Chapter Thirty-Five: Silent Tears

Nataku continued to watch and remain close to the one identified as 'Kamui' as the group continued on their way. The familiarity, and the smile... they were almost too much, as if the memories that occasionally resurfaced wished more attention to be paid them. Nataku's silence and proximity to the Kamui of Earth seemed to cause his fellow angels to forget his presence.

The look he could see in the seal's eyes as Satsuki relieved him of a credit card was familiar, as well. Only, Nataku's attention remained on the Kamui.

Why did a second name seem to reverberate through his mind?

'Kazuki-chan'... and laughter. He wondered if the laughter could be Fuuma's.

Kusanagi smiled and nodded at the young woman's comment. "I try my best," he said.

He couldn't help notice that she was eyeing him funny after he had leapt into the air. She had to have figured it out by now that he was a Dragon of Earth. Hopefully she wouldn't react the wrong way and retaliate towards him, but that thought was erased from his mind quickly as he smiled down at her again. Thought they just met, he trusted her enough that she wouldn't do such a thing.

It wasn't long before they had arrived at her apartment and Kusanagi gently set the young lady back down on her feet. "There ya go. Hope that wasn't to rough of trip for ya," he joked.

"I just realized that after all this time, I still haven't told you my name. And you've been so wonderful, too!"

Kusanagi let out a heartily laugh. "Its no problem, really. I think getting those wounds patched up are more important than introductions."

"Its a pleasure to meet you Miss Karen. I'm Shiyuu Kusanagi." he said with a slight bow. "I'm pretty sure you can handle things here on out. For now, I'm going to see what I can for your friend back there. He seems like the strong headed type, but I'm sure he'll warm up to me if I try hard enough."

Karen smiled back at Kusanagi gratefully. "I can't thank you enough for all your help, Shiyuu-san," she said, bowing again in thanks. She unlocked the door to her apartment and pushed it open. "If you do find Sumeragi-san, please bring him here. I have some first aid supplies in the bathroom. I'll leave the door unlocked."

Bowing once again to Kusanagi, Karen stepped into her apartment and carefully shut the door behind her, leaving it unlocked. As soon as she had done so, she steadied herself slightly against the closed door; it felt like her legs were about to give out from under her. She realized that it had been more than twenty-four hours since she had last slept; she had also completely missed her work shift. Despite her injuries, the red-haired woman smiled wryly to herself.

It was no matter; she could live without one day's worth of salary, and she wasn't fond of her job anyways. While she was at it, perhaps she would skip another day or two as well. With her injuries, she was completely exhausted.

Karen staggered down the hall into the bathroom and steadied herself against the sink. Opening the medicine cabinet, she took out a first aid kit and gingerly tended to her wounds. Once she had properly cleaned and bandaged her injuries, she limped out of the bathroom towards her room.

On the way down the short hallway, she stopped first in her living room and arranged a blanket and some pillows on the couch. If Kusanagi found Subaru and brought him to her apartment, he would need a place to put the young man. After making up the couch, Karen continued down the hall until she had reached her bedroom. The red- haired woman quickly changed out of her clothes into a more comfortable slip and collapsed onto her bed. Pulling the covers around herself, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

"Sansui…" Satsuki echoed Seishirou thoughtfully. "San-san took me there for lunch once. Their noodles are quite good."

The captive Seal's sudden coughing distracted her attention. Satsuki stopped walking and leaned backward against the wall of a building, crossing one leg over the other. She watched impassively as Seishirou smiled darkly, viciously kicking the Seal in the ribs. The computer genius was definitely not stupid; she could tell that the Seal's
coughing was simply a ruse. He deserved whatever blow Seishirou chose to deal him.
But though Satsuki was indifferent to the Seal's fate, she was not indifferent to her own. The Seal was still her responsibility; she was certain that Fuuma would not be pleased if the Seal was killed without his permission. It was for this reason, and not out of sympathy for the Seal's predicament, that she spoke out, still leaning against the wall.

"I don't disagree with your idea, Sakurazuka-san. But perhaps it would be better to wait until Kamui-san comes," the girl said in her usual cool tone. She took a hand from her pocket and absently pushed up her glasses, which had been starting to slide down. "After all, we wouldn't want to risk angering the Twin Star. Perhaps he still wants the Seal alive."

