A/N: Holy cow, guys, I'm very much sorry for the delay. Life's been hectic, and it seems that most of our teachers forgot that they're NOT the only teachers... Seriously, I really have no time to write with all the homeworks, and projects being given. And the fact that there's one in EACH project. Some would just love it to be done on THE SAME FRIGGIN' TIME. We had NO sembreak, and this Christmas break is the only one we have been given. For the whole year. And it's just for a week.

Fuck.

Well, I really am sorry. I still have some extra curricular activities, and such being a president of one of my clubs. And the fact I still chores when I get home. Sorry, I'm so tired that whatever free time I get, are spent for well-earned naps. Somehow, I got... This. Not exactly that happy with this chapter but thoroughly satisfied I have something to offer to you all as a Christmas gift. And as an apology.

Vocaloid is still not mine. (Keyword: "still" [I wish])

The days that had followed had been unwinding and quiet at its best, in its own and odd ways. Mostly spent lagging off and slowing down their usual pace as to not reopen their—mostly Len's injuries and sore muscles, having taken the blast of wind right on the back. Though the two seemed to have built an imaginary wall between them, each minding their own business and actually moving on auto-pilot. Rin, for the most part, had kept a remarkable job of concealing her emotions and keeping her face stone and blank—something that would usually piqued Len's curiosity slash growing paranoia. However, she had noticed, though she did not act upon, that the Elite was shaken.

Terribly so.

The first two days, she didn't really care. She was, of course, the one who took the initiative to put a distance between them for the mean time to gather her wits. She expected nothing but bossy commands and glares from his uptight attitude, pushing to know why or what had bothered her so suddenly. Of course, it wouldn't be said in a nice, comforting way that's laced with concern. No, she expected brute and harsh treatment because, technically (but again, she didn't care), it was her fault they had been caught. The Bandits were after her. So to her slight surprise, the human was more than… well, he doesn't seem to care. And would very much like to keep to himself as well. She had decided to use it to her advantage then.

By the third day, Rin was finally observing enough to sense the shift on Len's aura. What was once she deemed his powerful stance, and confident stride with the face of stone-hard discipline with the air of authority hung before him was gone. It was there, but damaged. He was brooding, that much was obvious, but he was also—to Rin's shock and confusion, afraid. Of what, she didn't know. And to be honest, she thought he was pathetic. She let him be.

Two days later after that, Rin had a theory. He fell asleep, slouched on a thick root of a towering tree wearing the most exhausted and haunted face she had ever seen. The moonlight only illuminated the tightness on his jaws and the furrowed brows and pursed lips on his face. He looked pale, sleeping like the dead while she was awake even after the small bonfire Len made was gone. He only slept for two hours, maybe even less, but woke up screaming. That was unexpected and out of blue from someone so collected of his emotions. But she remained quiet, watching him with calculating eyes bright under the moonlight. Len caught her stare for a second, before he stood abruptly and went to who knows where. It was a wordless decision to never speak of it again.

Then a thought hit Rin with a start. Hunters, though equipped with deadly weapons the day they entered the academy or whatever it was they called it, have Witches as their sole target. Killing and disposing them was no problem, just like men hunting deers with no problem at all. Bandits were thrown into prison, sentenced for life. But the problem was, Bandit or no, humans are humans. So, killing a human themselves… That was unheard of. Hunters are driven by their sense of justice.

So the death of all those men, no matter how evil, probably was huge blow to his golden heart. It would certainly affect him greatly, thinking that his hands were stained red with blood; dirty and dangerous. It wouldn't do that it wasn't just one human. Rin would guess how many died in there but, she would rather not. His problem and attitude was starting to hurt her head from just thinking. Sometimes, she wondered if this is what he felt with all her random doings and behavior. It was certainly fun when she was on his shoes.

By the seventh day, marking the end of a week, Rin had enough. They were nearly on the road that led to the next village, and Len's progress was slow. He certainly never slept before her anymore, and all those emergency pills he had in his pockets were certainly running out fast, if her assumption was right. She's a witch, perfectly normal for her to go parading around in a month without sleep. And seeing as she is a Rogue (with a rather disgusting name; "Pumpkin". Why would humans name her that?), she could go even more without sleep. But Len, Elite or no, is still very much the opposite. A weak, human who only runs on emergency pills to go on without sleep. Trained, but still human. He was, however, on the process in gathering his wits fast. Slow for her, but definitely a huge step and another burden locked in his heart.

