Chapter Zero: Prologue

Project E-94 closed in on a little boy as Tai ran up and shouted, “Stay away from him!” “What do you want from me? You said I could be free!” . “That was a lie…” , “You lied!?” Project E-94  turned from amber to blood red. “Yes but please-” “You lied!” blasted Tai backward, “Tai, are you ok?” Ari ran toward Tai. “Why did you follow me?” Tai looked at him with fury, “Why are you so mad? I came to help you” Ari  grabbed Tai’s hands. “ I said that you couldn’t help me and I don’t want to you to get hurt trying to help me!” Her fury calming and then she turned to Project E-94 and said “Project E-94, I am not here to put you back into glass! I’m here to put you into me!” “What?” “Yes, so you can have a mobile body, so you won’t have to suck in one place.”. “I see”, “Do you accept my offer?” , “I do’”Project E-94 said while fusing into Tai. “Tai!” Ari was in shock as Tai began to glow and break apart, “Tai!” Ari looked at Tai with fear and worry in his voice and eyes, “Ari, don’t worry. This my duty, I have to do in order to save you and the people of this world...” “Tai..” “It’s okay...Ari” Tai closed her eyes and in an instant Tai exploded into a flurry of little flares; as a flare landed in Ari’s hand He panicked  and ran back to his home.

“Tai, she...she-” Ari said out of breath as he ran through the door, “ Breathe… Now tell me what happened?” Chase said anxiously. “Tai exploded!” Ari said still in slight shock, “ What?!” Chase and Cam exclaimed in unison. “Yeah,  I don’t know how but she did… so she’s most likely dead” Ari said dropping his head, “Don’t feel bad-” Chase said before being cut off; “ Don’t you even saying that… Don’t you even! I stood and watched her explode!” Ari snapped at Chase. “Calm down, Ari” Chase said; “I’m going to my room” Ari said walking away.

Chapter One

“Do you think that she’ll be okay?” “I don’t know but death is possible”... ‘Wha-What?’ Tai thought as she slowly opened her eyes only to see a blinding light in her face. “She’s waking!” A female voice said, “Indeed she is” A male voice said as they pulled the light out of Tai’s face “Princess Tailm? Can you hear me?” The male doctor asked and then added; “I’m Doctor Chen, blink once if you can hear me” Doctor Chen said Tai blinked, “Oh! She can hear you” The female said as Tai looked over at her realizing that the female was Zoya. “That’s good.. You have been seriously injured. You’re going to have to stay in the infirmary for a while” Doctor Chen said, Tai blinked, “Whe-Where’s An-Antonio?” Tai asked in a shaky voice. “He’s coming, he’s coming you just have to wait...” Zoya said insuring Tai that he was coming as she slowly faded back into unconsciousness.

“Tai? Tai? Can you hear me?” “Ye-yes” Tai said opening her eyes, “How are you feeling?” Antonio asked with a concerned look on his face. “I -I feel strange” Tai said, “ Strange? What do you mean?” Antonio asked. “I don’t know how to describe, I just feel different” Tai said in extremely weak voice.  “ Tai, you have to tell more than that” Antonio said grabbing Tai’s hand; Tai became silent. “Tai?” Antonio said becoming even more worried, “Antonio, I, I think sealing Project E-94 in me was a bad idea.” Tai said with her head hanging low; “Why? Is it that thats making you feel strange?” “I don’t know but I can feel Project E-94 shifting and changing inside me...” Tai said as she grabbed  her sides in pain. “ The pain. The pain is so bad. I can’t take it…” Tai said as she fainted and fell into Antonio’s arms.

