Author's note: Hello again! Welcome to my latest fic. I hope you enjoy, dear readers. ;) This one is not as serious; there's more humor and less...I dunno, gung-ho fighting stuff. But hopefully you will like it. All characters belong to Naughty Dog (I'm just barrowing them for a time) aside from Mik, Hector and the random KG. ;D Enjoy! And if anyone can guess where the title of this fic came from, I'll be very impressed! ;) Happy reading!

Hot yellow sunlight poured into the room, bathing everything in a bright, warm glow. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in every ray of light possible; the landscape of the city below was teeming with vehicles, flashing lights, and citizens travelling on their daily paths around the bustling metropolis. In the distance, one could see the faint jagged outline of the mountains that loomed outside the city's protective walls.

A young man stood alone in the center of the room, his arms crossed on his chest as he stared pensively out the impossibly wide windows. Briefly, he wondered if such a thing was necessary; did they really need large windows simply to look out at the city? It wasn't that scenic of a place, in his opinion. With a light sigh, he took his eyes from the landscape and back to the room, silently chiding himself for thinking his pessimistic thoughts. Things had been going very well for him lately, and he did not want to mess anything up. Someone entered the room ahead of him and he automatically snapped to attention, his boots clapping together with a small echo. He saluted, a bored look across his face.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

The other man smiled at the tone of voice. "At ease, soldier. Please have a seat."

The Krimzon Guard recruit fell into a chair and slouched, blowing the bangs from his eyes. He fixed the Captain with an impatient look, drumming his fingers on the armrests.

"You don't have to call me 'sir' when you're not training, Errol," the Captain told him.

Errol pretended to look around the room curiously, avoiding his gaze. He kicked his legs a few times before straightening back up.

"Well, sorry- it's a force of habit."

Captain Phoenix laughed lightly at his younger brother's comment, leaning back into his chair. Errol fixed him with a questionable look and pursed his lips. The sunlight played across his face and made him look much more youthful than he already was; he seemed pale to a certain degree, and Phoenix smirked.

"I've been speaking with Sergeant Simo about you," he went on, propping his foot up on his knee.

Errol looked annoyed, running a hand through his hair nervously. Both brothers shared the fiery red-orange locks, though Phoenix had more red, whereas Errol's was more of a yellow-orange. The latter rolled his eyes and crossed his arms again.

"Is that right? Did he actually have anything good to say?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact," Phoenix answered, "He told me you're on your way to a promotion if you keep it up. I'm impressed by you, even." He ignored the scowl from Errol and continued. "You have a great capacity to learn and take orders- as well as give them. You're great in weapons training and your marks have been good in P.T. as well. Play your cards right, kid, and you could make an excellent officer."

"…Thank-you, I suppose," Errol muttered, avoiding his eyes.

It meant a lot for him to get comments from his older brother, and the fact that Phoenix was his commanding officer was slowly beginning to feel less uncomfortable. He looked up at the Captain and leaned forward slightly, lacing his fingers together. Phoenix read the expression on his face and sighed.

"I'm sorry I haven't spoken to you for awhile-"

"About six months, Phoenix," Errol replied tersely.

"I couldn't help it," he stressed, "I was fighting then; I thought you would understand more so than Mother and Father."

Errol frowned; of course he had. But Phoenix had not been there the day he'd graduated from the KG Academy or the day he'd joined the Guard. And his absence was clearly felt.

"You could have told us you weren't coming home," Errol said quietly.

Phoenix winced at sound of the soldier's voice. Before he could say anything, Errol continued.

"You could have made the time! And after all the nonsense we heard about the Icelands, Father and I feared you were dead."

Phoenix couldn't help laughing, which drew another scowl from his brother. Momentarily, Errol looked like the little kid that used to tag along behind him all the time, wanting to know his every move. But the 'boy' disappeared as quickly as he had come; Phoenix nodded.

"Alright, Errol- I know you're right. But I truly am sorry for not being able to have contact with any of you. And I don't think Mother cares much now that I'm home."

Errol smirked. "Well, that's true. And I don't hold grudges- for long," he added, after his brother raised an eyebrow at him. "We're both soldiers now; I've done away with stupidity."

"I'm glad."

Phoenix fixed him with a somewhat critical gaze, knowing full well that Errol was still capable of being as irresponsible and brash as any other eighteen-year-old. Errol didn't want his brother's watchful eye on him any longer, but Phoenix was more than willing to keep tabs on him, be it secretly or not. But first, they needed to connect once again; to be as they were before Phoenix left to join the Krimzon Guard himself.

"As you've probably heard, the annual Formal for the KG officers will be held in a few days," the Captain began, straightening up in his chair. "I'd like you to come, Errol."

"You're sure?"

He seemed genuinely surprised. Phoenix had to laugh, rolling his eyes.

