~ Unknown Location ~

*3rd person*

Cody walked into the room of The Ember Child. With an interrogating expression and sought after pose, he collected himself for the upcoming conversation. He made sure to close the door behind himself as he made himself known. Isabella wasn't concerned that someone had walked into her house. After all, her door was always open. Although, she was a bit startled at his presence. She did as she was told and left Olivine alone.

So why is Cody here?

"Hey! I didn't touch her after the fight! I did as you--"

"That's not why I'm here," Cody brushed her off.

"Then why--"

"I came to talk," he simply sat down in the fancy red velvet coated chair and poured himself a cup of tea.

This was a signal that he was serious. Cody only drank warm tea during times of war and negotiation. Not to mention his favorite tea: Jasmine tea.

That was also Isabella's favorite tea, but she would never admit that.

"What is it that you want to talk about?" She sat in the seat across from him and poured a cup for herself.

"What we never had and anything you've heard about Gaia," he made sure to mark down their absent relationship.

Isabella was caught off guard with his forward approach. But she complied with his topics of choice. She drew a long sip to maintain her flaming composure.

"I haven't heard anything about Gaia since the first meeting," she crossed her legs.

Isabella was still wearing her clothes from earlier that day. A tight, scarlet crop top, eye catching short shorts, and dark red flip flops. Any male would fall for her revealing attire, but not Cody who was a man of business. He kept his eyes locked on hers and studied her movements.

What he came for was answers, not temptation.

"You and I both know that you're lying," Cody stated.

Isabella sighed and gave in, "All I know is that Gaia has been out of the picture since she abandoned Olivine."

"She didn't abandon her, she was forced to give her up," Cody corrected.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. But the council has been on the rocks due to her absence. Along with you who choses to side with the countries and mortals," she spoke in a tone of disgust.

"Bella, the times have changed. They don't despise us anymore. We can fit right in even if our hair is an unnatural color. Plus they'll think our bending is just like a magic trick. They're easier to fool these days."

"Tell that to the council! As stuck up as they are they might as well be our overprotective mothers. But I still believe that the mortals should remain our loyal subjects. We don't need anarchy in the monarchy."

"Not all civilizations are a monarchy these days, Empress Isabella," He drew out her title sarcastically.

The tension thickened as mental insults were flung across the room. Cody sighed and sipped the last of his tea before pouring himself another cup.

"I want to make amends between us," he proposed. "Olivine and I are not exactly dating, but I plan to become one with her. I want to apologize for--"

"I don't need your sympathy..." she spat rather roughly. Her hair of cinders brushed her shoulders as she moved away from the conversation. Frustrated, she gazed out her windowsill and huffed like a child.

Cody set his cup down and approached her to attempt once more, "I'm sorry for being so harsh--"

"I said I don't need your damn sympathy!" Her protest was childish.

This is the exact reason why he never wanted to do this again. Isabella is a hard person to talk to, especially when its about sensitive topics involving herself. Cody let her gather herself before speaking softer.

"We both know that this will never end until you accept the truth."

"Then I never want to accept it! you just don't fucking understand how I feeling about this!" Her temper was over the top.

Sighing in annoyance, he talked in a way to get her to express her feelings, "Bella-- Isabella... Just talk to me. Slap me if you need to, but keeping your emotions bottled up isn't helping you--"

Smack! Right across his face. Isabella was in tears, her body trembled, her fists were clenched.

"Of course It's not fucking helping me! But it's not like I can talk to someone about it! YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS ALONE!"

Silence filled the room.

"What we are... what our existence stands for... we were meant to live alone, grow up alone, and fight alone. Our powers were to great for tag battles or even to create a closer relationship. But you... you broke all of the rules... and I loved that about you," Isabella held back waves of incoming tears.

"I loved it so much that... that I ended up falling for you. I wanted what you wanted: someone to be with. Someone to accompany you in this lonely world of humans and countries. But you found her... she stole my limelight and gained what I wanted."

