Chapter Four: Dwelling on Days Long Past

~ Back in the womb it's much too real

In pumps life that I must feel

But can't look forward to reveal

Look to the time when I'll live ~

In the dark of the night, the teen stopped in the middle of an empty sidewalk head bowed in order to ignore the pale glow of over hanging street lamps. It was close to three in the morning, and fatigue was starting to show in his limp posture. Yellowish light danced on deep blonde hair that shined almost an earthen green in the looming darkness. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he finally dropped his form against the said pole and upturned deep indigo eyes to glare at the cloudy sky.

There were no stars to be seen in the night, and the moon only shined wanly beneath the blanket of thick dark clouds. Part of him wanted to be home in bed, while the greater part screamed in worry over his sister. Stopping by the house countless times, her absence was still instated. It was starting to make him ill with worry. Hugging himself tightly he fought off a wave of nausea that seemed to wrack his entire form. "Siân… Where could you be…?"

At that moment, a soft melody seemed to drift through the stale air and rest upon his ears. The near redundant tune that seemed almost melancholic and bitter sweet made him feel uneasy with recognition. He had heard the tune before, and there was no doubt in his mind that it was being played on a flute. Not just any flute, but one of old fashioned style and more than likely handmade. Closing his eyes tightly, he groaned at the feeling of memories rushing into his head.

The small child of about nine ran swiftly across the grassy meadow only to tackle the child only slightly taller than himself. Eyes of vibrant deep blue looked into the mirror face above him that smiled gently in response to his wide grin. Withdrawing from the hug, the smaller of the twins lifted up an old flute with an elaborate string hanging from one end. "Aniki! I found your flute! Will you play something for me?"

The older twin smiled and nodded as he gently took the flute into his hands before sweeping his brother's bangs from his heart shaped face. "Arigauto Otooto… What shall I play for you?" Still smiling, the boy sat into the grass raising the flute gracefully to his lips.

"Anything you play is fine Aniki!" Letting off a soft laughter, the boy dropped to his knees in front of the older and smiled all the more with his eyes closed.

"All right…" Placing the instrument carefully, the boy allowed a silvery melody to fill the warm air about them. The tune was repetitive, but extremely relaxing.

Upon reaching it's end, the younger threw his arms about his brother's neck and nearly squealed in love and adoration. "Wo ai ni, Kou-chan!"

The older, Koutoku, laughed lightly in amusement before hugging his precious twin to him. "And I you, Shun-chan…"

"Will you always be with me?" Excited blue eyes met their matching set.

"Always, I will always protect you, Otooto."

"Iya! I'll protect you, Aniki!"

Aniki? Looking up at the house just off of the sidewalk, Shunkaku's eyes widened. / That's… my Aniki… / Running forward, he easily scaled the large stonewalls surrounding the massive house. Landing on the ground beyond the perimeter, cautious blue eyes scanned his surroundings before sprinting to the source of the sound.

It was almost painful the way his heart rammed against his chest as his mind swam in the foggy memories of a long forgotten childhood. It seemed almost mechanical the way his body and mind moved automatically according to the visions that filled his mind. "Aniki… Amiboshi… Koutoku… KOU-CHAN!" Nearly calling out frantically as he stood below the second story balcony, he felt tears start to spill down his cheeks unbidden.

/ We prayed… that we'd always be together… My brother… My Aniki… My other half. / For some reason, it seemed so right. He didn't know why he'd ever thought so coldly on the boy before. This was his beloved twin. The one he would die for, and yet, he treated him like dirt. Wide eye's stared up at the ledge not realizing the mist of tears that covered them as the melody halted and the boy with his face peered down over the ledge with wide eyes.

Staring at one another for a brief moment, Shunkaku became aware of the tears also tracking down Koutoku's cheeks at the realization that he was being remembered. "Otooto… You remember?"