"Yes, I'm sure. I want you to meet my colleagues in a more…relaxed…situation. Consider it chance for us to catch up on all that we've missed in the past few months."

Errol considered it, stroking his chin absently. "I'll come, then…"

"Great," Phoenix replied, clapping his hands together, "And bring a friend while you're at it. This is the only time of the year we get to drink, laugh and act like idiots, after all."

The two brothers shared a laugh, and Errol smiled at the Captain. He stood up, shaking his hand.

"I'll be there, Phoenix- that's a promise."

*******

Corporal Torn was no longer having a great day. He'd only just figured out his cousin had dropped off his eight-year-old brother in the Krimzon Guard barracks for the day to go to a job interview. Torn had been in the Recreation Hall for most of the day, seeing as how the only thing the recruits had to suffer through was a round of P.T. in the morning. His little brother had been dropped off around eleven o'clock in Torn's dorm room; his cousin Tess had left a note there for him and his roommate Hector, though the former hadn't been around to read it.

Hector remembered to tell Torn what was going on at half-past one o'clock.

"Oh yeah!" he was saying as he lined up a shot with the pool cue, "Tess came by this morning and dropped off your brother."

Torn choked on his drink. "WHAT?!"

Hector nodded, and auburn-haired recruit let out a loud shout of disbelief, throwing his head back.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

"Sorry, man! I forgot!"

Torn growled, dropping his own pool cue on the table and sprinting out of the Rec Hall, slamming open the doors as he went. He ran down the drab grey corridors, hugging the walls at times to avoid slamming into other recruits as he went. After muttering several apologies, he finally found the door to his room and shoved it open with his shoulder

"Mik?!"

His belongings had been rifled through, but his brother wasn't there. Frantically, he searched the room, looking under both beds and the small desk pushed up against the far wall.

"Dammit!"

He jumped to his feet and ran back the way he came, elbowing people out of his path this time, all manners aside. He searched the entire floor, and still no Mik. He ran into Hector again, realizing his friend wanted to apologize but only sprinted past him, the scenery blurring around him. Torn was close to pulling his hair out; if the Guards found his brother walking around unescorted or without a military I.D. they'd both be in trouble.

Not knowing what else to do, he threw himself into the elevator and punched the button for the next floor. The Recreation Hall was part of the small Krimzon Guard section of the Palace, a towering monolithic building that stretched into the sky above Haven City. The King and Queen resided inside, as well as the Governor and anyone else of high political status. A small sector had been reserved for the Krimzon Guards as well as the new recruits; the barracks in the KG Fortress had already been filled, and the stragglers were sent to live in the Palace.

The elevator dinged, and Torn rushed out to begin the search all over again. Still nothing. He was nearing desperation, now; he ran back to the elevator and punched the button yet again, heading for the highest floor he dared without heading for the Royal floors. That stupid ding sounded yet again and he hurried out before the doors had even opened all the way. He knew the Gardens were on this floor, tended to only by the Queen herself. Quickly, Torn picked up his pace and head for them.

To his surprise, the Queen was standing beneath the arch in the entranceway, her hands clasped together. She smiled sweetly at him, tilting her head slightly. Strands of wavy blonde hair fell across her shoulders as she did so, and she tucked them back behind her ear. Her smile widened as she watched Torn skid to halt to stand at attention.

"M'lady," he said.

She waved her hand, dismissing his actions. "At ease, soldier."

Torn slouched, and she laughed at him.

"You must be Recruit 8-21-52?" she said.

"Uh, yes, that's right."

The Queen arched an eyebrow. "I think I have someone for you to meet."

Torn followed her inside the Gardens, careful not to step on the end of her long cherry-red sundress. Her sandals snapped lightly against her heels as they walked into what felt like a small jungle, several flowers and plants completely surrounding them. The Gardens were open to the elements, and the sun showed brightly through the screen of leaves. The Queen pointed to a large fountain ahead of them, where a little boy was sitting, looking around in awe at all the foliage.

"Mik!" Torn exclaimed.

His brother jumped at the sudden voice, looking at them worriedly. He noticed Torn and beamed, sliding from the small stone ledge and sprinting up to him. He jumped into his arms and Torn staggered back slightly.

"Thank God," he gasped.

The corporal set Mik back on the cobbled ground carefully, moving the bangs from the boy's forehead instinctively to look for bruises or any other wound he may have gotten. Mik wrinkled his nose as Torn checked him over.

"Why didn't you stay in my room?!" he demanded.

"…It was boring in there," Mik admitted, "Besides, I found Miss Jinny! She showed me the Gardens and all the flowers an' stuff! Isn't it cool, Torn?"

He heaved a sigh, gripping his brother's shoulders. Looking up at the Queen apologetically, he said,

"I'm sorry for all of this, M'lady-"

"That's alright," she told him with a grin, "And please call me Jinny. I wouldn't want to keep calling you by your serial number."

