AN: this story is written by Mysteryfan17 and me, Lostinthedreams, in third person shifting style like our previous story. Unlike that one, this is based off of Hansel and Gretel and will me much shorter, being posted literally as we write it.

It features Magic Kaito characters who have been changed around to fit in the story , either by messing with their family or their age. Their characterization will remain, for the most part, in tact though. So there should be nothing out of character aside from the family/age/location edits that had to happen.

Chapter 1: The Cow

Our story begins, as most stories do, with our main character. In this case, instead of one being born into this world, we have two. And they couldn't be more different.

While one young boy, barely old enough to walk at the time, would find fascination with the trees and mud and the small parts of anything found in the trash, the other sought out more proper ways, preferring to read books than to fold them up into strange design, learn from nature instead of experiment with it. This second boy, born in the same few minutes, only the later of the two to emerge, found himself in the position of older brother instead of younger. Fair of hair and skin, so unlike his brother, the second boy was a teacher, the younger, the explorer. Together they got into more trouble then their parents could handle, both with far more curiosity than all the other children in the town.

Then, are the twin boys, so alike in their difference, celebrated their eight birthday, something horrible happened.

The food was gone. The animals of the town stopped birthing young, stopped giving milk, and stopped laying eggs. The town's people were fraught with distress, finding nothing but a small amount of animals and crops were going to be available and only the rich would get their full share of those.

Saguru carefully and quietly pushed the barn door open before waving his brother in and making his way to their only cow. "Kaito, come on. The bucket needs to be placed under her before we start milking."

Kaito rolled his eyes. He figured that out years ago. And who was Saguru to tell him to be come on when he wasn't even holding anything? He had to wonder when his brother even had time to look at a cow with his nose stuck in a book all the time. "And if you're any louder someone will hear us. You heard the adults, we aren't allowed in here."

Saguru sighed when Kaito walked by the bucket inside the door and went to get it himself but he did lower his voice. "We are helping out this time, not bothering anyone. I overheard father say we all had to pull our own weight and since we are unable to go hunting yet, we can work here. If we do these chores, he and mother can focus on other things." Saguru was sure he could do this after reading everything and watching the others do it. It wasn't even hard. He carefully slid the bucket into place and took a deep breath. "Come on, just squeeze these and we'll have the milk for breakfast before they wake."

Kaito smirked to himself. He'd been in the barn before hundreds of times and his brother hadn't bothered more than once or twice. He wasn't about to do the work. "You do it. At least you know our milk comes from there. Look at those rubbery, strange things. Bet you can't do it. You like to act like you're the boss but you never get your hands dirty do you, little brother?"

"At least I am not the shorter brother." Saguru huffed before grabbing one in each hand and squeezing a few times, trying to get it to do something. He ignored Kaito's jibs, determined to prove him wrong. Maybe he needed to squeeze harder. It was embarrassing but he gripped one in both hands and tried again, pulling down at the same time to put more effort behind it.

Kaito saw the cow start to look upset, moving it's back legs around. "Ah, I think you're doing it wrong." He had never tried to milk the cow before either, but he'd seen it done more than enough times that he was sure she never looked this agitated before. He went by his brother, thinking about pulling him away so she wouldn't kick him. "What the heck are you doing?"

"It says to squeeze it downward and that is what I am trying to do. If you think it is wrong try one yourself and prove it."

Kaito put his hands behind his back. "Nope, you're doing just fine."

Saguru smirked, certain Kaito had no idea, spending more time messing with things than learning. "Alright, come on girl, give us something." He tugged again before suppressing a huff and going for another one, gritting his teeth. "You're as stubborn as my brother."

"Hey, I heard that. It's more like she's as dry and humorless as you. When was the last time you went out and had fun?"

"When do you ever stop messing around? We need to work more right now. We can have fun when there isn't a risk of us starving." Saguru didn't want to think about what could happen if they all goofed off like Kaito. Some of the records from ancient times told of terrible droughts or 'lean times' even where family members would be sold. He was sure Kaito never read any of that and as much as he groaned, his jokes and antics were sometimes a nice distraction. He was younger in age but he was well aware he was more mature and he took that to mean he needed to be the responsible one.