So Rin did what she does best to just end this self-therapy he has been on for a week.

Taking a tentative step to the side and slowing her pace to let him lead, Rin tried another way. She was successful in making a ten feet distance before she felt the familiar sharp end of a sword in the middle of her spine.

"Where do you think you're heading."

It wasn't a question, and it seemed as if his uptight-iness is back. Still a quiver in his voice, but he can manage.

Pulling a loopy grin on her face, Rin turned.

"Getting slow, human." She chuckled at his aghast expression, patting his shoulder as if he has no need to thank her. His face asked if she had gone mental.

"No need to thank me for stopping your pathetic moping," she continued, turning and leading this time. "Now let's go. Seeing you like that is irritating." She drawled with a roll of her eyes. It was true.

She only had five steps when she heard the tell tale crunch of leaves. She smirked. 'Good, he's following.'

The day could've gone better, in Miki's opinion. Though her opinion is rather, unimportant as of now. She sighed as she tried to push the snarky comments tossed around the two alphas of their group, never seeming to agree in one thing and utterly starting their mission badly.

Beside her, Rui unsuccessfully tried to calm a fuming Rei as he snarled at the back of SeeU leading the group with a confident sway of her hips, having won whatever 'discussion' they had this time.

Miki tried in vain to resist the scoff from escaping her mouth.

"What were they even arguing about again?"

Miki glanced at her side to see Piko quietly step beside her, fixing the strap on his shoulder to balance the weight of his pack. She shrugged, "Dunno. And don't care."

Piko sighed, shaking his head as he eyed the seething raven-haired. The male raven-haired. While the beginning of their nerve-wrecking mission was trouble free, Piko knew that it was only a matter of time before the two would crash heads again. It has always been like that since the academy. Miki would find herself irritated, Rui would try to calm her best friend, Momo would probably find it amusing until it gets out of hand and would bash some sense into SeeU herself (trusting Rui to do the same for Rei) because, someone has to do it. And frankly, no one wants to get on SeeU's bad side (except Momo) because, her wrath was—is worse than Rei. Piko himself would step aside, finding himself beside Miki to let those two handle their problem alone.

Oliver, as per usual, would hang back, and as per usual, wouldn't really give a damn. As per usual.

"They finished?"

Piko smirked when he heard the not so quiet whisper of Oliver to Momo. The two were behind the group, after Miki and himself, with Rei and Rui before them and SeeU leading them a few steps away.

"Nope," Momo drawled, though she couldn't hide the amusement lacing in her tone. "Forgot what it's about this time, actually."

Oliver hummed in response, and Piko couldn't hear any of their conversation anymore. Rei, however, seemed to have keener ears than usual as he swirled around and glared at the two behind with blazing, amber eyes. Piko noted with silent laughter that Momo looked like a deer caught in headlights while Oliver just stared unmoved with the intensity of his equal.

"Oliver," Rei addressed, with that dangerously low voice. "Know what you're saying first before actually speaking it."

One, fine brow disappeared up to the mess of platinum, blonde hair. "Meaning?"

Piko tried not to burst out laughing, masking it with a cough with the swift jab of Miki's elbow to his ribs.

"Unless you think you can lead," Rei challenged, motioning with his arm before him. "Be my guess."

One thing that Piko never really understood, was Rei's persistence over Oliver. Despite the group being close friends—almost like a band of brothers and sisters—Rei and Rui had befriended Oliver first in their years spent in the academy. Obviously, the two saw something in him that the rest doesn't. Oliver was always deemed the dead last of their group: the one with the lowest score, the one who was never complimented by their commander, and the one who was never recognized for his skills, overshadowed by the rest. He was the only one who hadn't give up to graduate this year. But if someone like Rei respected him like Kagamine Len, then Piko wouldn't utter a word of doubt. Rei has his full trust, all of them does.

Oliver strolled past Rei, shrugging his shoulders as he followed SeeU. Obviously, their current leader is her, before Rei will take over in a few hours later. "Pass."

Rei looked disappointed, as always, but didn't say a word.

Momo followed suite, offering a smile towards Rei, whom she noted was calmer than before.

