"Oh my God." The flames stretched up through the building toward the sky, the hand of Hell reaching into the school like talons. Watching the fire rip down the structure wall by wall, shattering window by window, horrified her. It was too shocking at first. It couldn't be. Not Suzuran, the school of free, unbeatable Crows. It simply wasn't possible.

But then, why was she crying? She must have started earlier than she realized because her cheeks were slippery with them, but the act came so naturally it never occurred to her she might wipe them away. The flames enraptured her, and the ferocious rivers of smoke seeped into her gapping mouth. She hunched forward and choked. Not Suzuran. How could it be?

Then she saw something else, something amidst the flames and bog. It moved like a puff of smoke amidst the flames, but then it growled in frustration. It was someone.

"Sumi!" Hana covered her nose with her sleeve and charged through the maze of flames. Navigating was nearly impossible, and her teary eyes stung from the dry smoke smothering them. The cloud never cleared, but the flames did when she reached the side of the building. Sumi yanked at a hose wrapped around the hook and ducked from the lashing heat overhead. "Sumi! What're you doing?"

"We have to put it out!" She didn't even turn around. "We have to put it out!"

"Stop it, you're gonna get yourself killed!" She pulled Sumi's arm, but Sumi elbowed her away, knocking her to the ground. Sumi grabbed the knob of the hose then screamed and flew back. "Sumi!" Hana scrambled back up, and an imprint smoked black in Sumi's palm. But Sumi rolled back up and reached for the nozzle again. Hana grabbed Sumi under both arms and fought against the delusional girl. "Sumi! Stop it!"

"We have to put it out! We have to save it!" God she was strong! She may be a Serizawa, but this sort of fierceness only came from blind delirium.

Hana planted her feet then flung Sumi away, knocking her face-first into the dirt. She stationed herself between her and the hose and, when Sumi tried getting around her, she slapped Sumi's face. Sumi's craze transformed into angry shock, and her look of urgency remained. Hana grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "It's not worth it, Sumi."

"How can you say that? We have to save it! We have to—"

"It's just a building, Sumi!" Now Sumi's face dropped, the insanity breeched, and Hana squeezed her. "It's just a building. And Suzuran is much more than that."

Sumi's face contorted, suddenly lost in tears. "Hana."

But then the window next to them exploded, and a roar of heat lashed out ravenously. Hana grabbed Sumi's arms and forced her up. "Let's go! Go, go!" She pushed her forward through the catacomb of black smoke and red-yellow blaze. Even after they broke through the fire, she kept a tight hold on Sumi's wrist and pulled her onward.

Reaching the fence, however, Sumi suddenly collapsed dead weight, and Hana turned just in time to catch her. They fell in a heap on the dirt, free of the smoke but not the scolding heat that rose high in the sky.

They watched the flames boil the school alive then Sumi turned her head and sobbed into Hana's shirt, all the while clutching her for safety. "I can't believe it," she wailed into her buttons. "I can't believe they burned it!"

Hana pulled Sumi into her hold and rocked her back and forth. She didn't know what to say, but as Sumi cried, she clenched her teeth and cried too. Sumi was right. Who could believe it? How could they stoop this low?

"Sumi!" Hana looked up, startled, and a group of Suzuran guys ran frantically toward them. Tamao reached them first and slid down into his knees at their side. "Sumi?"

Sumi turned toward him, and the wails instantly ceased. "Tamao." She hugged him with one arm, cradling her wounded hand to her chest.

"What happened?" he demanded against her hold.

Izaki dropped down beside them next and reached around Hana to take Sumi. "Are you hurt?"

Hana relinquished Sumi and stood. "She burnt her hand."

"Let me see." Tamao took Sumi's hand and inspected it while Tokio and the others joined them.

Hana backed away as the guys crowded Sumi. She should have felt like an outsider, but she didn't. Forgotten, like a ghost, but still there. The building beyond still screamed under the wrath of the blaze and made her cry again, that involuntary, silent streaming.

She could have died. Sumi could have died. But she saved her, and the cavalry came. Oh God. Something rose in her stomach, something she suppressed until now. Her body shook, and her chest heaved. A scream was coming. She could feel it; it was inevitable.

