FCGS - Chapter 27

(Pre-Chapter Notes: The kiss that Chibi/Lack give to allow Chibi's power to flow into Lack, is an idea I nicked from an anime called Rental Magica where Adilisia gives Itsuki a kiss after biting her lip. She called it Infection Magic. Because of the Brother/Sister relationship between Lack and Chibi I decided either the kiss to a item like clothing or on the cheek is best.)

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"Ready?" Phenomenon asked Furama. "Just a small section."

"I know," Furama cast Fireball and slowly moved it towards the ice melting away a perfectly round circle and exposing Lack's forearm. "I hope I didn't harm him from that." Buzzing started in their ears.

Alastor cast Spirit of Monk. He mentally fell downwards through Lack's Spiritual Power and landed on a large white circle. "Lack?" Lack turned to face him his movements slow.

A shadow at the edge of the circle disappeared after whispering 'Good. They heard you.'

"Will you be alright by yourself?" Lack asked the shadow while Alastor touched Lack's arm.

'I will be. Set Flyte free for me.' Lack gave a nod and turned to look at Alastor. 'And be careful. Who will set me free if you don't return?' A giggle faded away leaving Lack and Alastor alone.

Alastor feeling uneasy about the shadow, felt spell tags throughout his Spiritual Power during his assessment. "We'll get you out of here." Alastor withdrew out and opened his eyes. "Lack's alive. He's been frozen within as well. This is definitely Hel's work."

Tadakono and Furama slowly melted the ice around Lack. Haru focused his power into Lack, breaking the numerous spell tags that kept his insides frozen. The three eased him to the ground. "How many days has it been since I fell through the doorway?" Lack asked slowly, his teeth chattering from the cold.

"It's been over five months," Tadakono replied casting Fireball again to try and warm Lack up. "What happened?" He had a feeling that the copies had been around much longer than they first anticipated.

"When we arrived in Rachel," Lack said holding his hands close to Tadakono's fireball. "Within Freya's Temple. Someone challenged me. This person was strong. I don't mean Kashy strong. I mean God-like strong. Even with Chibi supporting me, we were both knocked down. Mike got angry and tried on his own but was struck down as well. Kchan and Izual faired no better. That's really all I remember." He looked around the cavern and noticed the others who were frozen. "Think it'll be safe to set them free?"

"We're thinking it was Hel who froze all of you," Kakaxi explained watching Lack get up and press a hand on the remaining ice that held Chibi, Kchan, Izual and MikeRex. "We risked defrosting you. I don't know if we should risk defrosting the others until we're certain."

"Chibi could be alive," Lack said softly trying to ease the pain in his head. Silence greeted his words. "Want to know how I can tell?" He turned to look at them then waved them over and pointed behind Chibi to her Lif. He looked at Chibi's closed eyes and felt a small tug at a memory he didn't recognize. "Homunculi die when their owners Spiritual Power is completely gone. In other words, when they are dead. If you defrost Flyte and she's still alive, you can bet that Chibi is as well." They gave him a curious stare. "Chibi told me that a long time ago. She said that it might be useful for me one day. Didn't really wanted to know what she meant by that."

Tadakono and Furama slowly defrosted Flyte. Haru broke the spell tags and they waited. Flyte laid motionless on the ground. Lack touched her hand, his eyes willing her to wake up. "Master Lack?" She whispered quietly not moving. "Mistress says to leave her in the ice for now." She moved her hand to touch his cheek. "She says for defrosting me that you have to look after me." She came close to his ear and whispered. "She says you need to remember how badly injured she was. Leaving her in the ice is safest for now. Because I'm with you, you'll know if anything happens to her." Lack nodded and patted it's head.

"I don't want to try defrosting the other three," he said, his voice getting stronger the more he moved around. "I don't know if they're alive or anything. I'll wait until I hear from John or Foxi about them." He placed a hand on the section of ice that contained Chibi and whispered "I'll be back to get you whether you want me to or not."

Flyte smiled and said "Mistress says that if you are holding her best interests then it'll be best to leave her there until the moon is in the sky during the day." Lack looked at Flyte with a weird expression. "Don't ask me why she said that, she just did."

~~~

"Good that they were able to get you out," Rena said giving Lack a hug. "Looks like they could of gotten Chibi out as well but didn't."

"Chibi said that she needed to stay there," Flyte flew and perched itself onto Lack's shoulder to listen to the conversation. "She said that it was…" He looked at Flyte. "What was it again?"

"It would be best to leave her there until the moon is in the sky during the day," Flyte said looking at Rena. "Mistress says that you know how she knows that. She says you can tell Lack if you feel it necessary to."

Rena raised an eyebrow. "Is she sure? And it feels weird that I'm relaying her secrets to Lack with permission from her homunculus." Flyte nodded and Rena sighed. "You know about how Chibi warped her Azoth right? I was in Chibi's lab one day… I snuck in to Fight Club once because I wanted to know how your guild was so powerful… It was the day she warped it. Eir granted her an ability to see into the future. It has a very short span on it so she can probably only see like half a year in advance and it drains her both mentally and physically when she uses it. She knew I was there and made me swear secrecy from you and Eir bound that promise to me. I guess telling you now because Chibi said I could breaks that binding."

"So she has Trelawney's power only no headaches but instead she becomes weakened and she can control it," Lack said in confirmation. "So that's how she knew you were coming to see Phen that day we stormed Loki's castle." Lowering his voice, he added "Then you know… The deal Eir and I made."

"You've remembered… But your memory doesn't seem to be complete yet," Rena said surprised. "Eir thought it best to seal that information within you and Chibi because she felt bad for forcing you to make that decision. When did you remember?"

"While I was trapped in the ice," Lack replied closing his eyes. "Chibi was able to float into my Spiritual Power but I couldn't go to hers. After they melted the ice, my memories of how she could do that came to me." He sighed and opened his eyes again. "I would make that decision again… Chibi's power?"

"She doesn't just get weakened," Rena replied sensing Lack's wish to drop the current subject. "She can really only use it three times in one day. Any more and she risks tapping into her Spiritual Power to see what is ahead. As far as I know, she rarely ever uses it." Rena held up a hand to let him know she knew no more about Chibi's ability. "The day the moon is in the sky with the sun is a week from now. The Lunar Priests in Prontera would know exactly when… Better yet! Go visit Chibi's sister... Violy." Both Lack and Flyte rolled their eyes.

~~~

"Lack! Long time no see!" Violy and Kagura held hands with him. Violy gave him a little pinch on the cheek. "How's my older sister? She hasn't come by to see me since I married Kagura." Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon had decided to accompany Lack on his visit to Church in Prontera. Kakaxi, FerrariSin and Furama headed back to Fight Club to monitor the copy of Lack.

"Same as always Violy," Lack said uncertainly. Flyte held her hands in front of her face. "I wanted to ask… When is the next time that the moon is visible in the sky during the day?"

"This for one of my sister's workings?" Violy asked shaking hands with Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon as a greeting. "Or something else all together?"

"Would it matter?" Lack asked trying to avoid telling her Chibi was a block of ice. "If it's for one of Chibi's workings, then you'd be helping your sister. If it's for something else then you don't need to worry about it either."

"If it's for Chibi's working," Violy said softly. Tears formed in her eyes. "It means she's either too embarrassed or too stubborn to come see me." Violy looked at Flyte and added "I know that she's alive at least."

Flyte perched herself onto Violy's shoulder and whispered to her. Lack sighed and asked Kagura the same question. "I'm a Solar Priestess… Hence the red clothing. Only Violy can answer your question. But I understand how she feels. Kchan and Jemini haven't come to see me since our wedding." She gave Lack a cheeky smile. "Speaking of weddings, why don't you marry Chibi? You're both obviously close."

Lack stared at her unsurprised. "No matter how many times I hear that it doesn't change the fact that Chibi and I aren't like that." He watched Violy wipe away tears. "Besides, would feel weird to marry family."

"Seriously?" Kagura said watching him carefully. "You two aren't real family so why not?"

"We are family," Lack replied walking away. "We became family the day the Gods favoured us." Kagura followed him to Violy. Lack gave her a pat on the back and asked "There isn't much I can do without the answer."

"Its twelve days from now," Violy sniffled. Flyte gave her a little hug. "Can you tell me if she's alright? I'll come by Fight Club Headquarters in a fortnight's time. Even if she truly doesn't want to see me, can you tell me if she's alright?"

