The tension grew worse as each second ticked by. Aiden's abnormal slate blue eyes were riveted to the clock. Everyone else in the room held their breath. Three...two...one the mental countdown of every student. As they all hit one in unison the bell rang and the sunshine-starved teenagers dashed to the exit and to their freedom--albeit only for the summer as next year would return shorter than  anyone else would want--Aiden smiled to himself as the sun's rays stroked his cheeks in welcoming. Straightening one of the straps on his backpack he started home, feeling for once in a long while, truly relaxed and happy.

Finally, it was here! Summer vacation! The time where people wouldn't annoy her with stupid personal questions about Aiden, the time when idiot cheerleaders wouldn't ask her for Aidens number. The time of the year: when people didn't talk to her! It was perfect. Her dark green eyes looked up at the clock as she took ot her backpack and purse. Her short brown hair seemed to stand up with glee. As she ran out of the school after her best friend. "Aiden!" she called out seeing he was crouded. "Aiden, wait up!" she shouted again finally getting to him. Breathing softly as she pushed her way threw. "Excuse me, best friend comming threw." she winced as she finally got to him, nearly triping over her foot. "He-Hey Aiden." she said over the ground around them.

Aiden was pulled from his thoughts and back to reality at the sound of Karin's voice. He turned to find her standing next to him. Aiden flashed her one of the few charming smiles that always made cheerleaders flock to him. "Hey Karin. Sorry, I must've not heard you. What's up?" He shifted and stepped out of the way as a student shoved past him.

Karin seemed immuned to that smile now, and just smiled back. "Are you going somewhere this summer?" she asked walking out of the school with him, trying to keep her balance as she was pushed several times. "Ow ow." she hissed as she was pushed to her knees. "Perfect day, not to wear jeans." she murmured standing up slowly. "Aiden, you looked...lost in thought, what's wrong?" she asked finally pulling him out of the crouded group.

Aiden shrugged nonchalantly, "Nothin'. Thinking about the summer break and all too happy to be rid of my fans." He jabbed a thumb behind him at the group for emphasis. "As for going anywhere, not so much. I was invited to some beach party tonight but I wasn't planning on going. Did you get invited?" He inquired of Karin curiously. "If you're going I might as well." He blinked, "I'd be classified..as the biggest loser in town." He amended quickly with a grin.

"Suprisingly...yes, I was invited." Karin said looking away leaning against the wall, to get feeling back in her knees. "Let's just go for the fun of it." she said smiling. "Almost like a small adventure." she said now sitting against the wall. "Idiots in this school, know I'm clumbsy so they pushed me." she said sighing. "I'll see you tonight, as soon as my legs get feeling again."

Aiden laughed, "Need some help?" He offered his hand but as he stretched his hand out to help Karin up he was shoved roughly to the ground. Aiden blinked and shook his head to clear it. He glared up at the cause of his current predicament his eye-color flashing to green momentarily. "Gonna go ghost on me?" It was one of the extra thick football players that had always tried to provoke Aiden. Aiden sighed and pushed himself up off the ground, "I'll see you tonight, too, Keenan." He growled and shouldered past the football player and headed home, his good mood dissipating as he walked.

Karin sat there and looked at Keenan. 'Crap crap, always happens when he's in a bad mood. He forgets what he was doing.' she thought trying to stand up, but was jurked up instead by Keenan. "You're not aloud to hurt me...you at least know that right?" Karin said wincing as she was pushed out the door of the highschool and down the stairs. 'Always happens..' she thought holding back a scream, as she felt the pain rush down her legs to her knees. "...Ow ow.."

Aiden's 'sixth sense' forced him to turn around just in time to see Keenan shoving Karin out the door. He grit his teeth the muscles in his jaw flexing angrily. "Keenan! Back off and leave Karin alone!" He yelled across the distance that separated them. Keenan feigned an innocent expression. 

Karin looked over at Aiden and then down at her legs, slowly trying to stand to them. But failed and fell back onto her butt. "...J-Just great..." she whispered glaring up at Keenan. "Idiot.." she murmured as they shoved passed her. She slowly tried again, hissing in pain as she looked aross the field at where Aiden was standing. "Aiden?" he was gone. "Probably went home."

Keenan had also noticed that Aiden was gone and shrugged. His fun with Karin over. Giving her one last shove he left. ~ Aiden had considered letting the football player know who was in charge but had forced his anger down knowing that Keenan would leave. Sure enough he left and Aiden turned on his heel and continued home, reappearing just outside the school's fence.

Karin finally got feeling back in her leg. "He didn't even come to help me.." she murmured limping down the remaining stairs. 'Why should I care?' she thought sighing. 'Yeah, I like him...that's probably why.' she thought walking slowly home.

Aiden trudged through the sand his mood only slightly lifted from the day's earlier events. He promptly tried to dodge in and out of various objects to mask his identity from the other highschoolers until it was absolutely unavoidable. 

Karin finally made it to the party. Avoiding those who bugged her/annoyed her she finally found Aiden. "Aiden?" she said blinking slightly. "Are you hiding from someone?" she asked tilting her head slightly pulling him to the side. "They're not completely bothering you, are they?"

Aiden jumped at the sound of Karin's voice and silently allowed her to pull him aside. "Uh, well, no. I just didn't want..." It was then that he finally took Karin's wardrobe in. He blinked and smiled, "You look nice." He stated off-handedly and turned a wary eye back on the group further down the beach. 

Karin looked away blushing. "Thank you, Aiden." she said looking over at the ocean, then back over at Aiden. "Wanna go for a walk?" she asked pointing towards the beach, where the others weren't at. "Or do you want to go be the center of attenson?"

Aiden swallowed heavily and nodded, "I mean, no. I don't want to be the center of attention. A walk sounds perfect." He turned away from the crowd and started down the shoreline at a steady pace.

Karin ran up beside him, silently listening to the waves as they hit the shore. "Want to explore that cave close by?" she asked looking up at him, smiling. "It'll be like an adventure." she said grabbing his hand. "Come on, it'll cheer you up."

Aiden gave a self-suffering sigh but his grin immediately gave away his true feelings. He jogged after her looking at the group behind them one last time.

Karin slowly got to the cave, making sure not to trip over anything. "...Wow..." she whispered softly looking around the gloomy cave. "...This place looks awesome." she murmured looking around it, stepping forward but lost her balance falling into the water. "Crap..." she murmured standing up. Covering her chest. "Bad night...to wear white.." she whispered looking up at Aiden. 

Aiden gave her a sidelong look, not hearing what she had said. "Are you okay?" He inquired as he held a hand up, a faint hazy greenish blue light emanating from his hand, illuminating the cave. He stepped carefully over the rock that he guessed Karin had tripped on. "Watch that first step." He called over his shoulder with a laugh.

"Heh, Thanks.." Karin said keeping her arms crossed over her chest. Standing in place for a second, she slowly crossed the stepping stones. "Weren't you wanting an adventure for the summer?" she asked finally getting over the river.

Aiden hesitated, pursing his lips in thought then continued forward once more. "It all depends on which definition of adventure I go with." He commented softly. "Hey, sorry about earlier...with Keenan and all. I should have stayed with you."

"It's okay, I got used to that jerk." Karin said looking back at him. "I'm fine, it's my own fault I'm not any stronger then now." she said staring at the ground. "Who would you want to go with on an adventure?" she asked stoping to lean against the wall.