Miki did a quick check on the rising sun, casting warms rays on the thick heads of the trees standing on either side of the empty road they were on, with nothing but the occasional chirps of the birds and the whispers of the wind to accompany the sound of their footsteps. Indeed, the rivalry between Rei and SeeU had been afire since… Well, since then.

Miki still remembered it then, the day they were introduced to the Advanced Class. It was just her, the raven-heads, and Oliver that was transferred in that one, lovely autumn. And she still remembered shaking the hand of the top student (soon later in par with Rei), SeeU. And being kicked hard on the ribs by Momo on their first lesson. Piko soon joined them a month later. And Oliver; Miki wasn't really sure how he got accepted into the Advanced Class. For all she knew, ever since SeeU singlehandedly brought down the mighty Rei, their rivalry began.

However, their combined expertise, wit and power, is rather useless and pointless right now, with the two starting it off like hotheads. Not a sign that said they were close to their target, and not a sign that said it's gonna change soon. The only thing that keeps them going is that this mission is probably the most important do-or-die there ever is in history. They wouldn't expect quick success, having been heard the incident about Kaito, and again with him and Kiyoteru. Everyone was shaken, but their Captain needed them to help. The people needed them for help. And they would give it, regardless of how frightened themselves are. Because that is what it takes to be a Hunter.

"SeeU…" Momo started awhile later, once the blonde issued a quick break to rest and snack.

"Yeah?" SeeU tossed a half slice of bread to Rui, with the latter grinning in thanks before heading off to go with Rei and the others, leaving the two friends alone.

Momo took the time to munch on her own slice, carefully contemplating and choosing her words. SeeU was rather known for her temper: quick, harsh and brutal. Her friend has her utmost respect but, she was difficult to deal with at times. Talents, skills—Rei and SeeU are both phenomenon in that part. However, SeeU is a bit headstrong. Loyal, caring, but her brass sometimes overshadowed those strengths. Rei, however, is a strategist. The gears in his mind work twenty-four hours a day, and a good reason why they have different ways of leading.

Honestly, Momo prefers Rei. But the boy is sometimes too dependent on Rui to cover his back. Too slow to act on a whim. Everything is scripted to him. Whilst SeeU would know what to do right away, trusting her instincts, and having every little strategy, technique she learned drilled in her reflex.

Again, maybe SeeU is better.

"You two gotta talk." She said at last, deciding on the last second to just hell with it. She has been on the receiving end of SeeU's wrath far more than she could count.

SeeU raised a brow, though kept her cool. In a flat voice, she replied. "That won't work."

"Nothing will work with you two being idiots!" Momo hissed, careful of her tone as she glanced at the others sitting under the shade of another tree. "You're being irrational!"

SeeU's eyes burned as she opened her mouth but Momo beat her to it.

"SeeU, you're amazing. You're a good leader but, let's face it, Rei is better. His strategies are essential, he leads the pack well to be on our toes yet keep calm on a situation like this. He moves faster, SeeU. His only goddamn problem is that—" Momo pointed a shaking finger on the back of Rui "—and his dependence on her, and to everyone . He relies too much on us."

SeeU narrowed her eyes, fists clenching til they're white. "So you're saying he should lead then?"

"No." The answer startled the blonde, but let her continue. "Rei is always sure of himself. You, on the other hand cares for our position. And you don't rely on anyone. Trust us, yeah but never rely on us." Momo sighed as she collected herself. Only SeeU would be able to bring her ranting and strict side. "The point is, SeeU, is that you two work good together. We probably would have a lead by now if you two just work it." 'Fuck, I suck with words. What the hell am I saying?'.

SeeU seemed to contemplate it as Momo huffed, ending her rant. She crossed her arms over her chest, glancing to see the rest staring at them with different faces. Rui was smiling, though her eyes displayed surprise on Momo's wisdom, of sort; with Piko and Miki smirking and playflully taunting her with their eyes. Oliver looked indifferent, except from the twitch of his lips and his lone eye shone in laughter. Rei's face was unreadable. But the fact they were listening somewhere during her speech left Momo blushing like Miki's favorite fruit, huffing and masking it with a clear of her throat.

A sudden pat on her head brought Momo out of her thoughts, grimacing when she saw the hand on her head ruffling her hair. She smacked it off. "Stop it, SeeU."