Lack nodded. Kagura looked sideways at him. What does he mean by 'became family the day the Gods favoured us'? Lack gave Violy a quick hug before leaving with Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon. They aren't favoured by the same God… He's hiding something.

~~~

"He really doesn't seem any different from the real Lack," Kakaxi whispered at the Guild meeting. "How will we tell the differences when the real one gets here?" A gasp spread throughout the room. "What happened?"

"The fake is breaking the guild," FerrariSin said with shock. The door banged open to reveal Tadakono, Syaoran, Phenomenon and the real Lack. "This is going to confuse everyone."

"Why would I break Fight Club?" Lack asked his copy on the platform. "Fight Club is strong. We built ourselves to strength from nothing. Time and time again, we are broken down but we continue to fight on." He took off one of his gloves and wrapped one of Chibi's blue ribbons around his wrist. Chibs… Let me borrow your power. "You're my dark side… A copy of myself. I won't let you break what we have worked hard to preserve."

"Why not break it?" The copy replied coming close to him. "Better to go now than fade into the background and not be remembered." It pulled its gloves tight and settled into a fighting position. "Let's settle this then. Which side is stronger."

Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon moved and stood near Kakaxi, FerrariSin and Furama. "This isn't going to be good is it?" Furama whispered in Tadakono's ear. Tadakono shook his head and watched Flyte hover between the two of them. "The blue ribbon was so we can tell he's the real one?"

"The blue ribbon is something else," Tadakono replied confused. "Lack said something about linking to Chibi. I don't know what he means by that but I guess we'll find out."

Lack pressed his lips gently to the ribbon causing it to glow. He changed to Stalker and paused. "I see now…" Flyte cast Emergency Avoid increasing his speed. Lack darted and furiously sliced at his copy with twin daggers forcing it back. "You have no idea what I just did and you can't change to a Stalker."

"Mistress says be careful," Flyte whispered in his ear. "She says don't turn back to a Champion under any circumstances." She stayed behind Lack and cast Heal.

"Did she see that or does she know that?" he asked disappearing into Chasewalk. His voice echoed around the room. "Because it's something I need to know."

"She says both," Flyte stayed in one spot not give away his position. The copy darted at her. Lack smiled and brought his daggers around it's neck, slicing it's throat. "It's not dead yet."

"I hope I'm not that predictable," he murmured jumping back and throwing a dagger into it's chest. Flyte giggled and cast Emergency Avoid again. "What? Chibi said I was didn't she." Flyte nodded floating down to the ground to sit and burst into laughter. "Is it dead yet?"

Flyte cocked her head to one side. "She's not answering." Lack looked back to his copy and noticed it was melting. Flyte flew over to him and whispered quietly in his ear. "Mistress says the one who attacked you is in the cavern right now. She can see his face clearly."

Lack pretended she didn't say anything and went up onto the stage to explain what just happened to the guild. "Keep me informed on what she sees." he murmured quietly to Flyte. "I can't get to her at the moment." Lack began to address the congregation before him.

Flyte stayed near his ear whispering. "She says you need to get there as soon as possible with as many guild members that you can trust. She says that you're going to have a hard time defeating him." Lack made a little movement with his hand, Flyte continued. "She says it's Contra."

FCGS - Chapter 26

"I'm still not use to this," Syaoran said reading a very long summary. Lack highlighted a few lines not completely hearing what Syaoran said. "It's like paper mountain." Lack looked up, his ears twitching slightly.

"Did you hear that?" he asked looking at the door. Syaoran closed his eyes and listened carefully. "It's a strange sound. Not something you'd pick up straight away."

Chibi peeked in and looked around the room. "You haven't seen Rue have you? He's probably hungry by now."

"Who's Rue?" Lack asked confused. Something furry tickled his leg. Looking down, he found a Lunatic with two paws on his leg. "Is this Rue? I never knew you had a pet."

"Rue is actually one of the mascots for the Alchemist Society," she crouched down and gave Rue a carrot. "There's two more and they're all fond of coming in here and making a mess. Should of given you some warning."

"So then what are the other two?" Syaoran asked curious.

"One is an Alice…" Chibi paused and gave a little laugh. "Called Alice. The other is a Bapho Jr called Scythe." She picked Rue up and pet him causing his ears to stand on end. "I don't know where the other two are but if you see them…" She left a pot of honey and a white potion. "I've already sent the letters. Every Alchemist and Creator in Rune-Midgard will be here tomorrow." Lack stopped reading and paid full attention to her. "I'm…" she paused and took a deep breath. "I'm going to..." Chibi's voice caught in her throat.

Syaoran looked at Lack then at Chibi. Lack kept his composure and said "Keep going. Unless you say it I can't do anything about it."

Chibi hugged Rue and closed her eyes. "I'm going to need help switching them from the old system to the new and taking down all the names of those who came. Also chasing up on those who are avoiding the Society for whatever reason." She said quickly before sitting down hard in nearby armchair. Rue jumped out of her arms and onto the back of the chair.

Lack got up and gave her a little pat on the shoulder. "Thankyou for telling me. I'll arrange something to help you." Chibi didn't look up at him. He ruffled her hair and knelt down. "You're changing. It's impressive but you don't need to force it. Even if you didn't say anything I would of arrange things for you." Chibi gave him a dirty look and left the room.

"That… Was evil Lack," Syaoran said after a while. "What are you trying to do? Or is it payback for her outburst earlier?"

"I want her to change. I want her to tell me things and not hide them," he gave Syaoran a smile. "Yeah, part of that was payback also."

Chibi peeked in at that exact moment and said "I heard that. Glad you aren't trivial Lack."

~~~

Chibi stood near the largest orb with a clipboard in her hand. Minna and brighteyes were taking the names of the Alchemists and sent them on to Yukiko and Mazenda who, in turn, renewed their insignia and sent them on to take a seat in front of Chibi. Phenomenon, Syaoran, Lack and Tadakono did the same for the Creators.

Her eyes surveyed the scene before her. The numbers she tallied up in her head upset her. Glancing at Lack, she twitched her nose. Lack nodded and took a deep breath. "Everyone Shut Up!" The noise in the room died completely. Lack swept his hand towards Chibi with a small bow.

"Not exactly what I was expecting…" Chibi said giving him a little nod. "But thank you."

"My pleasure," he replied causing Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon look quizzically at each other.

Tadakono leaned back against the two and whispered "They're fighting again aren't they." Syaoran and Phenomenon nodded in agreement. "I wonder what it's about this time."

"Chibi heard Lack say he was paying her back for blowing up about him using Asura Strike," Syaoran whispered back noticing Lack watching them. "They're on the 'I'll be sweet but I won't say sorry' phase of the argument."

Chibi coughed and glared at the three of them. Yukiko cleared her voice and began. "A lot of you don't know," She placed a hand on Chibi's shoulder. "Since many graduated during the time of your disappearance." Yukiko side glanced at Chibi, who glanced back. "This is the High Seat of the Alchemist Society, Chibi Lilica, or Chibi for short. We thank you all for coming here at such short notice. Now that all your insignias have been switched over to the new system, we'll be better able to keep track of all of you."

Chibi raised her hand to stop Yukiko from talking. She looked out into the crowd. She could hear the whispers about her dual colored eyes, about the new system, and about her inability to lead. "Do you think I like being here?" she asked them in a low but firm voice. "Do you think all of you can do what I do every day? Can any of you be able to face what is happening to our Society and not break down from the strain then I'd gladly give this position to you." Her words were greeted by silence. "I thought so. The new system tracks you even if you lose a piece of your humanity…" Lack narrowed his eyes at her. Chibi glanced at him before continuing "Basically you don't need to come in to renew your data so we can still track you."

Mazenda gave Chibi a quill. "We need to take any information you know about the current situation." This caused the noise level in the room to increase. Mazenda and Yukiko took the opportunity to attempt to ask Chibi a few questions.

Chibi slammed her fist against the wall. Silence spread through the room. "None of you have been paying attention to the Harpy letters Yukiko and Mazenda send monthly." She pressed her fingers against her forehead. "Then listen properly now or I won't be there to save your sorry asses later on."

Tadakono sighed and listened to her speak. Syaoran leaned forwards and whispered "She's really angry. I wonder what's set her off now."

"It's because of her position," Lack said coming close to them. "I can't help her in this and the strain of it is really frustrating her. Either she's going to lose it completely at them or she'll keep her cool and blow up at me later as a release. I wonder which will happen."

"That was out of line," Syaoran said glaring at Lack. "You're also really mad at her aren't you. It's becoming very tedious this little rift between you two." Lack gave him a smile. Syaoran looked at Tadakono and Phenomenon then back at Lack. "You feeling alright?"

~~~

Kakaxi walked through the ice cave. She knew something here had called her. The Fight Club symbol on her shoulder glowed. FerrariSin and Furama followed her, their symbols also glowing.

"Something's happening," Kakaxi said, her voice echoing through the cavern. "Something big…"

"Kakaxi," Furama said looking at three large ice blocks. "You should look at this…"

"Oh my god," Kakaxi stared at the blocks. "It's the missing Mediators."

"That's not all," FerrariSin called from behind the large block of ice. "Lack…" Kakaxi and Furama ran to his side. Kakaxi covered her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. "We've got to tell Chibi."

"Not possible," Furama said looking around. "We're in big trouble." In the cavern around them, sealed in ice were Lack, Chibi, Izual, Kchan, MikeRex and the Mediators. "Three Guild Masters… Two Second in Command… Three Hidden Gods."