Aiden leaned against the wall as well and slid down it's surface into a sitting position and shrugged thoughtfully. "Hmm. Well, you're the only true friend I have. So most likely with you, depending on the 'adventure'." He added carefully.

Karin sat down next to him. "I see..so depending on the adventure?" she looked over at him. 

Aiden gave a solemn nod. "What kind of adventure are you looking for?" The light emanating from his palm dimmed slightly.

"Truthfully?" She said looking up at the ceiling of the cave. "A...romantic adventure." she said smiling. "I'd like an adventure like that."

Aiden laughed quietly and the light in his palm blinked out completely; the darkness enclosing around them. "I would have to find you a good candidate." He murmured quietly studying the rough ground.

Karin looked over at him in the darkness. "Over-protective best friend.." she said softly. Standing up slowly, but triping on top of him didn't help. "..." she had landed in a lip-lock with him.

Aiden blinked in surprise, his eyes flashing green and shifting back to their normal color instantaneously. He was grateful for the darkness that hid his massive blush. Aiden pulled away gently, "Are you okay?" He breathed, feeling his cheeks burning heavily.

Karin gasped and got off of him. "I-I'm...sorry, Aiden." she said blushing a dark red. "I'm okay..." she said putting a hand to her heart.

Aiden blinked, "Uh...it's okay." He stood up quickly, brushing himself off and offered her a hand. "We should get back to the party...I think."

"Why?" Karin asked keeping her head down. "Why do we have to go....back?" she looked away, averting her eyes. "...Aiden, why can't we just stay here?.."

Aiden hesitated and withdrew his hand. "Oh, if you want to stay that's fine...I just didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable or...anything like that." He fumbled for the correct words and flushed in the darkness. "Did you want to explore the cave further?" He asked in an attempt to change the subject.

Karin shook her head and then stood up. "N-Nevermind.." she stuttered standing up. "Let's just...go back to the party." she said softly making her way out of the cave. "Come on.." she said softly, trying to hide her blush.

Aiden nodded gently even though Karin could probably not see his head bob. "Okay..." He stepped up next to her and kept pace with her, unsure of what to say to break the awkward silence.

As soon as they were out of the cave, Karin remembered. "Y-You go on ahead, alright?" she said turning away from him, covering her wet shirt. "I have to dry my shirt.." she whispered blushing. "Go...on, I'll be fine."

"Alright, I'll meet you down there." He replied as he ran his hand through his hair once more and jogged off down the shoreline to join the enlarging group of teens.

Karin waited till he got away far enough. Shivering slightly, she sat down on the rock and looked into the ocean. Gently touching her lips, she flinched hearing someone. "Who's...there?"

A hazy spectre-like person stepped/glided to her side with a melevolent smirk gracing his visage. "Hello, my dear. What brings you so far out on the beach, and alone." He emphasized the last word that would force the bravest of people to shiver and perhaps cower in fear. "Not so tough now that your little boyfriend ran off without you, huh? I could provide so much more than that...human." The spectre purred and brushed her cheek gently.

Karin sat in place looking at the ghost, turning her head away. "I don't want anyone else...understand?" she said standing up on shaking lags. Crossing her arms across her chest, turning away. "I'm going back." she murmured walking slowly making sure not to trip-up. "...You can't do anything...for me."

The spectre caught her wrist and yanked her back towards him. "Oh don't think you can get away that easily, love. Come now, are you positive there is nothing you want? That boy is pathetic. If he loved you he wouldn't have left." The ghost's legs morphed into a tail that curled around one of her legs.

"Let me go." Karin said trying to pull away from him, until he curled around one of her legs. "Let go!" she shouted out loudly stubbling onto the ground. "...I...asked him to go ahead..." she said averting her eyes. "...He's my best friend...o-of...course he loves me." she said softly. "Doesn't...he?"

The ghost laughed loudly, its red eyes casting an eerie glow, "Of course not, child. What would give you such a crazy idea? He has no feelings for you. I could make all that pain go away, if you but ask it of me." He purred meaningfully.

Karin tilted her head down. "Can you...really...make it go away?" she whispered trembling. Closing her hand in the sand tightly. "...I don't know.."

"But of course, my dear. It would spare you a lot of heartache..." The ghost morphed into a very real-looking puppy and licked her hand then gazed up at her with the full power of its big watery eyes. 'The choice is yours...' Its voice echoed in her mind.

Karin looked away from the puppy and stood up. "I won't..." she whispered making a run for it. "I won't give up."

The dog growled and morphed into a wolf and gave chase. 'Wrong choice, girl. You shall be punished for your ignorance!' The wolf snarled and snapped at her ankles, hoping to slow her.

Karin gasped and only picked up speed, seeing the party close ahead she turned to the right and ran past it. Ignoring those murmuring and screaming. "...Crap...." she said looking at the wolf behind her. She skided to a stop and looked at him. "...I made my choice, now leave me alone."

The wolf took the opportunity and pounced on Karin, snarling ferociously. "Hey! Last time I checked, wolves didn't hang around the beach!" A recognizable voice called as a familiar ghostly blast hit the wolf broadside and knocked it several feet. The wolf scrambled to its feet and fixed its red gaze on Karin, 'Heed my words, young one.' It's voice echoed in her mind then vanished without a trace..

Aiden, now fully in ghost form knelt next to Karin, his green eyes glowing vibrantly with worry. "I can't leave you alone for one minute." He smiled and offered her a gloved hand.

Karin took his hand and stood up slowly, the words ecoed over and over in her head. "I'm just having bad luck." she said staring over at the group of highschool students staring at them. She blushed and turned around. "I'm going home.." she whispered softly to Aiden.

Aiden nodded in understanding. "I'll walk you home...if you want?" He raised an eyebrow in inquiry. He promptly ignored the whispers of awe of the witnesses that had seen him transform into his 'ghostly' form. He kept his eyes locked on Karin's.

Karin looked at him, nodding. "O-Okay." she murmured as she began walking. Looking away the entire time, before looking over at him. "You're still ghost, Aiden.."

Aiden's pale cheeks flushed crimson, "Ah...Thanks." A flash of light restored the ghost teen back to a more normal state. "What happened?" He asked gently as he peered at her.

Karin tilted her head down to hide her eyes. "Nothing..." she whispered softly to him. "...Nothing happened..." she said grasping her head slightly. "I...just had bad luck.."

Aiden considered her answer but shrugged it off, not wanting to bother her any further about it. "Okay, if you say so." He pocketed his hands and kicked at a small rock on the side of the road. "Wonder what a ghost was doing so near the beach anyway..." He muttered mostly to himself.

Karin looked away. "...Aiden why are you like that?" she asked softly. "Maybe the ghost was...right...maybe you don't.." she stoped mid-step. "...Why do you, hang around me?"

Aiden blinked and gave her a puzzled look, not comprehending what she was saying, "You're my best friend. Why else would I hang around you?" He replied bluntly, not realizing the meaning of his words. "And what do you mean 'maybe the ghost was right'?" He whirled and grabbd her shoulders...firmly, "Did the ghost hurt you at all?"

Karin looked up at him hurt. "...No..." she said closing her eyes stepping away from him. "You only...hang around me because we're only...friends." she touched her lips gently and looked up at him. "...The ghost...tell me he wasn't tell the truth.."

Aiden tilted his head in misunderstanding, "Karin, I don't know what you're talking about. Are you sure the ghost didn't hurt you? Come on, let's get you home. You probably hit your head...you should get some rest." He murmured gently.

