AN: *pokes head out* Umm...Here''s an update. Sorry about the wait. Unfortunately, life kinda got in the way...^_^; However, I only have one month of school left*throws confetti* so after that, things should come faster. Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Still doesn't belong to me...

You always loved to dance

I wish we another chance

To go back in time, and do it all again

"Oi, brat! Get down here!" Kurogane's gruff voice resonates up the staircase.

A female voice calls back, somewhat muffled, "I don't want to! Why do I even have to go?"

Her brother sighs, before heading upwards. Upon reaching the door to his sister's room, he peers inside, not at all surprised to find her huddled beneath a quilt on her bed. "I don't get why you get all worked up every time Dad takes us to one of these. Everybody's pretty nice, even if they are a little uptight sometimes. But you don't have to be afraid. Unless you've done something that you think you should get punished for?"

Ageha is silent for a time, and he nearly pulls the blanket from her head and tells her to stop ignoring him. He stretches out his hand just as she speaks again. "I don't know. I can't remember. But…I feel like I'm just waiting for them all blame me."

Kurogane's hand hesitates before he lets out a sigh. "Alright, that does it." Reaching out with both arms, he picks up Ageha, blanket and all, before throwing her over his shoulder and heading out of the room. "You're being ridiculous. Blame you? I'd like to see them try."

His sister's struggles stop. "And what will you do if they do, Big Brother?"

"Teach 'em not to, of course."

"Pffft…." The blanket hides the smile on her face, but Kurogane knows from the quivering that his little sister is doing her best not to laugh in his face at the thought of him going up against the military for her sake.

"Think that's funny, do you?" He grumbles, setting her down once they reach the front door.

Ageha drops the blanket from over her head. "Well, yeah."

He scowls, leaning over her in an intimidating fashion. "Really?"

She gives a small shriek as she runs out to the car, Kurogane chasing after her.

Upon their arrival at the military gathering, it is plain to see that despite the good-natured bickering and teasing that continued during their trip, Ageha's tension has returned.

Their father kneels in front of her, concern evident upon his face. "Are you sure you're going to be ok?"

"Daddy, I'll be fi-" Ageha's reassurance is cut off as her gaze switches from her father's face to something beyond it.

A white bird flies into view as she reaches out. It appears to land in her hands before bursting into sparkling lights that fly upwards, bathing her face in an ethereal light. After they dissipate, nothing remains in her hands but a single white feather.

"Ah, excuse me; did you see where my illusion went?" A young boy with blue-black hair and glasses falling down his nose pushes through the crowd, panting once he comes to a stop in front of the Suwas. "Oh!" He reaches out for the feather, only to be halted when a larger hand grabs his wrist.

"Hey, kid." The young boy looks up into Kurogane's face. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

"Big Brother!" Kurogane flinches at the sensation of a foot, small as it is, slamming itself down over his toes.

"I'm sorry." The inevitable argument between the two siblings is delayed by the young boy's apology. "I was simply attempting to get the feather back. I meant no ill will to your sister."

"Of course you don't." All three of the children look at the eldest Suwa, who has now stood back up to his full height. "I recognize you know. You're Eli's boy, aren't you?"

The child gives a small bow. "Eriol Hiiragizawa, to be precise."

The man nods. "I thought so. Your father speaks of you quite often."

"And these are your children, then?" The question is arranged so that it covers both, but Eriol's eyes remain solely on Ageha.

"Yes, my son and daughter."

Eriol steps closer, reaching out his hand once more. "Forgive me for being too forward, but I'm certain that we've met before." At this statement, a general round of laughter breaks out from those who have been watching the exchange, mixed with a cry of outrage from a certain person.

"Why you-"

However, all fall silent when Ageha raises her hand. "I don't get what the joke is. I think he's absolutely right."

Sooooo...Any thoughts?