Cheerfully being a social creature Mina was in front of others, she grinned at the man, "I obviously came prepared today. Forgot to do some shopping earlier this week. You know how cafeteria food is." Laughing it easily off, she wondered for the millionth time how she could pull off working in customer service for her corporation and appear to easy going when it could be so tiring. It wasn't like she was doing any good. She simply kept the rich donors happy with flattery and textbook answers to superfluous questions. At least it was a job. She could honestly say that she wasn't being lazy like a few others at the corporation.

Kaito looked at her gently, his sapphire eyes remaining on her. For the moment he just listened. By now he was used to silently watching everyone else. In a way it kept him entertained for the moment. He always found himself enjoying a story or two about someone. Though he still didn't completely like it here. Unlike Abstainya, the justice system barely worked here. Even in the middle class towns there could be gangs and criminals just waiting for someone with goodies on them to walk by. Smart people only carried a few coins with them or kept the coins in secrecy pockets in case they got robbed. That wasn't all to the system, though. No one cared for the rules anymore in this world. They could get away with so much because no one wants to fight against them. Kaito spoke in a sweet tone as he looked at her. "Be careful on your way out."

Smiling her appreciation and waving as she left, Mina replied, "I will do my best. Have a good one!" Heading outside, she wondered what kind of day today would be. Pity that days weren't shorter and nights longer. Living in this world could be so hard. Turning down bribes and refusing to comply with sexual favors in order to get promoted made staying at any single job difficult. She was lucky to have this one and Mina wasn't about to throw it away by hiding in the World of Dreams. If she did, should wouldn't be able to afford the electricity it took visit there.

Reaching her work, she walked through security. As usual, her stuff went through a machine and she was scanned. Even though every single day, she was clear. The man in charge of security always gave her a rough time. Today was no exception. He motioned her out and over. "You activated the security alerts again. Might try wearing less jewelry and baggy clothing doll." He reached out to guide her manually towards the lady who frisked female workers. Mina leaped past him and went herself so that he wouldn't touch her. He laughed. She cringed. She wasn't wearing jewelry and her clothing wasn't really that baggy. It was form fitting. She hated how he gave her a hard time.

A few minutes later, Mina was out of the security checkpoint and heading up the stairs to the customer service floor. Reaching the top, she looked at the low cubicle walls stretching out before her. Even sitting down, people could still see the tops of everyone else' foreheads. Sighing, she went to her desk and sat down. Putting her purse and the bag from the bakery away underneath, she reached over to turn on her monitor. A strong hand gently reached past her and turned it on for her. Looking up in surprise, she saw the supervisor for her department. He gave her a wink and gently squeezed her shoulder. Feeling somewhat better after the hassle at security, she smiled a grateful smile for his compassion back at him. He went on his way. Little could she know he was the one who had tried to attack her the night before.

Kaito remained at the bakery for the rest of the day. Though a couple of people came in, none had stood out as much as that girl had. Most people that came here could only afford this bakery's cheap food. Unlike most places, this bakery was a lot kinder with their prices. That was only because the boss here wasn't selfish as most companies were. But because of this the bakery was seen as weak and got attacked a lot by larger companies wanting the land fir themselves. It was constant war and a constant threat. Every day customers and even Kaito checked to make sure the shop was still in place.

As day light decreased Kaito began to clean the shop up as customers left to their homes. No one wanted to be out a twilight hours because that was when gangs would come out along with thieves or thugs. Really all cities were this dangerous. No one could feel safe in this world anymore and the night could no longer be enjoyed in this world. Kaito locked up the shop at the normal time and began one his way home. Though he had really hoped not to bump into the pathetic law breakers of this world he did. Three of them stood with a smug look on their dirty faces. Kaito sighed as they sized him up. What they didn't know was that Kaito's looks could fool. As a guardian, he knew how to fight.

The shadows were starting to stretch across the road as daylight faded. Wishing that work was more fulfilling, Mina hurried down the sidewalk. She was getting closer to home and never felt more eager for it. Leaving today had been worse than getting in. She could swear that the security had it out for her. Mina wasn't sure if she had offended someone or not. She certainly tried not to. It wasn't because of the repercussions as much as she really cared how her actions caused others to feel. Still, after such a day at work, retiring earlier to the dream world seemed like a great idea. A part of her was tiring, getting worn away. It was likely that at this rate she would either emotionally crumble or would slowly begin to turn bitter, thus ruining her white sparkle while sleeping.

