A/N: GUYS I LOVE WHEN YOU REVIEW AND DON'T FLAME I HONESTLY JUST SMILE LIKE AN IDIOT WHILE WRITING! THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE FAVORITED OR FOLLOWED AS WELL!

'IrishLover470' Thank you so much for your kind words! I've already become attached to the girls myself. I hope you stick with me as I write this and I have to tell you that when I first started watching K I knew I was hooked! Have a great day/night.

'Homra-Liz' HEY I LOVE YOUR USERNAME! *cackles* that's hilarious, and I love you too! Keep reading.

Sorry for updating practically every day and then disappearing, I really wanted this to be long enough for you guys and not rush. I had pool parties, friends, and family all weekend.

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS SHOW OR ITS AMAZING CHARACTERS. *Sobs*


Chapter 7: Family Bonds

Kuroh sniffled and struggled to stand on his wobbly knees. Sweat lined his brow as he breathed heavily, exhaustion beginning to take its toll on his body. He squared his shoulders and breathed out before charging for the target.

The chill of the air bit at his exposed cheeks as he twisted and jumped, lips drawn tight in concentration. The moon and the slight light from the porch were the only light he allowed himself; if he could work in the dark then he would have no problem in the day.

Hours, it had been hours that he had spent practicing on his aim. The sun had risen with him and had long since set. He refused to make another mistake again like last week. Last week when he…

Kuroh shook his head back and forth quickly before readying his stance again and narrowing his gaze. His grip shook and he desperately tried to control it.

''Get it together, Kuroh.'' He bit out, clenching his eyes shut. ''Get it together!"

''Kuroh?"

He jumped away at the sound and dropped his sword instantly. He turned to see Alaura, hair pulled back into a low ponytail as she stood at the base of the stairs that led up to the house.

She was dressed in white baggy pants and a loose white shirt, and was holding on to the railing of the stairs tightly. The moon lit up her face and he turned away when he saw the frown on her face and the worry in her eyes.

''I'm practicing.'' He snapped, before taking his stance.

''You're exhausted…come with me. I'll make you something to eat.''

Eleven year old Kuroh shut his eyes as her kind offer echoed in his head. How could she…how could she still care after what he had done?!

''Kuroh.'' He felt the warmth of her hand on his shoulder and shot away, turning on her with a furious glare as tears fell freely from his eyes.

That was it. The composed and strong Kuroh was gone, replaced with a child who was wracked with guilt and self-hate. Alaura's lips turned downwards and Kuroh wiped away at his tears angrily.

''Leave me alone to train. I need to become stronger. My aim was off and I need to work on it. You should be inside resting with the others-oh!''

He was enveloped in warm arms, circling around his neck as Alaura gripped him tightly to her. She rested her cheek on his head and smoothed down his stray hairs that had fallen from his wrapping. His face was pressed into the crook of her shoulder.

She held on to him and he shook, demanding the tears to remain unshed.

They didn't listen to his demands and fell, soaking his cheeks and her shirt. With a low, pitiful cry Kuroh raised his arms to wrap around her and cried quietly as he clung to the older girl he considered his family.

''I-I almost…killed you…how could you…'' He choked out, shutting his eyes to the awful picture of her being carried by Master Ichigen, limp and eyes unseeing. Liz had been holding a crying Jacob in her arms, eyes wide in fright and leaving Kuroh to stare at the blade that had barely missed Alaura's heart.

''Haha! Kuroh, my little Kuroh!'' Alaura giggled and squeezed him. ''You could kill me yourself and I'd still love you.''

''That's crazy talk- you should be telling me to be careful, to control my actions and never let this happen again. Not…not hugging me while I cry like an infant…'' His lip trembled.

It was rare for Kuroh to show the full extent of his emotions. He only did it in front of his family and even that wasn't common.

Alaura laughed in his ear. ''But you're already doing all of that, right? You are so strong Kuroh. Much stronger than you think…I know you would do anything to keep us safe but what's the point if we lose you in the process?"

His eyes shot open as the wind blew his bangs and their clothes gently.

''I'm alive Kuroh…the next time you can cry over me is when I'm dead-but!'' She pulled away and wiped at the tear tracks on his face. He stared up at her, not quite tall enough to meet her eyes evenly. Her hands were warm against the cheeks that had frozen because of the cold air.

''But…just know I'll be there to wipe away your tears then, too.'' Her eyes closed as she chuckled.

''Alaura…'' he whispered, closing his eyes and forcing the tears back.

This time they listened.

''Would it be okay if I assisted you in cooking a meal?'' He asked nervously.

"No way! I'm so pumped now, let's go! I have to wake up the other three for this, your cooking is the best you know!" She said excitedly, gripping his hand and rushing them up the steps.

"Alaura, move slower! Your wound!" He fretted, trying to get her to slow down.

Alaura looked over at him and rested a hand on her chest where bandages upon bandages wrapped around her chest. "Don't worry about me, Kuroh. Let's just get you something to eat.''

Kuroh allowed himself to be pulled to three individual rooms before they made it to the kitchen where Alaura began to pull out cook books. She sat him down and forced him to have bread and water before he tried helping, and as he stared at the meager snack he smiled and closed his eyes in thanks.