“NO! NO! STOP! DON’T PUT THAT IN ME! NO! NO! NOO!” Tai screamed in her sleep, “Tai! Tai! Wake up! Wake up!” Antonio shouted while trying to wake Tai. “NO!” Tai screamed as she shot up accidentally head butting Antonio, “Damn! Tai, that hurt!” Antonio shouted in pain. “I’m ..sorry” Tai said in a weak voice, “It’s alright” Antonio said rubbing his head. “Are.. you ok?” Tai asked leaning towards him, “Yes. Anyway what were screaming about?” Antonio asked with a concerned look on his face. “I had a nightmare, You gave an order to the doctors about something and then they strapped me down to a table and started putting needles and tubes into me, just like when I was seven” Tai said looking down at her hands. “Tai,I wouldn’t give them such orders” “Tha, that’s good to know” “My lady, we need you for testing” a nurse from The Space Station Infirmary said entering the room. “Testing!?” Tai said in fear while looking at Antonio, “Wait, What testing?” Antonio said walking toward the nurse. “Uhh, the scientist working with Project E-94 needs to do testing to see how her body is sustaining.” The Nurse said, “How come I didn’t hear about this?” Antonio asked sternly. “I don’t know but we need her, if she’s not tested then we won’t know if she will...live” The Nurse said nervously, “What! Antonio, I don’t want to be tested!” Tai said in fear. “Tai...You have to go...but I’ll come with you” Antonio said looking at Tai as he held out his hand to her, “Fine…” Tai said taking Antonio’s hand and carefully walking beside him.

“Okay, Princess Tailm we’re just going to strap you down and put the CNs and the TNs  in you” Doctor Chen said looking down at Tai while she was being strapped down. “O-okay” Tai said in fear, “Tai, I will be right here” “Antonio…” Tai said as they put Tai to sleep.

‘Where am I?’ Tai thought while opening her eyes. “Hi there!” A male voice said “Huh? Where am I?” Tai said sitting up, “You’re in the spirit world” The male said “Spirit world?” “Yes, but you’re not dead. You’re only here until you wake” The male said “Why was I sent here instead of dreaming?” “Ah, Good question. Come, sit” Tai sat down “You was sent here because you are in an medically induced coma, that’s why you’re not dreaming” “How do I know this not a dream?” “Because in dreams you’re not aware that you’re dreaming” “Well how do I get out?” “Not until you wake” “Then when will I wake?” “I don’t know” “Oh..” Tai lowered her head “It’s not so bad, I can take to the Castle in the Sky’s waiting room if you want” “ Castle in the Sky? Like where Great Mother Yume resides?” “Yes, but you can’t meet her. She’s very busy” “Oh, but I wanted to ask her-” Tai’s vision began to get blurry. “I see, it’s time for you to go back” The male waved goodbye as everything faded to darkness.

“Antonio?” Tai slowly opened her eyes to see that Antonio wasn’t there. “Antonio! Where are you!?” Tai began to panic and tried to get up  but she was still strapped down, “Calm down” “Antonio! Antonio! Please! Help me!” “Go get Dixon, she needs him.” “ Yes, sir.” A woman said while running out of the room. “Antonio! Why did you leave me!?” “Calm down, Princess” “Ahhhh! Let me go!” “Calm down, Please” “Antonio!” “Tai!” Antonio said running into the room and up to Tai. “Antonio, why did you leave?” Tai looked at Antonio with tears streaming down her face and anger and fear in her eyes. “Tai, I’m sorry” Antonio wiped Tai’s tears away, “Antonio...Don’t leave me again”. Finally being released from the straps that held Tai  down, she sat up gave Antonio an hug. “Tai, I’ve never seen you like this.” Tai quickly pushed him away from her and looked the other way. “You’re so mean” “Whatever..” Tai said and Antonio sighed. “Well, you survived the test but we need to keep the CNs in you until the Control Bands are made” Doctor Chen said looking carefully at Tai, “Is it possible for me to fight?” “No.” Doctor Chen looked down at the clipboard, “Tai, you don’t need to fight anymore you’re mission is over.” Antonio said grabbing Tai’s hand. “No, it’s not over. They’re going to Blue Star!” “Why would they go there?” “Have you ever heard of The Diamond of Desire?” “Of course.” “Then you  know that with the diamond you can get anything you desire” “Yea, That’s bad. if King Jun gets his hands on that, it will be the end of ARIA” “I know” “But Tai how would you know about this?” “I’m not sure I just have a feel-” Tai stopped in the middle of her sentence “Tai, are you ok?” Tai fell back onto the bed and fainted. “Doctor Chen, what happened!?” “ It’s Project E-94, It’s attacking her body” “Do something!” “Don’t worry, Dixon. The CNs should stop what’s happening” “And if not?” “Then, I’ll raise her dosage.” “Oh…” Antonio looked at Tai’s soft, unconscious face with a worried look.