"No.." she said stepping back another step. "Just tell me the truth....we're...only friends aren't we?" she closed her eyes. "...Why don't you like me?" she asked looking at him. "...Is it because, I'm not a cheerleader? or, someone whos just....like your sister?" Karin closed her eyes. "...Please tell me the ghost was wrong.."

Aiden stared dumbfounded at Karin and opened his mouth to reply but before he could utter a sound, a ball of spectral energy exploded as it made contact with the back of his skull knocking him instantly unconscious. The wolf ghost became visible as Aiden's limp form collapsed forward. The wolf gave a toothy grin and trotted forward, "Did I not tell you, little one? Come with me and I promise to...take the pain away." It sat back on its haunches and tucked its tail around its paws with patience.

"Aiden!" Karin shouted bending down towards him, before looking up at the wolf ghost. "I told you no! I don't want to go with you..." she whispered looking at Aiden. "I want to stay with him."

A low menacing growl started in the wolf's throat. "Did you not hear the boy? He has no feelings for you, and I can assure you he never well." The wolf stood and stepped forward placing a paw in-between Aiden's shoulder blades. "Come with me, child. You have no hope for the future with this boy."

Karin stared down at Aiden. "You don't know...if I have a future with him or not so. No, go away!" 

The wolf's ears flattened against its skull and it withdrew slightly. "As you wish. You will come to me soon enough." The wolf vanished once more leaving Karin and an unconscious Aiden alone.

Karin looked up at the wolf dissapper, then down at Aiden. "Aiden, wake up...Aiden." she shook him slightly. "..Come on."

Aiden groaned slightly and his head rolled to one side; murmuring something incoherently under his breath.

"Aiden.." she said with her eyes widening. "Are you...awake?"

Aiden's eyes slowly opened and he looked over at Karin in puzzlement. "Karin? W-what happened?" He rasped painfully and instantly gripped the back of his head in pain.

"You were attacked." She looked down at him worried. "Are you...okay, Aiden?"

Aiden sat up and dropped his head into his hands; shaking his head slowly. "I think so, colossal headache though." He peered up at her, "What attacked me? Why didn't I sense it coming? Ugh I'm such an idiot..." He groaned as his head dropped back into the palms of his hands.

"A ghost attacked you, the same one from the beach." Karin looked away. "...Come on, I'll help you."

Aiden shook his head and gently pushed her away. "Nah, I'm okay. I told you I'd walk you home and I'm not going back on that promise what with that ghost still around." He painfully pushed himself up off the ground.

Karin looked at him, then put an arm around him. "Idiot." she murmured helping him to his feet. "I'm taking you home to help you." 

Aiden quickly hid the grimace of pain and gave in without further argument. He sighed and smiled slightly. "Thanks Karin. I'm glad you're my best friend."

"Y-Yeah..." Karin said softly tilting her head down as she began walking. "Aiden?" she looked up at him, then away. "Nevermind."

Aiden quirked an eyebrow at her curiously but quickly dismissed it. He felt a warm trickle running down the side of his neck and touched a hand to it. Bringing his hand back he suppressed the gasp as he realized that it was blood. He hid his hand quickly, not wanting to alarm Karin any more. "Um, I can walk from here Karin. Thanks. Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?"

"I'm sure." Karin said softly looking up at him. "Aiden, don't be so hardheaded." she said looking away. "Right before you were knocked out you...were going to answer something very importent to me, but you've forgotten haven't you?" she looked up at him. "I'll see you later."

Aiden tilted his head and shrugged, "I think I must have. I'm sorry Karin, ask me...again tomorrow." He waved slightly. "See you later." He called and quickly turned on his heel and started for his home; placing a hand to the wound on the side of his head to staunch the bleeding.

Karin watched him leave in shock, then looked away. "...You're such an idiot, Aiden!" she shouted at him, stepping from the spot. "Wolf ghost, you were right. Just take me away from here. Take me please!" she shouted looking up at the sky. "He doesn't love me."

Aiden barely heard her as nausea overwhelmed him. He pulled his hand away from the wound at his head to find it drenched in thick crimson liquid. The ghost teen collapsed just before his front steps. Back where Karin was the wolf bounded into sight with eyes aglow. "Good choice, child. Follow me." It practically purred and trotted to her side.

Karin tilted her head down and followed the wolf. Keeping her eyes away from Aiden's house as she passed it. She then noticed Aiden on the ground. Bleeding. "A-Aiden!" she shouted looking at the wolf then at Aiden. "Why...is he bleeding so much?"

The wolf stared down at Aiden with mock pity. "A minor wound." The wolf placed a heavy paw on Aiden's shoulder and rolled him onto his back. The ghost leaned forward and blew softly on the wound; a sparkling dust shimmered and the wound heeled. "He'll feel fine in the morning." The wolf trotted a few paces and turned to face her, "Are you coming?"

Karin looked at Aiden, whispering softly. "Sorry." to him even if he couldn't hear her. She turned away and looked at the wolf and followed him. "...I'm coming."

The wolf nodded its head slowly and waited for Karin to catch up. 

Karin finally got caught up with the wolf, and looked down at him. Hesitently stoping. "I'm sorry, I can't do this.." she said softly looking back at Aiden. "...I- love my best friend."

The wolf looked up at her with a sincere look of sorrow. "Karin, the boy does not love you. I promise I will take your heartache away. We are almost there. Come along."

Karin hesitated and followed the wolf. Quietly whispering over and over to herself. "...Aiden...Why didn't you help me that much?" she closed her eyes for a second then stoped as the wold stoped.

The wolf eyed her cautiously then stepped into a forested area with calm precision it trotted towards a strange clearing that gave an eerie glow.

Karin's eyes widened as she followed the wolf. Now curious on where she was. "Where...are we?"

The wolf sat back on its haunches and wrapped its tail around one paw. "Why, my home of course. Come and lay right here next to me on your back, and I promise to take away all those painful memories."

Karin stepped towards him, and laid down looking ahead of her closing her eyes tightly.

The wolf gave a genuine smile, "Excellent..." The ghost stood up and walked around Karin once then placed a heavy paw on her chest. "Now, think of Aiden for me..." The wolf whispered.

Karin closed her eyes still. "Right.." she whispered thinking of different times with Aiden. 

A smile graced the wolf's visage as Karin's memories of Aiden washed over him. "This might hurt a bit, child. It will be worth it though." A hazy purple glow formed at the wolf's paw as it magically dug through the memories and began pulling them from her one at a time.

Karin winced and moved around, before letting out a scream of pain. "S-Stop it!" she said trying now to push the paw off. "...This...isn't helping me, it's making it worse...I don't...want to forget about him.." she said to the wolf. "Let go."

The wolf pressed its paw harder; pushing Karin down and growled in warning, "The process has begun. I cannot halt it or it will kill you. Just a few moments longer..."

Karin trembled and held onto his paw. "...Don't...take him away from me." she whispered softly before tilting her head to the side and passing out.

Aiden had woke up to a bright morning and had spent most of it trying to remember all that had happened the previous night. Recalling the retreat that was to be in just a few hours he had made the decision to go in hopes of seeing Karin and making sure she had made it home safely. Raking a hand through his hair he jogged down to the beach in swimming shorts and a loose t-shirt searching for Karin.

Karin was currently laying on the ground, getting a tan. She woke up with a massive headache, and was trying to calm her nerves. "I think something happened.." she murmured to herself, seeing the girls she was sitting with. Before looking away. "Oh well...I'm popular...what more could I want?" she thought to herself laying back down.

