. There was no fat on the man. Very unusual for a Solarian to be in excellent shape. Then again he did work in the field like her but still. Yui felt a warmth that had nothing to with the hot shower. The image of his other 'reaction' crossed her mind. She chuckled and said, "Good thing I didn't hit you there in the sewers."

Sometimes Yui's prophetic ability would be a full blown vision and what she saw made her more hot. "Oh my. . ." she said.

*****

At the end of the week the incident made them embarrassed. Even though they are adults the incident made them evade each other out of awkwardness. Two weeks later and one night Hyuga stood out on the balcony in thought. It was something he did every month. He went into a fugue state and needed to look at the stars to bring him out of it.

This night he thought about the woman in his house. He wondered about Yui and the feeling he had for her. The mess with the shower gave him more to ponder. She was a fighter like him. She was also alone, they both were that. Yui had a courage and conviction that Hyuga never seen in anyone else. 'Then again this is Solaris,' he thought bitterly. That was the problem that weighed heavily on his mind. How would people react? He knew the Gazel Ministry would brand him a traitor. That he did not care about. What worried him was the Emperor's reaction. The Emperor was very fair and at the same time unforgiving. He knew of only one time he let a betrayal slide because the betrayer was being blackmailed. Yui was smart and beautiful. She brought light to his existence in ways he could not understand. When he was around her even his Dark Side did not exist.

"No matter where in the world you stand the stars are always beautiful," she said behind Hyuga. Yui walked up to Hyuga. "You've been here since dusk. You ok?"

"I'm fine," said Hyuga. "Something I do every month. Just need to let my mind wonder."

"Don't let it go far," teased Yui. "The mind is a pain in the ass to find if it wonders off for along time."

Hyuga smiled weakly, he tried to look happy but was not able to look it. He looked at Yui and saw an ethereal spirit wrapped in moonlight. "About the shower, I am sorry," he said. "I was drowsy and forgot about you."

Yui walked over beside him. "Forgive and forget," she said.

Hyuga saw something different about her. Gathering courage he said, "You look nice tonight."

"Thank you," she replied. She looked at Hyuga and saw someone strong and at the same time weak. She knew he was missing some important thing. As if he was looking for some void to fill. Yui discovered she might be the one to fill that void. Yui turned her attention to the stars. She pointed at one of the constellations. "The Eternal Lovers," she said.

Hyuga looked and smiled. "Do you know the story behind the Eternal Lovers?" he asked.

Yui shook her head and Hyuga explained. "The legend is that the Eternal Lovers fell to this world. Forever separate yet bonded. They were always drawn to each other throughout history. When they met they would fall in love. Their love would last only a brief time for disaster would always keep them apart. In each era they would try again and again until they finally would at last be together without being torn apart."

"That's sad," said Yui. "If you met the Lovers would you help them?"

Hyuga thought about it. "Yeah I guess I would."

Yui moved closer to Hyuga. "Who knows, we may be the Eternal Lovers."

Hyuga realized they were holding hands. Her wanted her so bad yet his greatest fear appeared in his mind. He would rather be cursed like the Eternal Lovers than allow Yui to be consumed by darkness. Hyuga let go and backed away from her. "I am sorry," he said. "I cannot."

Once again she knew what he felt even though he tried to hide it. "What are you afraid of?"

"It is something inside me," explained Hyuga. "Its my Dark Side."

"Everyone has a darkness to them. To me that darkness is every sin we commit. The more temptation we give into the bigger the darkness," said Yui.

"That description I will agree with. My Dark Side is not that. It is something else. During extreme battle and stress my Dark Side tries to take over. It is state which I cannot put into words. After it wears off I can remember what happened. Anyone who stands in my way, wether friend or enemy could end up dead," said Hyuga. His face paled remembering the rare times his Dark Side took over.

Yui took hold of Hyuga's hand again with a firm grip refusing to let go. "Did your Dark Side try to take over in the sewers?"

"No," said Hyuga. "I don't think you even gave it a chance. The way we were fighting we couldn't even use Deathblows or Ether until the end. Its just I don't want you caught up in it. I would never harm you on purpose."

Silence lingered between them as they remembered the fight. Finally Yui said, "I care for you and I know you care for me. We have reached out to each other over great distances. It would be foolish to back out now."

Hyuga protested and Yui stopped him. "I told you I sometimes can see the future. Only once will you make me bleed. I will bear that moment of pain because of the pleasure that will ensue."

"Yui!" gasped Hyuga.

Yui stepped closer and put her arms around him. Smiling she said, "I think you know what I mean."

Hyuga's mind reeled and he tried to think straight. He looked at her and never knew such beauty. Hyuga swallowed finally realizing what she meant. He finally admitted to himself what was between them. Looking at her he smiled. He returned her embraced with his own and said the words one day he always hoped to say. "I love you."

Yui smiled and her eyes became bright as the stars. "I love you," she said.

Under the clear night they kissed for the longest time. When they stopped they looked at the Eternal Lovers. The stars that made up the constellation brightened as if giving approval.

*****

Near dawn the two lovers held each other while asleep in Hyuga's bed. Hyuga awoke and looked at Yui. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the strange sight. "Yui," he whispered. "Yui wake up."

Yui came out of her own sleep. She smiled and said in a seductive voice, "In the mood again?"

"I think you are glowing," said Hyuga.

Yui smiled at him. "Well you know what they say about a woman's glow."

Hyuga held Yui's hand and held it up to her. "You are literally glowing."

Yui sat up in the bed. She looked and her glowing hands. She looked at Hyuga and gasped. "Uh, Hyuga, you're glowing also."

Hyuga looked at his own hands then at Yui. 'What does this mean?' he thought.

"I don't know what it means. I thought you would have an explanation," said Yui.

"I did not say anything," said Hyuga.

"Yes you did," said Yui. "I heard you clearly."

