I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
To take a stand, to take a stand
(Yeah, it's been a ride)
Everybody, everybody
(I guess I had to)
Come take my hand, come take my hand
(Go to that place to get to this one)

We'll walk this world together through the storm
(Now some of you)
Whatever weather, cold or warm
(Might still be in that place)
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
(If you're tryin' to get out)
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road
(Just follow me, I'll get you there)

Riku, Sora, and Roxas were beyond confused. The last two were just gawking at the sisters while the silver haired teen was searching for any resemblance. "You never told us you had a sister!" Sora yelled, still staring point-blank at Shadow.

"It never came up?" Namine almost asked hesitantly, a nervous laugh coming from her. Shadow patted her back encouragingly as Riku was next to speak. "No offense, I don't see any resemblance."

"Because there is none." She replied. "I'm their adopted sister. These two were, three years old when I was adopted, so I was seven. Known each other ever since."

"So where have you been?" Roxas asked.

"Story for another time." Shadow replied, looking back at her sisters. "You're parents home?"

Kairi thought for a moment. "Both of them are in town but they have to work late tonight." She looked almost uncertain as she spoke again. "Do you have to leave soon?"

Shade smiled somewhat sadly while she shook her head. "I'm here to stay you two." Namine let out a squeal of delight while Kairi clapped her hands excitedly.

"Sorry guys, we gotta go." Kairi said, grabbing Shadow by the upper arm. "We'll see you Monday!" They waved and started walking on while Shadow took her bike and started following the two girls, walking it beside her with little to none difficulty.

"So what happened? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love it that you're here, but why now?" Namine was immensely curious to this little unknown fact.

"Long story short, I held up my end of the deal." Shadow replied, earphones draped across her shoulders. "Don't worry about it guys, I'll fill you in later." Kairi grinned. "We're holding you to that!"

Shadow chuckled. "I'm sure you will."

XXXXXX

Kairi unlocked the house door and they stepped in, their older sister's motorcycle in the driveway. Shadow looked around the large house, her army styled boots walking across the hardwood floor with light thumps. To their left was the living room, straight in front of her was the stairway that led to the second floor with a hallway right next to it before the kitchen came up on the far right. Kairi dropped her backpack on the couch while Namine hung hers on the wood stairwell. "Come on in Shade." Kairi said happily. "We'll show you our rooms and then where you will be staying."

She looked over at them. "You sure that's a good idea? I mean, you're parents probably wouldn't really care for the idea."

"Oh no you don't." Namine said determinedly, a rare sight for sure. "You're staying here, they'll live." She smiled and as she walked up the stairs put her hand on her sister's shoulder. "Alright, you win, show me around." first Namine, who's room was the first door on the right. The light blue colors reminded Shadow of the ocean while it was accented with many white items along with miscellaneous belongings and lots of art supplies.

There was a bathroom a little down and on the left, while at the end of the hallway was Kairi's room. Her's was a light red accented with a few white colored items while she had a more variety of colors in the room than Namine. Her closet used all of it's space for clothes while Namine's was half clothes and the rest was organized art work. Shadow grinned when she saw the pictures she had sent the younger two throughout the years. She shook her head when she saw a picture of Yoru. "I'll have to bring Yoru down here so you guys can properly meet her." She commented.

"That would be so awesome! I can't wait to meet her." Kairi said happily.

Namine suddenly thought for a moment before taking the side of her sister's shirt and pulling it aside, looking at the dragon tattoo. "I remember when you told us about this. It looks really good."

"Thanks Namine." Shadow said. "It was a gift from a friend."

"It looks nice." Kairi agreed with a nod. She glanced at the clock and saw it was nearing five that night. "What do you want to eat Shade? We can make you something."

"How about you two put up your stuff and I'll make you dinner."

"But why?" Namine asked.

"Your parents still cook like they did ten years ago?" She inquired with a smirk. The two glanced at each other before nodding in union, giggling at her point. "That's what I thought, now get moving." Shadow was followed downstairs as they grabbed their stuff and went to put it up while she walked around the kitchen.

