• ****(Catch)
    We walked out of the hospital at some obscure time in the morning. Yeah, Ri-chan had discharged us with his whole Doctor thing. I figured he’d do that. Hmm. It seems as if I remember everything, now. But... one thing bugs me. I thought... I wasn’t going to remember. I thought that I’d currently be traumatised. We began the clearly long journey to my house...
    “It’s okay, Mi-chan.” He kissed my forehead.
    “I know...” I furrowed my brows in thought, looking serious.
    “What’s up? I haven’t seen that face in a while.”
    “Well, maybe not okay...” He froze. “...I was thinking perfect, but there you go.” He chuckled.
    “And for a second there I thought you were going to say you preferred the gun-totting Reish.” I put my head on his shoulder. He then surprised me by sweeping me off my feet.
    “What th-”
    “You can’t walk all the way home on that ankle at the moment.”
    “And you can’t carry me home with those-” He put me down on a bench and lifted his shirt up to reveal his torso. His wounds were nearly gone – just bruises. I rolled my eyes. “I should’ve guessed.” He chuckled, lowering his shirt and picking up my ankle. His hands briefly glowed around it, and I could feel the warmth through the stiff bandages. He chuckled.
    “Yes, I’ve been busy practising my skills.” He sat down next to me on the bench. “I may actually be as good as you... but why didn’t you heal yourself?” I flushed.
    “I was... but I haven’t exactly been using anything for a long time...” I smiled. “Besides, when I began healing you, it was your bodily reaction that shocked me.” He raised one eyebrow.
    “What did I do again?”
    “Your noodly appendage decided to give me a standing ovation.” He laughed. “I... suppose that and the whole healing thing got me.” I laughed a little uneasily. “I dunno... I suppose it’ll be alright now I remember, hey?” He nodded.
    “Yes. Most definitely.” He smiled at me.
    “So... we both have the next few days off work.” I put my head on his shoulder.
    “We both also have some catching up to do, clearly.” He giggled.
    “Your place or mine?” I nuzzled him.
    “Who’s got the most comfy sofa?”
    “Who’s got the comfiest bed?” We both chuckled.
    “Point taken.” I moved a bit so that I could rest my head in the hollow of his neck. He then put his arms around me and rested his head on top of mine. It was so quiet. So... peaceful. He sighed, lifting me up. I tightened up a bit – he was using telekinesis. He laughed.
    “Relax. I’ve been practicing. I can do it from a distance now.” He stepped away whilst leaving me midair. “And...” I felt something slide up my leg, reaching my thigh... I blushed.
    “I get the point, Ri-chan.” He came back, lifting me up so he could hold me in his arms.
    “...But I prefer to do it like this.” He kissed my forehead again. “Don’t you agree?” I smiled.
    “Most definitely.” I put my arms around his neck. “I much prefer physical contact.” He smirked.
    “There’ll be a lot more of that, I promise.” I raised one eyebrow.
    “Oh really?”
    “Seriously.”
    “Really?”
    “Yah really.” He chuckled. “I’d better get you home. We could do that for hours.” I giggled.
    “I know...” There was a scream. We looked at each other.
    “Where did that come from?” I shut my eyes, and I searched for the source.
    “Umm... Harken Lab, Basement floor two...” I opened my eyes.
    “I... didn’t think the Labs had a basement.” I looked at him.
    “Neither did I.” He looked wistful.
    “Ri-chan?”
    “Mi-chan, how do you feel about logging in again?” I smiled deviously.
    “Aah, I was wondering what’d happened to all that.”
    ***(Deduce)
    “But I think I need practice.”
    “You’ll be fine.”
    “I haven’t logged in for over six years...” Ri-chan had ran to his home with me in his arms. We found Tsu-chan, Raphael, Sinistra and Dextera waiting for us. Dexie raised one eybrow.
    “So... what’s the matter?” Ri-chan flopped on a sofa, a little out of breath.
