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Alrighty. Chapter Three is underway.

Disclaimer stuff: PPGZ, Sailor Moon YuYu Hakusho, Yugioh, and Digimon are owned by their respective creators. Thanks to Wolfbane for usage of Vega Hunter. Takuya  and Kyoshiro Shimabara, Lunar Blade, Kenji the Fox Demon, Ryudamon Alia, and Commanddramon Ericks are mine. Sakaki, Atoli, Matsu, Hiiragi, Bordeaux, Phyllo, Skeith, Haseo, and Alkaid are all property of CyberConnect2's .hack//G.U. seires

I've decided on an opening theme. "Touch me!" From the PPGZ final episode. I feel it has the perfect theme for the story for now. Anyways, dig in, Readers!

===

Demashita!Powerpuff Girls ZX: Twin Souls

Opening Theme 'Touch Me!' plays)

Chapter Three: Alia and Ericks Arrive! New Tamers!

----

Tokyo, Shibuya Station, 3:57 PM

A familiar blonde with Italian threads stood eyeing the TV. Izumi Orimoto was watching the update on the search for the Shimabara Dojo's heir,and was dissappointed with what was being said. Even the announcer was in disbelief at the reportin her hands.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we've just received word that after two months of intense searching from both Nations, There has been no progress, and it appears as if the Kidnapper who stole Shimabara Takuya from the intensive care unit in Los Angeles has simply vanished from existance. As such, the search has been called off. To the victim's family, we at Sakura TV send our condolances and prayers for the safe return of their son."

Izumi put her hand over her mouth as the words sank in. Her neighbor, Kazuma Kuwabara, had been with her today as her boyfriend was out of town.

"Awful."

"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed. "But what else can we do? I suppose I'll go tell Urameshi and his buddies.I'll see ya later, Izumi-Chan."

Izumi gave him a hug and they split up, him heading for Yusuke's house, and her headed to Rika Nonaka's house to let them know, and to listen to Takato's band practice. However, as she neared the house, she spotted Renamon. The golden vulpine Digimon waited for Izumi to approach, then she spoke gently.

"Izumi-Chan, you seem sad. What's wrong?"

"Renamon? Where's Rika-Chan and the others? I saw something on the news just now that they should know."

Renamon nodded and led Izumi towards the garage where the others where. The blonde teen took one look at them, then threw her arms around Rika,letting the tears fall freely. Takato and the others were stunned that Izumi had broken down so suddenly, but when she explained about the search being called off, they felt sympathy.

-----

An hour later, Miyako, Momoko, and Kaoru sat in the lab, waiting for Xin to speak. Ken, Peach, and the Professor were also sitting down.

"What's wrong, da wan?" Peach asked.

Xin scratched his head, trying to think of how to say it without making Miyako lose it, but he couldn't.

"Well, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll be blunt. They called off the search for Takuya-San's kidnapper."

Miyako said nothing, but stood and put her arms around Xin, crying silently into his chest. Momoko and Kaoru were both too shocked to speak, but Peach spoke the very thing all three girls had thought.

"They gave up? That's...that's...Wakaranai, da WAN!!"

With that, Peach bolted from the room, his tears trailing behind him. Ken tried not to cry, but Takuya had been like an older brother to him, and even Utonium-Hakase and his wife felt like they'd gained a second son whenever he was around. Momoko couldn't think of anything to say, and Kaoru was in tears, crying openly, even though she hardly made a sound. Although Miyako had been dating Takuya, the tomboyish raven-haired girl had fallen hopelessly in love with him.

"S-so that's it, then? They're just giving up? Then I'm outta here. I need some time to clear my head, otherwise I might seriously hurt the next person I fight with."

She quickly transformed into her Z state, Powered Buttercup, and took off out the window to god knows where, leaving her compact behind. Momoko simply headed out the door, saying nothing. Miyako looked at the Professor from Xin's arms.

"Hakase-San, I'm going home. I won't fight as Rolling Bubbles for a few days, just to let you know in advance.."

And to prove herself true to her words, she removed the belt from her waist and set it on the desk. Then she picked up her purse and backpack and caught a bus to her home where she stayed with her grandmother. As soon as she walked in the door and took off her shoes, she ran to her room, the first time she'd ever run in the house, and her grandma was worried.

"Miyako-Chan?" she asked, knocking on the blonde's bedroom door. "May I come in,, dear?"

"Huh? Yes, Obaa-Chan."

The older woman sat on the edge of her granddaughter's bed and put her arms around her as Miyako started crying loudly into her arms.

"Th-they gave up, Obaa-Chan! Th-they s-stopped l-l-looking for Ta-Takuya-K-Kun!!" Miyako said, between sobs.

-----

As Miyako tried to gain comfort from her grandmother and Momoko from her father, Kaoru had gone to the one person she felt she could talk to about such feelings that felt so alien to her. And that person was her deep violet-haired neighbor, Setsuna Meioh. Kaoru knew nothing about Setsuna being Sailor Pluto, even though the elder woman did know about Kaoru's secret Senshi identity.

"I don't know what to do, Setsuna-Nee-San. This is the first time that I felt totally helpless, and I don't know what this pain in my heart means. Can...can you help me?"

Setsuna hugged the teen, allowing Kaoru to cry as long as she needed. Setsuna knew how much the girl had loved Takuya, and even now, she felt a twinge of jealousy from the girl.

"Kaoru-Chan, without the beasts, and listening soley to your heart, what do you hear? What do you feel? It's pefectly natural to feel pain and fear once someone precious has been taken away."

Setsuna had heard the report, and Hotaru had gone to Hikawa Shrine to tell Rei and Cammy, but the Guardian of Time still had one last thing to say before hearing Kaoru's side. She held out her hand, and a soft violet glow began to appear in the form of a staff, and Kaoru's eyes grew wide.

"Kaoru-Chan, there is something that I wish to tell you. You are a fan of the Sailor Senshi, right?"

Kaoru nodded, not having the faintest idea where this was going.

"What about them, Setsuna-Nee-San?"

Setsuna's eyes held a smile that Kaoru had seen only when Takuya had revealed his identity. This gave Kaoru an unintended hint.

"Wait, don't tell me you're one of 'em!"

As if in response to Kaoru's plea, the Garnet Rod materialized before her very eyes. The tomboy stared in awe as Setsuna revealed that she was indeed Sailor Pluto. Then the Time Guardian smiled softly at her neighbor and spoke with a kindness that Kaoru had not heard from anyone but Takuya.

"Kaoru-Chan, I am Sailor Pluto,Guradian of Time. I also happen to know of your secret henshin identity as Powered Buttercup of the Powerpuff Girls Z."

"Wha-? How the hell did you know that?!" Kaoru asked, starting to blush.

Setsuna giggled coyly in response, which just made Kaoru blush deeper. As they sat talking, Setsuna suddenly tensed as she felt a warphole opening close by. Kaoru jumped to her feet and reaching for her compact.

"So you felt it too, Kaoru-Chan?"