"Hai… Aniki…" Rubbing his eyes to rid himself of the tears, Shunkaku instantly found his way up the structure and onto the balcony in order to hug his twin to him as though he were afraid that he'd disappear. "Gomen… gomen nesai…"

Hugging him back with the same franticness, Koutoku couldn't stop the tears that fell unchecked. "It's ok… Don't worry about it. Demo…" Pulling back gently he couldn't help but shove his twin's bangs from his eyes. "What are you doing out in the middle of the night?"

Like his whole world had caved in, Shunkaku lowered his head and literally fell against his twin's chest clinging to him. "It's Siân… I hurt her… Now… She's gone. I don't know where she is… I'm worried about her Aniki… I love her…"

Smiling down at his brother, Koutoku managed to brush his hand comfortingly through the younger boy's hair. "I see… Don't worry. We'll find her. Why don't we call some friends? Maybe they've seen her."

Nodding slowly, Shunkaku pulled away once more eyes still lowered. "I'm sorry to bother you…"

"Nonsense… I'm your brother, and I adore your sister. It doesn't bother me at all." Smiling gently in the way only he could, Koutoku turned to the door to his room and disappeared. Shunkaku blinked slowly then collapsed into the chair that his twin had been sitting in. Tiredly he reached over to the table and picked up the flute that had been lying there. It was just as he thought. An old antique from China.

Twirling it in his fingers lightly he couldn't help but sigh. It was so like the one his twin had used in his time as Amiboshi. At that thought, his eyes went wide. Suboshi… He was Suboshi. Instantly a hand reached up to grasp his left shoulder. That mark was the mark of Seiryuu. His brother's mark was on the right shoulder. Closing his eyes he forced up as many memories as possible. Before, he'd done everything to keep them down, now he was hungry to know. To know who he was and what his purpose was.

Koutoku returned stepping out onto the balcony silently casting a warm gaze at his twin. He could tell he was tired, and from the frown on his face, he was sorting through a lot of old memories that were extremely painful. He would know. He'd lived through most of those same memories as well. Kneeling before his younger brother, he reached out to grab a hand gently. "Would you like to call someone now?"

It was amazing, the feeling of knowing your twin's presence even without opening your eyes. Nodding slowly, Shunkaku refused to release the hand of his older twin. This only caused the older to smile brightly. Setting the phone down on his brother's lap he managed to dial a number before picking it up again. Resting it to his ear he kept his eyes on Shunkaku.

Finally a tired voice answered followed by a yawn. "Mushi mushi?"

"Konbanwa… Gomen ne… Koutoku desu. I'm sorry to call so late. But I have a problem…" Waiting patiently, he noted that his twin was now peering at him curiously.

Groaning lowly the voice on the other end tried to retain a civil air. "What do you need Shiro? It's not like you to call at all hours of the night. Much less call at all…"

A small smile etched over his face as he responded in a polite tone. "You see, my friend… Tsukikage Siân is missing. Shunkaku and I are still trying to find her."

This time the laugh that filtered through the phone was loud and decidedly male. "No kidding? You're in luck Amiboshi… She's asleep in my guest room."

"Is she? Honto ni? Sugoi! Arigauto Taka!" At the stated name, Shunkaku frowned deeply and arched a brow at his twin.

Giving a sheepish smile in return, Koutoku brushed him off and listened to the reincarnation of Tamahome. "Yeah. I found her passed out in the rain yesterday afternoon. She's really sick now I'm afraid. We were afraid to make her wake up… I'm glad you called. Come by in the morning to get her? Oh… And if yo-yo boy remembers that he's Suboshi… You'd better not bring him near here."

This statement caused the older twin to laugh lightly even though he tried desperately not to. "That would cause a problem Taka-san. It is his sister we're talking about."

"What did that baka say?" Glaring down at his twin he made a reach for the phone only to be dodged easily.

"We'll come by in the morning. Don't worry, he'll behave himself."

