Chapter 2
" Hey… Hikauru. When can we eat?"
I glanced over at Isao.
The thirteen year old was pale with bags under his eyes. His brown hair was a tangled mess.
" Soon, Bud. Don't worry." I replied.
In all truth, I had no idea when we would eat again, but for Isao's sake, I had to act like I did.
" Good, 'cause I'm starving." He said, turning away to admire a flower shop we were passing.
Kaoru liked flowers…
The thought came into my mind in an instant, sending a stab of grief through my heart.
It had been exactly one year since Kaoru's " death" and I still hadn't seen him.
I don't have anywhere to start. Kaoru just disappeared. But why? He wouldn't leave me alone on purpose… right? When I find that jerk I am going to kill him.
" Hey! Hikauru, look!" Isao yelled, jolting me from my thoughts.
" What?" I asked, joining him at the window to the flower shop.
Inside was a group of people.
And they all had guns.
Except for one boy.
This boy looked about my age, with sandy red hair and a jean jacket.
" Ok, I haven't seen the guy in weeks. He left the town because of you." The shop keeper said.
" I don't believe you. Someone with his social standing can't up and leave." The red head said, leaning forward.
I know that voice…
And suddenly all of the puzzle pieces clicked. The red hair, the voice. It was…
" KAORU!"
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Hearing my real name, I spun around, looking around the shop.
There was no one in there besides us, so I turned around.
And then I saw him.
Hikauru.
Now, if I had been without the rest of the team, I might of run to him right then and never let him go. The only thing I could think to say?
" Oh. Shit."
Akane spun around and saw Hikauru.
I took off for the door.
" FOX!" Akane yelled.
I flew out the door and ran past my beloved twin, praying that he would follow.
Thank god he did.
" Kaoru! Kaoru, please! Wait!" He sobbed.
My heart was breaking, but he had to follow me to a place only we could get to.
Racing up one hill and around three corners, I came to my favorite hiding place in this town.
I slid the trash can aside to reveal a hole in the side of a building that led into the building.
" Kaoru!" Hikauru yelled.
I grabbed his arm and pulled him through the hole, pulling the trash can behind me.
Footsteps soon sounded, and I held my breath.
" Fox! Where are you?!" Akane yelled.
" Akane, it doesn't matter. He spied his twin and ran for it. We don't call him Fox for nothing. I'm sure he is fine." Wolf said.
" But his brother followed him! We'll have to catch the brother before it's too late!" She yelled.
" Relax, Akane. We have the boy. He'll come for him."
I turned to Hikauru, and cocked my head questioningly.
He shook his head, tears welling at the corners of his eyes.
I frowned.
" You're right. Let's go, boys. Fox is probably back at the base." She said.
I waited in silence for a few moments until it was silent outside.
I would have waited longer if I wasn't tackled.
" KAORU!" Hikauru screamed.
" Heh heh… hi Hika." I muttered lamely.
I hugged him back, breathing him in, because I knew that in a few minutes, I would have to let him go.
" What the hell!" He said, shoving me away.
I stumbled back, confused.
" Hi-Hikauru?"
" You disappear and expect me just to forgive you right away?! Not to mention that because of you, my friend has been kidnapped! And why were you harassing that poor lady?!" He yelled.
" Well… wait, what? I'm not exactly sure what you just said, but whatever it is that I did while I was dead, I'm sorry!" I yelled back, not exactly sure how to react to his freak-out moment.
That was it for me. My breaking point.
I collapsed, and cried.
" Kaoru? Hey… what's wrong?" Hikauru said, cupping my face in his hands.
And I told him.
I cried about being kidnapped, I cried about the gang saving me and me killing the boss's brother. I cried about missing him and I cried about killing innocent people. I cried about being beaten over and over again.
Eventually, I was all out of tears.
Then, apparently, it was Hikauru's turn.
He told me all about how sure he was that I wasn't dead, and about how he set out to find me all alone. He told me about the only people who trusted him still, Tameki and Isao. He also explained about how he had been examining the murders.
Finally, we were both crying together, and hugging each other, and crying some more.
And then, we were laughing.
Why, you may ask, were we laughing?
Well, because we were together, even if it was only for a short period of time.
When we were completely exhausted, I turned to him.
" Hika?" I whispered.
" Yes, Kao?"
" I have to leave now. I have to save your friend… and you. But I promise I will come back to you. I will find you." I said quietly.
" Kaoru… I don't want to lose you again." Hikauru sobbed.
I didn't know what to say to that. We were about to be separated again. What could I do to keep in touch?
And then I had an epiphany.
" Say, Hika. Do you still have your cell phone?" I questioned.
" I sure do. But what does that have to do with anything?" He replied confusedly.
" It's still the same number?"
" Of course."
I smiled, and jumped up.
" Kaoru?"
" I have to leave now. Wait for word from me. I'll be in touch as soon as possible." I said, pulling him to his feet.
" Ok."
All of a sudden, I was in Hikauru's arms.
" Stay safe." I whispered in his ear.
" I should be saying that to you." He laughed.
" Stay here. I'll come back if I can, if not, I'll set Isao free and send him in my place. OK?"
" Of course, Kaoru. I'll see you then."
With that, I turned and walked to the hole.
When I got there, I shoved the can aside, then looked over my shoulder at Hikauru.
He was crying silently.
I smiled reassuringly and left, my heart a little bit lighter.
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So, again, little less confusing. But still confusing. Again, it's supposed to be. I know most of you weren't expecting Kaoru and Hikauru to find each other right away, but don't worry. They won't see each other for a while again. Things have to get worse first. Way worse.