~~~

"The disappearances are happening more frequently now," Yukiko said looking through the file. Chibi sat at her desk twirling her quill. "Chibi? You listening?"

"I am," Chibi replied putting her feet up on the table. Yukiko's eyes widened. "I'm just not in a caring mood at the moment."

Yukiko paused then walked out only looking back briefly. "Something is seriously wrong with you."

~~~

"Lack! We need help over here!" Tadakono yelled furiously casting Storm Gust. "Lack?"

Lack sat back watching the guild battle with an almost perfect smile on his face. "I'm here. Don't worry."

"I am worried," Syaoran said catching his opponent unexpectedly with his sword. "Every battle we've had, every challenge, all you've done is sit there and smile."

"Everything is just so tedious," Lack replied playing with one of his summoned spheres. "Fighting… Everything. Just bores me so much now."

~~~

"Wait," Tadakono said taking a hold of Kakaxi's arm. "They're in ice cave? Then who's…"

"Another doppelganger?" Syaoran asked watching Lack in the Training Room. "Or something else entirely?"

"We don't have Chibi to ask either," Phenomenon said noticing Yukiko and Mazenda. "But then again, if the thing in Chibi's place is a doppelganger, those two would notice wouldn't they."

"She's human," Yukiko said handing Tadakono the clipboard she was holding. "She has the memories Chibi had before you all went to Loki's castle. She even has all of Chibi's strength, skill and abilities." She glanced at Lack. "He's human as well. I can see it. It will be safe to assume that everyone else in the ice cave who have a copy here are human. The only thing that confuses me is that there is no copy of the Mediators."

"Maybe whoever did this," Syaoran said leaning against the door frame. "They couldn't make copies of the Mediators because they aren't 100% human."

"Chibi isn't 100% human and neither is Lack," Phenomenon pointed out. "Chibi has Thanatos pieces in her Spiritual Power and Lack is dual class. Your theory doesn't fit."

"Let's go see Rena," FerrariSin said suddenly. "There has to be some logical reason why this is happening and who is behind it." They left Lack to his training.

~~~

"If there's a logical reason," Rena said leafing through papers in her lap. "I don't see it. The only person who we could get answers from is Loki. But I doubt that we'd be able to."

"What about one of the Gods?" Tadakono asked thinking out loud. "But Eir didn't say anything when she spoke to Chibi. Actually now that I think about it," He glanced at Phenomenon. "Tyr didn't react either to Lack."

"So what now," Ara asked. "We can't just sit here incase those copies actually do something."

"But what can we do?" Kakaxi leaned against a wall. "We could ask the Gods themselves."

"Not possible," Tadakono replied opening his eyes. "Eir says that Chibi is the real Chibi. She just went and saw her just now."

"Then what is going on?" FerrariSin pressed his fingers against his forehead. "If the Gods think that the copies… Who were are assuming are copies… are real then either a God of a higher order is fooling them or…"

"Or…?" Syaoran prompted after a long silence. "Is there an 'or' option or just threw it out there because you want something manageable?"

"Let's test FerrariSin's theory," Rena said causing Syaoran to pause mid-rant. "If it is a God of higher rank than Tyr, Eir and Forseti, it would have to be Odin. Unless anyone can think of any others?"

"Why did you add Forseti?" Phenomenon asked a little confused. "Who's patron is he?"

"Izual's," Rena replied stretching. "Any ideas?"

"What about Hel?," Alastor asked. "According to you two," He nodded his head towards Tadakono and Phenomenon. "Hel was at Loki's castle but after it was stormed and searched, she wasn't there anymore. Add to the fact that she is a Goddess of the Underworld which is a bigger role than the other three…"

"Makes sense," Rena replied noticing Furama shredding paper in a corner. "What are you doing?"

"Hel is the most likely candidate," he replied making a mountain of paper. "Being a Goddess of the Underworld, she could easily freeze them and draw out their dark sides to be 'copies' while she plots her new plan. Creators disappearing was part of Loki's original plan but if we add Hel to the mix… She's taken her father's plan and warped it so she can manage it herself." He looked up at all of them. "These copies aren't copies which is why the Gods don't react and why they have memories that we wouldn't expect them to. These copies are shadows of the original. I'm pretty sure you all have one too, a dark side that you suppress because you're either ashamed of it or feel it is wrong to act that way."

Rena nodded listening carefully. "Makes the most sense so far. But that also means we can't carelessly thaw them out. If it is Hel, she's either already killed them and froze them or froze them when they weren't expecting her. We have no way to know which is which."

"They aren't dead," Kakaxi said suddenly. "Or at least Lack isn't dead. Our symbol glowed, which was how we found them in the first place. Lack can only do that if he is alive and conscious."

Rena thought carefully. "We can't afford to experiment though. If Lack was conscious, would he be able to reach the Emergency System? Chibi was able to when Loki trapped her."

"But Chibi was within her own mind," Tadakono pointed out. "Lack, as far as we know, isn't. He could be fully there but not able to move due to being in a block of ice."

"Doesn't stop him from thinking though," Phenomenon said moving his head back to rest against the wall. His headache was bothering him a little. "In theory, he should be able to reach the Emergency System if he's able to make our symbols glow."

"Frostbite..." Furama said softly. "Hypothermia… Slowed processes. It's possible given their current environment. We don't know exactly how long they've been there. What interests me is that those who disappeared through the doorways at Loki's castle are now frozen in ice."

"They're also people who are either High Seats, Guild Masters, or both," Kakaxi said slowly. "Slowed processes due to the cold is possible." She rested her head on FerrariSin's shoulder, her eyes closed shutting out light to dull pain from her headache. "Rena, you have anything for a headache?"

All the Fight Club members in the room looked at her. Rena smiled. "We have our answer. It's safe to assume all of you have a headache. It could be one of two things: a huge coincidence or Lack's slowly trying to grasp the Emergency System and because of that it's pulling on all of you." She rested her head in her hands and said softly. "You guys have two choices. Neither of which are good. Either you wait to defrost Lack incase the headache is a coincidence, or you defrost him now and if he is dead… Well… Resurrect won't revive him."

"In any case," Phenomenon said standing and swaying slightly. "We should go to the ice cave. If it's Lack trying to contact us, we can thaw him out on the spot. If not… Then we'll figure out what to do from there." The Fight Club members agreed.

"I'll come with you," Alastor said looking at Rena for approval. "While I can't link unless I have physical contact, I can be acting support."

Rena nodded and then added. "Another alternative is defrosting a piece of Lack's arm so Alastor can use Spirit of Monk to assess him. But then again, that exposed piece could die. It's less riskier though than fully defrosting him. Take Haru with you also."

FCGS - Chapter 25

"They've been at it for some time now," Tadakono whispered peeking into Lack's study. "But they're getting through that paperwork faster than we did." He watched Chibi get up and point something out to Lack on the report she was holding. "I wonder how they do it."

"They're experienced," Eir whispered in his ear. Tadakono yelled and fell through the door. Chibi and Lack looked up surprised. Eir bend over and picked Tadakono up. "Sorry for the disturbance. I was just coming to see Tadakono." Chibi narrowed her eyes at Eir. "I'll come see you soon too…. Promise."

The sound of raised voices floated in the door. Tadakono rolled his eyes and said "Not again." He looked at Lack and added "The Blacksmith Society keeps going on strike on us. Kei is at a loss on what to do." Eir took Tadakono's arm and dragged him off before he forgot about her.

Chibi got up and dusted off her skirt. "Then I'll just blow them up. Being flattened by Phen, sliced to pieces by Syao and frozen by Tada didn't affect them. I'll blow them up and see what that does." Phenomenon, Syaoran and Lack followed Chibi down through the long corridors to where the Blacksmiths were.

They looked at her defiantly. Chibi closed her eyes and threw bottles into the air. The three could tell these were bottles filled with Alcohol. "She's really going to blow them up." said Syaoran as Lack and Phenomenon cast Safety Wall around the three of them. The Blacksmiths laughed hard. Chibi drew out a bundle of Bombs. Their laughter began to die out as they realized what was going to happen. Chibi threw the Bombs hard at them. Fire filled the room catching all the Blacksmiths and melting weapons and armor on them.

"Chibs," Phenomenon said after the fire died down and the smell of molten metal and singed hairs filled the air. "That was overkill."

"I did say I was going to blow them up," she replied. Lack stepped forward and cracked his knuckles. The Blacksmiths shivered and ran. "I'll gladly blow you all up again if you strike one more time. But next time, you won't be able to run away so fast." She called after them. She gave Lack a slap on the back and added "I think you delivered the final blow. I doubt my Bombs are really that scary."

Lack stared at her in disbelief. "They're definitely scary. Add to that when you are angry and it's purely terrifying!" He laughed and noticed out of the corner of his eye that the Blacksmiths were watching them. "Chibi…"

"Hmm?"

"Want to fight? Mock-battle I mean."

Chibi stared curiously at him. He moved so she could see what he saw. "All out? Or practice?"

"All out. Don't hold back." he replied pulling his gloves. Chibi could hear the little hints in his voice. "I want to see how strong you are now."

Chibi called her Homunculus and moved her pouches so her pouch with her offensive bottles was closer to reach into. She knew Lack was going to hold back a little because of the strength difference. Drawing her sword, she pointed it at him and said "Come on then."

Lack darted in at her. Chibi swiped at him with her sword in her left hand. With her right, she drew out two Coating bottles. As Lack leapt away from her blade, she coated herself and her sword. Lack summoned spheres then cast Fury and leapt at her once more. Chibi's blade locked against his right Knuckle.

"You're actually going to cast Asura on me again?" she asked him in a whisper grabbing a hold of his other wrist when he attempted to catch her with his right Knuckle.

"Not yet," Lack replied pulling back. "After a little battle I'll use it on you." Chibi frowned slightly. "Unless you can escape it."

Chibi pulled away and threw a few Bombs at him. If he really does want to go all out then I will. She switched her sword to her right hand then drew out two bottles and held them in her left. Creator only specialty… Acid Demonstration! She threw them at Lack knowing well that he hated her Acid bottles.

Lack noticed the green and red bottles and artfully stepped away, the flames from the mixed bottles just catching the tails of his shirt. She's really going all out. Or did I anger her just now by preparing Asura? He moved again away from another pair of bottles, again the tails of his shirt getting caught. She's angry…

Phenomenon and Syaoran watched them battle, increasing in ferocity by the second. "Is it just me…" Phenomenon asked watching as Lack forced Chibi down to her knees. "They aren't mock-fighting anymore."

"They aren't," Syaoran replied steadying himself as the floor rocked from Chibi's Bomb. "Lack's holding back a little but not as much as he was at the start and Chibi's not holding back at all."

Chibi thrust her sword at Lack. Her choice of attack surprised him. Locking sword to Knuckle again, he asked "You're not happy that I prepared Asura, are you?" Chibi pressed hard with her sword against his Knuckle. "They're still watching. If I didn't prepare Asura it wouldn’t seem real to them."

"You also said go all out," Chibi replied slyly. "If I don't even attempt to defeat you then it won't look real either." She reached to her belt and drew Azoth and swiped at him with it. "You aren't using Mjolnir anyway. You using Mjolnir is what people are use to."

Lack caught her wrist and lowered his head to whisper. "You want me to use Mjolnir? You know from the last time I really almost hurt you to the point of no return while I was using it."

"You used Asura on me too that time," Chibi hissed back flicking her wrist and moving it so the blade of Azoth was pressed against his glove. "Its like a damn instant kill move with you." She forced him back and walked away. Lack watched her go a little stunned.

"That was unexpected…" Phenomenon said giving Lack a pat on the back. Syaoran sighed and Phenomenon nodded. "Last time you two had a mock-battle that turned real, she left for Velvet Touch of Enishi."

"I don't know if she'll do that this time…" Syaoran added turning to stare at the Blacksmiths. They froze and disappeared. The three smiled at each other and went inside, just in time to catch sight of a blue cape disappearing through the Main door. "On second thought…"