Watching the destruction, she wanted to capture this moment. To save it at the forefront of her mind and never forget. This was the single most defining moment of her life, and she didn't know how to feel. Why wasn't she feeling? Why was her body trying so hard to repress all the emotions bursting from her?

"It doesn't look real serious," Tamao decided. "Maybe a first degree burn. What the hell were you thinking?"

"We saw you from the other building," Tokio added. "You could've been killed!"

Sumi shook her head. "No, Hana—" She turned her head frantically, unable to see around the mass of guys. "Where's Hana? Hana!" She clutched Izaki's hand but stared desperately at Tamao. "She saved me."

Everyone talked loudly now, but Tamao jumped up. He shoved through the guys and saw Hana standing back in the shadows, clutching her chest and shaking as she cried. She wanted to run, far away, but his eyes held her stationary. Then he marched aggressively toward her. She felt the impulse to step back, but he flung an arm across her shoulders while the other cupped the back of her head and pulled her tightly against him. His body heat suffocated her, but she clutched at his back and held him close.

"Are you okay?" He sounded out of breath, but his hold was strong. "Are you hurt?"

Hana cried again, finally feeling an overwhelming relief and absurd fear. She screamed into his shoulder and sunk her fingers deep into the fabric of his shirt. Her body trembled more than ever, but as she screamed, it felt like release.

Tamao kissed her hair and temple numerous times then pressed his lips into her ear. "Aishiteru." She cried louder and clutched harder, but his stress kept strong. "Aishiteru. It's gonna be all right, I promise." He stopped kissing and just held her tight. "Aishiteru."

Nothing could've set her more at ease. He soothed her tears and killed the awful repression. His warmth no longer asphyxiated her, and their tight, clawing grip became a strong embrace. She melted perfectly into him. The fire and smoke were temporarily forgotten.

"We should get Sumi to a hospital," said Izaki abruptly.

Hana looked over Tamao's shoulder, and Izaki helped Sumi stand. Their eyes met, and Hana felt drawn to her. She pulled at Tamao's shirt, and he released her curiously. Sumi stepped forward, and Hana instantly rushed up. They hugged each other, that sense of insatiable urgency reborn.

They were forever linked, she and Sumi. But not only them. She was linked with all of them now, with Suzuran. The bond was sealed.

She was a Crow.

Luckily, Sumi's injuries weren't serious, and they spent little time in the hospital. Hana offered to walk her home, but Sumi wanted time with Izaki now that her nerves stabilized. Hana understood; she wanted the same with Tamao but kept her wishes secret. He needed to be with his family. So they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

The silent walk home felt pleasant. Nothing scared her. She welcomed the darkness and silence after the screaming blaze.

Jun was gone when she got back, but he left her a note telling her not to get into too much trouble while he was drunk. And he left the two movies they never watched.

It was so late, and the adrenaline rush let her energy crash. Tired, tired, tired; too tired to even lock her door. She crossed the living room into her bedroom and collapsed on the bed.

So damn tired.

The door was unlocked, but all the lights were off. Had something happened to her? Nothing looked out of place, relatively the same as he left it that morning.

But she wasn't the same. This war forced her to change, make sacrifices. Just how many would she have to make? Better yet, how many was she going to make?

Tamao locked the door behind him and walked to the far end of the apartment, where her bedroom sat open as well. He looked inside and smiled. She lay sprawled on the bed, chest down and face turned, and her small feet dangled off the end. She hadn't even taken off her shoes. But her face was smudged black, and a scent of burning ash settled around the room.

He never should've let her into his world. He never should've taken her to bed with him. He never should've told her he loved her. He never should've loved her in the first place.

But he had. He had let her in, taken her, told her. And he did love her.

Tamao set one knee on the bed and slipped his hand beneath her neck. "You need to change. Come on, I'll give you a bath." He pulled her upright then tucked an arm beneath her legs and scooped her up. She moaned sleepily and pressed her face into his neck.

He carried her into the bathroom, stood her up, and undressed her. She was delicious porcelain, but their lovemaking proved she was the strong porcelain. He couldn't help it; she was too beautiful. His hands traced her curves deliberately, and he kissed her sensitive areas, from her small wrists to the tips of her breasts. He didn't caress her lower than her shapely hips. The temptation would be too great, so he slid her pants and underwear down without taking his eyes off the floor.

