Ekomin glared at the two boys.  The ambulance had arrived and taken Greg away, so he luckily wasn't a target for Ekomin's glare.  Thankfully, he was only slightly wounded the falling of a rather large spider injuring a rib.
    'Lucky he isn't dead,' Ekomin thought, sarcastically.  He didn't trust Greg. And where had these two come from? Were they ally or enemy?  Ekomin decided he would check it out.  First, Matthias... a rather trumped up name.
    Ekomin proceeded to the kitchen, where only the younger brother sat, idly finishing off the last bite of a muffin.
    "So, you're Matthias?" Ekomin asked, as the younger brother picked at the remaining bits of a muffin.
    "Maybe... who wants to know?"
    "Ekomin ve' Gerris of the Mizzen Council..." What was that Council for...?
    "What does that council do?" Matthias asked.  Too many questions... this boy is hard to crack.
    "Just a meeting of friends..." Lie, Ekomin was lying, and his face told the world.
    "Well then, I'm Matt.  Want a muffin?"
    Stupid boy!  Talk too little, eats too much.

    Ami reanalyzed the stone.  Serena fingered one of the old ones.  "They are pretty, you have to admit that much Ami."
    "Yes Serena, they are.  But they are also, EVIL!"
    "Yeah... but what happened when Greg visited, before the fire?"
    "We played chess."
    "That it?"
    "Serena... focus on what you're doing."  Ami didn't want to think about how Greg was doing.  Being crushed by the spider... that must have been painful.  Now he was in the hospital, and Ami had to keep busy.  She couldn't let her mind dwell or wander to that subject.  Anything but that.
    "So, what is it," Serena asked, as a beep ensued from Ami's computer.
    "I'm worried, about that Trevor guy.  Why is he after me?  What did I do?  He called me a murderer..."
    "Did you ever kill anyone?" Serena asked. The answer obvious.
    "No."
    "Then he's just a wacko!  Maybe you should stay with Raye.  She'll make sure no one hurts you."
    "I'll ask her, Serena." Later.

    "Nick, do you need to put that much on?" Mina asked him, referring to the ointment.  Nick stared at her.  In his mind, she was a vision of loveliness.  Her pretty blonde hair, and that bow!  It was a mark of individuality, which he liked.  He did, after all, wield a sword like none other ever seen.
    "Earth to Nick... did you hear me?"
    "Yeah... I do need to put that much on. It'll make me... I mean, you feel better."  Mina didn't even notice.
    "Tell me about yourself," she said, "why do you live alone?"
    "'Cause I live with no one else," he replied.
    "What is that sword you used?"
    "A weapon.  Its massive, the best thing ever forged into existence."
    "How much better?"
    "Let's just say, no one can beat me with it."
    "I've never seen anything like it before.  Isn't it heavy?"
    The older brother smiled.  It couldn't possibly do any harm to tell this sweet, innocent, particularly pretty young girl about his secret, could it?  "Well, it's a long story.  Let me see.  I guess it started when I saw a picture of it from a storybook.  Some guy who used it was a hero long ago.  So, a friend of mine who owed me a favor decided to make it for me," he said, smiling at the old memory.  "It was his greatest work.  This sword, called a kanegatana, has a shape like a katana.  The 'nega' means something in some other language, but I don't know what... I guess it means 'big katana' or something like that.  Anyway, it's made of vultite.  Very hard to forge, but had a better edge than anything else.  It can cut just about anything..."
    "Wow! That's wicked cool."  Mina thought he was bragging, just a little.
    "Yeah... wicked cool."
    She was curious about the sword, but decided that maybe it wasn't the best thing to ask about.  "Do you and your brother get along?"
    "Most the time."
    "Do you like him?"
    "Yeah. He is my brother."

    "What makes the dagger talk," Ekomin said.  He was pressing hard for answers.  Matthias drank some milk silently.   "Well, an answer please..."
    "What makes you talk?"
    "The dagger is different!  Why does it talk?"
    "It likes conversation, I guess."   Stupid, stupid boy.
 
 

    Rochelle listened happily as Kaziz chastised Trevor.  "And on top of all that, you only manage to send one of your targets to the hospital!  You waste six of our warriors, for one injury.  He's not even an official target!  He was just there! Can't even remove one little girl..." the demonic voice trailed off, his patience waning.
    Trevor attempted to stand up for himself.  "He is in critical condition."
    "He's not even the target you're after!  Kill that girl!  And anyone who gets in your way.  You have those four stones left... I want them all back."
    You'll get them back... soon.
    As Trevor left the meeting hall, Rochelle approached him.  "So, failed again?  Can't even stop them before they're in their super forms?"
    "Cape boy interfered." Trevor lied, that was only one of the many things that went wrong.
    "Oh, which one ruined your plan today?"
    "The black one, if you must know.  Tuxedo Mask is his name."
    "Another lucky guy?  Did you even hit the target?  Sharon would be ashamed of you."
    "What would you know!  Get out of my hair Rochelle.  Sharon would love what I'm trying to do.  I have a reason to be here, not your 'I want to be beautiful forever' reason either.  Once I deal with Mizuno, I'm out."
    "Not on a first name basis yet with your friend yet?"
    "Shut up."
 
 
 

    Ekomin had Matthias pinned against the wall.  "Tell me how it talks."
    Matt remained cool and collected.  "By resonating sound waves, which you interpret as words."  Ekomin lost his patience, and sent his fist flying towards Matthias's face. Twenty minutes now, and he had yet to give a straight answer.  He felt an odd twinge, his hand turned.  A pain sent through his arm.  Matthias had twisted the wrist, causing pain to shoot up his nerve.
    "Why'd you do that!" Ekomin said, knowing the answer wouldn't be straightforward.
    "Because, I wanted to," Matt said, grabbing Ekomin's untouched muffin on the way out.