"Like he--… MMPH!" Koutoku smiled lightly as he placed his hand over his twin's mouth in order to halt his words. Taka didn't like him as it was; there was no need to make it worse.

"Fine. See you tomorrow. I'm going back to bed now." After that, a click filled the void and soon the dial tone. Koutoku sighed and turned the phone off before resting it on the table next to his flute.

"You shouldn't be so mean to him… You have no reason to be…" Watching closely, he nearly laughed at the snarl that his brother produced. "Just forget about the whole Suzaku-Seiryuu thing ok? This life is totally different."

"Hn…" Snorting slightly, Shunkaku crossed his arms over his chest defiantly. "Only for you Aniki… but if that baka ticks me off, I'll beat him down." Still frowning, the younger twin looked back at his brother blinking slowly. "I didn't know how much I missed you until now…"

"I missed you as well Shun-chan… Would you like to stay here tonight? My parents won't even notice." Koutoku smiled lightly observing the dark circles ringing his brother's eyes. "Otooto… You need sleep. Siân-chan is ok… We'll go get her in the morning early enough so as not to miss school." Waiting for a reply, he was surprised to see that the younger had drifted off to sleep as he was talking. This caused the small smile to grow into a loving one full of warmth.

Leaning down, he picked up the boy in the chair and carried him into his room. Frowning at how light the boy was, he gently laid him down on his bed and pulled the blankets over him after removing his shoes. He looked so much like a lost child in his sleep. Just as he always did. Sighing softly, he then made up a place to sleep on the floor close to his brother. "I'll watch over you ne? Just sleep…"

~*~

It was so cold. The bleak Hokkan winter had arrived bringing misery with it. The area in truth was never really that warm, but the winter months were enough to freeze someone in place were they not used to it. Umiyame had lived there all of her life. Though, her residence had been in the southern reaches near the border of Kutou, they were not lucky enough to escape the biting cold.

Looking over the redundantly white horizon, her wide emerald eyes gave off a dull shine. Their goal had nearly been reached, and if they were lucky, Genbu would be summoned in order to save their land. Tugging the heavy black cape closer to her form, she looked over her shoulder to see the priestess shivering intensely. Even with the extra cloak, it was obvious she wasn't used to the cold. Shaking her head slowly she turned about and removed her own cape.

Approaching Takiko, she gently draped the black material about her. The action alone was unexpected, bringing wide eyes of Prussian blue upward to gaze on the warrior in shock. "You're not used to the weather. It's fine. I can handle it." The tone she spoke in was soft and the expression in her eyes was warm. Spinning about she walked onward ignoring the piercing gazes coming from her fellow Shichiseishi.

Uruki blinked as clear iridescent blue watched her older cousin. The opportunity was too much to resist as she felt the grin spread over her face. Scampering forward through the snow, the blonde stopped and paced herself along side the brunette. Peering out from beneath the hood of her ultramarine cape she looked up at the other for a moment. "Ah, the act of chivalry oh noble knight."

This didn't go over well with the brunette as the blonde began to giggle inanely. "Shut up Ayame. I don't have to take it from you. Not right now." Crossing her arms over her chest, the deep green satin of her shirt ruffled in the wind chilling her skin.

"Don't be such a deadbeat itoko." Grinning lightly she looked over her shoulder to give the amethyst haired boy a dreamy look. "Ne, Tomite, don't you think Koori is too serious?"

At her question, the boy arched a slender brow in confusion. "Is Koori her real name?" Shifting his sparkling green eyes to Umiyame, he felt a sense of awe for her selfless act. He hadn't expected anything like that out of the tomboy.

"Hai!" Grinning madly the blonde caused the entire party to stop and stare at her with a variety of expressions. "Samui Koori! That's her name! No one uses it though. Except me." Sending a wink in her cousin's direction she then ran over to Hikitsu and latched onto his arm smiling. "It fits her, don't you think Hikitsu?"