Hyuga shook his head. "That was a thought."

'This is. . .confusing,' thought Yui.

"Yes it is confusing," agreed Hyuga.

"Ok!" said Yui a little bit louder than she should have. "Lets take this one step at a time. Lets start with the glow."

"Its not a normal Ether Aura," said Hyuga. He looked himself over then Yui. "Strange the glow is similar for both of us."

"Wait," said Yui. "You know those strange feelings we've always had between us? Like how I reached out to you and never knew it was you. Maybe this is an Ether manifestation."

"You mean like a. . .bond?" said Hyuga.

"Probably," said Yui. "I mean we've been searching for each other for a long time. Maybe this glow is a sign of our bond."

"What about our thoughts?" said Hyuga. "I know sometimes I could actually feel what you were feeling even though you were not near me. I guess for a brief moment we could actually read each other's minds."

"Mentally speaking I can see the future sometimes," said Yui. "As far as telepathic abilities goes, I'm basically ESP blind."

"Same with me," said Hyuga. "I just have unusual mental shielding."

"I want to try something," said Yui. She embraced Hyuga and held him tight. Through the bond she sent all her warmth and love to him.

"Yui," gasped Hyuga. "I've never felt such wonderful sensations." He smiled and returned his own feelings. "Is it wonderful?" he asked.

They held each other communicating through their bond. Between them they shared their love and hope. They communicated with thoughts then images. Through practice their bond became so strong that words were no longer needed when they shared times of intimacy through the bond.

That week Hyuga would ask through words and the bond the most important question of his life. "Yui, will you marry me?"

*****

Hyuga and Yui were married in secret. A renegade Ethos Priest preformed the marriage on the condition Hyuga would not turn him in. Three months passed since the fight in the sewers. The hunt for Yui ended and she was able to travel the First Class Citizen's Block as long as she was careful.

One day something happened that affected the world and signaled a great change. Those who had no Ether ability did not feel anything. People who had just a little bit felt a chill pass through them. The majority of people who had average abilities had a feeling of someone stepping on their grave. The worst affected where the small percent who had great power like Yui and Hyuga.

They were sitting at home eating when Yui was hit by a sudden vision. The floating capital of Solaris hovered peacefully in the air. The wind howls and a red Gear flies toward the capital. Seconds later one of the support pylons explode, then another. In slow motion the city falls and explodes crashing into the ground exploding like a nuclear bomb.

Hyuga did not need the bond to know something was wrong. "Yui!" he said.

Yui looked at him with her mouth open. A single tear fell down her cheek. "Hyuga?" she asked not sure of where she is. Her eyes roll up and she faints.

"Yui!" yells Hyuga. He gets up and make it halfway around the table when nausea hits him. He feels his stomach tighten and he looks at Yui. He looks around in a panic and see a garbage can. He runs to it and throws up.

Shaking, he gets up and goes over to Yui. He checks her pulse and takes a breath. He reaches through the bond hoping to get a sense of her. He senses darkness and hopes its just because she passed out. Picking her up he carries her to the bed. He tries to use Sazanami. Instead of the smooth visual effect of Ether, the light blinks, makes a snapping sound like electrical equipment shorting out then vanishes.

Hyuga tries again and the same thing happens. He gets up to get a vial of Omegasol. Before he reaches the medical cabinet his computer starts making sounds signaling an important message. Although tempted to swear, he does not. He goes to his computer and reads the message and frowns when he is done.

He goes back to Yui and see she is awake. "Hyuga what happened?" she asked.

"I do not know," answered Hyuga. "Soon after you passed out I became sick. I tried waking you with Ether ability but for some reason it shorted out. Its as if my abilities blew a fuse."

"I think I had a vision," said Yui. "It appeared so quickly it didn't register in my mind. All I know it was a vision of something terrible. Hyuga what happened to us?"

"I just got a priority one message from the palace," answered Hyuga. "It appears most of the world was affected."

Yui sat up in the bed. "What could cause something like this?"

"That's what I hope to find out," answered Hyuga. "Will you be alright?"

"Sure, I'll just take a nap," answered Yui. "Get going you don't to be too late and end up raising someone's suspicion."

Hyuga nodded and started to walk out. He stopped and turned to her. He reached out to her through the bond. He sensed her feelings were the same as his. Their time together was now limited.

*****

Hyuga risked sending a private message to his house. Through the bond he urged Yui to go to his computer. She turned it on and read the message. Hyuga's message stated that he had to leave and did not know when he would return. He wrote that the court was in a uproar and for once he could swear he saw fear in the Emperor's eyes. He told Yui to be carful and that he loved her unconditionally. His only other instruction was unusual. He asked that she would not reach out to him through the bond until he returned.

Yui was tempted to reach out to him anyway but resisted the temptation. A month passed and Yui felt as though he had abandoned him.

One day while cleaning she felt him through the bond. Yui never felt such sadness and despair. He returned in the evening and barely recognized him when he entered. His hair was a mess and he had not shaved for days. His eyes were red from the lack of sleep.

Yui went to him and embraced him. She sent her strength to him through the bond. He smile was weak as he said, "Thank you."

They sat on the couch holding each other. "What happened?" she asked.

Hyuga did not answer. He took papers out of a briefcase he carried. He handed them to Yui. "You need to return to Shevat," he said, his voice tired.

Yui read the reports. She handed them back not sure what to say. She looked at Hyuga and thought the same thing he did. The cold hard reality passed between them. They were from separate countries that were enemies.

Days later after Hyuga rested up they talked about what happened. "Elru was destroyed by the most powerful Ether explosion recent history," said Hyuga.

"What kind of weapon could cause that?" asked Yui.

"There is none," answered Hyuga. "While I was at Elru, Emperor Cain did his own personal investigation. When I returned he said he talked with the Gazel Ministry. He did not find anything out but is sure they know something. He said he found some proof that might be the cause but did not share it with me. . .there is one other thing. Kahr was there. He was gravely injured."

