As usual, I don't own anything. I'm just a fan writing some fiction. Please enjoy!


Dwarven Vow 119:
Na innis do run do d'charaide gorach, no do d'namhaid glic.
Don't confide in a foolish friend or a wise enemy.

12-

"I'm really sorry about Zelos." Colette spoke up once the two men were out of earshot. "He's not usually this… confrontational. I think babysitting for the first time has awakened some sort of deeply-rooted paternal instinct in him."

"You don't have to apologize for him, Colette." Yuan turned his head away. "Besides, tossing her around and feeding her junk food isn't what I'd consider paternal."

Colette offered a sheepish smile. "Maybe not, but I think it's just his way of showing affection. I remember when Lloyd and I were young, not everyone in Iselia agreed with how his dad would discipline him. I used to sneak out some nights and bring him food just in case he forgot some of the Dwarven Vows and didn't get dinner. But even though Dirk's methods were strict, we never doubted that he loved Lloyd. Different people's love comes across in different ways, and Zelos just has a very… Zelos-ish way of showing his."

Yuan let out a skeptical 'hmph' and turned his attention back to Adora, who was reaching up to grab ahold of his hair. He tucked his bangs behind his ear to keep them out of her reach with a softly spoken "no, that's mine."

Colette giggled. "Adora seems very comfortable with you, though. Normally it takes a while for her to warm up to someone like this. She must really like you… or at least, really like your hair."

"I get that a lot," Yuan responded, "though usually not from babies."

"Come to think of it, her hair is almost the same color, isn't it? You two are matching!"

The statement caused an odd expression to pass over Yuan's face. He looked away briefly before turning back to Colette with an uneasy glance. "...is that your way of saying all half-elves look alike?"

"What? N-no! Of course not!" she spluttered, waving her hands so quickly that she almost knocked over the cups of lemonade and had to pause to steady them. "I just thought- er, nevermind. I'm sorry I mentioned it."

"It's alright. I know you didn't mean anything by it. For a moment I thought I was talking to Zelos." Yuan shook his head. "Hanging around Zelos too much is bad for me, I think. I have to remember that there's a Chosen who actually cares about others' feelings."

The statement gave Colette pause, and she shifted her weight uncomfortably. "I'd prefer it if you didn't call me the Chosen… and remembered that I do love Zelos."

After she said that, the silence between them felt like a sort of tension that didn't want to be disturbed. A person standing in the park's amphitheater was beginning to give some sort of speech, but Colette couldn't quite make it out. She knew there was going to be some sort of musical performance before the fireworks, but she wasn't interested. This evening just wasn't going according to plan at all.

At some point the talking stopped and the sound of a string quartet filled the park. Colette assumed that Yuan was listening to it and enjoying it, but a few minutes after it began, she felt him nudge her arm.

"Colette, can I ask you something?"

"Huh? Yes, of course. What is it?"

"When you found Adora, she was…" There was a slight pause in his voice before he continued. "...sick, right?"

"Where did you hear that?"

"Kratos told me."

"How did he-?" Colette stopped halfway through her question as she answered it herself. "-oh, Lloyd must have told him! Yes, she was very sick. Raine called it tracheal stenosis. It was something about her throat, where she couldn't get enough air into her lungs."

Yuan nodded. "And what do you intend to do now that she's alive and healthy? Are you going to adopt her?"

"No, I'm going to do my best to help find her parents."

"Why?"

The question caused Colette to sit up straighter, staring at Yuan in surprise. "Because they must be worried about her, of course! We have to get her back as soon as possible."

"But do you really think returning Adora to her parents is the best option for her?" A clouded expression passed over his face. "What kind of sick, twisted person would shut their own child in a box and leave her?"

Colette didn't have to think hard about her answer. "I don't believe her own parents would do that to her."

"And what if you find out they did? What then?"

"...that's…" Colette fumbled for words.

"What if her parents are unfit to raise her?" Yuan continued. "What if you find out they werethe ones who buried her alive and should never be trusted with a goldfish, much less a child? Or what if they're dead? What will you do-?"

"I don't know!"

