Recap

Before Ichigo could respond, Silda altered the topic. "But anyways, as for you, The Master said you're welcome to the second floor." Ichigo wanted to protest but yet again, Silda went on. "Aright then. I can come up with a million more chores for you since it's the Master's wishes. Come with me and I'll see if we have an old maid outfit you can fit into. Then we'll get you started."

Before long, the pair found Ichigo some suitable, working clothes. The garments were absolutely adorable. It was a frilly, lacy attire sewn by countless bindings to her mini-dress and stockings.

Silda directed Ichigo to a number of chores. Diligently, the redhead worked hour after hour to impress the Housekeeper. If she could amaze Silda enough to entirely let her alone, Ichigo hoped to find a computer of some sort. Even if she couldn't use it yet, she would at least be aware of its whereabouts.

Lettuce and Pudding were counting on her. Ryou was right – something was going on – she felt it. But what?

Unknown to her, someone was watching...

Chapter 4: A Brother who Swore Revenge

The alien teenager, Malo, wiped sweat back through his thick, blue hair. He was exhausted. Relentlessly, he'd trained the entire day, preparing for the battles to soon come. Although his skills had greatly improved, Malo wasn't in the least bit worried. His upcoming task was simple: Retrieve the blood of his Brother's Lover.

He had already recovered the two necessary bodies. The worst was over with. All that remained was to implant the lover's blood into the bodies. Then he would have his revenge. It was take time and patience but...victory was close at hand.

Malo sighed and, again, wiped his hot brow. Once he completed his revenge, his deceased brother would find peace – he knew it. Malo was faultlessly loyal – he wouldn't quit.

The teenager clenched his fists, recalling the memories. In custody, Kisshu had been given to Tosa – Malo's closet companion. Kisshu's own father had ordered Tosa to kill Kish. Tosa was more than obliged to do so.

….But Kisshu escaped – survived.

Several days later, Tosa returned to the Palace homeland to report to Kisshu's father, Lord Nobas.

Flashback

The furry in Nobas's eyes was nearly insanity. With a wrathful expression, he examined the two boys. Tosa and Malo were knelt down before their Lord. Nobas hissed at the sight of their hesitant, apprehensive eyes. He could also see their stiff bodies shaking.

Nobas spoke first to Tosa. "You cowardly slut!" He roared. "Why did you not return sooner?" He pulled back to stride behind them. "Too frightened to collect your reward?" Tosa tried to stay calm. Nobas moved back to face them again. "Answer me!"

Tosa lowered his gaze further to increase the effect of his repentance. "F-forgive me, My Lord!" He said, aloud. "But my only reward was to kill your son, Kisshu. U-unfortunately, that reward was taken from me, My Lord!" Lord Nobas's raging eyes widened. His manly, cruel fists tightened with an intensity. Desperately, Tosa endeavored to continue. However, his weakening voice clearly diminished his strength. "Please forgive me, Lord Nobas!" He fell on his face. "Y-your son escaped! I did everything could to retrieve him but...but-! I could still catch him! I know I can! I- I'll kill him! I swear I will k-kill him for y-!"

Nobas drew his blade and, in the midst of Tosa's desperate blubbering, roared back. "You failed!" Without any further hesitation, he ran the boy through and kicked him to the ground. With the piercing weapon, Nobas pinned the boy's arm to the floor.

Fiercely, Nobas turned to Malo. Despite the teen's horror, he knew it was for the best. Before Novas could birth an attack, Malo was forced to abandon his companion and vortex to safety. He was gone.

Nobas narrowed his eyes, heatedly and growled. "...Coward...!" He left the room in a wild passion.

After he had gone, Malo reappeared in a frantic mess. His dramatic trembling and sickened tears were made him nauseous. When he saw Tosa pinned to the floor, moaning and flooded in blood, he immediately ran clumsily over. Tosa was dying – his cries made it obvious.

Falling on his knees by his companion, Malo shouted. "T-Tosa!" Neither of them could stop shaking. Desperately, Malo gripped his friend's bloody hand. "Y-you gotta get up! I gotta get you up!"

With tightened eyes, Malo grunted and cried. "M-my…my arm! I- I can't m-move!" He sobbed, sweating and bleeding in the darkness. "EEERRRAAAHH!" He cried in pain. "L- listen…y...you m- mus- must…do something f- for m-me…"

Malo squeezed his hand and endeavored to sooth his dying friend. "Anything! I'll do ANYTHING! W-What is it?" He asked.

Although he was weak, Tosa tried. "…My br- brother… Bring…br- bring him…back. G…get him…him to ki- kil…kill Kish. H...he is m-my vengeance…"

Malo's teary eyes winded. "H- how?" He rasped. "Your brother is dead!"