    Lita looked over Raye's wounds.  They weren't bad.  None of them were hurt bad... save Greg.  "So Lita, what are we doing tonight?" Raye asked.
    "Why do you ask?"
    "Because, Ami can't go home.  That wacko may try to kill her again.  She's going to stay here," Raye said, slowing planning the evening, "but we can't let her feel out of place.  So, can you stay to?"
    "Sure." Lita replied.  Maybe they could learn some more from their new acquaintances.  Who were the brothers, Trevor, the Lucent Knight, and Ekomin?
    As if reading her mind, Ekomin chose that exact moment to step into the room.  The tall, strong man fell into the chair.
    "What happened to your wrist?"
    Ekomin searched for a way to lie to Raye.  He thought, and thought hard.  Why not just tell the truth.  It couldn't hurt.
    "That boy broke it..."
    "Why?" Raye said.
    "Because he wanted to."  If the boy could give backward answers, so could he!

    "That's not what I meant!" Matt cried as Raye crossed her arms, annoyed.
    Raye was incredibly annoyed.  She had originally thought the older brother was the one who Ekomin was complaining about.  She had been surprised to learn that it was actually the younger one.  The most annoying thing, in Raye's eyes, was the fact that they were arguing when Ami's life was in danger.  She clenched her fists at her side.
    "He punched at me, so I snapped it..."
    "Ekomin, did you punch at him," Raye asked, eyeing Ekomin suspiciously.
    "I can't lie to you Raye.  I did not," Raye seeing that he was lying.
    "Is that the truth?" Raye asked.  The younger brother smiled at Ekomin... he was getting agitated.
    "You shouldn't lie Ekomin... it's bad for your soul," Matt remarked as Ekomin glared at him.
    "Fine, I did?  So what?  He still snapped my wrist!"  Ekomin demanded justice.
    "Well, at least he had a reason," Raye said.  She was angry with both of them, but had bigger things to worry about.

    "Tell me about the sword again."
    "Its forged of a material so strong it could cut through anything.  Vultite."
    "Even diamond," Mina asked, her eyes playfully brightening.
    "Yeah, even diamond." He was enjoying the stare he was getting from Mina.
    "Hey, want to come with me and Raye to the mall tomorrow?"
    "Why? What's going on?" the older brother asked.
    "Just a little friendly trip.  We don't get to talk much."
    "Sure, I'll come."  Something good was finally happening.
 
 

    "How can you stand there like that, so calm and poised," Trevor asked the imp resting to his right.
    Iopee, the imp, responded, "Because, I know how to stop Mizuno now, before she's strong enough to stop us."
    "I'm listening."
    "We have trouble because someone interferes, right?"
    "Those damn boys!" Trevor slammed his fist on his armrest.
    "Right, so what if we use scare tactics?  Not strike her, but other people... close to her," Iopee said, with a disgusting impish grin.  Its spear like tail slowly curled.
    "I see... but who?"
    "That boy you sent to the hospital... she seemed shaken up about that.  Maybe we can get her to stop her ways, by flexing some muscle."  A glinting red appeared behind the imp, who was pushed aside by Rochelle.
    "So, you going to cut the heart strings," she asked.  "Isn't that beneath you, our noble friend?"
    "Two can play her games, Rochelle.  She killed Sharon; I have my God given right to take vengeance on her.  Anyway I see fit.  Even if that boy has to get hurt.  Besides, he's strong and resilient.  We have to get through him, before he'll let us hurt her."  Trevor was thinking this over.  That would be an insecure attack.  Besides, it was a tactic he disliked, and found wrong.
    "He's at the hospital, maybe you should get there before cape boy?"
    "Why would he show up," Trevor asked.
    "He seems to have the worst timing of anyone I've ever known.  I don't want to disappoint you, but your failures are causing us major losses in the future.  Toy with your prey if you must, Trevor.  But remember, the cat that pounces never misses... but he who plays, loses the day," Rochelle said, smiling at the silly rhyme.
 
 

    Ami sat in the small room by herself; Serena had left awhile ago.  Ami flipped through the notes she had made on the stones thus far.  There was no way of getting information she could use from them.  If only she had a book on them.  If only she could get out, and read up on this.  Maybe she could try and find records on Trevor... that wouldn't help.  No last name anyway.  Ami felt helpless... she couldn't do a thing and now a crazy wanted her dead.  Ami balanced the thoughts.  Where could she run?  How could she explain to her mom?  More importantly, why did he want her?  She hadn't killed anyone, at least not any humans... he had to be from the negaverse.  A soft meow came from under the table.  Luna's black face looked up at Ami.
    "Hello Ami.  You're not your usually happy self.  Is something troubling you?"
    "Yes... what do you think Trevor is up to?  Can it have any merit?  I'm worried. He sure could carry out his threats."
    "Ami, I won't lie to you.  This is a very dangerous, and difficult.  You shouldn't worry, anything may happen.  Maybe you should stay with friends?"
    "Thank you Luna, but maybe I should just stay home," Ami said with a sigh.
    "All right Ami."

    Serena picked at the food Lita had made.  Everyone seemed somewhat distant.  Even Mina wasn't all that smiling.  The brothers had gone home long before Lita had finished, much to her dismay.  Raye finally saw everyone was beginning to get a bit distant, and decided to try and liven things up.
    "Gee, what are we going to do tonight," Raye asked.
    Serena smiled, snapped her fingers and shouted out,  "Movies!  Let's get movies!" Mina quickly responded with a nod.
    "Yes!  We haven't seen any good movies in such a long time.  What do you think Lita?"  Lita simply nodded.  Raye glanced between her friends.  At least the day may not be a total waste.  After a few ideas were suggested back and forth (mainly between Mina and Serena) Ami declared she had to go home.  Lita ran out to get the movies.
    "So, what are we going to do after that?"
    "One thing at a time Serena."
 
