•Cerise•

I'd never expedited so fast in my entire life.

It felt like I practically flew from that gymnasium and through the school halls- the wind brushing over my skin almost hurt. But truthfully I didn't care, because it was nothing compared to the weird palpitations going on in my chest.

The need to run from it was drowning me, but no matter how fast my feet moved the feeling didn't relent. This frazzled energy was making my cheeks hot and stomach flip.

I needed distance. Surely that would help.

Instead of slowing to enter the plethora of students, I kept expediting. I moved past the main halls and into the maintenance corridor. My feet were operating on pure instinct.

I found myself in the stairwell that led up to the rooftop and quickly made my way up, pushing past the thick door.

After touching the fresh air, I came to a halt. The world came to a stand still- my feet now planted on the concrete slabs.

I stood there. My eyes wide and fixed in front of me.

I barely registered the flicker in my crystal energy, as it adjusted to the magic I'd just spent.

Slowly, the familiar buzz faded. My breathing went back to normal, and the soft breeze up here turned gentle.

The flutters in my chest however, remained. And the stupid flush to my cheeks wouldn't relent.

I ran a hand through my wavy brown locks, and began to pace back and forth.

What was happening to me?

And what happened in the gym?

My mind was racing through the past twenty minutes, trying to make sense of the behavior. When did Azure get so close? Why didn't I back away? Why didn't I slap him? I should've. Yes, that's exactly what I should've done. But for some reason I was stuck. It was like I was trapped in some insane trance where I couldn't think.

It was those stupid blue eyes! His sapphire irises had melded into the color of the midnight sea, intense and hypnotizing.

The simple thought of his gaze focused so intently on me, sent another wave of heat to my face. I quickly brought my palms up to my cheeks, almost in an attempt to stop the persistent warmth.

This was ridiculous. It was just Azure. The guy who had always pushed me to the absolute brink of insanity. That's all this was.

I took a breath. In through my nose and out through my mouth. I felt my shoulders loosen slightly, and the daunting feeling in my stomach settle.

There. I was fine. Whatever just took place was nothing to be concerned about, talked over, or even thought of ever again.

It was time to focus on what I was here to do- accomplish my mission and protect Blaine.

I felt a flare of irritation at the outcome of Azure's and I's argument. I still wasn't pleased that I was left to guard Blaine. It was illogical to spread our resources out like this when it simply wasn't required.

Begrudgingly, I let my senses extend to the school below me. I quickly found Blaine's signature. It was subdued and calm. I could also tell he didn't have his senses out or searching, which meant he probably didn't know about the Umbra currently here.

I'd inform him soon, but there was no need to freak him out. I pulled my essence back before Blaine could sense me searching his signature. Being new to his powers meant he was still a little slow in using them.

Now for the Umbra...

I walked to the edge of the rooftop, looking out at the front of Freemount High.

It had gotten considerably cloudy since this morning. The temperature remained the same, and a light breeze was present. But the once clear sky was now filled with murky grey clouds.

The air was moist and smelled of the ocean. I briefly wondered if it would rain, and then hoped that it wouldn't. Tracking Umbra in rain was nearly impossible.

I let my senses span across the school for any trace of their dark essence, but the only Umbra I found was the group outside the gym.

I could tell there was still multiple. The monster's signatures were now spiking, indicating that they were currently fighting.

My senses then picked up on Azure's signature near the Umbra's. His energy level was high as well.

Almost as soon as my signature began to examine his, I felt his essence flare in response. The confident and calm aura reached out to me like a gentle nudge acknowledging my presence.

I pulled back like I'd been stung.

I retreated so fast, my senses almost jolted at the abruptness. Ripples erupted in my chest once more and I quickly stomped on the unsettling feeling.

Sound waves would be just fine to check in on the battle going on- a little more vague since I was seeking out action and not words. But I could be more discreet this way and since I wouldn't be looking to connect sound waves with Azure, I wouldn't have to directly interact with him.

My ear drums extended to the position of the conflict, making sure to remain on the outskirts of the sound waves. I didn't hear anything damning.

So Blaine was good and Azure was fine.

I felt that same flare of irritation once more. It would've been easy for me to help with the Umbra and get back to Blaine to make sure he was ok.

I could already hear Azure's counter remark. He'd say something about remaining diligent in guarding Blaine, and that we couldn't know for certain that he wouldn't be attacked.

My feet began pacing once more.

I needed something active to do besides sitting and waiting for an Umbra to go after Blaine. I didn't want to enter the school yet either, even though I knew I probably should. What else could I do?

Report to Onyx.