"My…bro-brother...brother's lover – a g-girl of divine, r-red hair... G- get…get her b- blood and…and a…a h- human…body. I-inject the blood…" He grunted, about to die. "…Get him…to…to k- kill Kisshu. M- make him do it…for his brother…a-and for h-himself... I hate…K-Kisshu."

As he held his companion tighter, he sobbed. "I'll do it! I will! I promise! I'll be forever indebted to you until it's complete!"

To a slight extent, Tosa was relieved. Nevertheless, he went on weakly and broken. "It may…m- may b-break my brother's and my d-dad's heart…if K-Kish is d- dead… but…but…maybe…maybe he'll finally love me. I'll b- be gone." A tear slid down his deprived cheek. "But…maybe…this way…he'll l –love me…and…my b- brother…and not…not...that r-runt…K-Kish." As he gazed up at the dark ceiling, he spoke his final words. "D- dad…why d-didn't you love u- us? Forget K-Kissu...L-love me…" Then he died.

End Flashback

The blue-haired alien, Malo, broke free from the haunting memory. He would avenge his best friend and resurrect Tosa's brother. Although he didn't entirely understand the processes a whole, he knew Belgemine would help him. Before long, she, the fortune-teller, would reveal Kish's fate. Malo cringed.

All he needed was the blood of Tosa's brother's lover...and he knew whom she was, too.

Vengeance was in sight.

Ichigo examined her thorough work and smiled in a satisfactory manner. At last, she had completed every single task Silda has assigned her to. Her final one was my far the most strenuous – sweeping every patio, side walk, walk way, paved path, veranda and outdoor porch. Ichigo heaved a great sigh and leaned against her broomstick.

Although the work was brutally arduous, Ichigo thoroughly enjoyed it. Her appearance certainly was a mess, though. At least, however, it wasn't a hot day. She barely broke a sweat. In fact, the weather was absolutely amazing. The sweet air generated her senses and energy.

With a slight giggle, Ichigo beheld the unearthly beauty of the magnificent sunset. In flaming colors beyond count, it spilled above the towering treetops. She'd never seen anything like it. It made her smile.

As she ran a hand through her red hair, Ichigo sighed. This was the most beautiful place she'd ever been. She now understood why he was persistent on having her come here. His world reflected him – it was expressive and passionate. With each day, Ichigo could see Kish's love grow deeper and more intense. Before her, he had always been alone and uncared for. He was literally starving for affection. It made her sigh. Regardless, Ichigo refused to love him merely because she pitied him. That wasn't love at all. Ichigo cared for him more than he knew but...it was impossible to be open about it.

She was...more reserved than Kisshu. Sometimes she wondered if it frustrated him. He was impatient and often pushy. Ichigo DEEPLY wanted to express herself – reassure him – but the thought made her sickly uneasy. Never in her life had she done anything like this. With Masaya, it was considered a major deal if he made eye contact with her. Kish was entirely diverse. He always wanted had to be by her side - openly expressing his feelings. She couldn't help but envy his extroverted, confident nature.

How could someone who grew up in such a horrible, disfunctional and cold family….end up as loving as Kish?

Again, Ichigo sighed. Maybe things were hopeless. Despite her deep love for Kish, she didn't like his constant excitement and persistent behavior. What should she do? Avoid him? Maybe - she was already doing that somewhat.

Her mind drifted to a secondarily topic. What about the alien radiation on Earth? Right now she had to focus on that, right? Pudding and Lettuce were ind grave danger – she knew it. Where could she find news? Did Kish know about it? She couldn't ask him. After all, Lettuce and Pudding's lives depended on it. Ichigo sighed.

She'd wasted enough time.

Turning, she nearly collided with him. "Uph! I'm sorry, Silda! I didn't mean to bump into yo-!" Ichigo cut herself off to see it wasn't Silda - it was Kish. Surprised, she pulled back and bowed a bit. "M-Master Kisshu! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you were there!"

Kish smirked at her. "Master?" His amused grin widened. "Where the heck did you pick up that little thing?" Gently, he swept her bangs from her dirty face. She was a wreck. "Wow," he chuckled. "Someone certainly looks wonderful."

Ichigo blushed and pulled back. "Th- the head maid, Silda," Ichigo replied. "She said I was supposed to call you Master…"

Kish gave her a peculiar look. "Well, please don't," he replied, awkwardly. "It's WAY too formal. You just stick with Kish, okay?" Embarrassed, Ichigo blushed a nod. However, before she could speak up, Kish went on in a slightly irritated tone. "Did Silda tell you to lie to me, too?"