The blonde smirked, and Momo was relieved to know she wasn't angry.

Chuckling to herself, Seeu looked over shoulder while hauling her bag once more, prompting the others to follow, even Rei.

"Kagene," she called. "You heard her." SeeU motioned with a nod of her head, inviting him to go before her. Momo didn't expect for her to swallow her pride so suddenly.

"Lead the way," SeeU continued. "And I'll be your right."

Rei blinked, understanding her choice of words as one of Oliver's short terms for "second-in-command" or "right hand man". Apparently, Oliver did as well as he hummed in thought.

"Alright."

Midday approached in all its heated glory, the sun grinning its hottest upon the hunched backs of seven teenagers. Their pace had slowed, though certainly not to that of a turtle's. Each took a swing from their refilled jar of water from the last village they have visited, but with each large gulp they swallow, there will be no doubt that they would run out soon, parched, and exhausted. And the fresh lake was far from this distance.

Of course, it was good news to Yuki.

Clear, joyful eyes watched from the distance at the seven figures trudging their way through the empty, dusty road. Polished Mary Jane shoes fitted small feet as white, knee-high socks clad legs swung back and forth from the high off distance from the ground. An interested smile complimented the young, round face of a girl watching the teens below.

'Should I? Or should I not?' Came the playful banter inside her head.

She was itching to give them a pleasant welcome, for she have been very honored! Very honored indeed to have not one, not two, not even three! But seven Hunters, just for her! Heavens, whoever even decided to put seven people after her is an idiotic buffoon. After all, she knew a number of others far worse than her. Then again, they didn't need to know that. It was quite flattering. But the privilege of having more than one Hunter after you is enough to make her itch to show them her power.

However, she was strictly given the orders—commands, rather—to lay low, and to not waste an ounce of magic to insignificant mortals.

But the clouded mischief upon herself is hard to ignore. She has to play with them! Even just for a little while…

"What do you think, Georgie?" She purred, pale fingers skimming the soft, white fur of the ferret resting blissfully on her lap, suiting a nest out of the red ruffles of her red dress.

Black, beady eyes glanced up at her in question, the creature yawning and stretching from his disturbed nap. Yuki giggled, patting the head of the ferret named George in apology. The ferret arched its head in response, seeming to forgive his master already; then as if going back to her question, the animal stared down at his master's current entertainment, cocking its head to better scrutinize the group.

"Think I can greet them?"

The ferret scrunched its nose.

"No? I guess you're right. I was specifically ordered not to act…" Yuki sighed in disappointment.

But then, the ferret twitched its nose, turning his head to stare at her brown eyes, all the while slightly swaying his long tail.

Yuki arched her brow in question, but couldn't deny the twitch of her lips. "There's a way?"

The ferret raised its head and did a tiny nod.

Rui paused in her stride behind Rei, feeling her muscles tense as the familiar chill ran down her spine in tight nerves. She narrowed her eyes, fingers curling around the hilt of her newly given sword, a gift which she would use gladly. The week of 'getting used to the base' had been instead bombard with training and more training, shaped by Lt. Bruno and Lt. Shion to prepare them for their difficult mission they have been given. It was only safe to say that they have improved greatly, if they were to judge upon the slight lift of Lt. Bruno's usual tight frown.

"Rei." She called, still scanning her surroundings. By now, everyone was staring curiously at her, pausing in their tracks as well. Rei, knowing better that she possessed a far better sense of danger and observance than any of them, tensed his muscles and narrowed his eyes to the other side, naturally posing and taking cover Rui's back.

Oliver followed without a word, sweeping into position his Lieutenant had pestered him into, and taking in a spot vulnerable to the duo. He didn't have to look to see the others do the same, already trusting Rui's instincts with their lives.

"Where is she Rui?" Rei whispered from behind her. He tried to keep his emotions in tact, refusing to let his restlessness get the better of him. He was itching for a battle, and the fact that the witch has finally decided to let her presence known is tapping his patience.

Rui didn't get the chance to answer, for a loud rustle by the shrubs stole everyone's attention, hers included. The teens watched on in anticipation as the shrub continued to rustle.

Until a small chipmunk hopped out with a nut on its tiny paws.

Miki sputtered, "What the hell?!"