"Hell yeah! It doesn't seem evil, but it still don't sit right with me. I'm gonna go check it out."

With that, Kaoru opened the compact and cried out the words that she had come to love as much as her own family.

"PAWADO BATAKAPPU!!"

As Kaoru began to transform, she noticed a glowing blue light that resembled the data stream she'd witnessed on television three years ago watching the Pharoahmon tournament. As soon as she had her hammer in hand, she bowed to Setsuna.

"I'll take my leave, Setsuna-Nee-San."

-----

From the light, which somehow happened to be in Miyako's back yard, stepped forth two Digimon. One looked like a blue-camo version of Augmon or Guilmon with combat armor and an M-16 on his back. The other looked like a bipedal dragonic beast with samurai armor and a necklace with a violet jewel around her neck. It was this Ryudamon who spoke first.

"Ericks-Kun, are you sure this is where we are to meet the one mentioned in your Father's letter?"

"Positive, Alia-Chan. Now we just gotta get our bearings on this world's directions here. That warp left me a bit loopy."

As the two Digimon focused on getting their minds re-orientated with directionals, a familiar pair arrived on the scene. The red-head pointed at the Digimon and was at a loss for words as the raven-haired girl spoke.

"Woah! Those are Digimon! Momoko-San! We're looking at real Digimon!"

"I...I...I...don't belive it!"

Alia was the first to speak, bowing politely in true samurai fashion.

"Young Humans, my name is Alia. My partner here is Ericks. We are looking for a young female named....named, um....Ericks-Kun, what was her name, again?"

Ericks smacked his forehead. Usually, Alia was quick to remember names.

"Gotokuji Miyako is our objective. Would you young ladies happen to know where we could find her?"

Before either of the girls could respond, the voice of the blonde came from behind them. Her hair was down for the first time in years, and the way it cascaded down her back, coupled with her white gown, made her look like a princess.

"That would be me. What can I do for you kind Digimon?"

The two digital beings bowed politely to Miyako as Kaoru sat down on the ground. Hiei was in the trees nearby, having paused in his walk due to the two new Digimon. He eyed the two critters with an eye of interest.

"Lady Gotokuji," Alia said. "I am Alia, member of Hisyaryumon's Tribe. My companion is Ericks. "

"I am the heir to the tribe led by Tankdramon, my Father. We have come here on behalf of our leaders in order to prepare for the upcoming calamity that Father has forseen."

-----

Bullet Train, between Nara and Shinjuku, 6:45 PM

Two familiar figures sat on the train somewhere between Nara and Shinjuku. One was a raven-haired boy wearing a green highschool uniform, and his companion, who stood at least a head and a half taller than him, wore a blue version. The taller boy glanced down at his friend while his red hair glistened in the setting sunlight.

"So, Urameshi. What do you think of the way things have turned out?" Kazuma Kuwabara asked.

"It sucks, Kuwabara. That's what. The Dojo's heir was the best sparring parnter outside of you guys I've had since we fought with Sensui."

Yusuke Urameshi was pissed that the search for the kidnapped boy had been called off. In fact, the two of them were on their way to the Shimabura Dojo in Shinjuku to offer whatever help they could for the absence of their son. Sitting across from the Spirit Detectives was a silver-haired boy who looked almost exactly like Kurama, except that he had fox ears sticking out of his hair and a long bushy tail. His eyes were a soft marine blue, and he had two whisker-like markings on each cheek. Sleeping on this fellow's shoulder was the Grim Reaper, herself. The blue-haired girl, Botan, was fast asleep, and the sunlight reflected itself off of the stone in the new ring on her left hand. The silver-haired fox-boy spoke calmly, like Kurama, but with an air of experience that resembled Omegamon's.

"I, too, am greatly disturbed at this news, Yusuke-San. I almost fear Botan's reaction when she hears of this. I know that my Brother will be displeased when he hears of the Shimabura family's loss."

Yusuke glanced from the passing scenery at the man. Though Botan had known him for quite a while, Yusuke was still adjusting to this man's presence.

"Of course Kurama's gonna be pissed! That boy was as much a lover of nature as he was! By the way, Kenji. How do you know Botan again?"

Kenji smiled as he ran his fingers through Botan's hair.

"I met her shortly after Brother was exiled from the Spirit World. I saved her from a rather rude A-Class demon that had only her innocence on his mind. We eventually fell in love, and now that the Rajita invasion is over with, We can finally continue with our marriage plans."

"Oh yeah, I remember her saying something about a fiance. So it was you she was talkin' about, Kenji?" Kuwabara interjected, his eyes clearly remembering those words.

"Indeed. Ah, it appears our stop is here." Kenji responded, gently waking Botan. However, the girl was half asleep as she mumbled.

"Where's..where's the chocolate?"

This caused the boys to laugh as she realized she'd fallen asleep.

-----

America, Los Angeles California, 2:14 AM, 30 minutes after Train sequence

Vega was pacing the floor of the hotel room that he'd rented with Amy and Hotaru. As Hotaru slept rather peacefully for the first time since Takuya's kidnapping, Amy tried to calm Vega.

"Vega-Kun, please try to get some sleep. We won't be able to do anything until morning, anyways." Amy said, pulling a strand of her blue hair from her eyes. She didn't like seeing Vega so wound up.

"I know, but why would they call off the search? Didn't they have some clues?" Vega asked as he paused for a moment. He stared at the moon, remembering the battle that had taken place there three years prior. "Didn't they have that Ryuzaki guy on the case?"

Hotaru stirred, and a single tear fell down the sleeping girl's cheek as she slept. She whispered Takuya's name under her breath, and Amy couldn't help but feel sorrow for her at having lost the one boy she'd loved.

"Yes, but even he couldn't find anything. And now he's in Japan working on some new case. But that doesn't matter, Vega-Kun. What's important is that we get some sleep and take this anew in the morning."

Amy closed teh book she'd been reading and climbed out of the bed, and the moonlight glistened off of the blue nightgown she was wearing. She hugged Vega, and he kissed her. Yet, even though he freely showed his affection, He seemed a bit nervous for reasons other than Takuya's kidnapping. Unbeknownst to Amy, Vega had a diamond ring in his pocket that he planned to give her at breakfast.

"Yeah, I guess your right. I just hope Hotaru doesn't break down too badly when she learns of this." He said, dreading telling Hotaru taht the search had been cancelled.

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location Unknown, 5:36 AM, 90 minutes after Vega and Amy's conversation

A very efeminate guy with wavy shoulder-length blonde hair with red-streaked bangs and an outfit that would be revealing on a woman gazed upon the snowy-haired child strapped to the table before them. A sneer played upon his lips as he spoke with a voice that hinted strongly that he was gay. [[Which I, the author, have nothing against. Your way of life, not my business]]

"Lord Sakaki, is this pretty little boy really the key to your glorious plan? I mean, he looks younger than Zelkova!"

Sakaki simply glanced at this fellow before speaking plainly. His own voice was as cocky as when he'd stolen Takuya from the hospital in LA months earlier.