Fifteen minutes later they smelt it before they saw it, and rushed down the stairs to see Shadow loading their plates with hot spaghetti, a decked out salad, and garlic bread. "Food!" They almost crashed into the table as they scrambled into their seats and Shadow paused in front of the table as she looked at them. "You know, just because the food sucks doesn't mean you have to starve yourself."

Both glanced at each other and looked back at her. "We do eat, just a lot of little things that aren't cooked and not baked." She rolled her eyes and slid the plates in front of them before going back to make herself one as she sat in the chair at the head of the table and ate with them.

The first ten minutes was straight eating before the teenagers got up to get seconds, that's when they started talking.

Kairi went first. "So what have you been up to all these years Shadow?"

The girl was nursing a large glass of water, spinning the glass in her hands as she thought about it. "Mostly just work. A few months ago, I think it was last December, Yoru and I took a two day vacation and went up to Twilight Town for a break, she really enjoyed the clock tower." Shadow laughed some. "People kept on wondering where the barking was coming from and never bothered to crane their necks up to look at the top of the tower." Kairi and Namine laughed, just picturing the idea of the dog standing way up there and barking her heart out.

"So when did you get the motorcycle?" Shadow thought for a moment.

"Sixteenth birthday present." Both girls gasped.

"Who got it for you?"

"The ones I've been living with for the past ten years." She smirked. "Took us a bit to get used to each other but now they're really good friends."

Namine spoke quietly and slowly. "Hey sis, why did you leave all those years ago?" Shadow stopped spinning the glass and her face turned into a blank mask for a moment.

"You guys already know I was adopted into your family when I was seven, so I don't have to explain that." She paused, then spoke again, sounding somewhat strained. "The day I left, we got a call. My biological father and mother had tracked me down and wanted me back. We really didn't have a choice, they picked me up that night." Namine was worried at her sister's monotone voice and Kairi seemed to notice this as well. "Right from the beginning we didn't get along. The mom wasn't home to keep the dad from cutting me some slack. I basically played maid, chef, and anything else involving chores. Thankfully it didn't last long. A week, tops."

"What happened after that?" Kairi asked.

"He gambled, a lot. One night he got drunk enough and actually made a bet that include me. At first I was pissed, but the people who won the bet weren't half bad, and today I can easily say they're some of my best friends."

"Sorry you're parents were so mean." Kairi said sadly. Shadow put on a smile and shook her head. "Don't worry about it. As far as I'm concerned I don't have any parents, just you two." They grinned and gave her a hug from their chairs.

"We're glad you're back."

"I'm am too." Shadow pushed herself up and glanced at the clock. "What do you guys normally do around this time?" It was pushing seven o'clock.

"Throw on pajamas and do homework." Namine asked, already knowing what she was going to say.

"Then you guys should go and do that, I'll clean up the kitchen."

"But-" they were both simultaneous with the word, but didn't make it any farther. Shadow crossed her arms and looked at them with the expression that they both recalled. Even at a young age she had had the look down, the one where she was emotionless and dead serious, leaving no room for debate. "Yes Shadow." They said grudgingly.

"Go." Both started for the stairs, feeling grins tug at their faces as the fact that they had their sister back was cemented in.

XXXXXX

Kairi was attempting to work on her Algebra homework, and even though she was good in the class, concentration was a problem at the moment. Letting out a sigh she finally put down her pencil and got up, stretching her stiff limbs as she walked to her door. She was dressed in a light pair of pink shorts and a white t-shirt. She saw Namine's door open as well and bit back a laugh at the timing. Both were about to head downstairs when they heard the front door open.

"Girls! We're home!" Both froze and looked at each other. Their parent's didn't know about Shadow yet. They were about to head downstairs when they saw Shadow appear at the bottom of the steps, glancing up at them with a look that told them to stay put while she turned towards the door.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi." Shade greeted formerly. Kairi literally heard her mother drop her keys and nothing from her father. She winced and they made sure to keep out of sight but in hearing range.

"Who are you?" Her father demanded, his voice deep and clearly meant to be intimidating. It would have worked, but this was Shadow.