Alaura threw her arms around him and wailed, nearly choking him in her hold and making Kuroh stumble back.

''Alaura, compose yourself!" Kuroh blushed at the brown haired girl.

Alaura pulled away and sniffled. ''I'm sorry, I've just missed you so much!"

She stopped for a moment, before a dark look crossed her face and she reared her fist back.

THWACK!

"AHHH!" Kuroh clutched his head and shook, peering up at the anger on her face and feeling the color leave his cheeks.

Alaura had been ecstatic at first to see her brother but now-she was furious. The anger pumped through her veins as she ducked and swiped his legs out from under him, making him fall on his ass with a thud.

He groaned and clutched at his backside. ''Alaura, please-allow us to talk like civil-Argh!"

"Stay there Kuroh.'' Alaura glared, before turning on the white haired boy who was looking at her in terror.

The anger drained from her body, leaving in its place her usual smile. Alaura reached out a hand to the boy and gently hauled him up to his feet. A small white cat rested on his shoulder and she tilted her head.

''What is your name?" She asked softly.

The gold eyed boy blinked. "My name is Shi-''

''Oh hell no!'' Liz scowled, stalking forward and pointing the tip of her sword at the boy. ''He's the Colorless King! All your proof is up there on that damn screen Alaura.''

The boy held up his hands defensively. ''That's not me! Well, okay, it does look like me…but it's not me! I'm innocent!''

Liz looked doubtful before shaking her head. ''How could it look like you but not be you?"

Alaura groaned and dropped her head into her hands. She really needed some coffee-or Mikoto. Both would ease the tension building in her shoulders.

''I don't know! That boy named Kuroh was about to kill me, claiming he was a vessel of the former seventh colorless King, Master Ichigen or whatever and that his dying wish was to kill an evil king! But l'm not evil!"

It was silent.

Alaura and Liz turned slowly on Kuroh, seeing him hanging his head and keeping his eyes from theirs. Alaura swallowed what felt like sandpaper.

"Kuroh…why did he say Master Ichigen was the former Colorless King?'' She asked lightly.

''What the hell does he mean by Master's dying wish?" Liz demanded tightly.

Kuroh shuffled his feet before meeting their gazes. Three hearts were meeting for the first time in a long while, all three having gone through something different over the course. For Alaura, none of this mattered if it meant it would drive away her brother by telling them the truth.

For Liz she felt lied to, like Kuroh had abandoned them and everything they stood for.

For Kuroh…he was happy they looked well.

"Master Ichigen was the Colorless King, the seventh King.'' He jutted out his chin proudly and brandished his sword. ''I am his vessel and have come to kill the Colorless King who has murdered Tatara Totsuka, member of the Red Clan. Your clan…I see.''

Liz showed her forearm. "Yes, we are a part of Homra! But what are you talking about? If Master was a King why did he not tell us?"

Kuroh sheathed his sword and sighed. ''Master Ichigen just…chose not to disclose the information with you. I do not know why…just that he asked me to keep it a secret from you.''

Alaura gently ran her hand over where the mark Mikoto had given her was. The person who raised her to be strong was a King?

She smirked and shook her head before bursting into laughter. Liz, the boy, and Kuroh looked at her like she was insane while she clutched her middle.

''My whole life!'' she choked out between laughs. "My whole life I was raised by a King! It makes so much sense! Master Ichigen…Master Ichigen was a perfect King!"

Liz blinked before her lips turned upward as she saw the reason in Alaura's laughter as she took a step back. ''Of course…his words were too much to be anything but!'' she laughed.

Alaura calmed down slightly, turning on Kuroh before reaching for the white haired boy. She clutched him to her side and walked away from the two.

''What are you doing?" The boy asked, eyes wide.

Alaura put a finger out before looking at him. "You see…Kuroh has a different philosophy than I do. Something happened a long time ago that made him believe actions define who you are, but I don't really have a philosophy now that I think about it. I just follow my gut.''

Gold eyes widened as he was shoved down the staircase. He plopped down on his butt and winced as he looked up at the girl with mocha colored eyes.

She smiled and gripped the door knob. "Run.''

He started and stood, stumbling. "Yashiro Isana,'' he breathed shocking her. "That's my name. What is yours?!''

Alaura looked back to see her siblings temper increasing and shot the boy a wink. ''Alaura, now run.''

SLAM!

''Alaura! What have you done?!"

''We have to follow him!"

She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot on the ground, making their mouths snap shut and stand to attention.

Alaura was about to be upset, and an upset Alaura was a scary one.

''Kuroh-Tatara Totsuka isn't dead. Liz and I saved him before he could pass away. That boy, Yashiro Isana has killed no one.''

''We still have to go after him Alaura! Even if he didn't kill Tatara he tried to!'' Liz said, scooting further away from Kuroh.

''You…saved him?" Kuroh breathed, eyes wide. A furious look crossed his face as he turned on Liz. "Why didn't you stop her?! Don't you see?!

"Me?!'' Liz's hackles raised. "You know her as well as I do once an idea is in her head you can't stop her!"

Alaura frowned and covered her eyes to the sun, internally hissing as her head began to pound. She hadn't eaten yet-she had to get something in her belly. There was a nauseous feeling in her stomach and she couldn't pin point what it was.

