FCGS - Chapter 14

Chibi screamed out in pain. Brighteyes looked away with tears in her eyes. Tadakono and Phenomenon cast Resurrect and Heal. Ara removed her dagger and placed two fingers into the cut. Lack took a hold of Chibi and held her still. His eyes clear and focused as he also cast Heal.

"Almost," Ara said reaching in and pulling out a shard as long and almost as wide as her index finger. "Got it!" Pulling it hard, she removed it from Chibi's body. Chibi closed her eyes and went limp against Lack. "That should release her completely from Loki's hold." Looking up at Lack, she added "We need to talk… About Velvet Touch of Enishi." Lack nodded and continued to Heal Chibi.

~~~

Ara, Alastor, Lack, Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon sat together in Lack's room. Chibi laid curled up asleep in his bed. Lack looked at Ara and Alastor, his eyes narrowed and tired.

"Velvet Touch of Enishi members have the same thing Chibi had," Ara said softly. "During their battle against Momo's doppelgangers…" Lack raised his hand causing Ara to pause.

"Who's Momo?"

Ara looked surprised. "Kakaxi was suppose to report to you," Lack shook his head. "Anyway, Momo is one of Grand Lethal's new members. He's a Creator incredibly skilled in creating doppelgangers. Back to the point, Velvet Touch of Enishi had a great battle against his doppelgangers. During this battle, they fell to the swords and had pieces lodged within them. These pieces created links which allowed Loki to control them."

Lack looked up at Chibi, who's blue hair could only be seen, and wondered what he'd do if she was completely taken by Loki. He shook his head and look back to Ara. "So, if we remove these shards…"

"Difficult," replied Alastor. "Our guild has tried. Rena, herself, suffered badly against MikeRex and his brother JohnFlora. She had both myself and Ara as support."

Lack thought it over. "I'll go." he said finally and looked up at Syaoran, Tadakono and Phenomenon. "I'll need you three with me. Phen, you be support with Tada as secondary if things get really bad. We'll send a letter of challenge to MikeRex and his brother. Hopefully, if things go well we can get those two back to normal. Then after that, things will get easier."

"That's a lot of if's," Alastor said and looked behind him to Chibi. "Not going to take her? She's going to murder you if you go without her." Alastor could feel the spiritual connection between Chibi and Lack. He wasn't sure what it was but he knew it wasn't strong enough to be love. Perhaps siblings? They don't look alike though.

"She's going to stay put," Lack replied firmly. "I'll get Furama and FerrariSin to keep an eye on her."

~~~

MikeRex sat on his bed with Jemini nestled in his lap. "Should I go?" he asked her. She giggled and touched her ear. Smiling, MikeRex blew her other ear. "Lack is challenging me to a duel. But it doesn't seem a fair duel. Him and three of his guildsmen against myself and my brother."

"Do you know which guildsmen?" Jemini asked twisting around so she could rest her head against his neck. MikeRex nodded. "Is Chibi one of them?" He shook his head. "Then you have nothing to worry about. With Chibi, you have to worry about how much one potion will heal them for versus how fast John can heal. Without her there, it's even. Who's their support?"

"Phenomenon," MikeRex replied looking at the parchment in his hand. "He's chosen Syaoran, Tadakono and Phenomenon. Tadakono isn't that strong for a High Wizard and same goes for Syaoran. My only problem is that Fight Club members have gifts from the Gods. If Chibi can turn into a cat, even if it is a binding, I wonder what the others can do."

"Shouldn't worry you too much," she said running her fingers down his chest. "If his choices are that bad then accept his challenge."

MikeRex gave her a kiss and whispered "You make a lot of sense my queen."

~~~

Lack stood waiting in Clock Tower with Syaoran, Tadakono and Phenomenon. The doors opened and MikeRex rode in on his Peco with his brother walking at his side. "You're finally here," Lack said to him. "You took your sweet time."

"I had business that I needed to take care of," MikeRex replied. "Nothing that concerns you." He looked around the area. "Under the Shadows guild is watching. And no Chibi, I see. Left her at headquarters?"

"That doesn't concern you," Lack replied pulling his gloves tight. "You ready or not?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," MikeRex readied his poleaxe.

"Then let's go…"

~~~

Furama sat in the Training Room with FerrariSin and Trelawney. "There's nothing to do," whined Furama as he broke a Dead Branch and a Fabre popped out. It promptly began to attack him.

"I hate bugs," Trelawney said looking at the Fabre. "Tho I like when that one becomes a Creamy. Creamy's are the only one's I like. They're so pretty."

FerrariSin sat leaning against a pole and yawned. "I wonder how the battle is going." He threw a stone at the Fabre which promptly killed it. "Chibi's sound asleep too so we don't have to worry about her either."

Trelawney's eyes darkened and went blank. "Bound in the abyss rises a messenger for darkness. When mischief foreshadows the land the people must rise. Deep within the earth the silence is coming. It looms over us all. Justice will be spread and the overpowered will be diminished. Only the dark messenger will rule in power. His sword will bring down his enemies with death at his command...." Trelawney pressed her fingers to her head. "I have a headache."

"I'll say," Furama replied glancing over to FerrariSin. "Have headaches often?"

"Recently they've increased in frequency." Trelawney laid down on the floor. "I don't get why I have these headaches."

Furama and FerrariSin looked at each other. "Neither do we…"

"I'm going to go get something for my headache," Trelawney got up and wandered off to the infirmary.

Furama thought over what he had heard. "I can interpret some of that." FerrariSin looked at him impressed. "I've been listening to Lack, Tada, Phen and Syao too much." He carefully went over some of the lines."Justice will be spread and the overpowered will be diminished. That's got to mean Kashy's recent change to the world. Mischief could mean Loki…"

"Then who's the dark messenger?" FerrariSin asked half listening. "Contra?"