"Of course, Hiiragi. The hole in his chest is just the right size for Aida to rest and regain her strength."

Before Hiiragi could speak again, a red-headed teen with an X-shaped shirt and a strong will spoke up.

"Whatever. As long as I get to fight him later, I don't care what happens to Haseo's player. Just give me the word, Sakaki."

Sakaki smiled at his firey-haired companion's aspicious attitude. However, when he spoke, it was more like appraisal than a rebuke.

"Calm yourself Matsu. We still need to be sure Atoli is keeping up her end of the deal."

Sakaki smiled maliciously as a young blonde teenage girl entered the room, as if in response to his words. She wore a seafoam green cross-strap dress that extended halfway down her thighs, like a miniskirt, as well as white knee-high boots that added an inch or two to her height. She carried a small staff that resembled a six-petaled halo around a single bulb-like flower. She looked very much emotionally defeated as she spoke softly.

"I...I did what you asked, Sakaki. Please, let him go. You promised!"

Sakaki merely laughed. His voice took on a tone that seemed like he'd been high the whole time.

"Ha ha ha! Promise? My dear Atoli, I said no such thing! Hiiragi, Matsu, Take Atoli to her chamber and make sure she gets the 'Royal Treatment' today. The show starts this evening with the setting sun!"

Matsu and Hiiragi obeyed, dragging Atoli to a secluded room and locking her in, where the poor girl proceeded to cry not for herself, but for Takuya.

-----

Undefined Realm Takuya's Mind, Shortly after Atoli's appearance

Takuya stood in a pure white room with only a single stack of coinlockers visible to him. He woke to find himself facedown on the ground about thirty or thirty-five feet away from the lockers, and when he sat up, he said only one phrase, which echoed in the emptiness around him.

"I know those lockers..."

He stood slowly, checking to see he was in his true form, and NOT his character Haseo. He looked at the lockers as he heard a single musical note, an 'A in C Major', which he instantly recognized as the sounding note that signalled when he shifted into his Avatar State online, and he turned and ran as far as he could before having to need to stop for air.

"Why am I able to hear the note signaling me calling for Skeith?! I'm not logged into the WORLD, am I? What the hell is going on?"

In response to his outcry, he heard a deep voice, one not unlike a kind sage..

"So you awaken."

"Phy-Phyllo?! Where are you?!"

A small, tanooki-like creature materialized and hovered besides him. The small beast's eyes held a kindness that Takuya had long since missed.

"Well, I'm here because the Aida that hides within that locker is actually an Aida Core that Sakaki has placed within your body's hole. That and your soul cried out to me while you were unconscious."

As Takuya hugged the beast-like form of his old mentor, he felt a sudden pain within the hole that Phyllo had mentioned, then looked at him with total confusion.

"Wait a sec, Phyllo, how do you know about my curse hole? I never once told you about it."

Before Phyllo could respond, the 'A Note' sounded again, and a large creature withits torso missing, arms and legs like sickles, eye-like shoulders, red eyes, sharply curved horns that sat like a broken halo, and numerous swors floating behind it like wings appeared, its three eyes glowing bright red, and it spoke with a demonic voice.

"It was I who revealed the information to the Spirit of Phyllo."

Takuya looked at the creature and frowned. He had not called for his Avatar, and he knew he was nowhere near his computer.

"Skeith...I should've known...."

"Now now, Takuya. You should be resting, not arguing with your own avatar. Skeith is actually quite friendly outside of 'The WORLD' you know."

Before Phyllo could say another word, the lockers flew open, and a large creature that looked like a transparent angler-fish with a large data-core type center appeared, sending a thousand tendrils through Takuya's chest and head, causing his body to scream out in pain.

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location uknown

Atoli flinched as Takuya screamed. Matsu and Hiiragi both laughed. Hiiragi was first to speak once the boy's voice had died.

"Lord Sakaki, what is your wish with this boy? And what about his woman?"

Atoli blushed at Hiiragi's words as Sakaki spoke.

"Nothing to worry about, Hiiragi. I have Haseo and both his women, Atoli and the blonde girl in Japan, at my mercy. Just keep him alive long enough for AIDA to work her magic."

Matsu and Hiiragi nodded. This was going to be a long day, indeed.

-----

Tokyo, Miyako Gotokuji's residence, 8:03 PM

Alia and ericks had just finished explaining their mission, and the three girls, as well as Kiyoko, Miyako's Grandmother, were pale with shock. Kaoru stood and headed for the door.

"I gotta tell Setsuna-Ne-San!" she said, trying to hurriedly tie her shoelaces.

Everyone looked at her like she had just said she was going to ask a boy on a date. They wondered wwhy she'd need to let her neighbor know, and Kiyoko spoke up on this factor.

"Kaoru-Chsn, why do you feel the need to tell your neighbor?"

Kaoru looked over her shoulder at them.

"It's because she knows the Sailr Senshi. I know that she'll tell Sailor Pluto, and Pluto-Sama will let  all her allies know about this."

The girls simply looked at her in disbelief. The Digimon knew the truth, but they said nothing. Kiyoko, however, smiled at this news.

"Well, let Setsuna-Chan know that I said hello to Pluto-Sama."

Miyako looked at her grandmother like she'd just said a phrase from the younger generations correctly.

"O-...Oba-Chan!! You know Sailor Plutio?!"

All three girls gawked at her, and the Digimon smiled.They knew about this as well. Kiyoko turned to the young Ryudamon female and the young Commandramon male and smiled.

"Alia-Chan, Ericks-Kun. Please inform your Clans that my Granddaughter and her friends will gladly assist you. And Alia-Chan?"

"Yes, Ma'am?" Alia said, wondering what Kiyoko had in mind.

"Please let your Clan's heir have this when you return. Tell him an old friend said thanks for the fun times."

Kiyoko handed alia  a small wood carving and a scroll. The carving was an exact mini-replica of Hisyaryumon' son, and the scroll was obviously a traditional painting.

"I shall do that with honor."

Kaoru opened the door, and she got knocked to the ground as she collided with a strongly-built man in a silver gi. He apologized and helped her up as Kiyoko spoke from the other room.

"Kaoru-Chan, Setsuna-San can wait till morning. Bring our guest here please."

When Kaoru returned to the dining room, she had with her a fairly tall man with long, wild silver hair that was tied back in a very shaggy ponytail. His golden eyes shone with a sense of sadness, kindness, and strength all at the same time. Strapped to his back were a pari of katanas, one sheathed in red, the other in blue, and strapped to his left thigh was a pouch that Momoko instantly recognized as a ninja's kunai holster. his forehead was guarded by a red sash with a metal plate that had the Shimabara Crest engraved on it. his face from his nose and below his eyes down was hidden by a jet black mask, and he held a single small scroll in his right hand. Miyako recognized him instantly.She felt tears form anew in her eyes just looking at this man, and she walked up to him calmly, shook his hand, and then collapsed into his arms, crying like she had at the news of the called-off search. He put his free hand on the back of her head as he knelt down to her eye level and hugged her close to him, drawing confused looks from the Digimon, Momoko, and Kaoru. Kiyoko spoke gently to this man.