~~~

Chibi sat at her desk tapping her quill against the piece of paper in front of her. Yukiko and Mazenda stood at the door watching her. "This isn't good." Chibi said after a while. "The recent number of disappearances of Creators is staggering. How long has it been like this?"

"For a few months now," Yukiko replied giving a silent order to Kishu. "I came by Fight Club Headquarters to see you but you weren't there. An Assassin Cross named Kakaxi told me you were on Nameless Island."

"Hmm…" Chibi leaned on the palm of her hand and stared at the page. Kishu entered with a pot of Chibi's favorite Milk Tea and some biscuits. Chibi gave Kishu an absent pat on the head as a thank you. Yukiko and Mazenda waited a little while longer before leaving the room and closing the door behind them.

"She's been here for almost a full week," Mazenda said with a sigh. "Lack's been by but she's no where to be found when he's here." Kishu walked next to Mazenda's Filir, Nowaki. "She's avoiding him."

"Lack said that it was because of his Asura Strike," Yukiko replied. Mazenda's eyes widened. Yukiko noticed and added "He didn't use it on her. But he has in the past. She got angry because he uses it as an instant kill move, which is what Asura Strike is anyway. I understand her reasoning for getting angry but he doesn't understand because she didn't say anything."

"I don't get it either," Mazenda said thinking. Nowaki flew up and perched on her head. "Asura Strike is the instant kill move of a Monk-class. Chibi knows that Lack will use it if he can. So I don't see why…"

"Because if Lack is to test Chibi's strength," Yukiko said cutting Mazenda off. "He can't use Asura Strike. It's basically a way to shut her down without seeing how strong she really is. But technically, she has to be able to withstand Asura Strike to defeat Lack, but because she still can't, it makes her still feel very much inferior even though they are both very strong. Just in different aspects."

"I get it now," Mazenda replied opening the door to the Hall of Notable Alchemists. "So she's avoiding him til she cools off? Or more for contemplation on her angry outburst at him?"

"I think both," Yukiko replied seeing two familiar faces coming towards her. "Phenomenon, Tadakono, What brings you here?" Nowaki and Kishu flew upwards and out a window near the ceiling. "Chibi's not really in a talking mood at the moment."

"We know," Tadakono said with a sigh. "We need to borrow an Alchemist for a Guild battle." Chibi peeked out and saw Tadakono and Phenomenon. Phenomenon gave her a little wink in greeting. Tadakono, not realizing she was there added "A guild called Steel Hearts has challenged ours. Lack's at a loss because our numbers are still on the low side from the battle with Loki. So he's trying to even up the numbers a little."

"Then why not directly ask Chibi instead of borrowing an Alchemist?" Yukiko asked feeling a familiar alchemical reaction behind her. Chibi stood leaning against the doorframe with Flyte's embryo in her hand. She listened carefully to everything being said.

"Lack feels that Chibi wants to calm down before returning," Tadakono replied finally noticing Chibi. "He wants another Alchemist so he can make a comparison. He says he doesn't understand why Chibi got angry and so he wants to see from a different perspective."

"Then take Yukiko," Chibi said disappearing back into the Orbital Room. "Only she and Mazenda are close in strength to myself. Better to borrow one of them for the Guild battle. Tell him after the battle to come see me." The door closed leaving the four looking stunned.

"So she says," Yukiko said. She whistled and Kishu floated back with her pouches. "I'll be your replacement. But I can't promise I'll be as good as her battle-wise. I've never seen her fight before but she's apparently very strong offensively."

"You don't need to worry," Tadakono replied taking her hand. "Chibi's supportive not offensive in our battles with other Guilds." Yukiko let out a sigh of relief and followed them to Fight Club Headquarters. Mazenda walked back to Chibi's office and poked her head in.

"You sure?" she asked Chibi. Chibi lifted her head, her eyes dark red. Mazenda could feel her demonic aura stable but slowly lessening. "You told them to take Yukiko."

"Part of me wants to go back to support them," Chibi said her eyes going back to normal colors. "But part of me wants Lack to understand that it's difficult to be constantly support. Also I have all the paperwork here I need to do as well that's been piling up since I was away."