Colette's answer was louder than she'd intended, and it seemed to surprise Yuan into silence. Adora began to whine and he pulled her closer to his chest, gently rocking her until her cries subsided.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have forced those kinds of questions onto you. Of course you wouldn't know."

"It's not as if I haven't thought about it." Colette shook her head, staring down into her lap where she was wringing her hands. "When we found her, I jumped so quickly into action, I didn't think about my own situation. Zelos and I… well, we're in no position to be parents. Not yet, at least."

Adora let out another little cry- noticing the tension in Yuan's posture, Colette assumed. She could tell he was biting his tongue at the way she spoke of Zelos. Even Kratos, who'd never been fond of Zelos to start with, at least begrudgingly accepted their relationship. But Yuan had always quietly disapproved of them, not once offering any kind of congratulations or support. Colette wasn't particularly close to Yuan, but she did owe him a lot, and it hurt.

"But Professor Low mentioned that, if we can't find her a home, she'll have to be turned over as a ward of the state. That's not something I'd wish on any child."

"I see." Yuan nodded his head and Colette could swear his hold on Adora tightened ever so slightly. "But you have to wonder, is that better than being with parents who put her in a box?"

Back to this again. Colette let out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding. "Why are you so convinced that her parents were the ones who abandoned her? I can't imagine that her parents wouldn't love her. And she deserves to be with people who love her, don't you think?"

Yuan was quiet a moment. "I wouldn't be so quick to say that. You can't deny that people have done some terrible things in the name of love. It's no excuse for something as horrendous as this."

"B-but… you can't really be that cynical! Adora needs-"

She was cut off by a voice calling their names from across the path. Song shoved his way through the crowd that was beginning to settle on the benches and seats. The sky was darkening and the fireworks would be beginning soon, but Colette didn't see Zelos anywhere. Song had to pause and catch his breath once he reached the bench. It took a moment, but when he finally spoke up, his first words were "don't freak out."

"What?" Colette asked, leaning closer in concern.

"Don't freak out. Everything's under control. Zelos had to take his sister home- but he said he'd come right back once he got her in bed."

"Seles!" Colette gasped. "Is she okay? What happened? Did she-?"

"She passed out, but I looked her over and couldn't find anything physically wrong with her. Her friends'd had her drink some juice when she started feeling dizzy, so it wasn't an issue of low blood sugar. She was just tired, I think."

"Poor Seles! And she was so looking forward to this." Colette closed her eyes, suppressing a sniffle. "I have to go back too, to make sure she's okay. Thank you guys for spending time with us-"

"No, no, no, no!" Song grabbed her shoulders as she tried to stand, shoving her back onto the bench. "Zelos was very clear- he's coming back right away so the two of you can enjoy the fireworks together. He didn't want to miss this opportunity with you. I know hanging out with a couple of old guys might not be your idea of fun, but for Zelos' sake, will you stay? Just until he gets back, and then you two can go enjoy yourselves however you want."

Colette could swear she heard Yuan mutter "you are not old," but he didn't openly object to the situation. She sighed, glancing over to the amphitheater where the music had finally stopped. At this rate, the fireworks could begin any minute. By the time Zelos got back, they'd be over! But Song was being so nice about the whole thing, and Adora seemed really content with Yuan, so maybe…

"Alright, then." Colette sighed and scooted over a little to make room for Song on the bench. "Thank you for keeping me company while Zelos is away."

The fireworks were beautiful, as always was the case with Meltokio's spectacles. Colette had expected Adora to be bothered by the noise, but when she looked over in surprise at the girl's silence, she noticed that Yuan had adopted an odd sort of posture, holding her head against his upper chest with his hand covering one ear and the other muffled against his shirt. Adora's eyes were closed and she looked awfully content the way her lips pursed open with each breath she inhaled. It was a heartwarming sight, and Colette briefly wondered where Yuan had gotten his childcare experience. But the fireworks soon distracted her and the thought was forgotten.

The show ended with a finale that left Colette's ears ringing. She was so caught up in a daze of residual light and sound, she almost didn't hear someone call her name from the crowd that was beginning to disperse.