 

The Next Day:
    "Mom," Ami said as she slowly put peanut butter on her toast.  "When will you be home tonight?"
    "Not until late.  Is something bothering you Ami?"
    "No, just need to know when I should be home, is 9:00 ok?"
    "Sure, but Ami don't spend all your time at the library, dear," Laura said, preparing some of her work papers.
    "I won't Mom."
    She didn't realize how right she was.

    The older brother lay in bed.  He had trouble getting up on time.  The younger brother had already left to the library; he was awfully boring on some days.  When he did something; he did it with as much gusto as he could.  He had been shouting last night when Zentar beat him at chess.  Whatever his younger brother was looking up, it probably wasn't helpful.  Probably muffins... or cookies, or both.
    9:00 AM.  Still early he didn't have to meet with Mina for another... hour.  He set his alarm, and went back to bed.
    10:30 AM.  Still early... he had.... Nick was late!! He had overslept!  Running out of the building, he darted to Raye's shrine, the universal meeting place.

    Ami slowly walked to the library.  Her depressed nature tended to overtake her when she was alone.  Just then the younger brother came running from behind her.  "Ami! Run!" He yelled.  Ami stared for a second, then looked behind her.  Three very angry looking, strong, muscle men from the college were chasing him down.  They looked massive, and angry.  They had just come from the gym, and one was shouting obscenities at the boy.  Knocking people aside, they pursued their target.  Ami decided to find out what was going on.  Better to get an unbiased opinion.  Besides, the other three didn't look like the conversationalists.
    "Matt! What did you do," she yelled as she ran to catch up.  He slowed down, and they ran side by side.
    "I simply stated that their car had nearly ran me over.  After asking for an apology, and not receiving it..."
    "What did you do?"
    "Zentar did it, I swear!  He slashed their tires!  I was eating a muffin when they came out."  Matt's mind drifted back to the chocolate chip muffin."Anyway, they saw that, and are, well, homicidal maniacs."
    "Explain to them you didn't do it," Ami stated calmly.
    "Would you believe me if you were them?"
    "I guess not.  But really, do you want to run the rest of today," Ami asked the younger brother.
    As they ran past the library, he grabbed Ami's arm, and dragged her into the building.  "Here we go, Ami, only the most boring people come in here! They'll never look for us here!"
    "I like it here," Ami remarked.
    "Well... you're the exception to the rule Ami.  I think I'm going to get some books to pass the time."
    "You do that," Ami said, as she looked at her list of things to do.  She made a quick mark, thinking it best to avoid the boy as much possible... then quickly scribbled it off.  This was fun, running for their lives and all.  He was really the only one in danger; she was just along for the ride.
    The mall loomed in the distance, how was Mina's day going?  Definitely better then mine, she resolved.

    "Mina," Nick said, getting annoyed at their date in the mall.  It turned out that Raye was tagging along, a fact Nick had neglected, and was usurping most of Mina's time. "When are we going to ditch Raye?"
    "That's mean!" Mina said with a smile.  "Well, right after lunch?"
    "All right."
    Raye quickly came over.  "Guys, did you see what I just saw outside at the park?"
    "No, what is it," Nick asked.
    "You won't believe it, there's this knife... playing chess."

    The emerald laden dagger slid a rook across the board at the park.  The man on the other side stared at it.  "Check?" Zentar asked.
    "I'll get out if it, just you wait," said a young man, cheerfully pondering the next move against his strange opponent.
    Just then, Ekomin flung the heavy burlap sack over Zentar, grinning with delight.
    "You'll tell me your secrets, knife,"
    "Dagger." Zentar interrupted.  "Even with daggers you must be politically correct."  If Zentar could smile, he would have.
    The man stood up to face Zentar's kidnapper.  "You took my playing partner.  Give him back!"  The man seemed angry.
    "Make me!" Ekomin said, preparing to defend himself.  He rubbed his injured hand.

A few minutes later:
    "Ouch..." Ekomin looked up into Raye's eyes.  She looked not very happily down on him.  How long has passed... about half an hour.  Zentar...  blasted thing had escaped him.  Never would a piece of metal foil him again.
    "You're going to give Shinto a bad name, kidnapping Zentar, and starting another fight," Raye said.
    "But, Raye it talked to me!  I must know its secrets!" And they lie with that boy.
    "Go to the shrine, and do your chores!"
    "Yes Raye..." He would track down Matthias, and get him to tell.  One way, or the other.  Then his vision went black.  Shoot...

    Serena looked out at the beautiful afternoon sky.  Grounded.  That one word summed up her weekend.  Luna had scolded.  Her mother grounded her.  She had only been late by ten minutes!  Ten!  "Luna! It's too pretty a day to stay inside.  Why didn't you tell me?"
    "You need to be more responsible Serena," The black cat replied.
    "If you help me get out... I'll buy you kitty treats."  Luna shook her head. "Tuna fish?" Another shake.  "ANYTHING!"
    "Serena! Stop whining.  You got in trouble, and now you have to be punished."
    "Luna, don't be like mom! Be cool like Artemis."
    "Serena, do I look like Artemis?"
    "No, he's cuter," Serena said, balancing a pencil on her upper lip.
    "Then, you talk with him," Luna said as she exited the room.
    "Luna... come back! Why do you have to be so mean," Serena yelled.  She wished Mina would be stuck with Luna for once, because then she would be outside having fun.  Not inside baby sitting Sammy.