Aiden skidded to a halt at the edge of the beach; scattering sand everywhere. Panting he surveyed the area and spotted Karin. A grin lit his features and he jogged to where she lay. "Karin! Hey!" He panted heavily. A large dog that had been basking in the sun next to Karin lifted its head and started growling at him.

Karin opened her eyes up and looked at Ruff, then up at Aiden. "Calm down, Ruff.." she whispered softly to him, looking up at Aiden. "Can I help you?" she asked bluntly, raising a brow.

Aiden blinked then gave a short laugh, "Very funny Karin. I'm sorry about what happened last night. What were you going to ask me?" Ruff gave Aiden another low growl before turning to Karin and whimpering.

Karin patted Ruff on the head. "Shh...it's okay." she said sitting up half way. Before, she never ever wore a two piece so- revielingly flirty. "Ask you?" she stared at him as if he were crazy. "....Go away, I don't talk to losers like you." she said laying back down.

Aiden's jaw dropped but he snapped it shut quickly. "Come on Karin, I'm sorry okay? Why are you acting so weird..." He stepped back and looked over her for any sign of injury that the ghost had caused. Ruff gave a short warning bark and Aiden flinched.

"Look just leave me alone, alright?" Karin said standing up. "Come on Ruff." she said looking over at the other girls. "Heading back to the cabins." before she began walking. "Ruff, go on ahead. I'll take care of this." she ordered her dog turning around to Aiden. "What's it you want?" she asked looking up at him. "Want me to...flirt with you or something?" she asked pressing her chest together. "Or want to see clevage?" she raised a brow once again.

Ruff growled once more at Aiden before turning tail and scampering off to the cabins. Aiden gave a blinked in surprise and took a step back; feeling the blood rush to his cheeks in a furious blush. "N-no. Karin, it's me; Aiden. You're best friend! Don't you remember?"

"Best friend? You?" Karin scuffed, putting a hand to her chin. "I don't remember ever having you as my best friend." she shrugged. "Oh well." she turn around, and began walking. "You must be confused."

Aiden stared after her in utter shock unable to comprehend what had just happened. "Amnesia? Or is this just some sick nightmare?" He muttered to himself and dropped to the ground in a cross-legged position, considering what had just happened.

Karin entered her cabin room and looked at Ruff. "Don't worry, he'll leave me alone for now." she said laying down of the bed. "...Meh...but...he." she shook her head. "Nevermind, sleep..."

Ruff wagged his tail and put his forepaws on the edge of her bed and attempted to lick at her cheek. Back on the beach Aiden's head came up, "I got it!" He stood and a brilliant flash of light left him in ghost form. He took flight towards Karin's cabin and phased easily through the wall and reappeared at Karin's bedside. His scruffy brown hair now a silvery white color.

"Stop it Ruff, go on." she said shooing him out of the room, before laying back down. Turning onto her side she gasped looking up at Aiden. "W-What...the heck?"

Aiden's shoulders slumped slightly; his vibrant ghostly eyes losing most of their vibrance, "You don't remember...do you?" He murmured in almost a whisper.

"You're that boy, aren't you?" she asked staring at him. "Why do you...keep following me?" she sat up, looking away. "Get out before I call my dog.."

Aiden gave a curt laugh that held no humor, "You're dog wouldn't be able to hurt me. But I will leave you alone." He turned around about to leave when he suddenly realized something. He whipped around, "But you hate dogs! Where did you get that dog?" He asked quickly.

"I-I..." Karin looked away. "I found him, or, more like he found me...alright? There, I answered your question." she then looked back up a him. "Are you threw?"

Aiden felt the fury swell in his chest, the vibrance in his eyes returning with a vengeance. He spun Karin around and pinned her roughly, although not too roughly against the wall. "Karin, it's me; Aiden. You're best friend. If that ghost from last night did anything to you at all I swear I will not sleep until I find it!" He growled in a low menacing tone.

Karin gasped, and looked away. "Let me go.." she said in a shaking voice. "...Y-You're scaring me.." she said tilting her head away from him, keeping her eyes closed. "Go away." she whispered before, feeling dizzy and falling forward ontop of him. She had been- knocked out.

Aiden gasped in surprise and grunted with the effort of holding Karin's limp form. He stumbled backward with the effort and landed hard on his back with Karin atop him. Rolling his eyes he heaved Karin off of him and was met face-to-face with a snarling dog. "Uhh...nice doggie...niiiiice doggie. Karin will be juuust-" He yelped as the dog snapped at his face narrowly missing his nose. 

Karin flinched. "...Aiden..." she whispered not opening her eyes. "Aiden..." she murmured softly in her sleep. "...Help me...please..."

Ruff lunged at Aiden and Aiden went intangible just in time. He turned wide surprised eyes on Karin. "Karin! I'm here just hang on!" Ruff snarled and leaped, landing on Aiden and pinning him to the floor. The ghost teen struggled with the effort of the huge dog on top of him.

Karin opened her eyes slightly. "G-Get off of him...you stupid ghost..." she whispered pushing Ruff with her body. Wincing she held her chest, before looking at Aiden. "...Help me, it hurts.....Aiden.." she whispered falling asleep again, on the ground, cleching her chest.  Where a glowing print was.

Aiden noticed the paw print and with an enraged cry shoved Ruff off of him and blasted the dog with a ray of ghostly energy. "Karin!"

Karin slowly opened her eyes and looked over at Ruff, then at Aiden. "Aiden..." She whispered softly then at the dog. "I can't remember anything..." she closed her eyes. "All of it has been taken away from me...And it hurts."

Aiden shook his head, mentally beating himself up for not taking better care of Karin. He whirled on the dog and glared, "You...You! This is all you're fault!" He lunged for the dog but the dog easily phased through the wall and Aiden collided headlong into the wall.

Karin slowly got onto her knees and looked down at herself and blushed. "..." Covering her chest with a blanket near her, she looked up at Aiden. "What...are you going to do?" she asked tilting her head down. "It's my fault..."

Aiden peered curiously at Karin, "How is it your fault?" He huffed and rubbed his sore muscles. "If anything, this is my fault. I should have taken care of that ghost in the first place."

"I made a deal with him, to take you out of my memories.." She said rubbing her arms. "...But everythings so cold with out you in my memory...it hurts."

Aiden stared in utter shock unsure if he had heard Karin right. "Take me out of your memories...Why?" He couldn't hide the tone of hurt and shock that was evident in his voice.

"Because...you didn't answer my importent question...you ignored me." she averted her eyes. "It hurts...so much." she said softly. "I can't remember you, or that importent...feeling."

"Ignored you?" Aiden fumed and stood up with a start, "Karin, there are just some things that...You wouldn't understand alright? Maybe it's better this way. I always thought you were my best friend but you had some ghost take away your memories of me? I'm sorry Karin, but I can't trust someone that runs to a bad ghost everytime I don't answer quick enough. I guess our friendship meant nothing..." Aiden faded and phased through the floor without so much as a farewell. 

"You have it wrong, Aiden." Karin said standing to her feet, opening the door. "Come back! Please, I'm not finished telling you." she said looking at his back. "The question...I want to remember it. I want to know you answer." she reached out and took his hand. "Please, before Ruff gets back...help me."

Aiden pulled away from her. "No, Karin. I cannot betray my own feelings to satisfy yours. I'll stay out of your limelight." He stepped off the steps and hovered mere inches off the ground. "I'll see you later..." He added with lack of sincerity and vanished into the sky. ~ Ruff came loping back and whimpered at Karin.