“Antonio…” “I’m here” “Thank you for being here” “It’s no problem” Tai hung her head low. “I’m sorry” “Sorry?” “For making you worry”  “You’re not worrying me” “ Yes I am” “Tai, it doesn’t matter if you are or not. I’m just glad you’re ok” Antonio gave Tai a hug. “ Don’t hug me!” Tai pushed him away for herself. “Anyway, where is that diamond?” Antonio stiffened his voice, “I don’t know” “Well, I have to do some research” “I can do it” Tai tried to stand but fell back down onto the bed “No, you have to rest” “But-” “No buts! Now rest!” Antonio walked out of the room.  

Character Two

‘I wonder when Antonio is coming back’ Tai thought while waking , ‘Me too’ “who’s there!?” Tai sat up in alarm ‘Me, Project E-94’ ‘What? How?’ ‘I’m a part of you now, we share thoughts now. I’m a part of you. I am YOU!’ “No, that’s not possible! No! NO! NO! NO!”  Tai screamed in a panic, closing her eyes tightly. “Tai! Snap out of it!” Antonio shook Tai, “Antonio…” Tai looked at Antonio with panic in her face. “Tai, are you okay?” “Am I going to become Project E-94?” “What? What made you think of that?” “Answer me!” “No” Antonio looked at Tai’s face, which was now stained with tears. Tai laid her head on Antonio’s shoulder and he put his hand on her head.

(the next day..)

“Antonio, I have to stop” “You can’t until this test is over” “What is this test for anyway?” “It’s to test the limits of your body and to see how your body deals with stress.” Antonio eyes were locked on Tai as she ran on the treadmill. “I can’t..do this..anymore” Tai started to run slower and slower. “Don’t slow down. Keep your pace.” Antonio increased the speed on the treadmill forcing Tai to run faster. “Antonio..please..stop this test..I can’t” Tai breathed between her words. “You have to continue...five minutes left” Antonio crossed his arms. “Damnit! I said I can’t!” Tai and Project E-94 exploded into a rage, causing Tai to change. “Tai!” “Don’t call me that!” Tai swung energy beams at Antonio. ‘What? I don’t understand, why did Tai say that?’ Antonio tried to block the beam but instead got hit. Antonio screamed in pain, then military workers came in and aimed their guns at her. “Do-Don’t shoot!” Antonio put his hand up signaling them to hold their fire. “We won’t unless we have too.” “Guns! Guns will do nothing to me!” Tai lowered herself back to the ground. The military workers armed they’re guns and got ready to shot. “Hold your fire!” “Yes, Sir!” The military workers kept their guns ready. “Tai, listen to me. You hav-” “Oh, Tai isn’t here right now!” Tai turned her head to the side and started laughing maniacally. “Tai, You’ve have to fight against Project E-94!” “You’re so hilarious!” Tai clinched her sides. “Tai, fight against Project E-94! FIGHT IT!” Antonio stood while clutching his wounded arm. Tai swung energy beams around while laughing maniacally and the military workers fired the guns at Tai. “No!” Antonio shouted.