"Oh Hyuga," whispered Yui. "I'm so sorry." Tactfully she asked, "Did the explosion cause the Ether backlash we felt last month?"

"Yes," answered Hyuga. "As I said back then the whole world was affected." An ironic smile form on Hyuga. "The more powerful the person the worse they were effected by the backlash."

"What does that have to do with me going home?" asked Yui.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten about the political ramifications," replied Hyuga in disbelief.

Yui sent an unpleasant thought through the bond. Hyuga face reddened. "I haven't forgotten," said Yui. "I just thought that maybe." Yui stopped considering what to say next. She had thought about it a couple of times when while Hyuga was away. "Hyuga," she finally said. "Why don't we run away?"

Hyuga looked at her with confusion.

Yui stood up. "Why not? Lets find somewhere to go. Frankly I'm sick of this political crap. Queen Zephyr is a good friend but she keeps too many damn secrets. Secrets I feel that are not only harmful to Shevat but the world in general."

"Emperor Cain is the same way," said Hyuga. "There are times he would talk about something, stop, then change the subject. You'd think he had a Limiter himself."

"Let them destroy each other," said Yui bitterly. "I've found happiness and I'll be damned if they destroy it. I'm sick of the sneaking and hiding."

Hyuga felt something else through the bond. A fear that nearly washed over him. "Is there something else?"

Yui choked back her tears. It was her enhanced emotions at work. She had told him about that and he understood. Yui sat back down and embraced Hyuga hard. Forcing the tears back she said, "What if we go to war? I-I don't want to face you in battle again."

"I don't think it will come to that," he said. "Aveh and Kislev are already at war. Emperor Cain said he would not under any circumstances sanction a war between Solaris and Shevat."

"What about the Gazel Ministry?" asked Yui.

Hyuga smiled at her. "If you'd like I can talk to Emperor. Believe it or not he does consider my advice some worth. I still think you should return to Shevat."

"Why?" asked Yui again.

"You said you are the Queen's friend. I know through our bond you did not mean what you said about her. We both know that our rulers have very few true friends," explained Hyuga. "Like Emperor Cain, she has few people who she can talk with not as advisors or strategists but as a friend. Cain said he was fortunate that he has one person who he could talk to. He wondered if Queen Zephyr had someone like that and hoped she did."

Yui knew he was right and she was being selfish. "I'll go back," she finally said. "How will I leave?"

Hyuga winked at her. "I think I can come up with something."

*****

Four days later Hyuga and Yui paced back and forth waiting for the people who were going to them get Yui out of Solaris. Finally the doorbell rang. Yui went to the bedroom while Hyuga went to the door monitor and turned it on checking to see if it was really them. He smiled at the image on the monitor. He opened the door and let them in.

"Where you just going to let us stand there?" complained Jesiah Black.

"Hello Hyuga!" said Siguard who stood behind Jesiah.

"Come in," said Hyuga. It had been too long since he saw them last. Emotions passed through him, mostly guilt at what he had done to them by lying about Kahr's plans. Although Emperor Cain told him he was correct in telling the others that, Hyuga would feel the guilt for the rest of his life.

"So what's so important you have to drag me up from the surface?" demanded Jesiah.

Hyuga looked at Jesiah. Frankly he looked older than he should. He also looked like he been through the bottle one too many times. "I have a favor to ask," he said.

"What is it?" asked Sigurd.

"First I need to introduce someone," said Hyuga. "Come one out," he said to Yui.

Yui came out of the bedroom. "Damn!" said Jesiah. "Where have you been hiding her?"

Yui laughed and Hyuga looked at his friend in shock. He never behaved like that. Before he met Jesse's wife he was the most anal person he ever met. After they got married he did loosen up a lot after his children were born. His current behavior was a total shock. "Uh," said Hyuga. "This is Yui. Yui this is Jesiah and Sigurd."

Jesiah nearly shook her arm off. "Just call me Jesse," he said while Sigurd bowed politely.

"So what is the favor?" asked Sigurd.

"Before we get to that," said Hyuga. "Did something happen to you Jesse?"

Jesiah frowned at Hyuga and Sigurd looked at Hyuga with surprise. "You didn't hear?" asked Jesiah.

"No," said Hyuga.

Jesiah plopped down on the couch. "My wife was killed a few weeks ago," he said.

"Oh god," said Hyuga. He liked his wife. She was one of the rare kind citizens of Solaris. She was one of the few the saw people as individuals, not as classes. "What happened?"

"Damn Wels," muttered Jesiah. "When we moved to Aquvey Islands we found out there was an infestation of the monsters. Her heart went out to the orphans. She made plans to turn the house into an orphanage. She didn't get a chance to see her dream come true. Wels broke into the house and killed her. The kids were saved by Father Stone."

Hyuga felt sadness from Yui. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"It reminds me of my own family," she said. "They were killed when I was very young."

"I do have my suspicions who caused my wife to be killed," said Jesiah. He hesitated than said, "Anyway enough waxing the past. You were saying Hyuga?"

"I need to get Yui out of Solaris without raising suspicion," he said. "I know Sigurd has been smuggling weapons and equipment from Solaris."

Sigurd looked at his friend in shock. "Hyuga," he said very carefully.

"Don't worry," said Hyuga. "We haven't been ordered to do anything about it. If you'd like I can arrange for certain files to be altered." Hyuga picked up a data tablet from the small table in front of the couch. "As a sign of trust these are the current passwords to and from each level of Solaris. These will guarantee you free passage in and out of the weapon supply depots. The passwords are good for a month."

Sigurd's eyes lit up. He took the tablet and looked over the codes. "You have a deal," he whispered. He figured his plans for Aveh's Crown Prince might be moved ahead of schedule.

