This was a long one @-@
~~~

"Hey Leo!" The text message said. "I'm going to train overtime with Emerald. So if I don't response to a text, that's probably my phone on the table." Leon places his phone in his back pocket.

"That explains a lot." He places his chin on his hand as his elbow rested on the cart. Leon scans the severe medicines on the shelves around him.

"Leon?" He heard a voice call. The Orange head rotates his head to see the black-haired teenager. Once their eyes met, he strolls toward him with a wave and a smile. "Yo! What are you doing here?" Hasi questions.

"I'm getting medicine for my siblings. They recent got sick." He explains. "So, their awesome big brother has to get some medicine." He compliments.

"Seems someone has high confidence."

"You could say that." Leon obtains a bottle of medicine and places it in the cart. "Why are you here?"

"A book. Not too much." It grew a little quiet between them. Hasi broke the silence. "How about I grab a couple books, then I'll come over to your house to help with the siblings."

A smile plays on his face as he nods. "Sounds like a plan."

.....

.....

9:00 PM.

Leon held the medicine in his hand as he opens the door. "I'm bac-" his sentence cut off mid-way. Due to the clothes, papers, toys, and books on the floor.

Hasi enters the horrendous living, trying to hold back his laugh. Leon threw the medicine in the air, that Hasi caught before hitting the floor. "Don't you have... y'know, parents?"

"They're asleep by this time. The two must've gotten up when Mom and Dad went to their snooze." He takes a couple steps forward and places his hand on his hips. "Lisa, Flint." The Orange-head commands sternly, yet quiet.

Two children trudge down the stairs, both looking down at their feet as they stood in front of their older brother. "We're sorry." Lisa said. Flint nods.

"What did I say about getting in Mom's coffee?"

"To not do it." Lisa was doing all the talking, Flint simply nodded at her responses.

Leon let's out a sigh. "Come on, let's get you to bed." He guides them upstairs and to their bedroom.

Hasi sat on the nearby couch, thinking about what recently happened. "Family..." He whispers. "What a sweet thing."

Leon came strolling back down stairs, a yawn exiting his mouth. "Welp. The two are asleep. Don't you have family to get to? They may be worried sick. No pun intended."

"Oh yeah!" Leon cocks an eyebrow. "I'll be heading off then." He makes his way to the door and opens it. "See ya!" Was his last words before closing the door.

"Odd."

.....

Okuma strolls on the roof top of a unknown house, then springs to another one. His hands behind his head as he whistles a gentle tune. The air was soothing, as the full moon lighten the dark blue sky.

He had a long blue ponytail, wore a white sleeveless sweatshirt with blue words on the side. Black gloves, and blue pants. Okuma gazes around the area for something to entertain him. And it didn't take long to.

He spotted a orange-haired braided girl, who seemed to be sleepwalking. With ease, the male leaps off the roof and landed on the ground roughly. Right next to the little girl. Okuma bends down to the children's size. "What brings you out here at night?" The girl didn't response. He could tell she was feverish, and was sleep-walking.

Okuma crosses his arms, giving deep thought on what to do with the child. Not too long after, he got an idea. "It would be bad if someone took you away." He carefully held the little child bridal style, and jumps to roof from roof.

He kept the child close, and made sure no one was watching. Okuma's, what he would like to say, best friend Ravana helped him not be too oblivious to certain situations.

It wasn't long for him to get to his destination. Okuma quietly slides the window open, as he crawls in. Her brother was sleeping on the other side of the room, toys were on the floor. But most of their room was tidy. Once Okuma was done admiring their room, he gently places the girl on her bed. Then bundled her up in the blankets. "Head to bed, little one." And she did just that.

Okuma grew a small smile. He saunters to the window, shuts it, and hops away. He continues to leap while replaying what happened in his mind. "Adults need to protect their children with more caution." He rebuked. But his voice became a whisper. "They could disappear any moment."

.....

.....

.....

Wednesday.

"I was hoping you could help out in the play." Beau explains. We stood in the classroom, other teenagers chattering.

"What play is it?" I asked.