"My granddaughter expresses freely what I cannot, my friend. We all feel tremendous grief at the loss of your son and the failed search."

The man spoke in kind, a sens of extreme sadness in his regal voice that was stained with restrained tears.

"Kiyoko-Chan, I thank you for your kindness. I only hope we can find him before Miyako-Chan's heart is too gravely wounded to find love again."

He spotted the Ryudamon and Commandramon and nodded to them, sensing the old ways in the both of them. Kaoru looked at him with confusion.

"Hey, Mister. Just who are you, anyways?" she asked. She too had felt torn at the news of Takuya's cancelled search party, but she had yet to cry openly.

The silver-haired ninja, for that's what he was, looked at her with compassion.

"You are Matsubara Kaoru-Chan, are you not?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

He looked at Miyako, who nodded, and then he went to Kaoru and knelt down, surprising them all by pulling the tomboy into a close embrace that only a father could prooduce, and he rested her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for always being there for my son when he was in danger, and thank you for your love for him."

Kaoru's face turned beet red as Momoko spoke.

"Wh-what are you doing hugging her like that?! Besides, she doesn't love anybody! She's a tomboy, and as tough as Kare any day!"

Miyako wipeed her eyes with the heel of her hand an dspoke softly.

"Momoko-San, this is Takuya-Kun's father, Shimabara Kyoshiro. If it wasn't for his family's help years ago, I wouldn't be here because Oba-Chan would have died before my Mama had been born."

Kyoshiro blushed slightly, and Kiyoko nodded slightly.

"It's alright Kyoshiro-Kun. since the weather is starting to become bad, we shall all spend the night here. We have plenty of spare rooms."

And she was right.  A flash of lightning and a peal of loud thunder boomed outside as the rain that the weatherman had promised came down suddenly and heavily. Alia involuntarily flinched at the thunder, and Ericks held her close. Kaoru looked outside and pulled out her cell phone.

"I hope we can still get one call in before the lines go down. I gotta let Papa and Mom know I'm staying here."

"Not me." Momoko said. "I already asked my parents if I could stay the night, and they said yes."

"My wife knows I'll be staying here again tonight. In fact, she suggested I do so." Kyoshiro said, and Miyako looked at him, suddenly feeling very young again.

"What do you mean 'again', Tou-San?" she asked, using the term Takuya had told her she could use with his father.

"Miyako-San, every now and then Kyoshiro-Kun comes over after you've gone to bed and watches the house while we sleep. He still has close ties with me, even though I've told him many times that his debt had been repaid in full, and that he was free to go."

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location Unknown, shortly there after

Sakaki sat in his chambers, hearing Takuya's screams of pain and dismay, thinking them sweet music to his ears. Hiiragi slept nearby with his head resting on Sakaki's shoulder, much like a lover would, and Matsu was asleep in the other corner of the room. Atoli had been placed in the same room as Takuya, but she was unable to help him because each time she reached for the AIDA Core, she was electrocuted by the shock collar that Sakaki had had placed on the poor girl. And if that wasn't enough to torture her, she had been forced to wear a single garment of clothing that was too short for her liking, as she so much as leaned forward and her panties would show. She could only cry for Takuya.

"I'm sorry, Haseo-Kun...It's all my fault....I...I should've fought against Sakaki and that tanned lady he was with..I'm sorry..."

She was referring to a woman with a dark tan and short, wild maroon red hair named Bordeaux. It was Bordeaux's trickery that had forced Atoli to surrender herself without a fight, and inadvertantly, what caused Sakaki to Kidnap Takuya from the hospital in LA.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

She silenced herself when Takuya spoke in one of the few breaks between pain that he got.

"Don't....Don't blame yourself, Atoli.....Just be thankful we're both sill alive. He could've had us killed before he retired, but he left us alone, with no cameras and no guards, either."

She blushed as she stood, trying not to let him see her underwear, but it was unavoidable.

"Um...Ha-...Haseo-Kun? I want to ask you something, before the pain starts again..."

"Go ahead, Atoli....you can ask me...anything you want."

She looked away for a moment, turning redder by the second, but when she looked at him againn, he saw the same love in her eyes that he'd always seen in Miyako's. And the funny thing is that in 'The WORLD', Gotoukuji Miyako played the fiesty Alkaid.

"Can...Can I kiss you, Hasoe-Kun? Just once? I mean, I know you love Alkaid-Chan mire than anyone, but I still have feelings for you. Just one kiss is all I ask."

Takuya looked at her, and winced as the pain was starting to return, but it was still at tolerable levels. He raised his arm and held it out to her, invinting her closer.

"Atoli, You can definitely have a kiss. It's the least I could grant to you for helping me so well in 'The WORLD'."

As he allowed her lips to touch his, he felt a strange tearing in his soul, as if half still loved Miyako beyond measure, and the other half was falling for Atoli. When he felt the kiss end, he opened his eyes and saw Atoli placing his hand on her chest, and he turned beet red.

"Haseo-Kun...I know you and Alkaid's player live in teh same town, but since you can't see her, I'll give you all my love to fill the hole, if you want..."

The last thing that ran through his mind before he fainted from the sudden surge of fresh pain was...

'I wonder what Miyako-Chan's going to think when she learns I'm caged up with Atoli?'

=====

And Chapter Three is finished. Chapter Four will start with a flashback dream from Miyako POV, and I might have to change the rating from 'T' to 'M' a lot sooner than I thought, depending on how detailed I make it.

Finally we see another member of Takuya's family, and it's his old man. But if Kyoshiro is a Ninja, does Takuya get his Samurai instincts and traits from his mother? You'll just have to wait and see.

Also, except for the first little bit, the entirety of the chapter will take place in 'The WORLD'.You might see some familiar faces as they recognize Alkaid/Miyako's plea for help finding Haseo/Takuya.

Miyako: I need to talk to someone who might know something. Hakase, please allow me to use your computer.

Utonium: Alright, Miyako. Just don't stay on too long.

????: So you want me to keep an eye out for Haseo's whereabouts? I'll gladly do that, Alkaid.

Miyako: Thanks, just don't be overly drunk while you do.

????: I'll help look to. I happen to be in america right now, so I can check around here. I shall start in the middle and work my way tot the coast.

Miyako: Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you guys.

Takuya: Atoli! Atoli snap out of it! You don't want this!!

Atoli: Y-yese...Haseo-Kun......I want this more than anything...

Takuya: DAMN YOU SAKAKI!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER NOW?!

Sakaki: *laughs histerically*

Next Time: Help from 'The WORLD'! Guild Canard lends a hand!

See you then!

===

Wakaranai = I don't understand / I don't believe it

da Wan = Peach's sentence ender. Otomonopeia for a dog's bark

PAWADO BATAKAPU = Powered Buttercup - Kaoru's Henshin phrase

Description
Alrighty. Chapter Three is underway.