As she turned onto a slighly more narrow street, she heard footsteps fall behind her. She glanced back, but there was no one there. Turning foreward, she wondered if a shadow had edged out of sight before she could identify it. Man, stress was causing her to be paranoid. Shaking the thoughts from herself, she tried to pick up the pace. As she passed an alley, a hand shot out connecting to her jaw. Spinning and falling sideways, Mina landed hard. The hard concrete was bruising to her yet the sudden adrenaline rush had her looking for her attacker with wide eyes. A thug covered with a ski mask stepped out of the alley. Two more, one from behind and one from ahead of her started walking her way as well.

Kaito didn't know who attacked first, but it didn't matter now. Before he knew it he was dodging a knife and throwing punches. They got him sometimes though. Kaito wasn't used to being out of his armor and forgot he could be hurt. Or at least he did until he took a punch to the stomach. This was nothing for him. He had been beaten so much worse and remained standing. Guess it was their unlucky night. Kaito grabbed the first attacker and slammed the thug to the ground and turned to the next attacker only to get cut on the cheek. Sniping away the blood, Kaito threw a punch into the thugs face and knocked them down. He stood there, shaken by the sudden attack. Forcing himself forward, Kaito staggered onward. No one was safe at night after all.

As Kaito made his way through the dangerous city he heard a scream. Another victim from a merciless gang. They didn't care who died. This world was there entertainment. They had no rights for Abstainya. Gritting his teeth, Kaito rushed over. Maybe he was useless in this place, but it didn't stop him. As soon as he saw them gang up on a innocent, Kaito snapped. He didn't know what happened at all. His eyes snapped red and when he came back into control, the thugs were all dead. He looked in horror at his crimson stainted hands. No, he just wanted to help... He hadn't meant to kill them. He just wanted to save someone. Kaito looked at the girl through his black hair... Why was it so dark? His hair had never been this dark before. Was he even human? In the night, he no longer knew.

She looked up at her rescuer with wide eyes. It had taken her a moment to recognize him as from the bakery. Mina had not begged him as violent this morning. Yet he had effectively just killed those three men in a flurry of fists and violent action. What was worse was she knew these men. Security from her work. All three of them. Face pale, her brown eyes gazed up at him uncertainly. He didn't seem all there. The blood on his hands held his attention now. The red still clearly visible despite the darkness of sundown. Slowly struggling to get her shaky limbs to support her as she stood, Mina uncertainly walked up to him while pulling out a small packet of moist wipes. Getting one out, she hesitantly reached out to his hands and began to gently start wiping away the blood.

Kaito stood there silently, his body refusing to move. He couldn't do anything at all. The shock of tearing apart someone and killing them clearly feared him out. He didn't feel like he was the same person at all. But the way his body suddenly changed reminded him of the way rule breakers are tainted black. But instead of turning black in Abstainya, he changed in reality. Will he be different in Abstainya now? He didn't want to go and see. He feared knowing just what he had became. His crimson colored eyes watched the women and noticed who she was. He broke the silent as he fell onto his knees and spoke weakly. "So... so sorry... I... I didn't mean to... I... just wanted to save you.. but..." Kaito choked on his words. Everything in his body began to hurt. Why did he kill them?

Mina knelt with him and took a stronger hold of his hands as she finished cleaning them. Putting the wipes into her pocket, she pulled his trembling form up. Wrapping an arm around his waist, she said gently, "Come on, let's get something warm to drink. My place is nearby." She was worried about him. As scared as she had been, and as thankful as she was to him, Mina was truly concerned for him. This baker was not used to violence, nor was she. He was an innocent person and she wanted to not leave him alone in shock.

Kaito allowed her to help him up. His mind was clouded with thoughts and his heart was pounding in his ears. He barely even knewn what was going on at this point. There was so many questions left unanswered. The only one who could tell Kaito what was happening was his older brother, but Zero had disappeared two years ago. The man was so great he didn't even leave one trace of himself. Zero was much better than Kaito could even dream of being. Kaito had never even knew his parents, but Zero had. So Zero would know better than anyone as to what was going on in Kaito's body. While Kaito let these thoughts go through him, he silently followed the girl in his weakened state. He didn't speak at all now, the shock all too much on his body.

Looking over at him in concern, Mina wondered if there was something different about him. The shadows must be playing tricks on her memory. Still, she wanted the pleasant smile to return that he had greeted her with earlier. The fight must have really been a shock to him. He uttered no words now. Words that could have given her clues to how he was doing inside. Reaching the apartment, she led him up and inside. Locking the door behind them, she guided him to the couch and settled him on it. He was like a puppet. Biting a lip, Mina left and returned with a glass of cool water. Handing it to him, she asked, "What is your name?"