''You could have stopped her! Saving Tatara is what dragged the both of you into this business, isn't it?"

"We weren't dragged anywhere, we joined Homra of our own free will!"

''Childish! Get your head out from the clouds Liz and look around you! This isn't just about what we want for her anymore, it's about making sure she is safe!''

Liz bared her teeth and brandished her sword, shooting forward and giving him barely enough time to deflect her attack. He flipped away and she skidded to a stop.

''How would you know anything about wanting for her, huh? You abandoned us!" She charged again and the sounds of swords clashing rang in Alaura's ears.

Alaura sighed as she watched her younger sibling squabble. They could never just talk it out-their swords always had to be drawn.

''I didn't abandon the two of you!'' Kuroh gritted as their swords struggled against one another before they both leaped away. ''Master Ichigen gave me an order, and I knew you would not let me complete it in peace if we were in contact!"

Liz aimed a shot for his side but was blocked. ''You left me alone with her, her memories came back Kuroh! That thing from when Jacob was murdered found us! I fucking needed my brother and you were nowhere to be found!"

Alaura began to stir as the air thickened, changing from lashing out until they both realized they were silly and apologized. No, this was different.

Kuroh shook but stood ready for another attack. His eyes grew cold. "Whose fault is it that her memories came back?"

Liz froze as her breath left her. Blue eyes widened and Alaura shot Kuroh an aghast look.

"Are you…are you saying it's my fault she's remembering Jacob?" Her voice trembled.

Kuroh's grip tightened on his sword's handle. ''You were with her…all you had to do was protect her from herself. Why was that so hard?"

Liz's eyes watered and she glared heatedly. ''You fucking…''

"Kuroh!" Alaura snapped, teeth barred and shocking him out of his trance. He stared in disbelief at the sight of his tough younger sister shaking with her head hung.

''Liz…''

"SHUT UP!"

Her head snapped up as a fire burned inside of her gaze, red beginning to flicker up from her hands and encasing her sword. ''JUST SHUT UP!"

Kuroh reached for her with regret in his eyes. "Please, forgive my words Liz. I didn't-''

"Just shut up!" Liz screamed charging for the black haired boy and raising her sword high. ''Don't you dare talk like that! As if you were there for her! For us!"

Alaura cried out and lunged forward, squeezing her eyes shut and preparing herself for the blow.

She wouldn't lose anyone else.

''Alaura!"

"No!"

Arms wrapped around her and twisted her suddenly, crushing her to their chest and making her eyes snap open. She heard the sound of a blade clattering to the ground before a thud and a cry of pain. Their bodies went crashing to the floor and she groaned as she clutched her head and looked up.

Liz had dropped her sword fast enough but didn't have time to stop her movement, and had crashed into Kuroh's back after he has twisted Alaura away from the sword's tip.

She pulled herself up and grabbed both groaning teens up by their ears, hauling them up.

''Now you two listen and listen good,'' she started darkly, making them gulp. ''I don't give a rat's fucking ass if you two want to fight like children-but the moment you forget who we are is what I will not stand for.''

''We are family, best friends, and we will fight. But like a family-we will never try to hurt one another. Liz-Kuroh thought what he did was right. You can be angry that he left us, but listen to what he has to say.'' Liz looked down and fidgeted.

"And Kuroh!" The black haired teen winced. "We as your sisters will fucking nag you about where you are and how you are, but you will reply to us from now on. We were hurt and felt like you didn't care and that will not do. Also…can you two stop blaming yourselves and each other? Please?''

She released their ears and pulled them down into a hug. "Thank you for loving me, and thank you for trying to protect me. But cut this shit out, okay?"

Kuroh shut his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder, bringing his arm up to clutch at the fabric of the back of her shirt. Liz pressed her cheek on her other shoulder and sighed, wrapping her arm around her as well.

"NOW!'' Alaura pulled back and smiled widely, "Kuroh-''

''The Colorless King!" He shouted suddenly, before disappearing over the edge of the building.

Alaura's eye twitched as dropped her head into her hands and Liz laughed awkwardly.

These two will send me into an early grave…I can feel it.


Alaura groaned as she slumped over the bar, moaning about little brothers and little sisters that were out to kill her. She was still in her workout gear from this morning and probably smelt like a locker room, while Liz had on her jean shorts and a white thin, slightly baggy long sleeve. Her and Liz had been running around the entire day while the other guys looked for her brother and Yashiro.

Apparently Yata and the others had ran into some assholes that were harassing one of their friends for information. It blew her mind that people would threaten others that they knew Homra cared for. Yata was on his way now to see if Anna had located where Shiro was.

A bowl of steaming ramen was pushed her way and she cried happily, looking up and smiling thankfully at the bartender. ''Thank you Izumo! First time eating since…the shaved ice.''

He chuckled. "No problem…you look pretty done for. The Black Dog give you and Liz trouble?"

Alaura spooned some of the ramen's broth into her mouth and hummed. "The Black Dog? Oh…you mean Kuroh. No, I'm stronger than him in combat. It's just so much in one day.''

She saw Izumo frown and tilted her head. "What?"

''Nothing…you just talk as if you know him personally.''

Alaura blinked. "Oh, that's right…well, Kuroh is Liz and I's foster brother. Master Ichigen raised all of us after we were orphaned and left for dead.''