Karin glared back at Ruff. "Give me my memories back of him now, Ruff.." she said in a demanding tone. "Now...I want to remember him again, Give me it back."

The dog tilted its head to the side in confusion and gave a slight wag of his tail. 

Karin picked up the dog. "You're a ghost..I know you are, give me back what you stole. Right now." she shook ruff slightly. Before droping him to the ground. "G-Get lost." she hissed running out of the cabin. "Aiden!" she called out looking around. "Aiden! Come back, please Aiden!!"

Ruff gave a low whimper and scampered off sadly.

A pale-skinned girl stepped in front of Karin and beamed a pretty smile, "What's all the yelling about?" She tilted her nose down letting her sunglasses slide down slightly so her big brown eyes were visible.

"I'm looking for someone..." Karin said looking at the pale-skinned girl awkwardly. "I'm looking for a boy name Aiden...do you know where I could find him?"

The girl pursed her crimson lips together in thought and shook her head, "Nope. I'll help you look for him though." She gave a small smile and flipped her shoulder length ebony-colored hair tipped crimson over one ear. 

"O-Okay." Karin said nodding looking at the girl. "I'm Karin.." she said softly as she began running. "If we split up, we might find him!" she said looking at the girl. "Meet me here in an hour, alright?"

The girl gave a curt nod. "I'm Colette. Alright." Colette ran in the opposite direction keeping a sharp eye out when she suddenly realized she had no idea what this Aiden boy looked like.

Karin ran as fast as she could, until she got to the cave from the day before. "Aiden?" she shouted out in the cave. "Aiden, I seriously need to talk to you!" she shouted annoyed before spoting someone. "...Aiden, there you are." she said softly stepping over the stones to him. "...Please listen to me."

Aiden turned towards Karin; his glowing eyes the only thing visible in the darkness. "Karin..." He sighed in frustration. "I need to be alone for a while alright? As your old best friend I request that last wish of you."

"No I won't." Karin said falling to her knees in front of him. Keeping her eyes un-scene before pushing him against the wall lightly. She glared at him sadly. "I want to remember you...Aiden...I want to remember what it was!" she hissed leaning in towards him, kissing him softly on the lips.

Aiden's breath caught in his throat as Karin's lips met his. Part of him wanted to continue the kiss but he firmly put a hold on that want and pushed his back harder against the wall. The strange girl; Colette had found the two and stepped into the cave without a sound. "Karin...Oh! There you are, oh and this must be Aiden." She didn't seem to care that the two were currently lip-locked.

Karin pulled away from Aiden, then looked back at Colette nodding. "...Y-Yeah..." she whispered standing up, keeping her head down. "...This is him." she said softly looking back down at Aiden then at Colette. "...Thank you...for looking for him with me." she said softly giving the 'we need to be alone' vibe off. Before sitting down next to Aiden, looking away blushing.

Colette's pale skin seemed radiant in the darkness and she easily picked up on the vibe. Her cheerful fake personality vanishing and was replaced by one of strange understanding. Inclining her head she stepped out of the cave. Aiden looked to Karin suspiciously, "Who was she and what was that all about?" He barked angrily.

"That was Colette, she was helping me look for you and I..." Karin didn't look at him. "I'm sorry..." she said softly, looking back over at him.

Aiden dropped his head into the palms of his hands, "She seems kind of...weird don't you think?" He sighed heavily. "Look, Karin. Will you just leave me alone? Go find your ghost dog or something. I'm sure he's a better companion for you at you least you think so."

Karin looked at him with a hurt look. "...I sent him away, because he won't give my memories back to me." she said softly shaking her head. "Aiden, look at me." she ordered forcing his head towards her. "...Please...Talk to me..." she asked with sad dark green eyes. "...I remember the question but...you..." she pulled her hands away, trembling. "Dislike me now..." she whispered standing up. "I wish you'd just tell me if you like me or...hate me." she closed her eyes. "Do you love me, Aiden?" she asked softly.

Aiden lowered his gaze slightly, "Karin...I don't know...It's hard to answer such a personal question when it's for your benefit and it wouldn't be truthful on my part."  His shoulders slumped slightly. "Especially after what you did. I know deep down I can forgive you, but you haven't given me the time to be angry with you." He sighed heavily.

"He told me he'd take away the pain...But...He took you away." Karin turned around keeping her head down. "I was tricked..." she whispered softly, stepping onto the stones to leave the cave. "...I didn't want him to take you away." she said exiting the cave, keeping her head down. 

Aiden considered going after her but thought better of it. He would find her later when he had cooled off considerably. He dropped his head into the palms of his hands once more and sighed in frustration. ~ Colette caught up with Karin with a slight frown, "Didn't go too well?" She murmured quietly.

Karin looked up at Colette, shaking her head. "No..." she whispered softly looking away. "He hates me, I know he does.."

The girl tilted her head slightly, "I wouldn't say that. He seems like the forgiving type. Give him some time." She smiled a small smile and inclined her 

Karin looked at Colette and nodded, smiling slightly. "T-Thank you Colette.." she whispered softly tilting her head away. "What...should I do now?" she asked Colette, sitting on the rock she met ruff at. "...Just wait for him?"

Colette seated herself next to Karin and shrugged, "That's what I would do. But that's just me, no one has ever loved me." She turned her gaze to Karin, her timeless eyes searching Karin's.

Karin looked at Colette. "O-Oh.." she whispered softly. "I'm sorry I...I've been sulking." she whispered rubbing her head now. "I'll...avoid him for now.." she murmured softly, putting her head into her legs. "Thank you, Colette.."

Colette placed a gentle hand on Karin's shoulder and maintained that tight-lipped smile, "Do not worry Karin. Although sometimes I do wish to have that special someone, I don't wish to condemn them to the life that I live. I think you are very luck to have Aiden. And I have no doubt in my mind that he loves you."

Karin looked up at Colette smiling. "Y-Yeah...I guess you're right." she whispered looking back at the ocean, nodding. "I know what...I need to do, Thank you Colette." she said standing up. "If you ever need advice, just ask me...I'll back you up." she said softly, running into the cave.

Colette watched Karin vanish into the cave and gave a full smile for once that day and two of her teeth seemed to be longer than the others and gleamed in the light. Colette then vanished without a trace. ~ Aiden glanced up and sighed angrily, "Karin, why are you back?"

"I want to talk to you." Karin said calmly, looking at him with a hardheaded look in her eyes. "Weather you like it or not. I'm going to talk to you, so listen up."

Aiden stood up; his anger igniting. "Karin, I do not want to listen to you. I told you I wanted to be left alone! If you don't back off and give me some space you'll regret it." He growled dangerously. "Go get your stupid dog and babble your nonsense to him."

"Aiden, I won't back off." Karin said standing in place. "I don't have that dog anymore!" she shouted at him, glaring. "What would you do, if I didn't back off." she said walking closer. "Listen to what I have to say."

Something deep inside of Aiden seemed to awaken and his rage grasped the power before Aiden could reign it in and keep a tight grip on it, the rage blindly took over and before realizing what was happening Aiden had Karin pinned to the cave wall; a few inches off the ground and a large ball of energy cupped in his free hand aimed directly at her.

"A-Aiden.." Karin whispered staring at him, with wide teary eyes. "Listen to me..." she said staring at him with fear. "I remember you, I remember the w-way I feel about you." she closed her eyes. "I love you, Aiden...so please.." she tilted her head away. "D-Don't..."