    Greg looked up, expecting to see visitors.  No one was there.  Where was everybody?  Did something happen? "Hello, world?  This is Greg.  I'm feeling lonely."  No use.  He probably just sounded crazy now.  He tried to get up, but a pain rippled through his chest.  His memory quickly cleared.  Spiders.  Yeah, that would put him in the hospital.  Ami's mom checked in on him in a few minutes.
    "Hi, Dr. Mizuno," Greg said.  He liked Ami's mom.  At least he'd have someone to talk to.
    "Hello Greg, how's your chest?"
    "What happened?"
    "Says you fell down the stairs at the temple.  But your ribs looked more crushed in the X-rays."
    "So, when do I get out," Greg asked, a glint of hope in his eyes.
    "I don't know, I'm not here to check on you.  We have another patient, got hurt in a fight today.  Injured wrist, broken arm, and I think internal injuries." As Laura moved the curtain back, a silver haired boy looked up at her.  Greg got a feeling he didn't want to talk when he saw the glare the boy gave him.
   "I'm ready to go, let me out of here."
   "I'm sorry, Ekomin, is it? You can't leave until someone signs you out."
    Ekomin silently cursed.  Who can sign me out? "My parents aren't here.  I'm staying at the temple.  Contact the man there, and he'll sign me out."
    Laura thought that over.  "OK, Greg, I'll call your parents as well. You two need anything before I leave?"
    Greg quickly had a flash, a case falling, and a scream.  Someone running. He shook his head, Laura took that as a no, and left.
    "So, who are you," Ekomin asked him.
    "Greg... and you?"
    "Ekomin ve Gerrin of the Mizzen Council... you were at the temple? With the spiders, weren't you?  Ami's friend?"
    "Yes, how do you know me?"  Greg was rather at a loss.  He usually had the upper hand in these conversations.
    "Call me a friend."
    'Over my dead body,' they both thought in unison.  Greg really wished Ami was here.  She would talk with him and not be such a pain.  Ouch... his chest hurt.

    The younger brother looked through the 'White Rose Chronicles'.  "Ami, you ever read this," he asked, sliding it over to her.  It had been written under the name Meron Lucentile.  He hoped Ami would like it.  She smiled up at him.
    "The author should come out.  It's an ok piece of work.  I wouldn't put it on any list though; it's something nice to read in your off time." She slid it back.   She didn't reject it.
    Just then, as his mind was beginning to wander, three tired, sweaty, muscular, angry college students sauntered in.  Ten minutes!  They had managed to hide for ten minutes.  The boy grabbed Ami's arm, shoving her books into the pack, and told her to check them out.  She saw what he pointed at, and obliged.  One of them pointed however, and the chase had resumed.  He ducked into the fiction section.  It was large, with rows and rows of books.  Finally he saw his blue haired friend.
    "Psssst! Ami!"  Matt whispered, and she carefully walked over.  "One's on the other side of this shelf, and he's got a knife."  Ami gasped.  Matt pulled her down on her hands and knees.  "I don't know what to do.  He'll get us eventually."
    The man's eyes slowly looked over to their isle.  Nothing.  The boy popped up as soon as he looked away.  Ami looked at the glinting steel.  She was getting hot.  This was not her idea of a quiet afternoon.  Maybe that note would do good now...
    "Why don't you just run?"
    "One's guarding the door," he whispered a little too loud, and the man thrust the knife through the shelf.  Matt ducked back, but a black string was cut.  His necklace, which resembled something Ami had seen before, fell to the ground.  It was a tail? Like a lion tail.  It looked like the zodiac sign of Leo...
    The knife flailed wildly around, and nearly cut Ami.  Finally an idea clicked in his head. "Ami! Push it over!"
    "What!  You can't...."  Too late, the bookcase silently toppled on top of the man.  He screamed in pain.  His two friends ran towards the noise and were ready to tackle the already fleeing pair.  She barely picked up the medallion.
    "Don't get buried in your studies!"
    "Let's get something to eat," he suggested off handedly. "I'm starving."
    As he passed their backpacks, he couldn't help but empty them along the ground.  The librarian was approaching him, and a small, dull green emerald found its way to her.
    "To pay for the damages!" Matt yelled, as he and Ami ran to lunch.  Matt planned to stop by a small eatery outside the market place.  It was isolated, and seemed like a good hiding place.  Besides... only boring people went there.

    Artemis and Luna strolled around the market together.  Finally, a day without Serena and Mina.  Mina was with that new guy and Serena in her room.  The quietness of the street, was wonderful.  Then Luna saw Ami and that other new guy sitting at a table talking. Wondering what was going on, Luna trotted over and pawed at Ami under the table.  Artemis took his opportunity to find himself some tuna. Ami excused herself, and went around the corner, to talk with Luna.  No one was around; it was a little too easy.  "Ami, what are you doing?  Aren't you supposed to be researching?"
    "Something came up.  There are these guys are trying to get at Matthew.  They think he did something to them.  He pushed a bookcase down on one, and we're hiding here until it blows over."
    "What if Trevor comes after you?  Shouldn't you be with the others?"
    "Well, we seemed to take care of ourselves fairly well against Trevor... besides, he won't find me."

    Trevor stopped thinking about his plan of action tonight.  Killing that boy was needed, it was.  He would sneak in, and blast him with all the energy he could muster.  Oh, he could just stab him but where was the fun in that?  No, he mustn't think like that.  Greg, he was an obstacle in the way, which had to be removed. There was no other explanation.  That was how it was.  With those thoughts concluded, Rochelle made her appearance.
    "Hello, General Idiocy!"
    "What do you want, Colonel Rochelle?"
    "Oh, is this a rank pulling contest? I thought we were good friends."
    "I am not your friend, nor did I ever wish to be your acquaintance."
    She smiled broadly.  "Your words hurt me Trevor, but I have a bit of interesting news.  It appears that you've just been demoted.  No more failures or Kaziz will kill you himself.  Well, ta-ta for now, and too-doo-loo!" Rochelle said.  Trevor threw a dagger against the wall. Damn that girl! Why couldn't Mizuno just die?