Kaito followed her inside willingly. If it wasn't for her, he probably wouldn't move at all. Even now he could feel his body locking up. The shock had caused him to almost go into a frozen state. He couldn't believe what had happened. Kaito was never the type to kill. Yet, he had murdered them mercilessly. But this isn't what shock him. What had scared him wasn't even the corpses. Instead he shuddered at the thought of enjoying the kill. Some part of him was glad he had done it, and he was horrified. Even when he took the glass of water and drank it all down, his mind wouldn't clear. He had been tainted. "Kaito... My name is Kaito Ethin. "

His words were so slurred. Still, Mina had seen the kindness in his eyes this morning. The dead glazed look he now had was completely unnerving. Gently taking the glass from him, she wondered what she could do. It was as if he was dying right in front of her and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Reaching up and checking his forehead, alarm sprang through her as she realized how cool his body was. After that fight, he should still be at least warm. It was as if he had been sitting still for hours. She had to get him engaged. "Nice to meet you Kaito. You must really like helping people. Being so friendly in the bakery this morning and then saving my life by taking out those thugs. They weren't going after me at random. I recognized them from work." She hesitated. What was the point in telling him all these things. Still, she wanted to tell someone and despite his obvious shock, she still trusted him more than anyone else at the moment. "They are part of the security detail at the corporation I work for. They have been giving me a hard time for a week now." She stopped and decided to just sit beside him. Wrapping an arm around his shoulders and using one hand to try to rub some warmth back into him, Mina wondered what to do. Perhaps, since going to the Dream World made her happier, she could pull him with her. The Abstainya sleeping chamber was big enough though it would be cramped. Would he be able to walk that far though?

He barely even reacted to her. A part of him was drift off. To where? Insanity? Maybe that was it. Maybe he was going insane. It wouldn't surprise him at this point. It was sensible that he would be very unstable at this point. The weight of death packed down on him like heavy snow that constantly built up. It was probably only a matter of time before he lost his sanity completely. Maybe even Abstainya would show his as tainted. He didn't want to go there like this. He would taint everything if he came to Abstainya shrouded in black. It was just like that mist. Anything he touched would be corrupted. Even when this girl tried to help, he couldn't relax. That just proved how dangerous it could be. Kaito glanced at her, feeling as if she could be the only one he could trust. He struggled at first but he finally forced him to speak. "I just wanted to help. I can't let a low life gang hurt someone. It's just not right. That's why I hate this world so much."

She looked at him compassionately and thought about how she had sang the animals to sleep in Abstainya. Her powers there were not real. What happened in the real world... but perhaps a song might do something for him. She wanted to try. Instead she just continued to hold him. Such anguish. She had to try. Mina stood while holding him, "Come with me. There is something I can do for you as a thank you." Letting another see her in the World of Dreams. Letting someone else know her appearance. It was a ruination of the solace she sought but at the cost of helping a friend, worth it.

Kaito let his thoughts go as she spoke out. If he was to remain stable he knew he would have to focus. Her calm voice helped in the least. That was enough for him to keep his eyes on her. He got curious about what she was talking about too. Where could she take him? He could barely move as it was. He wasn't even sure if he could make it down the block. But he had to trust her right now. He couldn't do anything on his own so even if he had trouble trusting her, he would have to follow her. Very slowly Kaito got up from his spot. Once he followed her he realized she was taking him to Abstainya. Hesitating, he allowed her to take him inside. He was still unsure of what he would become in this work. He probably wouldn't be a Guardian anymore, but that wasn't what troubled him. What if he tainted the world?

Sliding the lid over them closed, she kept her hold on him to support him even as their reality changed. Letting herself sink into sleep, Mina felt both anxiety for her friend and a bit of dread in having him see her. Still what else could she do. He was in shock and emotionally gone. Her voice was a powerful tool. She would fly him high into the sky where no one else could come near. Or perhaps the island would work again. She would figure that out once she got there. Coming awake in the World of Dreams, Mina slowly opened her white glowing eyes. Her soft hair white, longer and straighter. Her arms still held her friend. Turning her alabaster face towards him...

Kaito watched reality slip from him slowly and it became Abstainya. Seeing this world he knew so very well brought fast relief. For a moment he thought that as reality slipped that he might go insane. But Kaito always let go of his stress before he came to this world. It was such a habbit he probably didn't even think about doing it now days. But just because he had let the stress free doesn't mean he hasn't changed. He glanced at his pure white armor in surprise. Why was he still a guardian? He peaked at his hair. It was still blue... but how? He looked at her, his purple eyes curious. "I haven't changed in Abstainya, just in the real world."