Aiden grin his teeth; not comprehending who was speaking to him but that whoever was talking to him was a threat. A small voice in the back of his mind warned him to stop but he paid it no heed. The energy ball grew larger but before he could release it a shadow materialized behind the ghost boy. The shadow placed its fingertips at the side of his head. A red aura glowed faintly then Aiden collapsed into the shadows arms. The figure looked up, "Get out of here! He's still dangerous!" It hissed, avoiding stepping into what little light there was for chance of revealing who and what the shadow was.

Karin stepped back, and held her head before running. Doing what she was told to do.. Getting out of the cave, she colapsed to the ground. Closing her eyes tightly as the tears came out and fell onto the ground. "It made it even worse...he doesn't..." she whispered softly, standing up. Dusting herself off, she began slowly down the beach hugging her stomach trying to calm herself.

A gentle hand caught Karin's wrist, dragging her to a stop. "Karin..." Someone whispered.

Karin stoped and shook her head. "L-Let me go.." she said yanking her hand away, falling to her knees.

"Karin, it's me, Colette." The ebony-haired girl knelt next to Karin, her crimson lips an even brighter red than earlier. "Karin...listen to me, please." She pulled the thick long black hair behind her shoulders.

Karin looked back at Colette. "C-Colette...you look...different.."

Colette gave a mournful smile, "I know..." She whispered sadly. "But that's not what I'm here for. Aiden's in trouble, but you cannot go to him. It would only harm him further." She hesitated and swallowed, "Something or someone is tampering with his ghost powers, and everytime you get near him it causes him to do strange things that out of the ordinary for him."

Karin looked at Colette. "How...do you know? " she asked softly looking up at him. "...I...need to help him!" she said sounding demanding. "Please...there, has to be a way."

Colette shook her head firmly, "I'll have to tell you some other time. Now is not the time. You have to let me go to him and do what must be done, alright? I'll come get you when you can see him, otherwise he'll hurt you. Try and figure out if some sort of ghost or object is doing something to him. Can you do that for me?" Her brown eyes hinted with flecks of red stared her down waiting for a response from Karin.

"...Ruff." Karin whispered standing up. "He's causing this." she said softly looking up at Colette. "..O-Okay..." she said nodding. Turning she took off running. "My turn, to help you Aiden." she thought quickly running into her cabin. "Ruff, where are you?"

"You can cut out the innocent dog act.." she whispered to the dog. "What have you done to Aiden, Ruff?"

Ruff cocked his head to one side and gave a short bark and padded forward again, nuzzling at Karin's side.

"No no." Karin said stepping away from Ruff. "You're a ghost, I saw you phase threw the stupid wall." she glared at him. "You're...that wolf."

Ruff whimpered and his tail lowered sadly as he took a step back but his tail immediately began wagging again when a woman stepped forward with the hood of a cloak overshadowing her features. "I was wondering when you would return, Karin." The woman grinned under the hood with malice.

Karin stood in place, trembling slightly. "Who are you?" she asked closing her hands tightly. "...And what...did you do to Aiden?"

The woman laughed, "Poor Ruff did not do his job very well, so he has become my personal slave and thus lost his intelligence and has the intelligence of a dog as it was meant to be." She buffed her nails casually, "Your precious little ghost boy can do without those wretched powers. Unfortunately, in the process of taking those powers from him, it's taking his life; slowly." She smirked maliciously. "But that's of no concern to me. Don't even think of stepping near that boy either. For every time a someone from the living is near him, his life drains faster..." She hissed.

"You..." Karin glared at her. "What do you want...name your price." she said tilting her head down. "I'll do whatever, if you just leave Aiden alone."

The woman pursed her lips in thought and surveyed the room boredly, "What would you do to save his worthless, pitiful life?" She inquired and fixed her cold gaze on Karin.

"It isn't worthless." Karin said closing her hands, before looking up at her. "I'd...give my life away to save him."

The woman studied Karin then pulled her hood back, an eyebrow quirked suspiciously, "You would die for the ghost boy?" She asked mockingly.

"Did I studder?" she asked looking at her glaring. "I said I'd give up my life." she snapped crossing her arms. "...I'd die for him, because I love him."

The woman seated herself in a chair that materialized, "Hmm. Sounds too melodramatic. Denied. What else have you to offer and I might consider allowing the boy to live." She clasped her hands neatly in her lap before smoothing out her gown first.

Karin looked at the woman. "My soul good enough?" she asked closing her eyes. "I'd become your slave...is that...good enough?"

The woman shook her head slowly. "No, too easy. I'd say...in order for me to save this boy's life...you would have to live. But, he and you would never be able to be together. An eternity of suffering; of watching your love, love another." She smirked with a knowing look.

Karin looked at the woman in shock, then tilted her head down. "F-Fine." she said closing her eyes. "Deal."

The woman smiled, "Now; how to go about such a task. If it is to happen, then you must be some sort of animal...or some...thing that cannot; out of standard morals be with a human or ghost. Have any special wishes, my dear?" She batted her eyelashes mockingly.

Karin took a step back, closing her eyes. "Just...make me mute, please.." she said trembling. "I don't want to be changed, again."

The woman shook her head, "No. That way you can still be together. It's too simple." 

Karin looked at the woman. "A ghost then." she whispered softly. "Turn me into a ghost."

The woman pursed her lips in thought. "You will haunt Aiden's every step, but he will not be able to see you, hear you, or feel you. I like it. You forfeit your soul, then?" She asked; standing up and brushing off her dress.

Karin nodded her head. "..Y-Yes." she whispered softly closing her eyes prepaired.

The woman nodded. "Done." She thrust her hand out; gripping Karin's throat and in an instant separated Karin's spirit from her body. "Enjoy the after life my dear." The woman bowed then vanished along with Ruff. Just then Colette burst into the door, "Karin! Karin!" She halted mid-step and gaped at Karin. Her heart sank, "You didn't..." she whispered.

"...Colette!" she looked at Colette, sadly. "Is Aiden, alright...?" she asked sadly, looking at her pale hands. "I'm a ghost now...he can't see me though..."

Colette rubbed her temples in frustration; "I noticed. You made a deal with the witch. You don't ever do that! They go back on their word almost every time. I came to get you because Aiden is dying and I thought you might be able to bring him around. I don't want to have to do...well nevermind. Come on, he might be doing better now." She pushed the door open and sprinted across the shoreline. towards the cave where Aiden was possibly still dying.

Karin quickly followed after Collete. "...No no no.." she whispered entering the cave. "Aiden...!" she shouted looking down at him, reaching out to touch him. She just phased threw him. "...I can't touch him anymore..." she whispered tilting her head down.

Aiden groaned and opened his eyes slightly. Colette knelt by him, "Aiden? How ya feeling?" He groaned again and gave Colette a puzzled look, "Karin?" Colette shook her head, "She's, uh, I'm Colette. Remember?" He nodded weakly. "Some sort of...spell was cast over you, that's why you were getting so angry." Aiden sat up with a start, "Karin! I've got to apologize! Where is she?" He peered at Colette and the girl looked, for once, at a loss for words.

Karin stared at Aiden with dead eyes. "...Tell him the truth, please." she whispered softly trying to touch his hand. But failed. "Tell him I love him, and I'm sorry...please.."