I hadn't checked in nearly enough with my boss. All the chaos that'd been taking place has made it hard to talk to him. There was also the fear of Azure hearing or humans being around. I had to check in with him today though, and now was the perfect time to do it.

Turning from the rooftop ledge, I moved toward the center of the square rooftop. I raised both hands and carefully concentrated my energy into one strong force. The sharp sound of crystal forming echoed around me as a full red crystal took fruition.

The crimson object solidified and then waded before me.

"Call Onyx."

The crystal emitted red light. The light seemed to grow in size, covering my field of vision for a second.

When the light returned to normal Onyx was standing before me. Tall and intimidating as always. However, his dark grey eyes appeared more tired than usual and the stubble on his face seemed thicker.

The hardness to his expression was still in full effect though, as was the inherent focus pulsing from him.

"You've looked better," I stated my observations.

The corner of Onyx's mouth turned up slightly, his eyes glinting, "I'd berate you on the account of respect for your superior, but I have a feeling it'd have no impact."

I shrugged, "That's probably true. However, you've always been more concerned with my ability to execute your plans not addressing you with flowery vernacular."

He hummed in response.

It was true that Onyx was less formal with his Celestials. He wanted to ensure the job got done. Formal speech wasn't necessarily required for that to occur.

I was a fan of that approach. It made me feel more at ease around him when I first joined the Lunar side. Besides the most important thing was our success.

A nagging voice reminded me of the mess I was currently in that appeared to be growing in size by the day. Not to mention the increasingly complicated nature of my interactions with Blaine and Azure.

I quickly shut out any thoughts that involved the events of the past hour.

"Something weighing on you?"

My eyes lifted back to Onyx. His dark eyes had narrowed, as his gaze raked over my expression intently. My muscles tensed slightly at being so thoroughly observed. Onyx knew me well. Hiding things from him was always a challenge.

"Besides being on a mission that's turned into a month long ordeal?" I questioned. Feeding him ignorance would make him more persistent, so presenting the obvious was the way to go.

"Let's just say I've seen you more focused."

"I've got a lot on my mind." Half truths were also typically a safe bet.

"Of course," he acknowledged. "Now I know you didn't call for idle chat. So go on and update me on your progress."

"I'm actually calling on the grounds of something specific," I explained, crossing my arms. "The Umbra are continuing in their strange behavior."

Onyx's eyes hardened, and his cut jaw tensed, "I would suspect after a battalion attack, you'd be facing the Umbra daily."

"You would think that..."

I went on to explain their leave of absence following the battalion attack, as well as their neglect to invade a space where two Celestials utilized their powers.

"There's currently a squadron at Blaine's school, but this is the first time we've encountered them since the attack."

Onyx's expression remained taught, but I noted the tiredness in his eyes seemed to grow. His reaction wasn't exactly what I anticipated. I thought he'd be curious and maybe a tad cautious, but the frustration radiating from him was unexpected.

"I believe we can manage the situation," I stated in attempt to calm him, "But we need outward help to look into this matter."

"I will devote resources to investigate this as soon as we're done here," he assured gravely. "In the mean time I want you to be careful."

"I always am."

"I'm serious Cerise."

The deliberate tone to his deep voice drew my attention. The stone like nature of his expression lost some of its firmness as his eyes darkened. The grey depth of his irises striking.

I felt a low chill creep down my spine.

"I'll be careful," I stated sincerely.

Onyx held my gaze steady for a moment longer before he spoke again.

"Tell me how Blaine has been handling all the changes."

"Well, we've gotten Blaine to a point where he wants to learn more about his powers. We've been training him and his progress has been substantial."

"Good."

"However he's still considering whether or not he'll join our war."

Truthfully, getting Blaine to agree to come to Akai was taking much longer than I had originally anticipated. It was becoming a major point of concern in my timeline.

"Hm," Onyx hummed. "What are his reasons for staying here?"

"We've noticed that Blaine is extremely attached to the people in this world- his mother and friends. It'll be difficult for him to leave them."

Onyx nodded slowly, a calculating gleam flickered in his orbs.

"How involved are you with them?"

"Truthfully, more than we'd like to be," I admitted. "We've met his mother and his closer friends at school are becoming hard to avoid."

Onyx was silent for a long moment. I assumed he was contemplating the information I was sharing, but his sharp eyes were once again glued to me. Still hard and focused, but something pointed was layered in his irises.

"What?" I asked.

"It hasn't escaped my attention that you keep saying we in all these updates."

I felt my stomach drop. I hadn't even realized how it sounded to relay information this way. It was blatant evidence revealing my decision to not kill Azure.

"You are aware of the temporary alliance I currently have in place," I replied carefully.