Torn managed a laugh. "Of course. How did you know it, anyway?"

Mik held up his hand for them to see, and a Krimzon Guard I.D. band spun around his little wrist.

"It's all in here!" he said, proudly.

"Your brother is quite adventurous, Torn, but he has caused no trouble. He can stay with you today if he needs to, but next time…try to plan it all out."

"I most certainly will," Torn replied, pulling Mik closer to him. The boy frowned in disapproval.

Jinny smiled at them again, reaching down to tousle Mik's hair. He blushed slightly.

"If anyone gives you any problems, just ask to see me- I'll vouch for you two."

"Thank-you again, M'lady. I'll have to repay you someday," said Torn, who couldn't stress his gratitude enough.

Jinny shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Have a wonderful day, Corporal Torn. And Mik, make sure you listen to your brother."

"I will, M'lady!" he chirped.

He waved to her over his shoulder as Torn dragged him out of the Gardens. Jinny winked at the little one before they both turned the corner and were gone from sight. Mik beamed up at his brother, who had clenched his hand fiercely in his own.

"I'm glad to see you, Torn," he said.

"Well…I guess I'm glad to see you too," he huffed as they marched along, "But boy am I mad at your cousin right now..."

"Don't be mad at Tessie! She was really happy- the job is in the Coast and she's wanted to work there forever." Mik frowned curiously at Torn and continued. "She left you a note; she couldn't wait anymore, or she would've been late."

Torn growled. "Let's just say Uncle Hector isn't always so reliable."

The two of them walked along through the hallways in silence, Mik taking two steps for every one Torn took. Since he didn't want anyone to spot him with Mik, he decided to go the long way back to the barracks. Unfortunately, they had to walk through the loading bays to get to the stairs. The overhead fluorescent lights cast a strange yellow glow and angular shadows appeared on the floor as they traveled. Mik dragged his feet as they walked, enjoying the echo his sneakers created on the concrete floor. The humming of machinery drowned out the sound of their footsteps to Torn's relief, and he continued to pull his brother along. A slight breeze rustled their hair and Mik wrinkled his nose.

"It smells like our backyard here," he said.

Torn smirked as they continued up a pathway, Mik gazing up at the rows of crates and barrels labeled with the Krimzon Guard logo. A sudden voice cried out, causing them both to jump in surprise.

"Hey! Stop!"

Torn's eyes widened and he muttered a swear; a Guard had spotted them. Not knowing what else to do, he shoved Mik around the corner and out of sight. The eight-year-old yelped in protest, but it was enough to get him completely behind the cover of a few crates. The Guard had jogged up to Torn, rifle seemingly raised threateningly. The Corporal held up his hands in surrender.

"Are you…Torn?" the Guard wanted to know.

"What's it to you?"

The KG reached for something; Torn tensed, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Here you go."

An envelope was placed in his hand. Torn frowned, reading his name on the front in neat cursive. His shoulders slouched slowly and he looked back up at his companion questioningly.

"It's not from me," the Guard said.

Torn nodded, smirking sheepishly. "Right..."

A dull thud suddenly sounded around the corner, and they both went around the corner to see what had happened. Mik was standing immobile in front of them, staring at an upturned barrel. His wide eyes watched as a dark slick of blue liquid oozed out of the drum, gurgling into a nearby drain.

"…uh-oh," he said.

Torn hurriedly picked him up, and Mik cried out, kicking his legs.

"It's not Dark Eco," the Guard informed them, "It's a very pure form of Blue Eco, straight from a pool. We use it to make weapons and fuel."

"Put me down!" Mik whined.

"It's the city's problem now," said Torn, still hanging on to his brother. Mik beat on him a few times, but his grip remained the same.

"Yeah; I suppose…"

The KG's eyes narrowed from behind the helmet he wore. Torn laughed nervously, and he started walking away hurriedly. He shouted a final thanks over his shoulder as they left the loading bays and into another hallway. He prayed the Guard wasn't following, and quickened his pace. Mik whined again; he was now being held around the middle, like a package.

"Torn, lemme go!"

"Not a chance; you're accident-prone today."

Mik flailed around briefly before finally giving up. His brother hauled him back to his dorm room, kicking open the door. Torn dropped him on to Hector's bed and Mik yelped, rubbing his bottom.

"Thanks," he grumbled, watching as Torn sank down on his own bunk, turning an over envelope in his hands.

"What is it?"

Mik shuffled over to him, plopping down beside the Krimzon Guard recruit. Torn frowned down at the papers in his hand, scanning the tidy handwriting inside.

"I've been invited to the Formal for the KG officers…"

Mik grinned excitedly. "Sweet eco! That means you have to get all dressed up, huh? Wow…it'll be ages since I've seen you look nice."

Torn scowled at his little brother, folding the paper once again. Mik went on smiling, and the older of the two sighed.

"What the hell, kid; you're right…"