Cody stood in a daze. He wasn't one to be oblivious, but he never knew her side of the story. She never told him. He just thought that she was an obnoxious, whiney, crude girl that stalked him from time to time. He later caught on that she liked him. However, to this extent never crossed his mind.

"But that was a long time ago, why is that still bothering you?" He pressed.

"Why? Why?! You... you don't even deserve to know," she passed by him and headed for the door.

"Isabella, stop!" Cody held onto her wrist.

"No! let me go!" she tried to break free from his strong grip.

"Not until you tell me why," his voice held power in this time of desperation. Calm, yet seeking.

"No!"

"Isabella, don't be difficult--"

"It's because I still love you!"

...

...

...

What?

His grip fell as the realization hit him like a freight train.

"I... I still love you, okay? I know that you already have fallen for Olivine. I know that I don't have a chance. But even through all of that truth, my bonfire still burns for you. Its so fucking cliché but its true. And I hate it... I hate that I love you," Isabella was too ashamed to show her face.

Cody was still in shock from her confession. He didn't know how to respond to her distressing tone. Soon after, he spotted the bottle of anti-depressants on her nightstand. A split second later and Isabella leapt for them. He managed to hold her down as she franticly reached for the bottle. She trashed, kicked, pleaded, sobbed. She did everything but Firebend to break free. She would never hurt the only person that she ever loved.

"Isabella, you don't need to result to that! Don't do this to yourself! You and I both know that it won't work," Cody reasoned.

"But I have to try something! What else can I fucking do?! I don't have anybody... I'm so alone! Why can't I just die like the ignorant plebeians? Why do I have to live this immortal life of pain and suffering? Why do I have to be so alone..." Crying was an understatement, grieving in self pity was more like it.

Isabella fell to the floor with her head in her hands. Her image was beyond sad, it was pitiful to her. This moment angered her more and more. Her weakness was her downfall and her emotions possessed her actions. Like all immortal beings, she has tried to kill herself numerous times. But out of all the immortal beings that have walked on this Earth, she is the only one to have been torn between loving someone that she could never have and hating the person she fell for.

"Ever... ever since Gaia disappeared... I've never had the chance to claim anyone else as a mother. She always told us that we could call her Mama. But I knew that it wouldn't feel right since I'm not her child..." The weeping girl hugged her knees.

The standby wrapped his arms around her, understanding her pain and suffering. He couldn't just stand there and watch her cry; he had to do something. Even though he utterly despised her, not just because they're water and fire, he couldn't bear a girl crying out for help.

Especially of its for the same reason as his.

~ In The Second Dimension ~
(Yes this is happening)

*Olivia's POV*

The day at the mall was pretty fun. Allen bought me a pair of converse that I fell in love with. They were jet black with neon pink laces and stitches. There was a black and neon pink plaid pattern on the inside. Trevor was as flirtatious as usual while Cadence continued to scold him. I received so many compliments on my "tattoos" from random people, a major boost in my confidence occurred from this. I'm wearing the dress that Allen bought for me and I placed the belt on too. To my surprise, it all went together in a perfect ensemble

When we came back, I put on a performance for our friends. The only song I knew how to play was Canon in D. I made it my goal to learn how to play more songs in the free time that I have. I learned that Allen is a vegetarian because of his love for animals and that he loves his lip piercings. All in all, things are going pretty great for me. The summer will be over soon and the air will become colder. Not like I care, but It'll be nice to see what fall, or autumn, actually looks like.

"Pumpka! Kab kab!" Pumpkaboo always tends to get restless around night time. I think it's because he's a little ghost.

"Hey liv~" Allen called from his room.

"What is it this time, Allen?" I was trying my best to not cut myself again. The dishwasher can be brutal too.

"Can you bring me some gauze and bandages?" He walked into the living room as exposed himself.

"Good heavens! What in the cupcake happened to you?!" Ollie's "swear words" rubbed off on me.

"First, I need to teach you how to curse; second, I kinda got into a fight. Well... yeah... I didn't win..."

"Who did you fight?" I quickly washed my hands before finding the first aid kit.