Disclaimer stuff: PPGZ, Sailor Moon YuYu Hakusho, Yugioh, and Digimon are owned by their respective creators. Thanks to Wolfbane for usage of Vega Hunter. Takuya  and Kyoshiro Shimabara, Lunar Blade, Kenji the Fox Demon, Ryudamon Alia, and Commanddramon Ericks are mine. Sakaki, Atoli, Matsu, Hiiragi, Bordeaux, Phyllo, Skeith, Haseo, and Alkaid are all property of CyberConnect2's .hack//G.U. seires

I've decided on an opening theme. "Touch me!" From the PPGZ final episode. I feel it has the perfect theme for the story for now. Anyways, dig in, Readers!

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Demashita!Powerpuff Girls ZX: Twin Souls

Opening Theme 'Touch Me!' plays)

Chapter Three: Alia and Ericks Arrive! New Tamers!

----

Tokyo, Shibuya Station, 3:57 PM

A familiar blonde with Italian threads stood eyeing the TV. Izumi Orimoto was watching the update on the search for the Shimabara Dojo's heir,and was dissappointed with what was being said. Even the announcer was in disbelief at the reportin her hands.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we've just received word that after two months of intense searching from both Nations, There has been no progress, and it appears as if the Kidnapper who stole Shimabara Takuya from the intensive care unit in Los Angeles has simply vanished from existance. As such, the search has been called off. To the victim's family, we at Sakura TV send our condolances and prayers for the safe return of their son."

Izumi put her hand over her mouth as the words sank in. Her neighbor, Kazuma Kuwabara, had been with her today as her boyfriend was out of town.

"Awful."

"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed. "But what else can we do? I suppose I'll go tell Urameshi and his buddies.I'll see ya later, Izumi-Chan."

Izumi gave him a hug and they split up, him heading for Yusuke's house, and her headed to Rika Nonaka's house to let them know, and to listen to Takato's band practice. However, as she neared the house, she spotted Renamon. The golden vulpine Digimon waited for Izumi to approach, then she spoke gently.

"Izumi-Chan, you seem sad. What's wrong?"

"Renamon? Where's Rika-Chan and the others? I saw something on the news just now that they should know."

Renamon nodded and led Izumi towards the garage where the others where. The blonde teen took one look at them, then threw her arms around Rika,letting the tears fall freely. Takato and the others were stunned that Izumi had broken down so suddenly, but when she explained about the search being called off, they felt sympathy.

-----

An hour later, Miyako, Momoko, and Kaoru sat in the lab, waiting for Xin to speak. Ken, Peach, and the Professor were also sitting down.

"What's wrong, da wan?" Peach asked.

Xin scratched his head, trying to think of how to say it without making Miyako lose it, but he couldn't.

"Well, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll be blunt. They called off the search for Takuya-San's kidnapper."

Miyako said nothing, but stood and put her arms around Xin, crying silently into his chest. Momoko and Kaoru were both too shocked to speak, but Peach spoke the very thing all three girls had thought.

"They gave up? That's...that's...Wakaranai, da WAN!!"

With that, Peach bolted from the room, his tears trailing behind him. Ken tried not to cry, but Takuya had been like an older brother to him, and even Utonium-Hakase and his wife felt like they'd gained a second son whenever he was around. Momoko couldn't think of anything to say, and Kaoru was in tears, crying openly, even though she hardly made a sound. Although Miyako had been dating Takuya, the tomboyish raven-haired girl had fallen hopelessly in love with him.

"S-so that's it, then? They're just giving up? Then I'm outta here. I need some time to clear my head, otherwise I might seriously hurt the next person I fight with."

She quickly transformed into her Z state, Powered Buttercup, and took off out the window to god knows where, leaving her compact behind. Momoko simply headed out the door, saying nothing. Miyako looked at the Professor from Xin's arms.

"Hakase-San, I'm going home. I won't fight as Rolling Bubbles for a few days, just to let you know in advance.."

And to prove herself true to her words, she removed the belt from her waist and set it on the desk. Then she picked up her purse and backpack and caught a bus to her home where she stayed with her grandmother. As soon as she walked in the door and took off her shoes, she ran to her room, the first time she'd ever run in the house, and her grandma was worried.

"Miyako-Chan?" she asked, knocking on the blonde's bedroom door. "May I come in,, dear?"

"Huh? Yes, Obaa-Chan."

The older woman sat on the edge of her granddaughter's bed and put her arms around her as Miyako started crying loudly into her arms.

"Th-they gave up, Obaa-Chan! Th-they s-stopped l-l-looking for Ta-Takuya-K-Kun!!" Miyako said, between sobs.

-----

As Miyako tried to gain comfort from her grandmother and Momoko from her father, Kaoru had gone to the one person she felt she could talk to about such feelings that felt so alien to her. And that person was her deep violet-haired neighbor, Setsuna Meioh. Kaoru knew nothing about Setsuna being Sailor Pluto, even though the elder woman did know about Kaoru's secret Senshi identity.

"I don't know what to do, Setsuna-Nee-San. This is the first time that I felt totally helpless, and I don't know what this pain in my heart means. Can...can you help me?"

Setsuna hugged the teen, allowing Kaoru to cry as long as she needed. Setsuna knew how much the girl had loved Takuya, and even now, she felt a twinge of jealousy from the girl.

"Kaoru-Chan, without the beasts, and listening soley to your heart, what do you hear? What do you feel? It's pefectly natural to feel pain and fear once someone precious has been taken away."

Setsuna had heard the report, and Hotaru had gone to Hikawa Shrine to tell Rei and Cammy, but the Guardian of Time still had one last thing to say before hearing Kaoru's side. She held out her hand, and a soft violet glow began to appear in the form of a staff, and Kaoru's eyes grew wide.

"Kaoru-Chan, there is something that I wish to tell you. You are a fan of the Sailor Senshi, right?"

Kaoru nodded, not having the faintest idea where this was going.

"What about them, Setsuna-Nee-San?"

Setsuna's eyes held a smile that Kaoru had seen only when Takuya had revealed his identity. This gave Kaoru an unintended hint.

"Wait, don't tell me you're one of 'em!"

As if in response to Kaoru's plea, the Garnet Rod materialized before her very eyes. The tomboy stared in awe as Setsuna revealed that she was indeed Sailor Pluto. Then the Time Guardian smiled softly at her neighbor and spoke with a kindness that Kaoru had not heard from anyone but Takuya.

"Kaoru-Chan, I am Sailor Pluto,Guradian of Time. I also happen to know of your secret henshin identity as Powered Buttercup of the Powerpuff Girls Z."

"Wha-? How the hell did you know that?!" Kaoru asked, starting to blush.

Setsuna giggled coyly in response, which just made Kaoru blush deeper. As they sat talking, Setsuna suddenly tensed as she felt a warphole opening close by. Kaoru jumped to her feet and reaching for her compact.

"So you felt it too, Kaoru-Chan?"