"Miss Brunel! I'm so glad to see you! Would you do me a big favor?"

Colette stood up, finding herself approached by a fellow teacher from the grammar school. The woman had her hands full with several shopping bags, and Colette had to force herself to pay attention to her instead of trying to see what exactly she was carrying. "Mrs. Sanderson? I'd be happy to help you out. What do you need?"

The woman held up a couple of the bags with an apologetic expression. "Oh, you're an angel. You said that you live near the Southside Bakery, right? Would you be willing to deliver this almond flour to them on your way home tonight? My sister works there, and said they'll need extra for the events on Sunday, so I picked some up for her. But it's gotten late, and it's so out of my way-"

"I'd be happy to deliver it!" Colette chimed with a smile. "The bakery is just around the corner from my house. It's totally on my way home."

"Really? That's such a relief! Thank you!"

The two women stayed and chatted for a few minutes before Mrs. Sanderson realized how late it was and bade farewell to Colette. The revelation also made Colette realize how close the bakery was to closing, and she hurried back to the bench where Yuan and Song were waiting.

"I'm sorry- I know I said I was going to wait for Zelos, but the fireworks are over, and I need to deliver this flour to a bakery near my house before it closes. Can you apologize to Zelos for me when he gets here? We really owe you guys for helping out."

Song offered a grin and a wink. "It's no problem, Colette! We're always happy to help a friend."

"Are you sure you'll be okay on your way back?" Yuan asked. "It's dark. I can walk you home if you like."

"Y-you don't have to do that, Yuan! I've already made you take care of Adora all evening-"

While she was trying to assure him, he had already stood up. "You're not a bother, Colette. Besides, if anything happened to you, Kratos would kill me- and Zelos and Lloyd would probably do worse."

"He's right." Song crossed his arms and nodded, sneaking a quick bite from the cold funnel cake that was left over. "I'm honestly surprised that this event went smoothly with all the unrest and protests going on. We know you can take care of yourself, Colette, but it never hurts to be careful. I've heard there's a couple of political fugitives still on the loose somewhere-"

"Song." Yuan hissed, and he shut his mouth, holding up his powdered-sugar dusted hands innocently. "Come on, Colette. I don't know the way, so you'll have to lead me. I'll carry Adora since your hands are full."

"Thank you, Yuan." Colette gave a grateful bow and offered a wave in Song's direction. "It was nice seeing you again, Mister Song."

"Anytime, Colette!" he responded, though his mouth was full, so it came out a little muffled. "See you around!"

The walk to the bakery was awkwardly quiet. Colette wasn't sure what to say to Yuan, so she kept mostly to herself and her own thoughts. She couldn't help feeling like she was imposing on him, and while she was getting better at not worrying so much over others' feelings, the whole conversation she'd had with him earlier had her flustered. What would she do if there wasn't anywhere for Adora to go? She didn't want to consider it, but the way he'd been so insistent made her wonder if he knew something she didn't.

The worry made her want to keep Adora by her side that night, but she remembered that all the supplies were still with Miss Veronica at the Wilder mansion. Better to let Adora stay with someone more experienced. It was the least they could do for the girl.

The bakery was still lit when they made it, and the owner was grateful to take the flour, telling Colette to thank Mrs. Sanderson when she saw her at school the next day. Colette's house was just around the corner, and Yuan walked her up to the top step.

"Do you need anything else?" he asked, before realizing that he was still holding Adora. "Oh, er, do you want me to-?"

"Would you take her back with you?" Colette asked. "You've been such a great help tonight. I can't imagine how much more of a disaster it would've been if she'd been crying the whole time. I really appreciate it."

"Of course. Anytime, Colette."

It might've been Colette's imagination, but she could swear Yuan had frozen up a little before speaking. He played it off coolly though, so she couldn't say for sure. As he walked back down the steps to the sidewalk, she called out.

"And thank you for your advice! I'm going to think hard about what you said."

She could see Yuan give a nod before he disappeared back down the street.


It was a while before Song made it back home.