Ichigo gasped.

His eyes narrowed, angrily. "I've been back for nearly two hours now!" He snapped. "The second I walked in the door, Silda informed me that every chore had been thoroughly completed by my new guest. I've been watching you for HOURS, Ichigo, just waiting for you to finish! So what?" He snapped. "You think I wouldn't find out?"

Ichigo faked smile. "…Well…everything is clean now…right?"

Kish's annoyed glare was scolding. "Why did you FLAT-OUT manipulative what I asked? I told you the others could handle the work. I only assigned you to the simple stuff. Now you're totally warn out!"

Ichigo tried to explain. "But...I didn't mind doing the work, Kish. It was…fun." Anxiously, she fidgeted with her hands. "Besides, you didn't tell me I had to only do the chores you gave me, anyway."

Kish rolled his eyes. "Uh, yes I did!" He said through an annoyed scoff. "Besides, I don't want you to over do it, kitten. The others can handle the work. I wanted you and I to spend time together. Can't we still go for-"

Silda's voice interrupted. "Ichigo! I have a few more chores you can do! Oh!" When she noticed Kish, Silda immediately bowed. "Master Kisshu – please forgive me. I didn't know you were out here..."

Kish smiled back at her. "It's cool. But Ichigo's finished her chores for the day." Ichigo tried to protest but Kish didn't let her. "I'll take care of her - promise." At first, Silda hesitated. She wasn't too sure about leaving them together. However, she soon relinquished, bowed and then left. After all, it wasn't her call.

Turning back to Ichigo, Kish smirked. "You've done quite enough today, kitten. You need to relax now." Bridal style, the teenager picked her up and carried her to one of the deck chairs. In a gentle manner, he lowered her into one. "There ya go." He leaned closely in her face with a grin. "How's that?"

Ichigo pulled back with a blush. His face had been just a little too close.

"Well?" Kish asked, persistently. "Is that better? Or do you need something to drink?"

Ichigo narrowed her eyes, irritably. "No." Dryly, she went on. "Now don't you have some important Prince stuff to do?"

Kish laughed at her face expression. "Nope!" His tone was relieved and still energetic. "My first and most important obligation is to you and you alone." With a grin, he lowered himself to the warm, paved ground beside her chair. Then, with a gentle, skillful hands, he began to unfasten Ichigo's shoelaces. As if by cue, her cheeks reddened and she somewhat jerked. "Let's get these off," Kish said, sweetly. "I bet your feet are tired after all that work." Despite her uneasy nerves, Ichigo couldn't help but sink into the chair and shiver. Kish's gentle finger-work was exceptionally soothing. In silence, she glanced at him. His gleaming, golden eyes were focused on the task.

Before long, both shoes were untied and Kish slipped them carefully off her sore feet. Then he revealed a present.

"I got these for ya," he said, smiling brightly. "It might help you fit in a bit more. All aliens wear them. Hope you like them." Identical to Kish's, he handed her a pair of soft, sock-like shoes.

Ichigo broke into a giggle and quickly slipped them on. They crept up her legs at about a knee-length measure and soothed her. They were exceptionally soft, too. As Ichigo stretched out her feet, she smiled. "Thanks, Kish! They're so cute! I love them!"

Ichigo leaned forward to hug him, however, her anxieties caused her to awkwardly pull back. Suddenly, she felt exceptionally shy.

Regardless of her awkward hesitation, Kish tried to act casual. He grinned and replied. "Glad to hear it. So how did working go, anyways?"

Ichigo heaved a sigh. "Great! It really was a lot of fun. I cleaned so many rooms." Then Ichigo realized. This was the opportune moment to weasel in a question without any suspicion. "So…" She started. "I didn't see any sort of computer room. Where does Pai do all his work any time he comes over?"

Kish shrugged at the unimportant question. "Uh...well, most of the time, I just go to his place if I need something done."

Ichigo faked a smile. "Oh, that's cool," she replied. Bummer. She had to find a computer.

Stretching, Kish stood up and smiled. "Come on. Let's get inside. Silda can find a place for you to sleep."

As they made their way in, Ichigo asked. "So how was your meeting?"

Kish's golden immediately narrowed from boredom. "DULL! They just talked about government control. You know what, being a Prince can REALLY have its downsides!" Sighing, Ichigo followed him inside.

This was all so overwhelming. How could she deal with Kish? How could she get info? How could she save her friends?

OKAY! Thanks for reading! I REALLY hope I haven't lost any readers out of confusion! Review please! Bye!

THANKS FOR READING! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!