"Romeo and Juliet." He places a hand on his chest, with the other one in the air. "A classical." His extra movements were bliss. Sometimes, his aroma felt paradise. As if the child came from heaven, even thought it sounded cliche. "I was wondering if you wanted to be Juliet." He strokes my long hair, which actually felt nice when people did so. "Your hair will do nicely with the character."

I nod with a smile. "I'll try my best."

My ears picked up the sound of a chair moving toward us. Beau and I rotate our head to the source. Right next to us was Leon sitting in his chair the opposite way. "I heard there's a play."

"Yup!" Beau answers. "Romeo and Juliet. Marissa said she wanted Juliet."

A smile played on the orange heads lips. "I know you'll do great, Mary."

The compliment was heart-warming. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks." Leon gave a curt nod. It was then I felt a little sweaty. Weird. My head felt a bit heated. I thought it wasn't a big deal, so I ignored it.

The blond handed me the script. Beau then held up two fingers. "Two days till now, sweetheart." He strolls away, giving a salute. "Au revoir!" I wave goodbye to him.

I gaze back at the fire-user. Leon cocks a eyebrow, emitting a quiet chuckle. "I'll help with the lines." He said. "After school." I about about to reply, until he held a finger to my mouth. "But! You gotta work harder when training, you've been slacking off lately."

"Emerald doesn't play when training." I sigh. It felt like my bones were going to shatter, like glass breaking on the ground.  "Fine. I'll try harder then. But if I die I'm blaming you."

"Deal then."

.....

.....

Leon enters the house. His siblings came sprinting down stairs. "Hey Leon!" Lisa greets, bundling his arms around his waist. Flint did the same.

"Hey guys!" He welcomes. His mother, Charlotte, was reading a book on the couch. "Hello mother." He gave a smile to his guardian.

Charlotte smiles back. "Hello dear, how's school?" She ask calmly. The lady places the book in her lap as Lisa dashes next to her mother.

"Good. A friend is doing a play in two days. I wanted to help out." He pats his little brother. Gazing down at him. "I hope you don't mind."

"Just be back before dinner." Flint backs away from his older brother as he whips his backpack off his shoulders and throws it to the couch.

"Consider it done. Also, can you tell big sister about it? Thanks!" With that, he shuts the door and sprints to Marissa's house.

Charlotte sighs. "Leo can be such a handful sometimes." Flint nods.

.....

.....

A knock could be heard at the door. My father and I turn our heads to it. While I was sitting in the living room, reading the script, Dad stood up and saunters to the door. "I'll get it." Father opens the door to see a energetic fifth-teen year old.

"Hi Mr. Robert! Your daughter and I planned to study together for a play coming up." The voice sounded familiar. And I knew who it was. I stood up and amble next to my Dad.

"Yeah, he's right." I added. "Mind if we study together?"

His face lit up while guiding Leon in his house. "Welcome to the household, my boy!" He shouts excitedly. The adult examines the teenagers muscles. "Nice muscles. You work out a lot?" Leon nods, he seemed to be enjoying this. They both rotate to me. "I'd say you got yourself a nice friend, Marissa."

I exhale a breath. He's always been picky about who I be friends with. So it felt calming that he accepted Leon. A person I would need that would keep me alive. "I know." I replied.

Leon blinks, both his eyebrows raised. He quickly collects his cool. "I'm glad you two think so." I stroll next to the hallway, which lead to my room. "Shall we get to it then?" He ask. I nod, leading him to my bedroom.

Entering my bedroom, a table and chair was to the right. My bed was in the middle of the room, with a tv in front of it. My partner examines the scene. "Nice bedroom you got."

"Merci." I handed him the script as he sat on the bed.

We begin the studying. It ended taking a hour, maybe even longer. While I was pretty bad at it, Leon's skills were somewhat superior. Despite competing for who was better, it was entertaining overall.

.....

Leon peaks through the cracked door. He was curious about the drama club and see what they were up to. Scanning around the room, he didn't spot his pink-blue haired partner anywhere. Which made him a little worried. The door suddenly opens, which made the hair on Leon's neck rise. There stood a green eyed, long blond hair, and white shirt. "Welcome Leon." Beau greets, seeming to be in a lighthearted mood than usual. "Your free to come and watch us practice if you like."