"Well it fits doesn't it?" Furama asked. "He's bound at the moment. He ruled in power before he was bound. And with the Mediators missing that means the Hidden Gods are down four leaving only Kashy and Novus left." FerrariSin said nothing hoping that Furama was wrong.

~~~

"Asura Strike!" Lack screamed striking JohnFlora down. MikeRex spun and blocked Syaoran's sword. JohnFlora fell to his knees, leaving MikeRex alone. "You're left." Lack said breathing hard. Tadakono cast Lord of Vermillion pushing MikeRex back. Lack pulled out blue potions and replenished his magical power. Syaoran cast Berserk and began to slash at MikeRex.

MikeRex bit his lower lip and cast Spiral Pierce. I knew this was a bad idea. He noticed Ara and Haru had moved to his brother's side. Tadakono and Syaoran continued to push him away from JohnFlora. They're up to something. Lack cast Asura Strike on him. MikeRex staggered. I've got to concentrate. John'll hit me if he realized I wasn't focused on my battle. MikeRex attempted to Spiral Pierce Lack, who snapped away quickly and came back to Asura him again.

"Lack," Tadakono called. Syaoran heard him and began to attack MikeRex with renewed fury. Lack jumped back and landed in a crouch at Tadakono's side. "How much longer? My magical power is almost at it's limit."

"Have anything else that's wide area you can use that's less draining?" Lack asked taking in a few more bottles of blue potion. "Me throwing one at you isn't going to do anything. Though I think two more Asura's should do it." Phenomenon cast Kyrie Elysion on them and Lack prepared to cast Asura Strike.

"Storm Gust," Tadakono replied thinking. "Why didn't I cast that instead? I have a chance of freezing him." Tadakono switched to Storm Gust and within minutes froze MikeRex. Breathing hard, he stopped and let Lack Asura him. MikeRex fell off his Peco to the floor.

"Now then," Lack said cracking his knuckles. "Time to get them back to normal."

~~~

Chibi awoke to a dark room. Lack's bedroom… Why am I here and not in my room? Sitting up, she felt a sting on her chest. She stood and walked to the door firmly shutting it and turning on the light. It stings! What the hell did Ara do? She looked around the room and found a mirror hanging on the wall. Standing in front of it, Chibi pulled her top down slightly. On top of the thin white scar was a thicker pinkish scar directly over the middle of her breast bone.

While Chibi examined herself, the door opened slowly. A hand covered her mouth. "You don't get away from me that easily. A Creator of your abilities would be an asset to my plans." His lips brushed her ear as he spoke.

Chibi looked fearfully in the mirror. Loki!! She closed her eyes and grasped the emergency system. Lack! Loki's here! Somebody answer me!

"No you don't my pretty," Loki whispered wrapping his arm around her throat. Chibi's vision blurring, her body feeling lighter than before. Footsteps sounded outside the room. "Looks like we have company."

FerrariSin, Furama and Trelawney threw the door open in time to see Loki disappear into the shadows with Chibi. "Lack is going to kill us." Furama said punching the door frame.

~~~

Lack stood frozen in place. Tadakono and Phenomenon shook as they Healed MikeRex. Syaoran fell to his knees. Ara looked at them curiously. "What's wrong with you guys?"

Tadakono took a deep breath and forced his shaking to stop. "Chibi just sent a message though our emergency system. Loki's at headquarters."

MikeRex opened his eyes and raised a hand to his forehead. "Loki?" Sitting bolt upright, he looked around and asked "Where?"

"Loki's not here," Lack replied shakily. "He's at Fight Club headquarters… With Chibi."

MikeRex stood and shook Lack hard. "You crazy bastard! What are you doing here? Get going back there!" He jumped onto his Peco. "And I'm coming with you!" Phenomenon cast Warp Portal. MikeRex shoved Lack through and the rest followed. "Loki is going to do the same thing he did to Momo to Chibi."

Ara pulled MikeRex to a halt as FerrariSin ran out towards them. "You need to explain what you mean. Because it looks like we're too late."

MikeRex got off his Peco and grabbed a hold of Lack. Lack stared at him. His eyes dark and clouded. "You need to snap out of it. Momo was my guild's Creator. Loki saw his ability in creating homunculi and kidnapped him. Next thing we know, we are attacked by doppelgangers. Fight Club will be next if you don't wake up!"

Lack pushed MikeRex away and looked at FerrariSin. "Guild meeting in two hours. Make sure the word gets around."

~~~

Loki sat on his throne with Hel on his right side. Chibi stood locked in a giant upside-down glass vial. Momo placed a Loki's Whisper into a flask and placed it over an open flame. Chibi banged her fists against the glass. The tube blocked her voice from reaching Momo.

Jemini stepped into the room. After bowing to Loki, she walked over to the glass tube. Purple gas began to fill the tube. Chibi covered her ears, tears streamed down her face, and crouched down curling into a ball. Jemini touched the glass "Soon Chibi," she whispered her voice soft and alluring. "If you listen to the pretty voices, you'll be able to come out and be free."

Loki frowned. "Is it necessary to do it this way, Momo?" He watched the tube steadily fill with purple gas. "It's inefficient isn't it? To convert Creators this way."

"It's efficient," Momo replied, his black eyes sparkling for a second causing tears form. "If she doesn't listen to the voices, the inhaled gas will bend her to your will."

Loki stepped down and grabbed Momo's face. Picking him up, he tossed Momo into a similar tube and put him through the same treatment. Jemini stood watching both tubes. "That's why I think it's inefficient," Loki grumbled. "It doesn't last long and requires reconditioning."

Jemini leaned close to Loki and stroked his cheek. "The more Creator's you have the more chance they'll catch the moment they need reconditioning." She touched her chest. "Shards hurt much and takes longer for the Creator to heal. You want a force to trample the Gods sooner don't you?"

~~~

Lack stood before, not only Fight Club guildsmen, but guildsmen from Under the Shadows, 7 Deadly Sins, and Nothing. "I never expected other guilds to answer my call," he murmured to LadyDeathStrike, Rena, MikeRex and Balawis.

"It affects us too," LadyDeathStrike replied raising her hands for silence. "Alright. Everyone here knows the basic problem. As expected our problems are larger than first thought." She stepped aside to let MikeRex speak.

"Loki is capturing Creators from all over Rune Midgard," MikeRex announced, producing gasps from the crowd. "His aim is to have them create an army of powerful doppelgangers to take on the Gods in his war. As far as we know," he indicated to the four guild masters with him. "Loki has Momo from my guild and Chibi from Fight Club."

A large bang sounded from the Foyer. MikeRex and Lack looked at each other.

~~~

Chibi stood before Loki. Her eyes a deep blue colour. "Momo and I have created four test doppelgangers. If it pleases you, you may watch their progress against Fight Club." She bowed and Momo passed Loki a large, round mirror with the Fight Club symbol on the back. "This mirror will give you viewing access into Fight Club headquarters."