The older man nodded slowly allowing the strands of platinum to fall over his one visible eye. "I believe so. Umiyame does show icy tendencies."

Turning away from them, Umiyame tried to ignore them. The name held significance, and she knew it. Her family name, Samui, meant extreme cold. Because of this, her parents thought it appropriate to name her Koori, which meant ice. To her it fit, but to her ecstatic cousin, it fit in other ways giving her reason to aggravate the older girl. "Nan de mo, Uruki. Don't forget the name Tsumetai means nearly the same thing. Iku?"

Takiko watched quietly before scampering forward to stand beside the seishi Umiyame. Looking up at her with saddened eyes, the priestess reached out to gently touch her shoulder. "I don't think Uruki is right… There is more to you than people see."

Looking at the priestess silently for a moment, the teen couldn't help but smile lightly. "I thank you priestess." Smiling in return, Takiko slipped her arm into Umiyame's and then looked back to the others.

"Shall we go? It's too cold to stand still like this." As the others nodded, the young priestess refused to release the older as they trudged on in search of the last warrior. They had just recovered Mamame and now all that remained was the warrior Iname.

Lagging behind, Tomite looked from one warrior to the next slowly thinking to himself. The first to catch his eye was Hikitsu and the girl Uruki. It was obvious that the lively blonde had a weak spot for the older Seishi. Both were very strong in their abilities, one excelling in hand to hand combat mixed with spells concerning ice, while the other fought with the aide of a uniquely designed Shuriken that could be turned into pure energy when thrown.

It was impressive to say the least. Sighing lightly he then turned to look at the ever-silent Mamame. The man was tall and built for battle, but his manner was quiet and kindly. Russet hair crowned his head that fell into a small ponytail at the nape of his neck. Tomite wasn't sure as of yet what the man's power was, but he was sure it was just as vital as the others.

Letting out a sigh, he then looked to the tomboy patiently humoring the priestess. Before contemplating the seishi too much he looked to the Genbu no miko first. She was slender, wearing long ebony hair that fell past her waist. In order to keep it out of her way, she had ribbons dividing the soft ponytail into three sections. She was a picture of elegant beauty, which made him wonder why he wasn't attracted to her.

From Takiko, he then finally rested his eyes on Umiyame once more. She was walking rigidly and he supposed it was due to the discomfort of Takiko's proximity. It could also have been the icy cold that was now easily piercing through the satin green shirt that barely gave the girl's frame any warmth. The black and white vest couldn't have helped much as well being sleeveless.

Sighing softly he felt bad for her. She had taken it upon herself to always consider the happiness of the priestess. The others did so as well, but not nearly as much as Umiyame. Takiko was right, there was an unseen kindness beneath the cold exterior. He hadn't liked her at first; she'd wounded his ego by finding him when he was out hunting. No one had ever been able to do that. She was truly the most unique of the warriors he had met.

That wasn't many, considering he hadn't met Hatsui, and the seventh warrior was yet to be found. But the strong blades that she produced somehow from her wrists were not the only power she hid from them. It was obvious to him that she hid a whole lot more. Narrowing his iridescent green eyes he soon ran in order to come up behind her quietly.

Removing his heavy cloak he gently placed it on her shoulders. Unlike her, he was from the northern region, and at times, he got too warm with the extra clothing. His action didn't go unnoticed. Upon feeling the weight on her shoulders, she turned her deep pine colored eyes to him in shock only to see him shake his head allowing deep amethyst strands to hide his eyes.

Without a word, she buried herself deeper into the item that still held his warmth. It was far too enticing to resist. Letting out a soft sigh, she tried once more to meet his gaze. As the different pools of green met, Tomite was sure he could see a near frantic 'thank you' in her eyes.

Opening her eyes groggily, Siân slowly turned her head to look at the window that was allowing the first rays of sunlight to slide in. She felt better, but her heart felt heavy. The dreams were becoming clearer, almost as though she were reliving the past. Sighing softly she looked up at the ceiling raising a hand to rub her forehead.