He looked over at her from his glasses. ''I guess I forgot to give you a name didn't I?''

Izumo chuckled. ''The previous seventh King was your Master? How did you not know about the Kings then?"

Alaura shrugged her shoulders and smiled sadly. ''My master deemed it that Liz and I weren't on the need to know list. He told Kuroh to kill the next Colorless King were he to be evil and after that he stopped talking to us.''

"You're an orphan?" Anna asked from where she sat focusing on the marbles and a map.

Alaura looked away from her noodles towards Anna and nodded her head. "Yeah, my biological brother and I were orphaned when I was four and he was one. We had nowhere to go, no family, so it was either be stuck with a lady who smelt like piss or run away.'' She beamed happily and chewed on a piece of meat.

''You're happy?" Izumo questioned looking at her oddly.

Alaura laughed and waved away her hand. ''Master Ichigen took me in when my blood turned their noses at us so why should I care about my bloodline? Besides everything worked out."

She stopped when she felt something prick her finger and looked down at the usually pristine bar. ''Oi, Izumo…there's a dent in your bar.''

A mark appeared on the man's forehead as he recalled two idiots who had dented his lovely bar earlier today. ''Your foster brother, the Black Dog, is he friends with the boy you told me was named Yashiro Isana?" Izumo asked.

Alaura took a swig of her coffee and offered a bit of ramen to Anna who took it quietly. "No-he wants to kill him for being an evil King but…'' her voice tapered off.

"But?" Izumo lowered his voice seeing her look cast down.

"But…Izumo,'' she met his eyes. "I don't think he even is the Colorless King.''

"What do you mean? He tried to kill Tatara.''

She frowned. ''I know…but there's just something that's bothering me with all of this. He didn't remember anything when I spoke to him…he was a kid who was terrified.''

''Damn right he should be! Because when I get my hands on him I'm going to kick his ass!"

Alaura looked over to see Yata throwing open the door, skateboard in hand and a furious look on his face. She sighed.

''Yata-''

''Whatever Alaura,'' Yata brushed her off. ''I don't want to fight with you on this.''

Brown orbs widened before softening. ''Okay.''

Alaura turned back to her food as Izumo and Yata looked over Anna's shoulders. She heard them begin to mumble, even noticing when Liz came down from upstairs in the room they had been staying in.

They hadn't been to school at all this week-too focused on everything that happened.

Alaura had fought against Izumo after Mikoto had been taken away. She was upset that Mikoto gave himself up but after Izumo had left her alone for a while she figured there had to be a reason for what he did.

She wasn't happy-far from it actually-but she trusted in him.

Alaura's smile dimmed as her heart panged and she pushed away her meal-suddenly uninterested in the food. She had questions for Mikoto: Why the fuck was there a sword, why the hell did he let himself get arrested?

She didn't want to ask Izumo for the information. The girl had a feeling he would try to make it seem as insignificant as possible when really she felt like it was a huge deal. The only one who wouldn't lie to her would be Mikoto-he already knew she could see straight through him.

''Mikoto…'' she whispered. Not only did she have questions but already she missed him.

Ridiculous.

''Found him.'' Anna broke the silence.

''Ashinaka High School huh?'' Izumo hummed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Alaura turned in her seat and hopped down, raising her arms over her head and walking for the door.

''What are you doing?" Liz blinked.

''Tch, she's going after him.'' Yata smirked, grabbing Liz's hand and following Alaura out the door.

She paused in the doorway to smile over at Anna and Izumo. ''We can get in and out easily because we're students there. Don't worry alright?"

Anna frowned and looked down at her hands. ''We'll pick up Tatara.''

Alaura giggled and waved in goodbye. "Be back soon.''

The door closed softly behind her as she saw Yata shifting from foot to foot by her bike. Liz was teasing him about patience and he whined.

''Hurry up Alaura! Let's get this fucker!"

Smirking she lifted her leg over the seat and waited for Liz to get on before starting the bike. Alaura gestured for Yata to get a head start and he whooped as he sped forward, red flames shooting out from behind his board.

I'm going to have to pull him along in a little bit, aren't I ?

''You're really going to help us? Even though you believe Shiro isn't the Colorless King?'' Liz asked quietly as she pulled up her feet.

Alaura tensed. ''I need to ask him questions-curse my insatiable curiosity right?"

Without another word they took off, the wind whipping their hair against their faces and stinging their eyes. Alaura kept her eyes straight as an uncomfortable feeling settled in her belly.

What's wrong with me today? There's this…nasty feeling in my chest.


''So this is where the little shit is hiding huh?" Yata glowered as he clutched his skateboard in his hand and had the other tucked away into his pocket.

''Hmm.'' Rikio nodded in disdain. Alaura had told Liz to send him a text of where they were heading and to hurry up.

Alaura stepped forward and took out her pod device before keying in Rikio as her guest, Liz doing the same for Yata. She stuffed the device into her sports bra and grimaced as the cool pod pressed against her heated skin.

''Alright, you're in as our guests. We'll split up to cover more ground and meet up in a little bit. If anything goes wrong just shoot me a text alright? Also avoid any fights please, if we cause trouble the Blues might use it against Mikoto."

Yata tilted his head back and smirked. "Yeah yeah, mom.''