Loki ruffled Chibi's hair. "Well done Chibi." Chibi bowed once more and walked away. A few tears fell from her eyes. Momo noticed and said nothing, gave his own bow and followed her out. "Now then," Loki and Hel looked into the mirror. "Let's watch the excitement."

~~~

Lack jumped and smashed a blue gem with his Knuckle. Did Chibi create these? They're no different from the other ones. We outnumber them so it wont be too hard to deal with them.

"This is endless!" yelled JohnFlora over the noise. MikeRex nodded and smashed another blue gem with his poleaxe. "They're the same doppelgangers that attacked us!"

Lack's doppelganger fell into pieces of Alcohol. Lack stared at the Alcohol. Why Alcohol? The other Doppelgangers were falling apart as Alcohol as well.

Balawis shot the last blue gem with a Silver Arrow. Slowly backing away, he yelled "Run!" Lack turned and saw the final doppelganger falling apart. Bombs dropped into the Alcohol. Lack dived for cover, fire filled the entire room.

FCGS - Chapter 13

Ara paced the floor of the meeting room in front of Alastor, Tadakono, Furama, FerrariSin, Syaoran and Phenomenon. Her eyes narrowed, going over everything she just heard. "We're going to need to use Spirit of the Alchemist to assess her. But how to use it without her noticing."

"While she's sleeping?" Phenomenon suggested. "She wouldn't sense anything because she's not a Soul Linker."

"Does she sleep tho?" asked Alastor. Furama shrugged and looked questioningly at FerrariSin.

"From what I've seen," FerrariSin replied, his eyes looking down at his hands. "She doesn't sleep. She's up early and still up when I fall asleep." He took a deep breath and sighed. "Though I've noticed she touches her chest a lot." He raised his hand and placed it over his heart indicating where she touches.

"Then we'll have to risk it while she's awake then," Ara opened the door and walked with the others down the hall towards Chibi's Lab. "We don't have much time. If what's happening to her that's happening to the members of Velvet Touch of Enishi, then…"

"Wait," Syaoran said suddenly. "What's happening to the Velvet Touch of Enishi members?" Ara picked up speed and the others followed suit.

"Loki is taking control of their guild," Alastor replied walking next to Syaoran. "Rena found the their Guild Log. They were sided with the Gods against Loki, but Loki sent against them multiple doppelgangers. They were overrun and basically grievously injured. Something about the blue gem doppelgangers causes those injured by their swords to fall under Loki's command."

"Then you'll need to check us, brighteyes, illu, Minna, Tre and Lack as well," Tadakono informed him. "We've all been injured by a doppelganger's sword."

"It's not that simple," Ara said pausing just outside Lack's bedroom. "The requirements that cause one to fall under Loki's command isn't just an injury from a doppelganger's sword. It requires a moment of weakness. Where the body's life and spiritual power diminishes to almost absolute death. How badly harmed were you all?"

Phenomenon thought back. "Myself, Tre and Syao were burned and had shallow cuts. Tadakono had a deep cut but he never reached near death. Brighteyes, illu and Minna lost consciousness… So maybe. Lack too. He was cut deeply in the shoulder and lost consciousness."

"And Chibi?" Alastor asked. "What sort of wound did she receive?"

"She…" Syaoran paused remembering the sight he saw on that day. "She was run through the chest by a doppelganger. She didn't lose consciousness but her wound didn't heal until the doppelganger was dead."

"Then I'll check Lack," Alastor said to Ara. "You go and find brighteyes, illu and Minna and check them quickly. I think it will take both of us to check Chibi." Silence gave Furama a feeling that there was more to this than they were saying. "We'll meet back here before going to Chibi." Ara nodded and ran off quickly.

Alastor knocked on Lack's door. "You can come in. I heard everything you were saying out there," Alastor entered leaving the others near the door. Lack was sitting on the end of his bed pulling on his gloves. Chibi's blue ribbon sat curled on his desk. "There's more than what you told them isn't there?"

Alastor nodded. "But first," Alastor closed his eyes and cast Spirit of Monk. He moved his hand to touch where Lack's wound was. "I see. Can you change to a Stalker for me?" Lack nodded and changed. "Hmm,"

"What's wrong?" Lack asked slightly worried.

"Can you stay as a Stalker?" Alastor asked. "It seems that I'm going to need to call a Professor from my guild. Spell Break is the only thing that breaks the newly established link between Loki and an affected." Closing his eyes, he sent an emergency message to his guild. Receiving an almost instant reply, he sighed in relief. "Haru will be here soon."

"I'll wait for him in the Foyer," FerrariSin offered. Alastor nodded and watched FerrariSin leave.

"Why do I need to stay as a Stalker?" Lack asked confused.

"Because you can use two classes," Alastor replied sitting onto Lack's bed. "The link to Loki is attached to your Champion half not your Stalker half. You'll be safer as a Stalker until Haru gets here."

Ara stepped into the room followed by brighteyes. "I heard your call. I assumed it was cause Lack has a link. Brighteyes has it too. The others are safe."

Alastor and Lack got up. "We should go check Chibi."

~~~

Haru walked through the halls of Fight Club with FerrariSin. "This place is huge! But I guess you're use to it." Lmexperiment on just about anything. You should see her grimoire. It's full of recipes. Tho all except the common ones are encrypted in a code that only she knows." He thought back when he gave her the first grimoire she ever owned in celebration of becoming a Creator. I guess that means I'm the one responsible for getting her started experimenting in the first place. He gave a small smile.

"Anything wrong?" Haru asked noticing the smile.

"Nothing… Nothing at all."

~~~

"Chibi!" Lack called dodging a Bomb. Furama looked at her eyes. They were pure blue, no light reflecting on them, almost glazed over. Lack jumped onto the long table separating them from her. "Chibi! Listen to me!"

"Grant me my Homunculus for this battle," Chibi called throwing her embryo into the air. Her Lif appeared, it's coloring a deep red instead of it's forest green. Chibi threw out Plant Bottles while her Lif healed her. "Summon Flora!" Several large Parasit created a wall around Chibi. Lack leapt and cast Sightless Raid. He landed directly in front of her. Chibi drew her sword and slashed Lack across the chest. He stepped back clutching his clothes. "Stay where you are." he barked at Tadakono and Phenomenon. "Let me deal with Chibi."

~~~

Haru and FerrariSin ran through the door as another Bomb rocked the room. Ara and brighteyes looked back at them. "What's going on?" FerrariSin yelled holding onto a table for support.

"Chibi's losing control," Ara replied pulling brighteyes with her to Haru. "You need to use Spell Break on brighteyes, Lack, and Chibi... if we can get her still."

Haru closed his eyes and placed a hand on brighteyes' chest. He delved deep to her life source and found the thread linking her to Loki. "Spell Break!" he whispered mentally snipping the thread. Brighteyes took a deep breath in. Her body felt lighter than before. "Weight lifted?" Haru asked her. Brighteyes nodded and gave a small smile. "Now, where's Lack?"

"He's dealing with Chibi," Ara replied pointing to the battle on the other end of the room. They joined Tadakono and the others. Lack leaped back to them as well. "Not going well?" Ara asked him while Haru laid a hand on Lack's shoulder to delve into Lack's life source.