Kaito didn't like when Saguru seemed to take his anger at him out on the cow. She wasn't giving much milk to mom or dad to begin with, but even he had to wince at the way Saguru was trying to force it out of her as she stomped her feet. "You sure you know what you're doing?"

Saguru blinked and looked over his shoulder. "Of course. I've read more than you ha- hey."

There was no milk in the bucket and, even if their had been, he didn't think he'd care. Saguru made the cow really upset and she stomped a little too close to Saguru, forcing him to pull his brother back, hearing the clang as she got the empty bucket. "Well, brainiac, you're doing it wrong."

"You should have stopped distracting me. I could have got it." Saguru turned back to the agitated cow and took a deep breath. How could it be so much harder than it looked? Maybe he was missing an earlier step, like how they had to clean up before they were allowed to eat. He did not want to admit that maybe they had to do something else first but he had no idea what. He tried to reach out to pet her when she bolted.

Kaito shrugged and went to push some of the hey towards teh cow. He used it to get on top of her, as he had in the past, petting her. "It's okay girl. I know his hands are cold. They're always cold."

Saguru crossed his arms in annoyance, not willing to voice that Kaito had done a good job calming her and even getting on her that easily. "They are not cold" He mumbled as he put his hands behind his back and rubbed them quickly, warming them up, just in case.

Kaito rolled his eyes, petting the cow again. He wondered if her rope was around here somewhere. He realized that Saguru hadn't tied her up and he had little to hold on to. Oh well, they wouldn't be here long at this rate. "Let him keep thinking that," he spoke only to the cow.

"I will be more careful, just keep her calm." Saguru reached down and picked the bucket up, wincing a little when the handle clanked as he set it down. He rubbed his palms together one more time, just to make sure they were not cold. He wondered if that was it and he had made her cold. Tentatively, he wrapped his hands around one and rubbed it instead, increasing the pressure a little at a time, until suddenly, the resistance gave way to milk going into the bucket. "HA! I told you I could do it."

"You pull down and repeat. I was sure it wasn't that hard."

"And you could not do it yourself because... " Saguru trailed off, leaving it for Kaito to answer if he could as he continued to put more milk into the bucket."

"Because you already started. I wouldn't want you nagging over my shoulder like a grandmother."

Saguru huffed again but smiled as the milk built up, he had covered the entire bottom of the bucket now. He moved to another one and another, tuning Kaito out now. It was still harder than it looked and his hands were hurting but it was his idea and he was not going to quit.

Kaito was getting bored. Their cow was docile and he was light. Kicking off his shoes so he wouldn't hurt her, Kaito stood, walking back and forth on her back, eyeing the beams around him that were too high to jump to.

Saguru's hands were tense and sore but he had enough milk for breakfast, that was for sure. He actually grinned up at Kaito only to roll his eyes at his brother walking on the cow like the gypsies that came through their village a couple years earlier had done on their horses. "Kaito, stop showing off and help me get this in the house before our parents wake up."

"Sure thing." Kaito smirked, crouched on the cow to pet her once more, and then put both hands on her back as he flipped off of her, landing on his feet with his hands in the air. His grin widened further as he turned to his little brother. "Bet you can't do that though."

"I would rather not risk breaking my neck." As sure as he was that Kaito would be alright, it still made his heart jump to his throat when he did that.

"If you got out of the house more you could do it too. Just talk to people and have fun. How about I show you how comfy hay is later? You can't get scared of a soft landing."

"It would be much harder to get it out of my hair than yours. Not to mention your definition of soft landings can apply to a single piece of hay." Saguru tried to turn before he smiled at the offer anyway. Perhaps when things got better and they had some time.

Saguru was too heavy to carry on his own, but he had a pretty good idea how to get him out of the house. Maybe he could use a weight and pully and get him up near the rafters.

Saguru tugged the now much heavier bucket and headed to the door, excited even though his hands were tingling, and continued toward the house. he glanced over at Kaito and pursed his lips, always feeling nervous when he went quiet like that.

Kaito was happy that mom and dad weren't going to be worried they didn't have milk today. It still wasn't enough for all four of them for long but it was better than getting nothing, and the well water tasted so bad. He wished they hadn't run out of money for sugar this month.