Rui begrudgingly began to loosen her muscles, blaming her nerves for sensing something wrong when a loud, resounding roar echoed through the empty space.

"What was that?" Momo whispered, slowly unsheathing her katana.

Rui remained her stance, looking left and right in trying to decipher where the sound came from. Another one, much louder that before shook the ground beneath them, clutched their heart in a tight grip. Up above, a few birds flew by in surprise by the loud roar. It sounded like a deep, viscious yawn, only more terrifying. Rui clenched her teeth to stop the squeak she almost cried. Beside her, Rei widened his eyes, catching sight of the enormous figure hovering them like a giant.

"LOOK OUT!"

Rin discreetly ducked her head once again, effortlessly tuning out the harsh, mocking yells of the villagers, keeping her eyes on Len's feet as she followed wordlessly behind him. He had taken the lead a while back, striding with purpose as he deftly raised his chin. For a moment, Rin admired a human for standing so strong after an experience like that until a pebble nicked her cheek, disrupting her thoughts with a feral snarl.

She was greatly disgusted by the way they act, these villagers, coming out brave and smug once they saw her cuffed and defeated, but then scrambling away with fright etched on their face upon the first sight of her snarl.

"Move back." Came the authoritive call of Len, hand grasping her wrist before yanking her to follow him to the motel a generous enough lady had directed them—or just Len—to. The villagers did so without complaint, eyeing the witch with smug smirks and caution as she passed with Len, a Hunter.

The temptation to wipe off those smirks was increasing fast the longer she looked at them, so Rin dropped her gaze back to glare on the back of Len, having nothing else to focus her anger on. As she does so, she subconsciously noticed how lean yet narrow his built is. Obviously muscled and firm with years of training, fighting and experience; yet toned down that he appeared agile and swift. Like a mouse who could scurry his way out of anything. With the way his mind works, he's a slippery one.

With all her observing, Rin failed to notice that they have already reached their room for tonight or more.

Len removed his hand like he was burnt by her before dumping his bag on the small couch nearby. The room was smaller compared to their last one, with chipped, mint green walls and just a couch with a wooden coffee table placed before it. The box-shapped room held two beds just a few steps away from the couch, with a dresser seperating the two beds. Rin didn't really know what to think whether he had gotten the room with two beds just so she could have the other one, or there's no other room available for them. Rin would go with the latter on that thought. A narrow door beside the farther bed led to what must be the bathroom.

"Sit," Len mumbled, pushing her shoulder towards the bed nearest to him before he sat down across from her on the other bed, placing his elbows atop his thighs and weaving his fingers together as he glared at her with heated accusation.

Rin raised her eyebrows at his expression. "Now what have I done?"

Len ignored her jab, "Those Bandits. They know you."

'Sure doesn't beat around the bush', Rin thought as she answered, "Well, I don't know them."

Len's glare intensified. "I don't buy it."

Rin shrugged, "Whatever you say, I still don't know them."

There was a moment of silence, wherein Len simply stared at her with an intensity that actually made Rin squirm. Her skin tingled with discomfort and she finds herself hating that look in his eyes; his scowl was less prominent, and his lips simply thinned in a straight line rather than his permanent frown. He wasn't glaring anymore, just stared. His pupils moved to and fro as if searching for something, the green in them stronger and lighter with his expression.

Rin didn't like it. She felt exposed under this gaze.

"What?" she snapped, wanting more than anything for him to stop.

Len sighed, unweaving his fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes, breaking the intense connection he had started. He stood from his seat, mumbling incoherently under his beeath as his feet shuffled across the room to fetch his bag. His shoulders fell and his whole stance changed from stern and rigid to just tired, and he directed himself towards the door, still mumbling to himself in a whisper, still cautious for the witch to hear.

Keen ears still caught snippets of his mumblings. Lips thinned, and eyes narrowed; Rin didn't like of what she heard.

"Confusing. . ." "Acts less of a witch. . ." ". . . Why? She kills and saves. . ."

'He's close. Too close.' Rin shot off from the bed, her movements seizing Len's as he paused to look at her with a blank yet questioning look. It crossed Rin that he looked lost, but she deliberately ignored it. He's making assumptions that he shouldn't make.

Rin glared, throwing Len off guard as flashes of confusion, alarm, and suspicion crossed his eyes and finally, he was glaring back at her.