"If I was a Champion it would be easier," Lack replied. He stood and drew his twin blades.

"No need," Ara said with a smile. "When Haru is done, you can change to your Champion half safely."

Spell Break!

Lack leapt at Chibi again transforming into Champion form. His Knuckle met with her sword. He looked at her in the eyes. Chibi return his stare and swung her sword hard, just missing his neck. Lack slid sideways and switched snapped around her. Chibi stood still watching him. Her sword held ready in attack position. Lack continued to snap and prepared himself.

"He's not going to…" Phenomenon said with a gasp.

"It's going to be overkill on her!" Syaoran cried starting forward. "Don't do it Lack!"

Tadakono gathered his power to use on Resurrect.

Ara looked at them confused. "What is he going to do?"

"He's going to cast Asura Strike." Tadakono replied as the room rumbled from Lack's Fury.

Haru shrugged. "It'll keep her still though," Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon stared at him in disbelief.

"He's never cast an Asura on a guild member," brighteyes said with a sigh. "He's pushed us with Palm Strike and thrown spheres at us but never Asura." She looked at Haru. "But you're right. It would make her stay still. And I'm sure he'd use just enough strength to knock her out but not kill her."

"Asura Strike!" screamed Lack. Chibi's eyes widened in disbelief as she fell to the floor. Lack sat down hard next to Chibi and poked her in the side a little worried.

Tadakono and Haru rushed over. "What were you thinking?!" Tadakono asked casting Resurrect. Haru delved deep into Chibi's life source and cut the link.

Lack sighed. "I wasn't. I hope I didn't hurt her too badly." Chibi moved and grabbed his wrist. Turning her head, she stared at him with clear sky blue eyes.

"I can't believe you Asura'd me," she murmured to him. Her Lif floated down, it colour changing from deep red to forest green, and patted her on the head. "Couldn't you think of anything else?"

"Nope," he replied with a smile. "Besides, I'm sure you could of withstood it from me. That was full power by the way." Chibi squeezed his wrist hard in a mock attempt to break it. Her blue eyes clouded again before returning to sky blue. "Uh…" Lack looked up at Haru who looked confused.

"I broke her link to Loki for sure," Haru said. Ara and Alastor came forward with everyone and together cast Spirit of Alchemist. "It was difficult because the link was almost fully developed." Chibi sat up and Ara placed her hand on Chibi's heart.

"I see now," Ara said softly. She looked up at Tadakono and Phenomenon. "You'll need to cast Resurrect as soon as I start." She looked at Chibi. "This is going to hurt... A lot."

"What are you going to do?" Lack asked staring hard at Ara. Ara drew her dagger. "Ara!"

"She has a shard in her chest from the sword," Ara replied and plunged the dagger deep into Chibi's chest.

FCGS - Chapter 12

From her point of view, this battle was the worst yet. Being stuck in one spot didn't make her feel too good either. She kept her eyes on Lack's life levels. Even if he looked 100% well, she knew that the healing he had would have an effect on his strength and endurance. Brighteyes and illusions were already worn out and quickly reaching their limit. Tadakono was doing a good job keeping the doppelganger in one spot but she could see him reaching his limit soon too. Phenomenon and Syaoran had both suffered serious burns and were slowing down also. Minna became a secondary support but it was starting to drain her as well.

Lack blocked the force from a Bomb and slid backwards towards Chibi. "This doesn't look good." he murmured to Chibi. "Is there any way to defeat it before we reach our limits?" Hearing no reply, he glanced at Chibi. "What are you doing?"

Chibi mixed a few of her potions together into an Alchemical Coating bottle. "I'm creating an unraveling potion for you. I don't know if it'll work because it's the first time I've actually tried to make one of these. I'm almost done." She poured yellow crystal shards into the bottle and shook it vigorously. The potion inside began to shimmer a silvery yellow colour. "Pitch it at the doppelganger. It should work almost immediately…" Chibi looked away and Lack waited knowing there's something else. "I can't guarantee that it'll work since unraveling works best if an alchemist-class is the one using it."

Lack took the potion and snapped towards the doppelganger. Will Asura Strike be enough to finish it off? Throwing the potion, it smashed into the back of the doppelganger. Something flew past him into the spot where the potion broke. Looking behind him, he saw Chibi laying on her side smiling. What did she just throw? Did she leave something out again?

The doppelganger screamed. It's clothing and skin began to flake off into Fabric pieces. Lack and Phenomenon prepared to cast Asura Strike. Tadakono cast Lord of Vermillion burning away the fabric pieces as they fell. Nodding to each other, Lack and Phenomenon focused their power.

Asura Strike!

"I'll take you all with me," the doppelganger murmured finally and exploded sending Fabric pieces everywhere. "Burn!" The Fabric ignited and flames spread throughout the room. Phenomenon and Lack, who picked up Chibi's Azoth that she had thrown, moved away from the flames. Brighteyes, illusions, and Trelawney fell back behind Minna, who cast Safety Wall, and Syaoran. Tadakono block Chibi and himself from the flames with an Ice Wall.

"Wait behind here Chibs," Tadakono whispered to her. "I'll get rid of the flames." Chibi gave him a slightly annoyed look. "I forgot." He laughed and stepped out from behind the wall.

Storm Gust!

Snowflakes danced around the room, melting, turning to water droplets, falling like rain onto the fire. Tadakono walked to the centre of the room, spreading his arms he cast Frost Nova. The water on the ground joined forming a thin layer of ice over the floor. Looking around, he nodded with a smile, satisfied he stopped the fire and removed smoldering embers.

"Well done," Phenomenon patted Tadakono on the back. "But now we have a problem."

Tadakono looked at Phenomenon, frustrated he snapped back "So was I suppose to leave the fire burning or something? I am the only one here that could of done something quickly."

Phenomenon raised his hands. "What I mean is that the ice can hurt if someone was to slide on it. I know you were the only one who could of done anything against the fire but still."

Tadakono opened his mouth to snap back when Lack gave them both a slap on the back. "Easily fixed. No need to jump on each other about it," Summoning spheres, he raised his fist and cast Fury. The impact of his fist to the ground caused the ice to break into shards. He stood and sighed.

Tadakono coughed. "I wasn't jumping on him. I just felt a little unappreciated is all." Tadakono looked at Lack's face and frowned. "You alright? You don't look to well."