''What was that kid?!"

She glared as Yata grabbed Liz's hand and rushed away, the two disappearing from her sights. Clutching her belly Alaura walked through with Rikio next to her.

Not even thirty minutes later Alaura knew she was off. Her throat felt closed up and her vision was blurring in and out. There was a pounding in her head and the nasty feeling in her stomach spreading up from her abdomen to crawl up her chest.

Groaning she stumbled into a wall, catching her breath. The sun felt soothing against her clammy skin.

''Miss Alaura?!" Rikio panicked, reaching for her only to stop as she held a hand up.

''I'm alright Rikio,'' she smiled weakly and wiped away beads of sweat that gathered on her forehead. "I must be a little strained from my workout this morning…I should have finished my food.''

The blond man looked doubtful. ''Maybe I should text Liz and Yata…we've been searching for an hour now.''

''An hour?'' She bit her lip as she pressed her cheek against the smooth wall.

I thought it had only been thirty minutes…

''Yes…we've asked multiple people but no one knows anything about this guy.'' Rikio stated, eyeing the woman carefully.

Alaura shook as she clenched her eyes shut. This was bad, this was really bad.

I don't remember talking to anyone. The last thing I remember is talking to Liz and Yata…did I really speak to people?

A sudden chill crawled up her spine and she coughed harshly, eyes drooping as her knees gave out and met the hard pavement.

''Miss Alaura! Miss Alaura!"


Liz chewed on her cheek as she eyed the hand currently holding hers, allowing a soft smile to play upon her lips as she squeezed it tighter.

It had been a good hour since they had split up from Alaura and Rikio and they were getting nowhere. None of her fellow classmates had any recollection of Yashiro Isana, and some even went so far as to say there was no possible way for him to go there.

It had been a boy she recognized as the one to ask out a girl the night of Tatara's attempted murder. He said he knew practically everyone but that the guy was a stranger.

Now she and Yata were walking around asking random people they spotted, but still no success. She was beginning to doubt he was here-

''Hey-Liz…''

Blue eyes looked back into hazel, cocking her head and frowning when she saw his shoulders were tight. He had stopped in his tracks and the hold on her hand was becoming too tight.

Liz came up and nudged his shoulder, using her other hand to tug down on the beanie he had given her. She had decided to wear it today and felt very proud at her outfit: it was comfortable enough for her to fight in but cute enough to where she felt bad ass.

''I uh-I was wondering…'' Yata cleared his throat and scratched at the back of his head, pulling away his hand from her hold to shove it in his pocket.

Liz thought he was so adorable when he was nervous around her, especially since he was so loud and not afraid to back down from anything.

Except when she would show up-that's when he became a stuttering mess until he calmed down enough.

''Yeah?" She prompted, laughing into her hand at the nervous smile he wore.

''Uh…after um, all this is over do you think-would you-'' Yata breathed in deeply before clenching his eyes shut. ''-doyouwanttogoonadatewithmepleasesayyesornoIdontwanttoforceyoubutpleasesayyes!"

Liz stood open mouthed at how fast he had spat out the words, she didn't think it was humanly possible to talk that fast!

''You're such a dork, Yata.'' She laughed, clutching at her sides as she bent over. She couldn't believe this-he was asking her out! The thought made butterflies burst from her stomach.

The chestnut haired boy frowned slightly as he took a step back. "So you don't…''

Azure eyes shot wide open as her laughter ceased and she threw her arms around his middle, pressing her face into his chest. No no!

Blushing Yata staaaaaay!

''No! I mean, I do! I wasn't laughing at you I'm just-'' she smiled brightly, earning her a small grin. ''-I'm just really excited now.''

Relief swept over her when the teen picked her up and cheered, spinning her around. Other students backed away from the bubbly couple, smiling in passing.

''YES!" Yata whooped, eyes closed as he wore a big smile.

''Put me down Yata!" She cried through laughs, holding on tight.

Yata set her down on her feet gently but didn't let go, instead grinning excitedly and radiating his relief she hadn't said no. The mere fact he thought it was possible she would say no was ridiculous, it was obvious she liked him.

She wasn't stupid and she knew herself well enough to know everything about him attracted her to him.

''I can smell your virginity a mile away…but yet you can touch that girl without fainting. How odd, Mi-Sa-Ki-''

Liz was stunned at the instant change in her usually happy Yata; his lips stretched into a scowl as his eyes darkened, face turning hard at the sound of a new voice.

''Saruhiko-!'' Yata spat, twisting them to face the newcomer. The boy stood in front of her, not allowing the blue to see all of her.

Liz looked over to the boy in front of them and shivered. His eyes were…cold, calculating, but yet looked like they were on the verge of insanity.

Instantly Liz wished her friend was here; the girl was better at handling crazy than she was.

"What a shock to see you, how did you find out about this place? Oh, right, it must have been Anna…and you can't be out here on Kusanagi's orders, he isn't stupid enough to send the likes of you and-her.''

The raven haired girl shoved her way from the protection Yata offered and stood her ground. ''Hey, you, four eyed creep! How do you know Kusanagi?"

She didn't like the look of this guy; from his too tall boots to the way his bangs fell. Everything about him screamed psycho and every one of those feelings were aimed at the boy next to her.