"So we are we taking her?" asked Jesse.

"To Shevat," answered Yui.

"Why there?" asked Sigurd.

"It is where I live," answered Yui.

Jesse frowned and looked at Hyuga and Yui. "Yeah right!" he said. "She has spy written all over her!"

"Jesse!" snapped Hyuga.

"Its alright Hyuga," said Yui. "It is true I am a spy."

"I'm sorry," said Sigurd. "Jesse and I are no longer with Solaris."

Yui smiled and said, "You misunderstand. I'm a Shevat's spy."

Jesse's hand moved slowly toward his trench coat where he kept his rifle hidden. "You're lying," he said.

"No she's not," said Sigurd with shock.

The three men knew about Sigurd's slight empathic ability. "You have got to be kidding me," said Jesse.

"No," said Hyuga. "Remember the reports about the Shadow Wraith?"

"She's the Shadow Wraith?!" exclaimed Sigurd. He turned to Jesse and said, "You have your flask? I need a drink."

Jesse pulled out the flask and dranked half of it. "Forget it, you're flying. Goddamn! What next? You two saying you got married or something?!"

Yui and Hyuga looked at each other then at the two men with a smile. This time Jesse handed Sigurd the flask. Sigurd took a light sip and that was enough to give him same buzz that Jesse had.

Jesse started to pace back and forth. "Ok," he said. "I guess I can see why you want to get her home. Why now?"

"Did either of you experience anything strange about a month ago?" asked Yui.

"Not really," said Jesse. "I did have the feeling someone stepped on my grave though."

"My Ether abilities went strange for a few moments," said Sigurd. "I was training someone to use Ether when the visual affect was messed up."

"It was not just you two but the whole world that was affected," explained Hyuga.

"What would cause that?" asked Jesse.

"An Ether explosion of unknown origin," answered Hyuga. His voice became grim. "An explosion that destroyed Elru."

Jesse took another swig from his flask. "I heard rumors of something nasty happening there," he said.

"I have to return because the Queen may need me," said Yui.

"Alright," said Sigurd. "I've been meaning to go there on business."

""If she returns home and Solaris and Shevat go to war you know what that means," said Jesse

Hyuga or Yui did not reply neither of them wanting to dwell on the unwanted possibility. Yui was tempted to try to use her prophetic ability but was afraid of what she might see.

*****

The four of them left Hyuga's house in the middle of the night. They were making good time until they reached the supply docks in the Third Class living quarters. Hyuga and Sigurd hung back while Jesse and Yui went to Sigurd's ship. Hyuga and Sigurd waited for Jesse's signal.

While they waited Hyuga said, "There is something else you need to know about Elru."

"What's that?" asked Sigurd.

"Kahr was there when it was destroyed," said Hyuga.

Sigurd looked at his friend in disbelief. "Was he killed?" he said in a weak voice.

"He was gravely injured. His injuries were worse than what Yui did to me when we fought," answered Hyuga.

Sigurd blinked and said, "Wait a moment Hyu. You two fought to the death, fell in love and got married?"

"Basically," said Hyuga in a matter of fact tone of voice.

"Bizarre," said Sigurd. Suddenly he stiffened. "Someone is coming," he said. "I can sense them. Whoever they are, they're angry."

"Act casual," said Hyuga. "Just be ready for anything."

The figure came toward them both men paled. "I-I thought you said he was nearly killed," whispered Sigurd.

Hyuga watched his former comrade walk toward them. He had visited him briefly just before he left for Elru to find out what happened. His whole body had been crushed and burned with little chance of survival. He looked at the man who almost had everything but had it yanked away because of Hyuga's betrayal. "Hello Kahr," said Hyuga very carefully.

*****

Yui adjusted the dark suit she wore. Because it was designed for a man the suit did not fit right. Hyuga dared not requisition a female suit because it would attract too much attention. The thing was rubbing against her breasts. Hyuga told her that for easy movement she should not wear a bra. To take her mind off the suit she looked at Sigurd's ship. It looked unimpressive but Yui had seen smuggler ships before. The more unimpressive the ship the deadlier it was.

Jesse checked his guns for the fifth time. "This is taking too long," said Jesse.

Yui silently agreed with him. She looked at Jesse again and was surprised at what had to be a transformation of some type. While at the house he seemed like a drunk and trouble maker he was now all business.

"Wait another five minutes," suggested Yui. "Then we go back." The plan was that Jesse and Yui would leave the house fifteen ahead minutes ahead of Hyuga and Sigurd. They would take two separate routes to the ship with Jesse and Yui waiting for the others.

"While we're waiting," said Yui. "I'd like to ask you a question."

"Go ahead," said Jesse.

"Have you ever seen Hyuga's Dark Side?" she asked.

Jesse looked at her and was tempted to deny it. He knew Hyuga never talked about that. It seemed it was something he would not even talk to his wife about. "Yes I have," said Jesse in a low voice. "I only seen it once and that was enough. I'm sure he told you how in that state he can't tell friend from foe."

Yui nodded. "Yes but I felt he was holding something back."

"I'm sure he told you about the Elements, of course that's a moot point nowadays," sighed Jesse. "Anyway we were going up against this Doomsday Cult. The cult had some sonic weapons we didn't know about they knocked us senseless. We were captured and out of spite they tortured us in hopes to make a point. They worked over Sigurd first right in front of us. He had. . .some terrible trauma in the past we knew about. Anyway we were all screaming at them and challenging them except for Hyuga. I remember looking at that haunted expression on his face. Just by looking at his face I knew he was fighting something within himself. Then during the middle of Sigurd's torture Hyuga seemed to pass out. The cult saw Hyuga passed out and saw that as weakness."

"I'm sure he was faking it," said Yui.