"Hell yeah! It doesn't seem evil, but it still don't sit right with me. I'm gonna go check it out."

With that, Kaoru opened the compact and cried out the words that she had come to love as much as her own family.

"PAWADO BATAKAPPU!!"

As Kaoru began to transform, she noticed a glowing blue light that resembled the data stream she'd witnessed on television three years ago watching the Pharoahmon tournament. As soon as she had her hammer in hand, she bowed to Setsuna.

"I'll take my leave, Setsuna-Nee-San."

-----

From the light, which somehow happened to be in Miyako's back yard, stepped forth two Digimon. One looked like a blue-camo version of Augmon or Guilmon with combat armor and an M-16 on his back. The other looked like a bipedal dragonic beast with samurai armor and a necklace with a violet jewel around her neck. It was this Ryudamon who spoke first.

"Ericks-Kun, are you sure this is where we are to meet the one mentioned in your Father's letter?"

"Positive, Alia-Chan. Now we just gotta get our bearings on this world's directions here. That warp left me a bit loopy."

As the two Digimon focused on getting their minds re-orientated with directionals, a familiar pair arrived on the scene. The red-head pointed at the Digimon and was at a loss for words as the raven-haired girl spoke.

"Woah! Those are Digimon! Momoko-San! We're looking at real Digimon!"

"I...I...I...don't belive it!"

Alia was the first to speak, bowing politely in true samurai fashion.

"Young Humans, my name is Alia. My partner here is Ericks. We are looking for a young female named....named, um....Ericks-Kun, what was her name, again?"

Ericks smacked his forehead. Usually, Alia was quick to remember names.

"Gotokuji Miyako is our objective. Would you young ladies happen to know where we could find her?"

Before either of the girls could respond, the voice of the blonde came from behind them. Her hair was down for the first time in years, and the way it cascaded down her back, coupled with her white gown, made her look like a princess.

"That would be me. What can I do for you kind Digimon?"

The two digital beings bowed politely to Miyako as Kaoru sat down on the ground. Hiei was in the trees nearby, having paused in his walk due to the two new Digimon. He eyed the two critters with an eye of interest.

"Lady Gotokuji," Alia said. "I am Alia, member of Hisyaryumon's Tribe. My companion is Ericks. "

"I am the heir to the tribe led by Tankdramon, my Father. We have come here on behalf of our leaders in order to prepare for the upcoming calamity that Father has forseen."

-----

Bullet Train, between Nara and Shinjuku, 6:45 PM

Two familiar figures sat on the train somewhere between Nara and Shinjuku. One was a raven-haired boy wearing a green highschool uniform, and his companion, who stood at least a head and a half taller than him, wore a blue version. The taller boy glanced down at his friend while his red hair glistened in the setting sunlight.

"So, Urameshi. What do you think of the way things have turned out?" Kazuma Kuwabara asked.

"It sucks, Kuwabara. That's what. The Dojo's heir was the best sparring parnter outside of you guys I've had since we fought with Sensui."

Yusuke Urameshi was pissed that the search for the kidnapped boy had been called off. In fact, the two of them were on their way to the Shimabura Dojo in Shinjuku to offer whatever help they could for the absence of their son. Sitting across from the Spirit Detectives was a silver-haired boy who looked almost exactly like Kurama, except that he had fox ears sticking out of his hair and a long bushy tail. His eyes were a soft marine blue, and he had two whisker-like markings on each cheek. Sleeping on this fellow's shoulder was the Grim Reaper, herself. The blue-haired girl, Botan, was fast asleep, and the sunlight reflected itself off of the stone in the new ring on her left hand. The silver-haired fox-boy spoke calmly, like Kurama, but with an air of experience that resembled Omegamon's.

"I, too, am greatly disturbed at this news, Yusuke-San. I almost fear Botan's reaction when she hears of this. I know that my Brother will be displeased when he hears of the Shimabura family's loss."

Yusuke glanced from the passing scenery at the man. Though Botan had known him for quite a while, Yusuke was still adjusting to this man's presence.

"Of course Kurama's gonna be pissed! That boy was as much a lover of nature as he was! By the way, Kenji. How do you know Botan again?"

Kenji smiled as he ran his fingers through Botan's hair.

"I met her shortly after Brother was exiled from the Spirit World. I saved her from a rather rude A-Class demon that had only her innocence on his mind. We eventually fell in love, and now that the Rajita invasion is over with, We can finally continue with our marriage plans."

"Oh yeah, I remember her saying something about a fiance. So it was you she was talkin' about, Kenji?" Kuwabara interjected, his eyes clearly remembering those words.

"Indeed. Ah, it appears our stop is here." Kenji responded, gently waking Botan. However, the girl was half asleep as she mumbled.

"Where's..where's the chocolate?"

This caused the boys to laugh as she realized she'd fallen asleep.

-----

America, Los Angeles California, 2:14 AM, 30 minutes after Train sequence

Vega was pacing the floor of the hotel room that he'd rented with Amy and Hotaru. As Hotaru slept rather peacefully for the first time since Takuya's kidnapping, Amy tried to calm Vega.

"Vega-Kun, please try to get some sleep. We won't be able to do anything until morning, anyways." Amy said, pulling a strand of her blue hair from her eyes. She didn't like seeing Vega so wound up.

"I know, but why would they call off the search? Didn't they have some clues?" Vega asked as he paused for a moment. He stared at the moon, remembering the battle that had taken place there three years prior. "Didn't they have that Ryuzaki guy on the case?"

Hotaru stirred, and a single tear fell down the sleeping girl's cheek as she slept. She whispered Takuya's name under her breath, and Amy couldn't help but feel sorrow for her at having lost the one boy she'd loved.

"Yes, but even he couldn't find anything. And now he's in Japan working on some new case. But that doesn't matter, Vega-Kun. What's important is that we get some sleep and take this anew in the morning."

Amy closed teh book she'd been reading and climbed out of the bed, and the moonlight glistened off of the blue nightgown she was wearing. She hugged Vega, and he kissed her. Yet, even though he freely showed his affection, He seemed a bit nervous for reasons other than Takuya's kidnapping. Unbeknownst to Amy, Vega had a diamond ring in his pocket that he planned to give her at breakfast.

"Yeah, I guess your right. I just hope Hotaru doesn't break down too badly when she learns of this." He said, dreading telling Hotaru taht the search had been cancelled.

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location Unknown, 5:36 AM, 90 minutes after Vega and Amy's conversation

A very efeminate guy with wavy shoulder-length blonde hair with red-streaked bangs and an outfit that would be revealing on a woman gazed upon the snowy-haired child strapped to the table before them. A sneer played upon his lips as he spoke with a voice that hinted strongly that he was gay. [[Which I, the author, have nothing against. Your way of life, not my business]]

"Lord Sakaki, is this pretty little boy really the key to your glorious plan? I mean, he looks younger than Zelkova!"

Sakaki simply glanced at this fellow before speaking plainly. His own voice was as cocky as when he'd stolen Takuya from the hospital in LA months earlier.