    “Loud scream... coming from... Harken’s Basement.”
    “They don’t have a basement.”
    “Oh yes...” I nodded. “...I’m assuming that unless people can scream in solid earth...” Dexie rolled his eyes.
    “I get the point...” Tsu-chan smiled.
    “So...?” I smiled back.
    “I do believe we have to investigate.” Sinistra smiled.
    “But it is a bit late, tonight.” I nodded.
    “Yes.” I nodded. “But it’s not too late to start figuring things out, is it?”
    “No, not at all.” Raphael sighed.
    “Right. Where to begin?”
    “How about possible reasons for the scream?” Dextera took a sip from his glass as Tsu-chan sat up.
    “And what innocent explanation is there for the scream?” She shook her head. “None. Nobody knew that they had a basement, the lab should be shut at this time of night...” I nodded.
    “The place was shielded from my view. Something... familiar...”
    “Who’s the Head of it? Mirari, you’ll know.”
    “Libra and Light.” I sighed. “The current project is something to do with nanotechnology and DNA integration...” I furrowed my brows in thought. “Come to think of it, the units themselves were similar to Mod Units. Just... a little bigger.” I gestured to the size. Ri-chan got up off the sofa and held my shoulders. He looked... scared.
    “Mi-chan, this is important.” He looked at me with a sort of serious look. “What was the internal structure?”
    “Pass me a large bit of paper and a pen...” It took half hour to draw the basic structure of the little things. Only a certain part of the DNA was used... I assume it was the part that determined the powers we could have. I had to explain it all very carefully. After another half hour, I had finished. Everyone was tired... but they knew what they were... Ri-chan looked very grave, as did Tsu-chan and Raphael. “What’s wrong...” I stepped to where Ri-chan was sitting, and kneeled in front of him, putting my hands on his knees. “...Ri-chan, talk to me.”
    “You’re making artificial Mod Units.” He smiled a little darkly. “Now... whose DNA is in them?” I looked to one side and down. “You’d better talk, too. We need to know whose DNA is in them... it means that they are... bloody powerful... and in danger.” I was a little stunned. Raphael smirked.
    “It’s your DNA, isn’t it?”
    “Unfortunately.” Ri-chan leaned forward and put his arms around me.
    “Oh, Mi-chan...” He pulled me up so that I sat on his lap. “That’s good. You are able to protect yourself. We can protect you.” He pushed my head into his shoulder so that he could whisper in my ear. “I’ll protect you.”
    “I had a feeling you’d say that.” He chuckled, kissing my neck below my ear.
    “Of course.”
    ***(Habit)
    I was aware of a warm feeling. Discussions had run late... it sort of blurred after I sat on Ri-chan’s lap and had the drink. I suppose the alcohol gets to me easier now...
    “Good Morning, Sunshine.” I opened my eyes. I was in bed, with Ri-chan holding me close. I rolled to face him and he kissed my forehead. “Damn, I couldn’t do the Third Hand thing...”
    “Morning...” He chuckled.
    “You’ve lost your alcohol tolerance, I see.” I murmured an agreement. “You fell asleep really quickly... just after the first glass...”
    “Strong wine...” He giggled.
    “I know. You took Kat’s glass by accident, which was a red cocktail with extra vodka and lambanog.”
    “Thought it was... pokey.” He laughed.
    “Aww... you’re cute with a hangover.” He lifted my chin with his fingers to look into my eyes. “Hmm, your eyes aren’t really red, nor are there many veins.” He kissed my cheek. “Skin’s not dry or anything...” He kissed my lips. “Lips seem fine...” He parted my lips, giving my mouth a thorough check-up... when we parted lips, he kissed my forehead again. “Mouth’s certainly not dry.” He smirked. “You haven’t got a hangover.”
    “I know. No headache or nausea. No problems sleeping... and I’m not sensitive to light.” He murmured an agreement.