"I don't know about that," said Jesse. He paused, rubbed his chin remembering. "A couple of cult member untied him and that was their fatal mistake. The next thing I saw was Hyuga eyes open. We all knew he was fast but until moment we never knew how fast he could really move. He was like some force of nature. Without making a sound he killed the cult members in the room. The scariest part was he was shot in the stomach up close. We all thought he was dead but he got back up as if he was never shot. He did not scream or cry out."

Yui remembered her fight with Hyuga. She remember how he fought back the pain she caused him. Of course she did not yell out either. "Not a sound?" she asked mostly to herself. She tried picture his expression getting shot and shuddered. Jesse snapped her out of her thoughts when he asked if she wanted to hear the rest. "Yes," she answered.

Jesse took a breath and continued. "Hyuga picked up a gun and killed a cultist who came in the door. Kahr called Hyuga and that almost got our leader killed. Hyuga turned the gun on Kahr and was about to shoot him. We all heard rumors about Hyuga's Dark Side and up to that point didn't believe them. We realized what was going on and thought Kahr was a dead man. Luckily Sigurd regained some of his senses and tried to stun Hyuga with one of the cultists's sonic weapons. Sigurd had to hit Hyuga six times before he finally passed out."

Yui was not sure what to say. She took it all in believing every word. Hyuga stands over her. She is on the ground holding a child close to her. She calls out to him but he does listen for he is consumed by his Dark Side.

Jesse noticed Yui's blank stare and mouth slightly open. "Hey!" he snapped "You alright?"

Yui blinked and looked at the older man with confusion. "Sorry."

Jesse grunted and turned back to looking at the ship. His eyes widen and his hands instantly goes for his guns. "Damn," he whispered.

Yui extended her staff and stared that the Solarian Guards starting to surround the ship. Through the bond she sent a feeling of urgency.

*****

"You look well," was all Hyuga could say. He had seen Kahr's body crushed. By rights Kahr should not even be whole.

"I'd say thank you but I don't think you mean it," said Kahr in a low voice.

Sigurd and Hyuga looked at their former friend in horror as he called them traitors. (See the Sigurd, Hyuga, Kahr flashback in the game.) They talked back and forth with mostly Hyuga and Sigurd defending themselves while Kahr threw accusations at them.

During the argument Hyuga felt a wave of urgency coming from Yui. Hyuga made a motion to Sigurd indicating they had better move. Sigurd nodded and Hyuga turned and left the two men alone. He hoped they would not get into a fight.

Moments later Sigurd caught up with Hyuga. They continued walking toward the direction of Sigurd's ship. "I'm worried about him," said Sigurd about Kahr.

"How so?" asked Hyuga.

"He did not seem. . .stable," said Sigurd. "While his physical wounds are healed his mental ones aren't."

"I hope he can get over it," said Hyuga. A chill passed through him. He did not know if he somehow shared his wife's prophetic ability but he got the feeling that Kahr would not be truly healed as long as Miang was with him.

The two men got close to the docking bay when they heard a familiar sound of thunder. "That's Jesse's gun!" said Sigurd.

Without saying a word Sigurd unhooked his whip and Hyuga drew his sword. The two men were no longer Elements but that did not mean they stopped being warriors.

*****

At first Jesse thought Yui and Hyuga betrayed them. That somehow they had fooled Sigurd's empathic ability. Jesse was about to shoot Yui when he saw her expression. Jesse did not know that Yui felt emotions on a whole different level. He never saw such a rage on a person's face. Not even Kahr looked that pissed when he found out the Elements were breaking up. Jesse was glad Yui was directing her anger at the soldiers and not him.

Jesse clicked the safeties off on his guns. "Do you have a plan?" he asked.

Yui extended her staff. "For them it's a bad day to die." Without warning she attacked them.

Jesse frowned at the woman's impudence. He started laying cover fire. Watching her fight he discovered why Hyuga fell in love with her. Jesse's frown changed into a smile. 'Who says Solaris is boring?'

*****

"How in the world!" demanded Hyuga. It was impossible. He and Sigurd arrived only to see his wife and Jesse in a firefight.

"I don't know!" said Jesse above the blasts of his guns. "Now what?" he asked.

"Somehow they knew we were here," said Sigurd. "Damn!"

"Calm down," ordered Hyuga.

"Since when are you in charge?" said Jesse in a low voice.

"Since we are no longer in the Elements and this is my idea and I'm responsible," shot back Hyuga.

Sigurd was always the voice of reason among them. "Our first concern should be Yui," he said.

Hyuga focused on the bond. He felt her rage but no pain. "She's fought worse. The new plan is this," he said quickly before anyone could interrupt. "You two are getting out of here while Yui and I hold them off."

"Just a damn min-, started Jesse.

"Shut up!" said Hyuga. "I don't like it anymore but you two are no longer part of Solaris! Sigurd is doing something important on the surface and you are looking for your wife's killers. What the two of you are doing are more important than getting Yui back home."

Hyuga held up his sword and charged into the battle. He cut down three soldiers and found himself fighting alongside his wife. The two were nature unbound. Yui with her heighten emotions caused fear in her enemies as she struck them with her staff while Hyuga was cold and without mercy and as precise as a computer.

"What happened?" demanded Yui after she knocked a guard senseless.

"I have no idea," replied Hyuga. "Jesse and Sigurd should be on the ship by now. When they get on then its your turn!"

Bond or no bond Yui knew what Hyuga really meant. "The hell I will! If you're going to get yourself killed I want to be with you to the end!"

"I have to stay," said Hyuga. "There is only one way for all of us to survive!"

Yui felt Hyuga's fear in the bond. The one thing he truly feared. "Hyuga."

"It's the only way," said Hyuga. "My Dark Side is starting to eat at me. There are too many soldiers and I don't know how long I'll last. Now go!"

Yui held back her despair. "We will meet again!" she said. "That's not prophecy but a promise."