    Ami felt another paw under the table, and dropped a bit of meat for Luna.  The younger brother was secretly feeding Artemis as well.  The cats had never been so content before.  Finally a yell across the pavilion told Matt and Ami to book it.  Luna was hurt... no more roast beef.
    "Rex! That's the guy! He's still with that girl!"
    "You're right, Tyler!  Let's get them!"  As they ran forward, and neared the table, Matt elegantly flipped it onto them, and ran.  He passed by a waiter, and stole a bowl of soup.
    "Come any closer, and you'll get burned!" He yelled at his chasers.  They stopped.
    "You owe me over $400 in damages!"
    "I didn't do it!" Matt said, as the waiter stole his soup.  The chase continued.  "Ami! In there!" Matt pointed to a small store, as Ami was about to turn though, he grabbed her arm and yanked her to keep going.  The guys had slowed down to get in behind them, and cursed.
    "You won't get away!" Tyler yelled.  Ami looked back at the angry men.
    "Matt, $400 dollars is way too much for four tires."
    "Yeah Ami,  let's duck into the first supermarket we see, and hide there for awhile."
    "Mom said not to spend all day in the library," Ami said, mostly to herself, as she looked at her watch, 1:00 PM.

   'The new guy' and Mina had gotten lucky.  Raye had to take Ekomin to the hospital.  They were finally alone.  All alone in the mall.  No Raye, no Ekomin, just Zentar.  The talkative dagger scared people when it talked, and made Mina visibly shake.  Nick explained it as one of Matt's weird, redeeming qualities.
    "Want to see a movie?" Nick asked.
    "I hear they have a new Sailor V one out," Mina said.  She loved this sort of publicity.
    "OK, didn't know you were into action movies.  I thought you'd want to see that cheap romance movie."
    "There's a romance movie!  Let's see that instead."
    Nick sighed.  '...Couldn't keep my own mouth shut.'

    Lita hummed silently to herself as she pushed her cart along.  Ken was coming over, and she had a new recipe!  She just needed a few more things when she saw the oddest thing.  The younger of the two brothers, at least, so she thought had run passed her, holding onto Ami.  It was definitely Ami, no doubt about it.  As Lita turned the corner, she saw it was clearly Matt, and they were both all red.
    "Lita, help..." He began and related the story of the three homicidal maniacs.  Ami of course helped when he was sidetracked to talking about other things.  But at least Lita smiled.
    "I'll pound them for you!" She offered, to which they both answered "NO!"
    "Then what do you want me to do," She asked, as Matt grabbed a mop.
    "Get down!" He jumped into the cart, and it started rolling towards the first guy.  The other two were right behind.
    Ami sighed.  At least the day was getting interesting. Her sigh turned into a shriek, when Matt used the mop as a lance, and knocked the guy into the eggs.  The creamy yolk washed over him.  "Cracked him down to size!"
    Matt screamed a victory shout as he leapt from his vehicle, leaving it to plow the second one over into milk and other assorted dairy products  "Don't get bowled over on my account!"
    'Was this lame or what,' Lita thought.
    She glanced to Ami and saw she thought the same thing.  The third guy tried to grab Ami, but Lita wouldn't have it! This one landed in the cleaning supplies.  They all were in pain.
    "That's how you take care o' business," Matt declared as he started his run, tossing an emerald, another dull one, to a worker. "To pay for the damages!"  He and Ami ran before any of the three got up.  Where did he get those things?
    "Oh no! I needed those eggs!"
 
    Meanwhile, with the other brother...
    He was having much better luck than the others.  Well, at least knife-wielding maniacs weren't attacking him.  He had finally gotten to be alone with Mina! Mina, Mina, MINA!  He had almost gotten a kiss from her during the movie, then something startled her.  Zentar was far, far away.  Making passes at kitchen knives.  He held Mina's hand.  Good, but not real good.
    "Nick, what to do?  It's only two and we have till seven to meet Raye and go to the hospital."
    "Why are we going?"
    "To visit Greg.  I'm sure he'd like to see you."  She leaned forward, and was about to kiss him.  He puckered up, and tasted cold steel.  Fire in his eyes, he grabbed Zentar.
    "Damn it! You always show up at the wrong times!"  Mina pulled away quickly as he started his yelling spree at the dagger.

    "Bowled over," Ami asked, with a slight giggle in her voice.
    "Yes, was it really that bad?" Matt finally realized maybe it wasn't that good after all.  But, he had said it, so he would stand by it.
    "It was horrible!  I've never heard such a horrible phrase, since... since the other one you said at the library!"
    "No, Ami that was a classic.  Buried?"  They had been wondering around the mall, and it was three.  They couldn't get over the sight of those three big college guys, soaked in dairy products.  Not that Matt would let Ami forget anyway.  "Besides," Matt said striking a pose. "I am Matt the Magnificent! Defender of the weak, Protector of the small! And their worst..." He couldn't think of a witty ending.  He just grinned sheepishly at Ami.
    "So 'Magnificent', let's do something?  There's a park outside... earth to Matt." Ami waved a hand in front of Matt's eyes, but they focused on something in the distance.  It couldn't be... he had been trying to avoid it all day!  Zentar!  Here! In this mall! Right there.  He approached the dagger, and grabbed it.

    The brothers glanced at each other.  Then, the older one spied Ami suspiciously while the younger one stared uneasily at Mina.
    "It's not what you think," they simultaneously said to each other.
    "There he is!  The one with the bad puns!"
    The older one looked at his brother, annoyed.  He had known him long enough to know who's fault this one was.
    "What did you do?"
    "RUN!" Matt yelled.  He and Ami ran up the escalator to the second floor. Matt reached the top, and hit the emergency stop button.
    "Matt! There's no emergency!" Ami said, but upon seeing the angered college students, she changed her mind.  They ran into a clothes store.