    “And there are no HEC problems.” He kissed my cheek again. “Hmm. Maybe it’s just your morning thing...” He was going to chuckle, but I shook my head.
    “No... something’s not right, Ri-chan.”
    “What’s... why?”
    “I have no idea...” I put my cheek to his shoulder. “...something just doesn’t feel right.” He held my shoulders gently, putting his forehead to mine. He gently rubbed my shoulders with his thumbs, carefully following the tattoo pattern. I then noticed... the lack of clothing. I must’ve shown some sort of reaction at that thought... he smirked.
    “I know, I know. We’re half dressed.” He kissed the end of my nose. “I couldn’t find any nightgowns or anything.” He smiled. “You haven’t resorted to sleeping in the nude, then?” I giggled.
    “With you about, I wouldn’t dare.” He looked a little crestfallen.
    “Aww, why?”
    “That’s just inviting you in...” I giggled. “Besides... It’s more fun that way.” He smiled, laughing.
    “Yeah, I suppose.” He pulled me closer. “Hmm, it’s good to have you back...” I put my arms around him.
    “It’s good to be back, Ri-chan.” I kissed skin where I could reach. I then ran my hands down to hold his waist, feeling muscle along the way. He’s more toned, more muscled than before. His chest has more definition, but he’s still got the girly curves I love. He looked down at me, raising one eyebrow as I began tracing the tattoo on his chest carefully... such a long while since I’d seen it this close...
    “You like?” He chuckled. “Yes, I got more muscles over the years. Still kept the curves, though.” He flushed slightly. “I knew you loved them...” He looked into my eyes. “And, my goodness! You’ve slimmed!”
    “I... didn’t really eat much after the accident. I... pretty much starved myself.” I blushed. “I was pretty depressed... and I just didn’t feel like eating. I was like a stick.” He stroked my shoulders again.
    “So... how comes you ate again?” I smiled.
    “Somebody mysteriously left a box of chocolate goodies outside my door one day.” I sighed. “I opened the box... and the smell got me. Very familiar... Chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate torte, chocolate pudding... aah, heavenly.” He smiled warmly as he squeezed me. “You sent them, didn’t you?” I could feel the warmth from his face. “You were there, in the shadows... watching me, weren’t you?” I squeezed him. “Thank you...” He buried his head into my shoulder, and I did the same into his.
    “I couldn’t leave you.. I couldn’t watch you just... waste away.” He sighed. “I knew it was risky, because you might remember... but...” He repositioned his hands and squeezed me hard. “...I couldn’t just... let you starve...” He was crying into my shoulder.
    “Ri-chan....”
    “It was so hard, living without you... I... just couldn’t. I really couldn’t...” He loosened, just crying into my shoulder. I changed position so that he had something a little softer to sob into. I put my arms around his head, letting him cry into the crevasse. He put his arms around me, too. “...I had to watch over you... I couldn’t just... I had to... I had to make sure you were safe...” I stroked his hair fondly, running my fingers through his slightly tangled locks. His voice really was muffled by flesh...
    “You won’t have to from now on, Ri-chan...” He looked up at me through tears. I smiled warmly. “...and you and Tsu-chan did a lovely job of the photos...” He giggled, pushing his face further into the crevasse of my cleavage. I think my bra soaked up most of the tears... I could feel him kiss each side. He giggled.
    “Your cup size has increased.” I flushed. “It must be about an E cup.” His arms traced around me. “Hmm, about a 36E?” I kissed the top of his head.
    “Close. 34F.” He made a sort of ‘squee’ sound as he squeezed me again.
    “Even better. Although...” I rolled my eyes as he began to stroke my back, undoing my bra with one swift movement. “I think they’re physically the same size.” In a moment, it was off, and he began to kiss me as he removed my underwear. I removed his boxers, and... well, old habits die hard. It was barely nine in the morning by the time we finished, and already we were sweaty. He suggested a shower. Which I agreed to... hmm, maybe I should’ve seen that coming?