Fuuma wasn't pleased as he gestured for Nataku to wait a moment. He casual strolled toward Aoki, hands in his pockets. He moved past Seishirou and Satsuki with a grim look on his face. "I suppose I was a bit too nice to get my point across...I'm sorry for that now."

Fuuma's eyes shot open as the anger filled them...he wasn't pleased. He concentrated and suddenly Aoki's glasses shattered, magically not injuring his eyes...as if Fuuma was entirely in control without touching him. "Too nice, eh? I mean I thought you would just smile and be happy nothing was going to really hurt you. So You're sight has been blurred and..." Fuuma leaned down and violently ripped the wallet for the man's pocket, giving him a look which dared Aoki to try his little wind trick.

Fuuma opened the wallet and removed the picture. "I'm keeping this ..." It was said in his usual comic manner but something evil lurked behind that smile as if the picture was a mere IOU card. "now lets see what Destiny will bring you...and how nice I can remain." Fuuma tossed the wallet to rest on Aoki's chest.

After Yuzuriha had been settled back into her bed, Arashi took a step back, "We'll visit later, Yuzuriha-chan... You just rest." She said evenly, turning to leave. She stopped next to Sorata, "Come now, she needs her sleep." She stated, continuing now past him. She'd lost her IV stand somewhere out there, and was a bit cut up. Though right now, she was more worried about Sorata.

Sorata looked at her with a smile. "You ok? That was quite a fight you put up."

She didn't smile. "I'm fine. You should be worried about yourself, Sorata." She said, turning to look at him, "You were the one that took the brunt of most of the attacks."

Sora laughed as the pain was finally pointed out to him...he had forgotten it. "I'm fine Arashi...I've taken more painful things back home."

She gave a shrug, turning to walk again, "Very well, but I'm still going to dress your wounds before they become infected."

Sora leaned in real close. "Only if you let me return the favor." He poked her nose playfully,smiling.

Arashi's eyes narrowed and she thought about twisting his arm back again. However, it wouldn't do well to pop his arm out of socket. "You don't have to return the favor. As a Dragon of Heaven, its my duty to keep my comrades in working order."

"I'm a Dragon too...You're Logic is being used against you dear." He grinned widely.

Arashi kept her monotone expression, and ignored his comment as they entered his room. After some rummaging, she pulled out the first aid kit, "Sit on the bed." She said, setting the kit on the nightstand next to the hospital bed.

Sorata eyed her as he sat. "What's with the cold act all of a sudden?"

She set to work on his wounds immediately. "Its not sudden. My attitude during the past hours has been slightly warped." Even she thought the excuse was pretty bad. But oh well. Sorata already liked her far more than she enjoyed. At this rate he would give his life for her, and that she just couldn't handle.

Sorata eyed her oddly. "I see...well whatever...if you want me to get lost...then I can."

That was precisely what Arashi wanted, "Don't worry about it." Wait a moment! That wasn't what she was supposed to say! She finished dressing his wounds, wondering why she'd just given up the chance to be rid or Sorata, even for a little while.

Sorata smiled and looked into her eyes. "Don't worry...I've seen it before..." He rose from the bed. "You don't have to worry about my feelings..." He felt the worst pain he had ever felt…how could he even begin to get this girl to like him...probably would fail…just like with the ones in the past.

"I care about hurting your feelings though." She said, a hint of emotion in her voice. She silently cursed herself for it. She was opening herself up for heartache again. She was being stupid, and she couldn't get her mouth to stay shut. Idly, she stared at the floor, wondering what kind of reaction she would get form the man before her.

Sorata turned back and smiled. "You don't need to sit on the floor." He offered his hand.

She looked up at him, and took his hand lightly, allowing herself to be pulled back into a standing position. "Thank you..."

"You need to stop acting like I'm going to leave though...I mean if you want me to stay I will...I promise."

She turned her head away from him. "How do I know that...? What if you die?" She asked quietly.

Sorata smirked. "You're going to have trouble killing a cockroach like me." He laughed and hid the vision Stargazer gave him.

Arashi turned to look at him. Before she could stop herself she touched his face, looking at him through pained eyes, "But you can't... promise me that you'll never leave me... Or make me cry..."