Blinking slowly, she replayed the kind look she remembered the warrior Tomite to have. It had been so obvious how he felt, but she hadn't realized it then. She had always been too tied up in her self-pity to notice his feelings. Groaning softly she looked to the door as it opened and tried to smile.

The boy with teal colored hair walked in slowly looking a bit frazzled from having to wake up so early. Setting a tray beside the bed, he then knelt in order to be at her eye level. "Hey there. Finally awake? You had me worried there."

Looking at him curiously, she managed to smile recognizing him as Taka from the other day. "I'm sorry. I must be quite a burden on you." Speaking softly she noticed him straining to hear her words.

Finally shaking his head, dark indigo pools looked at her intently before he smiled again. "Your brother should be here soon to get you. He and Koutoku called last night. Good thing too. I didn't have any clue what your home number was."

"They're together?" A look of relief flooded into her face as she smiled and looked up at the ceiling. "That's good…"

Nodding in reply, the older boy then rose to his feet turning to head out of the room. "Go ahead and try to eat. You need your strength for when they get here." Peering at her once more, he sighed then disappeared out through the door.

~*~

The early morning heralded itself as thin rays peaked through the glass door leading into Koutoku's room. Groggily, eyes of deep sapphire opened one at a time to stare at the unfamiliar ceiling. Burying himself deeper into the sheets and blanket he felt insecure. Turning his head to the side, his gaze met with the sliding glass door. That's when it came to him; he was in his twin's room.

Rolling onto his side, he looked about in an effort to find his brother. Koutoku wasn't there. Taking in a deep breath, he then slipped out of bed and desperately tried to straighten his rumpled clothing. From what he could tell, his Aniki wasn't on the balcony and wasn't in the room. Opening the bedroom door slowly he could hear voices coming up the large staircase from the large entry hall below.

Slinking through the door he cautiously peered down onto the man that was now standing before his twin with a deep scowl on his face. It was instant dislike. Frowning deeply he listened carefully not wanting to miss a word of the argument. "I'm sorry father, I didn't mean to…"

"You're just an inconsiderate punk… After we took you in. Little brat." The man with dark hair glared down at the teen in contempt. It was clear that he was on the verge of hating the boy. Pulling a hand back he then slammed it into Koutoku's cheek sending an echo through the large room from the impact.

Wide eyes of indigo blue watched as his twin fell to the ground a hand covering his cheek. He made no sound as he moved to get up only to be shoved back down by the man's foot. "Stay on the ground where you belong ingrate." Snarling he kicked the boy's side before turning about to head out of the room. "Don't bother coming home tonight. You can sleep outside since you like it so much."

Clenching his teeth, Shunkaku felt the growl rumbling in near silence in his throat. In a matter of seconds he had descended the stairs with every intent of beating sense into the man that had hit his brother. As he marched toward the door, he stopped at the sound of a moan. Spinning about, he then ran to his twin gathering him into his arms. "Kou-chan…"

Looking up in slight shock, the older twin managed a smile for his brother. "Ohayo, Shun-chan… Sorry to wake you." Wincing slightly he tried to look away in order to hide the growing mark on his cheek.

"That bas…" Cutting off, Shunkaku saw the look of pain in his twin's features. In all his years, his adopted father had never touched him in such a manner. They'd loved him deeply, and it was obvious that it hadn't been even close to the same for Koutoku. "Daijoubu ka?"

"H-hai… Daijoubu yo…" Leaning heavily against the younger, Koutoku took in a sharp breath before forcing himself to his feet. "It's nothing new. Don't worry over it. Demo… do you think I can stay with you tonight?"

Staring into the mirror image of himself, Shunkaku allowed sadness to creep into his eyes. Dragging his twin into an embrace he closed his eyes. "Mochiron… If I ever get to see that man… I'll tear him up…"

"No Otooto… Onegai? I have no one else to live with." Sounding slightly afraid, Koutoku reflexively clung to his brother tightly.