"I think everything just caught up with me," Lack replied in a slurred voice. Falling to one knee, he added "I need to rest a bit." Tadakono and Phenomenon picked him up, one under each shoulder, and helped him to the Infirmary.

~~~

"Chibi," Kakaxi touched her shoulder. "Where's Lack? We need to report something to him." Chibi turned to face her. Furama, leafye and FerrariSin were with her. "Rena from Under the Shadows guild gave us a message."

"Would it be alright if you told it to me?" Chibi asked them. Her normally blue eyes clouding over slightly. "Lack's not 100% at the moment and I want him to just rest. Too much has happened in such a short time and it's taken it's toll on him."

Kakaxi nodded and together they walked to one of the numerous Meeting Rooms. "Rena's found the alchemist responsible for creating the blue gem doppelgangers." Chibi's eyes flashed but remained clouded. Kakaxi wondered if she should continue on.

"The one that attacked brighteyes and the girls was created by an Creator called Momo," leafye added noticing Kakaxi's pause, mistaking it for loss of words. "He's a member of Grand Lethal. Rena is unsure if there was more than one doppelganger created."

"There's been four in total," Chibi replied, her voice slightly monotone. "The first three took on the appearance of Syaoran, Tadakono and Phenomenon respectively. The most recent one took on Siel's appearance." Chibi's butterfly tattoo flashed causing everyone to look at it. "Don't worry about that. It's been flashing a lot lately."

Kakaxi took off her glove and looked at her own butterfly tattoo. It remained a faded dull colour. Shaking her head, she picked up where leafye left off. "Grand Lethal is recruiting heavily again. Mainly recruiting alchemist-class and mage-class. After Contra and Morgue disappeared, Rena thought that the guild would die off but it seems that someone has taken up Contra's place. It's unknown who and what class they are." Kakaxi stood, leafye followed suit. "That's all for now. Rena asked us to join her. She's going to sneak into Velvet Touch of Enishi headquarters again."

Chibi watched them go. Her eyes changing shade from clouded blue to sky blue. Furama rubbed his eyes wondering if he saw that. Chibi looked back and tilted her head. "Anything else I need to know? Or…"

"We're staying to help guard Lack," FerrariSin answered glancing sideways at Furama. "We saw two doppelgangers guarding Grand Lethal headquarters. It's possible that they'll come here." FerrariSin leaned forward and whispered "Also, the three Mediators are missing. Rena says that Novus has been taking her messages instead of Shadow." Chibi nodded listening carefully.

"We'll get ourselves settled then," Furama added slowly watching Chibi's eyes. I must have been seeing things. If I get the chance, I'll talk to Lack about this. But… They stood up and left the room leaving Chibi to her thoughts.

~~~

"Hey," Furama gave Tadakono a slap on the back. "Has anything happened recently that I should know about?" Tadakono sighed and scratched his head. "According to Chibi, a lot has happened but she didn't go into detail."

"A lot has…" Tadakono sat onto a nearby couch in the Lounge. "But it's hard to know where to start." Looking up, he added "Why you ask? It's not like you to need to know what's happened unless something's gotten you concerned."

Furama 's eyes narrowed. He sat down next to Tadakono and leaned close to whisper "Chibi's eyes…"

"What about them?" Tadakono asked leaning back slightly.

"They keep changing to different shades of blue. It just seems so unusual to me," Furama leaned back against the couch. "I just get a strange feeling about it." Tadakono waited, thinking over what he just heard. "Her voice too, it went monotone for a while."

"It could be overwork," Tadakono replied frowning. "She's picked up Lack's workload as well as her own. Since Lack's been resting for a few days now, she's been acting Guild Master."

"I don't think that's it," Furama said, clasping and unclasping his hands. "I've been watching her. She's not tired, even though she runs around like a headless chicken, from allocating guild funds to creating Bombs. It's like she's got endless energy." He watched FerrariSin enter the room and sit down with them. "But her eyes, her voice, and around this time of the day she leaves the guild for three hours…"

"Is this about Chibi's strange behavior?" FerrariSin asked. Furama nodded and Tadakono sighed. "She has been acting weird. I just saw her a few minutes ago in the Foyer. She was getting ready to go out."

Tadakono looked at both of them. "Can you call Ara and Alastor from Under the Shadows? I think we're going to need a more specialist opinion." Furama and FerrariSin nodded

FCGS - Chapter 11

Tadakono and Phenomenon left Chibi's room with her notebook for Lack. They felt really drained but happy that Chibi was finally resting. They stayed and healed her while she slept until her wound was a thin white line.

"I wonder where Lack is now," Tadakono murmured to Phenomenon as they past the Infirmary. "Training Room perhaps." They walked to the Training Room and peeked in. Lack sat in the middle watching brighteyes and illusions training with Bloody Branches.

"Uh Lack," Phenomenon asked softly. "Chibi said to give you this. She was pushing herself to get all this written down to give you before she let herself rest. Its why it looked like she wasn't healing."

Lack looked up at him and reached out to take the notebook from them. "How is she now?" he asked flicking through quickly.

"She's sleeping," Tadakono replied. "She'll probably wake up around noon tomorrow considering how much healing we did on her… Is the notebook helpful?"

Lack nodded. "I can already see a few ways of killing doppelgangers quickly but none are very favorable so far. Many rely on her being stronger than she is. If I have no choice, I'll have to get train her until she is strong enough to handle the options in my head. But for now, I want to keep her as supportive. I'll let you know my options once I have them all in my head."

Syaoran entered the Training Room with a stack of Bloody Branches. "Just finished hunting for these. It takes so long! Do we need many more?"

Lack nodded. "Take these four with you. And Trelawney as well. They can help and train at the same time." Flicking to the front of Chibi's notebook, he added "I just received some work that needs to be done if it's to benefit the guild."

Lack stared at the notebook for a while not noticing Syaoran leave with illusions, brighteyes, Tadakono and Phenomenon. Looking up, he decided to go check on Chibi before he seriously started to read her notes.

~~~

"Lack's being a little weird lately," Trelawney said jumping down from the tree she just searched. "He's a little, I don't know, over-protective of Chibi."

Tadakono and Phenomenon laughed. "He's always been like that. He and Chibi created a few guilds together before Fight Club was formed. They have like a big brother - little sister relationship." Tadakono replied. "Trust me when I say that if Chibi had died from that Doppelganger, it would of disheartened him from running the Guild properly for a while."

"Well," brighteyes said leaping from one tree to another to cut down a Bloody Branch she spotted. "It makes sense I guess. I wonder what work he needs to do."

~~~

This is seriously not good. I better talk our options over with Syao, Tada and Phen. I bet Chibi already knows what my options are. Damn that girl! Why doesn't she tell me these things before hand? Lack scratched his head in frustration and looked over his own notes. I have no choice, do I? He looked over his notes carefully. Or do i? Scribbling down some notes, he smiled. That could work. Just hope that it'll stop Chibi from doing something reckless again.

