The Tales of Four Demons

Chapter Two: Memories

By KellyQ

"Takeru, hear me out," Yamato said, following his brother down the hallway. "It wasn't what you thought; Taichi was telling me some info that might help stop the war."

After Takeru flew off, Yamato went after his little brother, trying to explain himself.

The young blonde angel stopped and turned around. "You believe that - thing! What if he's a spy? What if-"

Yamato sighed and shook his head. "You probably don't remember..."

Takeru blinked a few times. "Remember what?"

"When you where eight years old? We got separated..."

Takeru flinched and his eyes widened. How could've he forgotten that? That day he was lost and couldn't find his brother. He did remember someone helping him who happened to be demon. Yamato first tried to hurt the demon but Takeru came to its defense saying that it was friendly. The young blonde-haired angel tried to take one last mental picture of the demon before being dragged away.

Yamato watched his brother's expression change to realization. "Yep. The one you tried to kill just a few moments ago was the one who helped you four years ago."

Takeru sank to the floor curling up in a ball; his wings draped over his body as his eagle-like ears dropped to the side of his head shaking a little. Yamato gasped as he went to his brother's side looking alarmed.

"Takeru, are you all right?"

"W-what have I done?"

By now, Takeru was sobbing. Yamato pulled his brother into a hug, rocking him back and forth. "Shhh, its okay. You didn't recognize him."

Now Takeru felt worse that his brother forgave him for almost killing someone whom helped in the past. Yamato straightened his brother so they were eye level and smiled.

"Don't feel bad. In some ways you helped me find happiness," Yamato explained.

"I...I...did?" Takeru uttered.

Yamato helped his brother up who still looked shocked. "Yes. Meeting Taichi was the best thing that ever happened to me."

By now, Yamato had his brother by the hands as they went around in circles. Takeru blinked in confusion as his brother let go him and walked away as though a Cupid hit him.

Once Taichi got home, Hikari was the first to greet her older brother at the door, saying that she was worried about him. Taichi smiled saying that the prince was out later than he should've been. I wish you would stop lying to me, Hikari thought watching her brother walk into the kitchen. I know you've been seeing that angel. She knew better than say something to her parents, knowing that if she did, Taichi would never be the same.

"Taichi, are you sure that there's nothing I can help with?" Hikari asked unexpectedly.

She walked into the kitchen to see her brother cooking something on the stove. "Thanks sis, but I got it."

Hikari sat at the table just as Taichi put the plate of food in front of her. He put his plate where he was going to sit down, and started to eat. The vibes by now had changed as Taichi looked at his food while eating. He finally spoke after five minutes of silence.

"Hikari, there's something I should tell you..." he said looking up at his sister. "You know about four years ago, when I went to find a cure for your illness? I met someone..." Hikari reached out and took her brothers hand giving it a tight squeeze before he continued. "And not just anyone, an angel. Two angels actually. They are both brothers. The eldest is really kind and-"

Taichi stopped right there. He didn't want to reveal that he loved Yamato - sneaking out just to see his boyfriend and figuring out a way to stop the war. Hikari smiled and she chuckled inwardly, seeing the soft look in her brothers eyes.

"I'm happy for you," she finally said, smiling.

"Thanks for-" He stopped with great shock in his eyes. How did she know? "You - you won't tell mom and dad will you?"

"I won't. Knowing how important he is to you."

"Thanks, Hikari, that means a lot to me," Taichi responded softly, squeezing his sister's hand.

"There you are," Hirokazu said as Takato ran up.

"What took you so long? Kenta thought you might've been kidnapped by angels and tortured-" By know both boys were giggling. "Tortured with feathers!"

By now they were laughing. Takato was not amused at all. He never understood why his friends made jokes about serious matters. Both boys stopped laughing when they noticed that Takato wasn't taking it as a joke.

"Oh, come on Takato, you know that we were just kidding," Kenta said, holding his hands up in defense.

"You guys don't know what angels are capable of, do you?" Takato spoke quietly, looking straight at Hirokazu.

The atmosphere turned cold right then. Kenta saw his boyfriend recoiled with a hint of fear. He looked back at Takato to see the look he gave Hirokazu. He knew what that look meant. Takato would give Hirokazu that stare when he wasn't in the mood for jokes.

"Geez, Takato, he was just playing. Can't you take a joke?"

"If you guys want to play, you're more than welcome, but I'm not going to be part of it."

Takato turned and walked away, leaving Hirokazu and Kenta to stare at each other. "I hate to say it but Takato's right. We should act more our age."

"Oh great," Kenta huffed playfully, "now my boyfriend is acting dense."

"Oh," Hirokazu responded, turning around and pinning Kenta to the floor, "but that still doesn't mean we can't have fun."

Ryo walked down the hallway and into the main room to see Lee looking out the window deep in thought. The dark haired boy really hated this war, both sides have lost a fair amount of troops if not more. Ryo wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, bringing his wings around them.

"What's wrong?" He murmured.

"It's my father they called and said that he had to go in."

Lee closed his eyes. Now what was he supposed to do? Now half of his family is gone, leaving him to take care of his little sister and his really sick mother. Ryo rested his head on Lee's shoulder, feeling a slight pain himself.

To Be Continued....