Seeing his eyes finally clear and unglazed, she felt her muscles sag with relief despite the firm grip she kept on him. However there was no hiding the surprise in her eyes at his white armor. He was white like her. She tentatively reached up with one hand to touch his hair. "You have blue hair? White attire but blue hair... how is it that I did not keep my hair?" It was a bafflement to her that mixed with her relief creating a moment of confusion. Still, her now pale arms and smooth skin were prettier to her than her tanned being she had in real life. Realizing he had asked a question, she looked at him thoughtfully, "Perhaps because your character has not changed. Actions alone are not enough. A person's character and what is hidden in their hearts is seen here isn't it? By the way, I really like your hair."

He looked at her softly with his purple eyes. He relaxed as she cleared things up. Nodding he finally studied her. He was surprised to see someone so pure. Usually no one was pure and yet she was. "I know but it wouldn't be shocking to see a dramatic change for causing such a thing. I worry that this means something is wrong with Abstainya. No one should be able to change in real life and yet remain the same here. It just doesn't sound right. Why would I even change in reality at all? I don't get it. It feels like I am not even human. But if I'm not human then what in the world am I?" Kaito sighed, looking distressed.

She thought about that for a moment. He was right, that didn't make sense. It almost sounded like he had a part of Abstainya living in him. Maybe he had had an operation done or something where implants had been needed. An accident or something. Electrical things such as that might have slowly started fusing with this World of Dreams in some way leading or perhaps were made by a company who had set up Abstainya. It was hard to tell.

If he didn't have implants though, then they were back to square one. Either way, she didn't want him to get that glazed look again. That had really bothered her. Having him back to his normal self was something she didn't want to lose. Mina looked around the small island trying to find either a way to distract him or something to use as an example in helping him cope. Seeing a butterfly, she nodded towards it, "Kaito, see that butterfly? When it is just a bug squirming on plants for a simple meal, it is forced to live it's life as it knows best. Then one day, circumstances forces the little guy to build a caccoon. It isn't easy nor an enjoyable experience, but it is a safe environment that he rests in. But eventually he must tear that world as he knows it apart. When he does, do you think he feels remorse for the walls that had once surrounded him but now lay at his feet in tathered shreds? No. He is discovering himself all over again much like a baby. Spread your wings and be the best guy you can. Hard times come and eventually change our world, but that isn't a reason to worry. Learn from it instead and allow it to make you a better person. The day you allow it to be an excuse to hold anger, bitterness, jealousy, or envy is the day you become what you feared you might become. Hold fast to the reasons you enjoy what you enjoy in your life now. Both in reality and in this World of Dreams."

Kaito look at the butterfly for a few moments as he listened. He couldn't help but look at the butterfly and then back to her. She was so much more beautiful. He wouldn't say it but his eyes probably showed his thoughts. She was right too. Somehow the words hit deeply. It was as if she was saving him. Maybe he really could be free from his past. He smiled gently as he looked at the human girl. Would could someone with such a frail body seem so strong? He had always wondered that. Then he remembered something. Gently reaching out, he wanted to return the favor. "Thank you. Shall I tell you the secrets of Abstainya? I know it's history and I want to tell someone before the world finally ends."

She looked at him shocked. Such dark thoughts lurked behind his eyes. Surely the responsibilities did not weigh so heavily on him? Shaking her head no, she pulled him to his feet and suggested, "This place is a restful place. Put those weights away from you for just a little while. Today has been long and even you need rest." Behind her a bit of black mist began to seep out of some birds, forming claws to tear at her. The birds themselves took on glazed looks and began to prepare to attack. The man from the night before had entered the world. Though he didn't look as dangerous as before, it was him who was activating the mists he had left in all the various parks. The entire World of Dreams was all under attack at once with the most innocent as their primary targets. The nightmare had begun.

Kaito sighed as he stood before her. She didn't realize what he was saying at all. He wanted to tell someone. One person had to know if he totally lost control. Once someone goes insane they never go back. He had to let someone know. Before he could reaping he noticed the mist. Oh no, this was bad. He took out his glass tablet and looked at the map it showed. His eyes widened as he saw an army of black. He knew this day would come all along. His brother had predicted the end. "If Abstainya stops, the world will be destroyed. No, more like Abstainya is a shield. The human race should of died off years ago but Abstainya was created just in time to save this world. That is why I can never rest. I have to stop the darkness from taking over the world my brother created."

The same man that Kaito had helped the night before appeared on the island before him. Looking desperate, he ran to them begging, "Guardian! Guardian! You said you could help my friend. You can do that now and he can help you! If he were to be king right now, then he would be able to save so many people as well as this world. Thus he would be able to show his family that he does help others with his whole soul as well as to save this Word of Dreams."