Colette nodded and turned to Aiden. "Karin wants you to know, that she loves you. And she's sorry." Aiden whirled on Colette and glared. "You! You did something to Karin!" He stood up with amazing speed and picked Colette up by the throat. Colette gave him a blank look, "Aiden. Release me now. Anger is not going to bring her back." She glared calmly at Aiden and he returned the glare. "You're the witch that did this to me and my powers! You're the one that took Karin away before I could tell her that I loved her too!" He tightened his grip on Colette's throat. "Aiden. Release me before I force you to release me." She answered coolly. Aiden laughed easily. "Yeah right." He barked angrily.

"W-What?" Karin asked looking at Colette. "Co-Colette?" she stared at Aiden, sadly before gently touching his arm. Closing her eyes. "...Aiden...stop it." she whispered hoarsely. "Please..." she sent a chill down his back, hopefully. "P-Please..."

"Aiden!" Colette snapped, looking hardly phased by his tight grip around her throat. "I can help you get Karin back, but you must trust me." She growled. "Now release me, I do not want to hurt you." Aiden reluctantly set her down and stepped back, fury still dancing in his eyes. "What happened to her?" Colette returned the furious stare, "If I told you, we'd end up in the same state as before. We must find the witch who cast the spell over her, and you; have to keep a leash on your anger, boy!" Aiden's anger flashed anew. Colette's eyes narrowed, "Want me to call you child instead?" She snarled with just as much anger.

Karin looked at Colette. "He stays angry for a while...just...show him the way, he'll follow you." she said to her, looking away. "That...ghost...is in a forest...close by."

Colette shook her head, "It's a different kind of anger that needs to be controlled, or it will kill him." She whispered. "It's not the ghost that we need to find, we need to find the spell that she cast over your body." She turned back to Aiden, "Come on. Keep up with me boy."

"O-Oh.." Karin said as she began following them. "A spell?" she tilted her head down. "I can't help you there, she just...yanked me out of my body."

Colette shook her head, "It's difficult to explain unless you deal in black magic." She murmured half to herself. "Who are you talking to?" Aiden growled. Colette turned and glared at him, "Stop talking and start walking." Aiden huffed and rolled his eyes. "You seemed nice before..." Colette's eyes narrowed dangerously, "Yeah well, people aren't what they seem. Are they ghost  boy?" Aiden's jaw dropped. "How did you know I could change into a ghost?" Colette rolled her eyes, "It's not that hard to figure out."

"Where are you going to look?" Karin asked Colette as they entered the cabin. "Is there something in here that can help?"

"A scent, maybe." She whispered while searching through the various things and taking mental notes of anything that seemed out of place.

Karin looked over at her bed. "Look at that...my necklace." she said looking at it. "Colette take it before Aiden does...he'll cling to it."

Colette laughed quietly and snatched up the necklace before Aiden noticed. She looked over the necklace quickly then inclined her head, "I think I know where she's keeping your body and how to break the spell...Let's go!" She barked to Aiden and he followed obediently, albeit stubbornly.

Karin followed after Colette and Aiden.

After a time Colette, Aiden, and Karin came across a large fortress-like building. Allowing Aiden to go ahead of her she turned to Karin, "There's a catch, Karin. If we return your spirit to your body, it will most likely reverse what the witch did to partly fix Aiden's...problem. It might kill him, but I might be able to save him. Will you help me, no matter what happens or what I do?" She asked carefully.

Karin nodded her head. "...Yes.." she whispered softly to Colette looking ahead, seeing her body chained. "T-There it is...no, there I am!"

Aiden had seen Karin's body and now stood, unmoving. Colette glared and shoved him forward, "She's not dead you idiot." She hissed. "She's...asleep of a sorts." Rolling her eyes she looked skyward, "It's one of those stupid fairytale things. Love's true kiss will...put things back to normal. Somewhat. In the meanwhile, if the witch shows up, she's mine. I have a score to settle..." She muttered darkly. Aiden flushed crimson and gaped at Colette, "I've got to kiss her to make her live...or whatever?" Colette gave him a blank look, "What do you think?" She barked.

Karin blushed and gapped at Colette. "I-Is...that the only way?" she asked softly looking at her body. Getting next to it, as Aiden looked at her.

Colette cast her eyes downward, "There is another way, but you will prefer this way much better." She whispered taking on a sickly look. Aiden quirked an eyebrow, "Are you okay?" Colette nodded, "Yeah, so you gonna kiss her, lover boy?" She smirked and he blushed.

"That...smirk.." Karin looked at Colette with a twist look. "..Aiden, don't kiss me."

Aiden gave Colette a hard look then knelt next to Karin's limp body. "Please let this work..." He whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you..." He leaned forward and tenderly brushed his lips against Karin's. At that moment the ghost woman burst in, enraged. "No!" She screamed.

Karin flinched, and blushed as she kissed him back. "A-Aiden...?" she whispered weakly, looking at the ghost woman. Then at Aiden. "...We need to get out of here."

Colette turned, wide-eyed, "Get out of here, run!" She cried as the ghost woman grabbed her and Ruff came bounding back in wolf form, snarling angrily and snapping at Colette's legs. Aiden breathed a sigh of relief and took hold of Karin's wrist, "Come on, can you walk?"

"I...I think." Karin said wobbling slightly, at Colette. "Colette!" she said looking at the witch and Ruff. "What do you want with Colette?"

Colette glared at Karin and Aiden, "Just get out of here! She'll get you too!" She yelped in pain as Ruff nipped her ankle. The ghost woman smirked, "You should listen to her, girl. You've got your boyfriend, you don't need a dispicable creature like her." She sneered. Aiden tugged gently on Karin's wrist, "Come on...we'll come back for her." He whispered.

"Dispicable creature?" Karin tried pulling away from Aiden's grasp. "Let go Aiden." she said looking back at him, then at Colette. "I've got to help her. Let me go."

"Karin." Aiden hissed. "You're powerless against her, I can't risk you ending up how you did. I can use my ghost powers when we have a better advantage. Come on!" He gave her a pleading look. Colette shook her head, "Don't come back for me." She hissed. "She's right, I am a dispicable creature..." She turned her head away going limp in the woman's grasp.

"Colette!" Karin screamed out, flinching as she looked back at Aiden. "...F-Fine!" Karin said closing her eyes. "Le-Lets go."

Aiden morphed into his ghost form and snatched Karin; phasing both of them through the wall and flew them back to the beach. Colette clenched her teeth tightly as Ruff nipped at her arms and legs; watching tearfully as Karin and Aiden vanished through the wall.

Karin pounded her fists againsts Aidens chest. "Why...why...why am I so stupid?" she asked keeping her head down in his chest trembling. "It's not fair."

Aiden wrapped his arms around her gently and brushed back her hair in an attempt to calm her, "You're not stupid, don't say that. I'm sorry about everything that happened. I'm sure Colette will be fine, she seemed to know how to deal with that ghost."

Karin looked up at him with sad green eyes. Trembling slightly. "A-Aiden...but." she looked away, pulling away slowly. "It's my fault, you were in pain."

Aiden shook his head firmly, "No it wasn't. You were deceived, as was I. It's in the past. Come on Karin, cheer up. You're much prettier when you aren't so sad." He cupped her chin and lifted her head so her green eyes met his slate blue ones.

Karin stared into his slate blue eyes, and parshly closed her eyes. "...Thank you, Aiden." she said softly closing them. "What do we do now?"

Aiden sighed, "I'm not sure. I know for a fact that Colette isn't what she seems. How else would she know all that stuff? Maybe...something similar to what happened to me and you happened to her?" He looked up in thought then brought his gaze back to her, "Do you know anything else about her?"

