Somewhere in the middle of the Earth Nation is the little town of Hetah is a group of little huts. It was a little after midnight and, as to be expected, all the lights in the windows were out. That is, all the lights were out except for one hut that stood further apart from the rest. It had one window that lead to the family room that was lit. The rest of the windows, though, were as dark as the night sky above it.
The home belonged to a woman of dubious reputation named Lani and her four children, all four of which had different fathers might I add. No one in the town wanted anything to do with her, especially not the women since they feared that if they got too close to her or to her weird kids, it would rub off onto them and their families. Rather pathetic, don't you agree?
Well, earlier in the week Lani had to leave her children for a 'business' trip and she left her oldest, Heshun, in charge of his two sisters Akiko and Kalila and his younger brother Ling yun.
"She told me that she would be back before yesterday," groaned Heshun from where he was sprawled on the floor.
"Well, that was yesterday and today is today," said Akiko smartly as she plopped down on the divan and turned until she had her head hanging down and her knees were hooked over the top of the piece of furniture so that her feet hung down the back.
Heshun shot his sister a sharp look but laughed, "You smart ass." Akiko smiled and obliged her brother with an impertinent and mocking bow.
"Come think of it actually," said Akiko with her face scrunched from thinking, "since it's midnight, then technically tomorrow is today and today is now yesterday."
"So, technically tomorrow never comes since it turns into today and today turns into yesterday," commented Heshun. Akiko looked at him, eyebrows furrowed from confusion.
Finally realization dawned in her eyes, "You know, for being twenty-two you're not very nice."
"And for being seventeen," jabbed Heshun back, "you sure can be ditzy."
Akiko rolled her eyes and grinned. "I may be a ditz sometimes but I know you wouldn't want anyone else guarding your back in a fight."
Heshun gave his little sister a small smile but didn't say anything.
After several minutes of silence, Akiko asked quietly, "Do you think she forgot about us?"
Heshun sighed. They always had this discussion whenever their mom was late. It was a fear that haunted Akiko so bad that she'd do anything to make their mom happy, even if what their mom wanted went against Akiko's strong morals.
"No," Heshun finally managed to spit out, despite his own deep set fears, "She's our mom and moms don't forget about their families."
"I guess you're right…" muttered Akiko sadly.
More silence, punctuated by Kalila's snores from the bedroom next door.
"What do you think mom's doing right now?" asked Akiko nonchalantly.
"More like who do you think mom's doing right now?" replied Heshun bitterly.
"Stop it!" snapped Akiko angrily, "Stop it! You know that you shouldn't speak of mom like that! She's all we've got and she tries her hardest to take care of us!"
"Right," retorted Heshun just as angrily, "That's why she probably hiding from us since she's probably pregnant… again. The Gods know that we can't afford another mouth to feed!"
Akiko covered her ears and made a face, "I don't want to hear you when you're being an ass!"
"And what will the kid be this time? Or will we not know, like you?" Heshun continued.
Akiko slid off the couch and lay in a crumpled heap on the floor. "WHAT!" she squeaked indignantly, her hazel eyes flashing dangerously. "How dare you, you half breed war monger! How convenient to criticize me when you know that you're half Fire! Are you going to sell us off as slaves then make yourself comfy with the other conquering bastards?!? "
Heshun made a rude noise and was about to reply angrily when the front door opened and a woman's voice called out, "I'm home!"