"Want some help?" Mazenda offered with a small smile. Chibi shook her head. "I'll be in the Orbital Room then if you need me." Chibi waved and Mazenda left the room.

~~~

Yukiko breathed hard. She never had to support so many at once. Minna, as secondary support, filled the holes in her support but it became increasingly difficult. Lack, frustrated, yelled "Phen! Be supportive too. Yukiko just focus on myself, Syao and Tada. Let Minna and Phen work on the rest."

"Right," Yukiko replied and moved. Phenomenon changed to High Priest and darted everywhere Healing and Resurrecting as fast as he could. Yukiko pitched Whites at Lack, watching him move from opponent to opponent. He's not using Asura Strike. She said in amazement. Pitching a few Blues at Tadakono, she asked quickly and quietly. "When Lack fights, does he normally not use Asura Strike?"

"Depends on the opponent," Tadakono replied casting Frost Driver. "He uses it when the opponent appears stronger than himself. Its like flattery I guess. He likes a challenge but with Asura Strike, the challenge isn't there."

"So when he…" Yukiko paused noticing Lack snap towards them.

"He wants her to be able to withstand his full power Asura Strike," Tadakono replied sitting and relaxing.

Lack reached and gave Yukiko a pat on the back. "You did well. I can see now the difference between Chibi's way of battle and yours. I can also see why she is High Seat of the Alchemist Society." A letter floated from the sky to Yukiko. "From Chibi?"

"Yeah," she replied breaking the seal and opening it. "I better get back. She's freaking out." Lack raised an eyebrow. "Creators have been disappearing all over Rune-Midgard much more now. She's freaking out cause apparently Mazenda just told her that twelve have disappeared in the last few hours."

Syaoran, Minna, brighteyes, Phenomenon and Tadakono looked at Lack, who nodded "We'll come with you. It sounds way too much like Loki's work. I hope Loki hasn't broken free from Forseti." The Guild Master of Steel Hearts got up and shook hands with Lack before they left the grounds of Fight Club.

~~~

"Mazenda," Chibi called. "Make sure you take down the name of every Creator that has gone missing. Hei, bring me all the files on those who have passed from Alchemist to Creator." Chibi waved at Lack and the others as they entered the Orbital Room. "Where is Rumi? And Nicholas? I asked them to be here an hour ago."

"I don't know!" Mazenda cried dropping an ink bottle. "They're marks show they are down stairs." Chibi started shaking and Mazenda called "I'll go get them."

"Stay where you are," Chibi replied stalking off to her office. "I'll call them back here." Lack looked around the room at the mess of Alchemists and Creators running around gathering papers, writing things or watching the orbs. Yukiko showed them a place to sit for a while and darted off to help Mazenda. Chibi stalked back out dragging two Alchemists by the ears. "When I say get your asses in here I mean it."

"Sorry Chibi," they mumbled. "We've got the completed lists for you." They handed her the pages they were holding. They shook under her glare.

"That is everything," Rumi whispered scared. "We haven't had many students recently to teach." Chibi glanced over the pages quickly. "People seem to feel that Alchemy is too expensive a profession to take up. And youngsters these days seem to not understand that only the start price is the most expensive…"

"I don't care about how much they think it's suppose to be," Chibi snapped her eyes wild with fury. "How many students have there been that have passed from Alchemist to Creator in the past month? Hei doesn't have complete numbers." Tadakono jumped up and caught Chibi's arm before she hit Rumi. Chibi swung her other arm, which he caught as well, and said "Tadakono!"

Tadakono held her tightly a little surprised that she used his full name. "Calm down. Biting at your juniors isn't going to solve anything." He pulled Chibi closer and gave her a hug. Rumi and Nicholas saw their escape and ran off to find Hei. "It isn't like you to get this worked up. We're all here." He indicated to Lack, brighteyes, Minna, Syaoran and Phenomenon. "We'll help. Just tell us what needs to be done."

"Paperwork," Chibi mumbled quietly. Tadakono could tell she was crying. "Paperwork… And recording. Watching the orbs and recalling Alchemists and Creators to renew their insignias with the new system I've created that tracks when one disappears." Tadakono stroked her hair gently. "Registering those who have attained Azoth."

Lack took a deep breath. "Right then," He got up and signaled to Tadakono to take Chibi somewhere quiet for a while. Tadakono nodded and left. Yukiko and Mazenda came up to him. "What's been done so far?"

"Uh…" Mazenda rifled through the papers she was carrying. "Hei, Rumi and Nicholas are working out our current membership lists, Yukiko and I were watching the orbs. Chibi was with us sending letters." Noticing Lack's slight change in expression, she added "Chibi's the only one who can send letters via the orbs."

"Then I want Phen to go help Hei, Rumi and Nicholas," Phenomenon nodded and left. "I want Minna and brighteyes to stay with Yukiko and Mazenda.
Syao and myself will be in Chibi's office doing the paperwork in there." Syaoran got up and went to Chibi's office. Lack peeked in at Tadakono and whispered "When she's ready, get her to start sending letters." Tadakono gave him a thumbs up and went back to comforting Chibi.

FCGS - Chapter 24

They walked through the corridors, their pace quickening. Izual and Kchan could feel the mounting tension between Lack and MikeRex. Chibi and Flyte walked ahead of everyone, her sword in her hand ready for anything.

"She didn't even think about it," MikeRex murmured angrily. "Why can't you tell me why she'd kill me?"

"Because there's nothing you can do to correct it," Lack replied with a level voice. "In addition, she'd kill me if I told you. That's a side of Chibi I never want to see again." He gave a small growl and added "Why don't you ask her instead of trying to get it out of me?"

"Because I don't want to see her angry side either," MikeRex replied. "She's scary when she's angry. And with those pieces of Thanatos, getting her angry is the last thing I should do."

Izual and Kchan looked at each other. With a small nod, they caught up with Chibi. "Is it ok to leave those two at each others throats?" Izual asked her. "Their auras are going dangerously close to 'kill'."

"If Mike knows what's good for him," Chibi replied as they turned a corner. "He'll drop it. I know Lack won't betray my trust. He won't say anything to Mike. So it's up to Mike to drop it."

"But you know," Kchan added glancing back at the two. "You know Mike won't drop it. He's stubborn that way. Even my sister, Jemini, has trouble changing his mind when he's fixated on something." Kchan noticed her slight pause in mid step before she continued on. "Your…"

"Don't say it," Chibi snapped. "If I don't hear it, I don't feel it. If I don't feel it, then I don't get hurt. I don't want to know. I only told Lack because he caught me crying once. I don't want to hear it again. Got it?" Izual and Kchan nodded shaking slightly. "Lack can handle Mike. He's use to this sort of thing from him anyway." Chibi gripped her sword and tested it's blade with her finger. "But if he hurts Lack…" They felt a very demonic aura flow from her. "I'll kill him."

~~~

Yukiko looked at a piece of paper and then up to a pair of large metal doors. The Fight Club symbol covered them in fresh paint. Pushing open one, she stepped inside. Nervously, she walked up the path to the main entrance. She stood staring at the doors for a while.

"Not going in?" chirped Kishu standing next to her. "You need to speak to her don't you? You won't find her until you go inside."

"But…" Yukiko said nervously. "It's not polite to just go in uninvited."

"Then do you want to be my guest?" A young Assassin Cross asked. Yukiko jumped shaking. "By the look of you, you're from the Alchemist Society. I'm sorry to say but Chibi hasn't been here for a few months now. We're waiting for her to return." She extended her hand. "I'm Kakaxi by the way."

"Yukiko," Yukiko replied shaking Kakaxi's hand. "What do you mean 'waiting for her to return'? Her orb reveals that she's here."

"She isn't," Kakaxi said with a sigh. "During the battle with Loki, three Guild Masters were blown through separate doorways. Chibi was blown in with MikeRex. We know that they're on Nameless Island but we don't know when they'll return. The orbs are showing here because Chibi is usually here." Yukiko looked stunned.

~~~

"Just drop it already," Chibi growled brandishing her sword at MikeRex. Her demonic aura increasing. Lack stood behind her with a red hand print on his face. "You're both getting on my nerves!" Izual and Kchan stood a good distance away.

MikeRex put his poleaxe on the ground and raised both hands. He could feel Chibi's demonic aura increasing by the second. Chibi's sword shook and MikeRex backed away. Lack sighed and raised his hand bringing it down hard near the base of her neck. Chibi's eyes darkened and she fell forwards. Lack caught her and lowered her to the ground.

"What did you do just then?" Kchan asked noticing Chibi was out cold. "More like why."

"Because Chibi was feeding the pieces of Thanatos within her with anger again," Lack said as he and Izual moved Chibi so she laid on Lack's back. "Eir said it was dangerous if she did that. And since she was focused on Mike, I though it was time I knocked her out before she did more damage." He stood and held her in place. Kchan giggled and moved one of Chibi's left hand so it held her right arm.