Saguru set the bucket down and rubbed his hands again. "There, I told you it would work."

"How many times do I have to tell you I never thought it wouldn't? We're going to be doing this anyway when we're older or, heck, there's no reason we can't keep doing it."

Sharon opened the door, seeing the sun had barely risen and her kids were missing. That was no surprise. They were the strangest types and would vanish all the time. It was enough to give someone a headache. She spotted them approaching the house, a bucket between them. "Doing what? And what trouble are you getting into with the milking bucket?"

myself: Kaito stopped when mom started to get closer. She was really mean when it came to punishments, and they had just broken one of their rules. Sure they had milk, but he could see their parents keeping it to themselves for disobeying them. "I was just seeing what Saguru was up to."

Saguru looked over at Kaito, feeling a bit betrayed but he took a deep breath and straightened up. If Kaito wanted no credit, very well. "I milked the cow so you would not have too."

That did surprise her. The kids were responsible for the household chores but she didn't think they were old enough to be doing more than feeding the animals. Saguru barely liked to go outside as it was. She went over to him, looking at the bucket and seeing that he'd actually gotten milk from that old cow. She smiled and put a hand on his head. "Good job but next time tell one of us. You never know what could have happened being alone in the barn. You could have lost the milk or gotten hurt."

Saguru winced a little, recalling Kaito pulling him away but shifted to embarrassed. "Yes, mother."

"It's alright. You got the job done. Hurry inside now. Both of you have dirty hands from being in the barn. I'll go collect the eggs and we can have some breakfast."

Saguru smiled widely and nodded, adding that to the list of things they could do. It would not be hard to grab eggs out of a nest. He hurried inside to the wash basin and dipped his hands in the cool water.

Kaito was just happy that had all turned out all right. He was half afraid that they would go without breakfast, since they were trying to save on food. He followed after Saguru, nudging him. "You're so lucky you didn't get in trouble."

Saguru nudged him back. "You are the lucky one. I could have told her you walked and jumped off the cow."

Kaito laughed, pushing him a bit more. "Like she would have believed you. I've never done anything like that in front of mom. She'd kill me."

"She may not have but, hearing it come from you, I am inclined to take his word." Toichi folded his arms, already dressed so he could leave as soon as they ate.

Kaito sighed. Why was dad always so quiet? He knew just when he was saying the wrong thing. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't."

Toichi caught Saguru's doubtful look and offered a small smile. "Kaito, you know that does not work on me. Just promise me you will be careful. Your skills are a unique gift, I have seen some of your exploits, but they need to be tempered with some caution and knowing a time and place."

Saguru's jaw dropped when Kaito's crazy antics were encouraged. They had always been happy with him studying and learning things properly. It made no sense.

Be careful, do this, do that, watch yourself. Kaito wasn't five anymore, he was eight. He knew full well what he could and couldn't do, and if he cut himself or bruised himself, he'd get over it. "Why do I get a lecture and not him?" Kaito said accusingly, pointing to his brother.

Saguru smiled. "Because I do not pull crazy stunts like you do."

"And milking the cow on your own? I am sure you were already told off about doing that alone." Toichi nodded to himself when Saguru looked down, blushing. He smiled and rested his hand on each boys' heads. "Hone your own skills and learn from each other and there will be nothing you two won't be able to do."

Kaito didn't think there was anything he could learn from Saguru that he couldn't easily learn from a book. He smiled anyway, glad dad at least saw there was merit in exploring. Saguru would be the one who'd do all the learning.

Saguru nodded but doubted Kaito would ever sit still long enough to learn anything. It would be like trying to teach the cow, or a squirrel.

Toichi could tell by the looks in their eyes that they were not going to adapt yet but they would. He smiled and straightened, hearing Sharon in the kitchen. "Come on. Breakfast."

Kaito went over to the wash bin now that Saguru was done, simply wetting his hands and making sure he wasn't left behind.

Sharon smiled to herself as she looked over the food. They had no meat while they were short on livestock so she made due with bread from what wheat they had, butter, and eggs. She already had one plate done and worked on the others. "I see a certain few someone's are either hungry or really like my cooking."