“Antonio…?” Tai woke up on the hospital bed; covered from head to toe in bandages. “He isn’t here ” Doctor Chen walked into the room and looked at the monitor above Tai’s head. “Why?” Tai tried to sit up but was in too much pain to do so. “Because you loss control and hurt him” “What? I-I hurt him?” Tai looked up at the Doctor with shameful eyes. “Well, not you but Project E-94 did.” Doctor Chen looked down at Tai and notice the emotion in her eyes. “Don’t worry, he’ll be okay.” “Can you relay a message to  him?” Tai stared blankly at the ceiling as her eyes started to fill with tears. “No, I  can’t. I’m sorry” Doctor Chen walked out of the room and Tai started to cry. ‘Why? Why is this happening? Why did I lose control!? Why did I hurt Antonio!? How did I hurt him?’ Tai laid there just crying and thinking about what happened. ‘Oh, don’t be upset Tai.’ ‘You again!’ ‘Yeeess, me’ ‘What the hell do you want?’ Tai darted her eyes around the room. ‘I want you to surrender to me and give me your body’ “No. No! I will never surrender! NO! NO! I WILL NEVER GIVE YOU MY BODY! NO!” Tai clinched her head in a panic. “Hold her down!” Doctor Chen ran into the room and ordered them to hold her down. “Hold her down!” “Don’t touch me! Don’t hurt me!” “We’re not going to hurt you. , we’re going to calm you.” Doctor Chen stuck the needle into Tai’s arm “No..Stop..No...sto…” Tai started to doze in and out. “Shhh...It’s okay now..You’ll be okay” Tai completely faded into unconsciousness.

“Princess Tailm? Are you awake?” Zoya looked over Tai’s body, Tai opened her eyes and looked at Zoya “Oh! Good, You’re awake. How are you feeling?”  Zoya started to change Tai’s CNs, Tai didn’t answer. “Hmm? Can you talk?” Tai didn’t answer. “I know you might be hurting emotional but-” “I’m not hurting!” Tai stiffened her face and voice. “Oh..” Zoya walked out of the room. ‘Bitch!’ ‘Shut up, Project E-94!’ ‘Ah, don’t be mean..’ Project E-94 laughed, Tai growled. ‘I wish Antonio was here. I want Antonio’ Tai eyes started to fill with tears. ‘I want to see his face. I want to know if his mad at me. I want to tell him I’m sorry. I want to apologize to him.’ Tears started to fall from Tai’s eyes like raindrops. “Tai?” “Antonio?” “Are you okay?” Antonio walked over to Tai and looked at her. “Antonio, you came!” Tai looked at Antonio with joy in her eyes, until she noticed that Antonio’s arm was in a sling. “What happened to your arm?! Di-Did I do that to you?” Tai started to cry harder and panic. “That doesn’t matter. Just calm down.” Antonio held Tai’s hand while speaking in a calming voice. “It does matter! It matters a lot!” Tai sat up on the hospital bed and looked at Antonio with tearful eyes. “Tai, it’s okay” “I-I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me!” “I forgive you, Tai. After all it wasn’t your fault.” Antonio gave Tai an one armed hug but this time Tai didn’t push him away, this time she gave into his hug. “Why do you care if you hurt me?” “Because, you’re the only person I have” Tai’s tears just kept falling. “I know I’m...I’m really mean to you sometimes but...I really...really..lov-” “What are you doing here, Dixon?” Zoya entered the room with a confused look on her face. “What?” “You know that she’s dangerous and it’s not safe for you to be here” Zoya walked up behind Antonio and laid her hand on his shoulder. “Dangerous!? What the hell do you mean dangerous!? I am not dangerous!” Tai stood in anger. “Princess, Please calm down..” “I WILL NOT!” “Tai, calm down please.” Antonio grabbed Tai’s arm. “Did you not hear what she just said?” Tai turned an looked at him with fury in her eyes. “Yes, I did but please calm down before you lose control again.” Antonio looked at Tai face which was red with anger. “Antonio, do you think I’m dangerous?” Tai’s face started to get redder. “Well..” “We-Well? What do you mean ‘well’?” Tai’s eyes started to fill with tears of anger. “You can...be dangerous if you get too angry ...and you can become a monster…” “A MONSTER?!” Tai snatched her arm out of Antonio’s hand and punched him in the face, breaking his nose. “What the hell, Tai!” Antonio grabbed his mose in pain. “You called me a monster!” Tai snatched the CNs out of her arms and ran out of the room. “Oh no! That’s not good!” Zoya grabbed her hand radio and said “Code Red! Code Red! We have a Code Red!” Zoya ran out of the room after Tai.