"What?" Rin spat, mocking as an animalistic smirk curved her lips. "I'm confusing now?" a snort here, sparking the first trigger to Len's anger.

"Don't make me laugh! Here you are, acting like some soft human, Hunter." She scoffed with a roll of her eyes. "How disappointing."

Narrowing her eyes even more, Rin spoke in a deadly tone. "I am everything compared to those other witches. They're nothing."

It silent when the atmosphere thickened with tension by Rin. Len clenched his fists as his jaw popped. A snarl was quickly pulling his features somewhat like an angered beast, and his rage blinded him when the color drained from Rin when she paled, eyes wide in horror as she gasped at her own words. Her eyes lowered like she was in pain, yet desperately trying not to show an emotion.

When Len spoke, it was low, and calm. And his eyes pierced through her than ever before. "You're right."

Rin looked up.

"You're worse than any other witches, Rogue or not."

Len remained calm in his exterior, but Rin knew better, glancing at his shaking fist, drawing blood from his nails as tiny droplets of red stained the floor.

"Compared to you, no other witch can just appear once in a blue moon, yet can still bring death in her wake." Len stalked back towards her, shaking with increasing anger after every word he spat. "You—You killed kids." He took delight in the way the witch flinch when he said children were dying, though why he didn't care.

The Doku Spreading started years ago, just right after her second appearance. It was one village at first, until another one had the same problem, and then another one. . . Until almost all of Crypton had the same problem: children raging from infants to pre-adolescence were dying because of some unknown disease. Their deaths were painstakingly slow, mostly from a month to 5 months of suffering from having their skin wrinkled like raisin, then the fallout of their nervous system and massive interior bleeding. It shook the country to the core even with the experienced doctors and Hunters trying to find a solution for this problem. Of course, it was easy to locate its origin and work. Witchcraft, tracing back to Pumpkin and infecting Crypton's largest and longest fresh river, the very river where most of the citizens get their water from for drinking. Finding a cure was hopeless but they managed — after two years of rapid decrease of population — to create a filter sort of dam to remove the poison from the water.

It killed Len to see all those bodies rotten like rags.

"But not only that," Len couldn't stop himself as his fist gripped the front of Rin's collar, yanking her inches to his face yet desperately trying to squish his anger. Len tried to ignore the hallowed look in those blue eyes, the same look that reminded him of someone whose tired of death.

No, he couldn't fall for that. She's a witch.

"You destroyed Tora, and everyone in it." Len hated himself when his voice cracked, and memories, good and bad flittered in his mind and threatening to wet his eyes.

Rin couldn't keep herself from not looking. But Len wasn't finished.

"You killed my sister."

Len pushed Rin away with disgust, suddenly feeling tired with his anger evaporating quickly into nothing. He dropped his gaze, berating himself for showing weakness to the enemy, his enemy that he had sworn to kill because of who she killed. But then he's scolding himself for thinking, even just for a second before, that perhaps she has a shred of humanity in her. A twisted, sense of humanity, but still humanity anyway. Because why save him? Why. . . Everything?

"I'm going out," Len spoke, voice cold and distant, marching back to the door with fast strides. Len denied his need to escape, allowing himself to feel cowardly for once. He didn't even look back when he added, "Sneak again, and you're done for."

Somehow, Rin knew that the threat is serious this time.

Rui yelped as she ducked and roll, her heart hammering in her chest as she narrowingly dodged the very big, very fast swinging tail of what seemed like a giant ferret.

"RUI!"

Momo gritted her teeth in worry as she notched an arrow to her bow, aiming at the. . . thing that was trying to kill them all. From her position near fallen trees, Momo could see the towering figure of the white, viscious beast. Having the size of three, burly cows joined together. However, it was clear as the day that the animal was bewitched; with its once —assumingly— soft fur was now as sharp as razors, with each strand accentuated by the light; its snout were wide and snarling, showing sharp teeth that reminded Momo of sabertooth with oozing saliva that brought a shiver of disgust down her spine; its claw were long and sharp, capable of cutting down trees clean as the evidence by their surrounding.

And soon, it would be them if this goes on.

When Rei had called of the incoming danger, everyone acted quickly, scampering and dodging attacks. And they have been playing tango for God knows how long, and Momo was getting increasingly tired and irritated with every second passed.

