My Brother's Keeper By Cheeky

Disclaimer: Ayashi no Ceres belongs to Watase Yuu. Don't own so don't sue.

Warnings: This fic contains spoilers as the foundation of my fic is based loosely on the anime/manga. Nevertheless, the content will become dissimilar in future chapters to come.

Notes: Sorry if this chapter reads like an episode summary. I kinda need the original storyline to set up my fic, but I'll be doing a lot of modification to the original dialogues in the upcoming chapters. Hence, more of my ideas next, and that's a promise! Until then, please read and enjoy this latest update and don't forget to review, k? Many many thanks!

To:

VOL-chan, Madiha, Leira & Lina Inverse ~ *super glomps* I am totally humbled by your reviews!!! I honestly didn't think anybody would wanna read this yaoi AnC ficcie since there're just a handful being written. But now that I know there are readers like you who liked it so much, I will definitely continue updating so stay with me, k? ^_____________^

Once again, many many thanks for being so supportive. *huggies and kisses to all* Ehehe, let's keep the Tooya x Aki flame burning!!!

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Chapter Two ~ The Bodyguard

            "Aya's been staying here at the Aogiri household since you two were last separated. You can spend the night here if you want; I'll come and get you tomorrow."

            Aki slowly emerged from the car as he kept his eyes focused on the large gates. His heart was beating at a furious pace and his fingers clenched tightly around the car's door almost unconsciously. Taking a deep breath, he then poked his head back inside the vehicle as he muttered his heartfelt thanks. Tooya nodded stiffly as the door clicked shut softly. The redhead drummed the steering wheel absentmindedly as he watched Aki ring the doorbell. When the wooden door swung opened, Tooya released the handbrake as he drove away.

            Only to pull to a stop at the very next lane. Switching off the engine, Tooya leaned his head against the headrest tiredly. He closed his eyes as he mused silently to himself. Good gods, what the hell was he thinking of leaving Aki just like that? Kagami would have his hide for breakfast if anything happened to the older twin.

            Shivering involuntarily, Tooya rubbed the side of his arms in a bid to warm the chills that ran down his spines. He doubt if they were the result of the fear he had for Kagami; Tooya knew fully well what the Mikage might do to him if he failed the job but he no longer cared. He was more concerned on Aki's behalf and should Ceres harm the boy…

Tooya glanced at the passenger seat now emptied of the boy's presence. Finally he closed his eyes with the intention of catching some shut-eye. After the sleepless nights he had been going through, he could not risk feeling lethargic later. Somehow Tooya had this strange foreboding that Aki would be needing his protection later.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The bluish hue emanating from Aya's room was probably his cue to intercept and Tooya did just that. The Japanese-styled paper door broke apart as Tooya caught Aki in his arms, only to come face-to-face with a fuming Ceres. The celestial angel hissed out angrily, "Stay away or I'll kill you too."

Staring back unblinkingly at the threat on his life, Tooya answered evenly, "My job is to protect him at all cost, even if it means sacrificing myself for his sake."

Ceres furiously screamed back in response, "Fool! Why do you protect him?"

Not understanding any of these, a bewildered Aki intercepted from behind the redhead, "Tooya, what is the meaning of this?"

Without taking his eyes off the celestial angel, Tooya answered quietly, "Your ancestors once wronged Ceres in the past and she has now taken over your sister's body to exert her revenge on the Mikage family."

"But Aya. . ."

Tooya harshly cut in, "Will you stop behaving so naïve? Hadn't you heard what I just said? Ceres has taken over your sister's body and Aya is no longer conscious of her surroundings. Now stay away before you get killed."

"No!" shouted Aki as he pushed himself passed Tooya. Throwing himself against the glowing girl, Aki pleaded between choking sobs, "Aya, it's me Aki, your brother. Please come back…"

Taken aback by Aki's actions, Ceres could only whisper back dumbly, "No, stay away from me."

Finally the celestial angel's instinct kicked in as she blew the boy back with her magical powers. The door behind Ceres opened and Yuuhi stared in unmasked horror at the devastation before his very eyes. His sister-in-law and Kyo suddenly appeared by his side as they too stared in shocked. Finally it was Suzumi who came to her senses first. She quickly ordered for Yuuhi to transform Ceres back to the high school girl as her eyes caught Tooya's. She then mouthed silently, "Take him away quickly."

Tooya nodded his understanding as he supported the barely conscious boy in his arms. Ceres made to follow but she was abruptly pulled back. Glaring at Yuuhi, the angel gasped suddenly as Yuuhi planted his lips against her own. Her struggles died as Aya reappeared. Opening her eyes, Aya gave the boy a stinging slap as she stood back. Without waiting for Yuuhi's explanation, her eyes turned towards the outside garden as Tooya and Aki's backs disappeared from her view. And without further ado, Aya gave chase.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"I will take over from here," spoke Kagami quietly, his tone leaving no room for further discussion.

Tooya nodded reluctantly as he released the boy from his grasp. Kagaim then added meaningfully as he watched Aki being supported inside the car by his henchmen, "You were very foolish tonight, Tooya. Aki might have been killed and it would have been your entire fault. You might do well to explain that to the sister."

With that the Mikage turned as he returned to the car. The engine purred to life and Tooya stood rooted to the ground as he watched the car disappear from his sight. As expected, Aya came running from behind as she shouted for him to wait. Tooya almost sniggered aloud; he had no intention of leaving in the first place.

The hired bodyguard glanced dispassionately at Aya's exposed buxom as he listened half-heartedly to her ramblings. He finally interrupted with an annoyed sigh, "You might want to cover up the next time you think of running out into public areas."

Aya bit down on her lips as her cheeks flamed at the disinterest in Tooya's tone. The man then added almost with deep resignation, "If you don't mind, you can follow me and I'll tell you what you want to know."

Still avoiding Tooya's eyes, Aya nodded uncomfortably as she followed the man to his car.

t.b.c.