‘Why? Why did he say that to me?’ Tai fell to knees in the middle of the hallway. “Damnit! Damnit! I hate myself! I HATE MYSELF! I’M A MONSTER! I’M A MONSTER! DAMNIT! DAMNIT! DAMNIT! ” Tai started banging her head on the floor “There she is!” Zoya pointed at Tai who was still banging her head on the floor until the guards grabbed her and pulled her off the floor. “Put the CNs back into her!” Zoya ordered. ‘I’m a monster and everyone knows it...’ Tai stared blankly with tears rolling down her face as she was being dragged off.  “ Strap her down.” Zoya ordered, Tai didn’t put up a fight, she just seemed not to care. “You did a very dangerous thing there, Princess.” Doctor Chen walked into the room and looked over Tai’s body with a stern facial expression. “Bite...Me” Tai looked over at Doctor Chen with hatred and anger in her eyes. “A little angry there..Project E-94?” Doctor Chen leaned closer onto Tai. “Bite me!” Tai tried to move but she was strapped down, so instead she spit in his face. “Sedate her!” Doctor Chen wiped Tai’s spit off his face and walked out the room with a few of the guards. “Damn you! Damn you all!” Tai started to struggle against the rest of the guards and started to laugh maniacally.

Chapter Three

“I see you’ve calmed down” Doctor Chen walked into the room and checked the monitor above Tai’s head. “How did you know I was awake?” Tai kept her eyes closed “I just knew” Doctor Chen didn’t look at Tai. “Doctor?” “Yes?” “I’m sorry for what Project E-94 made me do.” Tai opened her eyes and looked up at Doctor Chen “It’s okay. I know it wasn’t your fault, you can’t control what it makes you do.” Doctor Chen just kept looking at the monitor. “I-I want to see Antonio” Tai grabbed Doctor Chen’s white coat and he looked down at Tai’s reddening face. “You can’t” “Oh…” Tai let go of Doctor Chen’s white coat and covered her now red  face. “Do you have feelings for Dixon?” “Ye-yes” Tai kept her face covered, trying not to show emotion. “...I’ll go see if he can come see you” Doctor Chen started walking towards the door but Tai stopped him. “Really?” “Yes” Doctor Chen walked out the door. ‘Why did I just say that to him? Why did I yes?’ Tai got out of the hospital bed and stood ‘I can actually stand, but my legs are weak’ Tai took a few steps before falling to the floor. ‘Okay, I fell. But I’ll try walking to the restroom’ Tai got up and walked towards the restroom door, Tai grabbed the door frame and smiled with joy. ‘Good, I made it this far.’ Tai walked into the restroom and looked into the restroom mirror. ‘Wow, I look bad...’ Tai touched her face and felt how dry her skin was. “Tai?” Antonio entered the room and didn’t see Tai there. “Antonio..” Tai smiled with joy as she walked out of the restroom. “You’re walking!” Antonio gave Tai a slight smile. Tai quickly walked over to Antonio and gave him a hug. “I’m sorry for punching you! I don’t know what I was thinking!” “It’s okay.” Antonio picked Tai up and put her on the bed. “Antonio...Did Doctor Chen..Tell you anything I said” Tai looked Antonio with her face turning red. “No.” “Good” Tai’s face started getting redder and redder. “Tai, are you blushing?!” “I’m NOT!” Tai covered her face. “Whatever you say, Tai” Antonio just shrugged. “When do I return to testing?” “Tomorrow” “Tomorrow? That soon?” Tai looked at Antonio with confusion.  “Yes, and I did some research and I found this..” Antonio gave Tai a paper and she started skimming through it. “Ah! It says that the Diamond of Desire is underground in Romania. Where’s Romania?” “That’s in Europe. I guess you’re going to Europe.” “Me?” “Yes, after the Control Bands are made and once you are stable.” “I see, but what about Jun and Nadi? What if they find it first?” “ I doubt that. We have the upper hand. We know where it is, they don’t.” Antonio patted Tai on her head. “Don’t do that.” Tai gave Antonio a mean look a swatted his hand away. “Sorry, but as of now all we have to worry about is keeping you under control. And to let you on a little secret the CBs should be here tomorrow.” “Really?” “Yes. Now get some rest, you have a day full of testing tomorrow.” Antonio gave Tai a kiss on the forehead and left.