    ***(Surmise)
    When I changed things, Ri-chan’s wish undid some of mine. And no one knows what Athe’s wish was, except for Miscenco, Ren and Athe.
    Ri-chan, Tsu-chan and Raphael didn’t forget at all. The rest of ETHER forgot, but they started to remember over the years...
    Obviously, Sinistra and Dextera could rebound the memories across their link and remember quicker. I have no idea about how much Light and Libra remember, and neither does anyone else.
    And me... I was remembering things when I thought I wouldn’t.
    For example, the tattoos... The Caragiri family crest, tattooed onto the male Caragiri children. And me. And the dreams... memories, just trying to resurface – My body remembered, my brain didn’t. So, is that why I was able to heal after the accident? And why I healed so quickly...
    The Mithrim became so soulless, and the Mod Units were not so powerful. Even Raphael’s blades and armour had less power. Clones of the original never are so good... it seems that without the mother soul, the fakes can’t be as powerful... Ren and Athe ‘died’ in the same accident I was in...
    And a lot’s happened. Ri-chan became a specialist, Raphael went pro as a cocktail maker and Tsu-chan’s a pro chef. Hmm, all high earners... Everyone else continued their previous careers, too. Also, Ri-chan watched over me when he could, using the Mod Units. So sweet – obsessive but sweet.
    And Ri-chan wasn’t the only obsessive one. Oh no. I half-figured out that Kat and Raphael had something to do with Reish’s madness. In fact... Tsu-chan hinted that she got him with her amazing hypnotic powers. And Raphael? Judging by the photos, he likes to seduce men and women... well, you’d do the same if you had the power to do it... Well, I would’ve, anyways...
    So, six years have passed... but although it went quickly, a lot happened...
    But, one thing bugs me. The voice I hear in the back of my head now isn’t Miscenco’s voice. No, it sounds more like someone else familiar... but, who?
    ***(Return)
    It had been a week of talk and... rabbit-like action. And every night, there had been another scream from the labs... Some nights there were two or three... male and female. We couldn’t locate them exactly, and we weren’t going to go in without a plan or a way in. Even logged in, I couldn’t make heads or tails of it... Every morning I woke up tired, for no reason... And I couldn’t see any way in to the basement at all... I wonder - is there’s a secret entrance? Today’s plan is for me to go in as normal, and probe about. I went into work as normal... logged in. Meh, my logged in form was very similar to normal, now. I had even changed my logged in hair to make it more normal. I think everyone was surprised I could do that, even after many years of non-practice. Sinistra and Dextera were a little rusty with their skills.
    “Good Morning. Heh, it’s quiet in here today...” I showed the receptionist my I.D. bracelet – it’s how we clock in. She murmured and agreement.
    “Ah, Good Morning. Is your ankle better?” I smiled at the receptionist. She’s always so friendly.
    “Yes, it’s much better, thank you.”
    “That was very heroic of you to do so. How’s the arm?” I was still wearing bandages, although the wound was well healed by me. I looked at it. Hmm, yeah, it’s been bugged... Thick bandaging. Done carefully by Ri-chan before he headed back to work.
    “The arm’s getting better. I figure it’s healed enough to work.” She giggled.
    “And the Doctor you saved?” I flushed.
    “He’s fine, too.” I chuckled. “It shows I’d do anything for a good friend.” Her face fell a little. I smiled and she smirked.
    “And there I thought I’d have a romance story. He is very... beautiful.” I nodded.
    “Yeah, I get that a lot.” She smiled.
    “Ah, yes. Ms. Jones is waiting for you in her office.” I smiled.
    “Thank you. See you later!” I turned and walked slowly to Ms. Jones’ office. I keep being tempted to call her Libra, but I must restrain from that... As I was walking up, I noticed that the labs were too... quiet. There were a lot less staff than usual... I gingerly knocked on the door.