No, she didn't like him at all.

''What, you don't know about me?" The boy waved his hand and sighed. ''Now I know Kusanagi didn't send you, a newbie wouldn't even be on his radar. That's what you are, isn't it girly?" He leered.

"Don't talk to her, Saruhiko! This between you and me, you don't even deserve to breathe the same fucking air as her!" Yata shouted, angrily pointing towards himself.

Liz felt her heart melt but instantly shoved that away to focus on Saruhiko who was watching them with little interest.

''You haven't changed a bit, Misaki, still reckless.'' The blue tutted.

''Shut your mouth!" Liz snapped, hackles rising at the condescending tone of his voice. "Alaura decided we would come out here and now I'm glad she did.''

''Alaura…?'' Saruhiko blinked before it dawned on him. ''Oh Misaki, you mean the pretty little brunette girl that Captain Munakata found out is Mikoto's…love interest? Yes I know all about that, Mikoto actually almost snapped at a guard for threatening to arrest her, you know? Funniest thing…''

''Damn you!" Yata yelled, starting forward and glaring heatedly. ''Don't call me by that name, don't talk like you know my people, and don't you fucking dare talk about Mikoto and Alaura. I know you…and you're nothing but a traitor Fushimi!"

A…traitor?

Fushimi smirked and laughed breathily. "Can you blame me? The fact is in the end I wasn't like you and the others, my leaving of Homra was inevitable.''

Liz's eyes widened and she shook. This guy had left Homra? Who the hell would want to do that?! They were a family that protected one another.

The more important question was…why were these two so hostile?

''You're damn right about that-you weren't like the rest of us.'' Yata scowled, kicking up his skateboard and holding it against his side.

''Yata,'' Liz whispered, confused. A sudden beep caught her attention and she reached for her back pocket before freezing at the man's next words.

''So tell me, how did you two manage to get in here?" Fushimi asked.

''How about this,'' Liz interrupted Yata and sliding her phone back in her pocket. ''You leave us the fuck alone and maybe I won't kick your ass.''

She really wanted to avoid a fight like Alaura had asked her to, but this guy was sending warning lights all over her head.

''I happen to know security is pretty tight around her girly, how about you show me your pass, Misaki!?'' Fushimi's voice pitched on Yata's first name and Liz's ears threatened to bleed.

''How about this, it's none of your fucking business. And stop calling me by my first name-when you do it it creeps me out.'' Yata's nose scrunched up.

"How silly of me I completely forgot you hate being called by your first name don't you, Mi—Sa—Ki-? '' Fushimi stretched out the syllables of Yata's name.

''You're really asking for it, assface.'' Yata jutted out his chin.

Liz took a step away from Yata and rested her right hand on the handle to her sword, eyeing the situation carefully. All of a sudden she felt warmth and gasped, looking to see red flames had been about to circle around Yata's body.

''Yata, stop!" Liz cried. "Remember what Alaura said, okay? We cause any trouble and they might do something to Mikoto! Fighting this monkey wont accomplish anything, it'll just make Alaura upset!"

Yata froze and the flames flickered out of existence, his tightly clenched fists relaxing as he sighed in resignation.

''You're doing this for Mikoto, really? I'm afraid your hero has lost his edge. After all, he willingly went to jail even with a girl on the side waiting. I wonder if that means he's finally grown up…must be that girl. She could teach you a few things when she's done whoring herself out for the King.''

There was a beat of silence as the air became filled with deathly intent. It grew heavy in everyone's lungs, settling as a warning that something was coming.

Liz felt her blood boiling, pupils bleeding red as her power began to slither over her skin and down her sword. Slowly she turned on Fushimi, mouth pulled down.

Yata's shoulders shook as he glared and spun his board before it landed with a dull sound. The sound echoed across the empty courtyard and in Liz's ears.

Her fingers danced across the handle of her blade. ''I must have mistaken what you said…you weren't talking about our Alaura-were you?"

If there was one thing everyone knew back home, it was that talking shit about Liz's family was the ultimate offense in her eyes.

No one got away with it.

The corner of Fushimi's lip pulled upwards as he leaned forward. ''The Red King's Whore right?"

Liz's lips down into a cruel smile as she acted like she was about to pull out her sword. ''Liz, ready.'' She taunted, satisfied when Fushimi returned their glare.

''Hey…monkey,'' Yata grumbled, causing Liz to ready herself into a crouch.

''You're gonna die!"


''Miss Alaura! Come on, wake up! Aw man, come on Miss Alaura!"

Brown eyes stared unseeing at the clear blue sky that was above her. It was freezing around her but she couldn't tell if it was from the air or her fever that was threatening to pull her under again.

How did…why is my body depleting so quickly? I drank water…skipping a day of food shouldn't make me this bad…what-

Alaura blinked a few times before realizing she was being cradled against Rikio, the poor guy looked like he had been pulling on his hair the entire time she had been out of it.

''Ri..kio…'' she smiled weakly, trying to lift herself up and wincing when a wave of shivers overtook her. Immediately Rikio helped her into a sitting position as the coughs finished.

''You've been shaking for the past twenty minutes, Miss Alaura. I think you need to go see a doctor.'' The blond man worried.