"You always cook well, mother." Saguru smiled, even if he actually was hungry.

Toichi smiled as he sat and took a drink. "I will admit to it being both." He sobered a little, knowing he was doing a very poor job of providing for them but proud of how they were all making due.

Kaito nodded, as he didn't think he needed to say anything aloud, and went right for his egg when a plate was set in front of him. He didn't mind eating like this every day. Too bad the chickens like to be stingy.

Sharon shook her head when Kaito started eating before she had her own meal. That was just how the kids were and she'd grown used to it. They weren't a large family and they had a proportionally small amount of land, so there wasn't much conversation had over meals that the others in the family hadn't already heard about. She finished cooking up her own egg before joining them.

Saguru finished his food and gathered his plate to wash it off himself and wondered if he should ask about going to town and looking for some work himself. Some of the stores could use extra help and he was sure he could handle doing the books, his reading and writing were better than most. Maybe his brother could attract customers with his antics, if he did not scare them first.

Toichi set his now empty cup down with a small smile. "The boys certainly did a good job this morning, as did you. I wish I could stay but I need to get going." He stood and rested a hand on his wife's, repeating the words he gave them every day. "We will get through this."

Sharon nodded, kissing him on the cheek. They had a much smaller family compared to some and that would help, but she wished they had more provisions. "Have a good day."

Toichi nodded and smiled at his boys. "I will see you tonight, remember what I said." He patted each son on their shoulder on his way out, renewing his personal vow to provide for them.

Saguru looked over at Kaito after their father left and folded his arms. 'Why not.' "I am going to head to town, do you want to come?"

"Head to town alone? I mean, sure I've done it, but we don't have money to buy anything. What did you want to do there?"

"I thought we could offer to help, like the chores we do here. Depending on who we help, maybe we can earn something extra for dinner tonight." Saguru smiled slightly at Kaito. "Like maybe something sweet from the baker?"

Kaito doubted that the others in town had much more than they did. The winter hadn't been kind. The baker though couldn't sell his products if no one bought them, so odds were they could get something from him for doing work, even if it wasn't money. His hands fisted in front of him, Kaito nodded with a grin. "Sure, lets go." And then he was out the door before Saguru could take a step forward.

"Wait up! Bye mother. See you tonight." Saguru waved and ran out, chasing his brother. "Kaito, no fair!"

...

Saguru was beyond pleased that they had got some rewards. His pocket had a small bun and some seeds they could plant and he even had a half a loaf of bread for them all to share for dinner. It was a great start, even if he was so tired he could not wait to get to bed. "We should keep doing this."

Kaito had a muffin that he had sweet-talked out of the baker all to himself. Chocolate wasn't easy to come by and it had bits of it in there. He might be messy but it was worth it. He hadn't had a chocolate muffin in ages. He broke off a piece and handed it to his brother as he took another bite. "'ah. I don't know if he'll keep giving us this much, but its worth a try if we don't have school."

Saguru accepted the piece, taking small bites of it and savoring the taste. "We can go after school."

Kaito thought about it and nodded, wondering if he'd even need much dinner. He was going to be hungry but not enough to eat as much as he'd normally want. He rolled his eyes at his brother and took another bite and handed the rest to him. "Give me the bread. You did half the work, you get half."

Saguru pulled out his handkerchief, passing the loaf to Kaito and wrapping half of what he was passed and putting it in his other pocket. "That will keep for after supper." He smiled at hi brother, eating the muffin piece as their house came into view. "What do you think mother made tonight?"

Kaito shrugged. "Depends on dad, I guess. Unless one of the chickens got sick. I haven't been in there in a while." He licked his lips. Chicken would be great but they needed all their animals, so it all depended on who was selling and if dad made enough.

"Maybe he had as much luck as we did." Saguru smirked slightly, feeling excited from their own fortune. He picked up the pace a little pushed the door open. "Mother, we brought fresh bread for supper."

Sharon couldn't take that as good news as she put the towel down. She had no idea where they'd gone and had to keep herself busy. She crossed her arms, her eyes hard, as she walked up to the two boys. "Both of you, to the table, now."

