Cassidy nodded in agreement. Her arms were wrapped around Seth, holding her tightly to him. She slowly let go of Seth and walked over Ien. She softly stroked his forehead, bending over and kissing his cheek.

"Don't worry, Ien.... everything will be okay..."

Ien mumbled a quiet retort before being picked up by the doctor and carried to the emergency. Seth followed, firmly grasping Cassidy's hand.

Cassidy returned the firm grip. She was scared out her mind, but she really didn't care. Ien and Seth were her priorities right now. She silently followed Seth and the doctor to emergency.

One of the nurses stopped them. "I'm really sorry, but you can't go any further... I'll come a get you from the waiting room when the surgery is done." She saw the terrified look on both of their faces. She gave them a sympathetic smile. "You don't need to worry. Dr. Almanzo is one of the most skilled doctors in this country. Your boy will be just fine, I'm sure of it..."

Seth returned the smile.

"Thank you." he said in a weak voice and allowed the nurse to show them back to the waiting room.

Even though almost the entire room was empty, he still pulled Cassidy into his lap. Ruffling her hair he gently nuzzled her neck.

"He'll be alright." he cooed softly.

Cassidy curled up in Seth's lap, hugging him tightly. She rested her head on his chest, taking in deep breaths to settle herself. She kissed Seth's chin.

"I know." She replied softly, giving him a weak smile.

And two people from Cassidy's dark past will bring back unwanted memories...

 "Oh no..."

"What is it?" Seth asked, giving Cassidy a contorted expression.

He then turned to the two people who had just entered the room. "What? Them?"

Cassidy nodded slowly, hoping not to attract their attention.

"Seth... it's...them..." She glanced down at her shoulder, hoping Seth would understand.

"Them?" Seth questioned.
But before Cassidy could respond, Cid had entered the hospital with Dusk.

"We're 'ere!" he said, panting in between words.

Seth may be the only one to help her...

As she disapeared out of sight, Seth turned to Cid quickly.

"How did you-" but Seth was cut off by Dusk's hand.

"I'm the one who knew etardra." Dusk laughed.

"Don't you pig latin me." Seth announced with a pout.

Cassidy walked up to one of the mirrors. She felt like she was going to pass out. Her stomach felt weird, her head was spinning, and her legs felt weak.

She turned on the tap and splashed cold water on her face. That helped a little, but she still felt sick. Her face was flushed, and she felt like she was overheating. She splashed some more water on her face, then grabbed paper towel and dried her face off.

She turned around and walked out the doors towards the waiting room, but she was cut off by a dark-haired man, who was grinning.

"Remember me?"

Cassidy gulped. "No.." She stated bravely.

The man grabbed her roughly by her shoulder, sending pain all through her. Cassidy yelped, trying to pull away from him. She opened her mouth to yell Seth's name, but was cut off when the man used his other hand to hold her mouth closed.

'Seth! Cid! Dusk! I need you guys!!'

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, after visiting injured Ace in the hospital, Quick, Rev, Duck, Aniko, and Jasper have challenged each other to kareoke.... That is, after explaining kareoke to young Aniko....

Quick smiled back at the tiger. Heh. Boys, they're so odd sometimes.
But then, there it was. Like a golden light shining in the pit of her very soul.

'Yes!' Quick mentally pumped her fist in the air. She had an idea. "Ooh, really. Does he now." She put a fist to her chin, a thinking pose.

"Does who, what?" Duck questioned obviously out of the loop...as usual.
"...hmm." Quick ignored Duck....as usual. "Well, guyyys here's a propostion for ya."

"You'rrrre gonna sing with me?" Rev asked sounding very unsure.

Quick just put up a hand to silence the bird.

"....Jasper why don't YOU go up and sing first. THEN I'll...go...I guess." She looked to the side.

"That depends. Can I order a martini?"

"Jasper!"

"Whaaaaaaat?"

"Just get up there! Don't make me say the "F" word!"

"You don't have the guts!"

"Really?"

"Yeah!"

"Yeah, well, uh, fraidy cat!" Angered, Jasper bolted up, smashing his hands down on the table. He glowered sinisterly at his tiger friend.

"Fine, I'll go up." He paused. Then, grinned darkly. "But you're coming up with me!"

"Wh-wh-what?"

"Who's the fraidy cat now, eh?"

"Jasper, I-I'm not-!"

"Fraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiddddddddddy caaaaaaaaat!!!!" Aniko also stood up, glaring.

"Fine!" she snapped. Jasper clapped his hands giddily.

"Sweet, a duet!" He threw Duck his phone. "Record it. I'm sure Ace would looove to see his tigress on stage."

"You are so lucky your drink isn't here."

Quick smiled and leaned back in her chair. This was turning out better than she thought.

Rev looked over at Quick with a smal shake of his head. 'She totally manipulated them....how does she DO that?' he thought with wonder.

"Gah where's the stupid record button on this thing?" Duck grumbled, fumbling with Jasper's phone as the cats got on the stage.

Rev rolled his eyes at his technologically challenged friend. 'Jeez, how many times must I play Tech with this guy?' he thought and reached over to help his fellow bird.

This could get very interesting......

Now, LET US CONTINUE!!! 8D