    Serena whined some more, and some more.  It was three, and all she could do was sit in her room.  She was probably having no more fun than Ami was.  Raye had called to say how irresponsible Serena had been, and to yell at her.  Lita called and briefed Serena on the happenings at the store, and now she couldn't even lie and say Ami wasn't having any fun.  "I wish Luna were here to talk to..."
    "I am Serena, I've been here since two."
    "I want my pretty black kitty."
    "Giving me the silent treatment won't bother me Serena, I am not going help you get of your punishment."
    "Come on! Even you got to go outside today, Luna... I want to have some fun!"
    "Do you think your friend Ami is having any fun, running from those guys? Or Raye, stuck doing all of Ekomin's chores?  They aren't having a ball either."
    "I didn't hear anything."
    "Grow up Serena,"

6:00 PM.  Lita had finished, and Kent was waiting for her to serve dessert.  "Umm, Kent, there's no cake tonight.  Someone destroyed all the eggs."
    "Oh, I'll help clean up," Ken said.  He really wanted Lita's cake.  This was unfair.  "So, what is everyone else doing tomorrow?  And how does an entire shelf of eggs get ruined?"
    "Nothing, I guess.  Maybe I'll tell you later."  Lita said with a sigh.  Too much for one day.
    "Then you're free for a day in the park?"
    "Sure Kent!"
    "Only if you bake that cake tomorrow.  Do we have a deal?"
    "Done, and done!" Lita said, scrubbing at a pan.

    "Ami..." Matt whispered, hiding behind a display, "why is your hair blue?"
    "It just is."
    "I like it, I think its very pretty, and unique."  Crash! Matt was softening her up, since he had the plan to push a display on the three guys.  They all had knives this trip around.
    "MATT!"
    "RUN!"  He fetched two emeralds, both dull, and tossed them to the jewelry clerk. "For the damages!"  Where did he keep getting those?

    "So, we got away from them, didn't we?" Ami asked Matt as they walked into the hospital.  6:40 AM: They were at the hospital.  Ami walked in to see Greg... and Ekomin. The silver haired agitator threw his glass at Matt.
    "Pain!" He shouted, was he referring to his hand, or Matt?
    "You're here, too," Matt says, looking over Ekomin.  "Did you pick a fight you couldn't win?"
    "No," Ekomin whispered to him, "but you have."

    Ami looked down on Greg.  She peered over him, looking into his closed eyes.  If only he knew... he would laugh at what they did.  Matt really was not that bad of a friend.  Maybe, but today was enough excitement for a few days at least.  Greg was napping.   Ami brushed aside some of his hair.  He looked so cute sleeping there (aside from his chest being taped up).  She didn't want to wake him up.  Unfortunately, a loud sound outside woke him.  He sat up quick, and hit Ami's head.
    "Hey guys!" Mina yelled as she walked into the room.
    Nick looked over at Matt and Ekomin.  "Matt, what happened today?"  Matt and Ami both laughed.
    "Well... it all starts with what Zentar did to these guys' car..."

8:30PM:
    "Bowled over?" Nick asked Matt as they walked into the elevator.  Ami shrugged.
    "Better then 'buried in your studies,'" She remarked.
    "I don't get it."
    "Bowl, milk, you know, cereal, 'Don't get bowled over on account of me'. It's classic!" Matt declared.
    "Matt the 'Magnificent'?  What sort of lame name is that," Nick asked, very annoyed.  He had missed out on the fun, especially since he was carrying a pair of knives that he would have really liked to try out on the guys.  Not hurt them, of course, just see what they did.  Maybe disarm them if they tried to stab him.
    They passed Ami's room.
    "Good night you two."
    "Maybe we can get together some other time?" Matt asked with a grin.
    "I've had enough excitement for one day."
    "That's not quite what I meant." He whispered, and she blushed and went inside.
    "Why didn't you just fight those guys," the older brother asked as he let his brother in.
    "Because, Ami needs excitement in her life."
    "What if she got hurt?"
    "Did she?" Matt asked, as Zentar came and whispered something to him.  "Interesting."  Nick wondered what those two were referring to.

 11:00 PM
    Trevor looked down on Greg.  He had to stay.  The bones hadn't set right.  Ekomin was gone.  Trevor slowly drew in a massive bolt of energy.  He was pouring every ounce of energy he could into this one beam, through this one boy.  The entire nurses' staff had been drained.  He was done... no more energy.  He couldn't hold anymore.
    "Stop where you are!"  Came a voice, rushing ever nearer.  "I am Lucent Knight, Defender of the defenseless, Protector of those who need protection.  It's time to meet your maker!" Lucent Knight was riding on a food cart; it was rocketing down the wet floor towards Trevor.
    The boy jumped off the moving cart, and it bowled Trevor over, his energy lost.  Trevor grinned and got up.  "You win this time, Knight of Light, but remember, you can't hide from me forever."  Trevor used his last bit of energy to transport home.  Greg stumbled out.
    "So... you came to my rescue?" He asked the white robed stranger.
    "Yes, a little bird told me."
    "I know who you are now, I've seen your face.  What should I do?  Tell someone?  Well, Lucent Knight?" Greg told Lucent Knight, as he was helped into bed.
    "I've saved your life, so let's make this our little secret, OK?"
    "Right, Knight."
 

The Next Day, Ami's Room:
    "Your friend Greg had a visitor last night."  Laura told Ami, as she toasted her bread.
    "Oh, who?"
    "We're not quite sure, all the security tapes were messed with.  We tried to fix them, but we can't recover any of the film."
    "So?"
    "Ask him about it, it'll give you an excuse to talk to Greg anyway. He's a nice boy.  Come on."
    "I'll drop by a little later then."
    "By the way, what did you do yesterday Ami?"
    "Just went around a bit, nothing important."  Just ran for our lives mom, Ami could see her mom's reaction to that.  It wasn't pretty.
    "OK, don't get home too late."