"Of course, Hiiragi. The hole in his chest is just the right size for Aida to rest and regain her strength."

Before Hiiragi could speak again, a red-headed teen with an X-shaped shirt and a strong will spoke up.

"Whatever. As long as I get to fight him later, I don't care what happens to Haseo's player. Just give me the word, Sakaki."

Sakaki smiled at his firey-haired companion's aspicious attitude. However, when he spoke, it was more like appraisal than a rebuke.

"Calm yourself Matsu. We still need to be sure Atoli is keeping up her end of the deal."

Sakaki smiled maliciously as a young blonde teenage girl entered the room, as if in response to his words. She wore a seafoam green cross-strap dress that extended halfway down her thighs, like a miniskirt, as well as white knee-high boots that added an inch or two to her height. She carried a small staff that resembled a six-petaled halo around a single bulb-like flower. She looked very much emotionally defeated as she spoke softly.

"I...I did what you asked, Sakaki. Please, let him go. You promised!"

Sakaki merely laughed. His voice took on a tone that seemed like he'd been high the whole time.

"Ha ha ha! Promise? My dear Atoli, I said no such thing! Hiiragi, Matsu, Take Atoli to her chamber and make sure she gets the 'Royal Treatment' today. The show starts this evening with the setting sun!"

Matsu and Hiiragi obeyed, dragging Atoli to a secluded room and locking her in, where the poor girl proceeded to cry not for herself, but for Takuya.

-----

Undefined Realm Takuya's Mind, Shortly after Atoli's appearance

Takuya stood in a pure white room with only a single stack of coinlockers visible to him. He woke to find himself facedown on the ground about thirty or thirty-five feet away from the lockers, and when he sat up, he said only one phrase, which echoed in the emptiness around him.

"I know those lockers..."

He stood slowly, checking to see he was in his true form, and NOT his character Haseo. He looked at the lockers as he heard a single musical note, an 'A in C Major', which he instantly recognized as the sounding note that signalled when he shifted into his Avatar State online, and he turned and ran as far as he could before having to need to stop for air.

"Why am I able to hear the note signaling me calling for Skeith?! I'm not logged into the WORLD, am I? What the hell is going on?"

In response to his outcry, he heard a deep voice, one not unlike a kind sage..

"So you awaken."

"Phy-Phyllo?! Where are you?!"

A small, tanooki-like creature materialized and hovered besides him. The small beast's eyes held a kindness that Takuya had long since missed.

"Well, I'm here because the Aida that hides within that locker is actually an Aida Core that Sakaki has placed within your body's hole. That and your soul cried out to me while you were unconscious."

As Takuya hugged the beast-like form of his old mentor, he felt a sudden pain within the hole that Phyllo had mentioned, then looked at him with total confusion.

"Wait a sec, Phyllo, how do you know about my curse hole? I never once told you about it."

Before Phyllo could respond, the 'A Note' sounded again, and a large creature withits torso missing, arms and legs like sickles, eye-like shoulders, red eyes, sharply curved horns that sat like a broken halo, and numerous swors floating behind it like wings appeared, its three eyes glowing bright red, and it spoke with a demonic voice.

"It was I who revealed the information to the Spirit of Phyllo."

Takuya looked at the creature and frowned. He had not called for his Avatar, and he knew he was nowhere near his computer.

"Skeith...I should've known...."

"Now now, Takuya. You should be resting, not arguing with your own avatar. Skeith is actually quite friendly outside of 'The WORLD' you know."

Before Phyllo could say another word, the lockers flew open, and a large creature that looked like a transparent angler-fish with a large data-core type center appeared, sending a thousand tendrils through Takuya's chest and head, causing his body to scream out in pain.

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location uknown

Atoli flinched as Takuya screamed. Matsu and Hiiragi both laughed. Hiiragi was first to speak once the boy's voice had died.

"Lord Sakaki, what is your wish with this boy? And what about his woman?"

Atoli blushed at Hiiragi's words as Sakaki spoke.

"Nothing to worry about, Hiiragi. I have Haseo and both his women, Atoli and the blonde girl in Japan, at my mercy. Just keep him alive long enough for AIDA to work her magic."

Matsu and Hiiragi nodded. This was going to be a long day, indeed.

-----

Tokyo, Miyako Gotokuji's residence, 8:03 PM

Alia and ericks had just finished explaining their mission, and the three girls, as well as Kiyoko, Miyako's Grandmother, were pale with shock. Kaoru stood and headed for the door.

"I gotta tell Setsuna-Ne-San!" she said, trying to hurriedly tie her shoelaces.

Everyone looked at her like she had just said she was going to ask a boy on a date. They wondered wwhy she'd need to let her neighbor know, and Kiyoko spoke up on this factor.

"Kaoru-Chsn, why do you feel the need to tell your neighbor?"

Kaoru looked over her shoulder at them.

"It's because she knows the Sailr Senshi. I know that she'll tell Sailor Pluto, and Pluto-Sama will let  all her allies know about this."

The girls simply looked at her in disbelief. The Digimon knew the truth, but they said nothing. Kiyoko, however, smiled at this news.

"Well, let Setsuna-Chan know that I said hello to Pluto-Sama."

Miyako looked at her grandmother like she'd just said a phrase from the younger generations correctly.

"O-...Oba-Chan!! You know Sailor Plutio?!"

All three girls gawked at her, and the Digimon smiled.They knew about this as well. Kiyoko turned to the young Ryudamon female and the young Commandramon male and smiled.

"Alia-Chan, Ericks-Kun. Please inform your Clans that my Granddaughter and her friends will gladly assist you. And Alia-Chan?"

"Yes, Ma'am?" Alia said, wondering what Kiyoko had in mind.

"Please let your Clan's heir have this when you return. Tell him an old friend said thanks for the fun times."

Kiyoko handed alia  a small wood carving and a scroll. The carving was an exact mini-replica of Hisyaryumon' son, and the scroll was obviously a traditional painting.

"I shall do that with honor."

Kaoru opened the door, and she got knocked to the ground as she collided with a strongly-built man in a silver gi. He apologized and helped her up as Kiyoko spoke from the other room.

"Kaoru-Chan, Setsuna-San can wait till morning. Bring our guest here please."

When Kaoru returned to the dining room, she had with her a fairly tall man with long, wild silver hair that was tied back in a very shaggy ponytail. His golden eyes shone with a sense of sadness, kindness, and strength all at the same time. Strapped to his back were a pari of katanas, one sheathed in red, the other in blue, and strapped to his left thigh was a pouch that Momoko instantly recognized as a ninja's kunai holster. his forehead was guarded by a red sash with a metal plate that had the Shimabara Crest engraved on it. his face from his nose and below his eyes down was hidden by a jet black mask, and he held a single small scroll in his right hand. Miyako recognized him instantly.She felt tears form anew in her eyes just looking at this man, and she walked up to him calmly, shook his hand, and then collapsed into his arms, crying like she had at the news of the called-off search. He put his free hand on the back of her head as he knelt down to her eye level and hugged her close to him, drawing confused looks from the Digimon, Momoko, and Kaoru. Kiyoko spoke gently to this man.