"OLIVER!" Momo yelled, catching said boy's attention with a simple glance in her direction. Oliver jumped out of the way for her, effectively missing another swing of the massive tail heading his way.

Closing one eye, Momo slowed her breathing, calming her heartbeat in one second flat. She forced to stop the shaking of her hands, and aimed at the snarling head of the beast.

She let go,

And the bow swiftly cut through the air and hit the beast straight in the eye.

A deafening wail echoed through the woods, blood flowing down like river from its right eye, where a long, narrow arrow stuck out as two claws blindly tried to swipe away the pain that's been causing it.

Below the beast, SeeU saw the opportunity clear as day. "NOW!"

The signal sent of by SeeU was all Rei and Rui needed. Two pairs of amber eyes glinted; one in determination, and the other that just screamed 'finally'.

The two scrambled from their crouched position, raising their weapons as Rei went in first. The duo moved in sync, like a dance. Rei twirled his twin katanas expertly, taking the beast's distracted state to his advantage, swiping multiple cuts on its legs as fast and as strong as his arms could do. Rui moved like a shadow after him, following every movement and delivering the same blows to double its effect. With the creature's hardened skin and fur, their technique was necessary.

Oliver followed, using a boulder to propell himself to a low branch on a tree, proceeding to climb up in top speed and and agility. When he deemed himself high enough, he jumped, the sun momentarily blinding him with light, but he landed, with a yelp, on the beast's arched back.

It growled at the added and unexpected weight.

Oliver gritted his teeth, acting fast. With a gleam as the sun shone down on it, Oliver brought down the sword he had in his tight grip, and stabbed the animal, right on the back with a sickening crunch.

Miki and Piko clamped their hands to their ears as the giant ferret whined in pain, bringing more birds scattering with wild flapping and shaking the ground they were on. Rei steadied Rui as she stumbled when the beast flailed its limb, desperate to throw off Oliver from its back. The boy held on, fisting its fur to hold on for dear life as the beast flailed like a wild bull. He grunted when he was slammed down hard on its back, then again when the ferret shook to rid him off.

Deep in the protection of the thick leaves, high above ground, Yuki gripped her chest as pain blossomed on the very spot, clutching her bones in cold as she let out a strangled cry.

But she recognized the whine echoing on the spot she was watching on, the amused smile was quickly wiped away replaced by a sneer. A low growl came from her throat as her eyes flashed from its original brown color, to blood red.

Momo felt her skin ran with goosebumps, and she knew the group felt it too. She glanced up to meet the frantic gaze of SeeU, and she glanced around to see the same look on Piko and Miki, the former quickly stepping up to a protective stance. In her peripheral vision, Momo saw Rei do the same for Rui.

"YOU!" Cried a choked voice.

SeeU ducked, narrowingly dodging a large python with its jaw unhinged and aiming for her neck with a hiss. The blonde yelped, surprised and caught off guard but thankfully thanking her lucky stars when her reflex kicked in early and was able to ducked and sliced off its head in a second. Soon, her pale face quickly took a turn as she glared and faced the witch she and her friends have been after for.

"You." She fired back, feeling her chest swell at the sight of the young child, clutching her chest in pain, but then nearly falling onto her knees by the death of her python. She was no Rei, but she was smart enough to connect the dots. Kill or harm her puppets, then she would suffer too.

Yuki glared, her hatred coming off in waves, and her aura prevented all seven of them from moving, weighing them down like anvils attached to each limb. And Yuki neither cared nor concerned that she's probably sticking out a sore thumb to the others, sensing her powers from any part of Crypton.

"Kill the ferret." SeeU said, Momo nodding just behind her before turning and passing the order to the others. Momo only managed a step before she squealed as she felt her body stopped by itself by an unseen force, weighing her down heavily like anvils. She whimpered when her muscles were strained, pain gripping her soul as her blood pulsed, heart hammering her chest as she panted. She didn't need to see that the others were being treated the same.

"You hurt my Geogie. . ." Yuki drawled, weighing them down even further with her aura, and she let a grin replace her sneer when two of those Hunters fell to their knees. However, her gaze narrowed onto the one-eyed blonde still hanging on the back of a whining George, clutching its fur in pain yet refusing to back down.