"Now that's just too cute," Izual said sarcastically. "You really do look like siblings. An older brother bringing his younger sister home after a long day out." Izual, Kchan and MikeRex burst into a fit of laughter. Lack gave them a dirty look and started to walk down the corridor. "Hold on Lack," The three ran after him. "We didn’t mean it."

~~~

Syaoran slid his sword into it's sheath as a heap of Blacksmiths fell to the ground. "Do we have to go through this every single time? Do the work you're suppose to do!" Stepping inside, he came face to face with a Whitesmith. The badge on his chest revealed he was the current High Seat. "They're really pushing the limit."

"It's because Fight Club is so strong," he replied with a sigh. "I'll oversee their work and make sure it gets done. They're doing overtime that the Society isn't getting paid for. I'll make sure they do a proper job."

"I'll leave it in your hands then, Kei." Syaoran replied walking off towards Lack's study where Phenomenon and Tadakono were waiting for him. The thought of the mountain of paperwork that awaited depressed him.

Tadakono looked up as Syaoran walked into the room. "They're working now?" he asked handing Syaoran a report that FerrariSin handed in on Loki's castle.

"Kei's watching them," Syaoran replied taking it and finding a comfortable spot to sit. "I'm glad that we can get through the usual stuff faster now but these reports are time consuming."

"I know what you mean," Phenomenon replied after reading the tenth report on Guild expenditure. "But a lot of these are repetitive. I was looking over the old files and Lack has highlighted important parts or changes in repetitive reports. Ones like the one you're holding Syao, Lack writes little notes all over the pages. I think we should leave the specialized reports for him."

Tadakono nodded and added "Skim over them though just in case there's something important we need to know."

~~~

Kchan touched the transportation device and waited. It glittered and sprang to life. The door slid open to reveal a very small room inside. "I wonder if we all can fit," she mused to herself.

Chibi moved her head and brought her lips close to Lack's ear. "What are you doing?" she whispered in his ear. "Did I fall asleep?" Lack shook his head and followed Izual and MikeRex into the room. "Then…"

"Don't worry about it," he replied and set her down on the floor. "You're not hurt are you?" Chibi shook her head. "Then don't worry about what happen." Chibi blinked and looked at him with glazed eyes. "Just rest. You're still out of it."

Kchan tapped away at the controls near the door. The room shook and the sensation of movement was felt by everyone in the room. MikeRex knelt down near Chibi. He looked at Lack who gave a slight nod. "Chibi," he asked tapping her arm. "Why would you kill me?"

Kchan gave him a smack across the head. MikeRex looked up at her annoyed. "Because she's out of it doesn't mean that you can ask her questions like that."

"It's the only time she will answer and not remember that she answered," Lack replied watching Chibi's expression. "Mike…"

They listened carefully. "Because I still love you," Chibi replied her voice very soft. "When you left me and went to Jemini, it hurt much. Your kindness hurts me now. Everything about you does." Chibi closed her eyes and went to sleep.

MikeRex fell backwards surprised. Lack folded his arms and nodded. "That's why I told you there's nothing you can do to correct it," Kchan sat next to Chibi and moved her so Chibi's head rested on her lap. She pet her hair gently. "And why she'd kill me if I had been the one to tell you." Izual sighed and sat next to Kchan watching them. "You need to pretend that you didn't hear that or she'll really murder you to the point of not return if she ever found out."

"She'd murder us all actually for letting him ask," Kchan added plaiting a piece of Chibi's hair. "She really doesn't want to know anymore."

"If I don't hear it, I don't feel it. If I don't feel it, then I don't get hurt. Is what she said to us Mike," Izual said as the room jerked slightly. "You really better drop it now that you know why." MikeRex nodded and looked at Chibi's peaceful expression.

~~~

Yukiko sat staring at Chibi's orb. Ever since she visited Fight Club Headquarters, the orb had not moved. Mazenda walked in with a teapot and two cups on a tray. "Yukiko," she said slowly noticing the orb had clouded over. "Yukiko, the orb…"

They both stared at the orb as it gave a bird's eye view of the lands it passed over. It flew north past Yuno into the outer world. "Where's that?" Yukiko asked as Mazenda ran around Chibi's office looking for books.

"It's Freya's Temple in Rachel," Mazenda replied bringing the book over to show her. "How she suddenly appeared there, I'll never know."

Yukiko quickly wrote two letters. Handing them to Kishu, she said "Take one to Tadakono, Syaoran and Phenomenon in Fight Club Headquarters and the other to JohnFlora and Jemini in Velvet Touch of Enishi Headquarters." Kishu bowed and walked out of the room. "It'll still take her a while to get back and we don't know if the others are with her."

~~~

Tadakono looked up to see Kakaxi and a red Lif at the door. "Flyte… Or not. It's Kishu isn't it?" The Lif nodded and handed him the note from Yukiko. Phenomenon and Syaoran came over to read over Tadakono's shoulders. "Chibi's in Rachel?" Kishu nodded and bowed leaving the room.

"She didn't stay long," Phenomenon said looking out the door. "I guess she has another order from Yukiko to do." Coming back into the room, he added "What should we do? We don't know if Lack is with her."

"But at least with her here it'll boost morale a bit," Syaoran replied looking over the note again in Tadakono's hand. "And she'd be able to pin-point Lack more easily than just us."

"True," Tadakono said placing the note on the table. "One of us needs to stay here then. There's still the Blacksmith problem that Kei is having trouble controlling and if the three of us disappeared together, the guild might fall apart."

"I'll stay this time," Syaoran offered with a sigh. "I can't promise that Chibi will come home to relax. The paperwork pile will probably be as big as ever."

~~~

"Welcome to the Rachel Airship!"

Chibi showed her insignia and winked at Kchan. They went aboard for free. Lack pulled out his special gloves that marked him as the High Seat of the Monk Society and was also able to get onto the Airship for free. Izual gave MikeRex a pat on the back and with Izual's ruby blade Excalibur marking him as the High Seat of the Knight Society also gained them free travel.

Lack tucked the gloves away quickly. He hated being challenged constantly because of them. Chibi poked him in the side and smiled. "Why won't you wear them? It's not like you can't defeat anyone who challenges you." Lack pulled a face at her. "What? You and Izual are the only ones that would get challenges. Yet you hide your insignia and Izual wears his openly."

"If I could hide it I would," Izual said sneaking up on her. Chibi jumped and fell over, her insignia slipping out of her pocket and bouncing along the floor.

"Flyte," Chibi called pointing at the insignia. The Lif flew after it and grabbed a hold of it. She placed it in the little backpack Chibi had made for her and flew back. "I'm glad I don't get challenged. For some reason, people underestimate an Alchemist's power."

"I'm glad you don't get challenges either," Lack murmured helping her up. "It'd be a constant worry for me if you did." Chibi stared at him somewhat annoyed. "What I mean is that, I wouldn't worry about you fighting if you are able to defeat me."

"That wouldn't happen in a million years," Chibi replied looking away. "You've always been, and will always be, much stronger than me." She sat down and leaned back against the wall. "No matter how much I do, I can never defeat you if we were to fight seriously against each other."

Lack leaned against her and smiled. "I guess…"

Izual, Kchan and MikeRex sat nearby in a small circle. "They really do look like siblings now," MikeRex said noticing Chibi and Lack had fallen asleep. "I don't know why but it just seems strange that they don't end up with each other."

"As in love?" Kchan asked with a giggle. "They aren't attracted to each other in that way. And besides…" MikeRex knew why she trailed off. "But I know what you mean, their traits are similar. Chibi is over protective of him too. Just watch."

Kchan quietly pulled out Lack's insignia gloves and replaced them with the ones he was wearing. Lack moved slightly causing Kchan to freeze on the spot. Izual dragged her back and laughed quietly. "He's going to really be angry when he finds out you did that."

"But it'll be fun won't it?" Kchan replied with a cheeky grin. "Besides, I'm getting bored just watching those too get all close like siblings."

~~~

Tadakono and Phenomenon stood at the airship station in Yuno. The air around them crackled with excitement. A Thief with bunny ears ran past with a mage talking quickly. Phenomenon and Tadakono looked at each other.

"A Champion fighting a Stalker?" Tadakono asked as the platform shook. "Not that uncommon is it?" He snagged a passing Assassin by the scarf and asked "What's going on?"

"That hurt you know!" she yelled at him and froze when she saw the Fight Club symbol tattooed on the left side of his neck. Settling her scarf around her neck so it was comfortable she added "It's a challenge to a High Seat. It's the best entertainment we've had in Yuno this month." She darted off into the crowd. Tadakono and Phenomenon made their way through the crowd towards the fight. They smiled at each other when they heard two familiar voices.

"Enough!" Chibi stood between Lack and another challenger. "Can't you see he doesn't want to fight anymore? All we've had are challenges since we set foot in Yuno."

Lack placed a hand on Chibi's shoulder. "It's alright Chibi. Just keep an eye on my Life and Magical Power." With a sigh, he threw spheres at his opponent, who instantly was defeated. "This is just so tedious."

Chibi shook with anger. "It's not alright…" Lack looked at her, his eyes widening. "It's not alright…" She drew out of her pouch a bundle of Bombs. Lack raised his hands and backed away from her. "There should be a limit on how many times you can be challenged in one day!" She threw Bombs all over the place. Everyone surrounding them scattered off the platform. Explosions and flames appeared everywhere. Chibi continued to shake, her eyes darkening in colour.

