He tried to run then, but they don't call me 'Flash' for nothing. I caught up with him quickly and slammed him against the wall, my blade digging into the flesh of his neck again. A quick, well-placed knee found him dropping Hades and leaning into that which hurt him. His hand brushed my thigh and I stepped back. The electric shock that accompanied it was confusing and unwelcome. I had to stay professional if I really wanted this position.

What confused me even further was that I wanted him to touch me again. Forcing the thought out of my head, I dangerously murmured my own catch phrase;

"Sorry, but your luck's run out."

Train nodded, still slightly loopy from my attack, and slurred, "That's a good line. You still sort of stole the 'luck' thing from me, though, Saya."

I felt my head tilt to the side, as it does when I'm horribly and irreversibly confused.

Lucidity suddenly gripped him, and he immediately blurted, "Damn! That's twice now!"

"Who's Saya?" I inquired.

"She's no one," he snapped back.

"Sure doesn't sound like no one . . ."

I snapped myself back to work. My concentration was beginning to waver. This insolent boy seemed to have that effect on me. All my attempts to gather myself were in vain as soon as I caught his eyes; they were a stunning amber color, his pupils just elongated slits. They also seemed to have a slightly blue tinge to them, which literally took my breath away.

What was he doing to me? My chest suddenly hurt and my heart ached. My mind clouded over and I had trouble focusing my vision. I'd never felt this way before, it was completely foreign.

"Misaki?"

I looked up. He looked so bitter and hurt.

"Just get it over with," he hissed, and jerked his chin up.

What was I supposed to do? Just give in, say "All righty then," and slash his throat? I really didn't want to do that anymore . . . There was my job to think about, but I suddenly just wanted to let this man go.

Misaki, I thought, Just do it. He'll be the first of your many victims.

But I couldn't.

I lowered my chin so my bangs would fall in front of my eyes and said, "No." I took my blade from his throat and hung it at my side. "Go on, run before someone sees you."

Reluctantly, he pushed himself off the wall. "Why won't you do it?" he whispered.

I didn't move my head. "I don't know." My voice sounded hoarse and my throat hurt. Was I about to cry?

He walked away, or so I thought. Jinsoku clattered to the ground. I staggered to the wall and put my hand out to support myself. He was leaving. I would probably never see him again. But that's a good thing I told myself, Then he won't die.

I felt a hand gently tap my shoulder and I spun around. Train stood there, with his pretty eyes and wild hair. Before I could say anything, he pressed me back against the wall. His forehead bumped against mine. Without blinking, he wrapped his arms around my waist and drew me in closer.

Sharp tapping noises came from down the hall. Someone was coming. Train's head moved back and tilted toward the sound.

"Armed guard. Gotta go." Then he glanced back to me and added in a whisper, "Thanks, Misa- er, I mean Flash."

I nodded with a smile and shooed him away. He walked backwards to the ledge, smiling at me with those eyes of his, and jumped when he got there. My heart dropped for a moment, but then I saw a black streak bounce across the rooftops.

The taps were getting closer. I quickly gathered my sword and braced myself for a fight. If it really was an armed guard like Train said, I had an idea. A rather good one, too.