"Lack?" Siel called moving carefully into the room. "What you doing?" She looked at his notes. "Why are you bothering? You know very well Chibi's going to do something reckless and make you worry again." She leaned over his back and wrapped her arms around him. "Don't worry about this anymore. Come back to my room for a while. You're always so busy that we don't get time to ourselves." Lack closed Chibi's notebook and nodded. Getting up, he let Siel guide him out of his study to her room.

~~~

"I think we have more than enough Bloody Branches now," Syaoran said looking at the four large piles. "Aside from that, Chibi'll be very happy. We found lots of Fabrics and Immortal Hearts for her to play with…" Syaoran paused listening carefully. "Did you guys hear that?"

"Hear what?" Trelawney asked straining her ears. "I don't hear anything."

"I don't think it was a physical sound," brighteyes replied. "It's from our emergency network."

"I didn’t know that still worked," illusions closed her eyes listening to her heart. They listened, the wind blew in their ears blocking out external sound.

Soft cries sounded in their heads. Slowly becoming louder. Where are you all? Please! If you're away from Headquarters come back quickly. Lack… The voice cut off. Tadakono was first to open his eyes.

"Who was that?" Phenomenon asked casting Warp Portal. "It sounded like Chibi but she wouldn't be awake yet."

"In any case, let's get back just in case."

~~~

Minna held Chibi upright as both staggered away from the Infirmary. "Keep trying to call them Chibi. I can't believe Siel is also a doppelganger. We need to get it away from Lack."

"Go towards the Foyer," Chibi whispered. "If they're coming back there'll be appearing there first won't they?" Minna nodded and they staggered together towards the Foyer.

Phenomenon and the others stood there listening carefully. Minna helped Chibi over to them. "Thank goodness you're here!" Minna cried. "There's another doppelganger. It's much stronger than the previous ones we've fought. It's… It's…" Minna began to cry.

Tadakono and Phenomenon took Chibi from her and helped her the floor. Chibi looked worn out but no blood to be seen. "It hasn't broken open. But you two need to get to the infirmary. Lack's been badly injured by the doppelganger. He wasn't expecting Siel to become one. She caught him off guard. I'll be alright here."

"You're coming with us," Tadakono said firmly. Syaoran crouched down and Tadakono helped Chibi onto his back. Phenomenon supported Minna. "What exactly happened? You would have been safe in your room Chibi."

"I felt an alchemical reaction," Chibi replied. "By the time I reached Minna, Lack was already struggling. He has a deep cut into his left shoulder and burn marks all along his right arm and leg. This doppelganger can do every flame skill I can think of. Including create Bombs from nothing. Even with his incredible strength, Lack can't defeat this doppelganger alone, not in the state he's in now . I doubt any human can escape a Bomb point blank."

Reaching the infirmary, they saw Lack crumpled in a heap on the floor. Chibi slid off Syaoran's back and sat on the floor near Lack and quickly checked his vitals. "He's stable. Just out cold. Once you start healing him he'll wake up." Tadakono and Phenomenon kneeled down and began to Resurrect and Heal Lack. Brighteyes, illusions, Trelawney and Minna stood in a circle around them. Syaoran stood near the door keeping a look out for the doppelganger.

"What is going on here?" Lack asked quietly. "Last I remember is a Bomb coming right at me." He looked at Phenomenon and Tadakono. "Where's the doppelganger?"

"It's somewhere in Fight Club," Tadakono replied focusing his efforts. "Will you be alright after this intensive healing? Healing someone takes a lot of spiritual power from the person being healed." Lack nodded and glanced at Chibi.

"Forget it this time Lack," Chibi replied folding her arms. "I can't stand properly to support my own weight let alone carry my pouch because of the intensive healing Tada and Phen put me through yesterday. Unless you have some idea on having me support from one spot, there's no way…"

Lack got up and stretched. "Use your Frilladora Muffler. We'll draw the doppelganger into the Training Room." He frowned and moved his right arm around. "Not 100% but I guess I should expect that." He gave Tadakono a pat on the back and then bent over to pick Chibi up. "Brighteyes, Minna, I want you to get Chibi's pouch and sword from her room. Trelawney, illusions, I need you two to find the doppelganger and bring it to the Training Room. Tadakono, Syaoran, Phenomenon and I will be waiting there."

FCGS - Chapter 10

"Someone created that Doppelganger?" Tadakono said sitting with Phenomenon and Syaoran watching the mirror. The three felt more at ease now with Lack and Chibi there helping Minna, illusions and brighteyes. "But who? And why?"

"Aside from that," Syaoran said looking around. "Do you get the feeling that we're being watched?" He drew his sword and rested it on his lap. Phenomenon turned into a Champion and summoned spheres.

"Now that you mention it," Phenomenon replied. "I do feel it. I can't see anything though. We're in a very bad position here. It's hard to defend and it's way too open. If we're attacked…"

Something howled faintly. Tadakono summoned a fireball and kept it. "There's something there alright." Colored lights flashed in the distance. Metal hitting metal rang out. Howling continued getting louder. The three stood facing towards the sound. A flutter of wings and a large gust of wind forced them backwards.

"Stay back! This isn't an enemy you can face by yourselves." Tadakono was first too look up. Large bat-like wings blocked his view. Metal rang out and an arrow flew past them hitting something causing light to flood the room.

"Shadow?" Syaoran said slowly in surprise. He looked around to where the arrow came from. He could only see a pair of eyes. "Blackrose?"