Leon nods. "Thought you would never ask." He saunters himself in the room. Their was a even amount of both male and woman. Everyone was proficient in acting. He started to worry if Marissa wouldn't fit in.

Beau gazes at the teenagers. "Everyone's here is very friendly, so you don't have worry about Marissa."

He felt blood rush to his cheeks. "Did I say that out loud?"

"Don't worry, you didn't. I can't tell from facial expression and body language." Leon cocks an eyebrow. Beau winks at him. "Got it from my sister."

The door opens again. Beau and Leon rotate to the door to spot a gang of teenagers. The girl glared at Leon with her hands in her pockets. The male was getting bad vibes from them. Beau greets them with a smile. "Welcome. I'm Beau. What's your business here?"

"Ah," the girl said, examining the room. The pairs tried to ignore them, but the poor vibe was worsening their performance. "We'd like to take this room for our club."

Some people begin eavesdropping in the conversation. Beau was still calm with a smile on his face. "Sorry, sir, this room is taken by the Drama club." He places a hand under his chin, with his elbow resting on his other arm. "Last I checked, there's no more open rooms for another club in the school."

The main girl flinched, as she clenches his fist. Leon quickly took action. He places his hand on Beau's shoulder and pushes him behind him. "You heard what he said." He shot a glare back. "Let's not cause a scene here. Acting is on-going, and disrupting it would be shameful."

The girl scoffs at him. She turns away and saunters to the door. "Fine then, whatever! Come on you two!" She commands. Without question, the two boys follow the girl as they tromp away.

Beau smiles at the male in front of him. "I thank you for such kindness."

His glare became a gaze as he looks back at his friend. "No problem. If they do that again, just tell me." Beau nods, his eyes suddenly down at his body. Leon didn't notice too much.

The door opens as I stagger into the room. "Sorry for being a little late!" I apologized, my hand over my head. I was panting, as my eyelids felt heavy. Knew I shouldn't have come to school today.

Leon wraps one of my arms around his shoulder, with his other hand bundled up around my waist. "Are you okay?"

I pulled a small smile. "I'm just fine. Thanks for worrying about me." He grins back at me.

Beau lifts my chin. "My dear, lets get acting on the road. Shall we?" I nod. Leon take his arm back, he was still worried. But kept that to himself.

The class was hard, with this fever rising. But letting Beau down wasn't something I would be doing anytime soon. The whole time, I tried to keep up the good act. Pun intended.

.....

.....

Leon strolls to my room and opens the door, letting himself in. "Marissa? I'm back to hel-" He spot me laying on my bed, with the script laying next to me. My feet were on the pillows as my head was on the other side of the bed. Leon exhales a breath. "Silly girl." He comments. Leon picks up the script and places it on the nearby table. The teenager then picks me up before gently bundling me under the blanket.

Leon sat next to me, examining my facial features. Even the saliva slipping from my mouth. He chuckles. Placing a hand over my heated head. "I'll come back with an ice pack." He said.

It wasn't long after he came with a ice pack in his hands. He sat next to me before tenderly placing the ice pack on my forehead. Then wipes the saliva off my rosy cheek. For some reason, Leon sat their and watched. "Cute." After some time, Leon left the household with his goodbyes.

.....

.....

.....

I stroll down the sidewalk while scanning the lines. Leon ambles next to me. "Hey Leo," I started. He glances at me. "Do you think I can pull off the performance?"

He jumps in front of me while strolling backwards. "Of course you do! You've been working hard, you'll do great." While the words were encouraging, I couldn't shake the discomfort from the fever. I haven't told anyone because I didn't want to hold anyone down. I massage my head.

"Thank you, Leon. I'll keep that in mind." My demeanor could say otherwise.

I guess Leon noticed. He started yelling, "WOw! ThE BeST acTOr in tHe WoRlD is doInG a PlAY!" I wasn't sure if it was a compliment, or to embarrass me. Because if it was for embarrassment, he clearly succeeded.

I frantically wave my hands. "Stop it!" Leon lets out a hearty laugh. His laughs were very contagious, which made me laugh as well.

.....

I examine the clothes I was wearing. A long sleeved, pink dress. It barely touched my knee, and it was pretty simple. Beau gave a thumbs up. "Beautiful!" He exclaims.