Touched by the concern her friend showed she patted his shoulder before struggling to her feet. Rikio assisted her and held onto her left shoulder and hand.

"I am a doctor, Rikio.'' She smirked.

An what is happening to me isn't something medicine can fix…you're coming, aren't you?

''Why were you panicking so badly, Rikio? Has something happened to the other two?"

"Not as strong as you used to be, Monkey!''

''No…I'm stronger. In fact, I'm much stronger.''

''Bullshit! You're not even good enough to be a damn warm up!"

Hearing the voices of Yata and Liz she turned around, stumbling back when she took notice of the clashing blues and red. The two were fighting to their hardest against the boy clad in blue. He must have only been nineteen like Yata, but he defiantly didn't fight like one.

She saw Liz jump and twirl in the air before dodging a blow aimed for her stomach, landing softly on the boy's shoulders. Her feet tightened around his head as she arched her back and flipped him over, his body slamming into the ground with a loud crack.

Undeterred the boy snapped up, barely missing Yata's red coated fist being thrown his way. Yata lunged backwards and began skating in circles around the blue, smirking as he did so.

''Sister?"

Alaura reared back, falling into Rikio's surprised arms and her shakes beginning to start up again.

No, not now! I'm not ready for you now!

''Sister, are you asleep? I'm going to go take a walk…''

''Stop them,'' she breathed, pulling herself away from her blond friend and starting forward. "Rikio, stop them!"

''Tch, what's the matter monkey?" Yata taunted as he skated around, and around, and around.

She saw the blue reach into his pocket the same time Liz must have, because she heard the girl shout as her heart berated loudly in her ears.

''Yata move!"

The kunai flew, coated in red and aimed straight for Yata's heart. Just as it brushed against the fabric of his shirt Liz appeared, shoving him sideways and making them fall to the ground in a mess of limbs.

''Too bad your girlfriend got in the way, huh Misaki?" the blue clad boy taunted.

Alaura stopped running as she covered her left eye, the memory already beginning to pull her under as much as she fought. There wasn't any time to remember right now, it had to be later!

But her body was weakened.

(flash back)

''Sister…? Are you awake?'' A soft voice met her ears but she shrugged it off, assuming it to be Jacob telling her he wanted to go prank Master Ichigen. ''Sister, are you awake? I'm going to go take a walk around…''

In her sleep filled mind the words were mumbled, sounding instead as if he had said he was going to go talk to the others. Snuggling into her pillow she reached out blindly and pressed her palm against his cheek.

''Love…you…Jacob.'' She mumbled, hearing the boy giggle at her actions.

''Love you too, Alaura, I'll be right back.''

The soft padding of his feet and the door closing was the last thing she heard as she drifted back into her slumber. A few minutes later though there was a deep ngging in the back of her head, a nasty feeling in her gut that traveled up her chest.

Pulling herself up she wiped away the sleep from her eyes and looked around the vacant room. On the other side of the room was a twin bed where a little boy should be sleeping soundly, but instead it was empty.

''Jacob?" She whispered, suddenly alert as the feeling began to claw at her like an annoying itch. "Hun, this isn't time for jokes?"

With a sickening drop in her stomach she jumped out of bed, not even bothering with shoes as she rushed to Liz and Kuroh's room.

The door slammed open and she shook a raven haired girl awake.

''Alaura? What the hell…it's like super late…'' she pouted, stretching her arms out and peering at her lazily.

That's when she snapped awake.

''What's wrong?" Liz demanded, throwing on shorts and slipping on shoes. Alaura shook her head quickly, explaining that there wasn't any time for this. She rushed out into Kuroh's room, waking him in the same manner.

In minutes the trio was walking through the woods, tense in silence as each prayed Jacob was just lost and waiting to be found by them.

Alaura prayed, prayed so hard to the gods above that they would just leave the two of them alone. They had already lost both of their parents to a car crash, there was no way the gods would take away her baby brother right?

He had been a year old when they were in the car crash, her only four years old. It had been so hot, there was blood everywhere, and she could barely see against the heat. Jacob had been crying though, strapped safely into his car seat.

Her hands burned with scratches and bruises but she had pulled Jacob into her chest and crawled out of the crushed vehicle, thanking her body was tiny enough. She remembered looking back at the car, about to go back for her momma and father before suddenly it exploded.

Her and other civilians had dove away from the wreckage, her with a crying baby in her arms. It was only the two of them after that…and then Master Ichigen found them.

Yeah-there was no way the gods would be so cruel! Her baby brother was too kind, too sweet, he was her little lovebug-

And he was staring right back at her with dead brown eyes, a monster lapping at the blood spilling from his neck.

(end flash back)

NO!

She started, pulling herself back from the horrid sight that had threatened to cripple her. She gnashed her teeth together and pushed her shoulders back.

This is my body and my mind, damn it! You will not weaken it just to push through a memory!

''That's enough!''

The fighting stilled at her voice that boomed through the air, Liz and Yata wincing at the noise. Rikio cringed and ran over to Yata and Liz, helping them up as they watched Alaura smile creepily at Saruhiko Fushimi.

''I don't believe we've met, my name is Alaura.'' She nodded, the strength she had been lacking since this morning coming back to her. The shivers had vanished along with the cough but her fever lingered.