Hyuga smiled. "I know."

Yui started to fight her way toward the ship when she stopped. "Hyuga!" she yelled.

Hyuga cut down a soldier and turned. He saw two military Gears coming at them. Someone on Sigurd's ship used the ship's cannons, most likely Jesse, to shoot down one of the Gears. The smuggler ship rose and came toward him and Yui. Hyuga waved them off urging them to leave. "Hold on Hyuga!" said Sigurd through the ship's external speakers.

"Forget about us and escape!" screamed Hyuga. The ship hovered for a second. A blast hit the ship shaking it but the hull still held. The ship slowly turned flew off making its escape.

Hyuga ran to his wife. All around them the dead littered the docking bay. More soldiers came into the docking bay and the Gear hovered before them. "Hyuga?" asked Yui.

He wanted to fight to the death. To allow his Dark Side to consume him and take his enemies with him to the grave. His wife was here and he would never allow her to be caught up in what he originally had planned. Hyuga choked down his Dark Side. He sheathed his sword and said, "We surrender."

Yui looked at Hyuga with shock then understanding. She contracted the staff and for the first time in her life she became a prisoner.

*****

Yui expected to be placed in some dark cell or worse in one of the rumored hi-tech torture rooms where the torture was not physical but mental. She shuddered recalling the times caught Shevat spies would be dumped on Shevat's front door. The unfortunate souls had no physical wounds but their minds were shattered.

To her surprise she ended up being held down by a gravity field on a medical scanner bed. The soldiers had her arms and legs chained so escape was impossible. They placed a collar around her neck that cut off her link to Ether and worse the bond with Hyuga. Time passed as her whole body was paralyzed as the machine scanned her body. Finally the scanning stopped and Yui found she could at least move her head.

Yui saw a man enter the room. Her eyes narrowed at him. "The mighty Krelian," she said with contempt. He was attractive but that did not impress her. She heard the stories of what the monster did. "Not too impressive up close."

"What are physical looks compared to ones actions?" he asked her. "You are fortunate. Those of us who know of you Shadow Wraith are very impressed."

Yui knew some of the story how this man betrayed Shevat so long ago. Like Queen Zephyr, Krelian extended his life span. "I don't take compliments from traitors."

Yui expected some outburst but Krelian's only reaction was a brief narrowing of his eyes which quickly vanished. He looked at the bed's scanner. He then walked away. Yui's trained eyes showed something had surprised him. "Solarian and Shevat," he muttered. She wondered what he found out.

He returned pushing a cart. Yui looked at the device that was considered outdated even on the surface. Krelian lifted Yui's shirt. "Hey!" she demanded. "Don't you touch me you bastard!" Fear of violation at this monster's hand came over her.

Krelian ignored her protests and turned the field back up totally paralyzing her. Krelian rubbed a gel on her stomach and ran a device over her stomach. He finished and left Yui alone. She pushed the violation out of her mind knowing that bastards like Krelian would get theirs one way or another. 'That was an ultrasound. Why would he do something as archaic as an ultrasound.' The truth finally came to Yui after thinking the problem through. 'Oh my god. . .'

*****

Pain! Incredible pain tore through Hyuga. Nothing touched him physically but mentally the pain seemed real. He laid on the floor in the Gazel Ministry's chamber. He always believed they were helpless. Through the visual images of the VR mask he discovered how deadly they could be. The Gazel Ministry sent images of violence and death through the VR mask. Although the Gazel Ministry did not know his fears they knew how to stimulate the pain and fear centers of the brain through the mask and to make the images so real. Hyuga yelled as he saw his wife being killed by him because his Dark Side consumed him. He saw Kahr and the other Elements slowly kill him because they found out he was the traitor that caused them to breakup and go their separate ways.

Finally the images abated but the torture did not. The mask was removed and the Gazel Ministry called him names like 'Betrayer', 'Back Stabber', 'Judas', and other words marking him a traitor to Solaris. They told him the woman who was with him was really a whore sent to seduce him. At that Hyuga became angry and not caring tried to give in to his Dark Side but as long as the collar was around his neck he could not even access what he believed to be Ether.

Hyuga curled up in fetal position and tried to shut out the Gazel's voices. He felt his sanity slip and started to sink into despair from which he might not ever return.

*****

Krelian returned to Yui and was not happy. Five of Emperor Cain's most loyal guards and a technician followed him. They entered the examination room where he kept Yui. "You have no right," he said with controlled anger.

The guards ignored him and went to Yui. "She fits the description," said the Captain. "Release her," he said to the technician.

The technician went over to the bed. Krelian went to interfere. The Captain placed a hand on his gun holster. "Don't."

Krelian started to protest but changed his mind. He knew these guards could not be threatened even with the Limiters in their heads. At this stage in his life Krelian was not yet a full nanomachine colony and dared not take any risks.

Krelian stood back and hoped the woman would go into a rage and kill the guards. His wish was dashed when the Captain said, "Release her slowly. Do not give her any leg movement just yet."

The technician obeyed and Yui sat up. "Who are you?" she asked.

"I'm Emperor Cain's Captain of the Guard. He ordered me to bring you and Guardian Angel Hyuga to him," he said.

"She would be better off with me," said Krelian. "The Emperor is not known for being merciful."

The captain nodded in agreement. "You are correct Guardian Angel Krelian. In fact Emperor Cain ordered us to defend ourselves at any costs in case there were any. . .complications in retrieving the woman."

Krelian's teeth grinded holding back want he wanted to say. His plans for the woman were crumbling and then turned to dust when the technician said, "Captain, the computer virus is deleting all information dealing with the woman."

"That information is important for Solaris!" cried Krelian. He ran to the computer and pushed the technician out of the way.

"Krelian!" yelled the Captain foregoing the proper use of the man's title. "Let the virus run its course! Any attempts to destroy it will cause the backup virus to activate. That one will spread through your computers and you will have nothing at all. Once the main virus runs its course both viruses will be deleted."