"Ah... your 1p..." he didn't sound proud.

My body froze, "That little bitch beat you up?"

"Looks like I won't be teaching you after all," he stated nonchalantly.

"She's that strong? I mean, you wouldn't have had a chance anyway--"

"Hey! I deserve some credit!" He sat on the couch rather forcefully.

I snapped back into reality and tended to the cuts and bruises on his face. He had a black eye, his face was swollen, his chest was battered, and his limbs turned purple from the infliction.

"I underestimated her again. She never ceases to amaze me... that naive little cunt,"

"Woah, what's got your panties in a bunch?" he slightly backed away from me.

"What? What did I say?" My mind felt a bit fuzzy.

"You just called your 1p a cunt, are you sure that you're okay? You just said it..."

"I don't remember saying that. I asked you who beat you up, you plopped down on the couch, then I tended to your bruises," I recalled what I remembered.

"That's odd..." He looked as if he was going to try something. "Hey, who is Olivine to you?"

"She's the one who ruined my life. That happy-go-lucky dipshit pisses me off with her constant optimism. Someone needs to bitchslap some goddamn sense into her."

"Okay... who am I to you?"

"You're my slightly protective older brother who I care for. Even though you are quick to start a fight, I know that you put family first. Sometimes, I worry about you," I placed a bandage around his head.

"Do you remember what I first asked you?" he moved closer to my eyes.

"You only asked me what I think of you," I replied in truth.

"No, before that."

"You didn't ask my anything before that."

We were both silent for the longest time. Pumpkaboo became curious and floated over to us. He seemed a little unsettled when he looked at me, almost like... he was scared.

"Olivia... I think you have multiple personalities. Every time you talk about Olivia, your eyes turn a brighter shade of red. Then you forget what you just said to me. I might be wrong, but with you, anything could be a possibility."

"Kaboo..." Pumpkaboo held a saddened expression.

I felt something shift in my head. An excruciating pain pushed me to the ground along with the harsh ringing in my ears. My vision blurred so much that the world became only spots of color. The pounding in my body, the memory of prodding needles in unimaginable places, the sound of screaming from the sight of blood.

The area was dark, just like it was inside of Olivine's head. Flashes of that lab with splashed crimson walls changed the scene. The feel of plasma running between my fingers, the scent of rotted flesh, the sight of carcasses dressed in white lab coats. I shook uncontrollably from the sight that changed me.

I had forgotten the first time I killed someone. I had forgotten that I had killed half of the whole team of scientists. I murdered each and every one of them, singlehandedly with their own tools. All 50 of them.

~ Time Skip ~

Someone is carrying me. They have a strong but comfortable hold on me. The scent of sweet green tea emits off of them as the scenery plays. It was sunny; it was daytime, even thought it was just night. Did I sleep? Who is carrying me? It doesn't feel like Allen...

"Okiru, Hime-sama," Kuro spoke soft for the first time. (Wake up, Princess)

I found myself holding onto him as I got used to the rhythm of his ninja-like footsteps. I didn't want to fall asleep again, but his hold felt like heaven. I think it's called the princess cradle or bridal style. I grasped his shirt, took in his sweet green tea scent, and smiled like I've never done before.

"Kuro?" I asked without looking at his face.

"Hai?" He responded.

"Where are we? And... what happened? I remember... I think..."

"Your darkness was trying to take over your body. You shourd take better care of your mentar hearth," he advised with an understanding tone.

"Forgive me, it was a surprise to me too. I didn't have control over what I was saying..."

He stopped at a round tree and set me down upon the soft grass. I was wrapped in his black uniform jacket, that felt like a blanket, to keep me warm. My clothes were different than before, they were my night clothes. A simple creme colored gown with ruffles at the bottom and a black trim. It was a little transparent and that embarrassed me.

I grasped my surroundings a bit more and concluded that he brought me to the forest behind Allen's house. Kuro sighed and positioned himself on his knees, turning to face me. I saw him bow his head in the deepest of apologies.