Sorata looked into her eyes and held her hand. "I promise Arashi...but you have to know something...even if Destiny tears us apart...I'm going to be here." He touched where her heart would be. He smiled at her. "I'm going to give up my best to protect you.."

A smile actually appeared on Arashi's face... maybe... just maybe she'd give him a chance. He seemed sincere, he really did. She looked down, a small blush crossing her features, "Thank you, Sorata..."

Sorata smiled back and grinned. "Didn't know you could do that..." He leaned over and kissed her softly.
She allowed him to do so, and even kissed him back. She pulled away after a moment though. "Perhaps we should check on Yuzuriha-chan... or call Karen-san and see how she is doing."

Sorata pouted softly. "But I just got the girl...can't I enjoy this a bit longer?"

Arashi let out a soft chuckle, "What else did you have planned?"

Sorata smiled and suddenly dipped her, kissing her in the cliché style of action heroes in the movies. "That among other things."

Arashi was.. surprised to say the least. So surprise that she found her arms now around Sorata's neck, mostly in an automatic attempt to keep herself from falling. Her face was redder now, "I should have expected that from you, Sorata." She grinned only a little.

"Wow you can grin too? I must have done something right." He locked lips with her again, enjoying being so close to her cool embrace.

Despite the many reasons to hurt him right now, Arashi kept her calm, and even enjoyed herself. Once Sorata pulled away, she ran a finger down his jaw line, "We really ought to call Karen-san." She whispered to him.

Sorata sighed and nodded. "I guess so…We have all the time in the world to be together, eh?" He removed his hat and placed in on her head. "KAWAII! It looks so good on you."

Arashi chuckled, adjusting the hat on her head. "Thank you." She said with a smile. She felt herself opening up. If that was good or not, she couldn't yet predict. "We'll use the payphone." She said with a nod, because the phone that was supposed to be in Sorata's room was missing.

Sorata nodded and followed her, placing a supportive arm around her. He wasn't going to let this one get away.

Arashi headed out the door, allowing Sorata to keep his arm around her. It was comforting knowing he was there as she headed for the elevator.

Sorata smiled widely...life was better than he imagined...Hey old man I'm happy again..

Upon reaching the elevator she hit the down button. "I think I saw one when we came in on the 1st floor near the exit."

"Yeah that's the most likely place...by the way...What did you think of the kid who knew Yuzu-chan?"

Arashi's nose scrunched up in annoyance. "I don't like him... at all." She said sternly.Sorata laughed at the return of her old self. "He's quite something...All I could tell was he cares about Yuzuriha for some reason."

She gave a slight nod, "He does... but I still don't like him. There's something... twisted about that man..." She murmured as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

"Yeah I saw that too..." Sorata held on to her. "So lets make this call so we can be alone again."

She shook her head slightly, her smile returning, no matter how hard she fought it to stay away. She stepped into the elevator, and hit the 1st floor button.

Sora smiled and seized a kiss as the door closed. "Habit...sorry"

"Forming habits already?" Arashi asked with a grin.

Sorata smiled and poked her nose. "You're lucky I'm not clawing at your clothes."

"Knowing you- I'll bet I am." She smirked as the doors open and she slipped from his grasp, heading out onto the first floor to attempt to locate a payphone.

Sorata laughed as she escaped. "Hey come back here...I want to form some new habits!"

She gave a laugh as she heard Sorata's call, "I'm sure you do. But your far to injured to form more expressive habits, Sorata." She said as-a-matter-a-factly.

Sorata smiled and retorted. "Wrong...One is never THAT injured."

She shook her head, and continued walking... Finding it rather difficult to locate a payphone.

Sorata followed closely behind. He eyed the surroundings.

"I know I saw one around here... I couldn't have been hallucinating." She murmured idly. She turned to face Sorata, "What's the matter?"

Sorata smiled and shrugged. "Being protective...the Angels have always shown up at times like this so I'm being careful."

She gave a smile, "You've got a point... But I don't think they will be bothering us for at least the rest of the day... even they don't enjoy their enemies escaping alive several times a day." She nodded quietly.

"Yeah I guess you're right." He relaxed and stood beside her. "Still have to be on guard..."

"Very true." She said, turning the corner. That damn payphone was very eluding for an inanimate object.