Krelian was on the verge of losing his temper. He walked out of the room before anyone could see the emotions he was about to display. He underestimated Emperor Cain and vowed this would the last time it would happen.

The Captain turned his attention back to Yui. "I have read up on you Shadow Wraith. We are merely here to escort you to somewhere you can rest before meeting with Emperor Cain."

Yui wanted to tear through them. To find Hyuga and have both of them escape Solaris leaving a bloody path behind them. Yui closed her eyes and rubbed her stomach. For now she had to do as they say. "Ok," she said.

The technician released Yui. She walked a little bit getting the feeling back into her legs. When she was ready to go she left with the guards. On the way to their destination she asked, "Where is Hyuga?"

The Captain of the Guard looked at Yui with sadness. "He was brought to the Gazel Ministry. Another team was dispatched to retrieve him." He shook his head then said, "Pray that they are not too late."

*****

Hyuga did his best to hold onto his sanity. Unable to draw on Ether and his own mental shielding broken he felt himself falling into a pit he would never climb out of. He felt his mind collapse on itself as he thought he heard a familiar voice. "Emperor Cain?" he whimpered.

"You have betrayed Emperor Cain and he has abandoned you," said one of the facets of the Gazel Ministry.

"I have abandoned no one and Hyuga's so called betrayal has yet to be proven!" yelled Emperor Cain, his voice echoing through the Gazel's chamber.

A facet of the Gazel Ministry started to speak and that was the last time he ever did. Raw power came through the screen striking the SOL-9000. The facet yelled in pain and the monitor that showed his face exploded. "You can't do this!" said another facet.

"I can do as I please!" said Emperor Cain. "You disobeyed me! Didn't I order you not to interfere with my Guardian Angel! Did you think I did not know what he had done? You are fortunate I'm held back but that means I cannot cut your numbers!"

Hyuga watched through blurred vision as Emperor Cain's Ether aura become so large and bright that Cain looked small in the center of such power. A small part of Hyuga was vindicated as the Emperor released the power. The SOL-9000 emitted electricity. Circuits, conduits, and monitors exploded. When the carnage was over the Gazel Ministry was weakened by one-third. The monitors showing the surviving facets flickered and blinked and would continue to do so until Krelian repaired the giant computer.

"Guardian Angel Hyuga," said the Emperor. "Close your eyes and let my power heal some of the mental wounds the Gazel Ministry caused you." Hyuga closed his eyes as the Emperor's power covered his mind like a blanket and fell into a deep sleep.

*****

Yui paced back and forth in the room she was given in Solaris' Royal Palace. She was treated almost as well as if she were Queen Zephyr. They had taken off the collar as long as she did not try to escape. She gave her word she would not attempt to escape. She waited day and night for news on Hyuga. She even tried their bond but felt nothing. She refused to believe he was gone.

On the fifth afternoon Yui stood by a window looking at the sky thinking how peaceful it was when someone knocked on the door. "Enter," she said without much enthusiasm.

The door opened and someone entered. Without turning around Yui said, "If its lunch then just set it on the table."

"I thought you said I was forbidden to even enter a kitchen," said Hyuga.

Yui turned and saw Hyuga standing in the doorway. She ran to him and hugged him tight. She started to cry. "I thought you were never coming back."

"I'm sorry it took so long," he said. "The Gazel Ministry are masters at causing emotional pain."

Yui backed away and looked at Citan. He looked liked he aged a couple of years. "Will you be alright?" she asked.

"Yeah," said Hyuga. "Solaris is almost as good with dealing with mental trauma as they are physical."

"What about our bond?" she asked.

"I still had to wear the collar," he said. He showed the collar to Yui. "Let's sit down."

They sat on the couch. "Once I take this off we should feel the bond again," said Hyuga. He removed the collar and dropped it on the floor.

"Nothing," said Yui.

Hyuga embraced Yui. "I must still have some mental trauma. Just hold me and eventually the bond will come back."

Slowly they felt each other through the bond. Hyuga knew the healers repaired most of his mental wounds. With the bond and Yui's strength even the scars would disappear.

Later in the day as they still held each other both physically and through the bond. Someone knocked on the door interrupting them. "Come in," said Hyuga.

The Captain of the Guard entered the room. "I'm here to escort you both to Emperor Cain."

Hyuga inhaled sharply. "I. . .see," he said. "Yui does not know our protocols."

"You can explain on the way," said the Captain.

Hyuga was tempted to try to pull rank but figured whatever pull he had in the government was destroyed like Elru. "Ok," he said.

Yui and Hyuga got up and went over to the Captain. The Captain gave something to Hyuga that belonged to him. "My sword," said Hyuga.

"Protocol," said the Captain.

Hyuga nodded in understanding. He clipped sword on his belt then followed the Captain with Yui beside him.

Along the way Hyuga explained how she should act in front of Emperor Cain. "First off all he prefers to be addressed as Emperor Cain or Sir. He does not like being called Lord or just Emperor."

"Most rulers usually prefers the opposite," replied Yui.

"At one time I think he did also," explained Hyuga. "For some reason he changed. Anyway back to the lesson. Next do not lie. The Emperor hates two things with a passion. Lying and betrayal. In recent history there was only one reason he did not kill someone for betraying him. If you lie and he punishes you, you end up wishing he had killed you instead. It is better not to answer at all than to lie to him. If you are silent in your answer and he wants an answer than you better do it. As long as you are tell the truth nothing bad will come of it."

Yui felt Hyuga through the bond. His nervousness washed over her. Like him, she wondered how they were going to get out of this one. Hyuga basically betrayed Emperor Cain when he kept her hidden. Not wanting to dwell on it she asked, "What do I do when I meet him?" she asked.

