" How so?" Taylor asked concerned. He saw Salem coming down the stairs and gave a wave.

"I'll let everyone know at the same time. Be easier," Alex replied.

"Easier for what?" Salem asked once he got within earshot.

Taylor nodded , feeling curious. He knew that he would be distracted till he did find out what was wrong.

Alex saw Jean, Eve and Kirito coming up towards the kitchen, as well as Michael. Now that everyone was here, he sighed lightly. "Everyone, I have some bad news," he said.

Eve tensed up having the feeling that a battle was in the near future. She wanted to fight, but had a feeling she wasn't ready yet.

Alex noticed Eve tensing up, hoping that she was okay with the particular news he had for her and her Bishie. "Everyone, listen up. Michael has reported that the scouts are getting closer to the safehouse. I say we have a day, two if we're lucky, before they find it. Eve...I know you've just started to learn how to fight, but I need you to sit this one out. You as well Kirito," He said.

" I understand. " Eve said. She knew she wasn't ready to fight in a major battle yet, but knew there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. She hoped Kirito would understand.

Kirito nodded in understanding, knowing that he needed to protect his trainer at all costs. He was actually glad that he didn't want Eve to fight, knowing that most likely she would be their target due to her inexperience.

Salem was glad that Eve didn't have to fight. He didn't want to see her hurt , knowing she was still a target. He was a target too, but he was a more experienced fighter.

"What about Carly and Max? Will they be fighting as well?" Kirito asked out of curiosity. He knew that if the School could capture either the trainer or the Bishie, then the other would most likely follow as well.

"That's a good question, to be honest..." Alex said as he mused on the question raised by the sword user. He knew that Carly could, and most likely would, take care of herself, but the question was still there. "Carly?" he asked, wanting to know her thoughts on the matter.

" I want to fight, but still am unsure if I should. I know that me and Max will be targeted if we do fight." Carly said. She wanted to fight ,but was feeling some doubt.

Max nodded as well. "I'm with Carly on this one Alex. On one hand, I know we should fight but on the other hand...I don't want to go back there," she said, shuddering lightly at some of the memories created while in the "care" of the School.

Carly was glad that Max agreed with her." We'll stay here and keep Eve safe." Carly said, knowing it would be a good idea to stay here and keep her friend company.

"Alright," Alex responded, agreeing with her decision.

Simon was glad that Carly and Eve would be safe from the fight." Breakfast is ready." He said after a few minutes of silence.

"Breakfast actually sounds good after all the bad news so far," Rikku said.

"I agree." Taylor said. He knew they needed to practice today, just so they could be ready for anything.

"As do I," Alex said. He also wanted a small measure of revenge against the school, especially since they almost killed Yugito.

Eve waited in line for breakfast and promised herself that she would train today. She wanted to get stronger and more experienced. She hoped that she wasn't going to get in trouble for not helping her friends fight, not realizing staying behind was also considered helping everyone out.

Alex hoped that Eve understood that she wasn't letting anyone down by not entering the fight and that by staying away, she was helping them as well. He also made a mental note to contact Tracy later today, hoping that Greg could get here quickly. If his Axel could use a Dark Corridor, then that would be extremely useful. After getting his breakfast, he silently went over some ideas as he ate.

Greg hoped he would hear from Alex soon. He knew he could be there to help in a day or two. He had his Bishie dex charged and ready for any message he got from Alex.

Yugito and Rikku noticed the look of seriousness on their trainer's face and hoped that there was something they could do to help.

'Perhaps I'll go ahead and give Greg a call...' Alex thought to himself. He just hoped the young man could get here quickly.

Greg heard his Bishidex ring and hurried to answer it. He had just finished breakfast with his Bishies and was just about ready to start the dishes. " Hello?" He answered.

"Hey Greg, it's Alex. Tracy said you wanted me to call you?" Alex asked. He had finished breakfast and excused himself from the kitchen, going to a private area so as to make the call.

" Hey Alex.She did. I asked her to tell you that since I didn't have your number ." Greg said. He also was to deliver a new trainer kit to Eve when he arrived in that town.