"The mediators are here," Phenomenon said his eyes finding Balos. "But why?"

~~~

Lack smashed the last gem with a well aimed throw of his blade. The Doppelganger screamed and exploded into many berries. Without a word, he transformed into a Champion and created a Warp Portal to headquarters. They leapt through.

"It's too quiet," illusions said as they walked towards the front doors. Stepping inside, they met Tadakono in the hallway.

"Where's Syao?" Tadakono asked surprised. "What happened? You all look really worn out." illusions opened her mouth to say something but Chibi took a hold of her wrist and gave her a sharp look. Lack noticed Chibi's look and understood.

We can't trust anyone here at the moment. Two doppelgangers are here and could be anyone. "Syao is running an errand for me at the moment. He was glad we were ok." Lack replied to Tadakono. "I would like to rest a bit before he gets back." He walked off deep in thought towards his room. He spun and snapped to a pillar close to where Chibi and the others stood.

"We'd like to train a bit," Minna said quickly dragging illusions and brighteyes towards the Training Room. They too doubled back and waited near Lack. "Are you sure it should be Chibi who determines if he is a Doppelganger or not?" She whispered to Lack.

"I'm sure," he replied. "Chibi is the only one who can sense Alchemical properties of things. If this person isn't truly Tadakono then she'd know. Although, I know it puts her in a very vulnerable position. She gave me this just in case." He held up an Yggdrasil leaf. They turned and watched Chibi and Tadakono quietly.

Chibi looked up at Tadakono. Her eyes seeing through his chemical structure. "Can I ask you something?" she said suddenly. She felt he wasn't the true Tadakono but she had to make sure. "What did you do to Phenomenon during the battle with Contra? I've never seen a wizard-class do that before."

Tadakono looked confused. "It was nothing really. I've always been able to do that." Lack could see Tadakono trying to answer Chibi's questions evasively. "Let me ask you something now."

Chibi blinked in surprise. "Go ahead." I can't give Lack the signal if I don't know for sure. His alchemical structure is confusing. He isn't human… I don't think. Though it could be someone trying to hide as Tadakono.

"Your Lif," Tadakono began. "Is it able to resurrect?" Chibi narrowed her eyes at him. That's it. It isn't Tadakono. Tadakono and I have had the discussion on my Lif before. He asked the same thing back then too. I doubt it's a guild member either. We know each other's abilities like me know our own. But is it a Doppelganger… Chibi pulled at her pouch signaling to Lack that the person in front of her isn't the true Tadakono. Only one way to find out now...

"Hold your position," Lack whispered to Minna, illusions and brighteyes. "She hasn't told me yet that he's a doppelganger. Only that he's not Tadakono."

"You've asked me that before…" Chibi said in a low voice. "Are you trying to trick me? I know what you are." Tadakono stepped back. "I am a Creator. Just like your master. I can see through Alchemical creations."

"What is she doing!" Lack said annoyed. "She's going to get herself killed." Lack stepped out from behind the pole. Minna, illusions and brighteyes followed suit.

"You will show me what you truly are," Chibi raised Azoth. Lack's eyes widened, he didn't know Chibi possessed Azoth. Chibi leapt and slashed Tadakono across the chest. The outer skin fell away revealing a doppelganger.

The doppelganger screamed. A yellow circle grew outwards from it's feet and spreading until it encompassed the entire room. Lack and the others froze in place. The doppelganger looked down at Chibi. "A fight between us. I won't let anyone interfere." It drew its sword and brought it down against Chibi. Blocking with her Azoth, Chibi leapt back and darted towards to back of the room. Lack struggled against the freeze spell. "Come out little Alchemist!" The doppelganger called hunting around for her.

"She's going to die if we don't do something," Minna murmured struggling. Her eyes opened wide. Lack stared at her questioningly. "I just felt something move near me."

"It's cause I'm here," Chibi whispered. "I'm going to set you all free but... It will cost me my life. I knew this from the start. A doppelganger won't show itself unless someone like it's master challenges it or it finds the target of it's mission. We weren't it's target so it didn't reveal itself. So I had to challenge it. If someone was in disguise, my Azoth would of broken their disguise spell. I gave Lack the Yggdrasil leaf knowing this."

Lack looked at where her voice was coming from. His eyes concerned that she didn't relay that piece of information to him. "There’s was no way around this?" he asked quietly. "Or is there something else that you've left out?"

Chibi softly sighed. "A doppelganger usually has only one spell that they can use. A specialty granted to them by their creator. There is no telling what spell it would be. I guess that with the blue gems that it would be a mage spell. The possibility of it being a freezing spell was high. What I need you to do is change your armor to be resistant to freeze spells. I can hold out til you get back but you need to be quick."

"Alright," Lack sighed. "I wish you told me this sooner. The armor we need is in the Training Room. I'll snap us there and back. I assume that's why you changed your armor earlier. I was wondering why you did that."

"Hmm," Chibi murmured in acknowledgement. "Get ready." Chibi leapt out from behind the pole breaking her Cloaking spell. The doppelganger leapt at her swinging his sword wildly. Chibi threw a Bomb straight at it and jumped backwards landing in a crouch position next to the pole. Using Azoth, she nicked her thumb and placed a drop of her blood into four Alchemical coating bottles. She coated Lack and the others with the bottles granting them temporary immunity from freeze.

"Take care til we get back," Lack murmured to her snapping away with Minna, Illusions and brighteyes. Chibi nodded and focused back to the doppelganger.

~~~

Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon stood before the three Mediators. "You're saying what?!" Syaoran cried. "We got to get back to Headquarters fast then!" Tadakono and Phenomenon nodded in agreement. Shadow, Balos and Blackrose took a hold of them and flew up out of the Labyrinth.

"I don't know if Lack and the others made it there yet," Blackrose told them. "But there are two more doppelgangers within Fight Club headquarters. They have your appearances. You were placed here to make their job easier. The one Minna, illusions and brighteyes were fighting was the one that took on Syaoran's appearance."

"We'll get there soon," Balos added as they flew over the Sograt Desert. "And hopefully we'll get there before the doppelgangers run riot within Fight Club."

~~~

Chibi flew backwards across the room. What am I going to do now? It's stronger than I thought. I'm already reaching my limit. Standing shakily, she leaned on her sword and faced the doppelganger determined not to let it pass her into Fight Club.

"What's wrong little Alchemist?" the doppelganger asked menacingly. "You're mates won't get here to save you. They're dead already. My partner is going to be here soon and we'll wipe this castle clean!" It darted towards her, sword high above its head. Chibi flicked two Bombs at it and braced herself. The explosion forced the doppelganger away from her. "That," it said moving towards her again. "Didn't hurt a bit!"

Chibi stood, her entire body hurt from the explosion. Where are they? They're taking too long. The doppelganger charged again bringing its sword down across her body. Chibi cried out in pain. Her eyed blurred as she stood and readied her sword. It's going to kill everyone if they don't get here soon.

"How about I tell you something good?" the doppelganger grabbed her neck before she could move. "It's not like you'll be able to relay this to anyone after you're dead." Raising it's sword, it smiled at her. "My Creator is…" It plunged it sword deep into Chibi's chest. "Loki!"

~~~

Lack skidded backwards breathing hard. "So your mission was to kill me?" The doppelganger ran at him sword level to Lack's chest. Lack summoned spheres and threw them forcing it backwards. It only has one gem. Good. Lack continued to force it away from him while he thought of a plan. Glancing at the girls, he noticed them running towards the doppelganger.

Illusions and brighteyes Meteor Striked and Minna brought her daggers hard onto the single blue gem on it's back. The doppelganger fell with a moan and turned to Moth Dust. Lack, without thinking about what happened, grabbed a hold of the three girls and snapped down the hall to where they left Chibi.