(early the next day…)

“Dixon..” “Yes?” Antonio turned to face Zoya. “I know you have to be with the princess during testing today and I just want to tell you be careful.” Zoya walked to Antonio and placed her hand on his shoulder.  “Be careful? Why would I need to be careful?” Antonio moved Zoya’s hand off of him and looked at her with a sharp expression. “Because she’s dangerous and you might be killed next time she loses control.” Zoya looked at him nervously. “Look! She’s not dangerous. She can just get out control, but that doesn’t make her dangerous” Antonio had anger in his voice. “I’m sorry” Zoya looked down at the floor and backed out of the room.

“Tai, are you awake?” Antonio walked into Tai’s hospital room and saw Tai standing by a window that view of ARIA below (To remind you there’s an infirmary/hospital on the space station.) . “Tai? Are you-” Antonio walked towards Tai. “I’m fine...How are you?” Tai kept staring out the window. “I’m fine. Are you ready for today?”  “Yes” “Tai, turn around” Tai turned around and saw that Antonio had an box in his arm. “What’s in the box?” “The CBs” Tai’s widen with excitement. “Can I wear them?” Tai reached her hands almost grabbing the box. “Well of course you can” Doctor Chen walked into the room and up to Tai and Antonio. “I just have to put them on for you” “Okay” “Sit down on the bed” Tai sat down and Doctor Chen grabbed the box and opened it.  “Let me see your arm.” “What are you going to do?” Tai hesitated handing him her arm. “I’m going to take the CNs out and put on the CBs” “Okay” Tai handed him her arm, Doctor Chen grabbed the CNs and pulled them out. Then he put the CB on her arm and he did the same on her other arm. “How does that feel?” “It feels...fine” “That’s good, Tai” Antonio placed his hand on her shoulder,Tai smiled at him and Doctor Chen.

Chapter Four

“Damn, my body hurts…” Tai laid on her back on the floor, breathing heavily. “Tai, get up. You have to be able to go for a long time.” Antonio watched Tai fight and defend from the sidelines, “Hell, my body is still healing” Tai complained, “How the hell do you expect me to perform well?” Tai stood and looked at Antonio in confusion. “Stop cursing so much. Look out.” Tai ducked the swing and swooped her leg underneath the trainer and knocked him off his feet, then she stepped down his chest, disarmed him and turned his sword on him. “Great Job.” Antonio walked up to Tai. “ The training is over?” Tai turned and looked at him. “Yes” Antonio looked at her with a slight smile, “ Finally” Tai said in a sigh of relief. “But, you have to go in for psychological testing” “Psychological testing?” “Yes, it’s to test your mind” A female walked up beside Antonio and extended her hand to Tai, Tai grabbed her hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you, I’m Doctor Ryan. I will be conducting a series of scans and questions.”  “Okay” Tai looked at Antonio with a slight concerned look. “Are you coming with me?” “No, I won’t be able to but-” “No. You can’t leave me” Tai gave Antonio a tight hug. “ I don’t want to be alone…” “I’m sorry” Antonio slightly pushed Tai away and walked away. “Come on, princess. It’s time.” Doctor Ryan grabbed Tai’s hand and lead the way to the scanners.