"Dresses aren't much of my thing." I comment. Holding the side of the dress. The material was soft, so it was easy to put on. Leon was sitting in a chair, watching as Beau and I continued chatting.

Beau and I stood in front of each other. The male started his line first. "O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."

"Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake." I was proud that I could act and say my lines without the script. Beau's words were motivating.

Leon examines the stage and the actors. "Seems like everything's going well." He glances at the magical ring he wore. "Just a little longer." He whispers.

"Hello," a voice said. Leon turns his head to spot Ana sitting next to him. "How have you been?"

Leon played a small smile. "Good. Just a little worried..." Ana scans the stage as well.

"For Marissa?" Leon head whirls to her again. "I can tell. You constant hang around her, and she seems to trust you." She places both hands behind her head. "She'll be fine."

Leon nods, little thoughts disappearing from his mind. He realized that she was strong enough to take care of herself, she doesn't need someone hovering over her. "I'm so stupid." He comments.

A sudden thud could be heard from the stage, and a couple gasp afterwards. Leon looks up to see the pink-blue haired girl laying on the floor. His eyes widen as he sprints to her side. "Marissa!"

.....

.....

My vision was blurry. I shut my eyes before opening them again. Hovering over my face was a orange-head with heavy breathing. His face was sweating. "Do you feel better?" His breathing slowed down once he spoke. I gave a small nod. He exhales a heavy breath, placing a hand over his chest. Leon gently bundles his arms around me, his body heat was warming. My arms still felt a little weak, so I laid my head on his shoulder. "You passed out. It was a fever." Leon breaks the hug and places his hand on my shoulder. "C'mon, we're partners. We're suppose to tell each other these things." He said in a soft spoken tone.

"I'm sorry, I'll do a lot better next time." I replied, my breathing was a little brisk. Leon positions me back on the bed. Only able to examine the room with one eye, there was medicine on the shelves. And pictures of the human body. I realized I was in the nurse room. "I still have to do the play, though..."

"Don't worry about that, I'm taking your place." The thought of it made me chuckle. Leon exhales a breath. "Handful."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Pfft, whatever. I know you'll still help me when I need it." Leon snickers, strolling to the door.

"I gotta head out. Stay safe, alright?" I nod. With that, he exits the room. My head laid on the bed, the room occupied of silence. I couldn't help but feel a little bad that Leon had to take my place.

.....

.....

Okuma sat in her chair, examining outside the window. He then felt a sudden urge, he smiles. "Another victim." Okuma comments, motioning his hand to form purple slime around it. "It seems to be three people this time. Head off to the next three, please." With that, the slime vanishes. Okuma places his hands behind his head, whistling a sweet tune.

.....

The three teenagers stood in front of a drug store. The girl had a lit cigarette in her mouth, as the other two males were scanning through magazines. "Geez, That guy in the Drama club was annoying as hell." One abruptly said.

The other one nods. "He was lucky their were people around." The purple slime appears in front of them, yet did not catch anyone's attention due to them complaining. With ease, the slime seizes on the girls leg. She attempted to shake it off, but it was no use, as the slime enveloped her body, it did the same to the other boys.

In place of furious teenagers were now Phantoms. While still having their normal clothes on, slime covered up their skin. The girl cracks her knuckles. "I say we beat him up to a bloody pulp."

.....

Leon strolls back in the auditorium. Beau jogs toward the orange-head. "Is Marissa going to be okay?" He ask, fiddling with his fingers.

"She just needs to rest. It's going to be fine." He assures. "But sense our Juliet is out of the game, I'll be her replacement."

Another boy added a comment. "But, your a boy."

Leon cocks an eyebrow as Beau crosses his arms. "So?" They both said in sync. Leon regards Beau again. "If it helps out Marissa, I'm down." Beau nods.

Beau begins sauntering back to the stage. "Sounds like a plan to me, darling. Here's the script." He pulls out the paper from his back pocket. Leon clasp on it and he quickly scans through it.

.....

.....

.....