"Well I ..." she looked away in thought. "She seemed ghostly..." Karin whispered looking over at him.

Aiden's brow furrowed in thought, "It could be, but she seemed real and tangible enough. As far as I know ghosts can't be that real." He plopped down on the sand in a cross-legged position.

Karin sat down next to him, and looked out at the ocean. "Lets see.." she said softly. "...Do you you think...she's a ghost?"

Aiden shook his head thoughtfully, "I don't think so. She knew I was a ghost, and she's trying to hide something from us. If she knew I was part ghost she would have told us because she wouldn't be afraid of us judging her." He shrugged.

Karin rubbed her eyes. "Then what...is she?" she whispered looking over at Aiden, slightly blushing. "Where you nervous?" she asked looking away, covering her mouth. "When you kissed me, I mean."

Aiden shrugged in answer to her first question. At her second question he turned away blushing as well; rubbing the back of his head nervously, "Uhm...a little." He replied honestly.

"Really?" Karin looked back over at him, scooting closer to him. She looked up at him, bringing her arms around his arm. Hugging it tightly into her chest. "Please don't be."

Aiden smiled down at her, "Not anymore." He kissed her forehead tenderly then cleared his throat self-consciously, "Anyway...Colette?"

Karin looked away. "...We...need to get her back, Aiden."

Aiden stared down at her, "You're right...but I don't want to risk losing you again. What if...what if saving her only brings bigger problems our way? Aside from my ghost powers." He murmured softly.

"What's worse?" she asked softly looking up at him. "...Me getting ghost powers, or something like that?"

Aiden laughed softly, "I wouldn't mind that..." He mused to himself with a grin but it quickly vanished. "No, she'd do something worse. Are you insisting on coming with me to save her?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I'm going with you!" Karin said looking up at him.

Aiden sighed, "I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?" He asked in resignition.

"Nope, I'm as hardheaded as you are at times." Karin said smiling.

Aiden rolled his eyes, "Alright, we've gotta figure out what to-" A piercing shriek interrupted his sentence and he grimaced. "I don't know about you, but my guess was that that woman is not being too kind to Colette. How are we going to do this?" He asked for once; fear showing in his eyes.

Karin flinched and looked up at Aiden. "I...I don't know." she said closing her eyes. "I can be bait for you attacking her."

Aiden's gaze hardened, "Aboslutely not." He replied firmly. "We could go and see how they've got her imprisoned, but I think the ghost will detect both of us..."

"It's either my plane or yours.." Karin said stepping away from him a bit.

Aiden huffed angrily and raked a hand through his hair, "Let's go see if the ghost has left and see how to free her. Is that good enough for you?"

"Don't need to get angry at me." Karin said putting her hands up for defence. "That's good enough for me."

Aiden gave Karin a steady look, "I wasn't angry at you, Karin. I'm angry about what this ghost is doing to Colette. Come on, let's go see what we can do without getting caught ourselves." He turned towards her and grinned self-consciously, "Do you want me to carry you or just hold my hand?" He asked innocently.

Karin looked up at him blushing. "I'll just hold your hand." she said softly taking his hand.

Aiden laughed and nodded without another word. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before turning ghost and taking them back towards the building where the other ghost had been keeping Colette.

Karin stared up at Aiden then looked ahead. "...Something's off."

Aiden looked back at Karin, "What do you mean?" He asked quietly, hoping not to alert any other ghosts that were in league with the head ghost.

"..." Karin looked up at Aiden. "Maybe we should land Aiden."

He nodded and took them to the far side of the strange fortress-looking building and set Karin down first then banked next to her with a puzzled frown. "What is it?" He whispered.

"You should be alert, Aiden." Karin said lifting up her hand, a green knife shimmering in it. Her usual green eyes, darkened to a red. 

Aiden's eyes widened and his hands went up in immediate defense, "Wha-Karin!" He took a step back, feeling the fear well up in his chest. "Aiden!" At the sound of his name he looked up to see Colette crouched on one of the ledges, blood matted her lovely long dark hair and it was in disarray; overall she looked terrible but alive. "Watch out!" She snarled and Aiden ducked.

Karin stood in place, glancing at Colette. "Stay out of this." she hissed before, looking back at Aiden. Jumping at Aiden, she pinned him to the ground. "...Shh, Aiden it'll end soon..." she hissed stabbing the knife shallowly into his shoulder.

Aiden cried out in pain and went intangible hoping that the knife wasn't made for ghosts as well. Colette growled in frustration and leapt from the ledge she had been crouching on and wrenched the knife from Karin's hand; Aiden cried out in pain again and pressed a hand to his shoulder as his power drained and he became human again.

Karin glared at Colette and kicked her away, before turning back to Aiden. "That blood..." she whispered leaning towards him. "I want it, all of it."

Colette bit back the yelp of pain as she was kicked away. "Karin." She growled the grit teeth. Aiden sat up painfully pushing a hand to his shoulder and attempted to scoot away from her. "Karin, don't do this..." He whispered. Colette sighed and closed her eyes, "Karin, I don't want to hurt you and neither does Aiden. Fight it!" She snarled.

"Shut up!" Karin shouted at Colette and then looked at Aiden. Bending down next to him, she looked at her hand. "...Shh..." she whispered phasing her hand into his chest. 

Aiden cried out in pain and his arms collapsed under him, falling back to the ground flat on his back. Colette sighed and closed her eyes; finding the calm center within her and took a firm hold on her power. Opening her eyes once more she lunged for Karin and wrenched her away from Aiden easily. Whirling Karin around she stared coldly into her eyes, "You don't want to do this..." She hissed; parting her lips slightly to reveal two gleaming fangs. Colette inhaled and wet her lips with her tongue.

Karin looked at Colette and then away. "Stop playing around with me." she said pushing Colette away, and stepping back.

Colette closed her eyes in, regretting what she would have to do if Karin continued to try and hurt Aiden unless he could bring her around. Aiden stared fearfully up at Karin, "Karin..." He whispered, feeling the ache in his shoulder begin to throb.

Karin looked at Aiden and then stepped away from him. "You two, just leave me alone.." she said stepping back again.

Colette stepped towards Aiden and collapsed to her knees. "Wh-what are you talking about Karin? Why do you want us to leave you alone?" Her fangs were now fully visible and gave her speech a soft lisp.

Karin didn't answer Colette, bluntly she shook her head. Closing her eyes, she phased threw the ground.

Aiden watched in horror as Karin vanished. Colette crawled to his side, "Lay still." She commanded in a whisper. He gasped and inched away from her, "Get away from me!" Colette grimaced and blinked back the tears, "Aiden, I'm not going to do anything to you other than help you. Please don't judge me for what I am. Judge me for what I've done." She whispered mournfully.

Karin appeared 100 Feet from where she dissappered. "...What's wrong with me?" she whispered looking at her hands.

Colette examined Aiden's wound under Aiden's watchful eye. Finally she tore ragged strips of material from the hem of her shirt and pressed the scraps firmly against Aiden's shoulder. He cried out in pain at the pressure but she pressed a gentle hand to his chest forcing him to the ground. "Hold still." She whispered.

"How come...I hurt him?" Karin kept asking her self, stoping as she looked at her hands. "Am I...part ghost?"

Colette closed her eyes and murmured something under her breath. Aiden gasped and attempted to pull away but Colette's hand on his chest kept him from moving so much as an inch.