Sorata nodded and looked around. "So where is that phone?"

"... it was near the entrance? Perhaps I was hallucinating." She gave a bit of a shrug.

"Maybe it's a sign?"

"A sign for what? That we shouldn't call Karen-san?" She asked idly. She wasn't much of a believer in that.

"Yeah..." He shrugged. "Destiny works in funny ways."

"True, I suppose..." Arashi stated, still intent upon finding the phone. When she last seen Karen, the woman had been badly injured, and Arashi wanted to know if she was alright.

Sorata nodded and leaned against a wall. "Maybe they don't have one..."

Arashi stopped, "I... suppose not. But that's very odd. Hospitals always have pay phones." She gave a small sigh.

Sorata puts a arm around her. "It's cool...why don't we just show up at her place?"

Arashi thought a moment. "... I suppose." She murmured. "But first I'd like to get out of this hospital gown." She gave a nod.

Sora nodded. "Want me to go get you you're clothes or you want to burrow some of mine?"

She thought for a moment. Her clothes were a disaster as much as she hated to say it. Blood stains and rips wouldn't look good as they attempted to get from he hospital to Karen's. "I'm going to be forced to borrow some of yours..." She said idly.

Yuzuriha watched as Arashi and Sorata left. She lay down, not sure what to do. She still didn't really understand what was going on, but for some reason, she knew that they knew.

Yuzuriha tried to lay down, but she just couldn't stay still. She felt the dog's eyes on her, and it made her uncomfortable.

"Inuki is your name, right..?"

-flash-

"Inuki is real!!"
"Liar!!"
"No, Inuki's right here!!"
"Yuzuriha has an imaginary friend!!"

-flash-

The dog seemed to nod.

"Why am I here? And why did you protect me? Yuzuriha asked herself, not really expecting a response. "Why is this building that was nearly crumbling now fixed now?"

She found no answer.

"I've got to find out for myself. Who I am, and where I'm from...my purpose," Yuzuriha said seriously.

"I'll go." Yuzuriha stepped by the window, eyes reflecting the light of the moon, her hospital gown gently flapping in the breeze. "I'll find my purpose."

She leapt from the window, Inuki following close behind.

The breeze came through the window of the shrine, light and fragrant. It was intoxicating to the senses, or would have been had one been awake to catch the sweet scent of the air from outside. What a sweet scent, and yet no one noticed it… save one shudder.

A young man lay silent, sprawled across his bed, still dressed, and apparently exhausted for some reason. Perhaps he had blacked out or perhaps he was just exhausted from the constant activity that always took place within Tokyo. Either way, he lay asleep like a rock.

His name was Tokuichi Shouri, a young man surrounded by mystery. Despite his appearance of being in his early twenties, he really didn't know his age at all. His spiky black bangs covered the closed emerald orbs that often glistened in the sunlight, and teased the soft skin that seemed to flinch from just being touched. He paid no attention to those around him, for only his mentor Matsuko was ever in the shrine and tourists had taken a break from visiting for a while.

He shifted uncomfortably as his peaceful rest was interrupted. His mind seemed to explode. He could hear a painful screech that battered the walls of his mind. Something horrible was going on outside of his dream world…something that he needed to pay attention to.

'… Wake up, Shouri.' An echoing voice chirped within his mind. 'Wake up, now! Death is drawing near…'

'To me?' A mirror image of himself appeared in his mind.

The warmth usually felt in this dome was corrupted. Something dire must have been happening. He only felt this way when someone truly did need his help…or when Sasori felt a presence of any sort that he knew faced with death. He shuddered within his mind as he saw the small, white-haired child staring at him. Her eyes flashed slightly as she leaned towards him.

'… You're needed. You must wake up! Wake up!' she called. 'Brother, please!'

Shouri paused for a second as he felt the cold touch of the small child upon his forehead. Within a brief second he felt himself pulled from the strange dream and into reality. He woke up. He was sweating… and very badly. He smelled blood, though he was nowhere near the substance. It was abundant. It was horrible. So Sasori had had a good reason for waking him!

"…Sasori-chan… tell me where…?" He whispered as he scrambled up from his bed, tossing his sheets messily back where they should have been.