"Yurushite, hime-sama. I shourd have made it sooner. My tardiness has caused your injury," he spoke with utmost respect. (Forgive me, Princess)

"Kuro, you don't need to apologize for anything. This wasn't your fault, it wasn't anyone's fault. You don't have to be so formal with me," I pleaded.

"I have to if I'm going to protect you. If I ret personar affairs become the priority..." his voice trailed off.

Personal affairs? What are those? Does it have something to do with me?

"Kuro, I'm glad to know that you care about me, but you don't have to--" I tried to get up, but a sharp pain in my head brought me crashing down.

I fell into his arms and held onto his clothing. Wincing in pain, I felt him hold me close until the pain subsided. I immediately looked up to see how close we were. So close, that I was now in his lap. An odd feeling erupted in my chest, it was tight and very uncomfortable.

"Daijoubu desu ka?" Our positions didn't faze him. (Are you alright?)

I nodded and found the grass. He then pulled something out of his messenger bag and placed it in my ears. They were red and black earbuds that were connected to a modern cell phone. The phone had different charms on the case.

"Kiite kudasai," was all he said until the music started playing. (Please listen)

The song was really upbeat and something I've never heard before. The person was singing about this "Pika girl" and I guessed that it had something to do with Pokémon. I actually was enjoying it, the music reminded me of the rave that we had when I first came to America. When the song was over, I gave him back his belongings and thanked him to the experience. He then brushed the hair out of my face and kept his bland expression.

"I didn't know that you were into race patterns," he muttered as he closed his jacket around my shoulders.

I blushed fiercely. Because of my skin being so very pale, even the slightest blush will show a deep, deep red. I had forgotten that my undergarments were a black lace pattern. Also the fact that he can basically see my body if it wasn't for his jacket.

At least he is being modest.

"Kawaii..." he breathed with the slightest of emotion. I could swear that he smiled, it's really hard to tell, but I just know that he did.

And Kuro never smiles. At least... not when I'm around.

"I'm not... cute," I gazed away.

"Yes you are, I wourdn't do this if you weren't," he held my chin lightly as he moved closer.

What's going on?  Why is he moving closer? Wait.. wha-- His lips touched mine! My heart is beating so fast, I can't move, my lips are doing what his are doing. This feels so... pleasurable. I.... I like this feeling. No wait, don't pull away! Come back happy feeling!

When I opened my eyes, I witnessed the slyest smirk appear on his face. My hands covered my heated lips. The feeling in my chest worsened and my face was on fire.

"I'm guessing that was your first?" he inquired.

I nodded slowly. My face must have been as bright as a strawberry.

"Hime-sama, I carried you from your room to make you feer better. I hope I wasn't of any inconvince," he quickly changed the subject.

Don't change the subject! Explain why you did that to me!

"No need to apologize. I'm actually enjoying this time..." I had to stop myself before I said the wrong thing. Kuro had a knowing expression as I tried to not act so embarrassed.

"Kuro~" I half whined, half protested.

"Nani?" He acted like he didn't know anything.

"Is there another reason why you brought me out here?" I pressed, calming down.

He paused and sighed, "Hai, I wanted to rediscover my priorities and protect what is important. I wanted you here so I courd decide what I shourd focus on."

"Well, did you find what you were looking for?" I took in his scent from his jacket.

Suddenly, the most peculiar thing happened. Kuro actually smiled. A true, genuine, heart-felt smile. It was the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen.

"Hai," I felt him set me into his lap once again, "mitsuketa deshita." My body reacted with his trancing eyes as he reached up for another kiss, making this one longer than the last. (Yes, I found you)

What was that about personal affairs? I think that he forgot about those.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Song: Pika Girl by S3RL (Headphones/earbuds recommended)

Isn't rave music the best?

Sorry about not having any water action, It'll be next time. I had to settle the score on some things. But ain't it sweet? Olivia got her first kiss :3

Oliver won't be so happy about that XD

Remember to Comment & Vote my Luckies!

BAI~! ☆〜（ゝ。∂）