It was currently the end of the day, and the play was about to begin. Leon's hands felt a little sweaty, as he starts to fiddle with his fingers. He scans the crowd for some reassurance, it didn't take long to spot both Marissa's and his parents. They seemed to be greeting each other. Leon exhales a breath. Attempting to calm himself. What if he messed up the play? Then people would hate him, and then his family would probably disown him. Which was what he thought.

A Phantom was sticking on the ceiling, quietly watching from the dark. A grin grew on his face as he crawls away.

My head was somewhat lifted from the pain. I was sitting on the walls of gates, the entrance of the school. My legs were close to my body as my arms bundled them, my head resting on my knees. I didn't want to go back to the play, because I thought everyone would be disappointed.

I exhale a sigh. My ears picked up the sound of strolling tennis shoes. I lift my head and turn to the source. Anna was sauntering toward me with her arms crossed. "Come on now, stand on the two feet god gave you." Without questions, I slowly stood up. Rubbing my neck. "What are you doing here? I thought you had a cold." I was about to ask how she knew that, until she answered. "Leon told me."

"I'm feeling a lot better now. But, I don't think I can show my face in there." I explain. "Everyone's probably disappointed and I let them down. Now I got Leon dragged into this as well."

Ana places her hand on my shoulders, then starts shaking me laboriously. "Man up now! Leon's just doing what any good friend would do." She jogs behind me and pushes me toward the school. "Let's go, I bet they'll understand."

I instantly start freaking out as my breathing elevates. I dash past her and down the street. "No thanks!" Was the last thing I yelled before making a sharp left.

Ana sighs, watching as I run off. "There she goes."

My sprint slows down into a jog. I was regaining my breath as I place my hands to my knees. I couldn't help but overhear someone talking. "So their in the auditorium?" I look up to see three Phantoms strolling down the road in front of me. I briskly hide behind a small wall. Holding my breath, the three of them pass by me as they take a left. Strolling the same path to my school. Examining them, I realized that only the middle girl had an orb. Odd.

"Yeah. They're in a play. And for some reason, the guy is acting as a girl." Shivers went up my spine, I knew they were talking about Leon.

The other male spoke. "We can embarrass him in front of everyone!" He places his hands behind his head. "It's going to be hella funny!"

The girl in the middle chuckles. "Let's do it then." It was one thing to ruin Beau's play, but striving to damage Leon was another thing. My blood boiled while I clenched my fist.

I started pumping my legs as I hasten in front of them. A scowl over my face. "You won't be hurting him anytime soon!" I shout.

The girl grew a smirk. "I've been getting a little bored. I wouldn't mind testing these powers out on some human." She licks her lips.

...

Leon stood in the castle, looking down at Beau who was acting out Romeo. "If they do see me, they will muster thee. By who's directing thou find out this place?"

Beau sat on one knee, a hand over his chest while his hand up 90 degrees. "I love at first de, prompt to inquire. He lend me console, and I lend him eyes. I am no pilot. Yet words thou as far, as that vast shore washed with the farthest sea...." He continues his lines.

Charlotte's hand was under her chin. She leans toward the play, scrutinizing the act carefully. "They seem to be very into their role." She thought. Her eyes wander to her son. "I'm proud."

"Bye, oh bye. I come nurse! Leave me now, tomorrow I will send." Leon said.

Beau stands up and bows. "Adieu, my love."

...

The male Phantom aims a punch to my face. I lungs out of the way and grab his arm, kicking his leg to lose his balance and propel him over me. His back smashing on the road.

It was then I felt a elbow impact me on neck. I lost balance, but I was able to do a forward roll. My head feeling a little dizzy, I was still somewhat damaged by the cold. But I knew I had to continue fighting, my confidence increasing. My necklace radiating monstrous energy, I stood back up. Glaring at the monsters in front of me.

The two males shivered as they stood next to the girl.   The main Phantom clenches her fist. "If you want something down around here, you have to do it yourself." She scoffs, hastening toward me. A punch ready, she shot her attack to my stomach. I evade her attack, motioning to the right. My arm wraps around her neck, holding her tensely. I then felt an elbow hit my stomach, which made me loosen my grip. I briskly back up, attempting to not get it. She pivots herself, her hand aiming to hit my head. But ended up scratching my cheek.