'You've awakened. Good… I don't know… but… the scent…' The child's voice was far more grown up than it sounded… but it echoed as if it were bouncing off of walls.

Within his mind, like a split image, Shouri saw the little girl sitting as if she were at a tea ceremony in her white kimono. Her arms laid limp at her side as she stared ahead, silent within the little room of his mind.

"… Right. Let's go… try and contact whoever it is." Shouri said, taking the first turn for the door and tossing it open. "I'm going out!" he called, knowing Matsuko would worry if he didn't let her know.

Within a flash, he was out the door. His black denim pants, black tennis shoes, dark brown tank-top and black vest made him appear to be the sweetest little thing as he ran down the sidewalk.

'… Where are you?' Sasori called out in her mind, hoping to make a break through. It was rare that her dear brother ever had any kind of… mind break…

The sun hadn't risen yet. The young man shivered. It was rather cold, really… but he couldn't ignore this, could he? His black bangs whipped at his forehead and at the back of his neck as he went, causing a light sting. It wasn't his concern at the moment… hopefully he wasn't too late. He shuddered again. The scent was worsening within his mind. It wasn't like he hadn't planned to get up early. He had woken in the night and showered and everything and had planned to go on a walk… but had fallen right back to sleep.

He looked up towards the sky. He doubted the sun would be smiling when it rose.

Subaru felt himself falling from the dreamscape he found himself in; for a moment, he thought he was going to throw up. Everything thathappened between Seishirou and himself combined with the sickening feeling of a free-fall...

When he fell, he found himself back in his body. He brought his hand to his mouth, but quickly pulled away. Leaning over his half-toppled body, he threw up; it was the skimpy lunch from the day before and blood. This definitely wasn't good.

Subaru had no intentions of being a burden on anyone. No one was going to worry about him. No one.

He used the bus stop bench to push himself to his feet, the strong taste of vomit overwhelming him almost made him want to throw up again.

Instead of making it to his feet, he toppled over yet again. Frustrated, he tried once more...

Shouri stopped as he felt the wind turn. Where was she now? Near the park... near the busses. He glanced around weakly. Perhaps he should have eaten something before coming out, but it didn't matter. He gritted his teeth lightly in frustration.

"... Can't you pick up anything, Sasori?" he asked aloud, frowning.

'I'm sorry...' Came the reply.

The wind shifted again. He caught the scent of blood in the air. It was like a poison, drowning out the sweet scents of late night and purging it of all goodness. Without another word, he headed in the direction only to stop at the turn on the corner. His eyes flashed slightly as he took a step back. What in the world had happened!? He saw a man... and there was something familiar about that man... though what it was, he could not quite place it. After a minute of overcoming his hesitance, Shouri rushed forward, stopping only a few feet away.

"... What happened?" he asked simply, frowning as he quickly
offered a helping hand.

"Nothing..." Subaru declined the man's hand, still trying to prop himself up onto his feet, using his hand to push him up. "Nothing at all." Subaru looked up, gazing into the young man's green-blue eyes.

Not in all these years had he ever forgotten that poor man's eyes. Not once. Subaru remembered every person he met, even if he only met them once. He knew them all by name.

"Tokuichi...-san?" Subaru uttered, staring up at the young man's eyes.

It took a minute, but as soon as he had a good look at the man, Shouri recognized him. It was a shock to him, as he was never use to meeting anyone twice really besides little kids at the park, maybe... but he was more than surprised to say the least.

"S-Sumeragi-san?" he stuttered, pausing for a moment as his eyes met with the other's. "... Is it really you?"

'Sumeragi-san!' Sasori seemed to say within her mind. She couldn't forget that face...

"Hai," Subaru finally managed to pull himself up, albeit on wobbly legs. "Good to see you again, although in such bad conditions." Subaru tried to force a smile, but instead, felt the taste of vomit fill his mouth.

He collapsed yet again, and leaning over the gutter, gagged once more, another mixture throw-up and blood.

"What happened?" Shouri inquired, and then paused as he knelt by Subaru. "Never mind. You need medical attention right away. We've got to get you somewhere.."

He glanced up. The hospital wasn't that far, but he knew that the house was probably closer. He couldn't quite decide. Matsuko knew how to take care of wounds and certainly knew a few remedies for such horrible vomiting... then again, a hospital might be better. He looked at Subaru again, waiting for a slow to the vomiting before he spoke. Just the sight of vomit made him want to faint.