Saguru knew right away something was wrong even thought he was confused. "Yes, ma'am," He said, heading right over with a sideways look at Kaito.

Kaito kept his head down. He was used to getting yelled at. It happened to him a lot more than it happened to Saguru. The best thing to do was bare your throat and sound really sorry. He followed after Saguru, sitting at the table and trying to make himself small.

Sharon stood between their seats, looking between them. "Do you remember milking the cow earlier this morning? You thought you were both such big boys and could do things on your own. Tell me now, what is the first thing you should do when you milk the cow? Saguru? Kaito?" She looked between them, waiting for one to answer.

Saguru almost said to make sure the bucket was in place but recalled what had happened that morning and went with a better answer. "Make sure the cow is calm and not upset her." He really hoped he sounded confident.

"No, Saguru, that's wrong. You tie her up. That way, if you do upset her, she doesn't bolt." Sharon took a length or rope that they used for all their animals and tied it around Saguru's hands before looping it around the back of the chair as well. She grabbed Kaito before he could run and did the same to him as well. "See how effective that is?"

Saguru fidgeted a little and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He had a really bad feeling about where this was going. "Yes, mother." It was only just over a whisper but he wished he could have answered her properly. He couldn't even look at Kaito, feeling the guilt hit him. It had been his idea, he should have known this, whatever had happened was his fault.

"You also do this if you are, say, alone in the barn and are bringing in the milk, that way the cow doesn't get away and nothing gets at the milk. What do you think happens when you don't tie up the cow and leave the door open?"

Kaito didn't want to shake but he was scared. He had left first but Saguru had had the bucket, so of course he hadn't been able to close the door. He didn't know why he hadn't thought about that at the time. Did they lose their cow? Did she get it back? He didn't think it would matter to mom right now but he cared. "Sorry." He tried not to make the little whimper noise that came out of him. "Did she get far?"

Saguru held his breath for a moment, praying they found her wondering in the field or something, maybe going up the road, otherwise, he would feel worse than now.

"I don't know where she got to as I couldn't find her. Anyone passing could have easily taken her and are now claiming her as their own. Both of you, off the chairs and bend over. You had been told not to mess with the livestock and this is the reason why. Who knows what we're going to do now."

Kaito wanted to look for their cow but if someone had taken her and he was caught, that would be stealing. That would be worse than anything mom could throw at him. Slowly he got off the chair, used to this when he'd screw up, and bent over the chair. The rope was new and made him hold his hands at an odd angle, but disobeying here would be worse.

Saguru wanted to say they could identify her. He knew her marking anyway, he could describe her perfectly and no one could say that they were lying if he did it without seeing the cow. He stood anyway, knowing to just get it over with, and bending over, closing his eyes and unsure if the stinging in his eyes was from the news that he had lost their cow or the punishment that was coming. He was sure it was the first thing.

Saguru had been the one who likely instigated things. Kaito was never one for work or anything productive unless someone gave him the idea. She started with him, grabbing the cane off the wall and pulling Saguru's pants down. She'd very rarely punished him but this was a very good reason to. She hadn't struck even Kaito as many times as she now struck Saguru, the small boys apologies no good to her. She moved onto his brother and repeating the same punishment. They were both very much to blame for the missing cow and this would hurt the family a lot, as they would have to buy their milk elsewhere. Both boys crying, she untied them. "Bed without supper. I don't want to see you breaking any more rules again."

Saguru kept his head bowed, the tears flowing freely as he choked out a 'yes' before heading to their room. He had never been this sore before and he honestly felt so sick to his stomach over the loss that he doubted he could eat anything anyway.

Kaito hiccupped on his breath, wiping away his tears once his hands were free, but he couldn't stop crying. He followed Saguru, walking painful, and just wanted to get away from mom. "I'm sorry," he spoke to his brother, trying to keep his voice low but the tears making its range change as he stuttered. "You had the milk, I... I should have closed the door. I'm sorry."

Saguru shook his head as they reached their room, waiting for Kaito before closing it himself. It was something he would never, ever, forget to check on himself. "I should have thought... after you calmed her, to tie her off. It never occurred to me. It was mine. The entire thing was me." He dropped facedown on his bed, unable to look at his brother. He was torn between wanting to go out now and find the cow so he could fix this and afraid if he tried, he would mess things up even more. "It was all my fault," He choked out.