"I'll talk to father… This isn't right Aniki… He shouldn't treat you like that." Frowning deeply, he finally released the older in order to give him a firm look. "As soon as I convince father to take you in till we graduate, I'm coming back here to tear that guy apart no matter what you say. No one hits my Aniki and gets away with it…"

Blinking, Koutoku was surprised to see the iciness residing in his brother's eyes. Smiling softly, he dropped his forehead against Shunkaku's and sighed. "If you say so… Otooto…"

Gazing at his brother intently, Shunkaku brought up a hand to gently brush his fingertips over the slowly blooming bruise on his brother's cheek. At the contact, Koutoku winced shying away. Growling slightly, he closed his eyes forcing himself to calm down. "Let's get out of here. I want you away from him as much as possible…"

~*~

Looking up sharply upon the sound of the doorbell, Taka Sukanami grudgingly rose from his recliner in order to venture to the offending door. Raking a hand tiredly through his short teal hair, he only hoped that it was the twins that were bothering him so early in the morning. Throwing the door open, he found that his hope wasn't unfounded. On the doorstep to his apartment now stood the young Seiryuu twins looking so alike and yet so different in more ways than one.

Gazing at the one that seemed a hair shorter than the other he noticed the crumpled attire that he was sure had been slept in. Automatically the dislike rose within him as he labeled this twin the younger. He never liked Suboshi due to the past they shared, and now that he was sure the memories were at least half there, he believed he had the right to dislike him again.

Prying his eyes away from Shunkaku he then allowed his eyes to look up the older twin that was dressed in his Yatsubadia uniform that was freshly pressed and well kept. It was very much like Koutoku to keep the perfect appearance, even at the worst of times. As he moved to address him, his deep blue eyes locked on the purple and black bruise that seemed to grow on his right cheek. "Ne, Kou-san, daijoubu yo?"

Looking down instantly, Koutoku stared at the ground intently avoiding Taka's gaze. "Ano, daijoubu. We're here to get Siân, is she awake yet?" Still not raising his gaze, Shunkaku stepped forward in order to wrap his arms securely about his shoulders in order to comfort his twin.

Nodding slowly, Taka stepped aside in order to allow them entrance to his home. Watching them cautiously he wondered what could have happened to the older. He knew that Koutoku wasn't one to fight, but he also knew he was quite capable of taking care of himself. That bruise had to have been caused by someone that Koutoku wouldn't fight back against. "Shunkaku-san…"

Turning at the sound of his name, he didn't like the way it sounded. "What?"

Arching an aqua brow slowly, the older Suzaku Seishi frowned deeply. "I have a feeling that someone hit your brother and I want to know who."

Flaming indigo blue met with a similar color in a silent war. The dislike seemed to ebb off of them as they stared at one another in silence. Shunkaku was beyond angry at the implication Taka was pointing directly at him. The mere tone of his voice told the younger twin that he had been pinned as the guilty party. Snarling in response, he wondered just what right the boy had to accuse him of anything, that is, until he remembered his past deeds. Calming slightly, Shunkaku looked away closing his eyes. "It wasn't me Taka. I would never hit my aniki. But I haven't the right to say anything, it's up to him."

Taka hadn't expected for the boy to back down like he had. In fact, he was prepared for a battle of words at least. But the flash of regret he saw in Shunkaku's eyes told him to drop it, and maybe inquire about it later in a gentler manner. Sighing softly he turned to the door that branched off from the living room. "She's in there, I think she's still awake. I took her breakfast about thirty minutes ago, but I haven't been back in there since." Smiling lightly he turned the knob after knocking softly.

Koutoku was the first to enter the room smiling gently at the girl lying on the bed toying with the food on her plate. Looking up from her boredom, she returned his smile warmly until her eyes fell onto the bruise on his cheek. Frowning instantly she set the tray aside and tried to get up to go to him only to falter and fall forward.