"Been a while, so that's to be expected. I'm Shade, pleasure to meet you." Their mother gasped.

"Shade! Wait," She laughed. "Why are you going by that, it's not your real name."

"It's stuck over the years." She replied. Kairi and Namine smiled at each other, apparently the name they had given her when they were five has become one of her favorites.

"You've grown." Their father commented. "I'm glad to see you've been staying healthy."

"Thank you sir."

"Do Kairi and Namine know? Never mind, they're probably the first to see you." Their mother laughed and Shade grinned. "They've missed you, so no doubt they're excited. Are you staying for long?"

"Actually, I just moved to Radiant Gardens, the next town over, so I'll be able to visit more often."

"Wow, it's been years. How many, ten?" Their father inquired.

Shade lied. "Yes sir." Actually, she would visit every other summer when their parents were gone. Kairi and Namine decided to make an appearance. They walked down the stairs. "Hi mom, hi dad." Kairi greeted.

"How'd work go?" Namine took over.

"Just fine you two. Is your homework done?"

"Yep." They answered in chorus, and Shadow smirked.

"So have they shown you the guest room?" Their mother inquired.

"Yes ma'am. I appreciate you letting me stay here."

"It's no problem at all, it's getting late so you should get to rest, we'll catch up on what's been going on for the past few years tomorrow." As their parents walked down the hallway to their bedroom the three girls went up the stairs and into Kairi's room. Shade dropped onto her bed and lied down, crossing her arms behind her head as she glanced over. "How many weeks of school do you guys have left?"

"Two." Namine answered, sitting next to her feet. Kairi sat at the chair in front of her desk. "So what are you doing this summer."

A grin came across Shadow's face. "I was thinking that if you two weren't busy, maybe I'd steal you for a couple months and you could come stay with me at Hallow Bastion." It was silent for a moment and she actually opened her eyes to glance over at them.

"Yes!" Was her really loud answer. She laughed as both of them started to talk quickly and animatedly about what they would bring and the things they could do while they were there.

"Then again, if you wake your parent's up that might give them the chance to ground you from doing so." The silence was immediate. Shadow smirked and shook her head. "You two haven't really changed a bit." She mumbled, closing her eyes.

XXXXXX

That Saturday was one of the rare occasions that the twins parent's were home. But with Shadow being there that day, it didn't really make a difference to the two sisters. When they woke up that morning the smell of french toast, eggs, and bacon. It took them a minute to actually recognize it since the food wasn't burnt or dried to a crisp. Namine came down and stared at the food on the table. Their parents were still asleep, by some miracle, and Kairi was just coming down as well.

Both sisters sat down while Shadow brought over plates, and the redhead smiled when she saw eggs, not overcooked, but not slimy as well. She took a bite and smiled gratefully at her sister before continuing. Namine took a bite of the french toast, lightly drizzled in syrup. "This is good Shadow, thank you."

"No problem." She noticed that the older girl had on a different set of clothes. In fact her iPod was still in the armband with earphones draped across her shoulder. A gray t-shirt and light black shorts made up her outfit while her hair was pulled back. "Where have you been?"

"Running. Five miles, each morning."

"What time?" Kairi asked next.

"Normally four in the morning." Both girls choked and looked at her. She just shrugged. "You get used to it after a while, work needed me up early."

"I'm just going to pretend that you aren't crazy." Kairi decided. "So what do you want to do today?"

Shadow shrugged and took a seat, biting into a piece of bacon. "What did you have in mind. This is your hometown, you tell me."

"Want to call up the guys and we'll go to the movies?" Namine suggested. "It's still to early for the new Hoodwinked, but I'm sure something is playing."

"Sounds good. I'll call them after this. Sora and Roxas aren't doing anything I think and Riku should have today off work."

Shadow took a drink of water and stood up. "You two make the plans, I have to run to the hotel I'm staying at and change real quick. Want to give me the name of the theaters so I can meet you there?"

Namine wrote down the name and directions to the theater and her older sister took it. "Thanks. See you two later." They smiled and waved goodbye as she stepped out the front door, quickly going back to the food heaven.