    “Come in, Mirari!” I entered. Yes, Libra and Light were in there, typing away at the computers. When I entered, Libra stopped, standing up to meet me. “Forgive Michelle. There’s a lot of work to do... most of the rest of the staff are off sick.” She smiled warmly. “It’s good to see you on your feet again. Are you alright with labwork?” I nodded.
    “Yes, but I may need to sit down from time to time...” Libra nodded.
    “And the arm?”
    “Well wrapped up. It’s a little tender, but it can support a little weight.” I smiled. “So... what can I look forward to today? More testing?”Libra nodded.
    “Yes, we’re checking the internal circuitry again. More of a physicist’s sort of thing, I assume.” I nodded. “Right, then.” She handed me a wooden box from her desk. “You’ve just got to make sure that all the internal stuff’s working.” She giggled. “That’ll involve a lot of sitting, I suppose.”
    “Alright, then.”
    “Oh, and if you finish them A.S.A.P... our funders are coming tonight for a tour... At around Seven or Eight...” Yeah, the screams usually happen at around half eight... “...so, can you please have them done by then? Overtime pays well...”
    “Okay, then.” I nodded and went to my lab holding the box. I could feel a little presence nibbling gently (literally) at the edges of my mind, begging to be noticed.
    You listening, Ri-chan?
    Naturally. What’s up? Thankfully, the telepathy was working well again.
    I’ve got them, but the thing is... they’ll be a Demo to their superiors. Tonight.
    Right.
    See you later, Ri-chan...He sent a gushy feeling.
    Yeah, See you later. I began testing the things, carefully checking each connection. I don’t want any faults... I have a bad feeling... By five o’clock in the evening, I had finished testing, and went to Libra and Light’s office. They had anticipated me, clearly.
    “Come in, Mirari.” I entered. They were standing there at Libra’s desk. “Our superiors would like to meet you. Will you stay?” I nodded.
    “Should I go home and get changed?” Libra shook her head.
    “No, no... it creates a better image if they see you in your work garb.” She smiled. “You can go and have dinner at the canteen, if you like. Just don’t exit, yeah? We might need you for preparations.” I smiled.
    “Okay then.”
    ***(Thought)
    Ri-chan? You still there?
    Of course I am.
    They’re asking me to stay behind.... for preparations. I’m in the canteen.
    Interesting dinner? Or are you trying to escape?
    Both, naturally. I looked around. It’s deserted, but the food’s still here. The cameras are very much active.
    Be careful, Mi-chan.
    I will... I tried to open a window. Damn, the windows are sealed!
    Could we get in? I paused in thought.
    I’ll go to the loo.
    ...And open the window while you’re there.
    Ha. Ha. I will, even if I have to hack it open...
    Oh, yes. I finished my food, disposing of the rest. I then hurried to the loos.
    Damn it, Ri-chan! There’s no window in the loos! None of them! Ri-chan swore in various languages...
    I will use brute force, if I have to.
    Don’t be reckless. Wait until guests arrive. Surely you can use Raphael’s charms... He laughed. I mean, it did work on Reish...
    So true, and he can provide backup... I murmured an agreement.
    Are you alright, Ri-chan? I had noticed a little glumness in his internal voice.
    I’m... really worried. I am so worried about you, Mi-chan. He was struggling to convey feelings, something deeper than I knew of.
    ...Just... promise to save me, ‘kay? I smiled inside. If it gets bad, come and save me, okay? He gave me another warm feeling, the feeling that he would and that he’d hold me if we were together. Ri-chan...
    You know that I will, Mi-chan... Always.
    Besides, if I’m in the secret place, you can phase in.
    Ooh, I didn’t think of that. Right. I’ll go rally the troops.
    Right. See you soon. He gave me a kiss feeling, and then he was gone. And it was now half six. Time to face the music... my requiem, if it’s as bad as I think...