    An alarm went off, and Zentar gently prodded Matt.  "Not now... I want some sleep."
    "You don't have time.  You should've been up hours ago," The dagger scolded.
    "I was up late last night. Anyway, what is there to do today?"
    "Nothing, but I don't like being the only thing up around now."
    Matt reached up, and plucked the emerald out of him.
    "There, now you're not the only one not awake.  Back to sleep."

    Serena walked into the arcade that afternoon.  Ami and Lita were meeting her here, then they would go visit Greg.  Serena was late, and a crowd had gathered around the front of the Crown Arcade.  She looked in and saw a fight.  Lita and some rather big guy, who was already bloodied and bruised, were fighting.  From the looks of things it was already well underway.  Ami tugged at Serena's sleeve.
    "Yeah?" Serena asked her.
    "That's Rex, he's one of the guys that tried to get me yesterday.  Lita's been at him for about ten minutes now.  Andrew is going to break it up, once he gets here."  It was just then that Serena noticed the arcade was closed.
    "Why is it closed Ami?"
    "Repairs."
    "Oh..." Serena watched, Lita threw 'Rex' around several times, but he got one good punch across her face.  She felt her nose start to bleed, it was then when Andrew came and told Rex to pick on someone his own size.  When Rex asked if Andrew wanted to go at him, the answer was no.  Rex was officially banned from the Crown Arcade.

    "Lita, are you ok," Andrew asked her.  She had been hit once, in the eye.  She complained it had swelled shut, just for Andrew's attention.  She liked the way he looked down at her, and constantly treated her like an average girl.  He even gave her a lollipop at one point.
    "Yes, Andrew. Where's Ami and Serena?"
    "They went outside after a few minutes."
    "Then can I stay with you," Lita said, as she got comfortable in the little cot.  Mumbling a  'Thank you' to Andrew she napped in the Crown Arcade.

    "Serena and her friends sure are weird, aren't they, Darien," Andrew asked his friend upon leaving the 'injured' Lita.
    "Yeah, but I wouldn't change them for the world.  Did you hear about the day yesterday?"
    "Man, your car breaks down, and your motorcycle gets a flat.  From what Lita said, no one's had a good couple of days.  Even my machines started breaking down yesterday."
    "Andrew, you got a weird new machine, right," Darien asked, detecting an odd power radiated form another corner of the building.
    "Yeah, why Darien?"
    "No reason."

    "Greg, wake up. Ami's here," Serena said, and shook him.
    "Ami... here," Greg said, waking up with a start.  Another dream... this one was worse than any he had had before.  Ami's room was up in flames.
    "Yeah, she was worried sick about you.  Yesterday was a bit busy for her.  She was running from mobsters," Serena cried.
    "They weren't mobsters!" Ami said.  "They were just... angered."
    "Because of the guy who ran into the flaming building?"
    "Yeah, but he's ok," Ami said.  "Who visited you last night?"
    "Trevor.  He showed up to kill me, then Lucent Knight stopped him.  Nothing major." Serena quickly interrupted them.
    "Could you see him? What did he look like?!"
    "It was dark," Greg replied.
    Ami eyed Greg.  "Are you telling me the entire truth? It could be vital, and lives may depend on it.  Did anything else happen last night?"  She had heard about Lucent Knight's escapades, but he had talked with Greg.  She knew this, the audio still worked on the cameras.  He knew Lucent Knight.  He did.
    Greg really hated to lie, especially to Ami.  "Nothing, just maybe you shouldn't go home tonight."  Serena thought this was a subtle pass Ami didn't pick up on.
    "What do you know Greg?"
    "Nothing, honest Ami."  Serena glanced uneasily between the two.  What was going on?  Greg wasn't going to ask Ami out on a date.  Maybe she should step outside.
    "Greg!" Ami said with an unusual anger.  "Must you lie to me?!"
    "I am not going to lie, Ami, you're my friend... a very good friend. I couldn't lie to you."
    "But you are!  What did Lucent Knight do?  What did Trevor do? Where was Ekomin!"
    "Ami, please.  I didn't see much."
    "Greg, please tell me the truth."
    "Please, Ami if you had some trust and faith, you would believe me."
    Ami glanced over at Serena, and after a second or two Serena got the hint. "Anyone need anything, I'll be outside," Serena said, there a quick smooth exit.
    "Serena."  Greg's look pleaded with her to stay.  But she decided to duck out anyway.
    "OK Greg, no more secrets.  What did you see, or dream," Ami demanded, standing to her full height.  Not an impressive showing.
    "What makes you sure I saw or dreamt anything?"
    "Answer my question! I know you're lying to me!  I saw the tapes!"  She was getting angry.  Maybe if he knew, she knew it would make life easier.  She hated to shout at him, especially like this.  But she really needed this information.  It wasn't lying; she had seen the tapes.  Not that anything could be gained from them.
    "Ami, just don't go home, stay at the shrine or something."  She couldn't have, Greg reasoned, if she did Ami would know as well.  Something about him must have told her he was lying.  The position of the camera would've clearly shown his face.
    "Greg, tell me or I'll go home just to see what will happen!" Ami stomped her foot, showing that she meant exactly what she said.  Greg lay there a second contemplating this.
    "I'm not sure yet, just please, please listen to me."
    "Why are you being so secretive? What do you know?" Ami was near tears.
    "Ami, please, I know this must hurt but I don't know yet.  I don't want to worry you over possibly nothing."
    "Then why not go home!?"
    "Ami... please don't yell.  Calm down.  Don't you trust me," Greg said.  She had to trust him, since there really were no other choices.  She must trust him.  He hoped.
    "Greg, how do I know you're not hiding something else from me?"
    "I'm not, I swear it," Greg said crossing his heart.
    "Goodbye Greg," Ami said as she left.  She looked back, studying the outline of his face.  What had he known, that she couldn't hear?  What was the 'big' secret?  Ami left and before the tears came, she was hidden away in the elevator, where she could be alone.