"And you are aware of the orders I've given you regarding Azure," he stated crossly, "Should I assume you have disregarded my instruction?"

"Assume nothing," I shook my head, suddenly feeling defensive. Of course, I was completely aware that I did in fact ignore Onyx's orders. Still, I was feeling the need to emphasize my loyalty.

"In fact," I continued, "Azure is currently fighting the squadron of Umbra alone. His safety is his problem. I'm simply not adding to the violence during our truce."

Onyx didn't need to know that I was against Azure fighting on his own right now, even if my reasoning was purely strategic.

"Remind me why you are so set on this truce?" Onyx drawled with a scowl.

"Well first, Blaine is not in the dark anymore. He's aware of the situation and he's bonded with Azure," I answered, "If Azure were to suddenly die by some feigned accident I created, Blaine would become suspicious."

"And second?"

"With the amount of Umbra present, and their abnormal behavior, I need Azure's support to fight back and protect Blaine."

Onyx cocked his head as he regarded me, "I'm surprised you both have lasted this long in a joint operation."

"Me too," I admitted. Albeit we fought constantly.

My brain immediately went to all the many times Azure and I got into an argument. I didn't think we've had a single conversation that was completely agreeable.

"I could always send Loden to help things along," Onyx offered. "That way you could eliminate Azure once and for all."

I immediately shook my head, "No."

I ignored the voice in my head that reprimanded me for shooting down the suggestion so fast. I had logical reasons for my answer though. That may have worked at the beginning of all this, but it was too late now.

There was no way that Blaine would see the Lunar side as good if I eliminated Azure, and then suddenly my counterpart was available.

"Oh no," Onyx groaned. "Don't tell me you've formed some sort of attachment to the Solar."

A vile smirk tore its away onto Onyx's face.

It made him look like a vicious predator, waiting to strike down his prey. I glowered at him in annoyance. I didn't care about Azure. He was just an ally I needed for the time being, he was temporary and would eventually loose his value.

"Don't insult me," I scoffed.

Onyx rose an accusing brow. Despite my desire to be calm- I felt offended by his lack of faith in me regarding Azure. I was not that weak or naive.

"Blaine walks on a high moral plane," I began to explain. "If I kill Azure now, it'll break our trust completely. Bringing in Loden would just tell him that Lunars are manipulative and deceitful."

Onyx frowned, but the disapproval etched into his aura slowly loosened. I could see him beginning to understand where I was coming from. He was no fool, and he knew that I had to do everything necessary to get Blaine to choose us. Even if that meant engaging in something he didn't like.

"I have to work with Azure on this to get to Blaine," I stated with finality.

Onyx nodded, his scowl melting into the usual hardline that graced his stone face, "I see."

He looked out past me and stood still for a second. I could see the gears turning as he weighed potential moves and strategies.

"Anything else you need to report?" He turned his gaze back to me.

"No."

He nodded once, "Very well. Call me when you have new information."

"I will."

With that- the call ended and Onyx disappeared from the musty, grey rooftop.

I took a moment to breath.

•••

In what seemed like a blink, I was standing in the school hallway right outside Blaine's class. I'd neglected to go in and join the insufferable lesson.

The last thing I wanted to do right now was participate in a melting pot of hormonal teens and science experiments. I could just as easily keep an eye on Blaine from out here.

With a huff, I tied the jacket around my waist tighter. It was one Azure had picked up somewhere for himself. I had grabbed it from his locker in the event he was in bad shape after the fight and needed to cover his wounds from view.

I was also extremely confident he'd need it considering he went alone and neglected my help. Stupid bastard. I wanted to know the status of the battle.

I crossed my arms leaning against the lockers behind me. I forced my focus to the small window on the blue painted door of the class. Students were getting up periodically to stand in a line. They seemed to be grabbing something from the front desk, before heading back to their seats.

Blaine passed by the window after a couple of minutes. His mop of blonde hair was hard to miss. He was smiling, his shoulders lifted in an amused shrug directed towards someone in the class. He was clearly still unaware of the Umbra present, eyes lightening as he laughed at whatever was happening.

His warm brown orbs then fell down to the desk, but when his eyes lifted again they scanned over the door- halting on me. Blaine's jovial expression flickered, turning questioning as his brow's furrowed.

I shook my head subtly and gave a dismissive wave. He didn't need to worry about anything at the moment.

He wasn't satisfied with that response, or he didn't get it.

After a moment, Blaine said something to his teacher and was then walking out of the class- only speaking once the door fell shut behind him.

"Everything ok?" He asked, crossing the hallway to where I was standing.

"Everything is fine," I stated firmly, my lips pulling down to a small frown, "Did you not understand my gestures?"