"Do you think you can walk?" he asked.

"Don't worry about me," Subaru said, pulling away from Shouri. Once again, he attempted to stand, and this time, managed to, with a bit of help from his equilibrium. "I'm fine. I'll be all right. There's nothing to worry about," he lied. All what he needed now was pity from people he barely knew. That'd really help his self-confidence right around now.

Shouri sighed as he stood up fully. It wasn't his place to force others to do what was probably better for them... and it wasn't his place to just barge up and act the way he had. He looked at him again, shaking his head.

"..You really should go to a hospital..." he said, his tone quiet again as some of his worry faded. If he could stand, he would be alright. Obviously Sasori was making no objections...

Subaru sighed loudly; he knew that Shouri was right, but he didn't want to listen to it. He was being stubborn. If he was going to make it to the hospital, it'd be by himself, without the aid of someone else. Or at least, he should get to his apartment. After all, within the next few hours, schoolchildren would be making their rounds to school, and Subaru was sure that his corpse would be quite a surprise to a gaggle of schoolgirls.

"Fine." Subaru nodded. "I'll go."

"Good." Was the reply.

Unfortunately, his social skills really did lack. Shouri had never gotten out too much and wasn't headstrong enough to stand up to people, even where it concerned their well-being. He gave the other a look that almost begged to let him come. If it hadn't of been for Subaru in the past, he wouldn't have had any real connection with Sasori... and without her, he felt that he would be lost... even if she only did live in his mind. He felt that he owed Subaru, and had felt that way since he had assisted him... though how he would repay that debt he was still unsure. Perhaps ensuring that Subaru made it to the hospital was fit enough.

"... I at least want to be sure that you make it there." He said, a bit slow to say so at first. He somehow felt like a child that kept nagging... but his conscious wouldn't let him rest.

"That's fine," Subaru said firmly, stumbling over his own feet. "Just don't interfere. I can do this myself." He turned in the direction of his apartment, deciding that explaining this to the doctor would be over-complicated. He really couldn't think of anything too complicated right now...his mind seemed so phased out. All the thoughts he could think were childishly simplistic, as if anything complicated would make him burst.

"We're going to my apartment. It isn't far."

He gave a light nod. "Mhm."

Within his mind, he wondered if Subaru would make it. He looked like he was going to collapse again, and it made Shouri worry. What if he couldn't make it? He shook the thought from his mind. The man in front of him was far stronger than he would ever be... and much more determined, too. He would follow, and that was that. Besides, to leave a person in such a condition without knowing they were in a safe haven... that thought alone made him shudder.

"How have you..." Subaru thought for a moment he was going to gag again, and brought his hand to his mouth-- nothing came, thank God. "...been, Tokuichi-san?" Subaru knew if anyone saw him from a distance in the condition he was in, they'd probably mistake him for a drunken businessman, headed home from a night of karaoke. Oh, if only they knew. If only they knew.

"Considerably well." Shouri managed, trying to draw his thoughts away from anything having to do with blood or vomit. "... And you?"

He felt his stomach twist a little. He really shouldn't have asked that question. What could have caused such a thing, though? It wasn't a mugging or anything like that. He could tell just by the look. It was something else. How annoying the mind's tricks could be... it would tell when one was in danger, but not what had caused it...

From her place in the mental box, Sasori listened and watched everything that moved as though she were behind them...

Subaru smiled cockily at the question. "I've been better." He continued to stumble through the street, leaving a trail of blood behind. Occasionally, he would nearly fall, but would catch himself with his bloody palm and use the rest of his force to push himself up.

Shouri smiled a little. At least someone still had enough energy to joke. He looked ahead for a minute and paused as he looked back at him. All that Shouri had to do was keep himself from thinking of blood and vomit... and that was when a thought occurred.

"... How has your sister been?" He asked timidly.

Subaru's half-smile quickly turned to a frown.

"She's dead."

Shouri frowned and glanced to the ground. Well, strike one for him. It was strange how he always managed to bring up the wrong thing.

"...Oh...I'm sorry..." he managed to say in a quieter voice. "... I didn't..." He lost his words.