Kaito would have liked to blame Saguru. Most of his hate right now, like every time he was punished, was aimed at the person who had done it. Dad had gotten his cold shoulder before too. He didn't know how Saguru could move so much and, instead, leaned against the wall himself and just cried because he messed up and because he was hurting. He stopped himself, or tried to, his breath catching still. He wasn't used to Saguru crying. He was usually the one who got in trouble alone. He tried to make the hiccups stop too as he went over to him and put a hand on Saguru's shoulder, feeling it shake. "It-it's not. I'm your big brother, right? I've watched m-mom and dad milk the cow lots of times. You were- no, we were both just trying to help." He shook him a little, trying to get Saguru to look at him, even though he was still crying. His brother didn't get hurt often. "Does it hurt bad?"

Saguru bit his lip and nodded but turned slightly, blinking up at Kaito. "How... " He swallowed and tried again. "How do you not hate me for this?"

"Not the first time I've been in trouble." He might have still been crying but he smiled. "And besides, we were in it together. I forgot too. Do you think you could make me do anything? I'm happy you don't hate me. I am so-sorry." He had been trying to keep his voice steady. "And you are too. I heard you earlier." He leaned over, hating moving, and hugged him. "It will feel better in a few days, promise."

Saguru was just so relieved by Kaito saying that and he also wanted to make sure he knew Saguru had nothing to hate him for. He hugged him back, tensing and trying not to cry as he sat up on the sore area.

Kaito grabbed Saguru and backed up when he sat. He knew he shouldn't be doing that yet. He cried and let him cry before pulling away with a smile. "I learned a way to make it hurt less, but it's going to be a little uncomfortable." He let go of Saguru and took the pillow for his bed and moved it lower. "Funny with your butt in the air but it feels much better this way."

Saguru had seen Kaito laying that way before but before he could stop himself this time, he would blame it on everything that had just happened, he blurted out. "I always thought you were just being weird."

Kaito had to laugh. It sounded weird with the funny breathing but it did help calm his lungs down. He tried to keep it quiet, afraid mom would hear and think she hadn't done a good job punishing him. "I don't sleep like that normally." At least, he didn't think so. He tended to move in his sleep.

Saguru gave a small, watery laugh before eying the pillow and shrugging. "I could try... " He settled himself over the pillow, feeling embarrassed and awkward at the position but the burning from laying straight was marginally lessened. He stopped and reached into his pocket when he remembered something. He still had a quarter of the muffin Kaito had handed him and his bun. "Here. You always get hungry more often than me. You can have half of this if you want." He held out the bun, grateful it had stayed in his pocket during their punishment.

Kaito shook his head. "Better save it for tomorrow. I'm good for now." He was, temporarily. He had eaten his half of the muffin already and crying had warn him out, so he should be fine until morning. "Night." He went over to fix his own pillow up, yawning and not caring so much about the pain when he was tired.

Saguru carefully folded the handkerchief and tied it off. Breakfast would be bleak enough, at least they would have something later, if he could stomach anything.

Sharon waited, her husband coming home rather later. She let out a breath, unsure of what they were going to do about this new development. It was hard enough getting by with the two boys too young to be trusted with anything. "Hello. I hope your day was better than mine was."

Toichi wanted to drop into his chair, eat something, and head to bed but his wife's words made him straighten, noticing the lack of sound anywhere in the house. "Are the boys alright?"

"I sent them to bed. Unfortunately, they didn't take care of the cow properly. She's gone now, heaven knows where. I don't know what we're going to do." She leaned against the counter, before turning and getting his plate together. They had a few potatoes left though she'd had to deal with only vegetables to go with it. She placed it down in front of him. "Everything is so hard these days."

Toichi sighed. That was a blow. There would be little way to continue as they were. He had not wanted to do this so soon, until he asked around more, but it looked like he had no choice. "I heard some news today from a traveler that there is a village on the other side of the mountains south of here that lasted the winter well. They are rarely as harsh as here and work is plentiful. I planned on waiting a few days to confirm this but perhaps I should go and see for myself. If it is true, I can send for you in a weeks time."