“Is it really necessary to strap me down?” Tai looked up at the nurses that was strapping her down to the bed of the scanner. “Yes, it’s for our safety and yours” Doctor Ryan walked up to Tai and looked at her. “You ready?” “Yes” “Good” Doctor Ryan walked out of the room and into a room with a lot of monitors. As Tai began to be moved into the scanner she closed her eyes and when she opened them it was over and they was unstrapping her.

Doctor Ryan lead Tai to her office and gestured for Tai to sit. “Okay, I just need to ask you a few questions” “Okay” “Princess, on a rate from 1 to 10. How well do you think your mental capacity is?” “Um...A...3” “Why a 3?” “Because Project E-94 makes me do bad... Crazy things, and that makes it hard for me.” Tai was looked down at her shaking hands, “I see. Okay, on a rate from 1 to 10. How well do you think you can control Project E-94?” Doctor Ryan clasped her hands together and looked at Tai sharply. “If I tried hard enough.. maybe a 4 or 5” “That’s great” Doctor Ryan gave a slight smile. “On a rate from 1 to 10. How do you think the fear/guilt of people you care about impacts you?” Tai’s eyes widened with shock as she continued to stare at her shaking hands. “Princess? Are you alright?” Doctor Ryan reached her hand out to Tai. “Ye-yes, I’m..fine” Tai looked up at Doctor Ryan. “Can you answer my question?” “Yes. It hurts me a lot and I really really wish that I wouldn’t hurt them...I...I-” Tears started to fall from Tai’s eyes. “ It’s okay.. you don’t have to finish your sentence. I’ve got all I need” Doctor Ryan stood and handed Tai a tissue. “Come on it’s time to go back” Tai stood and followed the doctor out of the room.