When she stood completely naked, he undressed himself, too. She moaned from time to time when he kissed her but never opened her eyes. Now she did, just a little, but when he completely stripped, she took a clumsy step forward and slammed her lips against his. He held her steady, and they kissed. It was short, but she smiled against his lips.

Tamao sat her down on the stool and ran the shower. He lathered up the soap and lightly scrubbed her. Except for her smudged face and dirty hands, her skin looked perfect. Her narrow shoulders, her back, her rounded buttocks. He reached around and rubbed the scrubber against her. She leaned back against him, but the sexuality didn't bolster. He scrubbed her inner thighs then the top and moved around to clean the front of her body now that her most tempting parts were covered. Down one slender leg and between her small toes, down the other, across her stomach, over her breasts. He washed the length of one arm, but when he got to her hands, she effortlessly pulled them free and cupped his face. Her eyes never opened, but she stroked his cheek. He smiled and let her as he scrubbed her other arm then washed her neck and face. Once he sprayed her down, he washed her hair then sprayed again.

He wiped her face with a rag and stood, but she took his hand and wiggled it. She wanted him to sit, and he did. She took the scrubber from him, sprayed it down, and then added more soap. She may have been mostly asleep, but her proficiency lingered. She scrubbed the front of him first, down his long arms, over his torso and stomach, and to his waist. She lathered the soap a little more and touched his member with the scrub, but he grabbed her wrist. Just looking at her was seduction, especially with her face clean and clear.

She blinked up at him, and he stared at her. Slowly, she lathered every inch of him. He stared at the ceiling, determined not to take advantage, but she didn't tease him. Scrubbing his stern legs and dirty feet, she motioned for him to turn. He did, and she washed his back and neck down to his tight buttocks. She sprayed him down, kissing his back every few inches, then washed his hair, too.

Tamao tied his hair up afterward then ran a hot bath. It wasn't necessary, but he wanted her skin soaked to the bone. Hopefully it would clean out whatever fear still remained. He helped her in then got in behind her and pulled her back against him. His arms wrapped around her shoulders, lying atop her breasts, and he kissed along her neck and ear. She fit too perfectly here, conformed into him like the second half of a jigsaw. It wasn't right for her to be so perfect to him. She could do better.

Her head tilted awkwardly. Her consciousness was slipping. He squeezed her and kissed her temple. "Let's go to bed."

He helped her out and toweled her down then carried her back to the bedroom. He dressed her with some difficulty, as her perception drifted further and further, but his patience never thinned. He enjoyed doing things for her, even if they were difficult. He preferred it that way.

When they were both dressed, he pulled her down beside him on the bed and settled the covers over them. She snuggled up to him immediately, her arm around his naked stomach and her head tucked under his stubbly chin. Her smooth legs laced between his, and he nuzzled her closer. "Aishiteru, Hana-chan," he whispered into her forehead as his fingers brushed her hair from her face.

He was tired, too. He hadn't realized it until now when he held her in bed. Sleep never felt so good.

He felt her mouth smile into his chest, and she mumbled, "Aishiteru, Tamao-senpai."

Tamao woke the next morning to a humming vibration on the nightstand. He sighed and grabbed blindly for the cellphone. "Moshi-mosh?"

"Tamao-senpai, are you still in bed?"

He groaned, confused, and flipped over on the bed. Sure enough, it was empty. "Hana? What the hell?"

"I had some things to take care of today, but you better get your ass up and get to Suzuran. After what happened last night, this is no time to be down on the job. Get up! Or I'm kicking you out of my bed tonight!"

Damnit, why did women have to be so maniacal? "Okay, I'm up." He flung his legs over the side of the bed, stood, and stretched. "You could've just woke me up when you left. What's with the wakeup call?"

"Your consciousness tends to impede any attempt to get things accomplished, Serizawa Tamao."

"Not my fault. You're the one who made the mistake of seducing a yankee."

"Shut up, baka. I have to go though. I'll come by the school later."

"Wait." He wanted to ask her what she was doing. Something scratched his suspicion, urging him to antagonize her until she caved. But he didn't. "Are you feeling better?"