Fushimi sheathed his sword and smirked. ''Saruhiko Fushimi, ex member of Homra.''

Alaura's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "I see, then we'll be leaving you now. Have a great day, Saruhiko.''

''Wait a minute, Alaura! We're not through kicking his ass!" Yata shouted, pulling Liz up and standing back on his feet.

''He has dual powers Yata! We've got to get the hell out now.'' Rikio said, standing up.

''No way! So what, you think with your crappy ass powers you're going to control the country?" Yata smarted off.

''I wouldn't follow you anywhere, I'd fight against your pitiful ruling.'' Liz scathed.

A chuckle escaped Fushimi's lips that had Alaura backing away slightly. She knew there was something off about this kid…but maybe he wasn't so bad?

''My plans aren't for anything as pitiful as controlling the country…no, I plan on controlling everything with flesh and blood.'' Fushimi raised his kunai across his chest, one pair glowing red while the other glowed blue.

''I've had enough talking.'' She sighed when his words clicked. Swiftly she pulled out her gun that rested against her lower back and shot off two rounds, knocking the kunai out of the hands of what seemed to her like a kid who needed help.

''How about you come back with us?" She smiled kindly at the blue, offering out her hand and ignoring the outcries of her fellow clansmen.

Fushimi looked at the hand offered to him and his eyebrows furrowed down slightly. He had been about to try to kill her, and she was offering him a peace offering.

''What's the meaning of this? Is this how you seduce your men?" He snapped.

What?

Liz face palmed as Alaura twitched comically. ''Gods how fucking stupid are you?"

Fushimi raised his sword threateningly towards Alaura, grinning when the three behind her lunged forward to stand by her side. Alaura tilted her head as she watched him.

What an odd boy…he looks so angry but…

''I don't need any kindness from the Red King's Whore.'' He laughed. ''Now…die!"

His blue exploded the same time red did from all four of them, hers wrapping around them aas a shield against the new person in the mix she had seen from the corner of her eye.

''STAND DOWN!"

A burst of blue halted the auras, whipping Fushimi's hair and clothes around and leaving them untouched. Peering around everyone Alaura smiled upon seeing their new visitors.

They were cold, but at least they would take away Fushimi so they could leave.

''That's enough, put your sword away! Now, Fushimi. What do you think you're doing, carrying on a fight like this out here in broad daylight?'' The blonde woman that had been there when Mikoto was arrested strode forward to stand by Fushimi. Her outfit was still darling as ever.

Fushimi grunted and turned away from her questioning, causing the woman to sigh and look towards them.

Alaura smiled widely and stepped forward. "Hello, my name is Alaura of Homra and these are-''

''Your name is Misaki Yata, right? Of the Red King's faction. The Skateboarding captain of Homra's front line. You also go by the name Yatagarasu.'' The woman interrupted her, looking straight past her and towards Yata.

The hazel eyed boy smirked. ''Listen Lady I know all about you too, Seri Awashima. The Blue King's right hand enforcer and also known as the heartless woman.''

The woman frowned. ''Yeah, but only one person calls me by that and he happens to own a bar here in town. Be that as it may I must tell you that I cannot condone your activities here in the middle of a school day. Unfourtanetly we will not make an issue of this so you need to schedule your talk for a later time.''

Yata scoffed. ''He's the one who started it.''

Seri frowned and crossed her arms. ''I see, I guess I didn't make myself clear. You will-''

''Awashima,'' Alaura interrupted. ''The three next to me will not listen to you-you are not our king.''

The two woman stared each other down, one believing she was the stronger of the two while the other never presumed such aside from her siblings. Awashima closed her eyes.

''Let me tell you about your King…'' Alaura and the other three froze. ''All he does is complain about how bad the food is, then he eats every crumb curls up and goes back to sleep. I have to say, he's quite the piece of work.''

Her breath caught at the mention of Mikoto locked away in Scepter 4's prison. A true smiled lifted her lips. Liz grinned in happiness for her sister's interest and Rikio looked worriedly at Yata.

''Mr. Mikoto…''' Yata murmured.

Clapping her hands together Alaura beamed at the woman. ''Ms. Awashima, you seem like a strong woman and for sharing that information with us about Mikoto I'll give you a warning.''

Blue eyes widened as the four turned to walk away. Liz sheathed her sword as Yata picked up his board and reached for her hand. Rikio stuffed his hands in his pockets. Alaura waved in farewell.

''Arrogance was the death of many rulers, and even their best generals fell victim to it.'' She flashed a toothy grin. ''Stay captive to it and it'll be your downfall.''


A/N: WOOH 22 pages! I was going to post this Friday but I felt it was too short and I wanted to give you guys more!

Review, eat amazing food, and have a great day/night!

Until next time!

-ScarlettWriter

PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 8: Need

''Mikoto…'' she whispered, brushing her lips across his softly. His heart thumped in his chest as her fingers smoothed out the harsh frowns on his face. He missed her, her forwardness and the smooth aura around her.

''Alaura,'' he breathed, pulling her into his arms.

''Mikoto…Mikoto…Mikoto! Why did you kill me?!'' she cried suddenly, leaping away from him as her flesh began to burn away. Amber eyes widened in fright as her screams tore him apart.

"ALAURA!"

''Mikoto?"