"Bow on one knee with both arms out and palms open facing upward," answered Hyuga. "It show that you will not try to harm him."

"Harm him?!" asked Yui in surprise. "Even Shevat know the old saying, 'Only Cain can kill Cain'."

"It just means you are not going to try anything foolish and that you are unarmed," said Hyuga.

"What happens if you are foolish and do not bow in the proper way?" she asked.

Hyuga surprised Yui when he laughed. "The last person who did that ended up with their clothes torn off by the Emperor's power. The fool broke quite a few non-Ether speed records when he ran back to his home."

Yui laughed at the thought and decided the Emperor might not be that bad. Then again what Queen Zephyr said of Emperor Cain's past did not make Yui lower her guard.

*****

Yui entered the throne room holding Hyuga's hand and gasped. Cain was not there yet but the monitors where on. She saw images being played from around the world. She counted three images were from Shevat. "How?" she asked.

"The Data Crystals in Shevat if you are wondering how I am receiving data from there," said Emperor Cain. Hyuga and Yui watched the center dias. The Emperor sat in a chair that rose from the dias.

Hyuga bowed and tugged on Yui's dress to get her to do the same. She bowed in the proper way and waited. "Rise," said Emperor Cain.

Yui stood but Hyuga stayed in the same position. "Did the Gazel Ministry deafen you Hyuga? I said you could stand," ordered Emperor Cain.

Hyuga unlipped his sword and held it out with both hands. "I have betrayed you Emperor Cain," he said. "I am ready for the consequences."

"Hyuga!" said Yui. She turned to Emperor Cain and paused. She had seen pictures of him through the various stages of the clone's life. From handsome young man to rotting corpse. She knew know it was not his great command of Ether that allowed him to rule Solaris but his presence. In each stage of the clone's life Yui knew that with or without Limiter only a fool would not be impressed by such presence. 'So I'm a fool.' "No Sir,"she said. "All this time he has been under my control. I have been drugging him without his know-

"Do not lie to me!" snapped the Emperor. "I'm sure Hyuga told you I will not tolerate lies! Do it again and you will never tell another lie or the truth again!"

Yui swallowed hard and felt Hyuga's panic. Yui lowered her head and said, "Sorry Emperor Cain."

"Better," said Emperor Cain. He turned his attention back to Hyuga. "What makes you think you betrayed me or Solaris?"

"I gave comfort and shelter to the enemy. I have told her state secrets," answered Hyuga.

"Comfort and shelter," repeated the Emperor. "Is Solaris and Shevat at war again? If so then no one has bothered to tell me. The mission was to trap the Shadow Wraith using false information. If she had gotten actual secrets then there would be a problem." Emperor Cain leaned forward. "As for what you told her, what secrets were those?"

"She knows I'm your Guardian Angel and she knows about Elru," he answered.

"Your position is not really a state secret," said Emperor Cain. "Granted your time with the Elements did warrant secrecy but no longer. As for Elru, I'm surprised the whole world does not about that. Are there other leaks I should know about?"

"No Sir," answered Hyuga.

"Then stand before you loose your legs like I have," said Emperor Cain.

Hyuga placed his sword on the floor, a common sense action in front of someone who could kill him with a thought He stood up and shook his leg to get the circulation back. "Thank you," he said.

Emperor Cain turned to Yui. "Shadow Wraith, or should I call you Yui? You have caused a lot of trouble for SIA."

Yui was tempted to reply using the running gag but decided against it. She thought hard for an answer. "Yui is fine and I was just doing my duty."

"You did it well," said Emperor Cain. "SIA and my own people talk about you with respect. Even I have respect for your skills. Would you like to work directly with me?"

Yui did not know how to answer. If she said yes then Cain would think she had betrayed Shevat and his feelings about traitors would make her look like one. She could not even tell what his reaction would be if she said no. She did the only thing she could do and she answered with silence.

"Very good," said Emperor Cain. "I will not force you to answer. I believe you do have a question for me."

Yui almost said no but stopped herself. Emperor Cain saw the fear in her eyes. "As long as you do not ask if I can still perform certain functions then I will not be offended."

Hyuga looked at Emperor with surprise and Yui laughed in spite of herself. "Sorry," she said. Getting control herself she said, "Hyuga told me you wanted me alive. I always figured everyone here wanted me dead. I'm just wondered why you wanted me alive."

"To do what we are doing now," said Emperor Cain. "I knew you had to be high up in Shevat's Court just like Hyuga is here."

"What would you ask her?" asked Hyuga his mind reeling.

The Emperor sighed and shifted in his throne. "Mainly to see how Queen Zephyr is doing. To see how the people many consider lost sheep are faring," he said with a hint of regret.

Hyuga and Yui looked at the Emperor with confusion. "What would have happened to me afterwards?" asked Yui.

"I would have done then what I'm going to now," he said. Cain pressed a button on the arm of the throne. The doors behind Yui and Hyuga opened and the Royal Guards came in lining up along the wall.

Yui felt Hyuga take hold of her hand. This was it and the man he loved would never know. A part of her wanted to close her eyes. She saw Hyuga look at the guards. She drew strength from him and felt the courage to do the same. Together they looked at death and not blink.

"You have been away from home too long Yui," said Emperor Cain. "It is time for you to return."

Yui and Hyuga looked at the Emperor. "You should be honored that the Royal Guard will be escorting you back to Shevat," explained the Emperor.

"Why?" asked Yui.

"Dark times are coming and Queen Zephyr needs all of her people to support her," answered Emperor Cain. "They will escort you to a ship and fly you to Shevat."

"Yes Sir," said Yui. She smiled knowing she was finally going home. She wondered how surprised everyone would be she showed up. Three to four months had gone by and everyone had to thought she was dead. She squeezed Hyuga's hand then looked at him. He was not going with her. "Hyuga. . ."

"This is a blessing