XXXXXX

Sage cut the engine and got off the bike, running a hand through her hair as she stood in front of the movie theater. She was now dressed in a pair of dark blue and loose jeans with a black t-shirt that crossed in the back, so you had a clear view of the tattoo. She had her dog tags on and resting above her shirt this time, while she still had on her army styled boots. Her hair was down this time, and cascading around her and to her upper back. Black shades in place, she walked up to the theater entrance and already saw her sisters there.

Namine was dressed in light blue shorts and a white t-shirt while Kairi had on a bright pink skirt and a white t-shirt with a lighter shade of pink for a simple and stylish vest. Both girls had on the gold necklaces that she had gotten them years ago, just two after she had left. Simple chains with their names hanging by separate letters feel close to their necks, the first letters of each name having a single diamond stone in them.

"Hey guys." She greeted, stepping up to them.

"Hi Shadow!" Namine greeted with a smile. "We were talking, what kind of movie do you want to see?" Her sister gave her a look and Kairi giggled. "So you still do intense action and gory huh?"

"Of course." She replied with a smirk. "Just stay away from the chick flicks and I could care less."

"Sherlock Holmes?" Sora offered, looking at the list. "Or we can go cartoon remake and see the new Alice in Wonderland."

"Sherlock Holmes, that movie looks awesome." Roxas said. Namine nodded and Kairi voted yes. "What do you think Riku?" He was looking at the movie title with wariness.

Shadow leaned over when they looked away. "It's a great movie, if you love sarcastic full-of-yourself humor then it'll be fine."

"Thanks." He said quietly with a smirk. "Sure, I'm game."

"Alright, six tickets to Sherlock Holmes please." Shadow asked the person.

"Wait! Shadow, we have money for the tickets." Kairi objected.

"First round is on me, you guys can buy your own snacks, that's where the real money sucker is." She replied with a grin, giving the person the correct amount of money. When she got the tickets back she passed them out and they headed inside the cool building. The bright velvet rose and gold color was expertly placed throughout the large and spacious theater. In front of them was the large food stand and various other people were standing in line for their turn.

"What do you want Shadow?" Kairi asked, glancing at her sister.

She was glancing around in thought, the question pulling her out of it. "I'll just take a large Mt. Dew." She passed her sister five bucks. "Meet you at the theater." She called over her shoulder.

Riku gave his money to Sora and told him to get the usual, which was a large tub of popcorn with a slushi, before following her, thinking of getting some more info on the sudden appearance of a third sister.

Namine glanced over and saw him leaving before leaning over to Kairi. "Think he'll walk away alive?"

Kairi looked at the silver haired teen and giggled. "Depends on her mood."

In front of the theater Shadow pulled out her cellphone and glanced at the text message. "Gone for two weeks and place is already turning to hell." She smirked at her friend Tyler's note, typing a quick response while she noticed a presence behind her. "Sent the underlings to get your food?" She said somewhat sarcastically as she closed the phone and turned around to lean against the wall, looking at Riku.

He smirked. "They know better than to attempt to rob me, so yeah." It was silent for a moment as she studied him.

"Depending on the subject, you have three questions max before they get here." She nodded once. "Go."

"How old are you?" He was straight to the point and had the same composed mask as her.

"21 in a few months."

"How have you been staying in touch with Kairi and Namine?"

"Mostly letters. Every other summer I'd get some time off and come down here when their parents were off traveling. Normally three days max."

"Why didn't they tell us?"

"Ask them, you get one more since I can't answer that one."

"Why do they call you Shadow when we are suppose to call you Shade?"

"Both names they thought for me when they were, let's say five. I didn't really care for my name and considered it fresh start. So I introduce myself as Shade, but only the ones close to me call me Shadow, so that's four people total."

This was when the rest of the group started walking up to them. "Times up." She said, and grinned when Kairi held out a soda to her. "Thanks."

"Your welcome." she said cheerfully. Sora and Riku held open the double doors while Roxas played snack carrier, walking through with armloads of food while the rest of them followed. "All the way up?" Namine asked.

"All the way up." Shadow confirmed, smirking at Roxas' groan.