Sharon would have no way to provide for them then. She would have to make due with what she could in the field and hope that what they had would last that long. It was better than withering away and dying. They would never make it through the summer. "We have little money to send you with, and you would have no place to stay or food to eat until you were paid. Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"I have always made due and I have not forgot how to hunt or trap." Toichi stood, having finished his meal, and went to steady her gaze on his. "What have I always told you?"

"We'll get through anything. I know, I know." Sharon had to smile. She went over and kissed him. "Just be careful. When were you planning on leaving?"

"This evening, I was thinking a few days from now but with this... I shall set out at first light. The sooner the better and there will be more here for the three of you than if I delay."

Sharon nodded. "I'll pack you something for the morning. Make sure the children understand that you're not leaving them. I'll see you in bed soon."

Toichi nodded and took a step back before turning and heading to the boys' room. He quietly opened the door and peered in, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness within before making his way in. Keeping his voice low, in case they were asleep, he rested a hand on Kaito's shoulder, noticing Saguru's new sleeping position and knowing Kaito used to be the only one to sleep that way. "Kaito? Son, are you still awake?"

Kaito moaned in the back of his throat, dad talking to enough to get him up. He was usually up all hours of the night anyway, and figured he'd be awake before dawn with how much sleep he'd be getting. "Am now. I'm sorry about the cow, dad. Saguru is too."

"I know. I am sure it was an accident but it puts me in a difficult position. I will be honest with you; we can not last here. I am leaving in the morning to head south, over the mountains. I will send for the three of you as soon as I can. Until then, you will be the man of the house and you and your brother must do everything your mother says to help her. Can you do that for me?"

Kaito got up, wincing and sitting on his knees to face his dad. "You're leaving? But why? Can't we go with? I can be helpful, I promise." Dad had never gone against her but mom was the one who punished him the most, and he'd rather be with his dad. He could figure out a way to make money too. "Saguru and I were already working in town. We got half a loaf of bread. I'm sure we can make even more if we go with you." He grabbed him around the neck, not wanting him to leave. "I promise I'll be good."

Toichi held his son and rubbed his back, a sad smile on his face but he felt pride as well. "I know you would but it will be tough and I need to find work and a house first. I had no idea you went and found work but that makes me so proud of you both. Maybe if you were a few years older but right now, it would not be safe for you. Now, I need you to stay strong here and when I send word, you need to help pack up what you can to make the trip yourselves. Please, Kaito, stay and take care of your brother."

Kaito didn't want to. He'd rather leave Saguru here to help with mom. He figured if one of them stayed behind it wouldn't be so hard on dad. He didn't think he could do that though. It would be weird not having Saguru around. Reluctantly, with a few tears in his eyes, Kaito slowly let go of his dad and nodded. "Tell us right away when you get a house." He jabbed his hand out, his pinky extended. "Promise."

Toichi smiled and took the pinky with his own. "I promise. And will you promise to watch out for your brother?"

Kaito nodded. "I will. And mom."

Toichi smiled and nodded, rubbing Kaito's head with his free hand. "I knew I could count of you." He stood, releasing Kaito and walked over to kneel beside Saguru. The boy's face was also streaked with tears but unlike Kaito, Saguru was a heavier sleeper and it seemed he was just too exhausted to wake or do more than shift and sob softly. Toichi brushed the light hair to the side and wiped the boy's cheeks clear. "I know it was an accident and I do not blame you. We all learn from our mistakes, I know you will from this." He sighed and stood back up, turning to Kaito. "Let him know that and I will see you all as soon as I can."

Kaito didn't want his dad to leave already. He knew better than to try and sneak into his room with him though, if mom was still awake. He nodded, keeping an eye on his dad. He'd watch for when he left, say goodbye again. There was no way he was getting back to sleep.

Toichi smiled and nodded back, taking one more look at his boys from the door. Kaito, kneeling on the bed watching him, and Saguru, sound asleep with the guilt still weighing on him. He would do this, maybe the hand of fate played the cards this time and it would work out for the better.