"I did," he nodded, "But I was curious and you sort of look..."

I rose a brow, "I look what?"

Blaine shut his mouth, quickly turning his attention elsewhere, "Uh nevermind."

His wide brown eyes did a once over of the hallway, looking left then right. I couldn't summon the energy to wonder what he was looking for.

After my talk with Onyx, my mind felt like a slim ledge I was constantly almost falling off of. I wanted to focus on my main objective of protecting the Fifth Crystal. I didn't want to think about this complicated mission on Earth. I didn't want to think about the Umbra. I didn't want to think about disobeying Onyx, and I didn't want to think about-

"Where's Azure?"

"Hm?" I hummed distractedly, my head turning to Blaine as I registered his voice.

"Azure?" He prompted.

I felt a scowl take over as a heaviness in my chest swelled.

"What about him?" I snapped.

Blaine rose his hands in surrender, as if to demonstrate he meant no offense.

"I was just wondering where he was, I thought you would know."

My scowl deepened. I was starting to hate this alliance. It had Azure and I tied at the hip. It was getting old, and I didn't want to continue being so associated with the Solar.

But I felt myself soften when I registered the slight apprehension on Blaine's boyish features. He was just worried over his community. Azure being absent was unusual.

"He's taking care of some Umbra."

Blaine's head whipped to me, his irises flaring in concern.

"What? There's Umbra here?"

"Yes."

"Well then let's go!" I could see Blaine's muscles tense as he began to turn down the hall.

"No wait," I sighed, rolling my eyes at the fact I was going to have to insist we both stay put. "This is a solo mission. Azure's taken it upon himself to be the solo part of that. Idiot," I muttered.

Blaine tilted his head in confusion. "You're clearly not a fan of this."

"I don't like being out of the action."

"Then how in the world did Azure convince you to sit out?" He questioned, sounding baffled.

"Doesn't matter," I dismissed.

"I'm just surprised-"

"I said it doesn't matter."

Blaine's eyes widened slightly, "...Alright then."

He shot me a questioning look before shaking his head as if to get back on topic. "But I still don't understand. You want to fight. I want to fight. So let's go fight."

He went to turn again, but I quickly walked around him to stand in his path.

"No," I all but groaned. "We may not agree on our offensive plan, but the one thing Azure and I do agree on is keeping you as far from the Umbra as possible. That's the safest thing for you and the school."

Blaine's shoulders slumped, "I'm gonna have to fight them sooner or later. I don't want to keep being a burden. I want to defend myself."

"And you will," I assured. "When you're ready."

"We've been training non stop."

"Training sub skills. Summoning crystals into the physical world is the final step in training," I explained, "Everything else- the expediting, detection, healing, and hearing are all vital to being able to wield your crystal. You haven't mastered hearing yet."

"But I've summoned crystal before," he countered.

"In high adrenaline situations, not of your own will. That's not a reliable representation of your skill set or a safe way to fight."

Blaine frowned, "He shouldn't be dealing with the Umbra alone."

"Don't I know it," I scoffed before I could think better of it. My eyes flashed back to Blaine to see a new argument beginning to fester in his chestnut orbs.

"Well what if-"

Before he could argue further, the classroom door opening drew our attention.

I looked to see Blaine's friend Natalie standing there with both brows raised to her forehead. Her beady eyes darted back and forth between us, before landing on Blaine. A smile seemed to slither onto her face.

"I was wondering where you went," she teased, walking over to Blaine and latching onto his bicep. "What are you two doing?"

"Oh uh..." Blaine turned to Natalie, his expression was like a deer in the headlights. This boy truly couldn't tell a lie. "We were just..."

I shifted my attention away from them, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. I didn't have the time or energy for this petty high school crap.

"Um talking about the assignment," Blaine supplied, "Azure is uh missing it, so we'll have to fill him in on the work...yea."

His tone wasn't convincing in the slightest and although Natalie was still smiling pleasantly, I could see an undercurrent of displeasure behind her eyes.

"Aw that's sweet of you guys," the blonde girl chirped, before turning her gaze to me. Her eyes scanned up and down like she was appraising something.

"I don't know you. I heard there was a new girl running around." She tilted her head, "What was your name again? Serena? Sara?"

"Close," I gave shortly, truthfully I wasn't in the mood for games. My gaze then shifted to Blaine, "I'll see you at lunch."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked down the hall. I'd keep my senses trained on Blaine and expedite back if needed. I couldn't stand much more of this high school.

Nothing in my training ever prepared me for something like this mission...any of it.

•••

Hello!

I am finally back to updating! My apologies for the gigantic pause in my regular schedule, life has been busy! But expect weekly updates once again :)

As ever, Berly