... That.. was very hard to believe. She had been such an energetic person, and so friendly... well... maybe too friendly.. But still...

Subaru shook his head, clenching his fist. "Don't be sorry. DON'T." He gritted his teeth, increasing his grip, digging his nails into the palm of his hand. If he could just focus on the physical pain...he wouldn't have to think about the emotional pain. He didn't have to relive it again. He didn't. He didn't. "It was my fault she died. My fault." He thought of Seishirou. "It is my duty, as her younger brother, to avenge her death." Subaru looked to Shouri, his hand still gripped, blood slowly trickling out of the sides of his fingers, "I failed, even at that."

Shouri frowned as he glanced back up at him, and what could be described as an encouraging look replaced the forlorn one.

"Don't say that... she wouldn't want you to give up so easily... She loved you very much and wouldn't want you beating down on yourself like that, right? You'll find a way. You're a strong person Sumeragi- san, and I envy your strength... because it's that strength that will be sure to see you through in whatever you meet, ne?"

Shouri glanced ahead again. He somehow felt that Sasori must have felt the same way because she was so silent. He nodded again as if to reassure himself. He was now wondering about the words though. Avenge? That meant she was killed... but who would have killed Subaru's sister? She was such a sweet girl...

Subaru shook his head. "I'm so weak. Hokuto would be ashamed to have me as a younger brother. Even with the power I have...I couldn't protect her. I can't do anything right."

Okita followed the Dragons of Earth with a awkward smile. He was comfortable but he realized that this feeling may switch faster than he could react...He watched Fuuma brutalize the nerdy man, with a even more awkward smile...man was this a crazy bunch, why did they want someone as plain as him...It was then he heard a familiar voice as he passed a Electronics store...his eyes widening and his face becoming reminiscent of a certain Battousai seen on TV.

It was definitely his commercial...Hair gel seemed to be what he was pushing...his hair was blue in this one so it wasn't that recent. He noted the fans crowding around the TV as if were the brightest light in all of moth land...Okita kept his expression because he knew exactly where this was going to lead if he said something...he started to back away, hoping none of these girls would turn around...

Too late...One of the more hyper girls turned, without looking forward, "I've gotta go guys, See 'ya!" , and running into Okita knocking him over. "Gomen...na..sai.." She stared face to face with the man in the commercial..."Are you?!" He actually walked around like that?! OMIGOSH! He was soooo cool even in person! It was then this particular girl let out a excited squeal...as if signaling the others to look.

Okita smiled nervously, backing up slowly. "Umm Hi..." Now wasn't the time especially in front of Yuuto's very insane friends. He was caught though as the others turned and squealed or yelled his name...It wasn't very long, about a minute before he was swarmed by the fans...Okita laughed nervously, trying to do his own PR.

Fuuma blinked and looked over toward the squeal...Fuuma eyes widened a very nervous smile appeared on his face...Did that many girls actually exist?...

Wait there was one boy near the back...Wait that was Okita trying to escape...he was pulled back in by gropers. Geez, There was even too many to grant wishes to without attracting unwanted attention from a less giddy source.

"Umm...San-san...Who exactly is that boy?"

Several small sweat drops appeared at the back of Yuuto's head as he chuckled nervously at Fuuma's question. Okita was already running at top speed from a pack of rabid fan girls, and they were gaining fast.

"Do you listen to J-rock, Kamui-sama?" he questioned the Twin Star without really thinking. "He's a quite popular musician...especially among the ladies, it would seem." A nervous twitch outlined his eyebrow, but he kept it suppressed enough as so not to be too obvious.

Sighing lightly, he grinned and straightened himself. "I'll get him out of it," he said with a wick in Satsuki's direction, and a quick nod to Seishirou and Fuuma. Then, leaping quickly across the street, he spotted a fire hydrant and, concentrating on his power over the water that lay just beneath, he timed the event perfectly. Just as Okita passed, Yuuto summoned forth a sudden burst of energy that caused the side spout on the hydrant to erupt into a violent torrent of water, cutting off the girls from their objective.

Just as lightly and effortlessly, Yuuto then landed in front of Okita and gestured back at where he had come from. "Hope you don't mind my cutting short your session with your beloved fans," he said cheerfully, his friendly smile spreading rapidly across his face.