Gasping at the sight, Koutoku rushed forward catching her in his arms. Giving a shake of his head, he pulled back in order to gaze into her eyes in a reproachful manner. "Siân-san… You should remember that you're sick and try to take care of yourself." Smiling once more, he carefully pushed her long bangs from her emerald eyes before looking up at his twin as he kneeled before him looking worriedly at his sister. "It's ok Shun-chan. She's ok."

Nodding slowly, Shunkaku instantly pulled the brunette into his arms hugging her tightly. "Siân! I was worried sick about you! What am I going to tell dad? Do you know how many years you took off of my life with the stunt you pulled?" Pausing in his rants, he merely buried his face in her neck in total silence just glad to have her near him once more.

"Gomen ne Shawn…" Shame filled her repose as she timidly hugged him in return. As much as she wanted him close to her like he was, the circumstances were not ideal in her mind. Giving a light sigh, she closed her eyes and rubbed his back gently with her hands. "I won't do it again. I promise."

Shaking mildly he withdrew from her and nodded curtly. "Good. We're going home now." Slipping his arms beneath her legs and back he then easily lifted her into his arms. "Aniki, let's get her home before father goes to work. He's probably worried sick." Turning to leave, Koutoku smiled at his twin's back in admiration. For seeming so cold, he proved to be rather caring with those he loved.

Following Shunkaku out the door, he stopped in order to bow to Taka. "Arigauto, Taka-san. Siân is a very special girl, and Shunkaku and I are grateful that you took care of her in our absence."

Tilting his head slightly, wide eyes of deep blue studied the older twin before a grin touched his features. "It was no problem really. Miaka helped me, so she deserves even more thanks than I. Oh…" Turning back into the room he then returned with some folded clothing. "There were soaked, so Miaka-chan got them off of her and put one of my shirts on her. Just return my clothing later."

"Hai. I'll get them back to you. Thank you again. Ja ne." Smiling warmly, Koutoku bowed before backing out of the apartment in pursuit of his brother. He still cared deeply about the Suzaku Seishi. They were like his family. The only family he'd had in this life to be honest. Sighing softly he fixed his eyes on his twin's back as they walked in the direction of the Tsukikage home. Taking a deep breath, he soon picked up the pace in order to walk alongside them. "How are you feeling Siân?"

Looking up from her silent contemplation of her clasped hands, she gave him a thankful smile. It wasn't easy being near the one you loved when they weren't happy with you. The atmosphere became to thick, and the dispelling was more than welcomed. "All right. I'm still really tired and I can't seem to think straight… but I think I'm ok."

"I don't recall you ever thinking straight." This comment caused Siân to frown as she glared at Shunkaku from the corner of her green eyes.

"That wasn't very nice otooto."

"Oh be quiet aniki. I don't need to hear it right now." Looking over at his twin he smirked lightly. "'Sides, she deserves it this time. She scared the life out of me."

Laughing softly, the older merely smiled. "Hai, demo, I think she paid for it by getting sick. No need to make it worse, ne otooto?"

Looking at his brother he finally shook his head. "Hai, how can I argue with you aniki? I'm just glad you're safe Siân. That's all that matters. But dad will have something to say, so just cause I let you off the hook doesn't mean he will."

Feeling a tad worried at the statement, Siân gazed up into the smirk on her brother's face. "Eh heh, hai. He'll have quite a speech for me, ne?" Upon his nod she merely sighed and dropped her head against his chest. It was good to be with him again. As nice as Taka was, she just wanted to go home.

~*~

TBC… Hey, sorry, this part had a lot of Genbu background in it. Mind you this is all from my ever-crazy mind and not fact in view of Ms. Watase. I hope even still that you guys like it. Thanks again for reading… oh… and sorry for the Amiboshi abuse. Nothing like that will happen again unless my twisted mind carries me away. Anyway, until chapter five, see ya!