A scream rang out down the hall. "Lack!!"

~~~

The mediators reached Fight Club headquarters. Setting down in front of the main door, Shadow sensed something was really wrong. Upon touching the door they heard someone inside scream. Tadakono, Phenomenon and Syaoran burst inside. Blackrose held onto Shadow and Balos, her eyes towards the sky.

"We have company," she replied. "Not welcome company either." The three watched a man descend from the sky with a mischievous smile on his face. "Loki…"

~~~

Chibi stood, her hands holding the sword deep in her chest. Her eyes glazed over not seeing both the main door open and Lack snap into the room. The doppelganger smiled. "You're mine!" Chibi drew out a Bomb and threw it at the doppelgangers face. The explosion caused her to fly backwards hitting the wall near Lack.

Tadakono cast Lord of Vermillion and both Syaoran and Phenomenon darted at the doppelganger. Syaoran cast Berserk and slashed at the doppelganger. Phenomenon threw spheres and from the corner of his eye saw illusions and brighteyes leap in to join Syaoran. Minna turned into a High Priest and supported everyone against the doppelganger.

"I heard you," Lack said crouching down close to Chibi. "We found the other doppelganger. It's mission was to kill me. It had only one blue gem so I guess that means this one will have two." Chibi smiled and shut her eyes. "You did well." He held the Yggdrasil Leaf between his index and middle fingers and focused his power into it. Bright light surrounded Chibi restoring her life power. Her wounds, however, didn't heal. "I don't understand."

"It's alright for now," Chibi replied sitting up and leaning against the wall. "It's because of the freeze spell it cast earlier. It used it on me through it's sword. You'll need to kill it to break it's spell. So for now, it'll be alright."

"I hope so," Lack replied getting up. He turned to face the doppelganger. "If you die on me, I won't forgive you." he added before walking towards the doppelganger. The doppelganger cast freeze and sent everyone flying. "You have some nerve," Lack said to it in a low voice. "Harming my guildsmen like this and almost killing my second in command."

"She's not dead?" The doppelganger asked. "I failed? I don't think so. She can still die I see." The doppelganger looked up to the sky. "Master…?" Light surrounded it causing everyone to shield their eyes. The doppelganger laughed as the light died away. "Master gave me more power!" It threw spheres back at Phenomenon and cast Stone Curse. "Fight Club must die once and for all!" Lack snapped away from the spells and spheres coming closer and closer to the doppelganger.

Chibi 's eyes began to blur once more. I'm losing too much blood. She looked up and caught Tadakono's eyes. He darted over and cast Safety Wall around himself and Chibi. "Tada…" Chibi said softly. "I couldn't tell Lack. But I think he knows already. This wound will kill me faster than it will take to kill that doppelganger. I…"

"Chibs," Tadakono replied casting Resurrection. "I already understand what you're asking. It's alright. Just rest and I'll take care of it." Chibi leaned back and relaxed letting Tadakono's spell wash over her.

~~~

Sitting in the meeting room, Fight Club members waited for Lack to come. Syaoran, Tadakono and Phenomenon sat in their usual chairs. They glanced every now and then at Chibi's empty chair. Lack entered the room. A blue ribbon wrapped around his wrist in place of one of his gloves.

"Right then," he said to the seated Fight Club members. "Everyone knows now about the doppelgangers that invaded our headquarters. Let me give you all the details incase you all face similar situations. Loki, has declared war against the gods. Because we fought on the side of the Gods, and because we were victorious over Contra, Loki has decided to wipe us off the planet first. The doppelgangers were part of his plan. I'm unsure whether Loki himself created them or if there is an alchemist-class somewhere that created them for him. Velvet Touch of Enishi also seems to be under his control. I'm unsure as yet whether it is voluntary or not on their part."

Trelawney stood. Her eyes glistening. "We're not all here. Chibi, illusions, and brighteyes aren't here. Something happened to them didn't it?"

Lack nodded. "They fell during the battle that took place in the Foyer. Chibi is in her room…" His voice trailed off and fingered the ribbon around his wrist. "illusions and brighteyes are in the infirmary. All three are doing alright and will take some time to recover even with Healing."

After the meeting, Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon stayed back. They were worried about Lack's reaction when he mentioned Chibi. Lack tugged on the blue ribbon around his wrist, lost in thought.

"Lack," Tadakono started. "Are those three really ok? Or is something wrong?"

"illusions and brighteyes need to go through a tougher training regime to get stronger," Lack replied. "Chibi, on the other hand, worries me a bit. That wound she received during that last battle isn't healing as well as it should. She keeps telling me it's alright and she'll be good as new in no time…"

"Don't you worry Lack," Tadakono said with a smile. "Phenomenon and I will give her our special treatment. Right?" Tadakono winked at Phenomenon trying to get the hint across.

"Don't worry Lack," Phenomenon added picking up where Tadakono left off. "We'll take care of Chibi." He got up and dragged Tadakono with him out of the room and halfway down the hallway before bursting out. "Are you crazy? If something happens to Chibs and we've said that Lack will murder us both."

"It's alright," Tadakono said with a smile steering Phenomenon towards Chibi's room. "We just have to make sure she gets better." Tadakono knocked on Chibi's bedroom door.

"She's not answering," Phenomenon said giving a small knock as well. "Maybe she's asleep. She gets really angry if we enter her room without her permission."

"She's in no position to get angry at the moment," Tadakono opened the door. Chibi looked up from her desk. Her clothes stained with blood. "You shouldn't be moving!" Tadakono cried as Phenomenon cast Heal.

"Been working on something," Chibi replied. "The doppelgangers got me thinking. If a doppelganger can be created with basic ingredients and a blue gem. Then many can be produced at once, right? There's got to be an easier way to kill them. One on one is ok but if there was three or four we'd all be dead."

"Even so," Phenomenon said to her. "You should leave that up to Lack to work out." He kept up his healing, draining his spiritual power.

"Lack doesn't have all the information," Chibi replied dipping her quill into the ink pot nearby. "I wanted to write down the alchemical stuff in an easy-to-understand format for him to analyze. I know you're both worried but I want to do this then let myself recover."

"Chibs," Tadakono sat near her. "Lack's worried too. He's carrying around one of your ribbons for some strange reason." Chibi gave him a small smile.

"So he was the one who took it off my door," Chibi said with a smile. "Finished!" Turning to Tadakono, she added "I left it hanging on my door because there was blood on it. He's probably using it as a reminder on how badly a doppelganger can hurt one of his Guildsmen. Don't worry. Look, after I get into bed, use you're duo treatment on me and by tomorrow afternoon I should be all healed." She got up causing her wound to break open again. Picking up a blue potion she flicked it at Phenomenon. "Ah, can you give that notebook to Lack."