Lack cautiously came close and knocked her out once more. He knelt down and whispered. "Thankyou for driving them away… even if you did lose control again." He stared at Kchan, Izual and MikeRex. They looked shocked at Chibi's burst of anger and it's result.

"Had your fun?" Izual murmured to Kchan as Lack advanced towards them, changing his gloves to ordinary ones. "Because we're going to have to pay for doing that."

"Lots…" Kchan replied keeping her eyes on Lack. "But I didn't expect her to… well… explode like that over people challenging him." Lack's aura strengthened letting them know he was incredibly angry. "But I think… This is going to hurt."

Tadakono and Phenomenon crouched near Chibi. Sounds of punishment could be heard very loudly from Lack and the others. Tadakono sighed and helped Phenomenon get Chibi onto his back so he could carry her. Chibi mumbled something incomprehensible before settling into a deep sleep. Lack took in a deep breath and relaxed. Noticing Tadakono and Phenomenon, he came up and gripped hands with both of them.

"Sleeping Beauty seems to be alright," Phenomenon said to him noticing Lack's concern. "She just said something a while ago but I didn't catch it." Lack smiled and they set off towards Warpra leaving Izual, Kchan and MikeRex very sore and worn out.

FCGS - Chapter 23

Everyone sat breathing hard relieved that the trouble with Loki was all over. JohnFlora and Phenomenon focused on Healing Momo. Tadakono sat with them incase Momo's condition changed. Rena, Balawis and LadyDeathStrike sat in a ring opposite them.

"I hope they're alright," LadyDeathStrike said softly. "According to Tadakono, because he's resurrected Chibi so many times that he's developed a link to her, she's still alive. That means Mike would be too since they went through the same doorway. But I'm worried about Izzy, Kc and Lack."

"They're alive," Balawis said firmly. "There's no way those three would disappear off the planet without a fight." Balawis closed his eyes and added "Tyr and Eir said they're all alright. None of the Gods seem worried about their disappearance."

"Even so," Rena countered watching Momo carefully. "We can't rule out that Loki sent them somewhere that is incredibly dangerous." She sighed and looked back at them. "But I guess the most we can do is wait. We can trust Tada and Phen to take over leading Fight Club til Lack and Chibi return. John will be able to look after Velvet Touch of Enishi with Jemini's help too. Ara, Alastor and Haru should of already freed their guildsmen from the shards."

"So we wait…" LadyDeathStrike replied with a sigh.

~~~

"I can't reach her," Chibi said opening her eyes. Kchan nodded and let out a sigh. "Eir isn't responding at all." She glanced over at Izual, who also shook his head. "I wonder if our voices can really reach the Gods from here. Eir and Forseti could hear us at Loki's castle but now not even a whisper."

"I can't even reach the emergency network of my guild," MikeRex added standing. He held his poleaxe close and closed his eyes. "I hear someone coming." Everyone scrambled to their feet and drew their weapons.

"Mistress!" Chibi fell backwards as a green blur flew at her and wrapped it's small arms around her. "Mistress Chibi! You're alright!"

"Flyte?" Chibi felt dazed from hitting her head on the ground. MikeRex picked Flyte up off Chibi and held her tight so Chibi could get up. "If you're here, where's Lack?" She sat up and pressed a hand to the back of her head.

"Right here," Lack said offering her a hand. Chibi smiled and took it. He pulled her up and cast Heal at the same time. "Flyte led me here. I never knew your homunculus was so chatty."

Flyte made a face and folded her arms. "I didn't like the silence and you weren't saying much either." Kchan and Izual burst into laughter again from Flyte's expression.

"You two have changed," Izual laughed calming himself down. "You're closer than before."

Lack placed a hand on Chibi's head and ruffled her hair. "Chibi's my little sister. How could we not be close?" Kchan raised an eyebrow. "Not true sister but feels like it." His expression became serious. "Jokes aside, we need to find a way back to Rune Midgard. From walking around this place, I can tell. We aren't in Rune Midgard anymore. I'm not sure if this is part of the outer world or somewhere else."

"Nameless Island is part of Rune Midgard," Chibi informed him. She took out Azoth and knelt down. She drew a rough outline of the main landmass of Rune Midgard. "This is where we all live right?" She attached to the land mass, known lands of the outer world. "And these are the lands of Hugel, Rachel, Einbech and Einbroch that lay beyond Yuno." She drew a few islands near the land mass of Rune Midgard. "Then these are the islands of Izlude and Biblian." Finally, she drew an island near the divide between Rune Midgard and the outer lands. "This is Nameless Island. It's not usually shown on the maps of Rune Midgard because of the Cursed Monastery. The Gods felt that Nameless Island was better left alone. They sealed away any route leading too and from this island."

Lack placed a hand on her shoulder and narrowed his eyes at her. Chibi gave him a nervous smile. She could feel his anger rising slightly. Izual and MikeRex backed away a little leaving a noticeable gap between them and Lack.

"I know this because it's in the ancient texts within Yuno Library," Chibi said shaking slightly. Lack's aura didn't decrease but grew a little more. "There is one way to get off the Island. Within the bowels of the Cursed Monastery is a transportation device. It use to be used by the inhabitants of this island to go from here Freya's Temple in Rachel." Lack looked at her. He knew there was more that she wasn't saying. Chibi's eyes were downcast. "I don't know if it's there…"

Kchan gave Lack a sharp look and knelt down near Chibi. "I was wondering the same. Would the transportation device return after being used? We used it last time to get out of here."

"You've been here before?" MikeRex asked also giving Lack a sharp look because of Chibi's now depressed state. Lack gave him a dirty look back and sat down next to Chibi. "Both of you?"

Chibi nodded and glanced sideways at Lack, slightly scared of what she'd find. Lack gave her a small smile and she perked up a little not feeling his angry aura anymore. "I came with Kchan to find materials so she could attain the four elemental katars. We felt that having elemental katars would expand her ability a bit more than. Using poison element doesn't always work, especially against those of the Undead Race. We got trapped after our boat capsized in a freak storm just after we landed here."

Kchan sighed and looked up at Izual. "It was before we got engaged. I asked Chibi for her help because I knew that she knew the area." She looked at Chibi out of the corner of her eye. "She's practically read all the books in Yuno Library. She knew about the transportation device. It took us a long time to get to the bottom of Cursed Monastery, but when we did, we found what we were looking for and the transportation device to Freya's Temple."

"Then we have no choice but to get to the bottom of the Cursed Monastery and see if it's there," MikeRex replied extending his hands out to Kchan and Chibi helping them up. "Not much else we can do." Chibi and Kchan nodded in agreement. They all set off towards the Cursed Monastery.

Kchan slowed her pace to match Lack's and whispered "What's wrong? You really scared her you know."

"When you two use to travel together," he asked looking at Chibi's back as she walked between Izual and MikeRex. "Did she use to hide things from you? Like information you should know or things that she knows you'd protest against?"

"All the time," Kchan replied switching her jurs from her Triple Critical to Raging Blaze. "But I never forced her to tell me like you did earlier. There's a reason why Chibi doesn't say anything. Most of it is from her phobia of everyone disappearing on her. When you and her created the Chronic Future guild, something happened back then that caused everyone to disappear. She's always afraid now that if she says something to anyone close to her, it might make them go away. She doesn't realize that not saying anything can have that effect as well. Haven't you noticed though that if you ask her a direct quest she'll answer you properly."

"A phobia…" Lack mused watching Chibi laugh at something Izual had said to her. "She doesn't look like she has one. She's always is so relaxed when she speaks to people."

"People with phobias hide them," Kchan replied. She tightened the katars and stabbed the air with her right to test them. "If you want proof, she hasn't told you about the monsters inside Cursed Monastery. I don't know if that's because of something she can see about you or if she believes you can defeat them without pre-warning." Looking up, she gave a little shriek.

"Talking about me?" Chibi said with a smile. She had come up really close to Kchan. She pulled out a Blue Potion and shook it at Lack. "She told you about the monsters. They're small fry compared to doppelgangers. Easy win for you."

"Then why not tell me," Lack asked taking the Blue Potion and drinking it. Chibi took out another and shook it at him. "You can see it can't you. My magical power is low and you can see it even without us being linked for battle."

"I can't see it," Chibi replied tossing him the potion. "I can sense it. Being with you for so long now, I can tell when you've been weakened in some way. Since my Lif was able to speak when you got to us, your Spiritual Power was still fairly high, as would be your Life Power. But I could feel that you were hiding something by getting angry at me. So I assumed it had to be Magical Power since my Lif can neither heal nor be affected by that."

MikeRex and Izual joined them and Chibi took everyone's hands. She murmured softly to herself then looked around. "What are you doing?" MikeRex asked feeling a tingle flow over his body.

"I'll be support but I expect you guys to be aware that I won't be able to hold out a long time if we get into a long battle." She glanced at Lack. "Because of Holy Magic." She looked around. "Jeez… The monsters of Cursed Monastery may be small fry but you're all low in both Life and Magical Power." She handed potions out to everyone.

"You aren't going to pitch them?" Kchan asked after drinking her own. "And what do you mean by 'Because of Holy Magic'."

"You saw them," Chibi replied feeling satisfied they were all restored. "The Guardians of Thanatos. Because my Spiritual Power is mainly demonic in nature at this moment, Holy Magic affects me badly. Healing, or anything to do with Holy Magic hurts me physically. The potions I pitch contain Holy Magic, to retain enough Life Power to withstand supporting you all in battle, I'll give you potions instead when I don't need to pitch them."

Lack realized what Kchan said was true. Chibi answers questions without leaving things out. Asking her to explain gives her the option to leave things out that she feels he didn't need to know. He sighed and asked "What sort of monsters are we talking about?" It was obvious to him what she had left out in her response though.

"Mainly Beholder's, Agav's and Echio's," Chibi replied peeking into her one of her pouches. "There's a overseer called Gloom Under Night. He's a scary bastard but you know when he's coming since he glows in the dark. Small fry like I said. Well…" She glanced at Kchan then at Lack, MikeRex and Izual. "For Kchan and me they're difficult. But for you three, it's definitely small fry." Kchan nodded in agreement.

Flyte snuck up behind Chibi and wrapped its arms around her. Chibi jumped and almost dropped her pouch. "Your Life Power is already low." Flyte whispered in her ear and cast Heal. "You need me to focus on Healing you, yes?" Chibi nodded slightly, going red from being scared by her own homunculus.

"You can speak," Chibi said looking at the ground to avoid any eye contact with anyone. "Is that because of me or Lack?"

"You've lost a piece," Flyte replied still whispering. "I can't speak properly yet but I can at least converse with you in a whisper." Chibi smiled and gave it a pat on the head. "You just have Sorrow, Despair and Agony left. As long as you don't affect your Spiritual Power by doing anything really bad you'll return to normal soon."