Before I could fall, I regain my balance. Adrenaline and strength flowing through my body, definitely helped. I had my breath almost in no time. I glance back at her minions, they were still scared out of their mind. "Hey, don't take your eyes off your opponent dumbass!" She shouts. Instinctively, I pivot myself, leaving my foot on the ground. Surely enough, the Phantom trips over my foot. Landing face first. My head was trying to process this as I picked up the orb.

"Mal!" They both yell, running to her side. It wasn't long until they stood in front of her, their arms out wide. "Don't touch her!" They commanded.

Their relationship reminded me of Ana and me. She was always there when I needed her, and would often stand up for me when people were being jerks. I exhale a small chuckle, a smile on my lips. "Don't worry. I won't harm her anymore." A grin grew on their faces as they blended down to Mal's level. I broke the orb in half as the slime crawls off their bodies and vanishes. As well as the orb. I quickly sprint away and took a sharp right, making sure they wouldn't be able to see me. "That was pretty cute." I comment. I then felt a pain on my cheek, I once again perceive the bruise on my cheek. Welp. The second one of my cheek now. The old on already healed, but it felt like I had the same one again. I wiped the blood away, dashing back to the school. I should hurry back before anyone notices.

...

...

Leon sat on the floor, Beau laying over him. His eyes closed with his hands next to his sides. Leon held the fake dagger in his hands. Holding it up high. "Oh happy dagger. This is... the end." He states dramatically. Before he pretended to stab himself, by placing the dagger under his armpit. He histrionically falls over Beau. The red curtains close as the audience cheers.

Leon was secretly sweating anxiety bullets and breathing a lot. Beau pats his back. "You did well, sweetie."

Afterwards, Leon was able to dress back in his normal clothes, as he meets up with his and Marissa's parents. He greets them with a smile. Charlotte dashes to his child and bundles her arms around him. "You did so great! I'm so proud of you!" She exclaims. Leon gently hugs back before Charolette ends the hug. "What made you do a girl part?"

He quickly responds. "For a friend. She got a cold, and I took her place." His Dad, named Charles, strolls next to his son and pats his back.

"That was very nice of you."

"Your talking about our daughter, Marissa, right?" Lillian questions. Leon nods. "We'll we outta repay you for your kindness."

Leon scratches his head. "Their's no need. I'm just fine."

...

The parents decided to stroll home together, as Leon laid on the wall. Standing next to the entrance of the school. His arms crossed as he examines the area. A couple people were leaving and chatting with friends. He exhales a sigh.

I was jogging near the school and noticed that numerous people and teens were leaving. The play must have ended. I thought. Strolling to the entrance to spot an orange-haired teenager, who was gazing at me as I jogged toward me. Once I concluded the jog, I bent down to regain some oxygen. "Sorry.... for... leaving you." barely able to get the words out, I stood back up and look at Leon. His face looked like a sad puppy, which felt emotionally painful to see.

"Please don't do that again. I was getting worried." He examines my face. No one was around, so he raised his hand as a first aid kit appears. I blink, I guess he detected the bruise on my cheek. He pulls out a bandaid and carefully places it over my injury. "You went to go fight a Phantom, didn't you?"

I avoided eye contact. "Yeah. I did." He pats my back. I look up at him to see a smile. The first aid vanishing.

"Hey now, don't feel bad. At least you defeated it, that means your progressing." I was always hella emotional, so I couldn't help but feel teary. He backs away, he seemed to notice I was growing depressed. Leon smile alters into a grin. "C'mon! I'll walk you home. Sound good?" I nod, following him. We amble down the sidewalk and to the path, which was above three roads. Chatting about anything that came to mind.

The four parents were sauntering down the sidewalk, near where we were. Khaki regards us. "It's Marissa and Leon." He comments. The three examine us as well.

Charles cocks an eyebrow. "Isn't that the long way home?"

Lillian and Charlotte shot a knowing grin. "Nice job, Leon." They both whisper.

Charles waves his hand. "Hey guys! It's—" he was cut off by Charlotte placing a hand over his mouth.

"Let's get home before Leon does." Both Khaki and Charles cock an eyebrow, but he simply agrees as they continue to stroll home.

~~~

Happy late New Year!