    "Greg!" Serena stated as she paced around his bed.  "What did you and Ami fight about?"
    "Serena, please, let me do this myself."
    "Greg, you can't.  You're confined to this hospital room.  And as of now, so am I!  Until I find a way to reconcile you with Ami, I won't leave! I'm here to help you," Serena stated, sitting in the chair next to him.
    Oh brother.  Just what I need, Serena's help. "Thanks Serena."
    "Anytime, Greg.  What did you two argue over."
    "She thinks I'm lying to her."
    "Are you?"
    "No."
    "Tell her."
    "But..."
    "You are lying to her, aren't you."
    "Maybe, Serena."
    "Come on Greg, you can't stay silent.  You know that."
    "Let me think about it, Serena."
    "Ok, but you know it may not be long before whatever happened, happens.

    Ami was curled in her bed.  She had ran all the way home.  She was crying.  There was no way Greg could really know.  Maybe she was just being paranoid; maybe he didn't know.  Then again... he could also be lying.  Right to her face.  Life was never easy... why?  A knock came from the door.  This was a hard choice, and now she had exploded at him, if that was the right word.
    Brushing her tears away, she called out. "Who is it?"
    "Mina!  I need to talk with you.  Serena told me what happened.  Maybe I can help?"
    Just what I want, Mina's help. "OK, come in."  Ami quickly dabbed the last of her tears off.
    "So, what's wrong with you?"
    "Greg is lying to me.  He won't tell me a straight answer."
    "So, then you yelled at him?"

    "Serena, it wasn't like she was prying, just trying to learn something."
    "I know Greg.  Then why did you just yell at her?"
    "We yelled at each other.  I hated it, having to lie to Ami."

    "Greg knew he was lying, and he knows how serious this is!  Why couldn't he just tell me?  What if Trevor is going to walk in any second Mina?"
    "But, you yelled at him first?"
    "Yes, but he deserved it," Ami stated defensively, not that it made much logical sense.
    "Ami, you know he's only trying to protect you."
    "But Mina, he lied!  You would have yelled if your good friend lied to you."  Mina knew it ran deeper than that.  That argument had struck a chord with Ami, something deeper than being lied to.  The fact she may not be able to trust Greg anymore.
    "I guess you're right.  I would've yelled to, if my 'good friend' lied to me."

    "Greg, if you want to protect her you should tell her what happened."
    "Will happen.  She should just trust me." Greg folded his arms.
    "She can't if you don't give her a reason."
    "Serena, do you trust me?"
    Serena winced.  She was having to take sides.  She wanted to stay neutral, if that was at all possible.  But if she didn't answer, Greg wouldn't tell.  She sighed, and weighed the issues.

    "I guess so Ami," Mina said, as she passed Ami a few vegetables to add to the stew.
    "Thank you Mina.  I'm glad you're on my side on this."
    "He did lie to you, so you should be way harsh at him," Mina said as she eyed Ami who thought over the comment.
    "He probably does have my best interest at heart, even if he does go about it in an odd way.  But that doesn't excuse lying."
    "But, he didn't have any problem lying to you.  Maybe you should just forget him."  Mina had learned reverse psychology from a book she had read.  'Odd,' she thought, 'I never thought a romance novel would come in handy.'
 
    "She was way self-centered," Serena said.  "She didn't even think about how you would worry.  She probably should've let it lay there.  You're right."  Same novel, same approach.
    "But, I probably caused her enough problems already, so maybe I should apologize."
    "Yeah, then tell her the truth about it," Serena replied.  Her next issue was getting Greg and Ami together, as a couple.

    "Mina, I should apologize, and if he wants to tell me, I'll listen."
    "But if he doesn't?"
    "Then..." Ami's voice trailed off, "I'll wait for him to tell me."  And with that, the fight between Ami and Greg was resolved.  Mina clapped in delight.  It was time to fix them up with each other, but that was for another day.
 

Later that night, at Lita's house;
    "So, they had a fight?"
    Mina nodded.  Lita tapped her plate once or twice more before beginning again.
    "Whose fault?"
    "Actually, I wasn't there.  I'd say it was a shared argument.  There were apologies all over the place."
    "Oh, did anything happen?"
    "No Lita, not even one little kiss," Mina said.  "Besides, even if he tried, Ami would get to sheepish and back out."
    "Oh, so she's a little shy?"
    "A little?  She's shy as a field mouse," Mina said, she poked at the cake.  Too much, she shouldn't eat it.  But it was chocolate! The eternal conflict between calories and chocolate.
    "Maybe you should just try setting them up with a blind date," Lita remarked, slowly pushing her piece around.  Maybe they shouldn't have any cake at all.
    "Yeah." Calories or chocolate... so hard!
    "But Greg would see it coming."
    "Oh, him being psychic does complicate things."  Oh, it looked so good.
    "Maybe we shouldn't," Mina said, though Lita wasn't sure if she meant the cake or Ami.
    "Agreed, it may not be good for us."
    "Yeah," Mina said, 'one little bite... err, try won't hurt?'
    "Hmm... what do you have in mind," Lita asked.
    "Just when I tell you to do something, do it!" Mina loved playing cupid.
    "OK," Lita said, she tried one little bite, then another.  Mina followed.  Soon both pieces were gone.  Chocolate had earned an important victory today.

 Chapter 4: A Few Odd Days