Note: I do not own the photo, only the editing of the eyes

Next Day

General Narration

Everyone was in the living room talking while Max looked after Sage. Claude had to forcibly, put to sleep after refusing to leave Sage side.

Mikogami: "Well, on the bright side we finally, got Rhose to eat and get some sleep."

Sarutobi: "That's true. Knowing Sage, if she found out Rhose was doing that, she'll scold us all."

Tohofuhai: "Lady Linares, your daughter truly has a kind heart."

Mary smiled as she thought about her daughter.

Max P.O.V

I sat in Sage's room, when finally after 5 days I heard her moan. I look over at her to see her eyes were opening. Slowly, but opening. I neared her as she looked over at me.

Max: "Sage?"

Her eyes were fully opened. They were the color of the night sky with patches of green. It was like she was a completely different Sage.

Max: "Sage?"

I called again.

Sage: "Max."

She responded as she sat up slowly.

Max: "Easy. You lost a lot of blood."

Sage: "What happened all I remember is......Alucar--Rhose. Where's Rhose? Is he OK?"

Max: "Sage calm down. Don't get riled up. Rhose is fine. He's sleeping in the guest room. He wouldn't leave your side for four full days, he didn't eat or sleep so we had to kinda force him to do all that stuff."

Sage: "I swear, that man, I'm going to have to scold him."

Max: "Easy now. He's fine now. We were able to get him to sleep, thanks to Claude."

Sage sighed and sat back.

Max: "How do you feel? Any different?"

He asked as he starred at her now midnight colored eyes. She looked back at him, thinking of what to say.

Sage: "I feel better. Same as always."

Max was concerned for his sister as he raised his eyebrow, but dropped the matter.

Max: "I'm glad to hear. We've all been worried about you. Do you think I should tell them your awake."

Sage: "Maybe later I'm tired, right now."

Max: "Sure get your rest, little sister."

Max placed his hand on her head and ruffled her straight black hair. She pouted which was replaced by a smile.

Sage: "Thanks brother."

Max nodded as he stood up and left the room. As he did Sage sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

Sage P.O.V

What is this feeling? It feels like my body is hardening. All my insides just becoming hard as rock.

Flashback

Rhose: "I'm gonna make the pain go away. I'll make it go away."

End of flashback

Rhose. He was forced to do that. All because of me. I have the highest score in my training. Everyone fears to challenge me. But that time, I was a complete coward. I left it to my friends to deal with it. I made my dear mother cry. I made my joyful, beloved, sensei feel sorrow. I made my friend, do something against his will. They're suffering because of me.

General Narration

Sage turned in her bed and pulled the cover over her head. She bagan to cry thinking all the blame was on her.

~~~

9:00 p.m

Baldo P.O.V

My daughter was still in a coma. None of us knowing when she'll wake up or how she'll turn out. I had placed my wife on our bed, for I had been caring her for falling asleep on the couch. The masters had gone back to the dojo as Max and Kat went to their room to sleep for the night. Rhose was watching after Sage once again. Claude and I had said our goodnight's and went to our rooms. Claude went to the guest room we had leant him.

Rhose P.O.V

I watched as Sage slept. I placed my hand over her check as she breathed in and out. Sage. What if you never wake up? It'll be all my fault. I'm so sorry. I closed my eyes and sighed.

???: "You should get some sleep. I don't like it when you do that."

My eyes popped open. I looked over at Sage as she opened her eyes and looked at me. Her eyes were of a midnight color. She had changed.

Rhose: "Sage."

Sage: "You should be in bed."

Rhose: "There is no way I was ever going to leave your side. I was forced to yesterday."

Sage: "My family and masters now me well. If you had continued to neglect food and sleep I would be angry at you."

Rhose: "So they told me."

Sage chuckled lightly as I smiled sadly. It pained me to see her this way.

Rhose: "Sage, I'm so sorry."

Sage: "This wasn't your fault, Rhose. Do not to take the blame for my actions."

Rhose: "No. You wouldn't be in this state if you weren't my Keeper."

She was silent.

Sage: "Are you saying that you regret meeting me, or getting involved with me?"

It wasn't that I regretted meeting her, its just............. What is the matter with me?

I looked at her not knowing what else to say.

Rhose: "It's not that. Its just. I didn't want anyone to get hurt, because of me."

Sage's eyes gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at her. She caught me by surprise as her eyes were inches away from mine. She had a strong grip.

Sage: "Listen, if any of us here, that includes me, end up doing something reckless and pay the price for it, then it is because we chose to. Do you understand?"

I had never seen Sage this way before. The look in her eyes were.... What's the word I'm looking for?

Rhose: "I understand Sage."

She let go of my chin and sighed.

Rhose: "You should get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."

Sage: "Alright."

Sage P.O.V

Rhose stood up and placed his hand on my head. His face got nearer. I could fell my self blush a lot. He place a sweet and innocent kid on my forehead.

Rhose: "Goodnight Sage."

Sage: "G-goodnight Rhose. Sweet dreams."

Rhose: "You too."