"My granddaughter expresses freely what I cannot, my friend. We all feel tremendous grief at the loss of your son and the failed search."

The man spoke in kind, a sens of extreme sadness in his regal voice that was stained with restrained tears.

"Kiyoko-Chan, I thank you for your kindness. I only hope we can find him before Miyako-Chan's heart is too gravely wounded to find love again."

He spotted the Ryudamon and Commandramon and nodded to them, sensing the old ways in the both of them. Kaoru looked at him with confusion.

"Hey, Mister. Just who are you, anyways?" she asked. She too had felt torn at the news of Takuya's cancelled search party, but she had yet to cry openly.

The silver-haired ninja, for that's what he was, looked at her with compassion.

"You are Matsubara Kaoru-Chan, are you not?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

He looked at Miyako, who nodded, and then he went to Kaoru and knelt down, surprising them all by pulling the tomboy into a close embrace that only a father could prooduce, and he rested her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for always being there for my son when he was in danger, and thank you for your love for him."

Kaoru's face turned beet red as Momoko spoke.

"Wh-what are you doing hugging her like that?! Besides, she doesn't love anybody! She's a tomboy, and as tough as Kare any day!"

Miyako wipeed her eyes with the heel of her hand an dspoke softly.

"Momoko-San, this is Takuya-Kun's father, Shimabara Kyoshiro. If it wasn't for his family's help years ago, I wouldn't be here because Oba-Chan would have died before my Mama had been born."

Kyoshiro blushed slightly, and Kiyoko nodded slightly.

"It's alright Kyoshiro-Kun. since the weather is starting to become bad, we shall all spend the night here. We have plenty of spare rooms."

And she was right.  A flash of lightning and a peal of loud thunder boomed outside as the rain that the weatherman had promised came down suddenly and heavily. Alia involuntarily flinched at the thunder, and Ericks held her close. Kaoru looked outside and pulled out her cell phone.

"I hope we can still get one call in before the lines go down. I gotta let Papa and Mom know I'm staying here."

"Not me." Momoko said. "I already asked my parents if I could stay the night, and they said yes."

"My wife knows I'll be staying here again tonight. In fact, she suggested I do so." Kyoshiro said, and Miyako looked at him, suddenly feeling very young again.

"What do you mean 'again', Tou-San?" she asked, using the term Takuya had told her she could use with his father.

"Miyako-San, every now and then Kyoshiro-Kun comes over after you've gone to bed and watches the house while we sleep. He still has close ties with me, even though I've told him many times that his debt had been repaid in full, and that he was free to go."

-----

Underground Laboratory, Location Unknown, shortly there after

Sakaki sat in his chambers, hearing Takuya's screams of pain and dismay, thinking them sweet music to his ears. Hiiragi slept nearby with his head resting on Sakaki's shoulder, much like a lover would, and Matsu was asleep in the other corner of the room. Atoli had been placed in the same room as Takuya, but she was unable to help him because each time she reached for the AIDA Core, she was electrocuted by the shock collar that Sakaki had had placed on the poor girl. And if that wasn't enough to torture her, she had been forced to wear a single garment of clothing that was too short for her liking, as she so much as leaned forward and her panties would show. She could only cry for Takuya.

"I'm sorry, Haseo-Kun...It's all my fault....I...I should've fought against Sakaki and that tanned lady he was with..I'm sorry..."

She was referring to a woman with a dark tan and short, wild maroon red hair named Bordeaux. It was Bordeaux's trickery that had forced Atoli to surrender herself without a fight, and inadvertantly, what caused Sakaki to Kidnap Takuya from the hospital in LA.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

She silenced herself when Takuya spoke in one of the few breaks between pain that he got.

"Don't....Don't blame yourself, Atoli.....Just be thankful we're both sill alive. He could've had us killed before he retired, but he left us alone, with no cameras and no guards, either."

She blushed as she stood, trying not to let him see her underwear, but it was unavoidable.

"Um...Ha-...Haseo-Kun? I want to ask you something, before the pain starts again..."

"Go ahead, Atoli....you can ask me...anything you want."

She looked away for a moment, turning redder by the second, but when she looked at him againn, he saw the same love in her eyes that he'd always seen in Miyako's. And the funny thing is that in 'The WORLD', Gotoukuji Miyako played the fiesty Alkaid.

"Can...Can I kiss you, Hasoe-Kun? Just once? I mean, I know you love Alkaid-Chan mire than anyone, but I still have feelings for you. Just one kiss is all I ask."

Takuya looked at her, and winced as the pain was starting to return, but it was still at tolerable levels. He raised his arm and held it out to her, invinting her closer.

"Atoli, You can definitely have a kiss. It's the least I could grant to you for helping me so well in 'The WORLD'."

As he allowed her lips to touch his, he felt a strange tearing in his soul, as if half still loved Miyako beyond measure, and the other half was falling for Atoli. When he felt the kiss end, he opened his eyes and saw Atoli placing his hand on her chest, and he turned beet red.

"Haseo-Kun...I know you and Alkaid's player live in teh same town, but since you can't see her, I'll give you all my love to fill the hole, if you want..."

The last thing that ran through his mind before he fainted from the sudden surge of fresh pain was...

'I wonder what Miyako-Chan's going to think when she learns I'm caged up with Atoli?'

=====

And Chapter Three is finished. Chapter Four will start with a flashback dream from Miyako POV, and I might have to change the rating from 'T' to 'M' a lot sooner than I thought, depending on how detailed I make it.

Finally we see another member of Takuya's family, and it's his old man. But if Kyoshiro is a Ninja, does Takuya get his Samurai instincts and traits from his mother? You'll just have to wait and see.

Also, except for the first little bit, the entirety of the chapter will take place in 'The WORLD'.You might see some familiar faces as they recognize Alkaid/Miyako's plea for help finding Haseo/Takuya.

Miyako: I need to talk to someone who might know something. Hakase, please allow me to use your computer.

Utonium: Alright, Miyako. Just don't stay on too long.

????: So you want me to keep an eye out for Haseo's whereabouts? I'll gladly do that, Alkaid.

Miyako: Thanks, just don't be overly drunk while you do.

????: I'll help look to. I happen to be in america right now, so I can check around here. I shall start in the middle and work my way tot the coast.

Miyako: Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you guys.

Takuya: Atoli! Atoli snap out of it! You don't want this!!

Atoli: Y-yese...Haseo-Kun......I want this more than anything...

Takuya: DAMN YOU SAKAKI!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER NOW?!

Sakaki: *laughs histerically*

Next Time: Help from 'The WORLD'! Guild Canard lends a hand!

See you then!

===

Wakaranai = I don't understand / I don't believe it

da Wan = Peach's sentence ender. Otomonopeia for a dog's bark

PAWADO BATAKAPU = Powered Buttercup - Kaoru's Henshin phrase