"You'll pay," she spat, but like a child, changed her expression to plastering a sickly sweet smile, her cheeks flushing a cute pink. Her eyes, however, remained red and murderous. "Soon."

Then with a snap of her fingers, the giant ferret poofed back to its normal size, bleeding and twitching in pain, and Yuki passed in a blur, carefully picking up the ferret with utmost care and craddling it to her chest.

Rei gasped, freezing when she was suddenly behind him and Rui just to pick up her pet. It was eery, the way she hold it like a mother to her child, yet the reason and what she was holding screamed mentally insane. A Witch. But he couldn't deny the fear of having a Rogue just behind him; can easily kill him with a flick of her wrist, and he was immobile to protect himself.

"Charlotte," Yuki called, and not a second later, a furious tiger with gleaming eyes came out of the tree line with a growl, its claws out and long. Yuki smiled, a smile typically used to greet a friend. "Keep them company for awhile, alright?"

And with that, Yuki walked away, George in her grasp as she whispered cooing words and comfort to the ferret, one hand glowing green as she healed the pain causing the animal. By doing so, the pain in her chest was gone.

Oliver groaned from his position, not having a proper landing when he fell from having that beast go back to its normal size. It wasn't until when the witch's aura wasn't crashing upon them anymore and they have full control of their limbs, did the tiger arched its back to ready itself to hold them off.

"Damn." He gasped.

A/N: Well. . . Excuse the writing. Not exactly happy with it either. I think I revealed too much of Rin... I guess, I'm not that into my writing spree yet with all this busy things to do with life. Heck, we even have another project to do in our vacation. Two projects. *sighs* Well, I hope YOU GUYS have a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I still love you, and I'm sorry for the long wait.

BloodyPuppet — ah... I apologize for the many questions you have... But all the more better for me XD ! I like the feeling of having my readers be all confused. Kinda like keeping a juicy secret :3 Sorry for the wait. I hope I didn't anger you or something...

Damn You Len — Yes. It is quite obvious that Len is stubborn, but the reason is now revealed. And I'm glad you like my action writing. A bit challenging (especially now that I'm busy) but I like doing it... Although I would normally be glad in presenting this chapter to you (I should be but I'm tired), I am not that satisfied with the Rookies' fight with Yuki. Well, it was cut. And they're seven. And they all must have a moment of spotlight. I hope I did alright :3 Again, sorry for the delay.

Rikasa — Wow, thanks SO much for the compliment. I'm feeling mushy. Hehe... I'm glad I managed to do good for the action scenes. And God, even I agree with you with Len. I just LOVE him. But he loves Rin so... Unrequinted. So sad. Lol. I'm glad you like Rin. I mean, who doesn't?! Sorry for the delay, love.

Scorpirus — Lol, Al is pretty much done. Don't really like him much... But there is someone that I think you're forgetting... He's alive :3 *wink* check who. Thank you and I'm glad you love the last chapter.

Vocaloids X Otaku Nekomimi — Well, nothing much happened in the village. Just the usual. But I promise, Rin won't get harmed in these HUMAN villages. She's a witch. Lol. And here is an update... Sorry for the big delay.

mirrors02 — well, writer's block is a bloke. I hate it. But, I hope I supplied enough RinLen here to trigger your shipper side... Not much to present, but things will finally kick off from here. Again, I apologize for the late update.

QuirkyAwesome — Well, talk about sugar rush. *avoids knives* SORRY lol I love you... Yes, Rin is quite a girl in her period... Haha. What a metaphor *chuckles at owns joke*

ILikeIt — Here is your Oliver, oh great one~

xxPockyStraw21xx — Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad you love it, and therefore for loving it I love you. Haha! I am very very very very very very sorry for the late update... Ya know, life.

LightTriumphsOverDarkness — I... Love your username mygod that's just cool I'm sorry for rambling but I really do. It's awesome and meaningful—ok, I'll stop. I'm glad you understand writer's block. It is quite a pest, but I hope this update is enough...ish.

Gosh, guys. I love you and I'm sorry for letting you all wait. But, the good news is things will FINALLY pick up after this chapter and so on. Meaning, romance will slowly start to kick its way in. More twists and magical creatures, the action will more likely double itself and we'll slowly unfold the mystery that is Rin. And of course, growth development for our characters.

... The bad news is, I don't know when will be the next update...