“Antonio?” Tai walked into his room and noticed that he was laying on the bed. “Yes?” Antonio sat up and looked at Tai, “Doctor Ryan needs to speak with you” Tai turned and walked out of the room. Doctor Ryan walked into the room grabbed the chair from the desk and sat down across from Antonio. “Dixon, I have to go over the results with you.” Doctor Ryan looked over the papers and then looked up at Antonio. Tai sat outside of the room on the floor trying her best to listen in. ‘I wonder what they’re talking about’ ‘I’m so nervous. What if he thinks of me as a monster?’ Tai placed her hands on her blushing face. ‘What will he think of me? Well at least I didn’t tell her that I like him’ “Tai? Doctor Ryan needs to speak with you” Antonio looked down at Tai with a rather surprised look on his face.  Tai walked into the room while thinking ‘Oh no, did he see me blushing?’. “Princess, come sit. I forgot to ask you this one question.” Tai’s heart started racing scared that Doctor Ryan was going to ask her about Antonio.  “How do you feel about Dixon?” It was like Doctor Ryan had looked straight into Tai’s soul. Tai stared blankly at Doctor Ryan with the expression of complete shock, it felt as if time had stopped and that the room had gotten smaller. “It’s okay Tai, just go ahead. Say what’s needed.” Antonio looked at Tai with a reassuring face. “I-I can’t answer that question” Tai stammered, “It’s too personal!” Tai crossed her arms and looked away from Antonio and Doctor Ryan. “Honestly, I don’t see thats too personal...Unless you have special feelings towards him, Princess.” Doctor Ryan’s stare shot chills down Tai’s back, “I-I don’t have feelings for him! He’s just my gaurdian! Nothing more!” Tai looked at Doctor Ryan with a strong expression. Tai could feel her face getting hot which indicated that her face was turning red either from anger or embarrassment. “I asked you that question because I suspected that you liked him. By the way you’re blushing” Doctor Ryan looked down at her clipboard, Tai brought her knees up to her chest and ducked her head down in between her legs to hide her embarrassment. “Tai, do you have feelings for me?” Antonio looked at Tai curiously. “Tai, please answer me” Tai didn’t respond. “Doctor Ryan, can you leave. She might be too embarrassed to speak while you’re in here” “Okay, I have to put this responses in anyway” Doctor Ryan stood and walked out of the room. “Doctor Ryan is gone. We can talk now” Antonio placed his hand on Tai’s head, “Antonio...I-I lo-love...you” Tai lifted her head and looked at him with tears going down her face. “Tai, don’t cry. I understand that you have feelings from me but, you have to understand something too.” Antonio wiped the tears from Tai’s face. “And that is we could never be together.” “Why? Do you not feel the same?” “Well, not exactly. I love you but as relative not a lover and I’m too old for you” “You’re not that old, you’re only 24” “Yeah but you’re 14, that makes me too old for you” "Oh" Tai dropped her head. “It’s okay, when the times comes you’ll find the right person for you” Antonio lifted Tai’s head to meet his gaze, he gave her a slight smile and rubbed her head. “Don’t do that..” Tai pouted. “You know you’re going back to Earth tomorrow, right?” “Really?” “Yes, now come with me so lead you to your room” Antonio lead Tai out of the his room and down the corridor. “But I know where my hospital room is.” “Oh, I haven’t told you but you’ve been moved out of that room, You don’t need a hospital room anymore.” Antonio stopped at a door and grabbed the door handle. “Here’s your new room” Antonio opened the door and Tai walked in. “This looks like my room back on ARIA.” Tai looked around the room with happiness, “I got them to decorate it like this so you’ll feel more comfortable.” Antonio place his hand on Tai’s shoulder. “Thank you, Antonio” Tai turned and gave him a hug but she noticed what she was doing and quickly pushed herself away and turned back around. “Th-thank you…” “Heh, you’re welcome.” Antonio laughed. “You’re so adorable when you blush” “Shut up...” Tai turned and gave him a mean look. “But you do” “Shut up!” “Anyway, start preparing to leave, okay?” Antonio walked towards the door. “Okay. Wait, I want to ask a favor of you” Antonio turned and faced Tai. “What is it?” “I want you to cut my hair” “Cut your hair? Why?” “Because my hair is getting too long” Tai twisted her hair. “Are you sure?” “Yes, I want you to cut it ear length.” “Okay”

(...)

“Thank you, Antonio” Tai looked at herself in the mirror “I really like this hair style on me” “I’m glad you like it, but now on business terms. Prepare to go to Earth tomorrow, okay?” “Okay” Antonio walked out of the room and the door shut behind him. ‘I’m so glad I get to go back to Earth although I’m going to be there on a mission, I can still visit Ari. He probably thinks I’m dead.’ Tai closed her eyes thought back…. (“Tai!” Ari looked at Tai with fear and worry in his voice and eyes, “Ari, don’t worry. This my duty, I have to do in order to save you and the people of this world...” “Tai..” “It’s okay...Ari” Tai closed her eyes and in an instant Tai exploded into a flurry of little flares; as a flare landed in Ari’s hand..) Tai opened her eyes and began to prepare.

Chapter Five

Tai was getting dressed when she heard someone open the door. “Tai , I wanted to make sure you had everything for to-” A dead silence fell over the room as Tai turned and looked at Antonio sharply, Antonio diverted his eyes away from Tai’s body. “ I wanted to make sure you had everything for today.” Tai put her clothes on. “I’m dressed now, go ahead” Antonio grabbed Tai’s bag and looked in it. “Well it seems like you’re ready to go.” “Yes, I’ve fully prepare like you asked me too” “Well, come on.” Antonio started towards the door but Tai grabbed his hand, stopping him. “Antonio, can we forget about I said?” “Not a chance” Antonio pulled his arm away and walked out of the room, Tai followed with her head hanging.

“You ready to go?” The operator smiled gently at Tai “Yes” Tai stepped into the machine and looked at Antonio sharply. “Have a safe departure” Antonio nodded at Tai as the door closed and she dematerialized.  ‘Be safe Tai….’