~~~

Eir sat in Fight Club Headquarters with Tadakono, Phenomenon and Syaoran. The three were overseeing repairs and had asked Eir to visit. Tadakono rested his head on the palm of his hands lost in thought, Phenomenon was writing down notes from the meeting and Syaoran looked at the stack of paperwork to be done.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Eir asked them. "I don't think you asked me to come for a social visit."

"It's been almost a month now since we Lack and Chibi disappeared through separate gates in Loki's castle. Are they still really alive?" Tadakono asked slowly. He knew his wording was bad but there was no way around it. "If they found each other then they'd of been back here in a flash. But…"

Eir raised a hand. "I know where they are but I can't go to get them. Odin placed a seal over the island they are on so they have to get back on their own by ancient means. They'll return eventually. Just trust them."

Phenomenon put down his quill and began to wipe the ink off his hands. "By the time they do get back, we'll have Fight Club Headquarters repaired. Lack will be very pleased."

"But," Syaoran stared at the pile. "How the two of them got through all this work, plus their own work at the Societies, and fighting against anything that stood in Fight Club's path, without asking for help is beyond me. This paperwork alone is too much for the three of us."

Eir got up and smiled. "It's because they are use to it by now. You three aren't just yet. Try and manage your time or if you have serious trouble then ask one of the other Guild Masters for help in management." She disappeared and both brighteyes and Trelawney came into the room.

"Here's where you three are," brighteyes said with a smile. "Minna and illusions were looking for you. Some of the Blacksmith Society from Einbroch have gone on strike because we don't have a merchant-class in our guild. I told them we had Chibi but they want proof."

Phenomenon let out a huge sigh and turned into a Champion. "I'll give them a belting instead of proof. I'm getting tired of this." Tadakono and Syaoran also stood in agreement. "We're paying them to do repairs and yet they go on strike. If they don't do repairs, they don't get paid." He stalked out of the room, pulling his gloves tight in anger. Everyone followed him out to where the Blacksmith Society had gathered.

~~~

Chibi slept resting against Lack. He was on first watch and she had decided to be spoilt for once and stayed with him. Flyte floated near him and shrugged. "I don't know why she didn't stay with the others," it whispered to him. "Maybe she's seen something and wanted to stay with you just incase."

"She and Kchan said we were almost there didn't they," He said feeling a tap on his shoulder. Izual sat next to him and rested his poleaxe on his lap. "They seem to know where they're going."

"We haven't met Gloom Under Night yet," Izual added adjusting his armor to get more comfortable. "Kchan told me that when she fought him, even with Chibi's support, it was a very close battle. I think they're deliberately trying to avoid meeting it."

"You got that feeling too?" Chibi moved and slid to the ground. Lack and Izual smothered their laughter. "I wonder if there's something about Gloom Under Night that they're afraid of." Izual shrugged.

~~~

"I feel much better!" Phenomenon said stretching. "I haven't had such a good workout in a long time." He faced the pile of Blacksmiths and Whitesmiths with his hands on his hips. "I don't care if you want proof that we have a merchant-class in our guild. I don't even care if you have to work your asses to the bone to get this done by the agreed date. But under the Merchant Society Code of Business, you are bound to fulfill any contract you take on. I made a contract with your High Seat that you will have these repairs done in two months. Half has been paid to him already. In the contract we agreed that it will be done quickly and overtime won't be paid if you all go on strike. Two months is more than enough for this little damage."

Syaoran pulled out his sword and added "I can have my own workout now if you don't get back to work. Or even better, we can call your High Seat here and tell him that you aren't following the Code you created."

They shivered and disappeared off to begin repairing. Tadakono rolled his eyes and brighteyes giggled. "Honestly," Tadakono said with a sigh. "If Lack was here he would of exploded."

"Chibi would of exploded you mean," Syaoran replied with a laugh. "She'd of blown them all up with her bombs. Lack would of flattened them all first then Chibi would of blown them up for good measure." The five of them laughed at the image in their heads. "I'm glad it's relatively quiet though. Anymore trouble and there might not of been a guild for them to come back to…" That brought silence. All that could be heard were the Lunatics bouncing through the grass.

~~~

Kchan woke up to find she was alone with MikeRex. Peeking out, she saw Chibi sleeping with her back against Lack's, her pouch open next to her on the ground. Izual sat next to Lack. All three looked pretty worn out. Chibi's Lif busily hovered near Chibi Healing her. She walked up to them and sat next to Izual. "What happened to you three?"

"We met Gloom Under Night," he replied after a long silence. He looked at Lack and noticed he was asleep as well. "Chibi is really good at supporting but I think because we were both using our Magical Power fast that she had trouble trying to heal both Life and Magical Power at the same speed. Lack didn't get any sleep prior to being attacked either." He noticed MikeRex come out and look at the two before settling near them. "Should we wait til they wake up, wake them up now, or carry them while they sleep?"

MikeRex leaned back and touched Chibi's cheek. "She's cold. She'll probably sleep for quite a while." Izual and Kchan stared at him strangely. "Even though we aren't married anymore, I still know what she's like. I think that question should be more directed at Lack. I'll carry Chibi since she's pretty light."

Kchan poked Lack in the side. He didn't move even a hair. Izual sighed. "I'll carry Lack. Doesn't look like he'll be waking up any time soon either."

"No one is carrying me anywhere," Lack murmured with his eyes closed. "As for Chibi," he opened them and looked at MikeRex. "She'll kill you. Even though you're both on good terms now, she'll still kill you."

"How do you know that?" MikeRex asked. "Did she say something to you?"

Lack's eyes glanced at Chibi before looking back at MikeRex. "I just know that she will." Kchan raised an eyebrow at Lack's defensive yet incomprehensible argument. "She'll definitely kill you."

"Did Chibi say something to you?" Kchan asked echoing MikeRex's question. Lack didn't move. Chibi opened her eyes and rubbed them, her hand like a cats paw.

"You're all so noisy," Chibi whined. She looked at MikeRex and Lack then tilted her head. "What's going on?"

"Chibi," MikeRex said ignoring Lack's sharp look. "I have a hypothetical for you. If you were asleep and I was to carry you so you could sleep longer. What would you do when you wake up?"

Chibi stood up and stretched more before replying. "I'd kill you then thank you for carrying me." She said without a second thought. She gave Lack a questioning look. Lack who shook his head furiously, raising his hands for emphasis. "At any rate, I'd kill you regardless."