"Hai." He could hear the smile in her voice. "Arigatō for taking care of me."

Good thing she wasn't there, because he hated people seeing him blush, and the heat in his cheeks was definitely a blush. "Well, I'll see you later then."

"All right. Kick some ass!"

He smirked and hung up. "Kawaii." He stretched again and shuffled across the room for his clothes.

Hana put the phone in her pocket, maneuvered her camera behind her elbow, and walked into the office. It was small and cluttered, but homey in a reclusive sort of way. Takaguchi sat at the far end of the room, bent over a stack of papers and massaging his temple with a pen between his fingers. He didn't hear her enter but looked up when she cleared her throat. "Hana-chan! This is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

Hana took a seat across from him and leaned forward. "Sensei, we need to be honest with each other. Things are getting hectic, and if we're gonna collaborate, we're gonna have to trust each other. I'll go first." She cleared her throat. "I'm involved with a student from Suzuran, but even more than that, voluntarily involved in their war against Housen. The two schools've been rivals for years, but recent events have escalated into a full-on war, and any day now the final showdown's gonna come knocking. But, you already knew that, didn't you?"

He raised his eyebrows, but she continued. "I'm also certain you know that Suzuran was burned down last night by someone from Housen, and that Genji's father was almost killed. Most importantly, sensei, I'm sure you know vastly more than I do about what's going on, and though I don't have any solid evidence, I'm sure the College Board would have a field day at the mere speculation that one of their teachers is directly involved with Yakuza activity." She feigned concern. "What if they somehow found evidence? My God, you could get fired, sensei!"

Takaguchi reclined back in his chair and sighed. He didn't answer at first, but her stare was unwavering. "When I was young, I was a Yakuza in training. I left before being fully adopted into the gang, but I still have close ties since many of my friends are involved. And you're right, I do know vastly more than what you've just told me. I know, for instance, exactly who burned Suzuran." She straightened.

He set his elbows on the desk and laced his long fingers together. "Is that what you came to find out, Hana-chan?"

Hana wasn't daunted and crossed her arms over the desk. "Iie. Actually, sensei, I came here to ask for a favor."

He tilted his head. "A favor?"

"Hai." She smiled. "I need to see Takiya Hideo."

Takaguchi stared then chuckled. "There's no way. You'd never get past the security, and I can't sacrifice my career for one of your games."

"Can't you?" She reached inside her pocket and pulled out a running tape recorder. She examined it briefly like she was surprised to find it then shrugged. "Damn. How long has this thing been recording?"

He glanced at it then at her and sighed again.

Darkness blanketed the hospital. True, it was third-rate, and necessarily so if this was going to stay hidden from the other bosses who might take advantage of Hideo's weak state. But the smell disgusted her. Bleh, definitely not sanitary, even for third-rate.

Hana kept her eyes down, careful not to attract any attention from the Yakuza members roaming the halls. Takaguchi managed to distract the receptionist long enough for her to slip in, but she somehow got lost in the darkness and branching hallways. Where did Takaguchi say it was again? This all made no sense to her, dissecting the hallways like this. Who the hell designed this friggin building anyway?

"Son of a bitch," she hissed. "What the hell kinda hospital gets so complicated you can't even find one single Yakuza boss's room? And where the hell is sensei? Jeez, the old fart certainly wasn't much help when it came to—"

"What the hell are you thinking, you bastard?"

Hana flattened to the wall, expecting exploitation, but the voice wasn't talking to her, and another followed it.

"Please wait! Please wait! Let him go!"

"Shut up!"

"He wasn't gonna do anything! Please don't hurt Kawaishi! Please deal with me, he had nothing to do with it!"

She was instantly down the hall and huddled at a distance from the group of Yakuza guards crowding the doorway. Kawaishi must be inside, but who was the other guy? Why was Kawaishi even there?

"I know you. You guys are our rivals after all!"

"Please forgive us!" the unknown man pleaded. "Forgive us!"

"Let's take them both!"

The doorway cleared a moment as the guards grabbed for the two men inside, just long enough for Hana to get beside it without anyone noticing, and then all fell silent. She could hear the heart monitor inside, but nothing else. What happened? Daringly, she peeked inside.