He'd stayed and waited for Zelos for at least an hour. Zelos had showed up flustered, apologetic, and unsurprised that Colette had already gone home for the night. He explained that once he'd gotten home with Seles, Veronica had wanted to know everything that had happened. Zelos gave what answers he could to her incessant questions, but he didn't know everything, and ended up getting a stern lecture about leaving his sister behind. About that time Seles had woken up and further monopolized Zelos' time, and before he knew it there wasn't anything left to do but trudge back and apologize- if there was anyone still waiting for him to begin with. He thanked Song, told him to thank Yuan for walking Colette home, and headed exhaustedly back to the Wilder mansion.

Song felt bad for the guy, but he was happy to get home himself. He assumed that Yuan had already gone home as well, since he hadn't shown up, and sure enough the lights on the second floor were all on. Song went to the living room to check on his patients and then wandered down the hallway to Yuan's room. He stepped inside with a wave toward his friend, but his greeting was cut off.

"Hey, Yuan! …aaaand Adora."

"Song." Yuan's response was one of quiet acknowledgement and nothing more. Song flinched at his tone, his mind flying suddenly to the worst case scenario.

"Don't tell me you kidnapped her! Did you murder Colette? Do I need to help you hide the body-?!"

"What? NO." Yuan cut him off. "Why would you think that? Do you not trust me?"

Song glanced away. "Sorry to assume. I know you can dispose of your own bodies, but I've told you before that I'm here for you if you need-"

Yuan didn't even let him finish that one. "I didn't murder anyone, Song. Colette told me I could take Adora back with me, so I did."

"Oops, I see. Sorry."

Song took a step back, examining the scene. Yuan was sitting in the corner chair, cradling Adora and playing with her- or trying to- using a small stuffed rabbit. Adora didn't seem to want anything to do with it, however, and was batting it away with a whine every time Yuan put it in her face. Song drew closer, leaning on the back of the chair.

"She doesn't seem to like that bunny very much."

"I know," Yuan sighed. "I picked it up for her on the way home thinking it would make her feel better, but she's upset because it's not the same as her old one."

"Her old one?" Song asked.

"Her mother crocheted one for her. It was messy and lopsided, but it was charming and Adora slept with it every night. Of course that's long gone by now- it's not like I can do anything about it."

"Why don't you crochet one for her yourself?"

"I don't know how to crochet."

"That didn't stop Martel, did it?"

No answer was immediately offered. Yuan let out a sigh and turned his attention back to playing with Adora and the rabbit. She was still batting it away, but each time was with a little less energy, so she was either warming up to it or getting tired.

"No," Yuan murmured with what Song could swear was a fond smile, "nothing much ever did."


Sheena woke up sometime in the early morning hours, groggy and a little disoriented. Her hair was still damp from the bath she and Lloyd had shared after they came down from their high and realized what a sweaty mess they'd made of themselves. But, of course, it wasn't an unwelcome situation. Sheena glanced down at Lloyd's sleeping form next to her and smiled. She certainly had no complaints.

Still, the noise that had pulled her from her sleep finally broke through her cloudy awareness again, and she looked over at the bedroom window where it was coming from. It sounded like it was rattling, but not in the regular way it might if blown by wind. She stood up and crossed the room to get a better look, and when she pulled the curtains open, she nearly jumped at the sight of a familiar canine face pressed up against the glass.

"N-Noishe!" she stammered, pushing the window open so that she could see what was wrong. Now that he'd gotten her attention, he was whining and pawing at the ground, and whatever it was about it seemed to have really upset him. Sheena didn't understand it, but as soon as the window opened and the cold night hit her face, she realized what had him so upset.

The heavy, caustic scent of kerosene caused her to cough and cover her mouth. She knew the scent well from the lanterns that she and Lloyd had used that night, but this was something much stronger. Besides that, there was smoke hanging in the air, and she could hear yells from elsewhere in the town. A knot of worry formed in her stomach and she ran back to the bed.

"Lloyd, Lloyd wake up!" Sheena grabbed hold of his shoulder and shook him. He didn't respond immediately, but soon he began to stir and opened his eyes just a little.

"...Sheena? What's going on?"

"I don't know," she responded, "but it's not good."