A/N: Sorry again for another short chapter. I hope you can forgive me. Here's chapter 7. Hope you enjoy :)

Disclaimer: see chapter one

The night air was cool and crisp. The last remnants of winter was finally letting go to make way for spring. The world sped by as Dark tried to keep up with the brothers; surprised that he was managing to keep pace even with his bad ankle. Leonardo had suggested that the four of them go for a run, to clear the cobwebs out of their lungs, as he put it. But, as he gasped for breath, Dark figured that there was much more than just cobwebs clouding his lungs.

Dark felt himself beginning to slow down, his ankle starting to throb and his lungs burning for oxygen. He slowed to a stop as the brothers continued to run. He would catch up later. Dark leaned over, placing his hands on his knees and concentrated on breathing. A cool, post-winter breeze blew over him, making him shiver. Dark straightened and walked over to the ledge of the roof, looking down at the traffic below.

Minutes passed and Dark fell into his own little world, thinking about how far he'd come in just a month. He still wasn't strong enough to take on the compound again, but he did notice some gradual changes. Dark was brought out of his thoughts when he felt like someone was watching him. He slowly turned around to look over his shoulder, but no one was there. His eyes scanned the surrounding area, but he couldn't see anyone or anything. Maybe it was just his imagination playing tricks on him.

Dark turned fully around, positive that someone was watching him. He walked around the rooftop, searching every shadow. As if by some sixth sense, Dark felt someone was standing behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see a figure clad in a black battle outfit and mask standing a few feet behind him. The figure was obviously female. A long tail swayed behind her. Long brown hair was tied back in a high pony-tail. Dark brown eyes stared out over a black mask that was tied around her mouth and nose.

"It's you," she whispered. "It really is you."

Dark's heart skipped a couple of beats. He turned to face the figure fully. "Mona?" he breathed.

Mona started to take a step forward, but stopped herself. She looked torn. The mask wrinkled slightly as she smiled sadly.

"It's good to see you, Dark," Mona said, her voice wavering a bit.

"Good to see you, too," Dark replied. Seeing her made his hopes rise a bit. "Does this mean you made it out?" he asked.

Mona looked away and shook her head. "No. I didn't." She glanced down at the ground. "I was purchased."

Dark's heart dropped like a rock. "Oh, Mona, I'm so sorry," he apologized.

"Well, you weren't there, so..."

Dark winced as if he had been struck. He could hear the accusation in Mona's voice. Mona looked around the rooftop.

"It's nice to see you enjoying your freedom," she said, trying to sound sincere but failed miserably.

"Mona, I never meant-"

Mona held up a hand. "It's okay, Dark. Really." She shrugged. "That's how it happens, right? One makes it out and the other doesn't."

"Yes, but it was supposed to be you who got out, not me," Dark said.

"Well, it didn't work out that way, now, did it?" Mona asked.

It was hard not to hear the bitterness in her voice. Her eyes began to grow wet with tears.

"I gotta go," Mona said, turning away.

"Mona-"

"It was good to see you, Dark," Mona cut in, her voice shaking.

She started walking away. Dark started to panic.

"I'll free you," he called after her. "Whatever it takes, I'll free you."

Mona stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Dark," she told him.

With that, she took off at a fast run. Dark ran after her, calling her name. However, Mona never stopped running. Dark's voice drifted off in the distance, but she kept running. Tears streamed down her face and sobs hitched in her throat. She ran until she couldn't run anymore and her legs gave out from exhaustion. She collapsed, falling to her knees and breaking down into uncontrollable sobs. She thought she had been ready to face Dark; but she had just been lying to herself. It had taken everything she had to keep from running away sooner.

What was she going to tell Venus? How could she go back to the compound empty handed? She would get thrown into the Pit for her failure. Mona jumped when she heard something ring. It took her a minute to figure out that her communicator was ringing. Wiping her eyes, Mona took out the communicator and opened it.

"Mona Lisa," she answered with what she hoped was a steady voice.

"How did it go?" the voice of her employer asked.

"It...uh..."

"That bad?" the woman asked. "Not surprising, really. What with bad blood between you and all that. It has been three months since you've seen each other."

Mona swallowed down the lump that was forming in her throat, thankful that her employer couldn't see her. "Yes, ma'am," she agreed.

"No matter. Just keep an eye on him. Try to get close again, if you can. It will make drawing him in easier."

"Yes, ma'am," Mona said again.

"You will right the wrongs that have been committed, Mona. Dark will pay for what he's done. You just have to be patient."

"As you wish," Mona replied.

The line went dead and Mona closed the communicator. She placed it back in her pocket, getting to her feet. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out; regaining her composure. She had a job to do; a mission. Three months of training had prepared her for this. But, three months still wasn't a long time; but it would have to do. She would continue to train, building up her strength and skill.

Dark was going to regret leaving her behind in the compound. She was going to make sure of that.

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